A rare bit of nostalgia.
Roger Murray
soft spot for what I am writing about, even though off topic.
We arranged a Fred Dibnha family get together last Saturday. It was
the first time the family, Fred's two sons, Roger and Jack, his three
daughters plus all the little Dibnah grandchildren had been re-united
with Fred's two engines,the living van and his trusty old Land Rover.
The occasion was to officially name his Aveling steam tractor ' Fred'.
In his will Fred had left both engines to his sons, but after a
convoluted and horrible legal battle with his last wife over
possession, the legal costs finished up so high the Aveling tractor,
which was featured on his last television series had to be sold to pay
off the costs.
Luckily a good friend who has more money than me, Michael Oliver
managed to rescue the engine at an auction, giving full access and use
to the Dibnha family. Hence the get together at a pub. Which believe
me was a great occasion, especially after a few Guinness's that
night!
The next morning Jack and Roger asked me to help in driving the old
steam roller Betsy and living van back to where it was being kept
overnight near Macclesfield. What a wonderful nostalgic experience.
The old roller has been re-tubed and completely gone over since she
gave up on us, running completely out of steam because of leaking
tubes at Fred's funeral. That trundle along the Cheshire lanes with
its familiar clunks hisses and gurgles was a pleasure beyond
description.
And before anyone says this is off topic. The Dibnah's, are keen
narrowboaters and will be using OXO this year.
Roger
NB OXO
http://www.rogermurray.co.uk
Tony Haynes
Great news Roger. Not surprised by the legal battle.
Is Fred's 'place' much as it was? Any plans to open it up to visitors?
Tone
Roger Murray
Fred's old house and yard was bought by a chap who is intending to
open it up as a Fred Dibnah museum. Not really sure about the details.
The problem since Fred's sad death has been a kind of division between
parties, as happens will with wills and things. There is the side
which includes his genuine old friends, sons, daughters and family,
which I'm part of, and the side of his last wife and a set of
comparative new friends. So whats really happening on the other side
of the wall I'm not sure about. Very sad. But these things happen.
Tony Haynes
Keep us informed eh?
Tone
Pete
"Tony Haynes" wrote in message
news:284d8682-2ad2-4509...@k38g2000vbn.googlegroups.com...
>
>> Fred's old house and yard was bought by a chap who is intending to
> open it up as a Fred Dibnah museum. Not really sure about the details.
> The problem since Fred's sad death has been a kind of division between
> parties, as happens will with wills and things. There is the side
> which includes his genuine old friends, sons, daughters and family,
> which I'm part of, and the side of his last wife and a set of
> comparative new friends. So whats really happening on the other side
>> of the wall I'm not sure about. Very sad. But these things happen.
>
>> Roger
>> NB OXOhttp://www.rogermurray.co.uk
>Keep us informed eh?
Yes - please do Roger - I did not realise we had connections in such high
places !
We lost a true Chap when Fred died --- one of my personal heroes (:-)
Departed before his time - I fear (:-(
Definitely no need to apologise for the posting on here.
Regards
Pete
www.thecanalshop.com
Brian Holt - CIBC Membership Secretary
> We lost a true Chap when Fred died --- one of my personal heroes (:-)
> Departed before his time - I fear (:-(
> Definitely no need to apologise for the posting on here.
>
> Regards
Fully agree
--
Brian traveling on Harnser
http://nbharnser.blogspot.com/
Roger Murray
There's a lot thats not written! Will think of a way of lifting the
cover off without the threat of litigation.
Pete
>"Roger Murray" wrote in message
>news:7b35a5df-4c6b-4dcc...@f30g2000yqa.googlegroups.com...
>There's a lot thats not written! Will think of a way of lifting the
>cover off without the threat of litigation.
If it is reet good, get it un- covered from th'oily rag- if it's bad,
best left under th'oily cap (:-)
Regards
Pete
Roger Murray
If you're in that cafe across the road from your place Pete, will lift
th'oily rag!