Ruddington has recently lost a stalwart of our community with the death of Lorna McCullough.
In November 1991 Lorna and her friend Joy Murray launched the first edition of ‘The Rudd’. It was to be an “informative vehicle that kept villagers updated on events, happenings, gossip, etc.” It was produced fortnightly and cost 20p an issue. She edited it for 17 years until publication ceased in November 2008.
In response to public requests, Ruddington Parish Council launched the ‘Village Newsletter’ in January 2010. Despite its new name, many villagers still referred to it as The Rudd. In October 2017 Lorna gave her blessing to the title of The Rudd being reinstated … and it continues to this day.
Lorna also instigated and organised the very popular, weekly Over 55’s Coffee Morning for over 25 years. She elected to cease running it in 2022, however two local residents quickly volunteered to keep it going.
Amateur dramatics were her passion and she wrote and produced 14 Pantomimes with the Ruddington Players during the 1980’s and 1990’s. She was supported in this venture by her husband, Ivan, who was the musical director. The group also organised the collection of food items to provide Christmas Hampers to Seniors in the village.
In 1993, Lorna was delighted when she successfully auditioned to be part of the chorus of witches in a production of Roald Dahl’s “The Witches” at The Theatre Royal. She was also actively involved in the Lace Market Theatre in Nottingham.
Sadly Lorna passed away on 27th May 2024 at the age of 87. Her funeral service, attended by her family and many friends from the village, was held on 24th June at Ruddington Methodist Church. Donations in her memory can still be made to Diabetes UK or The Lace Market Theatre >>HERE<<.
Lorna McCullough was admired by all for her forward thinking and genuine love for Ruddington. She will be missed, but not forgotten; with The Rudd and the Over 55’s Coffee Mornings being a lasting legacy to her.
