ANYONE popping into Home Bargains store in Cleckheaton may not know that the site was once home to a factory making thousands of motorcycles that sold across the world.

Phelon & Moore occupied the spot, and next month an information board is to be unveiled explaining the history and importance of the business, whose motorcycles included the popular Panther.

Spen Valley Civic Society (SVCS) and the Panther Owners Club collaborated to produce the board, which will allow local people and visitors to find out about this piece of local history.

The business was started by Joah Carver Phelon, an engineer with his own small workshop on Heaton Street, Cleckheaton, where he made tools for the wire industry.

His venture into motorcycles was the result of an accident: Joah initially made a motorcar. “It was a rather rudimentary affair, and Joah took it out one night to road test it, hoping that no-one would see it,” explains Erica Amende, secretary of SCVS. “Unfortunately it crashed into a wall.

“He decided to abandon the car and as a keen cyclist, he turned his attention to the idea of a mechanised bicycle. His work colleague was a young man called Harry Rayner, and by 1900 they had produced their first motorcycle which sold under the name ‘Phelon and Rayner.”

The motorcycle sold well and production began. The men worked together until Harry died, believed to be was the first person in the world to be killed in a motoring accident.

In 1904 experienced engineer Richard Moore - who had designed what was then a revolutionary two-speed gear for motorbikes - invested money in the business and became a partner.

The name Phelon & Moore was born; the company flourished and the partners moved to their second workplace, at the junction of Valley Road and Bradford Road (A638) in Cleckheaton.

This building still stands, now a carpet shop. Opposite the factory Phelon & Moore had a showroom, now Joshua Adams, a menswear shop.

This second factory couldn’t keep pace with the firm’s growth, and in 1910 Phelon & Moore’s third and final factory was purpose-built nearby, on Horncastle Stree,t Cleckheaton.

During the First World War Phelon & Moore supplied more than 9000 motorcycles to the RAF, the army and civilians for war work. Throughout the conflict women replaced men on the factory floor and proved themselves skilled and reliable workers.

After the war the Panther motorbike became an established model in widespread use. “It was versatile, well-engineered and durable,” says Erica.

The Panther was used to travel to work, it was used by families- with a sidecar attached - and for sport, in particular racing in the Isle of Man TT. As the motorcycle was comparatively cheap - in Britain in the 1930s you could buy a Panther for 29 pounds, 17 shilllings and sixpence - it could be afforded by working people.

It continued to sell well throughout the despite the financial depression. During that period Panther motorbikes were exported all over the world.

Launched in 1932, the Panther Model 100 continued through to 1963. While the engine and overall layout stayed essentially the same, the specifications steadily evolved over the years.

The 1935 Model 100 was the machine on which Florence Blenkiron and Teresa Wallach undertook their epic journey from London to Cape Town, crossing the Sahara: the first such journey on a motorcycle and sidecar, with a trailer.

After the Second Word War, competition from the car increased, leading to the Panther’s demise.

Phelon & Moore remained at their Horncastle Street premises until production ceased in 1966. The factory was sold to a local engineering form, who made valves there. Eventually the building was demolished and the site re-developed, becoming a car park for Home Bargains’ store.

The information board is on the site where the factory stood on Horncastle Street Cleckheaton, now the car park to the Home Bargains store.

Spen Valley Civic Society liaised with Home Bargains, who gave permission for the board to be erected.

Gordon North, SVCS member and retired editor of Panther owners’ journal ‘Sloper’, said: “Phelon & Moore’s Panthers were exceptionally reliable machines made by highly skilled engineers that were exported all over the world for more than 60 years.

“They are an important part of Spen Valley’s industrial heritage. By marking the site of their manufacture we’re preserving our history for the next generation.

“An appeal to members of the Panther Owners Club to help fund the design and production of the board brought contributions from all over the world and the club is grateful to Spen Valley Civic Society for their expertise in bringing it about.”

*The information board will be unveiled at 1pm on Sunday September 5.

*Members of the public are welcome to attend and are advised to park in the large car park next to Cleckheaton Town Hall.

*Did you or any of your relatives work there, do you have memories of the factory, or do you own a Panther? Let us know. Email: helen.mead@telegraphandargus.co.uk