Just wondering if there is anyone from Manchester (ENGLAND!!) reading this? Most of the threaders seem to be from 'dahn sahth' (nothing wrong with that - that's where half of my family are from!), leaving me wondering where all the Mancunians, Salfordians, Boltonians et al have gone!

The folk scene around here isn't as active as it used to be - okay, there are 'diddly diddly' sessions if you like that kind of thing, and quite a few clubs booking singer-songwriters.

My gripe is that most singer-songwriters are so conceited that they believe they can hold an audience with just their own material, which is rarely true.

I admit I can't write songs, and I love to join in a good old sing-song. My peers/mates are people like the Spinners, The Oldham Tinkers, The Yetties, Bernard Wrigley, John Kirkpatrick (to name but a few!), but I can't find many clubs who seem to like that sort of thing!

Help!!