Our WI is 99 … and Still Counting

Did you know that Ruddington Women’s Institute has been active in our village for ninety-nine years? Ahead of their centenary celebrations, current members are extending a warm welcome to any woman to join them, regardless of age. They’re also keen to dispel some common misconceptions. Committee member Barbara Wheeler says: “Contrary to popular belief, the WI is not all about baking and jam making! Some of us enjoy doing that, but others like to go on visits in the local area, join in the various activities at our meetings or…

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Fancy Singing In Our Choir?

For over ten years now members of Ruddington Community Choir have been entertaining audiences – and themselves – with weekly rehearsals leading to regular concerts both in our village and further afield. Not only that, they’ve organised popular events in Ruddington such as ‘The Big Sing’ – which attracts choirs from around the country to attend specialist workshops and performances at venues around the village. Whilst choir membership is looking very healthy at the moment, they’re always looking to attract new singers who might like to give it a try – particularly a few more male…

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Join the Ruddy Rebels!

Women who want to run with others – or get back into running – are being invited along to a series of FREE ‘Couch to 5k’ running sessions starting in Ruddington this week. They’ve been organised by Notts Women Runners in Rushcliffe Country Park since 2016 – as the sub group ‘Ruddy Rebels’ – but have been on ‘hiatus’ since COVID-19 struck, just over two and a half years’ ago. Rachel Lesesne, one of the three run leaders, explains: “Our last official beginners group graduated in March 2020 {pictured top}, just a…

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There’s Movement at the Methodists’

Following an unprecedented period where there has been a very uncharacteristic lack of activity at the distinctive and historic Church Street building, Ruddington Methodist Church springs back to life this weekend! Of course, like many others in our village, the chapel (dating from 1873) was closed for services and other gatherings in March 2020 due to the Coronavirus pandemic. It’s just taken a little longer than some to get restarted, now all COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. Kathy Powis reveals: “After nearly 18 months of complete shut-down or occasional services, we are…

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Face-to-Face U3A Meetings Resume

Like everything else involving close human contact, the diverse range of Ruddington & District U3A meetings – which was continuing to expand since the local group established itself in 2018 – came to an abrupt halt early last year because of the Coronavirus pandemic. Although a few online village meetings and talks have taken place on Zoom since then, only following the latest “full” easing of COVID-19 restrictions have local U3A organisers decided to start getting people together in person again. U3A is short for The University of the Third…

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It’s Good to Talk!

Have you noticed a rather subtle addition to the landscape in Rushcliffe Country Park? It’s not the bench itself but rather the yellow notice attached to it! Yes, Ruddington’s very first ‘Happy to Chat Bench’ is now available for anyone who’s willing to sit and talk. It’s an initiative launched by the Senior Citizen Liaison Team to help combat loneliness often felt by older people in later life. Bristol based SCLT is made up of a team of volunteers who provide bespoke safety presentations to community groups and organisations, as well as…

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By Yourself On Christmas Day?

If so, you needn’t be! Ruddington Baptist Church is hosting another Christmas Day lunch for people who would otherwise be alone on December 25th. Organiser Gwynneth Owen says: “Residents of all ages are welcome – whether your family has flown the nest, they’re too far away, or it’s just ‘complicated’. Come and join us along with other folk for a warm and friendly get together on Christmas Day!” Doors will open at one o’clock for welcome drinks and nibbles – with Christmas dinner plus all the trimmings being served at…

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On Your Own This Christmas?

If so, you needn’t be! Ruddington Baptist Church is hosting a Christmas Day dinner for people who would otherwise be alone on December the 25th. Residents of all ages are welcome – whether your family has flown the nest, they’re too far away, or it’s just “complicated”. You’re invited to join them and other village folk for a warm and friendly get together on Christmas Day. Doors will open at 1:00pm for welcome drinks and nibbles – with lunch being served at around 2.00pm. That’ll be followed at about 3:30pm by…

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