Personally, I particularly agree with two points there, John. EFDSS should not be in the business of running festivals. What would be the point?

Secondly, that it shouldn't be EFDSS's job to be promoting concerts in London. Unless these are special events, such as the Nibs Matthews or Cyril Tawney memorials, I would again question the need and suggest that it would merely be duplicating provision. EFDSS should be working at a strategic level, not on delivery of events.

I think it is a real shame that there isn't more of a presence in the regions - I have been approached by my local EFDSS committee (though I'm given to understand that such committees no longer officially exist) with regard to offering support for our "folk into schools" project. Now, there's not a lot they'd be able to do at this stage as funding and facilitators are all in place, but I was still glad to hear from them. It seems to me that perhaps EFDSS's education remit should put a strong emphasis on partnering the delivery organisations around the country who are working in the area of folk song and dance development, especially in schools. This would certainly help to move the society's profile into one of contemporary relevance. The question is, what can EFDSS bring to the table? I'd be delighted to list the society as a partner in our projects, but it's a queston of what benefit such a partnership could bring to the work. Maybe it's simply exposure. Or maybe there are background resources that could be made available to enhance the work in some way. But it occurs to me that this would be one way for the society to be having regional impact without having to maintain a regional presence. And that future funding bids might concentrate on this area.

Just a thought. And well done for all your hard work - it must seem pretty thankless at times.