POOLING RESOURCES

Martin Handley looks at what life was like after the Vernons Girls

- Martin Handley

Many will recall the Vernons Girls, a musical ensemble of female vocalists set up primarily to promote their employer, Vernons Pools, in the public consciousness. Initially a choir of 70 (male and female), they were gradually whittled down to 16, then five and finally three (women only).

Before her death in 2016, former wages clerk Margo Quantrell told how she was assessed as suitable for acceptance into the troupe. Called into a meeting with management which turned out to be an audition Margo was looked up and down both front and side profile, asked to smile (good teeth were mandatory) and was told: "You're in!" She then received instruction in sight-reading music and following choreographed dance routines.

There followed Sunday appearances on Blackpool piers and, in 1958, TV auditions for Oh Boy!, where the remit was to vocally support the show's star turns including Marty Wilde who would go on to marry Vernons girl Joyce Baker.

So popular were they that TV and in-person demand for the Vernons Girls boomed. Decca offered a recording contract, which led to five hit singles over 1962 and 63 - with Brian Poole and the Tremeloes backing them - and top billing instead of supporting roles on stage. The Vernons Girls had a fluctuating lineup but remained a draw and were voted fifth in NME's top vocal group poll in 1962, with the Beatles just behind. The hits then dried up and all the girls went their separate musical ways.

Margo had joined the Fordettes in 1962, with other ex-Vernon Girls Vicki Haseman and Betty Prescott. The Fordettes backed Emile Ford (of What Do You Want to Make Those Eyes at Me For? fame). Splitting from Ford, they changed their name to the appropriate Breakaways and joined Joe Brown, whom Vicki would later marry. They also recorded singles under their own name for Pye Records. A compilation of this output was released in 2003.