Intern Hermione Williams pens the latest article about the Bronte Parsonage Museum and the activities it hosts

AT LAST the more traditional autumnal weather has finally arrived in Haworth.

All the great trees in the churchyard have lost their leaves and it is now easier to spot the squirrels and birds as they scurry around looking for tasty berries and fruits to see them through the coming months.

It is also an interesting time in the garden and our volunteer gardeners, Geoff and Jenny, have been working very hard in the Parsonage garden, tidying up and making preparations for the transition into the winter months, putting the ‘garden to bed’ so to speak.

They will soon be gathering holly, ivy, laurel and yew, to adorn the mantels and hearths of the Parsonage for the Christmas season.

So with all this in mind we have turned our thoughts to the fast approaching festive season and have planned an exciting programme of events at the Parsonage.

Starting on December 6 we are conducting a wreath-making workshop from 10.30am until 12.30 pm. So come along and make a festive wreath for your front door inspired by the traditional Christmas decorations.

All materials will be provided, and mince pies and mulled wine will also be provided. Tickets are £20 and must be booked in advance bronte.org.uk/whats-on.

On December 7 we will be taking part in the Haworth Christmas weekend. Come along and visit our stall at the Christmas markets, and then up to the Parsonage at 2.20pm for carols in the garden with a group of children from Haworth Primary School.

This is a free event but please note that the usual charges will apply for admission to the museum.

On December 12 there is to be a Candlelit Tour of the Museum at 7.00.

The tour will be conducted by Collections Manager, Ann Dinsdale. Come along and see the house bathed in candle-light and dressed up with its traditional Christmas decorations. The evening will also include mince pies and mulled wine, and there will be ample opportunity to ask questions about what Christmas would have been like for the Brontës.

Tickets to this event will be £15 and must be booked in advance at bronte.org.uk/whats-on.

On the weekend of December 13 and 14 we will be holding a host of festive activities to celebrate Christmas at the Parsonage.

Visitors can take part in talks, walks, readings of Christmassy passages from classic literature in the rooms of the Parsonage, and there will also be a drop-in craft activity to create baubles for your Christmas tree.

The event will be free with admission to the Museum and the workshops will be conducted on a ‘drop-in’ basis. The event programme will vary across the weekend so please ring for more details if there is something you specifically wish to take part in.

We are now operating our winter opening times with the museum opening at 10am and closing at 5pm (last visitor admissions at 4.30pm). We will be open every day except December 24 to 27 inclusive.

Our closed period will be from January 5 to 31 to enable us to carry out essential maintenance at the museum and on the collection.