Cannot be at the induction but Fr Clothier will represent the Abbot. An arrangement between Bishop Smith (and previously with Bishop Clark) meant they supplied the Parish priest for Beccles but for 1996 he was preparing to nominate a monk. However, the Dean indicated a wish in the parish to avoid yet another change. Thus the agreement has been extended for 5 years with Fr Simon being inducted by Bishop Smith.
Fitzgerald-Lombard, James Michael Hubert Charles Rev OSB MPhil (1941-)Temporary arrangement for Beccles. Need to withdraw Fr Michael Clothier from Beccles, earlier than planned, on 1 May. Fr Andrew will go to Beccles until Mgr Hypher can take up the appointment.
Fitzgerald-Lombard, James Michael Hubert Charles Rev OSB MPhil (1941-)Beccles: Happy for this proposal to become a firm arrangement - deal with details later. Note comment that this is still a Downside parish and need to make this clear to avoid a dip in morale. Also, to send in a holiday supply from time to time to help Mgr Hypher.
Bungay: Enquiries have been received about Fr Richard from a Curial Cardinal who may offer him a job in Rome. Suggest Fr Edward Crouzet (55, graduate of Cambridge and Fribourg, linguist, musician, counsellor) who is Chaplain at Cambridge University for 7 years, also, a Downside housemaster for many years.
Fitzgerald-Lombard, James Michael Hubert Charles Rev OSB MPhil (1941-)Offer is generous and will be considered by the Council at the end of this week.
Fitzgerald-Lombard, James Michael Hubert Charles Rev OSB MPhil (1941-)Fr Edward's [surname?] telephone call advised him of the pressure to keep Fr Simon [Blakesley] at Beccles - cf Fr Sketch's "petition" at Deanery meeting - for a number of years yet. When proposing Fr Raphael Appleby (currently in Uganda but will supply to Bungay when Edward is away) to Bungay the Abbot recalled the agreement with Bishop Clark for Downside to take up the mission after three years. However, it seems that the parishioners quite like a secular priest and may prefer a trained priest to a monk out of cloisters. What does the Bishop think? Happy to let the current situation run indefinitely.
Fitzgerald-Lombard, James Michael Hubert Charles Rev OSB MPhil (1941-)Agree with the proposal for Fr Blakesley. Fr Appleby will be going to Great Malvern from Easter 1996. No need to make changes to current arrangements but in due course these should be firmly defined in writing.
Fitzgerald-Lombard, James Michael Hubert Charles Rev OSB MPhil (1941-)Given that the bishop has an appreciation of Fr Worswick's work, the Abbot presents him for a permanent appointment to Beccles as parish priest.
Downside AbbeyAbbot Ramsay: Need to provide resources for the missions - hence a need to move Fr Worswick from Beccles. Fr martin Campbell, currently at Little Malvern, will replace him.
manuscript annotation: "Extremely sorry! But will not embarrass you, only trusting that Beccles will not go to sleep again. Fr Worswick [illegible] her from sleep of Spiritual Starvation. I give faculties to Fr Campbell for when he comes, also for the Nuns. Fr Worswick [illegible] leave his faculties form behind, when Fr Campbell comes he can send it to me. I will just change the name. Sept 12/24."
Due to illness, effecting a swap of priests. Fr Worswick will start as soon as he receives the faculties.
Downside AbbeyAbbot John Roberts: Fr Michael Clothier is now parish priest at Beccles.
Lourdes very hot last week - not much better here.
Abbot John Roberts: Dom Aelred Watkins, thirteen years as Headmaster of Downside, is to replace Dom Little at Beccles.
Downside AbbeyAustin Snowden (36 Newgate St, Beccles) says that the new term is near and will the Bishop let him know where he is to be sent so that he can prepare.
manuscript annotation: "Wrote to him & to [illegible] Sept 28/26"
Beccles: Mgr Hypher to be "priest-in-charge" at Beccles. He knows Fr Little and Abbot Aelred.
Bungay: Will welcome Fr Edward Crouzet; sorry to lose Richard. Note comments on Lay Community and agree the need to take it steadily.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Further to your letter and your request regarding Beccles, if this still holds then I can suggest Monsignor Paul Hypher, Dean and parish priest in Peterborough for 10 years.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Whilst not stating the circumstance which constrain his deployment of priests in the Diocese, Bishop Clark considers Abbot Fitzgerald Lombard will have an idea. There is need to move Fr Hypher to a more demanding parish and proposes to appoint Fr Adrian Gates as his successor. This does not mean a withdrawal from the 3 year agreement to provide for Beccles. Despite any lobby opposing the change, he considers that Fr Gates will be accepted and supported by the parish.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Thanks for the generous suggestion. However, a married deacon is being established in Dersingham. Cannot accommodate the priest (Miss Dunn should have checked first).
manuscript p.s.: "Beccles is a good place to live - + a thriving parish as well."
Acknowledges the impact of the departure of a capable priest like Fr Hypher. However, the arrangement to help the Benedictine partners was always going to be temporary. Cannot deprive other parishes of effective pastoral leadership. Fr Gates will minster generously to your needs.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Will speak to Simon [Blakesley] soon but thinks it may be best for all to leave him there. This, and the issue of transfer of the parish back to the diocese, will be discussed with the Vicars General next week.
Smith, Peter David Gordon Rev LLB JCD (1943-2020)Confirming the arrangement for Beccles and will review in the Autumn of 2001.
Smith, Peter David Gordon Rev LLB JCD (1943-2020)Matter reviewed with Fr Simon Blakesley, the College of Consultors and the Vicars General. Agreement that an appointment for 5 years as parish priest would bring stability and time for various pastoral projects. Intent to induct Fr Simon on 26 January and review the appointment in 5 years time - April/May 2000.
Smith, Peter David Gordon Rev LLB JCD (1943-2020)