Out and about in Haworth

It looks like the Brontë Boats business runs the risk of disappearing, according to Halifax Evening Courier.

The owner of a canal cruise company fears her business will be unable to stay afloat after coaches have been banned from picking up and dropping off passengers at a marina.
Sharon Pickard, who runs Bronte Boats at Hebden Bridge Marina, says the loss of her business will have a huge effect on tourism in the area.
Bronte Boats has three narrow boats for holiday hire and the 58ft Verdopolis hosts dinners, business meetings and even weddings.
The firm, which has contracts with seven national tour operators including National and WA Shearings, began trading in 2005. Since then the business has grown tenfold.
Miss Pickard said: "During high season we bring between 500 and 600 tourists to Hebden Bridge a week."
Last month she met representatives from Calderdale Council, where she was granted offloading and loading rights for coaches and two cars.
But when Miss Pickard asked for written confirmation, she was sent a letter revoking the agreement and telling her to use a lay-by in front of the Marina instead. It said the highways department opposed the coaches reversing into New Road and cited health and safety reasons.
It also said that the Marina has been designated a public open space. [...]
She believes without better access she will lose bookings and have to relocate.
"A lot of our guests are senior citizens who cannot walk well. The tour operators will pull out next year if this continues."
Miss Pickard feels the decision goes against the council's tourism drive.
"No other business brings in as many tourists as we do. Our guests stay in hotels in the town, eat in the restaurants and spend in the shops."
Bronte Boats also employs staff from the area, and uses local tradesmen and caterers. (Megan Featherstone)

In the picture, a Heathcliff Class Narrowboat from Brontë Boats.

The Telegraph & Argus has better news, and reports the following.

Money to fund a number of projects at the Bronte Parsonage Museum - the historic home of the Bronte sister authors - is being raised at a St Patrick's Day event at Parkside Social Club in Haworth. Music is by the band Northern Comfort and tickets, including a supper, are £8.50 for adults and £3.50 for children. (James Rush)

The Brontë Parsonage Blog recently had a post on this event. St Patrick's day is also Papa Brontë's birthday. What better way to celebrate?

Categories: Haworth, In the News