Raffles at UK folk clubs

Subject: RE: Raffles at UK folk clubs
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 24 Jan 09 - 02:22 PM

We do a great raffle at Cottingham Live-our specialist raffinistas, Mr & Mrs Raffle, do wine, chocs, free entry ticket AND the legendary Cottingham Live Mystery prize in its own black velvet bag. There is all hell on if the chocolates don't get shared out.

Subject: RE: Raffles at UK folk clubs
From: Megan L
Date: 24 Jan 09 - 02:20 PM

Village halls have always had raffles at concerts, ceildhs, dances and almost everything else

Subject: RE: Raffles at UK folk clubs
From: the fence
Date: 24 Jan 09 - 02:15 PM

No idea, maybe the use of a raffle allows the cost on the door to be lowered. Not everyone buys a raffle ticket but it does help to keep costs down on the door and goes towards guest nights.

Subject: Raffles at UK folk clubs
From: Jack Campin
Date: 24 Jan 09 - 02:00 PM

Some time ago I went my girlfriend to a jazz club, something we don't do all that often. One comment she made was "Isn't it a relief to know there won't be a raffle?"

Where did this bizarre ritual come from? You don't expect to have raffle tickets pushed at you at an organ recital, football match, funeral, tarot reading or theatre performance. Folk clubs presumably got it from some other kind of public gathering in the Fifties, but what?