"Supporting projects like this is at the heart of our commitment to strengthening rural communities."
External restoration works at the Old School Room in Rayne have been successfully completed, thanks to a £10,000 grant awarded by Braintree District Council from the UK Government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund.
The grant funded the repair, treatment and repainting of the building’s external timber structure and window frames. These improvements will help preserve the character and integrity of this historic building, ensuring it remains a safe, welcoming and functional space for the community.
The Old School Room, located in the centre of Rayne, is a timber-framed Grade II listed building dating back to the 17th century and is a well-known and much‑valued community asset. It continues to play an important role in village life, serving as a vibrant community hub that hosts a wide range of activities, from events and parties to clubs, meetings and coffee mornings.
Cllr Justin Wrench, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth at Braintree District Council, said: “Supporting the upkeep of valued historic buildings like the Old School Room is essential to protecting our local heritage. This investment will help keep the Old School Room in good condition so it can remain a welcoming space for community activities and events. Supporting projects like this is at the heart of our commitment to strengthening rural communities."
Andy Goldsmith, who managed the project at the Old School Room in Rayne, said: “We had wanted to restore the external structure and aspect of the Old School Room for a while. The generosity of Braintree District Council enabled us to carry out the work much sooner than we would have been able to do without their support. We are most grateful to them for their support of our efforts.”
The grant formed part of a wider investment, with the charity contributing an additional £12,584 of its own funding towards the restoration works.
Across the district, 18 projects have received a £156k boost thanks to the award of funds from the UK Government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund.