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Bishop of Norwich writes to inform Bishop of EA about a letter he has written concerning the sharing of Hethersett Anglican church. He assumes that the RC priest and people have been in direct touch with Bishop Clark on the matter.

Writing to the rector, Rev M Sexton at Hethersett, the Bishop of Norwich reiterates the steps taken by the rector to establish the proposal for shared use of the Hethersett church. He is happy to give general permission to proceed. A copy goes to the RC Bishop of East Anglia. He extends his good wishes for this experiment.

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.

Three 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.

Bishop considers the points raised by Fr Brown. Setting aside the Diocese's "penury", it is important to have a goal in mind - permanent church (small such as in Blakeney) or church centre? Bishop tends to the latter with a view to ecumenical sharing. although the Anglicans are currently building their own. What about the Methodist Church and its buildings?
Re Sr. Alies, provision for her will be largely at Wymondham's expense. but the idea is worth exploring.

The draft provided by Asst. Principal Chaplain, RC, RAF Anthony Smith is used to thank the O/C Grp. Cpt. Morris about the arrangements for the Chaplaincy at RAF Honington. The use of RAF churches is a valuable facility for the scattered communities in East Anglia, together with the cooperation of the RAF Chaplains' Branch.

Provision of Church & presbytery in Wymondham a very great work and quite necessary. But need thorough consideration. The Vicar-General has experience in purchasing sites; need to consider current and future needs. Is Norwich growing towards Wymondham or vice versa?

Form for use prior to Bishop's Visitation 12-7-1985, sections are:

1. Condition of Church
2. Parish Registers
3. Record of Parishioners
4. General Condition of Parish Property
   (last report 1983)
   Signed by Fr Harry Wace comment: "In summary Fr Brown has the administration in excellent order now."

Form for use prior to Bishop's Visitation, 17-6-1988, sections are:

1. Condition of Church
2. Parish Registers
3. Record of Parishioners
4. General Condition of Parish Property - ("Hall on its last legs!"; Toller to undertake survey)
   (last report 1983)
   Signed by Fr Harry Wace comment: "A very well run Parish."

Form for use prior to Bishop's Visitation, 17-6-1988, sections are:

1. Condition of Church
2. Parish Registers
3. Record of Parishioners
4. General Condition of Parish Property - ("Hall continues to deteriorate")
   (last report 1983)
   Signed by Fr Harry Wace comment: "A well run happy Parish."

Sub-heads: "Former captive priests officiate", "18th Division", "From Sumatra"; 2 columns: #1 280mm, #2 90mm.
Provides the background to the priests and the decision t build the church. A memorial to Far East PoWs (FEPOWs); 25,000 names recorded in the memorial book. Fr Cowin raised funds for the church. Designed by Donovan Purcell. Reredos designed and painted by Mr John Hensher. Side chapel fabricated for materials from the old church, which was itself a converted stable. Names those leading the ceremony and sketches out some individuals' own backgrounds.

Chris Toller (of ????) undertook the 5 year review of Wymondham property. Nothing to worry, except to reserve £10,000 for re-roofing the Presbytery in a year or so. They considered future development of the parish in Attleborough, given that the parish has no property there. The old C of E Hall is to come to the market soon, Chris Toller sees this as an opportunity. So Fr Brown is raising it with the Bishop despite his lack of means. Sister Alies is soon to be out of hospital but will not be able to drive and it is thought that having her based in Attleborough would provide someone on the spot would provide support for local people.

Ad Clerum had underlined need to obtain permission for spending money. Mgr MacBride was vague about the guidelines. Fr Chapman identifies that a lot of maintenance is required: repainting church, presbytery and cottage; rewiring the cottage; addressing damp in the cottage; Hall needs work to meet Fire Service standards; an elm tree needs removing.
Personal note: keeping fairly well, but, off colour at times and things, at times, get on top of him. Not had a proper holiday - so perhaps it is his own fault.

Fr Chapman advising the Bishop that due to on-going works at his Church he will be saying Mass at Wymondham Abbey for first 3 Sundays of December. The Vicar there has already obtained his own permissions. Since Fr Chapman already uses Anglican churches at Attleborough and Hethersett, he assumed that this would not cause a problem to the Bishop.

Fr 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?

Fr Phillips had bid £500 for one and three quarters of an acre of meadow close to the Church - apparently without gaining Diocesan permission - now bid has transferred to Fr Ketterer. The Post Office's bid has been accepted for £300 for three quarters of an acre. The remainder would be suitable for a church and presbytery. Canon Squirrell knows of this and suggested writing to the Bishop to explain the position. This is a useful bit of land; can he bid around £350 for it? Since the Bishop is in Norwich that week he can come and see it.

Writes to Monsignor (assumed to be Canon Tonks): Receipt for Bishop's generous gift to the Mission enclosed. Post Office has acquired the piece of meadow, rendering the site too narrow for Church & Presbytery. Describes the nature of planned expansion in Wymondham. Has identified a site 10 minutes walk from current address. Has obtained pews & chairs for the two churches in Wymondham and Dereham. Increased seating accommodation, more dignified and silent when congregation sit or stand.

Alternative property for purchase - a yard at back of Mrs Goodings currently occupied by Southgates of Fakenham as a motor depot. Now closed and probably up for sale. Suggesting making an offer both for Southgates' yard and for Mrs Goodings' garden. Then there would be room for Church and Presbytery.

Fr Phillips is informing the Bishop of two properties he would like to buy. There are plots of land available outside the town but these two are in the centre and offer the best possible site for Church and Presbytery. Whilst he is not certain that he could obtain either he asks for permission to try. He offers options and has identified another house which could serve as a presbytery opposite to the site he is interested in. He has spoke at length with the Vicar-General today.
Pages 3 & 4 are a location plan and property particulars respectively.
[Property A, on Middleton St., is half of Caius House, a well built gentleman's residence converted to a dwelling and two shops. Property B, at junction of Church St. and Market St., is a pre-reformation Guild Chapel in good state but no roof. ]

House adjoining his Church is vacant next week and has made an offer on it Can manage with his present funds but not to buy furniture and so asks if the Canon would ask the Bishop to grant £50 for Mission furniture, or, give permission to appeal via Catholic newspapers for furniture.