Sheila's wheel deal

Annabel Williams • Published 22 Apr 2009 08:00 1 Comment

THE date has been set and a VIP is waiting in the wings to open this year's Woodcote Rally.

Guest of honour will be Sheila Dibnah, widow of the late, great Fred Dibnah - steeplejack, chimney demolition expert, TV presenter, mining engineer and steam enthusiast.

She has recently launched the Fred Dibnah Heritage Centre in Bolton which aims to fully restore Fred's former home and workshop.

Mrs Dibnah will have a stand in the steam rally's trade stalls area, where she will share stories of Fred's life and works.

Fred was himself a proud owner of an Aveling & Porter steam traction engine, built in 1912, and an Aveling & Porter Steam Roller, called Betsy, built in 1910.

In summer 2000 Fred was awarded an honorary Doctor of Technology degree for his achievement in engineering by Aberdeen University and he was awarded an MBE in the 2004 New Year honours list.

He was also given an honorary Doctorate by the University of Birmingham in 2004.

The rally is the 46th event, having raised £313,100 for charity since it started in 1964.

This year's rally is on July 11 and July 12 about 8 miles north-west of Reading on the A4074 Reading to Oxford road.

See www.woodcoterally.org.uk

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