The shortlist for the second Rudd Awards has been revealed, with 19 Ruddington favourites named as this year’s finalists.
Launched by registered Community Interest Company, Ruddington Village Community Partnership (RVCP) in 2022, the Rudd Awards shine a light on the local, businesses, individuals and community groups who are making a positive difference to life in Ruddington. The 19 worthy nominees for this year’s awards are represented across six categories and were shortlisted from more than 250 nominations.
Last month, Ruddington residents and visitors were invited to put forward their favourite nominees in each category, with reasons for their selection. The shortlist was then decided by a local, independent judging panel, including; Sarah Julian, local Broadcast journalist and BBC Radio Nottingham Presenter, 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 CIC, said: “Once again, the awards committee and judging panel have been so impressed by the nominations received, and selecting our finalists has been an extremely difficult task. The calibre of entries really shows what a fabulous place Ruddington is to live, work and thrive and we’re looking forward to celebrating everyone that supports our lovely village on the night.”
The lead sponsor of the awards is Ruddington-headquartered and leading construction product retailer Okarno Ltd, formerly known as Artex. As main sponsor, Okarno Ltd will be backing the ‘Heart of Ruddington award, to be announced on the night. This is an honorary award for the nomination which has shown an outstanding contribution to Ruddington Village.
Six other categories are sponsored by other locally-based businesses. These include software solutions provider Ideagen with the ‘Young Star’ category, creative agency, True Story with ‘Village retailer or service’, Quotient Sciences with ‘Village hospitality’, My Care, Ruddington Retirement Village for ‘Community Group’ and, new to the awards this year - Ridge Clean Energy Ltd backing ‘Volunteer or Fundraiser’ and Frank Key Group supporting the ‘Sports, leisure and culture’ category.
The awards, which launched in 2022, are one of several community initiatives set up by RVCP CIC as part of its aims to encourage everyone within the community to play an active role in the future of a prosperous, confident village.
The winners will be announced at the awards evening on Friday 17th May 2024 at Ruddington’s St Peters Church, compèred by BBC Radio Nottingham Drivetime presenter, Verity Cowley.
For more information about the Rudd Awards visit: https://www.rvcp.org.uk/awards.
The full shortlist can be found below:
Volunteer or Fundraiser - sponsored by Ridge Clean Energy Ltd
- KIMBERLEY WARD
- DAN CLIFFORD
- SALLY BEARDS
Sports, Leisure and Culture - sponsored by Frank Key Group
- FRAMEWORK KNITTERS
- RUDDINGTON RUNNING CLUB
- RUDD COLTS UNDER 9 BLACK TEAM
Young Star – sponsored by Ideagen
- BILLY-SCOTT LADKIN
- OTTILLIE AND EMMELINE JONES
- AMY RATCLIFFE-PUGH
Village Hospitality Business – sponsored by Quotient Sciences
- PARKERS YARD
- PHILOS
- FRAME BREAKERS
Village Retailer or Service - sponsored by True Story
- THE HONEYCOMB CHRISTIAN CHARITY SHOP
- PERKINS HARDWARE
- ANDY HICKS (POSTMAN)
Community Group - sponsored by My Care, Ruddington Retirement Village
- U3A
- NAPPACINOS
- WEDNESDAY CLUB
For more information about the Rudd Awards visit: https://www.rvcp.org.uk/awards.