RAYNE   Twinning   Association

Rayne is a pleasant rural village of about 3000 inhabitants situated on the B1256 about 65km north-east of London and about 3km to the west of Braintree.  In July, 2006, Rayne was named Essex Village of the Year in a competition organised by the Rural Community Council of Essex.

Rayne used to be a more important settlement than it is now.  Unlike Verberie with its wide range of shops, because of the close proximity of Braintree, Rayne has few shops - the Post Office and Nasda Stores on The Street (formerly the Roman Stane Street), a hairdresser's, a kitchen fitter's, various industrial outlets, mainly in converted farm barns, and Rayne Riding Centre.  The three pubs on The Street:- The Cock, The Swan and The Welsh Princess are popular with both villagers and visitors.

The Flitch Way Country Park which passes through 15 miles of countryside along the former track of the Bishops Stortford - Braintree railway line is a favourite walking and cycling path with the restored Rayne Station Centre having parking, toilets and other facilities.

Rayne Village Hall is a popular venue for local events and the adjoining superb children's playground a magnet for local children and those from surrounding villages.

All Saints Church, set behind the picturesque village green, possesses parish registers dating back to 1558.

There is a wide range of interest groups within the village (see website home page) giving villagers a strong sense of community.

Sheila Steer