Ray Clay "Shining Light"
27 March 2020 - Atricle published by Cycling UK in Assemble
Outgoing Secretary of Leicestershire and Rutland CTC Ray Clay was recently presented with a Certificate of Appreciation by Jim Gerrard, President of the Cycling UK Member Group.
Ray's service to and enthusiasm for cycling and, in particular, to cycling in the East Midlands area, is outstanding. He was nominated for the award by new Secretary Neil Dixon, who lists Ray's achievements below:
"Ray served as Secretary for 23 years of the Leicestershire and Rutland Member Group, which was previously known as the District Association. In addition, he has also been President of the group on numerous occasions.
Ray has also been very active in organising many of the iconic local events and activities: he has been Secretary to the East Midlands Member Group for the 15 years of its existence and is the instigator of the annual Beaumanor Hall, Leicestershire spring bank holiday cycle camping weekend.
He was also the organiser of the annual carol service for Leicestershire and Rutland CTC, and involved in the group's Triennial Veterans' rides. He has also been a leading light in the annual Meriden memorial service for fallen cyclists.
Not only all this, but Ray has also undertaken a lot of campaigning work for cyclists in Loughborough and surrounding area."
Ray was previously awarded a Certificate of Merit by Cycling UK (then known as CTC) in 2011 and was also a winner for the East Midlands region in the CTC National Volunteer of the Year awards in 2005.
"I have had a hand in organising a number of events, it's a satisfying feeling when they go as planned." Ray Clay, former Secretary of Leicestershire and Rutland CTC
He says: "I have had a hand in organising a number of events, it's a satisfying feeling when they go as planned. But there have been hiccups, such as when I had to cancel a carol service at very short notice because of six inches of snow."
He adds, with typical generosity: "I'm pleased to say that my role as Secretary has been made easier with the support of the committee, particularly with having a very efficient minute taker. The Secretary's job is in very good hands with Neil taking over. He has many years experience and I'm sure he will do a good job.
Many thanks for everything you have done for cyclists, Ray, over so many years. The support of people like you is vital to Cycling UK's mission to get millions more people cycling.
Also thanks to Neil for nominating him. If there's anybody you'd like to see recognised for their dedication to cycling, please get in touch with the Volunteering Team at Cycling UK.