Ethel becomes completely smitten with Joe, an American airman, when she meets him by chance in a cafe and ends up going to the pictures with him. Wilfred is not too happy, and takes drastic action.

The Hatley staff have a busy day ahead when Lady Lawrence's chauffeur tells them that Lady Lawrence will be coming to the station that very evening to meet a very important guest – none other than Dr Beeching himself!

It's the Hatley Bowls Club Outing. Cecil Parkin is all dressed for the occasion, having posted Jack Skinner to stay behind on duty. However, Mr Orkindale insists that Jack comes instead. He lies that Jack is a star bowler, but really it is because he buys his round. Left on station duty while Jack takes his place on the outing, Mr Parkin soon puts aside his indignation, when he realises that May has been accidentally left on the station as well. Unfortunately, she's not so thrilled about it.