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.

All Hallows' was part of Heritage Open Days, Britain’s largest community-led festival of history and culture, last September. It featured a special exhibition on Almondbury’s history. We are now looking for a new heritage leader..

Rita Chambers was the point of contact and co-ordinator between the Parish and the wider HODs Team, but has decided to step back this year. Would anyone interested in taking her position, please contact Rita or the Parish Office.

It would be useful if you could make yourself known over this coming month, as registration for the 2026 festival – themed on EverydayHistories: the daily routines and jobs of our ancestors – opens on March 2.

All Hallows' is blessed with a vibrant church family and there are two new exciting volunteer opportunities.

A small, friendly group is being sought to meet once a month to help oversee the care of the church building.
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This role is about ensuring our beautiful space is well looked after and that small maintenance tasks don’t get overlooked. You won’t be expected to do all the hands-on work, but to help keep an eye on things and make sure jobs are followed through.

We are also seeking a group of creative and enthusiastic people to meet half-termly with Revd Rob, pictured, to help shape the church’s social calendar. This team will help ensure we offer a varied and engaging programme of events throughout the year, including fundraising activities as well as mission and outreach opportunities.

Again, the role is about vision and oversight rather than organising every detail. If either of these opportunities sounds like something you could prayerfully consider being part of, please Contact Revd Rob as soon as possible.

​Your time, ideas, and gifts could make a real difference in the life of our church community.

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).