Fred was born to Edgar and Elsie Robson and lived his younger days at 41 Middle Street North in Driffield. At the age of 14 Fred took up his interest in music when he joined the Driffield Town Silver Band while working as an errand boy at Spencers Hardware store. He later worked at Naylors Woodyard as a clerk. When World War II started Fred joined the Home Guard patrolling the streets of Driffield. He was then called up into the Royal Navy.
He began his service aboard ship in November 1941 as an Ordnance Signalman and adding Buglar to his duties. In January 1945 he served on the HMS Royal Arthur, HMS Victory, HMS Glen Royal, HMS Mayina and the aircraft carrier HMS Activity.
After leaving the Navy Fred worked at Phillips shoe shop in Driffield where he met Greta and they married at Nafferton Church in October 1955. They went on to have three children, Sandra, Linda and John. Then grandchildren John, Donna, Daniel, David, Michaela and Georgia followed. He loved them all and spent many happy hours with them as they grew.
A short spell in a job at Westons Biscuit Factory was followed by Freds main occupation as a representative for Crossbones Fertiliser Company, travelling all over his beloved East Yorkshire and the North Yorks moors.
Along with his good pals Ron Snaith, Geoff Lidster and Billy Thompson they formed a dance hall band called The South Sea Serenaders, travelling in their spare time to play their music all over the East Riding. Fred, along with Geoff penned the towns signature tune The Capital of the Wolds which was dedicated to the Driffield Town Silver Band and is played as their opening tune wherever they go. Fred has remained a member of the band for 75 years and was appointed vice president. He continued to compose music, write poetry and more recently pen three short stories dedicating many to different organisations he was fond of.