Tributes were today paid to the woman who was the driving force behind Southend's amateur dramatics scene.
Ray Ayres, who was in her eighties, died on Saturday.
Ray was a founder member of the Southend Shakespeare Company 52 years ago and had been active in the company ever since.
She was still directing just acouple of years ago and was resposible for designing and making the costumes for countless productions over 50 years.
Her family, including her daughter Madeleine, who isone of Southend's best classical amateur actresses, are all involved in the SSC.
Drama critic John Giles, of Southend, said: "I counted her as a personal and much admired friend over the years."
Published Monday August 16, 2004
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