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Episode 2

Steve Fletcher visits a cobbler mascot, Mark Stuckey brings a vintage radio from Brazil back to life, and Julyan Wallis rescues a mandolin once played for Queen Elizabeth II.

Clockmaker Steve Fletcher travels to Stourbridge to see John and Bert, the animatronic cobbler who has stood in John鈥檚 shop window for nearly 50 years. Once a childhood fascination and now a cherished part of John's business, Bert had suffered a broken wrist and worn-out mechanics. After strengthening the figure and rebuilding its movement, Steve visits the cobbler, which is back in action and continuing a tradition that has entertained generations.

Electronics expert Mark Stuckey visits Ricardo Cogginotto and the treasured Brazilian radio inherited from his father. The radio had fallen silent after decades of use accompanying family fishing trips, football matches and treasured moments together. Following a careful restoration, Mark visits Ricardo, bringing him a device to listen to the Brazilian music he once listened to with his dad through the repaired radio, reigniting vivid memories of his childhood in South America.

Meanwhile, luthier Julyan Wallis follows up on one of his most ambitious restorations: a badly damaged mandolin that travelled the world with Royal Navy veteran Tom Seddes and even entertained the royal family aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia. Damaged by an accident at sea, the instrument seemed beyond repair. With its structure rebuilt and voice restored, Jules visits Cornwall to hear Tom playing once again, proving that this seafaring companion still has many songs left to sing.

Available now

57 minutes

Audio described

Last on

Fri 11 Sep 2026 00:20

Credits

Role Contributor
Expert William Kirk
Expert Steven Fletcher
Expert Mark Stuckey
Expert Richard Talman
Expert Julyan Wallis
Narrator Ashley Jensen
Series Producer Shane Normoyle
Director Steven Coward
Director Ingo Nyakairu
Production Company Ricochet Ltd

Broadcasts

  • Wed 9 Sep 2026 20:00
  • Thu 10 Sep 2026 23:40
  • Fri 11 Sep 2026 00:10
  • Fri 11 Sep 2026 00:20

Take Part

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