It’s been a great year for our village at the Celebrating Rushcliffe Awards, with two winners from Ruddington and a total of four shortlisted.
Organised by Rushcliffe Borough Council (RBC), each year these awards celebrate the area’s most dedicated volunteers, businesses, organisations and environmentalists, as well as the best of its health and wellbeing, sport, and food and drink sectors.
The gongs were handed out in 10 categories during the annual showcase celebration event at Rushcliffe Arena in West Bridgford, held on 30th November.
Ruddington’s first winner was Mark Pinks for ‘Volunteer of the Year’. This was in recognition of his outstanding contribution to village life, including as a governor at St Peter’s Junior School (where he established an after-school computer club), a former Ruddington Parish Councillor, and an NG11 Foodbank volunteer.
Mark is also a key member of Ruddington Village Community Partnership, helping to organise events such as the Ruddington Village Market.
Typically, and with his usual modesty and commitment, Mark was very busy volunteering at the first night of the Ruddington Christmas Market and so did not attend the ceremony himself. The award was collected by Deborah Edis and Chris Pinks (pictured above) on his behalf.
Secondly, Helen Tooth‘s Joyful Jukebox – which she brings to Ruddington for Bloomin’ Dementia‘s fortnightly Music in Mind sessions in the Village Hall and also the Green Memory Cafe at Rushcliffe Country Park – won the ‘Health and Wellbeing’ category this year.
Also in the top three for their categories were 11-year-old village resident, Megan Stacey, who was shortlisted for ‘Sportsperson of the Year’, and volunteers from the Wednesday Morning Coffee Club in St Peter’s Rooms, who were shortlisted for the ‘Community Group of the Year’ award.
RBC’s Leader, Cllr Neil Clarke, led the praise to all those shortlisted for an award and to the many local sponsors who supported the accolades. He said: “Many congratulations to our shortlisted nominees all of whom are so deserving of this recognition whether volunteering or leading by example in their chosen field.
“Also thank you to E.ON and all sponsors. Your support is hugely appreciated and for the roles you play in our communities.”
You can find details of all the Celebrating Rushcliffe 2023 winners and runners-up at https://www.rushcliffe.gov.uk/news-area/winners-and-nominees-praised-at-the-celebrating-rushcliffe-awards-working-with-eon/.
Graham Wright via RUDDINGTON.info