With our brand new Ruddington Village Market now less than a fortnight away, promotional leaflets have begun dropping through local letterboxes this weekend to try to ensure that even our less internet-savvy residents get to hear about it!
This exciting, new venture, hosted and co-organised by The White Horse Inn in conjunction with Stella Dickie and her Ruddington Village Centre Partnership “market” team, is intended to become a monthly fixture, so long as this first one on Saturday February 2nd is a success. It’s hoped that it will draw locals back into our village centre to see the market, and remind us all what an amazing array of independent shops are always available on our doorstep. 
The new market is also designed to tempt people to visit Ruddington for a “Ruddy Good Day Out” from far and wide, to see all that’s on offer. Visitors and locals alike will be able to access #RUDDYGOODOFFERS – deals and discounts at dozens of village retailers – simply by picking up a FREE Ruddington Loyalty Card during their visit.
Andy Hunt, from the White Horse, is optimistic the market will prove popular: “The reaction not just from our customers but from the village has been great” he says. “People are really looking forward to the farmers’ market. We just hope that the village get behind it, like they do with every other event the village put on. Stella has worked so hard to get a great group of stalls together. Everyone has been so supportive. My vision is for the farmers’ market to be a real fixture in the villagers diaries.”
In fact, it’s turned into rather more than a farmer’s market as plans have developed. Stella tells us: “We have had a fantastic response from stallholders. Visitors to the market will be able to taste and take home some wonderful produce, be entertained and be part of what I believe will be a thriving new adventure for the village.”
As you can see above, an impressive variety of village and visiting stallholders have been lined up in the pub and garden marquee.
From Ruddington, there’ll be cheese and sausages from Shane the butcher, Valentine sweets from Sweetie Boutique, blooms from Phoenix Flowers, the famous Split Screen Coffee van and The Black Cat’s famous sausage rolls and scotch eggs.
From further afield, sellers of chocolate, coffee, breads, doughnuts, savoury and sweet bakes are among the traders. They’ll be complemented inside The White Horse by artisan & craft stalls selling items such as jewellery, kitchen boards, bowls, presentation trays and wood art from responsibly sourced English hardwoods, handmade scented candles and wax melts, work from local artists, handmade hats, handmade cards and gifts. There’ll even be a performance by Ruddington Community Choir and there’ll be breakfast and hot drinks in the pub on the day, with an option to move on to the stronger stuff later!
You can find the full list of confirmed stall-holders & attractions >>HERE<<.
Stella adds: “Already I have enquiries from stallholders who are unable to attend in February wanting to book for the March market. The applications from artisan / craft makers has been overwhelming, the limited indoor space has meant only a handful will be able to attend leaving us to think that a dedicated market for all the wonderful ‘makers’ out there is needed.” Watch this space!
Organisers are encouraging local visitors to stretch their legs and walk or cycle to the market, and for people from outside our village to make use of public transport – such as Nottingham City Transport‘s Navy 3 or Green 10 buses, which both stop right outside. Whilst there will be some parking, it is expected to be especially busy on market day.
The inaugural Ruddington Village Market is being held at the White Horse, on Church Street, from 9am to 1pm on Saturday 2nd February 2019. Most outside stalls will be under the large marquee, so you’ll be fine, rain or shine. Needless to say, everyone’s welcome!
