BBC The Repair Shop expert makes ‘tough’ decision in restoration first

The Repair Shop expert Steve Fletcher faced a challenging decision while restoring a 30-year-old clock.

In a previous episode of the popular restoration programme, Karen brought in her grandfather’s 1950s alarm clock, hoping it could be repaired.

Her grandfather, David Alfonso Butler, a member of the Windrush Generation, depended on this clock to wake him each afternoon following long shifts at a foundry.

“This was my ticking companion when I was growing up,” Karen shared. “This is so much of my childhood, there’s so many happy memories.”

David sadly passed away in 2013 at the age of 87, and Karen has since cherished his clock and hat.

“The fact that I’ve still got his clock is very important,” she added.

Steve promptly began the restoration by cleaning the dust from the clock’s bearings, which had suffered significant wear over the years.

The horologist also needed to fix the clock’s teeth and adjust its pivot, but he decided against making a particular alteration to the sentimental object, reports .

“I took the decision not to paint this little button to turn the alarm off,” he explained.

“This was the one thing that Karen’s grandfather David would have touched every time he turned the alarm off, and I thought there’s a certain connection there if it’s the same piece her grandfather actually touched.”

Upon returning to the barn and seeing the restored clock, Karen was visibly moved. “These are happy tears,” she said.

“Thank you so much. The reason why it means so much to me is because it was my friend for so many years, and it’s such a nice, pleasant tick,” Karen expressed her gratitude.

She went on to say, “When I hear the tick of the clock it takes me back to sitting at the bottom of the bed while grandad was sleeping after a heavy night shift, knowing that things are silent enough for my grandad to rest.”

The Repair Shop is available to stream on iPlayer