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Abbot John Roberts: Dom Aelred Watkins, thirteen years as Headmaster of Downside, is to replace Dom Little at Beccles.

Unsure as to why the customary letter regarding not being appointed as a school governor was not sent to Mrs Bramley. As Fr Watkin was not reappointed at the same time perhaps he could contact her and discuss.

Bishop comments:
Case 1: your judgement; my support; need a trusted person; update the dispensation appropriately
Case 2: Not sure he understands this case - need to check on what dispensations were in effect (held in Northampton); what is the desire to bring up the children as Catholics?

An issue the Bishop has been alerted to by Fr Harry Wace after a letter from a parishioner. Matter involves the decisions made by the Beccles Committee - diocesan needs must be judged by diocesan criteria.

Thanks for the account of your stewardship - you are happy in Beccles, I think. Share some anxieties but not convinced of your conclusions. Off to Rome, November before can look in on you.

Thanks for accepting being a governor of St Benet's and St Marys. Course in Newark New Jersey (RENEW - about parish renewal), Rome for a week on 28 September. Shame about Stephen after all the work your Abbot did. Need to find time to meet.

Unable to attend a Buffet Supper because of a prior engagement.

Unfortunately the day clashes with an ordination to the Diaconate i Bury St Edmunds - so cannot attend. Good to invite Mgr McBride as a representative instead. "Hey ho! I wonder how you will get along without a Lady Mayoress."

Quite busy - Ordination in Arundel next week. Offers a couple of days when meeting may be possible.

Nothing to forgive - if there were then would give absolution immediately. Feel the loss of Ceolfrid too. Chrism mass well attended. Good month in Australia. Thanks for looking after Fr Tony Roberts. Glad Stephen is appointed and bedding in well.

Date in the diary. Glad to know Fr Watkin being in good health. Tyrrell must be required reading for Benedictines this Advent. Share sentiments about the Anti-Modernist Oath. It is really unintelligible; so no lack of integrity in saying it.

Having returned from an episcopal funeral in Portsmouth, invited to another in Liverpool by Archbishop Worlock for +Anthony Hitchen. You now know why the visitation is cut short - proposes to leave for Liverpool after lunch and hence cannot attend the school on Monday but offer Wednesday instead.

Reschedule visitation from 19 September to 3 October? Bishop due in Westminster for Compline at 6pm on previous Saturday.

Gary [Fr Dowsey] will make arrangements as 17 April gets closer. AIDS is a terrible scourge.
Am improving in health; have not let it stop him from going to Rome, Geneva and Corfu.

Bishop was surprised that she did not get a letter thanking her for her service - as is the Bishop's custom. The projected ecumenical school would not have survived after the Anglians had "pulled out" of the scheme. Informed Fr Aelred of her protestation.

Confirms that the schedule stands as arranged except for rescheduling 10am Mass to 10.30am. Bishop will lunch with Todhunter and will be bringing chrism, etc., etc..

Fr John Smith confirms the Bishop will: preach at 8am mass at Gillingham; 10am Confirmation Mass at Beccles will be said in English; preach at the 6.30pm; visits of 10 minutes each i the afternoon; cup of tea at the convent; visit to St Mary's Home. All about best use of the Bishop's time without making it seemed rushed.
p.s "... noted your request for a medal for Reginald Jones"

Bishop does not wear a dalmatic
Arrival under a canopy, the Bishop observes, is both unusual and an innovation. Will go with whatever Fr Watkin thinks fit. (A favourite piece of music is "The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba"!)

Confirming schedule for Visitation on Sunday 16 September 1979. "The bishop was glad to hear you are fulfilling all your civic obligations - but don't over do it." [Reference to Fr Watkins being Mayor of Beccles]

9 September letter appointing him a governor of St Benet's and St Marys - happy to serve. But note that in 1990 will need to retire when 70. Glad to be shot of Gorleston. Tony Roberts looks ill and frail but is much better. Can I come and discuss Bungay?