- Whilst Fred was married to Alison, his beloved steam roller was named Alison. However after the divorce, he changed the name to Betsy, the name of his mother, on the grounds that "wives may change but your mother remains your mother"! "Betsy" performed one final act for Fred: as requested in his will, she drove behind his coffin to his funeral at Bolton Parish Church on 16 November 2004.
- He was awarded the M.B.E. (Member of the British Empire) in the 2003 Queen's New Year's Eve Honours List for his services to Heritage and Broadcasting.
- He was awarded two honorary doctorates: a Doctor of Technology in 2000 from Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, and a Doctor of the University in 2004 from Birmingham University.
- Children (with Alison): Jane (born 1968), Lorna and Caroline.
- Children (with Sue): Jack (born 1987) and Roger (1991).
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