I hadn't read any books till I started working at the EFDSS in 1969 and discovered there was a whole library of them. (Except, that is, for one book I found in Helston library while doing a summer holiday job). I thought I'd made a fantastic discovery and did Jennifer Gentle & Rosemary to death till someone told be that it was not only a Child ballad but the Harvard Prof's #1 hit).

Prior to that, I'd learned from my grandfather who had played many, many years previously for a then long defunct Morris side (now revived) and for village dances. Our extended family ridiculed him and me and I was packed off to a convent to rid me of my genuine (not daft) North-East accent. I didn't actually know that what I was learning was f*lk music. Nor did my grandfather, I don't think. Fortunately.

I went to stage-school classes at a miners' institute after school with the Ellwood family. Didn't realise THAT was f*lk either. Nor did anyone. We learned Northumbrian clogging and how to sing show tunes. Didn't realise till much later when working at said EFDSS that the Ellwoods were 'famous f*lkies'. To some.

And then I'd rush through homework or get in done in school time just to slope off to The Bridge in Newcastle at night. Not because it was a 'f*lk' club or session (don't think we knew the words) but because it was such fun getting into the pub well under age.

The music I have grown up with has been an integral part of my life. Not an add-on 'entertainment'.