At the Patronal Service at St James‘ Church, Acton Trussell on 27th July 2025, on the occasion of his 90th birthday and to recognise his decades of devoted service to St James’ Church, a certificate was presented to Len Bates BEM. This recorded that Leonard Arthur Bates BEM is granted the title Church Warden Emeritus of St James’ Church, Acton Trussell.

The congregation along with Len, Rev Delphine Howarth and Rev Dr David Primrose celebrated with cakes and refreshments after the service.