When I found my memory going I wrote down as many of the songs in my repertoire as I could - I still find one or two to add from time to time even though I have over 300 now. I must admit that I now look for versions on line to jog my memory.

These days I can usually remember the chords, as long as I don't try to sing at the same time, but I usually forget either one whole verse or mix up the first and last halves of two or more, or what is worse, I think there is another verse and try to remember it, but there isn't one - so I use my book.

I have had to rewrite it recently - larger - but as long as I can get a glimpse of it from time to time I can cope fairly well.

It has knocked my confidence, as at one time I could steal anybody's song just hearing it once, so I don't go out of my way to sing in folk clubs - but I can't be the only person who needs to compensate for the effects of getting older.

If someone does produce a song book or sheet - perhaps waiting to see just how good they are would be the kindest thing, rather than instantly giving sighs and other signs of exasperation.

Anne