Successful first valuation day for Bargain Hunt star Charles Hanson at Memory Lane Antiques, Southwell

A historic war medal and captain’s dairy were among items valued by daytime TV star on his first official day in town.

Charles Hanson, of Hansons’ Auctioneers, who is known for appearing on Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip was in Southwell on Thursday for his first official valuation day.

The TV personality and antiques expert has teamed up with Memory Lane Antiques, on Queen Street, owned by Carol Morrell and David Cookman, to create a valuation and consignment centre.

His monthly valuation days got off to a good start as appointments were fully booked for the day.

Charles said: “It is great to be here doing valuations with local people. It is always a thrill to see what history Southwell has to offer.”

Among the items was a medal from the Battle of the Nile, dated as 1802, which celebrated Nelson’s victory, and a original journal from a captain.

“We are sailing in Southwell,” he added.

“The reason we came here is because there’s such history, and depth of interest in antiques.

“We want to put Southwell on the map as a destination for antiques collectors.”

He explained it was also a great opportunity for people to raise funds from things they might think are not worth much, and meet people and share information about items.

Carol said: “We were fully booked for our first official day as a consignment centre.
“It was absolutely packed out.”

Herself and David took on the store three years ago, and faced the struggle of pandemic-related closures during the beginning of their business.

However, Carol added: “Southwell is an amazing town, the people are great, the shops are great, it just feels right.

“I think a small antiques shop like this in a historic town is just perfect.”

The business partners began their association with Charles Hanson after attending an event with him, where he initially agreed to hold a valuation session at the shop.

Charles will be at Memory Lane Antiques on the first Thursday of each month, the next being Thursday, November 2.

Memory Lane offers in person, telephone — on 01636 529707 or 07494739587 — or Whatsapp valuations during opening hours on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Home visits are also available.