Rather ironic that I should be asked to put up some of my own songs "for a laugh" because I write mainly comedy songs, having a voice rather like a "camel farting through a wet loaf of bread". My other half sings very well and I can manage harmony and backing - but that's by the by.

The really interesting point coming over here is the effect that the "trained voice" kind of delivery had on us as children. When I was at school (about 9 ish) I found this a complete "turn off" and was into "Lollipop" by the Chordettes and other such things.

I first got into folk when I went round a friend's house and his sister was playing some songs in the style of Sandy Denny - it just seemed to conjure up images and I started going to folk clubs. I was a primary teacher for many years, but I never did use - "Singing Together" - Despite the "farting camel" I never had any inhibitions about singing in front of a class - I think a lot of teachers did and this is where the series came in useful.

Interesting to hear people's different viewpoints on this.