European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - October 10, 1991, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Venham and  continued from pm go 3 who served at the nearby now deserted Lavenham air base. Patrons Are reminded of its past the minute they walk into the bar. Sections of a Wall hold the Well worn patches of the squadrons that once served in the area a some of which continue to operate from american air bases like the 494th tac fighter so Quot panthers Quot at Raf Lakenheath. About 100 medals and insignia Are pressed into a wooden beam near the bar s Entrance. On another Wall at the far end of the bar panels bearing the signatures of those Cis who passed a night or two imbibing at the Swan Are preserved. One of the panels once served As the log for those who took a shot at the Boot record a the time it look to chug a lug a i pints of Beer served in a Boot shaped Glass without the Swan hotel on High Street was a favorite hangout of . 8th air Force Crews during world War ii. Its old bar is decorated with Memorabilia left behind by the airmen. The town that Wool built the building at left dates from the Isth Century and eventually became the Wool Hall a meeting place for the four guilds that operated in Lavenham. Spilling a drop. . Odam started the tradition with a record of 4 minutes and 57 seconds. The last entry was a record of 22 seconds with a fellow named Mick Wilson being credited with the feat. A shelf near the panels holds a Small copy of the Glass Boot the original was broken according to one of the bartenders. Also visitors to the old bar should t be surprised to suddenly hear other customers making a bit of music with a full set of handbills. Lavenham a Bell ringers used to practice at the inn and their Bells which have been left behind Are brought out upon request. The old bar is open mondays through saturdays 11 . To 2 30 ., and 6  To 11  And sundays 12 noon to 3 ., and 7  To 10 30  Children Aren t allowed into the bar but families can use its Small adjoining lounge. Towering Over the Village is the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul. It was constructed on a site that is believed to have been occupied by a Church since Norman times. 7 he existing building was rebuilt in the late 15th Century a time of the City s greatest Prosperity using some Materia from an earlier Church. The Large Church a 191 feet Long a includes a bloc like 141-foot-High Tower. In an inside Corner intricately carved Wood panels enclose the Tomb of one of Lavenham s wealthy clothiers Thomas Spring who died in june 1523. Another sight to see in Lavenham also owes its existence to the Wool Trade. The Guildhall of Corpus Christie like the Hall that became Swan hotel was once a meeting place for the four Craft guilds that functioned during the Wool Days. The Guildhall built in 1529, now houses a museum of Lavenham history in its earlier clays it was a town Hall a workhouse and a Wool store. Admission to the Guildhall just off the town s Market Square is 1.80 pounds $3.20 for adults and 60 Pence for children. Opening times Are 11 . To 5  Daily until nov. 3, when it will close for the Winter. Five Miles from Lavenham is Long Melford a Village with a population of about 3,500 that has become a Haven for antique Hunters. Several stores packed with High Quality a and High priced a items line both sides of the town s 1 a mile main Street. The town also has a couple of old Manor houses an impressive Church and an inn with an interesting history. All can be seen during a Short visit. Melford Hall was built in the mid-16th Century. The mansion is now a private residence although about one third of it is open to the Public. The tour through the building is a relatively Short one. Among the rooms Are two with a connection to children s author and Illustrator Beatrix Potter. Potter was the Cousin of the grandmother to the current resident of the House sir Richard Hyde Parker and often visited Melford Hall. Detailed sketches drawn by her hang on the Wall of the room dedicated to her while a stuffed Well worn Jemima puddle Duck one of her characters rests in a Cabinet. Kent Well Hall is a Good example of an elizabethan Manor House. The a shaped building is set at the end of an almost mile Long Road. Its grounds include a Garden and farm with rare Breeds of animals. The House gardens and farm Are All open to the Public. T the Hall is frequently the site of historical reenactments showing life As it was in the 1500s. The town s main Church is the Cathedral like holy Trinity Church 250 feet Long. Underneath its wooden timbered ceiling sit some interesting historical artefacts. Among them is a 15th-Century Spanish chair from the Cathedral in Granada Spain that bears the coat of arms of Ferdinand v of Castile and Isabella the Royal duo that history says financed some of Christopher Columbus explorations. Brass rubbings of the Tomb markers on the floor near the front of the Church at 3 pounds a session Are allowed in holy Trinity with permission from the rectory. A Well known inn in Long Melford is the Bull hotel which the locals claim is haunted. The spirit of a murdered Yeoman Richard Everett supposedly wanders the hallway above the foyer where he was killed in 1648. A less exquisite and less expensive Cream Tea than the one offered at Swan hotel is served Here and of course the inn has a pub. 4 stripes Magazine october 10, 1991