MY recent entreaties for more folk music on the BBC were answered last week with the proposed cancellation of one of the best local folk music programmes.

Genevieve Tudor’s Sunday night programme from Radio Shropshire, has built up a worldwide following via the internet in recent years, but as part of the recently-announced cutbacks, it looks as though this show will bite the dust.

As ever, large web-based audiences like this hold no sway in terms of local radio, which is meant to cater for a regional audience, not a cult following across the planet.

On a more positive note, watch out for an appearance by singer-songwriter Steve Tilston on Jools Holland’s TV show this week, to promote his great new album. Well done Steve.

Meanwhile, local folk events coming up this week include a choice on Saturday night between songwriter Pete Morton at Washington’s Davy Lamp and a solo gig for me at Sedgefield Cricket Club.

That wide-eyed and lovely duo Bram Taylor and Roly Hindmarch are around the local scene this week with gigs at Guisborough Rugby Club on Sunday, The Dun Cow in Bournmoor on Monday, and Bishop Auckland Town Hall on Wednesday. The Carr Brothers are at Newcastle’s Bridge on Monday, and, on Tuesday, we can pick between The Babylon Brothers at Newton Aycliffe’s Candlelight Club, and George Welch and Stewart Hardy at Cramlington’s Hind.

Finally, here’s advance warning of a series of gigs under the Pitmen Poets’ banner, featuring Benny Graham, Billy Mitchell, Bob Fox and myself, with local appearances at Alnwick Playhouse on October 26, New Hartley Memorial Hall on October 29, Durham Gala Theatre on November 2 and Hexham Queens Hall on November 4.

Tickets are selling fast for all these concerts, and contact details can be found on my website at jezlowe.com.