The Repair Shop

S08:E22 - Ukelele, Parsley the Mechanical Toy, Solari Clock

On the team's worklist today is a mechanical stuffed toy with memories of a much-missed dad and a 1960s split flap clock that's stuck in time.But first into the barn is Jessie accompanied by grandparents Diana and Percy. They've brought an item that's entertained four generations of their musically talented family. Jessie's great grandfather played in a band in the 1920s and strummed the little uke in a rowing boat around a lake to impress Jessie's future great grandmother when they were courting. Now Jessie is keen for king of strings, luthier Julyan Wallis to bring the uke back to life so that she can continue its legacy. The fix is like a surgical procedure for Jules who needs to bolster a crack from the inside of the little uke as well as fix its ornate but broken central rose. Next, it's a soft toy SOS for Amanda Tatchell and Julie Middleditch courtesy of Nicola from the Isle of Lewis in Scotland. Parsley was a present from Nicola's dad when she was just five years old. As a child she wasn't given many presents so Parsley, who sits astride a metal bike and pedals when pushed, has remained very dear to her. By her own admission Nicola ruined Parsley when she painted his face with lipstick, something she instantly regretted. Since her father passed away in 2020, Parsley has taken on even greater significance for Nicola. Now the toy needs a massive makeover to get him back to his former glory but as usual the Bear Ladies relish the challenge.The final visitors to the barn are father and daughter Carlo and Alessia with a little reminder of family life back in their ancestral homeland of Italy. It's a 1960s split flap clock made in Carlo's mother's hometown of Udine that horologist Steve Fletcher needs to get flipping again. Working with plastic and mid-century mechanics means Steve is well out of his comfort zone reviving this retro but much-loved timepiece back to its sparkling best.