Whilst some of Ruddington’s main Christmas celebrations have already been and gone, residents and visitors can still look forward to more festive fun and activities over the holiday period.
Continuing caution about Coronavirus – particularly the new Omicron variant – has led to some organisers and venues asking people to carry out a COVID-19 lateral flow test before mingling with others, and to wear face coverings according to the Government’s new ‘Plan B’ rules. Booking systems have also been introduced in some places to keep down numbers during the busiest periods and for the most popular events.
This includes for some of St Peter’s Church services this year. Administrator Nikki Roe tells us: “As well as the usual Sunday services, there will be a Carol Service, the famous Christmas Eve Ruddington Christingle services, Midnight Mass and (back by popular demand) the Christmas Day chocolate nativity. However, to maintain social distancing, numbers will need to be limited, so the Carol service and the Christingle services are being ticketed through Eventbrite”.
The key Christmas services at St Peter’s Church are:
- Christmas Carol Service – 7pm on Sunday 19th December – tickets >>HERE<<.
- Christingle Services – 4pm and 6pm on Christmas Eve – tickets >>HERE<< and >>HERE<<
- Midnight Mass – 11pm on Christmas Eve – no tickets needed
- Christmas Day Service (chocolate nativity) – 10am on Christmas Day – no tickets needed
Revd Nichola Jones, the Minister at Ruddington Methodist Church, reveals: “We have a Christmas Coffee Morning this coming Saturday Dec 18th. And a super coffee after Morning Service on Sunday at 10.30am. Then, next week, we have a service on Boxing Day (Sunday 26th December) to which everyone most welcome.”
For those who are more ‘COVID cautious’ she adds: “We shall operate track and trace, face masks and hand gel, etc”
The Ruddington Baptist Church Christmas Day ‘Nativity Service’ (above) returns this year. It will be held in St Peter’s Rooms from 10am to 11am on Saturday December 25th.
Meantime, you can enjoy a little Christmas creativity from their members. They have partnered with local businesses to produce an online ‘High Street Nativity Service’ – counting down to the announcement of’ Ruddington’s Favourite Carol for 2021′ – which you can watch below:-
Although Ruddington’s Framework Knitters’ Museum decided to cancel its usually busy ‘Cosy Cottage Christmas’ event (formerly known as ‘A Victorian Christmas’) on Saturday December 18th over COVID concerns, the museum remains open. During its usual hours from Wednesday to Saturday 11am to 4pm this week you can pop in for a tea or coffee and to browse for last minute presents and stocking fillers such as crafted and knitted items in the new Gift Shop. You don’t need to pay to visit the shop and the cafe – only to visit the cottages and the frameshops, should you wish to do so.
Museum assistant Jan Perrett reveals there will still be a few ‘extras’ for visitors this Saturday: “We’ve got decorations in the cottage, mixing Christmas pud and mince pies in the Victorian kitchen, crafts in the Chapel, and our volunteers in Victorian dress” she says.
Don’t forget there’s also The Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre to visit on Mere Way. Whilst the volunteers there have again been unable to run their usual, full sized ‘Santa Special’ trains this year, Father Christmas is still there to greet children during their ‘Winter Wonderland’ events – which are on again this Saturday 18th & Sunday, 19th December.
Organisers say Ruddington Model Railway Club will be open, operating their indoor and outdoor model railways, along with The Heritage Cafe providing hot and cold food: “Book your tickets in advance (pay over the phone or on the day) by ringing Karen on 07450285202 any day this week between 10am and 3pm. Tickets are only £5 and include a present for the children and a mince pie and tipple for the adults!”
Santa will also be doing another tour of Ruddington in the Rushcliffe Rotary Club fundraising sleigh on the evening of Tuesday 21st December. This is planned to include the Churchill Drive estate, Camelot Street, Brookside area, Clifton Road, Packman Drive and Rufford Road.
Whilst there’s no formal ‘Christmas Lights Trail’ this year, it’s worth taking a stroll around our village to see some of the very colourful outdoor displays put up by householders again. As usual, worthy of note is the bungalow off Clifton Road, near Tavern Island (pictured below).
Last, but not least, most of our village centre traders have created festive window displays – with Ruddington’s independent shops full of gift ideas for families and friends, as well as vital provisions for the Christmas holidays and an impressive choice of pubs and cafes. Whilst you’re there be sure to see the amazing ‘yarn bombing’ of Church Street and another impressive set piece by RVCP and Ruddington Parish Council in front of St Peter’s Rooms (below).
The team here at RUDDINGTON.info wish you a very Merry Christmas!
