Possibly not relevant.

I help to run a folk club in Swinton , Lancashire....We have been running 19 years ....same pub same night. Last week we were hijacked by a crowd of strangers (about 12 of them ) who haven't been before. They were not in the same party , just co-incidence. One insisted on singing a more cabaret than folk song during the singers session.

Some of them talked during performers singing and they were not aware (even though notices are posted) of usual FC etiquette.

At half time (we have a raffle and a break) my daughters partner came in to the pub who I see only rarely because they live 200 miles away. So I handed the running over to Dave T Gnome and stood with Andrew in the bar.

The regulars came out of the club at 1130 or so and earholed me with what a great night it had been and how much the "incomers" had provided in song and laughter and chat and "why did I miss out on it all".

Smell the coffee Mike....we are not involved in an exclusive club , where only the players (and only good players at that) are welcomed and then only if they play.....and only if they have been attending regularly for the last decade...and don't talk....

I have only been once to the jug (last years gathering) so I have no right to comment on the regular session , but at our club we welcome all and sundry , all the time , regardless of what any individual feels.....It's not an individual thing..Thats why we gather each Monday as a group.

Finally....I hope anything I have said is taken in the spirit of open discussion.

Spot.