Brian Fry 1939 - 2009

Posted:10^th-September-2009

By:Gordon

BRIAN FRY was born at Central Road, Llanhilleth, in 1939. He started work on the coal-face at Llanhilleth Colliery, but later became a Junior Colliery Official. When Llanhilleth Colliery closed he was transferred to Blaensychan, but after a short while left to join the Royal Mail in 1969, working from their Abertillery Depot until retiring early because of ill-health in 1999.

Brian riding a club 10

He started his cycling with an organised group in Llanhilleth, but this only lasted approximately two years. and when it disbanded he and two others joined Abertillery Wheelers towards the end of 1957.He served as Club Racing Secretary in 1961 and 1962, but in 1964 became the Treasurer, a post that he was to hold for the rest of his life.

During the 1960's he broke club records at 25, 50, 100 miles, and 12 hours, and won every club championship he was eligible for, including the Road Race, Hill Climb, Cyclo-Cross and Track. He competed successfully in open events, and in 1966 he became the first member of Abertillery Wheelers to break the hour for 25miles by clocking 59m.36s.As a veteran he won the Club's Veteran 25miles Cup six times.

Brian receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award for Sport

In 2008 he was given the Lifetime Achievement Award for Sport, by Blaenau Gwent Sports Association. He overcame accidents, and very serious illnesses to continue cycling until his death in August 2009.

We who rode with him, and were fellow club members will always remember him.

He leaves his wife Pat, daughters Julie and Karen, and four grandchildren, to whom we sympathise for their great loss.