Photo Gallery
The Chancel featuring the magnificent East Window which was given in memory of Gertrude Sheard by her parents Michael and Anne. Gertrude had died in 1867 the year before the church was built whilst still a young girl; her father was an architect working with Walter Hanstock on the design of St Thomas' and commissioned this poignant tribute to his daughter. Note the scene depicted in the main two right hand panes, "suffer the little children to come unto me".
Tuesday 24th January 2023
Installation of Revd. Jonathan Bish as Priest-in-Charge
of the United Benefice of Batley
We were delighted to attend the licensing of Fr Jonathan Bish as Priest-in-Charge of the United Benefice of Batley. The service took place at St Andrew's Church, Purlwell, with Archdeacon Bill Braviner officiating. The service was attended by over 100 people from across the benefice and Jonathan's previous parishes in the Wakefield Episcopal Area and was followed by a social gathering in the church hall, a good chance to get to know each other and eat cake!
Sunday 15th September 2019
Mark has the title of 'Honorary Canon' bestowed upon him at Ripon Cathedral
Rev Mark was one of six canons to be installed at Ripon Cathedral in a service led by the Bishop of Leeds, the Right Rev Nick Baines. Mark was licensed to this honorary position in recognition of his 'outstanding ministry' and is now entitled Rev Canon Mark Umpleby. Mark was supported at the service by around 45 friends and family which included congregation members from the 4 churches in the United Benefice of Batley and his colleagues from the 'More in Common' group, Batley & Spen.
A proud moment for Mark and for all those who witnessed this wonderful event - congratulations from us all!
Raising Money for Mental Health Charities - August 2019
Rev Martin bravely volunteered to have his head shaved to raise awareness of mental health issues and the charities that support those suffering from this type of illness. Martin is a facilitator at the PeerTalk Support Group meetings held at Batley Parish (All Saints) Church every Wednesday afternoon from 1.30pm. So far Martin has helped to raise around £1,800 which will be shared between PeerTalk and Combat Stress a charity that support veterans with mental health problems. Well done Martin!!
Looking 'cool' on a very hot day!
Rocking the Moses look - the parting of the waves!
Half cut?
Feeling the difference! A case of hair today, gone tomorrow.
Lent Lunches 2019
Each year our parishioners put on 3 lunches during Lent. There is no fixed price, we simply ask for donations with the proceeds going to charity. This year's recipient was the Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) based in Batley. Pictured here from left to right are:
Rev Mark Umpleby, Lindsay Bennett (RVS) and Jeremy Parkinson
150th Anniversary Celebrations
Patronal Festival - 1st July 2018
The Bishop of Leeds, Rt Revd Nick Baines led our service of celebration for 150 years of worship at St Thomas'. The service was attended by around 100 people which included Revd Lindsay Dew, vicar of this parish 1989-1997
Pictured (L-R): Revd Mark Umpleby (Associate Priest), Joan Webster (Churchwarden), Revd Martin Naylor (Incumbent), Rt Revd Nick Baines, Cllr Gwen Lowe (Mayor of Kirklees), Ken Lowe (Mayor's Consort), Jeremy Parkinson (Churchwarden).
Flower Festival - 21st to 23rd September 2018
"Heritage & Harvest"
The celebrations marking our 150th anniversary continued in September with a Flower Festival based on the theme of 'Heritage & Harvest' and also included displays put together by our Church Groups. We received tremendous support, guidance and involvement from the Ossett Flower Club and the church looked spectacular! An estimated 400 people visited across the 3 days which included a flower arranging demonstration and a concert given by Gawthorpe Brass '85 and the Batley Community Choir. Here's just a few examples of the numerous and wonderful displays that were on show:
Our Harvest
Our Baptism
Our Heritage - the mills of Batley
The Scouting Group
The Guiding Group
Remembering St Luke's
Installation of Revd Dr Martin Naylor as Priest-in-Charge (April 2014)
Revd Naylor was licensed Priest-in-Charge of All Saints and St Thomas, Batley, St Andrews, Purlwell and St Pauls, Hanging Heaton at a service at All Saints on Friday 11th April 2014. About 180 people attended the service which was led by the then Bishop of Wakefield, Rt Rev Stephen Platten.
Pictured: Ven Peter Townley (Archdeacon), Rt Rev Stephen Platten (Bishop of Wakefield), Rev Canon Kevin Partington (Rural Dean), Rev Dr Martin Naylor
Towards the end of 2014 Revd Mark Umpleby was installed as Associate Priest and in 2016 the 4 churches named above were brought together under the banner of the 'United Benefice of Batley' and Revd Martin became the Incumbent.