The first port of call for anybody seeking information about the village or the activities within the village of Rayne in Essex.   Links to local businesses and village groups plus general information.

Rayne - National Winner of the Village of the Year 2006/07 - ICT Category

Local News !

• The Family History Group last met on 17th May.   Members updated the meeting with progress made since March.   The next meeting will be on Monday 16th August at 12A Brunwin Road.   If you are interested, please ring Maurice on 326742  or email Webmaster and messages will be passed on.  ~ Beginners Very Welcome. 
  
  
• Flitch Way family Cycle Ride Thursday 19th August, departure 11am-12 noon.  BBQ lunch, drinks.   For the fifth consecutive year this event will be running on the Western end of the FlitchWay based at Takeley Station.  There is a different aspect to the event this year; it is running mid week to provide an activity for children during the school holiday.
  The success of the event on previous years was made possible by the involvement of the Friends of the Flitch Way and we are gratefull for their imput.   There is need for marshals and for staff on the check-in table.  You can also support us by taking part in the event and come along with your children or grand children.
  Alternatively you are welcome to just come along to enjoy the event; although children must be accompanied by an adult, it is not necessary for adults to be accompanied by children.
  This event has previously provided enjoyment and fun for participants and volunteer organisers and we hope that you will be able to join us.
  Please telephone me on 01992 444073 if you would like more details.
  Flitch Cycle Ride Flyer1.pdf
  
  
• Container Garden Competition ~ Rayne Gardeners invite you to take part in our competition this year which will be for a 'Garden in a Container'.  The size and nature of the container and style of garden is open to your imagination.  The competition is open to all Rayne residents and prizes will be offered to the best entry in both Adult and Children's categories.  Judging will take place at the end of July and the winners announced in Rayne in Focus and on the Village website.
  Entry forms can be obtained from Pat/Dave Hart, 22 Capel Road. Tel:- 321487   or email:- patdavehart@tiscali.co.uk   Gardeners page
  
  
• Rayne Swan Petanque Club ~ Petanque has been played at The Swan for many years, but possibly after a change of owner or management, the Petanque ceased.   The present Rayne Swan PC has been in existence since 2004 and has grown into the largest Petanque club in the area, with 22 members at present and will hopefully have 5 teams playing in the BDPL in the summer.  They are the current Winter & Summer league champions and are in a great position to retain the Winter league title this year.   If this sport appeals to you, then look at their website 
  
  
• Booking Hall Café.   Due to popular demand the Café is now open every day again 9.30 - 3.30 and 9 - 4 at the weekend.   Look in and relax with a tea or coffee, or whatever takes your fancy.
  
  
• Neighbourhood Policing - There have been some recent alterations to the Neighbourhood Policing Team for Rayne.   Shalford Police Station is now closed, therefore the 01371 851632 telephone number is no longer available.  Rayne comes within the Three Fields Ward again, and our Police Community Support Officers are now based at Braintree Police Station.
  
  The former telephone number for Braintree Police Station (01376 551312) is being phased out and the number to call for non emergencies is 0300 333 4444 (this is based in Chelmsford).   The good news is that our P.C.S.Os can still be reached on their mobile 07973 703810.  If there is no-one on duty at this number when you call, you can leave a message and someone will call you back.
  
  
• Rayne Email Newsletter has been in operation for a while.  Until now it was necessary to send an email to be added to the mailing list or to unsubscribe or to change your email address.  Now this part of the process has been automated and selecting EMAIL NEWSLETTER on the menu to the left under 'Village Life' will take you to a screen where you can add or change your address.   Why not join the mailing list for news in the village.   An average of one email per week is sent, so you won't be inundated with emails.
  
  
• Nominate a Neighbour Packs - These packs are aimed at reducing distraction burglaries and promoting your safety at the front door.  The packs are available free of charge from the Community Information Point.
  
  
• Rayne Forum ~ This is where you can comment on life in Rayne, put forward your ideas or ask for help on any subject at all.  So if you have anything to say, say it here or just go and have a look to see what others are saying.
  
  
• RAYNE COMMUNITY INFORMATION POINT is open (Mon and Thurs 9:30am-12:00noon).  The Parish Clerk - Pippa Potter - is available for consultation regarding Parish Council matters or other advice where possible.
  Do you want to check out the Village or Parish Council web sites, or look for something on the internet but don't have access to a computer?   You can use the computer when the Community Information Point is open and a booking system is in operation to ensure everybody has a chance of logging on.   Don't worry if you need help, a taster session with a member of the Web Steering Group can also be booked.   For more information, or to book your place, contact the Clerk 01376 552489.   Mobile Phone Contact - You are also able to send text messages to the same number.
  The Parish Clerk - Pippa Potter - http://www.rayne-essex.gov.uk/contact_us.html