Source: Rochdale Online
An invitation is being extended to all those who would like to actively participate in supporting the restoration of The Hopwood Hall Estate to join a volunteer gathering…
Source: Rochdale Online
An invitation is being extended to all those who would like to actively participate in supporting the restoration of The Hopwood Hall Estate to join a volunteer gathering…
I’m really happy that Hopwood is being saved…! It’s a historic structure and shameful that it was allowed to fall into disrepair and even dereliction.
I was a student at ‘Hopwood Hall’ – a Catholic teacher training college – from 1972 to 75. My department – Geography – actually had its base in the old hall so I remember it fondly. De La Salle Brother Michael was the head of the department and tutorials were held in a room in the hall.
I now live in Hampshire so don’t get up to north Manchester that often but would love to see the old hall again and am very keen to get news and updates about the progress in saving it.
Hope to keep in touch and to hear regular news items from you.
Good luck with this great task…!
MIKE WOOLF
Thanks Mike! I really appreciate your support!
I’m thrilled that the old hall is being restored. I have seen the work that is being done to keep it from dereliction and it is fantastic.
I am hoping to help in any small way that I can and am trying to scrounge materials but people’s pockets seem well closed
All the best for the continuing work and hope to see you all soon
Thanks Tim- We really appreciate all your support!!
I have just finished Downtown Shabby and absolutely LOVED it. My husband (born at home, legally able to carry a bow and arrow!) is from Middleton as well as his entire family and still live there.
Being a lover of history, I had goosebumps reading details such as the sharpening of the arrows on the stone wall and appreciated the telling of the Middleton history throughout the entire book. Geoff was my father-in-law’s undertaker and his care and concern I can still feel to this day. It was wonderful, his sharing of the deep, historical knowledge of Middleton. We even joke about my husband’s left arm, wondering if the bone is indeed bigger.
I care deeply that Mr. DePree is saving the Hall and words cannot express my gratitude and love of this project.. I’ve sent his book to my entire family and am joining the volunteer list today.
I am currently working on my spousal visa to come over from America and we plan to settle in Middleton/Heywood/Smithy Bridge area. When I do, I plan on picking up a broom or rake. Or whatever is needed.
Good luck Hopwood!
Hi Katherine – just picking this up now. Thank you so much!
Hi Hopwood, I am so glad I happened to come across your book, Downton Shabby at our local library-what a great story! I then did a deep dive and watched all the you tube videos. I just love what you are doing to restore the estate and am pulling for your success!. I also grew up in MI (we would visit Holland for the tulip festival) and lived in southern CA in my 20’s.
It sure takes a lot of guts (or craziness?😉) to do what you are doing-I love that there are people out there with a vision who are dreamers (and do-ers too!). I love how you have gotten the community involved and how this will help generations to come. Best wishes on your endeavors.
Thanks so much Sarah! Great to hear from you!!