Magnolia Gardens — Anna Jacobs

At the end of Hawthorn Close, nestled at the heart of the Wiltshire village of Essington St Mary, is a charming park which boasts two magnificent magnolia trees. New arrivals are moving into the neighbourhood, including

those being lent a helping hand from a local charitable trust, and are enjoying strolling in their shade. Amongst them is Brett, an orphan just out of the foster child system; Carla, who is escaping an abusive ex-partner; and Matthew, a widower whose house had burnt down while he was in hospital.

New beginnings are dawning for everyone and as the coming weeks unfold, Brett, Carla and Matthew will set out on paths to lives they could not have imagined when they first came to Magnolia Gardens.