The children take the dreaded school exams as they spend their last week in the square. Who will receive the coveted trophy, and how will they feel about leaving their wartime lives behind?

It is time for the men to hang up their lamps, the women to take off their uniforms, and the evacuees to return to their parents in the city - but not before everyone gets in the swing at the community dance for a final send-off.

With victory nearing, the pressure is on to fuel the frontline in the mining community of the Coal House. Will the men in the mine and the women at the munitions factory hit their deadlines? The scholarship exam looms at school, and a testing day in the mud leads to promotion for one of the Home Guard.

It is the last week in the Coal House, and the threat of air raids and sleepless nights are taking their toll. The women are charming the butcher for black market meat, while the rivalry between the men and the Bevin Boys is resolved on the football pitch. And there is a surprise visit over Sunday lunch for some of the evacuees.

The new arrivals are settling in as the second week in the Coal House draws to a close. Home sickness is rife, school exams are looming, and the Bevin Boys are learning to cook. But who will give the best performance in the variety show?

The women take on a secret mission at the munitions factory, while the men struggle down the mine. Just as it seems things are looking up with a variety show, the families are brought face to face with the grim realities of war.

Tensions run high when the workers turn up late to the mine and munitions factory. Whilst their bonuses are under threat, wartime shortages take a grip and the families battle to cope without electricity.

The weekend arrives, and with it, a welcome break from work. While the men go to football training, the women go to the hair salon. Just as they start to think they are adjusting to life in the Coal House, however, there are more arrivals..