Molly Parminter regards herself as a liberal free spirit, unaware that her wanting everything in the village of Sarson Magna to remain as it has always been is contra to any radical ideas. When Colin Mann, a newcomer, arrives she initially defends his plans for the village but reverts to form when those plans threaten the traditions of centuries. With a difficult husband, bothersome children, a cleaning lady with a sexual pervert for a husband and now the village to defend, Molly rises to the occasion and surprises everyone, including herself.
Sarson Magna is a sleepy little village where time appears to have stood still, but appearances are deceptive.