Reading Nathan's post reminded me about this tuesdays singaround where Diane tried out a new song, by John Prine, which she'd just learnt from another club supporter, Fred(a). That surely must be the folk process working as it should.

On the main issue, two approaches are exemplified by Nathan writing because he wants to tell the story first hand, and Ron recreating an era by immersing himself in the the history and the musical styles of that time to create something new but faithful to that point in time.

Both must be excellent ways of enriching our Folk tradition - whether the songs are accepted as Folk immediately, 5 years time or never (would that matter?).

On the term Folk itself, our Club Vice President boldly declares "Folk is wot folk sing" whenever a heated discussion arises. We could of course debate his proposition between songs but by postponing it this way til the next Folk Club party, we get to sing more folk songs on the club night - and that's what its all about!

Ian Fyvie