Last month we told you about the launch of the 2018 “Great British High Street Awards” run by The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government. If successful, our village could scoop £10,000 to spend on improvements to its shopping areas.
We’re pleased to report that Ruddington village centre businesses have got together to create a submission which has been entered in the ‘Customer Experience’ category. Julie Smith of Ruddington Village Centre Partnership (RVCP) told us: “We’re using our community strength and building more reasons to shop local – with ideas for improving the customer experience in the village. It’s an initiative whereby we increase the footfall within Ruddington by providing a reason to shop in the village.”
The submission outlines the initial formation of RVCP – in direct response to the sudden and unexpected closure of Thomas’s Greengrocers at Easter – in an effort to revive our village centre and reopen empty shops. It addresses the challenges of not enough parking in the village centre. It also talks about plans for a regular market to attract more visitors, with activities such as food demonstrations, arts and crafts and performance: “It is essential to develop a mix of stall holders for all generations but in particular we want to bring young families into the village centre to visit the market, the High Street and the historical attractions. The RVCP are also passionate about promoting the younger generation and are keen to make links with The Teenage Market, scheduling one market three times a year in conjunction with the organisation and creating links with schools in the local area.”
Meantime village centre shoppers can help to put Ruddington on the map whilst entering a weekly draw to win £100 each time they spend at least £10 with their Visa Card in participating #MyHighStreet businesses in Ruddington.
These are:-
- Aidy’s Barber Shop
- Amanda Findlay Opticians
- Apotheka
- Artvine
- Beauty at Orchard House
- Black Cat Café
- Classic Cuts
- David Richards Jewellers
- Frame Breakers Pub
- Hare & Rabbit
- Home Interiors & Gifts
- Jaspers Café
- Julia’s Kitchen
- Lovely Little Wool Shop
- Old Bakehouse Tearoom
- Perkins Hardware
- Philo’s Deli
- Phoenix Flowers
- Post Office
- Ruddington Butchers
- Ruddington Arms
- Ruddington Fish Bar
- Ruddington Vets
- Summers at Eleven
- Victoria Tavern
Julie, who runs the Black Cat Café, says if any other village centre businesses she didn’t get chance to ask would also like to take part then she still has five boxes left. Please just pop in to see her as soon as possible – and then let RUDDINGTON.info know so we can add you to the list!
The campaign runs between now and September 2nd – but will be extended to November 4th if Ruddington gets shortlisted for an award.
Entry details, along with full terms and conditions, can be found >>HERE<< and also on the cards placed within the special boxes (see top picture) located at each of the participating village traders above. Good luck!
