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.

Asking for the whereabouts of the deed for the church (Our Lady of Perpetual Succour) and cemetery at Gillingham. Given to understand that the Bishop of Northampton and the Abbot of Downside were owners or Trustees. Mentions two letters held on file [see related descriptions]. Can Mr. Todhunter see the Bishop at Poringland on 18 August?

"Under the present circumstances I see no objection to your having a public oratory at Gillingham under the usual conditions."

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.

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."

Fr Ford has no doubt reported to the Bishop regarding plans for chapel at Gillingham Hall. Applying for an Altar stone (and measurements) for the Altar being made in London.
manuscript annotation: "1ft & 1/8" [size of altar stone?]

Fr Guy already asked to visit next week. Mr Kenyon will explain the proposed arrangements regarding the chapel.

Contacting the Bishop to introduce himself and family as newly into the Diocese following inheriting Gillingham Hall. Requesting permission for the privilege of a domestic chapel at Gillingham to have Mass and the Reservation of the Blessed Sacrament - a large and suitable room is available. Expects to build a small chapel in time which would be open to any Catholics in the area (should there be any). If the Bishop can concede this, then "it will urge us to do, rather than hinder us, from doing, what we can to help the parochial mission and Church." Asks the Bishop to visit or send a representative to discuss these matters.