The definition of folk music that Jim uses was decided at a meeting of the International Folk Music Council at its General Assembly, Sao Paulo Brazil, 1954.

There are problems with it and I think those who have read widely on the subject will recognise them. But generally speaking it serves us well.

Is the heyday of collecting over - certainly. Are there gems still to to be discovered - almost certainly.

There are still some song carriers/tradition bearers (a phrase I personally prefer) around. My guess is that any "undiscovered" singers they will be in the hunting fraternity/sheperd meets where the singing tradition continues. At least it does around our way - that well known centre of hunting, Sheffield.