A bus driver turned antiques dealer is hoping to breathe new life into a 30-year-old market.

Dan Aldridge, 52, of Oakhurst Gardens in Chingford, will take over the running of the vintage market at Woodford Memorial Hall, in High Road, South Woodford.

Mr Aldridge already runs an antique fair at St Teresa’s Hall in Station Road, Chingford, on the last Saturday of each month, where he says the top vintage perfume trader in Britain is a regular.

“Antique dealers speak among each other and share knowledge between them, so using my contacts and experience running Chingford market, and having built a good reputation, Woodford market will be a success,” he said.

The bus driver, who has been featured on Antiques Roadshow, set up his business, Lyndan Antiques and Vintage Fairs, with his wife Lyn, 52, in 2012 as a hobby and “something to do at the weekend.”

His interest in antiques started with his father-in-law, who was a silver trader.

“It brings out the Del Boy in you,” Mr Aldridge added.

“You get into the auction and you think ‘I can make a profit on this.’”

He believes new management, traders and customers will restore the Woodford market to former glories.

He said: “The market has been struggling for the last five years and I hope I can restore the once thriving venue to its former glory.”

At the Chingford fair he has seen traders selll, among other things, war medals worth thousands of pounds and vintage perfume bottles for up to £5,000.

The new venture, launched on Saturday, has 45 stalls booked and Mr Aldridge is expecting around 50 to be open on the day selling a wide variety of items.

The new market is open the first Saturday of every month.

Stalls cost £30 or £45 for two and entry is £1.50 which includes a free tea or coffee.
For more information call Dan on 07949 127 542.