A popular Ruddington charity shop is finally back in business again – over sixth months after having to close its doors due to the Spring Coronavirus ‘lockdown’.
Bosses from Nottinghamshire Hospice decided to use this window of opportunity to carry out an impromptu ‘refurbishment’ to our village outlet, since drain work was also required on the premises. This had almost been completed in July, ready for reopening, when disaster struck: A severe thunderstorm hit Ruddington and the resulting deluge flooded many High Street shops – including number 10.
As we reported at the time, this affected the entire premises, with floodwater getting in under the door and via drains at the back, causing damage to the shop, office and toilet areas. The flooring, skirting boards and redecoration would all need to done again before the premises could reopen.
Thankfully the long wait is over, with all work now completed. The shelves and racks are filled again with ladieswear, menswear, childrenswear, accessories, homeware, books and lots more, and the Ruddington shop is back open for customers from 9.30am this Friday (9th October).
Manager Colette Priest tells RUDDINGTON.info: “We’ve spent the last few days getting it ready and we have some AMAZING stock! We’re opening 9.30am to 4pm Tuesdays to Saturdays. We’re operating with COVID restrictions, so face masks must be worn, hand sanitiser used and social distancing observed in the shop. We will be taking donations of clothing, bags and shoes, which will be taken away for quarantining.”
However, for the time being, they’re requesting that NO toys, bulky items or bric a brac are taken into the shop. You can ‘phone them on 0115 984 3221, if in doubt.
Colette continues: “I am so excited to be home again! We’re all looking forward to the shop being open. With the help of our Ruddington customers, we can now continue to contribute to our Hospice patients’ care, and we’re looking forward to seeing everyone soon!”
The reopening of Ruddington’s Nottinghamshire Hospice outlet means that two out of our three village charity shops have now returned since the national ‘lockdown’ – with the Honeycomb Christian Charity Shop reopening its doors in August. As yet there’s no word from The Children’s Society about if and when they might resume trading here.
However, the latest surge of Coronavirus cases in Nottinghamshire, with another local COVID-19 ‘lockdown’ on the cards, means only time will tell what new restrictions may soon be slapped upon these and other ‘non-essential’ retailers in our village.
