Discussing with Mr Mellamphy, recommendation that plans for Vestry etc. are discussed with English Heritage and Ipswich Chief Planning Officer before going to far. Includes a schedule of hourly rates.
As a member of ICHT he informs that both phases of external repairs are to start in early Spring 1991 and will include re-roofing the vestry

Sufficient work to enable the Vestry to be used for meetings. Need to agree the lease with IHCT before incurring too much cost. Ready to discuss with the planners but the proposals need the blessing of the IHCT and English Heritage. Look to the future and phase 2 or 3 if possible

Referring to Mr Dodds (English Heritage) letter. David Hatcher is acting for both Meryemana and IHCT; "... still bemused by the number of bodies involved." "...onerous nature of the English Heritage requirements will mean considerable expense ...". Suspect that Ipswich BC will be unable to approve in the light of these comments, hence the Trust cannot agree to Meryemana unless the requirements are satisfied. Meeting required to discuss way ahead?

Use of redundant church, St Nicholas, by client, Meryemana Foundation. Planning application for change of use; Listed Building application (plans included); explanation of eight relevant factors

Picture: Bell in foreground, Fr Peter Rollings to left
"Ego sum Gabriel" (I am Gabriel) 2.5 hundredweight, was hoisted into place after its blessing by Fr Peter Rollings of Our lady of Sudbury parish which had donated the bell.

Writing to Myles Osborne (Diocesan Financial Administrator): Clarifying the position with regard to the Estates Funds and the ability to retain Church, Presbytery and House. Necessary to meet tax liabilities consequently the House (40 Manor Road) will have to be sold but need the Bishop's urgent consent to proceed.

The good Shepherd knows his sheep. The Bishop declares that from 2nd Sunday after Easter ("Bonus Pastor Sunday") he will start a Visitation which will remain open until he declares it closed. "The Bishop will therefore diligently visit the Church, the Presbytery, the Schools, the Cemetery and everything therein contained, and will examine the sacred vessels and furniture, the Altars, tabernacles, and whatever belongs to the worship of God or the administration of the sacraments." Visitation will be announced and confirmations should be arranged for then.
To the clergy: have ready two sheets of foolscap containing - a return for 1958 of Marriages, Baptisms, Conversions, Easter Communions, Deaths; list of details of mass obligations; List of all documents relating to the Mission; Statement of Mission . School property; Account of all debts and liabilities; Mission 1958 income/expenditure balance sheet; same for Schools; exact inventory of Church, Sacristy, House and Schools.

Churchwarden & Rector would prefer an outright free gift of the church. However, Church Commissioners prefer a full repairing lease with a peppercorn rent - their general policy. Is this acceptable?

Comments very helpful. Next time must avoid delays; make firm decisions to avoid costs rising all the time. Might be a good situation for a church sharing scheme - however have not mentioned this to Fr Richmond nor Rev Isaacson - doubt that they'd want to start over again.

Share the sadness that these negotiations have fallen through, but can understand why. Can Bishop Clark comment on whether he'd have taken a different view if things had been different? The transfer of St Mary's in Thetford is going ahead satisfactorily on the basis of a lease.
manuscript ps: hoped Bishop Clark had a happy time at Ely Cathedral for the ecumenical service.

To Dersingham Trustee (Stuart Grant): usual for the Bishop to decide on dedication. Must admit to being puzzled by the large vote for Sts Peter and Paul.

Thanking Adrian Head for the time and trouble spent in puzzling out the options for All Saints. Its a shame that legal obstacles thwart the gift of the church to the catholic community.

Sensitive to the generosity of the Diocesan Pastoral Committee and the Rector and people of Burnham. The project died quietly and the material burden of the lease made it almost inevitable that a halt would be called to the project. Thetford is going well - a larger community helps!

Reference to the Church Commissioners' letter to Rev Isaacson. Have to withdraw from the leasing project. The terms of the lease, as his advisers say, would place too great a financial burden on a small parish. Thanks the Bishop for his sensitivity during this time and is encouraged by the close bond of friendship and understanding between the two communities at Burnham Market.

Apoligise for the delay in replying - have been in Rome, etc. Need to consult with turstees - normally disinclined unless a property is freehold. Can imaging the disappointment of the Anglican community.

Writing to Catholic Group in Dersingham. General position remains it being impossible to envisage a priest appointed to Dersingham. A retired priest is a retired priest. Very keen to help the Catholics at Gaywood who have a heavy debt for their new church. Regret that Miss Insley did not see the growth of Lynn as in need of her generosity.

Responding to a correspondent about situation at Downham Market. "I share your anxiety about Downham Market, and for some time now I have been endeavouring to find a viable solution to this unhappy problem." People with cars can drive to Oxburgh or Swaffham - but this is far from a happy solution.

manuscript annotation: "26-I-88 Our letters crossed - but are, I think, substantially the same".
Off to Peru soon. Outlines the parameters in the design of a church with associated priest's bungalow. Dersingham is in the Hunstanton parish and therefore its monies will be subsumed into that account. Whilst Fr Flynn's personal expenses will be quite small, need to consult Fr Nesden about the expenses for running the church from parish funds.