England’s villages are no joke

England’s villages are no joke

In the latest edition of News & Views, the local pamphlet delivered to all houses in the little constellation of villages on the Lincolnshire-Nottinghamshire border where I am from, the editor praises the “snowdrops, daffodils and crocuses” which have sprung up in April’s verges. He excitedly recounts that “planning has already started” for the annual gala, garden show, and even the fireworks display in November; he adds, sombrely: “As I write th