TRIBUTE - RAY WRIGHT

THE earth of the Forest was central to the life of Ray Wright and a small part of it joined him on his final journey.

Ochre mined by his son, Jonathan, from Clearwell Caves, which he opened as a museum nearly 50 years ago, was painted on his coffin by daughter-in-law Heather.

Mr Wright died on Friday, August 7, aged 85.

At the request of his family many of the large number of people who attended his funeral at the Forest of Dean Crematorium near Cinderford last Friday (August 21), wore green.

Although noted for his knowledge of the Forest, its history, customs and culture, Mr Wright was actually a Londoner.

He was born in Fulham in January 1930 and first discovered the Forest on a school trip when in primary school.

Based at Ryder’s Farm, Flaxley, Mr Wright was in his element and returned to Fulham full of exciting stories about the Forest.

At the beginning of 1939 the Wright family came to Flaxley for a weekend and a week later moved into Yew Tree Cottage near the farm.

He was a pupil of Plump Hill School where the headmaster, Tom Gibbs, sparked the youngster’s interest in Forest history.

After marrying Iris in 1953, Mr Wright joined British Acoustic Films in Mitcheldean where he eventually became a design draughtsman managing a drawing office.

Colleagues had discovered holes near Wigpool and every lunchtime they would rush over to explore them.

They spent more time exploring and in 1964 formalised their group as the Royal Forest of Dean Caving Club.

Mr Wright was a keen builder – to the extent that friends nicknamed him ‘cement mixer’ inspired by a popular song – and five times he bought houses to renovate.

In 1968 he bought the Old Ham mine, re-naming it Clearwell Caves so visitors would understand it better.

Son Jonathan said: “People thought he was mad but he stuck to the project with help from friends and workmates.

“They willingly provided the skills and muscle and became lifelong friends.”

Mr Wright bought a gale and for 32 years was secretary of the the Freeminers’ Association.

In 1992 he was elected as a verderer, a role he relished as it enabled him to use his wide knowledge of the Forest.

In 2000 he separated from Iris and began a new life with partner Leann. His son said it was “a tough time for the family but it was Ray’s decision.”

He bought a cottage near Yew Tree Cottage where he had grown up and had largely finished renovating it when his health began to fail.

His son said he was deeply spiritual person and his beliefs “kept him positive throughout his life.”