Ray Bowman first moved to Newton Aycliffe with his parents in the early fifties when he was 17yrs old. He worked for Tarslag when they were building the Blue Bridge.
On his return from National Service, he worked for Aycliffe Development Corporation contructing Shafto Way. He moved away from Newton Aycliffe to run his own haulage company returning to the West Ward area in 1998.
In 2002, Ray spent several years helping to run the Junior Neighbourhood Watch Disco at the Southerne Club, providing heated food in the kitchen and a tuck shop.
He was involved with setting up playgroups for the young people in his local area and has been active in the community with the young people at Silverdale Community House.
In 2007 Ray became a Town Councillor, a role he carries out by attending meetings and helping members of the public with their problems.
