Aidan Slack, writing from Ushaw College, Durham, hopes to be ordained on Easter Monday. His first Mass will be at Mrs Kenyon's oratory at Gillingham Hall. Hopes to reconcile a lapsed Catholic there and requests faculties for Gillingham.
manuscript annotation: Gave faculties for Gillingham Hall only."
Austin Snowden (36 Newgate St, Beccles) says that the new term is near and will the Bishop let him know where he is to be sent so that he can prepare.
manuscript annotation: "Wrote to him & to [illegible] Sept 28/26"
Ministry of Education writes to confirm minster has agreed to Beccles RC school being an aided school.
CorrespondentDaughter allocated to John Leman school, Beccles, after passing examinations for entrance to a Grammar School. Contacted Chief Education Officer that their preferred school was St Mary's, Lowestoft. Following a means test she has to pay all fees but travelling fares are met by the committee and part of meal costs was offered. Are she being treated fairly?
CorrespondentDr G R Fox FRCS confirms Cyril Banham's current health to be good following an operation and a period of convalescence
CorrespondentNo longer a resident of Beccles - hence tenders his resignation as Diocesan representative on the Catholic Scouts & Guides Advisory Council.
CorrespondentFr Andrew Baker OSB will be away for 3 weeks - Fr Ernest Grimes will supply for him at Gillingham Hall. Mrs Kenyon is a little better and is allowed to sit in a chair.
manuscript annotation: "Answered. Sent 'Celebret' if needed. June 29/31"
Fr Mostyn (Our Lady & S. Joseph, Hanwell, London) thanks the bishop for allowing Fr Rolamson and he to say mass in a boat - they had advertised the masses in a boating establishment and the offerings will be sent to the Parish Priest at North Walsham. Fr Mostyn will be supplying at Gillingham Hall that weekend.
CorrespondentLem Oosterhaan [?] writing from St Joseph's, Foreign Missionary College, Mill Hill, London NW7 requests faculties for his stay with Mrs Kenyon [at Gillingham Hall]. No need to reply as the Bishop will be there at the same time.
manuscript annotation: " Granted to end of month at Gillingham July 19 29
Fr Ronald Macdonald [ supply at Beccles] not sure of the ability to raise £220 a year to pay for the school. "We can only just keep going here." Perhaps by charging the parents 1/- per week - but that wound be illegal. Invites Fr Brewer to put in his own figures.
manuscript annotation: "Suggest meet 1/4 of our share + Maintenance say £150 ATB" [Brewer]
Fr Winifred W Banham SJ writing from St Beuno's College, St Asaph, N Wales. In response to a request of confirmation that faculties are held. The answer is "no" but the diocesan faculties are given whenever they supply to St Benet's and the nuns. He has supplied to 10 different places (sometimes 2 or 3 times) and 2 were in Shrewsbury diocese. If the Bishop decides Fr Banham is not qualified then inform at earliest.
CorrespondentGW [no indication of full name] writes to Fr Innes about the approach and tactics to be used when dealing with the Ministry to ensure this does not impact the proposed RC Secondary Modern at Gorleston.
manuscript annotation on page 1: "Copy for information; + a Happy New Year to you. G."
GW [no indication of full name] writes to Fr Webb [this copy has been sent to Fr Innes] about the approach and tactics to be used when dealing with the Ministry.
CorrespondentSM Scholastica OSM, Mother General, St Mary's Priory, Stamford Hill: Sr Agnes has been prioress for 6 years at Beccles, no other appointee available, would like to re-appoint. Rome in agreement provided no objection from the Ordinary of the Diocese.
manuscript annotation: "Agreed. Aug 7/26."
Mr G Thornhill (of White Cottage, Geldeston, Beccles) thanks the Bishop for his letter; tells him that he is a Catholic, received 9 years ago but lived in France for four years. Glad to hear that the Bishop's own father is a convert too who he saw when young as their relations were friends.
manuscript annotation: "Answered"
Doctor has seen him - relapse of old chest trouble, vert ill, but not got consumption. He should be up and about in a day or two.
CorrespondentA family visit to Billing found her son, Fr Cyril Banham, very unwell. Took him to see a doctor in Northampton who said he should rest immediately for 4 to six weeks and return to Beccles to be treated by his own doctor and nursed at home. Tries to inform the Bishop but took him home.
Manuscript annotation: "Ans. Found your letter awaiting me here. [illegible] let me know. What is the matter with Cyril. how he goes on. I have arranged for a supply till the beginning of Sept. I am sure you will not keep him away longer than reasonably necessary. Aug 6/27."
Mrs Banham sending an overlooked £10 remuneration for her son's, Cyril, ordination.
manuscript annotation: "Acknowledged & thanked Feb 24/27"
Now in Beccles (Waveney Road) and attended Rosary & Benediction to be given a warm welcome by Fr Campbell - thanking the Bishop for writing immediately. Currently in rooms and feeling she shall be very happy in Beccles.
CorrespondentMrs Isabella Alston Chaderton-Johnson (21 Collingham Road, South Kensington, London SW5): Visited Miss Dunder[?] in Huntingdon and drove with her to Exton [Hall, Exton, Rutland] for tea with Lady Gainsborough. Miss D did well and is wonderfully healthy. Since seeing the Bishop in Rome, she went again this Spring for her pilgrimage - it being four years since being received into the church. Just bought a house in Beccles and asks for an introduction letter for the priest there. Looking forward to helping the nuns and being near to the beautiful and dignified Minster.
manuscript annotation: "Answered & sent letter of introduction to Fr Campbell. Oct 26/25"