Latest news with #J40
South Wales Argus
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- South Wales Argus
Legacy of Austin pedal cars factory honoured with blue plaque
The plaque will soon be on permanent display outside of the Tir-y-Berth Primary School which is the closest landmark to the location of the factory where the historically significant Austin J40 and Pathfinder pedal cars were produced from 1949 until 1971. The plaque was unveiled by Mike Sheehan, the first trainee manager at the site, and David Hook, the longest serving and last employee at the factory. They were joined by Cllr Jamie Pritchard, Caerphilly County Borough Council's deputy leader and cabinet member for prosperity, regeneration and transformation, the Mayor of Bargoed, Howard Llewellyn, Jamie Burnett, of Austin Pedal Cars, and David Whyley, Austin J40 expert, Austin Pedal Cars historian and author of the company's award-winning book, The Austin Pedal Car Story. Other guests included Tony Osbourne, the last factory key holder, Margaret Fuller, office secretary, Gwyn Palmer, the factory nurse, Tudor Owen, the press shop foreman and Alan Esau, the factory tool repairer. Two very special Austin pedal cars were also displayed. One was a Pathfinder driven to the entrance of the new Austin factory in 1949 by five-year-old Paul Matthews, who then handed the scissors to the chairman of Gelligaer Urban Council for the official opening. The other was the last J40 to be pedalled off the production line in 1971, a sad moment in the factory's history, and the end of a magnificent era of British car manufacturing. Originally called the Austin Junior Car Factory, the company was initially created to provide employment for disabled ex-miners from the region who had developed respiratory illness from working in the coal mines. Following the demolition of the factory in the early 2000s there was nothing in place to mark where this innovative factory had once stood. The plaque was funded by Austin Pedal Cars. Cllr Pritchard said: "The unveiling of this blue plaque is a fitting tribute to the incredible heritage of the Austin pedal cars factory and its lasting impact on the local community. "For decades, this factory was not just a place of innovative manufacturing, but a source of pride and opportunity for local families." Austin's pedal car started off as a 'little idea' in the mind of then Austin chairman, Leonard Lord. When production came to an end in 1971, the factory at Bargoed had produced 32,098 Austin J40 and Pathfinder pedal cars. King Charles received one as a present on his fourth birthday in 1952, a specially produced J40 Junior Roadster Special that remains in the Royal Collection.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
New Southern Resident Orca calf spotted in the J Pod
Good news from the Salish Sea — there's been a sighting of a new orca calf swimming with our Southern Residents. The Center for Whale Research confirmed the calf on Sunday, April 6, after a field biologist spotted the J Pod traveling west in Victoria Harbor. That's when he saw the new calf, swimming alongside whale J40, who they're presuming to be the mother. If so, it's J40′s first calf, and the fourth born to the J-Pod in the past 12 months. Now designated J63, researchers say the new calf is 'a sign of hope for this endangered community.' The Center for Whale Research announced the discovery on Tuesday, adding, 'We remain cautiously optimistic about J63′s survival and will conduct follow-up observations of the calf's behavior and physical condition in the coming days and months, as opportunities allow. Each new calf is vitally important to this critically endangered population - every birth counts - and we're hopeful that this young whale will continue to thrive.' The Center for Whale Research has some exciting news! We are pleased to announce the arrival of a new calf in J Pod! On... Posted by Center for Whale Research on Tuesday, April 8, 2025
