Friends of Walsingham Occasional Paper Number 2 March 1956
It will not have passed unnoticed that this
is only the second edition of the “Occasional Paper”
to be published since the idea took root
in the middle of 1955; if you have been impatient then we
apologise, but after all, we are only living up to our title.
Friends of Walsingham
Occasional Paper 2
We seem to have struck out in the right direction because the nucleus of interested folk who brought the
need of such a newsletter as this to our attention has grown to something like 500 strong, and we are
greatly encouraged that from such modest beginnings you have rallied round us in such large numbers.
Perhaps a mention of the weather will not be amiss, for surely this inclement season must be on
everyone’s mind. We here have not escaped the onslaught and have had our share of the intense cold
with plenty of snow, which has played havoc with the roads and water systems of most of the dwellings
in the village. The local builders do not seem unduly worried for at least they are making money in
repeatedly having to thaw out frozen pipes and make good the leaks!
Friends of Walsingham: With this paper we are enclosing a form about the “Friends of Walsingham” which
we hope everyone will do their utmost to join. It clearly sets out the reasons for doing so and we trust
many people will be persuaded; as you will see there is a real need for your financial support. That well
known writer of the 16th century, Erasmus, remarked that no one who reckoned on prosperity failed to
salute Our Lady at her Shrine at Walsingham by a yearly gift. Will you help too?
Walsingham Sewerage: The work of laying the pipes has long been finished but we have been denied this
last outward sign of becoming civilized because of the delay in getting the necessary machinery for
the ejector stations. We hope it will not be too long before this much needed amenity is put into
operation.
Sisters’ Convent: Much has happened since we last wrote, for the convent has been completed, but alas
hey will not be able to take up residence until the local Council can get the new sewerage system
working.
The blessing of the convent duly took place and it was a very impressive ceremony indeed. Mother
Cicely came up from Haggerston for the occasion.
Hospice Enlargement: The contract for this work has been signed and a start made, but the builders
have not been able to make much headway due of course to the snow and frost. To date they have
taken down the old barn and shop and put in the footings. Many old friends of Walsingham will be sad
when they hear that the lovely copper beech tree just inside the Hospice gateway had to come down as
it endangered the new work.
Special Candles: In medieval days it was the custom of the Kings and Queens of England to have
erected in the Shrine annually, a large candle for their intention, but this ceased at the Dissolution.
However, since the restoration of the Sanctuary, this custom has again been started, and every year a
candle is erected for the reigning sovereign’s intention by some of her loyal subjects. A candle is also lit
for the College of Guardians, a group forming the Company which holds the Shrine and its interest in
trust, and this is solemnly blessed at Mass and set up on the Feast of the Annunciation.