Fred Dibnah, the affable steeplejack and chronicler of Britain’s industrial past, is often the centre of attention. However, his first wife, Alison Dibnah (nee Foster), was behind the camera and in the engine room of the successes. Using key elements in both articles, along with historical sources, this article reviews who Alison was, her importance to Fred and the quiet mystery she left behind.
Who Was Alison Dibnah?
Alison Mary Foster was born in 1947, Bolton, Lancashire, England. As fate would have it, she appeared in Fred’s life in true Northern British style. He first spied her from the top of a chimney and then met her at the local pub. Fred, who was always brazen, asked her out, and before long, he had whisked her away to Gretna Green. Though one article suggests the wedding took place in 1967, records indicate the wedding was on 19 May 1968.
Building a Life Together
Their early days were far from glamorous. Initially residing with Fred’s mother, Alison and Fred then relocated to a Victorian gatehouse on the estate of the Earl of Bradford. Fred took on a huge task restoring the place. He even sourced gravestones to use in the build, which he later joked would haunt the house. Alison was the most practical. She managed the account and handled the administrative tasks of running their business and home. She also collected from slow customers. She didn’t just want a partner for emotional support; she helped with chimney demolitions, kept his books in order, and helped him carve out the life for which Fred would become famous.
Mother and Manager
Jayne (1968), Lorna (1971), and Caroline (1978) were the couple’s three daughters. Alison managed the family business while raising the couple’s children. Alongside this practical management of their business, she managed the emotional labour of raising their children while Fred’s growing television career and mechanical hobbies took him away from home for long days.
Alison’s Impact on Fred’s Work and Fame
Alison was the driving force behind the wheel, not just the spouse. Apart from sorting out the money and doing some steeplejacking, her practical approach helped Fred to keep his chaos under control. Unlike any diamond, nothing was closer to her heart than a refurbished 1910 Aveling and Porter steamroller by Fred.
The locomotive was named “Alison,” as Gregory commented, “It’s not every woman that has a steam engine named after her.” Their marriage became a near-third partner with the machine, which became essential on family outings and steam fairs. Alison mentioned how much of the engine was engaged with their life together.
The Challenges and End of the Marriage
Fred’s twin loves, for the remains of industrial Britain and his machines, began to put a strain on the marriage.
Alison used to comment (sometimes jokingly, sometimes seriously) that Fred was “married to his engines.” Fred’s work was getting tougher and tougher, and he was also dealing with what was happening on TV and at home. After almost twenty years together, Alison left the family home in 1985 with the children and began the split. The same year, the marriage ended, and it affected them for life. The steamroller was renamed Betsy for Fred’s mother.
Life After Fred: Where Is Alison Now?
Alison’s tale following her split from Fred was cloaked in cherished secrecy. She never sought fame or recognition from the public, even as Fred became an iconic figure. People say a documentary was filmed about her in 2015. But there’s little trace of it being released, which makes us think that Alison has made her peace with not being in the spotlight. According to reports, she has kept herself away from all the industrial sagas, after her ex-husband focused on her children and later on her grandchildren.
Alison’s Legacy
While the world remembers Fred for his uncompromising love of the past and his ebullient presence on television, Alison’s legacy remains quietly powerful. Without her unwavering management, practical support, and sacrifices, it’s hard to imagine Fred ever becoming the legend he did. Her role as co-builder of their family, partner in restoration, and quiet force behind the scenes cannot be overstated.
FAQs About Alison Dibnah
How Did Alison and Fred Dibnah Meet?
Fred first noticed Alison from the top of a chimney, then asked her out during a chance pub meeting. Their romance was swift and sincere, leading them to elope in Gretna Green in May 1968.
What Was Alison’s Role in Fred’s Career?
She managed the accounts, collected payments, and even assisted in demolishing chimneys, lighting the fire to weaken their supports. This involvement was highly unusual for women in that line of work but proved essential to Fred’s success.
How Many Children Did They Have?
Fred and Alison had three daughters: Jayne, Lorna, and Caroline.
Why Did Alison and Fred Divorce?
The pressures from Fred’s work, long absences, and devotion to steam engines strained their marriage, culminating in Alison leaving with their children in 1985.
What Happened to Alison After the Divorce?
She withdrew from public view, focusing on her family privately. While there are hints about a documentary and brief mentions in interviews, Alison has deliberately avoided public life.
Was a Steam Engine Named After Alison?
Yes, Fred named his prized steamroller after her. It was later renamed “Betsy” after their divorce as a sign of a new chapter in Fred’s life.
Are There Photos or Videos of Alison with Fred Dibnah?
Images and old BBC documentary clips of Alison working or holidaying with Fred and their children do exist, notably in programs like “The Fred Dibnah Story” and various TV archives and YouTube videos.
Why isn’t Alison More Widely recognised in Fred’s Later Biographies?
Most accounts and memorials focus on Fred’s achievements and later marriages, tending to gloss over the formative role Alison played, especially given her withdrawal from public life after the separation.
Did Alison Remarry or Give Interviews Later in Life?
No publicly available records indicate that Alison remarried or sought media attention after her divorce from Fred. Friends and family have respected her wish for privacy.