My voice just doesn't work in a smoky atmosphere.

I used to go early to one folk club and sing one song then stay until the smoke got too thick - then head for the door and fresh air.

This was before smoking was considered anything but a habit.

I made it clear that it was only the smoke which drove me out, but no one seemed to understand my problem.

One evening when there had been some sort of meeting in the room and the room was thick with really pungent smoke I went in and was about to walk out again when the organiser grabbed me and pulled me to the front to fill in as there was no one to sing. I asked for the windows to be opened as I opened my guitar case, but no one moved.

I got through three lines and my voice was gone - then I started to cough, so I just grabbed the case and staggered outside where I choked for five minutes.

I don't think that going into a smoky room once in a while would kill me - it is just that I can't sing when I am in there. I can't sing in the Middle Bar at Sidmouth once the smoke accumulates, I either squeek or go mute or start to cough. Out in the fresh air I can sing all week. I went to the tent in the garden at The Volunteer last year and will probably be found there again.

Anne