YOUR obituary of jazz singer Mary McGowan (The Herald, October 17) brought back memories of a visit by the great Clyde Valley Stompers to my home town of Langholm in 1957,when Mary fronted the band, enthralling all us teenagers. Knowing the hallkeeper well, I wangled a back stage visit to meet her and was taken aback to find her sitting knitting. Great memories of a wonderful singer and a fantastic band.

Jim Graham,

Torleigh, Cochno Road, Hardgate, Clydebank.