"In early November, 1928 Frank and Nell set sail in the Otranto for England. The ship was one of the largest overseas ships of about 20,000tons. Relatives and friends all crowded into the little second-class cabin to wish them 'bon-voyage'. The colourful sight of the streamers faded as the ship moved into deeper waters and they watched with some trepidation as the ship sailed through Sydney Heads and down the coast to Melbourne.

The passage across the Australian Bight was rough and both were very sea sick, especially Frank. The cabin was hot and stuffy so they spent most of their time above decks, wrapped in blankets and lying exhausted in deck chairs. It was here they made a special life long friend, a young accountant by the name or Robert Quick. He was a gentle, quiet young boy whom Frank renamed "Speedy", a name by which Robert was known by his Australian friends then on. They soon made many friends, who gravitated to one area of the ship to listen to records, discuss music and literature.

Frank worked hard on extending his repertoire and practiced all the latest songs in the concert key of B flat, treble keys and alto key of E flat during the long voyage to England.

Passengers came across Frank in the most unlikely places - tucked away in some secluded corner between decks, right in the bow or stern of the ship, as he tried to get as much privacy as possible in order to practice. In the early hours of the morning he would creep into the deserted lounge room to practice. Many a sleepy waiter or steward would be entertained as he went about his work. When they passed through the Suez Canal it was stiflingly hot. Frank continued to practice his trombone, this time sitting in a tub of water in the bathroom. Never before had such entertainment been offered to passengers on board ship, at no extra cost and in such an unexpected venue!

They both became very restless as the ship neared the English Channel. Home seemed so far away and the thought of finding work with one of the great dance bands in London began to prey on Frank's mind. They were rapidly running out of money………….   Frank haad been given a few letters of introduction to some Dance Band Leaders in London and he intended to use them when they arrived in England………"

Intense interest was aroused throughout the musical world in 1935 as the Trocadero began to rise out of the rubble in George Street. Musicians both in Australia and beyond became preparing for the opportunity to play at this new dance palais.

The success of the Trocadero would depend mainly on the orchestra and the kind of music it would be capable of providing. Such an orchestra would have to play light classical music through to swing and jazz dance music. It was to consist of fourteen, or more permanent instrumentalists as well as additional guest artists and singers.

Speculation was rife as to the musicians suitable for the orchestra and the question as to who would lead it. By February 1936 many of the musicians had been chosen but the position of leader still had not been chosen.