Nice one, jOhn, and a question I haven't really asked myself. Having analysed my own position for a few minutes, it can be summarised as being 'because I never came to folk music through folk clubs', and have found folk fulfillment (teeth back in!) in the pub session.

Sure, I did go to odd clubs over the years, Faversham to see Richard Digance, Cheddar to see a very young Kathryn Tickell, and the Oysterband, but to be honest, as a non-musician at the time, the floorspots by the locals didn't appeal to me.

Then I discovered the session on top of Mendip, and I was blown away with the idea. I literally, and painfully for others, learnt to play the accordion just to be part of that wonderful environment, and I still find that the session totally fulfills my listening and performing needs.

So I guess the session, and the mixed tune and song sessions are IMO the best, has replaced the folk club for folk like me.