Fans flock to Fred’s

10:04am Wednesday 17th October 2007

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SOME had a genuine interest in buying the historic property - others simply wanted to catch a glimpse of the house Fred Dibnah made his own.

Dozens of people queued in the rain yesterday to be among the first to look around the legendary steeplejack's home.

Next month it will be sold at auction by Bolton estate agents, Miller Metcalf, with a guide price between £300,000 and £350,000.

Auctioneer Alan McNaughton said: "We wanted both fans and potential bidders to have a chance to visit this property.

"We are expecting a lot of interest from those who are curious and those who want to bid for the house.

"The attraction is that it is a piece of local history. At the first viewing, half of the people who came were fans and the other half prospective buyers."

Fred's house, in Radcliffe Road, The Haulgh, was his home for 40 years and comes complete with a working mineshaft and a steam-powered workshop.

The three-bedroom cottage, which dates back to 1851, is being advertised as a "unique property of distinction and recent history".

It was extended by Fred in 1990.

The first to walk through the house were admirers and friends, rather than prospective buyers, who have called for it to be turned into a working museum as a tribute to Fred who died in 2004 following a battle with cancer.

British Telecom engineer Phil Garner, aged 46, from Kirkby, said: "I never met Fred but I used to watch him on television and he seemed so likeable and down to earth.

"This place should be preserved for school children to come and visit.

"It is like stepping back in time and the house is much larger than I imagined.

"I've seen it on television but it is different being here."

Many of the male visitors found it hard to tear themselves away from the back yard.

Frank Isherwood, aged 45, from Burnley, said: "It's full of big boys' toys. I am glad I came - it might be the last time we get a chance like this."

Engineer Don Greenhalgh, aged 54, from Radcliffe, who knew Fred in passing, said he was tempted to put in a bid for the property.

He said: "I will definitely be going to the auction. I have villas in Spain and it would be hard coming back to maintain the property.

"But I would like it to stay as it is."

One of Fred's friends, Eddy Chattwood, aged 60, came to the property to reminiscence about his many previous visits.

Mr Chattwood, from Ramsbottom, said: "I worked with Fred and knew him for more than 35 years.

"It's strange coming back to the house. I half expected Fred to jump out."

Christie Maher, aged 65, who lives in Bury Road, near Fred's house, said she hopes her numbers come up in the lottery today so she can buy the house.

She said: "I knew Fred before he was famous. We used to socialise in the Anchor Pub, but this is the first time I have been in the house.

"I just wish I had the money to buy it.

"If I won the lottery, I would and keep it exactly as it is and turn it into a museum for all to see.

"The house is just like Fred, very welcoming and warm."

The house goes up for auction on November 12.