h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

10th March 2005

This week saw the start of a twelve part series on Fred Dibnah who sadly died last November, at 66, after a three year fight against cancer.

To those not familiar with the name, he was a steam fanatic and steeplejack, who alternately terrified us, amused us and enthralled us, becoming a TV almost by accident.

It is so sad to say goodbye to a true English Eccentric, a real "one off". He was hard working, down to earth, very, very talented and quite unique. It is good that he managed to get his beloved traction engine fully restored and running before he died. No matter that it took 27 years It is right and proper that he also received national recognition for his services to our industrial heritage and broadcasting.

I will really miss his humour and knowledge, communicated with such enthusiasm, but it was so good to see his eldest "lad" working with him, from choice, and operating the traction engine "like a good 'un!"

I do wonder if he went up or down - I can't see him in the clouds with the angels, he was far too "wicked" for that, but down below he should be able to generate a good head of to keep himself occupied

"did ya like that" - oh, yes Fred, I sure did, and so did many other people. Thanks to the BBC for introducing us to this treasure.

Goodbye, God Bless, R.I.P.

Websailor