TODAY marks the end of an era and the close of a major chapter in Swindon’s history as Honda’s South Marston plant shuts down after 35 years. Most of the 3,500-strong workforce have downed tools and left the 370-acre Highworth Road site for the final time, though a few will stay on while the enormous factory is decommissioned. It’s a sad day for the staff, whether they had just joined for apprenticeships or were among the loyal longstanding employees who have dedicated decades of their life to the job and made close friends they became used to seeing five days a week.