In June Tameside felt that little bit less bright when one of its sparkling lights known across all areas of the community sadly disappeared.
For over 30 years Ray Liddy was a familiar face around Tameside representing The Reporter at various events. His engaging way encouraged people into fun poses and often got the photographs nobody else could. He was a master of group photos and marshalling everyone together which is always a challenge. Always a regular at big events with his camera and taking video to record the moments for posterity – a true professional. His photography skills were praised last year by Ashton Photographic Society (of which he was a member and Honorary President two years ago) at a presentation.
Ray had celebrated his 88th birthday in May but showed no signs of stopping, still taking photographs and planning talks about Belle Vue which he did so well. From MP’s to local scouts, he was able to engage with anyone and it was always a pleasure to see him and recall happy times working together. A devastating loss indeed to his family and the many friends to whom I pass on my sincere condolences.
Kevin Taylor – Editor – About Tameside
“I grew up around cameras. Dad introduced me to an old black and white tube video camera when I was very young. I remember videoing the street lights and seeing it stay on the screen. I was always helping Dad, either at his stock car film shows or at weddings, carrying the photographic or video equipment. He took me to many of his jobs, to Belle Vue zoo or circus or Stock cars/soeedway or to Manchester United, where he was the spot the ball photographer. He never really liked football and he made me a Manchester United fan. He also went to Manchester City at Main road for spot the ball, he never took me there just Manchester United.
I have had an exciting and eventful life with my Dad and I will be forever grateful for all the opportunities both my Mum and Dad gave me.”
Simon Liddy
“I worked with Ray for almost 8 years at the Tameside Reporter, and right fromthe start he was the easiest person to get along with. He would generously lend me vintage camera gear to try out, and bring in interesting and daft stories from his photography exploits on a daily basis that would liven up my day! Ray will be missedand very fondly remembered by his old Reporter colleagues.”
Warren Brooks – Designer – About Tameside
“Where do you start with Ray Liddy, dedicated, knowledgeable and such a good photographer. The stories from Belle Vue and many more! Tameside has loss a very special person, a friend and colleague to many of us! Reunited with his adored wife Eunice. A devoted Dad to Carol and Simon, and a wonderful Grandad. He will be sadly missed.”
Denise Ward, Denton Community Hub.
“I was very sad to hear the news about the photographer Ray Liddy. Over the last 25 years or so we met at various events where we were both taking photos. I recall our numerous chats about cameras, lenses and also our love of Belle Vue Speedway and Stock Cars. He will be sadly missed by many.“
Howard Murphy
“It is with great sadness that Tameside Rotary hear of Ray’s passing.
Many of us remember his professionalism and always ‘being there’ at community events and civic moments.
We remember when Yvonne Wainwright was our first female president in 2017-2018, and we attended a music event in Ashton Library, there was great merriment as the musical instruments were passed over to us to ‘have a go’ and Ray was in his element as we made a din and directed us to the best photographic poses while managing to laugh at us at the same time!
Only recently, Past President Angela Robbins bumped into Ray and his daughter at Emmaus. Ray was at the front photographing and videoing the incredible Sir Terry Waite, who is the President of Emmaus UK. Ray clearly keeping himself busy and current so the local community knew what was going on. Angela and Ray chatted about Tameside Rotary and Tameside Reporter. Ray’s daughter said to Angela ‘You know my Dad don’t you?!’ From there she told us about the Chatty Table at Emmaus on a Thursday for anyone on their own wanting a coffee and chat amongst friendly faces. We were more than happy to share this information on our social media pages.
Angela recalls seeing Ray once at the hospital many years ago when her husband had an appointment. Whilst Ray and Angela were chatting, Angela mentioned she and her husband were going on somewhere for lunch somewhere as it was her birthday. Ray immediately teased ‘What are you doing sat in here on our birthday?!’
Our PR Chair Su Greaves also knew Ray through her late husband’s bike club, the British Motorcycle Preservation Society (BMPS) Manchester Branch. Ray was a very active member of the BMPS for the last 8-10 years getting involved in decisions about fundraising activities, club day trips and bike shows. Acting as the group’s photographer, Ray attended many BMPS events (with camera in one hand and a donations bucket in the other!) capturing key moments. Su and her late husband Brian would visit bike shows invariably bumping into Ray who could often be seen either lying on the floor or standing on another bike just to get the perfect ‘shot’ of a very rare bike on display!
Ray, alongside another club member, affectionally known as ‘Bonnie Bob’, had a passion for all things 1940’s related. Each year they would attend at least one 1940’s event and in 2025 they went to Buxton to see the Glenn Miller Orchestra directed by veteran conductor Ray McVay. As non-drinkers, Bob recalls that they both sat there nursing orange juices whilst getting into the swing, as they say! BMPS Members were deeply saddened by Ray’s passing and the club held a two minute silence for Ray at their last club meeting.
Su says she’s confident that at the BMPS annual Christmas dinner, where Ray was a regular attender (often eating Su’s unwanted Christmas Pud) a special place setting will be set aside in his memory.
It is with great sadness that part of our PR chapter has come to a close.”
Tameside Rotary
With thanks to Simon Liddy & Warren Brooks for additional photographs.
