In the case of The Bothy FC in Gainsborough Les, they were mostly young back then. Pat Sleight, who ran the club along with Terry Cater and Gwenda, was early twenties (as T&G were). Most of the members were late-teens to maybe late 30s. Most of the performers (and we had all of the big names there) were in their 20s, some maybe 30s) - ask Gwenda about a very young and absolutely terrified Miss B. Dickson who played for fifteen quid and a bed for the night! :-)

I think Anne's made a good point about young people not taking up the responsibilities of running venues, and also (get ready for wailing and gnashing of teeth by The Usual Suspects) look to widening the definition of what a folk club could, or should, be. Adapt or die.