Is there any way of the originator of this saying "Discussion, great, but now thanks, enough"? I'm beginning to understand how Pandora must have felt with the box already!
Talking of boxes, I'll now have my say, which perforce is related to the Whitby end of the proceedings as I don't have the first-hand experience of other scratch sides.

As a fairly new (i.e. the last seven years or so) Scratch watcher/follower/devotee/participant in various order, I am beginning to suspect I must be one of those who have instigated or accelerated its perceived downward trend - not asking for sympathy or contradiction or blame here, just having my say.

I was around for the coffin incident. Whitby Scratch has been known to process to the chant "Bring out your dead!", which I have always interpreted as a self-deprecating appeal for new members. On this particular occasion we were doing so when by pure serendipity this Goth guy walks out of a shop with his mate and a coffin. They explained they were taking it for a walk around Whitby as they did on occasion. It was suggested their walk should coincide with ours, but somehow they disappeared leaving the coffin behind. Given the death/ resurrection links of folk (in some interpretations) and the Friday being the end of the festival and all, it did kind of make sense at the time. If anyone was offended it was not stated openly. If anyone should have been offended it was Geoff and Mrs Duck, since I think it was their marriage year. (Comments noted, Geoff) In later years it didn't seem such a good idea. After all, it was so last millennium, deah! (By the way, another year some builder lobbed a dead pigeon at us. We laughed, and moved on.)

The parade - as long as I have known, it has been the tradition for Whitby Scratch to divert through the Ship. I repeat Les's apology if anyone felt they were, or were in danger of being tripped.
The bandstand - 2003 theme: "Gangs of Whitby". And I know there were several temporary members there that day who perhaps didn't have the long-standing experience, understanding and forethought which surprisingly does go into Whitby Scratch. Incidentally, I think the term 'Scratch's ringleader (JMc)' used above is not the most flattering, suitable or accurate.

The photo - Mrs Duck I think it was who answered the point about the Millennium photo.

Being recognisable - I know its Folk Week, but how MANY men of a certain age are there walking round Whitby in faded T-shirts, shorts and BELLS?

Having fun - I'm all for it. The Morris Ring thinks it's fun to have little do's with consenting males in private. So I'm told, as a member of the other half I have to go by hearsay. I don't mind that.
Members of the public enjoy watching Scratch, and laugh a lot. They enjoy listening, and laugh some more. Other members of the public find it not at all amusing and move on. Whether these separate audiences react in the same way to booked teams, I cannot tell.

Participation - new musicians are given confidence then go off and continue during the year in other guises. Obviously, so do the dancers, but they are not 'new' in the same respect, as all are accomplished dancers in their own right.
I fear I may be becoming tedious now but I still have a couple of points to make.

Roger - I apologise if I have offended you by widening the number of participants in the discussion. 'In-house newsletter' to Fed and Ring covers most dance teams in this country, but often bypass most dancers and musicians. It was because so many people I tried to discuss this with had not seen the letter I stuck it on in full, not wanting to precis, misquote or anything else which could have misinterpreted what you said.

Mudcatters - I am a little disappointed that Geoff and Les and Jane have have been left to respond when many more of you have close knowledge of Whitby Scratch.
Fritha - good on yer, kid! Stick with it, even through those tricky years when you may not wish to perform in your local area.

Another word to Roger. You doubtless have seen some of the same faces at the carols. I've seen yours there sometimes. I'm not sure how Will Noble crept into this thread, but I'll have my red nose ready for when you give the nod! Who knows, maybe that will be absorbed into the tradition.

SHOUTY BIT! PLEASE, I GENUINELY WANT DISCUSSION, NOT RANCOUR!!!!!
(Five exclamation marks - please refer to Pratchett's 'Masquerade' if you don't appreciate the significance.)

Finally, it was through Whitby Scratch that I came to know of Mudcat. Thanks, guys!