Only a tiny number of all those involved in folk music are actually members of EFDSS. At 31 March 2025 the number of individual members was only 1867, although it might have picked up some more in the lead up to the vote. I suspect some of those are only members for the liability insurance.

I very much doubt it is the name which puts people off, rather that the organisation has very little relevance to the folk scene as a whole. If you live in London and have access to the events at C# House, or if you are involved in education or research then Folk England/EFDSS may have something to offer. If you are a professional musician you may occasionally benefit from a grant or bursary. For the majority of ordinary people attending folk clubs or dances it is simply irrelevant.

I don't particularly object to the new name, which is certainly better than the original suggestion, and I think the compromise gives the best of both worlds. It may make it appear more modern in the eyes of the rest of the arts world it seems so desperate to be seen as part of. Most of the folk world will continue to manage without Folk England just as they do without EFDSS.