Perhaps the most shining example is Taffy Thomas, leader of Magic Lantern, caller with bands and inventive visionary of The Fabulous Salami Brothers. Taffy was in his forties when he had a major stroke. (When the doctors asked the Brothers: "What does he do?", they answered: "Oh, he walks on broken glass barefeet, eats fire, escapes chained-up from a sack..."

Taffy's life hung in the balance while the folk scene held its breath. Eventually he started imperceptably improving.

Taffy has re-invented himself as an amazing story-teller these days. His tales, learned from travellers, are of pure brilliance, and I would go a long, long way to hear him. He doesn't walk with a stick any more (I do!)

I must be off - I have a Welsh class to attend!