After an accident as a Fitter and Welder Ray became a successful baker, establishing his first bakery-takeaway in 1974. After selling the bakery he established a cartage business and at this time he developed a passion for woodcraft by meeting Brian Massey, owner of the woodturning shop in Petone. Fascinated, he bought a Shopsmith machine (A 5 in 1 changeable machine) and started turning.
In 2001 Ray and family shifted to Marton and established another successful bakery/takeaway business. Eventually finding the spare time and with an introduction by Peter Mac, he joined the Wanganui Turners and Woodcraft group in 2017.
There he met, among others, Des Kendrick “who mentored me and got me interested in Intarsia and scale models” leading him to winning places at Kawerau, Pukeite, and in club events.
Ray held the position of Treasurer for a year and president of the club for 2 years and is still an active member of the group.
