When I got into Folk Clubs in the mid 1950s I wanted to learn from older singers and players and to sing to and with my own age group. After a while I joined the grownups and went into the public bar with traditional musicians. I still supported the clubs but agreed with Ralph Vaughan Williams' who said that the collecting and conserving etc of the first revival was really to give the songs back to the people. The second and now 'New English' third revivals are still doing that.

I don't think clubs will die as young 'Nu Folk' fans will still have to go upstairs in pubs and maybe other venues. They will also no doubt walk past the 'Nu Trad' singers and players in the bar on their way to rediscover and reinvent our heritage.

meanwhile if the music has permeated popular music in its many forms should we lose sleep? Keep it live and keep it alive!