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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Ruddington Museum Becomes New Travellers’ Choice

The Framework Knitters’ Museum on Chapel Street has just gained an international accolade – a TripAdvisor ‘Travelers’ Choice Award’ for 2023! Each year the travel comparison website recognises favourite attractions around the world, based on reviews and ratings collected over the past year. These TripAdvisor reviews have elevated our museum into the top 10% of visitor attractions worldwide. The preserved Ruddington heritage site one of very few places left in the country where you’ll find the working and living conditions of the once large framework knitting industry. Sarah Godfrey, creative and…

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Fabulous Feedback from ‘The Big Sing’

Ruddington was alive with the sound of music yesterday – as around 170 voices demonstrated the joy of singing at various venues around our village. Organised by Ruddington Community Choir, ‘The Big Sing’ was back – after a five year absence due to COVID-19 and other factors – and it seems participants from near and far quickly and eagerly picked up from where it had left off. The big day (Saturday May 20th 2023) started with a ‘Mass Workshop’ in St Peter’s Church where singers learned ‘I’m Into Something Good’ and…

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Get Ready for ‘The Big Sing’

It’s been rather a long wait, partly due to COVID-19 restrictions, but Ruddington’s much loved singing festival is finally back this month. As before, the aim is to enjoy singing together, and anyone can take part, whether you can sing or not! ‘The Big Sing 2023’ is run by Ruddington Community Choir, who hope it will be a welcome boost to our village economy, too.  Organisers estimate over 160 people will gather between 9am and 6pm on Saturday 20th May, with the event starting and ending at St Peter’s Church. Participants will…

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‘The Ruddington Big Sing’ 2023

If you enjoy singing, you’ll love this village event. Organisers Ruddington Community Choir are excited – and you are invited. The ‘Big Sing’ is open to everyone who likes to sing and you don’t have to be a member of a participating choir to attend. This event will be spread across multiple venues in our village. Complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits will be available in St Peter’s Rooms from 9.15am ahead of the warm-ups and during breaks. From 10.00am to 5.45pm: Ruddington Big Sing 2023’ will start in St Peter’s Church with a mass…

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Ruddington’s Rescheduled ‘Big Sing’

It’s almost six months since we brought you the disappointing news that the ‘Ruddington Big Sing’ would not be returning for 2022 after all – having been cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It had previously taken place every two years. Postponed from 8th October last year, organisers Ruddington Community Choir have confirmed a rescheduled date this May – its traditional ‘slot’ in the village calendar – with tickets available now! Organisers stress that the ‘Big Sing’ is open to anyone and everyone who enjoys singing; you do not have to be a…

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International Women’s Day Award for Helen

Ruddington’s Framework Knitters’ Museum is celebrating its long-standing textile artist and technical demonstrator, Helen Brownett, by presenting her with an achievement award for International Women’s Day, which is TODAY (Wednesday 8th March 2023). The accolade is in recognition of Helen’s 28 years of service here, inspiring thousands of visitors and encouraging many to become interested in knitting on the museum’s hand powered ‘Griswold’ machines. Helen is best known for her elaborate ‘office’; which is filled with hundreds of yarns of wool, creating a unique and vibrant workspace! Museum manager Sarah Godfrey…

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Night at the Museum

Those attending the official re-opening of Ruddington’s famous Framework Knitters’ Museum this week got to see it in a different light…. the dark! Staff and volunteers at Ruddington’s now internationally acclaimed tourist attraction welcomed invited guests to see the newly expanded site at four o’clock on Tuesday afternoon (23rd November) – and it was soon apparent why this time was chosen. As night fell, the workers’ cottages – recently restored to how they would have looked in 1890 – and the museum’s new ‘community garden’ were lit by candles and other…

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Volunteers Needed for Expanded Museum

As Ruddington’s Framework Knitters’ Museum on Chapel Street moves towards re-opening in October, it’s looking for new volunteers. Jan Perret writes… If you are local to Ruddington, you will probably have noticed that the museum has been undergoing extensive building work over the last few months, thanks to a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and FCC Communities Foundation. This money has allowed us to create a new entrance, reception, shop and cafe in the old ‘Gunn Cottage’ and this means we have more opportunities for you to be involved…

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Kempson Court to Close

One of Ruddington’s less well known retail areas is set to be demolished for housing – after the owner revealed the site has been running at a loss. It seems the Coronavirus outbreak finally sealed its fate! Eight separate businesses are currently being accommodated in the tucked away courtyard at the far end of Kempson Street – created almost ten years ago in an L-shaped block of units that were originally intended to be used as workshops. However, some of these have since been refurbished and let out as both…

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