A beloved vintage radio that helped a poor Italian migrant family to learn English has been restored on The Repair Shop after being silent for 50 years.
Luigi Ciaburri, 66, was handed down the Bakelite radio when his father Giuseppe died aged 74 in 1988, but the heirloom has been mute for decades.
In emotional scenes to be shown on BBC1 tonight, Luigi brings in the dusty device that has sat broken in his attic since his parents died.
It proves a huge challenge for expert Mark Stuckey to bring the radio back to life as it needs completely dismantling.
Luigi, a retired store manager and grandfather-of-six, tells how his father came to Wales as a PoW, captured by the English during the Second World War.
After the conflict, Giuseppe returned to his native Naples, but found post-war depression had hit even harder in Italy.
He decided to emigrate back to Britain with his wife Maria to raise Luigi and his two daughters Giovanna and Marta.
The Art Deco radio, given to Giuseppe as part-payment for farming work, holds huge significance for the family.
Luigi, who lives with wife Rose in Llanelli, Wales, explains: “The last time I remember it working was in 1971, it was sitting on the kitchen counter. It used to be the hub for us as a family when I was a child. We didn’t have much money, we didn’t have a TV.
“I used to listen to nursery rhymes and Listen With Mother.
“My dad listened to The Archers. It helped us to learn English.
“I truly believe I would have had a more difficult road ahead in life if it wasn’t for that radio because it helped us so much. It was all about us as a family and caring for each other.
“Having the radio fixed on The Repair Shop and hearing the music again is like bringing the family back together. It brings back priceless memories.”
- The Repair Shop is on BBC1 at 8pm.
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033.
