INTRODUCTION

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.

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…..