Out in the wilds of Wirral it isn't easy to listen to GMR but I've managed to catch some of the 'Sounds of Folk' programmes. I was very impressed by the programme about Paul Graney's collection of tapes from the 1950's onwards; not only were these a fascinating collection of songs and music, but they also were invaluable documents of social history including memories of hunger marchers in the 1930's. I felt moved enough to send a small donation to the Paul Graney Memorial Folk Trust at the Greater Manchester County Record Office, whose website has more information about the Paul Graney Project which aims to preserve the tapes.

This seemed to me a perfect example of the BBC fulfilling its public service remit; here is a programme which presents material of interest to all the community. In its place Manchester will now be served with cheap "drivetime" talk shows - no doubt the rest of the country can expect the same in the future.

Good luck to Ali and Bernard, and thanks for all you have achieved with Sounds of Folk.