Just before Christmas 2006 a number of items were stolen from the premises of the late Fred Dibnah, the famous Steeplejack and television presenter.
Thieves broke into Fred’s premises in Bolton and stole many valuable items, including the makers plate from his Aveling & Porter steam tractor and the “Flintshire County Council” owner’s plate from his famous steam roller “BETSY”.
Many of these items are readily identifiable and so they are unlikely to be ‘openly’ sold, but please be on the look-out and if you are offered anything suspicious please contact Fred’s wife Sheila Dibnah via email at: sturtump@aol.com or contact us: (info@prestonservices.co.uk) The following name plates are just some of the many stolen items:
1) “Flintshire County Council No 3″ plate from Fred’s steam roller “BETSY”. |
| And taken from Fred’s workshop door: 2) “Wharton, Reddish, Stockport Cranes Hoists”. 3) “Fred Watkins (Boilers) Ltd, Engineers, Coleford, Glos”. (Has No either 1866/1868/1886 stamped on. 4) “For service apply Gilbert Lodge & company limited, Australia & New Zealand”. 5) “Norman E Box Gyrotiller Contractor”. 6) “Bamfords Patent “Rapid” Grinding Mill” (Centre reads H Bamford & Sons, Uttoxeter).  |
7) “John Crook” plate (reads: “Safe Maker, Fire & Burglar Proof”). and “Hick Hargreaves & Co Ltd” plate (there doesn’t appear to be a number stamped in the serial No. box). |
Other items stolen include some weathervane heads stamped with Fred’s initials “F.D”, plus many spare parts from his workshop including pressure gauges, lubricators and other brass boiler fittings (water level gauges, etc).
The theft has caused great distress to Fred’s wife Shiela and his family, and the items stolen will be a sad loss to everyone who knew Fred. Shiela’s letter to Niel Armstrong (copied below) details this:
Hi Neil,How kind of you to send a message. It is so upsetting for everyone that this kind of thing can happen, for the family – for everyone that loved Fred. His engines had stood safely in their shed for over 30 years without any damage or being tampered with whatsoever – and now some low-life scum bag comes along and removes the ‘Flintshire County Council No. 3′ plate from ‘Betsy’ – and the eliptical ‘Aveling & Porter’ plate from the new tractor. The large brass plate which says ‘Danks Boiler Supapak’ is also missing, as are a number of makers plates which once graced Fred’s shed door (see photos)
The ‘Caroline’ plate from the small stationary steam engine which drives the plant seems to have turned up in a scrapyard not far from Bolton, according to one bloke who wandered into the garden on Boxing Day when we were moving the engines to safety. I’ve reported this info to the police, and will see what comes of it. Apparently, there are some brass items stamped with ‘FD’ which have turned up there too. Whether we will be in time to save them from being melted down (or sold on) is another matter.
A great many pressure gauges, gauge glasses, lubricators and various tools have been removed. If anyone hears of anyone trying to flog something like this ‘that one belonged to Fred Dibnah’ – then I’d be delighted to hear from you and will act quickly. In a few months, it might be an idea to set a trap and ask if anyone has any ‘Fred stuff’ for sale? (these idiots might just be that stupid – they’ll fall for it)
The theif/thieves have gone mostly for brass and copper, and two weathervane heads stamped with Fred Dibnah Steeplejack & sons 1999 are missing. But the main thing I am saddened by is the removal of the FCC plaque from ‘Betsy’. This is a very distinctive bright red, and maybe a thief will try and peddle it on. (This is assuming they have any brain whatsoever, and realise it might be worth more than about four quid scrap value.
I am heartbroken that Fred’s world has been plundred by this for the price of a few cans of booze, drugs or whatever.
Thanks for your help…..
Kindest wishes,
Sheila Dibs.
(Source)
