EFDSS: 'Folk free zone'

Subject: RE: EFDSS: 'Folk free zone'
From: BB
Date: 17 Sep 07 - 03:02 PM

At a time, Dave, at a time! (I don't think we'd better take this any further!)

Barbara

Subject: RE: EFDSS: 'Folk free zone'
From: Folkiedave
Date: 13 Sep 07 - 06:08 PM

Ah, I remember the days when Preston Royal used to really get me going... And one or two singers, too.

The mind boggles Barbara - it took ALL of Preston Royale but only one or two singers? :-)

Subject: RE: EFDSS: 'Folk free zone'
From: GUEST,countrylife
Date: 13 Sep 07 - 05:38 PM

'EFDSS need to be careful or they may become of no importance in the promotion of English Folk Dance and Song'

Roll Over Cecil Sharp
recorded by the Acoustic Light Orchestra

Subject: RE: EFDSS: 'Folk free zone'
From: BB
Date: 13 Sep 07 - 05:35 PM

Ah, I remember the days when Preston Royal used to really get me going... And one or two singers, too.

Sexy folk ain't a new thing - it's just a new generation.

Barbara

Subject: RE: EFDSS: 'Folk free zone'
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 13 Sep 07 - 05:30 PM

"Since Ruth - whose judgement I trust implicitly - has done you the honour of treating what you wrote seriously, I might as well do the same, but I still think the stuff about Simon Cowell is a wind-up."

I did ignore that bit, Dave. :)

My daughter is 13 - the other day I found her e-mailing some of my daft Towersey photos of Saul Rose (including one in his Demon Barbie bikini and pink wig) to one of her school friends - turns out this girl really fancies him! I found this hilarious. And no, I haven't told Saul.

Subject: RE: EFDSS: 'Folk free zone'
From: Folkiedave
Date: 13 Sep 07 - 05:17 PM

What sells is sex. How about getting Simon Cowell to manufacture boy and girl electric folk bands - put on a pussycat dolls version of ceilidhs, break out.

Since Ruth - whose judgement I trust implicitly - has done you the honour of treating what you wrote seriously, I might as well do the same, but I still think the stuff about Simon Cowell is a wind-up.

You really need to get out more. Seen Glorystrokes? The name might give you a clue!
Catch them here

Richard I seem to remember that you said in an earlier thread this year, you didn't go to festivals much, and that you didn't go to concerts much. You see that is the problem with doing that. You haven't seen any of the sexy bands that play nowadays. Four years ago at Sidmouth we had screams from a youngish audience for a youngish group as the dry ice spewed out and the sound system started booming in the late night extra. The attraction? Bryony Griffiths and Black Swan Rapper.

Ever heard young women about the attractions of Jon Boden? Or Bellowhead? I was with a couple of twenty year-olds last weekend (at their parents party I hasten to add) and one was so jealous of the other because the first one had seen him in the street!! Saul Rose seems particularly attractive to younger women or even slightly older women for that matter especially those around 40.

There was knicker-throwing at the jig competition at Sidmouth.Yes, really there was. Getting like a Tom Jones concert that jig-competition. And they weren't even the winners.

But if you just go to sessions you are starting at a disadvantage. It doesn't happen much in sessions so perhaps you have been missing things.

Buy a festival ticket Richard, you might be surprised at what goes on in the world of folk!! But from what you write you are at a great disadvantage - you are down south. It all happens up here once you get to Loughborough and further north.

Subject: RE: EFDSS: 'Folk free zone'
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 13 Sep 07 - 12:08 PM

Richard, I wholeheartedly agree that the preservation and proliferation of English dance and song should be EFDSS's first priority. However, there are two additional issues to consider: firstly, the fact that there has historically been an attempt to engage with and celebrate the folk cultures of other countries, especially dance. That's an important legacy, and one that shouldn't be lost or forgotten.

Secondly, there is the fact that England is a culturally diverse society. Part of EFDSS's role in future will invitably
be to help people living in England - regardless of their cultural heritage - to engage with England's indigenous song, music and dance, and also to look for opportunities for cultural interchange.

I don't think a culturally purist approach is particularly helpful, given this context. I also don't think the inclusion of one Appalachian dance event in a whole day of activity equates to your wolf analogy. It is only one event. It is not swamping or undermining the focus of the day.

You still haven't told us whether you're a member...

Subject: RE: EFDSS: 'Folk free zone'
From: treewind
Date: 13 Sep 07 - 10:23 AM

"What sells is sex"
Read the article by Robbie H Thomas in EDS on the Ceilidh Club at C# house. Not run by the EFDSS, but it's getting the young punters in.
Apparently it's listed in some places as a "singles" event.

A.

Subject: RE: EFDSS: 'Folk free zone'
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 13 Sep 07 - 09:06 AM

By and large I think what EFDSS does is useful and meritorious, and I am glad to see a respected academic there who can see off all this "horse" nonsense. Equally, for a national archive there is only one sensible place - the national capital city, and while C#House may have problems (being expensive to run and hard to get to to start with) it would be insanity to get rid of an appreciating asset.

Offering a prize for a songwriting competition is not promotion of folk music - by definition.

But one for the interpretation of folk song and music (preferably not limited to formaldhyde copying of previous interpretations, so open to full on rock bands, synth programmers, - imagine a techno version of "Famous Flower of Serving Men" wot? - and I'm sure with a litle time I could produce a rap version of Matty Groves - and maybe lesser innovations like altered melodies or harmonies or chord sequences too) would surely assist the renovation of folk, and rebut those who refuse to use a perfectly useful definition and name that run parallel to other branches of scholarship in the folk arts.

What I don't see the point of is invading folk with things that are not (or "English" with things that are not English) - and which actively contribute to the marginalisation and possibly demise of folk (or English) song music and dance. Should photographers be able to compete in a painting competition? They can of course exhibit in an art exhibition.

Non-folk music may be just as good as folk music (etc etc) but folk music needs to be encouraged to survive. We strive to keep the world's genetic inheritance as complete as possible. We seek to preserve rare birds and reintroduce breeds to their former habitat. We don't do that by exposing them to tooth and claw competition until they are strong enough and numerous enough to survive with lesser help. If the Marsupial Wolf were not extinct, would you put the last survivor in with a pack of North American Timber wolves in the hope that they would become interested in it?

What folk music and other folk arts need are funding - just imagine what could be done with the subsidies opera companies get - and a government that does not discriminate against the natural habitat of folk music by making folk music in pubs licenseable yet megawatt MTV exempt from control.

What sells is sex. How about getting Simon Cowell to manufacture boy and girl electric folk bands - put on a pussycat dolls version of ceilidhs, break out. Don't surrender the citadel to the invaders.

Rant over, gone to calm down now.

Subject: RE: EFDSS: 'Folk free zone'
From: The Sandman
Date: 13 Sep 07 - 08:34 AM

Dave, my input to traditional music is appreciated by many people,you may not appreciate my offering to sponsor traditional music,but you only speak for yourself.
Many people are also being taught music by Comhaltas.
Meanwhile The teaching of English traditional music is being taken on by others other than the EFDSS.
EFDSS need to be careful or they may become of no importance in the promotion of English Folk Dance and Song.

Subject: RE: EFDSS: 'Folk free zone'
From: Folkiedave
Date: 13 Sep 07 - 08:21 AM

This sort of thing is known as sponsorship,last year I was involved with the Ballydehob Jazz festival,we managed to raise thousands of pounds in sponsorship,thus ensuring a successful festival.

So the answer is clear. When it comes to festival sponsorship stick to jazz Dick, something where your input is appreciated and stay away from traditional music where it clearly isn't?

Subject: RE: EFDSS: 'Folk free zone'
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 13 Sep 07 - 08:19 AM

Thanks for that Dave.
Sadly, only gone temporarily methinks!!
Regards R

Subject: RE: EFDSS: 'Folk free zone'
From: Folkiedave
Date: 13 Sep 07 - 07:57 AM

S'alright Ralphie, she has gone.......

Subject: RE: EFDSS: 'Folk free zone'
From: Folkiedave
Date: 13 Sep 07 - 07:56 AM

Glor na nGael is a national organisation for the Irish language.

Every year Glór na nGael award more than €150,000 worth of prizes to committees from around the country. This is done through the means of a public competition where partnership of local groups and the promotion of the Irish language are the main focus. Most committes work on a voluntary basis and the others provide employment for people with the Irish language in this country. Each committee is doing excellent work, from setting up naíscoileanna and gaelscoileanna to organising events through the Irish language in the areas that they are living. From the amount of work that these committees have done, it is clear that they have true vision and respect for the development of the language and the language itself. Glór na nGael is extremely pleased with the excellent work that these committees are doing.
                           
                                 Taken from the Glor na ngael website.

Here is how it works Dick.

Do you seriously believe that this committee structure would work for folk music in England Dick?

As for the EFDSS teaching music, no they don't do it. So clearly the dozens of young people coming into folk music are doing it via osmosis.

Or perhaps Folk Arts England had something to do with it?

http://www.folkarts-england.org/folk%20dev.htm

Subject: RE: EFDSS: 'Folk free zone'
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 13 Sep 07 - 07:25 AM

Oh no...
I was very interested in this thread, with very cogent points put (sometimes forcefully!) by all the contributors, and then Lizzie sticks her nose in.
No point in reading further, sadly

Subject: RE: EFDSS: 'Folk free zone'
From: The Sandman
Date: 13 Sep 07 - 07:23 AM

Ruth,it is quicker for me to get to London, than it is for me to go to Connemara.
Dave you accused me of talking nonsense,Iam not.,but you are
I said that Glor na gael organised competitions.
The standard was very high,It was organised according to different age groups ,there were competitions,for violin, singing, whistle,and an overall musician of the day.
Please dont insult the participants,by comparing it to a beetle drive,you were not there ,I was,and I repeat the standard was high.
But then if you have been to Ireland youwould know that the standard of playing amongst children is very high,thanks to the competition and examination system and the efforts of teachers like myself.
Scarborough Sea fest was very well attended,again I was there you were not.
I cant talk about the competition at Saltburn festival[FredJordan memorial]for traditional singing,ButIunderstand from reading on MUDCAT it was successful,Ihope the Cheltenham festival competition was successful,John Adams should know.
The Comhaltas and GAA SCOR competitions are also successful and popular.
Comhaltas GAA SCOR and Glor na Gael,all organise music competitions,all three of them have competitions in the irish language.
I do think the Comhaltas music structure would work for England, examinations are already working successfully[but as far asIknow EFDSS has no input again].
Comhaltas are also teaching music in many different areas of England,are the EFDSS? .

Subject: RE: EFDSS: 'Folk free zone'
From: Folkiedave
Date: 13 Sep 07 - 06:49 AM

Ah John - you made the standard mistake of assuming Lizzie knew what she was talking about.

Why do you do it Lizzie? And why aren't you in Canada?

Subject: RE: EFDSS: 'Folk free zone'
From: Folkiedave
Date: 13 Sep 07 - 06:27 AM

Glor na Gael
Do have and have had music competitions,I have been asked to judge on at least two occasions.,get your facts right.

Right Dick - tell us which national Glor na nGael competition you were asked to judge. What I suspect you were asked to judge was a local competition organised by a local committee of Glor na nGael as a fund raiser. They probably organise dances and beetle drives too.

The prizes nationally are given to the committees which I first mentioned. It's about the Irish language and its promotion. Of course that may include the music but it's about the Irish language. Comhaltas does the music and they also get massive state funding.

As for the Irish Traditional Music Archive its next big project is to put its catalogue on line.

I suspect it will be a long time before the material gets on line.

But answer me this question Dick, do you think that Glor Na nGael committee structure would work for folk music in England or does it depend on what you mean by folk music?

Subject: RE: EFDSS: 'Folk free zone'
From: The Sandman
Date: 13 Sep 07 - 06:06 AM

Dave,It is you that is talking nonsense,
Glor na Gael
Do have and have had music competitions,I have been asked to judge on at least two occasions.,get your facts right.
Ruth,The centre in dublin,is as far as I know nothing to do with Comhaltas.,I believe it is Nicolas Carolan,and I think Jim Carroll has helped him .

Subject: RE: EFDSS: 'Folk free zone'
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 13 Sep 07 - 05:54 AM

That's exactly my point, Anahata. The new Irish folk centre, with its vast funding resources, doesn't even provide this (do correct me if I'm wrong, Dick). It may do in future, but to expect such a thing from VWML is ridiculous at this stage, if you realise how much time and money must be involved.

So now we're onto C#H, London, yadda yadda. Again.

Where would you like it to be housed for convenience, Dick? Connemara?

I suggest, once again, that if these issues are so important to you, you should join EFDSS. Then your ciritcisms could be taken seriously. As it is, you are a non-member of a membership society, asking that society to justify basic aspectsd of its existence. With the greatest of respect, it actually owes you no explanations or justifications.

Subject: RE: EFDSS: 'Folk free zone'
From: treewind
Date: 13 Sep 07 - 05:32 AM

"Dick wants all of the publications, papers, films and ephemera available at the click of a mouse."
Why - does Comhaltas have something like that?

Anahata

Subject: RE: EFDSS: 'Folk free zone'
From: Folkiedave
Date: 13 Sep 07 - 05:31 AM

Dick, I'd like to take issue with two of the events you mention.

On of the complaints about the Scarborough SeaFest - which the organiser agreed with - was lack of publicity - so that wasn't a great success.

But mentioning Glor na nGael for comparison is simply breathtaking.

It is a language competition.

It is world-wide "Every continent except Africa" it says on its website.

It has seven full-time staff.

It has 150,000 Euros worth of prizes.

It is funded by the state probably with an EC grant because of the EC's interest in promoting minority languages (I am in favour of that by the way).

It has a regionally and internationally-based committee organisations which is the basis of its structure. These have carefully defined structures, and targets. See below.

Here are the basics:

Below are the criteria for groups that are taking part in the Glór na nGael competition. Also you will see the conditions for moving from level to level.

    * The basic need to be part of the competition is that Glór na nGael committees are representative to their public, regular meetings are held, minutes are kept, and an annual general meeting should be held to create a plan / list of responsibilities.

Then there are four more carefully defined levels.

Are you really suggesting this would work with folk music - however defined?

Dick you can come on here and say what you like and put your money where you want to - but if you spout nonsense then you may just feel the world is picking on you.

Subject: RE: EFDSS: 'Folk free zone'
From: The Sandman
Date: 13 Sep 07 - 05:30 AM

yes, Ruth you are right about Comhaltas and interpretation,
But Comhaltas was formed to stop the music from dying out,I agree they have changed the music,but they have also acheived their aim ,the music is now flourishing ,and Comhaltas have and still are playing a major part.,not just with competitions,but the spin offs,the amount people attending the Tullamore [National]Fleadh. 90 per cent were not competitors.
Music changes anyway,That is a sign of a living tradition,the changes may not always be successful or to my taste,Folk Rock,but it is a sign of health that people are doing it.
VWML is on line, why does it have to be housed IN london.,why does CSH have to remain where it is.

Subject: RE: EFDSS: 'Folk free zone'
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 13 Sep 07 - 05:21 AM

Just driving up there, funnily enough.

See you at the Major Oak!

Subject: RE: EFDSS: 'Folk free zone'
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 13 Sep 07 - 05:07 AM

Ah well.
We all want stuff we can't have. But,

Wishing's for fools but dreams are for outlaws.

Just off to join Dick Gaughan in Sherwood Forest . . .

Subject: RE: EFDSS: 'Folk free zone'
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 13 Sep 07 - 04:58 AM

Diane, that's just the index; I think Dick wants all of the publications, papers, films and ephemera available at the click of a mouse.

Subject: RE: EFDSS: 'Folk free zone'
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 13 Sep 07 - 04:56 AM

Cheltenham's songwriting competition was a special event for the 75th anniversary celebrations.

You may think that Comhaltas has proved the point that you make; I don't. I think these competitions have historically helped to promote very prescriptive and restrictive interpretations of folk song and dance. It's not something that, personally, I'd like to see EFDSS pursuing as a way forward.

There is an exciting strategy in place for the future of EFDSS. I'm afraid that Comhaltas-style competitions pay no major part, so relentlessly pursuing this issue is of no real consequence, Dick. It's not going to happen.

Re VWML: When is the new Irish folk centre in Dublin, recently opened and funded by millions of pounds, planning to publish on-line its entire archive? I shouldn't think it'll be any time soon, as it's a massive and vastly expensive task. VWML, which enjoys far less public support, therefore has some consideranble time to wait before it is likely to be in such an enviable position. Any help you'd like to give to help this happen would be greatly appreciated, I'm sure - but it's going to take a lot more than 200 quid.

Subject: RE: EFDSS: 'Folk free zone'
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 13 Sep 07 - 04:54 AM

Dick, yes it is: VWML Online

Subject: RE: EFDSS: 'Folk free zone'
From: The Sandman
Date: 13 Sep 07 - 04:33 AM

Ruth,no it is not a personal hobby horse.
please answer this question,were EFDSS involved in the songwriting competition at Cheltenham festival,and what was their involvement.
I think Competitions are far from perfect,but Comhaltas amongst others[Glor na gael,Saltburn festival,Scarborough Sea Fest,Cheltenham Festival the GAA scor]have shown that overall they help to promote both traditional and contemporary folk song and dance.
Comhaltas have also shown that examinations,can provide a focus for traditional musicians,and are an alternative for children and adults who are not so competitive minded.,
you are right there are lotsof other things EFDSS could be doing/and are starting to do that are also important.
When the VWML is available on our computer screens[or is it now? ]it will not be important whether it is housed in london ,the Midlands,or Much Binding in the Marsh.

Subject: RE: EFDSS: 'Folk free zone'
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 12 Sep 07 - 06:36 PM

I'm pretty sure countrylife's an ex-pat, Mary. Maybe he doesn't realise what a valuable resource the library is, as he hasn't lived in the UK for a long time. Mind you, it means he's not necessarily going to be the most informed critic of today's EFDSS, either...

Countrylife, if you ever get back over to these shores, you should pay a visit to the VWML. It's a real treasure trove. And if you ever were to come back, and had time to pay a visit to Cecil Sharp House, you might be surprised at what you find. Robbie Thomas has done a great piece in the new EDS magazine about The Ceilidh Club there, and the diverse audiences they're attracting. It's all good news.

Some stuff has to be experienced firsthand, I think, rather than from in front of a computer screen thousands of miles away.

Subject: RE: EFDSS: 'Folk free zone'
From: Mary Humphreys
Date: 12 Sep 07 - 03:37 PM

The EFDSS's premises houses the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library, the most important repository of traditional music and song in the UK. Perhaps", Guest,countrylife, you might like to modify your opinion of it being "not much of anything".

Subject: RE: EFDSS: 'Folk free zone'
From: GUEST,countrylife
Date: 12 Sep 07 - 03:19 PM

EFDSS isn't a problem...like I said, it not much of anything.

Subject: RE: EFDSS: 'Folk free zone'
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 12 Sep 07 - 03:15 PM

can that be the same countrylife who earlier said:

"the only problem I see is the problem being created by those who percieve there is a problem in the first place,the usual "let's take a bash at someone" school, that prevails here .."

Surely not.

Subject: RE: EFDSS: 'Folk free zone'
From: GUEST,countrylife
Date: 12 Sep 07 - 03:08 PM

"EDFSS is NOT Comhaltas"

EFDSS isn't much of anything really

Subject: RE: EFDSS: 'Folk free zone'
From: the button
Date: 12 Sep 07 - 02:40 PM

It's the English way.

Subject: RE: EFDSS: 'Folk free zone'
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 12 Sep 07 - 02:39 PM

No it's more a case of being 'in' with the judge/s, in the English version.
Giok

Subject: RE: EFDSS: 'Folk free zone'
From: the button
Date: 12 Sep 07 - 02:34 PM

English traditional music doesn't lend itself as easily to competitions as Irish music anyway, since the aim of the game isn't to play as fast as possible.

*runs away*

Subject: RE: EFDSS: 'Folk free zone'
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 12 Sep 07 - 02:30 PM

Dick, this is your own personal hobby horse. I'd prefer not to have to have this conversation yet again, because it's beginning to feel like Groundhog Day.

If you feel that the way for EFDSS to bring itself into the 21st century and become a relevant, accessible and regionally important organisation is for it to offer £200 singing competitions (which you would judge), lovely. Join EFDSS. Find a substantial group of paid-up members who feel the same. Then lobby National Council.

In all the festivals I attended this summer, not to mention a couple of events at Cecil Sharp House this year, not one existing member approached me and said, "Do you know what would turn this organisation around, and be a real breath of fresh air? Competitions." Until they do, can we just drop this whole idea for the red herring it is?

EDFSS is NOT Comhaltas. Many of us are quite happy about that.

Subject: RE: EFDSS: 'Folk free zone'
From: The Sandman
Date: 12 Sep 07 - 02:07 PM

The songwriting competition at Cheltenham festival Involved EFDSS,to some extent.

Subject: RE: EFDSS: 'Folk free zone'
From: The Sandman
Date: 12 Sep 07 - 02:02 PM

I agree with you Diane,it is not ideal,but I think it is better than not having them .
IS

Subject: RE: EFDSS: 'Folk free zone'
From: countrylife
Date: 12 Sep 07 - 01:28 PM

"Now we haven't got the NATS any more, surely someone should run its competition"

I'm sure the EFDSS would be glad to oblige *LOL*

Subject: RE: EFDSS: 'Folk free zone'
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 12 Sep 07 - 01:17 PM

Now we haven't got the NATS any more, surely someone should run its competition.

Subject: RE: EFDSS: 'Folk free zone'
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 12 Sep 07 - 01:06 PM

When the EFDSS used to run Sidmouth, Whitby and Keele/Loughborough festivals, there was usually some sort of competive element for those who wanted to.
Then it was what you did and indeed Comhaltas used to use C#H as a venue to run its own competitions.
Nowadays the ethos is that no child should leave the party without a prize.
I really couldn't care less either way.
If there is a demand to compete then those who wish to should have a platform to do so.
It is, a means of bringing out the best in certain, though not all, musicians.

Subject: RE: EFDSS: 'Folk free zone'
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 12 Sep 07 - 12:51 PM

EFDSS is not a festival.

Subject: RE: EFDSS: 'Folk free zone'
From: The Sandman
Date: 12 Sep 07 - 12:47 PM

I beg to differ, Dave,
a song writing competion was featured at the Cheltenham folk festival last year,
Saltburn festival organised,a traditional singing competition ,this year.
Scarborough Seafest also organised a songwriting competition this year.
clearly its not as fraught with obstacles as you imagine.

Subject: RE: EFDSS: 'Folk free zone'
From: countrylife
Date: 12 Sep 07 - 12:02 PM

The Ballad of Cecil Sharp House (Trad. Arr.)

Subject: RE: EFDSS: 'Folk free zone'
From: Folkiedave
Date: 12 Sep 07 - 09:29 AM

I am a member too. Was for many years and rejoined about a year ago.

Anyone who has seen the magazine recently - and let's praise the last two editors, will notice a wind of change going through the society. The younger people on the National Council - professional organisers like Joan Crump, people with a really strong folk music background like Gordon Jones, academics like John Adams etc etc. are beginning to make a difference. It isn't easy and I have no doubts more mistakes will be made but if they are made in a spirit of co-operation then they are unlikely to be disastrous.

Dick, laudable as the prize is - who will organise the contest, who will judge it and set the parameters (here we go again - what is folk?) how will it be organised, who will look after the publicity, where will it be held and so on? It is just not a simple as putting £200.00 into someone's hands. By its nature it comes with baggage.

You can spend your money how you like Dick - but your knowledge, opinions and expertise via a subscription would be of much more use.

Subject: RE: EFDSS: 'Folk free zone'
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 12 Sep 07 - 08:46 AM

Oops . . . by which I didn't actually mean you, Dick, but the Cornish Pasty that the passing seagull swooped and snatched away.

Subject: RE: EFDSS: 'Folk free zone'
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 12 Sep 07 - 08:23 AM

The EFDSS will take a subscription from anybody, the more bonkers the applicant the better.
They did, after all, start the Sidmouth Festival.
Long before the above guest had heard of it.

Subject: RE: EFDSS: 'Folk free zone'
From: The Sandman
Date: 12 Sep 07 - 08:00 AM

Ruth,I have looked through my posts and apart from calling them chameleon like[very mild criticism],I dont see any EFDSS bashing.
I would like to see them be able to make a bigger contribution which was why I offered money for a specific purpose,that offer still stands, but I have not had the courtesy of a reply.
This sort of thing is known as sponsorship,last year I was Involved with the Ballydehob Jazz festival,we managed to raise thousands of pounds in sponsorship,thus ensuring a successful festival..Ihave noticed other festivals[Lancaster Maritime Festival],havein the past obtained money from sponsors,I believe Louis Killen was sponsored by Alan Bell,and there were other sponsors too.North West Water,Virgin Trains, you may of course have already considered sponsorship.
Good luck anyway with your attempts to turn things round.