When it was announced that Ruddington would be in ‘Tier 3’ on emerging from the second ‘lockdown’, the news was greeted with understandable dismay by many in our hospitality sector who’ve worked so hard to make their premises COVID-safe during these unprecedented times.
For now, the Coronavirus pandemic means our village pubs, cafes and restaurants must stay closed or continue to trade as takeaways only – many with severely reduced opening hours. However, at least non-essential shops, gyms and personal care services in Ruddington, such as our now numerous village hair salons and barbers, have been able to reopen under the latest local restrictions. In fact, we’re pleased to report a few new village businesses are opening their doors this week…
At 15, High Street, there’s now an outlet for Nottingham Lace specialist Debbie Bryan – to complement her existing gallery in the city’s Lace Market. Debbie says: “Since showcasing our textile collections at the ‘Past Present Future Exhibition’ at the Ruddington’s Framework Knitters’ Museum over 16 years ago, to becoming a trustee of this historical working museum in 2020, a steep history and love of Ruddington feels like a perfect second home.”
Her new village centre shop (below) opening for the first time today (Thursday 3rd December), just in time for Christmas, will showcase gallery collections, from brand new fashion accessories, ceramics, lighting and jewellery to handmade soaps and seasonal greetings cards. “Before long, we will be gracing this idyllic village with our admired Crafternoons and our popular Afternoon Tea menus” promises Debbie. “We’ve already been so welcomed by the community and can’t wait to continue our rural journey.”
Next door, the new occupant of 13, High Street is no stranger to Ruddington, as she worked at ‘Hidden’ Salon on Kempson Court before the building owner decided over the summer to redevelop the site for new housing, giving tenants until the end of August to move out. Michelle Molloy, who owns and runs ‘Artisan Hair & Beauty’, says: “I was just getting going when we had to go into ‘lockdown two’! I have been overwhelmed with the support I have been shown by a lot of the other business on the High Street.”
Meantime, Natasha Dorey, who had to vacate ‘The Treatment Room’ at Kempson Court, has joined forces with ‘Beauty Works by Lauren’ which was the first business to open in The Courtyard in September.
Their new neighbour within the recently built Ruddington shopping precinct is ‘Zing Interiors’ which managed to open for only a few days until the second lockdown when non-essential shops were forced to close again. Fortunately, interior designer Jayne Welbourn was able to continue working behind the scenes there until allowed to reopen her shop (below). “I chose Ruddington and the Courtyard as the location was ideal – and the village businesses seem to be supportive of each other” says Jayne. “This attracted me even more and the people seem very friendly.” Her chic new outlet is filled with all manner of home furnishings such as tables, stools, lighting, mirrors, glassware, vases, rugs, cushions, candles and candle holders and now Christmas items, too.
Jayne’s main business, however, is selling designer fabrics and wallpapers: “I have a selection of pattern books in the showroom and then going out to clients houses to give them advice on what styles would suit their windows” she explains. “I also do upholstery and can have bespoke pieces made by my upholsterer. I have an onsite workroom where I make all the curtains and blinds, so clients can feel free to pop in anytime to see progression of work.”
Back on the other side of High Street, another new arrival, Elms Farm of Costock, opened its Ruddington Butchers shop on schedule, at 17, High Street, on November 18th. As previously reported, the family run business chose the former Thomas James Estate Agents office to trade from – after deciding our historic butchers’ premises at 15, Church Street, recently vacated by Shane Ginty, would not be suitable for their modern shop after all.
Village centre retailers are now hoping residents and visitors will head out in ‘socially distanced’ force to do much of their Christmas shopping at Ruddington’s impressive range of independent shops, old and new.
With some city centre chain stores currently struggling to the point of collapse, people shopping locally seems to be one of the few positive changes caused by COVID-19 during 2020.
You can read about the many events happening in Ruddington this Christmas, for your #RuddyGoodDayOut, >>HERE<<.
