OUT OF VILLAGE BUSINESSES – PART 3

This month we round off our journey of discovery of lesser-known businesses on the outskirts of Ruddington. These are just as important for our local economy and employment – as well as providing amenities for residents out of the main village centre.
At the north-eastern edge of Ruddington, at the end of Rufford Road, you’ll find The Corner Shop.  The name says it all really – a handy newsagents, off licence and convenience store to serve the community.  It’s now a thriving business despite having been rescued from closure just a decade ago by current owners Stefan and Karen Swann – who now seem to enjoy a constant stream of customers from dawn until dusk seven days a week! They also do a delivery service for elderly and housebound customers.  During the summer plants are on sale at the front of the shop – and that’s when their other business ”Parklands Celebrations” comes into its’ own.  This is a joint venture with Debbie & Colin Lowther at Parklands Stables – the venue for a luxurious marquee available for weddings and other special occasions. Debbie also runs a franchise of Trophy Pet Foods from her Ruddington base.
Right next door to The Corner Shop you can also get your hair done! Flix Hair Design is a modern salon promising a friendly
atmosphere and a personal service, and is run by stylists Deborah & Collette – with over a quarter of century of hairdressing experience between them.
Venturing out along Ashworth Avenue onto Loughborough Road you’ll find Ruddington’s only surviving filling station – selling competitively priced Esso petrol and diesel as well as being another outlet for newspapers, groceries and a range of motoring accessories. Ruddington Service Station also offers snacks, a car wash, and tyre pressure check & inflation facilities.
For working parents, over the road in the former gatehouse for Ruddington Hall there’s Tiny Teddies’ Day Nursery – with places
for up to 37 children aged two months to eight years.
Finally, for older children, we venture to the north-western end of the village to discover East Midlands Sports Direct.  Formerly Bridge Stores and then Powers Pottery it was relaunched as a sporting and teamwear shop around eight years ago by Steve Wilson – and has gone from strength to strength.  The business now also sells clothing and uniforms for many of our local schools as well as offering a bespoke embroidery and printing service.
So, you see, there really is much more to Ruddington than initially meets the eye.
(By Graham Wright)