Amen to that sfmans! During the EFDSS absence from mainstream folk activity there has been a wealth of development in the regions including our own Ryburn 3 Step. During my 8 years on the National Council (2000 -208) I did all I could to stimulate the formulation of a regional strategy but aspirations were always foiled by funding shortfalls. Some of this new funding could be used to provide a network and infrastructure within which the local providers could operate and inform each other - training, good practice, interactivity of tutors, etc. etc.

Comhaltas does a good enough job but it is not the model that EFDSS could or should emulate. Folk Arts England has provided a lot of leadership in the important areas and given the changes in FAE future emphasis, EFDSS could look at extending and enhancing those area of activity while also bringing its own ideas to bear.

Congratulations to all the people in the background who have made this funding possible with months/years of networking and lobbying. Chief Exec Katy Spicer is fortunate to be inheriting the fruits of this labour and I am confident that she will be able to optimise the opportunity and make a difference for the society and the folk scene in general.