Ray’s decades of dedication
COMMUNITY THANKS YOUTH CENTRE CHAIRMAN
whole gang. I’ve been a member, a youth leader and now I’ve been the chairman for the last 30 years.”
From hosting breakfast clubs and organising major community events, Ray makes sure everything runs smoothly at the centre. volunteers who give their time.”
Having been involved with the club for almost 60 years, Ray still enjoys it, admitting he could never just sit down, drink a cup of coffee and watch the TV.
He said:“I still thoroughly enjoy it, at some point I will have to pass the baton on – I’m 70 this year – but for now I’m happy to keep going.
“I don’t see it as doing anything special, it’s just something that needs to be done.”
Having only retired four and a half years ago, Ray has worked as a logistics manager, owned his own cleaning company and worked at EDF Energy – all while running the youth centre.
He admits his favourite thing about his role is meeting the children and grandchildren of people he knew coming into the club.
Ray picked up the Lifetime Achievement award at the Sunderland Echo’s Best of Wearside event in 2015.
Coun Debra Waller, who has known Ray for nine years, said: “He’s an amazing person and he puts a lot in the centre, he should be so proud.”
Kevin Lackenby, of JK Bouncy Castles, has also praised Ray for his work.
“You can tell he’s so dedicated to helping others and he holds the community so close to his heart,” he said.