The Repair Shop S2024E15 - Episode 15

First in the barn is Christian Skelton with a 1975 film projector, an ode to the halcyon days of cinema and the forgotten art of the film projectionist. The 250kg broken behemoth was given to Christian by his friend, a retired projectionist, and the plan is to get it working again and give the projector pride of place in a charity restoration project for a 110-year-old cinema, the Selsey Pavilion. The projector presents vintage electronics expert and cinephile Mark Stuckey with his dream challenge. He sets to work to see if he can breathe new life into this golden oldie. 

Next, with a challenge for jeweller Richard Talman, is Charlotte Wakely. The lightning-bolt earrings are a precious memento of her much-missed mum Barbara and encapsulate everything that reminds Charlotte of her – fun-loving, rock n' roll, caring and generous. When Charlotte discovered the earrings amongst her mum's possessions after she sadly passed away from ovarian cancer, they had seen better days and she resolved to make them sparkle again. With a 9-carat gold surround and a black plastic 3D interior, the earrings present a particular challenge for Richard, who must come up with a creative solution to make these precious mementos of a fun-loving mum wearable again. 

The next restoration falls to Julie Tatchell and Amanda Middleditch, also known as The Bear Ladies. Pip Martin from Northampton arrives with a 1930s doll called Annabelle that belonged to her great aunt Eileen. Annabelle was originally Eileen's doll when she was a child but, as an adult, great aunt Eileen was first a nanny and then went on to foster over 50 babies and young children. All the children in Eileen's care would play with the doll that would also stay in the cot, watching over the very youngest of her charges. After Eileen died, the doll came to Pip but was damaged during a house move. Annabelle's head is completely detached from her body, her neck is in pieces, and she has no hair. Amanda and Julie set to work to bring Annabelle back to her original condition, with her head intact. They also make a new set of clothes that are in keeping with what she would have worn back when Eileen was first given the doll as a toddler. 

Last in the barn is Tony Jhalli with a musical instrument of personal, cultural, and religious significance. Tony's dhol drum was given to him by his father, a popular bhangra musician, at the age of 15. Once Tony had mastered the skill of playing, he made a career out of music by performing and teaching others how to play. Over the years, this original dhol drum has been damaged through use by younger members of the family and can no longer be played. It's over to musical maestro Pete Woods, to see if he can return the rhythm to this traditional Indian family treasure.