The winners of the second Rudd Awards were announced at a special ceremony in May, 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 17th May at Ruddington’s St Peter’s Church.
Compèred 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 locally-based businesses, including software solutions provider Ideagen with the ‘Young Star’ category, creative agency, True Story with ‘Village retailer or service’, drug development and manufacturing accelerator, Quotient Sciences with ‘Village hospitality’, My Care, Ruddington Retirement Village for ‘Community Group’
New to the awards this year were renewable energy specialists, Ridge Clean Energy, backing ‘Volunteer or Fundraiser,’ and builders’ merchant, Frank Key Group supporting the ‘Sports, leisure and culture’ 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, for the second consecutive year, Perkins Hardware.
Lead sponsor of this year’s awards was Ruddington-headquartered and leading construction product distributor Okarno Ltd, formerly known as Artex. Okarno backed the ‘Heart of Ruddington’ award, an honorary award for an outstanding contribution to Ruddington Village.
This year, the award went to Sheila Johnson-Marshall for her astonishing contribution to the lives of people in Ruddington through her many years of work at St Peter’s CofE Junior School.
A very modest Sheila said: “It’s been a great pleasure and privilege really. I’ve enjoyed contributing what I have, if I have. The school is at the heart of Ruddington. The children are the best thing we have.”
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. This included local broadcast journalist and radio presenter Sarah Julian, Parish Councillor Ken Piggott and Economic Growth Manager for Rushcliffe Borough Council, Catherine Evans, who chose three finalists per category.
Mike Ader, Chair of RVCP said: “The awards ceremony 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.”
The full list of winners and finalists can be found with judges’ comments below:
Volunteer or Fundraiser Award – sponsored by Ridge Clean Energy Ltd
- Joint winners: Dan Clifford and Sally Beards
We found it impossible to separate the achievements of these two amazing individuals. They’ve both put an incredible amount of hard work into scouting and guiding over many years. They support so many young people, helping them learn new skills, take on new challenges in a safe environment and build their confidence. They’ve made the groups inclusive and accessible for those with additional needs.
- Runner-up: N/a
- Highly commended: Kimberley Ward
Sports, Leisure and Culture Award – sponsored by Frank Key Group
- Winner: Ruddington Running Club
The club started in December 2023 but already has over 100 members. It’s a grassroots club with a community focus, making fitness fun for anyone in the village and providing a great way to forge friendships and connections. It’s a great asset to the community.
- Runner-up: Rudd Colts under 9 Black Team
- Highly commended: Framework Knitters’ Museum
Young Star Award – sponsored by Ideagen
- Winners: Ottillie and Emmeline Jones
The twins are young leaders in the Beavers, teaching the children sign language and leading lots of games. They also volunteer at the junior park run and are an inspiration to other young people in the village.
- Runner up: Amy Ratcliffe-Pugh
- Highly commended: Billy-Scott Ladkin
Village Hospitality Business Award – sponsored by Quotient Sciences
- Winner: The Frame Breakers
The work the team did for Ukraine was outstanding, showing incredible bravery and compassion and love to people in dire circumstances. The pub is incredibly welcoming to everyone, providing a great service and great food. The village is very proud of them.
- Runner up: Parkers Yard
- Highly commended: Philo’s
Village Retailer or Service Award – sponsored by True Story
- Winner: Perkins Hardware
Whether you’re spending 50p or £50, the staff are always incredibly helpful. The team provide impeccable service and it’s like an Aladdin’s cave. They won this award last time, but we were so overwhelmed by the comments received; this is clearly a business which continues to deliver an excellent service to local residents.
- Runner up: The Honeycomb Christian Charity Shop
- Highly commended: Andrew Hicks
Community Group Award – sponsored by My Care, Ruddington Retirement Village
- Winner: Nappuccinos
This group is a lifeline for new parents in the village, going above and beyond the usual stay and play group. They provide an incredibly warm welcome, and a lot of comfort and support with no judgement. An asset to the village.
- Runner up: Wednesday Club
- Highly commended: U3A
For more information about the Rudd Awards visit: https://www.rvcp.org.uk/awards.