John MK.

Anyone who knows the Cruel Sister
The younger sister drowns the elder sister is turned to stone.

My point John MK is,

That there were other places where there was not scraping and squeezing.

Although I spent quite a lot of time with Herbaceous Border on the Esplanade. I did get to other places.
This was my first ever Sidmouth so I went nearly all over.

Jack's bar (underneath the Bedford) was every afternoon ballad singing.
As was the Woodlands Hotel.
I'm sure - although I didn't get there - too far up the street. The Volunteer was unaccompanied too.
The Ship had some great sessions with all sorts of song and tunes. Seldom scraping style.
The Middle bar also u a c.
Terry (Leadfingers) in the Newt was mostly songs. At least when I was there.

Derek Schofield had Eliza Carthy in for a couple of songs at his lecture on RVW.
I'm also reasonably sure that Surresinger (Irene Settle) sung some of Lucy Broadwood stuff at her talk. Sadly I missed this in the program.

It really depends where you were.

I'll get me coat.

Chas