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Writing as Chair of the Diocesan Liturgy Commission with the knowledge of Bishop Smith and Julian Limenani regarding proposals to move existing stained-glass window in the Slipper Chapel. The Commission expresses its concern about development at the Slipper Chapel: the Webb window is of sufficient merit to preclude it being altered or parts moved to fit openings for which it was not designed. Whilst this Commission has no authority over architectural changes others may be. As this is the National Shrine perhaps the National Church Heritage should be consulted.

Whilst the director (Fr Williams) has day-to-day responsibility for the Shrine, overall responsibility resides with Bishop Smith. Fr Williams will ensure all views expressed on the Walsingham window are represented at the Historic Churches Committee (HCC) meeting chaired by Mr Limentani next week. Extensive research undertaken for the Shrine about the Webb window which will feed into the decision. Meet to discuss the point on architecture (and liturgy)?

Surprised that Fr Walsh considered the proposed window to be with the remit of the Diocesan Liturgy Commission. Provides background for the window and the main players involved.

Removal, partial dismemberment and installation of the Webb window at the Slipper Chapel. Twentieth Century Society and Historic Churches Committee have views on this work. Outline of the potential importance of Webb's work (a technician at Hardman's?) and discussion with English Heritage. Need caution over altering works of art (similar to Cardinal Griffin and removal of St Thomas More's monkey fro the Gill reredos at Westminster). Discussion of the representation/position of the Annunciation and the Assumption subjects in relation to one another. Offers a view on use of Slipper Chapel and the Holy Ghost Chapel. Wait for comments and then respond. There are a number of designs held between Canon McBride and Mgr Stark. Wary if any confrontation occurs and may have to reserve his position due to other duties.

He had been planning a formal presentation to the HCC in the New Year. Rossi had suggested Chapel Studio and Vivienne Haig (could not contact her) , he explains why. Thinks the Webb window rather anaemic. A view of the new windows central panel being bare is contrasted with Michael Angelo's Creation of Adam in which the (not) meeting of two hands provides the centre for the rest. Why is standard symbolism considered "banal"? All medieval art uses this. He examines the issues associated with relocating the Webb window. Then comments on the suggestion for, and type of, protection for the windows. Copied in Mgr McBride and the Bishop

Can deal with the subjective views of the Historic Churches Committee but understands that the Twentieth Century Society has objected. Thinks there may be confusion between the brothers, Christian and Geoffrey Webb, where the former is better regarded than the latter. Need to be cautious about fundamentally altering a work of art (Webb's Window) the he draws a link to Cardinal Griffin who removed St Thomas More's monkey from the Gill reredos at Westminster. A paragraph on the interpretation of the Anuncation and the Assumption. Then addresses tactics for presenting to the Committee. Rossi may have to withdraw if this becomes very contentious as he chairs the sub-committee for the Patrimony of the Bishop's Conference which is working to demonstrate that the Church can handle matters which might normally be dealt with by the local planning authority.

Peter Cormack, William Morris Galley (of British Society of Master Glass-Painters)
Asks for written notes on the telephone conversation held on 11 January. Also looking for any written material about the Webb Brothers, their work, and the Window in Walsingham. Explains how and why he and Mgr McBride came to contact Alfred Fisher of Chapel Studio. Whilst initially considering the Webb window to be "rather anaemic" he is more alive to its subtleties. Expands on Mgr McBride's credential in this filed (commissioned a Nuttgen window and Stations of the Cross by Denis Tegetmeier whilst at the Eric Gill church in Gorleston; objected to the overpainting of the Tegetmeier mural - later restored with a grant form English Heritage). Response timetable given.

List of names and contact details of the members of:
Shrine Council
Executive Committee
Shrine Centenary Committee

Director's report - No major works for the year; accommodation refurbished
Finance - Walsingham Trust now included in the accounts; Davis Clarke of MacIntyres appointed as accountant; Hayes and Storr appointed a solicitors
Centenary Report - 15 new pilgrimages booked during Centenary Year. Media Associates producing a souvenir booklet
Slipper Chapel Windows - well in hand
Preservation of 1948 Crosses - Mr Rossi asked to survey the condition of the crosses
Railway Track - one off payment; on-going maintenance; bridge by NNDC
Church of the Annunciation - Mr Rossi to produce plan for new church

n.b. Identified as Trustees (under Present): Bp Smith, Canon McBride, Fr Williams, Fr. Wilson. Minuet secretary: Mrs Broughton (Clerk to the Trustees)

Mr Tucker resigning
Director's report
Finance - report approved by Executive Committee
Sipper Chapel Window - final design approved; Mr Tony Rossi to oversee the work
Walsingham Association - membership drive; Helen Murphy's sponsored walk raised £3,750
Centenary Committee report
AOB - Stations of the Cross do not do justice to the Chapel simplicity; Tabernacle - icon occupying the space - Executive Committee to consider

Director's report - Dowry of Mary pilgrimage led by Cardinal Hume and Bp Smith attracted largest number of pilgrims for years with lots of radio and TV coverage
Finance - approved by Executive Committee
Slipper Chapel Window - Assumption window to be removed for cleaning; cartoon of new window by December and work commence in April
Gifts to the Shrine - agreed a policy towards gifts
Walsingham Association
Centenary Committee - no report
Railway Track use - Sacred Land Trust to make a bid
AOB - Remains of Charlotte Boyd; Statue travels decision to be left with Bishop and Director; three sketches produced of new parish church