New Brontë Society to be established in the Midlands

A decision has been made to form a Brontë Society in Banagher, County Offaly. The objective of the group will be to foster a growing awareness of the association of Charlotte Brontë and her husband, Arthur Bell Nicholls with the town of Banagher.

The inaugural meeting will be held on Saturday, December 2 in Charlotte's Way guest house, (formerly Hill House), at 5pm. and participants will then adjourn to Flynn's restaurant on Main Street for refreshments at 6.30pm. approximately.

Initial objectives of the society will include hosting literary events annually in late April, near to 21st April, Charlotte's birthday and again near to December 2nd, the anniversary of Arthur's death. Also it is hoped to republish 'Dear Martha', letters by Arthur written from Hill House to Martha Brown, a lifelong servant of the Brontë family. This was originally published by The Brontë Society in 2004 and edited by Geoffrey Palmer.

Consideration will also be given to the creation of a triptych mural of Charlotte, Arthur and Mary Anna Bell, Arthur's second wife whom he married on his return from Haworth in 1864 and lived with for forty-two years in Hill House until his death in 1906. Other related initiatives will also be considered.

Further enquiries to Nicola Daly 087 689 2462 or James Scully 085 7107569.