Share the sadness that these negotiations have fallen through, but can understand why. Can Bishop Clark comment on whether he'd have taken a different view if things had been different? The transfer of St Mary's in Thetford is going ahead satisfactorily on the basis of a lease.
manuscript ps: hoped Bishop Clark had a happy time at Ely Cathedral for the ecumenical service.

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]

Sensitive to the generosity of the Diocesan Pastoral Committee and the Rector and people of Burnham. The project died quietly and the material burden of the lease made it almost inevitable that a halt would be called to the project. Thetford is going well - a larger community helps!

Apologises for handwritten letter - no typewriter - will get a PC in due course with money from Thetford. Delay in writing due to high number of deaths, funerals and thoughts over serious repairs needed by the presbytery, and that there is no money. So will be in debt to the diocese straightaway. Everyone very kind and welcoming.Placing the Diaconate Formation under the Vocations umbrella - need to talk to Ian Hatfield about what is involved. Idea's about a Promoter for Vocations - will be going to Oscott, may get ideas there. DPC on Saturday and Fr Tony's Induction of Friday.

Accepts the Bishop's decision as God's Will. He cannot pay the cost of removal to another poverty stricken place having spent every penny in erecting the Church and dealing with the Convent. Can he have a loan (on easy terms) of at least £50? Has Bishop's word he will not be long at Thetford. Aldeburgh congregation are loyal and very good and will be distressed at his leaving - especially to Thetford.
Manuscript p.s. : "I have just received your second letter - I will do whatever you wish. You know my feelings."

Text: "I thank you for your letter. Though I am well aware that my discontent through lack of outlet "for my superabundant energies" is rather foolish and unreasonable and worthy of censure, my attitude towards Thetford was in order. Your Lordship offered me Thetford. I took it to means "Stay at Aldeburgh and be reasonable". On hearing that you really wished me to go, I expressed willingness, though it was very distasteful to me. Hence your Lordship must not put a bad mark against me over the Thetford episode. I do not wish to be labelled in your mind as a disobedient priest. I will always carry out your final decisions as soon as they are quite definite. I hope your Lordship is better. Webb seems very pleased to go to Thetford."
Manuscript annotation: "Answered. No black mark against you.; done so well at Aldeburgh. Perhaps did not allow sufficient for you being a canny Scot! I know that when the time comes to move far you will not have a choice but go where your Bishop thinks it is best for the Diocese. March 15/28."

Fr Davidson prefers to stay in Aldeburgh and see the Church finished - never willingly go to Thetford. Bishops letter helpful in clarifying his mind on this. Invites Bishop to stay and enjoy the sea air.
Manuscript annotation: "Answered. Fear it is definitely marching orders, in 3 weeks' time. All vineyards of the Lord, big or small, as the Lord's, where souls are to be saved. You will not be long at Thetford, for I desire for you far bigger things."

Fr Davidson thinks things will be easier for his successor since he is the target of individuals making scandal & maligning him. And their cheating. Encloses an inventory. Corrects the Bishop's view of his income - only small. He had thought Thetford was an offer but after a further year in Aldeburgh he would certainly have gone there. Happy with any place, except four, and will go wherever the Bishop sends him.

Writing from the Presbytery, Thetford. Due to the imminent appointment as parish priest of King's Lynn, he has to step down as Foundation Governor of St Louis RCVA Middle School in Bury St Edmunds.

Sending Fr Shryane the minutes from the last committee meeting, because he will be the new parish priest in King's Lynn. He should note that after 5 years of inactivity the committee is working hard on several fronts. Invited to the next meeting on 15 July.

[undated; unattributed]
Image of Bishop Clark with Bishop Escaler of the Philippines visiting Norfolk to say thanks for the diocese's support for CAFOD.