12 months ago I knew that there must be a way to reach out to parents in the village. I wanted to create a social hub to share information and ideas and ultimately make life easier for one another. Being a parent is confusing and emotional enough without trying to work everything else out on your own along the way. So I created the “Ruddington Mums” Facebook page.
What happens on Ruddington Mums? Well, there are posts solely to make people smile, thoughts and feelings, serious village related discussions, advice about what’s on and when, marketing for local businesses, personal tradesmen recommendations, warnings, suggestions, help with school stuff, support and advice, anything really. If you’re confused about something, you can be sure someone else is too, and someone can (and will) help.
In the last 12 months there have been hundreds of posts with lots of community interactions. We have had successful meet ups, with the kids at the park, and without the kids for food and wine. People who came nervously alone left with new friends. There are 2 more group socials planned for 2013, details of which will be posted on the Facebook page. (There could be more meet ups if anyone else wants to help arrange them?). People have also made new friends on the page and arranged their own play dates.
A page that started with about 18 of the Mums I’d met on the school run, now has nearly 500 members and a weekly reach of nearly 10,000 people! I can’t believe how big it has become. A big thank you to everyone who has supported the page. Ruddington Mums now seems to be safely embedded as a part of our village community life. Mission accomplished!
It is not a money making page, it is not my full time job and I do not have a team of people behind the scenes, it is my hobby and I love doing it. I even needed to draft in holiday cover (thank you Tamzin). What started nervously as a little idea has grown into a large cyber community of welcoming, supportive villagers. We’ve reached out, made friends, laughed and had the odd tantrum, helped local businesses and warmed the hearts of people in Ruddington and beyond. Long may it continue.
You do not need to be a Mum, you do not need to be a parent, you don’t even need to live in Ruddington to join us. If you have a sense of humour and an interest in our village life please take a look at
www.facebook.com/RuddingtonMums
Thank you. Xx
Website Comments:
Joanne Lale Independent Beauty Specialist
‘I love that it has created a sense of community, that I have met and made some fabulous friends. It has also helped my business, getting my name out there. Thank you Rudd mum x ‘
Framework Knitters Museum
‘From what I’ve seen and read you don’t just provide a place for parents to have a voice you also provide a voice for parents. I think this is a brilliant site. You’ve also helped us to reach our community by sharing our posts. We are most grateful. ’