Description
Son from Fred’s second marriage to Susan Lorenz. Born in 1987 and named after his father’s profession.
[tags=jack-dibnah]
News Items for: 'Jack Dibnah'
New owner ‘christens’ Fred engine
On March - 12 - 2011
A steam engine that used to belong to former steeplejack Fred Dibnah is being named in his honour at a special ceremony tomorrow (Saturday 12th March 2011).
Businessman Michael Oliver snapped up the late Fred’s famous Aveling and Porter steam traction engine at auction last year for £264,000 — more than twice the guide price.
Fred’s son, Jack, will drive the engine from the headquarters of Mr Oliver’s firm, Oliver Valves, in Knutsford, Cheshire, to the Church Inn in nearby Mobberley for the ceremony.
Mr Oliver said: “Fred is a cult figure and a national institution, so it seemed only fitting that we honoured his engineering genius by naming his beloved engine after him.
“We also thought it fitting for Jack to take the helm on its first excursion. I bought the engine to ensure its preservation so it can be enjoyed by generations to come. I hope steam enthusiasts and Fred Dibnah fans alike will join us to celebrate the iconic machine.”
The engine will be named “Fred” after its famous steeplejack owner, and one of Bolton’s most treasured sons, who died in November, 2004.
Fred spent almost 25 years restoring the engine and Mr Oliver, aged 72, has been putting the finishing touches to it since he bought it last July.
Mr Oliver owns an extensive engine collection, including the only full-size Garrett Showman’s road locomotive built, called British Hero.
Fred’s engine is expected to leave Oliver Valves at 2.30pm, arriving at The Church Inn at 3.30pm, with the naming ceremony between 3.30pm and 4pm.
Mr Dibnah’s family reluctantly sold the engine to finance the winding up costs of his estate after a long-running dispute with his widow, Sheila Dibnah.
Bill King, director of Cambridge auctioneers Cheffins, which handled the sale, said the high price was a testament to Fred’s skill, knowledge and big personality.
(Source: The Bolton News)
Some footage of the event:
Betsy Back on the Road – Video
On February - 9 - 2011
Just been sent a link to a movie showing Betsy back on the road in the Isle of Man with Jack and Roger Dibnah.
No mention of wife in Fred Dibnah will
On February - 13 - 2007
FRED Dibnah made no mention of his wife in his will, The Bolton News can reveal today after seeing its full contents.
Fred’s last will and testament, made just three weeks before his death on November 6, 2004, ensures his most loved possessions should go to his sons Jack and Roger and his daughters Jayne, Caroline and Lorna. Read the rest of this entry »
