Indeed, Sue. I guess Faldingworth and the like could be described as owing as much to the old Music Hall tradition as to folk clubs - which are after all a very modern invention.

I've played places called folk clubs where we were the only people who made a sound, and gone to others with the same title where I was very much a guest and greatly in repect of the locals and their traditions - and felt honoured when I got some applause for a song. There's room for all.

What does help is to try to signal what the event will be about - ideally in the title, though that's never going to be a perfect science and you need to make things clear on the night as well.

Like Richard and Jim I'm evangelical about the need not to loose touch with our musical tradition(s), and some positive descrimitation is definately necessary, so some dedicated events are essential. But I'm also reasonably confident that there's enough great old music about for people always to stumble on, and fall in love with, historic works because they have a good tune, words or story - and from that will follow more discoveries and riches.

What we ARE in danger of loosing is the concept of live music played socially and informally, particularly live music with clear roots. The homogenisation of music that happens when it is treated solely as a product is a real threat, and does need to be resisted.

We were only saying at the New Roots event in St Albans last week how imprtant it is for everyone to encourage young people to see the benefit of informal musical gatherings. The Bridge in Newcastle has a great policy of deliberately attracting youngsters (mainly from the degree course) by offering a monthly youngsters evening. York and others do something similar.

Let's have... Good concerts where the all performances are worth the money charged on the door, AND casual gatherings where even the most timid can feel able to contribute, AND places where endagered musical styles and material are celebrated, AND all the permutations thereof. Let's have it all - and not worry overmuch what we call it.