A dozen of Ruddington’s village centre traders have got together to create a not-too-spooky event for our younger residents and visitors to enjoy this Hallowe’en.
The family friendly ‘Hallowe’en Treasure Hunt’ is taking place this Saturday October 26th between 3pm and 5pm, and anyone with children is invited to join in. Those taking part are encouraged to get out their scariest costumes and pick up their ‘Treasure Map’ from The Bottle Top at 3pm. The map will pinpoint all the businesses taking part – plus other areas in the village where participants may be able to find treats, such at St Peter’s Church and The Green. It’ll be an eco-friendly event, too!
Organiser Alex Preston says: “The reason I decided to do this was two-fold really. Firstly, as a family and mum, I understand the pressures of Hallowe’en and other events place on parents to find reasonably priced and safe things for children and families to do so wanted to provide something that was free and fun, for those who would otherwise struggle to find something suitable.
“Secondly, I believe very strongly that Ruddington has an enormous amount to offer its residents and those further out. As such I thought it would be an excellent way to remind people what we have here and encourage them to really look at what the businesses and outdoor spaces offer the village.”
So how will it work?
“In each business location we will hide a Hallowe’en related item, clue or fact for participants to find” explains Alex. “There will be some treats hidden in iconic village locations (such as books and toys donated to us at The Bottle Top from the ‘toy swap’) or some will find craft boxes (donated by Scrapstore in Keyworth – whose boxes are made up of scrap items that would otherwise end up in landfill such as scrap ribbon and paper). Each business taking part will also be offering treats for those who ‘trick or treat’ at that location.”
The event is FREE, but if participants would like to make a donation to Ruddington Village Centre Partnership funds then this would be most welcome.
The village traders taking part (some decorated up for Hallowe’en, as can be seen above) are The Bottle Top, Ruddington Fish Bar, Philo’s Deli, Aveda at Eleven Salon, Ruby Rae, The Nottinghamshire Hospice Shop, Jaspers Café, The Black Cat Café, The Old Bakehouse Tearoom and Sweetie Boutique. Also worth a look is the wonderful Hallowe’en display at Amanda Findlay Opticians on Charles Street (pictured top) whose staff sadly won’t be around by the time of Saturday’s ‘Treasure Hunt’ – but their ghost will!
Once the hunt has been completed, participants can return their maps to The Bottle Top to be entered into a prize draw to win a locally grown pumpkin and treat box. The winner will be announced “live” on The Bottle Top’s own Facebook page this Sunday (27th) at 6pm. Good luck!
