To Pleb
"People who really work hard writing a thesis or medical doctors must realy feel pissed off when an entertainer who just plays music for a living and fun gets such an award."

You are so wide of the mark with this statement that it's beyond belief. Have you actually heard of Martin Carthy or are you not even vaguely aware of what he's done for the traditional music of the UK? His influence and lifetime commitment cannot be overstated. You do understand that he isn't one of those people down the pub who sings Fields of Athenry or Wild Rover on a Saturday night? He is a humble, erudite and indefatigably enthusiastic man whose massive body of research and output would be worthy of many other accolades.

Another thought has just occurred to me - are you one of those wind-up merchants who seem to haunt this forum for the sole purpose of being contentious because they don't really have a considered opinion on anything? (the main reason that I decided to end my membership).
Martin Ellison