When will youth be over? In Germany nearly all political parties have youth organizations where membership ends with the 35th birthday. 20 years old I considered this a bloody old age ("never trust anybody over 30"), but now I think otherwise.
In my eyes a folkie is really old when all his instruments have gathered dust, and he doesn't sing anymore, even in the bathtub.
I have visited the last two Mudcat Eurogatherings, and was overwhelmed with glee seeing (and hearing) so many young participants, one more beautiful than the other. Er - the girls, naturally. Essex Girl included. Just take a glimpse at the pictures.
So let us not abandon any hope for the future.

P.S. Hi Kate! (Now they are guessing which one, haw haw!)