CHAPTER 55
The Indian summer that had the country basking in its grasp finally gave way to autumn, bringing with it a bitter northerly wind and lashings of rain. Even through the gloom, Appleton Vale was breathtakingly beautiful. The hills and valleys surrounding the village were still swathed in lush green grass, littered with remnants of summer blossoms and wildflowers. The woodland in the distance was draped in a spectacular multi-coloured cloak of red, brown, green, gold and orange, creating a dramatic backdrop against which the village nestled.
The first planning meeting was set for that evening in the Town Hall in Fiddlebury, and the entire village would be attending to lend their support to Tom, Peter and Peppy - the designated spokespersons - as all of their big hitters were awa
