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Bishop has allowed him to see the documents relating to Beccles school. Notes that the school size is not to be reduced. Can Canon Brewer advise Fr Trafford about the vacancy and preparing the old building for its new use. Hesitates to contact Fr Trafford direct as he has not been keeping the Abbot informed, nor does the Abbot wish to interfere with the Parish Priest in his duties.

Re Sawston Hall, Cambridge. Thanks him for kind response to Dept's request. Asks him to assure Bishop Chapel will be allowed to revert to its proper function when security considerations permit, meantime RAF will put it to no other use.

Letter to Bishop Parker describing state of Chatteris property which he visited "on my way home". Generally poor condition with much damp in the walls. Mr Dodds , Clerk of the Council and Secretary of the Friends Meeting Society (who are selling the chapel - valued at £250) showed him around and admitted no repairs done for 17 years. Builder in contention to buy would probably out bid the church. Canon Malone & Canon Hunting agree that they should not proceed further. So has stopped a bid and put Withams on standby. Fr Collins could not contact Fr Gaffney by telephone.

[headed notepaper for "Fox Den, Dorneywood Road, Burnham"]
Sorry to hear of Fr MvcCormick's crash - hopes insurance covers the wreckage - and that he takes proper respite and take rest here [Fox Den?]. Sends his Christmas greetings - "But please note this is my final [underlined] card, so keep for ensuing years! If I survive any!" Signed as Bishop "Emeritus"
postscript: "The Holy See ... asks retired Bishop, like me, to ignore the name of their old Diocese, as 'formerly' of it"

Mr G Webb is making a window for Slipper Chapel, Walsingham. Stated that the chapel is excluded from the Ancient Monuments Act, however, notices have been served on the Bishop that churches have been scheduled under the Town & Country Planning Act 1947, Section 7.
The Bishop explains that work needs to be done to preserve the buildings and render them useful. Asks for an "interview" to discuss the proposals for work.

Bishop was unaware of the document sent by Fr Webb. He makes 5 points: 1. Use of Jesuit Ordo in convent - does not know whether he has the power to permit its use; 2. Averse to transferal of faculties by one priest to another; 3. Not necessary in this Diocese to have Ordinary's permission to offer Mass in a Convent - matter under supervision of the Parish Priest; 4. Add extra Benediction to the pagella if required; 5. Nuns should keep their regular Extraordinary and not have deputies unless there is a real need. Willing to accommodate himself to the clergy if these rather negative answers do not satisfy.

Bishop confirming that the property (also known as "The Cockerill" [sic] [aka "The Cockerhill" - see other correspondence] was not for sale whilst Mrs Simpson was alive, but, he did not imply that it would be for sale when she was dead. However, he will be consulting with his Chapter in March.

Canon Gerard Collins writes: Lease with Mr Stebbings. Need clarity from Fr Mossey over the intention of the tenant to pay extra rent for a renewal? Bishop concerned that offering an additional seven years at £50 per year may not be best value for money in the long term. Furthermore better not to commit when the future of Halesworth is not clear. But if Stebbings threatens to clear out then, provided the Chapter agreed, the Bishop would accept the seven years.
Typed annotation: Addressed to John [Fr Mossey] from Bill [Canon Hunting] Sending the letter onwards (please return) to save writing. Questions lease value and term - £1 p.w for a shop is not a lot.

Bishop advises that deeds for presbytery (Normanhurst plots 34 & 35?) are with Withams. As is the separate deed for church plot. Good idea to have a church hall, but, all costs, etc. must go through Finance Board, which meets on 26 February. Bishop is at the Convent in Ipswich and could deal with the matter himself if it is urgent. Does Fr Jolly know anything about Mrs Spencer of Thoringham, Saxmundham? May have lunch there and might meet Fr Jolly there too.

£20 for Leiston boys will come from Lenten Alms. Problems arranging for priests to cover certain areas e.g. Diss, Eye, Framlingham where there are tiny congregations. Bishop does not have enough priests to meet the needs such as a Travelling Mission, but hopes this will improve in time. The Franciscans have taken over East Bergholt and will be well used. Do not know of any house-keeper - not the only one to ask - domestic situation is getting bad.

Bishop's secretary writes on behalf of the Bishop: Fr Stratton is Extraordinary Confessor for Bletchley's Thornton College nuns; the Mother Superior has asked for a different priest as Fr Stratton has been unable to attend. Is he willing to relinquish this office? Fr Kennedy is helping out at Yarmouth and following a request from the nuns at Beccles for him to give conferences and hear their confessions, the Bishop is confused over what faculties to give, if any. The Bishop believed Fr Kennedy SJ to be an Army Chaplain but asks whether he is correct in his understanding and asks for more information. Also, confirms date of Bishop's visit to Yarmouth for Confirmation - 30 May at 3.30pm.

The Bishop is reluctant to allow leave to reserve the Blessed Sacrament at isolated places such as St Thomas More chapel in Hemsby. But as Fr Webb says it was justified last year then he grants permission provided due care is taken to see that the church is properly attended by a reliable person.

Refers to Mr Missen's letter [of 30 August 1961]. LEA is within its authority to make the charges (and to pay them if it wishes). However, the Bishop has suggested that the money could be supported from several sources: Parents, Parish, Poor School's Fund, Catholic Education Council.

Understands the difficulties presented by the removal of seniors from the school. Not desirable to have Protestant children in the school. However, careful thought must be given to the school's circumstances. Decisions made will have an impact on Gorleston school and perhaps any Catholic Grammar for East Anglia. It is for the decision of the bishop.
The nature of children lapsing from the Faith is complex and much work is being done on addressing it. The Catholic Catechetical Centre being set up will provide benefit in this area.

Bishop has asked him to respond. Request information about the children for when he approaches Mr Missen, the Chief Education Officer.

Massingham Nuns: not had contact with them - wish two of them to take over the infants department. The Servite nuns will be going to Jamaica. Trouble in filling the consequent vacansies for teachers.
King's Lynn Overspill: 10,000 East-end Londoners will move here over the next 10 years. Offer of a site for a church. Investigating it with Canon Roberts and Alderman Claxton.

Fr Rudd showed him the correspondence and he is glad to hear the Bishop thinks the case will qualify for support. In the meantime Mr Loftus will press the Education Committee on the matter of these costs.

Daughter 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?

James [?] has written to the PPs at King's Lynn and Newmarket regarding pipe organs.
King's Lynn: Fr Wace's intention to replace a pipe organ with an electronic instrument is not welcome and he should ask for the writer to visit him to discuss the matter.
Newmarket: Fr Kennedy is aware that the matter is not that urgent and he could have a small but adequate pipe organ - thus avoiding the uneccessary step of installing an electroinc organ. Fr Kennedy is contacting Millar Organ Company of Norwich for a loan of an electroinnc instrument.

Writing as Superior requesting approval and faculties when appointing Fr George Collins as assistant priest to St Mary's Great Yarmouth.