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

New to the Website 28th November   November Rayne W.I. meeting report.   23rd November   Rayne Rambles webpage updated.   23rd November   Wildlife Reports updated.   21st November   Christmas Post Dates updated.     8th November   Jean Lewis added to Memories of Rayne.   31st October   Bettine Ward and Rita Lodge added to Memories of Rayne.   31st October   Neighbourhood Watch updated.   31st October   Twinning updated.   plus various updates to this page, the Village Diary or Directories. Minor changes are not noted here.

Local News !

• CALLING ALL RAYNE GARDENERS Following an earlier exploratory meeting attended by approximately 20 people a new gardening club has been formed in Rayne to exchange ideas, expertise and generally cater for gardeners of all levels in the village.  A full programme of visits, speakers and other events has been drawn up to cover the coming year.  Interested ?
  Our first official meeting to approve generalities and commence memberships will be held at the Swan on Monday 19th January commencing at 8pm.  This will include a 'Gardeners Question Time' featuring our own resident -experts????
  If you have an interest in any aspect of gardening, planting anything from a window box to acres, or just want to find out how to start, come and join us at the Swan.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Village Postcards Postcards with scenes of the and village which have been obtained by the Rayne Village Society are on sale at the Village Post Office at a cost of 28p each.
  
  
• RAYNE COMMUNITY INFORMATION POINT is open (Mon and Thurs 9:30-12:00).  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 - clerk@rayne-essex.gov.uk