Bronte Society official hits out at ‘agitators’ as she quits as chairman

AN ongoing row at the Bronte Society has taken a new twist after the literary group’s council chairman quit and hit out at “agitators” among the membership.
The Bronte Parsonage Museum in HaworthThe Bronte Parsonage Museum in Haworth
The Bronte Parsonage Museum in Haworth

Christine Went resigned as chairman of the council after less than a month at the helm, citing family reasons for her sudden departure.

She told The Yorkshire Post that a small number of “agitators” among the membership were seeking power for themselves - but denied that this had influenced her decision to step aside.

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The literary society, which is celebrating its 120th anniversary this year, has been at the centre of a bitter row for weeks over how its governance is having an impact on the world-famous Bronte Parsonage Museum at Haworth, which it owns.

Critics have forced an extraordinary general meeting later this month and have been asking questions about the sudden departure in June of Ann Sumner, the society’s executive director, who was only in post for 16 months.

Yesterday Ms Went said that the “vast majority of members” were supportive of the council leadership.

She blamed a “small number” of members for “behaving irresponsibly” in their alleged bid for power.

A showdown meeting of Bronte Society members will take place in Haworth on October 18.

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