The Start Of It All - The History of the Griffin Trust
Wheels, The Griffin Trust at Hooton Park Hangar Site
The story commenced in 1980, when David Beckett, a Vauxhall employee, organised a small collection of transport exhibits for an family day at Vauxhall Motors Sports and Social Club. Following the success of this display, a further larger display of vehicles was organised at Speke Airshow in 1983.
Experience gained at these shows prompted the idea for a much more unique show on a grander scale to be held on the Vauxhall Motors showground, adjacent to the Ellesmere Port plant. It was at this point that Christine Thomas, Peter Mathews, Peter Watson and numerous other enthusiasts joined the team.
The first ‘Wheels’ show was held in 1986 after two years of planning and was very much a ‘learn as you go’ operation. But with a lot of in house assistance from Vauxhall Motors, success was achieved and proved the need for such an attraction in this area. Following this a further show was organised in 1988 and thereafter became a popular bi-annual transport extravaganza . Success with these shows revealed a need for storage facilities for exhibits and show equipment and a base to operate from, the ‘kitchen table’ no longer being suitable for such purposes.
In 1992 a further “Wheels” event was organised, and encouraged by its success, two more events were held in 1994 and 1996. Spectators were witness to main attractions such as Harrier jump jets landing on the airfield (the first aircraft to land at the airfield in 33 years), the Crunchie Wing Walkers Team, The Household Cavalry and the Army Motorcycle Display Team. Sadly after 1996 the shows were curtailed due to the disposal of the Showground.
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Fortunately though Vauxhall had faith in the show committee and after negotiation in 1990, agreed to a 15 year lease on two of the historic Belfast Aircraft Hangars on the site to the newly named Griffin Trust Charity, so called to acknowledge the support received from Vauxhall Motors. As a result of the agreement, charitable status was applied for and received. Research into the history of Hooton Park revealed that it reached back far beyond the Two World Wars and after negotiations with Wirral Borough Council, the buildings were declared Grade II listed. For the first few years feasibility studies were done on the condition of Hangar 3 which further assisted more in depth studies up to this day to be produced.
The year 1993 saw the appointment of a Project Manager. The site was cleared of all types of manufacturing debris. Health and Safety was put in place and then a steady trickle of volunteers, all anxious that Hootons history should be enjoyed by the public. The past was put on display with various Auto, Aero and Motor Cycle events being held on site. Hangar Two was kept in good repair and Huts 27 and 28 were totally restored by the volunteers.
Ten years of efforts by the Trust to obtain additional funding for the renovation of the hangars and ancillary buildings were unsuccessful because the term of the lease was too short. In 1999, Vauxhall filed an application for the demolition of the hangars as part of their expansion plans. The Griffin Trust spearheaded the action which produced a huge wave of public protest and a Save Hooton Hangars (S.H.H.) campaign was mounted. This and thousands of written objections together with reports in newspapers and the aviation press resulted in the reprieve of the hangars.
In October 2000 the site was handed over to the newly formed Hooton Park Trust who are now the new owners of the site. The Griffin Trust supports the Hooton Park Trust and has willingly placed its years of experience at their disposal.
In 2001 The Griffin Trust embarked on preserving and restoring the Motor Transport Sheds.
For the last five years we have finished the major structural restoration of the Motor Transport Sheds and a vintage commercial vehicle has also been restored.
The ongoing restoration of a replica Hawker Hurricane aircraft used in the "Battle of Britain" film is progressing steadily.
