I don't find that odd at all, Musket. I remember well the first black people I came across - Heather and Christopher Agboola. Can't remember where they came from but they joined our school, an RC primary, when I was about 9 or 10 I suspect - Very early 60's anyway. They were viewed as kids view everything new - With interest but a certain amount of trepidation. You don't say when the incident you refer to happened but if it was many years ago it is probably no indication of today's attitude.

Set me off thinking though. I have been hiking and fell walking for about 35 years. The number of black walkers I have seen can be counted on one hand - Including a very nice chap with his children I met about 4 weeks ago on a bridge over the Leeds/Liverpool canal at Kildwick. I suppose I could have asked him why black people don't seem take to the hills as us mad English do - But he may have took it the wrong way! I think I can also safely say that I have never met any Indian or Arabic looking people on the hills either - But plenty Japanese! I can say the same about our folk club - As far as I can remember only 2 black men and 1 black woman have ever been.

I would certainly never put this down to any hint of insularity on anyone's part - Both activities are as welcoming as any other. Maybe it is a culture difference of some sort? Maybe this is what people do not understand and are, therefore, frightened of? Dunno really. Just speculation and psycho-babble - neither of which do any good so before anyone draws any conclusion from this please note it is just a train of thought :-)

Cheers

DtG