The Repair Shop expert Steve Fletcher was faced with a challenging decision during the restoration of a 30-year-old clock, marking a first for the show.

In a previous episode of the popular BBC restoration programme, Karen visited the barn hoping to have her grandad’s 1950s alarm clock 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 aged 87, and since then, Karen has cherished his clock and hat, reports Gloucestershire Live.

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

Steve immediately set about cleaning the dust from the clock’s bearings, which had suffered significant damage over years of use.

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 item.

“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, Karen was moved by the sight of the restored clock. “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 said emotionally.

“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 BBC iPlayer

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