Firstly, hello group - I'm a new member. I possibly should have introduced myself previously, but hey ho.

As a newbie to folk, this thread has been quite intriguing. Myself and friend shall be attending an evening singaround in the next few days. It shall in fact be my first, though I hope not my last!

Over the last few weeks I have set to heart a small handfull of songs to sing solo and unacompannied. I hope to sing one or two of these on the night, courage prevailing.

I can remember them perfectly well while singing alone or indeed whilst among friends, but I do fully intend to take along a few discreet well-eared, coffee-stained and bath-crinkled sheets of paper, 'justincase'.

As a beginner, of course I wish to do my best and as such, I have made an effort to fully memorise the songs I have learned thus far.

But I think if I were expected to attempt to sing without even being able to have any kind of security blanket to hand, the anxiety of knowing I didn't have the notes with me to glance at, would probably be enought to ensure I hit a blank, feel consequently very horrid, and quite possibly never want to try again!