Avro Early Investors - The Groves Family (1/2)

1910s

Towards the end of the 19th century the Groves & Whitnall brewery on Regent Road in Salford was considered to be Manchester's favourite brewery. The Groves family were also well known and highly respected local philanthropists who in 1903 opened Salford Lads' Club with the aim of providing positive alternatives to the teenage street gangs of the time. It offered sports, arts, cultural, and educational activities and was one of only a small number of clubs to include a work bureau to find employment for boys aged 13and upwards.

The Groves' family link with the Roe family however predates aviation. Alliott's mother Sophia had opened an orphanage in Patricroft which was a pioneering day nursery. In 1889 several of the Groves family each donated 10s 6d to Sophia's orphanage rather than having sweets and dessert during Lent.

Following a visit to Avro at Brownsfield Mill in December 1912 William Peer Groves persuaded his father James Grimble Groves MP, chairman of Groves & Whitnall, to invest in Alliott's struggling aviation company, which created A. V. Roe and Company ltd. James Grimble was so impressed, he not only invested but took a personal interest in the company where he was well-liked and respected by all the employees. He informed the War Office and the Admiralty that as Chairman of Avro the company could be relied upon totally.

With the Groves investment and increased orders Avro were able to move from Brownsfield Mills to larger premises at Clifton Street in Miles Platting on 17 March 1913. Though the Groves' involvement in Avro ended in 1916 the Groves family maintained a strong links to aviation which continues to the present day.

(Monochrome Photograph Bottom Left) - A.V. Roe & Co factory Clifton St. Miles Platting

(Monochrome Photograph Bottom Right) - Clifton St. workforce