Fr John Smith writes to say that the Visitation scheduled for 16 April [1978] will now take place on 19 November 1978, following Fr Thomson's willingness to reschedule.
Bishop's OfficeFr Davidson thanks the Bishop for his kindness during the Visitation. Sends a £38 cheque for expenses.
Thomson, David C Rev (-1998)Parish Council intends to obtain a building (much like a garage) to position alongside the Parish Room for storage. Budget for the project is £700. Other options have been explored. Mr Anderson, Parish Secretary, is a retired quantity surveyor and has done all the work to get the costs and information. The Bishop is asked for his approval.
Manuscript annotation: "Authorised, with consent of Treasurer by telephone 15-4-1978."
Response to bishop's letter
[Case 1:] thanks for letting him go ahead
[Case 2:] Documents seem to have disappeared on way to Australia hence priest there will not attend, not having seen the dispensation
Converts mentioned.
23rd December still ok? Confirmation at the convent chapel at 6.30. Girl is thrilled; nuns not sure what to lay out. Bringing a book, oils and robes?
Watkin, Aelred Rev MA FSA FRSA FRHistS (1918-1997)Covering letter: Miss D Boxer, on behalf of the executive lay committee of the St Benet's parish, is forwarding the comments on "A Time for Building".
ParishionerHe and Coelfrid enjoyed the meal and meeting Basil Hume.Mentions the Bishop's forthcoming operation; hopes the appeal will get a response in Beccles but spending nearly £6,000 on our own roof may work against it.
Watkin, Aelred Rev MA FSA FRSA FRHistS (1918-1997)Pointed observations on British Council of Churches and priests being married (before or after ordination). Mentions that neither Our Lord nor St John the Baptist said one word to criticise the politicians and economic institutions at the time [supported by several Latin quotations].
Watkin, Aelred Rev MA FSA FRSA FRHistS (1918-1997)Many cards from Downside boys and staff. Seeing Fr Rogers frequently may help him - he is a good man. The church committee is mandated not to get into debt and all church improvements are paid for by benefactors - not church funds. Deanery minutes were just pointing out the danger of extraordinary ministers becoming ordinary ones. Mention of other parish oddities: one not having had confessions since last Easter; another replaced the Gospel with children reading out their compositions; another reading out snippets from the pastoral letter.
Watkin, Aelred Rev MA FSA FRSA FRHistS (1918-1997)Induction at Beccles planned for 14 November - arrangements.
Will enclosed [not present]
Apologies for missing Finance Board and the Consultors - on holiday
Book on Away Week in May
Provides a full timetable for the visit and discusses a number of the elderly and sick who would greatly appreciate a visit from the Bishop. To do all that is required and meet the people concerned Fr Watkin suggests some of Monday too.
Watkin, Aelred Rev MA FSA FRSA FRHistS (1918-1997)Just announced that the Beccles Bridge is to be closed for repairs on the weekend of 21st November. Hence advises the need to divert via Bungay (an extra 11 miles), reschedule 10am Mass to 10.30am, and potentially cancel the meal with Mr Todhunter at Gillingham Hall.
Watkin, Aelred Rev MA FSA FRSA FRHistS (1918-1997)Thanks the Bishop for an enjoyable day. Boshell's muddles on Sunday - hope next time things will be rather more decorous. Cheque for expenses enclosed [manuscript annotation: "£35 cheque"]. Apologises if the Bishop saw a publication extolling Lefebre and attacking the Bishop - "A lunatic woman from Southwold shoves it through my door!" Believes a new candidate for instruction was moved to ask following the Bishop's sermon.
Watkin, Aelred Rev MA FSA FRSA FRHistS (1918-1997)Sets out programme for visit, including a folk mass at 6.30pm - "they really do it quite well".
Worn out after the carnival and the regatta. "But I have done all my civic duties - including kissing 'Miss Waveney!'"
Mrs Bramley is kind-hearted, etc. she did discuss the letter with the Abbot but also added other parts not seen until the Bishop copied her letter to him. He was delighted not to be governor and will talk to her. On way to Mass at Gillingham; his health has its ups and downs.
Watkin, Aelred Rev MA FSA FRSA FRHistS (1918-1997)Thanks for the generous cheque for church funds. Have already made £1000 in fundraising activities last year and so start this year more optimistically than usual.
Append application for dispensation for a mixed marriage. They had though her form and venue for their marriage was a choice for them and they were married at CofE in Ingoldisthorpe by Rev Potts of Heacham. Surprised to learn that their marriage was not valid under Catholic Canon Law. Despite not seeing eye-to-eye with Rev Potts, credit should go to him because he suggested they should see me.
Thanks for the memento for the repose of the soul of my youngest sister, Christina, who died on 26th after seven years of cancer.
Apologises for his absence at Chrism Mass. He describes an ill-fated road journey to Norwich left him late and in the wrong mood for concelebrating Mass - so he returned to Hunstanton.
Mossey, John J Rev Hon. CF (-1995)A picture (not in an inventory) hanging in the sacristy since 1958 is thought by Mother Irma to be valuable. She arranged for a London art expert to see it and he suggested it was worth £1500 if by a pupil, but a lot more if from the Master of a celebrated school of Masters. John Ketterer had said that its location makes it practically invisible from the church. Whilst stopping Mother Irma's enthusiasm for a sale, Fr Mossey could do with the money and asks the bishop's permission to sell.
Mossey, John J Rev Hon. CF (-1995)Cheque from Mother Irma: Convent's contribution to Mensal Fund. Peter Wilson requested that it be sent direct to the Bishop and not with the parish collection. Recovering from flu.
Mossey, John J Rev Hon. CF (-1995)Requests reallocation of £5,000 from Miss Insley's estate for general use in Hunstanton Parish. Money urgently needed for work from the Quinquennial Survey - money already spent by Fr Nesden results in him only having £50 in the bank. Trustees have no objection - hopes the Finance Board will agree.
Nesden, Bernard Rev (-1999)