T W Birks & Son Funeral Directors

08/08/2026

We had a wonderful evening. Thank you for inviting us. Wishing Sarah all the best in her new role ✝️

Welcoming Reverend Sarah Cawdell

What a wonderful evening we shared together as we welcomed Reverend Sarah Cawdell as the new Incumbent of the Holme Valley East Benefice.

It was a joyful and moving service, led by the Right Reverend Smitha Prasadam, Bishop of Huddersfield, as Sarah was instituted and inducted into her new ministry. It was lovely to see so many people from our own congregation, neighbouring churches, family and friends gathered together to celebrate this special occasion.

As one chapter closes and another begins, we give thanks for God’s guidance and look forward with hope, faith and excitement to all that lies ahead.

A huge thank you goes to everyone who attended, helped with the service, provided refreshments and worked behind the scenes to make the evening such a success.

Please keep Sarah, Simon and all the churches of the Holme Valley East Benefice in your prayers as we begin this new journey together.

“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them – not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” – 1 Peter 5:2–3

May God richly bless Sarah as she begins this new chapter of ministry among us.

08/08/2026

We were honoured to attend the induction of The Reverend Sarah Cawdell as Incumbent of The Upper Holme Valley East at Christ Church last night.
We look forward to working with Sarah across her churches in the Holme Valley.

25/07/2026

Sharing on behalf of Mel's family 💔

Melanie Sykes died peacefully at Kirkwood Hospice, surrounded by her loved ones, on 17th July, aged 57 years.

Beloved partner of Nicky, much loved mum of Maisie, Megan and Billy.

A funeral service will take place at Huddersfield Crematorium on Friday 21st August at 12.30pm.

Family flowers only please.

Donations, in lieu of flowers, will be gratefully received for Kirkwood Hospice.

All enquiries to T.W. Birks & Son, Holme Valley Funeral Home, Woodhead Road, Holmfirth HD9 2PR

23/07/2026

Our funeral director, Robert, recently arranged and conducted a funeral for a London Metropolitan Police Service Officer, who sadly died of cancer (sarcoma) at just 30 years old.
Her family, who live in Holmfirth, are trying to get 27 people to donate blood in her memory.
It's been on Robert's bucket list for a long time, as he's never donated blood before, so he donated his first one in Cat's memory.
Well done!!

To donate blood yourself, visit www.blood.co.uk
NHS Blood Donation

To find out more about sarcoma and how your blood donation is important, visit www.sarcoma.org.uk

15/07/2026

Christ Church, New Mill this Saturday at 7.15pm
Holmfirth Choral Society Summer concert.

03/07/2026

Former Calendar presenter John Shires has died aged 71.

John was best known for co-presenting Calendar News with Gaynor Barnes, who has described him as "a Calendar legend."

"He was a class act. A gentlemen. He will be so sorely missed by us all", she said.

https://www.itv.com/news/calendar/2026-07-03/former-calendar-presenter-john-shires-has-died

27/06/2026

The reason we started Match 4 Heroes - Pte Tom Wroe and Sgt Gareth Thursday

Another fantastic write up about Tom

🌺 “Always Happy.” - That was Private Thomas James Wroe’s answer whenever someone asked how he was doing.

Born in Huddersfield, England, on June 27, 1994, Tom grew up with a dream that never changed: he wanted to be a soldier.

Following in the footsteps of his father, who had also served in The Yorkshire Regiment, Tom joined the British Army at just 16 years old. He attended the Army Foundation College in Harrogate before completing his training and joining 3rd Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment.

But there was one obstacle standing in his way.

He was too young to deploy to Afghanistan.

While his friends and teammates prepared to leave, Tom remained in the United Kingdom, counting down the days until his 18th birthday. His commanders later recalled how eager he was, constantly asking when he could finally join his platoon overseas.

He didn't want to stay behind.

He wanted to be where his brothers were.

On July 1, 2012, only days after turning 18, Tom finally arrived in Helmand Province.

One of his comrades remembered the moment perfectly.

With a huge smile on his face, Tom simply said:

“I've finally made it.”

Even though he was the youngest soldier in the platoon, he quickly earned the respect of everyone around him.

He was the first to volunteer for a task.

The first to clean his rifle after a patrol.

And often the first to crack a joke that lifted everyone's spirits.

His officers described him as enthusiastic, professional, reliable, and exceptionally mature for his age. They believed he had all the qualities needed to become a future leader.

But what stood out most was his attitude.

Whenever anyone asked how he was doing, the answer never changed.

“Always Happy.”

On September 15, 2012, at Checkpoint Tora in Helmand Province, Private Thomas James Wroe was killed when a rogue Afghan policeman opened fire on British soldiers.

He was only 18 years old.

His military career had barely begun.

Yet in that short time, he left such an impression that senior officers and seasoned soldiers alike believed he was destined for great things.

His family remembered him as a young man whose smile could light up a room.

His friends remembered his humour.

His comrades remembered his determination.

And the Army remembered a young Yorkshire warrior who loved being a soldier more than anything else.

Private Thomas James Wroe.

Forever 18.

Forever smiling.

Forever remembered

04/06/2026

An early start for our team at Grenoside Crematorium this morning.
The memorial garden looks immaculate and is always well maintained.
Heading back to Holmfirth, over Hade Edge, there was an amazing rainbow ❤️

03/06/2026

We are attending a memorial service for John Laverty, 'Scot's John', at The Boot & Shoe in Scholes, Holmfirth today.
John's ashes have been placed on his favourite seat at the bar with a glass of whisky and photo of him with his beloved dog, Jimmy.

All are welcome to share memories and raise a glass to him.

03/06/2026

Community walk this Saturday in aid of The British Heart Foundation.

Leaving from The Boot and Shoe at 11am.