These are the history pieces which appeared in the Batley St Mary of the Angels and Birstall St Patrick’s bulletin during December 2025. As the parishes are jointly administered and a single bulletin produced, the history pieces are not solely focused on St Mary of the Angels, although St Patrick’s was not formed as a separate parish until 1905. Prior to that it was part of St Mary’s.
As part of the St Mary of the Angels One-Place Study I have written in more detail about some of these events, and where this is the case the link to the fuller piece is included.
06/07 December 2025
On 11 December 1917 St. Patrick’s parishioner, and Birstall Irish National League Club member, Sgt. John Kilkenny of the 12th King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, died of his wounds at No4 General Hospital in France. A former coal miner, he enlisted in May 1915, and went to France in July 1916. Although his condition was serious, he was thought to be recovering, and arrangements were being made for his transfer back to England. He left a widow, Margaret Jessie (née Richardson), and five children. The nurse who wrote informing Margaret Jessie said that he spoke frequently about her and the children, and he was good and brave until the last. He is buried in Etaples Military Cemetery.
Jane Roberts – Parish Historian, Website: https://pasttopresentgenealogy.co.uk
13/14 December 2025
On 14 December 1905 Simeon Colbeck of Boyle Hall, West Ardsley, died. Head of the Alverthorpe firm Messrs. Colbeck Bros. Ltd., woollen manufacturers, the business began in Batley in around 1850 at Cheapside Mill. A convert to Catholicism, being baptized at St. Mary’s in 1875, he was a generous parish benefactor even before this date, contributing financially to the building of the church. His interment took place in the graveyard at Woodkirk parish church, in a ceremony conducted by former St. Mary’s parish priest, Rev. Father Charles Gordon, who was now parish priest at Selby. There are still reminders of the Colbeck family in the church today, including three of the stained-glass windows which are dedicated to various members of the family.
Jane Roberts – Parish Historian, Website: https://pasttopresentgenealogy.co.uk
20/21 December 2025
The doors of St Mary’s church had to be closed ten minutes before the Christmas Eve Midnight Mass in 1950 owing to the church being so crowded. Father George Hinchcliffe sang Mass and Father Thomas Kevin O’Brien preached. At a dance in the parochial hall on Boxing Day evening the waltz competition was won by Mr. Thomas Hunt and Miss Joan Colleran.
Jane Roberts – Parish Historian, Website: https://pasttopresentgenealogy.co.uk
27/28 December 2025
On 27 to 30 December 1946 the Catholic Players of St. Patrick’s put on their first post-war production, before large audiences in the school. The operetta, “Song of the Orient,” was written and produced by Mr. T. Halloran. Described as a great success, proceeds went to church funds. Principal performers included Miss D. Birbeck, Miss Spencer, Miss W. Maguire, Mr. B. Aveyard, Mr. T. and Mr. W. Halloran, Mrs. K. Adamson, Mr. P. Aveyard, and Mr. J. Madden. Others taking part were Miss Murray, Mrs. Duffy, Miss Coyne, Miss Waldron, Miss McVeigh, Messrs. J. Murray and W. Battye, Miss Neary, and Miss Clarke. For many of the cast it was their first appearance before the footlights. The initial accompanist was Mr. M. Mcloughlin but, after breaking his shoulder-blade, he was replaced by Mr. J Lightowler. Mr. T Costello was responsible for the very clever lighting effects.
Jane Roberts – Parish Historian, Website: https://pasttopresentgenealogy.co.uk
Past To Present Genealogy 