Stan Mason was indeed the name of the man. Alas I only have vague memories of him nowadays, but I do recall that he was middleaged (latefitieish I would think) when most of us were still in our early 20s. I also recall that he sang, although precisely what I couldn't say, and that he might have written songs. However, I definitely rememember that he was a rambler who, for some reason, was very fond of night rambles.

He was liable to turn up at folkclubs all over Merseyside, but I think regarded Jackie and Bridie's in the Domestic Mission, Mill Street as his main stomping ground.

I also remember that he came one night to the Mersey Traditional Gathering in The Victoria, St John's Lane (not the night Roy Harris sang there). The MTG relied on pass the hat donations to pay for guests, and contributions in the order of 2/6d (12.5p) were requested from the chairman, Tony Wilson. True to alleged form Stan put sixpence in (2.5p)in, an act which did not endear him to the said TW.

My memories of SM would run from about the mid to late sixties when he just seemed to fade away. Unfortunately I know not what happened to him.

In passing, I should add that Roy Harris (why does Roy Harris's name keep cropping up in this discussion? Who is this Burl geezer anyway?)was the only paid guest I ever saw at MTG who actually put his hand in his pocket and proferred the rquested sum when the hat came round. Now is that the action of a true gentleman or is that the action of a true gentlemen ?