To Miss Preston; £45 cheque received from solicitors in Manchester for distribution to poorer clergy of the Diocese. Lists 11 priests. As Fr Ketterer was the young man, going to be a priest, known to Mrs Gosselin, he has therefore received the larger sum [£2; rest received £2.10]

Responding to a correspondent about situation at Downham Market. "I share your anxiety about Downham Market, and for some time now I have been endeavouring to find a viable solution to this unhappy problem." People with cars can drive to Oxburgh or Swaffham - but this is far from a happy solution.

A considerable reorganisation of parishes and pastoral responsibilities in the area of Dereham and Swaffham. Downham Market will become part of the Swaffham parish with Fr Peter Marsh as its first parish priest; it may be re-established as a parish in the future. Fr Baker must be living on a pittance now that RAF Marham has its own chaplain. Providing him with an overview of intentions which will not happen until arrangements have been made for Fr Baker.

Form letter from Bishop Clark - enlosed [not present] arrived just as leaving for Rome and too late for inclusion in the Ad Clerum. Alarmed that deanery priests may not be aware - please distribute.
manuscript notes showing places ticked: Hunstanton, Burnham Market, Swaffham, Downhan Market, Fakenham, Wells, Wisbech

Income in the parish has increased - so, not living on a "pittance". Willing to accept position as a curate so that the parish priest from Swaffham does not have to travel to Downham. His weekly visit to the convent in Swaffham means he could easily report to the PP. Changes would be detrimental to this parish. Suggest that any priest free to officiate do so at Oxburgh instead. Not impelled to move; willing to stay.

Approach to managing interim payments via Mr Sauvain and the Architect. Suggest Mr Waite go back to Curaozon Street and discuss the plans - in a spirit of helpfulness. Will get the Finance Board's approval for the plan. The Loan Agreement will need all details of the School Managers - go via Mgr Hunting on this. Massingham Nuns would be best to secure but Swaffham nuns are very good and have a longer interest in the neighbourhood. Will write to Massignham Mother Provincial about a possible opening at King's Lynn.

Fr Flynn's letter is attached; Fr Drage has not been seen nor heard from. He has not been to any conference since he was at Oxborough. A notice [of the conference] had been sent to him.
manuscript annotation: "Accept Fr Flynn's excuse. So find Fr Drage has [?] true, tho' so close to Lynn, Am at Swaffham on the Ap. 29-30"..." go to pay Fr Flynn a visit. I go to St. [?][?] May2".

Received the mass intentions and the dispensations - 5/- fee enclosed. Severe cold from downpour in Lynn Pilgrimage and was wet through. Congregations from Hunstanton (25), Lynn (150) and Swaffham (50) went to Oxborough for their Procession, greatly pleasing Sir Henry and Lady Bedingfeld.

Swaffham nuns have secured a place 10 minutes walk from the church. With the Bishop's permission they hope to open in Easter. Fr Heptonstall happy to say Mass once a week there with no honorarium until the sisters are established. The drive to Bincham [air base] is in an open army lorry - despite that he has never felt so well. Fr Flynn is doing well at Sudbury despite the rumours heard over the years. Fr H's complaint is that Fr Flynn has taken with him the Inventory Book and the mission books - he is a most difficult person as he either never responds or sends a most rude letter. Can the Bishop get him to return the books?

Asking the Bishop to procure a Silver Communion Paten for Huntingdon and an Electro-plate one for St Neots. Thanks him for the discount on offer. Will be officiating at the Clothing at Swaffham

Bishop has thanked Ely Council Education Committee regarding Religious Instruction for RC children. Fr Lydiate must ensure children attend and get back to school on time to avoid complaints. An altar stone secured for the Italian Camp - 30 shillings credited to account by Fr Hunting (manuscript annotation) - Bishop regards it as his when use finished. Plans for a potential church sent, Bishop wants Fr Lydiate to study them. Similar church in North Walsham built just before the war and Fr Lydiate encouraged to go and see it. Councillor Mallet is written to about jewellery. Return of chalice - check it is satisfactory and if it has been fire-gilt. Fr Mortimer Flanagan will be claiming back his furniture from March when he starts at Swaffham. Bishop hopes Fr Lydiate will be able to make suitable arrangements for his own furniture.

To meet Sauvain soon - plan for school unchanged from some time ago. The Education department needs no application for the 75% grant but Fr Wace will apply for a loan equal to the remaining 25% although do not need all of it. School expansion possible with room for three more classrooms; kitchen currently will cater for 120 but in due course could cater for 210.
Two young teachers leaving - one to get married. The Swaffham nuns interested in joining the primary school staff. Are the Massingham nuns better for this?

Depreciation rate is £400/year. Story about a ropey minibus trip back from Swaffham.

Form letter.
Sr Francis, Convent of the Sacred Heart, Swaffham, asks for display of poster [not present] and encouragement for young people to attend a deanery Youth Day. Looking for adult helpers too. Fr Tony Shryane and Fr Keith Tomlinson are leading the day.