Haworth landlord introduces charity swear box

Sick of his customers turning the air blue, Nick Hindle, licensee of The Fleece Inn in Main Street, Haworth, introduced the swear box about a year ago to collect money for charity.

Each time a customer has used bad language, they are told to make a contribution with all proceeds going towards the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Manorlands hospice in Oxenhope.

Mr Hindle said about £1,000 had been raised in a year – and the scheme had become so successful, other pubs were planning to adopt it.

He said: “We started it up as a bit of a joke but found that it served two purposes – it has stopped the swearing for one but it also offers a friendly way to stop people being too boisterous.”

In the first three months, the pub’s bar staff collected £170 in donations.

Mr Hindle, who has run the pub for four years, added: “It has worked really well. We have had a lot of people come in who are licensees of pubs around the country who have said they are going to introduce it as well.

“People put in what they want, so we’ve got buttons, foreign currency and all sorts in there but the majority of people have put money in and, as a result, we have raised just short of £1,000 – and we have far less swearing.”

Punters enjoying a festive drink earlier this week were big supporters and enjoying the light-hearted gags it encouraged.

Retired Bradford College language lecturer Bob Carlisle, 61, of Haworth, said: “Yes, I’ve contributed. Less than £10, yesterday “Nick’s quick to catch people out if he hears foul language. Seriously, it’s a great idea and it’s raised a lot for Manorlands – we’re on our second collection.”

Tony Sheridan, 70, of Haworth, said: “We insist on one pound for a swear word and £3 if you mention Manchester United.’’ And regular visitor to Haworth and The Fleece from Dublin is John Gaskin who denied ever having to cough-up cash. “No, I’d never have to do that – I’m a Catholic, you know – we don’t swear,” he jested.