Organisers of Ruddington’s popular monthly market on The Green are welcoming extra funding to support its growth and expansion.
Through its ‘Strategic Growth Fund’, Rushcliffe Borough Council (RBC) has provided £14,800 in match funding for Ruddington Village Community Partnership (RVCP) to support the running of Ruddington Village Market – which now sees over 75 participating businesses each month and attracts thousands of visitors to our village.
The market is set up and run by volunteers and this funding has gone towards a Market Manager post, advertising costs, pitch markers and equipment to help set up the market. The ‘Strategic Growth Fund’ is managed by the Strategic Growth Board – which is made up of representatives from Rushcliffe Borough Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Homes England, D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership and Rushcliffe Business Partnership. Its members granted the cash injection after being “…delighted at the exceptional way co-ordinators have evolved the market’s offering”.
Held on the first Saturday of every month, from 9am to 2pm, organisers from RVCP not only welcome visitors to their many visiting market traders, whilst enjoying live music and entertainment for the whole family, but also to explore and shop at other independent businesses.
RBC’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Communities and Climate Change Cllr Abby Brennan and Ruddington Ward Councillors Cllr Jen Walker and Cllr Mike Gaunt met organisers and volunteers at the recent March market to see how integral it now is to the local community.
Cllr Brennan said: “This is an impressive market which benefits the whole area and is fantastic for the local community. The market shines a light on the great local high street and independent businesses we have in Rushcliffe and further afield. It is a super shopping experience for visitors and there are a wide range of businesses from food and drink stalls to arts and crafts, pet supplies and much more. There are even miniature donkeys which is popular with families!”
She continues: “Our funding has contributed to support and growth of the market and we can see it’s a huge success. The opening hours have recently been extended which shows the demand for the market. Initiatives like this are vital for supporting local economic growth and the organisers and volunteers do a tremendous job running this successful venture.”
Chair of RVCP, Mike Ader, says they’re very grateful: “Support from Rushcliffe Borough Council has been vital to the success of the market and the wider activities of RVCP. Since our inception in 2018, we have recognised the importance of economic growth to our independent high street, and the huge role a vibrant visitor economy plays in the sense of pride, ownership and resilience in our community.”
He adds: “Through projects such as Ruddington Village Market and Makers Night, we have raised profile of Ruddington as a place to visit and invest in, and assistance from the Strategic Growth Fund has been invaluable to realising these aims.”
Previous funding contributed to RVCP’s inaugural ‘Rudd Awards’ in November last year – showcasing our community heroes and outstanding businesses in the village.
Ruddington’s next village market takes place on Saturday 1st April … no fooling! As usual, RUDDINGTON.info will publish full details of all the stallholders and other attractions nearer the date.
