Sidmouth Changes?

Subject: Sidmouth Changes?
From: GUEST,Green Linnet
Date: 03 May 08 - 06:40 PM

I heard the other day that some dramatic changes have taken place within the Sidmouth FF 'artistic' set-up. Can anyone shed any light on these. Will the festival go ahead or is it being down-sized in any way? Perhaps even the rumours of 'implosion' are coming true. I was going to go for the week but my money might be safer with Northern Rock!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Changes?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 04 May 08 - 05:28 AM

Suggest you look here, all I have heard recently is that the artistic director has been replaced.
Check the press release section for details.


G

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Changes?
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 04 May 08 - 06:17 AM

Have the dire hotels changed for the better in Sidmouth?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Changes?
From: Saro
Date: 04 May 08 - 11:15 AM

Jason Knight (ex TAPS) has taken over dealing with Artists Administration for the festival. Jason is a good bloke and did excellent work with TAPS, and I'm sure he'll bring loads of relevant skills and experience to Sidmouth.
Saro

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Changes?
From: GUEST,Bunion
Date: 05 May 08 - 07:48 AM

Jason is a good guy but he's facing a difficult situation.

There's a lot of problems behind the scenes at Sidmouth this year.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Changes?
From: Scooby Doo
Date: 05 May 08 - 08:52 AM

The fringe events will still go on and make money with the collecting tins until Sidmouth raises from the ashes to be a small festival as Bill Rutter had it running fifty years ago.I hope it doesn't fail for the people who go every year as they are the true Sidmouth folkie.

Ex Sidmouth folkie.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Changes?
From: GUEST,LocalBoy
Date: 08 May 08 - 03:15 PM

"There's a lot of problems behind the scenes at Sidmouth this year."

I don't know where you got this information from but I can assure you that there are absolutely no issues, problems or disasters 'behind the scenes'. Those of us who are putting in a lot of hard work and effort in voluntary positions to provide this festival do not appreciate speculation and rumour of this manner.

Please pay no attention to Bunion as he/she is completely wrong. I would like you all to rest assured that the Sidmouth Folk Week WILL go ahead in 2008 and it promises to be a fabulous week for all.

Thanks for your continued support.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Changes?
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 08 May 08 - 03:24 PM

There's more going on in the Blackmore Gardens and the craft marquee is now next door outside the protective walls.

Sal

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Changes?
From: Mavs82
Date: 08 May 08 - 03:32 PM

Sal,

The main reason for there being more going on at the Blackmore Gardens is due to the fact that the Church House Lawn is not going to be a venue this year.

(I previously posted as GUEST Local Boy but felt the need to sign up as a catter!!!)

Mavs

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Changes?
From: bubblyrat
Date: 08 May 08 - 07:36 PM

Church House Lawn not a venue any more ?? But I played there ! (in the marquee ) with the Sidmouth Big Band ! AND with the Jan Steen Netherlands Dancers ! Please tell me it is not really true !!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Changes?
From: Mr Red
Date: 09 May 08 - 08:45 AM

I get the feel of a nervousness in the festivals camp this year and there are those with the agenda to diss other festivals anonymously.

Well, I for one (two actually), will be there, and Joy has decreed we are there for a week. She is a gardener by trade and August is high season for her. Says it all really. Anyone want my aching feet? Available by the Tuesday I reckon.

If there are two dance venues in Blackmore gardens it might be a bit noisy.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Changes?
From: Stringplayer
Date: 12 May 08 - 08:30 AM

Apparently the Church House building is being refurbished this year and the lawn will be a building site during the festival week.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Changes?
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 14 May 08 - 06:57 PM

Pity about Church House Lawn but even more so that Ray Goodswen is apparently not organising the social dance any more? Three Church Halls do not make up for a lost marquee either.

If the rumours of financial problems and debts are true after three years of good weather, let's hope for a fourth and even better year. Maybe just enough rain and wind to keep 'em off the beach but not enough to spoil things.....

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Changes?
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 15 May 08 - 02:55 PM

I rang the Royal York this morning and they've kindly agreed that we can run singarounds in the mornings in the Faulkner Bar again this year....this isn't, of course, mentioned in the programmes that were sent out earlier in the week.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Changes?
From: GUEST,heather
Date: 15 May 08 - 06:49 PM

Oh thank you Gawd, The Royal York and Kitty! XXX

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Changes?
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 15 May 08 - 07:32 PM

Well done Kitty.
I also discovered Rosie's late evening sing/play-arounds in the Y&F last year: so much more civilised than trying to make yourself heard in some of the pubs: the loudest noise being the creaky floorboards!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Changes?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 15 May 08 - 08:36 PM

Dont forget The Newt ! Mixed Session twice a day - Songs , tunes , and a variety of beer and snacks !

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Changes?
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 16 May 08 - 02:57 PM

LF - and hopefully the Newt will have Gerry Milne too!

Heather - thanks, look forward to hearing you and Rob again!

Kitty

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Changes?
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Jun 08 - 06:52 PM

singarounds in the mornings in the Faulkner Bar again this year....this isn't, of course, mentioned in the programmes that were sent out earlier in the week.

They wouldn't be. That glossy document only ever feature "major" events.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Changes?
From: mattkeen
Date: 06 Jun 08 - 05:11 AM

I am really looking forward to Sidmouth again this year - it will be great as the last few years have been as far as I am concerned

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Changes?
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Jun 08 - 08:04 AM

Well the Ham has a bumper crop of Artists, including a concert before the festival starts.

Lets hope everyone has as good a time as normal if not better.

I'll be in my normal post ably assisted by folk fomr as far away as australia! Now if they think it is worth coming then......

Andy

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Changes?
From: Houston_Diamond
Date: 18 Jun 08 - 04:39 PM

Why do mornings Kitty... I can't roll of my airbed that early and every year I miss it ;)

Will try my best this year :D

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Changes?
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 19 Jun 08 - 01:47 AM

It's traditional Houston - ask your Dad!

And we're starting at 10.30 on the Saturday (2 August) this year.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Changes?
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 19 Jun 08 - 06:30 PM

Apart from Church House Lawn not being a marquee this year (I wonder how many social dancers will turn up not having read the small print...??) changes are planned for the Esplanade to try and limit the traders. Amateur musicians should get more space in the prime areas - or so it is hoped! This letter gives the Folk Week view - more from the Sidmouth Herald shortly.

Folk Week view of traders on the Esplanade

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Changes?
From: Houston_Diamond
Date: 19 Jun 08 - 06:49 PM

I know Kitty... I probably can't make all but I will try my best to be there once or twice... Problem is nowadays that some nights I'm in Teignmouth and some up at the Bulverton. Respectively I oversleep at one place and the other I don't sleep enough yet I wake up after midday in both cases !!! :s

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Changes?
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 20 Jun 08 - 12:10 PM

My my how this thread wanders around like a folkie coming out of the Anchor trying to find his way back to his tent!

Sal (having confirmed a pitch in the Blackmore Gardens)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Changes?
From: Houston_Diamond
Date: 20 Jun 08 - 12:18 PM

yay... am coming to you for lemonade :D I haven't had a great lemonade since chip and ham :D

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Changes?
From: Houston_Diamond
Date: 20 Jun 08 - 12:24 PM

You may remember me Sal... I was the one who had cane rows... I think I was the only white guy that did and you told me about your son I think?!?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Changes?
From: Mavs82
Date: 20 Jun 08 - 02:38 PM

Steve in Sidmouth - I would like to suggest that enforced move of a marguee from the church house lawn to a different lawn nearby shouldn't put anyone off coming - social dancers or otherwise. Bear in mind that the provisions for social dance wont change, they'll just be in the Blackmore Gardens, due to the building work on the church house lawn.

Mavs

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Changes?
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 22 Jun 08 - 05:58 PM

That must be why the official programme leaflet states clearly:

SOCIAL DANCE:

"There will be dancing in town this year at three venues - St Teresa's Church Hall, All Saints Church Hall, and the Methodist Church Hall." That makes three church halls!!

Is this wrong, does Mavs know something the organisers didn't know when this leaflet was printed?

I asked one of the organisers about this some weeks ago, no mention was made of an alternative major social dance venue to replace Church House Lawn.

Last year there were major evening dances in Church House Lawn and a Great Western ceilidh in Blackmore Gardens at the same time. Two neighbouring marquees?

The leaflets should state the major changes clearly so people know what to expect.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Changes?
From: Mavs82
Date: 29 Jun 08 - 06:06 PM

Unfortunately Steve, because of uncertainty due to planning regs etc. there are some things that weren't certain at the time of printing the fliers. Although I cannot say for certain, it is my understanding at this point that the events that have previously been in the church house lawn marquee are being 'temporarily rehoused' this year in another marquee. I will check this to ensure I have understood correctly although I would stress at this time that Sidmouth Folk Week Productions are doing everything they can to ensure everyone is able to enjoy the festival as they would usually do so.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Changes?
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 29 Jun 08 - 06:25 PM

Just looked at the extra concert on Thursday 31st July with Eliza Carthy: much as I love her music, £18 (or £20 if you book later) seems a bit steep. Having already shelled out for an evening season ticket for the Ham, I would have hoped for a discount for season ticket-holders for this concert too, but can't see any evidence of such on the website.
Anyway hoping to meet up with other early arriving MBSers for a good sing and some proper job cider1

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Changes?
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 30 Jun 08 - 05:39 PM

Hey...Houston_Diamond_AKA_The_Problem I remember and am looking forward to seeing you again.

I must phone the local green grocers and get my lemons ordered. I like using locals cos I like to put some money back into the towns where I trade.

I'm sure all is going to plan with the fest. No matter what happens loads of people will turn up anyway.

Woo hoo party on, man!

Sal

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Changes?
From: GUEST,Smith
Date: 30 Jun 08 - 06:01 PM

Mrs Bogle,
Are you staying again with your in laws and coming down from wee Scotland.C u in the MBS as usual.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Changes?
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 30 Jun 08 - 07:23 PM

Aye that'll be me. Trying to place you, Smith guest!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Changes?
From: GUEST,Smith
Date: 30 Jun 08 - 08:15 PM

Trish glad 2 c u like rugby shame you lost the grand slam.How is your father-in-law these days?.Last time we chatted he was very ill.


Smith

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Changes?
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 03 Jul 08 - 06:43 AM

Thanks for asking: he's still "doing awa" - memory still failing, breathing better since he's been separated forcibly from the cigarettes. ("No, Tesco's don't sell them: it's a food store").
More into tennis than rugby right now: but Andy Murray now reverts to being Scottish and no longer BRITAIN's great hope!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Changes?
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 21 Jan 09 - 05:32 PM

Found this on myspace, did anyone else see it....

    *
      Sidmouth Folk Week

      Large House to rent - sleeps 12 3 minutes from Ham Marquee
      www.windgates.co.uk


Sal

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Changes?
From: bubblyrat
Date: 22 Jan 09 - 05:56 AM

Getting back to the "Traders" (Oh ! How I loathe them !!)----if the Council and / or the police cannot, or will not,do anything about a problem which seems to get worse every year,and is threatening to get out of control altogether,then could not the festival itself arrange for a "deputation" ( I was thinking maybe a body of blacked-up,stick-wielding Border Morris dancers ??) to apply a bit of "gentle persuasion " ---??? Especially to the birdy-whistle vendors !! But seriously,'though ----The situation regarding The Esplanade is a problem that really does need to be addressed by SOMEONE in a position of authority and soon, because I can see it getting totally "out of hand" before much longer.I got very angry and frustrated last year, and that is NOT what I went for (or expected !).

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Changes?
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 22 Jan 09 - 06:44 AM

But according to my some of my customers, it's the traders on the sea front that make it part of the excitement of the whole event.

Sal

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Changes?
From: GUEST,Mary Brennan
Date: 22 Jan 09 - 10:14 AM

I like the traders on the sea front. I thought they were part of the festival.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Changes?
From: bubblyrat
Date: 23 Jan 09 - 04:37 AM

Yes,but it's not just the "traders"-----it's the whole hippy fringe thing that that generates,especially the drunks who congregate in the bus-shelter by The Ham.As I said before on a similar thread,about two years ago,despite official notices to the contrary,there were people ( not folk artists) using amplifiers on the Esplanade. I complained to two policemen about it,and showed them the rules (in writing),pointing out that many regular festival performers would LIKE to use amps ( Appalachian bands,etc), but didn't, as per Festival rules.The officers told me that they would have to radio HQ in Exeter for "advice" (!!!), but then an American tourist and his wife came up and complained also,as the din was audible in their hotel room.So eventually the two officers were compelled to (reluctantly) act.The point is------The Police in Sidmouth will not,short of obvious rape or murder,actually do ANYTHING,unless you persistently "badger" them. So, if you don't like the bye-law infringements or whatever on the Esplanade, don't expect the Police or local "Authority" to deal with it,because,without your vigorous and emphatic input, they won't !!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Changes?
From: bubblyrat
Date: 23 Jan 09 - 05:02 AM

And no,Mary Brennan,they are not part of the festival !! Not like at Leicester, or Wimborne,or Towersey,et al,which would not be the same without the regular (permit-holding) market-stalls,and who,for me,provide an integral,and very enjoyable,part of the "scene".

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Changes?
From: GUEST,surreysinger at work
Date: 23 Jan 09 - 09:48 AM

Sorry Sal, but I can't really see that some of the rather tat stalls that end up on the seafront (and mostly rather repetitious in nature) add any excitement to the week at all. The excitement for me would be proper Festival musical buskers or Morris sides, and the tat stalls rather get in the way ... I'll agree with bubblyrat on this one!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Changes?
From: sid
Date: 26 Jan 09 - 07:14 AM

If people didn't buy their stuff - they wouldn't come! Simple.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Changes?
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Jan 09 - 09:56 AM

Dire hotels? if you want corporate identicality - try anytown near the motorway junction. Though the music might be a little "anytown".

I had heard that the Blackmore Gardens dance tent was to be larger this year, and the craft fair gets a fair deal. The crafts are part of the craic.

And if the buzz last year was anything to go by, the night of Cornish dancing will be repeated.

anyone for skanking? Me first........

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Changes?
From: Phil Edwards
Date: 26 Jan 09 - 10:59 AM

Sorry, I thought someone was proposing an acoustic Arthur Lee tribute album ("If The People Would Be The Times Or Between The Ham And Church Street"...)

I'll get my coat.