NARRATOR: It's the nation's favorite antiques experts-- Yeah!

Super cool.

How about that?

NARRATOR: --behind the wheel of a classic car.

And the goal-- to scour Britain for antiques.

The aim-- to make the biggest profit at auction.

But it's no mean feat.

They'll be worthy winners, and valiant losers.

Lost it.

NARRATOR: Be the high road to glory?

Or the slow road to disaster?

- Oh, my ah!

- Oh, no!

Something's wrong with the car!

NARRATOR: This is the "Antiques Road Trip."

[THEME MUSIC] Ding ding.

[MUSIC PLAYING] Hello, and good morning from the scenic vistas of East Sussex.

[MUSIC PLAYING] Back in the 2CV for another bout, a "Road Trip" favorite, Margie Cooper and Raj Bisram.

Good morning.

Morning.

Good morning.

NARRATOR: Always a knockout with the locals.

Are you having a good time?

I'm having a lovely time.

Good.

NARRATOR: With two rounds under their belts, it's one auction each.

[BELL DINGS] During their first round, Wrecking Ball Raj came out on top.

That's enough now.

[BELL DINGS] NARRATOR: But Margie, the comeback kid, evened the score at auction two.

Happy days.

NARRATOR: So there's barely a sheet of Bronco between them on this third leg.

It's pretty much even Stevens.

I think it's about 2 pounds, 46 pence, but who's counting.

NARRATOR: I am, of course.

Someone has to.

Raj has increased his 200-pound starting budget to just over 340 pounds, whereas Margie has grown hers ever so slightly more to just over 342 pounds.

I must have been a lackadaisical.

Now that you're in front maybe, you'll relax a little bit.

Most definitely.

Yeah, I would.

I would just go with the flow today just by whatever you see.

NARRATOR: Nice try, Raj.

After setting out from Eastbourne, our duo headed north through Surrey and back down towards the coast, before they scoop westward to finish up in Exeter.

We kick off today's shopping in Heathfield with the intention of finishing at an auction in Battle, somewhere Raj knows all too well.

The last time I was there.

Yeah.

I was with Anita.

Yeah.

And she sold the Buddha for lots of money.

NARRATOR: Yes, sirree.

Anita's Buddha smashed a "Road Trip" record at that time, selling for a whopping 3,800 pounds.

Yes!

NARRATOR: What a day that was.

So whatever you do, do not buy a Buddha.

Well, I will if I see one.

NARRATOR: Eyes peeled, everyone.

Margie's dropped Raj off in Heathfield, once home to the only man to rival Phil Serrell in a scarf, , former "Doctor Who" star Tom Baker.

Tinker and Toad is the first shop of the leg.

It's a bit of a TARDIS, with three floors and 15 rooms.

This is really nice.

It's a 19th century papier mache stationery box, and it's really nicely decorated.

It's got its original interior still where you could put your letters in.

Obviously, at the front, you may have kept your stamps, et cetera.

And then, and then your letters.

And it's in really good condition.

It's got a few marks on it, a few scuffs on it.

It's got peacocks on the top here.

And this is all hand-painted as well.

For me, this is a proper antique.

A really nice little piece.

NARRATOR: A lovely item, but not priced.

Time to speak with dealer Miles.

Hi, Raj.

You've found something.

I have found something.

I really like this, but it's got no ticket on.

It how much can you do that for?

What about 65?

40 pounds is my tops.

Oh, well, you've got a deal.

Let's shake hands.

OK.

Brilliant.

Thank you.

20, 40.

Thank you very much.

By Jove, he's off to a good start.

That stationery box should do well at auction.

But there's plenty more to see here, so let's keep looking.

These are quite nice.

They've got stamped Jockey Club Paris on them.

They're very damaged though.

Miles?

Yes, Raj.

These, I know they've got a good name on them, but they're not in great condition are they.

Dented everywhere.

No, they're very decorative though.

I'm sure you know that it's a horse racing club in Paris.

Yep.

NARRATOR: Famous for hosting the French Derby, the Jockey Club was originally established as an authority in horse breeding.

But the club was probably best known for its prestige off the track.

It ended up becoming one of the most sought-after private members club in Paris.

And they're nice things, you know.

The elite went to the club, and they're from that time.

There's no price ticket on these.

Can I make you an offer?

Make me an offer.

15 pounds.

25.

Split the difference, 20 pounds.

- Yeah, that's fair.

- Yeah that's fair.

OK, with the damage.

Brilliant.

NARRATOR: Another one in the old bag.

Good work.

- Thank you very much, Raj.

- Thank you, yeah.

- Great.

- Thank you.

- Thank you.

NARRATOR: While Raj has been busy, Margie has headed south to the Hamlet of Golden Cross just outside Hailsham.

[MUSIC PLAYING] And with 342 pounds to spend, Margie's hoping Golden Cross Antiques will hold a few treasures.

You must be Rhoda.

I am indeed.

I'm Margie.

Very nice to meet you.

Lovely shop.

NARRATOR: Yes, it is, isn't it?

The shop has been trading for over 22 years.

Rhoda really knows her onions, and likes putting the experts to the test.

Now, don't look at the label and see if you can guess what it is.

A quiz.

Yeah.

All right.

So, any clues?

It looks as though it's going to shave something.

NARRATOR: Beats me.

I honestly haven't got a clue.

It's a carpet layers tool.

The minute you hear, the minute you know.

I would think it's probably about 1900.

Quite a curiosity.

That's quite interesting.

So what sort of price is that then?

Well I've got 39, on it I can do a little bit on that.

Yeah, that's a thought.

NARRATOR: One possibility.

But what else can Margie find?

Think umbrellas are always quite, getting a bit of a chance at auction.

This is a nice one.

1920s.

Has a great neck, it's got a brass top here, nice handle.

A little bit of the mother of pearl there.

And I think, do you think it's all right, Rhoda?

Is it, no holes in it?

As far as I know, there are no holes.

Good.

Yeah.

Seem to be.

Yeah it looks quite clean, isn't it.

Yeah.

Got that lovely, old, sort of popliny cotton that you don't get on umbrellas today.

Quite like it.

People collect them.

And it's 38 pounds.

1920s.

In good condition.

Umbrella.

What's not to like?

NARRATOR: Whilst Margie keeps looking, let's catch up with Raj eight or so miles away in Heathfield.

He's already spent 60 of his 340 pounds on two items, but he's not finished yet.

This is a lovely mirror.

I mean, there's so much going on.

It's got shields at the side here.

Look, it's got suits of armor.

Swords again at the side, and these two represent flags with the crown on top.

It's cast iron.

It's got bevel glass in it.

I would have thought this probably would have been used by some kind of military man.

But these days, it could be anyone.

It's so decorative.

NARRATOR: It's priced at 55 pounds.

Let's call Miles over to reflect on the price.

Can I make you an offer?

You can.

What about 30 pounds?

Can you get to 40?

I'll happily go to 35.

It's not it's not, bad you've got 55 on the ticket.

I've got money in it.

So that's a deal, Raj.

- Yeah?

- Yeah.

- Brilliant.

- Thank you.

- Thank you.

- Fantastic.

Let me give you some money.

NARRATOR: Good show.

20, 40.

NARRATOR: What a collection.

The stationery box, Jockey Club binoculars, and a cast iron mirror, all for 95 pounds.

Quite the bold start to his antiques buying on this trip.

[MUSIC PLAYING] Meanwhile, Marie has yet to make a purchase.

Spoiled for choice, maybe.

Come on, girl.

Look at this.

Gosh, that's a nice piece of embroidery, isn't it?

Look at that.

That's a good thing.

That's got a bit of age to it, hasn't it?

Victorian Edwardian tea cozy.

Never bought tea cozy anymore.

If I buy it, you know I'll have Raj put it on his head.

Oh, I bet it'd suit him.

I'm not putting it on my head.

Try it on for size.

I'm going to leave him to try on.

Surely that'd be a bit fun.

NARRATOR: It's certainly unusual.

Time to talk money.

Never bought one of those before.

So now what?

How much could that be to me?

Well, I've got 15 on it.

Yeah.

So it could be what?

10?

- OK. - Yeah?

OK. OK. 10 on that.

This has got 38.

Yeah.

32?

I was thinking 28.

Can we meet on 30?

OK. 30 and 10.

Let's have it.

All right.

- 40.

- Thank you.

- Good.

- Thank you very much.

- Thank you.

I hope you do very well on them.

Well, we'll see, won't we?

That's for you.

NARRATOR: Yes, indeed.

An umbrella and a tea cozy for a total of 40 pounds sees Margie off the mark, too.

And while she motors to her next shop.

[MUSIC PLAYING] Raj has made his way east to Herstmonceux.

[MUSIC PLAYING] To learn about the origins the famous garden basket known as the Sussex trug.

Hello there!

Oh, hello.

- It's Robin, isn't it?

- Yes, it is.

- Hi, I'm Raj.

- Hi, Raj.

Nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you.

NARRATOR: Robin has been making the iconic wooden baskets for over 30 years.

But the origins of the Sussex trug are far, far older.

The history of the trug goes back over 1,000 years, really to Anglo-Saxon times when they used quite heavy wooden vessel and they were known as trogs.

And it was used on farms in the Sussex area to measure grain and liquid.

And then in the 1820s, Thomas Smith of Herstmonceux reinvented the trog and called it a trug.

It's made using sweet chestnut for the handle and rim, and that's coppiced locally in Sussex.

And the boards are made from cricket bat willow.

NARRATOR: When redesigning the cumbersome trog, Smith took inspiration from the slat design of clinker boats, which allowed his trug to be both light and strong.

The trug quickly became indispensable to the agricultural industry, allowing easy transportation of goods long before mechanization.

And thanks to the abundance of willow and chestnut in the area, trug making quickly became an important Sussex industry with many makers setting up shop.

Caleb, one of the new generation of trug makers, wants to show Raj the first step in making the handle and rim.

We've got chestnut here, split out into triangle pieces.

And what we want is this white bit of wood here, it's the nice bendable part of the chestnut.

We use the cleaving ax to split it, so if you want to go ahead.

Yeah.

About there.

- How about that.

- Yep.

That's OK. OK. Yep, and then?

Then put it in the break, it's what we call a break.

It's all the paying attention on the split and trying to control it, because you don't want the split to come out to the bark.

How's this looking, Caleb?

Yep.

Excellent.

Oh, I'm a natural.

OK. Great.

So that's your piece almost ready.

Yeah.

It's still rough, obviously, because we've split through the grain and you get rough bits.

So now what we need to do is go inside, finish it off with a drawing knife and shaving it.

NARRATOR: He's proved himself in the spitting shed, but how will Raj do in the workshop?

And this, what do you call this?

You put the piece of chestnut into the clamp, and then use your feet to push the clamp forward.

And so I just shave it this way?

Yeah.

Nice, firm strokes towards you.

The idea here is to get to the right width and the right depth.

So how long would this normally take someone who's a bit experienced to get?

A couple of minutes.

I'm not going fast enough, am I?

I'm trying to be careful, actually.

Well, when you start, it takes a while.

So, I mean, how popular, Robin, were trugs.

Because there were a lot of companies around here that made them.

There were.

In the metro area alone, there were 24 trugs in its heyday.

But they were very important, because during the two world wars, trug making was a reserved occupation.

So they didn't actually have to go off to war.

That shows how important this industry was.

The agricultural area, and this was, you know, a part of it.

Exactly.

Yes.

NARRATOR: At its peak, trug making was a thriving industry across much of the south coast.

Over 200 companies between Kent and Somerset were producing trugs, doing their part to keep the nation fed during a time of great need.

This is the final process where we put the willow boards into the frame and it actually starts to look like a trug.

You use copper tacks.

Why do you use copper tacks?

Copper doesn't rust.

So if you use wet garden stuff in there, the fixings are perfectly fine.

Yeah, that makes sense.

There are the first three boards in.

OK. Do you want to take over?

Yeah, I'll give it a go.

You want to grab one of these boards.

OK. Just place it in the trug there.

So what you want to do is put a hole in the willow.

OK.

There?

That's it.

So then you use a copper tack.

So that goes into it.

It just goes straight in the hole you've made.

Yep.

- And then?

And just hammer it.

OK. That's great.

NARRATOR: By the end of the second world war, traditional farming was changing to mechanization.

Trugs were no longer needed to scatter the corn or pick the vegetables, and the trug making industry declined.

However, an upsurge in allotments after the war meant the classic trug went from agricultural to horticultural, where it has remained ever since.

An iconic piece of British gardening.

Robin, tell me.

What do you think?

My first trug.

Well, you've made a good job there, Raj.

Thank you very much indeed.

What a pleasure.

[MUSIC PLAYING] NARRATOR: Now then, how's Margie getting on?

Unless I see something amazing, I just want to maintain my lead.

I don't want to take a gamble.

I mean, I've never bought a tea cozy before.

Think Raj will get a bit of fun out of that.

NARRATOR: Margie's making her way north to the village of Hurst Green, with the intention of spending some of her 300 pounds at Aaron Antiques.

[MUSIC PLAYING] Oh.

Oh, this looks good.

Anybody here?

- Hello!

You must be Marjorie.

I am.

That's the very one.

Pleased to meet you.

- And you're Ron.

- Ron Goodman.

Great stuff.

So are you going to show me around?

I'm going to show you around.

You'll find me some nice little bits and pieces.

That's it.

Have a look and see if we can have a go.

I'm going to follow you.

- Come on then.

- Oh.

Oh.

Ron.

I'm getting caught up.

Ron, what are you doing?

NARRATOR: Careful Ron.

Have a good look around.

[MUSIC PLAYING] NARRATOR: Aaron Antiques has an eclectic mix of collectibles and curios inside and out.

[MUSIC PLAYING] Are they lovely boxes?

Well, they're a bit jiggered, aren't' they?

Just old document boxes, aren't they.

Safe boxes for all your paperwork and deeds and.

This is a nice one.

I think this had a military hat in there with the brass's name on there.

I love to have the hat that was in there.

Oh, have you not got the hat?

No, that's gone to an office.

Yeah.

How much are they?

You could have the lot 120 quid.

What's that over there?

That thing?

Is that the top of a barrel?

I think, yeah.

It's old.

It's old.

Let's have a look at that.

Right.

So who's Wadworth and Co.?

Listen, to the right person, Wadworth and Co. means a lot to them.

That's probably 19th century, isn't it?

It's unusual.

Look.

I can't believe you're trying to sound with the lid off a barrel.

I mean it's a bit of folk art.

I mean, that's been outside of the pub for many years, hasn't it?

If that was on an online auction, it'd probably make two or three hundred quid there.

Oh, Ronald.

But 40 quid, I'll sell you.

I mean, I'm not, I just want to sell stuff, you know, just.

Would 20 pound buy it?

Wadsworth.

How much?

20.

Oh, you want to deal with all them tins as well?

So we'll do a deal on the lot?

How much did I say for them tins?

Can't remember.

My minds-- Well.

I do forget.

I do forget.

I think we started at 120.

Oh, you never did.

I'll tell you what.

I'll take 80 quid, 100 pound, the lot.

No.

20 quid, 50 quid.

Done.

Ha!

Oh, I've done it now.

Yeah, you done it.

There you are.

I've done it now.

Can somebody call the police?

Listen, I think I've been marked.

40, 60 and a 70.

Oh, that's wonderful.

NARRATOR: 70 for the barrel top sign and metal boxes.

Good work, Margie.

And with that deal, I think it's time to call it a day.

[CAR HORN HONKS] [MUSIC PLAYING] Time for our duo to join up again.

Do you think I could sit-in the back while you're driving?

I think that would be really nice.

You're not nervous, are you?

No, no.

Well, what I was thinking more is if I could buy you a cap.

And, you know, maybe you could drive me around.

NARRATOR: I think it's time Miss Daisy went to bed.

Nighty night.

[MUSIC PLAYING] It's a new day, and our twosome are raring to go.

[MUSIC PLAYING] Margie!

Sun is shining.

The top down, and here we are in my home county of Kent.

So you're not far from home.

Not really, no.

We're miles from my home.

You get homesick, I'll take you to my home, OK?

NARRATOR: Now there's an offer you don't hear every day.

Yesterday, our budding host had a productive day bagging the stationary box, the Jockey Club binoculars, and a cast iron mirror.

- That's a deal, Raj.

- Yeah?

- Yeah.

- Brilliant.

- Thank you.

- Thank you.

NARRATOR: Which means he still has a smidge over 245 pounds left to spend.

While Margie bought the Edwardian umbrella, the tea cozy, the barrel top sign, and a collection of metal boxes.

What's not to like?

NARRATOR: Giving her a comfortable 232 pounds for the day ahead.

You're in for a surprise, you know.

Because-- - Oh, I'm for a surprise?

Yeah.

Because I've got a little present for you.

I can't because I'm driving.

But if you have a look on the back seat, OK. Have a look.

Oh, my goodness.

Did you make that?

Yes.

Oh, my.

A little trug.

It's not a little trug.

It's quite big trug.

Well, I think it's brilliant.

How long did that take you?

Oh, I think it took me a couple of minutes.

Your nails are not lined up very well, are they?

Oh, god.

Here we go.

NARRATOR: Here we go indeed.

Well, is that auction in Battle still to come.

But first our duo are motoring their way in the direction of Lenham.

[MUSIC PLAYING] Situated on the very edge of the North Downs, the village is host to the first shop of the day for both our experts, which could be trouble.

Here we are, Margie.

What a lovely place!

Isn't it lovely, with a lovely square.

All friends now.

Here we go.

All friends now.

Well, we're off to Battle, aren't we?

Let the battle begin.

NARRATOR: Good luck.

Are you coming?

Yeah, I'm coming.

Ladies first and all that.

Oh, right.

Which way do you want to go?

- This is lovely.

I'll tell you what.

You go that way, I'll go this way.

That's the best way.

NARRATOR: Corner House Antiques calls this medieval building home.

There's a wide selection of goodies spread across six rooms, certainly plenty of space and stock for both Raj and Marge.

And what's this?

Well, this chair, which is quite an unusual shape, is called a prie-dieu.

And it's from France.

It's a praying chair.

What you had to do was you had to literally kneel on them, and this is how you would pray.

Please, let me beat Margie.

I don't think I'm going to need prayers.

NARRATOR: Originally used by clergy during religious services, prie-dieu chairs became popular during the 19th century for praying at home.

This one is priced at 95 pounds.

I mean, this is quite unusual because it's got this bobbin turning here, and it's got this rush seat.

And normally, they would have been upholstered.

They're not the best sellers.

That's the reason I'm not buying it.

But that's what it's called, a prie-dieu chair.

NARRATOR: Well, you better keep looking then.

Where's Maggie ended up?

What are these?

Oh, these are nice, aren't they?

Oh, I like things like this.

Embossed leather.

And they're obviously something for when you're playing a game.

This is how you do the score, isn't it?

Yeah?

Well they're nice, with the different coats of arms.

I wonder which ones they are?

Maybe something to do with bridge or something, which I don't play.

There's no price.

I'm going to ask Lynn.

Quite like these.

Oh, I didn't notice that.

What's this?

It's a flask, isn't it?

Oh, that's and old thing, isn't it?

Victorian, this.

There you have it, lovely old glass.

Look at it.

All ripply though.

NARRATOR: Hip flasks were Victorian de rigueur.

Popular accessories on hunts, fishing trips, for your favorite tipple.

That's lovely, isn't it?

Like the glass.

Yes, all right.

I wonder if that would do it.

What a little parcel.

Fingers crossed, because there's no prices on them.

Fingers crossed that she'll do me a deal.

All right, Lynn.

I found a couple of things without prices.

I hope we can do a deal.

These are all right, aren't they?

Aren't they colorful?

Yeah.

They're really nice, aren't they?

Scorecards for-- Yeah, yeah.

- --cards, bridge or something.

- Bridge markers.

Yeah.

Do you play bridge?

I don't.

I don't.

So how much could those be?

20 quid.

Oh.

And I also find that funny old thing.

Yeah.

15 pounds.

Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.

30.

Oh, that's marvelous.

35.

I've got to make a profit.

You've been very, very kind.

Good luck.

That's 40.

NARRATOR: The hip flask and scoring cards make for an unusual combined lot.

Thank you.

NARRATOR: Fingers crossed it'll do well at auction.

And with Margie off the premises, Raj has the place to himself.

Well I am always drawn to Tunbridge Ware It's local to me.

I don't live far away from Tunbridge wells.

And it was invented by a man called James Burrows.

And what Tunbridge Ware we're really is it's like wooden mosaics.

NARRATOR: Tunbridge Ware was sold as souvenirs from the famous Kent spa town in the 19th century.

And this is tempting fate, too.

Because something similar cost Raj dear in the last auction.

It would be a gamble.

This one's a ruler, here.

And it's in lovely condition, this.

This is really, really nice.

And these were all made around 1830.

That's when it started, to the 1900s.

And here, we've got something that's really a bit unusual, which is thread wax.

What the thread wax is used for is you would just put the end of the thread onto the wax, which would make it a bit harder and would make it much easier to thread through the needle.

On this ticket, it's got 58.

And on the ruler, 65.

But there are a lot of collectors of these.

Hi, Lynn.

Hello there.

I found something.

Can I make you an offer?

You can try.

I was thinking of offering you, for the two items, 55 pounds.

Ouch.

What about 65 pounds?

What about we split the difference and we call it 60 pounds.

- OK. - You sure?

- Yep.

- Brilliant.

Let's shake hands on it then.

Fantastic.

60.

Thank you very much.

NARRATOR: Let's hope 60 pounds for the Tunbridge Ware won't rule out a profit.

Ha!

[MUSIC PLAYING] Now, where's Margie found herself?

Well, she's made her way to the village of Biddenden.

[MUSIC PLAYING] To meet third-generation vintner, Julian Barnes.

Hello, Julian.

Marge.

Hi.

I brought my trug.

Brilliant It's a special trug.

Sussex.

- Sussex.

- Brilliant.

Let's go and put some grapes in it.

That'd be great.

Thank you.

NARRATOR: Crikey, that's a lot of grapes.

[MUSIC PLAYING] Once dismissed by connoisseurs, English vineyards today produce many world-class wines, something Julian's family has been very proud to be a part of.

We're a family business, approaching our 50th anniversary and growing some of the oldest vines in England.

NARRATOR: But winemaking in Britain actually dates back almost 2000 years to the Romans, who planted several vineyards around England even as far north as Lincolnshire.

But viniculture didn't truly make its mark until 1066 when the Norman king, William the Conqueror, took to the throne, and with him came the French passion for winemaking.

At the time of the Domesday Book, 46 vineyards were recorded in southern England alone, producing still wine, often on monastic sites .

But in the 15th century, everything changed.

Around Henry VIII's time, it went very cold and it sort of dried up as an industry, which brought an end to it at that particular time.

So that's still wine.

So what about the sparkling wines?

The French had some still wine that started to ferment.

Yeah.

And then the understanding of that process was actually a paper that was written in England by Christopher Merritt.

So it was an English understanding of sparkling wine.

And then because our coal-fired glass production produced a stronger bottle, we were actually able to take those two elements and put them together to become quality sparkling wine in a bottle.

NARRATOR: In chilly northeastern France, an accidental second fermentation caused by the cold created CO2 in the wine, making them ticking time bombs and bottles exploded.

Monks, many of whom were winemakers, called it the devil's wine.

But, the tougher glass used to make bottles on this side of the channel meant Brits were enjoying fizz 30 years or so before a French monk called Dom Perignon perfected the art of making sparkling wine in the 1690s.

A renaissance in English and Welsh wine started in the 1950s.

So what kind of grapes, what variety are these?

So these are Ortega.

Ortega.

Yep.

Which we've been growing since 1972, so some of the oldest vines in England.

And it makes a fruity, aromatic white wine.

So where does the Ortega grape come from then?

It's grown widely in an area in Germany called Wurzburg.

We found that over there and have brought that over.

The system we're growing on here is off the ground.

So we've got good airflow underneath the vines.

And then we've got protection from above from things like hail, and obviously the rain as well that we get in this country.

Is there a bottle there?

Not quite.

They look great, don't they?

Right.

I'm going to try one, yeah?

Yeah.

Go for it, ay?

Mm.

They're quite sweet, aren't they?

I know.

Have you gotten any in a bottle?

Is this a healthy go?

Might I try a glass?

- We can, yes.

- Would it be possible?

Yeah.

Shall we go and find some?

That's very kind of you.

NARRATOR: Well, it is thirsty work, all this chat.

Some bottles.

How marvelous.

Let me put my trug down.

This is from 2016.

All right.

Thank you very much.

[MUSIC PLAYING] Fancy joining me in a drink, do you?

In your drink.

That's what I was hoping you'd ask.

Let me taste this.

Cheers.

Oh, that's lovely, isn't it?

Very fruity.

I tell you what.

Raj will be furious.

He's made the trug and I'm having all the fun.

Cheer, Raj.

And thanks for the trug.

Oh, dear.

Lovely.

[MUSIC PLAYING] NARRATOR: Today, there are over 500 vineyards in the UK producing award-winning wines.

I'll raise a glass to that.

[MUSIC PLAYING] Let's see how Raj is getting on.

This, so far, has been a really wonderful road trip.

Margie is such a lovely lady.

We've had a lot of fun.

NARRATOR: Haven't you just.

Raj is heading East towards the village of Bethersden.

He's making a beeline for the final shop of the leg, Symonds Salvage, with his remaining 185 pounds.

Walking well, too.

[MUSIC PLAYING] Hello.

Hi, nice to meet you.

Moya.

What an amazing place.

It's huge.

I'm either going to need a satnav or you to show me around.

I can show you, don't worry.

Let's go.

Excellent.

NARRATOR: With thousands of pieces of stock.

It's absolutely massive here.

NARRATOR: Set over three acres, Moya needs to take him past the architectural salvage to find the antiques and curios.

Moya, do you know, this takes me back to being at school.

You know, this is like one of the horses that we had.

Where did you get this one?

You must have got it from an old school.

Yeah, we did.

Yeah.

Yeah, they were clearing out and refurbishing the gym and we bought all of the gym equipment.

What on Earth would you use something like this for now?

People use them for upcycling.

I've seen one made into chest of drawers, coffee tables, because they come apart.

So you can make, obviously, multiple coffee tables.

What sort of price are you looking for this?

150.

150.

Yeah, would be the best really.

I have, I have absolutely no idea what these things fetch.

But what about if I said 100 pounds?

Yeah, I couldn't go that low.

And made it cash.

I couldn't go that low.

120 would be the best.

I just like it.

It's just different.

I'm going to buy it.

- Excellent.

120?

fantastic.

Thank you so much.

100, 120.

NARRATOR: Well, the vaulting horse for 120 pounds is the last and most expensive purchase of the leg.

Good work.

Time to pick up Margie and get going.

Because you know what the next stop is.

Onwards to Battle.

Literally.

Yeah, to do battle.

Let the battle continue.

Yeah.

There's not much in it.

This could be the one where-- The turning point.

The turning point, Margie.

The turning point.

NARRATOR: Time will tell.

But for now, let's get some shut eye.

[MUSIC PLAYING] It's auction day.

Welcome to the historic town of Battle, where the abbey was built to commemorate the Battle of Hastings.

A fitting place for today's ding dong.

Our third auction.

I know.

Two pounds and everything to play for.

Are you ready to be trounced?

Of course I'm ready.

I'm ready to be around.

NARRATOR: Where's your fighting spirit, Raj?

Get vertical.

After setting off from Heathfield , are twosome have hot-footed their way across much of the southeast before winding up here.

Today's auction is being held at Burstow and Hewett.

This leg of the trip, Margie spent a modest 145 pounds on five lots.

A tea cozy?

Haven't these gone a little bit out of fashion.

It's more useful as a hat in the cold weather.

I have to say, the embroidery is rather nice.

And as a decorative item, it might sell, but don't hold your breath.

[MUSIC PLAYING] NARRATOR: Raj also bought himself five lots, spending a grand total of 275 pounds.

I can't say I like this too much.

I always think that black cast iron is so funereal.

It's an antique, but I don't think he's got that appeal, has it?

NARRATOR: In charge of the saleroom today is auctioneer Mark Ellin.

What does he think of our experts items?

At 35 they're selling then.

The Victorian parasol has a very nice mother of pearl and gold-plated handle.

It's not dented.

It's all there.

And we have got some good collectors of parasols, so I think that one should sell fairly easily.

I think my favorite item of the whole lot is the vaulting horse, which really reminds me of school days.

And funnily enough, also "The Great Escape."

I think that's a great item.

Fairly useless really unless you're into vaulting, but it's just interesting and it's different.

Nice to sell different things here.

NARRATOR: Today, Mark will be selling to bidders in the room, on the phone, and online.

Right.

Plunk yourself down.

It is time to begin.

Here we are again.

Exciting!

NARRATOR: Will we see profits?

Marge's mirror is up first.

Because of all the armorial pieces around the mirror, I think it should attract.

That's the point.

Because it had like a crown on the top.

Oh, it's got all sorts.

It's got it's got flags.

It's got suits of armor.

Oh.

You didn't look at it properly, did you?

Well, it's so black and boring that I didn't bother.

And I have 30 bid to start.

35 back of the room now.

40.

45.

50.

50.

Yes, that's what I wanted.

Yes.

Oh, yes.

Keep going.

60 online.

65 at the back of the room.

I was wrong.

- You were wrong.

- 70.

Yes.

Very wrong.

80.

85.

- Well done.

I'm excited.

85.

85, all done then.

NARRATOR: Blimey, that's a good start to the day.

I apologize profusely.

You never have to apologize, that's what love is all about, Margie.

Oh, he's a sweetie and a smoothie.

Next, it's the umbrella.

The auctioneer had high hopes for this.

I think it's one of your best lots.

- Really?

- Yeah.

Oh.

25, 30, 35, 40.

That's a profit.

I'll go home.

45, bid 50 against you now.

50, 55.

Oh, my goodness.

60 with me.

65.

70.

Oh you're joking.

70.

For the last time it's 70.

NARRATOR: More than doubled your money there, girl.

Well done.

You see?

Now I'm shocked.

You see?

NARRATOR: Next out of the gates, the Jockey Club binoculars.

Can you see a profit?

Can you see a profit?

Who'll say 20 for these then?

20?

- Oh, no.

15 pounds then.

Come on.

15 pounds.

You're not taking them home, are you?

10 then, come on.

10 pounds.

There at 10.

You got a tenner.

I've only got half my money.

Room bidder at 15.

At 15 pounds then, for the last time then.

NARRATOR: Oh, what a shame.

Well, they were a bit bashed.

Are you upset?

It's a loss.

NARRATOR: Maybe the tea cozy will warm the bidders up.

Only bought it so you could put it on your nut.

Well, I think, to be honest, that's all it's good for.

I think I'll need this in a few weeks when it cools down a bit.

He's got the same idea as I have.

Anyone take 20 for this one?

15?

Come on, 15 pounds for it.

Oh, no, it's not going to sell.

10 then, come on.

10 pounds in the doorway.

10.

You've got 10.

Oh, thank goodness.

Come on.

15, thank you very much.

On the rise at 15.

15.

No, selling at the top of the room at 15 pounds, it's going then.

NARRATOR: It made a profit, albeit a fiver.

Oh.

Oh, you see?

You did all right.

Marvellous.

NARRATOR: Right.

Raj's Tunbridge Ware up next.

You love your Tunbridge Ware, don't you?

I do.

40 pounds for those.

30, I'll take for them?

Have they got one there?

25 pounds for them here on the net.

Yes, 13, room bidder.

Thank you.

Just beat you to it, online.

35 here now.

At 35 pounds.

So cheap.

I am shocked.

35 pounds on the net here then.

NARRATOR: Ouch.

Someone's got a bargain there.

All right.

I'm giving up on Tunbridge Ware.

I'm not buying any more Tunbridge Ware.

That's it.

Me and Tunbridge Ware are finished.

I never want to see another piece in my life.

No.

No.

NARRATOR: Now, are there any bridge players in the room?

Standby.

I have no idea what these are going to do.

I like these.

I do like these.

And I'll take 30 for this group.

30 pounds.

Thank you.

30 on bid four.

Trading at 30.

No.

For the last time they're going, at 30 pounds they're yours the.

NARRATOR: Only a small loss, but who's keeping the score.

Wait, that's me.

I feel sorry for you.

Are you OK?

I'm lost a fiver.

You've lost a fiver.

You must be so upset.

Here, should I get some water?

NARRATOR: Next, Raj's biggest purchase in more ways than one.

Let's hope this helps me get back in the saddle.

MARGIE COOPER: Will put it in the car park, see if you can do it.

No problem.

You'd rip your trousers.

If it makes 300, I'll I'll try and jump over it.

OK?

We'll start with 100 pounds, then, for this.

OK. 100 bid, thank you.

You got 100 bid.

I'm still behind.

100 pounds, it's online then.

You have nothing in the room.

Fair warning.

At 100 pounds, it's yours then.

NARRATOR: More of a stumble than a vault.

Never mind.

No jumping for joy there.

You don't have to jump it then.

You don't have to vault.

Well, that's one thing.

That's one thing.

So you won't split your trousers.

Oh, dear.

NARRATOR: That's the silver lining I suppose.

Time now for that barrel top sign.

I'm not sure that it's that old.

It looks it.

It looks it.

Oh.

And I have 25 bid on the net here.

Profit.

You got a profit.

30 were up to.

35.

40.

40 were up to now.

Shove it up a bit more.

All done at 40 pounds selling here now then.

NARRATOR: Margie will be pleased with that.

Well done.

I think.

40 pounds.

I don't know who's right, whether it is old or not.

It doesn't matter.

You made a profit.

NARRATOR: Which is something Raj badly needs to do.

His stationery box is next.

It's a brilliant buy.

A brilliant buy.

You watch.

What it fly.

And we're straight in here at 50 pounds online bidder.

50 pounds bid for it.

55 now down here.

60.

Online again at 65.

70, 75.

There you go.

Somebody wants it.

90.

95 again.

At 95.

At 95 pounds, the bidding is here now then.

NARRATOR: That was a great find.

An overdue profit for Raj.

I'm happy with that.

I bet you are.

NARRATOR: And so he should be.

Last to go under the hammer is the collection of metal boxes.

Well I do hope so.

I think you're going to do really well on these.

Who'll say 50 pounds start?

Thank you.

50 pounds.

They're going to go straight in.

Straight in.

55.

60.

They're going to make 100.

New bidder on the left here now.

70.

75.

80.

85.

AUDIENCE: 100.

100 pounds.

Thank you.

Oh.

You'll get 110 or more.

120.

130.

Oh, my word.

Happy days.

Yeah, happy days.

Definitely.

130 pounds then.

Fantastic.

80 pounds.

80 pounds.

Oh.

Oh.

NARRATOR: What a great way to end.

Well, you've done brilliantly today.

I have to say that I've gone off Tunbridge Ware, I've gone off vaulting horses.

And if you keep laughing like that, I'm going to go for you.

Come on.

Let's go.

NARRATOR: Time to crunch the numbers.

Raj started this leg with just over 340 pounds in his piggy.

But, after sell room fees, he made 4 pounds lost today, leaving him with just over 336 pounds.

What a player.

Margie, on the other hand, made an 88 pounds profit after fees, meaning she retains her lead and has over 431 pounds to spend on the next leg.

Well done.

Well done.

I think I'm going to have, my new nickname for you is now Moneybags.

OK?

NARRATOR: That's two auctions to Margie.

[MUSIC PLAYING]