In the late summer of 1952, amidst the turmoil of people moving en masse out of Cotton Street to pastures new, Edie Birch and her only child Maggie must say a sad farewell to old friends and neighbours. Edie loves her modern flat on the innovative East End council estate but making a new start is daunting. But she needn't have worried - helped along by the enthusiasm of her flamboyant Aunt Naomi, new friendships are forged and a brighter life begins. Edie even meets a new man.