Just stumbled on this site, it takes me back. My favourite club was the informal Cherry Tree, run by "Geordie Tyke" (actually Sid was really a Macam). Even my wife felt so relaxed and comfortable that she sang with me.
Ray Padgett ran the first couple of clubs that we regularly attended and the first time I plucked up courage to sing was with Ray's blessing at a pub in Barnsley.
The Centenary Rooms at Barnsley was where we first saw Martin Carthy, The Watersons, Tony Rose, Tony Capstick, Magic Lantern (Shadow puppet group, brilliant); but Ray Padgett also got some great artists to headline at his clubs- Dave Burland, Wendy Grossman from USA and Roy Bailey spring to mind.
Glad I happened on this site. We moved to the North East after the strike and never got back onto the folk scene really after 1986.
Thanks for the memories you've all just triggered and to those who listened to us, entertained us and made us part of a vibrant, friendly and rewarding scene.
Dave (of Joy and Dave "fame")