Ruth Archer (fresh from the farm) wrote:

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.

I couldn't agree more. The efdss shot itself in the foot when it disbanded the regions. I wasn't a member then and I've no idea what the motivation was, but it clearly had an effect on what members could contribute to the Society. The present National Council recognises the problem and would like to stimulate more regional involvement with the centre, particularly with regard to educational initiatives.

RA
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.

In the last four weeks we have been through a planning exercise which included the use of an excellent education consultant who is from the folk scene, and culminated in a full education business plan which is not yet in the public domain. The above point was included in a list of seven aims. Our present Education Officer retires next year and we hope to appoint an Education Director to drive our strategy forward.

RH
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.

Exposure and networking via our Education Director (pending), links with the academic world (including teaching and learning), paper and audio-visual publishing, web publishing, shared resources and best practice,.......
I'm working on an efdss education web site at the moment and am putting together a panel to advise on content and a team to populate the site with cross curricular material relating to Key Stages and based on folk arts. I'm involving some regional development agencies and talking to some of our best customers, teachers, to identify what they need. This is to be rolled out in late Spring but it's a lot of work to get through.

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

Thanks. There are a few brickbats from the folk scene but they are more than neutralised by the goodwill from other places. My colleagues on the National Council are excellent hard working people who have an amazing breadth of experience, both on and off the folk scene. We all give our time voluntarily so we're anxious to make what we do count.

Thanks for an interesting post.

J