Although there are no direct links between Stride Bros Ltd and Severn Beach there is a family connection. Robert Charles Barton Stride (1894-1970) was the son of Albert and Alice Stride. Albert’s father George was the brother of Edwin Stride and so Robert was the cousin of Jared and Jethro - the original 'Stride Brothers'. Indeed, he grew up living next door to them in Station Road, Shirehampton.

 

Robert enlisted in WW1 and was a driver, driving a range of vehicles including ambulances.

Like many other Strides in Shirehampton Robert was a builder by trade. After the war ended he resumed trading.

 

With the opening of the rail link from Avonmouth in 1924 Robert Stride saw an opportunity and believed that Severn Beach could become an important resort as it was so close to both Bristol and Cardiff. He moved his operations from his house in Station Road, Shirehampton, to Severn Beach, and built a restaurant and six shops opposite the tennis courts. The swimming pool was built by Robert and he also built Osborne Road, Beach Road and Beach Avenue, laying out putting green, boating lake and miniature railway. During the 1930s he installed electricity for all. He was Parish Councillor for 26 years between 1937 and 1964. Stride Close is named after him. The Strides were staunch Methodists and were involved with the Methodist church in Shirehampton. His brother Horatio was a keen supporter of Toc H. 

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Family legend says that Robert imported sand into Severn Beach in order to create a proper beach, but it was just washed away at the next high tide. However, we have no evidence to support this story so it might just be a joke that has been passed down through the generations.