Main content
This programme will be available shortly after broadcast

Episode 8

Episode 8 of 25

The team revive a dilapidated carved village sign that has stood pride of place in Broome, Norfolk, since the turn of the millennium, along with a handmade organ crafted in Basra during World War I.

First through the workshop doors is Bev, bringing a local landmark that has lost its way. The dilapidated village sign from Broome in Norfolk was designed for the millennium by Bev’s dad, who was a joiner. Sadly, he passed away in 1999 and was unable to complete the job. Instead, Bev’s twin brother took on the task of finishing the sign in time for it to be unveiled by their mum at the village hall on the eve of the millennium. With the sign significantly damaged, it’s a tricky job for woodworker Will Kirk, but he unveils it to a delighted Bev, who can’t wait for it to be resurrected in pride of place in the village.

A rusted-up shop till is the next item to arrive, courtesy of Jas, whose parents opened a grocery shop in the late 1960s that largely catered to Coventry’s Asian community. The shop became a hub for the community and ‘an adventure’ for Jas and his siblings, who would sneak down at night to take chocolates. After a decade, the shop couldn’t compete with bigger supermarkets and closed its doors, meaning the till hasn’t been used for years. With no key, the contraption is near impossible for Steve Fletcher to prise open, but when he does, he’s rewarded with the find of handmade toy money inside. When Jas returns to discover the finding, he is transported straight back to his joyful childhood.

Next to arrive is a small handmade organ crafted from cardboard and brought in by Sairah, whose grandfather made it in Basra during the First World War. Hailing from a family of organ builders, he made it out of army signal book covers whilst serving in the Royal Engineers. Fixing a handmade item is a tricky task, even for seasoned organ restorer David Burville, and after a lengthy fix, Sairah returns wondering if it will play once again.

Finally, an heirloom from the golden age of cinema. Sisters Georgie and Lydia need the help of upholsterer Sonnaz Nooranvary to honour a couple who played a starring role in their lives. Their great-uncle built a cinema with his brother in Knighton, Powys, which opened in 1947 to a huge queue of people eager to watch films in their local community. Their great-aunt Enid was also involved in the business. The building was demolished in the 1990s, so the siblings never saw the cinema but were delighted to find some cinema seats stored under their great-uncle and great-aunt’s house. Sonnaz and Dom join forces not only to bring the chairs back to life but also to give the two young women a glimpse of a 1940s cinema experience they have never known.

Release date:

57 minutes

On TV

Wed 5 Mar 2025 20:00

More episodes

Next

Coming soon

See all episodes from The Repair Shop

Credits

Role Contributor
Narrator Bill Paterson
Expert Will Kirk
Expert Dominic Chinea
Expert David Burville
Expert Steve Fletcher
Expert Sonnaz Nooranvary
Executive Producer Emma Walsh
Executive Producer Paula Fasht
Executive Producer Glenn Swift
Line Producer Laura Fisher
Director Ingo Nyakairu
Production Company Ricochet Limited

Broadcasts

Take Part

If you have a treasured possession that needs restoring, please get in touch.