Mike Griffin was born at the now demolished Hood’s Farm in 1929 and lived there until he married Claire. He then took on Grove Farm in the village which had been in his family since the 1880’s.

The couple enjoyed Scottish country dancing and holidaying at their second home on the Isle of Syke. “He was so devoted  to the village and wanted to do things to help everybody. He and Claire were together a long time and when they first married they had a very successful Jersey herd.” (Ms Sterrett)

A former Aylesbury Vale District Council chairman and alderman, Mike was instrumental in moving the John Hampden statue to its current location in Market Square, Aylesbury after it was found to be a traffic hazard. He served as an independent member on the district council from 1979 to 2003, and also served on Hulcott Parish Council for 28 years.  He retired in December 2007.

Mike lived in the village of Bierton all his life and was a well respected member of the local community, taking an active and leading role in many of the village community organisations.  He was co-author of The Story of Bierton which was published in 1994.

Claire died in 1998 and Mike himself died on the 8th July 2014 at the age of 84 leaving the vast majority of his estate to the Trust. He was a well known and respected member of the farming community.  This just goes to show how much Bierton and Hulcott meant to him and Claire.  This very valuable legacy will ensure their memory lives on into the future.