Sylvia and Arthur Calvert face problems when circumstances force them to live with their son and his children in Carshall New Town.

The problems of Sylvia and Arthur get worse as they try to adjust to their new life.

Arthur is full of hope that he's found some drinking cronies, but Sylvia is worried that Harold is working himself into a state.

Wretchedly unhappy, Sylvia has taken to solitary walks. Caught in a thunderstorm, she manages to save a child from a tree struck by lightning.