Bargain Hunting

A few weeks ago Cheryl and I went to Tunbridge Wells to audition for the TV programme Bargain Hunt.
A couple of days afterwards we were called and told "You are through!" The date for our filming would be Wednesday 21 July at Ardingly, we would be the Red Team and our expert Mark Stacey.
Cheryl and I looked at each other and both said simultaneously, "What have we done?"

The weeks went quickly by. We were contacted a couple of times by the researcher Hannah to prise from us the last morsel of juicy info for the programme.

On 20 July we set off for Hickstead Travel Lodge where the BBC had kindly put us up for the night. (at last some return on my license fee)

The morning of 21 July came and we set off for the South Of England Showground, still wondering what we had done!.

Upon arrival we found that we were at the wrong gate so after driving around the ground twice found ourselves driving through the pedestrians looking at the stalls. I knew I had to avoid hitting them otherwise our place in the show could be compromised. Ram raiding a stall for a cheap bargain Cheryl advised me would not be considered fair play.
I suppose it would put a new slant on the show. Bargain Blag starring Tim the Tie Wonnacott, Ram Raid Reggie, Smash and Grab Cheryl and their expert Mark "Fingers" Stacey. The object of the show to get three items in an hour and come back still holding the £300.

Anyway, back to reality (tv). We arrived at the green room and were greeted by the people making the show. Tim was rushing around but took the time to greet us and wish us well.
We also met the Blue Team, Yvonne and Brian from Bexhill. What a nice, friendly couple. We had some interesting conversations whilst waiting for the participants of the previous show to get back. It was a special show being recorded for Children In Need.
The Red Team arrived back first, Len Goodman and Ola Jordan of Strictly Come Dancing. Len came over and told us that he had bagged all the bargains and there would be nothing left for us. He was extremely genial and even more relaxed and laid back than he appears on telly.
Then the Blue Team came back, Dick and James Strawbridge. I am sure that if given the chance Dick could out chat me. He was approachable, warm and charming.

We sat and waited our turn to go out and buy our three items. Mark Stacey arrived and he introduced himself to us. What an absolute number one guy. You could see the twinkle of mischief in his eyes. The beautiful, elegant, classy and intelligent Catherine Southon arrived and introduced herself too. Wow!

Time to go out and buy!! Off we went, Mark, Cheryl, me, the producer, cameraman and sound man.

The producer held the stopwatch to time our hour. Yes you REALLY only get an hour to buy three items. The watch was stopped every time we did a "piece to camera" (I know lots of technical terms now I am a luvie!)
After 34 mins we still had not bought our first item. It looks so easy on telly but in reality it is so difficult.
Mark was a star, guiding, advising, joking and making us at ease. Cheryl and I knew when we picked less valuable objects as Mark would comment, "You don't want to look at that Reg E Mental" or "Don't pick that up Cheryl Turtlemoon"

Finally we got our first item! Then ever onwards to find two and three.

As we went round the fair, most stall holders allowed us to film at their stalls. Only one or two refused and one lady was quite rude! Oh well, takes all sorts!

People walking around the fair waved at us and wished us well. We felt almost like celebs for a while.

Suddenly we were given the "fifteen minutes left guys". We still had only ONE item.
Finally we found item two. We had to toss a coin to decide the price. We lost and had to pay the higher.

Finally, after looking and dithering we got our last item. I managed to haggle a big discount but Mark tried and got a bit more off. So, totally worn out we returned to the green room for lunch. As we walked back I said to the sound man that the time goes very quickly. He smiled at me and said, "It does for you." I returned the smile and nodded that I understood. The crew that followed us around had been brilliant and we had felt relaxed and natural in front of the cameras.

After lunch we had to go outside to film the "left over lolly" sequence. If you watch the show you will know what I mean. If you don't, well watch our show.

Another short break and we had to shoot the show's introductions. Amazing to see that the first part of the show was the last bit to be done!

Time now for goodbyes. The crew loaded the equipment into the van, Mark wished us well as he left and Catherine waited for her taxi. "See you at the auction" Brian and Yvonne said and we exchanged handshakes and kisses. (Well once a luvie always a luvie!)
We left in opposite directions to find our cars ready for the long trek home. The sun was low now and the shadows long, and we watched as Yvonne and Brian disappeared through the now dwindling number of stalls.

We have no idea what the Blue Team bought or what our Bonus Buy is.
That will be revealed at the auction on 3 Aug, as well as the results of the sale of our "Bargains".

I am not going to tell you what we bought or how much we spent, that will be our little secret until the show airs.
We have no date for that but will blogg it as soon as we know.

It's hard to imagine how the snips that were filmed will be transformed into the programme and we can't wait to see the result.

Thank you everyone on the Bargain Hunt team for your kindness. What a great bunch!

We owe a big Thank You to Hannah for everything she did prior to and during our foray into the world of TV.

Finally a BIG BIG Thank You to Miki and Debbie for putting us forward for the show. We hope we did you proud.