I am writing this in the thick of Christmas preparations and many carol services in this, my first Christmas in Badsworth and Ackworth. I am surprised at how quickly I have come to regard my parishes as home and I am looking forward to getting to know many more of you in the new year.

During my first 6 months, I have been amazed at the hard work which so obviously goes into village events, from the summer fete, the scarecrow competition and the Christmas party. The church coffee mornings are very well supported by the village and I am grateful to our church team which just makes them happen each month.

The Roman God Janus is usually portrayed, in art and sculpture, with two heads. One looks behind him and the other faces forwards. He is the god of both the past and the future and it is thought that the month of January derives from his name. In the early days of the New Year, we all tend to reflect on the previous year and also look forward to the new, like Janus. At St Mary's we have been a bit Janus-like as we think about how we can make our historic church more open and accessible, so that it becomes a real hub in the centre of the village, not just an old locked building many walk past.

So looking back at our historic past and forward to the next steps, St Mary's will be making plans to update the building with a loo and refreshment area - and working to keep the building open much more often. Inevitably progress will be slow, it often is, but the church council is committed to developing the wonderful resource in our midst. There will be more to share in due course.

A very happy New Year to you all.