In the face of impending war with Germany, the Great Paxford WI faces a difficult decision. When president Joyce Cameron resigns and takes most of the membership with her, Frances Barden and her supporters must come together to resurrect the Institute, and recruit new members from unexpected places. Meanwhile, local doctor Will Campbell discovers the terrible reason why he can’t rejoin the army, and Miriam Brindsley will do anything to stop her son from enlisting. Claire Hillman is attracted to young postman Spencer Wilson, but she discovers that the path of true love never did run smooth.

As Frances and Joyce battle for leadership of the new group, the others face problems of a much more personal nature. Erica and Will's relationship is tested after his cancer diagnosis, Pat is struggling with her unhappy marriage and Miriam has one last chance to stop David enlisting. Newcomer Teresa Fenchurch gets off to a bad start, but her mishap brings a dashing RAF officer to the village. Francesca Annis and Samantha Bond star, with Frances Grey, Ed Stoppard, Claire Rushbrook and Leanne Best.

The impact of the war begins to be felt in Great Paxford as the women are forced to make sacrifices for the salvage effort. But soon matters on the personal front replace their efforts on the home front as Kate and Jack's relationship intensifies, Pat's marriage deteriorates and Claire finally plucks up the courage to ask Spencer out - unaware he is hiding a secret that could ruin their relationship before it has even started. Meanwhile, Alison resorts to desperate measures to pay a bill, and soon realises her actions will cost her much more.

Miriam fears the consequences of David learning the truth, while Steph hides a secret that threatens the farm's future. Teresa's past comes back to haunt her in the shape of an unexpected visitor who could ruin her new life. Kate and Jack make plans for the future, and Laura's jealousy complicates her relationship with Richard. Erica struggles to save Bob and Pat's marriage, and Claire is caught in the crossfire between Frances and Joyce as plans get under way to build a new air raid shelter for the village.

Frances takes in an evacuee from Liverpool, who is not what she expected. Erica is forced to face the consequences of her actions, while Miriam writes letters to soldiers on the front line that cause more harm than good. Laura and Richard's secret affair is jeopardised when someone sees them together, Teresa receives devastating news, and Claire must decide whether or not to stand by Spencer.

As the war in Europe draws closer to home and the nation faces its darkest hour, the members of the WI find they have their own battles to fight. Alison looks for a way out of her desperate situation, and Frances tries to help Pat while she still can. Miriam keeps an important piece of news from Bryn, and Richard and Laura realise it may not be possible to keep their affair a secret any longer.

The WI members of Great Paxford live under a shadow as the Battle of Britain looms on the horizon. Pat befriends a Czech soldier, but finds her newfound independence less enjoyable than expected. Laura faces the consequences of her affair, while Sarah receives some shocking news. Alison strikes a bargain with the police, and tragedy strikes for Frances.

Laura is publicly disgraced when news of the Bowers' divorce hits the papers, with grave consequences for the surgery and her friendship with Tom. Pat is tempted by her feelings for Marek while Bob is in hospital. Steph is delighted when Stan returns home on leave, but the reunion is overshadowed by his fears of invasion. Frances discovers a secret at the reading of the will.

The Czech officers organise a dance to keep morale up as the Battle of Britain intensifies. Joyce has some advice for Sarah which is not well-received, while Pat realises that somebody knows about her relationship with Marek. Allison's secret work for the police leaves her forced to decide where her loyalties lie. Steph fears that Stan is becoming a bad influence on his son, and Frances finds out that Peter's affair was more complicated than she thought.

Pat and Marek are reconciled, but when someone sees them together, their relationship is in more danger than ever. The Brindsleys come to realise the full extent of David's injuries, and Teresa faces letting go of the past when she is asked out. Alison fears the consequences of her involvement with the Lyons, Laura is spurred into action by some happy news, and Joyce and Erica work together on a first aid meeting.

The villagers prepare for harvest time, but Steph struggles to cope with the workload and faces losing the farm if she cannot meet her quota. A newcomer to the community stirs up tension between Sarah and Frances, while Joyce and the Brindsleys also receive unexpected visitors. Teresa faces a big decision, while Sarah finds herself in a dangerous situation. Alison discovers the real reason behind the parachute accidents and makes a horrifying connection to the factory. She races to warn Frances before it is too late.

The village prepares for Nick and Teresa's wedding as the Battle of Britain draws to an end. Pat faces a big decision as Marek prepares to leave, but Bob intends to ruin her plans. Frances fights to clear her name following the closure of the factory, Alison wrestles with her conscience, and a chance encounter leaves Joyce with some unanswered questions.