EFDSS sacking of Nick Hallam - wtf?

Subject: EFDSS sacking of Nick Hallam - wtf?
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 13 Aug 10 - 10:43 AM

From Facebook here :

Nick Hallam has been Director of Marketing at EFDSS for 11 months. On Monday he was told he would not be confirmed in post at the end of his first year because he "does not understand the organisation and what it's about."

Nick has done more to engage with the folk community in England in the past year than anyone at EFDSS in the last 10 years, working tirelessly and often at his own expense to immerse himself in the folk community on EFDSS's behalf.

He has been a public face for the organisation, coming to gigs, making new partnerships, and generally working very hard to re-introduce EFDSS as a relevant and contemporary folk organisation, which many in the folk world had previously thought was an old-fashioned society stuck in the 19th century. His sacking is utterly without any real foundation.

I would certainly appreciate an explanation for the action and a basis for the manner of its execution. I have signed the petition, perhaps you could also, if you agree.

Subject: RE: EFDSS sacking of Nick Hallam - wtf?
From: Will Fly
Date: 13 Aug 10 - 10:47 AM

Other than on Facebook, where else has this been announced?

Subject: RE: EFDSS sacking of Nick Hallam - wtf?
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 13 Aug 10 - 10:51 AM

Nowhere that I am aware of yet, we are talking minutes...
It was not "announced" formally anyway - rather it was reported by Sidmouth goers who met Nick there. This is precisely why I would appreciate someone from the EFDSS giving us the lowdown from their perspective, to avoid this being a one-sided report.

Subject: RE: EFDSS sacking of Nick Hallam - wtf?
From: GUEST,Ed
Date: 13 Aug 10 - 10:54 AM

I don't know anything about this.

However, if the Facebook page is to be believed, it sounds more like a one year contract that isn't going to be renewed than a 'sacking'.

I don't think that such pejorative language helps anyone.

Subject: RE: EFDSS sacking of Nick Hallam - wtf?
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 13 Aug 10 - 10:56 AM

You're right Ed, it is emotive, but I am simply copying the wording of the petition, such as it is.

Subject: RE: EFDSS sacking of Nick Hallam - wtf?
From: The Sandman
Date: 13 Aug 10 - 10:57 AM

where is ruth archer when she is needed?

Subject: Nick Hallam fired by EFDSS?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 13 Aug 10 - 11:21 AM

Cut and paste from gopetition follows: -


http://www.gopetition.com/petition/38391.html

"Re-instate Nick Hallam at EFDSS        26 Signatures



Published by Folkfan on Aug 13, 2010
Category: Employment
Region: United Kingdom
Target: The EFDSS Board
Background (Preamble):
Nick Hallam has been Director of Marketing at EFDSS for 11 months. On Monday he was told he would not be confirmed in post at the end of his first year because he "does not understand the organisation and what it's about."

Nick has done more to engage with the folk community in England in the past year than anyone at EFDSS in the last 10 years, working tirelessly and often at his own expense to immerse himself in the folk community on EFDSS's behalf.

He has been a public face for the organisation, coming to gigs, making new partnerships, and generally working very hard to re-introduce EFDSS as a relevant and contemporary folk organisation, which many in the folk world had previously thought was an old-fashioned society stuck in the 19th century. His sacking is utterly without any real foundation.
Petition:
We, the undersigned, call on the Board of the English Folk Dance and Song Society to re-instate Nick Hallam as its Marketing Director.

Nick has brought the society's profile on by leaps and bounds in the past year, forging new partnerships with many of us and changing our perceptions of the EFDSS. He has quickly become a popular and figure in the folk community, regularly attending our gigs and events. He has clearly done an excellent job in raising the society's profile and bringing it out to new audiences and potential members.

We feel that sacking him would be a backward move for the society, as it will lose one of its most passionate advocates."


I do not know the facts but I bet some here do.

Subject: RE: EFDSS sacking of Nick Hallam - wtf?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 13 Aug 10 - 11:22 AM

Thank you for the instant move, mudelf!

Subject: RE: EFDSS sacking of Nick Hallam - wtf?
From: The Sandman
Date: 13 Aug 10 - 12:00 PM

i have signed it.

Subject: RE: EFDSS sacking of Nick Hallam - wtf?
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 13 Aug 10 - 12:30 PM

Did they say HOW he "does not understand the organisation and what it's about" or offered any evidence in support of this statement? I have been away a long time: is the job of "Director of Marketing" the same position that - many moons ago - Jessica Gold (for whom I worked at one time) had?

How are they justifying this?

Subject: RE: EFDSS sacking of Nick Hallam - wtf?
From: GUEST,anon...
Date: 13 Aug 10 - 12:44 PM

FYI: It's not just a non renewed contract. It is a sacking. Just to clarify for the thread..reasons given on the f/b petition...

Subject: RE: EFDSS sacking of Nick Hallam - wtf?
From: Old Vermin
Date: 13 Aug 10 - 12:57 PM

From memory, EFDSS had recently been very pleased to get about £0.4M of funding, I think from the Arts Council. How secure is this - DCMS/Hunt are being perhaps over-zealous in cutting - and could it have a bearing?

Subject: RE: EFDSS sacking of Nick Hallam - wtf?
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 13 Aug 10 - 01:12 PM

>reasons given on the f/b petition

I am a Facebook member but not a Friend of Nick Hallam, and therefore can't see anything of substance because the page won't let me in (and only letting in Friends is rather like preaching to the converted). I have seen the GO Petition from the link in Richard's post but it just repeats what George's original post says.

What are these reasons, and where are they cited? They must be justifying it somehow...?

Subject: RE: EFDSS sacking of Nick Hallam - wtf?
From: The Sandman
Date: 13 Aug 10 - 01:22 PM

EFDSS[imo] have justified a few bad decisions over the years, the first one was not relocating the house, the second was closing the shop, the third was discontinuing branches, another was the scrapping of competitions [way back].another was discontinuing running festivals.
I feel ambivalent about competitions, but they are a great money spinner for Comhaltas., and they and the fleadhs boost the local economies., the fleadhs of course boost the music.
when are EFDSS going to relocate the library so that it can expand

Subject: RE: EFDSS sacking of Nick Hallam - wtf?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 13 Aug 10 - 01:26 PM

Hard to say what is going on. Cuts are happening everywhere. If fire, police, schools and social services are feeling the axe, certain arts and culture are not immune. They are understandably low priority on the coalition government agenda. It may not be the person that is going away but the post. Is there money for marketing? Is marketing going to be joined up with coalition of arts and culture groups?

Exactly who said "he does not understand the organisation and what it's about" and who created the petition and is promoting Nick?

Subject: RE: EFDSS sacking of Nick Hallam - wtf?
From: Noreen
Date: 13 Aug 10 - 02:26 PM

where is ruth archer when she is needed?

She has signed the petition.

Subject: RE: EFDSS sacking of Nick Hallam - wtf?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 13 Aug 10 - 03:03 PM

Actually, as a matter of (applicable, therefore UK) law, non-renewal of a fixed term appointment is a dismissal. Not all dismissals bring in their train unfair dismissal rights or unlawful dismissal rights, nor indeed redundancy rights.

Subject: RE: EFDSS sacking of Nick Hallam - wtf?
From: Surreysinger
Date: 13 Aug 10 - 03:05 PM

I'm a bit wary about signing a petition at the moment where I am not in possession of the full facts of the case.Reference was made to Facebook, but the only information I have gleaned from this thread so far is a link to a non- Facebook petition produced by a third (or even fourth) party to the original info acting under a nom de plume rather than a real name. There is very little direct indication of the circumstances in the case (a posting by someone calling themselves Anon makes me feel a little wary) , who the individuals involved are(other than Nick Hallam) involved,the dates and sequence of actions etc etc. Does anybody have any concrete facts and details, or links to further information?

Subject: RE: EFDSS sacking of Nick Hallam - wtf?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 13 Aug 10 - 03:57 PM

As I said above - probably someone here has the facts. I agree that at present the position looks odd but there is little that is concrete.

I can only say that I was nearly lured to joined the EFDSS this year as I thought it was showing signs of putting DEAFASS behind it.

Subject: RE: EFDSS sacking of Nick Hallam - wtf?
From: Folknacious
Date: 13 Aug 10 - 07:26 PM

His sacking is utterly without any real foundation.

That's a very dubious statement and a very one-sided petition. Are axes being ground? I wasn't aware of the man and I question the statement about him being "the public face" of the EFDSS, but people don't get sacked for no reason all. It could be something like not fitting in with co-workers, not being a good team player, which makes a position untenable. But really, that's just as wild speculation as anybody else is doing. Merely in the interest of damage limitation, shouldn't the EFDSS be putting out its own statement to clarify matters.

I too have been very impressed with what the EFDSS have been up to in recent years to shake off the DEAFASS image, through the efforts of remarkable new activists like Sam Lee and long-established ones like Malcolm Taylor. The magazine greatly improved its production values under Derek Schofield, but all this started earlier than the last 11 months so so at the very least this is over-hysterical..

Subject: RE: EFDSS sacking of Nick Hallam - wtf?
From: Jack Campin
Date: 13 Aug 10 - 07:41 PM

The fRoots article about Hallam's appointment in 2009 makes him look like a product of the commercial pop/rock marketing biz:

Whilst at Royal & Derngate, Nick started to develop a folk and world music strand bringing in the likes of Richard Thompson, Kate Rusby, Cara Dillon, Oysterband, Waterson:Carthy as well the more eclectic Imagined Village.

Given what I see EFDSS as being about, that choice of bedmates would have me wondering "is that really all he can see in folk music?" - he can't have had a lot in common with the rest of the staff.

Subject: RE: EFDSS sacking of Nick Hallam - wtf?
From: Folknacious
Date: 13 Aug 10 - 07:55 PM

because he "does not understand the organisation and what it's about."

That would tally with what Jack Campin has quoted above, though since they hired him knowing his main interests were somewhat off the society core ones, it seems strange it took them so long to realise the incompatibility. I still think there must be more detail to this than the petitioner is stating. How was he appointed in the first place?

Subject: RE: EFDSS sacking of Nick Hallam - wtf?
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 13 Aug 10 - 11:21 PM

A year ago, during Sidmouth week, Nick was "presented" to a group of EFDSS members at a semi-formal gathering in the arts centre. I spoke to him briefly (seconds), and he seemed an OK bloke. There was much gushing about his outside experience being a valuable addition to the organisation's outlook and much was clearly expected of him. It may be that he disappointed in that respect somehow, though I don't know how. Like other posters here, I have been favourably impressed with the EFDSS' marketing moves - yes, Sam Lee and others have been main participants, but not necessarily the main organisers.

So when I saw (on Facebook) the announcement of the petition I was somewhat taken aback. Like Surreysinger I hesitated before putting my name to the petition, as I did not (and still don't) know anything other than what was being written there. What persuaded me was some of the names of people who signed before me, people whose views I value and whose opinions I respect, like Jim Moray's. So I signed. But the reason I started this thread is because I know that some EFDSS members closer to the board than myself sometimes visit Mudcat, and so I posted the thread as an invitation for those who know to present both sides of the story in a more coherent fashion.

Subject: RE: EFDSS sacking of Nick Hallam - wtf?
From: SPB-Cooperator
Date: 14 Aug 10 - 01:46 AM

There is an increasing level of incidence where employers are 'dismissing' staff just before employment rights start to kick in, whereby as long as contractual process is followed the employee seems to have little or no recourse. I think I will enquire with ACAS to find out what there steer is on such cases.

IF EFDSS are behaving in such a manner, they are doing little to hold themselves up as a reputable employer, and organisations with a public face should be seen to be engaging best practices in all areas of management.

As far as this case goes, the reasons given for dismissal are pretty vague as they hint at what the 'problem' is without going into any specific incidences to support the argument/case.

I once lost a contract due to 'failure to communicate with staff members'. This 'lack of communication' was one incidence when I was working under immense pressure to meet a deadline, including regularly working late into the evening, and not having time to answer a question about how tax was calculated (by a worker who rarely did more than an hour's work a day, frequently went home early because of stress at work).

Anyway, to get a clearer idea, are EFDSS prepared to state the specific targets/milestones/key performance indicators that were not met that support their assertion?

Subject: RE: EFDSS sacking of Nick Hallam - wtf?
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 14 Aug 10 - 03:45 AM

If one's job is to Sell something, then their work is to sell it (in the PR-sense). Famously, it doesn't necessarily matter hugely what the product is. Marketing skills are not the same as "folk/trad/whateveryouwannacallit" skills.

If he was hired for this expertise, then why is it all of a sudden found wanting? I still don't feel that I know enough of the story from both sides to make an informed decision. What does Nick himself say? (Or is it legally wiser for him to keep quiet?)

Subject: RE: EFDSS sacking of Nick Hallam - wtf?
From: GUEST,JM
Date: 14 Aug 10 - 04:01 AM

The fRoots article about Hallam's appointment in 2009 makes him look like a product of the commercial pop/rock marketing biz:

Whilst at Royal & Derngate, Nick started to develop a folk and world music strand bringing in the likes of Richard Thompson, Kate Rusby, Cara Dillon, Oysterband, Waterson:Carthy as well the more eclectic Imagined Village.

Given what I see EFDSS as being about, that choice of bedmates would have me wondering "is that really all he can see in folk music?" - he can't have had a lot in common with the rest of the staff.

I can see why you would think that, but Nick has thrown himself with vigour into traditional arts since his appointment, attending as many events and festivals as he can and taking up the melodeon. He even proudly showed me some vintage EFDSS memorabilia that he'd bought from ebay for his personal collection. I found all this heartening because this is what I felt the EFDSS and folk music in general really needed - he'd converted himself to the cause (of British traditional music and dance) and now he was out to convert others through his approachability and enthusiasm.

I have heard from a range of sources what happened here - its obviously complicated with many sides to the story which can't really be discussed on Mudcat. However, I do think that this is a backwards step.

Subject: RE: EFDSS sacking of Nick Hallam - wtf?
From: Howard Jones
Date: 14 Aug 10 - 04:14 AM

I don't think it is helpful to either party to speculate about this on a public forum. It seems to me this is an HR matter between the EFDSS and Nick Hallam. The decision was presumably reached after a formal appraisal and communicated to him, and the details should be kept confidential. Possibly the EFDSS will make a formal statement in due course, but even then we shouldn't expect them to reveal any more detail than we have already, and why should we?

At the moment the understandable reaction is to support the underdog, but we don't know the facts, and speculation could be damaging to both parties, especially if rumours and half-truths start to leak out.

Subject: RE: EFDSS sacking of Nick Hallam - wtf?
From: GUEST,JeremyRS
Date: 14 Aug 10 - 04:15 AM

I've signed it, which is something I wouldn't normally do without knowing the full facts, but the list of signatories contains many people who are closer to the organisation than I am and whose opinions I respect.

Subject: RE: EFDSS sacking of Nick Hallam - wtf?
From: Will Fly
Date: 14 Aug 10 - 04:39 AM

Howard - your post makes absolute sense to me, and I repeat my comment in my first post here (#2): Other than on Facebook, where else has this been announced?

By "announced", I mean formally, as in public statements by the EFDSS or by Nick Hallam himself. I haven't seen any yet and, until we do, we haven't got the faintest idea of the true situation. People can be got rid of for any number of reasons - inefficiency, poor staff relations, financial imperatives, reorganisation, etc. - and the only quote we have: [he] does not understand the organisation and what it's about, comes from some unknown source.

I rarely sign petitions in any case, being unpersuaded of their value in general, and I can't believe that any petition would result in the reinstatement of an employee - should he/she be willing to return to an organisation which didn't want him, in any case - and the fact than folk "names" have signed it cuts no ice.

Let's wait for some formal statements and more factual detail.

Subject: RE: EFDSS sacking of Nick Hallam - wtf?
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 14 Aug 10 - 04:55 AM

Howard, I would agree with you 100% but for two things:

a) Nick himself has obviously talked about this at Sidmouth, naturally giving his personal viewpoint, and that conversation led to the creation of a public petition. This is now in the public domain albeit still giving only one side of the story and it is therefore important to have the other side also presented - if not in full, then some appropriately edited version.

b) The EFDSS depends largely on its membership, and there are several of its members here on Mudcat, myself included. Indeed some of us periodically try to persuade others to join also (I joined myself barely 2 years ago). The last thing we need is to have another batch of disappointed members leaving over something like this. Some appropriate statement - not here, but on its website - would go a long way towards aiding understanding and hopefully calming the waters.

This is not simply sick interest in matters that do not concern us. While there is an HR dimension, more important are the directional implications for the organisation. The public image of the EFDSS has often been the topic of discussion here and the position of Marketing Director is crucial in that area. Having said all of that, I do agree with you that uninformed speculation does not help anyone.

Subject: RE: EFDSS sacking of Nick Hallam - wtf?
From: MC Fat
Date: 14 Aug 10 - 05:20 AM

The timing of this seems strange surely to 'not renew the contract' of the marketing guy withe 2012 Olympics round the corner is a bit short sighted. The cultural opportunites that the Olympics and asociated events could bring to the Folk Dance and Song of our Isles is immense. Not to have a specialist in post at this time is crass incompetence

Subject: RE: EFDSS sacking of Nick Hallam - wtf?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 14 Aug 10 - 05:43 AM

What we know of the facts so far (not a lot) seems to point at two possibilities. The vagueness of the reported accusation may mean that the real reason is being kept hidden - it might be a totally stellar chap or chapess lined up to step in and hit the ground running. Or at least a relative of a person with influence in the organisation. But the business about "does not understand the organisation and what it's about" does look rather like a bierkeller putsch by DEAFASS or at least those who are wholly focussed on a backward looking folk music. I say this with all due care since I am a staunch 1954 definitioner and a firm believe that the archiving and preservation function of the EFDSS (or at least the English Song Society) is its most important aspect, but an archive that is not used and where treasures may be lost to physical corruption for lack of funds can be as much a hindrance as a help.

Subject: RE: EFDSS sacking of Nick Hallam - wtf?
From: Folknacious
Date: 14 Aug 10 - 06:03 AM

The impression I'm getting, reading between the lines and putting out feelers, is that this petition is being organised by somebody with quite a high profile in the current folk world who is probably quite persuasive. No doubt she/he has various high profile friends who'd sign such a petition on trust, and then the ball's rolling. Oh look, so-and-so's signed it - must be true. George Papavgeris admitted above that he's one of those. Am I alone in being slightly nervous that the instigator of the petition, "Folk fan", has not done something this important under their real name? I'd personally want more information.

It may be that the EFDSS have chosen to keep a dignified silence, as has, it seems, Nick Hallam. Or it may be that the EFDSS are currently a headless chicken without their marketing head. The latter doesn't seem to be born out by the continuing flow of upbeat Facebook postings about autumn events in the past few days though. Do they already have somebody else in place?

The important thing to remember is that the EFDSS rennaissance has been going on for some years, not the past 11 months, which is why I think this is all a bit hysterical and am beginning to be concerned that the person behind this petition might have another agenda. I do hope the EFDSS isn't going to be thrust into 1980s style factionalism again, which did none of us any good.

Subject: RE: EFDSS sacking of Nick Hallam - wtf?
From: GUEST,Folkiedave
Date: 14 Aug 10 - 06:05 AM

I believe that Nick was on 6 month contracts - it is the second one that is not being renewed. Either way it is effectively a sacking.

Many people believe Nick has done a great job and the reason giving for the non-renewal of his contract is spurious. To see these reasons go to the petition and click on the comments - under VIEW.

My own experience having met him for the first time at Sidmouth is that he was concerned to make the EFDSS a less London-centric organisation. That can only be a good thing.

However the members appoint a board and what this petition effectively does is ask the board to look at the non-renewal of the contract. Can't see any worries about signing such a petition.

And I am a member.

Subject: RE: EFDSS sacking of Nick Hallam - wtf?
From: GUEST,Silas
Date: 14 Aug 10 - 06:06 AM

DEAFASS?

Sorry to be a bit thick here - can anyone translate?

Thanks

Subject: RE: EFDSS sacking of Nick Hallam - wtf?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 14 Aug 10 - 06:12 AM

Dance Earnestly And Forget About Singing Songs.

Subject: RE: EFDSS sacking of Nick Hallam - wtf?
From: Folknacious
Date: 14 Aug 10 - 06:13 AM

Another possibility might be that although he seemed to have a lot of experience at the outset, his ideas were finite and had already reached their horizons. In a case like that, which has happened where I work, it's better to stop at the end of a probation period before somebody gets entrenched while no longer justifying their employment. A good director must be able to see such things and take tough decisions. This is, I point out, entirely speculation, which is no more than anybody else is doing here of course.

Subject: RE: EFDSS sacking of Nick Hallam - wtf?
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 14 Aug 10 - 06:15 AM

Dance earnestly and forget about song, I think. A long-gone chief executive (under whom I worked) took the view that staff should just work in the office and take no part in the tradarts. I did think they were moving away from that regressive attitude in recent years, but appparently not entirely.

Subject: RE: EFDSS sacking of Nick Hallam - wtf?
From: GUEST,folkiedave
Date: 14 Aug 10 - 06:20 AM

Another possibility might be that although he seemed to have a lot of experience at the outset, his ideas were finite and had already reached their horizons.

IMHO I think he was just beginning.

Subject: RE: EFDSS sacking of Nick Hallam - wtf?
From: Folknacious
Date: 14 Aug 10 - 06:24 AM

IMHO I think he was just beginning
Well, as you said, you met him once at Sidmouth. I haven't met him at all. So you're more likely to be right. No doubt all will become clearer with time and, if it becomes clear who is behind it, I still might consider signing the petition. Not as things stand though.

Subject: RE: EFDSS sacking of Nick Hallam - wtf?
From: Jack Campin
Date: 14 Aug 10 - 06:29 AM

The cultural opportunites that the Olympics and asociated events could bring to the Folk Dance and Song of our Isles is immense.

"could" in the sense that "pigs might fly". The sports establishment has no interest in traditional arts and no way in hell are they going to bung any money that way.

The only way the Olympics could feature in an EFDSS marketing officer's remit is as a catastrophe they need a survival strategy to deal with.

I think Folknacious might have it right - EFDSS thought they needed someone with mainstream music biz skills, then found out they didn't need those skills that much, or needed some other kind of experience more.

Subject: RE: EFDSS sacking of Nick Hallam - wtf?
From: GUEST,Guest/Skye
Date: 14 Aug 10 - 06:49 AM

The petition is to provide an opportunity for those who have worked with Nick to share their views. The nature of on-line petitions is such that it reaches a much wider audience.

Subject: RE: EFDSS sacking of Nick Hallam - wtf?
From: GUEST,Silas
Date: 14 Aug 10 - 06:54 AM

Thanks Richard - all is now clear.

Subject: RE: EFDSS sacking of Nick Hallam - wtf?
From: johnadams
Date: 14 Aug 10 - 11:47 AM

As chairman of Ryburn 3 Step folk development group in West Yorkshire, I agreed to collaborate on the proposed online folk directory being planned by Nick Hallam. Nick came and met with me as part of a whistle stop fact finding tour to Yorkshire and we spent a long time talking and comparing ideas.

If the term "does not understand the organisation and what it's about." has truly been used about him then I can say that it is nonsense because he has a solid and well informed view of the folk scene, the society and the possibilities for the future. I say this as a folk activist with 40+ years of experience as a performer and organiser and ten years experience as a trustee of the EFDSS.

As well as being a pleasant and amiable man, he has a keen mind, an ability to think strategically, and a new found enthusiasm for folk music which has even got him learning the melodeon ( ok, so nobody's perfect, but it could have been the banjo!) ducks!

Another thing that came over strongly was his commitment to activity in the regions. He is the only EFDSS officer who has come out of London to talk to us and seek our viewpoint.

While the staff team team at C#H appear stronger than they have been for some time, there is still a long way to go and it was clear to me that Nick has engaged with the regional needs of the society as well as the general marketing and that he has the ability to make things happen. It is also clear to many others that I have talked to who came to the same opinions.

Whatever the reasons for not renewing his contract and taking him into full employment status, it is not his ability or his commitment or his enthusiasm. I'm guessing it is something more mundane and to do with personalities.

Subject: RE: EFDSS sacking of Nick Hallam - wtf?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 14 Aug 10 - 12:20 PM

Up until very recently (since Cam and Clegg got into bed) Essex CC Heritage and Arts Service has been and are still working on and receiving money and external funding for a number of projects linking London Olympics to cultural heritage of Essex county. This includes CDs and talks on How to Speak Essex which highlight old Essex dialect, songs, stories and poems.

Heritage and Arts is working closely with Essex 2012 Legacy in a number of projects. Celebrating former Essex Olympians with displays and exhibitions at the Record Office, assigning Essex artists to Essex Olympic athletes who will chronicle their "Journey to the Podium." Regenerating communities and reassigning old buildings (Hadleigh Old Fire Station into a gallery space) in areas where Olympic events will take place. So money is being used for more than just sports.

Our festival manager who works in tandem with the 2012 team regularly contacts the Morris Ring to invite sides to participate in festivals and events. She tries to include singers of traditional songs specifically from or about Essex, but it is difficult to find anyone to do this.

Money is/was out there and may be again even more accessible under the white paper other initiatives that put responsibility for individual health and wellbeing back into the hands of respective communities.

I am sure EFDSS has the means to show the need and compose projects that link traditional song and dance to the Olympics and thereby get funding if it so wished. Perhaps it already has.

Subject: RE: EFDSS sacking of Nick Hallam - wtf?
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 14 Aug 10 - 12:35 PM

Did he suggest having a Show of Hands gig at Cecil Sharply House, by any chance...?? ;0) Bet he did..and all the old farts fell over sideways in shock!


"....because he "does not understand the organisation and what it's about."


I understand....it's easypeasy...It's about a whole pile of boring, humourless, up their own arses folks who don't want *their* music to reach the ears of anyone else. Far better to have it stuck in libraries and behind doors of drab and dreary buildings with names that would put even the most ardently excitable person off entering its doors...

I mean...The English Folk Dance and Song Sociey... ?

Gawd...I can smell the mothballs from here, and see the crotcheting members of the audience putting in their ear stoppers for anything slightly more exciting than a Walter Pardon Evening...

Pardon Me.... ;0)

Subject: RE: EFDSS sacking of Nick Hallam - wtf?
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 14 Aug 10 - 12:38 PM

SocieTy, that is...

Actually, I think they should take a leaf from George's book and rename the EFDSS as:

WTF It's FOLK! Society


WTFIFS is FAR more catchy... ;0)

(Disappears under table before Boring Ol' Farts appear tishtishtishing)

Subject: RE: EFDSS sacking of Nick Hallam - wtf?
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 14 Aug 10 - 12:59 PM

And that was the considered view of a person who, on her own admission, has never attended an EFDSS event, read a publication nor even set foor in CS House. If you are not already doing so, ignore.

Subject: RE: EFDSS sacking of Nick Hallam - wtf?
From: Folknacious
Date: 14 Aug 10 - 01:05 PM

Lizzie: remove the foot from whatever orifice you've inserted it in and go stick EFDSS in the search box on YouTube. Zone in on some of the video from Sam Lee's recent Folk Rising gigs at Cecil Sharp House, for example. That's the EFDSS in recent years, not some received wisdom of a DEAFASS scenario from the 1980s. I know getting facts right isn't your strong point, but . . . since I think you've admitted you've never actually been there, that's the least you can do on your arse in front of a PC screen.

Subject: RE: EFDSS sacking of Nick Hallam - wtf?
From: Chris Partington
Date: 14 Aug 10 - 01:13 PM

Thanks Lizzie for you measured contribution to this thread. I like slapstick, in its place.
It seems to me that some people here are using this as an opportunity to tilt at windmills. This is a matter for the board and the members of the EFDSS. If you want to vote on it then pay your subs.
It may be an outrageous act of folly, but on the other hand it may not, and until more is known, (bearing in mind also that it may not be Nick Hallam's wishes to discuss his employment matters on the internet) I, as a longstanding member ('old fart'?) in favour of the current modernisation of the EFDSS, will not be jumping to any conclusions.
If somebody (above) thinks it's a Bierkeller putsch, then they should say why they would want to make such a damaging assertion.
Otherwise, everything I've heard so far comes under the heading of Wild Unsubstantiated Speculation.