Resurrecting Basil Brush

December 2026

The Repair Café received an email from a member of staff at a care home in Knaresborough, asking if we could help to fulfil a special request for one of their residents.

Over 50 years ago, Iris made a Basil Brush hand puppet for her 10-year-old son, Neil. Basil was a much-loved companion for Neil, who adored watching Basil’s adventures on TV whilst playing with his own Basil puppet. Neil, who is nonverbal and autistic, found a friend in Basil, who brought him endless comfort and joy.

Iris made other toys over the years, but Basil was always Neil’s favourite and has been cherished for decades. He is the only one of these toys that has survived, but fifty years later, Basil was looking a little worse for wear, and Iris wondered whether he could be restored to his former glory so she could gift him to a now 60-year-old Neil as a surprise Christmas present.

Whilst not a standard repair for the repair café volunteers, we decided to accept the challenge. After assessing the work required, volunteers Richard and Rachel set to work giving Basil a makeover.

This involved hand-washing the puppet, drying and brushing his fur until it was soft and smooth to the touch, re-stitching seams and securing his ears and legs, and replacing the two eyes and his nose. The final touch was a new red ribbon to tie around his neck.

The results are spectacular, and a proud Richard enjoyed posing with Basil, complete with a roast turkey hat and a Christmas tie! Rachel was unable to attend due to her complex disabilities - but Richard stressed that she had done 90% of the work.

Richard returned Basil to Iris after the December Repair Café meeting, where he (Basil) was met with surprise and tears of joy for a long-absent friend, restored to his former glory.

Iris, delighted at the repair, can now surprise Neil with his beloved puppet Basil, making this a very special Christmas for all involved.