Vic Smith has just alerted me to this thread, and as the author of the original comment I guess I might say something....
1. I am atrocious at remembering words but bluff my way through usually... and never with a music stand!
2. This is as much to do with nerves as anything and there is no substitute for really getting into a song, playing it a few times to get over the jitters...
3. I guess I believe that a song comes to life when the singer is very familiar with it indeed, and has lived inside it, whether self written or not, for a while.
4. I don;t think I have ever really been entertained by someone with a music stand and a ring binder with pages in plastic sleeves (aaaggghhh!!) and who then......loses the place!!!!
5. The great thing about folk clubs is the way they have given people a start in the music scene, at whatever level. We are tolerant and encouraging, even to those we know have enthusiasm, if limited talent, BUT I guess laziness is harder to accept. We all started, nervously, at some time.....!!!!

Hope that isn;t too sanctimonious!!! thanks for all the comments. John