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The team restore a miniature whisky barrel, an antique set of scales and a military swagger stick with precious memories for its 93-year-old owner.

Ninety-three-year-old D-Day veteran Thomas Hassell has brought along a treasured item with a proud history: a smart military swagger stick awarded to him while on army service in Berlin for consistently being the smartest soldier on parade. The stick is a cherished symbol of a long and proud career, but sadly the decades have not been kind, and the silver head is badly dented and discoloured. It’s down to silversmith Brenton West to knock out the dents and give the stick its swagger back – but the task proves much harder than anticipated.

Metalworker Dominic Chinea enlists the help of England’s last remaining master cooper, Alastair Simms, to tackle the repair of a miniature whisky barrel with huge emotional significance to owner Deirdre. According to family legend, the tiny barrel was made from the salvaged wood of a wrecked ship captained by Deirdre’s ancestor, and it was a regular fixture at family gatherings throughout her childhood. But some years ago Deirdre decided to give it a clean, only for it to fall to pieces in her hands. Dom sets about the repair, with the help of Alastair – and a tin of chocolate biscuits!

And basketry specialist Sarah Hatton undertakes the repair of a very precious set of wicker baby-weighing scales, which have played host to multiple generations of new-borns.

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44 minutes

Music Played

Timings (where shown) are from the start of the programme in hours and minutes

  • 00:20

    Laurent Dury

    Nature Exploration

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Jay Blades
Narrator Robert Pugh
Series Editor Sandy Watson
Executive Producer Rob Butterfield
Executive Producer Emma Walsh

Broadcasts

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If you have a treasured possession that needs restoring, please get in touch.