Sunday 7 August 2011

West Raynham's Very Own Green Goddess!


It must be many a little (and big) boy’s dream to own a fire engine! This is a reality for local resident of West Raynham, Mick Chestney, who stands proudly here beside his very own Green Goddess fire tender. Mick bought this 1956, 5000c, petrol-fuelled model from the Home Office in 2007, when she had only 1500 miles on the clock. This particular one has never see active service, being a reserve back-up, waiting in the wings ready to pump a capacity of 250 gallons through any of her 12 canvas hoses to quench a raging fire. Most of these magnificent vehicles have disappeared abroad, often to Third World countries. Mick enjoys taking his fire engine out for a spin or to local events and we are delighted that it can often been seen standing gleaming clean on his drive in the village, complete with a smiling fireman manikin.

Tuesday 1 February 2011

St. Margarets's Church Ruins, West Raynham


St. Margaret's Church ruins stand as a historic focal point in the centre of West Raynham - the largest village within the Raynhams. The church was first built in the 11th century. It must have been a fairly typical church for this part of Norfolk in the 14th-15th centuries. It had a small north aisle with a processional way beneath its tower. Sadly, it fell into ruins from the 1720s, when the lead roof was removed to help pay for the restoration of the grander St Mary's, in the Raynham Estate parkland at East Raynham. The ruins have now been freed from the clutches of choking ivy and elder, the flint work is secured and the surrounding graveyard is well tendered. It offers a quiet place for refelection and a gentle stroll amongst the interesting old tombstones where spreading views across a charming pastoral landscape delight the senses.