Eccentric Dave Sampson may have been - but he sure knew how to run a superb folk club. I've lost count of the amazing acts I saw courtesy of Dave.

Come to think of it, I think he ran The Roebuck on Erdingtpn High Street as well.

Carthy, Capstick , Derek Brimstone, Sidney Carter, Vin, Jeremy Taylor, Ian Campbell, Waterfall, loads of others.

We weren't best mates or anything. I don't think he was keen on what I did - I was just starting out - there wasn't much to be keen on.But he wasn't pushy, he'd always help you get a floorspot and present you. And he wasn't out to use his club to launch his own career.

I heard he had his problems - but bloody hell! It was the 1970's - the only ones not having problems were dead from the neck up.