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.
Downside AbbeyAbbot Butler thanking Fr Brewer for his help - passed the recent letter on to Fr Innes to note the last three paragraphs.
Downside AbbeyWrite on his behalf to the correspondent asking about an Education Committee decision relating to her daughter who after a means test must pay all fees. Bishop p.s.: Pity to bother the Bishop - Fr Brookes should have written to her.
Parker, Thomas Leo Rev (1887-1975)Cannot see that the Commission can refuse approval for the Beccles Presbytery (despite it being away from the church). Note Beccles has not paid into the School pool.
Asks how Fr Brewer's school is progressing - May 1 pm suitable for Foundation Stone?
Have not seen any plans for St Joseph's Modern School at Slough.
6 paragraphs being notes on a meeting held between Fr Brewer and Fr Trafford:
- Agreement on Fr Trafford's view - school managers need to take a new line for the school; taking into account Diocesan policy and needs for a future secondary and grammar school
- Number to not exceed 110 - can be maintained by the admission of non-catholic pupils. This will justify 4 teachers
- Managers exercise admission of pupils through the Parish Priest.
- No need for grading of the school
- LEA to take initiative regarding alterations to buildings
- Canon Brewer to take up points 4 & 5 with LEA as necessary.
East Suffolk development plan approved by Minster of Education. All claims for voluntary schools for aided or special status must be made with six months.
manuscript annotation +Leo: to Fr Brewer about contacting parish priests in the area - Beccles and Bungay only ones to be affected?
Still worth contacting the Education Committee with a view to getting them to reconsider/help towards the increase in travel costs.
Loftus, Nicholas MrFr 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.
Loftus, Nicholas MrCosts used were estimated from the 1946 data. With restrictions on the building programme placed by the Ministry al development plans are behind schedule. Erection of Aided schools is a matter for [school] managers and the Ministry to agree when they are included in the building programme. The Authority will not press for the erection of new schools for the next few years.
East Suffolk CCHas arranged to meet the Bishop in Cambridge to discuss plans - can Canon Brewer attend too? LEA OK with the plan; sketch enclosed [not included] to be returned afterwards in case the Abbot has to present to the Schools Commission.
Innes, M Benet Rev OSBHave been ill for five months. Trying to grapple with the schools question. Estimated costs given in the Development Plan:
Buildings: £2-,700 - site etc. £280
Numbers on roll - 124
Numbers provided with school accommodation: 90
Would like to meet to talk it over.
manuscript annotation: "Beccles Notified of Order Nov 18 1949 six months expire May 18th"
Please to see that Fr Brewer is better after his illness. Fr Brookes has had flu and found it difficult to cope with things. Has some of the legal documentation but not all. Will consult before doing anything. Promised to lead a mission at a large RAF station.
Brookes, John Rudesind Rev OBE MC TD OSB (1898-1984)Encloses two letters and describes a situation relating to Beccles RC School for which he invites guidance.
Fr Brookes, before he left, had submitted a scheme to the Ministry of Education for the building of two classrooms (wooden, prefabricated) classrooms to relieve overcrowding. Suffolk Education committee ask why the children could not go to Beccles or Bungay County Modern instead.
Those children who pass 11+ exam: girls to St Mary's, Lowestoft; boys have no Catholic grammar to go to. LEA will not pay full expenses for the girls. Can the LEA be persuaded to be more generous?
Innes, M Benet Rev OSBQueries agreement for "Rules of Management..." especially paragraph 11. Asks for advice.
Headmaster of Sir John Leman School has agreed to RI for RC children but requests a letter from the parents. Is there a form letter which could be used?
Tenders £8,100 to £8,200. New declaration of Trust being drawn up by the solicitors. Valuer and District Valuer have agreed a valuation. Abbot has written to the Bishop.
Innes, M Benet Rev OSBHe knows of one LEA member who is a Catholic - will Fr Brewer write to him about the Conference of Catholic Councillors in Harrogate? He is not well instructed in our problems as only two Catholic Voluntary schools in this County.
Invite to come and look at what Sterrett and Blouet have made of the old presbytery - "it is good".
A school master at St Benet's is rather free with the use of the cane. Complaints have been received and he sent the attached letter to the Head Mistress pro tem. What is the official policy for the Diocese on this - need to know for next Managers' meeting?
manuscript p.s.: "My 'regulations' arise out of my fairly extensive experience of using a cane as a Housemaster at Downside!"
Improvements at the school going well.
Ministry loan offer of £5,000 greater than need (£1,500). What to do - take it all, or just enough?
Manager now appointed to replace Mrs Grantham-Hill. Mother General is withdrawing a nun at the end of term. Does Fr Brewer know of any suitable female who could teach PE for the 9-11 group?
Innes, M Benet Rev OSB