Virtually all the clubs in our area, "the midlands that is", are being run by the same people who set them up twenty or thirty years ago. All seem to be struggling, with lower audience numbers, higher artists fees, smoking bans, beer prices etc etc. Its unrealistic to expect young people to take on the responsibility of club running. Its true there are just as many people out there who wish to perform, but the Open Mic route is now the preference of many. Where does that leave Folk Clubs?