What a great thread. Over the years I sang in Hull many times, at the Rugby, and Folk Union One, also at South Cave. I remember the pleasure I got from these gigs because of the knowledgeable and appreciative audiences, and the wealth of talent from the floor. The first time I heard Jim Eldon, one of the best IMO, was as a floor singer at the Folk Union One. I looked forward to my Hull gigs so much that I once arrived for one of them a week early!
Ian (Jock) Manuel, bossman of the Rugby Folk Club was an unforgettable character, famous for actions such as throwing out in mid-set a guest band who met with his disapproval, and for standing for parliament with a party of his own making called the 'Get Stuffed Party. Thus if a TV interviewer asked him 'And what is the name of your party Mr Manuel? he could truthfully reply 'get stuffed'. I'm sure that a bookful of Jock Manuel stories would be easily possible, he was that kind of bloke. If anybody ever does write one I'll be first in the queue for a copy.   But there was more to Jock than just the rumbustious front he put up. He deeply loved traditional songs, especially his Scottish ones, and was just as deeply appreciative of a good singer, famous or no. He was a very good singer himself as his two Topic albums will prove.His voice was rough-edged and growly, with a heavy Scots accent, but the sense of style he had, and the rhythm and drive he put into a song was outstanding. He was particularly good at the Scottish bothy ballads.

It was his enthusiasm and example that helped make the Rugby one of the best folk clubs I have ever visited. I'm sad now to think that I can no longer get the train to Paragon station, and make my way to one of the Hull folk clubs. They were fine examples of everything that a folk club should be, but thankfully I still have my memories.   Thanks Ossonflags for starting this thread.