“The Repair Shop” commemorates the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a special episode this Wednesday, breathing new life into cherished objects from a bygone era. But this isn’t just about restoration; it’s about the poignant stories behind each piece, tales of wartime resilience and remembrance.
Among the treasures brought to the workshop is a cockpit clock from HMS Formidable, presented by a 101-year-old Royal Navy veteran. Clock restorer Steve Fletcher takes on the delicate task of bringing this timepiece back to its former glory. Elsewhere, Julie and Amanda confront a particularly sensitive restoration – a doll named Haisi, smuggled out of Austria by a Jewish orphan. Plastics restorer Charlotte Abbott is called in to work on Haisi’s cracked and shattered celluloid limbs.
And Jayesh Vaghela tackles a piece of military history: an RAF cap worn by Johnny Smythe, a young man from Sierra Leone who volunteered for action and was selected to serve as a navigator with Bomber Command.. Finally, Chris Shaw is captivated by an autograph book filled with heartfelt messages addressed to a wartime nurse, each signature a testament to bravery and camaraderie.
Tune in to BBC One this Wednesday at 8:00 PM GMT for a “Repair Shop” guaranteed to touch your heart and remember the wartime generation.
