Mick O'Donnell (UK) spalted beech split form 13x20cm. SignedI first heard of Ray key early in 1980 then met up with him later that year when I discovered that he really was an enthusiastic, committed and professional wood turner very happy to pass on his expertise and knowledge . I spent two days with him in his workshop and the gallery that his wife liz ran.Over the next few years Ray invited me to demonstrate in a number of woodturning events he organised in the midlands, these were my first steps in demonstrating woodturning lead me into demonstrating around the world .In 1985 we both attended a 'Woodturning Seminar' at the Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts in Gatlinburg Tennessee. This was quite a revelation to both of us. Towards the end of the event we attended a meeting at which the American Association of Wood Turners was formed.On our return Ray thought that we should organise a similar event on the UK. Ray took the lead on this which resulted in a Woodturning seminar in 1987. During the event Ray organised a meeting with the proposal that and association of wood turners should be formed in the UK. This was the formation of the AWGB and Ray was elected chairman. From those small beginnings the AWGB has grown to what it is today under the leadership and guidance of Ray.Ray will be both missed and remembered in the wood turning world.The Ray Key Collaboration Auction