Yes, folk club fortunes have a habit of being cyclic. I can think of one local club where singers' nights and guest nights alike now attract a turnout of 60+ (and I don't mean the average age of the folks!), where not all that long ago it struggled to reach 20 on some nights. There are other local clubs which have an equally vibrant atmosphere etc but never seem to get much beyond double-figures even when they put on a "name" guest - go figure! But do give Ray his due, for he's stuck in there longer than most and kept the club going whatever. Catchment area, accessibility, competition, all these can be important factors in a club's fortunes, but in Harrogate's case the club's decline (in terms of patronage)has not been Ray's fault in any way. The guy deserves a medal!

As for the apathy issue, well you make some fair points, Ref. Keep on singing!
Apathy is indeed a strange beast, and takes many forms - and it's often not even a conscious state, it just happens, creeps up, but
oh sod it, I just can't be bothered to think about why ....