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Bishop has allowed him to see the documents relating to Beccles school. Notes that the school size is not to be reduced. Can Canon Brewer advise Fr Trafford about the vacancy and preparing the old building for its new use. Hesitates to contact Fr Trafford direct as he has not been keeping the Abbot informed, nor does the Abbot wish to interfere with the Parish Priest in his duties.

Used Fr Trafford's meeting note of 15 May 1963: manuscript amendments to the original text and calculations relating to pupil numbers on roll.

Includes [not present] documentation required for Fr Trafford - grateful if he will undertake to hear the Lowestoft nuns confessions.
The management of the Banham Trust is quite constrained and has worked until now - sets out major aspects of the trust. The Bishop recommends that it stays as it is. However he'd be interested to hear anything Mr Coney or the Abbot can come up with.
Wishes him well in his new activity in Liverpool.

The last letter was written in haste; happy to have Fr Trafford, an experienced priest in Beccles; wished wedding at Hoveton to be valid as Canon Roberts serves the chapel, not Fr Whyatt.
John Todhunter: no mention of legal difficulties; he'd implied that the pope wished "fraternise" with CofE and that was why non-Catholics should marry Catholics. Happy to hear Gillingham Hall is secure for the future. Knows nothing about Trust money being connected with the Church and Cemetery.
Gorleston and Ministry Loan: Heard from Fr McBride about joint liability between parishes. If a loan is not required then the diocese could use this but have not yet decided on the matter.
Beccles loan and debt: the return provides for misunderstanding on the nature and amount of debt. If paid off then you are to be congratulated. There is still a need for clarity so the bishop can understand how the parish is situated financially.

Long talk with Fr Trafford about affairs at Beccles school. Doubtful that the Ministry will allow work to proceed as the national economy cannot yet afford it and other priorities exist. Fr Trafford is already approaching the LEA about a teacher appointment.

Discourse on the nature of maintaining the school at its present size: the balance of non-Catholics to Catholics; the number of pupils; ratio of teachers to pupils; alteration of the school building.

The letter will meet Fr Traffrd's need for the managers' meeting. Notice that 1938 entitlement of 105 was not met with 70 on the roll; 1962 entitlement of 157 of which 127 were Catholics. Another reason to maintain the entitlement.

Understands the difficulties presented by the removal of seniors from the school. Not desirable to have Protestant children in the school. However, careful thought must be given to the school's circumstances. Decisions made will have an impact on Gorleston school and perhaps any Catholic Grammar for East Anglia. It is for the decision of the bishop.
The nature of children lapsing from the Faith is complex and much work is being done on addressing it. The Catholic Catechetical Centre being set up will provide benefit in this area.

Written to the Abbot at Downside impressing him of the need to consult Canon Brewer.
Mr Todhunter's sister will agree to his advice and all can be amicable again.
Fr Trafford had spent 10 years in Lancashire and will not have seen many non-Catholics in the schools there.
Invites the Bishop over to Gillingham Hall for lunch - but not for 10 days as work there is interfering with the hot water.