Yes it's my first (and probably slightly overdue) festive
post of the season, and it is one that continues a trend. For the past few
years now, readers of this blog will note that I am rather fond of the
Yorkshire village of Haworth, particularly at Christmas (for previous festive
reports – see my BLOG ARCHIVE). Once again I was eager to return this year for
the now traditional (for the village and for me) Christmas carol procession up
the main street by candlelight, and for the carol service in St. Michael's
Church. What follows are just a few words on what I have deemed for years now
to be a fantastically festive occasion.
The stoic stalwarts of Haworth remain the same – still
picturesque and charming (in all weathers), still incredibly atmospheric, still
full of wonderfully hospitable and endearing folk, and the place still leaves
you with a unique blend of feeling truly ensconced in a frozen, bygone era yet
still ploughing relentlessly on into the present. I have never been anywhere in
the world, where one feels perfectly balanced amongst these two extremes; it is
quite something to behold.
An added bonus for me was being able to see quite noticeable
economic developments within the village. Again, most core aspects remain as
ever they were, yet sadly a few notable and favourite establishments of mine
have passed into nothing. However on the other hand, it was refreshing also to
see that other stalwarts of the village, such as the famous Apothecary, not
only seem to be thriving but have noticeably expanded. Just how much of this is
to do with local trade and/or tourism I do not know, but it was comforting to
see most of the village is still going strong throughout the year, as well as
being to appreciate it at Christmas.
So once again it only remains for me to say to all concerned
– thank you Haworth! Thank you for sharing your slice of Christmas with me and
many others, and hopefully I shall be returning soon.
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