Collective Worship
Title: Ray Gravell
Theme: Ray Gravell
School: Secondary
Term: Autumn Term
Summary:
Ray Gravell’s life story and the inspiration he was to a number of people during his life.
Teachers’ Notes
The pictures should be shown in PowerPoint as the story is told. The ( ) shows when the slide should be changed. To attract pupils’ attention, we recommend the first slide is already on display as they enter.
The Main Text
(Picture 1)
On the 31st of October 2007 Wales was stunned by the sudden death of Ray Gravell – the rugby player, actor and broadcaster.
Ray Gravell was born in Kidwelly on the 12th of September 1951 but was brought up in Mynyddygarreg, a place that was dear to him throughout his life.
He played his first game for Wales when he was 23 years old, against France in 1975. He played for Wales 23 times in all between 1975 and 1982. He was a member of Welsh teams that won the Grand Slam and the Triple Crown, and played for the Lions in South Africa in 1980.
(Picture 2)
He was a member of the Wales team that beat Australia in 1975 and Fiji in 1985. He was also a member of the Llanelli team that beat the All Blacks in 1972.
He was always a player who respected his opponents and he made many friends who were true to him to the end.
(Picture 3)
After he retired from rugby he concentrated on broadcasting work. He played the lead role in the S4C film Bonner in 1985 and had a small part in Damage, with Jeremy Irons and Juliette Binoche in 1992. He was a presenter on BBC Wales and Radio Cymru and became a firm favourite with his West Wales breakfast show. His words ‘West is Best’ were familiar to thousands as was ‘Tip Top’ the name chosen for the program he presented on BBC Wales.
(Picture 4)
Being chosen as the Keeper of the Sword in the Gorsedd y Beirdd ceremonies was a great honour, but he couldn’t carry on the role after losing his leg due to diabetes. His friend, Robin McBride took his place.
He died suddenly while on holiday in Spain with his family and all of Wales was stunned by the news. The tributes to him following his death were numerous and it was obvious that he had touched a rich variety of people during his life.
(Picture 5)
He is affectionately known as ‘Grav’ and thousands came to his funeral at Stradey Park to show their respects. The sun was shining and the scoreboard was commemorating the greatest moment in Llanelli Rugby Club’s history - the final score of 9-3 against the All Blacks in 1972. Llanelli Male Voice Choir and Burry Port Brass Band led the crowd in singing Calon Lan and Cwm Rhondda.
(Picture 6)
Numerous tributes were paid to him during the service. The late Professor Hywel Teifi Edwards said of him:
“He was a tidal wave of good fellowship that engulfed each and every group he came upon.”
(Picture 7)
Gerald Davies, the famous rugby player, referred to him as an inspiration to everybody he met, adding:
“He was happy among Princes, paupers and poets - and the difference meant nothing to him. He was dazzling and unforgettable with a heart of gold.”
He was called a true Welshman by many. He loved Wales with all his heart and there has never been a greater ambassador for Wales than Ray Gravell.
As the bearers carried Grav from Stradey Park on his final journey, the crowd rose as one to give him one last standing ovation. He had been there countless times before during his career, but nothing could compare with the way an entire nation rose together to say farewell to one of its favourite sons.
(Picture 8)
Today, a statue of Ray Gravell stands outside Parc y Scarlets in Llanelli.
Characters like Ray Gravell are a rare breed. Hearing his life story and listening to the tributes paid to him show us that he was an example and an inspiration to everyone.
PRAYER: Thank You, O Lord, for those rare characters in our society that are a constant inspiration to others through their words and actions. Help us to learn from their example. Amen.