"The issue of tradarts funding is no blind alley where axe-grinding gets done but crucial to the existence and continuance of our cultural heritage. England, specifically, lags far behind any other I have looked at and this is explained partly by the low esteem in which its population (including, pointedly, those who choose to call themselves 'f*lkies') hold their inheritance. To be proud of doing it on the cheap and talking down to artists, telling them they should be glad of what they get is unacceptable and insulting. "

I think I disagree with you somewhat on why this state of affairs has arisen, Diane. I know that one of your passions is fighting for musicians to be paid a living wage, and for punters and club owners to respect that need. But I don't think folk club managers are necessarily proud of "doing it on the cheap" - I think they've always had to consider the costs, because it is their own money they're risking, and as a result have got into a self-perpetuating culture.

I think it's true that the population at large undervalues its traditional heritage, and that's one of the mountains we have to climb.