Not Looked on as 'Foreign'
It is not unusual in many Northamptonshire villages to find an atmosphere of animosity between natives and newcomers. In Preston Capes, the situation is slightly different.
For the newcomers who actually spend 24 hours a day in the village, it is all right. Mrs. V. Bevan vouches for that when she says: "I have long felt that I belong to the village even though I was not born here. In many villages, I would still be considered a 'foreigner' even though my home has been here for many years."
And in the case of a newcomer who really only uses Preston Capes as a dormitory village, there is no feeling of animosity, merely one of non-involvement.
Parish meeting chairman, Mr. C. Haynes has lived in the village for only two years, but because he takes an active part in village affairs he is well-known in Preston Capes.
As well as chairing the parish meeting, he is secretary and treasurer of the parochial church council and secretary of the local Conservative Association.
On top of this, his wife has lived in the village for many years and has daily contact with villagers in her small Post Office.