Читать книгу The Gifts of Frank Cobbold - Arthur W. Upfield - Страница 5

Although the Cobbold Family History Trust was not settled until the Spring of 2004 I had been collecting books and papers about the family for some years, but the reality was that I knew very little. Amongst those papers was a manuscript pedigree in the distinctive hand of Clement Cobbold (1882-1961) whose excellent work expanded that already carried out by his uncle Felix Thornley Cobbold (1841-1909).

Tucked away at the bottom of a page I noticed a footnote,

NB Francis Edward Cobbold of Melbourne died 1935 leaving no children. He left the residue of his fortune to the Royal United Kingdom Beneficent Association for Suffolk domiciled gentlefolk of reduced means.

By chance, whilst sorting some papers I came across a Christmas card sent previously by my very dear godmother. She had purchased the card in support of Rukba so now I knew their address. Thinking that it sounded interesting and that I might thereby be able to confirm what I had noticed, but with very little anticipation of what might be revealed, I wrote to Rukba in October 2005 to ask for information. The reply amazed and encouraged me in about equal proportions. I continued my researches and within six months the Trust had acquired an original portrait of F E Cobbold and a typescript copy of his biography by Arthur W Upfield.

I thought it was a fascinating story that was worthy of at least limited publication so application was made to the author’s estate for permission. This was granted to the Trust for 300-350 copies.

The thread of the story is the selfless way in which Frank Cobbold made his money but the garment is the thousands of people whose lives have been improved as a result of his generosity and Rukba’s skills. ‘Go on or go under,’ he used to say. He would be pleased to have been heard and heeded.

Anthony Cobbold

Keeper, The Cobbold Family History Trust

September 2008