Collection for the Poor School Committee.

Long desired to provide the poor children without visible means of subsistence (orphaned, parent(s) in prison, destitute, begging). The law requires that they are sent ot an Industrial School - but now can be transferred to a Catholic school certified by the Poor Law Board. Can now commence the foundation of a School for Boys at Shefford in Bedfordshire. Appeal for support via subscription for at least three years.

The good Shepherd knows his sheep. The Bishop declares that from 2nd Sunday after Easter ("Bonus Pastor Sunday") he will start a Visitation which will remain open until he declares it closed. "The Bishop will therefore diligently visit the Church, the Presbytery, the Schools, the Cemetery and everything therein contained, and will examine the sacred vessels and furniture, the Altars, tabernacles, and whatever belongs to the worship of God or the administration of the sacraments." Visitation will be announced and confirmations should be arranged for then.
To the clergy: have ready two sheets of foolscap containing - a return for 1958 of Marriages, Baptisms, Conversions, Easter Communions, Deaths; list of details of mass obligations; List of all documents relating to the Mission; Statement of Mission . School property; Account of all debts and liabilities; Mission 1958 income/expenditure balance sheet; same for Schools; exact inventory of Church, Sacristy, House and Schools.

Bishop Brown confirms the Oblates of St Benedict are under a foundation of Abbot Egan. They will be in dire financial difficulty if they cannot sell their property (school, convent and grounds) according to Philip Fooks of Arnold Fooks & Co. Their problems arise from a new Secondary School opened by nuns at Chatham. Fr Nugent [PP?] thinks well of them.

Permits them stating that they are operating under the bishop's patronage. he wishes them success. Teachers will have necessary qualifications.

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.

Agreed to be patron - sensitive to the needs of the Choir School. Has his own problems with St John the Baptist but that will not interfere with his encouraging support for the Cathedral of Westminster.

Thanks for informing him about supply cover during absence. Bishop on leave soon too. The "old school building" discussion regarding finance and management being proposed is not acceptable unless certain conditions apply.
How is Fr Tony Webb doing and his contribution to parish life?

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.

Bishop of Nottingham [Edward Ellis]) writes that the replacement school was not what he thought it may have been. Mentions Peterborough "them's my sentiments".

Appointment of Foundation Managers for St Benet's CVA Primary School, Beccles until 27 October 1971:
Fr Little; Mrs Mary Bramley; Mr John Todhunter; William Haverson; Kathleen Carrie

Write on his behalf to the correspondent asking about an Education Committee decision relating to her daughter who after a means test must pay all fees. Bishop p.s.: Pity to bother the Bishop - Fr Brookes should have written to her.

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.

1. Misprint for Stopsley on July 20 - apologise to Fr Walker
2. Fr Brewer's action at Aston and in Peterborough - much relieved to know a decision on Abbeyfields as a parochial school, is not to be made this month. Wainwright is going to Spain
3. Abbot of Downside agrees that Diocesan Trustees appoint managers - the local priest should be appointed.
4. Miss Mullership has vacated Lynford where Fr Hart now is
5. faculties given for Fr John Maddox CSSR
6. Fr Ketterer - he can not use "trust " monies for the school. has he written about the autumn overcrowding and his desire to buy a house?

Beccles; returning Northampton Ascension pm & away again until Whit Sunday, after Sat.
Will be at home all day Friday next.

The Hierarchy's principle is to retain Catholic Children in schools until legally required to let them go. However irrational it may seem and against the good of an individual child - that is his decision.
Downham Market Boundaries - await Fr Ketterer's suggestion but the priest at Downham strictly speaking has no territory being chaplain to an institution.

Bishop writes: Would Mr Osborne (Director of Education, Isle of Ely Council) permit RC children to attend religious education prior to school start (9.45am). Been done elsewhere successfully where there is no denominational school; especially when there are a number of evacuees. Reassuring for them.

[undated; unattributed] 4 columns
Sub-heading: "Catholics and council shocked".
"The re-organisation of Gorleston High School is back in the melting pot after the Bishop of Norwich rejected a plan for a joint church school." Some background to the project provided

Ask Bardell if he would build the school for £400 down and the rest to follow within 3 years with [5%] interest following completion of the school. A personal [?] contract to be signed.

£500 is guaranteed by the bishop. Ask Mr Bardell to build the school to the satisfaction of the architect for £785. Instructions regarding the contract and payment amounts and timings. The rest of the money required will be provided by the diocese. The present school can be offered for sale (should get £100. the bishop has the freehold deeds. The lawyer was Mr J Maxwell Witham of 5 Grays Inn Square, London WC.