Ray Julian was a wicketkeeper with little batting ability who made his county debut in 1953 aged 16 - the youngest keeper in the history of the Championship - but absences on National Service (during which time he played for the Army) meant that he did not secure a regular place until 1959. He was a mainstay of the side until 1965 but only played occasionally thereafter. In 1972 he became a first-class umpire and he remained on the list until his retirement at the end of 2001. He was a popular figure, largely because of his good-natured approach, and The Times commented on his "rapid and authoritative raising of the finger accompanied by a gleeful smile in appreciation of the bowler's art." At the time of his first match - on a cold April day at fenners - his colleague, Jack Crapp, told him: "This may seem a summer job, lad, but always pack a scarf, some mittens, and long johns." He was third umpire in six Tests and officiated in six ODIs.
Martin Williamson