According to the district judge who heard the case in 2009, it would be ten years until another reconciliation, after a chance meeting at the shops. But this broke down on Melita’s 60th birthday in June 1994. In 1999, the women tried again after another awkward encounter, this time between Melita and Nicholas at the dentist’s. Melita demanded, and received, a written letter of apology from her daughter, but the rift between them was too wide. Besides, Melita was now unhappy that her fifth grandchild had been named after Nicholas’s mother, who she didn’t like either. This time she cut Heather off for good.

Disinheritance and the law: why you can’t leave your money to whoever Disinheritance and the law: why you can’t leave your money to

Peter Ustinov, whose family have been battling over his will – which was written in pencil and declared invalid – since his death in 2004. Photograph: Michael Stephens/PALeon Powsney, who has turned Fred’s home in Radcliffe Road, The Haulgh, into a heritage centre, said: “It was amazing and very emotional. Sheila Dibnah was born in Bolton. As a child – and much to her mother’s despair – she was more interested in toy cars, spanners and dirty grid-lids than the more traditional girl’s pursuits.

engine for sale in bid to settle will dispute Fred’s engine for sale in bid to settle will dispute

Fiona Sanderson, aged 41, of Horwich, said: “I really enjoyed the show. The man who played Fred was very good. His accent and mannerisms were fantastic. The set was very good too.”Mrs Dibnah, who tours the country speaking about her late husband’s work, said she was “delighted” that the saga was coming to a close.

Sheila Dibnah - 2QT Sheila Dibnah - 2QT

We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused. It did not last. In March 1984, when things were still very strained between them, Melita took the ultimate sanction available to a parent: she formally disinherited Heather and wrote her out of her will. Things soon got so bad that on 26 May 1984, Melita wrote in her diary about a phone conversation with Nicholas: “had a call from the village idiot at **** to say he was coming out to put a rope around my throat and H told me to F off.”It was like a rollercoaster of emotions. I am so pleased with it. It is a tender and very accurate portrayal of a brilliant man. They have done a fantastic job. She had to learn how to do my accent, though. I never thought I would have to give someone elocution lessons.”