Aidan Slack, writing from Ushaw College, Durham, hopes to be ordained on Easter Monday. His first Mass will be at Mrs Kenyon's oratory at Gillingham Hall. Hopes to reconcile a lapsed Catholic there and requests faculties for Gillingham.
manuscript annotation: Gave faculties for Gillingham Hall only."

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.

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"

Room at Gillingham acceptable. Upgrading to a parochial church until Beccles is opened? H Sec will have to permit it to be opened as an oratory. Fr Ford is to be the first incumbent at Beccles. Things to be done:

1. as Kenyons not to be permanently at Gillingham until 1890, manage as best we can
2. Fr Ford to "beg" for £700 to complete house
3. Supply for Fr Guy to mix begging with vacation
4. Fr Ford to be in residence from start of Lent 1890
   Provincial sanctions all these arrangements[?] - has commission Fr Guy to build the house as Fr Ford is fund raising.
   "St Benet's Priory" foundation stone [brick] to be laid on 21st and ready for occupation in January 1890.
   Mr Kenyon has given £500 towards the house plus £100 per annum for the priest of Beccles provided Mass is said at Gillingham two days a week. Fr Ford then in good position to start free from debt.

Fr Mostyn (Our Lady & S. Joseph, Hanwell, London) thanks the bishop for allowing Fr Rolamson and he to say mass in a boat - they had advertised the masses in a boating establishment and the offerings will be sent to the Parish Priest at North Walsham. Fr Mostyn will be supplying at Gillingham Hall that weekend.

Sent £2.4.0 Christmas Crib offering for the bishop to dispose of as he wishes. He apologises for having had Midnight Mass at Gillingham Hall chapel - realises that he should have had a diocesan permission to do so. Has spoken to Mrs T [Todhunter] and Fr Campbell. There were 22 at Holy Communion (Hall family members and staff) no one from Gillingham village attended.
manuscript annotation: "sent money to 'Universe' Miners[?] Fund. Church at Gillingham for Sundays. Hall Chapel only for weekdays. Jan 19/29."

Just announced that the Beccles Bridge is to be closed for repairs on the weekend of 21st November. Hence advises the need to divert via Bungay (an extra 11 miles), reschedule 10am Mass to 10.30am, and potentially cancel the meal with Mr Todhunter at Gillingham Hall.

Further matters re visitation:
10 am Mass - used to singing all the Mass and incense, etc. but will cut back on singing and extinguish the thurible
John Todhunter - a great talker - of Gillingham Hall has invited the Bishop to lunch warns the Bishop may not be able to keep to the timetable.
Bishop to have supper at St Benet's?

After all the uncertainties they are please to have a full-time priest at Beccles / Gillingham. Concerned that the Sign of Peace as practised in Gillingham should remain - all part of the reverent and friendly way of celebrating Mass there.
manuscript annotation: "A/D 25/4/94 - in favour of a reverent sign of peace!"