11 June 2026 | Club News
The JDC is delighted to welcome three new Directors to the board to strengthen the team and its future plans - Chris Gorvin, Andrew Martin and Keith Vinten.
Chairman Tony Merrygold explains: “As Chairman, I was already looking for two more Directors to bring the Board up to the full complement of seven, when Bryan Mander’s unexpected passing made this even more important.
“Following a couple of requests in Jaguar Driver, I am pleased to announce that three of our members have bravely stuck their heads above the parapet and following recent discussions and formal interviews I can now announce that we now have three excellent additions to the Board – Chris Gorvin from Area 41, South Staffordshire, Andrew Martin from Scotland and Keith Vinten from Area 3, Cambridge. They have already attended their first meeting, hitting the ground running and they will be great assets to the Club.”
Chris Gorvin, winner of the Chairman’s Trophy in 2025, is a retired automotive professional with a lifelong passion for the motor industry. He spent his career working across several areas of automotive manufacturing and engineering. His experience includes supplying plastic components, serving as a Director of a fastener coating company, and working within Jaguar Land Rover, where he benchmarked Jaguars and Land Rovers against competitor products.
“Beyond my professional career, I have been actively involved in the automotive enthusiast community for many years,” adds Chris. “As a member of various British car clubs, including MG, Triumph and Land Rover organisations, I have often served as an area secretary or committee member. Today, I continue to enjoy the camaraderie, events and discussions of the car club scene while owning and enjoying modern Jaguars, including an F-Type and an F-Pace.”
Andrew Martin’s love affair with Jaguar started when he was young. “While still wearing short trousers I learnt that Jaguar was the best car in the world,” he explains. “A wealthy family farmer friend ran a MK10, followed by a 420G, then after an XJ6, the first Double Six in Scotland was purring up the drive.
“My first Jaguar was, of course, was a rare manual 4.2 engined MK 10. Which brought me into the JDC circa 1989. More recently I’ve returned to the Club, and loving your community, I have volunteered to serve on the Board. Writing articles for the Press brought me into contact with Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust, an organisation I’m proud to act as an ambassador for.
“Now trying semi-retirement, I hope to bring business and Board experience, topped up with some good humour to our Board.”
Keith Vinten has owned Jaguars since 2012 when he retired from full time employment in the Prison Service although his working life started as a motor mechanic.
“During this time, I've owned XKR's, XFR, XF, modern S Type, X Type, F Type and currently an F-Pace SVR,” Keith adds. “I retired fully in 2023, and I now have the time to help the Club that has given me a lot of enjoyment and that I enjoy being a part of.
I'm always happy for fellow members to contact me about any issues or just to chat.”
Members will get the chance to meet the new Directors at National Weekend in July at Brooklands Museum.
