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 AbbeyBishop'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.
Bishop's OfficeRefers 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.
Brewer, Arthur T Rev BCL (-1972)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.
Brewer, Arthur T Rev BCL (-1972)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.
Loftus, Nicholas MrDaughter 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?
CorrespondentAdvising the Abbot that the Bishop is unable to attend to Diocesan affairs for the next few weeks, hence this letter as reply.
Bishop has been quite clear, i accordance with other Bishops, on the approach to be taken. Firm approval from him for the scheme at Beccles. Covers a range of funding/income issues associated with Beccles parish. Note that Gorleston Catholic Modern Secondary school will have Beccles as a feeder school.
typescript annotation: "Fr Abbot's letter gave the agreed valuation as follows:- Playing field £1260, House and Garden £4,100. All this will be sold to the Authority for £5360. The playground will be retained in the ownership of the Authority. The remainder will be conveyed back to Downside Abbey Beccles School trust. 'It looks as though out of this Beccles will be "clear" about £3000'".
The Ministry are likely to approved the adaptation of the presbytery at Beccles as a School. It must meet the requirements of the Development Plan for little more than £7,500 and less than £10,000. Seniors are still temporarily at St Benet's whilst waiting for the new school at Gorleston to be built, which has a good chance.
Brewer, Arthur T Rev BCL (-1972)With Sterret at the Ministry - they are likely to approved the adaptation of the presbytery at Beccles as a School. There are a few aspects which need addressing: Daylight in the Hall, Kitchen/Scullery space, paved playground. Need to update the sketch to show these adjustments.
The ESN [Educationally Sub-Normal - a contemporary term] pupil could be sent to Besford Court.
Ministry has invited a formal application to be made. But before doing that need to ensure the Bishop has approved, also the question of a future presbytery will need to be agreed between the Bishop and the Abbot
Brewer, Arthur T Rev BCL (-1972)Has 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 OSBCovering letter for a copy of a letter from the Ministry of Education.
Hall, C Rupert Rev OSBDisagrees with the Bishop. Considers the trust funds could be better managed and not allowed to deteriorate in returns - draws a comparison with Downside's better fund management. Quotes Canon Hunting that too much effort is required to maintain too little income.
Innes, M Benet Rev OSBNo reply from Headmaster at Leman school regarding provisions for RI for RC children. Architects Sterret & Blouet of Ashley Place SW1 instructed but only produced two sketches, still awaiting their brain child. Ministry will allow for one classroom but want two. Build it myself if necessary. Saw the Bishop in Southwold and in his customary manner he assumed I had not asked you for advice, I was too bored to enlighten him.
Innes, M Benet Rev OSBThanks Canon Brewer for his kind words after the exasperating "discursive and discouraging irrelevancy" of the interview with the Bishop. Believes the proposed plan is the best one for the school and for the parish.
Innes, M Benet Rev OSBMr John Coney (approved by the Abbot) as a replacement trustee for Dr Helsham, deceased.
Separate account kept for the Church Fabric Endowment Fund - details enclosed [not present]
Dispensation requested for Hickey who is expecting embarkation leave and wishes to be married before returning to his unit. The girl, a non-catholic, is well disposed and attending instructions.
1941 Baptismal and Marriage entries copy to be sent soon.
Bishop not allowed to concern himself with diocesan affairs for some weeks. Can Fr Brewer deal with the letter [not present] from the Downside Abbot re Beccles school scheme? Else send back to be added to the ever-growing pile.
manuscript annotation: "Abbot's letter & copy of my reply sent back to Fr Reffitt 3 Feb 1956 ATB."
The situation arises out of private arrangements for the convenience of the parents in getting their children to Beccles school and the need for the county to re-tender for the contract of transportation. This highlighted the local arrangements and the increase in the cost of providing a larger coach .
Canon Brewer's manuscript annotation: "My Lord Bishop / This would seem to be a case for help form the CEC [Catholic Education Council] / Parents do something / Parish must contribute something / CEC would pay the balance. / What do you advice? ATB."
writing from 89 Elizabeth Street SW1: Discussion on the need to align various bishops around a set of initiatives on the General School Front which is reaching a turning point. Need to ensure Bp Parker is on board. Mentions Under Secretary for Schools, Sir Percival Waterfield (retired, HM Treasury), Sylvia Goodfellow, Bishop of Salford.
Men are now in the priest's house at Beccles turning it into the new school - be in before Winter.