Nashdom: appeals for support by the Abbot to Archbishop Cardinale, then himself, were refused for reasons given. Though the request might go to the Abbot of Bec next - this is an awkward situation but the appeal which brackets us with Canterbury or York for a widely circulated appeal may be misconstrued - leave it to your judgment.
Gillingham Church: Fr Little of Beccles has written about Gillingham Church (which John Todhunter is in charge of). There is an issue relating to its maintenance and ownership which is highlighted by the new Charities Act. The title deeds are missing - can only find one letter about the cemetery dated 19 July 1929 [see related descriptions link]. Bishop had stopped the holding of the Blessed sacrament at the Chapel and the parish priest offering mass there - quite unauthorised. Now Fr Little doubts the wisdom of offering Sunday Mass. If this stops then what becomes of the Chapel? Need to discuss - in August will be in Norfolk and will see Fr Little and John [Todhunter] then.

Write on his behalf to the correspondent asking about an Education Committee decision relating to her daughter who after a means test must pay all fees. Bishop p.s.: Pity to bother the Bishop - Fr Brookes should have written to her.

Cannot see that the Commission can refuse approval for the Beccles Presbytery (despite it being away from the church). Note Beccles has not paid into the School pool.
Asks how Fr Brewer's school is progressing - May 1 pm suitable for Foundation Stone?
Have not seen any plans for St Joseph's Modern School at Slough.

Includes [not present] documentation required for Fr Trafford - grateful if he will undertake to hear the Lowestoft nuns confessions.
The management of the Banham Trust is quite constrained and has worked until now - sets out major aspects of the trust. The Bishop recommends that it stays as it is. However he'd be interested to hear anything Mr Coney or the Abbot can come up with.
Wishes him well in his new activity in Liverpool.

The last letter was written in haste; happy to have Fr Trafford, an experienced priest in Beccles; wished wedding at Hoveton to be valis as Canon Roberts serves the chapel, not Fr Whyatt.
John Todhunter: no mention of legal difficulties; he'd implied that the pope wished "fraternise" with CofE and that was why non-Catholics should marry Catholics. Happy to hear Gillingham Hall is secure for the future. Knows nothing about Trust money being connected with the Church and Cemetery.
Gorleston and Ministry Loan: Heard from Fr McBride about joint liability between parishes. If a loan is not required then the diocese could use this but have not yet decided on the matter.
Beccles loan and debt: the return provides for misunderstanding on the nature and amount of debt. If paid off then you are to be congratulated. There is still a need for clarity so the bishop can understand how the parish is situated financially.

1st draft of a letter to Cardinal Simeoni (Prefect of the Sacred Congregation for Propagation of the Faith) regarding an approval to assign a priest to Beccles from the Benedictine Order which has a base at nearby by Bungay.
At the base of the second side, a manuscript amendment instruction [by the Bishop?]: "(1) you will omit the 'm' in both places will you?"

Final [? not fully dated] draft of a letter to Cardinal Simeoni (Prefect of the Sacred Congregation for Propagation of the Faith) regarding an approval to assign a priest to Beccles (4,000 inhabitants) from the Benedictine Order which has a base at nearby by Bungay.

Rejects Downside Provincial (Abbot H E Moore) suggestion that Beccles district and Diss district should come under one priest at Bungay. Rather the Bishop will keep to the current boundaries - Diss and west of railway line will be Beccles' area. Asks the Abbot to appoint a priest to serve Beccles and start a mission there - may reside at Bungay for now.

Will speak to Simon [Blakesley] soon but thinks it may be best for all to leave him there. This, and the issue of transfer of the parish back to the diocese, will be discussed with the Vicars General next week.

Confirming the arrangement for Beccles and will review in the Autumn of 2001.

Matter reviewed with Fr Simon Blakesley, the College of Consultors and the Vicars General. Agreement that an appointment for 5 years as parish priest would bring stability and time for various pastoral projects. Intent to induct Fr Simon on 26 January and review the appointment in 5 years time - April/May 2000.

Hope all goes well in Beccles.
Agrees that the approach is correct for the priest. Brendan has been sent home to Dublin so the atmosphere in the presbytery should return to normal.

Thanks for the hospitality and the generous offering cheque. Pleased to hear how pleased people are to have you as their parish priest. Understand it cannot be easy to combine that with the heavy role of Judicial Vicar. All, including the Bishop, are concerned that Fr Blakesley takes adequate time off.

Induction shall be performed by the Bishop at Beccles on Friday 26 January at 7.30pm. Will say something about a period of stability for the next 5 years.
Mentions Fr Sketch's visit to Papworth [Heart Hospital?].

Jenny Standing (secretary) - the Bishop is happy for Fr Tom Murray to commission Eucharistic Ministers but says that diocesan policy is that the Bishop undertakes "commissioning".

Confirms that the schedule stands as arranged except for rescheduling 10am Mass to 10.30am. Bishop will lunch with Todhunter and will be bringing chrism, etc., etc..

Fr John Smith confirms the Bishop will: preach at 8am mass at Gillingham; 10am Confirmation Mass at Beccles will be said in English; preach at the 6.30pm; visits of 10 minutes each i the afternoon; cup of tea at the convent; visit to St Mary's Home. All about best use of the Bishop's time without making it seemed rushed.
p.s "... noted your request for a medal for Reginald Jones"

Bishop does not wear a dalmatic
Arrival under a canopy, the Bishop observes, is both unusual and an innovation. Will go with whatever Fr Watkin thinks fit. (A favourite piece of music is "The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba"!)

Confirming schedule for Visitation on Sunday 16 September 1979. "The bishop was glad to hear you are fulfilling all your civic obligations - but don't over do it." [Reference to Fr Watkins being Mayor of Beccles]

Bishop's secretary writes on behalf of the Bishop: Fr Stratton is Extraordinary Confessor for Bletchley's Thornton College nuns; the Mother Superior has asked for a different priest as Fr Stratton has been unable to attend. Is he willing to relinquish this office? Fr Kennedy is helping out at Yarmouth and following a request from the nuns at Beccles for him to give conferences and hear their confessions, the Bishop is confused over what faculties to give, if any. The Bishop believed Fr Kennedy SJ to be an Army Chaplain but asks whether he is correct in his understanding and asks for more information. Also, confirms date of Bishop's visit to Yarmouth for Confirmation - 30 May at 3.30pm.