‘Back to Normal’ at Ruddington Library

Ruddington Library is reverting to its pre-pandemic opening times from today (5th October). Since March last year our library has been completely closed during three COVID-19 ‘lockdowns’ and then reduced to opening just two half days a week ever since. Whilst Tuesday’s hours had already been extended recently – with a second opportunity each week to visit on Friday afternoons – the Church Street premises are now also open again on Thursdays and Saturdays during the times shown below. Monday: Closed Tuesday: 9.30am – 5.30pm Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 9.30am –…

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New Team at the Tearoom

One of Ruddington’s much-loved hospitality venues has reopened today under new management – and also with a more contemporary, new look. The Old Bakehouse Tearoom on Church Street had been closed since the start of July to allow for repairs and alterations to the interior by its new owner Eve Kirk. She took over the reigns from Lesley Wells during this summer due to Lesley’s retirement. Eve is pictured above (centre) with new staff members Jess (left) and Serena (right), who both live in Ruddington. Eve explains: “I worked in a cafe…

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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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The Bottle Top – Specialist Beer & Eco Shop

Yet again this pandemic, villagers are relying on Ruddington’s The Bottle Top to keep them stocked with essential items now that the toughest, national restrictions to combat the spread of COVID-19 are back in place. Whilst the new wave of Coronavirus and a third ‘lockdown’ have forced some of our village shops to close yet again, husband and wife team Anthony and Alex Preston are continuing to provide us with all their usual supplies. These include plastic-free fruit and veg, dried zero waste goods such as rice, nuts and oats, local pastries…

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Library Closed Again

It’s been confirmed that the doors to Ruddington Library will remain shut for an indefinite period during this third, national COVID-19 ‘lockdown’. A statement by Inspire Culture – which runs the service on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council – says it’s “committed to the wellbeing of staff and customers during the current Coronavirus pandemic.” The library had already been operating to very restricted hours since reopening after the first ‘lockdown’ and was also closed during the second ‘lockdown’ in November last year. Even the Tier 4 rules introduced locally on New Year’s Eve…

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‘Lockdown’ Library Arrangements

In line with the UK Government’s new national COVID-19 rules, it’s been confirmed Ruddington Library will not be opening during the new ‘lockdown’. As it stands, this means its doors will remain closed to villagers this Friday (November 6th), and on future Tuesdays and Fridays when it should have been open, through until Tuesday December 1st. It’s possible this closure may last even longer if current Coronavirus restrictions are extended, or if they are followed by tougher, local restrictions in Rushcliffe. First time around, the Church Street library was shut…

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Hospice Shop Reopens

A popular Ruddington charity shop is finally back in business again – over sixth months after having to close its doors due to the Spring Coronavirus ‘lockdown’. Bosses from Nottinghamshire Hospice decided to use this window of opportunity to carry out an impromptu ‘refurbishment’ to our village outlet, since drain work was also required on the premises. This had almost been completed in July, ready for reopening, when disaster struck: A severe thunderstorm hit Ruddington and the resulting deluge flooded many High Street shops – including number 10. As we…

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The Bottle Top – Beer, Coffee & Eco Shop!

Even though the business only opened in May 2019, there’s no doubt that Ruddington’s The Bottle Top has already become an integral part of village life for many residents – especially for craft beer fans and more environmentally conscious customers. Located in the premises previously occupied by the legendary Thomas’s Greengrocers, husband and wife team Anthony and Alex Preston certainly had some big shoes to fill at 2, High Street. However, it quickly became clear that their new business would be much more than just a ‘posh’ off-licence. They promised to bring this famous shop…

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Museum Reopens for a New Chapter

Having been closed since ‘lockdown’ began in March, Ruddington’s Framework Knitters’ Museum is reopening on Wednesday July 29th.* During closure, the team has been developing a more personal and ‘socially distanced’ visitor experience which it’s promised will be fun, interesting and safe. From this date, anyone visiting will be able to book the whole site for two hours to explore it with their family or social bubble. To make the tour as safe as possible, visitors will be asked to wear (knitted) cotton gloves as they explore the workers’ cottages…

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Ruddington Library Reopens

After almost four months of being shut due to the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic, as UK Government restrictions continue to be eased, Ruddington Library is reopening its doors this week. The sudden closure on March 21st not only halted its loans and reference services but also caused the cancellation of special events, such as Henry Normal‘s planned appearance, and halted numerous village classes and group sessions which usually happen in the building on a monthly basis. Whilst some activities and usual facilities will take a while to return, Nottinghamshire County Council’s Libraries…

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