“I Am All For A Bit Of Magic And Mystery”

MR GRIGG is doing the early shift at the community shop – and he’s late again.

He heads out of our back door at speed, just as I’m getting ready to take Arty off on her morning constitutional.

He won’t be on his own this morning. I’m pleased to say we have a new shop manager – a very able chap who moved here with his wife only a few months ago.

We miss Oliver Jolly, but we’re pleased to have found a replacement so quickly.

Our new manager – who henceforth will be known as Mr Costner – had barely finished unpacking before he was pounced upon in the shop.

You see, it was discovered he’d had a previous life in retail. (It pays to keep quiet about your skills and knowledge if you’re looking for an easy life here in Lush Places.)

Tonight, it’s the shop’s annual general meeting, when committee members are elected and a report on the previous year is given by Mr Putter, the chairman, as he stands in front of the stage at the village hall.