I WRITE with reference to the article in the Bolton Evening News on January 2, concerning the late Fred Dibnah and his contributions to industrial history.
David Hall states: 'Before Fred Dibnah, no one had done anything about industrial history, but since then there has been a great revival of interest in the area'.
David Hall seems to have ignored the contributions made over many years by such as The Newcomen Society, the Science Museums of London, Birmingham and Manchester, the various railway preservation societies, the many authors of a wide range of books on this topic, and such places as Crich Tramway Museum and Ironbridge.
Coming closer to Bolton, has he never heard of the achievements of the Northern Mill Engine Society, the Turton and Halliwell Local History Societies, the Bolton, Bury and Manchester Canal Society, the East Lancs Railway, Bury, and, a bit farther, the Worth Valley Railway?
It is not my intention to criticise Fred Dibnahs activities across the country, but simply to point out that Great Britain in general, and the North-west in particular, has produced a host of mechanical, electrical, steam, textile and chemical engineers over the years, who deserve to be recognised both locally and nationally.
Denis O'Connor
Forton Avenue
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