AVRO was started by Alliott (Alan) Verdon Roe in the early days of flight around 1910. It grew steadily until the outbreak of war, and continued in existence until 1963 when it was amalgamated into what is now BAe.
Most notably, AVRO built the Lancaster (7,000 built), and the Vulcan (136 produced), together with many other models of aeroplane.
We were booked in for a 'Group Tour' and 24 members of the region attended. Included in the day was coffee on arrival, a tour of the facility, buffet lunch and and three cockpit tours (Vulcan, Lancaster and VC10). The tour guides were excellent and it was really special meeting some of the pilots who actually flew the aeroplanes in Service.
AVRO is sited in what remains of the main production facility. BAe have sold off most of the land, mainly for housing. The museum is located in what was originally the airfield Fire Station, although it looks quite modern because it has been updated and is cladded in a very stylish exterior.
Inside has also been remodelled to the needs of a modern museum. AVRO is a 'Tier 1' museum, along with some of the better London museums, which helps with funding etc. There are plans afoot to acquire another nearby building to house more exhibits.
A range of Jaguars attended, although thankfully my XK was the last to line up under the wing of the Vulcan, and therefore is not really visible in the pics. Just as well because it hadn't been cleaned since returning from Wales the day before where we had a dummy run on the route for our Region visit in April. We were mostly in our Jaguars but I did spot Lionel and Bren in the Subaru, there was also a BMW I3 and Justin came visiting with us in the lovely Continental GT Convertible.
We all enjoyed the visit, and look forward to returning as the site continues to develop.
For those of you who enjoy the link between cars and aeroplanes, Alliott Verdon Roe's grandson is Bobby Verdon-Roe who has had a successful career in a variety of motorsport formula, including BTCC and Le Mans. Interestingly, Bobby Verdon-Roe appears to have adopted a hyphenated surname, in contrast to his grandfather).
Pictures from Hartley and Justin Shasha.
