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Share the sadness that these negotiations have fallen through, but can understand why. Can Bishop Clark comment on whether he'd have taken a different view if things had been different? The transfer of St Mary's in Thetford is going ahead satisfactorily on the basis of a lease.
manuscript ps: hoped Bishop Clark had a happy time at Ely Cathedral for the ecumenical service.

Bishop writes: included copy of letter to Mr Osborne (Director of Education, Isle of Ely Council) ; received plans of a church which would be suitable for March - St Mary's Littleborough (nr Rochdale); Lost a pair of grey old kid gloves in presbytery or at Parson's.

Bishop writes: Would Mr Osborne (Director of Education, Isle of Ely Council) permit RC children to attend religious education prior to school start (9.45am). Been done elsewhere successfully where there is no denominational school; especially when there are a number of evacuees. Reassuring for them.

Has forwarded the letter to Mr Toller and Flood & Wilson and awaits their response.

Summarises the responses from Flood & Wilson and Mr Toller. The tender invitations having gone out mean that the responses will be in time for the March meeting of the Finance Board. Everything else is red tape and due process - something we all have to live with.

Even with the finance available, one still has to go through the Finance Board. Julian Limetani is hesitant about this - speak to him before getting down to plans, costs, etc.
Glad to you are back safely from Leningrad

Upbeat and supportive letter from the Bishop. Fr Malone needs an extended rest, a couple of months or so at home, do not worry about any expense the Bishop will look after that. 9 years is a long spell at Huntingdon, longer than anyone except Fr Duffy who just vegetated, which cannot be said of Fr Malone. Go get a medical opinion - Bishop demands it. Changes are due in May. "Anyhow, banish as mere bunkum and the effect of the 'Flu' and the pessimisim that always accompanies it. The ways of congregations go like waves, up and down, and are quite as mysterious". The opening was a great success and the only cloud was the absence of Fr Malone.

Discussing some arrangements for the opening ceremony - refreshments, times, etc.

Letter: Fr Malone should deal with SV Ekins as he sees fit regarding the sale of the plot for the old church. A delay may find a better price. Included is a "line to help you with your appeal"
Blessing: Blessing for Fr Malone to ultimately redeem the debt owing due to the purchase of the Church at St Neots. He is obliged, with the Bishops authority, to seek money form a wider public. The cost for converting the Baptist Chapel was met by the Guild of Our Lady of Ransom (some £500).

Vestments ready by Palm Sunday. Happy to see the old church (little hut) st St Neots passed to Fr Banham although he doubts it is worth it once the cost of disassembly, transport and reassembly are take into account.

1949: Proposal plus drawing of new church from CW Glover & Partners; surprise that Evening Standard is carrying news of the project (leak?); initial cost £10,000; Bishop warns to proceed carefully and consider room for expansion of flock; initial comparison with church at Sopsley, Luton.
1950: Construction method novel & causing concern; Ministry of Works limit on churches is £5,000; Architects to review costs & extendability; Bishop says no decision made yet; Fr Gaffney unhappy with evasion & delays; Canon Hunting suggests budget up to £7,500, and other limits on the project.
1951: Fr Gaffney suggests leaving out tower, sanctuary & sacristy to come within budget; approval to proceed (but watch the architects ("the very devil")); notice given to tenant to vacate the plot; various exchanges about detail of the design; MoW refuse licence to build; Bishop nervous about cost and asking if a contract has been signed and by whom - need for permission from Rome before agreeing to proceed; Fr Gaffney responds that the amount is right for the work and he is monitoring closely; CW Glover advise using architects has a cost and better £400 is advanced to avoid "Carey Street".
1952: Bishop embarrassed and provides a history as he sees it - Fr Gaffney to stay within budget and not pay for schemes (whether realised or not ) costing 10 to 15 thousand pounds; Fr Gaffney lets off steam to Canon Hunting - "..if you can get another sucker to come here.."; MoW approve licence for £7,500 project to build the church; Timber & steel licences in place; Building cost estimates range from £10,000 to £11,560, but architect may be able to prune £1,000; Bishop sticking to original budget, problems getting a loan - other churches being built for similar amount e.g. Wymondham at £6,000; design modifications to meet budget e.g. to height, type of facing bricks; foundation stone wording agreed, Bishop to bless it on 15 August 1952; Vapoulles Ltd and Alberti designs for font - Alberti get the contract; internal layout (seating, lighting, flooring) and fitting out discussed.
1953: windows, lighting, flooring, organ (secondhand?); Consulting Engineer enjoyed the weekend in March and the Passion Play; 9 May, Bishop of Menerva sends congratulations on the opening of the new church and recalls local preacher being impressed by the distance he walked to get to church in Thorney; final account for £8,200 dated 25 June 1953.

Form registering the Church of "Our Lady & St Peter" for Marriages. Certificate number 20626
Signed by the Superintendent Registrar, George Sharman on 7-10-1913

1979 - Fr Smith informs Bishop that the Anglican Vicar offered Catholics first refusal on mission hall in Chatteris. £3000 in kitty; perhaps could sell presbytery. Bishop suggests keeping the two issues apart and think through whether this is needed pastorally. 1981 - Bishop not for a new church in Chatteris; summary (unsigned but probably by Fr Peter Wilson) sets out position regarding loan & anonymous donation - there is friction as some in Chatteris congregation believe they were promised a Church and they were saving for it. Frank Molyneux (parishioner who does the parish accounts) supports Fr Smith's view that Chatteris retention of collection funds (as allowed by Fr Donald Hillier) did not benefit the parish as a whole. Fr Smith understands that this situation arose back in Fr Gaffney's time. Two letters from parishioners (Green & Rudd) set out the Chatteris perspective on the expectation for their own Church. Fr Smith hopes to take a shorthand writer to take notes at a meeting with parishioners in April. He will make his & the Bishop's position clear. It was a difficult meeting. Bishop asks Fr Smith to "Cool it": concentrate on Sisters' arrival and Presbytery nearing completion. Fr Peter Wilson will be brought in to aid Fr Smith. FR Smith is disappointed in the Chatteris people who cling to the desire for their own Church - but not enough to form a sustainable congregation. But at least he now knows who the agitators are. 1988 - suggestion of sharing Church with the Anglicans - this would replace the community hall they currently use in Chatteris. The vicar, Fr Myhill, will discuss it with his council and understands the Bishop makes the final call. Bishop good with the idea; there are a few considerations, but Fr Smith can explore the opportunity. The PCC meeting minutes support the idea but "no poaching by either side" and "no incense at any time"! Bishop says go ahead for a 3 to 5 year trial.

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

An annual report form signed by A Philpot, completed prior to the next Bishop's visitation on 28 May 1986. Series of questions under the headings: 1. Condition of the Church; 2. Parish Registers; 3. Record of Parishioners; 4. General Condition of Parish Property.