Thanks for your pm from yesterday.So sorry, I have just realised that I have about 16 pms without knowing. You have to make allowances for such as me of simple mind! First of all, thanks so much for your thanks and fulsome appraisal re the CD I passed to you ( I can only empathise with certain of your heartfelt feelings!).
Re this one regarding 'Bards': Like you I am unable to provide a history of bardship in its original state. As far as I knew, quite simply, among the eary Celtic tribes there was a practice of conferring leadership on those who had a flair for the arts, whether yarns (like the Vikings' sagas) or poetry, ballad-singing or craftsmanship etc. As a college or gathering that bases itself on these values and others, the Cornish Gorsedh inaugurated (even revived it is claimed in some quarters from Celts centuries back along) by Henry Jenner, recognises those who have exhibited a Celtic/Cornish spirit beneficial to Cornwall via the arts, literature, craftmanship, history, philanthropy, public service etc. by conferring on them bardship. This is done when each year there is a promotor from within the bardic circle who writes an accreditation of someone's and finds a seconder. These who are recommended are then discussed by a democratically chosen Gorsedh Council of about twenty, and if found suitable and the time is found right, the Council writes to the individual, inviting him/her to become enrolled as a bard. I am not certain that I am meant to discuss the process but that is it basically. I do have books which may be useful inexplaining the history of Celtic bardship but I can't say at present. I know that the Welsh Gorsedd to which Cornwall's and Brittany's bards are affiliated, has druids and ovates which represent different offices and wear robes of diffent colours but Cornwall's bards are all to be regarded as equal in rank though there is a Grand Bard and Deputy and a council. We all wear the same colour robe except for the harpist who is distinguished by a maroon gown.
It's the best I can do, Raymond!