It seemed like a good idea to work on the Central Coast of NSW in January 2002, after all I had been bush quite a bit that year. There also was the interview with early rock n roller Lucky Starr to conduct and he lived not far from where I intended to stay at Woy Woy. The fact that it is a beautiful location with great walks and lengthy beaches had nothing at all to do with the decision – not much!

Whilst tracing a couple of other leads I made a phone call to Bev Spence who “had a bit to do with the music” and was told the story of her amazing 'washboard band in b#'

Being a person who is passionate about everything I do it is easy to understand and enjoy the company of other enthusiasts. Bev and Roy Spence are two such people.

Bev Spence was born in the late 1920s in Los Angeles California and had an early grounding in both music and dance. Her husband Roy was born in Calcutta India and schooled in Scotland finally going to the USA. He served in the American forces during World War 2 and “was glad when the war was over” .

Traditional Jazz music has played a major part in Roy's life and he has immersed himself in it from an early age. Bev shares her husband's love of both the jazz and dance.

After first visiting Australia in 1968 they decided to migrate and settled here a couple of years later, Roy being transferred in his job. In later years they were self-employed in the courier and driving instructor industries, which kept them busy for many years.

Bev and Roy are not the type of people that the word 'retirement' fits and as with many other people who have given up their 'real job' they now find themselves busier than ever.

Bev's love of the traditional jazz and her desire to be involved in both entertainment and assisting the local community saw the formation of Bev's Washboard band in B# a group where anyone could join in and play the washboard. Dressing up is encouraged and 'fun' is the key word. The group tour nursing homes and other venues playing for 'the oldies', even though some of the band are older than their audience.

Bev and Roy staged a concert with their group in January 2002 and we recorded it for The National Library. As well as the band itself there were a variety of presentations from dancing to vaudeville, even the local member of parliament joined in the fun.

The Woy Woy hall was packed with all ages joining in the music, song and dance and being swept along with Bev's enthusiasm. Many of Australia's well known jazz performers including Graham Bell have written musical tributes to Bev's Band, I think Roy said the number is now up to fifteen.

Roy also promotes his love of the Jazz music through various community radio programs in the Central Coast area.