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  Demolishing a chimney,
  1972
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Help Required
If you can help with any of the following, please email


Hugh Wright asks:
Do you know what the piece of flute music is that is the theme tune to the Fred Dibnah story?

Chris Gregory says: The flute piece is Carnival of Venice. Its a very difficult piece to play (so I am told) as it sounds like two flutes playing at the same time. Actually there is only one!

Duncan Walters says: The music used in the early Fred Dibnah series is called "Carnival of Venice", composed by Briccialdi. It is played by flautist James Galway, and was released on "The Magic Flute of James Galway", on a Stereo LP Record RCA LRLI 5131. I presume it should also be on tape or even CD

Keith Coulthard asks:
I am trying to find out the name of the music that is played at the start of 'A year with Fred' as he utters the immortal "Did you like that ?" Would you perhaps know what it is or where it is available.

Brian Wareham asks:
Fowler steam/traction engine - click for larger picture
Fowler engine: Can you help?
I am retired but do voluntary work for Crimestoppers Trust UK and Crime Stoppers International (CSI) - I am the Chairman of the CSI International Relations Committee.

I have recently returned from Belize where I have been advising and assisting Belize Rotary to set up a Crimestoppers scheme in Belize. One of the Rotarians, Francis Woods will shortly be opening a Belize Cultural Centre, and one of the exhibits is a steam/tractor engine which was recovered from the jungle (photo). It was used for collecting the felled trees. The only information he has is that it was made in England by a company called Fowler. He would like to obtain as much information as possible about the engine and its use so that it can be displayed for the visitors.

We would like to know in particular more details of the machinery eg horsepower, rpm, year of manufacter etc, and about the company, Fowler Ltd.

Arthur Culshaw recommends www.planefacts.co.uk

Brian Holt provided these links and information:
www.a2a.org.uk/html/007-fowler_1.htm
www.a2a.org.uk/html/007-fowler_2.htm
www.a2a.org.uk/html/007-fowler_3.htm
Also, This link shows that Fowler was taken over by Marshall's, which passed through several hands including British Leyland until it was bought by "Theakston brothers of Driffield"in the late 80s. The brothers may or may not have included this chap:
http://www.gnn.gov.uk/content/detail.asp?NewsAreaID=2&ReleaseID=128517&print=true whose company was put into liquidation in 2002.

Brian may wish to contact the Museum Of English Rural Life, where he might find details of his particular engine.

John Reeney asks:
In one of the early Fred Dibnah BBC series, Fred had to sell his motorcycle a 350cc 1927 AJS registration BWB 25 it was sold at auction and I believe went to the Macclesfield area. In the book the Fred Dibnah story on page 40 fred is seen sitting astride a 1927 AJS but the registration is JS 3014, is this the same bike? Why has the number changed or is it a different bike, did Fred own more than one bike? Does the bike still exist and has anyone seen it at any of the steam shows.

John Reeney asks:
I thought I had copies of all Fred's books, however I have been told of a title that has eluded me. The book is called - The Fred Dibnah Album - (A companion to Fred's best selling books Steeplejacks and Steams On). Its by Peter Nicholson and contains 40 pages of text and photographs. Has anyone got a copy, was it hardback or softback, do you know who published it or what year or even have the ISBN number? I assume the title says it is a companion to Steeplejack and Steams On. The publication date would be around 1983-84? Does anyone have a copy to sell or know the best place to obtain one?

John Mellin says: Softback book, published 1985 by Line One Publishing, Mead Park, Mead Road, Cheltenham, Glos. GL53 7EF - ISBN 0 907036 24 4 - £3.45. Smashing photo of Fred plus cap and fag in bed. Can't help with obtaining a copy- I'm hanging on to mine.
 
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