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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.

Mr G Webb is making a window for Slipper Chapel, Walsingham. Stated that the chapel is excluded from the Ancient Monuments Act, however, notices have been served on the Bishop that churches have been scheduled under the Town & Country Planning Act 1947, Section 7.
The Bishop explains that work needs to be done to preserve the buildings and render them useful. Asks for an "interview" to discuss the proposals for work.

Bishop confirming that the property (also known as "The Cockerill" [sic] [aka "The Cockerhill" - see other correspondence] was not for sale whilst Mrs Simpson was alive, but, he did not imply that it would be for sale when she was dead. However, he will be consulting with his Chapter in March.

Canon Gerard Collins writes: Lease with Mr Stebbings. Need clarity from Fr Mossey over the intention of the tenant to pay extra rent for a renewal? Bishop concerned that offering an additional seven years at £50 per year may not be best value for money in the long term. Furthermore better not to commit when the future of Halesworth is not clear. But if Stebbings threatens to clear out then, provided the Chapter agreed, the Bishop would accept the seven years.
Typed annotation: Addressed to John [Fr Mossey] from Bill [Canon Hunting] Sending the letter onwards (please return) to save writing. Questions lease value and term - £1 p.w for a shop is not a lot.

Bishop advises that deeds for presbytery (Normanhurst plots 34 & 35?) are with Withams. As is the separate deed for church plot. Good idea to have a church hall, but, all costs, etc. must go through Finance Board, which meets on 26 February. Bishop is at the Convent in Ipswich and could deal with the matter himself if it is urgent. Does Fr Jolly know anything about Mrs Spencer of Thoringham, Saxmundham? May have lunch there and might meet Fr Jolly there too.

£20 for Leiston boys will come from Lenten Alms. Problems arranging for priests to cover certain areas e.g. Diss, Eye, Framlingham where there are tiny congregations. Bishop does not have enough priests to meet the needs such as a Travelling Mission, but hopes this will improve in time. The Franciscans have taken over East Bergholt and will be well used. Do not know of any house-keeper - not the only one to ask - domestic situation is getting bad.

Bishop'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.

Contents from front:
1926-1930 – 2 pages of historical notes
1906 Statistics;
1907 Statistics, Bishop Riddell made first visitation & confirmation of 8 (23 April 1907);
1908 Statistics, Bishop Keating visitation & confirmation of 6;
1909 Statistics;
1910 Statistics; Bishop’s 2nd visitation& vows of Sister Mary of Sacred Heart
1911 Statistics; Bishop’s visitation – 15 for confirmation; two postulants receive the habit
1912 Statistics; collections
1913 Statistics; collections
1914 Statistics; collections; 42 Belgium refugees
1915 Statistics; collections; Bishop visit 25 for confirmation (19 were Belgian Children)
1916 Statistics; collections arrival of Fr Delaney, departure of Fr Coltee
1917 Statistics; collections; Bishop visit Sept 26; average military attendance at Mass 53
1918 Statistics; collections; average military attendance at Mass 56
1919 Statistics; collections
1920 Statistics; collections
1921 Statistics
1922 Statistics; collections
1923-1964 diary of events

Contents from Back (inverted): First Communion lists for 1907/1908/1909/1911/1912/1913 in manuscript

Refers 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.

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.

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.

Daughter 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?

James [?] has written to the PPs at King's Lynn and Newmarket regarding pipe organs.
King's Lynn: Fr Wace's intention to replace a pipe organ with an electronic instrument is not welcome and he should ask for the writer to visit him to discuss the matter.
Newmarket: Fr Kennedy is aware that the matter is not that urgent and he could have a small but adequate pipe organ - thus avoiding the uneccessary step of installing an electroinc organ. Fr Kennedy is contacting Millar Organ Company of Norwich for a loan of an electroinnc instrument.

Advising 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.