Replying to a couple of points.

Big Mal mentioned the music from the Anchor Gardens. According to Dick Stanger, who ran the Anchor, the landlord/brewery put up enough to cover 10 folk events. This meant 7 lunchtime and 3 evening dances. On the other 4 evenings, the landlord booked "standard" rockish bands. I suspect this is what you heard.

For HipFlaskAndy, and any other first-timer in the Middle Bar next year, if you in early enough the seats at the front are for singers, so the twig will automatically be passed (exceptions are made for thos such as the elderly who cannot stand all evening). The Bench is for those running the session. At the back, there are fewer singers so there is a tendency to pass it on to *known* singers. The trick is, when the twig has been passed but before that person has started singing tap them on the shoulder and ask. As long as you're not obviously twig-chasing that will work. After the first few times, you'll be recognised. Alternatively, ask the Bench to include you - they often do a "have we missed anyone wave around" before leaving an area (in particular the back bar)

Mark Austin