Cor, isn't it grand how, like the wheel of fortune, the fears for the death of the English tradition keep rolling round? ;-)
For me, too, the English tradition is my first love. Even now, in Wales, the songs I sing are nearly all from the English tradition. And it's a tradition that shows a remarkable resilience, whatever the effects of the X-Factor, the Chart Show and MTV.
But it's good sometimes to stop and take stock of what it is we cherish, so wassail to Dave the Gnome for starting this thread. Meanwhile, here's an earlier take on the subject, with links to some even earlier thoughts (including Mike of Northumbria's superb essay on the English tradition).
Now, all together now: Round goes the Wheel of Fortune, don't be afraid to ride... and let's hear it for the glories of the music of the people.