Margaret Miler is the visionary founder of Leatherhead & Dorking Gymnastics Club and a pioneering figure in British gymnastics. Her journey began in 1972 at Ladywell Gymnastics Club, where she became involved in the sport alongside her daughters, Catherine and Louise, both of whom went on to achieve national and international success. Inspired by their progress, Margaret qualified as both a coach and an area judge, laying the foundations for a lifelong commitment to gymnastics.

In 1976, Margaret was invited by Mole Valley District Council to establish gymnastics at the newly opened Leatherhead Leisure Centre. From this opportunity, Leatherhead & Dorking Gymnastics Club was born. Under her leadership, the club quickly grew from a small local initiative into a trailblazing organisation, becoming the first gymnastics club in England to be registered as a charity and instrumental in securing funding for the country’s first purpose-built gymnastics facility, which opened in 1981.

Margaret’s vision extended far beyond infrastructure. She fostered a culture of excellence that enabled generations of gymnasts to achieve success at regional, national, and international levels. Her commitment to athlete development helped produce British champions, Commonwealth medallists, and Olympians, firmly establishing the club as a centre of high performance.

In addition to her coaching and leadership roles, Margaret also achieved distinction as an International (Brevet) Judge, representing Great Britain at competitions around the world. Her contribution to the sport has been widely recognised, including being awarded Honorary Life Membership of British Gymnastics and the Mole Valley Sports Personality of the Year, as well as the British Gymnastics South East President’s Award for Outstanding Contribution.

Over more than four decades, Margaret’s dedication, vision, and leadership have shaped not only the success of Leatherhead & Dorking Gymnastics Club but also the wider development of gymnastics in the UK. Her legacy continues to inspire athletes, coaches, and the community today.