Thanks for that information, and for the link to the Peggy Seeger interview. It's good to hear her take on the subject given that she wrote it. It also clears up the confusion surrounding the role Ewan McColl had in writing it.

It's been one of my favourite songs for years and I sang it at a local storytelling club just a couple of weeks ago. Its a pity I didn't realise it was the 50 the anniversary so close - it would have added extra poignancy.