Thanks for kind wishes on his election to Abbot of Downside. Visited Beccles some weeks ago and much impressed by this beautiful church. Some day it will be a strong centre of religious life in the district.
Ramsay, Henry Havelock Leander Abbot (1863-1929)Given that the bishop has an appreciation of Fr Worswick's work, the Abbot presents him for a permanent appointment to Beccles as parish priest.
Downside AbbeyAbbot Ramsay: Need to provide resources for the missions - hence a need to move Fr Worswick from Beccles. Fr martin Campbell, currently at Little Malvern, will replace him.
manuscript annotation: "Extremely sorry! But will not embarrass you, only trusting that Beccles will not go to sleep again. Fr Worswick [illegible] her from sleep of Spiritual Starvation. I give faculties to Fr Campbell for when he comes, also for the Nuns. Fr Worswick [illegible] leave his faculties form behind, when Fr Campbell comes he can send it to me. I will just change the name. Sept 12/24."
Due to illness, effecting a swap of priests. Fr Worswick will start as soon as he receives the faculties.
Downside AbbeyAustin Snowden (36 Newgate St, Beccles) says that the new term is near and will the Bishop let him know where he is to be sent so that he can prepare.
manuscript annotation: "Wrote to him & to [illegible] Sept 28/26"
Decision of the House of Lords in "Bourne v Keane" in 1919 - "since the passing of the Catholic Relief Act 1829 bequests of personalty to be applied for Masses for the dead are no invalid as gifts to superstitious uses". (Part of Lord Parmour's judgement quoted). Therefore propose to let the Deed remain as drawn.
Barnard & SonAs instructed by the executors of the estate of the late Mr Francis Easto Banham, a draft Declaration of Trust enclosed [not present] for the £1000 bequeathed as an Endowment Fund for St Benet's Beccles.
manuscript annotation: "Returned Endowment with a few comments."
"My dear Fr. Abbot
I did not want to put it in a formal document, but I wish in justice to withdraw or amend, what I wrote to you the other day about the origin of the trouble between Bp. Riddell and the Benedictines of Downside over the gift by Miss Charlotte Boyd of the Slipper Chapel to Downside.
I have been going through the correspondence, and it appears from that that Miss Boyd from the commencement desired to make it over to the Benedictines.
She wrote to Bp. Riddell in this sense wishing to get his consent to this action. Bp. Riddell, however, did not take too kindly to the idea, and said he would like to place a missionar Priest at the Slipper Chapel as a centre from which he could, in time establish little Missions at Fakenham, Dereham and Wells. This was in August, 1895.
In July, 1897, she writes that the Chapel has been transferred and invested in the names of three of the Downside Benedictine Fathers.
In May, 1920, Abbot Ford asked leave to organize a Pilgrimage from Beccles and its neighbourhood to Walsingham in August, “but I am told that your Lordship would not approve of it. Will you please send me a line to say if this is so, for I should not move any farther in the project unless I was sure of your approval.”
To which Bp. Riddell answered, on May 28 1900 :
“There is only one Pilgrimage approved by me, that to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham at Lynn. I cannot approve of any other.”
I only give you these extracts to clear myself of a misrepresentation of the facts which I made, and to show how the unfortunate friction began."
Cyril is in a good place for him at Woburn Sands and will stay there for a good time. Good idea for his sister to move in with him and to get him out of "lodgings"
Cary-Elwes, Dudley Charles Rev (1868-1932)Dispensation for Sr Agnes
Sacra Congregatio de Religiosis (1908-)Going to Sudbury next week to take on a mission whilst Fr Heptonstall is recuperating abroad. Hopes the Diocese will not be split up as he hopes to learn about it. Helping Fr Campbell preach - likes it. Enjoyed his 3.5 months in Sheringham.
Banham, Cyril Norbert Rev (1887-1963)Written to Mgr Freeland and will go to see him for the Exam and Oath. Fr Nutt has asked that he supply for him.
Banham, Cyril Norbert Rev (1887-1963)Working people will get to see a ceremony they have never seen and not likely to see again. Need a supply for Fr Squirrell. Have the four priests required. Will bishop accept hospitality when visiting Beccles? Fr Campbell's letter attached.
Banham, Cyril Norbert Rev (1887-1963)Writing from St Joseph's Seminary. Travel arrangements. Expects to travel with John Ketterer with whom he expects to have a life long bond as they are to be ordained together. Has obtained 400 copies of the Ceremony from CTS Liverpool for the congregation's use.
Banham, Cyril Norbert Rev (1887-1963)Report on Fr Banham - progressing steadily; exercising no more than a mile a day; wound healed and no suspicion of it reopening; some phlegm and tubercle germs still present.
Helsham, Christopher T DSC Dr (-c.1943)Dr C T Helsham (4 The Walk, Beccles) providing a health report about Fr Banham. Fair sized chest would which requires daily dressing; generally food health; but will not allow him to say Mass last Sunday. Three further months to heal. Needs first class nursing and not to return to being sole priest at Billing.
manuscript annotation: "Thanked. Have relieved Cyril B from duty of Billing. Ap 16/28"
Dr C T Helsham (The Hollies, Beccles) providing a health report about Fr Banham. Wound has almost healed. But, he has a Tubercular infection in his lungs. It is an early one and he has gone away to a sanatorium. he will not be returning to duties for 12 to 18 months.
manuscript annotation: "Answered. Thanking for the report. Dec 3/28"
Dr C T Helsham (The Hollies, Beccles) providing a health report about Fr Banham. Medical Officer at the sanatorium unable to find infection in the right lung (the good one); not necessary to explore the old wound; continue TB regime; possible operation for the left lung; no idea of length of stay.
Helsham, Christopher T DSC Dr (-c.1943)Mr Worswick, the owner, has the "Round Room" consecrated as a chapel - this may be of interest to the priest at Beccles, Fr Worswick (a relative of the owner).
marginal annotation: red crayon "?" and "!" and underlined word "consecrated".
No longer a resident of Beccles - hence tenders his resignation as Diocesan representative on the Catholic Scouts & Guides Advisory Council.
Correspondent