Minster attracts record crowds to TV show

An episode of the BBC television programme Flog It! filmed in Southwell broke records for the number of people bringing their antiques.

Around 1,500 people took items to be valued by antiques experts at Southwell Minster, breaking the programme’s previous record of 1,200.

During the programme items are valued by experts before being sold at auction.

People queued outside the minster for more than two hours waiting for the doors to open, despite cold weather.

First in the queue from 8am on Thursday was Mrs Terri Clarke, of Morton. Mrs Clarke took Chinese lamps from Hong Kong and a warrior’s wooden weapon.

Mrs Brenda Rowley, of Rolleston, had an unusual tortoise or turtle shell fire cover that her grandfather brought back from the Boer War.

“I have no idea if it’s worth anything or not,” she said.

Mrs Margaret Butlin, of Farndon, had a 60-year-old toy she described as a bendy man.

“I’m just interested to see if anyone makes them anymore,” she said.

Mrs Lynne Carter, of Woodborough, showed experts a banjo that belonged to her late husband.

“My husband died 13 year ago and it’s been under the bed ever since,” she said.

“I’ve been looking forward to coming down and meeting the presenters.”

Flog It! presenter Paul Martin said he was impressed that so many people had braved the cold.

“They have done us proud. Everyone has been enthusiastic and willing to be patient and take part in the day,” he said.

The Dean of Southwell Minster, the Very Rev John Guille, took a copy of J. M. Barrie book Wendy and Peter, and a ceramic pot covered with stamps from the early 1900s.

He said he was pleased to see so many people.

The Dean said: “People have been friendly and have obviously enjoyed coming into the minster.”