Following our August article on family activities in the village during the school holidays, we thought Ruddington’s older generation might appreciate some information on what’s out there to keep retired people occupied. So if you’re finding yourself at a loose end and would like to try something new, why not give one (or more) of the ideas below a try?
Coffee mornings
Wednesdays, 10 to 11am at St Peter’s Rooms, for over 55s. There’s a free bus available in the village. Call Lorna McCullough on 0115 921 4975 for details.
Saturdays, 10:30am to 12 noon at the Methodist Church Hall.
Sundays, 10am to 3pm at the Education Room (near the lake), at Rushcliffe Country Park. Tea, coffee and cakes are sold in aid of FoRCP.
Coffee and Lunch Club
Thursdays, 10:30am to 1:15pm in the lounge at St Peter’s Rooms. Meals are ordered weekly so please book in advance with Muriel Woodhead on 0115 984 5666.
Probus
The Probus organisation offers retired professional people the opportunity to meet likeminded folk, make new friends and expand their interests. Ruddington Probus Club (men only) meets every other Wednesday at Ruddington Grange Golf Club (call Roy Boyles on 0115 921 5735 for details). Meanwhile, Ruddington & District Ladies’ Probus Club meets on the second Thursday of each month at 2pm in St Peter’s Rooms. Please call Stella Boylin on 0115 921 2255 for information.
Women’s Institute (WI)
Ruddington has a friendly and active WI, which meets regularly for interesting talks, theatre visits, arts and crafts, outings and darts. Visitors are welcome to the monthly WI meetings at St Peter’s Rooms on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:15pm. A craft group also meets on the first and third Thursday from 2pm to 4pm, also at St Peter’s Rooms. Contact Evelyn Bedford on 0115 921 2423 for details.
Bowls, Bingo, Bridge and Scrabble
Ruddington’s Bowls Club welcomes players of all ages and experience levels. Please call Fran Dent on 0115 914 6707 and leave a message if you’d like to play.
There’s bingo for the over 60s every Monday from 1:30pm to 3pm at Peartree Orchard and also at Leys Court on Mondays and Fridays at 2pm. Call 0115 921 3128.
The Phoenix Bridge Club meets on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7pm to 10pm at St Peter’s Rooms. Please call Ann Adkin on 0115 937 2453.
A Scrabble group meets regularly at the Library to enjoy a game – please contact the Library for details on 0115 921 2309.
Historical and Outdoor Interests
These include:
Ruddington Gardeners’ Association, which offers a varied and interesting meeting programmes for gardeners of all abilities. Meetings are held in the Hermitage at 7:30pn on Wednesdays – simply turn up if you’d like to be involved.
Footpath Preservation Group. This Group organises walks on local footpaths in and around the Parish each Sunday, meeting on the Green at 2:15pm. Please see the Parish Council website, www.ruddingtonparishcouncil, for full details.
Royal British Legion. Meets at St Peter’s Rooms on the first Thursday of each month at 8pm. Call the Branch Secretary, Mrs M Parker, for details on 0115 984 4081.
Western Front Association. If you’re interested in the Great War, this group is for you. They meet at 7:30pm on the second Friday of each month at St Peter’s Rooms. Call Mr T Chamberlain on 01949 850 086 to find out more.
Local History & Amenity Society. The Society meets each month to hear a series of lectures that explore Ruddington’s history. Meetings are held at St Peter’s Rooms on the 1st Wednesday of the month at 8pm from September to March.
Nothing take your fancy?
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to activities in and around Ruddington for retired or older people! Please visit the Parish Council website, www.ruddingtonparishcouncil.co.uk, to find out more about the wealth of activities, facilities, clubs and organisations our village has to offer.
By Faye Stenson