Hi and sincere thanks to all respondents. This haas been a most interesting inquiry to me (as the originator) and I found your contributions most helpful and encouraging.

The members of the folk club which I run have been terrific. A caring and supportive community. It sems that folkies are truly "The Right Stuff". I found this to be continued in the mudcat membership. Heartwarming and uplifting too - many thanks.

For the record I am making excellent progress on the banjo.

Old Roger