The Rank is a 16th Century thatched cottage, situated in Villa De la Vavoom, a retirement village. This cottage is occupied by Gwennie, a lady of mature years who lives alone on an income gained from her shady past, which her friends don't like her to talk about.

Gwennie shares her cottage with three dogs and five cats who are generally well behaved, but can be a handful at times, especially as far as her friends are concerned.

"The Crossed Purposes", the village pub is also on one of Gwennie's favourite dog walking routes.

As a rule, her company is frowned upon by the members of the Parish Council, but she regularly visits her friends, Kasia's Rainbow Cottage, Mari-Rae's Someday Cottage, Lady C At Riverside Cottage and Pandora in their respective abodes.