Friends of Hopwood Hall Estate gala dinner raises over £1,500

A special gala dinner has raised over £1,500 to help support the rescue efforts at the historic Hopwood Hall estate.

Held at the Manchester Golf Club in Middleton on Saturday (30 November), the ‘Friends of Hopwood Hall Estate’ group welcomed well over a hundred guests to the evening.

The Manchester Golf Club has a special place in the history of Hopwood Hall Estate as it is today located in the Hopwood Cottage which was part of the original estate. There is a wonderful vintage photo of Lady Hopwood in her carriage which hangs in the old Chapel at the golf club.

The event was a great opportunity for a sophisticated evening and guests dressed for the occasion and were served  a glass of Veuve Champagne on arrival. 

This was followed by a special menu to reflect the history of the Estate with ‘Lady Hopwood’s Winter Vegetable Soup’ and ‘Lord Byron’s Chicken’ as well as ‘Icehouse Cheesecake’, named after the historic icehouse still located between the Golf Club and the Hall.

Entertainment was provided by popular local duo 'Sneak Preview' playing a selection of hits, and an exclusive raffle with prizes took place.

 

 

Hopwood DePree, who is leading the rescue efforts at his ancestral home, said: “The gala dinner was a great event and really well supported with in attendance. Everyone seemed to have a fantastic time and are all looking forward to future events. The evening raised more than £1,500.

“To have all these wonderful supporters here in a festive environment, and beautiful surroundings at the MGC, leading up to Christmas has been magical. I feel so lucky there are so many passionate and supportive locals in this area with the drive to rescue this important piece of history. An event like this not only helps to raise funds to support the efforts of the ‘Friends of Hopwood Hall Estate, but it also builds awareness about the enormous rescue adventure we have embarked upon. 

“Congratulations and thanks to the gala planning committee for their hard work.”

Hopwood has an exclusive legal agreement with the council to enable him to have up to five years to rescue the 12th century manor before he assumes full possession of his ancestral home, which has lain vacant for 30 years and is now on Historic England’s 'At Risk' register.

The old hall dates back to feudal days, and still retains many structural and architectural features from the 14th century right until present day, including some of the earliest English Gothic intricate wood carvings and elaborate ornate fireplaces.

The original hall was of early timber construction, rebuilt in Tudor brick by John Hopwood during 1687-90. Painstakingly intricate wood carvings, hundreds of years old, can be found covering the walls inside the hall.

 

 

Hopwood Hall was later taken over by the Lancashire Cotton Corporation before the manor house was acquired in 1947 by the De La Salle brothers for their teacher training college.

During the 1960s, new living, teaching and administrative quarters were built for 600 students, and the hall became a centre for students, until Hopwood Hall College opened in 1990.

The festivities continue with the Friends of Hopwood Hall Estate hosting Christmas at the Hall this Friday 6 and Saturday 7 December – the Hopwood Hall Estate Christmas event with a specially decorated tree will be held in the front two entrance rooms – the Guards' Room and the Main Entrance Hall, dating back to 1690, which are now in a stable condition.

For more information or to join the Friends group, visit:

• www.hopwoodhallestate.co.uk
• Or email: office@hopwoodhallestate.co.uk