Fred Dibnah's story told by wife Sheila
He was a historical evangelist aiming to showcase the wonder of the industrial revolution and its place in creating the Britain we know today.
Flat-cap wearing steeplejack Fred Dibnah became an unlikely celebrity when his friendly smile beamed out to millions watching his television programmes from the sofa.
He explored the history of the people and places at the forefront of the industrial awakening that made the country famous around the world.
Now his own story is being told through the eyes of his third wife Sheila in a book telling of their life together and meeting his fans as they journeyed the country.
Fred had visited the Black Country Living Museum at least a dozen times both while filming his well-loved documentaries and for talks and visits over the years.
And Mrs Dibnah says she could not have found a better venue to host her latest book signing event 'A Cast Iron Will', which takes place tomorrow between 2pm and 3.30pm.
"He was a wonderful man and he would often refer to himself as a reluctant celebrity," she said.
"Fred loved to come to the Black Country Living Museum over the years. I remember once he had come to launch the President narrowboat but while there was a press official with a clip board trying to coax him along he discovered someone else to go to speak too.
"That was him really. He was always interested in finding something new to see. Fred was a catalyst for that for many other people who were able to tune into his enthusiasm and learn more."
Fred was born and raised in Bolton with his television career growing out of a regional television appearance in 1978.
He went on to make countless documentary series for the BBC and wrote books on his interests including steam power and Victorian Britain.
Mrs Dibnah's memoir delves into their relationship after they met in 1996, their subsequent marriage two years later and happy life together until his death from cancer in 2004 aged 66.
But she does also touch on the controversy after Fred cut her out of his will in his dying days.
"This is no 'kiss and tell' but just a genuine tribute to him because I have nothing bad to say about him," Mrs Dibnah said.
