Well we will have to agree to disagree on your use of my quote to indicate an example of "missing the plot". In simpler English, I went to the Jug hoping for a session, didn't find much of a session for reasons given but at least enjoyed the company. This is rather different to me thinking that the Jug is or should be a "social event" (which I take to mean a place for lots of chat as a session is in fact a social event - just the focus in a session is music).

Although it does appear that the bulk of the trouble in the Jug on Wednesday was caused by a particular group of locals, I have to say that as a general principle, I think it unwise risk turning an established session into a "Mudcat event".

I would take any Mudcatter visiting Norfolk to any of the events I go to localy and they would be made welcome but I would not go as far as trying to enourage numbers of people from further away to meet up there on a regular basis and I feel I would risk making myself unpopular if I did. I also recognise LTS's comments on needing new faces - it is essential for the health of a session - it's just a question of balance and in some cases a little control (e.g. the Norwich session I go to is strictly Irish instrumental and while I enjoy other things, I would hate to see the basic nature of the session changed - besides that, Ken and Maria would probably kill me, there are other nights for other events...) , or at least I think so.

Jon