Latest news with #Munn
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Antiques Roadshow guest in tears as she discovers staggering worth of her gems
A guest on BBC hit show, Antiques Roadshow was left feeling incredibly emotional after learning her 'costume jewellery' contained real gems with a staggering price tag A guest on the Antiques Roadshow was shocked to discover the so-called costume jewellery she brought in was actual real gems with a staggering worth. She broke down in tears on Sunday's instalment of the hit BBC programme after showcasing the jewellery to expert Susan Rumfitt. The guest had showcased two necklaces to the expert. One came with a matching brooch and a pair of earrings which were given to her by her grandmother when she was 18 years old. The guest said she thought it was "just costume jewellery, that's what [my grandma] told me" as Susan said: "How wonderful, that's quite a present, isn't it?" The other necklace was her mother's, with the guest revealing: "I think she inherited it, possibly, I can't really remember." The expert noted how the jewellery contained contained amethysts and topaz, while the matching set was made from garnet. Susan said the amethyst necklace dated back to the late 19th century, telling the guest: "Amethysts are absolutely gorgeous, lovely saturation of colour and obviously mounted in yellow gold." She added it was a "beautiful piece of jewellery". The garnet necklace also dated back to the 19th century. She then revealed the real worth of the jewellery: "The amethyst and white topaz necklace, if this came up for auction, an auction estimate of between £1,000 and £1,500. "As for the garnet parure, a set of jewellery, absolutely lovely. At auction because of the popularity of Georgian jewellery at the moment, auction estimate of £3,000 to £5,000." Shocked by the real value, the guest said: "Oh my goodness, I didn't think I was wearing anything like that." She added: "Am I in a dream here? I don't believe it's true!" Meanwhile, in an old Antiques Roadshow episode, one guest admitted she "nearly didn't bother" attending the filming of the BBC series, shortly after her jewellery collection was revealed to be worth a small fortune. In a 2008 episode filmed at Lichfield Cathedral, appraiser Geoffrey Munn came across a treasure trove of gems presented by a woman who had come into possession of the items through inheritance. The expert began by valuing an Edward VII coronation medallion at around £600, followed by a brooch from the same event at a surprising £1,250, causing the owner to gasp aloud with a stunned "Gosh". Munn then examined a more intricate brooch, pricing it at approximately £1,750, and proceeded to reveal that a deceptively simple yet sophisticated watch could command an impressive £2,000, leaving the guest both shocked and delighted. Highlighting another stunning item, Munn celebrated its elegance: "And then back here with more colour in translucent green enamel and white enamel and pearls. "These aren't just masterpieces of ciphers and monograms; they're deliberate in their use of colour and texture, and boast a tangible three-dimensionality that renders them sculptures within boxes – worth around another £2,000."
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Antiques Roadshow guest gasps at massive value of late husband's jewels
An Antiques Roadshow expert was left in awe at a woman's collection of Royal jewellery which had been passed down to her late husband. An Antiques Roadshow guest admitted she "nearly didn't bother" attending the filming of the BBC series, shortly after her jewellery collection was revealed to be worth a small fortune. In a 2008 episode filmed at Lichfield Cathedral, appraiser Geoffrey Munn came across a treasure trove of gems presented by a woman who had come into possession of the items through inheritance. She recounted: "This jewellery came from my late husband's family and as far as I believe, my father-in-law's grandmother was nanny to Queen Alexandra and Edward II's children or Lord and Lady Nollie's children. Lady Charlotte Nollie was laid in wait to Queen Alexandra." Impressed by her account, Munn responded with enthusiasm: "Well fantastic and there's plenty of evidence to back that up, isn't there? "These magnificent little presentation brooches are sort of a little march through her career." As he gestured toward a specific item, he continued: "This is the cipher of Queen Alexandra, the double A isn't it? Under the royal crown and so perhaps this was a Christmas present." Positing on another gift, he mused: "Maybe that's a birthday present and yet another one and this nanny would wear them with enormous pride, I'm absolutely sure." The expert directed his attention towards two standout pieces which he predicted would invoke immense pride. Munn said: "Have you thought at all about the date 1902? Why that would be so special? It's the coronation of Edward VII. "Certainly, this dear Mrs Martin, the nanny, would have shared in the great drama that surrounded the coronation of Edward VII. "So I believe the people that went to that coronation would have been given a medal such as this. "More intimate friends would have been given a brooch where the date 1902 is laid out very precisely in the lid." The revelation of "stunning telegrams" captured the expert's interest immensely, evidencing their profound connection. Upon examining a specific telegram, he states: "It says, handed in at Sandringham, 'Mrs Martin at Sir John Nollie's stable yard, St James' Palace' and it says, and I think this is full of drama, I really do: 'Poor dear baba and tiny mama miss nana very much. "'Hope she is well and not too sad, signed Princess of Wales." When the guest asked if the "sadness" was due to Queen Alexandra's death, he concurred: "That's absolutely right, isn't it. Of course living with them, you're going to get that. Absolutely marvellous. "I'm sure it was a very, very exciting moment to receive that." Looking at another telegram, Munn went on to say: "Similar excitement here. Fantastically exciting invitation. It says, at Sandringham, 'The Queen wishes to let nana know that she's expected here as usual for Christmas.' "Fantastic, isn't it? Straight from the heart. My goodness." She commented warmly on the whole discovery, noting it was "lovely" and highlighted "their closeness". The expert probed the guest about her attachment to the pieces, eliciting the response: "I just love them. I feel as though I'd like to go back in time and be part of it. "But I suppose in a way I am a part of it, because they have ended up in my care." As appraisal time approached, the expert Geoffrey Munn was visibly uncomfortable with placing a price on such items: "So value. Goodness. Well this is almost vulgarity to value them. I don't know where to start." He began by valuing an Edward VII coronation medallion at around £600, followed by a brooch from the same event at a surprising £1,250, causing the owner to gasp aloud with a stunned "Gosh". Munn then examined a more intricate brooch, pricing it at approximately £1,750, and proceeded to reveal that a deceptively simple yet sophisticated watch could command an impressive £2,000, leaving the guest both shocked and delighted. Highlighting another stunning item, Munn celebrated its elegance: "And then back here with more colour in translucent green enamel and white enamel and pearls. "These aren't just masterpieces of ciphers and monograms; they're deliberate in their use of colour and texture, and boast a tangible three-dimensionality that renders them sculptures within boxes – worth around another £2,000. "So heavens, I don't know what it all adds up to." To wrap up the valuations, the guest chuckled heartily, admitting her near-miss: "I nearly didn't bother to come today." Visibly surprised, he queried: "Did you not?", to which the owner responded: "Nearly stayed at home and decorated." Grinning broadly, Munn expressed his relief: "Well I'm massively relieved you put the paintbrush down. You've really made my day and this is absolutely marvellous." He continued: "I know you're going to take great care of them because you care about them, don't you?", and she affirmed her affection, saying she cares about them "very, very much".
Edinburgh Live
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Antiques Roadshow guest admits ‘I nearly didn't bother' as late husband's jewellery worth eye-watering value
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info WARNING: This article contains spoilers from Antiques Roadshow. An Antiques Roadshow expert labeled a woman's collection of Royal jewellery as 'absolutely marvellous'. Taking BBC fans back in time to 2008, expert Geoffrey Munn met with a guest at Lichfield Cathedral, who had an extensive collection of impressive jewellery she had inherited. Explaining its provenance, she shared: 'This jewellery came from my late husband's family and as far as I believe, my father-in-law's grandmother was nanny to Queen Alexandra and Edward II's children or Lord and Lady Nollie's children. Lady Charlotte Nollie was laid in wait to Queen Alexandra.' Wowed by their background, Munn replied: 'Well fantastic and there's plenty of evidence to back that up, isn't there? 'These magnificent little presentation brooches are sort of a little march through her career.' Pointing to the first item, he said: 'This is the cipher of Queen Alexandra, the double A isn't it? Under the royal crown and so perhaps this was a Christmas present. 'Maybe that's a birthday present and yet another one and this nanny would wear them with enormous pride, I'm absolutely sure.' He then turned his attention to two pieces of jewellery in particular which he thought would make her 'swell with pride even more'. Munn continued: 'Have you thought at all about the date 1902? Why that would be so special? It's the coronation of Edward VII. 'Certainly, this dear Mrs Martin, the nanny, would have shared in the great drama that surrounded the coronation of Edward VII. (Image: BBC) 'So I believe the people that went to that coronation would have been given a medal such as this. 'More intimate friends would have been given a brooch where the date 1902 is laid out very precisely in the lid.' What really grabbed the expert's attention though was the presentation of a set of 'stunning telegrams' which highlighted their relationship. Reading out one of the messages, he said: 'It says, handed in at Sandringham, 'Mrs Martin at Sir John Nollie's stable yard, St James' Palace' and it says, and I think this is full of drama, I really do: 'Poor dear baba and tiny mama miss nana very much. ''Hope she is well and not too sad, signed Princess of Wales.' The guest queried: 'Would that be the sadness of Queen Alexandra's death?', to which he replied: 'That's absolutely right, isn't it. Of course living with them, you're going to get that. Absolutely marvellous. 'I'm sure it was a very, very exciting moment to receive that.' 'Similar excitement here. Fantastically exciting invitation. It says, at Sandringham, 'The Queen wishes to let nana know that she's expected here as usual for Christmas.' Munn paused, pulling a face in astonishment as he commented: 'Fantastic, isn't it? Straight from the heart. My goodness.' She added that it was 'lovely' and showed 'their closeness'. The expert then took it upon himself to question the guest on how she really felt about the items, with her stating: 'I just love them. I feel as though I'd like to go back in time and be part of it. 'But I suppose in a way I am a part of it, because they have ended up in my care.' It was then time for the appraisal itself which Munn didn't exactly seem happy about as he remarked: 'So value. Goodness. Well this is almost vulgarity to value them. I don't know where to start.' He made his way through each of the items, first stating that a medallion from the coronation of Edward VII was worth around £600, while a brooch commemorating the same occasion was worth £1,250. (Image: BBC) The guest loudly gasped as she exclaimed 'Gosh'. Focussing his attention on a 'slightly smaller but much more complex' brooch, he said it was worth around £1,750, while a 'gorgeous watch, plain but sophisticated' fetched a whopping £2,000, much to the guest's amazement. Pointing to another piece elegant piece, he shared: 'And then back here with more colour in translucent green enamel and white enamel and pearls. 'They're not only masterpieces of ciphers and monograms but they're also thought out in colour and in texture and in three dimensions, they are little sculptures in boxes. So really £2,000 again for that one. 'So heavens, I don't know what it all adds up to.' As Munn finished off valuing the items, the guest laughed: 'I nearly didn't bother to come today?' Taken aback, he asked: 'Did you not?', with the owner sharing: 'Nearly stayed at home and decorated.' With a smile on his face, Munn replied: 'Well I'm massively relieved you put the paintbrush down. You've really made my day and this is absolutely marvellous.' He added: 'I know you're going to take great care of them because you care about them, don't you?', with her confirming that she does care about them 'very, very much'. Antiques Roadshow is available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
National Post
5 days ago
- National Post
Jamie Sarkonak: Education student punished for questioning decolonization sues UWO
Article content Munn ultimately found a classroom placement and received positive reviews, but she was now months behind her fellow students. More trouble followed the next year: the Thames Valley District School Board, where she had taught adults for years on contract, wouldn't hire her. She ultimately graduated in 2024. Article content Some justice has already been done: Munn's treatment by her associate dean was tried before a university senate board in 2023, which found that the associate dean treated Munn unfairly in a number of ways. Article content Munn's mental health suffered throughout the ordeal, as did her reputation and career. To compensate, she's suing the university for negligence, harassment, breach of contract, defamation, infliction of mental distress, discrimination contrary to the Ontario Human Rights Code and more. Article content 'Although she has now managed to find a contract position at a local school, the reputational damage caused by Western is such that she will never achieve the employment security she had expected to achieve with her degree,' explained the statement of claim. Article content Article content Munn's experience was 'immensely stressful,' said Bildy, who added that ideological pressure in the education profession seems to be growing. Bildy was also the lawyer of the late Ontario principal Richard Bilkszto, who took his own life in 2023 in the course of suing the Toronto District School Board for bullying that allegedly occurred after he questioned an anti-racism instructor's teachings. Article content 'It would seem to me that there is a general feeling of unease amongst teachers who do not agree with the prevailing ideological orthodoxy,' Bildy said. 'If you don't share that worldview, you do not get to express your opinion. It's very simple. If you do, you are very likely going to face consequences for that. Article content 'Your union is likely not going to assist you. And you may find yourself before the Ontario Teachers College as well, facing a threat to your license. So most teachers who do not share that orthodoxy just keep their mouths shut and hope for an early retirement. It's very sad.' Article content
Vancouver Sun
24-05-2025
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
Anthony Gismondi: A visit to Martin's Lane Winery to taste their 2022 Pinot noirs
Martin's Lane Winery, one of the biggest success stories in Canadian wine, inconspicuously blends into the slopes of South Kelowna. To the untrained eye, it's a winery on a hillside. To the observant, you notice that the winery's roofline matches the angle of its sloping vineyards surrounding it. At the same time, the tasting area, offices and ancillary rooms run level with the lake line — think details. The winery's exterior, rusty orange and brown, matches the Ponderosa pine trees that dot the landscape. Inside, it is a marvel of simplicity and style. It has six levels that operate without a single pump and various vats to accommodate any single lot of fruit size that arrives at the winery. Discover the best of B.C.'s recipes, restaurants and wine. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of West Coast Table will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. It takes a lot of discipline to work organically in the vineyards and even more restraint to do less when the fruit gets to the winery. Winemaker Shane Munn and his team meticulously inspect each bunch at the crush pad, then follow a minimal intervention approach until bottling. It's the only way to express the winery's focus on single vineyards and blocks that tell the story of where they originate from, Northern Naramata to West and East Kelowna. I caught up with Munn last week to taste his 2022 Pinot noirs, a vintage that he and many other Okanagan winemakers are ecstatic about. It is the most significant harvest since the wildfire smoke in '23, and a devastating deep freeze in '24. But back to 2022. Munn says, 'It's nearly as perfect a vintage as I have worked. The fall saved the vintage, turning an average to good vintage, into a great vintage. It gave us quality, but it also gave us volume, which gave us a chance to break out some new single-block wines because every vineyard gave us multiple ferments for the first time.' We began with the Dehart Vineyard Pinot Noir from Kelowna, the most accessible in 2022. That said, Munn's pinots sit at or about 13 per cent alcohol and have an elegance and drinkability that makes them highly attractive. Next, we headed to the north end of the Naramata Bench, some 42 kilometres south of Dehart, to taste the three very different pinots. In all, seven blocks go into the Naramata Ranch label, while the two single-block offerings — Zenith and Hieroglyph — are bottle separately, reflecting a more classic Pinot style with some mineral undertones. The third vintage of Zenith, a marginal site and always the last picked of all the Pinot sites, is as unique a plot as there is in B.C. Munn used 100 per cent whole bunch fruit this year, pursuing a high level of perfume. Still, at just under 20 years old and organically certified since 2019, what really makes it unique is that the site influence has begun to overpower the clonal influence. Hieroglyph is an all-Pommard clone and the most Oregon-like of all the Martin's Lane labels. It has the tannin of the Dehart, albeit chalkier and more refined, and the vivid fruit pitches dark cherry and cranberry fruit reminiscent of the West Kelowna Fritzi's Pinot. Next up in East Kelowna are Simes Vineyard and the new single-block Transcendence. Simes is a fresher, cooler version of Pinot, reminiscent of a lower-alcohol version of Central Otago style. Transcendence is a single plot inside Simes planted at twice the surrounding density. The result is a huge Pinot Noir reminiscent of the power of some of Burgundy's top Pommards. We finished with Fritzi's Vineyard just off the road up to Mission Hill. It is named after owner Anthony von Mandl's mother and has consistently been the best wine of most vintages. The older vines power this wine beneath an elegant surface of rich, brooding fruit. It is all about the details. You will find extensive notes on all these wines at . While expensive, these wines attract high-end travellers to B.C., who spend a lot of money in the wine country. Sorry, Mr. Trump, but we do have something America needs. But you, like everybody else, will have to join the club to buy most of the Martin's Lane offerings. $26.99 I 88/100 UPC: 726452017136 We like the consistency this sparkler displays from year to year. It is an 85/15 mix of Glera and Pinot Noir, grown over rock and clay. The addition of bubbles via the secondary fermentation, or Charmat method, is completed in a stainless steel pressure tank for two months. The colour is an attractive pale pink. The bubbles are relatively fine for Prosecco, and the flavours are a pleasant mix of fruity wild berries and black cherries that finish fresh and just off-dry — sold by select private retailers only. $13.99 I 87/100 UPC: 6001506900355 This is a Sauvignon Blanc that focuses on the tropical side. The nose and palate mix passion fruit, guava and ripe pineapple, with a gentle swish of citrus and grass and a pleasant bump of residual sugar. Soft acidity invites you to chill it well and serve it on a warm patio all summer. It's the anti-New Zealand style at a giveaway price. We like it with any spicy dishes, especially sushi. $18.99 I 88/100 UPC: 628055147732 Pristine Sauvignon was grown in Washington State's Horse Heaven Hills AVA, Columbia Valley at McNary Vineyard. The rest is all Bartier. Fresh, precise, zippy, clean and the winery suggests you put a second bottle in the fridge. We like the subtle gooseberry, fresh-cut pears and green apples splashed with citrus. Goat cheese and a patio are all you need. Love the price. $21.49 I 88/100 UPC: 696852145374 Poplar Grove has created a much fresher, more interesting, zippy version of Washington Sauvignon Blanc than most American versions. It is palate-cleansing and food-friendly but without an aggressive acidity. The mix of pear and grapefruit with a dash of minerality lends a drinkability that will attract a crowd on a summer patio. $29.00 I 89/100 UPC: 696852189774 In Washington State's Yakima Valley, Den Hoed Vineyard is the source of this replacement wine made at Spearhead Winery, winner of the WineAlign 2024 National Winery of the Year award. The wine is clean and fresh with that Spearhead purity. Subtle gooseberry and passion fruit notes mix with grapefruit, lime zest, and some light phenolic notes. The winery likes this with a Thai green papaya salad, and fresh chèvre or feta cheese. • The Terrace Restaurant at Mission Hill Family Estate is open for the season, continuing to spotlight ingredients harvested just steps from the kitchen. The estate's expanded botanical program now features a rotation of edible flowers and culinary herbs, and an enhanced in-house charcuterie program. All the dishes complement Mission Hill's wines and reflect the estate's commitment to seasonal cooking. This year's dinner menu allows guests to choose a three-course rotating menu paired with two estate-made wines ($99 per person) or the signature five-course Chef's Tasting Menu with wine pairings for each course ($195 per person). Lunch service is a curated two-course menu with estate wines ($70 per person). Beginning June 1, dinner service is seven days a week, while lunch continues from Thursday to Monday until June 23, when lunch and dinner will be available seven days a week. Reservations are strongly recommended via OpenTable . • I have long wondered about wines by the glass poured behind the bar and not at the table. The Drinks Business Daily News reports staff at Parisian restaurants anonymously told Le Parisien that they were swapping out wines ordered by some customers for less expensive ones. According to the report, their bosses instructed servers in Paris bars, particularly in tourist spots, to make the switch to protect their margins. An undercover investigation into the claims found that at one venue, an €8.50 glass of Chablis had the characteristics of a Sauvignon Blanc. Elsewhere, a €7.50 glass of Sancerre on the list tasted more like a generic Sauvignon Blanc in the glass. Servers told the French outlet that their bosses regularly instructed them to serve a different wine than that which was ordered, so as not to open a new bottle of a more expensive label and risk wastage. $26.99 I 89/100 UPC: 00063657031513 Winemaker Jason Jones characterized 2021 as 'a great year for BSV.' It is a savoury, leafy, black and red fruited wine, with a richness that belies its warm vineyard site. The textures are soft, with strong notes of baking spices mixed with sweet vanilla and light tannins. At 14.5 per cent alcohol, it is easy to sip for a red and tailor-made for barbecue meats all summer. $17.00 I 88/100 UPC: 083085611293 Veramonte Sauvignon reflects the cool Casablanca valley, pitching herbaceous notes with lime leaf and green pepper notes. On the palate, green apples, some garlic lees, citrus and gentle herbal notes line the wine from front to back. It finishes clean and with some persistence. Veramonte is committed to sustainable viticulture, and this wine is certified organic. The classic match is goat cheese or perhaps a favourite ceviche dish.
