In the evening York and Faulkener sessions there was real effort put into finding out who wanted to sing and making sure that everyone who came in and wanted to sing got at least one song. There was also prior warning most of the time - X will sing next then it is Y and then you sort of thing.

It made people feel that they were valued - some singers, particularly the nervous ones, are so easily crushed, or startled by being asked to sing rather suddenly that they can't give of their best.

The morning sessions were different but just as good.

The chorus picked up and sang the slightly different versions I know from way back - in many places I would have been steamrollered by the later version off a record, and I even felt at home enough to try some of the funny songs, which found favour too.

I managed a few midday visits to the Anchor, the themed sessions at Woodlands were good - all I reqired was a bit of time travel so I could attend everything I would have liked to be at, rather than having to chose just one or stay for only half the session.

I have been going to Sidmouth for a very long time - I bought a T shirt at the 25th and that wasn't the first one I was at - I hope to manage a few more, but I think that I will leave it well and strong.

There are always going to be those who act daft, think they are God's gift, or are just plain rude - just as usual then, but there is also real friendship despite the company getting together just one week a year, it is rather like coming home.

Anne Croucher