All I'd add to the above lists is that there are considerably more retired people in clubs now than there were in 1980 (omigod that's 28 years ago!)

And I agree with Brian above - clubs that have "residents" (and not all do) are simply ensuring that there is a core of supporters who can be relied to to turn up regularly and are able to sing/play competently (well, usually). They may well be the same people who help organise the club in other ways - taking the money, running the raffle, helping with publicity, booking the guests, etc, and they help give a solid foundation to the club.

Marje