Antiquers Margie Cooper and Ochuko Ojiri compete to find the most profitable antiques on their route south along the Welsh Border. Their 60-year-old classic car offers not only a little luxury but also has a huge boot for all the collectables and curios they’ll take to auction. A large Victorian oak barrel catches Margie’s eye. Noting the craftsmen who made such containers are known as coopers, Margie hopes her namesake will help make her a profit. Meanwhile, Ochuko opts for an eclectic mix of buys: a mirror, an American money box and even some Danish egg cups. He raises a glass at auction for one standout find when some Sheffield silver excites the bidders. Margie breaks from shopping to hear how the wool industry has helped support the needy and elderly in Shrewsbury for nearly 600 years, while Ochuko heads to Stourbridge to learn how immigrants built the industry that made the area world famous. He also turns his hand to glass blowing.

Tim Wonnacott

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