Thomas Raymond Reesby (Ray) was a very talented baritone operatic singer in his youth, growing up in NZ, with a successful career in the 1950s. Unfortunately, although winning a scholarship to study in Milan, due to tragic family circumstances which coincided with this award, and related financial concerns, he was not able to take up the scholarship. Instead Ray went on to have a very successful business career in the world of design, so using his creative abilities nonetheless. His daughter, Joanna, who has lived in the UK for many years, has set up this award to help financially challenged young singers take advantage of study and career opportunities as they present themselves.
