I think my first ballad from the Child canon was "Dives & Lazarus" - I had first encountered the tune - the archetypal English folk air - as a hymn setting in my school choir days.

Latterly the greatest stimulus to my learning and performing ballads has been the afore-mentioned Newcastleton festival border ballad competition which I regard as an annual kick up the backside to go and learn something new and bring it up to as high a performance standard as I can manage. Beyond that, it is an excellent showcase for balladry, with encouragement and support from such judges as Ray Fisher, Sheila Douglas, Dave MacFadzean, an appreciative and attentive audience and the chance that you might walk away with a cup and an inscribed tankard.

Incidentally, Matt, are you thinking of entering "Jamie Telfer" in this year's competition? If so I will have to come up with something different and save my Jamie Telfer until 2011, when, according to the rules, you will have to present something new (No repetitions for 3 years.) Therein lies the encouragement to learn!

Richard Hardaker