Swaythling passenger cars in the UK, leaving the Southampton made Transit as their only British-made vehicle. In 2009, with the new Kocaeli, Turkey, plant in full production, Ford reluctantly halved production at Southampton and reduced the workforce to just over 500. Employing 500 workers, the factory produced up to 35,000 Transit chassis/cab variant vehicles annually, of which 50% were exported. The Ford Southampton plant closed on 26 July 2013. The very first branch of the DIY chain B&Q was opened in Swaythling in 1969. The shop was owned by Messrs Block and Quayle. Swaythling railway station is on the main line
Anthony Quayle starred in the 1981 miniseries "Masada" as Rubrius Gallius. Also he narrated the miniseries "The Six Wives of Henry VIII" in 1970, and the acclaimed aviation documentary series "Reaching for the Skies". In 1984 he founded Compass Theatre Company, that he inaugurated with a tour of "The Clandestine Marriage", directing and playing the part of Lord Ogleby. This production had a run at the Albery Theatre, London. With the same company he subsequently toured with a number of other plays, including "Saint Joan", "Dandy Dick" and "King Lear" with himself in the title role. Quayle was appointed a Commander of