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Uncle Mohammed should be happy: I finally fixed his armchair. It only took a decade. At last a comfortable seat while enjoying a cuppa.

We inherited this pair of chairs from my grandmother after she passed away. For as long as I remember — even when were kids — these chairs had broken springs. Too many generations of grandchildren jumping on them, I suppose. We accepted them more to treasure what was hers, than out of genuine need.

You may only just be able to see how lumpy the seat was at the start. Suffice to say, a decade’s worth of guests have had the misfortune to experience those wonky springs. Some might say it was a deliberate ploy to prevent them from outstaying their welcome. But no, it was just one of those jobs awaiting a “Round Toit”.

Today was the day, at the start of a week off work, inspired by a summer spent mending furniture in Turkey. If I could manage those sofas and chairs, surely there was no need to put this job off any longer.

So time to brave seventy year-old sack cloth, webbing and horse hair stuffing, not to mention half a dozen springs.

I wasn’t planning an authentic repair. This was going to be a DIY affair. I ordered firm furniture foam cut to size online and had it delivered during the week. It wasn’t going to be an exact fit. I had grannie’s bread knife to hand to cut it down to the precise size to account for the gentle curve at the front.

I’m not aiming for perfection. We’ve suffered these chairs so long that we will be content with basic comforts.

I had to head out to Wickes for a pack of clout nails to secure the webbing, as staples clearly weren’t going to support our weight. As expected, it’s a bodge. I wasn’t gifted with craftsmanship skills. Who knew hitting nails in straight could be so hard?

Several hours later, we can consider the job complete. First round, anyway. There are still some decorative repairs to be made. But that’s a job for another day. So too, the second chair of the pair. I’m zonked.

So this chair now awaits guests, to cradle them as they enjoy tea and conversation. Perhaps they may now stay a bit longer. Welcome. Ahlan wa sahlan. Hoşgeldiniz.