In a moving episode of BBC’s The Repair Shop aired during the VE Day special, viewers witnessed a heartfelt restoration that bridged history and personal memory. John Holloway, a 101-year-old Royal Navy veteran who served as an engineer on HMS Formidable at age 17, brought in a cherished clock that held profound significance.
The clock, originally from the cockpit of US pilot missions, was more than an antique—it was a Christmas gift John gave to his late wife Connie in 1947. John fondly recalled how “Con” kept the clock on her bedside table, its glowing numbers comforting her every night.
Sadly, during a recent move, the clock was damaged after falling from a box. John shared his distress with Steve Fletcher, the Repair Shop expert: “It got smashed up, pretty devastated I was.” The emotional weight of the task was clear, with John ending each night by saying, “Goodnight Con, I love you.”
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Steve knew the repair would be challenging. The clock’s delicate balance staff—a tiny, precision part—needed intricate work beyond the usual scope. Calling on his son Fred for “young eyes” and steady hands, the duo set about the painstaking restoration.
Fred quickly realized the original balance staff was too fragile to salvage. Crafting a new one required extreme precision. “It’s so difficult to get it right without anything going wrong,” Fred explained as he carefully measured each turn on the lathe. The tiniest error could cause the roller to twist or loosen, creating setbacks.
Despite several frustrating attempts and hours of detailed work, Fred remained determined. “After six attempts and quite a lot of hours, I’ve finally finished turning it. That was pretty tough!” he admitted. His efforts culminated in the expertly crafted part being handed back to Steve for the final assembly.
The restoration’s emotional crescendo came when John reunited with his restored clock. Seeing the hands move again overwhelmed him with joy. “It’s going! That’s brilliant, that’s great,” he said, pausing as tears welled up and he wiped his eyes. John expressed his deep connection: “That’s going to remind me of Con, all the time. She was a wonderful, wonderful woman.”
The episode showcased not only the technical skill required to revive treasured heirlooms but also the profound emotional stories they carry. The Repair Shop continues to celebrate the power of restoration, bringing history and memories back to life for families across the UK.