I haven't heard the programme - it's on at a tricky time for me. So I can't comment on its material. But I can put a word in for Mike Harding himself.

I spent a week at a course in Donegal which he was also attending. Every night he'd be down in the pub, drinking slowly and playing quickly. He was a brilliant singer and musician, and also courteous and kind. There was absolutely no side to him. It was only five days into the week that someone told me he was well known.

Presenting a programme isn't something you do with an assumed personality. You have to play it as it lies, with the personality God gave you! So if Mike's funny, it's because that's the way he is. A more serious programme would just need someone with a different personality.

In the few days I knew him, it was obvious that his funny side enriched a genuine and deep scholarship in music and tradition.

But the people who are posting here have a point - there's obviously a place for a programme about *English* (which I assume is what people mean by British, really? If not, then English, Scottish and Welsh) folk music.

What about people writing to the BBC and requesting that such a programme should be tried? No need to be giving out about Mike Harding's programme - it's a big station! - they'd have room for two folk programmes!

Of course, if I'm picking up the implications of these postings correctly, the BBC is now buying in its programmes. In that case, it would probably be a good idea to try to interest both the BBC and independent companies - perhaps including Mike Harding's own company - in a programme about English music.

You might even call the programme St George's Day!