Joy and despair for Haworth Bronte appeal (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Joy and despair for Haworth Bronte appeal

8:50am Friday 20th January 2012 in News By Tanya O'Rourke

Historic Haworth Parish Church has met a fundraising target to help pay for urgently needed repairs – but the news was immediately soured as it discovered it needs to raise further funds of up to £50,000.

Before Christmas last year church leaders announced they could lose a £100,000 English Heritage grant to fix the church's badly-leaking south roof unless they raised £65,000 in match-funding by today.

But as that target was reached yesterday church secretary John Huxley said he received the “gut-wrenching” news that due to escalating building costs it would need tens of thousands of pounds more than it had originally thought.

He said English Heritage was being “very helpful, very supportive and very sympathetic” and was looking at ways it could help. “What was due to be one of the most joyful days in the church’s history has turned very sour,” he said last night.

“This morning we thought we were home and dry. To get this bombshell as the day has gone on has been gut-wrenching.”

Fundraising events and schemes have been organised by residents and people keen to help restore the church, which is the burial place of the Bronte sisters.

They included the production of a “Haworth Couldn’t Wear Less” calendar and the donation of proceeds from the sale of 100 limited editions of a painting of the Bronte sisters by artist Stella Vine.

Mr Huxley said: “A lot of money has come in from well-wishers.

“We have raised something in the region of £40,000 ourselves which is an unbelievable result for a church of our size.

“Once we have got over the disappointment we’ll have to dust ourselves down.

“Where we’ll get the money from I don’t know. We’re just hoping there’s someone out there who can help us.

“Lots of people have been very generous and kind but we’re throwing ourselves on their mercy again.”

Donations can be made online at haworthchurch.co.uk or cheques made payable to ‘Haworth Church Restoration Fund’ can be sent c/o the treasurer to 17 North View Terrace, Haworth, BD22 8HJ.