Faculties for Fr Sproule granted, including for the nuns if required. Send names of the two ladies and the Bishop will contact Rome. Invitation to stay tempting, but too full up for now. Sorry no intentions - see if he can invent some. St Neots opening was nice but cruel hard luck for the enforced absence of Fr Malone.
Cary-Elwes, Dudley Charles Rev (1868-1932)Bickerdike was one of many excluded when the Beati list was winnowed from 250 as over 100 were turned down - perhaps later. Be careful about managing the fund (permission granted) and keep the monies for building/support separate from other monies. Recognise the need in such missions to harvest in-season to weather the off-season. Take care about the Squire - he has to change his ways before being received into the church. Exhortation to be prudent, discipline of a "common sense hardness".
Cary-Elwes, Dudley Charles Rev (1868-1932)manuscript copy of a receipt sent to the solicitors for the sum of £152.
additional note: "Receipt in this form sent for the pro rata 'legacy'. Feb 21/24."
printed text: "Il Card[inale] Segretario di Stato con distinti ossequi prega di rimettere a destinazione l'unita lettera, qualora la S V Ill.ma e Rev.ma nulla abbia da osservore in contrario"
rough translation: "The Cardinal Secretary of State, with distinct respects, requests that the item be returned to its destination, if the [Court?] and Reverence does not object."
manuscript annotation: "Blessings from Pope to Miss Corrine Lestrange Campbell on her book 'Old Glastonbury. Send it on please Nov 25/27 Hunstanton"
[undated, unsigned] [very shaky hand] "My Lord, I think you ought to know about Fr Flynn here. He is a very ill man and something ought to be done for him. He only has Mass on Sunday - and these looks as if he might die on the altar. Only last week he was over to take a wedding but went to bed in the hotel at once, too ill to do it. I am only a visitor here and therefore it is not my business but it is very serious I beg to remain one of your Lordships flock."
CorrespondentDr Philip Marshall MRCS MRCP DPH reporting on Fr Flynn's health and well being. He describes Fr Flynn as an active, inquisitive and intelligent man who needs not to be idle for 9/10s of the year but engaged in a busy Mission. Many think well of him. He has been frank about his past problems with alcohol - he suffers from Intestinal Toxaemia which is exacerbated by drink. His life does not engage him, but makes him mope and become melancholic.
CorrespondentHad both the Bishop's Pastoral Letter and a copy of the Pope's letter on the Russian Question. Read the letter to his congregation and asked for their prayers - anticipating the Army Council's "order or rather request". Protested to the Air Ministry and received a response that the Army Council's order only affected compulsory parades - hence officiating chaplains are not affected by the Army Council's request - not an order - can decide how they respond or not.
Beauchamp, Henry Rev CBE, MC, VG, Group Captain (1891-1948)No mass at Hunstanton due to Fr Flynn being ill. He has arranged for a Dominican Father from Leicester to say Mass - but Fr Flynn may be able to say it too. Send faculties including duplication if necessary.
Manuscript annotation: "Answered. Sent necessary faculties straight to Fr Flynn."
Has had a person under instruction for a year and wishes to baptise her so she can receive communion on Christmas morning.
manuscript annotation: "Sent permission Dec 4/26."
Felt he had had to write as he did but thanks the Bishop for appointing him to Sudbury. He and Fr Heptonstall will make arrangements and Fr Flynn asks if the Dean Fr Page can oversee the handover at both ends.
Flynn, Charles S Rev (-1943)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."
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)