Ruth Archer,while I realise that traditional music evolves and changes.I am concerned that traditional unaccompanied solo singing,is likely to miss out if professional organisers run festivals,because it does not represent the most commercial side of folk music.EFDSS has aduty to preserve unaccompanied traditional folk song,along with other traditional music.
I dont see much evidence that leading exponents,such as Roy Harris RonTaylor Kevin Mitchell being booked at festivals,yet they are fine exponents of their craft.
The mis managers of EFDSS,over the lAST THIRTY /FORTY YEARS,have managed to stem the flow of revenue in,by abolishing branches, abolishing competitions,withdrawing from Festival organisation.
apart from festivals being a way of encouraging new membership,they offer a ready made market for selling EFDSS publications.
no wonder EFDSS is in this financial predicament.