Writing to Mr S J Aldus. Just found out Pat Scrutton is in hospital - wondering where that leaves managing the pilgrimages. As this is a Foot & Mouth free area it should not cause any trouble. Abel to steward this year? The pilgrimage numbers can be quite large (1,100 from Northampton Diocese schools) so need to spread the net wider. Hence will be writing to parishes in the Deanaries to ask for volunteers.

Copy of contract enclosed [not present]. Monies come from Shrine income. Questions to be passed to Fr Wilson.

Fr Langley's deteriorating health understandably gives cause for concern. There are no plans yet for Blakeney. It is a mission station and part of Walsingham/Wells parish, it is not a parish in its own right. Pastoral charge of Blakeney upon Fr Langley's death by another priest is not predictable. Bishop hopes the committee will continue to be responsible for the practical "running of the church".

Good to know Mr Warwick is settling back in; but pace yourself. Mr Duffin's illness makes the Bishop preoccupied about his top executives! Having just returned from Peru have a mountain of mail

Thanking Bishop Clark for the copies of correspondence with the Knights of Malta about their venture in Friday Market.
Reflecting on discontent with the Knights for not keeping Bishop Clark informed of their activities. They "... live in a different world from the rest of us poor mortals."
Sorry to note that Bishop Clark was ill and could not attend Mary's funeral; Bishop McGuiness was almost late himself after his windscreen was shattered by a pheasant from the Royal Estate.
Manuscript annotation: "a/d personally 9/11/83"

Vicar Provincial (Fr Kevin O'Neill) has asked in the absence of Henry [Graystone] about the status of the contract between the Marist Fathers and the Diocese.
Henry is not very well and waiting for infection to subside before a hip operation - he will be out of action for quite some time.

Writing from a Marist house [36, Shear Bank Road, Blackburn] and being well looked after. Health much improved after his hospitalisation and should be back as Provincial in mid January. Enjoying the good food and company and keeps Bishop Clark in his prayers.

Accepting the invitation to serve on the Executive Committee. Delay in replying due to recovering from operation. Six years in retirement and older than one would expect for this work - will do it temporarily and be happy to give way if someone more suitable comes along.

Covering letter for Accounts which show an encouraging trend. Copies to Mr Duffin and Vicar General. Refers to his recent illness and need to take care.

Cannot make mid-week meeting of Executive Committee. Her Husband, Jim Pyne, is resigning as his health means he canto give the skills and competence required. Discussed balance of spiritual and material development at the Shrine - will write a paper before meeting on 23rd November.

Accepting the invitation to serve on the Executive Committee. Her husband's eye operation took a time to heal and he will be happy to serve too. Her husband can advise on financial matters but not undertake work. She has concerns about the proposals for the development of the Slipper Chapel area.

Pilgrims and Pilgrimages
56,750 pilgrims in 1991 (up 2,000); 13 Dioceses of England on pilgrimage usually with their Bishop; Youth pilgrimages
Finance - Bernard Warwick's long term illness - new kidney transplanted; Diocesan Accountants looking at finances - number of recommendations listed; new accounting system
Walsingham Trust - support for Romanian orphans; bequests received and expected
Walsingham Association - 6,500 members;
Conclusion - mention of a number of people involved with the Shrine; Fr Russell Frost ordained; Bernard Warwick and Paul Hirons accepted into permanent diaconate
Appendix II - Pilgrimage Report - 1991 Season (2 pages)