I remember with fondness your lady wife and daughter when they visited the Bish and you're absolutely right about many of the things you say in relation to the 'band'..... now ousted because, in the words of one of the 'musicians' '...they weren't appreciated....' ( !!?? ). All change. At the time of their dominance, I was on the periphery of things and had little to do with the 'organisation', such as it was. It was at the landlady's suggestion and request that I tried to do things differently. I have, in the past six or so months, tried to put things together in the way you describe, i.e. compere, keep the whole thing flowing as much as is possible and have an evening that goes with the artisits who are there....if it warrants an evening 'in the round' as it were then that is what we do, and as 'organniser', if there are people who come to sing/play, then I am only too happy to step out of the way and let them take the floor. People are always made welcome (at least I believe I do my best by them) and when we have guests, whether they be of the paid variety or floor singers, I do my damndest to make sure they are accorded a modicum of respect. I appreciate your comments as to wife's experience and can only apologise and say if you're ever this way again, please drop by and let me know it's you....I think you'll notice the difference! And you're dead right about your daughters voice, absolutely spell-binding ! Thanks for your honesty and I shall re-read your posting and give it some more thought.....and Torrington, in relation to our place is not particularly 'local'. Hope to see you some time. Teller.