BBC TV: The Repair Shop

[Superscope]

Hi David,

That's exactly as I understand it.
Although Steve and Suzie Flecher (The Horologist and Leather specialist)
are also resident, for want of a better word as far as I know.

I couldn't actually go in the Barn as it was cordened off.
They were in the middle of filming the Christmas Special. (Last Years one).

The Barn is open to the Public between Filming.
I didn't expect it to be in use when I visited!
Just wanted to go inside and say I'd been there.

Although, more than made up for when I got to speak
with the Ladies when they came back from Lunch.

Obviously, when there is no Filming, you won't see any of
the Crafts people on Site, they are all back doing their Day Jobs.


Ian

[samjmann]

I've watched the RS now on and off for a few years. It's just far too sweet and schmaltzy. The human interest side of it now seems to be pushed more than before.The whole show 'builds' towards the 'reveal' at the end of the restoration to the proud owner. This is no different to what Changing Rooms did a while back. I'd love to see a bit more detail of what the craftspeople are doing.

Despite all this, I do find it quite an enjoyable show. No bad language, violence,
not being politically correct in any sense or 'woke' are all plus points. At least it might make people think twice about taking the entire contents of a house clearance to the local tip.

The good thing is that it's on a mainstream channel at peak viewing times and attracts good viewing figures. This shows that maybe the general public are indeed railing against the onslaught of consumerism to some extent.

Poll rating: 2.

SJM

[mole42uk]

I’ve just reviewed the one about the saxophone. I’ve been repairing saxophones for 45 years and that chap simply doesn’t know the job. He worked on a Conn ‘Ladyface’ tenor sax without giving me any idea that he know what he was doing. His method of installing new pads is laughable.

[mark_in_manc]

I tend to be a bit uptight about what I can do and how well I can do it. Watching some of those guys crash around is encouraging, in a weird kind of way

[M0FYA Andy]

Originally Posted by mole42uk

I’ve just reviewed the one about the saxophone. I’ve been repairing saxophones for 45 years and that chap simply doesn’t know the job. He worked on a Conn ‘Ladyface’ tenor sax without giving me any idea that he know what he was doing. His method of installing new pads is laughable.

I watched that episode with interest, and as someone who knows absolutely nothing about saxophones, I assumed that was how it should be done.

Many thanks,

Andy

[M0FYA Andy]

I was very disappointed to see in tonight's episode where the repaired brass hinge of a bureau was secured with steel screws with chewed slots, one head looked too small, one was standing proud and none of the slots were lined-up! Shown in close-up as the item was handed over!

Andy

[Radio Wrangler]

Considering the programme schtick, I suppose the quality only has to be good enough to make the punter happy.

Maybe we're expecting a lot too much?

What we seem to be after would be for something about to try to get high bids at Christies or Bonhams.

David

[CambridgeWorks]

I see there are 1 3/4 hours of The Repair Shop on BBC1 today.
Don't rush, both are repeats!
Rob

[AC/HL]

Only if you watched them the first time!

[SiriusHardware]

Originally Posted by robinshack

Ref post #457, trouble is these days I don't think any broadcaster puts an "R" for repeat in front of their programmes. It would be too embarrassing.
Rob

They do however usually put "New: Programme Title" if the programme is NOT a repeat, I think this is in part so that recorders with series record can find only the new episodes of programmes and distinguish them from repeats which may also be being aired at some time during the next week.

[G6ONEDave]

Well I for one feel cheated now, as there seems to be no further mention of the promised home made amplifier, that was advertised to be on the next edition of RS, following on from the radiogram. And now we are back to repeats of the series. I suppose they have their reasons but to me if they're not going to show it, why advertise it as coming next?

Otherwise, I have enjoyed reading all the comments since post 411, and have found out some facts that I was not aware of.
Dave

[PaulR]

What they actually show seems a bit random. I still enjoy it though

[David Simpson]

Obviously, the producers of this "reality" show have never learnt from technical program producers from yesteryear. I'm talking about the "Fred Dibner" series. That set the standard for all technical programs to aspire to. Yes, the first "happy chappy" demolition series wouldn't have met 21st century safety & environment standards despite being highly amusing. But all the later series were a "must" to watch.
I guess he's looking down from a chimney in the heavens & having a jolly good laugh at "The Repair Shop" & "Wheeler Dealers" & one or two other winky wonky shows. However, I reckon he's highly enjoying seeing the Blacksmith chappy on "Salvage Hunters - The Restorers".

Regards, David

[stevehertz]

Originally Posted by David Simpson

Obviously, the producers of this "reality" show have never learnt from technical program producers from yesteryear. I'm talking about the "Fred Dibner" series. That set the standard for all technical programs to aspire to. Yes, the first "happy chappy" demolition series wouldn't have met 21st century safety & environment standards despite being highly amusing. But all the later series were a "must" to watch.
I guess he's looking down from a chimney in the heavens & having a jolly good laugh at "The Repair Shop" & "Wheeler Dealers" & one or two other winky wonky shows. However, I reckon he's highly enjoying seeing the Blacksmith chappy on "Salvage Hunters - The Restorers".

Regards, David

Why would Fred Dibner be having a laugh at it? I think he'd rather like it, that is unless he mistook it for a technical programme - as many are doing. It's entertainment for the masses (money!) with a nostalgic twist and the 'human' side of restorations. It is not to be scrutinised (but clearly it is!) as a tutorial for fixing anything. Other than what may be gleaned by watching it, no real, in-depth attempt is being made to 'teach' the viewer how to repair anything. It's not what the show is about, it's not its aim! The programme makers obviously and cleverly hit on the idea of the show by combing a number of currently popular elements; antiques, restorations (the before and after effect) and sentimentality. The programme makers are clever, savvy people, they make the programme to make money, and the aforementioned elements are key to its success. I too can easily sit and pick it apart, see the 'joins' and fibs where we've been fobbed off. But I don't feel the need to. I just love the before and after effect and the joy of the people who bring things in. And why people seem so shocked that things are 'staged'?! It's entertainment TV!

[dave walsh]

I think, perhaps, Fred would have been reluctant to comment and Repair Shop might [perhaps] have been a lightweight environment for him [ie the actual craft workings not the program or the people]. I suspect though, that he would most likely have been interested in anything skilled and practical at any scale including softer material s! A house Proud man! He seemed to be surprisingly sensitive despite a slightly gruff exterior. I met him once officially opening a Dry Cleaners on the Blackburn/Bolton road, arriving by Steam Roller covered in soot and wearing a greasy cap! I was always impressed by the "Copper Plate" beautiful Victorian machine drawings he prepared, especially for the "Mine".

Dave W

[dave walsh]

Will feature, apparently, a Radiogram "hand built" or "scratch made" by Julianna's dad according to Radio Times which says [confusingly]."there's obviously no instruction manual, so the renovation must be taken slowly and steadily in case it blows up" The Guardian G2 TV Guide has it down as just a Radio though.

My money is on Radio Times. It will be interesting to see a "home grown" RG.

Dave W

[Dave Moll]

I hope to watch it later on iPlayer, as yet again I'm otherwise engaged when it's on.

[camallison]

Originally Posted by dave walsh

Will feature, apparently, a Radiogram "hand built" or "scratch made" by Julianna's dad

"Scratch made case" ...... it's amazing what can be built from old pallets.

Colin

[Beobloke]

Originally Posted by dave walsh

"there's obviously no instruction manual, so the renovation must be taken slowly and steadily in case it blows up"

I hope they let someone who knows what they are doing at it, and not 'Gramophone Tim' again.

[Superscope]

I can't wait for the backlash on this Forum later tonight!


Ian