Unsung Heros of Hopwood Hall Estate

Meet the committed team of volunteers at Hopwood Hall Estate who have played a significant role in restoring the gardens, crafting leaded windows, and undertaking various tasks to preserve this historic manor house.

Some Hopwood Hall Estate Volunteers | Top to Bottom Paul - Chris - Buck - Tony - Carol - Steph - Boyd - Elizabeth - Jon - Robert - Alfie Barbra - Alison - Jimmy - Ros - Janet - May and Pam

Volunteers with diverse backgrounds used to gather every Tuesday and Thursday to undertake various tasks aimed at conserving the Historic Hopwood Hall Estate, a Grade II* listed building on the At-risk list. We encountered numerous challenges at the Hall, in gaining access, and especially when Covid-19 emerged.

Upon our initial meeting, we instantly hit it off, enjoying our morning teas or coffees in the welfare room while engaging in friendly conversations before diving into our tasks. Initially, there were no issues with accessing the Hall; some drove to the entrance gate of Hopwood Hall Estate and parked, while others walked up.

The situation persisted smoothly for a considerable period until the onset of Covid-19, marking the beginning of our initial challenge when access to the hall was restricted until we could collaborate in small teams. This setback greatly impacted us all. Once we could reunite, we encountered additional obstacles, including the requirement for all volunteers to undergo a DBS check. This measure was unjustified by the need to ensure the safety of students, which was just one of several excuses used by Julia Heap to hinder our endeavors to preserve the Hall However, we didn't let this hinder us.

Furthermore, we were required to sign in at the reception of Hopwood Hall College every Tuesday and Thursday, a decision imposed by Julia Heap that we found unfair. Nevertheless, we followed this directive as our dedication to our work at the Hall remained unwavering. Despite any obstacles presented by Hopwood Hall College or Rochdale Council Ultimately, Rochdale Council chose to lock us out to stop any further preservation efforts on the hall, demonstrating their disregard for our history and allowing the hall to fall back into a state of disrepair, especially as winter approached which shows severe neglect on Rochdale Councils part.

Numerous volunteers have been assisting since Hopwood DePree's initial arrival in 2013. Jimmy and Mark are among those who have been involved since the beginning, spanning over 11 years, with many additional volunteers joining since 2017.

The Gardening Team has reached many significant accomplishments and successfully tackled obstacles like uprooting tree stumps, eliminating brambles, and dedicatedly rejuvenating the once-neglected overgrown grass. The area, previously ignored by Rochdale Council, was in such a dire condition that we had to employ the aid of sheep to help clear it due to its extremely poor state, which also included revealing concealed footpaths.

The gardens, once overlooked, have been turned into esteemed Gardens, earning the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) Gold Award for three years in a row at Level 5 as part of Middleton in Bloom. Here's a preview of the gardens showcasing the neglect by Rochdale Council and the subsequent makeover by volunteers.

The hardworking volunteers have achieved remarkable transformations, yet there is a noticeable absence of assistance from Rochdale Council in maintaining the gardens or Hopwood Hall Estate. Council members are only seen during open days hosted by Hopwood DePree, where they prioritize photo opportunities, handshakes, and smiles Rather than getting involved in gardening or preservation tasks.

The statement made by Neil Emmott, the leader of Rochdale Council, is both shocking and repugnant.

Neil Emmott - "Throughout that period we have remained closely involved in the project, offering advice, expertise and considerable financial investment."

Hopwood DePree and the dedicated volunteers have not received any advice or expertise from those who have not been closely involved with Hopwood Hall Estate, as it was Rochdale Council that allowed the property to fall into severe neglect. The claim that Rochdale Council has made significant financial investments is misleading, as their contributions can be considered insignificant. The main contributors to the project are Historic England, the National Lottery, the community, and numerous supporters who have not only donated funds but also provided hundreds of gardening tools and furniture to aid in the ongoing restoration and preservation work at the hall.

We possess numerous photos depicting Rochdale Council's neglect, as well as the remarkable transformation achieved by volunteers over a period of 4 years.

Volunteers at Work

Current Awards and Achievements

I think myself and all the other Volunteers at Hopwood Hall Estate deserve all the recognition for the thousand of hours they have put in giving up there own free time to help protect and preserve Hopwood Hall Estate a historical building and landmark that is the heart of the Middleton Community.