Let's not divert from the true thread here please, eh?
I too am really sorry to see this obituary - yet another club run by folks who really care about the music, but falling victim to the apathy brigade. Ray did his very best to attract punters, that I know, and he tried all sorts of gambits including full punter consultation and change of venue, and a good publicity machine spreading the news far and wide, but the potentially fatal combination of gig clashes, Friday night slump and general apathy is enough to finish even the staunchest club. Whatever night a club runs can present problems and has pros and cons. Ray's musicians' sessions are to continue at the Tap & Spile on Tuesdays, so at least the tunesmiths will still be catered for, but where will the singers go? We can't all afford to travel far and wide can we?
But the bottom line of this post is to thank Ray for all his perseverance and hard work and for keeping things going so long when fainter hearts would've thrown in the towel long ago. That alone proves the quality of his commitment and integrity - good on yer, Ray!