EFDSS Advantages and Disadvantages

Subject: RE: EFDSS Advantages and Disadvantages
From: greg stephens
Date: 18 Jul 10 - 03:01 PM

Since none of us, I imagine, were born when the events actually took place that the Good Soldier Schweik refers to: perhaps he(or somebody) could recount the background to this so that we could give our ill-informed opinion?
I do (like a lot of people) have plenty of opinions on the activities of EFDSS over the last 50-odd years, as I have been extremely involved in them.

Subject: RE: EFDSS Advantages and Disadvantages
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 18 Jul 10 - 02:55 PM

Like RTim, I eventually joined just over a year ago, because I think that they are doing a great job these days. I am unable to compare it with how things were in the past, and to be honest I am not particularly bothered about that. I am more concerned with their actions now and looking ahead to the future.

Subject: RE: EFDSS Advantages and Disadvantages
From: The Sandman
Date: 18 Jul 10 - 12:17 PM

"Dick, are you old enough to have noticed any difference when the two societies merged? Are you a member of EFDSS? Were you ever a member of the Folk Song Society? Were you ever a member of EFDSS? Would you consider joining and raising a motion at the AGM to split the society into two societies with non-overlapping remits? Is such a thing possible? Is such a thing practical? Is such a thing desirable?"

Answers on a post-card to.
1.I wasnt born
2.NO,but where is the relevance.
3. no, it merged before i was born
4.YES
5. 6 . 7 .8.I was asking a question, why reply by asking me the question.
   your tone is a little aggressive, why cannot this be discussed amicably.

Subject: RE: EFDSS Advantages and Disadvantages
From: GUEST,Shimrod
Date: 18 Jul 10 - 11:44 AM

My impression is that the EFDSS of today is a very different 'beast' from that of 2 or 3 decades ago. It now appears to be a very modern, conscientious organisation which takes its responsibility to the folk arts very seriously indeed.

Having said all that I'm not currently a member - mainly for economic reasons. I'm on a limited income and I'm a member of several other societies - all of which, of course, charge annual membership fees; the EFDSS membership fee is relatively expensive (although I'm sure that it's value for money). I also think that to get the best out of membership it helps to live in London.

Still, I wish the Society well and hope that it continues to keep up the good work.

Subject: RE: EFDSS Advantages and Disadvantages
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 18 Jul 10 - 11:42 AM

There have been periods in EFDSS history when the song has been swamped by dance, but any society is normally led in its policies by the majority of its members. Whatever happened in the past the current state of play seems very balanced and I don't think either side can complain. Of course if like me you are involved in both aspects you get the best of both worlds! The current state of affairs of the society seems very healthy and I am proud to be a member.

Subject: RE: EFDSS ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
From: RTim
Date: 18 Jul 10 - 11:27 AM

I have, after many years (like over 40!), recently become a member of the EFDSS - Because I think they are doing great work, particularly with song.

Tim Radford

Subject: RE: EFDSS ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
From: Manitas_at_home
Date: 18 Jul 10 - 11:16 AM

Dick, are you old enough to have noticed any difference when the two societies merged? Are you a member of EFDSS? Were you ever a member of the Folk Song Society? Were you ever a member of EFDSS? Would you consider joining and raising a motion at the AGM to split the society into two societies with non-overlapping remits? Is such a thing possible? Is such a thing practical? Is such a thing desirable?

Answers on a post-card to...

Subject: RE: EFDSS ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
From: Leadfingers
Date: 18 Jul 10 - 10:58 AM

There WAS a time when EFDSS was far more DEAFASS , but thgings have changed in recent years I am glad to say .
I let my membership lapse when my local area organised a Dance For Dancers for Folk Day ! Some way of promoting Folk to the masses THAT way !!

Subject: RE: EFDSS ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
From: Tug the Cox
Date: 18 Jul 10 - 09:54 AM

Loaded question...both societies merged into one bigger one, archives for both field are kept at CSH, and in the VWL.The magazine reflects bothfields. The balance of any activity will br coloured by interests and activities of members....if some are mainly interested in social dance, then that is what they will promote.

Subject: RE: EFDSS ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
From: GUEST,Les from Darlo
Date: 18 Jul 10 - 08:01 AM

I stopped being a member of EFDSS years ago when they started being very PC and 'multi ethnic' rather than 'doing what it says on the tin' and promoting English folk song and dance. I'd hate to think The Folk Song Society has been swallowed up by them completely.

Subject: EFDSS ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
From: The Sandman
Date: 18 Jul 10 - 07:46 AM

what have been the advantages and disadvantages for English Folk song, since The Folk Song Society amalgamated and became a part of the EFDSS?.

Please note I am not denigrating the EFDSS, simply asking a question.