Graham Wright

‘Ruddington Rhythm’ Returns

13th February 202314th February 2023 Graham Wright

Our village’s regular, acoustic music night has a new venue for 2023. From now on its sessions will take place at Ruddington Conservative Club – still on the 3rd Thursday of each month. After seven years at The Cottage Hotel, rising costs for the venue meant it could no longer offer its facilities free gratis for ‘Ruddington Rhythm’ this year – and organiser Ron McSweeney {pictured top left} did not wish to introduce an entrance charge. However, having missed only a month, he was welcomed by the Kempson Street venue to continue his gatherings there instead –…

Ruddy Bear’s Uganda Update!

12th February 202312th February 2023 Graham Wright

It’s been a busy few months for The Mustard Seed Project, Uganda – the Ruddington based charity which was founded in 2017 by village schoolteachers Jayne Henson and Sally Squires after they visited rural Uganda to work with teachers on active learning activities. In our last update we reported how ‘Ruddy Bear’ was due to set off again on his travels last October – this time to Uganda with Sally {pictured top right} along with some of his bear friends who had been sponsored by villagers to give to Ugandan children – one…

Police Praise Ruddington Drivers

10th February 202310th February 2023 Graham Wright

Motorists entering our village via one of its northern gateways are being praised for doing better at obeying the speed limit than when Nottinghamshire Police previously carried out checks there. When Rushcliffe South neighbourhood officers last brought their radar gun to Wilford Road in September 2022 they recorded three vehicles still doing in excess of 35mph along the main, built-up stretch. That’s well after where the 30mph limit now begins (due to the new ‘Fairham Green’ housing development) and despite a flashing sign to alert drivers to their speed as they pass Sellors’ Playing Field.…

Welcome Boost to Coffee Club’s Coffers

8th February 20238th February 2023 Graham Wright

A weekly, Ruddington coffee club which helps to reduce loneliness and social isolation amongst over 55s, has received support from a ‘Reach Rushcliffe’ grant, enabling the group to grow and flourish. Older villagers are invited to meet new people and enjoy refreshments in a relaxed and friendly setting at the ‘Wednesday Morning Coffee Club’ in St Peter’s Rooms – which also provides a warm space to vulnerable residents in a safe environment. It takes place every week between 10am and midday and anyone aged 55 and above is welcome to walk in…

No Council Tax Rise for Most Residents

6th February 20236th February 2023 Graham Wright

Rushcliffe Borough Council (RBC) has announced today the majority of householders here in Ruddington and elsewhere should see no increase in its share of our Council Tax for the twelve months from this April. However, this freeze is still subject to a Full Council vote. In a move which RBC says further reflects the ongoing ‘cost-of-living crisis’, it’s proposed that properties in bands A to D would see no increase at all. On February 14th the Cabinet will also discuss proposals to discount Council Tax bills for those in bands A…

24 More Green Belt Homes Approved

4th February 20234th February 2023 Graham Wright

Over eighteen months after plans were revealed to add further houses to a current Ruddington development, permission to expand it onto additional land which was also previously part of our village Green Belt has been granted by Rushcliffe Borough Council (RBC). Subject to conditions and an additional ‘Section 106’ agreement, two dozen more houses will now be constructed alongside the 185 already being built by William Davis Homes at ‘Lace Fields’ on former agricultural land opposite Mere Way. This is despite only 170 dwellings originally being approved on this site in the Rushcliffe Local Plan…

Strike Action Closes Ruddington School

31st January 202331st January 2023 Graham Wright

The failure of last minute talks yesterday between the Government and the National Education Union (NEU) to try avert this week’s strike action over teachers’ pay means most pupils at one of our Ruddington schools won’t be in class tomorrow (Wednesday 1st February). In a letter to parents and carers, Headteacher Hannah Cutts writes: “I’m sorry to inform you that James Peacock Infant and Nursery School will be closed on Wednesday 1st February 2023. Projected staff availability means we need to temporarily prioritise places, we have been asked to give priority to…

Ruddington’s ‘Big Trains’ Could Restart Soon!

30th January 202330th January 2023 Graham Wright

For almost three years now, a previously familiar weekend sound drifting across Ruddington has been sadly missing – that of the distant whistles and gentle chugging of steam trains making their way in and out of Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre. Since RUDDINGTON.info published the news piece ‘What’s Happening at our Heritage Railway’, back in January 2022, it’s continued to be one of our most searched for items – as villagers and visitors alike seek the elusive answer! In particular, the legendary ‘Santa Specials’ in the run-up to Christmas have been…

Knife and Laughing Gas Found After Ruddington Crash

28th January 202330th January 2023 Graham Wright

Police are appealing for information following an unexpected discovery at the scene of a car crash this week. Nottinghamshire officers were driving through Ruddington at around 10.50pm on Thursday night (26th January) when they saw a car smash into the side of the A52 Nottingham Knight Roundabout. The car sustained significant damage – with the driver being issued with a traffic offence report (TOR) for driving without due care and attention. While waiting for the vehicle to be recovered, the driver opened his car boot – with officers then spotting two…

New Digital Retail Adviser Visits Ruddington

26th January 202326th January 2023 Graham Wright

Ruddington’s independent fashion outlet on Church Street is among the Rushcliffe-based businesses now benefitting from professional advice to develop their digital offer alongside in-person sales at their retail premises. Utilising UK Shared Prosperity Funding (UKSPF), Rushcliffe Borough Council (RBC) has contracted East Midlands Chamber’s Steve Phillips as one of its experienced Business Advisers to deliver the project here in Ruddington and beyond. RBC is one of the first authorities in Nottinghamshire to use this new £25,000 funding from central government to respond to the pressures our high street traders are facing currently. Between now…