The Villagers

Author's NoteThe events, characters and places portrayed in this novel are loosely based upon the real lives of people who resided in and around a small village in England in the 1950's. However, I have used some imagination in recreating the series of events and have changed the names of those involved. The main character is my beloved grandmother who, at ninety-six years old, has spent many an afternoon retelling to me the story of her time in an idyllic cottage in that hamlet. We have laughed until we cried and when the time came for me to put pen to paper to create this piece of fiction, many memories, both good and bad, were stirred up in the process. Unfortunately, my grandfather Geoff is no longer with us but I'm sure that he is looking down now and having a good old chuckle about the place that he used to call home. As you follow 'The Villagers' through their individual journeys, remember that truth is very often stranger than fiction and, although this is a novel and the story created for your entertainment, there is an element of truth in each of these lives. Olive herself would tell you that. In creating this book, I owe thanks to several people without whom I would have struggled to accurately portray the story that will gradually unfold before you. Firstly, I send my love to my grandmother, and hope that she will have as much pleasure reading this story as we did creating it, she is truly wonderful and I hope that when I'm old and grey I will be just as enthusiastic about life as she has always been. For the second time in my writing career, I am indebted to Sylvia and Antony Caswell. Sylvia spent many hours creating a superb oil painting from which Antony has been able to create the cover of 'The Villagers', from very little more than an inspired idea. You are both so immensely talented. To Lesley Mitchell and Ashley Scott, without the two of you Chapter Seven wouldn't exist. Recognition to Phil Carter in Norway for his constructive criticism, honest review & ongoing support. I would also like to thank my dear friend Sarah Locker, who not only read the whole manuscript and provided much needed feedback, but also endured me reading out passages to her while we lounged on sunbeds in Turkey, just so that I could gage her reaction. Your support is much appreciated. Finally, to my husband Dave, who is always there to provide both physical and emotional support, says nothing when I get up in the middle of the night to scribble down ideas and every now and again comes up with a genius idea, words will never be enough to tell you how very much you mean to me.