The Repair Shop Catch up, Series 14: Episode 3 on BBC 2

The Repair Shop

Series 14: Episode 3

Arriving first at the barn is Ian with some footwear that has proven essential to his life. He bought what he calls his ‘soldier boots’ 19 years ago and wears them anytime he’s doing anything of importance. Ian was born profoundly deaf, and at the age of 14 was diagnosed with a disease that’s left him with just five per cent of his eyesight. Despite his adversities, he has forged a career as a blind photographer, but it’s been a difficult path. The boots act as an armour of sorts, and are part of Ian’s uniform to help conquer the trials and tribulations thrown up each day. In them, he feels ready for battle, but unfortunately the boots are no longer ready to conquer the world. He’s had his money’s worth out of the soles, and the fur lining is nearly non-existent. Expert cobbler Dean Westmoreland pulls off a magnificent salvage job which leaves Ian practically skipping out of the barn.\n\nThe next item is a pressing matter for metal worker Dominic Chinea as visitor Emily brings a rather weighty number that belonged to her grandad. The 1826 printing press was passed down to her when he died several years ago. In the 1940s, her grandad worked at a printing firm. He loved his work so much that he often took it home, and Emily grew up making Christmas cards and labels with him. The printing press was gifted to him by the firm, but he never got round to refurbishing it - it just sat at home collecting dust and rust. Emily lost her dad when she was just 18, so her grandad meant the world to her, and having the press restored in his memory is top of her wish list. Renowned as being rather fiddly, Dom’s got a big job on his hands just to remove all the built-up grease and dirt, but his precise restoration of every nut and bolt means that every day can now be an ‘inky fingers day’ for a delighted Emily. \n\nIrwin is next into the barn with a well-travelled toy that needs help. Presented to him in 1962 by his mum and dad, George has become a lifelong companion and much-loved stuffed bear. Part of what’s known as the ten-pound pom brigade, Irwin’s parents were two of the millions of Brits who immigrated to Australia between 1945 and 1982. Once there, his mum found a job in a soft toy factory called Barton Waugh, where George was made for her son. At three years old, Irwin contracted Polio, and George was by his side at every hospital trip. The family decided to move back to the UK for more support, and George has been a companion for Irwin ever since. Both his parents have now passed away, but Irwin clearly remembers his mum talking about getting George restored one day. With George his oldest and proudest possession, he’s enlisting the loving hands of the Bear Ladies, Amanda Middleditch and Julie Tatchell, to bring some tender loving care to his beloved bear.\n\nThe final restoration arrives ahead of time. Head teacher Bethan has brought in her school clock and has high hopes that the combined restoration skills of clock restorer Steve Fletcher and clock face painter Cindy Welland can nurse her historical timepiece back to life. Back in 1877, the clock was gifted to the school by none other than Florence Nightingale. It has remained a talisman of the school and their biggest claim to fame, but as far as anyone can remember has never worked! With the school’s 150th anniversary coming up, Bethan is hoping the clock can make its debut as a working feature of the school’s rich history. Steve takes a school trip to unveil his and the team’s efforts and receives top marks.

Source: BBC 2

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