"i sympathise with those on the outside and think the folk tradition is weaker for their exclusion.

of course what both parties forget is that the tradition will adapt and survive and the demotic music of England will develop inspite of their efforts to affect its progress."
   no no non, we have a responsibilty to try and make sure the music is kept strong and survives and is of a good standard the way to do that is at grass roots level through workshops and tuition, it is not through having awards.