
Left to right – 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 Cathedral 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.
Reverend Emma Dale

I became a Christian in my twenties after much searching for the truth and I have been excited by God ever since – the mercy of God the Father, saving work of Jesus and guidance, inspiration and sheer exhilaration of the Holy Spirit.
I grew up in Shotton and before training for ministry, had a variety of roles, including Examination and School Business Manager in Connah’s Quay High School. I’ve ministered in the Alyn Mission Area where I worked in diverse communities and in schools work across 5 villages. I am excited to be moving to Mold with my dogs, cat and of course, my son Joel. I love to cook, knit, embroider and read. I am also a keen tsundokuist, (a person that buys more books than they can read)!
I’ve trained in Godly Play and Open the Book and enjoy ministering to people of all ages. Dysgwyr dw i, ond dw i ddim yn amser i ymarfer. So, I’m excited to be able to try and improve my Welsh whilst ministering in and around Mold and Northop. I can’t wait to be part of all that God is doing in the Mold Mission Hub – to serve in a vibrant market town, and wonderful villages is really thrilling.
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!