Rudd Awards Honour the Best of Ruddington

Home » Rudd Awards Honour the Best of Ruddington Published: May 21, 2024 This Article was Written by: Rebecca Renfrew - Ridge Clean Energy

The winners of the second Rudd Awards were announced at a special ceremony this month, with 19 Ruddington favourites celebrated for their contribution to the local community.

Organised by registered Community Interest Company, Ruddington Village Community Partnership (RVCP), the 2024 Rudd Awards ceremony took place on Friday May 17th at Ruddington’s St Peter’s Church. Hosted by BBC Radio Nottingham Breakfast presenter Verity Cowley, the second Rudd Awards celebrated independent businesses, individuals and community groups helping Ruddington to thrive.

Six categories were sponsored by businesses, mostly local, including software solutions provider Ideagen, True Story, Quotient Sciences, My Care, Ridge Clean Energy, and Frank Key Group. Earlier this year, Ruddington residents and visitors submitted over 250 nominations across six categories, putting forward their favourites and providing reasons why they got a vote.

The shortlist was then decided by a local, independent judging panel including Sarah Julian, Ken Piggott Catherine Evans, who chose three finalists per category. The winners included Dan Clifford and Sally Beards for their individual volunteering roles within Scouts and Guides, Ruddington Running Club, local pub the Frame Breakers, new parent group Nappuccinos, young twins Ottillie and Emmeline Jones, and Perkins Hardware.

The Okarno-sponsored‘ Heart of Ruddington’ award, an honorary award for an outstanding contribution to Ruddington Village, went to Sheila Johnson-Marshall for her contribution to the lives of people in Ruddington through her service at St Peter’s CofE Junior School.

A modest Sheila said: “It’s been a great pleasure and privilege really. I’ve enjoyed contributing what I have. The school is at the heart of Ruddington. The children are the best thing we have.”

Mike Ader, Chair of RVCP said: “Last night proved to be a wonderful celebration of our vibrant and thriving village. The committee and judging panel were humbled by the calibre and range of nominations received and the true sense of pride in our local community.

“Choosing our finalists was an extremely difficult challenge, and the passion and dedication displayed by all of the individuals, businesses and community groups nominated is not to be underestimated. I extend my congratulations to every nominee and those recognised on the night.”