On Friday night, BBC viewers enjoyed a festive edition of The Repair Shop, featuring celebrity guests and heartwarming restoration stories. Among the visitors were Dame Helen Mirren, Julia Donaldson, and Rob Brydon, who all sought to revive treasured possessions with the help of the skilled experts.
Dame Helen Mirren presented a cherished cello from World War II, connected to Denville Hall, a care home for those in the entertainment community. Julia Donaldson and Rob Brydon brought a sentimental toy farmhouse, a family heirloom passed down from Julia’s grandmother.
However, the episode’s most emotionally charged moment came when Ian and Kate McKenzie arrived with their daughter April, seeking help to restore a family heirloom sleigh. Expert Dominic Chinea was instantly impressed by the sleigh, known as a Flexible Flyer, dating back to 1928. This particular model was produced for only one year, making it a rare find.
READ MORE: Beechwood Shopping Centre: A Look Back Before John Lewis Took Over
READ MORE: Prinbox Works Redevelopment Approved Despite Local Parking Concerns in Cheltenham’s Tivoli Area
Ian shared that he received the sleigh from his brother during the harsh winter of the Big Freeze, making it almost a century old. Over 60 years, the sleigh had been well-used by Ian, his nine children, and 14 grandchildren, resulting in multiple dents and damages.
However, Dominic discovered a significant problem. Speaking to the camera, he explained, “It’s not good news, unfortunately. The two bars running to the front of the rails are completely different shapes, although they’re supposed to match. The runners are bent and twisted from years of use, meaning I have to carefully straighten everything and realign the holes.”
Despite the challenge, Dominic and the team worked diligently to restore the sleigh to its original condition. When Ian saw the finished restoration, he was overwhelmed with emotion and tears. “That’s exactly how it was! I’m over the moon. I just wish I was a kid again. This is an excellent job, better than I could’ve done myself,” Ian said.
This touching moment underscored the unique power of The Repair Shop to bring cherished memories back to life. The festive episode highlighted not only expert craftsmanship but also the sentimental value these objects hold. The Repair Shop is available for streaming on BBC iPlayer.