​Legacy left to Charities Aid Foundation

A book of rare autographs has been left to the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) as part of a generous legacy.

The book includes the signatures of twentieth century stars from stage, screen and classical music as well as individual messages and photographs cut from contemporary newspapers.

The actress Vivien Leigh, who starred in Gone With The Wind and won two Academy Awards, has signed one of the pages.

Other signatories include Sir John Mills who received an Academy Award for Ryan’s Daughter, Flora Robson who starred in Alexander Korda’s Catherine The Great and Sir John Barbirolli, the famous cellist and conductor of the Hallé Orchestra.

The organist and composer Malcolm Sargent; the comedian Arthur Askey and the actress Brenda Bruce have also signed pages.

The book was left as part of a legacy by a retired school teacher who wanted CAF to use the gift to continue making an impact in the charitable sector.

CAF works with more than 50,000 charities and helps 250,000 people give to good causes.

Stephanie Moss, legacy manager at CAF, said: “CAF is frequently bequeathed items in people’s wills. However, this is definitely one of the more unusual.

“We were delighted to have been left this rather wonderful item which clearly meant a lot to the owner.

“It is a fantastic collection of autographs and would make a great asset for any collector while benefitting charities through the proceeds of its sale.

“Much of the great work of charities is paid for by legacies left in people’s wills. As well as donating money, leaving possessions can be a really effective way to ensure support for a cause close to someone’s heart lives on.”

CAF plans to sell the book and is open to generous offers from those who would like to support the great work of charities and own a unique item in the process.