Writing from Old Bracondale, Cromer, Leland Buxton asks whether there will be a Catholic Church at Downham Market. He is considering buying Crow Hall but does not wish to be too far form a church. The rector at King's Lynn [ Fr Stokes] cannot arrange anything for Sundays [at Downham].
manuscript annotation: "Ans: no present prospect of a mission at Downham. K Lynn cannot serve it on Sundays because he has to say 2 masses. Wd. have no objection to Mass in private house if open to the Cath. public, but I do not guarantee a Priest. tho' I would grant faculties to a visiting Priest were he a fit person. So very sorry. Ap. 7/27."
The Hierarchy's principle is to retain Catholic Children in schools until legally required to let them go. However irrational it may seem and against the good of an individual child - that is his decision.
Downham Market Boundaries - await Fr Ketterer's suggestion but the priest at Downham strictly speaking has no territory being chaplain to an institution.
Money expended by me [? mother superior of the convent?]
Table of payments & receipts
"I began these payments last march on behalf of Fr Pitt who was not able to attend to business as usual, on the understanding that he would reimburse me as soon as convenient. The parents' contribution for this quarter has not been collected yet, but is being collected by Sister Margarita."
"..the whole indebtedness is.." £24.12.5
Table of journeys, headings:
Civil Parish / Miles from door to door / Mode of transport / Time occupied in journey (door to door) /Fare Cost per term / Who pays?
23 parishes mentioned
Order of Servants of Mary (OSM) (1233-)Catholic Education Commission (CEC) application form refers. The LEA refuses a fare grant for Downham Market children as they travel more than 5 miles (i.e. 13 and 16 miles). Is there anything the Diocesan Schools Commission can do?
Baker, Oswald Charles Rev (1915-2004)The CEC is trying to avoid paying for travel where the LEA might instead pay. In the Downham Market case, it is unlikely that the LEA would pay anyway. Put "Yes, but the distance is 13/16 miles" and the position will be clear to the committee.
Brewer, Arthur T Rev BCL (-1972)Writing from Downham Market. Son has a scholarship at Wymondham College. Asks for Fr Sammons' help convert it to one at a Catholic College. Encloses a letter to the Chief Education Officer [not present].
Correspondent10-year analysis (1956 to 1966) of children aged 1 to 15 years in the area of Lynn & Downham - mention also of Fakenham, Hunstanton, Sutton Bridge, Swaffham and Wisbech.
Sammons, Francis Ethelbert Clowes Rev (1925-1975)Cover note of a 10-year [1956-1966] analysis of RC children in the Lynn & Downham areas. Anticipating a two-stream entry at secondary level by 1961.
Sammons, Francis Ethelbert Clowes Rev (1925-1975)Writing from King's Lynn. Fr Baker [Downham Market] suggested the contact to request assistance by grant to cost of child's education. Local grammar is very ordinary.
CorrespondentAltar dressed for Mass; Madonna & Child to left (in its carrying case); framed poster of the crucifixion to right; seven chairs set for the congregation.
Reverse: "Fr Mac2's Altar No. 4. This is post Vat II.
This was in two main pieces - a heavy wooden folding table & a large wooden case made of marine plywood with aluminium protective moulding on all corner edges. The case has a detachable lid which when removed allowed the altar top to be unfolded outwards - under this folding top were stowed all the altar requisites.
This was the altar I left at Mr St John Foti's museum at Downham Market.
Note. This photo shows my hand-carved statue of O.Lady in a protective oak case - I used to stand it near my altar. On the left is one of my seasonal posters by an artist friend. (Boxford Suffolk)
Altar No. 4"
Table "Roman Catholic Infant Baptisms in the Parishes of King's Lynn, Downham Market and Hunstanton" for the years 1949 to 1962 inclusive.
2 pages, each with similar manuscript annotations: "I suggest it is not practicable to include Downham, Hunstanton since the distances are too great for primary children."
Responding to a correspondent about situation at Downham Market. "I share your anxiety about Downham Market, and for some time now I have been endeavouring to find a viable solution to this unhappy problem." People with cars can drive to Oxburgh or Swaffham - but this is far from a happy solution.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Redemptorist publication "Christian Encounter" - reverse page for local parish notes
Page 1 - printed, but proper of Mass crossed out
Page 2 - "Topic - Women's Dress in Church" - a description of the nature/style of dress for a woman at Mass.
"Strictly and exclusively the complete unchanged traditional Catholic Latin Mass of St Pius V at Downham Market"
A considerable reorganisation of parishes and pastoral responsibilities in the area of Dereham and Swaffham. Downham Market will become part of the Swaffham parish with Fr Peter Marsh as its first parish priest; it may be re-established as a parish in the future. Fr Baker must be living on a pittance now that RAF Marham has its own chaplain. Providing him with an overview of intentions which will not happen until arrangements have been made for Fr Baker.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Birthday wishes for 8th to Bishop. Will need time reflect before making any comment.
Baker, Oswald Charles Rev (1915-2004)Page 1: Petition text: loss of daily Mass and related devotions following proposed re-alignment of parish boundaries; much fund-raising done for the Church; Rural nature of Downham Market parish would make it difficult for a priest based at Swaffham. Hence request the Bishop reverse the decision affecting Downham parish
Page 2: 1 copy of petition names - column 1 35 names; column 2 32 names
Covering letter for a petition which was also sent to Bishop Grant
CorrespondentIncome in the parish has increased - so, not living on a "pittance". Willing to accept position as a curate so that the parish priest from Swaffham does not have to travel to Downham. His weekly visit to the convent in Swaffham means he could easily report to the PP. Changes would be detrimental to this parish. Suggest that any priest free to officiate do so at Oxburgh instead. Not impelled to move; willing to stay.
Baker, Oswald Charles Rev (1915-2004)"..It is only just to you to hear from me the extent of the reasons why this change in the status of Downham Market has been judged imperative by both the Bishop and myself."
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)