The Repair Shop: Fixing Britain

Jay Blades delves deeper into three repairs to show how items have shaped the way we live now. Today's episode is focused around some amazing childhood toys that together have shaped the sorts of things our kids play with today. The first repair Jay revisits is a rocking horse brought in by Julie from Leicestershire. Using archive footage, Jay reveals how Queen Victoria transformed the fortunes of the rocking horse by visiting a factory, starting a royal tradition that continues to this day. He also shows how the rocking horse went from a preserve of the wealthy to a family staple that is still loved by modern-day families. Next is a unique teddy that helped owner Janet learn how to walk. Jay tells the story of how the teddy bear got its name and how a humble seamstress from Germany created one of the world's most famous bear brands by selling felt elephants. Finally, an item that brings back fond memories for Jay: an old chopper biked owned by brothers Andy and Glenn from Chesterfield. Jay tells the story of how a humble Nottingham firm became the biggest bike manufacturer in the world, and he finds out just how many iconic Choppers were sold over the years.

Jay Blades delves deeper into classic repairs. Today's episode is focused around three items from the home front in the Second World War, as Jay tells the story of how the nation kept the home fires burning and the way this still resonates today. The first repair Jay revisits is a cherished toy owned by Patricia Hall that gave her comfort while she was evacuated to the country away from her family during the war. Betty the doll was given to Patricia by her host family at Christmas 1939 and she has loved it ever since. Jay uses archive to reveal more about the lives of evacuees and how some were sent thousands of miles away to countries like Canada and Australia, with many not returning to their own families for as long as six years. He also lifts the lid on the changing face of Christmas since then, including how the humble bar of soap became the favourite present one year. Next is a music box that was rescued from a bombing raid on Roger Livett's family home. Jay reveals how Brits amused themselves in wartime, how many millions of cinema tickets were sold, and how public information films and posters played a role in keeping the public informed - a tradition that continues to this day. Finally, Jay recalls when Simon Moseley and his son Jake brought in a telescope owned by Simon's grandfather, an air-raid warden, that was built from parts picked up at bomb sites. Jay reveals how the new roles taken on by women during the war - from wardens to land girls - changed the face of the country's workforce forever and paved the way for the increasing role of women in the workplace that continues to this day.

Jay Blades tells the story of how mid-century furniture continues to influence the modern day home by revealing the history behind three classic pieces repaired in the barn. The first item is a classic room divider brought in by Chris and Tim from Doncaster. The screen was created by the celebrated Finnish designer Alvar Aalto. Jay uses archive to reveal the vital part Aalto played in modern day furniture, helping to move away from the fussy furnishings of the early 20th century to the kind of naturally shaped pieces that many of us have in our homes today. Next is an Eames chair brought in by Joanne Silverstein and daughter Lisa from East Sussex, a piece that epitomises the boom in stylish furniture during the 1950s. Jay explains how the chair was designed - going through a whopping 13 different versions of the armrest alone - and how it has influenced modern furniture. Finally, a classic hanging leather chair that had seen better days. Jay tells the story of how the chair was part of a new wave of modern British design that transformed the nation's homes in the mid-20th century. He shows how the likes of Ercol and G-Plan brought Scandinavian influences to these shores and how their designs live on in homes today.

Jay Blades looks back at three repairs that help show how immigration has shaped the UK. The first item is a pump organ brought in by Carmen and Angela and previously owned by their mum, Vera, who was part of the Windrush generation. It was virtually the only thing she brought over when she emigrated from the West Indies, and it has provided many treasured evenings of entertainment. Jay tells the story of the Windrush generation through fascinating archive that charts their arrival, how they were received in the UK and the controversy over their status in recent years. Next is a classic red and white revolving barber's pole brought in by Caner, whose father, Harry, moved from Cyprus to London in the early 1960s and, after working as a policeman, set up a barber's shop. Jay discovers the fascinating story of Cypriots in London, along with the origins of the iconic barber's pole. Finally, a samovar - the Iraqi version of an ornate tea urn - brought in by Nawzad and Karen. It was virtually the only thing that the couple brought with them when they fled their homeland. Using archive, Jay delves into the story of the samovar and tea around the world, and he reveals some fascinating insights into migration from the Middle East.

Jay Blades uses three recent repairs and some fascinating archive to trace the changing face of rural life in the UK. The first item is a spinning wheel that once belonged to Christine's great-aunt in the Shetland Islands. Christine can remember collecting wool that had snagged on fences for her great-aunt to spin, and she would love the wheel to be working again. Jay unearths some fascinating archive that tells the story of the spinning wheel and how its role has changed between the Industrial Revolution and the present day. Next is Carolyn and her partner Karl's butter churn, which Carolyn's family used to churn butter by hand. The repair required expert help from master cooper Alastair Simms, one of the country's last remaining experts in making and fixing wooden barrels. Jay reveals the amazing history of the butter churn and how it gave birth to the store cupboard staple that we continue to enjoy to this day. He also discovers some eye-opening footage about the ancient initiation rituals in the world of coopers. Finally siblings Liz and Sam brought in three trophies that their father won when he became world champion at tractor ploughing back in the 1950s. Jay tells the 4,000-year history of the plough and how this important farming implement developed over the centuries, culminating in the invention of the kinds of tractors that Liz and Sam's father drove to ploughing championship glory.

Jay Blades uses three recent repairs and some fascinating archive to tell some amazing stories of espionage and undercover operations. Francis Suttill had a moving tale to tell about the wartime relic he brought into the Repair Shop. His father was a member of the Special Operations Executive during the Second World War and worked as a secret agent behind German lines, alongside the French Resistance. They did everything from disrupting trains to trying to destroy power plants. It was a dangerous job, and Francis's father was captured and executed by the Germans. Long after the war, Francis managed to track down a metal cell that was used to drop supplies for agents like his dad, and brought it into the barn. Jay uncovers more about the amazing exploits of the SOE, their impact on the war effort and the influence they have had on the modern-day secret service. Matthew Brooksbank and his partner Nigel brought in a teapot that belonged to Matthew's much-loved next-door neighbour Gladys, who told him an astonishing story of operating undercover in Germany to help people persecuted by the Nazis. She was given the teapot by one of the women she helped, but it was broken on a train journey. Jay uses archive footage to tell the fascinating story of undercover operatives like Gladys and how they paved the way for more women agents in the secret service - culminating in the appointment of the first female director-general of MI5. Finally, a bike owned by Huw Banister's mum, one of the Bletchley Park codebreakers. The cycle's links to Bletchley Park allow Jay to narrate the story of the undercover work done by the likes of Huw's mum to help crack German communications and shorten the war.

Jay Blades revisits three items that tell stories about the UK's amazing maritime history and how it continues to influence our nation today. The first item is a precious box brought in by Gerhard Fehners, whose great-great-grandfather, also called Gerhard, was a merchant seaman. Aged just 38, he lost his life when his merchant ship went down, but the ditty box he took with him on the high seas survived and is testimony to the life of the 19th-century sailor. Jay explains how the UK came to rule the waves in the 19th century and how the ditty box played a crucial part in a sailor's life, with similar traditions continuing to this day. Another visitor to the Repair Shop was Jenny Lane, the granddaughter of another seafaring hero - Henry Rennick, one of Captain Scott's team on his expedition to the South Pole. Henry met his future wife in New Zealand and vowed to return to her after the expedition. While Scott perished and was beaten to the Pole, Henry returned unscathed to find his wife-to-be had put together a cuttings album about the exploits of Scott, Henry and the rest of the team. Jay recalls the story of the doomed expedition and the history of the cutting books that Jenny's grandmother kept. The third item is a handmade teddy bear given to Martin Beever's grandfather, who served as a chief petty officer in the Royal Navy during the Second World War. Jay tells the incredible story of how Martin's grandfather's life was saved when he was transferred to another ship, and he finds out more about naval life today.

Jay Blades investigates three items restored by horologist Steve Fletcher that demonstrate how the invention of clockwork continues to influence our lives to this day. First up is the oldest item ever booked into the Repair Shop: a clock dating from the 17th century and now owned by Frank Black from Glasgow. Jay uses archive footage to tell the story of how clockwork was invented. He also revisits a toy car owned by Rev Mike Kinna, and finds out how clockwork mechanisms were first used in toys and continue to be to this day. Finally, retired electrician Bob Arrowsmith from Peterborough brought in a clocking on machine, used by workers to record when they started and finished work. Jay shows how time recorders were part of a revolution in timekeeping. Until the mid-19th century, different towns used different times, but the advent of industry and the need for coordinated timekeeping heralded the adoption of Greenwich Mean Time.

Jay Blade and the Repair Shop team review the way that music instruments that have helped shaped the way music is played live. First up is a pump organ brought in to the barn by music teacher Marion Stanley and previously owned by Marion's dad, who grew up in the East End. Jay tells the story of how instruments like this one used to be played live in places like the East End of London to entertain people. With no TV and no other access to live music, street parties and gatherings were common ways to celebrate everything from Christmas and birthdays - a tradition that continues to this day on big occasions like the Queen's jubilee. Live music has also been a form of solace in trickier times, as witnessed by an accordion brought in by William and his family. William's mum, Iris, used to play it during the Second World War to entertain families as they waited out German air raids in underground shelters. After the war, the story of musical instruments and live performances took another turn thanks to the invention of amplified instruments, such as the bass brought in by Danny Wilson and his mum, Margaret. They also bring a touch of pop glamour to the barn, as Danny's dad was a member of 1970s band Hot Chocolate. Danny wants to learn the bass, but it doesn't play properly, so it's over to restorer David Kennett to work his magic.

Jay Blades delves deeper into the restoration of three family heirlooms that survived the First World War. The first item is a pair of wire cutters brought in by David Broome. They were previously owned by his grandfather, who fought as a soldier at the Battle of the Somme in 1916. During an attack, he was hit by a bomb and blown onto some barbed wire. He awoke to see a dead German lying next to him. Fortunately, the late soldier's wire cutters were in reach, allowing David's grandfather to cut himself free and walk to safety. Next is a set of bagpipes that belonged to a bagpiper with the Royal Scots regiment during the First World War. Jay tells the heroic story of Scottish bagpipers, who were frequently the first out of the trenches, leading troops over the top during attacks. Unarmed and playing their pipes, they were sitting ducks for enemy fire, but continued to march resolutely on despite the dangers. Last but by no means least are a pair of mascots owned by sisters Susie and Kasha. Their grandfather, Oswald, was a pioneering reconnaissance pilot for the newly formed Royal Flying Corps during the First World War, flying dangerous missions over enemy lines to photograph German positions in order to help guide British artillery attacks. Like many pilots, he owned mascots, in this case two teddies. Jay explains how brave pilots like Oswald pioneered a whole new way of fighting that still exists to this day, as well as tracing the early development of the modern RAF.

Jay Blades revisits three amazing inventions that have had a profound influence on the development of the film and video technology we take for granted today. First, a magic lantern brought into the barn by Marie-Noelle. She can remember her grandmother using it to show her images when Marie-Noelle was a child, but the light source has gone, some of the slides don't fit and the exterior is showing its age. Jay uses fascinating archive footage to show how the magic lantern was developed and used to produce some of the earliest sequences of moving images, using the same principle as modern day video. The second repair is a mutoscope owned by David Powell from Hampshire. The machine is like a flip-book: it rotates a series of still pictures past a viewfinder at speed to give the illusion of motion (again very similar to the basic premise of modern day TV and film). Jay explain the role the mutoscope played in the development of the cinema and how it gave rise to some of the first silent movie stars. Finally, a projector owned by Allan Barham is used to show how home projectors like this were one of the key stepping stones for today's film and video.

Jay Blades revisits three repairs that show how modern music has been influenced by vintage music players. Sue and her son Richard brought in a polyphon - a vintage disc player that was owned by Sue's grandmother. Jay tells the story of the polyphon: how it relates to the vinyl discs we are familiar with today, and how music publishers were influenced by the popularity of particular tracks - a forerunner of today's music charts. Richard and Leslie from Cornwall brought in a Peter Pan gramophone. This was the innovative rival to the music box and helped change listening habits in the early part of the 20th century. Jay uncovers eye-opening archive that shows how Thomas Edison helped invent the gramophone and how it created the phenomenon of music on demand that we take for granted today. He also reveals how this now vintage technology continues to shape the length of the modern day pop song. The final fix features Albert and the beloved transistor radio that he shared for decades of happy marriage with his late wife Eileen. Jay explains how the humble transistor helped to change the face of music from the 1950s onwards, and how its legacy continues to this day.

Jay Blades revisits three repairs - a watch, a swagger stick and a belt - that tell heroic stories from the Second World War that still resonate today. Dutch couple Ron and Toos Schemering Reelfs visited the Repair Shop with a watch that belonged to Ron's grandparents. They were living in the former Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) when it was invaded by the Japanese. Ron's grandmother was taken to a prisoner of war camp, losing everything except this watch, which she managed to sew into her dress. Jay reveals more about what Ron's grandparents went through: his grandfather was forced to work on the Burma Railway, known as the Death Railway because of the harsh conditions under which it was built. Lance Corporal Thomas Hassall was among the D-Day landing troops and helped the Allies fight their way to Germany, liberating France, Holland and Belgium along the way. After the war he was stationed in Berlin, where he was presented with a swagger stick by his company commander for being so well turned out at regimental parades. Jay uses archive to tell the story of the British Army's battle to liberate Europe, the brave stories of soldiers like Thomas, and how the tradition of the swagger stick lives on today. The final item also has a connection to the D-Day landings: a belt that belonged to the father of Graham Hinson and Janet Hollingsworth, who was in the army catering corps and was also part of the D-Day landing force that helped defeat Germany. His regiment's final destination was the Fallingbostel prisoner of war camp, where they liberated British PoWs and were based after the war, dealing with German prisoners. One of the prisoners gave Graham and Janet's father a specially carved belt as a thank you for his kind treatment. Jay reveals more about the British Army's postwar work in Germany and what has happened to their barracks since they left in 2015.

Jay Blades revisits three items from the pre-digital age that together have helped influence the microchip-driven technology that we take for granted today. The episode begins with an analogue cash register owned by Judy Evans. Jay tells the story of how the first tills were designed to stop embezzling at an American saloon in the 19th century, and how they made it over to this side of the Atlantic. He also shows how these early versions paved the way for a piece of tech that survives to this day, despite the impact of decimalisation and the move to cash-free transactions. The next item is a beautiful camera owned by the great-grandfather of Phil Jones during the First World War. It's one of the pioneering devices that appeared at the turn of the century and laid the foundations for the cameras that are now so ubiquitous today. Jay uses archive to tell the story of pioneering war photographers and how cameras like this one laid the groundwork for today's digital photography. Finally, an old-fashioned manual calculator brought in by Donald Creasy and his family. Jay charts how the humble lever-driven machine owned by Donald led to the calculators that we take for granted today.

Jay Blades shows how three items repaired in the barn have influenced modern transport. The first item is a penny-farthing bicycle belonging to Peter Swash. Jay uncovers eye-opening footage that reveals how the penny-farthing helped transform cycling in the UK in the 19th century, paving the way for inventions like the pneumatic tyre and laying the foundations for the country's cycling revolution that continues to this day. Second is an old-fashioned tram seat owned by Dora Paul from Salford. Dora used to love riding the trams as a child, and when they were taken out of service in the 1940s, her family rescued a seat to use in their garden. Jay uses footage dating back to the early 1900s to chart how the tram changed the face of public transport, its disappearance in the 1940s, and how it is now making a comeback as cities across the UK try to reduce car traffic. Finally, a speedometer from a classic 1920s Lagonda car. Incredible archive footage of early car crashes demonstrates how and why speed limits and speedometers were introduced as the car grew in popularity from the 1920s onwards.