2009 Kimber Award Winner

Mike Plumstead & www.mgcars.org.uk

The MG enthusiasts web site www.mgcars.org titled, “MG-The Classic Marque” started life in 1994 as two individual sites until the original writers, Rob Foster and Dave Hackett found each others pages. Rob was studying for an engineering degree at Aberdeen (Scotland) University and David was studying at DeMontford University (in Leicester, UK). As the site grew its future was uncertain until Mike Plumstead of DMR Limited appeared and offered his help. Mike is a keen MG enthusiast and the proud owner of a 1972 MGB.

In 1995 there was nothing available “off the shelf” so all the software design was created, by Mike, just for the site. Without Mike and his skill at web design the site would not have become what it clearly is-the most successful independent MG site in the world!

Gradually, as the years went on Rob and Dave went on to other phases in their lives and Mile Plumstead became webmaster and the driving force behind www.mgcars.org.uk.

From 1997 to 2009 saw usage of the site rise from 80,000 page impressions a week to one million. The number of visitors has also steadily increased as have the number of registered members to 66,000 by the middle of 2009.

Over a twelve year period Mike has worked tirelessly to crate the biggest and best MG portal on the internet. He has also used his technical skills to design, program and host sites for many MG clubs as well as MG and British car businesses including: the MG Owner’s Club-UK, North American Council of MG Registers, North American MG A and B Registers, American MGC Register and the Little British Car Company.

Mike Plumstead was born in the county of Kent, England and still lives in Kent, the “garden of England”, with his wife and teenage son. He joined the computer consultancy DMR Limited in 1985 as a programmer and became its Executive Director in 1993 he also currently holds directorships in several other web based companies.

Mike’s interest in MG was started when he purchased a copy of “MG Enthusiast” magazine in the early 1980’s. His first MG, a 1972 MGB roadster, was soon acquired and he restored it over a two year period with the help of professionals and a great deal of “sweat equity”. Sadly, Mike admits that his beloved “B” currently does not get nearly the road use, in the beautiful Kent countryside, that it deserves. For all his efforts and dedication the M.G. Drivers Club of North America is very proud to award the 2009 Cecil Kimber Enthusiast Award, the Club’s highest honor, to the www.mgcars.org.uk internet site and to Mike Plumstead its enthusiastic webmaster.