Oh Dear Sidmouth

Subject: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Rumncoke
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 08:06 PM

I just downloaded the program for Sidmouth 09, and it seems that I will be almost entirely on the fringe this year.

Prices for workshops are up, set charges now apply for events which used to have a collection.

I can still afford to be in Sidmouth, just not in the main fastival.

Anne Croucher

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Nick
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 09:14 PM

So what did you do last year and what did it cost you?

I was at Sidmouth for a week last year and know what it cost me.

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 09:14 PM

It's probably a matter of an expensive week or no week at all.

Reading between the lines, it nearly WAS no week at all?

http://www.seered.co.uk/folk121.htm

There have been a lot of changes this year in response to feedback last year - give the poor organisers credit for trying their best!

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Alan Day
Date: 08 Jul 09 - 02:20 AM

What has happened to the excitement of going to Sidmouth ? People moaning about line ups of concerts before they go,now charges to watch.
I agree ,please give the organisers a chance. The fact that it is on at all is good news.
Al

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 08 Jul 09 - 02:22 AM

Rumncoke - we'll be seeing you in the Faulkner bar singarounds, then?

Kitty

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Will Fly
Date: 08 Jul 09 - 04:22 AM

The SeeRed website you quoted, Steve, is an odd compilation of stuff - driven by one person's continuing battle with everything. It's odd - he raves on about all sorts of secrecies and cover-ups in local government, and then tells you everything about himself but his actual name and email address (unless I missed it). Who is this character?

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Rumncoke
Date: 08 Jul 09 - 04:28 AM

Hi Kitty

The Faulkener is now top of my list.

Unless I get lots of work in the next three weeks (ha ha) talks and workshops will not be diverting me from joining you.

Anne Croucher

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Terry McDonald
Date: 08 Jul 09 - 04:30 AM

Apparently his name is Dr Stephen J Wozniak, Will.

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 08 Jul 09 - 04:30 AM

Seered is Steve in Sidmouth!!
Derek

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 08 Jul 09 - 04:43 AM

"a book of 5 workshop passes can be bought, either
at the door or at the Festival Box Office. The pass costs £32
giving you a 20% discount to attend 5 workshops and can be
'traded in' at any workshops marked W in the events listing."


This makes 5 workshops come in at just over £6 each. And of course a season ticket gives unlimited access to as many workshops as you like.

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Rumncoke
Date: 08 Jul 09 - 05:16 AM

I believe it was the 25th Sidmouth when I last got a season ticket - and a tee shirt.

A few years after that I stopped attending concerts, then the arena. Somewhere along the way I stopped eating in restaurants, cut out recorded music purchases, didn't look at the craft tents or the instruments.

I have been coming to Sidmouth for a very long time, just not attending the same parts of the festival.

I think the best year for me recently was the one where there wasn't suposed to be a festival at all.

I would love to be able to attend everything that took my fancy, buy all that caught my eye and donate to the organisation, but it is just not going to happen.

Anne Croucher

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 08 Jul 09 - 06:00 AM

I can sympathise with where you're coming from, Anne - it's a difficult year for lots of people. The organisers would absolutely LOVE to produce a festival with lots and lots of free events. Unfortunately, the finances of the festival need to be stabilised, and while we have made concerted (and successful) efforts to gain extra funding from both local businesses and local councils this year, it makes sense that people who actually use the festival's amenities contribute to the real cost of putting it on.

The great thing about Sidmouth as a festival is it is different for every single person who comes. There are so many events that you can pick and choose to create the festival that best suits you. The best value at Sidmouth, as in life, is bulk-buying - season tickets and groups of workshops are probably the most cost-effective option for most people.

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Leadfingers
Date: 08 Jul 09 - 06:51 AM

Jerry Milne and I will be 'Doing Our Thing' in The Newt , as usual !

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Will Fly
Date: 08 Jul 09 - 07:18 AM

Thanks for the info - and, Steve in Sidmouth (SeeRed) - good to know who you are! You sound quite a character indeed, facing up against the more stupid aspects of bureaucracy.

However, a name and an email address on the website is always helpful - unless you've had loads of hate mail, of course. Aologies if they are there and I've missed 'em.

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Rumncoke
Date: 08 Jul 09 - 07:39 AM

I think that there is a tailing off point though, where in an effort to increase income by setting a fixed cost it starts to put people off attending.

To go to all the themed sings at the Woodlands would have cost 48 pounds - I think, if there is one on the Friday - I was so dispirited by the time I reached Wednesday of the program...

O.K. I admit I did not give much in the collection, but at least it was given.

This year I will probably be on the sea front and spending the money on ice cream. I can resist anything but temptation, and mint ice cream with chocolate chips.

Anne Croucher

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Mr Red
Date: 08 Jul 09 - 07:40 AM

Quite a character, indeed!

And I don't think it wise to provide e-mail addresses on website unless they are carefully hidden from spammers' web-bots. eg images &/or JavaScript.

And people with outspoken views or opinions probably hide their contact details after a few hearty rejoinders.

I can think of three Festival Organisers with more than robust opinions and a desperation to pull-in the punters (you know who they are) who don't dare have Mudcat identities. PM's would fly.

Sidmouth Organisers are not in it for the money AFAIK. There are a lot of enthusiasts on t' committee and we can gripe all we want but I would like to applaud them for keeping it going. And I don't particularly get on with one of the organiser. The particular irksome trait is what actually gets things moving behind the scenes.

If the fringe is all you support - then support it. I don't favour concerts, I love the free ceilidhs and sessions but have got a ticket this year.

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: The Barden of England
Date: 08 Jul 09 - 07:50 AM

I will, as always, go to the concerts I want to go to, put what little money I have (I am unemployed at the moment, and have been since early February)in the collection tin in The Bedford, where I spend a lot of my time, and take in the wonderful atmosphere that is Sidmouth Folk Week. My wife is once again a volunteer steward and plans to be so next year. My hat goes off to the orgnisers who each year work so hard so that so many of us can still enjoy Sidmouth Folk Week, which since 2004 has not had £60,000 from the EDDC.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 08 Jul 09 - 09:24 AM

"Thanks for the info - and, Steve in Sidmouth (SeeRed) - good to know who you are! You sound quite a character indeed, facing up against the more stupid aspects of bureaucracy.

However, a name and an email address on the website is always helpful - unless you've had loads of hate mail, of course. Aologies if they are there and I've missed 'em."

For people who can't use the internet, try my home page - photo as well as email address!

http://www.seered.co.uk

Always ready to consider amendments to folk webpages if you think I've got something wrong.

The latest (tongue a bit in cheek) page is here - for women to read only. I need a feminine perspective on all this.....

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

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: GUEST,Jim Redfern
Date: 08 Jul 09 - 09:43 AM

Silver Lining..If you've never seen them,go and watch The Claque over the festival.

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Jack Campin
Date: 08 Jul 09 - 10:02 AM

And I don't think it wise to provide e-mail addresses on website unless they are carefully hidden from spammers' web-bots. eg images &/or JavaScript.

What I do on my site works fine (I get no spam) and is also accessible to the blind.

And people with outspoken views or opinions probably hide their contact details after a few hearty rejoinders.

I think the stuff about Islam and Kurdistan on my site goes rather further out than anything on Disgusted of Devon's site, and I don't get any grief for it.

Re folk dance clothes: you can provide additional excitement at ceilidhs by wearing a kilt over a large armoury of genital piercings, going commando, and falling flat on your back on the dancefloor. (I didn't see this happen myself but the story must still be going round the Lothians folkdance scene).

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Rifleman (inactive)
Date: 08 Jul 09 - 11:31 AM

"For people who can't use the internet, try my home page" :-O

It time to play spot the error in preceeding statement :-D

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 08 Jul 09 - 02:01 PM

Good Gawd, Stevie Scarlett! What the fook is all this about? (taken from your link above)   


Why cotton? Because it absorbs perspiration and you will feel far less sticky when hot. Simple as that. Also your partner will find you feel less clammy. Folk dancing is tactile. If you don't like being tactile, take up knitting or stamp collecting instead. Brushed cotton is very sensual - especially on a woman (but I would think that, wouldn't I?). Apart from cotton there are some good manmade wicking fabrics but no doubt these are more expensive.

Limit jewellery to a minimum and preferably zero. This applies especially at folk festivals and 'fast' ceilidhs where you may mix with highly experienced people who dance more energetically than you do. Expensive watches may get ripped off your arms, bracelets may never be the same again (or may never be seen again). Studded bracelets as worn by 'new age' women are an offensive weapon and can rip men's arms (believe me, I know). Even a diamond engagement or other ring can be a sharp implement if dragged across someone's arm. Leave it at home! Necklaces can get snagged and spill their beads across the dance floor. You will not be popular.

Folk dancing is not a fashion parade. You are judged by your dancing ability not by displays of conspicuous consumption. Women do not have to spend a fortune on clothes - indeed many superb dancers make little effort dressing up - they know men will want to dance with them simply because of their expertise. Men who wear 'loud' shirts are a part of the scenery - and generally good dancers. A visit to a charity shop in an upmarket town can provide several outfits for less than the cost of getting to one dance.

Experienced dance teachers will tell you that over 80% of the reason why someone asks you to dance is simply how well you dance. Clothes make little difference. How you use your eyes can make a lot of difference. Before language was invented, primates communicated using their eyes and their fingertips. Many folk dancers still do. Loud shirts are just a sort of mating plumage, the male equivalent of an undersized mini-skirt.

Imagine you go to a dance on a cold winter's night. You may have dressed in 4 or 5 layers, You need to be able to reduce them to one layer for dancing once you warm up - aim for a well ventilated single layer. You are allowed underclothes as well - but these are optional of course.

For men, a short sleeved 100% cotton shirt can be ideal. I find close fitting T shirts are far too hot. Thin cotton trousers are ideal - and not too tight fitting. 60% cotton 40% polyester trousers are OK - but again not too tight. Jeans are too hot and quite heavy - but many people dance in them. They are often the people who sit dances out - to recover and cool down! Shorts are OK for men and women at ceilidhs and festival dances. They may be frowned upon at a club night! Wear the right clothes and aim to dance every dance! Silk shirts look good but can be so thin that they quickly get saturated and then stick to you. In my view they are suitable only for 'gentle' types of social folk dance. Aim for colours that don't change colour too much when wet - some are far worse than others. I should know why, but I don't.

For women, don't wear a tight figure-hugging skirt, short or otherwise. Flowing skirts (these can be quite short!!) or dresses work best - plan to allow your legs free movement. Loose fitting cotton slacks are obviously OK. Your top should either have buttons (preferably with several missing....) or be V neck and quite revealing anyway - it will help keep you cool and the men interested. A heavy sweater over a bra is a very bad idea, even if it is minus ten degrees outdoors. After two dances you'll want to take it off. I do sometimes advise women to take their sweater off before they dance with me - only to be told they have nothing on underneath. OK, so it's worth trying.

Tops should be cotton and NOT fashion parade sequins or comprising a latticework of beads - think of the men who will have their hands around your back. These things are suitable for dinner parties, they are impracticable for folk dancing. Any sort of stockings are likely to make you too hot. Dresses used with a strapless bar and that leave you with a bare back look very nice but can be intimidating for men - who will need to dance with you with their hand directly on your back. Some men find this unsettling. Also, you may not wish a succession of possibly clammy hands to be placed on your bare back! A skimpy cotton top is probably the best compromise. An attractive woman showing part of her midriff is fine (fine by me anyhow).

Socks should be cotton or cotton rich mixtures and short. Any colour - even if from different pairs.

Shoes should be flat soled, lightweight and not too bulky. They should be well secured to your feet - not a loose slip-on design. Stilettos are an offensive weapon and wholly unsuitable for many dance types which are 'flat' - that is you dance with your feet broadly flat to the floor, rather than up on your toes. Waltz is one example, Irish set dance is another (leaving aside the experts of Riverdance etc!). Trainers are OK but I don't much like them, the soles can be too 'grippy' on the dance floor. Leather soles can be too slippery. Many people wear sandals that provide lots of ventilation - but leave your toes more exposed to being trodden on. Proper dance shoes are ideal but are totally unnecessary for beginners. Whatever shoes you wear make sure they are comfortable with no 'tight spots'. These will soon become sore spots - or worse. Some types of dances require hard soled shoes, some require clogs. These are specialised types of folk dance not 'evening out' ceilidhs or general dances at festivals."

I'm sticking to Oysterband dancing, you can wear what you want, glow till dawn, slip, slide, fall, expose, cover up, dance naked, alone or together...Sooooooooo much more fun!

Stevie, you've turned into a Sidmothian!!! Leave the County, immediately!

:0)

WHO is Seered Steve, Will? Well, you could look in some of these threads... :0)

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 08 Jul 09 - 02:02 PM

Ha! Or..er..maybe not... :0)

Put 'Sidmouth' into the Search bit and see what happens, Will...and you should go to the correct page and er...not the blank one above. LOL

Sorry about that...

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Will Fly
Date: 08 Jul 09 - 02:40 PM

Thanks Lizzie, but somehow, I think I'd rather not - life's too short to explore the vagaries of Sidmouth, and I've got some recording and arranging to do.

And actually I never saw Steve's email address because I wasn't looking at his home page - which, unless I'm mistaken, is the only page which contains the email address.

Anyway, as I say, life's too short - and I might just have to go and prop up the Old Git's corner... just a stengah, a quick snifter, you know.

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 08 Jul 09 - 02:49 PM

Stevie Scarlett and I go wayyyyyyy back to the days of the very first Sidmouth Folk Week, Will. He lives oop the road a little way. We had many a argeybargey in days of yore, all done with great humour though, eh Stevie...

Ah, those were the days! ;0)

The Old Git's Corner? LOL The National Trust used to sell a great book about Old Git's, very funny.

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 08 Jul 09 - 02:55 PM

"I think that there is a tailing off point though, where in an effort to increase income by setting a fixed cost it starts to put people off attending."

Well, festivals like Towersey, Cambridge and Shrewsbury, all weekend festivals, cost around £95 for a season ticket. Sidmouth provides 8 days of activity for £160 (you could have got the ticket for £140 till quite recently). Weekend tickets are £64, and were £56 under the early bird deal. The Ham Evening season ticket is, of course, extra - or you can suppliment the season ticket with the odd Ham evening concert (you get a discount as a season ticket holder).

There are arond 600 events in this year's festival - compared to other large-scale folk festivals, I think we're providing pretty good value for money.

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Jane Bird
Date: 08 Jul 09 - 03:42 PM

Anne, is it worth considering putting in an application to steward? This saw me through many festivals when I couldn't afford to get there otherwise, and it's dead good fun in its own right!

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: The Barden of England
Date: 08 Jul 09 - 03:54 PM

I believe they're still looking for Stewards, try this :-
http://www.sidmouthfolkweek.co.uk/ and click where it says 'Stewards still needed – Enjoy Sidmouth FolkWeek for FREE'
Hope this helps.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Rifleman (inactive)
Date: 08 Jul 09 - 04:20 PM

Even if you have to pay, this is one of the best values for money on the festival circuit going.

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 09 Jul 09 - 07:28 AM

Other festivals might well cost "around £95 for a (long weekend) season ticket" but they don't all charge £50 for camping and another £24 (or £4 per day) for a bus pass - adding £74 to the early-bird season ticket at £140. That's an additional 53% - and then you have petrol costs to and from Ambridge all the way down to distant Sidmouth.

Kind of 'Ruth' to mention also that "the Ham Evening season ticket is, of course, extra" - so a full season ticket (includes Ham) with camping and a bus pass is close to £280 - double the basic £140.

Being a steward gets you about £200 worth of basic tickets (includes £50 camping and maybe cheaper bus tickets) for (say) 30 hours work. This compares quite well with other festivals - and at Sidmouth you get the seaside thrown in for free.

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 09 Jul 09 - 07:46 AM

Lizzie.

I do hope you now live 'oop the road' a VERY LONG WAY AWAY.

I have not missed you at all - probably because I have never met you.

I have received several INTELLIGENT comments about my draft webpage and as a consequence it has been modified, updated, renewed, refreshed and reloaded. It is awaiting your esteemed delectation.

BTW I need to know what to wear if I am included on your dance card.

XX

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: greg stephens
Date: 09 Jul 09 - 07:49 AM

WEll, I've had a glance at the programme, and there seems to be alot of great stuff, well worth a few bob. You even get to see the Boat Band. Several times. Though not, alas, for a cajun dance.

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Dave Earl
Date: 09 Jul 09 - 08:33 AM

Well everybody I have to say that, although it's worth every penny, Sidmouth ain't cheap.

If I didn't do the Stewarding my Bank balance and Credit Card would take a hell of a thrashing - Er they do anyway cos of the food, beer, CDs, additional Ham Concerts etc. etc. etc.

So in return for 4 or 5 hours a day I would say that Stewarding is a good way to get to the Festival - and the last I heard they are still looking.

So Anne(Rumncoke) I suggest you get in there and put your name down quickly.

Dave

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: WalkaboutsVerse
Date: 09 Jul 09 - 08:51 AM

Yet to go but, from the BBC's coverage of the 50th, it looks good.

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Kevin Sheils
Date: 09 Jul 09 - 12:04 PM

I see from the WP that, on my return to Sidmouth this year, I'll be MCing one of your shows Greg.

Looking forward to it.

And the rest.

Plus!

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 09 Jul 09 - 02:33 PM

"but they don't all charge £50 for camping"

No - most seem to charge between £12 and £20. But again, we're talking aobut weekend festivals. Sidmouth gives you 8 nights of camping for your £50.

"and another £24 (or £4 per day) for a bus pass"

Well, it's not a greenfield festival. A bus service helps to overcome the geographical spread of the festival, but it needs to be paid for. The bus service laid on at Towersey which takes you into town, for example, costs £1 each way, I believe.

Many people choose to come for the weekend - in which case your ticket, camping and bus pass will cost you £92 in total - easily competitive with other weekend festival tickets. If you stay all week, yes - Sidmouth does cost more than a weekend festival. But for many people who do stay all week, it's not just a festival, it's their holiday. Given the current cost of going abroad and the exchange rates this year, I think it's a particularly attractive alternative.

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 09 Jul 09 - 02:44 PM

You just pipped me to the post Ruth - indeed, the best comparison for Sidmouth FolkWeek is against a week's holiday anywhere.

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Rifleman (inactive)
Date: 09 Jul 09 - 02:52 PM

"well i wont be going , my choice, but sidmouth is not what it was..."

What it was and what in could possibly be are two totally different things. Let's see just what the new artistic director can do...I have a feeling that she's going to work wonders...open mind please and thank you :-)

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Rumncoke
Date: 09 Jul 09 - 07:40 PM

I did steward once - oh the anguish of knowing that there was so much going on elsewhere and I wanted to be there, doing it.

I don't really go to folk festivals to spectate, you see, but to participate, as much as possible, and to that end I usually only stop to watch or listen when in transit.

Even with the inevitable ice cream I go home from Sidmouth half a stone lighter, I unload the van, return it and then sleep for the rest of the weekend.

I will just have to do the best I can with the money I've got.

It's too late to sell the children.

Anne Croucher

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: skipy
Date: 09 Jul 09 - 07:47 PM

Think I'll go to White horse folk festival (14, 15, 15 Aug) much smaller, cheaper, but still fun!

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: GUEST,Sandie shawcross
Date: 09 Jul 09 - 10:03 PM

Does anyone know where the craft market is this year? I have heard that it's moved and no one'll find it this year? Who's in the Blackmoor Gardens?

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 09 Jul 09 - 10:19 PM

Oh, how I love Mudcat guests and their disingenuous questions! You crazy kids crack me up.

Yes, Sandie, the craft market has moved, but it's on Kenaway Lawn (formerly Church House Lawn) - shouldn't be too hard to find.

The Music Fair is in Blackmore Gardens.

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 10 Jul 09 - 03:15 AM

This was one of the best Sidmouth gigs I've EVER seen, because this band rocked the town to it's very being, and didn't the audience just LOVE 'em!

From the very first Sidmouth Folk Week, the year that no-one thought would ever happen...One of, imo, the best bands on the folk circuit, the fabulous.....
Duncan McFarlane Band

:0)

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Dick The Box
Date: 10 Jul 09 - 03:54 AM

I just wish people would stop whinging on about Sidmouth. The organisers work their arses off to put it on and all they seem to get is s*** thrown at them. It costs what it costs and it is what is is. No-one is making a profit and the price reflects the cost putting it all together. If you are happy then go to it and if you are not then do something else. Vote with your feet. If the organisers have got it wrong then the festival will fold but if they have got it right then long live Sidmouth.....

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: stallion
Date: 10 Jul 09 - 03:55 AM

This might sound like thread creep but I just read that York City car park are lowering their car parking fees because revenue is down, they hiked the prices last year in a bid, they said, to deter people from using cars to come into the city. Well it worked so now they are lowering their prices to attract cars into the city because of the shortfall in income.
So is it better to sell out at lower prices or risk having half empty venues and still not make money. It's a tough call that will not be answered until after the event. Whatever happens the event has to at least break even or disappear, the other thing that will happen, of course, is that the big crowd drawers will get work and those that are not will be redundant, if there is no slack anywhere. This is a very big ask for the organisers, who would want the job, I trust that they will know the market and have pitched it right, I am sorry for many of us who are really struggling to make ends meet through this recession the prices look daunting, good news is that there is an excellent fringe! Enjoy what you can....When I was a lad we couldn't afford instruments it were a comb and IZAL toilet paper.......

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Will Fly
Date: 10 Jul 09 - 04:00 AM

IZAL toilet paper? Luxury! We 'ad to use Bronco!

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 10 Jul 09 - 04:07 AM

:0)

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: GUEST,Mr (dry) Red
Date: 10 Jul 09 - 07:37 AM

Lizzie

Why cotton? Because it absorbs perspiration and you will feel far less sticky when hot. Simple as that. Also your partner will find you feel less clammy. Folk dancing is tactile.

Now I have had this discussion with one certain mudcatter who insists artificial fibres are the way to go. Despite my pointing-out that the "cotton is an hyperthermia risk" statement is an admission of its cooling properties. I wear cotton to dance in and have been thanked for changing my shirt (3 - 4 some nights).

Because I want to be tactiled {;-}}

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 10 Jul 09 - 07:43 AM

Good Lawdy, Stevie! You want to be tactiled! In SIDMOUTH! Surely, that's against the law. I'll have to tell PC Lemon about you! LOL (and yes, for those who don't live here, PC Lemon is REAL) :0)

Oh take yer clothes off and have done with it, Stevie, it'll make folk week go with a bang! ;0)

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Rumncoke
Date: 10 Jul 09 - 08:46 AM

I visited York twice, for two family reunions earlier this year, and parking the car was expensive, so expensive that I did not see all that I wanted - I was born in the city centre, but could not sightsee or even look in the shops, both visits became a scramble to get things done and return to the car park in time.

There were plenty of places in the car park, and lots of people hurrying off or back to their cars.

I suspect that town centre businesses have also noticed a reduction in customers.

The town where we stayed, an hour's drive from York, has a very different approach. During the week parking cost us a trifling amount, on Saturday it was free, so we wandered round the market and town centre and did some shopping.

Anne Croucher