Come on guys (and gals) loosen up. Folk songs are the songs which folk sing. It is a now, active, living thing, taking place in real time. Traditional stuff is what folk before us used to do. For almost all of that, the tradition (the passing-on process)is broken. We learn it in a sterile way from things like books and records, not from people we know. It becomes a nostalgic re-enactment of a script. A wishful fantasy. Lots of traditional music started as the popular music of the day. It's still happening.

Today's folk music is the trad stuff of tomorrow. We learn it if we like it no matter where it comes from and when we do it - we do it in our own way, not a slavish, "pirate or parrot" version. Give it all space, let it find its own life.

Our "Folk" club is just a place where anyone brings their gifts of song and music to delight the company gathered there. It is rich in variety. Some come to just listen and enjoy. Some come to sing, play, listen and enjoy. There is no sense of trying to meet a formula. People receive what is given on its own merits. Beginners and the nervous are strongly encouraged and supported.

We are not troubled by any angst about authenticity or getting it "right" according to some cranky folksy definition.

We are troubled by the fact that we get too many people wanting to come. Sometimes it's hard to fit them all in and it's a big room. Never less than 25 performers - Usually about 70 people all together and they all listen when someone's doing their bit.

Just ordinary folk, singing for pleasure and pastime in good company. Doesn't that have a traditional ring to it.