Sunday 10 March 2024
On 8 March 1933 over 200 Catholics from all over the Heavy Woollen District competed at the Columba Club, Dewsbury, in the newly-formed Heavy Woollen District Catholic Billiards League. St Mary’s won the Clergy Cup for first teams and also the Laity Cup for second teams. The 1st team comprised of George Gavaghan, F. Buckley, M. Frain, R. Moran, T. Fleming, J. Harkin and H. Durkin. The 2nd team members were J. Munns, F. Flexney, W. Senior, T. Pickles, F. Buckley, junr., T. Brennen and M. Cafferty. St Mary’s band played at the dance which followed, with the M.C.s including Joe Munns.
Sunday 17 March 2024
On St Patrick’s Day 1885 the Catholics of Batley held what was described as a successful soiree. Tea was laid on for around 800 people in the school room. Afterwards a concert was held in the Drill Shed on Bradford Road, attended by about 1,400. The event raised around £50.
This piece is indicative of the size of the parish. As for the Drill Shed (or Drill Hall), which had been used by the KOYLI as a meeting and training location, and latterly was the Yorkshire Fire Museum, it stood on Bradford Road (where the Iceland/Asda car parks now are). Kirklees Council decided to demolish it in 1991 whilst they were undertaking work on Batley Beck. They also said it was too dilapidated. This despite a campaign to save it which had overwhelming local support, and local businessmen offering to take the building on for offices or warehousing.
Sunday 24 March 2024
On 22 March 1872 Batley St Mary’s parish priest Fr. Thomas Bruno Rigby was interred in Batley Cemetery. He had overseen the building of the church, which formally opened on 15 December 1870. He died at Lancaster railway station on 18 March 1872, after falling from the platform whilst trying to board a moving train.
For more information read A Potted Early History of the Irish in Batley, the Building of St Mary of the Angel’s Church, and the Parish Priest’s Fatal Accident, which can be found clicking here.
Sunday 31 March 2024
The first baptism recorded in the St Mary’s parish register was that of Thomas Burke, born on 21 December 1853 and baptised on 11 January 1854. His parents were Patrick and Catherine Burke (maiden name Fraine). His godparents were James Shea and Mary Snea. The priest was Fr. James Wells.
PastToPresentGenealogy 