John Hawkes's successor headmaster to be appointed in December hence he may be available to help Clive [Birch] well before April. Dow House, given by Claude Fisher, is owned by the Walsingham Trust and needs repair. John Hawkes wants to buy it and can make part of it available for Shrine purposes. Peter Wilson also wants to sell the house (but for different reasons). Bishop agree with the sale?
Ward Gethin & CoChapel at Marist Sisters community house has become a popular place for visitors. Asking for permission to had a period of Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament each week, possibly without a priest present, Sr Marina will take responsibility for securing the Tabernacle, etc.
Manuscript annotation [by Bishop]: "Agreed with Fr Birch that normally only a priest should "expose" the Blessed Sacrament not unwilling that Sister Marina should close the tabernacle at the end of the exposition"
Sr Kathleen, as pro-Administrator, requesting permission for an overdraft else unable to pay wages this weekend. Extensive list of reasons as to why one is needed: maintenance; accommodation conversion; donations have ceased; 18 pipe bursts... "I admit I have been a failure at Walsingham, but have always acted in good faith and tried my poor best, although in complete darkness where most things are concerned and now shall be only too delighted if someone else takes over."
Caulfield, Kathleen Sister SM (-2006)Director's report - Dowry of Mary pilgrimage led by Cardinal Hume and Bp Smith attracted largest number of pilgrims for years with lots of radio and TV coverage
Finance - approved by Executive Committee
Slipper Chapel Window - Assumption window to be removed for cleaning; cartoon of new window by December and work commence in April
Gifts to the Shrine - agreed a policy towards gifts
Walsingham Association
Centenary Committee - no report
Railway Track use - Sacred Land Trust to make a bid
AOB - Remains of Charlotte Boyd; Statue travels decision to be left with Bishop and Director; three sketches produced of new parish church
Director's report - No major works for the year; accommodation refurbished
Finance - Walsingham Trust now included in the accounts; Davis Clarke of MacIntyres appointed as accountant; Hayes and Storr appointed a solicitors
Centenary Report - 15 new pilgrimages booked during Centenary Year. Media Associates producing a souvenir booklet
Slipper Chapel Windows - well in hand
Preservation of 1948 Crosses - Mr Rossi asked to survey the condition of the crosses
Railway Track - one off payment; on-going maintenance; bridge by NNDC
Church of the Annunciation - Mr Rossi to produce plan for new church
n.b. Identified as Trustees (under Present): Bp Smith, Canon McBride, Fr Williams, Fr. Wilson. Minuet secretary: Mrs Broughton (Clerk to the Trustees)
Broughton, Audrey MrsAgreed Bp Clark to send invitation letter to fellow Bishops
Agreed variation in Appeal from parish to parish and Diocese to Diocese
Appeals Office to open 8 September 1980.
Agreed target figure of £250,000.
Walsingham Association to be approached for contacts
Items seen or reported by or to Fr Birch and Michael Wingate on 4 July 1984:
Inside Slipper Chapel (4)
Exterior of the Slipper Chapel (5)
Interior of Sacristy, Corridor and Holy Ghost Chapel (7)
Exterior of Sacristy, etc. (1)
Following a review of documents received from Fr Birch and Architect, they can comment that whilst underfloor heating is expensive there is no other option for the Chapel; gas/oil fired water heating would have been a better option. However to improve they suggest modifications:
Background Heating
Control of Underfloor Background Heating
Additional Comfort Warming
Roof Insulation
Running costs (£1500 pa but Eastern Electricity Board have special rates for churches)
Extract Ventilation
Clean draft text for illuminated address.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Poor health, poor eyesight and ageing have lead Jim Pyne to resign from the Executive Committee of Walsingham Shrine - but would be happy to help in other ways at the Shrine.
Pyne, JimReport takes several steps in one large bound - first steps are covered in the 6 points of the conclusion, which Wingate finds satisfactory. Need to develop some form of cost control; train the team not increase it in size.
Comments on architectural issue (doors, vestibules, access)
Comments regarding approach to selling the idea; good luck with Cypress trees - pruning? Don't make a silk purse ut of a sows' ear - the temporary building is just that; paint is better - Fletton bricks suffer form sulphate attack. Uses suggest will not generate income so keep the upgrading simple. Fire precautions - need to talk at some length with Michael Ward or Adrian Kellett.
Agreed the anticipated overspend of £3345 will not be addressed by reducing spend on other items - take opportunities to save as they become available.
He is ending the present study and will send account soon. The new draft will be discussed with Fr Birch, then will ask for a committee meeting to put forward the new proposal.
Purcell Miller Tritton & PartnersMichael Wingate writing to Michael Ward: responding to a letter of 15 April requesting observations on overspend. An annotated list of designated gifts provided to Stan Tucker who collated them all into one total sum. Duplication of items lead to Clive [Birch] believing they were covered by a gift and ordering them. The underlying reason for the confusion is that no-one is responsible for cost management. Contracted costs have been successfully controlled but such peripheral items incur additional costs or a commissioned on a time charge basis.
Additionally there have been two major plan changes. Also expected to fit-out in a more lavish way than expected. It all comes back to nobody assuming responsibility for overall expenditure.
Covering letter for three reports
- Schedule of Defects
- Notes on defects
- Water penetration report through new roof at Sacristies and Holy Ghost Chapel
Confirming Fr Birch's appointment as "Priest-in-Charge" (Vicarius Economus) of the parish of Walsingham and Wells
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Suggested draft text for illuminated address. Manuscript amendments and comments by Bishop Clark.
Birch, Clive Rev SM LGSM[Note - note-taker assumed to be Rev Hawkes, although not named]
Presentation by Architects (Michael Wingate & Henry Rolph)
Comments by Committee members
Conclusions:
- To get more land, else shrink the chapel
- Model requested to be ready for Shrine Council meeting on 23rd
[Note - note-taker assumed to be Rev Hawkes, although not named]
Discussion with Architects [Mr M Wingate, Mr M Morrison] around the plans/sketches submitted to the 2nd Shrine Council meeting.
List of points recorded as made to the architects, with further "Final Comments" being:
- Size of the chapel - as it was
- Lower the Altar
- The Sanctuary must be large - this was so
- A processional entrance for the concelebrants was needed
Advising that the Diocesan Council may decide on contribution based on costs - £4,000 for works and £2,500 for drains and services. Noted that the Trustees of the Anglican Shrine have decided not to make a contribution.
manuscript notes (different hands):
"Passed over to Fr Clive Birch - to be dealt with"
"Copy to Fr Wilson"
- EDP, 1983-6-7: "Walsingham Hospice for sick Pilgrims" - new hospice opened by Fr Clive Birch
- The Universe, 1984-9-14: Walsingham Four Page Special Issue - Jubilee of Walsingham Shrine
- EEN, 1987-4-21: "Staff Shrine staff hit out at portrayal" - BBC 2 programme England's Nazareth