‘Ah love my Ronnie in spite of ’is faults,’ retaliated Ruby.

‘Well ah’m not be’olden to any man,’ declared Deirdre, ‘’cause hindependence is a wonderful thing.’

‘Anyway, m’cleanin’ won’t wait, Deirdre,’ said Ruby and she walked in.

Deirdre, who always wanted the last word, shouted after her, ‘An’ ah’ll tell y’summat f’nothin’, Ruby Smith – ah got a posh new cooker at Christmas for our turkey.’ It was well known in the village that Deirdre had taken delivery of a British National Electrics cooker, regarded as a wonder of the modern world. ‘It ’as a drop-down door an’ it’s clean ’cause it’s all helectric.’

Mavis Higginbottom behind the bar had heard the fracas. ‘Tek no notice of ’er, Ruby. She’s all bosom an’ bark is that woman. Wants lockin’ up.’

Ruby went to collect her bucket and mop. Mavis called after her, ‘Anyway, Pete’s been in so there’ll be a bit o’ lovely stew when you’ve done, an’ y’can tek some back f’your Andy.’

Peter the Poacher had just delivered a squirrel and a couple of partridges. As always, he took his payment in kind and was enjoying his second pint of Tetley’s bitter.

Lily had arranged to meet Vera in the Ragley village Tea Rooms prior to helping in the village hall. The dress rehearsal was at three o’clock and many of the schoolchildren were in the chorus line. Vera knew this was a big day for Doris Clutterbuck and had volunteered to act as prompter for the pantomime. It was well known that several of the cast regularly forgot their lines, much to the annoyance of Doris.

Behind the counter was a large poster that read:

Ragley Amateur Dramatic Society

proudly present

CINDERELLA

starring Doris Clutterbuck

in the Village Hall on Thursday, 31st December 1952

commencing 7.00 p.m.

Admission: Adults 6d Children 3d

When Lily walked in the American crooner Al Martino was singing ‘Here In My Heart’ – still topping the new charts as the UK’s first Christmas number one.

Doris smiled when she saw the attractive, well-dressed teacher and felt she added much-needed class to her establishment. Lily unbuttoned her winter coat to reveal a pleated grey skirt, smart blouse with a tiny collar and a red woollen cardigan knitted by her mother.

‘Good morning, Miss Briggs, please take a seat and my assistant will take your order.’

‘Thank you, Mrs Clutterbuck,’ said Lily. ‘I’m meeting Miss Evans here in a few minutes, so we’ll order then.’

‘Yes, that’s fine, and I do appreciate you helping out with the children. It can be rather hectic at times.’

She leaned over the counter and nodded towards Nora Pratt, who was polishing a set of dainty sugar spoons by the table in the corner. ‘It’s Nora’s big day. She has a speaking and singing part. I’m so pleased for her – and she’s word-perfect of course.’