This issue celebrates the 70th anniversary of Topic Records, with an article, featuring an interview with Topic’s managing director, Tony Engle.

The Singer, Song and Source feature is Brass Monkey, one of Topic’s artists, and their song, ‘Bold Archer’ as sung by John Kirkpatrick of Brass Monkey, and based on the version of the song sung by Harry Cox, whose double CD is on the Topic label.

There’s a brace of features on Cornwall – one on Dance Tunes, and the other on Folk Dances to be found in the Duchy.

An article focuses on the six manuscript collections that have formed the focus of the EFDSS’s Take 6 Project and which are now available on the internet.

The youth activities at Cambridge Folk Festival come under the spotlight.

There’s a feature on The Ballad of Britain – the title of a new book and forthcoming concert at Cecil Sharp House amd nd an article on one of Cecil Sharp’s singers, John Short, the Watchet Sailor.

There’s also a report on a new campaign, Folk against Fascism.

Plus all the regular features – festive round-up, news, reviews and dance events.

Music credits

Sound files that complement the features are included here:

‘Bold Archer’ sung by Harry Cox, from the CD The Bonny Labouring Boy, with permission from Topic Records.

‘Bold Archer’ sung by Brass Monkey, from the CD Head of Steam, with permission from Topic Records.