This year’s theme draws on W. F. H. Nicolaisen’s article, ‘A Gleaner’s Vision’ (Folklore, 106, 1995) in which Nicolaisen (1927–2016, Emeritus Professor, Elphinstone Institute) takes issue with the limited vision and approach of the early scholars of Folklore, where the work of the folklorist/ethnologist was seen to be one of salvage, gathering up scattered remnants of the past. Nicolaisen argues for a broader vision, a more comprehensive approach aimed at the present, encouraging folklorists to seek out what surrounds them.