hatwoman is moving - any tips for settling into a new village and new school?

[hatwoman]

I can't quite believe it's happening...on Monday we are moving from SW London to a small village in the north of England. I grew up in the area and my family is still there but I don;t know anyone in the actual village. The school is tiny - less than 60 kids. I'm feeling quite nervous - I'd really like to make some friends but I'm conscious that it's a difficult to navigate the complexities of being sociable but not over-bearing, of being open and hospitable but not flashy or ott or coming across as ingratiating or needy etc etc. I work from home and sometimes in London - dh does the same. any tips on how to get off to a good start with neighbours and with parents at the school?

Clue re. pig-family here

The great thing about where you're moving to (unlike the Wife in the North woman) is that it is so close to the nearest city (not that it's desperately exciting, but...) that you're not being plunged into complete and scary countrified otherness. My dad still commutes to work on the opposite side of S** (blimey - I feel like someone from a Richardson novel, writing that) for four days a week, and it doesn't worry him. So you can always get a smallish city fix if need be!

having your cake and eating it is the only way to go Hatwoman.
There is absolutely no way I could live where I do if it wasn't for working in London 3/4 times a month.
Ok, so I'm not as entrenched as some in the village (no bad thing) ((but I'm still chair of the PTA!! )
but I know a couple of women who gave up their careers and working lives in London to move here and they are going slowly mad, and that is not a pretty sight.

Yes yes get wedding ring out. wedding ring and sensible dog. everyone will LOVE you!