The Henson Journals
Thu 28 November 1929
Volume 48, Pages 475 to 476
[475]
Thursday, November 28th, 1929.
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I received from the Eccl. Com. A copy of the letter which they have addressed to Caröe. It states that the Commissioners will defray the cost of the "extraordinary repairs" to the castle £2290: 7: 10), and also an additional expenditure of 1. £1081: 3: 9. on repairs and 2. £78: 7: 6 in making good dilapidations at the Lodge and three Cottages. Total £3349: 19: 1 This great expenditure leaves for further consideration the whole question of re–building the stables etc. which, if it ever mature, will be very costly.
I had a meeting with the Archdeacon in Durham Castle, when we discussed much diocesan business, including the appointment to St Aidan's, West Hartlepool, and Bellasis. We lunched in my rooms. After lunch Pattinson and I motored to Darlington, where I consecrated an addition to the Cemetery. The rain mercifully held off until the little service was over. I took occasion to exhort the mayor to prohibit the introduction into the cemetery of glass–globes & earthenware headstones. His Worship seemed somewhat disconcerted by my zeal!
[476]
Pattinson and I motored to Stella, and there I instituted the new Rector (Bartlett) in succession to Simpkinson, who has been transferred to Kirk Merrington. There was a large attendance of the parishioners, and a good muster of the clergy. I noticed the size & competence of the choir. In spite of his querulous observations when he left the parish, I think that Simpkinson was both liked and respected. Jackson came back to Chester–le–Street with us. He tells me that his foolish neighbour, Merrywether, has re–kindled the Protestant bonfire by announcing a "Requiem Mass"! I fear that M. is an incurable donkey. Jackson says that his wife differs with him both on the question of Disestablishment and on that of Church Schools. She is a 'last ditcher' on both questions. I could not avoid a fellow–feeling: for Ella might certainly be described as an intractable 'last ditcher' on the one question – Disestablishment.
We got back about 9.30. p.m.