User:Ggbarber/Walter Stent

Walter Stent ... ''Walter Stent was born in Kent, England but was sent to his aunt and uncle in USA at a young adult age. Little is known about his years there but he did take out American citizenship and ended up living in Boston, Massachussets. He was a Master of Stringed Instruments and eventually made his way to Australia. He became a leading player in bringing/promoting the Gibson Banjo Mandolin into Australia. Apart from the Banjo Mandolin he also played the banjo, ukele, mandolin and guitar. He taught at Hunter Street, Sydney and lived at Beauty Point until he moved inland to Guildford in the Parramatta area. Walter was was bedridden for a greater part of his later years and due to his religion would not accept any treatment. He died in 1930.''

''He also held a US Patent registered in 1902 for the Drawing Down Device for Banjo Vellums. There were not a great many stories about him, other than he was a generous, talented and considerate man and held in high esteem by the members of his musical groups. Oh yes, he also had a small monkey which he carried in his coat pocket.''

Roy Smedley was indeed one of his pupils and was financed by my grandfather and grandmother in pursuing his career.

Source: Email correspondence from his granddaughter Megan Fyfe-Stent (Sydney) to Geoffrey Barber (Perth), 9 March 2012