I can think of no greater pleasure (fun) than hearing a good traditional song well sung, and, when I was singing regularly, I can't remember enjoying anything so much as, on the few occasions when I sang at my best, making my songs work for me and for my audience.
So true. When it works, it's nothing short of magical.
But, as countess richard says, let's leave the rehearsals for the shower. I know that clubs are meant to be the nurseries of new talent, but please, please, let's at least retain some critical structure. I know most of us are ameateur, but does that mean that the clubs have to be so amateurish?
There are many people, bless 'em, who try to inflict poorly rehearsed and ill-performed material on paying punters. Is it really so very hard to say to them, "Listen; go home and practise, then practise a bit more, and then ask someone else who doesn't like you to listen to you. If they say it sounds OK, then come back.'?
Folk clubs should not be used as a base datum mark for singers or musicians. Yes, we've all got to start somewhere, but for me that somewhere was my cellar (nice accoustics, by the way!).