Fr Brown agrees that Watton should be the priority if ever in the position to buy/build a church. However, the puts forward an argument to have a presence in Attleborough with a resident minster. So, no funds for Attleborough Drop-in Centre? meanwhile hope the RAF remain and support Watton.
Brown, Peter RevThree large market towns and only one church. Watton seems to have priority, so long as the RAF do not pull out. Attleborough though, does it need a permanent church? The community there is small and we should be open to co-operation with other Christian churches if it is offered. He doubts that they are in the position to invest real money in the suggested venture. Instinct then is for Watton. Right? Please guide.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)The Bishop insists that Fr Brown "cannot do the morally impossible". Note Dereham was erected as a parish to enable Mass at Hethersett. Attleborough should be discussed between Fr Brown and the Vicar-General or Dean to see what is possible. It is sensitive with Fr Brendan Peters only 80% well. Bishop is thinking out loud on paper. Watton: the Bishop has a candidate in mind, but will consult with Fr Brown.
"It is no 'theological nicety' that we will need (structural ) laity involvement on a deeper scale than ever before...", Bishop is uneasy if pastoral responsibility is seen as exclusively pertaining to the Parish priest.
Until the RAF decide no real decision can be made for Watton. Fr Brown is extended to his fullest and additional demands through provision at Watton are not envisaged. Perhaps mileage in a Permanent Deacon? Maybe provision in one of the other Christian churches in the area or must parishioners arrange transport to Wymondham?
p.s. "I much appreciate your gift to the PEF - out of your legacy."
Acknowledges the need for a review in the light of the closure of RAF Watton - wishes FR Jennings well in that. The ongoing formation of priests - since the departure of Tony Philpot to Rome there has been a gap and the Bishop hopes to remedy this before too long.
Jennings, David RevSetting out the timetable for the Visitation on 7/8 September.
Brown, Peter RevSome sort of trouble last Thursday, Fr Brown was elsewhere. Fr Wright had lead the discussion group at the Presbytery but for the last two Fr Brown was in Hingham and North Wymondham. Tonight he will be at Watton. No upset known here or in Costessey. People seemed to like a different preacher - he is newly ordained and inexperienced with lay people. Fr Brown will have a word with him to be a bit more careful and show continuity between traditional and modern views. Perhaps the Bishop should invite him to the White House?
Brown, Peter RevWatton parishioners are expressing concern over the possible departure of the RAF from the area and its potential impact n their community. Fr Brown has asked senior staff at the base but does not know the future for the RAF station. He is letting the Bishop know about the situation and is asking if he could speak to him face-to-face about this.
Brown, Peter RevRAF Watton is to be partly closed. The RAF have offered the use of the Officers' Mess. Fr Brown will inspect it for suitability. Invites comments and advice from the Bishop.
Manuscript annotation: "Authorised enquiries on answering machine. 30-6-95"
Fr Brown notes that the new prison at Griston, near Watton, has occasioned the CoE to appoint a full-time vicar and the Methodists to advise their minister to include the prison in his circuit. Hence Fr Brown considers that the new prison may require a complete reconsideration of "our pastoral responsibilities in central Norfolk". He attaches a paper with his thoughts.
Brown, Peter RevIdentified the issues associated with his parish and the difficulty in pulling it together when his mass centres are run by other priests and the lack of a community feel emerging in Attleborough. Following the Bishop's advice not to take on a 4th Sunday Mass at Wayland Prison, he now has the unique situation of 3 priests from 3 different parishes entering his parish. A review of boundaries and responsibilities is long overdue. He asks that the Diocesan Council of Priests examine this and identify practical solutions. He is unable to serve the people as they need and deserve. He asks that the Bishop does what he can to make the Parish more conducive to good Pastoral Care.
Brown, Peter RevFr Chapman provided figured to the Vicar-General earlier in the week. Fr Chapman wishes to be relieved of Watton because his health is not robust, finding Sunday mornings an effort and is pretty exhausted at the end. Losing Watton will make a difference because in 1977 it provided £800 and for 1978 it will be more than £900. Fr Chapman is concerned that his expenditure at Wymondham parish exceeds income. Much has been done to the house, cottage and hall and now the Church needs a new rook - £4,050 + VAT. He can manage without Watton and will have to ask Wymondham and Hethersett parishioners to be more generous 0 he thinks they could be.
Chapman, Kenneth S Rev ( -1983)RAF Watton: collections (average £15 per week) , payments, expenses ; mass attendance 50 to 62. Attleborough: collections, expenses.
Fr Chapman liked looking after Watton, but his health is not good and he gets exhausted and would like to be relieved of Watton. Finances declining, a lot of work on house, cottage & hall. New roof needed for church (estimate at £4,050 + 8% VAT).
A letter to parishioners setting out the steps taken by Fr Farrell to address the financial problems with the parish: Housekeeper leaving, cancelling Sunday Bulletin, Re-calibration of electricity meters, Hall hire increase, covenants. The reverse side provides an account for the year to 31 December 1982 detailing income and expenditure - showing a deficit of £638
Farrell, H J RevFr Jennings informing the Bishop that RAF Watton is to close and consequently there will not be a chapel for the community there. In considering Mass provision it may require a general review of Masses at Wymondham. Who is responsible for the Ministry of Formation of Priests since the position has been vacant for 3 years?
Jennings, David Rev£40 cheque as an offering for the Bishop's visit to administer Confirmation on 4 December. Families were appreciative of his words at Mass and in conversation afterwards.
Jennings, David RevProgramme for Bishop Peter Smith to visit Wymondham on 23rd & 24th May 1998. Includes going to Hethersett, RAF Watton, a buffet and auction of promises with inaugural third world parish link.
Also a page of briefing notes related to points raised by Parish Pastoral Council: 1. Vision for the future - to help parish in how it sees itself; 2. Buffet supper with non RC clergy invited to help develop ecumenical links in the area; 3. RAF closing Officers' Mess at Watton, where the Catholic Chapel is housed - Bishop's presence is a statement about the importance of RAF's continued support; CO may be present.
Asst. Principal Chaplain, RC, RAF Anthony Smith writes to the Bishop regarding the arrangements for the Chaplaincy at RAF Honington. Fr Bill Mason takes the role. Fr Smith has seen Fr Peter Brown at RAF Watton and discussed the arrangements. They are both very pleased with the efforts of the station commander at RAF Honington and suggests that in the present climate of severe cut-backs that the station commander be thanked (a draft letter attached) as it would help the RC Chaplain's branch considerably as the RAF is quite sensitive to local feeling.
Smith, Anthony RevA full description of the current status of the Parish through a series of answers made in response to the checklist for visitation of same date.
Jennings, David Rev- Introduction; 2. Foreword by Fr Peter Brown; 3. Contents; 4. Catholic Schools; 5. Church services; 6. Parish administration; 7. Communications; 8. Ministry; 9. Prayer Groups; 10. Education; 11. Mission; 12. Parish community; 13. Ecumenical directory; 16. List of parishioners (in the directory).