‘Gobsmacked’ to learn my father was a priest

Seeking information about her natural parents left a woman who was adopted at birth with more questions than answers after she discovered her birth father had been a priest, writes Noel Baker.

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REVEREND Mother was on the phone from eastern parts to say she has a lovely baby girl... I can make the necessary arrangements for you to take the baby... maybe you would like to come yourselves... do not tell your business to anyone...”

The letter, its colour faded over the years, runs on with other details, imparted in a slightly peculiar mix of colloquialisms and telegraphese.