Mrs Bramley is kind-hearted, etc. she did discuss the letter with the Abbot but also added other parts not seen until the Bishop copied her letter to him. He was delighted not to be governor and will talk to her. On way to Mass at Gillingham; his health has its ups and downs.

Unsure as to why the customary letter regarding not being appointed as a school governor was not sent to Mrs Bramley. As Fr Watkin was not reappointed at the same time perhaps he could contact her and discuss.

Understands the problem. Asks Bishop Cleary to read the minutes of the Shrine Council. Bishop Clark is worried as the man hoped to take the post of Administrative Officer (Manager) has jibbed. Main concern is the bewildering indebtedness of the day-today running of the shrine. "Clive seems impervious to my directive ... he'll have to go. But I want your wise counsel."

Councils that Hawkes needs to be very cautious than he is about the path he is treading. Your Deputy Director appointment is not an Executive appointment but one that Fr Birch has made himself. The new Director and the Marist Congregation have to be consulted. Clarifications: 1. cannot endorse proceeding to priesthood; 2. You are a Permanent Deacon with a licence for this Diocese; 3. Only wear the Franciscan habit on very restricted occasions- it is causing confusion.
This may seem hard but it is for your benefit. Feel free to discuss with Canon McBride.

Bishop congratulating Fr Allen on the event yesterday [National Pilgrimage]. Well planned and executed; requires a lot of backroom work. He was happy to accompany the Cardinal on the walk.
Worried about the phrase "The Shrine Management" - watch it - this is the Shrine Council and Executive, not Bernard and John. Bishop abhors "creeping power as much as creeping infallibility!".

A brave decision. Being "go ahead" needs to be supported by written documentation, spoken agreements are fragile! Even Parish priests in situ can make misjudgements. Has some sorrow over Oxmoor history, a brave decision to set it up; but it became fouled up and you are probably right to close it down. Has passed the letter onto Mark Little.

Establishing a chain of command for events like the TV Easter Sunday Broadcast:
Presenter; Fr Tony Rogers); Producer (Malcolm Allsop); Yourself (Director of Shrine); myself; Mgr McBride; Rev Paul Maddison; Stephen Dean etc.

This badly needs attention,. Gerry [Moorcraft] would laugh cynically! A visit to Walsingham is indicated - Michael Ward (solicitor) assures him that all is in order. Roland is an admirable Pilgrimage Director but hopeless with staff. Campbell Steward speaks accurately. Maybe John Drury could be introduced to this difficult area.

The Shrine is now the responsibility of the new Diocese of East Anglia and the Treasurer of the Diocese will be responsible for the Shrine's financial administration. Your points are noted - agreed that a governing body must be formed which will take a lot of work.

Sure that McBride will guide a priest firmly
Anniversary was a deeply memorable affair thanks to Mgr McBride.
Fr Sketch, letter enclosed, [not present], was let off lightly - the lapse rate at Lowestoft could frighten us to death. Pouring over plans at home is not the right use of resources.

Confirmation of invitation for post and your acceptance of it. The Executive Council will consult with you over the responsibilities and powers as well as salary. You known expertise will be required to halt the alarming drift into insolvency and you will have commensurate authority.

In receipt of correspondence relating to running of Shrine Council. Cannot attend. However, observes that clash of personalities likely with problems the Shrine has had. Must be clear on responsibility of Shrine Director else becomes a "general dog's body". Similarly for the Manager. Relationship between the two roles is important. Perhaps this will afford Bishop Clark the opportunity to tease out the underlying issues.

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.

Agrees with Fr Rear's suggestions for 1999's Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and happy for him to go ahead.

Bishop is convening the Council for the Shrine and asking Wilson, as current treasurer of Walsingham, to be a member. Two other Bishops (Cleary & McGuiness) will be active participants

Glad the Bishop was happy with the National. Date and theme for next year.
Understands the Bishop's concerns about "The Shrine Management" - Fr Allen is clear in his mind what ti is and makes it clear to the Wal. Assoc., Bernard and John.
Wants to speak to the Bishop about developing the life of prayer in Walsingham. He prefers to talk than write.

Grateful for the Bishop's reaction to his report. A Working Party an excellent way to deal with the issues. I was not written in a mood of pessimism, despite impression given.

Fr Birch is having problems with the changes in the organisation and management of the Shrine - most he agrees with but believes there is a lack of clarity or understanding of his role as Director and its limits. Suggests a need for a Job Description for the role of Director at the Shrine.

Fr Birch still waiting for a reply from Mgr McBride to his letter of November 6th. Is irritated by Mgr McBride's semi-public joking "Well, what have you done recently that you should have consulted me about?". Fr Birch is asking for guidance what he can and cannot do regarding financial matters, ecumenical decisions, public exposure, VIP invitations. He asks for a clear understanding of the role of the Director in the life and future of the Shrine. Quoting Mgr McBride "... had exceeded the day to day administration of the Shrine" which had left Fr Birch flabbergasted because it was the first indication of a limit to his activity. He asks that a response be made in writing.

Instructions on applying for a loan - choose between Downside or Ministry. Need full name of new manager for formal appointment - Mrs E.A. is not enough.
manuscript annotation "£8832 including Architects, Q. Surveyors fees."