Traders Celebrate 50 Years on Dartford’s Markets

by | Nov 15, 2016 | Dartford Business

On Thursday 24th November two of the town’s most loyal market traders will celebrate serving customers for over 50 years.

Chas Bassett, owner of Idel Butchers, and Simon Zaiden, who sells bags, suitcases and purses, both reached this incredible milestone and are inviting customers to share in their amazing achievement.

Chas will be celebrating by handing out free meat to customers and Simon will be adding a free passport holder to every sale. Butcher Chas said, “Idel Meats have worked at Dartford Thursday market for fifty years so we wanted to celebrate and give something back to our loyal, long standing customers. We’ll be giving away £3000 of meat FREE of charge.’’ Simon said, “I am very proud to be part of this 50th anniversary, I have been a stall holder selling handbags and luggage for over 50 years and have always enjoyed the great atmosphere and my loyal customers.”

Jeremy Kite, Leader of the Council said, “We’re incredibly proud of our town’s market heritage and traders like Chas and Simon are the reason that our market continues to be so popular with customers. The market attracts thousands of visitors every week and once someone starts to trade with us they tend to stick around. It means visitors can be confident when they shop and it cements our reputation as one of the best markets around.”

There will also be entertainment in the High Street on the day and the Mayor of Dartford will be visiting at 11am to celebrate their success. We’re hoping that as many people as possible can show support for Chas and Simon and join them for a party on the market!

NOBODY’S CHILD EXPANDS STORE PORTFOLIO OUTSIDE OF LONDON WITH NEW BLUEWATER STORE

Fashion brand Nobody’s Child is delighted to announce the opening of its new 1200sq ft store in Bluewater Shopping Centre, at the end of March 2026. The opening marks a significant step in Nobody’s Child’s continued retail growth, bringing the brand closer to its...

‘Holi – Festival of Colours’ returned to Dartford’s Open-Air Theatre in Central Park on Sunday 8 March 2026

'Holi - Festival of Colours' returned to Dartford’s Open-Air Theatre in Central Park on Sunday 8 March 2026, transforming the area into a vibrant spectacle of colour and joy as local residents and volunteers came together to celebrate this much-loved spring...

Dartford: Don’t let homes sit empty

This National Empty Homes Week, Dartford Borough Council is reminding owners of empty properties of the support available to help them. Lots of people in the borough are struggling to find a home and empty properties are not only a wasted resource but can also attract...

GARAGE Opens Its First UK Store at Bluewater

Montreal-born brand GARAGE is officially opening its doors in the UK, launching its first store at Bluewater Shopping Centre on March 20th, 2026 — and it’s just the beginning. After making noise during London Fashion Week, GARAGE is turning momentum into movement. The...

Early work begins on the Lower Thames Crossing

The early work to prepare parts of Essex and Kent for construction of National Highways’ Lower Thames Crossing is now underway. Before the major construction and tunnelling begins in 2028, work will be carried out to protect the area’s utility supplies, heritage, and...

Dartford launches bid to become the UK’s first Town of Culture

Dartford has officially entered the race to become the UK’s first Town of Culture, confirming its intention to submit an Expression of Interest by 31 March in the new national competition launched by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). The Town of...

Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) celebrates the women behind lifesaving charity

Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) is proud to mark International Women’s Day 2026 by celebrating the remarkable contribution of women across our lifesaving service. This year’s global theme, ‘Give to Gain’, which encourages a mindset of generosity...

Charity brings family more time with their beloved retired police dog

A charity that helps retired police dogs access the best in veterinary care has covered the cost of vital surgery for a Labrador who worked as a search and detection dog with Kent Police. Retired police dog (RPD) Max worked as a passive drugs detection dog with...

CINDERELLA – PANTO MAGIC RETURNS TO THE ORCHARD THEATRE THIS CHRISTMAS

The countdown is on to the biggest ball of the year, and you’re all invited! This festive season, the curtain will rise at the newly refurbished Orchard Theatre welcoming audiences back with everyone’s favourite rags to riches tale with the spectacular family...

Railway through Dartford reopens for Southeastern and Thameslink passengers following major half-term upgrade

£10m of work completed on time with improvements to several stations so that trains can resume. The South Eastern Railway has successfully reopened the railway through Dartford after completing a significant upgrade programme carried out over the February half-term,...