Dear Jim
I have just had a look at the National Sound Archive web site
http://sounds.bl.uk/Browse.aspx?collection=Traditional-music-in-England&browseby=Browse+by+performer&choice=P-R
I clicked on walter Pardon and had a quick listen, was suprised how much is available. Going to Folk club now but will check more later. It certainly seems to compare well with the Irish equivalent.
John