An Unusual Inscription

If you explore St. Margarets ruins in the centre of West Raynham, Norfolk you will enjoy not only the peaceful rural view from this bench but also working out what the inscription means - it's simpler than you think and you don't have to be a Latin scholar! Think laterally!

East Rudham Olympic Torch Relay 4th July 2012

East Rudham was lined with well-wishers and the celebratory mood was as cheerful and as welcomed as the warm sunshine, which blessed the arrival of the Olympic Torch carried by Lisa Massingham. Heralded by acrobatic displays, much horn and whistle-blowing, flag waving and cheering, the torch was greeted by a huge crowd turning out, as never before, for this once-in-a-lifetime event in this small North Norfolk village.

The Norfolk Poppy Line Railway

The North Norfolk Railway offers a 10.5 mile round steam or vintage diesel train ride through one of Norfolk's Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You can explore several destinations en route from Holt (a delightful Georgian town), via Kelling Heath (with wooded & heathland walks), through to Weybourne on the North Norfolk coast and eventually to Sheringham, a small seaside town with a beautiful wooded park. The stations offer museums, buffets, a children's activity carriage and souvenir shops. The best way to travel is a 'rover ticket' to cover the whole day. Wild flowers in the rural landscape can be seen from the train most of the year but poppies in the summer gave the line its name - The Poppy Line!

Norfolk Seal Watch!

December and January are the months to catch up with a spot of seal gazing on Norfolk beaches. Hundreds of silvery grey seal pups sprawl the sands while their parents fish or keep close beady eyes on their rotund offspring. Some pups manage to climb the dunes on to the specially cordoned off human walking trails so a close encounter -eyeball to eyeball - will delight the visitor.

It is, of course important not to get too close to avoid any stress and panic amongst these delightful inhabitants of our shores. Horsey Beach is a popular walk to view the seal activities and it makes a great Christmas and winter family holiday outing – especially if you have over-indulged yourself with feasting! Here there are wonderful seaviews and long sand dune walks from Horsey to Winterton ...... not forgetting the great pubs with grub at both ends of the walk – The Nelson Head at Horsey and The Fisherman’s Return at Winterton!

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.

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.

West Raynham - Its historical Snippet!

The origins of West Raynham can be traced back to and before the Domesday Survey of 1086 (King William 1-of the Conqueror) when as King’s Land, it was known as Reinham. Today ‘The Raynhams’ covers the names of three villages East, West and South Raynham – West Raynham being the largest village on the Raynham Estate.
The area is attractive parkland and farmland owned by the Townshend family who live in the 17^th century Raynham Hall. George John Patrick Dominic Townshend, 7th Marquess Townshend, (13 May 1916 – 23 April 2010) was the longest serving British peer. He was a businessman and notably served as Chairman of Anglia Television from 1958 to 1986. His son Charles George Townshend is now the 8th Marquess Townshend.

Raynham Hall is a stunning statley mansion which is not open to the public.

However there is a public footpath through the estate which passes along the bottom of the drive.

The Raynham Estate and Holkham Estates were at the centre of the Agricultural Revolution. The 2^nd Viscount Townshend Charles Townshend, (18 April 1674 – 21 June 1738) was a British Whig statesman, who served for a decade as Secretary of State, directing British foreign policy. He was often known as 'Turnip Townshend' because of his strong interest in farming, and his role in the British Agriculural Revolution.