Greenfield is a small village in the north of England. It has a population of about 280 people. Most residents live in old stone cottages. The village has one pub called The Oak, a small grocery shop, a church, and a post office. There is no supermarket and no cinema — but people rarely complain.
Life in Greenfield moves slowly. Most people walk or cycle everywhere. Nobody usually drives unless the journey is long. The surrounding fields belong to local farmers, who grow wheat and vegetables. During the harvest in September, everyone in the village helps.
Greenfield has two important traditions. Every August, the village holds a summer fair with food, music, and games. Every December, there is a Christmas market in the village square. People from nearby towns always come to both events.
Bill runs the small shop in the centre of the village. He knows every customer by name. He opens the shop at seven every morning and sometimes stays until eight in the evening. He never takes a day off in summer because the shop is always busy.
Emma is 28 and works as a teacher in the nearby town of Hartwell. She commutes by bicycle every day — about six kilometres each way. She often stops to chat with neighbours on her way home. Emma loves village life, but she sometimes misses the energy of a big city.