Grave belonging to the founder of Skidmores shop refurbished by his family

The Skidmore family at Edward Skidmore's refurbished grave, Picture: Peter Johnson (Image: Peter Johnson)

Edward Skidmore founded the Skidmores shop in Worle in 1919.

To mark the shop’s 100th anniversary next year, his descendants have been researching its history.

The Skidmore family decided to refurbish Edward’s grave to celebrate his life and legacy.

Edward’s great-grandson David Skidmore invited 30 family members, spanning four generations, to visit the refurbished grave.

The Skidmores shop in the 1920s-30s. (Image: Submitted)

David said: “Reverend Julie Fleming said a prayer to mark the 60th anniversary of the passing away of Edward James Skidmore, founder of Skidmores in Worle.

“The service was followed by refreshments and the Worle History Society’s new year meeting, fittingly in the Skidmore Bar at Worle Century Club.”

The Skidmore business started as a building firm in Oxfordshire in the 19th century.

Edward moved his family to South Wales in 1896, where he became known for building houses and chapels.

Edward Skidmore on his first flight. (Image: Submitted)

His son, Stanley, joined the 188th Brigade, Machine Gun Company, during World War One and was shot and sent to Ashcombe House in Weston to recover.

Edward visited him and liked the town so much, he decided to move his family.

EJ Skidmore And Sons was set up in 1919 in the same building the business is in today.

It started as a hardware and ironmongery store which also sold paint and furniture.

It passed onto Stanley, and then his sons.

In 1955, Edward established a record as Weston’s oldest flight passenger.

The Mercury reported at the time how ‘sprightly’ 91-year-old Edward took off from Weston Airport for his first flight.

He said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my first flight.

“Weston looked like a model village but we didn’t seem to be moving very fast.”