Treasurer & Secretary for the Aldeburgh parish, Paul McComish, querying signatories for the parish account. Fr Back appointed to the parish and will decide who else is to sign at the first Parish Finance meeting.
Aldeburgh Parish Finance CommitteeAldeburgh
19 Archive Record results for Aldeburgh
Surprised about the criticism in the Aldeburgh Finance Committee letter. The facts are that the whole financial operation is overseen by the Diocesan London Accountants who serve on the Finance Board. The Bishop considers that a lay administrator is not necessary. As with many other dioceses the Episcopal Vicar will be the manager of Finance. The buck stops with the Bishop, anyway.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Fr Leo Smith needs to deal with Diocesan financial material, with others' assistance, and return it to the Canon. Anything from the Diocese he can open in Fr Reeman's absence.
Hunting, William H Rev (-1969)Will transfer what is necessary when Fr Reeman says. Apologises for the mess made of Aldeburgh v Leiston, sometimes instructions from Northampton are very obscure. As both are Fr Reeman's he will "cook the books according to your recipe!"
Hunting, William H Rev (-1969)A demand by Mr Yorke for £215 is incorrect. Purchase money for Leiston site was collected by Leiston people. "The nun" left £40 in your hands for purchase of land in Aldeburgh, and a further sum with the Bishop sufficient to complete the purchase of £150. You should contact Mr Yorke and explain the mistake.
Tonks, Joseph Rev (1863-1943)Treasurer is surprised at the tone of the Bishop's letter; the committee was offering constructive advice based on their experience in the financial world. Perhaps the Bishop is unaware of the depth of experience parishioners have in such matters? Finds it ludicrous that a part-time consultant with a pastoral priest could replace the services of a fully qualified accountant . Offers several examples relating to the lack of transparency in financial matters offered at parish and Diocesan levels - no diocesan accounts in 10 years; parishioners are asked/required to contribute to schemes for which there is no visible accounting. He believes that every penny in the collections should be accounted for - currently the laity (across the diocese) are ignorant and uninformed. There is a lot more information that the laity are entitled to but not seeing. This is not about dishonesty but about lack of financial management and consultation. Not related to this exchange, he is resigning at the end of the financial year and will have no more to do with these matters in this parish. He thought it worthwhile to express these thoughts and hopes the Bishop will bear them in mind during his financial reorganisation.
Aldeburgh Parish Finance CommitteeFr Back has been in hospital for 3 days with pancreatitis. Description of his condition and stay in hospital. Sees in his diary that he has been out to 40 meals since just before Christmas! Situation report about the Parish: re-heating done; repair programme for presbytery (no longer up for sale); site at Leiston; more children at liturgy; 2 receptions for Eater; assemblies at school; contacting B&Bs and hotels; expects to be chaplain to the Mayor; coach booked for Chrism Mass. Forward look to exchange with priest in London; Verona for a week; first Communions and then Aldeburgh Festival.
Back, Christopher G E Rev (-2014)Leiston debt is £115, advice sent by Canon Tonks. Offers a number of options to deal with the debt - e.g. his own life policy. Wants to clear as much of the debt as possible so as not to encumber the next priest into Aldeburgh. Parishioners have given £10 for Masses to be said. Building fund stands at £194. The Conference suggestion is for St Peter to be the saint to whom the church is dedicated. FR Davidson continues in manuscript on side 2 to say that he has no obligation to leave the money to his family, they will get his capital anyway.
Manuscript annotation: "Leave old debts alone. [?] at A. & L. pro [?]. If you are minded to be generous I'd prefer it to go towards building question for the time being. Make a list of those who leave £10 or [?][?], say Mass yourself. Don't be frightened. Don't fall into panic or be moved to sentiment!"
Leiston church has £269 in hand. Asks Bishop to decide how £250 should be invested - War Loan perhaps?
Davidson, Charles Madgwick Rev DD BAVisitation was delight. Apologises for the Finance Committee's letter - they were asked to point out that he was not associated with their comments. Committee will be convened when John Lanning returns from holiday in Italy. Hopes the bishop "got suited re Housekeeper".
Hammond, Leo Andrew Rev (1913-1999)Fr Jolly provides details about Framlingham.
Attendance: expect a congregation of 30-45 (1948 figures); weekly Mass preferred but monthly better in practice.
Finance: 30/- stipend; travelling expenses 10/-; £36/year from Major Rous covenanted for 7 years; donations and collections for future development.
Transport: use of bus and train; Major Rous will provide transport from Framlingham or Saxmundham - best time for Mass 8.30
Accommodation: not possible to erect a hut at the moment; People at Crown Inn are Catholics and we can use their convenient room whenever.
The Franciscans at East Bergholt may be able to provide a priest to Framlingham for the week-ends. Fr Jolly discusses offers of accommodation from Major Rous who will ask others to offer the same.
Jolly, William T Rev (-1982)Following on an earlier letter re creating a Leiston-Framlingham parish, Fr Jolly discusses the finances which may enable a priest to be sent to this new parish. He acknowledges that Aldeburgh would be a little worse of by £100 per annum, as a consequence.
Jolly, William T Rev (-1982)Fr Mullett describes the contents of the house all being removed except those belonging to the Diocese - his, and the housekeeper's, curtains have gone too. He is very short of money, the bank has told him he has 14/9d in the account. Being the eldest in a family of fourteen means that his father will not be able to support him. Hence can the Bishop help out even for one quarter? Fr Macgregor is happy with the Bishop's arrangements.
Mullett, James Hubert Rev (-1955)Fr Reeman is writing from St Theresa's presbytery in Beaconsfield to Canon Thomson. Thanking him for the £15 cheque. Fr Reeman is a bit hard up now he is on curate's pay having resigned [from Aldeburgh parish]. Not having drawn any salary for several months Fr Reeman thought the Aldeburgh parish could afford something for him. Missing Biretta and Dictionary found in sacristy? Might Leiston and Aldeburgh be making a presentation?
Reeman, Sidney G RevFr Smith (now at Gorleston) is requesting the current priest-in-charge [not named] to send on the Synodal rate payment for his 5 weeks at Aldeburgh plus Mass stipends due. Fr Reeman is "out of action".
Smith Leo Rev SDSFr Smith as priest-in-charge in Fr Reeman's absence, asks for a renewal of a Deed of Covenant from a parishioner (JW Russell)
Smith Leo Rev SDSMr Sitwell sends on the Easter offering cheque from Leiston congregation. He hopes Fr Reeman is feeling better and recovering his health.
Sitwell, OswaldCommittee (Chairman, Treasurer + one other signed) writing to state that Diocesan financial management should be managed by a suitably qualified, lay accountant as is the case in reputable charities. The news that the Diocese is to be without one may affect laity confidence.
Aldeburgh Parish Finance Committee