"madlizziecornish's now infamous claim that SoH are more important than Walter Pardon of whom she'd never heard is neatly annihilated in a Steve Knightley quote from an email to Ian Anderson which he has given permission to be used:"

Er....I've heard of Walter, and Harry and Sam...and a whole lot more...helped to create sites about them too, as well you know, Sugarplum.

And despite the twisting that's now going on, you'll find, if you check back, that I said it would be nice if the EFDSS gave those who are bringing in tens of thousands to folk music, a gold badge...as they had Walter, because they are doing far more for the music now.

I don't have the hang ups that you do, Diane. I don't look at things as you do. I fully understand that songs from the past are just that, songs from the past, kept alive by those who sang them at that time. I don't regard Walter as a 'saint' nor Show of Hands either, but I see them all as men who love music, who love songs, who love singing, people who have the music running through them.

You have tried to stop that music from flowing, so very many times. You have done all you can do to put some musicians down, and whilst you're now starting to change your mind, and be a little kinder towards SoH, probably because you've now met them, and so have softened, or....possibly because they have been so supportive of Mawkin, one of whom is your best friend's son....I don't know. But even in your softening, you are still highly insulting, sanctimonious and up your own arse, in my humble, but 'obnoxious' opinion.

There are tens of thousands of people out here who feel very differently to you, the difference is, we appreciate that you have the right to feel how you do, love the music you love.

Good to know that Steve and Ian are talking to one another. It's done my heart good to see that Ian has finally come round to seeing Show of Hands in a very different light, way overdue and lovely to see.

:0)