Heirlooms out for antiques experts

More than 1,500 people took family heirlooms and treasured possessions to Southwell Minster yesterday for a recording of the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow.

The programme was being filmed at the minster for the first time to coincide with the 900th anniversary this year.

The first people started queuing at 7.30am and by 9.30am there was a queue of more than 100 snaking around the minster.

The Dean of Southwell, the Very Rev John Guille, said: “We’re so pleased that the Antiques Roadshow has come to us this year, adding an extra dimension to our year of events celebrating the 900th anniversary of the building.

“It has given many more people an extra reason to visit us and we hope they will be inspired to come back again.”

A new presenter, BBC newsreader Fiona Bruce, has taken over the programme from Michael Aspel, who stepped down after eight years.

She stopped in The Saracen’s Head Hotel on Wednesday night and said that had given her the opportunity to visit both Newark and Southwell.

She would have liked more time to visit antiques shops.

“Presenting the Antiques Roadshow is, for me, one of those rare and very lucky coincidences in television when you get to work on a show that you already love to watch,” she said.

“Exploring the human story behind every object is what makes Antiques Roadshow so fascinating. And everyone loves the agony and ecstasy of the ‘what’s it worth’ moment.

“The Antiques Roadshow isn’t just about antiques — it’s history, beauty and drama all wrapped up in one.”

The Antiques Roadshow is one of the most popular factual programmes on British television, with an average audience of just under six million.

More than 500 shows have been broadcast since it began 30 years ago and it has been recorded in 420 venues, including Kelham Hall.

During filming at the minster, food was provided for the crew by Mr Roy Wood of the Waggon and Horses, Halam.