The South East Centre has been at the heart of the MG Car Club since its formation and was previously known as the “Main Centre”. Over the years there have been a number of personalities and chairmen that have helped form and shape the club – here are some of them:-
Stanley Kemball – Stanley was the first recorded chairman of the Centre from 1935. He served in that role for 26 years until 1960 and remains the longest running consecutive Chairman in the Centre’s history. With modern Club rules not allowing a chairman to continue for more than five years he will remain so for posterity.
Stew Morgan – Stew was a founder member of the South East Centre and served as the Centre’s treasurer from 1936 to 1965.
Gordon Cobban – Gordon became Club General Secretary following separation from the factory when British Leyland was formed in 1968 through to 1980 – these were the early years of the Club being independent and the survival of the Club during the late 60s was very much because of Gordon in the important secretary position.
Syd Beer – Syd was the chairman for seven years from 1971 to 1977. Syd was very much a racing man and raced a variety of MGs including MGCs and Metros. He also had a classic collection including Kaye Don’s K3 Magnette and the Harvey Noble Q-Type. His sons still carry on the family MG tradition.
Ron Gammons – Long-term member of SE Centre before the Anglia Centre formed and one of the Brown and Gammons partners – took on a principal role in MGCC Club racing and is current vice-president of the MG Car Club.
Rob Gammage – Past Chairman of SE Centre and a former MGCC Chief Executive before Julian White took over. He became the Club liaison officer for Silverstone Circuits working with the MSA and RAC
Colin Light – Past Chairman and key organiser in the formation of the Anglia Centre and developed the Centre’s event programme format
Peter Best – Long-term member of SE Centre before the Anglia Centre formed and founder of Peter Best Insurance – a supporter of the South East Centre through his business and personally for many years
Piers Hubbard – was a familiar figure in the club holding roles as both treasurer of the main club and the South East Centre.
Allan Scott – a long-term MGCC and Centre member since 1961. A great supporter of racing and hill climbs particularly in his J2 and later MG Midgets. He and his wife, Sue, were great supporters of club events over 7 decades and only passed away in 2024.
David Griffiths – another long term club supporter who organised a natter in Sussex and also a Wanderers group. He passed away in 2023. His wife, Ursuala, still runs the Sussex Wanderers group.
John Morgan – has been a South East member for several decades and served on the Centre’s committee for many of those. He has organised most of the club’s competitions including PoO, Concours, Naviscats, autotests, gymkhanas & autotsolos. Currently Vice-Chairman and competitions secretary.
Doug Bush – was the Centre chairman for many years leading the centre into the new millennium.
Derek Edwards – was a stalwart of the South East Centre for many decades. He took on several roles on the Centre committee including Chairman and lastly as the first President of the South East Centre.
Philip Bayne-Powell – has been a key member of the Centre Committee including his role as secretary whilst nurturing his collection of vintage MGs
Tim Morris – a former chairman and President of the MGF Register and long-term South East member, he is now the current chairman. His main interest has been the MGF and has owned one for 25 years. He edits and produces the Register magazine, FasTForward and has written a book about the MGF & TF.