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.'

Marsden-based Mikron Theatre packed St Lucius' last night with 'Hush, Hush' a brilliant production based on imagined activities at Bletchley Park.

In it, we entered a world of secrets, songs and cyphers as we got to know the heroes of Hut 3. This was a superb and well-received performance from these four actor/singer/instrumentalists.

Many thanks to everyone who supported this evening and to the members of the congregation who provided front-of-house services.

rA joyful service at St Lucius' was illuminated by an inspirational sermon on the theme of Creation from Bishop Smitha, who also celebrated the Eucharist. 

The church has been awarded the A Rocha Silver Eco Church Award and the Bishop, on her first visit to Farnley Tyas, helped to celebrate this project at this parish service.

She also spoke of the warmth and friendliness she felt on entering St Lucius' and that she looked forward to returning.

At the end of the service, she was shown the extensive environmental improvements in the churchyard, including a memorial garden, restored pathways, repaired graves, nesting areas and a rebuilt dry stone wall.

​Afterwards, she met members of the congregation over refreshments.

We welcome the Rt Rev Smitha Prasadam, Bishop of Huddersfield, to St Lucius’ on Sunday, September 14.

She will celebrate the Eucharist and preach at this parish service, which starts at 9.30am.

St Lucius' has been awarded the A Rocha Silver Eco Church Award and the Bishop will help us to celebrate all the wonderful work that has gone into this achievement. 

We will gather at the earlier time of 9.30am to allow her time to meet us and to view the work that has been completed in the churchyard. There will be no other services in the parish that morning, so please come and celebrate with us.

There will be a said service of Holy Communion at All Hallows' each Wednesday, from September 10, at the new time of 10.30am.

It will be followed by a time of fellowship and refreshments.
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This is a service for the whole parish, so everyone is very welcome to come