In that case, Alex, I owe you an apology for implying that you were knocking Will's session at the Trevor. The next one will be on Monday 14th July. For that and other sessions in the area, see here. I don't think anybody had any problems with you fitting in apart from a little envy on the part of some of the other fiddlers.

I have been told in no uncertain terms that I 'don't belong' in other English sessions!!!!

Now you've got me intrigued. I certainly wasn't at THAT session. I go to quite a few and can't think of any where that would happen.

I have to tread carefully for fear of offending others, but I don't think we have anyone round here of the quality you are looking for. (I have no problem with the "been a novice for a long time" tag for myself.) This is more concertina and melodeon country but several of the fiddlers have a lot to offer even if they aren't technically brilliant. As Greg says, you can learn a lot about English traditional music by spending plenty of time listening to Will and Dan. Dogan may be horribly young but he has an instinct for English trad. (Approximate quote "English traditional music is great and if it takes a Turk to tell people about it, so be it."). I've known Matt and Mike since before they were born amd to see them develop (and leave me choking in their dust) has been a delight.

Try and get to hear some of the people that John Adams and Dazbo have mentioned (I'd add Paul Sartin and Kathryn Tickell and Emma Reid.) I don't think Chris Bartram plays in public these days which is a great pity. Get his recordings if you can.

It's there if you look but Lau's way isn't the only way of doing it.