When I founded the “British Bandleaders Club” back in the 1960’s, Lew Stone became President, and I appointed Billy Ternent Vice President. They represented the best of the older Bands, and the best of the new. I knew both of the Bandleaders, and because Billy outlived Lew by several years – and worked until he entered hospital and died – I knew Bill better. He and I shared a great deal. He was born in North Shields and I was born across the river Tyne in Hebburn – almost 2 miles away as the crow flies.
Bill’s wife Eileen confided that she had bequeathed all of Bill’s recordings of unissued material to me on her death. Sadly, following an accident, Eileen’s health deteriorated and she retired to a rest home, and I was honoured when she contacted me with the news that I was to have the material earlier than anticipated.
It was Eileen’s wish that her husband’s music should live on and be available for his fans to appreciate. Immediately I undertook the mighty task of transferring the material from various sizes and tracks on reel to reel tape, to a clearer set of digital recordings. As Bill’s Band has always been the most popular of the British Bandleaders, on my 17 year run (to date) of my Regional Radio Show, “Frank Wappat Music", I decided to form the Billy Ternent Appreciation Society. If sufficient listeners were interested, they could share my joys.
None of this material will be available in Shops or Stores.
By the founder – FRANK WAPPAT – BBC NORTH
