You don't say what you are wanting to play with/for, Emm. If it's playing tunes in a tune session you are looking for, or for something to accompany singing, or just a general join in thing.

Learning harmonica is cheap and easy, and most everything you learn will come in useful for anglo or mellodeon. It's very underated as an instrument, it's got lots of uses and it's affordable and carryable too. Mind you, if you try to sing at the same time it comes out like 'Sparky's Magic Paino' (ask your grandparents about that one)! I'll be glad to advise you further at the Yorkshire Gathering.

If you want something to accompany songs and to play tunes on, you could consider bouzouki. It's really easy and doesn't hurt your fingers like those nasty guitars! But the stretches between the frets could be a bit of a problem. Mandoline or mandola might be more suited. And they can be useful for taking up fiddle later.

Les