"Honestly, mam, it's all a load of rubbish. I mean, I read me horoscope and things like that, for a joke... but this." A group of women gather to have their fortunes told by a drunken clairvoyant.

A proud socialist and community activist wrestles with the decision to accept an honour from the Queen

Set in working class Newcastle, the Stott family fight their private battles against the backdrop of the conflict of World War II. Helen Stott, over thirty and with a limp, is resigned to being left on the shelf until she meets and falls in love with Norman, a serviceman from London. In contrast, her younger sister Joyce has quite a way with men, and finds herself a little too popular with the troops, especially when her husband pops up on leave from his regiment.