The Repair Shop aired a special episode dedicated to the Windrush generation on Wednesday night, with horologist Steve Fletcher's restoration of a precious clock leaving viewers emotional.
The episode saw experts fix four items celebrating the contribution of the Windrush generation to the UK. Host Jay Blades and Steve welcomed siblings Dorcas and Stephen, who brought a treasured clock belonging to their parents, Hermann and Keturah, who moved from Antigua to England in search of a new life.
The couple faced 'a lot of adversity' when they arrived in Birmingham and were not welcomed by English church congregations, prompting Hermann to become a church leader. The clock was one of the first items they worked hard for to furnish their single room. They eventually bought their own home, and the clock took pride of place on the mantelpiece, serving as a reminder that they had 'arrived' and established a life.
Steve restored the clock, which had not chimed for over 25 years. When the siblings returned, they were astonished by the transformation. Viewers praised the restoration on Twitter, with one writing: 'Omg that clock is totally amazing,' and another saying: 'Wow that clock! Set me off. What an amazing restoration!'
The episode also featured electrical expert Mark Stuckey restoring a radiogram for activist Patrick Vernon, bookbinder Chris Shaw transforming an 80-year-old British passport, and saddle maker Suzie Fletcher repairing a suitcase. Many viewers hailed it as the 'best' episode ever.
