Saturday 2nd October saw the very first RUDDBEST celebration: the pilot of an event that’s planned to run annually in the village.
The idea was conceived during lockdown when life was incredibly tough; we missed our loved ones, and community and fun seemed to be a thing of the past. Born out of a collaboration between Ruddington Parish Council (RPC) and St Peter’s church, RUDDBEST was a fun-filled event planned by the village, in the village, for the village.
Despite the worst weather all year with torrential rain all day long, attendance was gratifyingly high. Most events were packed, with only a couple being abandoned due to the weather. (Games on the green such as the Tug of War, Egg and Spoon Race and Sack Race would have ended up like water sports so reluctantly had to be cancelled!)
All other events went ahead. These included the Belly Dancers (complete with 10-foot golden wings!), an old-fashioned Tea Dance, Little ‘P’s, Teddy Bears’ Picnic, Puppet Show, Storytelling, Fun Dog Show, Jazz in the Chapel with a community supper, and the Scarecrow Competition. A really great day was had by all!
A truly moving part of the day was the commissioning of the new Hope Garden. This is sited in the Memorial Garden with the kind permission of RPC and comprises a monument which will be graced by multi-coloured roses. These are set within a planter adorned with plantings in the shape of a heart.
The commissioning of the Hope Garden involved the recital of a short poem and words of dedication to remember all that was lost in the Pandemic, with the added provision of a seat for people to come and reflect on life, love, and all that’s so special about Ruddington.
Jane Gray