I cannot let Richard's remarks...

"2. A friend of mine still refuses to go back to the Coppers old club because when (some time ago) he (my friend) accompanied himself singing "The Cutty Wren" on the guitar, Bob Copper allegedly made him feel very uncomfortable about using a non-traditional instrument (for English folk music) "

...go unchallenged. Firstly, the Coppersongs Folk Club has not been running for at least 16 years, so his friends' boycott was a wise decision as any return would have been a wasted journey. But more importantly, having known Bob extremely well for most of my adult life this remark just doesn't ring true in any way. He was no purist and was encouraging of almost anything he heard in the way of interpretation of traditional music and even if (and this is extremely unlikely) it wasn't 'his cup of tea' he most certainly would never have voiced that opinion to the musician concerned. When it came to meeting and in his relationships with strangers - folkies or anyone - Bob was never less than kind, generous with his time and exuberant and encouraging with his praise. Incidentally, he had a catholic taste in music and was known to strum the guitar himself much to the horror of some BBC people in the early 50's!

Would that I had his tolerance, good humour and generosity of spirit. I try but I fail.