The Repair Shop

Today, sisters Katie and Anna bring a chrome calendar ornament that reminds them of their lovely Nanny Pat. It's fallen foul of the dreaded rust and they fear it's days might be numbered so are seeking the know-how of metal work specialist Dom Chinea. The calendar was bought as a souvenir from The Netherlands in 1960s and gifted to their Nanny Pat. It sat on her windowsill for years and was dutifully flipped over each morning to reveal the correct date and day. During the school holidays when Katie and Anna went to stay with her they would take turns each morning to flip it over and watch the new number drop down. It's a memory that the sisters still hold so dear. They'd love it if Dom could tackle the rust that's fused all mobbing parts and bring it's shine back. Next, a charming project for bookbinder Chris Shaw. Denise from London has brought her 97 year old mother, Sheila's, schoolbook from her childhood in Trinidad. Shelia came to the UK as part of the Windrush generation, accompanied by her schoolbook, to start a new life. The fragile little picture book was published in the 1930s. It outlines the history and geography of Trinidad and Tobago and was given to every school child on the islands. Sheila treasures the book, as does Denise and the rest of the family, as it provides a tangible link to their family's roots. However, it's literally falling to pieces and Chris must carefully rebuild and preserve it if it is to continue its important purpose within their family.Lastly a challenge for ceramics expert Kirsten Ramsay….her first musical instrument. Barbara from West Sussex delivers a small clay wind instrument called an ocarina. It belonged to her talented Aunty Joan, who Barbara spent a lot of time with growing up. Barbara loved the pure soft sound the ocarina made and began playing at an early age. Joan was one of a large musical family and they would meet regularly to play together and little Barbara joined them on the ocarina. Barbara has plans to start up the family musical evenings again with the next generation but the ocarina was damaged years ago and crudely repaired and no longer hits the right notes. Kirsten willingly takes on the project….with just a little trepidation!