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.
Bishop's OfficeLeiston Church – Blessing of Foundation Stone – Bishop Parker sprinkling Foundation Stone
UnknownLeiston Church – Blessing of Foundation Stone – Bishop Parker reading prayers to assembly
UnknownBp Parker and Bp Ruddenham with a group of priests gathered outside the West door of St John the Baptist Church, Norwich (see image of index - provided with the group picture)
Eastern Daily PressMassingham Nuns: not had contact with them - wish two of them to take over the infants department. The Servite nuns will be going to Jamaica. Trouble in filling the consequent vacansies for teachers.
King's Lynn Overspill: 10,000 East-end Londoners will move here over the next 10 years. Offer of a site for a church. Investigating it with Canon Roberts and Alderman Claxton.
Conveyancing document - copy - Capt. RF Eyre-Huddleston, RN, to The Northampton Roman Catholic Diocese Trustee. Conveyance of land in High Street, Sawston as a site for a Church & Presbytery
UnknownFr Dennis encloses estimates for redecoration of church [not held by Archive]. Having met the Bishop in Poringland and discussed this Fr Dennis discusses Parish finances. He then outlines the state of the church having been left for 40 years without decorating - his predecessor focusing on the countryside and not the church. It is a beautiful church and should be treated sensitively to avoid "vandalism" and shocking the people. He offers his view on the way ahead referring to parts A & B of the estimate.
Dennis, Norman Rev SJFr Dennis informs the Bishop that the decision has been reversed and they have permission to build a church on the site in Caister. The land owner has given clear instructions about writing to Witham & Co. The local Development Fund can now go ahead with local Catholic engagement. The Church roof and its 110+ year old tiles are leaking badly - so need to be seen to before internal decoration begins. Fr Dennis hopes to do this job before he goes.
Dennis, Norman Rev SJFr Stephen Doupe likes the suggestions and has enclosed a rough plan [not present] showing present and proposed structures. Describes the plot. 2 electric oil filled radiators heating combined with big windows; never been a complaint about heating here.
Doupe, Stephen RevFirst draft of extension for St Francis of Assisi in Papworth Everard. Fr Doupe likes it; architect needs approval before producing detailed plans and specification. Porch rather larger than originally envisaged in response to architect pointing out the extension design only allowed for a four foot wide entrance - not very imposing. SAE enclosed for return of plan.
Plan 1: "Proposed Initial Scheme & Future Development for the Enlargement of the Roman Catholic Church in Papworth Everard" BD981/6, Papworth Industries, Cambridge
Plan 2: "Half Inch & Larger Scale Details for Catholic Church Extension" BD 981/6
Fr Johnson providing price and details for a lean-to extension of similar size to the sacristy and office. Fr J considers this to be "nibbling at the problem" of seating and other accommodation.
Manuscript comment: Please return with comments.
Mr Hastings' report on state of tower confirms his verbal assessment from September. Chief defect of the tower is that it is made of three thicknesses of different materials all of which expand and contract at differing rates leading to the current problems. Fr Jolly suggests taking the tower down to be the best option. The architect, Mr Hastings, has been asked to compare the options of repair to that of removing the tower.
Jolly, William T Rev (-1982)£800 for demolishing the tower and roofing over. Builders also consider saving the tower can be done for less. An estimate is awaited. Mr Hastings' view is that the best job needs to be done to avoid having to re-address the problem in 30 years time. Aldeburgh Major [W C Reade] (also head of the building firm) considers the tower should be saved - it is a local landmark. Would the bishop sanction an appeal to Aldeburgh people? Differing views on best approach in light of cost estimates for the options.
Jolly, William T Rev (-1982)Halesworth debt is about $400 - to be repaid this year.
Final cost of church at Halesworth £6189.4.3
Architect's fees £382.0.6
Seating 154
Sub-heading: Consecration Marks Catholic Centenary / Building Achievement of Spanish Refugee
Column headings: Papal Flag on Church / Ceremonies inside / Bishop recall war-time experience / celebrations continue
Picture 1 - caption: "With impressive ceremony St Mary's Roman Catholic Church was consecrated by the Bishop of Northampton. This picture was taken during solemnities before the sprinkling of the outside of the church with Holy Water."
Picture 2 - caption: "Carrying the sacred relics to the church."
Names: Bishop Parker, Bishop Wareing, Don Claudio Lopez, Fr Evans (Stamford Hill), Canon Parker (St John's Norwich), Fr Watkiss (North Walsham), Fr Brookes (Beccles), Deacon Campbell, Sub-Deacon Tomlinson, Provincial Helsham SJ, Canon McShee (Costessey), Fr Webb SJ (St Mary's), Fr Mossei (Southwold), Fr Macdonald, Fr Hacon (Lowestoft), Fr J Ketterer (Lynn) Fr Weatherhead, Fr Roberts (Norwich).
pg 1: Title
pg 2: Chronology of Mission from 1890 to 1956
pg 3: Timetable for 7/8 June 1956
pg 4: extract from the preface of the Consecration of a Church
Details of consecration of the church; short prayer on reverse.
McBride, Edward Rev (1919-2011)Plans announced for new Church in March. Building Fund reached £3,500; overall cost expected to be £11,000. Will seat 300.
Cambridgeshire TimesFront cover: image of RC Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus; Title
Inside front: map showing location of parish in relation to neighbouring parishes
Pg 1 Forward by Fr Porczak, PP; pg 2 ; image of bells; pg 3 Contents:
Early beginnings 5
A Recycled Church 6
Pugin's little gem 9
The church exterior 9
The church interior 10
Continued expansion - the church hall 15
Celebration of 100 years 16
Solar Installation 17
Legacy 17
Glossary 17
Bibliographies 19
Appendix 21 [inside rear cover]
(Bishops of Northampton Diocese, Bishops of East Anglia Diocese., Parish Priests, Assistant priests, Deacons)
Rear cover: image of Plaque from Civic Society of St Ives - "Church of the Sacred Heart"
Hastings & Reade have consulted on costs - letters encloses [not present]. Curtains not better than folding doors. Quick response so can press Reade to start immediately after fete.
Bill not back from Scotland. - will let you know how he is on his return.