We have many people to thank for making the church look attractive during the year – and especially at Christmas. Not least are our gifted flower arrangers, whose creations adorn the sanctuary. Mary Brownlow made this lovely arrangement and we are grateful to her for her floral creations during the year.

There was sweet singing in the choir at the All Hallows' Carol Service which was accompanied by our guest organist, Mitch Wright. Challenging music, from RR Terry to John Rutter, was tackled with aplomb as the story of Christmas unfolded in the readings.

Rev Rob, the Rector, led the service – and directed the choir – and the lovely French carol, O Holy Night, was sung by soprano Lottie, accompanied on the organ by her brother, Will.

All Hallows' looks magnificent for Christmas, so don't miss our other services listed on the church website. Happily for us, the Christingle Service on Christmas Eve has been oversubscribed, but we are sorry that some  families may be disappointed.

There will be a later Christingle Service at 4.30pm at our sister church, St Lucius' in Farnley Tyas.

More than 130 people packed St Lucius' Church for the annual service of Lessons and Carols. It was led by Rev Rob, the Rector, with choral music from the Farnley Singers, conducted by Martin Kettlewell.

Among the sopranos were Katie Savage and her daughter, Lottie, who sang a solo verse in Harold Darke's In the Bleak Midwinter.

The lessons were read by individuals drawn from the congregation, the parish and the Farnley Community Group. Afterwards, coffee, wine, mince pies and other goodies were served to the enthusiastic throng.

This service has become a fixture in the Farnley calendar since its inception in 2017, so many thanks to Rob, to the Farnley Singers and the tenor, Graham Fearnley, who draws the choir together, to our organist and to our marvellous catering team.

​The Mothers' Union was delighted today to welcome the Mayor of Kirklees, Councillor Liz Smaje, to our Souls of Our Feet exhibition in the church hall at All Hallows'.

It explains the work undertaken by MU in supporting individuals who have experienced abuse which can affect any age or gender. 
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We were able to discuss our involvement in raising awareness of all forms of gender violence including FGM (Female Genital Mutilation).

,​An African diocese has written to thank St Lucius' for helping to buy sewing machines to help young people.

A Craft Fair in church in July 12 raised £750, which bought machines for the Mothers' Union Rey Sewing Project in Rorya, Tanzania. 

The Rorya diocese is led by Bishop Musa, who visited St Lucius' last September.

Moreen Nehemiah, the project's head, says in her letter: 'This project aims to equip young girls and women who have missed an opportunity to further their education or who married early. By giving them sewing skills they have the chance to earn money for living and family support. 

'Since the project started in 2020, more than 30 girls and women benefit. These new sewing machines will enable the centre to admit more girls and women in 2026. Thank you very much for this wonderful support from St. Lucius' Church. May God bless all who extended their generosity.'

The Rorya Diocese's next project is to raise money to buy sheep. In aid of this, there will be a coffee morning with Sheeple Drive eat St Lucius' on Saturday, December 13 from 10am to 12pm. Entrance – £2.50 – includes coffee and homemade biscuits. Cake stall and tombola. 

We got messy at Messy Church in All Hallows' on Saturday, October 11, when we explored the theme of Harvest. We made bugs, bead corns, thankful leaves and ...dirt cakes! All in celebration of God’s beautiful creation. The challenge is how do we continue to look after it?

Don't miss this free Accent on Song concert by All Souls' Amateur Operatic Society. It's at All Hallows' on Friday, October 10 at 7.30pm.

Grateful thanks to all who supported Evensong last night, not least our choir which – perhaps a record here – contained three priests: the Revs Rob, Anna and Lucy.

The anthem, Lead me Lord, by S S Wesley was beautifully sung and added to the meditative atmosphere of the service, led by the Vicar.

Thanks also to the kitchen and serving team for their sterling work with supper, which comprised chilli con carne, Italian vegetable casserole and apple crumble and custard.

There was particular joy to the occasion with the celebration of the 90th birthday of Dot Greenwood, a greatly loved member of our congregation, who is wonderfully described by Kath in the video, below.

The Heritage Open Day at All Hallows' was a great success. Dozens of visitors of all ages braved the atrocious weather to explore the church and inspect aspects of village history on display in the hall.

You may know the beautiful apartments in Dark Lane overlooking Farnley Line. But did you know they were, for many years, a Children's Home? The ship on this picture was built by someone who lived there as a child.

Wonderful pottery models of houses in the area, all easily recognised, were on sale. And maps galore showed the importance of Almondbury long before that upstart Huddersfield was a large commercial centre.

Tea, Coffee and luscious cakes were available to provide fuel for the journey home in the continuous rain. Proceeds from the day will be shared between the town's two hospices. So thanks to everyone who made the day a success. 

One visitor, Penny Clarkson, wrote: 'My sister and I enjoyed looking around our childhood church again, and the scones and cakes were delicious. Would love to see some of the old handbells and photos of the children who played them in the 60s and 70s."

Another, Kev Larcombe, wrote: 'It was a brilliant morning we all enjoyed it so much, thank you.'