William and Janet Clark's Children - Janet - Janet & Luke's Children - Billy

In 1931 Luke & Janet, had a "late baby". 

At the age of 43 Janet went to see the Doctor because she didn't feel well (this was pre NHS), only to be told that she was pregnant! In those days 43 was very old to have a baby. 

Grandma told me she was shocked and stunned, but "Lukie" was quietly smug and self-satisfied that at their age they were going to have another baby, some fourteen years after their only child, daughter Jenny. 

It is not surprising that Janet wasn't quite as enthusiastic as Luke, as in those days men didn't get involved in bringing up a baby, this was a woman's job.  However, for them both, the arrival of a boy, William (Billy), turned into quite a joyous occasion. 

Apparently Billy was a lovely little boy.

Unfortunately his much older sister Jennie was not quite as enthusiastic as she was 'roped-in' as an unpaid baby minder.  

One day Grandma told Jenny to take Billy out in his pram; Jenny was so 'teed off' she just dumped the pram and Billy  and walked away. Somehow I don't think she would have been asked to take her baby brother out again.  What a naughty girl, however, this story still makes it hard for me not to laugh, as clearly, even at l4 she was jealous of the attention Billy got. She had been an only child for such a long time.  Thankfully Billy was found safe and sound.  Not sure what Janet and Luke said to her! 

1932 Billy Dent Aged around a year old

From a young age Billy was made to take piano lessons.  He told me he hated it as he could hear all his friends playing outside, but Janet and Luke made him stick at it. 

I am sure years later Billy was grateful to his mam and dad, as music, especially jazz, became the love of his life.

One of the precious memories I have is of my Uncle Billy sitting at his piano, in grandma's chinzy sitting room, playing and singing along to Fats Waller records. Other family members remember what a good pianist he was. Here's a great example to click on 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYoJCK_lwVg&list=RDxYoJCK_lwVg&t=91

Fats Waller 1904-1943  died aged 39   

In his 20s Billy joined the Merchant Navy as a qualified Marine Engineer.  I thought my Uncle Billy was so handsome in his uniform.

A very young Billy in his Merchant Navy Uniform 1950s

This photograph was taken in the back yard of Gregson Street Scotswood 

Billy Dent in his Summer Whites Uniform circa late 50s

I was in awe of Uncle Billy because he had been to wonderful and exotic places and brought back such wonderful things. I can remember visiting my grandparents, and finding Grandpa Dent in a "Smoking Jacket" wearing a Fez.  I had never seen anything like it.  I can remember Grandpa chuckling at my reaction. 

Billy Dent on shore leave in St Mark's Square Venice

Wedding of Billy Dent and Jenny Danskin circa 1958

Billy & Jenny's Parents Group Photograph circa 1958

Billy left the Merchant Navy when he met and married Jenny Danskin.  He then worked at Stella Power Station as an Engineer. I remember going on an outing from Greenside School and bumped into my Uncle Billy, I was over the moon as we chatted, as my classmates looked on.

Stella North (left) and South (right) Power Station viewed from Newburn Bridge on 31st October 1987 

http://www.wikiwand.com/en/Stella_power_stations


Billy and Jenny had no children.  Billy died at the age of 68 in 2002.  

I have lovely memories of my Uncle Billy, he was kind, gentle and patient, and laughed a lot!