Local quiz

[zadie]

cryptic clue, no letters and answer is name of fictional or real person and I cannot see the answer at all!!
'When his charges went up stacks came down' (7,5)

[cupid04]

chimney sweep

[boxtops]

Chimney sweep ? (chimney stacks) - however because it says Charges I was thinking of someone like Fred Dibnah, but it doesn't fit!

[ladyalex]

Probably before your time.

He was a famous after dinner speaker in Cheshire /Lancashire area.

Blaster Bates

[zadie]

I thought chimney sweep - but it's not a proper name. I've wanted to put Fred Dibner too. Will bear in mind Blaster Bates, many thanks, but suspect it's someone much more famous.....any more suggestions PLEASE!

[ladyalex]

Blaster Bates was quite famous in his day......

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blaster_Bates

When you say Local QUiz, local to where ?

[zadie]

ladyalex I've just googled Blaster Bates after your suggestion - unless anyone else can come up with a better answer I will definitely go with that one - many thanks!

[ladyalex]

Happy to help, zadie.
Being old has its advantages sometimes :-))

[factor-fiction]

Definitely BLASTER BATES