Sidmouth Folk Week 2006

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 09 Jan 06 - 09:34 AM

I B OK 4 1 2 U REPROB8!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: HipflaskAndy
Date: 09 Jan 06 - 10:19 AM

I C U R 1 2 EG!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 09 Jan 06 - 06:14 PM

+ BC Has just blown my cover! Dave and Elizabeth, Hellooooooooo! No I'm not hiding behind the name, but I thought El Greco was a famous painter???
TB

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: steve_harris
Date: 09 Jan 06 - 07:15 PM

"I loved the "big" concerts in the Arena - Steeleye and the Watersons in 2005 for example, Altan a year or two ago"

Do you love them enough to put your hand in your pocket to pay for a "rainy day" fund? Perhaps you do. The trouble is, a lot of people only loved them enough to demand that someone else such as taxpayers, traders stumped up

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: steve_harris
Date: 09 Jan 06 - 07:28 PM

"if Steve Harris is right that attendances in 2005 were only around 25% of those in 2004 then we could be on a downward spiral that is difficult to reverse."

I would remind you that Sidmouth 2005 had some minor marketing problems such as very real doubts about its existence.

It seems more likely to me that 2006 will be much bigger even if not as big as 2004.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 09 Jan 06 - 07:50 PM

Tattie Bogle,
you are right, and out of deference towards Dominicos Theotokopoulos (El Greco), I spell my handle with a "k". I can't paint for toffee... Even in drawing I am rubbish (except for pints, of course).

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: GUEST,Roger Hayes
Date: 09 Jan 06 - 11:00 PM

"It seems more likely to me that 2006 will be much bigger even if not as big as 2004"

If it is the Council will close it down as you wouldn't fit half the people who used to attend in the much smaller number of venues now available.

Sidmouth is much better as a small community Folk Week based in local pubs and the occasional little tent.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Folkiedave
Date: 10 Jan 06 - 05:25 AM

"I loved the "big" concerts in the Arena - Steeleye and the Watersons in 2005 for example, Altan a year or two ago"

Do you love them enough to put your hand in your pocket to pay for a "rainy day" fund? Perhaps you do. The trouble is, a lot of people only loved them enough to demand that someone else such as taxpayers, traders stumped up.

I am not sure of the point you are making here. The attenders at the "Arena" concerts paid to get in - by buying a ticket, a season ticket, sometimes in the form of stewarding or as performers. But in whatever way - they paid. Knowing what artists charge and seeing the attendances at the Knowle I would imagine those concerts paid for themselves easily.

The fact is that if tickets for events were charged at cost there would be no opera, no ballet,, no Premiership football, very little theatre, few films, etc. etc. There would be little sport at any level for the vast bulk of it is subsidised. Sidmouth Festival to 2004 was "cross-subsidized" in that events that made lots of money subsidized those that didn't.

I happpen to think that arts and cultural activities (and sport) should be subsidised - first of all by the taxpayer, and secondly by those who benefit from people's attendance, i.e. traders. We are the fourth or fifth richest nation in the world - we can afford it.

It is not an unusual model. It happens every where else in Europe. I have been across most countries in Europe and every town above a minimum size has the equivalent of a councillor of culture who looks after these things. Even a small village in Hungary had someone responsible for culture.

The fact is this things are possible but we do have to have a different attitude towards it.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: GUEST,The Barden of England at work
Date: 10 Jan 06 - 05:54 AM

How right you are Folkiedave. However, it is the 'Rainy day' that so caught out the Arena. In effect it cross-subsidised itself, the good weather years paying for the bad weather years.

I thoroughly agree that in this day and age the Arts should be subsidised, and it's blatantly obvious that so called 'high end art', the Opera, Ballet etc. get far more subsidy per capita than this sort of Festival does. It now has to run without the £60,000 that the EDDC once gave it, but hopefully its now charitable status should help in the coming years. I will continue to support it and many other festivals, as the organizers and volunteers deserve our support - rather than the somewhat negative attitude that seems to proliferate at times.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Leadfingers
Date: 10 Jan 06 - 08:01 AM

Just a point of interest regarding the 'Unpaid'/'Free' fringe at The Sidmouth folk Week . A lot of the performers fronting the sessions are actually giving up Paid Work to be there , partly to support the festival and partly because they enjoy the atmosphere and consider the
festival as a Holiday from Boring Paid Gigs . I know this is so in my case ! I pay for accomodation and food and just get a discount on my weeks boozing for helping run the New Tavern with Gerry Milne , who
is also not getting paid for his week !
I hope to meet some of you in The Newt again this year .

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: manitas_at_work
Date: 10 Jan 06 - 09:52 AM

Didn't Steve Heap recognise this work a few years ago by giving some of the Fringe organisers free tickets and billing the sessions in the program?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Leadfingers
Date: 10 Jan 06 - 12:51 PM

Never waved any free tickets at The Newt Manitas !

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Adrianl
Date: 10 Jan 06 - 03:05 PM

Yes let us get the taxpayers of Sidmouth (who mostly would rather we were not there) pay for our good time.

And lets get those traders to stump up and then we can complain about the high cost of food from the traders.

Whatever happens elsewhere we live in a world where events have to pay for themselves. Last year the list of sponsors was impressive. Already this year the list of sponsors is building up on the website Sidmouth Folk Week. But at the end of the day we the festival goer have to pay.

Adrian

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: GUEST,Boatman
Date: 10 Jan 06 - 11:16 PM

At last some serious posts!

How I agree with Folkiedave and The Barden of England.

The trouble with Sidmouth now is:

(i) many of the people who attended the International Festival and arena events are now not attending at all, meaning that the Festival overall has far less income to play with

(ii) many of the people who are still attending are mainly interested in the sessions in pubs and on the prom, meaning there's less people buying tickets for the main concerts and dances, and

(iii) the council have cut their grant from £60,000 to zero and, let's be honest, many of the locals would rather we weren't there... they take our money but don't really welcome our presence in their quiet and backward town.

There's still enough happening to persuade me back one more year. Like The Barden of England I try to support those who work so hard to make festivals happen. I want the Folk Week to continue but when anything enters a spiral of decline it can be awfully hard to reverse the trend... and Sidmouth has an awful lot of competition from other festivals now.

John (Boatman) - The Singer

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: steve_harris
Date: 11 Jan 06 - 09:36 PM

"I happpen to think that arts and cultural activities (and sport) should be subsidised - first of all by the taxpayer, and secondly by those who benefit from people's attendance, i.e. traders"

Ok, so you DO want someone else to stump up. It doesn't matter what they do in other countries - it isn't going to happen here. Ask Steve Heap.

"If it is the Council will close it down as you wouldn't fit half the people who used to attend in the much smaller number of venues now available"

Yes, you would fit in half the 2004 numbers quite well. There was lots of room in 2005. On what grounds would the Council close it down anyway? PLEASE don't say "licensing", that's SO tired and as 2005 demonstrated, WRONG

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Folkiedave
Date: 12 Jan 06 - 05:17 AM

Anahata
(relieved to see we're listed under guests, we haven't actually heard from them yet)

Does that not worry you? If not why not?

Dave

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: manitas_at_work
Date: 12 Jan 06 - 05:20 AM

(i) many of the people who attended the International Festival and arena events are now not attending at all, meaning that the Festival overall has far less income to play with

That's hardly surprising as it's only January!

The new festival hasn't started yet so no-body can judge how good it's going to be or how many people will turn up.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 12 Jan 06 - 08:35 AM

Dave,
I am in the same position as Anahata - listed on the website, had some emails in November/December, but no contracts yet. It doesn't worry me; the commitment is there (on the website), and I trust them - as they trust me, not to book something else that week. It is only January after all.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: MBSGeorge
Date: 13 Jan 06 - 07:45 AM

There is way too much to read all the comments on Sidmouth Festival. Last year I couldn't afford it, I don't know how much it is this year but I probably can't afford it. The only bit I did agree with last year was the ability to camp but not pay for events that you probably won't have time to see anyway. I love Sidmouth but I'm not a fan of the new system. By the time summer comes round I don't have several hundred pounds to spare and I expect there are a lot of younger people who are in the same boat. Like last year I will probably only go to Sidmouth to go to the Anchor. My budget just about stretches to that.

George

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Folkiedave
Date: 13 Jan 06 - 11:47 AM

Ok, so you DO want someone else to stump up. It doesn't matter what they do in other countries - it isn't going to happen here.

In fact of course it does happen here. Many festivals are subsidised in the form of lottery grants, regional arts subsidies, by tourist boards and so on. Artists are booked who are able to access suitable grants - who then during a festival visit schools or set up education projects. Local authorities subsidise festivals.

Applying and getting these things is amongst other things what festival organisers do and the great art of a festival organiser to access these things. This sort of work goes on without anyone noticing. I believe Sheffield Folk Festival was supported to the tune of £multi-thousand for example last year.

However opera-goers and ballet-goers and theatre-goers do not pay the full price for tickets and would scream and scream until they were sick if they had to. For all sorts of reasons traditional music in this country has little access to these sorts of seats of power. Personally I feel a slight change for the better. But it is a long slow grind.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 31 Jan 06 - 12:42 PM

A public meeting will take place in Sidmouth on 17 Feb, to discuss 2006. In the meantime, for all of you on broadband, try this. It is old but I didn't know about it and I have not seen it discussed here.

Hope the link works and best wishes to Lizzie, as always...

a long pdf document, maybe go make a drink while it downloads!!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 31 Jan 06 - 12:45 PM

OK so that didn't work, try this instead. I blame you Lizzie.

try again maybe second time lucky...

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: GUEST,TerraPin
Date: 31 Jan 06 - 10:41 PM

An interesting read Steve.

An outsider's view of Sidmouth's "collapse" (their word, not mine)

Perhaps the individuals who are trying to keep a small Folk Week alive in Sidmouth should take the time to read it

Not sure I agree with all the conclusions but the paper offers a fresh perspective to the ongoing Sidmouth Festival saga

Terry Pindar (Musician to the Masses)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 01 Feb 06 - 05:52 AM

I am producing a quick-to-download copy of the pdf paper with my own brief summary/conclusion. It will be here (but not there yet!)
http://www.seered.co.uk/folk89.htm

The pdf link has been sent to many key players also, in case they want to comment, either here or elsewhere.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: treewind
Date: 01 Feb 06 - 08:56 AM

Folkiedave - why should I worry? I'd better get on the phone to Tom Addison (who I spoke to months ago) or Barry Lister soon and make sure everything's OK - but I am assuming if we're on the web site then the only way we aren't part of the festival is if the whole festival falls flat on its face and doesn't happen at all.

We're a bit concerned about the absence of the big band workshop - a popular regular Sidmouth feature run by Nick and Mary Barber, who haven't heard anything about it this time. Last year they ran independently - hired a room in the rugby club and charged at the door. This time with central ticket organisation they can't do it that way and are at the mercy of the festival organisation.

Anahata

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: treewind
Date: 01 Feb 06 - 09:02 AM

...though now I look at the web site it says "all artists subject to contract" - better pick uip that phone tonight!

A.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Folkiedave
Date: 01 Feb 06 - 10:59 AM

I like to see artists contracted - and you have it in one!!

I read the Liverpool management paper and I would be delighted to see a summary Steve. I need to read it again a few times to get a full sense of it all, but one thing they mention not often seen as a benefit of festival such as this is the "work experience" it gives to people who wish to get involved in this work on a professional basis. My own daughter worked both as a volunteer and as a paid short-term worker, was given a lot of responsibility by Mrs. Casey, and I suspect got her present job as Assistant Director of a large pop-type festival on the strength of it. (Along with her degree!!)

One thing I am wary about. The suggestions that the Writers are not sure where the �5,000,000 figure comes from seem a bit strange. I believe it is fairly standard economics since Keynes that an investment of money like this is spent more than once - the B and B places re-decorate in winter with money made in the summer and buy their paint in the local paint shop. And the paint shop and the painters also spend their money and so on. Seems an underestimate to me if anything!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Lizzie Cornish
Date: 01 Feb 06 - 12:41 PM

Guys! Guys! Calm down....

I've heard that those contracts are being 'sorted' very, very shortly! Panic Ye Not!


Stevie Scarlett...have you completely lost your marbles up there in Sidford? I know that there's not an awful lot to do up there, but surely you don't really spend your time reading pratty articles about why Siddy 2004 was 'the last one' when you've already been to Siddy 2005 and you would have read in the World Famous Sidmouth Herald this week, how well the season tickets are all ready starting to sell for Siddy 2006! Minutes after going on sale I believe.

Move downtown Stevie! Honestly...I think there must be some sort of Negative Cloud hanging over Sidford, probably caused by the exhaust fumes from those cars at the traffic lights! ;0)

We have no traffic lights down here...the air is clean and pure...and the smell of the sea wafts up the high street with the sunshine!

And if you truly can't find anything else to read...I'd recommend tracking down some old copies of The Beano or The Dandy...or maybe The Hotspur...and travel back in time to your childhood, when you belived in magic..and then transport yourself, with the magic still intact, right back to the present...and look forward to the future....

For The Future Is Bright!! The Future Is Sidmouth 2006

And HECK!!!!! COOPE BOYES & SIMPSON ARE COMING!!!!! Triple Swoon!

Here you go Stevie...listen to Radio Britfolk's Billboard instead...it will cheer you up no end:

http://www.radiobritfolkhome.co.uk/HomePage.aspx

No Coope Boyes & Simpson on there...yet...but Pete Coe is there, as is Anahata's Mary..lovely voice too..and ACRES of other wonderfully talented people.

Turn Sidford on to Britfolk Stevie...do something USEFUL!!! AND FUN!!!

Ohhhhh..George is singing on Britfolk as I type...'Flowers And The Guns' You SO have to listen to George Papavgeris Stevie...you will love the intelligence and the messages in his songs.

Tell you what...instead of reading rubbishy things like that article, take a look at George's site and read his lyrics. You'll be astounded and deeply moved too. Just click on 'albums' then click each CD in turn, takes you to a list of the songs on that CD..click on the title and voila...all of George's magical words. We are so LUCKY to be having him come to Sidmouth this year.

http://www.folk4all.net/

Uh Oh...I have to go..Alistair Hulett has just started singing now The Red Clydesiders'...Sigh!

Hope you enjoy *my* links Stevie. :0)

Take care and see you at Siddy 2006


Lizzie :0)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 01 Feb 06 - 03:32 PM

How can I tell you this Lizzie? My ancient computer does not even have a sound card. Unlike you rich people in central Sidmouth, we poor folk in Sidford make do and mend as best we can. So I shall have to imagine as best I can, but thank you for the thought.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Lizzie Cornish
Date: 01 Feb 06 - 04:39 PM

Good heavens Stevie...Poor you!!!!

You are suffering from Britfolk Starvation!! It's all starting to become clear now!!

Tell you what...I'm almost word perfect on some of these songs now...I'll pop up one day and sing to you on your doorstep. That'll cheer you up no end! ;0)

Hey...I'm no way rich....bit posh though! ;0)....but in all the right areas of course! Chuckle! ;0)

Nice to talk to you again though.

Lizzie :0)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 01 Feb 06 - 05:58 PM

An easy-to-load html version of the research paper discussing the reasons for failure of the Sidmouth Festival is now available on my website.

http://www.seered.co.uk/folk89.htm


I would be especially interested to learn whether many people in the folk world have seen it before - I came upon it by accident and was surprised that it had not been sent to me by the authors.

Has it been discussed elsewhere? If so where and by whom?

You are welcome any time Lizzie.......

Dr Stephen J Wozniak
Sidmouth.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Feb 06 - 06:54 PM

Lizzie, is it too soon to say we'll be there - Tom, Tom, (Napper and Bliss) and The Pipers Sons (Chris Parkinson and Tony Taffinder)? Perhaps we may finally meet!
Tom (B)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: GUEST,Sidmouth Resident
Date: 01 Feb 06 - 09:34 PM

Tom. Do you REALLY want to meet Lizzie?

Better bring your headache tablets.

You may be in for a nasty shock!

And Lizzie, when you say "The smell of the sea wafts up the high street" just for once you're telling the truth.

The seaweed stank on Wednesday afternoon!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: GUEST,Tom
Date: 02 Feb 06 - 06:35 PM

Overheard in a Sidmouth foodstore well known to festival-goers on Thursday afternoon.

One elderly woman complaining about the smell from the beach.

A distinguished-looking gentleman replying that the smell "is almost as bad as those dreadful people who invade our town during summer festival week".

Nice to know the locals welcome our presence!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 02 Feb 06 - 07:58 PM

That really takes the biscuit Tom. You overhear one comment, and from that alone you manage to hypothesize a negative attitude attributable to Sidmouth people in general.

The government is always on the lookout for statisticians of your calibre to prove the unprovable for them. Perhaps you should apply.

Don T.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Feb 06 - 08:14 PM

Just for the record: The Tom who doesn't like the smell of Sidmouth is neither Tom Napper nor Tom Bliss. We visited on tour last year and walked on the beach. It smelled lovely, and we're looking forward to second helpings.
Tom Bliss

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 03 Feb 06 - 09:39 AM

Didn't think for one second that was either of you.

Don T.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Folkiedave
Date: 09 Feb 06 - 05:25 PM

Just as a point of information/interest the oldest continuing festival in UK is
http://www.ivfdf.ucam.org/

though it does change venue each year.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 10 Feb 06 - 07:48 AM

Copied from another Mudcat thread.

"Good to see Steve Heap is now helping to organise Beverley.

Sidmouth's loss is Beverley's gain."

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Snuffy
Date: 10 Feb 06 - 09:14 AM

That was posted back in February of last year, Steve.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Lizzie Cornish
Date: 10 Feb 06 - 05:27 PM

Hi Tom....great news to hear Napper & Bliss are coming to Sidmouth this year! I shall book my tickets as soon as possible...and I'm sure we'll bump into each other during the week, no worries! :0) Now...if you'll excuse me...I have to deal with Steve in Sidmouth, formerly known as SeeRed Steve...(Apologies for the following outburst Tom) ;0)



Stevie Scarlett come over here IMMEDIATELY!!!

Right...now then....there is a public meeting about Sidmouth next week and I just want to tell you in advance that if you come out with cr*ppy comments like the one above, I shall probably turn into a Screaming Banshee...right there in the middle of the meeting!!

Now if you remember, last year you got a very loud and slow handclap from practically the entire audience for being such a pessimist! PLEASE Stevie....don't let me down and start coming out with waffle like that again!

If Steve Heap had wanted to stay doing Sidmouth I'm sure he would of.
He got fed up with it all and who can blame him after so many years?But you must have seen on the local news the other day that Devon is now £36,000.000 (yes...million!) behind the rest of the country in Council Grants, because apparently Terrifying Tony and Angry Alistair regard Devon as a very rich County and have therefore cut our Grants back! So....there is now even less money to go round, because of the Complete Prats in charge of my country! (Although *where* all the Good Guys have gone I've no idea..all as bad as each other)

Basically Stevie...we *ALL* need to stand together over Sidmouth..there ain't no-one else who's going to help us!

So...either you stay living in Sidford, having one of the most beautiful festivals, in one of the most beautiful settings, right on your doorstep, which you encourage and support in every way possible....or..I suggest you up sticks and move Lock, Stock, Caravan and Meddling Computers up to Beverley! I'm sure Steve Heap would love to have your support and admiration!

Failing that...perhaps you'd like to organise a SeeRed Rebellion and march on Downing Street and find out what they've done with our £36,000.000 'cos there's an awful lot of Folk Festivals in that amount! Mind you...it would probably only keep Cherie in Designer Outfits for a year or two! (oooooooooh!...sorry...don't mean to be horrid, but *that* woman drives me round the bend!)

There are people 'out here' Stevie who are working so *damned* hard for you and for everyone else...and most importantly, working hard to keep Sidmouth ALIVE...and if you're going to go to that meeting to stir things up and come out with Nauseating Nincompoopish comments like that, then I'm going armed with a basket of over-ripe tomatoes and my Arnold Schwarzenegger water pistol strapped to my back!

So watch out!!!!!! ;0)

Sheesh!


Lizzie :0)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: GUEST,The Sidford Sage
Date: 10 Feb 06 - 06:37 PM

"Old Buzzard turns into Screaming Banshee" Shock.

You heard it here first - Lizzie admits to amazing transformation.

It's worth going to the Public Meeting next week just to see her howling at the moon.

As for the IVDF Festival, I must admit I've never heard of it.

IVDF sounds the likes of medical treatmen women of advancing years like Lizzie take to balance their hormones.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: GUEST,Lizzie Cornish
Date: 10 Feb 06 - 08:10 PM

Now Stevie Red. Control yourself. And all your alter-egos.

Your last sentence is so badly mis-spelt that I think you must have taken some IVDF yourself.

Helps stop the brain working and makes you ramble which is something I never do.

The Public Meeting has been called to give leading citizens in Sidmouth like The Mayor and myself the chance to say how absolutely sooper dooper this year's Siddie Festival is going to be especially now Tom and Tom are coming this way even though dear Phil and Steve are not.

There will be dancing on the Prom, much merriment in hostelries, singing in the public toilets and much drunken debauchery around the Ham, maybe even on the cricket field Stevie if you'd like to join me in the age-old festival tradition of holding hands and dancing around the cricket square at sunrise chanting "Stevie Red, Stevie Red, Sidmouth Festival is not dead".

I can hardly wait but must console myself with Radio Britfolk to while away the hours til August when the world and its onion will once again transform my beautiful idyllic little devonian haven into a swirling sea of morrismen, coconut dancers and hunky shanty singers with beards to their navels and Jimmy Choo sandals on their feet.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Lizzie Cornish
Date: 11 Feb 06 - 07:08 AM

Er... ???'Guest Lizzie Cornish'??? ;0) ;0) :0)

I like the spin job there Stevie, very funny..it quite made me chuckle! BUT you let yourself down over the Jimmy Choo sandals I'm afraid!

I could *never* love a Shanty Man who wears Designer ANYTHING!!!!

We only have REAL Shanty Men in Sidmouth...I guess you is just going to the wrong festivals!! ;0) YOUR Shanty Men aren't wearing Designer Dresses as well are they? Sheesh! Another reason to Support Sidmouth!! All the other festivals have cross-dressing Shanty Men! WE may be the only one left in the country that's not awash with Jimmy Choo Shoes! Where are those Wareham Whalers....someone put a 24 hour guard around them immediately...and check their wardrobes whilst we're about it...just to be on the safe side! ;0)

And er...NO Stevie...if it's all the same to you...I'll pass on holding your hand under the moon, on the cricket field. (Whoa! Deeply Scary Smiley!) There will be far too many Shanty Men wearing REAL Shanty Men's Shoes in town who will already be on my Dance Card...besides, now I know about your ChooShoe Habit I'm more than a little worried! ;0)

See you next week I expect!

Lizzie :0)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Lizzie Cornish
Date: 11 Feb 06 - 07:49 AM

But then again....that Guest 'Me' above *may not* be you Stevie.....Hmmmmm.....

Tell you what though...I rather fancy that vision of a 'Swirling Sea Of Morris Men'....I think we should have that all year round in Siddy...I'll get on to East Devon District Council straight away and suggest it!

Morris Men haven't taken to wearing Jimmy Choo Shoes as well have they? I don't think I could cope with that. :-(

;0)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 18 Feb 06 - 11:17 AM

Report of a public meeting held in Sidmouth on 17 February.
Nice to see you there Lizzie!! page /folk90.htm on my website or direct from http://www.seered.co.uk/folk90.htm

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Mrs_Annie
Date: 18 Feb 06 - 12:46 PM

I would like to read a report from an official source and one not so obviously 'biased'.

Anne

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Lizzie Cornish
Date: 18 Feb 06 - 01:36 PM

Stevie Scarlett!!!!! OOOOOOOH!!!!!

Don't you go smiling at me at that meeting when all the time you were sitting there writing twaddle and doing your usual thing of putting the festival down at every opportunity....casting doubts and printing things in the most negative way you possibly can....whilst getting people to 'hit' your meddling website! And the way you cleverly just add it in amongst the good stuff! OOOOHHH!!!!OOOOOHHHHH!!!!!!! 'Tis a good jod you're out of my reach Stevie else you'd have your head down something very uncomfortable at present...and you'd be feeling more than a little flushed!!!!


OOOOOOOHHHHHHHH!!!! How...HOW can you keep doing this Stevie????

OK...a few bits you mysteriously decided to leave out of the Stevie Snipes on your Website:

Eddie Upton talking gently but passionately about how, for *so* many people Sidmouth has become their 'spiritual home'...as they've been coming here *every* year for decades!

The hotel owner who was asking about tickets for his guests and then stated that he's already booked right up for this year...and that people had booked up *last year* to come back again this year!!!!!

That lovely man, Lawrence Heath, who's helping to run The Ham this year, standing up telling us all about the great acts who are appearing there and then telling us how he and his family have been here every year since the 1970's and their daughter has *never* had a year in her life *without* Sidmouth being in it...and how they booked to come here back last year even without knowing if Sidmouth was taking place....because they knew that it would never die and they wanted to keep Sidmouth in their lives FOREVER!!


OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

And that *DAFT* woman whom you've written this about on your site:

"..One person said that she was glad to get rid of the International Festival and all the arena events, which she saw as overpriced. She saw the 'new-look' Folk Week as being much more in the spirit of the 'old days'. Her view, that the town is glad to be rid of all the 'excess' of the Steve Heap years is one shared by many local people and some older folkies..."

....IS NOT TALKING FOR THE TOWN OF SIDMOUTH!!!!!!! That DAFT woman was talking through her usual drunken haze...perhaps you noticed the aroma as you went out Stevie...and she is to be seen almost every day staggering along the pavement just past the Post Office, she lives round there..she has also been banned from quite a few venues, and, quite frankly should have been banned from the meeting after the disgusting claptrap she was coming out with!....and which YOU have decided to use on your site!!!!! OOOOOOOHHHHH!!!!!

Her crazy view is not "shared by many local people or older folkies"...THAT is *your* opinion and those are your words and what *you* want people to believe. I've spoken to many local people and shopkeepers and they all thought that last year was fantastic!! They felt that the festival had become 'theirs' again...Oh and do you remember Eddie saying that yet *another* local business had come forward asking to sponsor Sidmouth this year? Paragon Books I think it was.....
   
BOTH OF YOU are going on that Trebuchet, except this time you are NOT going to Budleigh Salterton...oh no, no, no,...even Budleigh is too good for you....this time I'm sending you over to Florida...no...not Disneyland...I'm aiming for the Swamps and the Crocodiles this time Stevie....because I've had ENOUGH!!!!

I KNEW you'd be up to something! I DID!!!!! When Eddie asked "Any Questions?" and there was a *total* silence from you, I went cold all over...others were very pleased about it, but I KNEW what you'd be doing!!! And when that chap mentioned about his friend and the Arena he was told about Blackmore Gardens having far more to offer this year and he was very pleased and satisfied with what he heard, saying that he would pass it on to his friend! OOOOOOHHHH!!!!

And you didn't report on our lovely Excitement Officer(my phrase, not an official one)...bless her...young Jo...who was there, as she said, purely to offer Enthusiasm and Excitement! WHY didn't you mention her Stevie???? Probably too darn busy trying to make out that no young people want to come to Sidmouth I expect! Jo came down all the way from Bath for that meeting Stevie....because she believes in Sidmouth Festival and wants to do all she can to help!

Shame on you!!!

Perhaps they should make *you* the Pessimist Officer...and we could have some Stocks in Blackmore Gardens where we can all throw wet sponges at you...I reckon at £2 a time we could make a *fortune* and ensure Sidmouth's future well into the next century!!

OOOOOHHHHHH!!!

And you heard Phillipa talking about the EthnoFolk people coming in this year for the teenagers and 'older' young people! You heard her saying how Blackmore Gardens is going to have a Village Green feel, with far more things to do...And what about all those great students from Newcastle coming down to teach in the workshops...bigger craft tent, more for the children to do etc....Laurel Swift coming back this year too....

OOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

I had huge respect for all the people associated with Sidmouth Folk Week yesterday...but TODAY after reading your pessimistic rubbish, my respect has increased a thousand fold for them....because to go ahead and do what they are all doing *so well* with such love and committment, whilst having to put up with complete twits like you...well...it just goes to show how *deep* their love for Sidmouth *truly* is........

....and how *utterly* shallow yours is!!

Sidmouth Folk Festival will continue for a very, very long time to come Stevie, for the very reason that it is *so* loved by the people who are committed to keeping it going...and that includes *all* the people who come here year after year after year, along with those working so hard behind the scenes.

Oh..and you also forgot to mention how the audience last night was played in and treated to some lovely music from Eddie, Tom and John...AND how all the chairs were not on the stage, but out there on the floor with all of us, as they wanted the meeting to be very informal and very open.

You do yourself *far more* of an injustice than you do them Stevie.


Lizzie

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Lizzie Cornish
Date: 18 Feb 06 - 01:59 PM

Annie, I was sitting right in the front and I heard nothing but positivity coming out of that meeting. They spoke about the huge success of last year and the huge support and many letters they have had from a lot of people.

I am so seething (as you can probably tell) that I can't even put a Smiley on the board! (never been known before!).....

Apologies to all for exploding, but there are times when you just have to!!


Lizzie

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Lizzie Cornish
Date: 19 Feb 06 - 05:15 AM

And...when I quoted this above, from you site:

"..One person said that she was glad to get rid of the International Festival and all the arena events, which she saw as overpriced. She saw the 'new-look' Folk Week as being much more in the spirit of the 'old days'. Her view, that the town is glad to be rid of all the 'excess' of the Steve Heap years is one shared by many local people and some older folkies..."

..and then put my response above, there was one thing I forgot to add, mainly because I was raging at the time and not thinking straight (!)

It was Steve Heap's Sidmouth which brought me to live in this town in the first place and for that I will always be very grateful, because it has given me a music that I love. However, I would still have chosen to come and live here if I had wandered into Sidmouth during last year's Folk Week. The atmosphere in both festivals was (and is) palpable. It is something very precious and should never be undermined, in my opinion.

A lot of local people loved The Arena, myself being one of them, but we also realise the huge financial risk that goes with it and that having the main festival events in the heart of the town is an extremely good idea.

You also I think forgot to mention Eddie Upton/Derek Schofield talking about last year's Folk Week. Explaining that when they first started last year, there was *no* money, but they struggled on and very quickly they were being swamped with support from artists and visitors alike.

Also, when you mentioned this:

"...In passing, Eddie Upton noted that a member of the Old Rope String Band had been killed by a hit and run driver - the band had since reformed into the New Rope String Band and would perform in the Manor Pavilion..."

...you did not report that properly either!

Eddie made a *special* point of telling people how *very* pleased he was that The New Rope String Band were coming to Sidmouth this year. He explained the tragedy of Joe's death and that of his friend Keith too...his voice almost cracking with emotion at times..and then he said how thrilled he was to hear that the band was continuing to play and that they would be in The Manor Pavillion during Folk Week.

In no way was that done 'In Passing', it was done with much tenderness and emotion, and I am sure that their concert will bring many a tear to people, but also a deep feeling of happiness that Joe's memory lives on through his music and his friends. And here they all are:

http://www.newropestringband.co.uk/

And here is the Old Rope String Band as well:

http://www.oldropestringband.co.uk/

I very much hope to be able to see them, although I've a feeling they will probably sell out very quickly.

And last night, in my town, Folk Week Winter Reunion took place and once again the pubs were filled with musicians and singers.....and it was wonderful!


Lizzie :0)