RAY Wright, the man who opened up Clearwell Caves as a public attraction, died at home on Friday after a long illness – he was 85.

He was a very active figure in Forest affairs, including serving as Secretary of the Forest of Dean Freeminers Association for more than 30 years and as one of the four Forest Verderers for 23 years.

In 1968 Clearwell Caves opened with just one cavern with more being opened until the present nine impressive caverns could be visited by the public and now attract about 50,000 visitors a year.

Since his death tributes have poured in.

Local Forest of Dean District Councillor Terry Hale said: “Ray was a great guy and was looked upon as a father figure in the community here.”

Senior Verderer Bob Jenkins said: “Ray and I were made verderers at the same time in 1992. He has been a terrific support to the verderers with a very balanced approach to the problems of the Forest of Dean.

“He was a very knowledgeable especially about the underground workings and that was a great asset to us as verderers.”

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