Jay Blades and the team lovingly resuscitate four treasured family heirlooms and the memories they hold.

First into the barn are siblings Marc Maderson and Melanie Henry, with a 50-year-old childhood toy. They’re hoping bookbinder Chris Shaw will be able to make their tattered and torn paper kite flight-worthy once again. The kite was made by Marc’s stepfather and Melanie’s father Roddy, who died six years ago. It’s a reminder of fun days out when the once-vibrant and colourful kite soared in the sky. However, it has been grounded for the past 20 years, so Chris has his work cut out.

Meanwhile, metal expert Dominic Chinea has an equally tricky restoration project to keep on track. On arrival at the barn, the 1960s child’s ride-on train is a complete wreck, with components crumbling and flaking off. The train belongs to Kate Humphries, whose father recently suffered a stroke. Now she’s determined to get the toy he bought for his own children revived so that he can enjoy seeing his grandchildren gather their own happy memories. Restoring this important family heirloom is a labour of love for Dom, but it’s a bittersweet reunion for Kate when she returns to the barn with sad news.

Next to arrive is a pottery puzzle for conservator Kirsten Ramsey. Amanda Rayner has brought in a shattered souvenir that belonged to her late mother, the ‘agony aunt’ Claire Rayner. The plate was created for Claire’s parents' golden wedding anniversary, and guests attending the celebrations signed the then-unfired plate. Amanda inherited the plate after her parents passed away, and it took pride of place on her dining room table. But an unfortunate accident four years ago left the heirloom in hundreds of pieces, making the repair a huge problem-solving exercise for Kirsten.

The final visitor to the barn is Sue Saunters, who is counting on art conservator Lucia Scalisi to save a disintegrating painting. The artwork, depicting an intricate townscape, was created by Sue’s grandmother, Emily Chrisp. With an alarming amount of paint flaking off, the piece now needs urgent attention. Show less