We are delighted to announce the launch of the All Hallows' Children's Choir, a new and exciting opportunity for children in Year 2 and above to discover the joy of singing, develop musical skills, make new friends and gain confidence.

The choir will begin on Thursday, October 8 at 3.30pm to 4.45pm at All Hallows' Church, Almondbury. There is no cost and all music and resources will be provided.

Why join a choir?
Learning to sing is about so much more than music. Through fun weekly rehearsals, children
will develop:

• Vocal technique and healthy singing habits
• Music reading skills
• Active listening skills
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Communication skills
• Confidence and resilience
• Self-expression and creativity

Children who sing in choirs often grow in confidence, learn discipline, develop concentration
and experience the satisfaction of working together towards a shared goal.

Led by an experienced music educator
The choir will be led by Revd Rob Savage, who, before being ordained as a priest, worked as
a secondary school music teacher and has many years of experience directing and leading
children's choirs. He will be supported by volunteers from All Hallows' Church, all of whom have completed the appropriate safeguarding checks and training to ensure a safe environment.

More than just singing
As the choir grows, members will have opportunities to:

• Perform to audiences at special events and concerts
• Lead the singing at the 9.30am Family Service on the third Sunday of each month
• Enjoy social events and trips, including activities such as bowling
• Meet new people and build lasting friendships
• Be part of something special in the local community

Whether your child already loves singing or simply wants to try something new, we would love
them to come along. Why not invite a friend to join too? Everything is more fun when
you come with friends!

How to sign up
To register your child, please complete our online form. This information helps us keep all
children safe and enables us to contact you about rehearsals and choir activities.

Sign up here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/TXpFuV5nFd

If you child attends All Hallows’ CE Primary School, there is the opportunity for your
child to be walked down to All Hallows’ Church after school, by school staff and church
volunteers. This means you would only need to pick them up at the end of the rehearsal.

All you need to do is give permission on the sign-up form. All risk assessments and
safeguarding procedures are in place for this.

We can't wait to welcome our first singers and begin this exciting new chapter for the children
of Almondbury and Farnley Tyas.

With every good wish,
Revd Rob Savage
Rector of the Parish of Almondbury with Farnley Tyas

Website: www.almondburywithfarnleytyaschurches.org/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AlmondburyandFarnleyTyasChurches/

For a moment, let us walk into the past, while viewing it through the eyes of today. These pictures are of All Hallows' before and after its restoration by Canon Hulbert in the 1870s.

The old images have been clarified and coloured by AI, so they cannot be regarded as wholly accurate. Even so,  our common regard of the past as black white, hazy or gloomy can be, to an extent, expelled.
Click on the pictures to enlarge them.

We had a wonderful 150th celebration as we gave thanks for Mary Sumner and the Mothers’ Union at our Sung Eucharist at All Hallows', Almondbury.

Pictured are members of our Mothers' Union and one or two friends, including the Bishop of Huddersfield, the Rt Rev Smitha Prasadam, and her mother. We are grateful to the Rev Margaret Fossey for preaching and leading our worship.

If anyone had the right to be called Mrs Farnley, it was surely Peggy Dodson, who was laid to rest on August 3, at the age of 100.

A home in Manor Road, connections with the Golden Cock, the farming community, the Women's Institute and St Lucius', where she worshipped for many years, made her instantly recognisable and sealed that status.

​Her late husband, Stanley, shopkeeper and leader of the local shoot, was held in equal regard.

Peggy's warmth, kindness and outgoing nature were legendary. Small wonder her grandaughter, Alexandra, referred to her at the Thanksgiving Service at St Lucius' as 'Supergran'.

​A long life well lived. May she rest in peace.

We are delighted to share pictures from St Lucius' Patronal Festival and the Commemoration of the Wardroper Grave. Heartfelt thanks to all who came to celebrate with us.

It was a joyful and memorable occasion, bringing together members of our parish and wider community to remember our heritage, give thanks and enjoy fellowship.

We would also like to express our gratitude to everyone involved in the Wardroper Grave restoration project, whose dedication, hard work and support helped make this commemorative event possible. Thanks, also, to Anna at Only 1 Design only1design.co.uk for capturing the day through her lens. Her images record a special occasion.

Congratulations to Ruth, our Tower Captain, who is celebrating her 60th birthday.  Ruth leads our bell ringers who let much of the parish know each Sunday that a service will shortly begin. 

All Hallows' has a glorious ring of eight 1919 Taylor bells which sound out for weddings and funerals as well as special occasions, such as bell ringer Eric's 90th birthday.

New members are always welcome, so why not not join them? It's good exercise and more fun than going to the gym!

​Interested? Come along on a Monday evening when ringers meet for practice from 7.30pm. to 9pm. Sunday service ringing is usually 9am for the 9.30am service. And below you can hear some ringers in action.

The City of Bradford Brass Band is coming to All Hallows' on Thursday, May 21, following appearances at Holme Valley and Grand Shield contests.

Expect a mix of toe-tapping favourites, stirring classics and a few surprises. You may also spot one or two familiar faces, as the Rev Rob and his daughter Lottie are band members.

Advice from the bad is: 'Bring a friend, family, or just yourself, everyone’s welcome, and we promise a warm atmosphere and a brilliant night out.'

​Tickets are available via TicketSource or the parish office. Call 01484 541837.

By Kath Hinchliffe
​The grave of the Rev Cutfield Wardrope was uncovered in St Lucius' churchyard in July 2024 by a member of probation service Payback Team working with church's Eco-group.

It had been covered for at least 50 years and funding to restore it was raised by St Lucius' with a generous grant from Kirkburton Parish Council.

On Sunday, July 5 at 10.30am, the Parish Patronal service at Farnley will include an act of commemoration to mark the restoration, honouring the life and legacy of this priest and his family. You can read more about this remarkable character here.