Meet Me At The Trocadero
Extracts from 'Meet Me At The Trocadero' by Joan Ford
Published 1995 - ISBN 0 646 22017 9
Personnel of the Trocadero Dance Band
Vocalists of the Trocadero Dance Band
Gala Opening April 1936
As the world began to awaken from the Great Depression of the early 1930's it became entrepreneur Jim Bendroht's greatest ambition to build an entertainment venue which would be accessible to people from all walks of life.'A man's ambition, a man's career, now being inextricably built into the (namely the Trocadero) enterprise is giving it a unity - a flesh and blood, if you like - of its own. The Trocadero will have a man's soul. That is why it will be successful'. Australian Music Maker and Dance Band News, Jan 1936
Others, dressed in their evening clothes, arrived on foot having travelled by public transport to attend this opening night. The Trocadero began to fill with elegant women dressed in the height of fashion accompanied by their partners who were impeccably attired in full evening wear. The excitement built up to a crescendo as they moved across the floor to their tables marvelling at the beautiful scene before them.
At 9.30pm sharp, the lights were dimmed, the background faded. Everyone looked expectantly at the bandstand, which stood in darkness. Suddenly a spotlight lit up a lone figure, dressed in a white evening suit of tails and holding a baton in his hand. As the coloured lights of the bandstand slowly revealed the Trocadero Orchestra, they began to play their theme song, "With A Sweet Melody", written for the occasion by the dance band leader Frank Coughlan.
The sound of the orchestra floated out into the ballroom and at the same time spread out across Australia into thousands of homes as radio Station 2FC commenced its first broadcast from the Sydney Trocadero.
At the conclusion of the song, Frank stepped up to the microphone and welcomed everyone. Then turning to the orchestra, raised his baton, gave four sharp taps with his foot and swung into the first dance of the evening, 'Manhattan Cowboy'.
Soon the floor began to fill with couples eager to try out the new floor. They danced to a varied bracket of numbers which included the romantic song, I Can't Give You Anything But Love Baby, followed by Blue Skies, and many others.
Suddenly the band burst upon the audience with a riveting rendition of "It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing" in which the brass section electrified everyone as they sprang to their feet and delivered an energetic chorus, followed by the saxophones. The crowd went wild.
….without warning the lights were lowered and spot lights picked up two dancers standing to left side of the bandstand. Mayris Chaney and Edward Fox were exhibition dancers from New York, engaged for the opening season by Jim Bendroht. They danced in a style which was very similar to that of the Hollywood dancers Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire...
So the evening wore on and all too soon for everyone, the final dance "Goodnight Sweetheart" was played. The audience stood on the floor applauding, unwilling to go home. The National Anthem could scarcely be heard for the shouting and cheering. Frank gave them encore after encore until the house lights were tactfully lowered to encourage the public to make their way home.
When the doors closed on the last couple, an exhausted but elated Jim Bendroht congratulated everyone on the success of the opening night.
The staff stood in groups, laughing and discussing the happenings of the night. A small group of relatives and friends waited for the musicians to come back into the ballroom. Everyone was talking at once, describing this and that event which had taken their fancy during the evening.
It seemed as though they would never go home. This was a time to unwind and let go the tensions of the last few months. They had a success on their hands beyond their wildest dreams.
This was a night to go down in Australian musical history when the Sydney Trocadero became the most acclaimed venue in Australia and Frank Coughlan and his Trocadero Orchestra achieved world wide acclaim. For the next thirty-five years, the "Troc", as it was to be affectionately known, became the Mecca to which all of Sydney would flock.
The lights were turned out - the Trocadero lay in darkness, waiting for the next evening - and the many others in the years to come
Trocadero Band 1937
Don Baker (v), Dick Freeman, Reg Robinson, Reg Lewis, Frank Scott, Jack Baines, Bunny Austin, Frank Coughlan, Ted mcMinn, Frank Ellery, Colin Bergensen, Jack Crotty, Dave Price, Stan Holland & Billy Miller.
BACK
The opening season was a stunning success. Crowds flocked to the Trocadero every day and it was recorded that over 100,000 people danced there during those first three months. A record number of private and public functions were held and the patrons who attended, together with the artists who appeared at the Trocadero in that first six months, would read like a list of "Who's Who" in the world of society, entertainment and fashion. Everyone was talking about the place and soon the catchword, "MEET ME AT THE TROCADERO", was born………
For the first six months - April to June - the Trocadero presented three sessions each day -
SATURDAY TO SATURDAY - LUNCHEONfrom 12 until 2pm. Music provided by Monsieur Francois Stempinski and his string sextet, with Cardru Llewellyn as associated artist. Also the Rhythm Girls , with Olive at the piano sang during the Luncheon session
ENTERTAINMENT TEA from 3pm to 5pm . The Trocadero Orchestra, or sometimes a string ensemble from the Orchestra, played during the Entertainment Tea, or Tea Dansant as it was sometimes called. Highlights would be the exhibition dances given by Mayris Chaney and Edward Fox, the Trocadero Dancing Corp and tap dancer, Delle Davis, who also entertained the patrons. The Rhythm Boys and Rhythm Girls sang selections from operetta or ballads along with Cardru Llewellyn
POPULAR DANCING - 5 nights a week - Mon to Thurs and Sat. 8pm to 1am
When Francois Stempinski and his string ensemble finished their three months season in June, other changes in the entertainment personnel also began to occur. The public was very sorry to learn that the exhibition dancers, Mayris Chaney and Edward Fox, would be returning to America after only three months as they had proven to be such a popular pair with a large following throughout the city.
When it was announced that the Rhythm Girls and Rhythm Boys would also be leaving as their contracts had expired, the following article appeared in the M.M. & D.B. News of June, 1936 - "It was unfortunate that the Rhythm Boys and Rhythm Girls were dispensed with to make way for Lillian Pertka but that is all in the game and the show must give variation……..."
It became a policy of the Trocadero to engage visiting and local artists to perform for a short time at the morning and afternoon sessions. Australian contralto, Eileen Boyd, and Australian Concert Pianist, Isador Goodman, appeared as guest artists, playing during the Entertainment Tea Session. Goodman was to become a regular visiting artist to the Trocadero for many years………..
By the end of 1936, the Trocadero had become the hub of the city's social and dancing life. The format of three daily sessions continued to fluctuate with private afternoon functions, popular nights with 50-50 dancing and balls. A visit to the "Troc" became a way of life for hundreds of people and where most professional and charity organisations aimed to hold their balls………..…….
April 1937
marked the Second Anniversary of the Opening of the Trocadero with a host of special programmes. To celebrate the commencement of our second year, the Trocadero has arranged an outstanding programme of entertainments…..………………
MONDAY - Popular Dancing 8 till 11.30pm. Swing Session by Trocadero Band, including presentation of first number played on the opening night in 1936. Also important heat of Peters' Slow Foxtrot Competition.
TUESDAY (April 5th) U.L.V.A. Ball
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON (April 6th): Tango Tea to assist Royal Alexandra Hospital (under auspices of Lady Mayoress. Magnificent Fashion Parade, popular dancing and Afternoon Tea. Admission 3/6.-
THURSDAY AFTERNOON (April 7th) "Gold Cabaret" presented by Sydney Day Nurseries. "Guest" stars will include Madge Elliott. 2.30 till 5 p.m. Tickets 4/- each.
THURSDAY The Radio Engineers Ball.
FRIDAY: (April 8th): Artists' Fancy Dress Ball
SATURDAY AFTERNOON (April 9th): Popular Dancing, 2.30 till 5 p.m. Novice Knock-out Competition, with cash prizes
SATURDAY : Popular Dancing, 8 p.m. till midnight
The advent of radio had brought the local dance bands to the public, as never before, through regular broadcasts. When the A.B.C. began broadcasting the Trocadero Orchestra over 2BL and 3LO Mondays and Thursday, the broadcast always began with the signature song, written by Frank Coughlan, "With A Sweet Melody". 2UE broadcast a programme from the Trocadero called "The Show is Born" during 1937……………….
As the year progressed the Trocadero management found they were treading a fine line between the modern and old time dancing. Patrons were clamouring for both and it was decided to construct a revolving stage on the bandstand to accommodate two bands, one for modern and one for old time dancing……….
The year of 1938 saw the Commonwealth Sesqui-Centenary Celebrations
in which all of Australia commemorated the 150th Anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet in Sydney. Hundreds of special functions, displays, etc, were held throughout that year.The Sydney Trocadero did its share by holding a variety of functions, the first being a Band Contest, called the Trocadero Dance Band Competition……"
This is the greatest dance band competition that Australia has ever seen, and it comes right at the peak period when the eyes of the whole world will be centred upon Australia during its magnificent 150th Anniversary Celebrations"................On the eve of Australia's Sesqui-Centenary, 2UE, in co-operation with the management of the Trocadero, presented, as a contribution to the festivities, a special show at the Trocadero entitled
, "When Tomorrow Dawns."So successful was this, both as a promenade concert and as a broadcast, that it was decided to continue with the presentations under the title of
"The Show is Born." Indeed, Australian radio history was made that night, for never before had such a show been presented over the air………..The co-operation of the managements of 2UE and the Trocadero has meant the assemblage of a brilliant galaxy of artists. The regular standby of each show is Frank Coughlan's Trocadero Orchestra, which provides a feast of swing music. He is supported by such artists as……."
As the year progressed the Trocadero management found they were treading a fine line between the modern and old time dancing. Patrons were clamouring for both and it was decided to construct a revolving stage on the bandstand to accommodate two bands, one for modern and one for old time dancing
The design was based on a similar construction built in Dresden, Germany. It was circular and divided in the middle by a decorative partition. The idea was that when the time came to change over to the second band, both would be seated playing and gradually the revolving stage would bring the second band into view as the other band gradually disappeared from sight. By 1938 standards, the cost was prohibitive. Another band would have to be engaged and fitted out with instruments such as pianos, music stands and an extra drum kit. The final cost was well in excess of two thousand pounds
Frank Coughlan decided on a novel idea of training an All Girls Band to become the alternative band for some of the sessions. For months he auditioned over 300 applicants who came from all parts of New South Wales and, finally, 14 girls were chosen to make up this All Girls Trocadero Band. Once selected, they had to rehearse and train just as the main orchestra had done, learning every aspect of the showmanship expected of those appearing at the Trocadero. Frank was unsparing in his training of this band and the girls received great acclaim when they first appeared on the bandstand of the Trocadero in August of that year.
As the quarterly magazine, "Trocadero News", remarked: We Dips our Lid to the Maestro whose efforts have made the Trocadero All-Girls Band possible - it is a tribute to Frank Coughlan who made this all possible
The Trocadero At Battle Stations!
Now came the war years during which the Trocadero played a vital part in the 'war effort.' It was requisitioned as a Recreational Centre for all American and Australian Noncommissioned Forces Personnel. (The nightclubs of Princes and Romanos were open for officers.) For the duration of the war the Trocadero welcomed countless thousands of people from all corners of the globe to its doors. For a few precious hours they danced away their fears and uncertainties
.The Americans were to find that the Trocadero was the place to hear and dance to swing music and they packed the place every night. Non stop dancing became the rage and so for most evenings of the week, as well as Saturday afternoons, people flocked to the Trocadero to dance away their troubles……………..
The wartime years brought a different and often unruly element into the hallowed portals of the Trocadero which somewhat sullied its pre-war reputation of elegance and refinement. Gone were the genteel afternoon tea dances where every girl was escorted to the Trocadero for dancing in the afternoon or the evening. Now, they arrived in groups or singly to meet and dance with anyone who asked them.
Liquor could not be sold on the premises as the Trocadero still did not have a liquor license. Of course that didn't stop patrons from having had some drinks before entering the Trocadero or trying to smuggle some inside. The 'red coats' were very vigilant in searching people whom they thought maybe carrying some under their coats or jackets………..
Rivalry was intense between the Americans and Australians. Rationed items such as silk stockings and cigarettes, were well nigh impossible to obtain. Only the Americans could supply these luxuries and their popularity with the girls was a bone of contention with the Aussies, who of course, resented this very much. These years were busy times for the "red coats" who had to control over-excited patrons when fights broke out, until the police arrived. During these fights the band would play, with wicked irony, such numbers as "Stars and Stripes Forever", "Home Sweet Home" ,"I Love You Truly", "Would You Like to Swing on a Star", etc., until order was restored…………..
The Americans didn't have it all their own way though. Many unscrupulous taxi drivers often picked a group of them up at Circular Quay and drove them to the Troc via, Kings Cross, Rose Bay and Paddington before arriving at the Troc entrance thirty minutes later. The cost of the fare 10 pounds ($20) , instead of 10/- shillings ($2). The passengers would cheerfully jump out of the taxi ready for a good night's entertainment, pay the exorbitant fare quite unaware of the 'rip off'. It is doubtful if they would have benefited by the impromptu sightseeing trip round the city as the 'brown out' would have made the city very dim. All the neon lights operated at half strength and shop window illuminations were not very bright. In fact, many windows were completely unlit. Trams and buses would just loom out of the darkness as they passed by, with inside lights only turned on as passengers were set down at their designated spot……….
Girls often went to the Trocadero, sometimes coming straight from, or going to, their workplace as many were shift workers. One particular group of young ladies braved the "brown out" on Saturday evenings when they travelled across the darkened harbour on the Manly ferry to Circular Quay. Sitting in the body of the ferry, they often held their breaths as the ferry tossed from side to side across the heads. They knew there was just a narrow passage between the boom nets which were supposed to be a safeguard to the entrance to Sydney Harbour. More frightening still could be the return trip late at night when the only lights to be seen would be the search lights moving across the darkened sky..………
Frank Coughlan returned to the Trocadero in 1956.
Music Maker Magazine Article
-"One of the biggest things to hit Swingdom within the last year or so was Frank Coughlan's re-opening of the Trocadero Promenade Concerts. This attraction played to capacity houses in pre-war days, and now that it is a regular Thursday night feature again should shortly shatter attendance records. Although the Promenade Concerts feature a variety of musical styles sometimes touching the light classics, the band grabs a quota of swing and judging by the audience re-action this quota will more than likely grow to larger proportions. If it doesn't it should."
Dixieland Group - Jazz Convention at the Trocadero 1950
Bobby Bell-d./Andy McIntosh-clt./, Les Dixon-tb/, Frank Coughlan-tb/, Ron Murray-ten.sax
Frank Coughlan told the music magazine, "Syncopation" to quote,
'I want to bring before the public the music they like, the way they like to hear it played.' Music in future programmes will comprise most numbers requested by customers Frank still plays great trombone and still gives a definite glowing lift to the audience. His trumpet is on the same par and his showmanship predominates. Mention of Frank's outstanding capabilities makes us aware of several outstanding men in the outfit……'
For the next five years the Trocadero flourished with its usual array of functions both public and private. Every kind of organisation, professional and government bodies held their important events which often turned the Trocadero into a Fashion House, Exhibition Hall or lavish setting for conferences, displays and receptions of all kinds
One of the most popular functions was the Annual 2GB Awards Nights. These nights were very popular as guests included all the famous identities in the entertainment world, including such people as Hal Lashwod, Jack Davey, Rupert Edwards, Alan Toohey, Peter Finch and many others. These programmes were the forerunners of the Logi Awards
Amongst great publicity, the early
Miss Australia Finals were held at the Trocadero. Under the sponsorship of Hickory Foundation Garments, the finals were important events in Sydney's social life to which hundreds flocked to the Trocadero to see.Daytime exhibitions would turn the Troc into a display centre for the motor industry with exhibitions of the latest Holden or Ford cars. To the accompaniment of suitable music these cars would be driven onto the dance floor.
The business houses of
Grace Bros., David Jones and Anthony Horderns held their annual balls there and often included a mannequin parade to show off future fashion trends.When the
"New Look" came into vogue in 1947, a week-long spectacular presentation of Fashion Parades was presented by the "Women's Weekly." Starting at 9.30am on Monday, the stylish Parisian and Australian mannequins paraded before a capacity audience. These were followed by yet another parade in the afternoons. The boys in the orchestra played background music for both parades and had to be back in time for the night sessions of dancing. By the end of the week everyone was exhausted and didn't want to see another mannequin parade, no matter how attractive the girls may have been!
Ball Seasons
The most important and prestigious part of the Trocadero's life was the Ball Season. These were held usually on Mon. Wed and Thurs nights. If one could find list of ball bookings for one year it would show a comprehensive list of Sydney's social life from the Trade Unions, through the Public Service, the Private Business Sector, both State and Government Bodies, Charitable Organisations, Universities, Schools and Society Organisations of all kinds.
To attend a ball at the Trocadero was a special event. People could be seen travelling by train, bus or tram in full evening dress to attend balls at the Trocadero, as well other dancing venues. For many people, it was the highlight of their year Often they had saved up their wages to buy the most fashionable evening gown, or in the case of the man, an evening suit and the money to buy a ticket as well as flowers for his partner
Sydney socialite
Mrs Marcel Dekyvere of the Black and White Society was the driving force behind the most colourful and impressive charity ball of the season. It was called the Black and White Ball and was held annually to raise money for the Blind Society. These balls were the social event of each year when all of Sydney's society came to see, and be seen. Together with the Trocadero social secretary, Jess Merrick, Mrs Dekyvere planned these balls well ahead of time. The guest lists were very detailed, seating arrangements at the official tables was of prime importance and invitations had to be designed and sent out six weeks before the big night.
Debutante Balls were held regularly throughout the Ball season. Such a ball was a memorable event in the life of every young girl. Many debutantes attended the
June Dally Watkins School of Deportment where they were groomed for such events. For some, it was the social event of their lives when they attended their 'coming out' ball. Many of the Private Schools and Convent Balls were Debutante Balls in which students and ex-students made their debuts………
The Sydney University balls from the Medical, Dental, Engineering and Veterinary faculties as well as the noisy and unruly Commem. Day Balls, often turned the Trocadero into a battleground. Some guests became notorious for their high spirits, which included the liquid kind! Graduation students certainly let off a lot of steam at these balls as the orchestra members can vouch. One over-excited patron set fire to the decorations opposite the bandstand. Great consternation broke out until the famous 'Red Coats' saved the day by extinguishing the fire as the flames rose towards the ceiling. Needless to say, the orchestra just played on, and on, whilst keeping one eye on the back door exit!
Whenever the Medical Balls were held, Frank would bring out the song, "Marching Through Georgia", as he knew it would be needed before the night was out. Sure enough, without fail towards the end of the evening, the noisy group of graduates would stagger onto the floor to sing their "passing out song" to this tune, ending with the rather ominous (or maybe prophetic?) words
-"Hurrah, hurrah they've dubbed us all M.D.'s, Hurrah hurrah enlarge the cemeteries!". Everyone must have felt SO reassured after hearing their up and coming M.D.s basic ideas for the future. Even though the Nurses' Balls were not as boisterous as those of the M.D's, the girls certainly livened up the place and enjoyed themselves away from the pressure of the hospital wards.
One more honour was given the Trocadero before it left the city scene forever. It was hired for a reception given by
Her Majesty the Queen, Prince Phillip, Prince Charles and Princess Anne for the Youth Movement of Australia. The Trocadero had been the venue for quite a number of Royal occasions, the most important being Sydney's Reception for Queen Elizabeth on her first visit to Australia in1954. Others included the Reception for the Queen Mother in 1958 and for Princess Anne in the early 1960's.. All had been colourful, impressive events when Australia's Society joined with political and diplomatic dignitaries to meet and honour these royal guests. One particular comment was made after Princess Anne's visit to the Trocadero. Members of the orchestra thought it a very moving sight to see Sydney's important dignitaries bowing to a sweet, smiling, natural "slip of a girlThroughout the afternoon the orchestra provided background music for this huge reception. They played all the old dance numbers, light classical music and selections from the musical shows. As they played, many memories of times gone by must have rekindled in their minds
It would seem quite fitting that a regal and elegant reception, such as this, should be one of the last functions this wonderful Palais/Restaurant hosted before the final curtain was lowered
Rumours were in the air that the Trocadero would be pulled down and a high rise development, including a dance hall or cabaret be built behind the Trocadero facade.
On New Year's Eve of 1970, a 50/50 dance was held and many of the old regular dancers were there. Towards the end of that evening an elderly man came up to Frank saying, "Frank do you remember me? I danced at the Gala Opening in 1936 and requested the song "You're The Cream In My Coffee". Do you remember?" Even though it was such a long time ago, Frank certainly did remember and turning to the orchestra told them of the request. One can only imagine the feeling put into that request on that eveningAs the new year dawned, a false hope was felt amongst the staff. It appeared that the Trocadero would remain open for awhile yet as there were some functions being held in January. No one had received any information as to when it would close.
Then news came without any warning. On 29th January, the staff, Frank and the musicians received 2 weeks severance pay in lieu of notice. Included in their pay packet was the notification that the Trocadero would close on 5th February.
No thanks or recognition for the years of service was ever given. They were simply told to pack up and leave. Some found other jobs whilst many, including Frank, went into retirement
For a place, which had played such an important role in the life of Sydney, as had the Trocadero, to disappear so quickly was a shock. In retrospect, it is a distinct possibility that had the public known of its closure and subsequent demolition, there could have been a great deal of public objection to this move. The only indication of its demise was a T.V. interview given to Frank and a few items about the auction in the city papers.
"Maestro Bows Out From Troc" (Sunday Mirror 11th April 1971)
"Frank Coughlan took a farewell look last week at the Sydney ballroom over which he presided for most of its 35 years. The Troc takes the knock on Thursday and Friday of this week when its equipment will be auctioned. It is to make way for a $20million redevelopment scheme, which will include cinemas, hotel, convention halls and shops."
After the auction sale, the place was boarded up and eventually pulled down
How quickly a place can disappear from the city scene and be forgotten by the public. Where did everything go? Where are those Art Deco Dancers of All Nations hiding and whatever happened to the double glass doors, the circular lounge and the beautiful beveled mirrors?
Above all, where was the National Trust? Why didn't they step in? Apart from the social importance of the Trocadero, the building was unique in every way. It was a fine example of the Art Deco Style
We all know what stands in its place - the Hoyts Theatre complex which is a cluster of small, airless theatrettes endlessly showing the films we have come to expect in this day and age
.It is to our shame that our children, grandchildren and indeed great grandchildren will never know the enchantment of dancing in such a place as the Trocadero or enjoy the music of by gone days.
Maybe it hasn't really disappeared completely as it has left behind a wealth of memories in the hearts and minds of the hundreds of thousands of people who danced there over the years. Memories of the soft lighted dance floor, the hundreds of tables decorated with flowers, of Frank and his orchestra. These memories of the happy times gone by which can quickly flood back when snatches of songs like- "Easter Parade", "Begin the Beguine" or " The Loveliest Night of the Year" drift over the airwaves and into our hearts
We were lucky. We lived in the days of elegance, beautiful dancing and the lovely singable songs which stretch back to the 1930's and to an evening in April when the Sydney Trocadero opened its doors to the city for the first time. We had the best of everything.
Personnel of the Trocadero Orchestra
Names and appropriate dates given as accurately as possible. Any musicians not included is due to insufficient information received.
Any additions welcomed
-
Band Leaders
Frank Coughlan - 1936-1939, 1946-1949
Bob Lyons - 1939-1940
Dick Freeman - 1941-1946
Abe Romain - 1939-1940
Jim Riley - 1949-1950
Colin Bergensen - 1950-1954
Deputy Band Leaders
Jack Crotty
Jim Riley
Les McGrath
Band Members
Cliff Adam (guitar) - 1940$
Bob Anderson (reeds)- 1947-1951
Keith Atkinson (reeds)- 1936 - 1937
Bunny Austin - 1937-1940Jack Baines (reeds) - 1939
Don Baker(guitar) - 1939!
Arthur Bell(brass)-1963-1971
Bobby Bell (brass)- 1946-1952
Colin Bergensen (reeds)- 1936-1954
Stan Bourne (piano/accordian)- 1936 - 1937
Don Brunell(reeds) - 1950's
Maurice Brunell(reeds)l - 1963- 1971
Don Burrows (reeds) - 1952-1954
BertCantrell(bass) - 1952
Jack Crotty (brass)- 1937-1967
Harry Danslow(reeds) - 1936-1938
Kevin Dean (reeds) - 1963 - 1967
Les Dickson(brass) - 1952-1960
George Dobson(brass)- 1936-37
Frank Ellery (strings)- 1936-1940
Stan Farmer(drums) - 1940
Dick Freeman (drums)- 1936-1945
Maurie Gilman(reeds)- 1938
Norm Goldie (brass)- 1936 - 1937
Al Harrison(drums)- 1966-1971
Bruce Higginbotham(bass) - 1954-1971
Stan Holland (brass)- 1939-1940s
Stan Kahn(guitar) - 1950/60
Bruce Kerr (brass)- 1946-1963
Emil Kew(piano)- 1960-1971
Dennis King (guitar)- 1947-1951
Charles Lees (guitar)- 1936-1940
Reg Lewis (piano)- 1936-1940
Ron Lloyd(reeds) - 1954
Alan Lynch(piano) - 1950/60s
Ray McCormack(drums) - 1950/60's
Les McGrath(reeds) - 1946-1949
Andy McIntosh (reeds) - 1949-1953
Ted McMinn (reeds)- 1938-1940
Billy Miller(trombone) - 1937-1942
Lyn Miller (brass)- 1936-1937
Jack Moore (reeds)- 1936-1937
Eric Morrison(reeds) - 1950's
Ron Murray (reeds)- 1946-1971
Wally Norman(brass) - 1940
Jack Parker(reeds)- 1940
Rolf Pommer (reeds)- 1946
Dave Price (brass)-1938-1939
Jim Riley - 1946-1951 (arranger and pianist)
John Robertson(brass) - 1936-1937
Reg Robinson (bass)- 1937-1946
Jim Ryan (reeds)- 1963-1971
Gerry Sayer (drums)- 1946-1951
Frankie Scott (piano)- 1936-1939
Gordon Scott (reeds)- 1946-1954
Frankie Smith (reeds)-1950-1951
George (Dutchy) Turner (brass)- 1936-1937
Ron Webber(drums) - 1951-1953
Johnny Weine (guitar)- 1954-1958
Ron Wills (bass) - 1936
Who made regular appearances with the Trocadero Orchestra
Ivy Benson - 1936
Jack Coughlan -1936-39
Margaret Grimshaw (Coughlan) - 1937/9
Les Feddes - 1936
Joan Hill - 1940s
Barbara James - 1938-1944
Bruce Kerr - 1950
Olive Lester - 1936-1940
Nola Lester - 1939-1940
Betty Lester - 1939-1940
Cardru Llewelyn - 1936-38
Freddy McIntosh - 1936-37
Dot O'Connor - 1936
Peggy O'Shea - 1945-50
Jim Parkinson - 1940-50
Rosalie - 1940
Arthur Slade - 1936
Rex Williams - 1946/7
Les Young - 1938
Above is an extract from my book 'Meet Me At The Trocadero" .
Copies available from me at the cost of $19.95 (including p & p).
Visitor Number since 6th October, 1998
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