Organisers of the first ever ‘RUDD Awards’ have just announced the 18 finalists – individuals, businesses and community groups from the village who’ve been shortlisted from over 300 nominations.
The inaugural ‘RUDD Awards’ were launched in July 2022 by RVCP, Ruddington Village Community Partnership, to celebrate locals who’re making a difference to life in Ruddington, as well as contributing to a thriving ‘community hub and prosperous high street’.
The process was that residents and visitors submitted their nominations in six main categories. Earlier this month the awards committee shortlisted six nominees in each category. Then an independent panel of judges – broadcast journalist and BBC Radio Nottingham presenter Sarah Julian, local Parish Councillor Ken Piggott and Economic Growth Manager at Rushcliffe Borough Council Catherine Evans – choose a ‘highly commended’, ‘runner-up’ and ‘winner’ for each.
Mike Ader, Chair of RVCP, says: “The awards committee and the judging panel have really had their work cut out in selecting finalists from the amazing range of nominations we have received. There were some very hotly contested categories including ‘Village retailer or service’ sponsored by True Story and ‘Village hospitality’ sponsored by Quotient Sciences. We’ve been so impressed by the responses and it really shows what a fantastic place Ruddington is to live, work, shop and enjoy.”
Each award’s been sponsored by a different local business. Here is the shortlist along with the judges’ comments:
Volunteer or Fundraiser – sponsored by MHR
- CAROL JAGGERS – “Without her there would be no Ruddington Pantry or over 55s Coffee Club.”
- GWEN EYRE Co-op’s community champion “Heartened to know that Gwen and the next generation of Ruddington residents are doing so much for the village”.
- LAURA RATCLIFFE – Ruddington Mums, the Walking Bus and Ruddington Gifting which have gone from strength to strength. One respondent said “Ruddington wouldn’t be the amazing place it is without her.”
Sports, Leisure and Culture – sponsored by Ruddington Grange Golf Club
- FRAMEWORK KNITTERS’ MUSEUM – “It’s putting Ruddington on the cultural map.”
- RUDDINGTON VILLAGE MUSEUM – A “small cultural gem that deserves big recognition”.
- RUSHCLIFFE COUNTRY PARK RANGERS (AND VOLUNTEERS) – “Their efforts contribute a lot to making Ruddington the ‘complete package’ for a place to live or visit.”
Young Star – sponsored by main sponsor Ideagen
- CHLOE WOODHOUSE – Chloe has demonstrated a sustained effort in helping at the NG11 Foodbank. She sets a wonderful example to other young people by making a difference in her community.
- JOSHUA BROOKS – Joshua has been saving his own pocket money for the Mustard Seed Project (helping families in rural Uganda) since he was four years old. His commitment and kindness actually brought tears to the eyes of the judges.
- LILY-JEAN MORALES – Generous and compassionate enough to donate her lovely hair for the Little Princess Trust, she’s also raised enough for two wigs and is a great role model for other children in Ruddington.
Village Hospitality Business – sponsored by Quotient Sciences
- BOTTLE TOP – “We are impressed by the unique offering at the Bottle Top and the way it’s helped create a vibrant spirit in the village.”
- JASPERS – “Lots of praise (LOTS) for the lovely cakes, the quality of the food and the helpful staff.”
- RUDDINGTON ARMS – The respondents all spoke of the quality of the food, described as “exquisite’, ‘amazing’ and ‘unbeatable”.
Village Retailer or Service – sponsored by True Story
- ARTISAN HAIR – Michelle at Artisan hair overcame the many challenges of lockdown for her business and showed great care for her clients. She took on new premises and renovated them at a difficult time. She visits homes for those who need it due to illness and has become a friend and confident to so many of her clients (now friends) in the village.
- PERKINS – The judges were blown away by the sincerity and the volume of praise for Perkins. “Perkins is the sort of shop every village should have”
- PET PANTRY – We are impressed by the customer service at the Pet Pantry and the commitment to the health of animals. People spoke of the ‘enthusiasm for furry friends to visit’ and the friendly and helpful staff. Another asset for our village.
Community Group – sponsored by My Care, Ruddington Retirement Village
- RUDDINGTON COMMUNITY CHOIR – Respondents recognised their commitment to “promoting wellbeing, aiding mental and physical health through song, support and friendship.”
- RUDDINGTON PANTRY – “Brilliant idea! We think this is a concept which truly brings the community together.”
- YARN NINJAS – “This group brings JOY!! Yarn Ninjas are about so much more than knitting!!”
The Heart of Ruddington – backed by the main event sponsor Artex
- This is a special award for the nomination which has shown an Outstanding Contribution to Ruddington Village and will be revealed on the night of the awards.
All the winners will be announced at the awards evening 7.00pm-9.30pm on Friday 18th November 2022 at St Peter’s Church, which will compered by BBC Radio Nottingham Drivetime presenter, Verity Cowley. Due to limited space, please note the awards evening is for invited guests only. However, anyone can watch the proceedings, including the winners being announced, via a ‘livestream’ from 8pm at St Peter’s Church Facebook Page or on their YouTube channel.
Alternatively the award winners in each category will be featured afterwards here at RUDDINGTON.info, so please check back first thing on Saturday 19th November.
For more about the RUDD Awards please visit: https://www.rvcp.org.uk/awards.
{Top village centre photograph by Peter McConnochie – courtesy of RVCP.}
