Earlier this year we collaborated with Salford Lads and Girls Club to celebrate their 120th birthday. Creating a limited edition Helles Lager, with artwork from Jess Eckersley, the granddaughter of club member and volunteer, Archie Swift, who was involved with the club for 76 years.
Established in 1903 as a purpose-built club for boys, Salford Lads Club was the last and largest of 21 clubs in Greater Manchester aiming to provide positive alternatives to teenage street gangs, known as “scuttlers”, in the poorest areas of the city.
And even has its own brewery heritage, being founded by brothers James and William Grimble Groves of Groves and Whitnall Brewery on Regent Road in Salford!
The club was officially opened by Lord Baden Powell in 1904 and has continued to provide facilities for young people and the community for the last 120 years. It is now considered to be the ‘finest example of a pre-First World War lads’ clubs' surviving and operating today.
Still an active youth club for children and young people in Salford, opening to girls in 1994. The site is also a mecca for music fans due to a famous photo of The Smiths taken outside the club by Stephen Wright in 1987. You know the one.
Salford Lads Club has a very special place in our hearts, with our late father, Eric McAvoy and brother number 6, Kit being members. We'll be donating £1.50 from each can sold to the club to continue their great work and celebrate its members and volunteers.
So what are you waiting for? Grab yourself a can of Salford Lads Club Helles Lager!