Headline on page 1: "Complete Version to Bishop Clark, Fr A Barker SM, Mgr Canon McBride, Fr P Allen SM Only"
Birch, Clive Rev SM LGSMCommittee
249 Archive Record results for Committee
Introduction - Pilgrim Hostel opened by Bp Clark (15 November 1986); programme of work now complete - many benefits deriving from it
Pilgrim Club - not successful (Mr Warwick discussions) - discontinue serving alcohol - other licensed premises available
Visits - Archbishop of Rio de Janeiro, Cardinal D Eugenio de Araujo Sales, celebrated Mass on 11 January
Executive Meeting - delay re-roofing of amenity area
Walsingham Association - Hostel fund raising committee disbanded - raised £112,000
Shrive Archives - Fr Brian Ventham, SM has been putting archives in to good order - work well advanced - researcher (Fr W McLoughlin OSM) doing a doctorate on Our Lady of Walsingham
Ecumenical Relations - Fr Roy Fellows is new administrator of Anglican Shrine
Slipper Chapel & re-siting of Blessed Sacrament (C of R) - Tabernacle resiting not finished - discussing design with Architect, Mr Brian Salter
Amenities Area - going to tender shortly
Pilgrimage Programme - Pilgrim bookings up by 2,000 - cancellations at 1,500. This year marks 100th anniversary of the Guild of Our Lady of Ransom. BBC video "A Year in Walsingham" to be shown on Good Friday
Main report (3 pages)
Pilgrim season
Marian Year
National Pilgrimage
Guild of Ransom
Renovations
Walsingham Association
Finance
Walsingham Trust
Pilgrim Numbers
Information to Pilgrims
Conclusion
Appendix 1 - Income and Expenditure estimates 1987/88 (2 pages)
Appendix 2 - Pilgrimage Report - Season 1987 (2 pages) (J E Hawkes)
Main report (5 pages)
Marian Year - extensive summary of events and some related historical events
Season in General - redesigned cloister available; 40th anniversary of Pilgrimage of Crosses; BBC recording; Catholic Mothers 75th annual pilgrimage; New Dawn conference; Priests' Pilgrimage
Pilgrimage Programme - see appendix II; pilgrims at 52,000; day groups down in numbers;
Finance - See appendix I
Walsingham Association - Mass at St Chad's, Birmingham; National Secretary Mark Hackeson;
Staffing - Se Eileen left in August; Sr Pauline is her replacement (and Guestmistress); training; illnesses;
Conclusion - generally season viewed as successful; shrine is financially viable
Appendix I - Estimates of Income and Expenditure - 1998/89 - (2 pages)
Appendix II - Pilgrim Report - 1988 Season (2 pages)
Shrine Development
The Appeal
The Slipper Chapel and Services Area
Maintenance
Other plans at the Slipper Chapel
The Sayers House and Caretakers
The Dedication of the New Chapel
The Season 1981
Future projects: Railway track; Accommodation for Sick Pilgrims
Village Properties
Liturgy n the New Chapel
Ecumenical Relationships
Other Foundations: Sue Ryder House; The Focolare House; The Walsingham Carmel; The Sons of Divine Providence
Constitution
Panel of Interviewers
Conclusions
Opening paragraph: Last report to Shrine Council before Fr Peter Allen SM takes over.
Preamble: The final report is intended to be as objective as possible "for the sake of 'building the Kingdom of God'"
Staffing: difficult times in reducing staffing levels for financial and managerial reasons. Manager employed to handle Bureau aspects. Guestmasters - included a Job description and recommendations about the role alongside the Manager's own
Faint and Trust: Bishop Clark wrote in 1981 "It is only because of mutual trust that we can collaborate." problems over trust has caused unhappiness, insecurity and concerns over the future. The Shrine Council has not maintained confidentiality as it aught.
Position and Authority of the Director: Urgent need for a clear job description and to have clear reporting/authority lines. Similarly for financial matters. Gives examples of where these have all failed.
Review of Management Situation: Financial, Staff administration, General Administration.
Walsingham Association: a growing organisation with certain influences and potential to become an independent commercial enterprise. The Shrine Council need to be aware and respond appropriately.
Golden Jubilee: expenses breakdown, Celebrations, Income.
Finances 1984/85
Walsingham Community
Ecumenism
Piety Shop: Concern over service and articles sold. Goodliffe Neale experiment operating for a year (a year to go) and the promise to "eliminate 'plastic rubbish' has not been fulfilled.
Conclusion: Much achieved; administrative side leaves much to be desired; staff relations to be addressed; summary of Fr Birch's time at Walsingham "I shall never forget this unique experience and opportunity to grow in all respects. Thank you for that."
Note A: Staffing; comparison of 1981 and 1984 ; suggested organisation/reporting hierarchy diagram
Note B: Staff who left
Note C: [description of a personality clash and resultant implications]
Note D: Proposed Job Description for the Director of the Shrine
Note E: Job Description of Manager of Pilgrim Bureau
Note F: Suggestion for Central Banking System for Shrine and Bureau - to separate Shrine and Bureau monies and financial management
Note G: [Job Description for] Guestmaster/mistress
Note H: Estimates of Expenditure and Income - Shrine 19845
Introduction to the background and objectives of the Meryemana Foundation. Inviting Miss Smith to join the Appeal Committee
Heley, Margaret Mary (Maire) Dr (1930-2020)Apprehension over the St Nicholas project - cannot personally subsidise the project and doubt that others can or would. Whilst Meryemana should continue in its work, doubt that St Nicholas is the right place.
The letter is an invitation to attend a Meryemana Council meeting to elicit a final decision on what happens next.
Bishop Dennis having already written to Rev Gathercole about the Meryemana objectives. There is a need for denominational representatives on the steering committee.
Heley, Margaret Mary (Maire) Dr (1930-2020)Form letter inviting the recipient to the first meeting of the Planning Committee to be held at the Convent of the Little Sisters on 22 January 1986 at 7pm. Provides a list of names for the Executive Committee and the Planning committee.
McBride, Edward Rev (1919-2011)Completed form to record decision related to an application for works at Slipper Chapel n Walsingham - no approved (reasons on reverse). Unanimous decision against removal of the Geoffrey Webb window.
Historic Churches Committee (for RCDEA)Introduction - summary of conclusions for the Shrine Council to consider
Material Developments - Accommodation: Conversion of school block; Elmham House development; self-catering; Popplewell Cottage; camping; Hulme properties;
Material Developments - Shrine: Abbey; railway track; car park; layout; liaison with Anglican Shrine
Liturgical Developments: General absolution; modern Mariology; exhibition; national standing of Walsingham
A review would be a good idea. Pilgrims will benefit from an improved atmosphere.
Allen, Peter Rev SM BA MThFollowing report to Shrine Council, Fr Birch requests an Executive Council meeting with Appeal Committee to discuss plan and decide on approach. Opening of tenders to happen on 1 October.
Birch, Clive Rev SM LGSMMeeting last Wednesday [13 Aug] very successful. Now all understand why the Bishop does not want a National Collection on a particular day. The name of the chapel was discussed - John Hawkes suggested "Chapel of Reconciliation" - it reflected how Fr Birch felt - the meeting was happy with "Our Lady of Reconciliation". Title expresses a place of penance, or reconciliation in modern Liturgy.
signed by Henry Graystone in Fr Birch's absence on holiday
p.s. people at Friary leaving soon - A very wide connection between it and Elmham House - Alan Carefull and Fr Birch considered possibilities
- Changes to standard letter head - does the Bishop like them?
- Bishop unable to find a replacement for Tony Sketch to organise the Diocesan pilgrimage - we'll do our best
- Proposal that Muriel Phillips to be a member of the Shrine Council - current lack of female presence
- Requesting replacements (Sr Eileen, Peter Whitlock) for the Eucharistic ministers he has lost
Contacted RW Steel & Partners - Consulting Heating Engineers - on underfloor heating in the Chapel of Reconciliation. Their report is attached. Executive Committee members contacted and accept the necessity for such heating. Therefore Fr Birch has instructed the Architect to proceed.
Birch, Clive Rev SM LGSMFr Hulme's request may be strange but why not grant it? His relationship with the Shrine is so unique that it is not creating a precedent. He is trying to ensure his brother is for ever remembered at the Shrine.
Birch, Clive Rev SM LGSMWishes to implement the suggestions made by the Shrine Council, provided the Bishop approves:
- permanent reservation of the Blessed Sacrament in the Chapel of Reconciliation
- exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in the Chapel of Reconciliation whenever pilgrims are present
- no Blessed Sacrament reserved in the Slipper Chapel
- removal of tabernacle from the altar in the Slipper Chapel
- Chair of Executive committee
- stature transported by foot from King's Lynn; Rvd Colven to accompany him in Wembley
- 7th meeting decided on a tapestry
- answered
- Fire regulations affect hostels - Fir Officer Report expected
- Consecration - "low key" but with some publicity
Might I [Fr Birch] have exceeded my responsibility? Asks for clarification as he is unaware of doing so, although Canon McBride says he has. Not repentant since given no limits to his brief.