If you would like to contact a past colleague or have a memory you would like to `relive and share` etc; click here to email me and I will add your message below

   ... The `Girlings` Message Board ...

Girling Cwmbran Apprentice Reunion 2010

 

Took place on 20th August 2010 at the Girling social club Cwmbran 7.30pm.

 
The prime year is the 1960 intake to celebrate the 50th year. The years before are automatically included as are the few years intake following, just to keep it moving along. This will be the 4th consecutive year of the reunion which usually happens on the 3rd Friday in August.
 
Contacts as follows:-
 
1957 and prior David (Nobby) Clarke [email protected]
1958 Roger (Doc)White [email protected]
1959 Graham Thomas [email protected]
1960 and on Brian (Butty) Jones  [email protected]
Brian is co-ordinating it with Bob Nelmes

Howard �George� Jones: I attended the Apprentices� Reunion on 20th August.   What a pleasure to meet so many of my workmates from fifty years ago and how we�ve all changed (except for me, of course!);  it was fortunate that we had some old photographs in the room � otherwise I don�t think that I would have known to whom I was talking.  Now I live in the West Midlands and was astonished to find that Tony Barley�s house is only about twenty minutes away from mine.  Well done to all the organisers; I shall certainly make the effort to attend next year�s event.

Email: [email protected]

Website:  www.british-toastmaster.co.uk
  • Date: 10th April 2010
  • Name: Tony Brown
  • Email: Click here

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During my many years researching my partner's family, the Girling's of Suffolk - we have ventured down many dark alleys and wrong turnings.

 

One wrong turning in our direct family history is concerning Albert H.G. Girling, the founder of Girling Brakes

I have a little more info which is in the form of a transcript copy of an article written by Albert H.G. Girling's friend H.J. Buckland in about 1919. It was called "RIPPLES" . If someone is interested in this I will be pleased to send on a copy.

 Has anyone information on PAGE & GIRLING wagon makers of Woodbridge, Suffolk ?

 
  • Date: 31st January 2010
  • Name: Barrie Hurn
  • Email: Click here

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Your message board indicated a person by the name of Bill Barton . It seems that Mr Barton worked on the `Standard Line`. Jack Tennant forman Wyndom Jenkins as Chargehand; he should remember me as i was Chargehand on the standard line in the 1960's working opposite Harry Dormer. Before coming to S. Africa, i ran the `Servo Section as Forman under. Bill Hardshorn, for whom i had a great respect. Maybe this also rings a bell with other ex Girling personnel.

I retired in 2001 as the technical director of Girlock S.Africa and now reside in Capetown. 

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I am trying to find some pics/info of my father, Ken Phillips. Ken worked as a Tool Setter before moving to the Tool Room as an Inspector, and had over 30 years service with the Co.

Unfortunately dad passed away (84) on 21/12 and it would be good if I could get some details of his time with Girlings.
 
Many thanks in anticipation for your assistance and kind regards.

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I am beginning to search for my family history and came across your site with my grandfather on - Geoffrey Packer (Managing Director Lucas Girling) seen on (Girling Photographs - Page 1)
I wondered where I could get more information on his time at Lucas Girling ? If anyone can help please email me.

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Hi, Just browsing computer while husband and son watch top gear.  My brother worked for Girling Brakes all his working life and was close to Fred Riddy, who was his boss.  I believe Fred is still around although obviously retired now.  I think he still lives in the area.  Hope this helps.

Relating to: Girling Message Board Feb1st 2008 FT RIDDY Matthew Hobby

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I have been sent some thumbnails of some Girling trucks, circa 1954, two of which must have been taken in Coventry, but others I am not so sure about! I wondered if anyone might recognize the locations?

I have used one shot, possibly taken by COMMERCIAL MOTOR magazine for an article on Girlings, in VINTAGE ROADSCENE magazine just out.

David Hayward Automotive Historian, Writer and Author 02380 293878 Mobile 07867 773588

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Hello to all,
I am the very proud Granddaughter of Mr. Llewellyn Price B.E.M., who was awarded the British Empire Medal in 1944, for services as a Maintenance Electrician whilst in the employ of Joseph Lucas Ltd. My family travelled to Buckingham Palace to receive the award from King George VI, as was published in the London Gazette on 31 December, 1943.
 
I have also learned that, each year, my Grandfather had the honour of presenting a cup to the Best Electrical Student Apprentice at Girlings in Cwmbran.
 
Sadly, my Grandfather died when I was only 2 years old and the information I have of him is very limited. If anyone has ANY memory of Llewellyn that they could share with me, I would be most delighted.
 
Debbie (nee Price)
now living in Australia.

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I've just come across your Girlings site whilst tentatively researching a bit of family history. My maternal grandparents moved from Bargoed to work at Girlings in the early 60s, and family legend has it that my Nan, Kath May, once made the front page of a national newspaper when leading a strike.

I'd like to try and find out the possible dates of any strikes (late 60s/early 70s, I believe) so that I can make a concerted effort to trawl through some press archives and see if the legend is true. Can you help at all?

Many thanks, and keep up the good work
Alex Thomas

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I came across your message board while I was looking for some other information.
 
Please would you post a message, that my father Peter Klimowich worked in Girlings at Cwmbran for well over 25 years. If anyone remembers working with him please contact me with any memories of that time.
Many Thanks
 
Regards Carol Klimowich

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I am trying to trace anyone that worked with Jeffrey Bick in 373 section at Cwmbran between 1977 and 1982.   Also looking for old photographs, details of the work he used to do etc.

.. 50th Anniversary of the 1958 Girling Apprentice Intake ..

 

This will be held in Girings Club Friday August 22nd at 7.30pm onwards

 
The 50th anniversary reunion of the 1957 Girling Apprentice intake was a fantastic success and attended by 6 of that year, 4 from the year before and 6 from the year after. Also attended were one from 1953 and 9 from Jan 1959, giving 26 in total.
 
The original format was as follows:-
 
The anniversary year plus the year before and following. Also earlier intakes if they could be contacted.
 
It was such a success that the 1958/59 intake present decided to run it this year.
 
Roger White (Doc) is this year's organizer
[email protected]
 
So any 1958 and 1959  intake apprentices should contact him.
 
Earlier intakes can contact him or me David Clarke (Nobby) [email protected]

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Hi, has anyone any pictures from the 1950s-60s which include Brian Hollister. The ones on the web site I have seen of dad are great!! Any more would be really appreciated. Dad is alive and well; this is for my interest.

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I will be arriving Wed.14th May for two weeks and will be signing my books Memoirs of a Welshman, and Ramblings of a Welshman at all venues. I have the following set up. Fri.16th May Pontypool Market 9:00AM to 3:00PM near South Market St. entrance. Tue. 20th of May: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM  W.H. Smith Cwmbran. Wed.21st of May: Pontypool Market 9:00 to 3:00. Fri. 23rd of May Brownings Books Blaenavon 11 AM till 2 Sat 24th of May W.H.Smith Newport 10 AM till 1PM. Please pass the word on.

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Hi, my dad Aneurin Evans played bowls for Girlings late 1960`s. Does anyone have any photographs of the bowls team back then? or maybe remember him playing. I would love to hear from you.

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Hi, my name is Norm Smith, nickname Naj. I lived in Caerwent Road, Croesyceiliog up until 1969. I served an apprenticeship at Girling's from 1960 - 1966 then worked in the W.E.D until joining the merchant Navy in 1967. Now live in Palmerston North, New Zealand.

 Love to hear from anyone from the "good old days" especially Roger Blackwell, George "Burt or Bomber" Lancaster  and any other apprentices of those years.

Best regards Norm Smith

 Love to hear from anyone from the "good old days"

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If you retired from Lucas Girling between 1981 and 1990 and deferred your Pension, I have some important information for you ...

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My dad Lionel Short worked at Girling and retired in 1985.  He worked in the WED as an electrician.  My parents still live on Court Farm (old Girling's houses). 
My brother Martin also worked at Girling in the lab.  He represented the factory at rugby before joining Pontypool and finally Newbridge. 

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This site has brought back so many memories for me. I used to work as a sub-contractor with Wards of Risca from approx 1983 � 1996 , working on the Air-conditioning and refrigeration systems (yes you'll remember how hot the glass houses used to get)

I often wonder how all the friends I made over the years are today, sometimes while shopping in Cwmbran with my wife and two little boys I bump into a familiar face.

I am now project Manager with Carillion, Still working with Air-conditioning but not on the tools anymore, my time is spent travelling the country making sure our sub contractors and in house team are working with good working practices as I was taught while in Girling/Lucas.

The values I have today, Trust, honesty, respect et al, can all be traced to the Cwmbran and Pontypool sites.

I still get a little embarrassed when I think of the mistakes I made as a young apprentice and how I would change things today. But that�s growing up for you.

So this is hello to all from me, Martin Waite, Thank you for so many great memories and best wishes for the future

  • Date:1st February 2008
  • Name: Matthew Hobby
  • Email: Click here

Message
Hello, Well done! on compiling such vast information and great pictures on Girling !
I simply would like to ask you who is F.T.Riddy Esq.Girling Ltd .... was he a manager of Girling ? Reason why I ask is that I have a 1972 Jaguar that firstly belonged to vice chairman of Jaguar Cars Ltd and the second owner was this Mr F.T.RIDDY of Girling Ltd.; I would love to know the heritage and appreciate your help.

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My father Douglas Mason worked at Girlings 1957-59 and died after an accident at the works. I would be interested hearing from anyone who could remember him.

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My name is David Clarke and I was one of the 1957 intake of Cwmbran Girling Apprentices. August 19th this year will be the 50th anniversary of that "celebrated" intake.
I am organising a reunion of that intake, plus the one previous and the one following. We will be holding it somewhere in Cwmbran on Thursday 16th August or 17th August 2007.
My idea is to combine the 1956, 1957, 1958 to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of 1957 intake, this year, and also set the ball rolling for the 1958 mob to organise their 50th the following year.
This will then, hopefully, be ongoing as a 49 + affair with each organising year inviting the previous intake, so they can do the honours next year. However, on this inaugural event, anyone from a pre 1956 intake will be most welcome to attend, as well as on the future years
 
Please could everyone reply to me.
 
PS. If anyone of the 1956/7/8 intakes knows the phone number of others in those years, please let me know, so I can contact them
 
Many Thanks.

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Hello my name is Rachel, I`m researching my family tree and I was wondering if anybody knew my grandfather ?
(Mr. Zigfreid Sokolovs), whom sadly passed away before I was born.
He used to work for Girlings many years ago and received his 25 years loyal and efficient service award with Lucas Industries.

 

Please could anyone help if they new him or have any photos of him it would mean the world to me.

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My name is Dave Roberts and I did my apprenticeship between 1953 and 1958 . I worked at the factory until 1966 and then went to Aberdare factory, 1978 this was closed and moved to Tredegar. I worked there until 1987 and then had to move to Redditch. In 1992 I took early retirement and settled in Pembrokeshire. I now live in New Quay West Wales. My brother Trevor Roberts is on the apprentice rugby photo with me. Our father Monty Roberts looked after the sports grounds for many years until he retired.

I would be interested to hear of ex apprentices from the same years as myself.

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My dad - Trevor Roberts - was one of the apprentice rugby team pictured (1956). He went on to play for Lucas (Moor Lane) team when he moved up to Birmingham with mum in 1963. He ran the family engineering business in Birmingham city centre until retiring in 1999. He played rugby well into his 30's then switched to golf - still playing. Mum & he still live in Sutton Coldfield and he would love to hear from any of the rugby team or anyone else who would like to get in touch. My email address is [email protected] (I'm his eldest daughter Sally-Anne) and I would be happy to pass on any correspondence on his behalf.
 
Regards
 
Sally-Anne Preece.

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My uncle (my mother's brother) worked in Girlings for many years. He was presented with a watch and certificate for 25 years service on the 10th of November 1972 (so he started with Girlings just after the war in 1947). I was wondering if anyone remembers him. I am compiling a family tree and would like to add comments from workmates etc.
 
He was Jim Hutchings from 13 Clarence Street, Gelli Crug, Abertillery. I have attached the photographs taken at the presentation in 1972. Unfortunately he died earlier this year.
 
I hope you can help.

    

 

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This year we are celebrating 60 years of brake manufacture at the Cwmbran site. Amongst the planned celebrations is the construction of a temporary museum of components and memorabilia � I need help to pull this together. What do you have hidden away at the back of the garage or the bottom of your cupboard? Any items loaned will looked after and returned later.

Many thanks

Tony Williams (Apprentice 1975-1979 and still here today!)

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Hi, I�m running the Girling RFC website and would like to know if anyone knows the names of club captains before 1976.

Club e-mail [email protected] Club website: www.girlingrfc.co.uk

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I remember Girlings Apprentices very well---in fact Lyn Clarke was my first "real" romance I now live quite close to another "old boy"--Peter Morrell, and I have seen Russell Ivory several times since (but not recently).
 
My father was the steward of the old Girlings Social Club, which was housed in 2 Nissan huts on the sports ground.
We used to have great dances in the works canteen and I used to walk home to Coronation Street via the "Burma Road". Thanks for reminding me of some idyllic times!!
 
I now live in Caerleon, but frequently pop to Cwmbran to shop although, very little of it is recognisable as the happy hunting grounds of those golden years.

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.. Hello there team ..

Apprentice 1979 - 1983.
1983 - 1986, ran the Gnutti (363 section) with Ken Strong (and his minder Brian Telfer),  Nigel Legg, Danny Owen (from Treowen) Shooky, Gunky, Tony Price, Jack Smith Ian Heir, Bryn Leek Catweazle, Des Meredith, Ronnie Dibble. Arthur "The file" Thomas  and Chris Assender on the fraze bench. Andrew "look at my muscles Arthur" Daley as an apprentice. Johny Pugh was "in charge". Byron Manley turned up about then - big collars on the man I remember. Not forgetting Boris "The Thumb" Milosevic, Jan Woytovic. It was Twinstop and MAN housings 
 
Over the way on the Diedeshems were Cully and Sean, both with flowing locks (Sean's were blue occasionally.)  
On the assembly line in front we had Big Cyril, Knocker, Tatty, a young Andy Morgan (with hair!) Danny Davies, Guffin, Liitle Howard, Arthur Brennan and many more. In the rectification area under the apprentice school was Ernie Shergold, his Granddaughter is now my wife.
 
I was then lured onto the Huller Hille NB H70's (and later the 150's) by Martin "The Quiff" Cherrington around 1986, where the team consisted of (amongst others) Alan "Four knees" Gwyllm (never could spell it, sorry Al) and the almost legendary Johnny "pound in the bandit?" Gough. Hero and mentor.

 

We were soon to be joined by Leon "Fergal" Martin, Johnny Doolan, Gordon Onions and Tony "Brother Lee Love" Davies. There was Flooky (if there was a weekend going), Ian Heir and occasionally Wayne Mason was there  too. Ringo and Derek "Oddsocks" Hodson are two of the Captains of Industry that supervised us. How could we go wrong? On the 150's there was Tony Tutt, Mike "Money" Belt. Andrew "Lewis" Sterry, Wally Walters and Frank "Bow Bells" Orton. 
 
My next move was to the MCM's (1987?1988?) Another legendary crowd, consisting of Ian "The Scythe" Cantelo, Chrissy "Colin" Nichols, Wayne "Nigel" Otton, Fred Phillips, Kevin Flook, Giles Cochrane, Barry Pearce, SidnTatty, (and later TrevnLeeky) and many more. Who could forget Tommy Clarke? In the office we had Phil "Slippery Sidney Smythe" Smith, and a young Mark Chaney (when he had a neck), Johnny Vorez,  
Supervising were Terry "you're my favourite don't tell the others" James, and Matthew somebody. Ray Rosser would wander by occasionally, between meetings.
 
We were later joined by a Procass, and a new gang of apprentices, including Chris "Nobby" Banton, Andy "Napper" Morgan, Darren "The Claw" Fice, Peter "Simon Price" Kay (or was it the other way around?) and Russell "Fliptop" Shipp. Many a drunken night was had in Newport with  this bunch.
 
I later graduated onto the Hitachis, were there were far too many people to remember.
 
This lasted until 1998, when I joined pre-production, to work on the Hitachi, in the now emaciated toolroom. Spud, H, Sam, Plod, Dai Jones, Martin, Ron Gareth etc. Ray "Let's be having you!" Dowding in charge. We worked getting  "Duco" up and limping. Ray Rosser would amble by occasionally, between meetings.
 
Around 1998 Martin Cherrington forgave me for deserting the Hullers all those years ago and took me on as a Production Engineer on machining. He was later superseded by Mark "Homer" Chaney.

 

The main gang at this time and probably still are:
Homer at the Helm, Terry Tyler in charge of the WED, then me, Gordon Onions and Paul Hadley and Rhys "Bleachin" Powell doing the machines. Martin Tottle in the corner muttering to himself  and the big boss Gwyn Gardiner.
 
After this I spent a few months upstairs with Paul "The haircut" Alison and Gareth Cantle, pretending to work on assembly lines but secretly planning my escape to Wellington New Zealand. Which is where I am now, doing Quality Assurance for www.formway.com. 

Sorry to everyone I missed out there, but thanks for all the laughs anyways.

Shep. 

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My father, Walter James Perry, was a precision toolmaker at Lucas in Great King Street, Birmingham, and in 1939/40 was transferred to Cwmbran, with a whole lot of other Birmingham personnel, to help start up the new 'shadow factory' at Grange Works to manufacture aircraft gun turrets, and which subsequently became Girlings. 

For the first six months my family was housed in the King's Head hotel in Newport whilst the Court Farm Estate bungalows were being built. In those days my father often slept in his office at work and had a camp bed set up for this purpose.  I remember quite vividly wandering around the factory as a 4 year old since my father often took me to work with him, and being allowed to watch the test firing of a four-barrelled gun turret.  I kept the discarded shell casings for years.  

At the end of the war my father set up his own engineering business, initially on the Caerleon Road in Newport, but later in much larger premises in the Avondale Industrial Estate.  An old letterhead of this business is included with this note, as well as a photograph of my father in about 1970 or so when he was president of the Cwmbran Rotary Club.

Because of his business connections with Girlings much of my father's work as an independent toolmaker was with this concern. My father also did a lot of work for Perkins, the diesel engine people in Loughborough and it was the Perkins's people who ultimately bought out the business in Cwmbran, only to close it all down a year or so later, putting fifty odd people out of work, very much to my father's distress. 

.. Walter James Perry ..

President of the Cwmbran Rotary Club circa 1970

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My Dad, Graham Morgan, of Broad View, West Pontnewydd, worked as a manufacture on the Brakes Line at Girlings, Cwmbran; Not sure when though, sadly he passed away in December 2005 ... is there anyone who remembers him please?

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Hello there, I am currently working on a project looking at the racing heritage of Girling Brakes, and wondered if anyone could tell me any interesting facts regarding Girling's success in Formula 1 and Le Mans? If you happen to know anything at all, please get in touch, I'd be so grateful! Thank you!   

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I didn't work at Girlings but I understand that my father was a photographer there when I was very young. Unfortunately my father died back in 2001 but would love to hear from anyone who knew him. His name was Kelvin Wheeler and lived in Northville, Cwmbran.

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I was an apprentice from 1956 to 1961 ( last 18 months at Bromborough Cheshire ) I played rugby, football, and athletics for both the apprentices and factory. Any body out there remember me? I now live in Florida USA.

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To all my many friends and former work colleagues at both the Pontypool and Cwmbran factories; Hello I trust you are all in good health and here`s Wishing you and your families all the very best for Christmas and the New Year.

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G'day, From the years 1974-1979 I met a lot of great people and made a lot of friends. Also I met my wife there and I have never been so miserable in all my life!!! Unfortunately, I am still married to the same beautiful person and now have two children. If anybody remembers myself or my wife, Glynis. I will be happy to email you. Kevin Jones and Glynis were cousins. I live in Australia now and have been for the past 26 years, so I think we may settle here!

Wishing everybody well. And where are my brake pads?? Yachy Daa Bo Bein Boyo's.

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Hello all, I worked in Girling first as an apprentice, 1978 to 1982, then as a fitter in the Pontypool Development section until I emigrated to Australia in 1985. During this time I played rugby for Girling Apprentices, and later the Girling senior team. I have many good memories of Girlings (except the work of course) and my Father Bill Jones also worked at Girlings for around 40 years. I have seen some of the photo's on this site and recognise some of the faces. John Jones in the cricket photo also played in the same apprentice rugby team.

Hi Big John! hello to all my old workmates, from downunder!

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Hi, My name is Nicola West (Lane). I was one of the first admin trainees. I joined Girlings at 16 in the year 1976. I was an active player of the Girlings netball team, and also joined in 'its a knockout' don't know if anyone remembers this. My father Ray Lane was Production Manager for many years, but sadly died more than 20 years ago. My husband (Peter West) has worked in Girlings for over 30 years, he started his apprenticeship as a Carpenter and Joiner at the age of 16. His father, Jack West also worked there many years ago. I have many friends still working in Arvin Meritor, hope someone will know them, Kay Perrett, Linda Young, Doris (from Personnel), Sue Stephens.

 I would like to hear from anyone who remembers me.

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My Dad and his twin brother worked at Girlings Lucas Cwmbran, Arthur Bright (my dad) and Percy Bright. Dad died in 1968 and Uncle died in 1998, both from cancer. They worked there more or less from 1949 until 1966 for my dad and about 1985ish for uncle. Not sure which area they worked in though!

My husband Rob, has worked there for 25 years .......

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Hi, I started in Girlings, Cwmbran on 22nd February 1973. I started my Girlings career as an operator on the "Passenger Car" chrome plant. Since then I have worked in nearly every part of the factory, at every grade and through all the name and ownership changes. I am currently a supervisor on the "Off Highway (Tractor)" department. Sadly Arvin Meritor have decided that Off Highway is no longer a "core" business, and has been sold to another American company, Carlisle Brakes UK. For the time being we will still be working in the Grange Works, until our new owners find a premises for us. I think this is the last part of the old Girlings left. So the end of an era.

I started in Cwmbran (Girlings) on January 4th, 1988 and worked in the SAW department on the Huller 70`s (machining centres) after five years transferred to the New Inn works (now TRW) where I am still currently employed.

Would like to say "Hi" to Ian Hier, Gordon Onions, Andy Young, Tony Davies and anyone else who remembers me.

 

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Are there any Old Girling people left from `69 Hydraulic section` ? - Foreman Jack Tenant and Wyndham Jenkins.

Please get in touch there can't be many of us left now.