Fred Dibnah. R.I.P.?

Question

We all marvelled at Freds' exploits and wide ranging knowledge.!
Whatever happened to his much loved garden steam workshop?
Did Bolton council take it over as a living museum, or was it just
left to run to rack and ruin?

Answer 1

It was in his back yard so i hope his wife and best mates are looking after it.It would be nice if he could be remembered officially in the form of a small working museum

Answer 2

Fred was also an enthusiastic steam fan and had his own Aveling & Porter traction engine built in 1912 and an Aveling & Porter Steam Roller "Betsy", (Reg No: DM3079), built in 1910. This engine was initially named "Alison" after his first wife, but after the breakdown of his marriage, he renamed the engine "Betsy" after his mother.

He also maintained a fully steam-powered workshop in his back yard utilising old machines and tools otherwise destined for the scrapheap. On one occasion he remarked he always had steam up in his garden. In 2002, Fred began to dig a demonstration coal mine in the back garden of his Grade II listed house in Bolton. However, the local council turned down its planning application and work on the project had to cease.

Answer 3

I hope it's being looked after. I should think Fred made arrangements for it to be looked after and I know his sons were involved in steam aswell. Also it's all worth a fortune so I shouldn't think it's been left to rot.
Bless Fred, last proper victorian gent!

Answer 4

The story of Fred's engine is on this site:

http://www.fred-dibnah.co.uk/Betsy.htm

Here you will find a link to his agents, who will know what happened to all Fred's gear.

Also see:

http://www.wardsbookofdays.com/29april.htm

Answer 5

i do know. **** im 20 years old. anyhow i have two accounts. one is richard, the other is blow me. maybe u had seen blow me on my questions from the account by richard. think about it. im using both accounts that i made to get points quicker. anyhow im so slick.

Answer 6

was an excellent gezzer