Just when it seemed the Coronavirus pandemic was under control in the UK, another variant of COVID-19 is forcing significant changes to our festive plans for the second year in a row.
With daily infections now reaching a record high, seemingly driven by the highly contagious new Omicron strain, the Government is still largely putting its faith in the mass vaccine rollout to see us through. Indeed Ruddington hospitality venues are largely grateful that no official restrictions on them have been re-imposed just yet. However, perhaps partly due to this lack of protection, members of staff catching the virus along with increased caution from residents and visitors – wary of the recent surge in case numbers – is already having a serious, negative impact on trade.
On Wednesday this week (15th December) a notice appeared on the door of The Next Episode on Wilford Road apologising to customers that the popular Ruddington dining, drinks and meeting venue had had to close unexpectedly, and will not reopen until after Christmas.
Co-owner Sarah Anderson explains: “We decided to close The Next Episode as one of our members of management caught COVID – which led the other members having to self isolate. We had no choice but to close as we were unable to cover it, as we are short-staffed anyway.”
One of the cancelled events there was December’s Ruddington business networking. Organiser Shamshad Walker decided not to move yesterday’s meeting elsewhere since bookings had already dropped off – probably due to both the Government’s ‘work from home’ advice and increased worries about unnecessary face-to-face interaction.
Whilst sister venue The Ruddington Arms is unaffected at the moment, Sarah adds: “This new variant is having a huge impact on our business. Not only has it closed one of our venues but we have had around 400 cancellations; parties, numbers dropping in size and work parties cancelling altogether. However, Ruddington as a village are so supportive and we are very grateful – many using our online shop to collect their treats for Christmas.”
One glimmer of hope for struggling hospitality and personal care businesses affected by the recent dip in consumer confidence is the latest announcement by Rushcliffe Borough Council (RBC) that it will give new grants of up to £3,000 to those whose anticipated income has been hit hardest during the run-up to this Christmas. The authority is promising that 240 such business owners across the Borough will be alerted to the new payments which will arrive in their accounts from this Monday (December 20th) as a one-off sum. This is in addition to previous, central government pandemic funding totalling £40 million.
RBC’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Andy Edyvean, says: “We’re acutely aware how consumer confidence has dipped in recent days in light of the new variant, and understandable central government advice, and therefore we’re placing funding into eligible business accounts to counter an element of this impact. It’s aimed at those in the hospitality and some service industries that see customers sit down for longer periods when accessing their services. Everyone will be well aware of the fact that the hospitality industry is suffering in what should be a peak period of trading, as Christmas parties are being cancelled.”
He adds: “Furthermore premises such as beauty salons and nail bars that require a longer time in indoor premises is a sector that currently needs that extra support. Businesses will receive funding in line with the size of business premises they occupy and will be paid as soon as possible. Whilst our resources are limited we remain committed to supporting local businesses and the community in the festive season and we appreciate it is a tremendously difficult time for everyone as a result of Omicron.”
It’s unclear at this stage how many of these 240 hospitality and personal care businesses are in Ruddington.
Other Ruddington venues are also feeling the impact of Omicron – with today’s planned festive event (Saturday 18th December) at The Framework Knitters’ Museum no longer happening. The Victorian-style ‘A Cosy Cottage Christmas’ would usually attract a large number of festive visitors. But the need to pre-book it, alongside growing public worries about the latest Coronavirus, resulted in only a few bookings, so organisers decided to cancel it.
However, all is not lost. During usual opening hours you can still pop in to the museum for a tea or coffee and browse for last minute presents and stocking fillers – such as crafted and knitted items from their gift shop. Museum assistant Jan Perrett reveals there will still be a few ‘extras’ for visitors this Saturday, too: “We’ve got decorations in the cottage, mixing Christmas pud and mince pies in the Victorian kitchen, crafts in the Chapel, and our volunteers in Victorian dress” says Jan. “So come and have a browse before we close for Christmas. We are open 11am to 4pm and there’s no entry fee for the shop and cafe – just normal admission prices if you want to visit the museum site.”
Also cancelled by Coronavirus is the next meeting of Ruddington and District U3A with guest speaker John Hope planed for this Monday. Stephen Lowe explains: “After reviewing the Government scientists’ recommendations, and given its proximity to Christmas, we have taken the difficult decision to cancel the December monthly meeting on the 20th. We look forward to welcoming you back at Ruddington Methodist Church in the new year.”
Coupled with the cancellation of the usual ‘Santa Specials’ at Nottingham Heritage Railway, and other scaled-down celebrations, Christmas in Ruddington still hasn’t quite been the same this year due to COVID-19. However, there’s still plenty left to see and do, as you can read >>HERE<<.
Find the latest Government rules and guidance around the Coronavirus >>HERE<<.
