The ACU bids a fond farewell to Enduro Commission Co-ordinator Mary Kerr today, as one of the mainstays of the organisation retires after 42 years of service.
Mary joined the governing body of UK motorcycle sport on 26 November 1984 and has been a valuable member of the off-road administration team for more than four decades.
During an extraordinary career, Mary has become one of the most respected and recognisable figures within the off-road community, earning admiration from riders, officials, event organisers, commissioners, and other colleagues alike.
An English Literature graduate from Bangor University, Mary relocated to Rugby from Somerset and found employment in the off-road department, where she quickly learned the intricacies of the sporting disciplines and played a valuable role in supporting the running and development of the governance machine behind them.
“When I first started with the ACU, there were only two of us covering motocross, trials, grass track, speedway and enduro,” Mary recalls. “Everything was much smaller then and you learned as you went along, but what always mattered most was strong communication and doing your best to help people.”
Across four decades, Mary has worked alongside countless volunteers, commissioners and competitors, while also proudly witnessing – and providing crucial support to – generations of riders that have progressed from domestic competition to secure success on the world stage.
Among the highlights she reflects on are the continued growth of British off-road motorcycle sport and the friendships forged along the way.
“We’ve had fantastic times over the years, and I’ve met so many wonderful people through this sport,” she said. “The volunteers, organisers and riders have always poured their heart and soul into what they do, and I’m incredibly grateful to all of them for the relationships we’ve enjoyed and the memories we’ve shared.”
Mary also paid tribute to the close-knit culture within ACU House, which she believes has been central to both her longevity and enjoyment in the role.
“It’s always felt like a family here,” she explained. “We’ve supported each other through everything – work, family life and difficult times – and that’s very special. There’s a real honesty and warmth about the people at ACU House.”
Looking to the future, Mary believes the ACU is entering a positive new era under the leadership of Matthew Edwards-Wear. Having worked under ten different chief executives during her career, she believes the organisation is currently moving forward with renewed direction and stability.
“There’s a positive feeling around the place and Matthew is incredibly intelligent and full of enthusiasm. He and the rest of the team in Rugby are working hard to put the ACU back on an even footing and I think the organisation is in a good place. I’m looking forward to seeing the continued progress after I’ve retired," she confirms.
While acknowledging that change is inevitable within any modern sporting body, Mary believes the strength of the ACU will always come from its people and their commitment to the sport.
Although retiring from full-time work, Mary intends to remain closely connected to motorcycle sport and plans to continue attending some major events, including the ISDE and TrialGP.
“I’ve had a life well spent here,” she said. “Now it’s time for a new chapter, but I’ll always be thankful to the people and the sport that have meant so much to me.”
NOTE: Unfortunately, Mary has had an unexpected delay in thanking everyone for their incredible contributions to last week's retirement gathering at ACU House, but she promises to reply as soon as she is able.
Tributes from within our sport:
Emma Bristow
10-time Trials World Champion
“I’ve known Mary since I applied for my first competition licence as a young girl and she’s been the ACU point of contact for the majority of my career. Most of our dialogue came on phone calls or e-mails but it was always really nice to see her at events. She’s always been a really lovely person to deal with and super helpful whenever I’ve needed her support. She’s clearly a big asset to the ACU team and, personally, I really appreciate everything she’s done for me. I wish her every happiness in her retirement.”
Tristan Robinson
ACU Enduro Commission Chairman
“During the last 42 years, Mary has been tireless in her work for both trials and enduro across the country. From helping clubs organise events, to riders competing on the international stage, Mary has always been there with a smile and humour. We all wish her the very best for a peaceful retirement.”
Chris Hockey
Three-time British Enduro Champion and eight-time ISDE medalist
“I first met Mary when we were unexpectedly seated next to each other on a flight to the ISDE Brazil in 2003. We were both nervous flyers and got chatting. Once we realised who the other person was, we had a great laugh and it was the beginning of a long friendship. Mary is a fantastic lady who’s loved by so many people. She’s the perfect person to have on the end of the phone at the ACU because she’s always so calm and helpful. I’m proud to call her a friend and I know she’ll be greatly missed.”
Matthew Edwards-Wear
ACU CEO
“Mary has been a fantastic asset to the Auto-Cycle Union for the last four decades and we’re sad to see her leave. She’s an integral part of the team at ACU House and the experience she’s accumulated within the off-road department has been truly invaluable. Mary’s always been diligent in her work and her passion and enthusiasm for motorcycle sport and supporting the community within it has been crystal clear during her time with the organisation. Everyone within the ACU, and particularly the Trials and Enduro disciplines, wishes her every happiness in retirement.”