Hello Jean

Lovely to hear from you again!

Yes, that sounds like Stanley. He retired a few years ago. Occasionally he comes down to England to perform at a festival. I know he'll be pleased when I tell him that I've talked to you on the Internet, and about your memories of his family.

I will be delighted to tell everyone the origins of "Loving Hannah" when I sing it - and I'll make sure you get a special mention. I got my version from a singer called Janice Clark, who used to sing at the Aberdeen Folk Club (probably still does). She's a friend of the Robertsons. The tune is slightly different from your version, and one or two words differ too - that's simply because it has gone through the folk process. In 2003 I heard Jimmy Hutchison sing it at the Whitby Folk Week - it was the same tune that I use. I live in the north-east of England, so I'm doing my bit to spread it around!

I've got my train ticket booked now for my trip up north at the end of the month. I will be staying with my cousin in Turriff but will have a day in Aberdeen seeing an event at the Storytelling Festival that is on then. I will be telling everyone here on Mudcat all about it!

It's a pleasure to meet you. Thank you.
Diane Taylor