Next Tuesday will be a great occasion, but a sad one. We celebrate a very special St Leonard’s concert. Of course all St Leonard’s concerts are special, but what makes this, and all the St Leonard’s concerts so good is the man with the baton. Matthew Grehan-Bradley has been a huge presence in the musical life of the school for all his teaching career, a career which comes to an end in June. I have been very fortunate to be present for so many of these great musical evenings in the 20 years as PP, my first Mass in this parish, coincidentally, was celebrated 20 years to the day this Sunday the 30th. And so Matthew, thank you for the music. I know I’m speaking on behalf of so many young students, whose lives have been deeply touched by your guidance ,care and inspiration. I know you won’t mind me saying this, but there is only one other teacher who had an even greater influence on the lives of students at St Leonard’s, and she will be unquestionably present in Spirit with us on Tuesday night. Bless Brigid.

The final page will soon close on a very unique teaching partnership at St Leonard’s. Thank you again, Team GB! Wearing my PP hat now, can I add a personal note: We have been very fortunate to have you in this parish, Matthew. I realise that retirement will take you in many directions, especially towards the lives etched out by Joseph, Lucy and Jenny, but my (our) hope is that you continue to inspire us on Sunday mornings, and special occasions here in the Parish of The Durham Martyrs. Have a wonderful evening on Tuesday.

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“Conducting is more difficult than playing a single instrument. You have to know the culture, to know the score, and to project what you want to hear. Some conductors are well prepared but cannot transmit their ideas to an orchestra, and others are good communicators but have nothing to transmit because they are not absorbed enough in the score.”

Pierre Boulez