Rushcliffe Councillors are presenting bouquets of flowers to volunteers across the Borough this week as a ‘thank you’ for assisting fellow residents during COVID-19 whilst reflecting National Volunteer Week (June 1st to 7th).
Alex Broughton and Sue Matthews {pictured above} of Ruddington Covid-19 Mutual Aid Group have received some beautiful blooms from Phoenix Flowers to recognise their fantastic efforts helping villagers in need during the Coronavirus outbreak. They were nominated for the accolade by Ruddington Councillors Cllr Mike Gaunt, Cllr Jennifer Walker and Cllr Gary Dickman – who themselves have been closely involved in co-ordinating the village’s pandemic response.
Cllr Walker, who took the top photo, says: “The group has been an inspiration to me these past few months. I’ve such admiration for all of the volunteers who took part. A massive thanks to you all!”
Sue has been co-ordinating Ruddington’s helpers, who have come from many walks of life to step forward and assist their neighbours with everything from shopping deliveries, prescription collections and dropping off home schooling packs for village children, to dog walking, posting mail and emotional support – all whilst ‘social distancing’. At the start, this included delivering around 3000 specially printed leaflets to householders detailing what help was available. Alex is one of around 300 volunteers whose tireless dedication to the support group was thought to merit this extra recognition. Another key volunteer, Mark Pinks, helped secure £5,000 from ‘The Nottinghamshire £1m Community Fund’ to provide hot meals for residents who are identified as being vulnerable and ‘in need’.
Like Mark, Sue is also part of the award winning Ruddington Village Centre Partnership committee which champions independent traders in the village and (usually) runs the monthly Village Market.
Leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council, Cllr Simon Robinson says: “It has been incredible to see the work of volunteers and groups from all corners of the Borough during these most challenging of times. As part of National Volunteer Week, we saw it fitting to show our appreciation to those working hard in our towns and villages, to show we aware of their vital contributions to their community and appreciate their spirit and determination to help others.”
Despite the gradual easing of Government lockdown restrictions, there are still many elderly and vulnerable people in Ruddington who are shielding against the virus – so the volunteers’ work is not over yet.
If you’d like to contact Ruddington Covid-19 Mutual Aid Group to ask for help for yourself, a relative or friend, you can still do so on 07954 073 115, by emailing RUDDCOVID19@GMAIL.COM or via their Facebook group >>HERE<<.
UPDATE 3rd NOVEMBER 2020:
Congratulations to Ruddington COVID-19 Mutual Aid Group which has been nominated for a Celebrating Rushcliffe Award in the ‘Community Group of the Year’ category.
Also nominated from Ruddington for 2020 are Ruddington Village Market for ‘Business of the Year’ and The Bottle Top for ‘Food and Drink Establishment of the Year’.
This year, due to continuing Coronavirus restrictions, a ‘virtual ceremony’ will be taking place over three nights from December 1st to 3rd to showcase their achievements. Good luck!
