appearance of Jamie Gaull next month.

It will be Mr. Gaull's last performance before he leaves the Island in April following a three-year involvement with the club.

Vice-president Mr. Paul MacCoy explained: "Jamie's departure is indicative of a perennial problem for many local clubs and societies.

"It often seems to the committee that no sooner does one discover a talented, contributing member of the association, that he or she is announcing plans for their departure from the Island.

"There is a constant need therefore to find new talented members, not, as one might think, in order to expand but merely to maintain the status quo.'' Originally Chris Broadhurst was advertised for the March 5 show at the Old Colony club, but he stepped aside so Gaull could make his farewell performance.

Gaull is a singer/guitarist influenced by contemporary folk artists John Gorka and Cliff Eberhard.

He also has a repertoire of original material which members will remember from the club's "Originals Night'' last year.

Mr. MacCoy noted the Folk Club also had a traditional problem with its image on the Island.

"The popular perception of the club seems to be a group of hairy ex-pats of both sexes, who wear Arran sweaters and sing, with one finger in their respective ears, of `the joys of the greene woode in the merrie monthe of May.' "In fact the music played varies tremendously in range and would frequently fit only the broadest interpretation of that wonderfully non-descriptive term, folk music.'' But he stressed the popular perception does make it difficult for the club to attract new members both as performers and audience.