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.

The parish would like to run a summer holiday club for children at St Michael and St Helen's church during the week of July 29.

To be able to do this safely, we require a team of about 10 helpers all of whom will need a DBS. If you would be interested in helping and have a DBS, or have had one in the past, please get in touch with the Rev Rob to let him know.

His details can be found on our Contact page.

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.

Many congratulations to Rita Chambers, a cherished member of the All Hallows' choir, who is celebrating her 95th birthday.

She first came to All Hallows' 66 years ago, shortly after her marriage to Eric, and became a member of the flourishing Young Wives group, which met in the former parish rooms adjoining the vicarage.

Sadly, the group was not to last. One evening the then vicar's wife, annoyed at what she said was the loud noise they were making, barged in and threw them out. Soon after, it folded. Church visits were intermittent for four years, until Rita returned to the fold. 

A musician and teacher by training, she assisted for many years in the the music department at Huddersfield High School, also finding time to sing in the Huddersfield Choral Society and the Glee and Madrigal Society.

Rita joined the All Hallows' choir 12 years ago after asking the then organist and choirmaster, Malcolm Cruise, who readily agreed. There was no audition, or need for one; Rita still has a fine voice.

There were other activities, as she contributed to church life over six decades. Fund raising was one – and All Hallows' has much to thank her for, not least her work in aiding repairs to the roof and clock tower. In return, she values greatly the many friends she has made and who have sustained her as she lost friends from other parts of her life.

May she sing with us for many years to come – and continue to enjoy the odd tot of whisky!

The craft swop shop at St Lucius’ Church yesterday raised £530 for Bishop Musa's charity in Rorya, Tanzania.

It will go towards buying sheep for the Women’s Wellbeing and Livelihood project.

​The event was organised by Kath Hinchliff, Sue Moloney and Linda Alderson, to whom we are very grateful.

Candlemas Evensong at St Lucius' in February drew a congregation of encouraging numbers. And we were pleased to welcome to the choir, three new members: David, James and Mark, whose contributions were greatly appreciated.

The service included a newly written anthem, When to the temple Mary went, based on words for the presentation of Jesus at the Temple. After the service, more than 50 people down to a lively curry supper with wine.