Organised by registered Community Interest Company, Ruddington Village Community Partnership (RVCP), the 2024 Rudd Awards ceremony took place on Friday May 17th 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’ and, new to the awards this year – 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, which this year 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, including; local Broadcast journalist and radio presenter, Sarah Julian, Local Parish Councillor Ken Piggott and Economic Growth Manager, Rushcliffe Borough Council, Catherine Evans, who chose three finalists per category.
Mike Ader, Chair of RVCP said: “Last night 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.”
The full list of winners and finalists can be found online at: https://www.rvcp.org.uk/awards