Call Repair Shop to fix nation
I THOUGHT I was The Repair Shop’s No1 fan, but it looks like King Charles has trumped me.
Our new monarch also loves the hit TV series – and recently called in Jay Blades and the gang to fix some priceless royal artefacts. Later this month we’ll get to watch the big reveal of a restored 18th century bracket clock and a plate made for Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. We may even see a royal tear or two. For, while Charles is a champion of traditional craftsmanship he knows this show is about much more than repairing stuff. It’s about home, family, heritage, posterity and preserving our most precious treasures for future generations. So perhaps His Majesty’s Government could also be persuaded to visit The Repair Shop for some help mending broken Britain…
First to arrive at the barn today is Jeremy from Westminster with a badly damaged economy for Jay’s attention.
“So, how come it’s got into this state, then?”
“Well Jay, there’s obviously some oil damage and the global climate wasn’t good for it. “But my predecessor was ordered to give it a makeover and everyone hated the new look.
“So the boss had a crack at fixing it herself and really botched the job.” “Too right. You can’t keep chopping and changing or the whole thing’s gonna collapse. Ceramics expert Kirsten could help with the bonds and the consolidation but I reckon we need Geoff for this.
“He knows all about one-armed bandits and where to stick the pennies.”
Next customer is Therese with a much-loved treasure that has definitely seen better days and leaves Jay rather puzzled.
“Surely that ain’t the good old NHS?” “I’m afraid it is. We’ve had it for the past 12 years but kept ignoring the gaping cracks and now it’s utterly knackered. I inherited it in September and haven’t got a clue how to fix it.
“Oh, and you may find the odd cigar burn and wine stain, too.”
“Blimey. It could kill someone in that state. Needs a total redesign, lots of dosh and an army of expert hands. Leave it with us though.”
Also looking for help today are Anne-marie and Suella. Anne-marie is wondering whether metal expert Dom can revamp a tired old train set while Suella hopes Steve can help her get a plane off the ground and en route to Rwanda. And on next week’s show... the Teddy Bear ladies get to work on Dizzy Lizzie as the Tory Party want her stuffed, while Jay gives woodwork maestro Will an urgent task.
“You free to get cracking on a new cabinet, mate?
“Some bloke called Keir is coming in with plans.”