I was the secretary of Manchester University Folk Song Society, 1970 to 1972. Stand out evenings included Bob and John Copper, just after Bob's A Song for Every Season book was published. Also Tim Hart & Maddy Prior after they'd joined Steeleye Span (that was a very full evening..), Bert Lloyd, Martin Carthy, Robin and Barry Dransfield cancelling at the last minute, Jo-ann Kelly, Nic Jones.... Other committee members included Pete Moore, who later moved to Sussex - where are you now Pete?, and also Rob Ixer (husband of Rosie Hardman). Previous residents included Andy and Brenda Towers from York, Stuart Hylton and - way before my time - song collector Ken Stubbs. The union building also hosted Manchester Folk Festival in September 1971. There was also an informal singaround in the Welcome inn Rusholme, and I often visited Manchester Sports Guild (MSG) and Harry Boardman's folk club. Through friendship with fellow student Ian Ankers (nickname Boot), I ended up in Crewe and am still here... sang with Boot last weekend at the 50th anniversary of the town's Sing Out Folk Club (which now meets only once a year for a Christmastime get together - no law to say that folk clubs must meet weekly!!) Happy days.
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