Senior Blues visit to Hooton Park Hangars

    Almost 30 Senior Blues visited the Hooton Park Hangars on May 15th.

    They were treated to a talk on the history of Hooton Hall and the use of the adjacent area by the RAF from the first World War onwards, and also the work being done to restore/preserve both the site and the continually increasing collection of historical aeroplanes and vehicles including what is probably the last Chester tram.

    The Hooton Park Hangars site is managed by The Hooton Park Trust (HPT), which was formed in 2000 with the aim of creating a Trust to oversee and manage the restoration of the remaining WW1 hangars on the former RAF airfield at Hooton Park.

    The long term aim is to provide a multifunctional site, as well as restoring the buildings and the site itself as valuable historic artefacts in their own right. The buildings will then provide the perfect environment for the projects and initiatives that are planned.

    Much still remains of the Hooton Park airfield and its buildings. Three original, Belfast-trussed, hangars dominate the landscape, surrounded by the original access roads, taxiways, and numerous outbuildings and offices, all steeped in the colourful history of this one-time Royal Air Force airbase.

    We also experienced the sounds of a German bombing raid from the “safety” of an air raid shelter and had a demonstration of traditional letterpress printing at the Museum of Printing on the site.

    Finally many members took advantage of the cafe and the gift shop. A very interesting morning.

    Further information on Hooton Park including Visiting Days can be found at hootonparkhangars.co.uk.

    ———————————————————————————————————————————-

    We are sad to report the passing of much-loved volunteer and Senior Blues member Frank Salt. 

    Frank’s funeral is at St John’s United Reformed Church, Buckley CH7 3HX (which is on Hawkesbury Road) at 11am on Friday 7 June.

    Following this will be refreshments for everyone after the church service at The Glynne Arms, 3 Glynne Way, Hawarden CH5 3NS (next to the Post Office) at 12.00pm.

    RIP Frank.