Photographs 1 and 2 - Chris Morris Images
THROUGH THE EYES OF AN HAWORTH OFFCUMDEN ?
Moving to Haworth in 2010, I was filled with real excitement
- the prospect of a new start in a peaceful and very beautiful West Yorkshire
village steeped in history had always seemed so far away from my grasp. I felt incredibly lucky to be moving there as
it is what many people’s dreams are made of.
Even before all the unpacking was complete, I was out exploring
the quaint cobbled Main Street, which is where all the unique little shops,
eateries and pubs are situated - a
street that has witnessed much over the years but remains almost as it was 200
years ago.
The steam railway was truly impressive and the Bronte Parsonage
Museum (which is visited by thousands of people from all over the world each
year) was a delight – filled with treasures of a bygone age and very much the
same as it was when the Bronte family lived there.
Walking in the gorgeous countryside and atmospheric
moorlands was joyous! I soon understood just what it was about the area that
inspired the Bronte sisters to write their books - stories that are printed in
numerous languages and never lose their popularity. Their novels are literature
staples.
Then my mind shifted to the people who live in this
community now. Would they be as I had been led to believe – farmers and other
rough and ready county people, salt of the earth types who had no time for
outsiders? Being a Townie, I couldn’t help but wonder if they would even talk
to me, in time accept me? Would I make friends? Would I be classed an offcumbden?
It was time to find out.
I took a walk to the Kings Arms at the top of the
cobbles. I was made very welcome by the barmaid and left there three drinks
later with an invitation to join her and a pose of other local woman for a
girls night out. I never looked back.
Within the next few weeks I gained the acquaintance of
a magician, an opera singer, a sculptor, a songwriter, several musicians, a
glass artist and a painter, a stripper, a topless ironer, an historian and two
poets. Creativity and talent in abundance!
I also came across a host of Karaoke kings and queens and
the village idiot, a truly deserving recipient of the title. Then the village
perv came to my attention – never has a man had such enthusiasm! There were
others in contention though! A wide range of affairs came to light, as did news of some eyebrow raising secret encounters that were far from secret. I could tell some toe curling stuff!
I quickly realised that Haworth wasn’t multicultural –
just a few people living here from other nations. However, the gay/ transgender
/ transvestite communities were well represented for a small village and several
of those people are extremely popular in social gatherings due to their wicked
sense of humour and way with words - the tales that I’ve been told!!!
Hilarious.
I don’t know whether I was surprised or just downright
disappointed to discover there was a drug problem in the village and at least
three drug dealers. Alcohol certainly has its hold on more people, young and old alike than you
would imagine too – but then that was not so well hidden.
What did hit me like a tornado was what is widely
known as “village mentality” This covers that fact that most seem to know your
business, they might embellish it a bit for effect, judge you and gossip about
you. It was mind blowing. Of course, it isn’t everyone who is like that but
spend a bit of time in the local pubs and you are likely to be faced with
it.
I think the majority of the best loved characters were
discovered in The Fleece, where many a bizarre conversation was had in old
blokes corner, over a game of dominoes and a pint or six. It has to be said
that political correctness isn’t a priority with everyone in the village but
there’s plenty of fun and laughter.
No one could describe the people of Haworth as dull;
some are a bit unusual perhaps or eccentric - but never dull. There’s such a mixture of “the
old ways” and modern life but that is true of most places I suppose.
Something else that became evident over time was the
sheer number of benefit fraudsters living here, it is truly shocking. However,
there are plenty of hardworking, honest residents too and a high percentage of
professional people. Solicitors, authors, top chefs, anesthetists and top of
the tree members of the police force are just a few of the high achievers that
grace the streets of Haworth, as well as some lovely people running businesses
too. There are also some very good souls who do a lot for charity, especially for
our Hospice “Manorlands”.
Continuing on the positive side, there’s plenty to do
in Haworth and many locals get involved. Several events here draw large crowds,
the 40s weekend certainly does. Then there’s the Steam Punk Weekend, concerts,
artisan food markets, beer festivals, the
60s weekend, plays, operas, ghost walks, Christmas markets, torchlight
procession, tractor runs – the list goes on.
Visitors are made welcome here by most, which is a
good thing because there’s plenty of them, as Haworth is a fascinating place.
The last ten years of getting to know the inhabitants
of Haworth has been interesting to say the very least - and I certainly have
had my moments - a few disagreements and a couple irretrievable fall outs!
Haworth is made up of a truly diverse range of people, most seem to have settled here from elsewhere. I've seen plenty come and go too.
Haworth is made up of a truly diverse range of people, most seem to have settled here from elsewhere. I've seen plenty come and go too.
So, the answer to the question is - Offcumden? Me?
Definitely not, I fit in here just fine and intend to stay. I have made some
great friends – Haworth is my home.
To Be Continued…..
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| A pair of 40's characters |
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| Local ladies loving the swinging 60s |
