"Beer is declining in popularity and a close association with it does the folk scene no good at all. "

So, Jack, are you suggesting that we folkies ought to start updating our image just to prove how young and trendy we are? Should we all drink the massively advertised lagers like the young people do? Maybe we should wear more sports gear - you know, tracksuit pants, football shirts, that sort of thing, and perhaps mini-skirts and stilettos for the ladies? And we really must encourage more folkies to smoke, it's so cool!

Me, I'm proud to have a "close association" with real ale which, like our music, is one of the treasures of our culture. I'll ditch the patchwork trousers if you like, and maybe even leave my copper tankard at home, but St Austell, Skinners and Dartmoor Breweries and many others like them can continue to count on my custom.

Marje