"It is nearly two years now since the Annual General Meeting for Burnham Sutton Church put forward a proposal for the future use of this Church. The substance of this proposal was explained in Parish letter No 76, but in the view of the fact that we now have copies of the Church Commissioners' Draft Scheme on the Notice Boards in the Porch at Sutton, Westgate & Norton Churches (tey [sic] will be there until March 6th) I propose to explain the whole thing again, and how it will affect these parishes."
The remainder of the letter provides the history, rationale and actions taken regarding the potentially redundant Church and giving it to the Roman Catholics.

Chatty letter about the misery of wet weather at this time of the year. Thought the pastoral letter too long. Recalls being a child in the second World War (fear at nights, doodlebugs, land mines, incendiary bombs). Describes the help of Canon William Sayers when "Star of the Sea" had its problems. Not yet been able to meet the Celanese priest who is writing a book at Burnham Market.

Reports that Fr Richmond said the Church Commissioners have consented to passing All Saints as a gift to the Roman Catholics. Writing to support acceptance of the offer. The original suggestion was well received; but disappointment when a different proposition was made.

Covering letter for the surveyor's report. Fr Wilson says that despite long list of faults Mr Toller says it is a good opportunity and £3,000 should be enough to fix the problems

Photocopy of an exchange of letters
Top half: Fr Richmond to Fr Wilson [undated] - Taking over All Saints will involve expenses; expanding St Henry's might involve greater expenditure
Lower Half: Fr Wilson says that with £2,700 on deposit and £1100 in the bank there is sufficient to cover the work recommended by Mr Toller. If not, then the Diocese can help out.

Wondering if the terms of the lease has been given to Bishop Clark or Fr Wilson. The Church Commissioners' letter answers Rev Isaacson's questions to them. The whole project has been confusing. Have the Bishop and Fr Wilson reached a conclusion concerning the lease?

Back from operation and recuperating. Visit by Bishop Blackburn and the Rector of All Saints. Understand that the lease would not allow any great work inside or outside the church - costs will have risen in the last 18 months - proposition for the church not now so attractive.

Encloses Rector Isaacson's note to parishioners on the gift of All Saints to the Roman Catholics. One "frantic" objector has spoken to by the CofE Rural Dean.

Options available regarding All Saints are (a) buying the church (could cost £10,000 all in); (b) leasing the Church; (c) sharing it. (a) is rejected as too much expense and (b) & (c) leave no scope for adaption to needs. Steam gone out of the project - better to stay at St Henry's

Church Commissioners are asking that they be re-reimbursed for the Church. Bishop of Lynn has suggested an alternative - minimal rent. With this in addition to the repair costs, the parish could not afford it. St Henry's, though, is in good condition and has room for expansion.

Notice period for comment from the CofE congregation has concluded. The Rev Isaacson is sending his findings off to the Church Commission.

Mr Toller has been in touch for agent details to begin negotiating. Rev Isaacson's information has been passed to him. An official form of Redundancy of All Saints is being drafted and will be on public view for 6 weeks. Opposing comments will be investigated; there is a small, vociferous opposition. Rev Isaacson thinks it may be April / May before the Church is handed over. Fr Richmond is making a list of tasks to be done and hopes it will be within his financial scope.

Advising the Bishop that All Saints, Burnham Market, is becoming redundant and is being offered to Fr Richmond. The Bishop of Lynn is in favour. It is in very good condition, heated, 12th Century.

Rector assures Fr Richmond that there is no structural weakness - but no written report. Catholic architect looked this week and Fr Richmond is assured on this matter. The church will eventually need attention on the inside - plastering and repainting.
Looking forward to the Bishops visit on 8th June, an Anglo-American buffet on the lawn arranged.

Whilst awaiting the Anglicans, Fr Richmond has had the Diocesan surveyor, Mr Toller, inspect All Saints. Report not yet available but the project is a safe one without any serious demands. Hopes the Bishop's hospital treatment is successful.

The parish agree that they should accept the offer of All Saints. Fr Richmond has indicated this to Rev Isaacson. Will the Bishop complete the negotiations?

Thanking the bishop for card sent on his 11th anniversary [of ordination into Catholic Church]. Both Bishop Clark and Bishop Smith have been very patient and sympathetic to ex-Anglicans. Suggests send in a brochure to every boy and girl in the diocese on their 14th birthday. This would promote the idea of a religious life. Cites his own example of being in the Navy and not thinking of such a life until the chaplain asked him, dismissed it out of hand, but a few years later left the Navy and entered an Anglican seminary.

Advise the Roman Catholics to accept a lease - a flexible arrangement with advantages for both sides. Terms of lease is for the Norwich Diocesan Board of Finance, but expect it be 99 year lease with no premium and a peppercorn rent. Roman Catholics to care and maintain the building; insure it for damage; alteration would be reported to the [Anglican] Diocese; clauses to limit use to worship and prevent disturbance of graveyard; allow relatives to tend graves. Commissioners prefer a sale than a gift.

Newsletter with diary of Church events and parish news. Includes a ballot paper on All Saints Church scheme for residents to complete and return to the Rectory.

Understand that the Anglican authorities may need to declare All Saints redundant during a reorganisation. Express sympathy to the Vicar and his congregation at the loss but offset this by saying the Roman Catholic community would greatly benefit if it was released to them. Good to have met you and your wife on Wednesday.