Chris, I think the folkies in Britain are at least as much an "embattled minority" in their society as we are in the US, maybe moreso. I've read plenty of their messages bemoaning the relative invisibility and dwindling presence of folk music on BBC and in British society in general.

I think we get a distorted picture of the size and influence of their group on the UK as a whole because they are such a strong presence here within the Mudcat Cafe. However, when you think about it, the fact that one or two hundred folkies scattered throughout the UK all seem to know each other so well might indicate that they're NOT a significant subculture in British society as a whole.

No offense to anyone ~ I'm *glad* we have people who are so passionate about preserving the music and culture they love. And, of course, I might be wrong [to some extent, anyway] ~ just spouting one possible theory.