The Repair Shop

S08:E01 - Windrush Alarm Clock, Irish Horse, Rugby Hat

Jay Blades and the team breathe new life into three cherished items, resuscitating the precious memories they hold.Today's first visitor is Karen who's brought along her beloved granddad's alarm clock that's been silent for over 30 years. She's hoping horologist Steve Fletcher can awaken childhood memories by getting it ticking again. The clock belonged to David Alfonso Butler who came to the UK as part of the Windrush Generation, worked nights at a foundry and relied on his trusty 1960s wind up alarm clock to wake him every afternoon, after a long shift. Karen would wait patiently by his bed for the alarm to sound knowing she'd have her granddad's devoted attention for the rest of the day. When she returns to the barn Karen is overjoyed to hear the familiar tick and ring for the first time in decades.The silversmith skills of Brenton West are called upon to bring a disfigured and dented metal horse back to life. The statue was bought by Olivia for her late father who loved horse racing using her first pay packet. Delighted with the gift, the horse sat pride of place in his front room for years. Sadly, her father died young in a tragic accident giving the horse even greater significance for Olivia. The final visitor is Steve with a 120-year-old Rugby League cup awarded to his great grandfather in the early 1900s when he played for his country. When the commemorative cap, complete with decorative silver braid tassel was discovered at the back of a wardrobe Steve's family started researching their relative's illustrious sporting career. The skills of master hatter Jayesh Vaghela are called upon to preserve this piece of sporting history.