End of an era as Skipton trader shuts up shop

From the archive, first published Thursday 7th Dec 2006.

A LITTLE more time at the allotments beckons for a Skipton man who is selling his business after almost 47 years.

Rex Geldard has been running the hardware shop in Sackville Street single-handedly since his father, Arthur, died 25 years ago.

But he is also well-known across the district - and indeed the county - for his expertise in the world of horticulture, especially with roses.

Mr Geldard, 70, started the business with his father after finishing his national service with the Army in Northern Ireland.

"I ran the hardware side while my father carried out the decorating side. Eventually I helped out with the decorating too and the business grew until we had seven decorators working for us," Mr Geldard explained.

After his father died, he and his stepmother, Marjorie, continued to run the business and Rex returned to work in the shop.

"For the past 25 years I've run the shop on my own and the decorating side was reduced as staff left or retired," he said.

"The last decorator to go was Colin Beck who retired five years ago, although he still pops in most days."

Fifteen years ago, Mr Geldard was persuaded to diversify into picture framing, which has been a full-time occupation ever since.

"When I was getting some of my roses ready for shows I had to bring them to the shop and prepare them in between making frames," he said.

His business premises, which include an attached house, are up for sale with a potential purchase imminent. It is one of the longest-running proprietor-owned shops in Skipton, but it is unlikely it will be kept as a business.

"I will definitely be wrapping up the business by Christmas and am in the process of selling all the stock off. Everything is half price now and it's going quickly," said Mr Geldard.

"I think people will miss it and I will certainly miss all the people who pop in, some each morning, to say hello."

Mr Geldard says he will now be able to spend more time tending his two allotments off Broughton Road, where he grows his prize-winning hybrid tea and floribunda roses, gladioli, chrysanthemums and dahlias.

He also judges at shows around the district and always supports local shows whenever he can.

His other hobbies include playing the organ and keyboard - a musical gift which runs in the family. His bookings this year include the Three Links Club in Skipton and a Christmas party at the town's Carleton Park care home where he will entertain residents with his musical prowess.