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A Way of Life
Episode number: 1
Overview: Sam and his mother arrive in Skellerton and try to settle in with their relatives.
Poor Law
Episode number: 2
Overview: The Labour Exchange is looking for Sam’s mother. Sam is taken on a tour of the local pit by his grandfather.
Leaving Home
Episode number: 3
Overview: Sam is bullied at school. Sam’s mother starts a new relationship with Alan. Sam doesn’t like this and runs away.
For Ever and Ever and Ever and Ever
Episode number: 4
Overview: Sam is found.
A Day to Remember
Episode number: 5
Overview: Sam is taken on a day out to the seaside.
The Cost of Living
Episode number: 6
Overview: Sam’s mother and new partner set up a family home.
Out of the Blue
Episode number: 7
Overview: Sam’s family come under pressure from the disapproving locals.
United We Stand
Episode number: 8
Overview: Sam discovers a book written by his father. The pit workers are given notice.
The Beginning of Winter
Episode number: 9
Overview: Sam's mother falls pregnant. Sam’s father sends a letter asking for money to be sent to him so that he can come home from Canada.
Where the Heart Is
Episode number: 10
Overview: Dora passes away in hospital giving birth to a son, Leslie. Alan, devastated, decides to go south to look for work, leaving his mother to care for the baby. Sam’s uncle George goes with him.
Home From Home
Episode number: 11
Overview: Frank is worried about Sam’s education and his grandfather wants to send him to a charity boarding school. Alan and George are disillusioned in the south and George returns home.
No Going Back
Episode number: 12
Overview: Sam is at boarding school, hating it and longing to go home, but can’t, because of a diphtheria outbreak in Skellerton. After a fight at the school, he runs away and walks the fifty miles home.
Breadwinners
Episode number: 13
Overview: Sam’s uncle Toby sets up a garment factory in the old chapel, providing work for the women of Skellerton, leaving the men at home. Sam finally goes down the pit with his grandfather.