Albert Raymond (Ray) Blank was the Headmaster of Fendalton School, in Christchurch from 1922 until 1949. A swimmer, cricketer, rower, golfer and footballer, Blank as a 15-year-old, was recognised by the Royal Humane Society for rescuing a drowning man.

Golf was Blank’s favourite sport, and he was the winner of a number of Canterbury golf titles. A President of the New Zealand Golf Association, Blank was involved in the design and development of several Christchurch golf courses.

He was involved in rugby and cricket as a player and administrator, rowed for the Canterbury club, founded the Ascot Tennis Club in New Brighton and founded the Canterbury Surf Life Saving Association and the Waimairi and North Beach Surf Life-Saving Clubs.

As noted in the above article, Blank was a vocal advocate for amateur sport and the role of sporting organisations in the community. He became a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1953, for his services to education.

Picture: The Yaldhurst Shield being presented to the students of Fendalton School in 1938.