Even S O'P's description of his local club was challenged by someone else familiar with it. To extrapolate from this one dodgy bit of evidence to all folk clubs is untenable. Sorr, Jim, no case to answer.

The anything-goes policy of Fleetwood Folk Club might be gleaned from its web page (see HERE) which, incidently, I look after. All of the songs on the player are settings of Ron's songs by various club members, and a look at the guest list will show that the guest policy is very much non-traditional - which is why I never bothered with guest nights.

As I replied to Ron at the time I think 60% is very generous estimate; many nights I have been there and the only traditional material has been sung by me. This is but one of the factors why I haven't been for the past 3 months - and it is simply a matter of personal taste, not damnation. I don't go to Karaoke nights either, nor would I expect Ron or any other of my folky friends to come with my wife and I to see the Bad Lieutenants or Peter Hook's Unknown Pleasures. Fact is, Fleetwood Folk Club is an alive, happening, open, appreciative, enthusiastic, friendly, welcoming, anything-goes free-for-all which is no way atypical of any number of folk clubs I've been to over the years.

I think you highlighted the wrong bit of Ron's post there, Brian. This is the best bit (SS is me of course, then posting as Sinister Supporter):

Of all the people I have met in 'the folk scene' over the past 40 years SS is, without a doubt, one of the most leaned, and passionate,
exponants of the great traditional ballads. Besides ballads he he sings a vast number of 'traditional' songs, and if he also has a love of Kipling/Bellamy songs so what? He also on occasions descends to the deapths os singing some of mine [Shock! Horror!]. Does this make him any less a 'traddie'? And as for 'not giving a toss', well [and forgive me for this Jim, 'cause much of what you have said throughout this thread I totally agree with], is a complete load of bollocks !