Author Tilly Walker was recently interviewed by the Bolton News – here is part of the article.
“BOLTON legend Fred Dibnah is to be immortalised in a series of children’s books.
The famous steeplejack, who died in 2004, is the star of three short stories, which follow the adventures of an eccentric engineer called Steeplejack Fred.
The first book in the trilogy, Fred’s Summer Holiday, will be published on June 23.
The book’s author, Tilly Walker, of Hebden Bridge, was inspired to write the stories after meeting Fred at a chimney demolition in 1997, and had the chance to show him some of the early drafts before he passed away.
She said: “He loved the whole idea of the books.”
“The real Fred was very a lovable and resourceful man and he was very popular with children.”
A percentage of the profits from the books will go to an engineering apprentice fund, to reflect the famous steeplejack’s enthusiasm to introduce children to engineering. She said: “Fred always hoped his self-taught skills could be passed on to the younger generation.”
Shanna McGoldrick
For the full article click here
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