I agree, Guest, that morris gatherings make another very strong contribution to bringing folk into the wider community. But you've got to admit, the sort of singing that will work in a crowded pub has to be very robust, and the singers pretty thick-skinned (I should know, I've done it often enough!).

But I believe there's also a place for the closed-off club, and I don't see anything weird about it. In almost all instances, anyone who wants to can come in and listen or sing, as long as they pay any entrance money (often required for the hire of the room) and abide by the etiquette of the club. It's not very different from many other sorts of hobby or pastime for which enthusiasts gather - art clubs, drama groups, poetry clubs, etc.

This sort of club is the only place that keen singers and musicians can get together and concentrate on what they're doing, and listen to each other without outside interruptions. Sure, there are some members of such clubs who only ever perform in that setting, but there are lots more - probably the majority, in my experience- who also take part in open sessions, informal gigs, and other public music-making of various sorts. For many of us, all these are valid and worthwhile ways of making and sharing our music.

Marje