I think you might be looking in the wrong places. Currently there are people like Brian Peters, Jez Lowe, Dave Webber & Annie Fentiman, Johnny Collins, not to mention Nic Jones, Martin Carthy & Dave Swarbrick, (I could go on) all of whom sing a majority of English Folk songs. And if you get to a singers night at most folk clubs you will find that many are singing the trad songs as well as songs they have written. I have found incredible singers and guitarists who only do it for the fun of it. I think the singers nights in many places might surprise you. And also try to check out some of the festivals that are known as singers festivals. Good Luck and enjoy.