To Miss Preston; £45 cheque received from solicitors in Manchester for distribution to poorer clergy of the Diocese. Lists 11 priests. As Fr Ketterer was the young man, going to be a priest, known to Mrs Gosselin, he has therefore received the larger sum [£2; rest received £2.10]
Cary-Elwes, Dudley Charles Rev (1868-1932)Chides Fr Wallace for being casual in not giving names of Australians. Fr Clare is asking a lot for them. Tells what Fr Clare & they must do. Unless done he can't possibly grant his request to marry them. Re MS about Wills. Do what you like but don’t incur debt.
Annotated postscript: "You have to send the certificates of their marriage to the parish of each, that is why you must know where they were baptised. Please be very careful and accurate about this."
Gives permission for him to take holiday providing he finds a supply for Sunday. If he cannot find one he will have to be at March himself. Would he please be certain of someone taking his place before he goes off ! Enclosed celebret.
Cary-Elwes, Dudley Charles Rev (1868-1932)Relating to the March Presbytery and rental properties: Letters from Fr W Clare (7), Fr L Allen(7), Canon Tonks(1), GF Stokes(1), AP Peacock(1), Ollard(2); Postcard from Fr Clare; Bills/invoices (15) from Insurance Co., Utilities & Councils; Agreements for construction and rent; Rent Account (1910 & 1911); Inventory (1941 - Fr Mortimer J Hanagan); Inventory (1948 - Rev W J Gaffney); Fr Gerard Collins to Bishop (Parker) - his critical survey of Chatteris house (11-7-1953).
Allen, Louis Rev (-1931)Enthusiastic review in Cambridgeshire Times of concert held at Regent Theatre in aid of renovation fund of Catholic Church, March. Arranged by Fr Clare, including some of leading artists of the day and famous tenor, Alfred O'Shea (before his tour with Madame Melba).
Cambridgeshire TimesHe is arranging to come & sing for Fr Clare on 28th. Frank (son?) has improved immensely in his demeanour and behaviour.
Cleather, E Gordon (1872-1967)Bishop returns drawing of Altar. He does not like it; it is too like a couple of boxes. Those he showed it to thought it was a vestment chest & liked it as such. But, if Fr Clare wants it, has found money for it & subscribers like it, he can have it.
Cary-Elwes, Dudley Charles Rev (1868-1932)Asks Fr Clare to follow architect's measurements. He cannot pass drawing as it is. Tells him to bring artist to his ideas. Asks for proper drawing of new design for him to decide whether to pass it. Altar table too narrow for corporal & missal stand.
Cary-Elwes, Dudley Charles Rev (1868-1932)Asking to grant dispensation & encloses forms. Through taking precautions in good time, he is now restored to health. Fr Page much better but has attacks of old trouble occasionally. Enclosed faculty granted in 1928.
Bishop annotation: "sent Dec 2 1930"
Sending 2 Faculties for Fr Yates' converts and the Syllabus for Diocesan RI . Better to place funds collected for the New Church Building Fund with the Diocese instead of banks for a better interest (3% per annum). Send to Fr Hunting, the Diocesan Treasurer. Bishop will send a clear statement of moneys received by the Diocesan Treasurer from Fr Clare's time to show no money has gone astray.
Burditt, Noel Rev (-2000)Fr Page reports that Canon Eeles is making progress but it is very slow. Despite that he is attempting to do more than he should and resents people telling him to rest. Stopped by Fr Page from hearing Confessions on a Saturday. He is concerned about Holy Week and Easter Sunday – things will be missed for the first time in years. Asks the Bishop to intervene with kind words to Canon Eeles about not taking on too much. The doctor believes the Canon should have a change of scenery and get away as soon as possible. Some congregation members have collected £25 towards expenses for this. Obtaining a supply is proving difficult and he is now approaching the Benedictines in Farnborough but a wire to Hitchin has produced a result. All this is kept from the Canon. The doctor says the Canon’s heart is not healthy and extra care is required. The renowned Fr Clare is visiting at Wisbech.
p.s. Not seen Fr Flynn but understand he is better and has said mass the last two Sundays.
Manuscript annotation: “Answered: Thanks. Have written to the Dr. & told Eeles to do what he is told, even to going away; & that he must have arrangements in your hands – nto to bother. Mch 26/26.”
Housekeeper, N Smith, writing for Fr Page who is unable to use his hand to write & since his seizure is forbidden to travel. Statement & bills are correct. Fr Clare left nothing to pay with & there is nothing in hand from there. Fr Page pleased to have help from Fr Thomas.
Page, George Joseph Rev (1864-1937)Postcard showing a school boy group with a priest sitting in centre. Alice Askew was a photographer in March from 1916 until she retired in 1953. It is possible that this is a photograph of the boys at Fr Clare's school in the 1920s. He did require a particular type of uniform to be worn.
Alice AskewCanon is directed by the Ad B of F to inform them that they do not wish you to place any moneys you may receive for the sale of the property at March in the administration of Father Clare.
Tonks, Joseph Rev (1863-1943)Asking him to act as agent for diocese in sale of two houses in March which are property of diocese. Diocese prepared to sell if he can secure £1600. If sold, would Fr Clare be able to stay in his house, and if so, for how long?
Tonks, Joseph Rev (1863-1943)Bishop says lowest overall price he can accept is £1500. Plans enclosed; Bishop asks them to review if the proposed new building will be more serviceable than present arrangements.
Fr Clare will have to take lodgings in March if necessary.
Enclosed Cheque for £1000 being sale price of March Presbytery & land. Asks him to send cheque to Ollard. Thinks Canon forgot to tell Ollard about sending money to him. Found by chance that new presbytery being built. Money came promptly when Fr Clare told off.
Cary-Elwes, Dudley Charles Rev (1868-1932)Forwards Fr Clare's letter [re plan, etc.]. He would decline offer. Repeats that present houses & land are great asset for diocese. Considers Fr Clare's chopping and changing not helpful.
Bishop annotation: "consider offer good, all for £1410. Dry rot in house, no bathroom, W. C arrangements rotten. New presbytery near Church would be great advantage."
Postcard showing an interior view of Church of Our Lady & St Peter
Reverse is dated 11-11-22 with a typewritten note from Fr Clare to Canon Tonks
Re property at March. £1400 is far in excess of real value. It will be difficult to get above £1150 for the 2 houses & land. Asks if he will consider offer around figure named when he will do his best to effect an early sale.
Arthur E Craig, FAI