My apologies ought to go to Seaking and Mr Bean about The Volunteer sessions. I personally took on these when it became apparent that John Howson and Dan Quinn weren't prepared to continue them after 2004. I had no idea how they would go last year, and am humbled at their success and the kind words said to me as a result - and the signed marrow that was awarded to me on the Thursday!

First of all, this is not a singaround. Nor is it meant to the preserve of any particular clique, although of course, the same people tend to come every day. That said, I have deliberately kept the same format that John/Dan evolved to differentiate it from equally successful sessions at the Anchor, Theatre Bar, Newt, etc. The use of a 'list' is an aide memoire since I really do have a bad memory for faces, and honestly try to give everybody a fair crack of the whip, regardless of gender, age, type of song, etc. etc. This is one reason why I have used a daily co-host, so they can widen that circle of recognition and make it more inclusive. I would like to welcome Sid Calderbank, some guy called Gideon, and Neil Brookes who came most days, waited patiently, and game storming performances when they performed, and I will extend the same welcome to Chris or anyone if they persist next year. It took me two or three years before anyone asked me to sing at the Volly, but thought that the robust nature of the singing so powerful an attraction that it was worth postponing my daily visit to the Radway to experience and ultimately share in this.

Because this isn't a straightforward singaround - more of a quirky performance - I design the last half hour to include some of the singers who have brought so much pleasure to non-singing regulars and singing regulars over the years, people like Alan and Carole Prior, George Withers, Ken Langsbury, plus anyone from the 'booked' part of the programme (who arrive in the Volly NOT as part of their Festival contract). If you want to sing, get their at noon, introduce yourself to me (AND my co-host, thus doubling your chances), and trust to our limited powers of cognition. Disappearing into the garden or loo at crucial moments will lose you brownie points! Failing that, please enjoy whatever else you may decide to do in Sidmouth FolkWeek 2007 and thereafter.

George