This is the first time I've read this thread through, and it's a very good one. A couple of points spring to mind;
The powers that be at the Beeb should see this thread. Perhaps then they will think about a modern equivalent of the radio for schools programmes that many of us learned our first folksongs from. Kids won't develop the interest if they aren't exposed to the music, and us folkies can only produce so many offspring!!
There really is no such thing as exclusive "Englishness". This island has been invaded at regular intervals since man first stood upright. The only thing we can be certain of is Hybrid Vigour.
Hermione...you are wonderful, I hope you post often. I had my first wedding reception at Wythenshawe hall, the Tattons haven't lived there for donkey's years.
Oh, and we call them "lamp posts" not poles, and i think the "Lodge" is an american concept, though I'm not sure.
Hwyl, Bron.