Reflections on ‘difficult year’ in Haworth

THE NEW chairman of the Brontë Society, Alexandra Lesley, has thanked colleagues for working hard during what she called a “difficult year”.

In a message to members, she wrote: “This has been a challenging year in a number of respects for the society and council. The society announced the departure of the executive director at the AGM and of course members were saddened by this news and concerned about the future. Council, on behalf of the society, thanked Ann (Sumner) at the AGM for her work and wished her every success going forward.”

Following her departure after just 16 months, the society appointed a threeperson leadership team which includes Ann Dinsdale, the collections manager, and new recruit Matthew Withey, the operations and development manager.

Ms Lesley also thanked the society’s president, saying: “I would also like to extend my gratitude to our president, Bonnie Greer, who gives of her enormous vitality to her role as president of the society and remains committed to taking us forward in new and dynamic ways.”