HuwG - Sorry, but in the interests of protecting the identity of these selfless guardians of the traditional etc etc etc etc, I am unable to give you a link to an image. However, in the interests of furthering popular recognition of the members of this etc etc etc, let the mind's eye conjure up this picture of the Royal Orstrilian (Light) Folk service, or R.O.L.F.s as they have come to be called. There are three main arms of service, dedicated to maintaining the purity of Instrumental, Vocal and Dance customs, though it is common to find officers from one branch serving with distinction in other fields.

The distinctive hat (slouch, tatty) is worn on many official ocassions, with badges from Folf Festivals and Folk Clubs etc attached. These indicate, not arms of service as may be expected, but years of membership in the force. On special parades, such as in the presence of HRH the Q and PP the D of E, or their viceregal deputies, a number of corks are suspended from the brim. The bottles from which these corks are drawn are indicative of rank, and the number of corks indicate the officer's ability to sound authoritative on any subject regardless of actual evidence.

The sleeveless black waistcoat is usually worn unbuttoned except in the presence of Morris dancers, when it is fully buttoned. The shirt is white for other ranks, and checked for field officers. Where the shirt is striped, this denotes that the wearer is seconded to special duties with the Multi-Ethnic Secret Service, and the colours of the stripes denote the national heritage in the care of the officer.The shirt sleeves are rolled up above the elbow in all but the most inclement weather.

The trousers are usually black or brown corduroy, depending on the arm of service but denim jeans are sometimes seen when the officer is on plain clothes duty. Braces are part of the standard combat webbing, and are often seen in bright colours to indicate the arm od service.

Boots are usually elastic sided and black, but most officers tend to leave these in natural camouflage condition, except when on special parades. In a number of active service situations, trainers have been issued, and these tend to be teated in a similar manner.

In every situation, the officer carries a notebook and pen or pencil, with which to record instances of failure to comply with regulations, and some officers may be seen with tape recorders. When an officer so armed is encountered, the potential perpetrator is strongly advised to take one of two courses of action. Firstly, pack up the instruments and depart without singing, or secondly, ply the officer with two things, questions on the recognised standard regulated version of the piece, and strong drink.

I believe that the local uniform may vary from place to place, but these protectors of our traditions will continue to stand against the evil forces of polluting influence for as long as somebody will listen to them.