I think one of the main reasons for the decline in folk club numbers is their cliquiness. Before I elaborate on this I must state that this is not necessarily a criticism, it is also part of what holds the club together. And it also certainly does not apply to every club. It was also ever thus right from the beginning, but the clique in the 60s were young enough and active enough to sustain the club and keep things evolving. Our main problem, like so many other interests that have become top-heavy with the aged, is that we didn't see the writing on the wall and didn't make enough provision for introducing new blood. Those clubs I have been in have the same old faces taking up any spots for performance and booking the same old faces as well. (There are exceptions and this is speaking very generally, not aimed at any one club). Some sessions can also be quite cliquey particularly Irish based ones, whereas singarounds more often than not welcome allcomers and everybody gets an equal chance to perform (well they do in my area).

However I must repeat, the decline in 'folk clubs' has more than been compensated for in the increase in other outlets for our music.