Something fishy in South Staffs vote

Soem further news on the Sir Patrick Cormack deselection story. The vote to deselect the strongly pro-life MP for South Staffordshire has suffered from a "clerical error." Sir Patrick diplomatically said that a party investigation had established that "the attendance record did not appear to reflect an accurate record of those entitled to vote." Or, to put it another way, there were more ballot papers cast than people present.

That's always the danger with "vote early vote often" tactics - if you overdo it, you get rumbled.

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Fr Charles Briggs – an update

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Fr Briggs is very grateful to you all for your Masses, prayers, cards and kind wishes. Please continue to keep him in your prayers.
As expected, Father’s health has continued to worsen because of the cancer that he has, along with his existing health problems. Following medical advice, his family today agreed to transfer him for the time being, to St Christopher’s Hospice in Sydenham where additional support is on hand. 
In the current circumstances, St Christopher’s has told us that they cannot allow visitors apart from two named people. Father Charles has asked his brother Matt Briggs and his priest friend, Father Finigan to take on this role.
Cards and letters can be sent to Father Charles care of:
St Christopher’s Hospice 51-59 Lawrie Park Road London SE26 6DZ
Emails can be sent to him care of the parish email address: chislehurst@rcaos.org.uk 
Thank you for your support and concern, and especially your prayers.
Fr Tim Finigan Matt Briggs 23 August 2020
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A personal message from Fr Charles Briggs

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While we were away this week on a short break to Eastbourne, I assisted Fr Briggs in drafting this message. He wanted it to be published here for the benefit of friends that he may not be able to see personally.
A message from Fr Charles Briggs Dear friends,

I must let you know that my health has recently taken a turn for the worse. Just over two weeks ago I woke up to find that a tooth had fallen out. After a visit to the hospital, I was diagnosed with cancer of the jaw.

Since then, events have moved quickly. After some investigation, the doctors have told me that there is no effective treatment for my condition and that the tumour is growing fast. Although it is difficult to predict with accuracy how quickly things may develop, it is likely that I may have only months, or weeks, left for this world. My mobility has further decreased since my diagnosis and quite soon I will need to move into nursing care.

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Fr Charles Briggs RIP

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Of your charity, pray for the repose of the soul of Father Charles Briggs who died in the early hours of this morning at St Christopher’s Hospice, fortified by all the rites of Holy Mother Church. 
Anima eius et animae omnium fidelium defunctorum, per misericordiam Dei, requiescat in pace. Amen.
May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
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