What is the Traditional Song Forum?
The Traditional Song Forum (TSF) is an international organisation based in the UK that brings together those interested in the research, collecting and performance of traditional song. The idea for the organisation was first discussed at a meeting organised by Steve Roud in September 1997 and, as a result, TSF was created in January 1998. Our aim is to be inclusive of all the traditions found in Britain, Ireland and the English-speaking world, although the majority of forum members are interested in the songs originating in these islands. For a fuller explanation, please have a look at our TSF Aims. Although forum members are serious about their interests, the style of the organisation is informal, and we are determined not to get stuffy or bureaucratic.
What does TSF do?
Since the outbreak of Covid in the Spring of 2020 our main activity has been our ‘TSF Online’ meetings held regularly on Sunday afternoons (London time). At these meetings we will usually have 2 or 3 short presentations about aspects of traditional song with an opportunity for questions and comment.
We also have some in-person meetings, such as our Broadside Day (in association with EFDSS) and our Spring Conference where we can meet in person to share progress on our work and to seek advice of colleagues – one of the key functions of the Forum. We also support the Conferences organised by EFDSS on folk song.
Additionally, TSF and its members are also involved in a number of other educational activities or projects that are targeted at the public to raise awareness of and knowledge about traditional song.
Why should I join the TSF?
Membership of TSF is open to all, free of charge, and we do not charge admission for TSF meetings, other than special events. The main benefit of registering as a member are that you will receive our regular Newsletter via e-mail with news of events and other matters of interest related to traditional song. There are also occasional offers to members of discounts on books, etc.
How do I join?
Complete the registration form and send it to the Membership Secretary (Shan Graebe) at the address given. We will then add you to the database, and you will receive all future messages from TSF.
What does it cost to join?
Nothing. Really. It is free to join!
So, what’s the catch?
There isn’t one, really, but of course we do need money to operate. Some of this comes from the donations we ask for at our meetings. Some members join the Friends of TSF, and make a regular donation. This is the most important part of our income. For more about the Friends of TSF, go HERE
Who runs the TSF?
We agreed early on that this was not going to be a bureaucracy, but we do have officers who do the things that keep it running. The officers are:
Steve Roud – the Chair
Peter Snape – the Treasurer
Martin Graebe – the Secretary
Shan Graebe – Membership Secretary
Elaine Bradtke – Zoom Secretary
Kara O’Brien – Social media
Richard Spencer – Apprentice Secretary
Does TSF have a constitution?
Not really. We do have our TSF Aims and a pretty clear idea of what we are about, but do not have a written constitution as such. If we were to grow and to do more, we would seriously consider it.
TSF Privacy Statement and Data Protection Policy
We need to have some personal information from Traditional Song Forum members so that we can maintain contact and to ensure that your subscription is managed properly. We ask members to give their permission to hold and use their personal data and the way in which we do this is covered by our Privacy Statement and our Data Protection Policy, copies of which will be kept (and updated) on this website and will be accessible from this page. Members may ask to see the data we hold on them, if they wish. Our mailing list is maintained through MailChimp, and you can take yourself off this list at any time.
The TSF Discussion Group
Johnny Adams runs the Tradsong discussion group, where you can share information with other TSF members and with a wider constituency. A good place also to send those queries that you want the numerous experts in the TSF to help with.
You can join by going to https://groups.io/g/tradsong and clicking on the blue button ‘+ Apply for Membership in This Group’. The first step will be to provide your e-mail address, and you will then receive an e-mail to allow you to confirm that you are an actual human being. At the next stage, you can decide how you want to receive mail from the group and, importantly, the name you wish to be known by. It is a requirement that, for this, you use your proper name (first name and family name). The Traditional Song Forum is a well-respected research organisation, and we wish members to post using their real name – ‘Handles’ or nicknames are inappropriate.
Your application will then be checked by the administrators, and you will be told when you have been accepted. Your first two posts will be checked before they are made public, and so will not appear immediately. After that you will be good to post, lurk or otherwise enjoy the discussion.
Though the group is intended primarily for members of the Traditional Song Forum, it is open to non-members who understand and share our aims and objectives.
The Traditional Song Forum Facebook Page
We do have a Traditional Song Forum Facebook page, which is looked after by Kara O’Brien. engagement with this and contributions are always welcome.
How does TSF relate to EFDSS?
We work closely with the English Folk Dance and Song Society. Many of our members are also EFDSS members. We support the general aims of EFDSS, and we are particularly vocal in our support for the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library and the projects that it is carrying forward. We have also accepted the hospitality of EFDSS for a number of our meetings and have had several joint meetings and activities with them. We have not, however, sought to formalise our association with the EFDSS.
What else?
Well – we don’t exactly know – even after all this time. We aspire to being more than a talking shop, but it takes time and individual effort to get things going. Most Forum members are already pretty busy with their own work. Most of us feel, though, that there is real value in meeting and learning together with other like-minded individuals and there is a sense of purpose within the organisation. Maybe you could help some of our visions come to life?
I want to know something else – who do I contact?
Start with me at tsf.secretary2020@gmail.com, and I’ll see if I can help.