Ray entered play work as a Community Service Volunteer in the early 1960s as a play scheme leader at Romford YMCA then at Redditch District Council. At Redditch he was seconded by the council onto a play course under the direction of Drummond Abernethy of the National Playing Fields at Play Field House London. Ray was placed on adventure playgrounds and projects at Notting Hill, Battersea and Holland Park . Following his time in London, Ray set up Adventure playgrounds, play centres and town-wide play programmes throughout the UK over the next three decades at Balsall heath adventure playground Birmingham, Rogerstone Log Cabin Play centre South Wales, Pin Green adventure playground Stevenage, Skelmersdale adventure playground for the Development corporation and Barnardos , Redditch play schemes programme 12 schemes, Fernheath adventure playground Bournemouth, Dog Kennel Hill East Dulwich adventure playground London, Hammersmith adventure playground London, Camden Open Space Play Sports and youth programmes London, Holicare play programme Bournemouth. Throughout his time in play work, Ray was an active founder member of numerous play bodies, Play Councils, regional play associations and national play campaign. Including the Institute of Play Leadership, Safety on Playgrounds Action Group, play committees at LAPA and NPFA Playfield House etc. He was an original Fellow of the Institute of Play/Recreation Leaders. His qualifications include RSA DIP Management/NVQ 4 Award. Senior Youth Worker Award City and Guilds Certificate NVQ4, Certificate of Management Institute of Management and numerous play certificates. Ray has been involved in the community as a Parent Governor, member of housing cooperative body, chair of residents/tenant groups and wildlife conservation Heath-watch, managed town wide community schemes for the elderly and disabled, and church renovation projects. I
Ray is the author of ADVENTURES IN CHILDS PLAY and A SOCIAL ACTIVIST AT PLAY. Purchase your copies below.
