English steeplejack and television personality, with a keen interest in mechanical engineering
Children (with Alison): Jane (born 1968), Lorna and Caroline.
Children (with Sue): Jack and Roger.
He was awarded the M.B.E. (Member of the British Empire) in the 2003 Queens New Years Eve Honours List for his services to Heritage and Broadcasting.
Whilst Fred was married to Alison, his beloved steam roller was named Alison. However after the divorce, he changed the name to Betsy, the name of his mother, on the grounds that "wives may change but your mother remains your mother"! "Betsy" performed one final act for Fred: as requested in his will, she drove behind his coffin to his funeral at Bolton Parish Church on 16 November 2004.
He was awarded two honorary doctorates: a Doctor of Technology in 2000 from Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, and a Doctor of the University in 2004 from Birmingham University.
The modern world stinks.
Anybody who destroys anything made of stone should be prosecuted. It is,not all beautiful, but it took a man all day to make one stone.
