Fred’s name lives on as new owner ‘christens’ his engine
8:56am Friday 11th March 2011 in Your Town
AN steam engine that used to belong to former steeplejack Fred Dibnah is being named in his honour at a special ceremony tomorrow.
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.
