The heartbeat of the finest folk festival in England has finally given out, with no prospect of resuscitation. The Plough has always been the focal point of the Whitby Folk Festival, and news that Sam Smiths' Managing Director was banning all forms of music led some believers to pray for deliverance, and hope somehow the Plough would be spared it's life , at least for the annual folk week.

No such luck - Gil (the Landlord) has been forced to sign documents stating that he will not allow any forms of music/singing, impromptu or otherwise, on pain of death or redundancy. We have a 4-piece band to thank for this dreadful edict. They played a Sam Smiths Pub in York and cranked up the 1000 Watt stacks to such an extent that the pub's revered owner nearly suffered perforated ear drums. "No more of this shit in my pubs" he whispered, and set off on his crusade.

Whistful memories and eulogies may be posted here.........