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.

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.

Will request Fr Rogers to contact the candidate and discuss.

We had discussed Downham Market situation at the Consultors' meeting on Wednesday. No ready solution as yet but perhaps talk more fully in the New year,
Many thanks for all the work being done as parish priest, Dean and Vocations Director.

Bishop is shocked - the area is deprived with widespread responsibilities and he thought it would be an Augustinian priority. Cannot see how to dissuade what must have been a difficult decision. He will leave a decision to his successor - possibly an announcement in Summer with appointments in September 1995.

Prefer the 2nd Sunday of Advent since the 3rd is normally for his pastoral letter. Hoping the departure would not be for 12 months or after Christmas and in the New Year. Speaking for his successor he would like the departure sharp and abrupt and wants Fr Reid to advise him. His heart is heavy at their going away.

The school might use the parish room as an extra classroom. Bishop acknowledges that in hoping to achieve a transferred school at St Edmunds to replace St Mary's not enough thought is being given to the needs of the parish. Could be resolved with a little goodwill on both sides?

Writing on behalf of the bishop Fr Maddison states that the bishop will bear the comments in mind whilst overseeing the needs of the whole diocese.

Bishop is attending an ARCIC meeting in Venice. Normal route to requests a papal blessing is via the parish priest.

Christmas Greetings 1983; 1983; 1984; Combined Parishes / Lay Ministry - shortage of priests; Growth - Walsingham, Bernard Warwick, Slippper Chapel, grave of Charlotte Boyd; Sickness and Death; Sadness; Greetings; Mission Awareness

Undated and unsigned. A critical commentary about Fr Malecki's performance and interaction with parishioners. Comparison with the behaviour and actions of Fr Heley. Possibly this prompted the Bishop's letter.

Concerned about the saga concerning Downham Market. Great respect for Fr Sketch in the short time he has been with the parish he has cone a great deal. There are many who feel that Fr Sketch is well able to tackle the problem.

With reference to Northampton Dioces' Trustees consideration of a second Parish and new Church in King's Lynn. The St Martha's site is not suitable as thsis may constrain furute plans for the Eduication Authority to expand the school. Considers that the church and school should remain distant from each other in order to preserve their distinct purposes. Suggestion of an alternative siting for the church as indicated on an attached map [not present].

Thanking Canon Sammons for the newsletters (9th & 16th December) in which he had written up the CTS. The writer (FA Tolhurst) expects that this will result in members.