A Glint of Black Stocking

Jonquil Barclay chooses a nursing career against her father's wishes and enters Prelimanary Training School at the local Royal Infirmary in November 1949.

Strict imposed and self-discipline is required from day one.

Serious illness, death, drudgery, extreme emotions and the traumas of patients and their families become daily life. As do the rewards of working as a team, the joys of seeing patients recover and sheer job satisfaction.

Four young nurses rooming together become firm friends. They have fun bending the Infirmary rules and find relief from their tensions in sharing experiences. Young love intrudes in more ways than one and a surprising Infirmary intrigue develops. Christmas 1949 shows a rare, happy atmosphere for patients and staff alike. The joy of getting through her PTS exams at the end of three hard months is more than Joni ever hoped for.