I just posted a recording of "Young Emma" (complete with an English-flute intro! and a pic. of a "lowlands low" that I'm sure you'll recognise).

South Shields, eh? Interesting choice, and a more than reasonable performance, IMO (as one who only listens to Folk Singing in singarounds & on field recordings), my only complaint is your effected vowel sounds. Far more authentic (and honest) would be to sing in your natural Aussie brogue; it's a very widespread ballad throughout the English speaking world (see HERE) so it may well have reached Australia in the pre-revival days. Rachel sings an interesting variant (with banjo) that she got from the Max Hunter archive - see Young Emily. What's your source?

However, this doesn't answer my original question as the singing of dusty old Traditional Folk Songs in the context of a Folk Song Revival (as we do) in no way constitutes an all consuming objective & absolute Traditional Culture, rather a somewhat specialist hobby persisted in by an elite minority of enthusiasts, casual, dedicated or otherwise...

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Seeing as we have Miss Marple & Beatrix Potter inspired bands playing at the Village Hall, then I'd like our village to have a real Old MacDonald's Farm too.

I have the very book for you, CS: George Ewart Evans - The Farm and the Village - a long time favourite of mine, though I'm sure you could pick up the 1974 paper back edition (75p back in the day) for less than they're asking for this. The 1974 edition looks nicer too - I love all those old Fabers with their colourful rustic imagery. Which puts me in mind of...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJt9-l27fY8