Donlan family reunites at Batley bash

The Donlan family reunion brought together around 100 relatives, some of whom had never met each other before.

Martin Donlan and his wife lived in Holgate’s Yard, Batley Carr, with 10 of their children. But in 1934 the house was condemned.

The children were split up because no house big enough to hold them could be found. But Mr and Mrs Donlan still went on to have another eight children, and the family eventually lived in Ravensthorpe, Dewsbury.

The four remaining Donlan children – Marie, Margaret, Micky and Christine – all went to the event at Dance Club 21.

Ashley Porter, whose grandmother was Sheila Donlan, said: “Quite a lot turned up and travelled from far afield.

“Most families wouldn’t bother, but it goes to show that family values are still around. People are still willing to go that extra mile.”