Interesting tale - and bike. I had an Eddie Soens in the mid/late 60's and early 70's bought from a clubmate who had decided that cycling was not really for him. It was a Bill built frame obviously, from around '64, in 531 with chrome fork ends and head lugs, in Pale Blue enamel with metallic Red down tube panel. One thing that has 'surprised' me about your frame is that you have obtained 'Eddie Soens' down tube transfers. I have (I think!) never seen these, apart from a head tube one - and I am sure that mine was different to yours. The vast majority of Liverpool area built frames were enamelled by C&G Finishes and names etc. were all beautifully sign written including owners' names, club names etc. Real works of art. A photo of me 'in action' in a time trial in 1967 on the bike is attached and the name can be clearly seen. TBH, I never really 'got on' with this frame. It always felt rather 'sluggish' compared to my Harry Quinn but it served quite well for a winter bike for a couple of years.
I met Bill at a mutual friend's funeral about 18 months ago and we chatted for a while. As far as the shop was concerned, Bill ran it. Eddie's name was used to draw the customers in but he did show his face there from time to time. Eddie was 'the' coach on Merseyside and riders were always trying to catch his eye and get 'noticed'. I think he was also involved with boxing coaching which was a big thing in the area at the time.
BITD, there were lots of nationally good riders coming from Liverpool, I raced against many of them (completely unsuccesfully I might add!) and, depending on their club allegences, they tended to mainly ride either Eddie Soens, Jim Soens or Harry Quinn frames. And don't even begin to mention the inter-club rivalries!