As I recall, EFDSS did actually provide the venue for the inaugural meeting free of charge. At the time, before staff cutbacks due to the recession of the early '80s, and the whole issue of the future of Cecil Sharp House reared their heads, EFDSS was actually quite song-oriented, with numerous festivals running under its auspices, including Sidmouth, Chippenham and Whitby to name but three, and one sub-committee totally devoted to the song side of its work. Membership was rising, mostly on the song side. When the recession hit, many of those things went by the board, and there wasn't a lot left but the dance side.

No, I don't think Perform had any particularly connection with EFDSS nor intention of changing it - possibly working with it, but that's all.

I think that recession may have been another reason why Perform failed to achieve its aims - times were hard, and I think it ill becomes anyone to criticise those VOLUNTEERS who were unable to keep it going.

Barbara