I enjoy many different kinds of music.

But I got into folk music, many years ago, because a friend introduced me to a folk club that was held weekly (and still is!) in a pub on the south coast.

Wow! I thought ... where else could you hear such a variety of singing and music - from expert to beginner - all having a go? And wow again, a place where I might even try a song myself, after a few weeks!

This, to me, is what sets folk music apart from other genres. Is there a local jazz club, operatic club, heavy metal club, rock club, where I could just turn up and have a go, with my amateurish tries, among a group of friendly and welcoming people?

While newcomers and beginners are still so welcome at the clubs, there will always be a place for folk music. And so, I hope, and believe, there will always be folk revivals. There are not so very many places nowadays, where ordinary people can still play and sing.