The rector Peter, his wife Caroline and their twin girls move to Africa for a year to run a misiion. The inhabitants of Turnham Malpas don't take to the locum, Anna, especially when she brings the petty thief Paddy, into their midst, sparking off conflict within the community. The Women's institute raises funds for Peter's African Mission with an upmarket pyjama party, and an afternoon watching racing at Longchamps on a huge screen. Peter keeps in touch with the villagers by email. When he informs them that the twins have been kidnapped, they are devastated - and even more determined to raise a substantial sum for Peter's Misson.