Keidge Motors

Percy Herbert Keidge was apprenticed at Cribb & Foote in the 1920s. Sometime after becoming a mechanic he worked in the service department at Modern Motor Service Pty Ltd, in Limestone Street  before going into business with Colin Pilgrim in Paramount Motors. This business closed on 31 December 1941. However Percy carried on the workshop in the same premises in Nicholas Street and this became Keidge Motors. In the 1950s, Keidges dealt in Austin used cars, and also sold the brand Simca. 

The corner of Limestone and Nicholas streets has a varied history. Once home to Dr. Challinor, the corner was later owned by Mr Moore, a wheelwright, and his wife who ran a boarding house. In 1883, W. Thomas, a boot maker, resided there until John Joseph Broughton established his coach building works on the site in 1884. After his retirement in 1914, his two sons H. J. & A. E. Broughton continued the business. In 1927, the site was remodelled for the display of motor vehicles with upholstery, renovation, painting and garage work also carried out on site. By 1946 the building was used by Percy Keidge. The building was also occupied by the Ipswich Gas & Coke Company Ltd. The site is now part of the Ipswich Civic Centre. 

Keidges continues today at Warwick Road under the name ‘Keidges Farm Machinery’.