Back in the mid 70s I started going to the Marsden Inn Folk Club in South Shields. It was run by a guy called Jim - a gentleman of real character who always started the evening by explaining the 'rules' of the club. These were just standard courtesy type rules (respect the singers by not talking etc) but it made a difference and set the standard for the night which was almost always fantastic. The club was full most (Sunday) nights and I saw some wonderful performers though the remainder of the seventies. Someone told me recently that the club had moved, I hope it's still doing well.

CK