At this time of year Santa is dusting off his boots and consulting his lists. The Holy Cross Christmas Market reminds me that Ray was an excellent Santa, paying attention to detail. He wrote down everything he was told by the children and made sure Father Christmas knew what they would love to find in their stockings. One christmas Emily asked for a chicken nugget and a pea, another was the name of a boy that I will not put on this tribute but Ray will remember!

PASSING of RAYMOND COLIN ALLEN Kathy (Rays' sister) and I would like to express our sincere thanks to all those who supported us in our sad loss. Thank you to those who travelled from all over the country and his many friends in the Hykeham area, who came to celebrate Rays life. To all attending the Committal and the wonderful Church service, also who organised and prepared the catering for over 150 people and the sensitive way in which the funeral arrangements were managed. We have been overwhelmed by the messages and fond memories you shared. Deliberately we have refrained from naming individuals, for fear of missing someone. But you all know who you are. We will miss a lovely man, whose significant contributions to various individuals, communities, and organisations, largely went on quietly without a fuss. We know he made a big impact upon those he came into contact with. Thank you all again. Kathy, Richard & family

Raymundo, Twinkle Toes, The Italian Stallion. Our wonderful ACTion Community Theatre Chairman. There have been so many instances, both physically and influentially, that Ray has been quietly beside me, always gracefully guiding. I met Ray at 16 and all of my communtiy theatre journey has involved being in a show with Ray, or directing him or sitting on committee with him. Ray had a way of encouraging the most resistant people to get involved. He even got me to model in a charity fashion show once! He was so confident and successful in uniting peope I think because he knew it would be positive for them in the end and believed that we all have a duty to assist our fellow humans. I've seen nothing but stories over the weekend of the many ways that he helped others. Ray of sunshine, I will forever miss your steady prescence. The nod of a head and 'yes, good' after watching us do a scene. The door opening during the rehearsal break to you with a tray full of mugs with a tea for me, telling me off when I took forever to drink mine. The polite greeting kiss and the most gentlemany manners that I've ever encountered, and definitely one of the best bowlers (but you knew that!). Some of your lines from productions are part of my regular vocabulary and I'll continue to quote them, and I'll do so with a smile. Rest peacefully, sweet sweet man. Let's put on a good show for you this weekend, Mr Chairman.