Sorry to be the bearer of sad news, but I have to tell you that the club's oldest member, Vince Plank, died last Friday at the age of 97. Whilst of course we are sad to learn of Vince's passing, it is perhaps more appropriate to talk of celebrating his incredibly long and active life.
To the best of my knowledge, Vince joined the club in 1982 when he was already 68. And he was no ordinary 68 year old. In one of his earliest competitions for the club, the Gwent League at Beachley in December 1982, Vince broke a bone in his foot. Most athletes would have retired gracefully. Vince was neither graceful nor willing to retire. He finished - a long way behind the penultimate runner, and being December, it was dark! We were all worried about him, but that cut no ice with Vince.
Alan Bladen visited Vince's daughter yesterday, so I am eternally grateful to him for this information. Vince received a cup for winning the Over 75 section of the British 10 mile champs in Llandudno in November 1989 in 83-39. The following year the British 10 mile champs were in Oswestry and Vince set a course record for the Over 75 section of 88-14. There is also a plaque from the Great North Run in 1992 and inscribed is First Over 75. Vince also won the Welsh Vets M70 10 km in 1985. I'm sure there are many more examples of Vince's outstanding endurance.
At this stage I have no details of funeral arrangements but invite you all to share memories of this remarkable character. I believe the last time he made a public appearance with us was at the Annual Dinner Dance of 2007 when he and his wife May were guests of honour. They had been married over 70 years - an amazing achievement. Sadly, May died later that year at the age of 89.
My abiding memory of Vince was his passion, particularly about running. If he wanted to tell you something, you dare not interrupt or try to escape. You listened! What a character!
Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at 6:23PM
Reader Comments (10)
1914-2012, what a life. And Les Croupiers RC existed for a substantial latter fraction of it. Mick's account of the broken foot is also in an archived copy of ACE.
I am very sorry to hear about the death of Vince. I got to know him quite well as we were both living in Grangetown during the '80's. I'd often gave him a lift to and from the club when we were based at the Civil service club, Sanatorium rd. It was amazing how much conversation he could squeeze into a 10 minute drive! I would then be another 10 minutes listening to him outside his house. He was kind enough to give me a bike to do the first of Reg Rossiter's club mini triathlons in the mid 80's. He took me to the back of his shed and uncovered a dusty old Claude Butler which weighed a ton but got me round a few of the mini triathons and Barnardo's charity rides for a number of years!
Vince was a committed club competitor and enjoyed his time with Les Croups. I'm sure in his younger days he was a keen cyclist, perhaps some of our older members can remember his cycling adventures?
Once met never forgotten! R.I.P. Vince.
Mick, I will get in touch with Alexis , as he spoke of Vince many times all those years ago.
Sorry to hear the sad news as Vince was great to be a round with his stories.R.I.P.
So sorry to hear the passing of Vince such a lovely man, boy could he tell a story
loved the tales of his early cycling days
fond memories rest in peace Vince
From Ace number 6 in 1982 (or 83) - and Mick McGeoch's article - The Rise and Rise of Les Croupiers :
"1982 has been nothing short of a momentous year for Les Croupiers. In terms of membership alone, the club has more tha doubled in size and stands at almost 250. Furthermore, whereas we were previously (almost) an all male stronghold, the fairer sex have infiltrated our ranks and are making quite a name for themselves in their own right. Also our age-span has widened considerably, such that our youngsters are also beginning to earn themselves a reputation in local races, and the indomitable sprint of 68 year old Vince Plank has to be sen to believed.Characters all!"
I remember the Gwent League race at Beachley (Army Training College) very well, and Vince finishing in darkness, ages after everybody else.He then wanted to tell his story long into the night, but we all had pubs to go to, so had to cut him short.
I had to stop running in 1988 because of an accident, but for years after, whenever Vince saw me he'd stop, and ask how I was getting on, and tell me all about his running. He was indeed a character, and had a long and good life. Strangely enough I had thought about Vince recently and wondered if he was still alive.
All the best Vince,
Phil Hexter
Sad to hear of Vince passing away. I always remember the Benidorm marathon trip of '85 where he won the over 70's event. It was written up in the S. Wales Echo. I have the article & photo. I'll bring it to the club.
When I joined the club in 1983 Vince's Cross Country run in Chepstow was already a legend. Over the years Breda and I became friendly with the Plank family and we were invited to family Functions, the last being May and Vince's 70th wedding Anniversary. Vince knew Roy Noble and their special day was mentioned on his program.
Vince was a very competitive man. In 1989 the club organised a trip to Llandudno for their 10 mile race which was the Welsh Championships. On the day of the race it was Vince's 75th birthday but had been entered into the event as being 74!. It took Jerry Cleall-Harding and myself nearly a year to get BVAF to ratify his record. Jerry and I avoided him until we were successful. In 1994 Vince was 80 and he thought the BVAF 400m record was easy. He trained for months for his attempt in the BVAF T & F Championships. Unfortunately he overtrained and injured himself before the event so did not beat the record.
Vince was a fine man and before joining Croups had been a very good competitive cyclist as was his Son-In-Law Doug. I will miss him a lot
Derek
Really sorry to hear of Vince's passing, but what a great innings. He was a lovely man and we're lucky to have had him.
I was hospittalised in 2005 and on waking up in the ward heard a voice saying to me in Welsh what are you doing here and it was dear old Vince who had suffered a slight stroke. We chatted for hours in the following days and yes I did hear of the time he finished in the dark, starting his last lap as most of the field were finishing.. He kept my spirits up and I was very grateful for his company. Rip old friend. Huw