Requests a meeting with the Bishop in Hunstanton so that the Bishop can speak to Fr Flynn's doctor. Fr Flynn's health is not improving.
manuscript annotation (reverse side): "Your trouble all along has been drink. Let me know whether this has definitely ceased, and if not, when the last incident of this kind occurred. Want understand this. I have your 'issues' here, I feel that all your troubles have been due to this. It is a straight question, I want a straight answer. May 27/28."
Hunstanton
265 Archive Record results for Hunstanton
Thanking the Bishop for the "Xmas Box" enclosed in his last very kind letter. Right arm affected by neuritis diagnosed by the doctor as not rheumatism. A lady (Mrs Coughlan of Wayside College) has given him £5 to get away from his "bleak village", As his father is fearful of travelling in such weather, Fr Flynn will go to him for a few days. Perhaps if the Bishop is in London they could meet?
Flynn, Charles S Rev (-1943)Forwarding letter received by post today. expects it will be dealt with by Canon Tonks. Also encloses [not present] a letter left by Canon Garnett clearly stating the wishes of the Late Miss Heycock.
Flynn, Charles S Rev (-1943)The drainage system has been a problem for many years but now it is completely blocked. A tree needs taking down to help repair work to progress. Unfortunately after a series of bad seasons the parish funds cannot pay for the work. Ask the Bishop for help and approval to proceed with the work.
Flynn, Charles S Rev (-1943)The honest answer to the direct question will neither be a "yes" or a "no". This is why he asked for a personal meeting in Hunstanton and a discussion with the doctor. Long time since had any spirits. Only touched altar wine. Alcohol was a danger in the past - the Bishop has little experience of mission work - Hunstanton is not an easy post. Fr Flynn considers he made a fatal mistake in not seeing the Bishop much earlier. The doctor will be sending a report under separate cover.
Flynn, Charles S Rev (-1943)Writing to Buckingham to get a supply. Up and about - said mass the last two mornings; feel effects of my bad turn and present weather does not help. Doctor glad I am going away. Thank you for your call last week.
Flynn, Charles S Rev (-1943)Apologises for not sending the Mission statistics. Reason is he must have forgotten as the pain in his left side intruded.
Flynn, Charles S Rev (-1943)[letter being dictated as he cannot write]
Bishop did not mention his nervous breakdown necessitating a holiday in Buxton or Matlock (as per doctor's instructions) prior to taking on Sudbury mission. Fr Heptonstall is making arrangements for a supply and the exchange of Missions will happen on Tuesday.
manuscript annotation: "Let me know when you go. I will send you a celebret. July 28/28"
[Letter in same hand a 26 July - so being dictated]
Arrangements are in hand for a supply at Sudbury - but could take the young man suggested by the Bishop as it would be good experience for him. Exchanging on the Missions tomorrow. Housekeeper going with Fr Flynn to Sudbury. Hopes to be going to Matlock or Buxton - requests a celebret for 2 months.
manuscript annotation: "Sent celebret for 2 months. Recommended Nicholson if Heptonstall has not already arranged otherwise. Sent him faculties, or for another with option to replicate. Aug 2/28."
Writing from Palmerston Boarding House, Ilfracombe. Have had several sea trips and enjoying the splendid countryside. Canon Hurley, local priest, an Ushaw man, is quite a character reminiscent of Canon Flint. "There is very nice little church, but it is horribly dirty!" Returning to Hunstanton on 26th.
Flynn, Charles S Rev (-1943)A long letter with much to demonstrate his unhappiness with the Bishop’s comments. If such comments had come after his suggested head-to-head then he’d be a broken man. All his work and efforts in Hunstanton are not appreciated. Despite everything the care of the Church has not suffered; he is appreciated by his congregation (and non-Catholics); the £100 cheque on the occasion of his Silver Jubilee is evidence of that. Many have said that he should write (or let them write) to the Bishop for a release from a position to difficult for him. The death of Provost Stokes have made it more necessary – and then he is offered North Walsham. “You are suggesting I should go from the frying pan into the fire!” At his age and in his health he could not found a new mission.
manuscript annotation: "Appointed him to Sudbury. Exchange with Heptonstall before end of July. July 17/28."
telegram sent at 8.55; received 9.9
front: "Bishop Bishops House Northampton Please grant faculties for supply at Hunstanton for Sunday next please wire reply to Priests House Hunstanton Flynn"
reverse: "Father Flynn Priests House Hunstanton Faculties for Supply granted Bishop Northampton"
Requesting permission to say mass in the sacristy during the Winter months when he considers it necessary. The church can be intensely cold and during the weekdays only one person attends now and then. Fr Flynn considers that each successive winter is making his health worse and he really does not wish to have neuritis again.
manuscript annotation: "Ans: Yes. Dec 7/26"
Despite the pain in his right arm from neuritis, Fr Flynn is setting out the case for him to be assigned to Aylesbury. He understands that the priest there, Fr Scott, is more of less permanently disabled and may be moved from his mission creating a vacancy. Fr Flynn has never found Norfolk or Suffolk much to his liking and would appreciate being moved to Aylesbury which gets him away form these counties and nearer to his father.
Manuscript annotation: "Answered. Aylesbury again filled by Scott. very stretching place owing to Government requirements at the Prison. You will never be able to keep regular & punctual owing to your breakdowns. That only you are in Hunstanton where, except during the season, this does not much matter. Will think over the matter Oct 24/25."
Supply priest coming from London, thanks to the Prior, could not secure one from Buckingham, Duddington or Bishop's Stortford. Will be with his brother and his wife. "In spite of the head I am very much better, so I find my changes well done a lot of good". Back for Sunday June 28th.
manuscript annotation: "Sent required faculties May 25/25."
reminding the Bishop of the discussion they had about £50 which was given by his predecessor in May 1919 at the time of Fr Flynn's appointment. This would cover the maintenance task to repaint the exterior of the building before the bad weather sets in.
Flynn, Charles S Rev (-1943)Apologises for the fuss caused and his "disappearance" rumour is due to misunderstandings. He is not very well but cannot now go to Comer and Fr Squirrell as it is full - but will go with Fr Page to Wisbech instead.
Flynn, Charles S Rev (-1943)Thanks the Bishop for his kind and sympathetic letter with its encouragement and advice. Feeling much better and will return from Wisbech to Hunstanton tomorrow. Fr Garnett has given the Bishop the wrong impression. Mass at 8 allows the men from the wireless stations to attend
Flynn, Charles S Rev (-1943)Still suffering from the results of Bronchitis and Influenza. Dr says must get complete rest. Has arranged with Bishop's Stortford for a supply on Sunday - would the Bishop grant faculties? Will be going to a convalescent house for priests in Brighton from 12th for a time.
Manuscript annotation: "Granted"
"I am at fault, and I must confess it. I have been ill for over a month and am only now recovering."
Provides an explanation for missing the three masses concerned: 2 when he was too ill; 1 when no-one turned up, the clocks having been changed. The family trouble (dad aged & sister dying through diabetes) was described with his inability to get to see his sister due to being needed in Hunstanton. Encloses a doctor's note.