"The other end are the amateurs who in many cases are just as good if not better than those mentioned above"

Yes all musics are subject to taste and not all like traditional/contemporary/americana etc Dick ~ and of course this also goes for the professionals and semi professionals looking for bookings too

the booking policy at folk clubs (god love 'em) is down to the organiser and things change over time ~ the folk clubs are a dying entity and cannot be taken for granted in very many aspect

"It is really question of mind set, but the newcomers to the professional ranks are being given a fair go if they have the talents being sought"

The key to this statement Dick is *if their talents are being sought* clubs and concert clubs which are ~ going concerns ~ and have weekly or regular bookings policy and are seeking changes and wish to highlight up coming young or even not so young talent will have a chance of a gig

Times are hard and from my readings and experience everything has changed ~ pub venues, club times, music sessions, voice only clubs, drinking laws, concert clubs, alternative venues, pas, ~ nothing favours professional acts in folk clubs greatly anymore

Please re read what I have said Dick I think i have made a pretty balanced statement and I do not take kindly to the word poppy cock!!

Ray