A major celebration is planned in the Cotswold village of Thrush Green: the village school is in its centenary year; and exactly a hundred years ago, one of the village's most notable residents founded a mission school in Africa. But the preparations are beset with problems: Winnie Bailey's health is not what it was; the new headmaster doesn't appear to be entirely right for the job; and there are mixed reactions to the fundraising appeal for the mission school. But when the big day arrives, there are more reasons for celebration than anyone anticipated.