To me, both Chillibean and Silas have both got hold of the wrong end of the stick - different ends of the stick but still wrong.

Folk music - traditional song - should be a timeless, ageless thing. It is never going to be the most popular form of musical entertainment, but at the same time, rumours of its demise are unfounded. I can see that there are enough young people devoted to the music to keep it going after I am gone, which is great.

So, if my assessment of the nature of the music is true then enthusiasts of whatever age should be working together to enjoy and further their commitment to the music.

When I started running folk clubs in the 1960s, I was soon booking the likes of Belle & Alex Stewart, Packie Byrne, Willie Scott - people old enough to be my grandparents amongst a lot of younger and middle-aged performers.

This year, I have booked the likes of The Askew Sisters, Jim Causley, Lady Maisery - people young enough to be my grandchildren along with middle-aged people and older people. (We had Noel Dumbrell - 83 this year - recently and he gave a brilliant, energetic performance).

In the 1960's we used to get three generations of the Blanchard family coming regularly to the club. Last Thursday we had a young married couple sitting holding hands all evening next to a smiling bearded octogenarian. Let the young people bring their energy and excitement at finding this wonderful tradition. Let the old people share their knowledge and enthusiasm built up over decades of close involvement.

That is the way I have always wanted it to be. That is the way that it should be.