Whilst staying with friends near Hunstanton he received a call that Fr Flynn was ill and could he go to him. Fr Flynn has gastritis, nervous breakdown and is being attended to by a doctor. He will not be able to do Sunday Mass - hence request for Peterborough to cover Wisbech whilst Fr Page looks after Hunstanton. Fr Flynn had concocted a story to cover his being ill in bed and unable to to answer the [door] bell whilst the Housekeeper was away. He is not absent and regrets the tale, having seen the letter sent by the Bishop [checking on his whereabouts].
Page, George Joseph Rev (1864-1937)Went to Hunstanton as requested by the Bishop. Also had a letter from Mrs Ingleby. Keeping the Bishop's interest to himself. Found Fr Flynn in a very bad way and depressed for a month since the trouble with his father's and sister's health. ".. he fell into his old weakness & has been more or less under the influence & now suffering from the effects." Dr came on Monday this week and Fr Flynn has improved. He has missed several masses - blaming the change of the clocks to the new time which meant not many people attended for Mass, so he went to bed. Told straight that the Bishop must be informed - probably he knew about this even now. As his friend Fr Page does not like the subterfuge and asks the Bishop to write directly. Unfortunately a month ago Fr Page would have provided glowing testimonial for Fr Flynn; he did not know he was a wreck.
manuscript note on back of Page 5: "9.4.21 Say that you are deputed to make enquiries & report to me. Impress on him the magnitude of his offence, and necessity of penitential & submissive spirit if he is not to be summarily dismissed."
The trigger for Fr Flynn's illness was the concern he had for his family - his old complaints (Gastritis & Neurasthenia) came back and he took stimulants (but not in excess). He is very fearful and nervous of telling the Bishop of his problems - so Fr Page suggests the Bishop write to Fr Flynn and encourages him to report on the situation. Fr Page must contact and warn Mrs Ingleby as Fr Flynn is asking who may have written to the Bishop. Fr Page has promised to return to see Fr Flynn but has concerns that there might not be any trains as a number have already been taken off.
Page, George Joseph Rev (1864-1937)Telegram #403 sent 6.23pm from Hunstanton received Northampton 7.1pm ; Message in pencil manuscript: "Reply Pd Bishop of Northampton / Northampton / Am with Father Flynn he is too ill for duty if Peterboro could do Wisbech for sunday I can stay am writing fuller particulars / Page Presbytery / Hunstanton"
Page, George Joseph Rev (1864-1937)Letter to Bishop supporting Mr Lockwood to rent be a tenant. 7s 1d is too much rent - Mr Ollard says this is so) suggests 6s 6d. The celebrated Mrs Pompery has returned, called, and will come back. Fr Freeland seems to e gaining strength as he writes in a very cheerful tone.
Page, George Joseph Rev (1864-1937)Stamped "403"; Pencil manuscript: "Flynn" / "Aug 7/19" / "RP Bishop of Northampton / Marriott Street"
Page, George Joseph Rev (1864-1937)