Born in Haverford West, South Wales in August 1945, Gerry enjoyed a long and successful career as a teacher both in the UK and overseas. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing as a session musician in bands including Amen Corner. Six months after Gerry left the band to start teacher training, Amen Corner reached number one in the UK charts with “If Paradise is Half as Nice”.
Gerry discovered motorsport in his 20s which played a huge part in his life, and as a competitor he won the British Army of Rhine Championship in 1973 giving him the chance to compete in the Scottish Rally. He also competed in the co-driver’s seat, but upon becoming a parent, changed direction to organising, stewarding, and marshalling. In mid-to later life, he also became an International Kart Steward and held the role of Route Liaison Officer for Lincolnshire for several years.
Gerry was chairman of the Mablethorpe and District Motor Club for 20 years and was an event organiser, clerk of course, chief marshal, and many other roles within the club. He was always proud to be part of his local motor club and made a great many friendships, both there and within the wider motorsport community. Gerry was also well-known locally for being highly knowledgeable on all thing’s motorsport – including the Blue Book – and would often be approached by local organisers for advice and guidance.
His involvement with the Association of North East Midlands Motor Clubs (ANEMMC) began as a delegate for Mablethorpe and District Motor Club in April 1984. Other association roles included Rally Registrar, Regional Delegate, and Chair – a position he held from 1997 until announcing his retirement in 2022 and finally stepping down in April 2023.
ANEMMC were perceived to be an association to be listened to, as Motorsport UK put in place a registration scheme for Rally Clerks of the Course at its instigation. Under his Chair, the association was among the first in the country to adopt an almost paperless system of communication, and he wrote to the House of Commons and local MPs on a matter which would have seen motorsport activities affected by the alteration to certain regulations. His input helped to ensure the planned change did not take place.
In 2017 Gerry was awarded the prestigious accolade Officiel d’Honneur by Motorsport UK for services to motorsport, proof, as if it was needed, of how highly he was regarded.
Gerry’s passion for motorsport was passed down to his daughters, Rhiannon and Beth, and he relished the opportunity to take part in classic car events with them, including driving one of the MG sports cars he proudly owned, with the girls taking it in turns to navigate alongside.
Gerry won the respect of everyone for his calm, measured, and fair approach to the sport. A great mediator and communicator, he knew how to bring people together and resolve conflict, even in the most intense and competitive situations. Sociable, organised, and confident, he was the perfect leader, while remaining down to earth, relatable, and never losing the passion for the sport he loved.
Motorsport UK sends condolences to Gerry’s family and friends.