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Rayne
Rayne maps
Historic maps of Rayne and the local area, hand-drawn by Ordnance Survey and Samuel Lewis. View all Rayne maps
Rayne area books
Displaying 1 of 18 books about Rayne and the local area. View all books for this area
You can read extracts and browse photos from these books.
Memories of Rayne
Displaying a selection of personal
memories of Rayne.
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Rayne in 1950/1960
I was born in Rayne and in the 1950s.I have fond memories of being able to play various sports in the road at School Road with my brother Peter and friend Richard Dodd, gaining a few more players as word got around! We used to mark the Tennis Court on the road with chalk and played many games, sometimes having to vacate to allow the occasional vehicle to pass. Chief Inspector Baker of Braintree was often passing by in his Ford 10 car with a wry smile on his face. Cricket was also played with an old drum for the stumps, for the game to be disturbed by a vehicle was a bit more involved as the drum had to be moved as well as us! Hopscotch was also marked with chalk and enjoyed by many. I would dare anyone to play on School Road as it is now with speeding traffic. At that time Rayne played football on Drapers field alongside Mill Road in the North Essex League which involved villages from... Read more
Essex memories
My Early Years
I lived in Cressing Road, went to Chapel Hill Primary School and then to Braintree County High School. I left there in 1952 when my father was transferred by Crittall Metal Windows, to Dunedin, New Zealand. I remember the 750th Anniversary celebrations in 1949 and had always said I would like to return for the 800th Anniversary, but I couldn't make it. I would love to hear from some old friends of my early school days - maybe someone will read this and remember me. I have fond memories of my early childhood, even thogh it was the start of the 1939-45 war. My parents used to billet some servicemen, three of whom I remember well - Ron Hamnet, Jimmy Galloway, and John Andrews who all played football for Crittall Athletic. Some old school friends I remember were Douggie Kemp and Malcolm Wassell, and John Mews. Our neighbours in Cressing Road were the Potters (Tony and Jill were my age), and the Foulkes. The Little family had a small general... Read more
My Early Years
I'm sorry to hear of Malcolm's death - I had tried to get in touch with him for many years. Do you have any more memories of early(for me) Braintree days. I seem to have lost touch with all those that I knew.
Manor St. Brush Works
My father had his hand brush making business in Manor St. My Grandfather started the business in 1918 above horse stables that lay behind the Sun Public House. Because of this he called it "The Sunbrush Works". They later moved to premises in Manor St. I wonder if anyone remembers buying any brushes from them. Sadly the small factory was closed in 1971 when dad retired.
Manor Street School
The wall on the left in the photo is Manor Street School which I attended from about 1953 until 1959. I am still in touch with Rod Gray. Does anyone else remember me or Rod from that time? The Headmistress was Miss Jarvis who was always accompanied by her Dachsund dog!
Sun Brush Works
I remember the brush works in Manor Street very well. My grandmother's brother worked there, his name was Arthur Rayner. I had a hand brush from Sun Brush Works and used it for many years.
My Early Years
I remember you, Paul Smith from Chapel Hill School and High School. I also remember you going to New Zealand. I see John Mews occasionally in the White Hart at Braintree having morning coffee so I shall ask him if he remembers you. John also worked at Crittalls all his life. Doug Kemp went into the RAF and when he retired he didn't come back to Braintree. Barry Wassell also moved away and sadly he died a few years ago.
