A GROUP of "modernisers" elected to lead one of the world's oldest literary societies has urged members to put the past behind them after more than 12 months of bitter feuding.

Newly-elected members of the Bronte Society's ruling council include Jan Lee, a former deputy headteacher at a Bradford school; John Thirlwell, a TV producer from Ilkley, and the Reverend Peter Mayo-Smith, of Haworth Parish Church.

These self-styled 'modernisers' have been calling for major changes in the way the Society operates and have campaigned for a closer relationship with traders and residents in Haworth.

Six council members stood down at the Society's annual meeting on Saturday, along with controversial President Bonnie Greer, the London-based writer and playwright.

Members were shocked when Ms Greer announced her resignation.

The Reverend Peter Mayo-Smith said: "My breath was taken away [by her resignation].

"I don't know why she resigned; she didn't say why."

He said Ms Greer stepping aside "gives us an opportunity for a fresh start and a fresh look at things with a new president.

"We need to think very carefully what the role of president should be."

Mr Mayo-Smith said it was time for people to put their differences aside following turmoil which has seen the departure of several key Society volunteers and employees.

He praised consultants for carrying out a thorough review into the Society's governance and for speaking to people in the village about how to improve relationships with the Society and Parsonage Museum.

"There is a lot of goodwill. A huge amount of work is going on around the forthcoming bicentenaries of the Brontes.

"The key thing that came out of the annual meeting is the need to put the past behind us – that is crucial. We have to be honest, it has been a very hard 18 months.

"There is a real determination to put the past behind us and move forward."

Ms Greer will remain a Society member and do work on "grassroots" projects.

Dr Rowie Shaw, a consultant involved in the governance review, said it was not unusual for organisations to experience "periods of storming which can lead to positive change."

Dr Shaw said "...there is ample evidence of goodwill among the Trustees and the Modernisers to take the Society forward positively.

"All parties are passionate about the Society and the Brontes. This work of moving on had begun well before the publication of our report. We were very pleased that our recommendations were well received by all parties, that the AGM was successful, and we look forward to continuing to work with the Bronte Society."

A Bronte Society spokesman added: "We continue to build relationships in Haworth and strengthen links with Visit Bradford, the tourism arm of Bradford Council."