The Repair Shop

S08:E02 - Football Boots, Jack-in-the-Box, Miner's Lamp

The expert team of craftspeople tackle three items steeped in memories.Kicking off proceedings, Dominic arrives clutching his beloved pair of 1990s football boots that need the attention of cobbler Dean Westmoreland. At 19, Dominic forked out what seemed like a fortune on the 'must-have' white leather boots, much to his dad Martin's amusement. Dominic's dad was very supportive of his son's passion for football and would regularly watch him play in the local league. Sadly, Martin died in his 50s from a sudden heart attack, just a few days before the championship match in which Dominic's team triumphed. Dominic holds dear the last photograph taken of his dad, holding the pricey pair of boots aloft and grinning from ear to ear. The picture and boots now provide a tangible link to a doting dad. After an ill-advised spin in the washing machine, the boots are now dry, hard and discoloured, the leather is coming away from the soles and for Dominic to display them, along with the precious picture, Dean needs to bring his A-game.Next, Anita's hoping teddy bear ladies Julie Tatchell and Amanda Middleditch can put the spring back in the step of a much-treasured item. She's brought a jack-in-the box to the barn, made by her grandparents around 80 years ago. Originally crafted for their mother, it was also an object of childhood fascination for Anita and her two younger brothers. The children lost their mum when they were young, and their grandparents played a major role in their young lives. Anita looks back fondly on the hours spent playing with her brothers with the jack-in-the-box. Sadly, Anita's brothers, John and David, both died recently within a year of each other, and Anita would love to have the jack-in-the-box restored in their memory. Julie and Amanda are instantly smitten by the toy and, along with David Burville, are only too happy to bring him bouncing back into action.The barn's final visitor is Owen from South Wales, delivering his grandmother's trusty oil lamp. In the 1940s, Ruth worked as a colliery nurse, caring for injured miners. She was often first on the scene down the pits when accidents occurred. This heroic woman raised Owen for several years, during a difficult time when he was a teen, and he is immensely proud of her legacy. Steve Fletcher takes on the task of reviving this important piece of history to get it burning brightly again, rekindling warm memories for Owen.