A lifelong love of classic television, British scenery and the spirit of the 1960s has culminated in a unique Heartbeat memorabilia display curated by East Gippsland resident Trent Hooper.
Mr Hooper’s fascination with the long-running British television series began in childhood, watching episodes with his mother
and grandmother.
The combination of 1960s cars, music, village life and character-driven storylines left a lasting impression — one that has endured well
into adulthood.
“I’m still watching all these years later,” Mr Hooper said.
“All 18 seasons still screen here in Australia and around the world. The 1960s was a great era, and Heartbeat really captures that vibe in
every episode.”
His passion has taken him to the United Kingdom six times, with every visit including a stop at Goathland in North Yorkshire — the village that doubled as Aidensfield in Heartbeat, and also featured in the first Harry Potter film.
On one visit in 2006, Mr Hooper was even able to watch filming take place.
The memorabilia display itself is the result of years of careful observation and persistence. Mr Hooper would rewatch episodes, spotting background props and set dressing, then track down similar vintage items online — often through UK-based sellers.
“I’d take screenshots and then go hunting,”
he said.
“eBay UK had a lot of the same style items you’d see in the show.”
Some pieces proved particularly challenging to find, including Babycham champagne glasses and bottles, which were both rare and
expensive. Over time, however, the collection grew substantially.
“I ended up with around 25 boxes of Heartbeat items,” Mr Hooper said.
Beyond the display, Mr Hooper’s background is varied. He spent 12 years working in aged care in Merimbula and Lakes Entrance before running a crystal shop, Crystal Infusions, in Kilcunda, Victoria, for five years.
Recently, he relocated to an old dairy farm in Sarsfield, where he has been busy setting up his crystal business, organising the Heartbeat 1960s display, and converting the former dairy cottage into holiday accommodation.
“It’s been a busy two months,” he said.
For Mr Hooper, the display is more than a collection — it is a tribute to a beloved era, a television series that spans generations, and memories first formed watching Heartbeat with family all those years ago.
