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29 Apr 04 - 08:10 PM (#1174516) Subject: BS: Fred Dibnah. From: harpmaker Fred Dibnah, the steeplejack that blows chimneys up. What an amazing guy. Over the years Fred has had various programmes on tv. (dont know about the US, or any where else) He's still going strong. I remember the time he drove a traction engine for miles to get to a rally, with, wife & kids in the caravan, so funny. I think he deserves recognition here as his life evolves around the Victorian era & the working class, (and steem engines!) He's a bit like a musican in a strange sort of way. |
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29 Apr 04 - 08:31 PM (#1174527) Subject: RE: BS: Fred Dibnah. From: McGrath of Harlow A great man - and it's a parallel type of defiant tradition to that surrounding the music, and involves similar people often enough. And sometimes the same people. Here's a site with some stuff about Fred - and a song about him, with a sound file, by Pete Martin, who sounds like he's one of those "same people". Here's the chorus: 'ave you seen 'im? 'ave you 'eard 'im? Chuggin' down the road, ridin' on 'is old steamroller. 'e's a famous steeplejack And the old smokestacks Make his face go black. 'e's a feller from Bolton Ohh Ohh Fred Dibnah. |
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29 Apr 04 - 09:15 PM (#1174544) Subject: RE: BS: Fred Dibnah. From: harpmaker Wow!! I did'nt know that, good on yer' Dear Mr Max, Maybee you could remove the BS Title. Many thanks John. |
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30 Apr 04 - 03:43 AM (#1174696) Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah From: Sir Roger de Beverley The TV series with the steam engines used to open and close with a steam organ playing Monk's March - a morris dace tune I believe (but I'm happy to be corrected if it isn't) Roger |
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30 Apr 04 - 03:50 AM (#1174703) Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah From: Strollin' Johnny Fred was the speaker at a dinner my wife attended a few years ago, and he sat at her table and quaffed a few pints with her. She says he's the funniest man alive, and an absolute mine of information. His TV programmes are compulsory viewing at our house. He's the sort of guy that makes yer proud to be British! :0) |
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30 Apr 04 - 04:05 AM (#1174709) Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah From: el ted If you stood fred dibnah next to harpmaker, you wouldn't be able to tell them apart. |
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30 Apr 04 - 04:19 AM (#1174723) Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah From: greg stephens Fred has many links with music, and indeed the way he works is very similar to the way some musicians live. The Boat Band (that I play with), and other Cheshire musicians associated with the narrow boat scene, have close links with Fred. I've played at fred's chimney drops, for his TV documentaries, and he's turned out to help launch a Boat Band CD. The boaties, musicians and steamies go to the same rallies, pubs, fairs etc and generally get along fine. The great interface of music, boats and steam, the holly Bush Rally at Little Leigh, is alas no more, but we all still meet up elsewhere. |
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30 Apr 04 - 04:21 AM (#1174726) Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull I like his hat. |
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30 Apr 04 - 05:31 AM (#1174784) Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah From: greg stephens Get out of here. JOhn. this is a Lancashire thing. |
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30 Apr 04 - 05:34 AM (#1174788) Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull Lancashire? Where's that?, i think i've heard of it, is it a little village somewhere? |
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30 Apr 04 - 05:56 AM (#1174809) Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah From: Peter K (Fionn) So why did it take a Hullist (I could never accept Hull as part of Yorkshire) to start the thread, Greg? Something about prophets in their own land comes to mind....... |
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30 Apr 04 - 05:57 AM (#1174811) Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah From: GUEST,IanN Lancashire's a small village on the outskirts of Cheshire. It's quite nice though. Unlike the neighbouring suburb of Yorkshire where for some reason nobody seems able to spell. |
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30 Apr 04 - 06:08 AM (#1174822) Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah From: el ted I thought Lancashire was a type of cheese, but it's really a town is it? |
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30 Apr 04 - 10:07 PM (#1175503) Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah From: harpmaker Anyway ile have got to go now --'Cos Corrie's on. |
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30 Apr 04 - 10:23 PM (#1175511) Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah From: LindsayInWales I often wonder how Warrington survived when it migrated into Cheshire...what a bloody travesty eh? Fortunately my lot came from Preston which isn't likely to be anywhere else but Lancashire... |
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01 May 04 - 03:06 AM (#1175615) Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah From: Phot Fred was made an MBE in this years houners list, richley deserved I say. But make the most of the man while you can, he has terminal cancer, not a nice thought I know, but look what he's given us. How many peopple have a replica coal mine in their back garden? Wassail Chris |
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01 May 04 - 08:09 AM (#1175705) Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah From: GUEST,Jean Phillips Here are another couple of sites dedicated to the great man: http://www.vanl.freeserve.co.uk/gvlFred.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/programmes/dibnah/ For those with cable/satellite TV, there's a showing of The Fred Dibnah Story on the UKTV Documentary channel at 8pm on Sunday 2nd May. |
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01 May 04 - 09:53 AM (#1175758) Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah From: Dave Hanson Definition of a Lancashireman = a Yorkshireman with his brains kicked out. eric |
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01 May 04 - 11:18 AM (#1175832) Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah From: Big Jim from Jackson A few years ago Gary and Vera Aspey sang a song (It's on there latest album) dedicated to Mr. Dibnah. Being here in the middle of the USA, I had not heard of him. Through the song I got a little bit of a clue as to who and what he is. I wish BBC America would carry his shows so that we over here could enjoy his excapades. |
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03 May 04 - 07:40 PM (#1177273) Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah From: harpmaker I wish our (UK) BBC would show the very first episodes of Fred as quite a young guy (When he used to blow chimneys up) You guy's in the US would be amazed! Does anyone know if you can get these on video? or DVD? As Strollin' Johnny quit rightly said, "its compulsive viewing" Phot, very sorry to here about the terminal C, thats a real shame, he deserves better. Thanks to Jean Phillips & McGrath for the very interesting links. |
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03 May 04 - 08:09 PM (#1177295) Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah From: harpmaker and thank's Jeff! |
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04 May 04 - 02:25 PM (#1177591) Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah From: ard mhacha Sorry to learn that Fred has cancer, I have never missed his programmes. Harpmaker you are right, his early programmes were very good/ |
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04 May 04 - 03:15 PM (#1177650) Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah From: Strollin' Johnny Mrs. Johnny was very upset to hear about Fred's illness. If you're out there Fred, very best wishes from Gainsborough. Johnny |
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04 May 04 - 06:10 PM (#1177846) Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah From: harpmaker Thanks ard mhacha (ang?) Greg Stephens, can you give us an events calender where these narrow boat/steam/music things happen, as I would realy like to pay a visit. Strollin', we echo your sentiment, from Beverley, Iam shure. |
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05 May 04 - 04:07 AM (#1178224) Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah From: fat B****rd I've always enjoyed Fred's programmes and am very sad to hear of his illness. A great English Institution. |
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08 May 04 - 06:56 PM (#1181399) Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah From: harpmaker It was a brilliant method of droping chimneys & Fred was a master. For those who have never seen, I will explain. Fred would chop out a hole at the base of a massive chimney & then choc the brickwork up with a large balk of wood (like a section of telegraph pole) Then he would start to elongate the hole sideways, chocking as he went, untill he got half way round the chimney. So you've got thousands of tons of bricks resting on all this wood. Then he got wagan loads of old scrap timber & old tyres and placed it round the base of the chimney. (by this time he had a massive crowd, locals & film crews etc) Then he would set fire to it! It was a long wait, but eventually the chimney fell as the wood burned away! He always got a cheer & a round of applause, & he always said 'did you like that!' with a big beaming smile! Then he would say 'right then'----- 'to the pub'!! |
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10 May 04 - 01:52 PM (#1182416) Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull Fred is on TV tonight, BBC2 , show starts at 8pm |
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10 May 04 - 03:32 PM (#1182500) Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah From: Penny S. I'm watching it - and he's just shown the method of dropping a building to demonstrate the mining of Rochester Castle. Penny |
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10 May 04 - 06:42 PM (#1182602) Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah From: GUEST,Penguin Egg 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. |
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10 May 04 - 06:44 PM (#1182604) Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah From: 8_Pints 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 |
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10 May 04 - 08:32 PM (#1182669) Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull Did yer like that? ;-) |
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13 May 04 - 09:36 PM (#1185265) Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah From: harpmaker "Its Goin, Its Goin!" |
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14 May 04 - 07:47 AM (#1185546) Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah From: A Wandering Minstrel 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). |
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14 May 04 - 07:53 AM (#1185553) Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah From: Tracey Dragonsfriend 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? |
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14 May 04 - 08:23 AM (#1185586) Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah From: Sir Roger de Beverley 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 |
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14 May 04 - 08:57 AM (#1185622) Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah From: GUEST,JOHN of ELSIE`S BAND 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. |
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14 May 04 - 07:06 PM (#1185871) Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah From: Phot 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 |
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18 May 04 - 07:07 PM (#1188068) Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah From: harpmaker 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) |
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16 Jun 04 - 07:12 PM (#1208940) Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah From: harpmaker 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. |
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17 Jun 04 - 01:32 PM (#1209270) Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah From: Tracey Dragonsfriend 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 |
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17 Jun 04 - 02:02 PM (#1209312) Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah From: Megan L Freds own site makes no mention of him being ill its |
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17 Jun 04 - 02:03 PM (#1209314) Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah From: Megan L oops no clicky try |
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17 Jun 04 - 02:05 PM (#1209316) Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah From: Megan L argh clicky death one last try Fred |
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17 Jun 04 - 03:27 PM (#1209382) Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah From: harpmaker Megan L, I heared it on our local BBC radio (Humberside) |
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17 Jun 04 - 04:54 PM (#1209441) Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah From: Megan L Not saying you were wrong harp just sad they dont keep sites updated |
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17 Jun 04 - 07:07 PM (#1209505) Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah From: harpmaker I agree Megan, but its such a sensative issue that maybe he does'nt want it broadcasting. Just a thought, --- I really dont know. |
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17 Jun 04 - 07:11 PM (#1209507) Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah From: Shanghaiceltic 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. |
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17 Jun 04 - 08:28 PM (#1209544) Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah From: harpmaker 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?? |
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18 Jun 04 - 10:15 AM (#1209872) Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah From: Dave Bryant 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. |
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25 Jun 04 - 02:29 PM (#1214337) Subject: RE: Fred Dibnah From: Wyrd Sister 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. |
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06 Nov 04 - 03:18 PM (#1318994) Subject: Obit: Fred Dibnah From: GUEST,Jennifer 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) |
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06 Nov 04 - 03:24 PM (#1318998) Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah From: My guru always said Lovely guy, bumped into him at many traction engine rallies around the UK. Will raise a glass to him tonight! |
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06 Nov 04 - 03:25 PM (#1318999) Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah From: Blissfully Ignorant I just heard on the radio. One of the few people on tv i liked. |
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06 Nov 04 - 03:28 PM (#1319001) Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah From: Georgiansilver "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. |
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06 Nov 04 - 04:10 PM (#1319033) Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah From: fat B****rd Tara Fred, RIP. |
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06 Nov 04 - 07:57 PM (#1319155) Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah (Nov 2004) From: Banjo-Flower 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 |
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06 Nov 04 - 08:38 PM (#1319173) Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah (Nov 2004) From: Bernard 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. |
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07 Nov 04 - 02:13 AM (#1319332) Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah (Nov 2004) From: sledge A true one off, He will be missed by many. |
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07 Nov 04 - 10:27 AM (#1319544) Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah (Nov 2004) From: Flash Company Wonderful guy! Did you ever see the Copper-plate writing on any of the drawings that he did on his shows? Marvellous! FC |
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07 Nov 04 - 10:45 AM (#1319557) Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah (Nov 2004) From: Mrs_Annie 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 |
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07 Nov 04 - 10:49 AM (#1319560) Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah (Nov 2004) From: Hand-Pulled Boy How do you replace John Peel and Fred Dibnah? It's a sad time indeed. Ant and Dec are rubbish compared to them. |
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07 Nov 04 - 10:54 AM (#1319564) Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah (Nov 2004) From: Tam the Bam (Nutter) I am sorry to hear that Fred is dead |
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07 Nov 04 - 06:34 PM (#1319938) Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah (Nov 2004) From: HuwG 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. |
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08 Nov 04 - 08:22 AM (#1320336) Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah (Nov 2004) From: Strollin' Johnny 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. |
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08 Nov 04 - 06:30 PM (#1320784) Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah (Nov 2004) From: Hawker Oh Bugger! I am shocked. What a lovely man, he will be sadly missed Lucy |
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09 Nov 04 - 02:17 AM (#1321180) Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah (Nov 2004) From: Sir Roger de Beverley 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 |
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09 Nov 04 - 05:55 AM (#1321276) Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah (Nov 2004) From: GUEST 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. |
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09 Nov 04 - 07:45 PM (#1322039) Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah (Nov 2004) From: Hand-Pulled Boy Oh no, Emlyn Hughes as well. What a bad fortnight. |
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10 Nov 04 - 04:55 AM (#1322328) Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah (Nov 2004) From: GUEST 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 |
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10 Nov 04 - 08:15 PM (#1322924) Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah (Nov 2004) From: vectis 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. |
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13 Nov 04 - 07:01 AM (#1325518) Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah (Nov 2004) From: GUEST,ken 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 |
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15 Nov 04 - 04:25 PM (#1327694) Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah (Nov 2004) From: GUEST,APHooglander@yahoo.com 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 |
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16 Nov 04 - 11:43 AM (#1328697) Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah (Nov 2004) From: Gervase 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. |
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16 Nov 04 - 12:59 PM (#1328788) Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah (Nov 2004) From: GUEST A tribute from the Bolton Evening News Also No One Quite Like Fred |
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19 Nov 04 - 07:16 AM (#1332138) Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah (Nov 2004) From: GUEST Pictures of Fred Dibnah's Funeral Looks like Fred had a very good send off. |
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01 Jan 13 - 04:34 PM (#3460147) Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah (Nov 2004) From: GUEST,musomartin 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. |
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02 Jan 13 - 04:26 AM (#3460284) Subject: RE: Obit: Fred Dibnah (Nov 2004) From: GUEST,Eliza 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. |