The Repair Shop

Today in the Repair Shop, Jay Blades and the team revive three cherished family heirlooms, triggering precious memories of the past.Amanda Fisher is the first to arrive with a shattered jewellery box that she is praying Will Kirk can somehow salvage. The 1960s red velvet-lined box was her mother's and gifted to Amanda on her 16th birthday. She was very close to her mum and coveted the box for as long as she can remember, especially as it used to play a tune each time you opened the lid. Amanda used it for years and each time was reminded of her lovely mum. However, about a decade ago Amanda was burgled and the thieves discarded the empty box in the road outside. She found it in pieces with the internal mirror in smithereens. Amanda was so distressed she packed away the flattened box unable to cope until now. Will and Steve Kember tackle this project together, carefully rebuilding and repairing the damage.Vintage toy expert David Burville can hardly contain his excitement when Steve Hann arrives with a treasure from his childhood – a toy flying saucer! Gifted to Steve when he was a lad by his grandparents after their holiday in Canada, it was an impressive toy to own and Steve loved it. It whizzed around the floor, spinning and flashing. Inside the glass dome cockpit is a little space man who appears to steer it. However, it's been out of service for decades. The batteries leaked at some point and the acid corroded much of the metal in the unit and the paintwork is faded. Steve would love to share the joy it brought him with his grandchildren and David cannot wait to begin preparation for the relaunch! And last, but not least, Isla Smith with a remarkable item – a miniature library of Shakespeare's works. The tiny leather-bound volumes, housed in a matching red box were her grandmother's favourite possession. She won it in a needlework competition in 1897 and left it to a very appreciative Isla. Although the books themselves have stood the test of time, the leather-bound box is ripped and faded. The hinges are missing and the clasp is broken but leather expert Suzie Fletcher is at hand to save the day.