Thoughts coming thick and fast here after some very encouraging pm's.
Can I add another suggestion.
Personally we are very happy with the local set-up of the Clancy School, but failing the chance of local involvement another idea occurs to me.
Another annual school here is dedicated to the 18th century poet Brian Merriman (of Midnight Court fame). It is run (I think) by a Dublin based group, but their annual schools are moveable feasts, selecting a venue for say two years then moving on to the next (invariably in Merriman's native Clare).
I see no reason why an organisation like EFDSS could not establish an annual 'Tribute to our Singers' festival and hold annual events in various locations related to singers or collectors; maybe having each start with an introductory talk on the loacal singers, repertoire, or previous work done (Hammond, Gardiner, Broadwood, Vaughan Williams, Sharp, Grainger, Greig and Duncan- the possibilities seem endless).
Again, full co-operation from local people would be vital to such projects - to avoid the 'bloody townies again' accusation and make it a local event, but involvement by bodies like EFDSS might just make Arts money available.
This does not have to be an either-or situation; I've seen both work equally well.
Apologies to Leveller - I hope he doesn't think his thread has been hi-jacked; if so, perhaps a new one should be started.
Jim Carroll