Register of Confirmations:
25 April 1852; Bp Wareing; Fr George Rigby; 16 female and 9 male candidates
25 April 1855; Bp Wareing; Canon George Rigby ("Canon and Rector Missionarius of Lynn erected for the first time on 8th day of May 1855"); 10 female and 13 male candidates
30 September 1860 - 4 sides blank
30 September 1860 [new format]; Bp F K Amherst; 17 candidates; [page signed by] J McDonald M.A.
26 July 1863; Bp F K Amherst; 23 Candidates; [page signed by] William Poole Miss. Apos. [this page ruled lightly through and annotated "Copied"]
Rest of book blank

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.

Confirmation register

July 8 suitable for visitation to Huntingdon. Enclose rough timetable for the visit: "Confirmation - 3pm" & "Devotions - 6.30" crossed through and "Yes" annotated for "Confirmation & Benediction 6.30"

In answer to Bishop's enquiry, reports he is feeling v much better although from time to time he feels effects of operation. He has not used dispensation. Would Bishop come to March in Spring to administer Confirmation?
Bishop annotation: "Yes some time in Spring date to be fixed later."

Fr Thompson is to be absent until 9th September running 4 retreats in London - a strain but "needs must when the rate collector drives". Fr Hughes is going to Gorleston, hope his health holds up. Ask the Bishop to come for Confirmation in the Autumn and they are also celebrating 75th anniversary of the opening of the church on 20 September. The church is being completely repainted by the men now.

Asking Bishop for a date for Confirmation in July. Suggesting Tuesday if Bishop is unable to come on a Sunday. 3 children making their 1st Communion tomorrow, so he will have them quite ready by July. Some from Ramsey too. Keeping fairly well.
Bishop annotation: "Informed Tuesday, June 7th".

Persuaded a friend in London to lend £250 at 5%, Abbot Egan to guarantee the interest. Mr Fookes [sic] a hard and immovable man. The current tenant at Eton House, Mrs Galsworthy has offered the first quarter's rent for the sisters to set up school; eager to see the nuns here because she wants to send her daughter to the school. Invites the Bishop for a Confirmation in August. Requested faculties for Fr Hogan SJ (at St Edmunds) who is visiting for 10 days. Asks for approval to attend a retreat at Parkminster.
Manuscript annotation: "Yes to all. May 11/25."

Inviting the Bishop to Beccles - good few children and others to be Confirmed.
manuscript annotation: "No Sunday vacant till August. Cd come for Tuesday June 9 but perhaps that is too early. May 21/25."

There will be about 40 confirmation candidates for the visitation.
The Matrimonial case: both parents of the man, Such, are dead. Told them they cannot be married without proof of death of the divorced man, or that he'd never been baptised. They must wait until the former. They have been warned not to create a scandal by hasty action - continue to present themselves as brother and sister but to separate when the chance arrives e.g. through work elsewhere. They will not bother the Bishop by asking for an interview.
manuscript annotation: "Answered. May 28/25. Writing to Rome to ascertain if these is the slightest chance of things even considering the Such case in the absence of positive proof of non-Baptism, & assertion of Uncle that he was baptized but does not know where. May 28/25."

Hopes to see the Bishop when he comes to Beccles for the confirmations. If he has any free time then would be happy to offer hospitality here [Gillingham Hall].
manuscript annotation: "I'll come either on 15th or 16th according as [illegible] every chance tho alternative dated June 20/25"

Presbytery bedroom accommodation not ready to receive the bishop. Mr Bunbury happy to look after the Bishop at his house. Arrange for Mass at the convent - the nuns will be delighted. Fr Mason will be sending some of his parishioners for confirmation.

Fr Dinley expects to have 100 confirmandi on Sunday 3 July - will the Bishop make the visitation before 11 am Mass, address the congregation, meet people in the Sacristy?

Fr Dinley has 140 candidates for confirmation but only two sponsors. He quotes Canon 794 saying that the sponsor should not stand for more than two. If the Bishop is satisfied there is no need to reply.
Manuscript annotation: "Ans: We cannot follow this Canon - one man is sufficient for males & one woman for females. June 28/27."

Mr Langmaid who was received into the church in Tasmania three years ago wishes to be confirmed. He is currently a travelling salesman for a publishing firm. Happy to go anywhere (Ely, Cambridge, etc.) for the ceremony. There are others in the parish which could be confirmed, at the bishop's convenience.
manuscript annotation: list of dates and venues offered.

Fr Dinley acknowledges June 15 for Confirmation. All well with parish and Convent.
Manuscript annotation: "Booked June 15/30."

Five years since the last visitation. Would the Bishop come and administer Confirmation - a number of top children will be leaving school and they have not been confirmed. Wednesday would be best as a fuller congregation will attend. Dr Chris Helsham is not yet about and may not be for a long time yet.

Mrs Kenyon has arrange with Fr MacEvoy for you to go to Gillingham for Luncheon and return there after confirmation at Bungay. Arranging for the Bishop to be met at Norwich by either Mr Bunbury or Captain Throckmorton. There are 50 for confirmation.

Found within the pages of the book, assumed to be completed shortly after last entry in 1939.
List of names in alphabetic order

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.