Left to right – Rev Dan Morgan, Dawn Wolstenholme, Esther Andrews, Rev Canon Martin Batchelor
Reverend Canon Martin Batchelor
Reverend Canon Martin Batchelor at Hymns and Pimms and Emergence
Martin is married to Jill and has 3 daughters. He grew up in Swansea and leaving school he studied computing at Plymouth, then worked as a computer programmer and Systems Analyst before training for ordination at St John’s, Nottingham and being ordained at Brecon Catherine 1995. He has served in churches in south and north Wales and before coming to Mold was vicar of Bistre in Buckley and the Borderlands Mission Area Leader.
Martin enjoys running and is a regular at Chester Parkrun. He is currently doing his grade 5 piano and a Welsh learner (currently at Uwch level). He also enjoys eating at good restaurants with family and friends and walking.
He is enjoying the opportunities and challenges of ministry in Mold and seeing God at work in Mold and Northop.
Esther Andrews
Youth and Family Worker
Hello, I’m Esther! I never know how to start when writing about myself, but I guess the most important thing to know is my favourite food?! I adore Reese’s Pieces chocolate…but nothing is better than a curry stuffed with red chillis and paneer. I also love superheroes, and even have Marvel wallpaper! Walking is what keeps me sane, and going up hills or into woods is an important part of my prayer life. My favourite Bible characters are Jesus, Moses and Esther (of course!), and my favourite books are Harry Potter (I’m a Ravenclaw). I have been married to Jon since 2011, and we have two beautiful children who keep us on our toes. I’m pretty sure that God asked me to do youth work so I can benefit from young people’s wisdom, rather than the other way round! I want every person to know their inestimable worth, beauty and significance in the eyes of our loving God.
Dawn Wolstenholme
I grew up attending Northop Church with my family, parents Sheila, Jack and sister Tracy – also with my nephew Aled. We are a family who love spending time together enjoying the outdoors, good food, music and literature. When alone, my favourite past-time is watching such programmes as comedies and sci-fi.
I currently work as an Assistant at Flintshire Council and love engaging with others and those we try to support, who are vulnerable people… However, I also began training as Lay Reader with Martin in Bistre church during covid. They were a wonderful church who worked to support each other and stay together, so when Martin moved to Mold, I came too! It’s a pleasure to also now work with a team that supports Mold, Northop, and surrounding areas which plays a part in so many people’s lives…
God has blessed me with a life full of people and things I love and I couldn’t be happier!
Thank you also to:
Rev Dan Morgan
Dan has now moved to Denbigh where he is Priest in Charge of his own parish – we miss him hugely and remain deeply grateful for all the lives he touched and the many seeds sown – sending ongoing prayers for a thriving ministry.
Ryan Denton
Thanks to Ryan for coming on to our staff team as a temporary Youth Worker. He did great work, listening one to one with young people and showing real enthusiasm with graphics during 2023