Ruddington’s Framework Knitters’ Museum has had some very special visitors from America this month – the family of a woman whose generous gift greatly helped to make its recent expansion plans possible.
Many villagers will already know that our internationally famous tourist attraction has been transformed in the last couple of years by the purchase of the former ‘Gunn Cottage’ at the end of Chapel Street. It’s been converted into an impressive new entrance and reception area – plus shop and cafe – acting as a proper ‘gateway’ into Ruddington’s textile heritage site and the old Knitters’ Chapel.
Long term residents may remember Sandra Harris, and how she loved volunteering at her local museum during the 1990s and early 2000s. When she passed away, in December 2015, she left an amazing $34,000 in her family’s Trust to help with long-planned improvements to the site.
Her husband David Harris, who still lives in Ruddington, explains: “Sandra was a volunteer at the Museum for a number of years and was very fond of it. She made her gift at a time when the Museum was having difficulty funding the deposit needed to buy the house that is now Parker’s Yard.”
On Wednesday (July 12th 2023), he paid a return visit with his son and family – who now live in Manhattan – to see the new wall plaque unveiled in Parker’s Yard which recognises Sandra’s generous support. David is pictured (top photo) with his son Paul Harris, daughter-in-law Moira Herbst and grandchildren Eva and Piran. The family then enjoyed a tour of the museum’s historic frame-shops and former workers’ cottages guided by its creative and commercial manager, Sarah Godfrey.
Paul says: “My mum would have loved the idea of her two grandkids visiting a place she enjoyed so much and having such a great time. She would be amazed to see how the museum has developed into what it is today and proud to have played a part in it.”
His wife Moira agrees, saying: “Sandra understood the magic of this place. It is a living tribute to the workers of the region; their stories help us understand our history as well as where we find ourselves today.”
David adds: “We’re very much honoured to have this plaque there, and Sandra would have been really pleased that the museum has taken the trouble to do that. She really enjoyed working here.”
Sarah says: “If it hadn’t been for Sandra we may not have been able to purchase ‘Gunn Cottage’, which forms such a big part of what the museum offers today. I wouldn’t even have this job! We’re delighted to put this first plaque in place; which is just the start of a whole ‘Benefactors Wall’ we’re planning – to thank people who’ve so generously helped our museum over the years.”
Sarah is also keen for anyone else who’d like to volunteer a little time to help out at the museum to come forward – in addition to paid opportunities to work at its onsite cafe run by The Split Screen Coffee Company. You can email office@fwk.org.uk for more details.
Ruddington’s Framework Knitters’ Museum is open Wednesday to Saturday between 11am and 4pm, Sunday & Bank Holiday Mondays 1.30pm-4pm. Parker’s Yard is free to attend and open from Monday to Saturday, between 9.30am and 4pm, Sundays 11:30am-4pm & Bank Holiday Mondays 11am-4pm.
