Organisers of this month’s ‘Ruddington Open Gardens’ weekend have revealed the event was a great success – securing almost £4,500 for their two chosen charities.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the usually biennial was last held in 2018, but it returned even bigger and better on 2nd & 3rd July 2022. Through the weekend people across our village once again allowed public access to their own green spaces, for a one-off payment of £5, to help raise funds for Save the Children and Action for Children.
Jane Piggott says: “The organisers are very grateful to all those who opened their gardens or allotments for the weekend, to all the village businesses who offered to publicise the event and sell programmes in advance for us, and particularly to Thomas James Estate Agents, Ruddington Co-op and the Ruddington Village Centre Partnership who were our main sponsors. Thank you, too, to the ‘Knitting Ninjas’ who created some lovely colourful displays around the village which helped to publicise the event and generally added to the festive atmosphere.”
Despite fairly unsettled weather on the Saturday, it’s reported there were a large number of visitors over the weekend – some of whom came to Ruddington from as far afield as Chesterfield. Jane is pleased that everyone seemed to really enjoy both the gardens and other attractions on offer this time; including live music at the Methodist Church, an art and craft exhibition at the Framework Knitters’ Museum, a vintage bus, plant sales, stalls and games, and the refreshments offered in various locations.
She adds: “It was wonderful to see so many people out and about and enjoying everything the village had to offer. Thank you everyone for making this such a memorable weekend and helping us to raise so much for two very worthwhile causes!”
Jane and the organisers are hoping they will be able to repeat the success in two years’ time – with the next Ruddington Open Gardens due to take place in July 2024.
