The future encompasses the past songs from tradition and "newer" songs which will pass into the folk repertoire, which have passed the tests of time

Musicianship of the younger players and singers has to my mind got much better over the last 30 years

Song is a different matter, but historical songs and songs about the recent past, such as loss of traditional industry and union conflict stand a good chance if they have been written well and become popular

What is required is probably more audiences,and more regular venues

This is counter to present conditions are pubs entertainment licences, PRS, car tax and beer prices

Ray