Now retired after more than 40 years in full-time journalism, Alan takes a wry look at life in the 21st Century. You can also read Alan's column every Monday in The Bolton News . . .
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SO, the statue of Fred Dibnah is in place in Oxford Street and there is a genuine expectation that it will help to attract visitors to Bolton town centre.
I find myself smiling when I remember some of the conversations I had with various people in Bolton Town Hall when Fred was alive and endearing himself to millions of television viewers.
Those who suggested that his popularity could be used to boost tourism were shot down in flames because - the argument went - Bolton was a modern, forward-looking town and Fred, lovable as he was, represented an out-of-date image.
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There was some truth in this, I suppose, but the people spoke when they turned out in the rain for his funeral and responded enthusiastically when the appeal was launched to raise money for the statue.
The trick now, surely, is to build on the interest that the statue is likely to provoke.
In a perfect world there would be a "Pride of Bolton" permanent exhibition somewhere nearby - perhaps in the current magistrates' courts building in Le Mans crescent when the replacement is built on the site of the ill-fated Water Place.
There would be information about Fred and some of the other Boltonians who have made their mark outside the borough boundaries, particularly Samuel Crompton and the astonishing Lord Leverhulme.
Hopefully there would also be room to feature the comedians, entertainers, sports stars and others who reflect all that is best about a very special community.
And, yes, information about the various development projects designed to usher in a new era.
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