Ray First started shooting in 1965 to 1969 with Rochford Target Archery Club. He then moved to Broxbourne Bowmen when it was first founded in 1970 until 1982 where he first met Brian Boon and Norman Bird.

Ray joined the Cloth of Gold in 1992; Ray is one of the old school. He has been involved with the Longbow Re-enactment Group, Also he was involved in Country and Western group “The Southern Gentlemen” and had a superb collection of historical memorabilia, some of his weapons he made from scratch and are perfectly functional Battleaxes, Swords, Guns etc. He is a regular member of the club and attends Club activities. He makes himself available for work at all the Club Shoots.

There was a time when Ray would be at all the local N.F.A.S.Open Shoots. He has won trophies and medals in both Longbow and Hunting Tackle classes. At the moment he spends most of his spare time down at the Club. He was very helpful with the railway track that the club has for running moving targets downhill. He has helped with welding jobs when needed and a little engineering work at times. In the days of boss making Ray was always there with his Boss on time.

Ray at present shoots Hunting Tackle but has tried his hand at other styles. He won a Master Hunters Patch in the Hunting Tackle Class 2003.

Ray is a long and loyal serving member of the Cloth of Gold F A C.