Bishop was surprised that she did not get a letter thanking her for her service - as is the Bishop's custom. The projected ecumenical school would not have survived after the Anglians had "pulled out" of the scheme. Informed Fr Aelred of her protestation.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Cannot see that the Commission can refuse approval for the Beccles Presbytery (despite it being away from the church). Note Beccles has not paid into the School pool.
Asks how Fr Brewer's school is progressing - May 1 pm suitable for Foundation Stone?
Have not seen any plans for St Joseph's Modern School at Slough.
Need to see Fr Webb at Yarmouth to talk about these proposals and the intent to build an RC school in Gorleston. Provides advice on approach to take before the meeting with Ministry of Education and offers to accompany Fr Innes to their offices o 13th January.
Brewer, Arthur T Rev BCL (-1972)Bishop directs Canon Brewer to inform the priest-in-charge [Fr Brookes?] that the East Suffolk development plan has been approved by the Minister of Education. Must apply to Ministry for the school to be an aided school.
Brewer, Arthur T Rev BCL (-1972)East Suffolk development plan approved by Minster of Education. All claims for voluntary schools for aided or special status must be made with six months.
manuscript annotation +Leo: to Fr Brewer about contacting parish priests in the area - Beccles and Bungay only ones to be affected?
With Sterret at the Ministry - they are likely to approved the adaptation of the presbytery at Beccles as a School. There are a few aspects which need addressing: Daylight in the Hall, Kitchen/Scullery space, paved playground. Need to update the sketch to show these adjustments.
The ESN [Educationally Sub-Normal - a contemporary term] pupil could be sent to Besford Court.
Has arranged to meet the Bishop in Cambridge to discuss plans - can Canon Brewer attend too? LEA OK with the plan; sketch enclosed [not included] to be returned afterwards in case the Abbot has to present to the Schools Commission.
Innes, M Benet Rev OSBHave been ill for five months. Trying to grapple with the schools question. Estimated costs given in the Development Plan:
Buildings: £2-,700 - site etc. £280
Numbers on roll - 124
Numbers provided with school accommodation: 90
Would like to meet to talk it over.
manuscript annotation: "Beccles Notified of Order Nov 18 1949 six months expire May 18th"
Realised Sundays are out as Bishop Keating never came on one. Perhaps a Wednesday, half closing day here and more people are likely to attend than on a Sunday. Try for before July 22nd as school holiday starts on 29th.
Just kept Empire day - Mayor and Mayoress visited the school, sports in the afternoon.
No chance to see the parties wishing to get married. The mother you want me to see may be dead, but will make sure.
manuscript annotation: "Suggest Wed. July 15 for Confirmation, arriving Tuesday 14th."
Encloses a copy of a letter from Local Education Authority in Ipswich. Needs to consult Canon Rudderham on the proposal to remove senior children (25 off) and send them to the County Modern School. Meeting of parents to sign a Protest and point out the Plan has not been approved by the Minister and then allow 6 months for formal acceptance by the school. Considers this is a ploy by the Headmaster at Beccles Modern School to fill his school. Beccles is the only Catholic school in the area and need to keep it.
Hall, C Rupert Rev OSBIn response to enquiries from Fr Rudderham:
- no further developments for school
- Received proposals of East Suffolk Education Authority in April 1946. Reluctantly accepted change in status to Primary school and asked the Authority to consider the wishes of the senior pupils' parents wanting to continue in Catholic education. Want to speak to Mr Missen re changes to the building extensions
- LEA pay travelling expenses for over 11s who apply and under 11s if they live more than 3 miles away
Encloses two letters and describes a situation relating to Beccles RC School for which he invites guidance.
Fr Brookes, before he left, had submitted a scheme to the Ministry of Education for the building of two classrooms (wooden, prefabricated) classrooms to relieve overcrowding. Suffolk Education committee ask why the children could not go to Beccles or Bungay County Modern instead.
No reply from Headmaster at Leman school regarding provisions for RI for RC children. Architects Sterret & Blouet of Ashley Place SW1 instructed but only produced two sketches, still awaiting their brain child. Ministry will allow for one classroom but want two. Build it myself if necessary. Saw the Bishop in Southwold and in his customary manner he assumed I had not asked you for advice, I was too bored to enlighten him.
Innes, M Benet Rev OSBChild has been fixed up at St Joseph's School Cranleigh Surrey - not greatly taken with the place but it's the best we can do.
Sterrett instructed to proceed as suggested - Hall made over to the school. When safe to go ahead with the Presbytery plans?
Thanks Canon Brewer for his kind words after the exasperating "discursive and discouraging irrelevancy" of the interview with the Bishop. Believes the proposed plan is the best one for the school and for the parish.
Innes, M Benet Rev OSBEncloses a memorandum sent to the Education Officer at Ipswich regarding the proposed new County Modern School at Beccles.
Despite being advised that there will be no impact on St Benet's school nor to the proposed Gorleston school.,Fr Innes has sent the memorandum to state clearly the position of St Benet's school. Concerned that the school may be downgraded if the numbers fall below 100. An application for minor improvement works is acceptable.
GW [no indication of full name] writes to Fr Innes about the approach and tactics to be used when dealing with the Ministry to ensure this does not impact the proposed RC Secondary Modern at Gorleston.
manuscript annotation on page 1: "Copy for information; + a Happy New Year to you. G."
GW [no indication of full name] writes to Fr Webb [this copy has been sent to Fr Innes] about the approach and tactics to be used when dealing with the Ministry.
CorrespondentManagers at Beccles RCV School make 4 points to the education officer in East Suffolk CC
Innes, M Benet Rev OSBThe Ministry of Education suggests proposal to build two new classrooms may not be required if the senior children are instead transferred to Beccles Modern School when its new classrooms are built during 1954-55. There is room for 40 senior children to be transferred right away with the rest to follow when the classrooms are complete.
East Suffolk CC