Ray Hobbs

The Right Direction Ray Hobbs

In the four years since his wife's death, Adam Watkinson has concentrated his efforts on helping his children cope with their loss. Now, he realises the time has come for him to find a new direction.

He buys a house in Netherdale, which has become his family's refuge, and moves there with his 18-year-old daughter Leanne. With occasional visits from his son Jimbo, a free-spirited music student, they settle into their new home.

Adam becomes involved in local matters, beginning with frequent visits to a care home to read to the grandmother of newfound friend and neighbour Jennie Thorpe, and then taking over as conductor of a dwindling and disheartened choral society.

Encouraged by early success, he suggests revitalising the Dale after the devastation of foot-and-mouth disease, by creating a choir festival that he hopes will attract visitors and revive local businesses.

It seems Adam has found his new direction. All that remains for him is to fill the void left by his late wife, and that is no easy task.