Naturalist and farming moderniser dies

Frank Penfold, born in Arundel, with his home always within a few miles of the town, was a man whose energy, determination and keen interest in the world around him was an inspiration to his family, friends and all who came into contact with him.

In the 12 months prior to his death, he had also made trips to Mexico to go whale-watching and to Alaska.

His roots were firmly in Sussex. The Penfold family has been attached to the area between Arundel and Steyning for at least 450 years and his male ancestors were yeoman farmers until the mid 19th century.

Frank travelled constantly throughout his life to many of the wilder regions of the globe, birdwatching and botanising, hoping to see the areas before the endless march of industrialisation ruined them forever.

He spent his working life, latterly in partnership with his eldest son, John, as head of the family firm of agricultural engineers, Penfolds of Arundel. Frank was the fourth generation of the business, which was started by Charles in 1833 with a small foundry and ironmongery shop at 18 High Street and in the Crown Yard. The business progressed into implement manufacture, tinsmithing, blacksmithing and portable steam threshing. When Frank was born in 1913 the firm, being run by his father Percy, already owned several sets of steam road tractors, contracting to farmers and local authorities.

Full story in West Sussex Gazette, November 24