There’s a gem of a TV program shown by the BBC here in the UK called ‘The Repair Shop.’ A fascinating insight into some of the UK’s finest restorers of all things old.
Heirlooms For Mending
For those who have never seen it, the format follows a member of the public bringing an heirloom that is usually damaged and beyond repair. It might be a clock, a piece of jewellery or even an old chair. Whatever the item, there will be a story attached, sometimes sad, sometimes happy. “It was me Grandad’s top set of Sunday best teeth! I kept em’ under the sink but they fell out and broke. It would make me so happy if you could fix em, please.” Ok, it’s not quite that level, but you see what I’m getting at.
Quality & Tears
The quality of the workmanship is a joy to watch. My favourite is Will the Carpenter. A young guy who repairs tables and chairs that were destined for the bonfire. Then there is Steve, a former firefighter who can mend a clock that hasn’t worked for over 40 years. Watching these people perform their magic is truly astounding. Of course, the customer has to come back and collect the restored item. The tears that follow is no one’s business. When they reveal what was nothing more than a heap of junk now standing before them as new as the day it was purchased is unbelievable. Quite often, there’s a sharp intake of breath, followed by “Oh my giddy Aunt” then silence, then tears.
Calling Egg Man
Occasionally, they have to call upon the services of a specialist that’s not represented in the usual mix of restorers. Hence, the egg man. We saw a sorry chap who turned up at the repair shop with an old wooden cigarette holder that had an Ostrich egg as a cover. The item had been dropped and the fragile shell smashed into a million pieces. It looked the end of the line for this piece of family history. However, as with all things in the repair shop, there was a happy ending, thanks to egg man.
Another Happy Customer
Apparently, egg man is a master at what he does. What puzzles me is how does someone make a living at mending broken eggs? He wasn’t a young guy so he must have made a career from it. Can you imagine the conversations at a party? “Hi, George and what do you do for a living?” “Oh, I mend broken eggs!” Mind you, looking at how badly damaged this particular egg was, apart from having the patience of a Saint, it must have taken a couple of years to just place the pieces back together. Of course, when the customer returned, (looking a lot older than when he first brought the egg in) he was over the moon with the result. “Cracking job”, he said and after lots of handshaking he left with his heirloom looking as good as new.
Here’s an official clip from the series The Repair Shop
There’s a Wikipedia page about the repair shop here.
angloswiss
November 23, 2019Also one of my favourite Programmes. I saw the repair of the ostrich egg yesterday, absolutely fascinating, what wonderful craftsmanship. Since Mr. Swiss tends to go earlier to bed the TV is all mine in the evening so I am becoming a BBC expert, although we both watch The Repair Shop as it is shown at 5.00 pm our time.
admin
November 23, 2019It certainly is a wonderful show. One of the better things to watch on TV these days. Thank you.
thoughtsallsorts
November 23, 2019It is such a wonderful show. Love watching the various transformations
admin
November 23, 2019Thank you and I agree with you totally. 🙂
Yetismith
November 23, 2019Sounds fascinating. I hardly watch anything these days but I would like to see the Repair Shop if it gets to the US. Thanks!
admin
November 23, 2019Hopefully, it will get there, it’s a lovely series.
Tish Farrell
November 23, 2019A favourite prog in the Farrell household, though we haven’t seen this particular episode. An egg mender, who knew!
admin
November 23, 2019Yes, it’s the one show in a myriad of dull viewing especially of late. Thank you. Tish
Peter's pondering
November 23, 2019I hardly watch any television now but you’ve made me so curious that I shall have to try this out!
admin
November 23, 2019I’m the same Peter, but this is a joy to watch. Thank you.
Invisibly Me
November 23, 2019My folks like this one. I’d like it more if someone did actually take a set of false choppers in there to be fixed.
It’s certainly an interesting job title. Egg repairman. That’s no yolk!
Caz xx
admin
November 23, 2019Thank you, Caz. Lol, I agree, that would be funny. 🙂 Hope you’re doing ok this week?
Rosaliene Bacchus
November 23, 2019Sounds like the kinda show I’d love to watch. Who knows? The series may be featured some day soon on Netflix 🙂
admin
November 23, 2019Thank you, Rosaliene. I think it will be available worldwide soon as it’s such a popular and unique program.
susiesopinions
November 24, 2019We haven’t got it on Britbox yet.
admin
November 24, 2019I’m sure you’ll enjoy it when it goes on Britbox, Susie ????
SueW
November 24, 2019I sometimes watch that one too, it’s fascinating isn’t it. I remember watching the one that restored a belt, I couldn’t quite fathom all the tears though, who notices a belt being worn?
admin
November 24, 2019It is fascinating, Sue. It certainly stirs the emotions. You’re right about wearing a belt, I wouldn’t notice. Thank you, Sue
gianmarco groppelli, *J&J*
November 25, 2019OMG man
you’re the reader than faster of the world
Hope
November 28, 2019So many of craftspeople of years ago have been lost. This is a great story that brought back memories to me of when I was a child eons ago.
admin
November 29, 2019Thank you, Hope. It is refreshing to see these craftspeople still doing it.
America On Coffee
December 1, 2019So symbolic for me with physical things and spiritual merits as healings and transformation. The gift unfolds in our own repairs and with makeovers. We are gems and heirlooms. Best wishes this season! ❤️????
admin
December 1, 2019Thank you and best wishes to you too for this season. ????
gianmarco groppelli, *J&J*
December 2, 2019have a lovely day my dear friend ????
admin
December 2, 2019Thank you, and the same to you.