Ruddington’s Railway Celebrates 125 Years

Did you realise that 2024 marks 125 years since the opening of the Great Central Railway ‘London Extension’? That included the two sections of line now preserved by heritage railway groups between Ruddington and Birstall in Leicester – which are soon to be reconnected in Loughborough, if all goes to plan. Meantime this weekend those two groups, Great Central Railway (Nottingham) and Great Central Railway (Loughborough), are holding a joint celebration for the first time, and encouraging visitors to enjoy what’s on offer at their sites. On both Saturday 16th March…

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Historic Footbridge Closes Again

Less than five years since it was last closed for repairs, one of Ruddington’s railway landmarks is currently undergoing a little more TLC following new safety concerns raised by the increased number of pedestrians who now use it. ‘Fifty Steps Bridge’ over the Great Central Railway line was constructed well over a century ago (circa 1899) and still survives as a functioning footbridge to this day. This is despite the passenger line beneath it becoming a victim of Dr Richard Beeching’s cuts in 1963, and nearby Ruddington Station subsequently being…

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Apply Now for UK Shared Prosperity Funding

Ruddington organisations delivering a project are being reminded they can apply for up to £40k from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF), supported by the UK Government. Applications should be made as soon as possible via Rushcliffe Borough Council (RBC), which is currently inviting community groups, businesses, voluntary or public sector organisations from our village to apply for the support by the deadline of Friday January 19th, 2024. Projects can cover a broad range of initiatives, and examples include: • Creating and improving local green…

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Twixmas Roundup from our Railway

With Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre now closed until 2024 (3rd January) here’s a quick progress report as we reach the end of another busy year at Ruddington’s popular railway. Firstly, Great Central Railway (Nottingham) (GCRN) reports that all the main building work on its new carriage shed here in Ruddington is now complete. Not only will this substantial new structure protect four, 1950s-built carriages from the elements and damage, but also the planned flat floor means it will be suitable for indoor events, and there is also a small workshop.…

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Ruddington Pub Plans Approved

A revised planning application with a slightly scaled down extension to an historic Ruddington public house has been approved by Rushcliffe Borough Council (RBC). Original plans revealed in July, to substantially expand The Frame Breakers at the corner of High Street and Kirk Lane by way of a three storey side extension with two storey side and rear extension to the existing building, received a negative reaction from some villagers and Ruddington Parish Council.  Consequently these proposals were withdrawn before even being put in front of the authority’s planning committee for consideration. The revised extension, once…

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Milestone Moment for Ruddington’s Railway

Despite the less than ideal autumn weather, it’s being reported that construction of a brand new building at Ruddington’s heritage railway is proceeding well – with new roof beams recently lifted into place {top photo by Tom Ingall} and the halfway point of the fundraising target now reached. As we reported in the summer, £40,000 was awarded to the Great Central Railway (Nottingham) Ltd (GCRN) ‘Carriage Shed Project’ from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF). This money, combined with match funding from East Midlands Railway Trust and LNER…

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Museum Volunteers’ Accolade from The King!

It’s been revealed that individuals and groups volunteering at Ruddington’s Framework Knitters’ Museum (FWK) have been awarded the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service 2023. Announced on His Majesty’s 75th Birthday today (14th November 2023), it is the highest Royal accolade a local voluntary group can receive in the UK, and is equivalent to an MBE. FWK is one of 262 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive our new King’s first awards this year. Their work, along with others from across the UK, aims to remind us about…

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Revised Pub Plans Published

As anticipated, a new planning application with a slightly scaled down extension to an historic Ruddington public house has been submitted to Rushcliffe Borough Council (RBC). It’s after original plans revealed in July, to substantially expand The Frame Breakers at the corner of High Street and Kirk Lane, received a negative reaction from some villagers and Ruddington Parish Council and so were withdrawn even before being put in front of the authority’s planning committee for consideration. Originally a three storey side extension with two storey side and rear extension to the existing building was proposed. Whilst many…

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Carriage Shed Takes Shape

Volunteers at Ruddington’s heritage railway report that work has got underway on schedule to finish building the long-planned covered storage area for its vintage carriages. This will complement the existing locomotive shed and engineering works at Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre on Mere Way. Great Central Railway (Nottingham) Ltd (GCRN) reveals that contractors have been onsite at building number 4, their new ‘Carriage Shed, for about two weeks now. Work completed to date includes the installation of new rear security door, marking out the position of the new steelwork and necessary work…

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Conservation Area Housing Approved

Plans to demolish derelict outbuildings and create flats behind Ruddington’s old butcher’s shop have been passed by Rushcliffe Borough Council (RBC). As we reported in February, the (then) empty premises and land behind it were bought last year by village entrepreneur Brian Perkins (of ‘Victoria Properties’) who is already the owner/landlord of several of Ruddington’s other shops. His company was responsible for the concept and construction of the adjacent ‘Courtyard’ precinct, off High Street, completed in September 2020. His newly approved redevelopment to the rear of the existing retail unit at 15, Church Street…

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