I'd second Steve Parkes' recommendations. Bedford Folk Club is excellent - Mike Blair runs it so well (Thursday nights - Lincoln Arms). Such a nice crowd of people. It was where I started off and I'm not sure I'd have ever become a "folk singer" without it.

St Neots is another friendly supportive club, run by Roger and Patti. I haven't been across for about a year, and the venue has recently moved, but I'm sure the atmosphere will still be as it was as you get a nice crowd of people.

Finally the second Tuesday of the month unaccompanied singing session in the back room of the Fox and Hounds in Stony Stratford (Milton Keynes) is a good place for "beginner" folk singers to come and just listen, or join in choruses, and maybe work up to singing solo in a supportive encouraging atmosphere. There are some good singers there too but don't let that scare you if you are a beginner. We all started somewhere! :)

Also the many tune music sessions around milton keynes are peopled by a lot of very nice people too. (see website www.session.musician.org.uk ) The Irish Club sessions are particularly to be recommended for beginneres as they are more private and a bit more relaxed - There usually is time for a good chat as well as tune playing!

Julie B