Hi Skipy,

Now, unlike most of the above, I HAVE heard you sing - and would never have guessed that you were so nervous about it. You can certainly hold a tune, you can certainly remember the words, and you most certainly gave pleasure to the people you were singing to. I - like you - gained the impression at an early age that my singing was deficient in some way - I was an exceptinal dancer when I was younger, and in later years hid behind the squeesebox! Like you I always longed to be able to sing and put across the message of a 'special' song. Going regularly to a friendly folk club helped me - far easier to stand up and sing in front of a group of people that met weekly than in front of the 'experts' at festivals. I've missed going regularly to folk clubs over the past few months and have found that it has really affected my ability to sing at festivals I have attended this summer. Yes, I'm still nervous about singing - but hey - learn to manage the adrenatine and it will work for you, and there is no legal or illegal drug which can substitue for the joy of leading a roomful of singers. Do take up Cats offer - I'll look forward to sharing the joy of the Fox & Hounds weekend with you next year. I always think that there is something about singing together with people which is very like sharing a meal with them - brings everybody closer somehow.

Stick with it, it's not too late, the rewards are tremendous and rememeber - I've heard you sing - YOU CAN - keep with it and enjoy sharing it with others.

Love, light and laughter, Polly.