Brilliant ideas from Nick - already condidering some of them:-) Price - Yes we do need to increase (It is actualy £2.50 members, £3.00 non-members) I don't know how we can justify a double in price though - May have to phase it. I have also spotted another venue we can use - larger - so we may have the opportunity to put some of our bigger names into a bigger venue, charge more and give them more pay! I'm sure they wouldn't mind a slight change of data and location for that. My biggest worry is that we do, of course, have a very finite audience - would we be running the risk of stretching them to thinly? Worth a thought anyway.

OK, Greg - Like I said before I fully understand what you are saying. I accept that there was no offence intended and hope that your explanation will placate any local songwriting teachers who may have felt you were branding as second class acts. I am neither teacher nor paid performer btw - No axe to gring from me there. I just happen to know at least two local songwriting teachers who have appeared with the biggest names at top festivals and would not know trouble at't'mill if it bit them on the bum.

Your comment Now, it is no skin of the nose of someone in the first category to be a bit flexible about bookings. To be prepared, if need be, to consider being shunted a month later or a month earlier or whatever. is very significant. And I agree entirely. But, unfortunately, not every part time act has the same regard for us organisers. I would love you to have a word with some of our booked acts and tell them that, seeing as they are non-professional, they should make way for any visiting professionals at a moments notice. Bear in mind that most of these people are not only excelent acts in their own right but also friends of the club. I can just imagine the conversation.

"Errr, Jim? You know you have a booking next moth?"
"Yes, really looking forward to it"
"Well, we have the opportunity of booking a Norweigian mouth music trio who are on tour. Chance of a lifetime. Can we postpone your booking?"
"Till when?"
"Well, we are booked up for the year, so how about August 2007?"
"Of course you can, mate, no trouble at all..."

I know you would be happy with this, Greg, but can you honestly say that all local musicians would?

Cheers

DtG