BBC’s Flog it! hailed a success at Margam Park

Filming of BBC’s Flog it! has proven to be a huge success at Margam Park, with over 700 people attending.

The BBC One antiques show is now on its 14th series and regularly achieves an audience of over 2 million viewers in its weekday afternoon slot.

This week the show was filmed in the magnificent surroundings of the park’s 18th century orangery, castle, abbey ruins and landscape gardens. Crowds gathered for the chance to get a valuation on their most treasured antiques and collectables, before deciding whether to send them to auction. Others attended to simply enjoy the experience of seeing their favourite television programme being filmed in such great surroundings.

One person who made the trip to Margam Park for a valuation was David Bayliss from Bridgend. Mr Bayliss inherited a plate that was given to his late grandmother as a wedding present in 1900. The plate has been kept in a biscuit tin in his attic for years and he had no idea of its worth. Expert Mark Stacey, who originally hails from Neath, valued the plate and the estimate will be revealed when the show is broadcast over the next 18 months.

Programme presenter Paul Martin was also keen to find out about the park’s history and interviewed Cwmavon resident, Mike Osborne, about the devastating Margam Castle Fire in 1977.

Mr Osborne was one of the fire fighters who tackled the blaze that night. He recalled: “It was terrifying and like something out of a disaster movie. There were flames coming out of the windows. It was a spectacular but sad sight. The fire raged through the night and we had to have relief crews every 3 to 4 hours.”

Councillor Ali Thomas OBE, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council said:

“I am delighted that there was such a good turnout for the recording of Flog it! The weather was kind and the superb surroundings at the park made a perfect backdrop for filming.

“Flog It! is a hugely popular programme and has given us an excellent opportunity to raise the profile of Margam Park.”

BBC Flog it! presenter Paul Martin added:
“We are delighted to have had the opportunity to film at this fantastic venue where everyone is so friendly and proud of their treasures. There is a real sense of civic pride with lots of quality pieces that reflect the Welsh heritage, being brought to the venue.  It is so nice to see such a superb turnout today. After all, it’s all about the people and their stories that make the show a great success.”