As a bit of an antidote to this huge thread about collapse and doom and gloom I thought I'd pass this on.

When I arrived on Wednesday for our weekly gathering at just after 8.30 the place was full of people. Overall there were the best part of 50 people there in the evening (of whom about 25 got involved in one way or another) which for a place with no advertising, no acts, situated in a tiny village is amazing. When I left around midnight it was still merrily going.

I got an email from two of the people who had visited for the first time the next morning and quote a bit below. The first is from a really good performer who has sung and played solo and in bands since the 60's who could play and get paid at any folk club I've ever been to.

"Thanks for a great night, my friend and myself really enjoyed the evening, it was like going back 30 years or more to the folk club days of the late 60s early 70s... I know that sounds nostalgic, but it was so good to feel free to join in with everyone and just have a good time. I'll be coming back to sample more of the atmosphere...
All the best"

The other is from a mudcatter who I hope won't mind me quoting him.

"Just emailing to say thanks for a brilliant evening, enjoyed it immensely, friendly & welcoming but no messing. Just what I needed!
I'll be back, for certain – and stay longer. All the best and thanks again"

It's not all collapsing!