Charles Henstock, rector of Thrush Green, has difficulty living up to his predecessor when he moves to the parish of Lulling. He faces opposition from the fearsome Mrs Thurgood and her arty daughter, Janet.

Everyone in the district seems to be having their share of problems, not least Albert Piggott, who dreads the return of his wife Nelly.

Meanwhile Kit Armitage returns to set elderly hearts fluttering. Could there be wedding bells in Thrush Green?