Tess comes to Middledip looking for a fresh start but begins badly when she runs into the breakdown truck driven by Ratty who owns the village garage. She moves into Honeybun Cottage down Little Lane. Ratty begin in Ladies Lane but moves to Pennybun Cottage. We also meet Jos and Pete from the garage; Angel, Pete's wife; Tubb from the pub, The Three Fishes; Gwen from the shop; Janice, bar staff at The Three Fishes in Main Road; and Carola, who heads up the village hall committee.