I am a member too. Was for many years and rejoined about a year ago.

Anyone who has seen the magazine recently - and let's praise the last two editors, will notice a wind of change going through the society. The younger people on the National Council - professional organisers like Joan Crump, people with a really strong folk music background like Gordon Jones, academics like John Adams etc etc. are beginning to make a difference. It isn't easy and I have no doubts more mistakes will be made but if they are made in a spirit of co-operation then they are unlikely to be disastrous.

Dick, laudable as the prize is - who will organise the contest, who will judge it and set the parameters (here we go again - what is folk?) how will it be organised, who will look after the publicity, where will it be held and so on? It is just not a simple as putting £200.00 into someone's hands. By its nature it comes with baggage.

You can spend your money how you like Dick - but your knowledge, opinions and expertise via a subscription would be of much more use.