HUNDREDS gathered to pay tribute to celebrate the life of long-time campaigner and councillor Ray Davies on Saturday.

The moving service, held at the Temple of Peace in Cardiff, featured films, speakers, banners from past and present campaigns and displays covering the life of the peace campaigner.

The veteran Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen councillor and Labour stalwart was described by the Newport-born Hollywood actor Michael Sheen as a man of ‘indomitable spirit’ who left an indelible impression on all who met him.

Mr Davies battled pancreatic cancer and died on May 7 at the age of 85.

His wife Wendy Lewis, who organised the service, said representatives from across the political parties were among those to attend, including Caerphilly MP Wayne David, Newport West MP Paul Flynn and South Wales East AM Lindsay Whittle.

She said: “In his remarkable life he touched so many people, and crossed so many political boundaries. He never believed that any just cause was a lost cause.”

Speaker after speaker described how once Mr Davies made a campaign his own, he would throw all his passion into winning it – the poll tax, the fight against apartheid, Greenham Common. They paid tribute to his moral conviction and physical courage, in anecdotes about the miners’ strike, Palestine and the peace movement.

Up to 50 members of several choirs, which included Cor Cochion – the socialist choir Mr Davies helped to form – and its sister choirs Cor Gobaith and Bristol Red Notes who were in the audience and led the hall in rousing song.

A number of songs were sung, including Nkosi Sikelele in recognition of his boycott of the South African apartheid regime and Miners Lifeguard for his time spent underground and support for the miners during the 1984-85 strike.

David Peterson, a friend and member of Cor Cochion, led the service and read out a tribute written by Newport-born actor and Hollywood star Michael Sheen’s tribute.

It said; “I spent a short time with Ray but, as I’m sure anyone who was fortunate enough to know him at all will attest, he left an indelible impression.

“To hear him talk about his life was like listening to the struggles and achievements of the entire 20th century. He had one foot planted within our traditional political system and one very firmly placed outside of it as well.

He said Mr Davies inspired so many people, including himself, and added: ‘His was a life of great heart, indomitable spirit and true grit.

“Thank you Ray and God bless.’

Ron Stoate, of the National Union of Mineworkers, described Mr Davies as a very passionate man whose boots are going to be very difficult to fill, whilst Mr David urged people to make links to move Mr Davies’ campaigns forward.

At the end of the service an appeal was made for a cause that was close to Mr Davies’ heart. Donations were collected to help fund a lift at Bedwas Workmen’s Hall to make it accessible to all.

A prominent member of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament and the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Mr Davies was arrested on anti-nuclear protests and was even shot in the head in Palestine while escorting ambulances carrying injured Palestinians in Balata.

He said one of his proudest moments was when the campaign to build the new hospital at Ystrad Fawr came to fruition.

Mr Davies requested that his body be donated to Cardiff School of Medicine.

He leaves his wife Wendy Lewis and six children as well as grand-children and great-grandchildren.

Visit justgiving.com/bedwasworkmenshall