On a poignant episode of The Repair Shop, guest Jonny was visibly moved as he shared the story behind a fragile rugby flag, a keepsake linked to both his and his late friend’s families. The flagship BBC show aired Wednesday, January 28, welcoming Jonny and a special item for textiles expert Rebecca to restore.
Jonny carefully unrolled the delicate flag, a memento from a historic 1936 rugby match between Ireland and England. “This flag was presented by the Ireland team to the captain of the England team as a memento of the game,” he explained. His grandfather, Jack Siggins, who played and captained for Ireland in that match, initially gifted the flag to the English captain.
In a touching twist, Jonny recounted meeting Olly, a friend whose grandfather captained the England team in the same era. The flag had passed to Olly’s family but was tragically returned to Jonny after Olly’s sudden death in a road accident.
READ MORE: Football: Southern, Hellenic, County, Northern Senior and Women’s Leagues Round-Up
READ MORE: Elderly Dog Survives Two Weeks Lost in Freezing Conditions on Cotswolds’ Highest Point
Holding back tears, Jonny shared, “At Olly’s memorial service, his father George said, ‘I have something that I’d like you to have’… this flag. It was meant for Olly, but with our connection, it’s right it’s with me now.”
He spoke fondly of Olly’s generous and warm-hearted nature, expressing how much he and others miss him. “It should have been him on the show today, but it’s me instead,” he said emotionally.
Despite its fragility—the silk tearing into threads—Rebecca’s restoration work revived the flag beautifully. Jonny was left speechless, calling the repair “a miracle” and expressing his gratitude. He plans to meet regularly with Olly’s family to cherish the flag and honor their shared memory.
“A big part of why I wanted it restored was to preserve Olly’s memory,” Jonny said. “Now it’s fixed, I look forward to bringing Olly’s family together so we can celebrate him and say thank you.”
The moving episode of The Repair Shop highlights the power of restoration to connect past and present, preserving both cherished objects and the memories they hold.