Re: Hebburn Quay Franconians

Posted by Norman on 29/7/2025, 11:04 am, in reply to "Hebburn Quay Franconians"

That Jazz Band was given the name because we had a famous Music Hall entertainer in the 1920s with the Stage name 'Frank E Franks' who lived down the Quay. I have that pic in my records and it was possibly taken at Wardley Welfare Ground just over the Hebburn border. frank's real name was Francis Ernest Kane (Irish origins ) born in the 1890s. He attended St Aloysius School and became a Pitman. He was always making people laugh even when at school. Because he was often late for work his gaffer Mr Franks who really liked him advised him to try and get on the stage before we have to sack you. When he left the Pit he chose 'Franks' as his stage name appreciating how his gaffer looked after him.