Obit: Fred Dibnah (Nov 2004)

Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah (Nov 2004)
From: GUEST,Eliza
Date: 02 Jan 13 - 04:26 AM

I once watched his programmes about how cathedrals were built. He climbed up inside the roof and showed all the beams and stone reinforcements. He did very clear explanatory drawings and set up mini constructions to show stresses etc. What a knowledgeable man, a very unusual and fascinating personality.

Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah (Nov 2004)
From: GUEST,musomartin
Date: 01 Jan 13 - 04:34 PM

Fred didn't actually blow chimneys up but was very particular that these monuments to our past were taken down in the old fashioned way. Basically he never wanted to take them down as he had so much respect for the skill of the men who had put them up but, having accepted that they were going to come down anyway, he made sure that the traditional method was used. This entailed removing some bricks from the bottom of the chimney, propping up the remainder o the chimney with wood then setting the whole thing alight. He was particularly keen on making sure that the chimney smoked one last time before it died. This was an unfamiliar hint of romance from Fred, the only time I heard him in that frame of mind.

Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah (Nov 2004)
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Nov 04 - 07:16 AM

Pictures of Fred Dibnah's Funeral

Looks like Fred had a very good send off.

Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah (Nov 2004)
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Nov 04 - 12:59 PM

A tribute from the Bolton Evening News

Also No One Quite Like Fred

Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah (Nov 2004)
From: Gervase
Date: 16 Nov 04 - 11:43 AM

Sounds like quite a send-off for the old bugger, judging by the BBC report. I hope they show his programmes again on the mainstream channels as he was a one-off and will be sorely missed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah (Nov 2004)
From:
Date: 15 Nov 04 - 04:25 PM

Last year I saw Fred on the television in different series. I'm very glad I've seen him. He inspired my as a teacher and as a person. I was very sad when I heard the bad news. It's strange, because I never have the oppurtunity tot meet him, but i will always remember him.

His way of explaining everything about the triple-expansion-engine was very amazing. The way he used al kind of machinery en the story about Fred, steaming down a hill, almost hitting an hospital will never be forgotten.

Fred, you're my hero.

From Holland, Sander Hooglander

Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah (Nov 2004)
From: GUEST,ken
Date: 13 Nov 04 - 07:01 AM

I USED TO SEE FREDS LANDROVER FROM TIME TO TIME ON THE M6, I WISH I HAD MET HIM. HE WAS ONE OF MY HEROES AND I DONT HAVE MANY, THANKS FRED YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED

Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah (Nov 2004)
From: vectis
Date: 10 Nov 04 - 08:15 PM

Very sad news but I'll bet he really enjoyed his final tour. He always seemed to live life to the full. Ta Ra Fred.

Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah (Nov 2004)
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Nov 04 - 04:55 AM

Fred's funeral arrangements have been announced:

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS - TUESDAY 16TH NOVEMBER 2004

11.15am – Cortege to leave family home

12.00pm – Service at Bolton Parish Church

2.00pm   – Burial at Tonge Fold Cemetery, off Bury New Road, Bolton

Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah (Nov 2004)
From: Hand-Pulled Boy
Date: 09 Nov 04 - 07:45 PM

Oh no, Emlyn Hughes as well. What a bad fortnight.

Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah (Nov 2004)
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Nov 04 - 05:55 AM

Fred was a true character and English eccentric and his programmes on steeplejacking, and later programmes on Britain's industrial heritage, are appreciated by all of us who are keen to see our heritage preserved.

Fred's final series, 'Made in Britain' is due to be broadcast in spring 2005.

I hope that Fred's house, traction engines and all the steam paraphernalia in his garden is preserved as a museum in his memory.

Rest in peace Fred.


This was on Fred's site:

Fred Dibnah passed away on Saturday 6th November 2004 at Bolton Hospice following a brave battle with cancer.
Fred's family were with him on Saturday and pass on their thanks for the messages of condolence they have received.


The arrangements for the funeral will be released once the details have been
finalised.
In the meantime any cards can be sent via :-

Arena, Regent's Court,
39 Harrogate Road, Leeds LS7 3PD.

Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah (Nov 2004)
From: Sir Roger de Beverley
Date: 09 Nov 04 - 02:17 AM

We played Monk's March at our session on Sunday in memory of Fred (see my earlier message for the significance of that tune.)

Roger

Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah (Nov 2004)
From: Hawker
Date: 08 Nov 04 - 06:30 PM

Oh Bugger! I am shocked.
What a lovely man, he will be sadly missed
Lucy

Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah (Nov 2004)
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 08 Nov 04 - 08:22 AM

Mrs. Johnny's distraught at the news. Fred was a great favourite of hers and she treasures the memory of sharing a dinner table (and having a few pints) with Fred. A great man. RIP.

Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah (Nov 2004)
From: HuwG
Date: 07 Nov 04 - 06:34 PM

A shame. We seem to be losing many "natural" presenters, people with a gift for, and a love of, their subject. Fred was one such. He was always a good entertainer, even when not dropping chimneys.

Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah (Nov 2004)
From: Tam the Bam (Nutter)
Date: 07 Nov 04 - 10:54 AM

I am sorry to hear that Fred is dead

Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah (Nov 2004)
From: Hand-Pulled Boy
Date: 07 Nov 04 - 10:49 AM

How do you replace John Peel and Fred Dibnah? It's a sad time indeed. Ant and Dec are rubbish compared to them.

Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah (Nov 2004)
From: Mrs_Annie
Date: 07 Nov 04 - 10:45 AM

Very sad, he was a true character, enjoyed all his programmes. Now I have to go and tell my husband, he will be gutted.

Anne

Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah (Nov 2004)
From: Flash Company
Date: 07 Nov 04 - 10:27 AM

Wonderful guy! Did you ever see the Copper-plate writing on any of the drawings that he did on his shows? Marvellous!

FC

Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah (Nov 2004)
From: sledge
Date: 07 Nov 04 - 02:13 AM

A true one off, He will be missed by many.

Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah (Nov 2004)
From: Bernard
Date: 06 Nov 04 - 08:38 PM

I was fortunate enough to know Fred (he lived 200 yards from my parents' house).

He was certainly unconventional in a conventional sort of way... he held on to beliefs which are, these days, considered somewhat old fashioned.

For example, he refused to 'blow up chimneys' as the original posting on this thread suggested. Out of respect for the engineers who built the chimneys, he insisted on dropping chimneys the old fashioned way by removing some brickwork, replacing it with wooden sleepers. Once he was happy with the amount removed, he would set fire to the wooden supports... eventually the chimney would topple in a predictable, controlled way. Controlled? Well, in as much as he knew which way it would fall, but not exactly when...! Hence the old bulb horn he would sound once he knew it was on its way!!

It seems the day before he died he was working on the well he was sinking in the back garden at 'The Two Cats', as his house is locally known - a plaque of the Earl of Bradford's coat of arms is displayed on the front of the house, which was originally the gate house to the Earl of Bradford's estate. The plaque has two cats (lions, I think) on it...

He will be missed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah (Nov 2004)
From: Banjo-Flower
Date: 06 Nov 04 - 07:57 PM

What a loss one of Britain's great eccentrics(he was his own man and did'nt give a bugger what anyone else thought)RIP Fred I only wish I'd met you in Person

Gerry

Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah
From: fat B****rd
Date: 06 Nov 04 - 04:10 PM

Tara Fred, RIP.

Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 06 Nov 04 - 03:28 PM

"Down the Chimneys".....Commiserations to the Dibnah family.
May not have been a comedian but brought many a house down.
Rest in Peace Fred.
Best wishes.

Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah
From: Blissfully Ignorant
Date: 06 Nov 04 - 03:25 PM

I just heard on the radio. One of the few people on tv i liked.

Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah
From: My guru always said
Date: 06 Nov 04 - 03:24 PM

Lovely guy, bumped into him at many traction engine rallies around the UK. Will raise a glass to him tonight!

Subject: Obit: Fred Dibnah
From: GUEST,Jennifer
Date: 06 Nov 04 - 03:18 PM

There was an earlier thread about Fred Dibnah, steeplejack, raconteur and steam enthusiast, embarking on a "farewell tour" in a traction engine instead of a course of chemotherapy. He has now died, aged 66, surrounded by his family. Sounds like the way to go to me. he completed his last television series before his death.
(source: teletext)

Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah
From: Wyrd Sister
Date: 25 Jun 04 - 02:29 PM

The Small (husband to those who don't know us!) had the good fortune to be involved with one of Fred's projects today. The good news is, he looks in good nick if the photos are anything to go by. And he's just as he comes over on t'telly.
Here's to you, Fred!

---

Messages from multiple threads combined. Messages below are from a new thread.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 18 Jun 04 - 10:15 AM

There is some information about Fred's tour here.

Does Fred actually own a traction engine ? "Betsy" is an "Invicta" Steam-Roller, made by Aveling & Porter of Kent. Aveling & Porter made traction engines which were very similiar to the Rollers, but they only called the latter "Invicta" which is the motto of the Kentish crest - a white horse.

Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah
From: harpmaker
Date: 17 Jun 04 - 08:28 PM

Shanghaiceltic, Thank you so much for sharing that with us.

Aye, when I was a lad, most things where 'made in Britain'

I really do hope that he makes it to B'P'lce.

I have a question to you mudcaters. (without starting another thread)

When people are termaly ill, I feel compelled to play music to them,
to try and give some enjoyment.
I recently discovered that one of my friends wife was ill with cancer.
Mr said he would bring her in for the Sunday (regular) music session.
         I said I would play Harp.
Whooops!
Any advice on this one??

Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah
From: Shanghaiceltic
Date: 17 Jun 04 - 07:11 PM

Heres the story that appeared in the Telegraph on line. I used to watch his programs when I lived in the UK. An amazingly funny man with a wry view on life.

Cancer-stricken Dibnah starts his 'farewell tour'
By Nigel Bunyan
(Filed: 21/05/2004)


Fred Dibnah, the steeplejack who became a television personality, spoke yesterday of his fight against cancer as he set out on what he fears will be a farewell tour.

Dibnah, 66, has rejected a new course of chemotherapy in favour of climbing on board his 1912 traction engine and driving around the nation in search of engineering masterpieces.

   
Steeplejack Fred Dibnah
"While I'm still vertical and active, I am going to keep going," he said. "It feels great to be back on the road again, and I am going to really enjoy this tour."

Recalling the onset of his illness, he said: "I woke up with a terrible pain in my belly.

"I put up with it for one night so as not to worry the wife, but the next night it came back with a vengeance so she took me to the hospital at about four in the morning. They gave me an X-ray, told me I was constipated and packed me off home with some medicine.

"But the pain came back and I had to go and have my kidney taken out. I went home after that operation thinking everything was going to be okay. But about a week and a half later the doctor rang me up and told me to come to the hospital.

"They had found a tumor in my kidney and thought it may have spread - and they were right. I was told I had 12 months to live, but that I might get a little longer if I had some chemotherapy."

That was three years ago. Dibnah, a father-of-three, who lives in his native Bolton with his third wife, Sheila, was eventually given the all-clear.

But once again the cancer returned, attacking his bladder and bowel. A second operation followed which failed to prevent the cancer from spreading. Having had yet another course of chemotherapy, the veteran of 25 television documentaries decided to seek no further medication.

"I am stabilised," he said. "I eat lots of oranges and drink lots of Guinness and I feel great. But who knows what will happen? I'm going to keep on fighting it and enjoying myself while I still have the chance."

For the next three months his home will be the traditional-style caravan he is towing behind his newly-restored Aveling & Porter steam tractor.

His latest 12-part television series, due to be shown on BBC2 later in the year, has the working title Made in Britain.

Dibnah intends it to be a celebration of the best of steam engineering in such diverse locations as the Lake District, Scotland, Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Shropshire, Cheshire and finally Bolton.

In a final gesture, he hopes to drive to Buckingham Palace on his steam tractor to collect his MBE from the Queen.

Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah
From: harpmaker
Date: 17 Jun 04 - 07:07 PM

I agree Megan, but its such a sensative issue that maybe he does'nt want it broadcasting.
Just a thought, --- I really dont know.

Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah
From: Megan L
Date: 17 Jun 04 - 04:54 PM

Not saying you were wrong harp just sad they dont keep sites updated

Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah
From: harpmaker
Date: 17 Jun 04 - 03:27 PM

Megan L, I heared it on our local BBC radio (Humberside)

Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah
From: Megan L
Date: 17 Jun 04 - 02:05 PM

argh clicky death one last try Fred

Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah
From: Megan L
Date: 17 Jun 04 - 02:03 PM

oops no clicky try

Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah
From: Megan L
Date: 17 Jun 04 - 02:02 PM

Freds own site makes no mention of him being ill its

Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah
From: Tracey Dragonsfriend
Date: 17 Jun 04 - 01:32 PM

Oh, I'm so sad to hear that... he's someone I've always had great regard for. One of the real "old guard". I wish there was something I could do...

Sadly,
Tracey Dragonsfriend

Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah
From: harpmaker
Date: 16 Jun 04 - 07:12 PM

Latest.
          Fred has decided to give up all hospital treatments.

He is going to hook up the caravan on the back of one of his steam engines, and tour the country, visiting all his friends with what time he has left.

Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah
From: harpmaker
Date: 18 May 04 - 07:07 PM

I think his first wife left him because of his excentricity (Is that the right word?)
Then he married again. And I think that fell through, but then he married a third time & all's well.
(But I could stand corrected on this)

Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah
From: Phot
Date: 14 May 04 - 07:06 PM

Steam engines are like women, moody, hard work, expensive, awkward, downright bloody minded. But in the same breath, Elegent, beautiful, powerful, rewarding, and totaly intoxicating.....


Get Tha' bankin shoes on lass, I'm wearing that Cylinder oil No5!

Wassail!

Chris

Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah
From: GUEST,JOHN of ELSIE`S BAND
Date: 14 May 04 - 08:57 AM

How about the most decorative chimney stack he built on the family house as a young fellah?. Still to be seen as a monument to his craft is his hometown.

Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah
From: Sir Roger de Beverley
Date: 14 May 04 - 08:23 AM

A quote from Fred:

"Steam engines are what made England great - and they don't answer back! You can belt them with a hammer and they say nowt!"

R

Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah
From: Tracey Dragonsfriend
Date: 14 May 04 - 07:53 AM

I love Fred Dibnah's programmes - so entertaining & educationsl. He's a real character. I'm very sad to hear that he's ill... how do we know this? Are we sure? And if so, is there anything we can do for him, do you think?

Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah
From: A Wandering Minstrel
Date: 14 May 04 - 07:47 AM

What surprised me, watching his series on castles, was his wonderful penmanship. Even the label he put on his plans for the coalmine to the lPA was a beautiful piece of scripting. They should publish his drawings (if they haven't already).

Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah
From: harpmaker
Date: 13 May 04 - 09:36 PM

"Its Goin, Its Goin!"

Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 10 May 04 - 08:32 PM

Did yer like that? ;-)

Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah
From: 8_Pints
Date: 10 May 04 - 06:44 PM

I loved the way he demonstrated the strength of a brick built arch by sitting on it until the inevitable happened .......

He always seems to pick himself up with a big beaming smile .... "that should'nt 'ave 'appened!".

Bob vG

Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah
From: GUEST,Penguin Egg
Date: 10 May 04 - 06:42 PM

I watched it tonight. Great stuff. I've never really appreciated Fred Dibnah before, but he is the genuine article, isn't he. They should have a Dibnah season with all his old programmes on.

The only thing I didn't like about the programme tonight was the music. Sometimes it drowned out everything Dibnah was saying. Bloody stupid. Just let Fred speak and let us hear him.

Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah
From: Penny S.
Date: 10 May 04 - 03:32 PM

I'm watching it - and he's just shown the method of dropping a building to demonstrate the mining of Rochester Castle.

Penny