Comberton Squash Club was very saddened to hear that Ray Scrivens died on Sunday 10 August surrounded by his family. His funeral was held on Friday August 22nd at 11.15am at the Cambridge crematorium (Huntingdon road). The service was followed by a cake wake in honour of Ray’s love of sweet treats at the Hoops pub in School Lane, Barton.
Neil Stutchbury made a personal tribute to Ray at his funeral on the contribution he made to the club. The full version is below; the actual version read out was abbreviated.
Ray Scrivens
Ray was one if the nicest men I ever met, generous with his time, generous with his praise and always considerate of others. I first met Ray when I joined Comberton squash club ten years ago and he persuaded me to be the Chair, which I did for six years. I might not have done so unless he agreed to stay on as secretary for a while, which he readily agreed to. His organisational skills and minute writing were excellent and he always had a considered and thoughtful point of view to put across.
Some 300 young kids owe him a debt of gratitude for the hours he put into junior development – his approach of inclusivity and involvement defined the ethos of Comberton. As Junior Development Officer, Ray oversaw Comberton become the most successful club for junior squash development in the region. For a number of years Ray entered individuals and teams of all ages into local tournaments and national schools competitions and more often than not Comberton players would win their age category; sometimes we would win all the age categories! On more than one occasion he was recognised by the club by being awarded the Sally Woods trophy for the contribution he made to the club’s success. Ironically he never sought the limelight or praise; indeed he felt uncomfortable being the centre of attention. He let his charges take the glory. I asked my son Ben, who was coached by Ray for his memories; he says:
“I first met Ray 10 years ago as a 14 year old junior squash player, on my first Saturday morning training session at Comberton Squash Club, having just moved to the area. He welcomed me with an infectious enthusiasm that was ever-present at these junior sessions. Ray embodied everything a small community squash club like Comberton needs and was simply just a really nice person. For the past 10 years Comberton has consistently produced some of the county’s top junior players and this is built of the foundations of junior development that Ray put into place. Furthermore, his contributions were not restricted to our small club. He was one of the foremost figures promoting junior development throughout Cambridgeshire, and was ever present at county tournaments.
After I ‘graduated’ from the junior ranks, with Ray’s encouragement, I undertook a coaching course and helped to deliver the Saturday morning sessions. As a person, to be coached by and then to coach alongside, he was simply a delight to be around. I, along with countless other junior players in Cambridgeshire, owe Ray a huge debt of gratitude. His commitment, jovial attitude and warmth will be sorely missed.”
We cannot talk about Ray’s contribution to squash without at least mentioning the way he played the game himself. He approached squash with a… shall we say… an unorthodox style! And anyone who has ever played him will know of his deadly drop shot from the back of the court! This became known among the junior players as the ‘Scrivens drop’.
I saw him not so long ago at the club and he looked so well, smiling as usual. I will miss him.
Ray, from me and the Club, goodbye, it’s been a privilege.
Neil Stutchbury
August 2014
