Hollywood actor Hopwood DePree, ably supported by Geoff Wellens, met a crowded audience in the Sessions Room at the Old Boar’s Head on Thursday. Geoff outlined the history of the hall while Hopwood, who is descended from the old Middleton family, inspired everyone with his vision for the medieval building which is in a ruinous state. Some in the audience expressed their sadness at how the plight of the hall was caused by the neglect of the Rochdale Council of the early 2000s. However, most agreed that notwithstanding this, we must move on if we are to save it. Everyone was extremely grateful for Hopwood’s intervention in trying to save the building. The event was organised by Middleton Archaeological Society which has an ongoing excavation at the the corn miller’s on the Hall estate.
