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Just before Christmas 2006 a number of items were stolen from the premises of the late Fred Dibnah, the famous Steeplejack and television presenter.
Thieves broke into Fred's premises in Bolton and stole many valuable items, including the makers plate from his Aveling & Porter steam tractor and the "Flintshire County Council" owner's plate from his famous steam roller "BETSY".
Many of these items are readily identifiable and so they are unlikely to be 'openly' sold, but please be on the look-out and if you are offered anything suspicious please contact Fred's wife Sheila Dibnah via email at: sturtump@aol.com
or contact us: (info@prestonservices.co.uk)The following name plates are just some of the many stolen items:
1) "Flintshire County Council No 3" plate from Fred's steam roller "BETSY".
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And taken from Fred's workshop door:
2) "Wharton, Reddish, Stockport Cranes Hoists".
3) "Fred Watkins (Boilers) Ltd, Engineers, Coleford, Glos". (Has No either 1866/1868/1886 stamped on.
4) "For service apply Gilbert Lodge & company limited, Australia & New Zealand".
5) "Norman E Box Gyrotiller Contractor".
6) "Bamfords Patent "Rapid" Grinding Mill" (Centre reads H Bamford & Sons, Uttoxeter).
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7) "John Crook" plate (reads: "Safe Maker, Fire & Burglar Proof"). and
8) "Hick Hargreaves & Co Ltd" plate (there doesn't appear to be a number stamped in the serial No. box).
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Other items stolen include some weathervane heads stamped with Fred's initials "F.D", plus many spare parts from his workshop including pressure gauges, lubricators and other brass boiler fittings (water level gauges, etc).
The theft has caused great distress to Fred's wife Shiela and his family, and the items stolen will be a sad loss to everyone who knew Fred. Shiela's letter to Niel Armstrong (copied below) details this:
Hi Neil,
How kind of you to send a message. It is so upsetting for everyone that this kind of thing can happen, for the family - for everyone that loved Fred. His engines had stood safely in their shed for over 30 years without any damage or being tampered with whatsoever - and now some low-life scum bag comes along and removes the 'Flintshire County Council No. 3' plate from 'Betsy' - and the eliptical 'Aveling & Porter' plate from the new tractor. The large brass plate which says 'Danks Boiler Supapak' is also missing, as are a number of makers plates which once graced Fred's shed door (see photos)
The 'Caroline' plate from the small stationary steam engine which drives the plant seems to have turned up in a scrapyard not far from Bolton, according to one bloke who wandered into the garden on Boxing Day when we were moving the engines to safety. I've reported this info to the police, and will see what comes of it. Apparently, there are some brass items stamped with 'FD' which have turned up there too. Whether we will be in time to save them from being melted down (or sold on) is another matter.
A great many pressure gauges, gauge glasses, lubricators and various tools have been removed. If anyone hears of anyone trying to flog something like this 'that one belonged to Fred Dibnah' - then I'd be delighted to hear from you and will act quickly. In a few months, it might be an idea to set a trap and ask if anyone has any 'Fred stuff' for sale? (these idiots might just be that stupid - they'll fall for it)
The theif/thieves have gone mostly for brass and copper, and two weathervane heads stamped with Fred Dibnah Steeplejack & sons 1999 are missing. But the main thing I am saddened by is the removal of the FCC plaque from 'Betsy'. This is a very distinctive bright red, and maybe a thief will try and peddle it on. (This is assuming they have any brain whatsoever, and realise it might be worth more than about four quid scrap value.
I am heartbroken that Fred's world has been plundred by this for the price of a few cans of booze, drugs or whatever.
Thanks for your help.....
Kindest wishes,
Sheila Dibs.
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This very finely built 1 1/2 Inch scale model of an Allchin 'Royal Chester' traction
engine was made by Paul Gower of Wye in Kent over several years.
To his huge dismay this model was stolen from his house in Wye in late May 2005.
If anyone has any information regarding this miniature, please do contact Paul on
Tel: 01233 812645, or email info@prestonservices.co.uk, or contact any police station.
Your help would be very much appreciated!
This magnificent 2" scale Burrell scenic showmans engine, named "Excalibur", was
stolen from the back of a car during the night of 26th/27th May 2005, in Rainham
near Gillingham, Kent.
It was built over a 20 year period by
Ron Dawe, current President of the Road Locomotive Society.
"Excalibur" has the words "Scenic Golden Dragons On Tour" painted on the canopy sides.
The engine is well known for its superb quality, is 44" long and weighs about 130 Kg.
If anyone has any information regarding this miniature, please contact Ron Dawe on
Tel: 01634 364653, email info@prestonservices.co.uk, or contact any police station.
Your help would be very much appreciated!
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We are currently in the process of restoring our Thomas Walker 3 abreast steam gallopers to full working glory.
However...
In 1989, just before we bought our set (the ex. Joseph Smith/Bartletts/Chipperfields 3 abreast gallopers, made by Thomas Walker of Tewkesbuy in 1911) from George Wilkie at the New Palace in New Brighton, Merseyside; several items of irreplaceable carve-work were stolen.
And despite the best attempts of the Merseyside police at the time, nothing was ever recovered, although a casual employee at the New Palace was convicted of theft.
It's a long time ago, but presumably the items have all ended up in private collections, purchased quite legitimately through various dealers, etc. We would very much like the opportunity to buy any of the items back, so they can be reinstated on our gallopers. The items include:
1) A superb Gavioili style organ front figure of a girl diaphanously clad, about 36" high.
2) Another Gavioli organ figure of a male, savage-like figure, partially clad, about 36" high.
3) 2 Galloper horses, carved by Arthur Anderson of Bristol. Middle row and each approx. 65" long. May have ears pointing either forwards of backwards.
4) 3 inside row "dobby" style early horses. Each approx. 50" long. Very plain and earlier than the rest of the Walker ride - so presumably they came from Joseph Smith's first machine.
5) 9 carved wooden eagles, approx 25" wingspan. These were mounted on top of the domes, after abt. 1935, and came from the Bartletts earlier set.
6) 6 large carved, standing eagles, about 24" - fitted to the tops of bottom shutters. Like the smaller eagles, these were from Bartletts earlier set.
Any clues, leads or suggestions as to the whereabouts of any of these will be eagerly, and discreetly, followed up.
Many thanks in advance!
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All prices on request.
~ PRESTON SERVICES ~
Preston Canterbury Kent CT3 1DH England
Tel: (GB) 01227 722502
Fax: (GB) 01227 720887
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