Please feel free to copy and circulate this as widely as possible – for time is short.
What is Folk? OFFICIAL.
From: ronnie.bridgett@Culture.gsi.gov.uk
Sent: 20 May 2002 16:09In any event, we are not aware of a precise definition of what constitutes "folk music".
"We", presumably meaning the civil servants at the DCMS, may not know, but the following shows that the Government does know. Perhaps they should get together on this matter, before it is too late?
Parliamentary Questions 3 Dec 2001
Dr. Howells: We are straying into very dangerous territory. For a simple urban boy such as me, the idea of listening to three Somerset folk singers sounds like hell. Having said that, the hon. Gentleman is right: music does enliven many pubs and restaurants. It should thrive. Silly rules are preventing it from doing so.
Is Dr Howells actually aware that he is pushing through even sillier rules in his proposed reform, rules that will do even more damage to the music his Government appear to dislike so?
Or is it for this reason they do not care about the many events, folk clubs and venues that have been lost to silly rules in the past, the ones currently under real threat and the ones that will be threatened by the proposed reforms?
Where even one singer will be illegal in all premises without the premises paying for a licence which specifically details, well in advance the exact nature of the 'entertainment' to take place.
But where noisy late night (and early morning) crowds attracted to sports events on Satellite TV, will still not come under this licensing requirement.
What is going on at this Department - one set up to look after culture?
Please help to try and find out, before it is too late?
The following link is to the White Paper. Which after all is the starting point
. http://www.culture.gov.uk/new_responsibilities/liclaw.html
The following is the current position of EDM 1182. Has your MP signed yet?
http://edm.ais.co.uk/weblink/html/motion.html/ref=1182
The following link is how you can instantly fax you MP. All you need is your post code. http://www.faxyourmp.com/
For those (outside the UK) who do not have an MP, but would also like to help - Mr Bridgett's E mail address is given above.