Everybody Needs Good Neighbours

It was that time of year again, the time for the annual Forest Fields Residents association meeting. Ethel was delighted when her name was pulled out of the hat to host the get together. It was usually a gentile affair, a gathering of neighbours sharing their successes of the past year and catching up with old friends. There was always a fine spread laid on too. Ethel wasted no time in grabbing her best linen table cloth out the cupboard and reaching for the glass cake stand to display a perfectly made Victoria Sponge; her best china cups stood filled with Earl Grey tea.

Chocs Away!

Mrs Peregrine and Ethel have been friends for a number of years. In fact Ethel has worked for Mrs P on and off over the last few years. When Mrs Peregrine is at her busiest, Ethel helps to man the phones, divert the emails and keep the press at bay ensuring Mrs P can nest in peace without her adoring fans or the paparazzi getting too close. Thinking back Ethel can't remember a time when Mrs P wasn't in her life, but what she can remember is how they meet. Mrs Peregrine hasn't always been famous; yes she's been on TV, yes she's appeared in all the newspapers money can buy and yes she's got her claws into many an important academic case study or two! She's an expert on many things but it wasn't always the case.

Royalty

It's no secret that one of Ethel's best friends is not human. He doesn't speak much, he doesn't understand Ethel, in fact at times he doesn't even like hanging out with her, but Ethel adores him. 
Frankie is a cat. Ethel and her husband do everything they can to make his life comfortable. As cats go Frankie can be very demanding. He covets the best seat in the house, he eats the most expensive, scientifically researched cat food for sale on the open market. He owes not one, but three fleecy blankets to keep out the cold and insists on his own personal space at all times. He only tolerates one close cat companion and confidant, who goes be the name of Freddie cat. Even when Ethel tries to befriend him he cruelly ignores her.