I am Rachael Tobeck. Born Rae Mary Michelle Tobeck on 6th Dec. 1949. Sister of Cherie Christine bn. 19th Nov. 1947 - Daughter of Claude Spencer Tobeck - bn. 2nd Sept. 1919 & Valda Esslemont Lipscombe bn 7th Nov. 1920. Claude was the youngest son of 2 (the elder being Clarence Ralph) - of Clarence John Colyton born c. 1890s. I believe him to be the eldest son of Johann twin of Freidrich bn.1872 - he was
-- offspring of Johann/John Albert and mother Lucy Sherre. These were the first couple (TOBECKS) to arrive into New Zealand (Chch). Their details as follows: -
Johann Albert Tobeck born on Jun 23 1837 in Hoya, Martfeld, Hannover, Prussia, Germany AND married to Lucy Sherry (SHERRE) on Nov 9 1862 in St. George Church, East London, England. Lucy Sherry was born in 1842 in Bethnal Green, London, England. I have found nothing further back about Lucy

There is not much written about my grandfather Clarence John married Ivy Pearl Edwards, (my paternal grandparents and their syblings) and I would love to know much more. My grandfather was a seemingly quiet man and I think perhaps quite sad. I believe him to be the eldest of a number of children - and I believe also, a number of them did not survive. I would be glad to hear from anyone who has any further information. Many kind regards to any family out there. Rachael Tobeck.
I've just descovered newspaper clippings of him winning awards for reciting poetry as a young lad; It also appears he was already a tailor in 1916 before he went away to the WWI. He can only have been around 20 years old.And we would have lost his mother Lucy not long after this - perhaps he was still away overseas. I'm yet to to discover when he learnt the doubke bass though I do know Claude my dad, learnt the cello at a young age. Perhaps Clarence taught him.

Clarence John Colyton Tobeck
This is what I do know of my grandfather Clarence John. He was a Tailor -(as was my father Claude Spencer). How he came by that craft I know not. And he was, as were his sons, wonderful musicians. All 3 (father and 2 sons) played the double bass.(Claude my father seemed to be able to play any instrument laid before him - from piano to bassoon). I would be intrigued to know where this talent was derived from. Clarence John was also a soldier enlisted during the 1st WW. I have a photo of him and a few others somewhere in the desert during that time.