All very relevant comments by Mary Humphreys and I saw the same in Manchester in the 70s for sure.

Im guilty of not attending clubs and sessions enough nowadys so cant make a good contrast to things today but surely the balance is better and on the professional side the women are clearly strong.

A comment about the 60s 70s   I always felt that too many women singers restricted their repertoire too much towards the feminist cause. Im not saying they were wrong or right but always felt a good varied session with a few pointed strong 'message' songs worked better than a session all on the same theme and I saw too many where the women theme was overplayed. Its better now that sessions/clubs arent hijacked by a narrow interest group and good to see a better balance. Doesnt stop a message being put across.

Another comment when was the last thread that got so much input in such a shoer space of time ? It seems to have captured the imagination.