Oh Dear Sidmouth

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 12 Jul 09 - 06:29 PM

I think the correction to the prices for the ballad and Woodlands themed song sessions might have robbed me of a winning entry for the Doom, Gloom and Despondency session on Thursday afternoon at the Royal York and Faulkner...?

Kitty

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Rumncoke
Date: 12 Jul 09 - 02:27 PM

Whooopeeee!!!!!!!


Whooopeeee!!!!!!!


Whooopeeee!!!!!

I suffered so much from printers errors
That death for me can hold no terrors
I bet this stone has been misdated
I wish to God I'd been cremated.

Ogden Nash, I believe.

Anne Croucher

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 12 Jul 09 - 12:54 PM

Any news on the extra caravan spaces? It would be an awful shame to turn families away. Local B&B pretty much full apparently and I've got provisional bookings for my front lawn!

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Surreysinger
Date: 12 Jul 09 - 12:29 PM

Thanks for letting me know that Joanie ... it did seem a bit of a hike in pricings! (I think by the way, that a fee used to be charged in earlier years , and _might_ reasonably be charged for the ballad sessions again (that'll probably get me lynched) .Whitby certainly do - but the format there does involve a great deal more guest input as such, and the price is not as great as the workshop one of £8 which was quoted erroneously in the working programme. ). I'll look forward to getting to one or two of the ballad sessions with Sheila in due course. The ballad session frequenters tend to be a small but rather dedicated band. :-)

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 12 Jul 09 - 10:43 AM

I should add, Irene, that this is also the case with the ballad sessions, which will continue to be free.

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 12 Jul 09 - 10:26 AM

Anne - thank you for pointing out the fact that the Woodlands themed sings are listed in the working programme as a paid event this year. Having spoken with the board I can confirm that there was never any intention to charge for these events this year, and that the cost listed in the programme is an error. We will make this clear on the website and in the Internet newsgroups, and it will be clarified in the festival newsletter.

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: vectis
Date: 12 Jul 09 - 09:01 AM

I think that the highly inflated prices for the woodside and ballad sessions are an attempt to get more people to buy seasons. It seems unlikely that I will go to either this year if it will cost me £8 to pop in for a sing.
If there isn't enough left to make an enjoyable week away then I will have to think carefully about whether I want to be there at all.
I used to go to Broadstairs but don't any longer because the tickets were not good value for money and there wasn't enough fringe to make a good week away. Sidmouth could end up suffering the same fate.
Whitby, on the other hand, has a thriving fringe and plenty of sings to drop in and out of which are free apart from donations, the workshops are reasonably priced and there are plenty of free places run by locals in and around the town. I wouldn't miss it for the world...

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 11 Jul 09 - 07:28 PM

What I meant is that the festival has to pay for itself. Venues have to be hired, artists have to be paid, and it makes sense to spread the costs across the festival as a whole. To suggest that an event is not free because a tin will be passed around is a bit much, really.

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 11 Jul 09 - 06:44 PM

I very much doubt the organisers are trying to achieve 'self funding' for each event - it has long been a part of many festivals that some events have to subsidise others that are 'worthwhile' but might not bring in as much money as they cost to run. It's a standard business model to allow this - only a buffoon would try and split Sidmouth into dozens of cost centres and cut each and every one that didn't pay. Net profit or loss has to be calculated for the major venues (see my discussion on the Bulverton maybe not paying its way in past years) and I have reproduced an interesting comment from the programme on my webpage 121 that this venue is going to be 'more intimate' this year. Smaller?? What a surprise!

The Arena used to be a venue that paid for lots of other events in the good years, and the Ham still does this (we hope) under the new scheme of things.

Worrying about where you put a few odd pounds in which tin is just silly - no-one is going to notice! No-one has the time or inclination to analyse to that degree and the figures would be so variable anyway, depending on weather , distance to trek to each venue etc.

Nevertheless, introducing paying £8 for events that used to be 'free' or 'collection' - if indeed that is what has been done - smacks of some measure of desperation. They could have started this year with a notional charge, £3 maybe, and assessed what effect that had on attendance. Zero to £8 is far too steep - unless you are desperate.

The webpage containing the quote and some comments about funding is on the link below - it's my opinion, like it or not!

They have made an interesting comment too about "traditional music and song elements restored to their proper place at the core of Folk Week" - strange use of words - any idea what they mean? The relevant piece is also on my webpage (see link belw) as a jpg image.

You can't make each part self financing - the social dance took a large hit when it was only in Church Halls - now they are trying to bring it back by including some dances in the enlarged Blackmore marquee but this may fail to attract many people for years - until the dance element builds up again. Ditto Bulverton - it certainly lost money in the early years in my view, so it has to be adjusted over the years to try and make it work.

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

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Bloke from Poole
Date: 11 Jul 09 - 05:49 PM

I agree with Jane and Anne - I didn't realise what I was missing at Chipp until I had the Monday free to do as I wished.

You don't get a free pass by stewarding, even if it doesn't cost you any money. And I will miss some morning, some afternoon events and take a major hit on lunchtime events. (The Anchor will have to survive without me!)

But (given my duties) I get the first weekend free to dance, every evening, and some mornings and afternoons. And I will be doing something to help festivals keep going. And I lost weight last time I did it! Despite my free bus pass.

So, on balance, I win.

Malcolm

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Rumncoke
Date: 11 Jul 09 - 10:16 AM

The themed sings at the Woodlands are now £8 entry, £48 pounds if attended all week.

The Rugby Club sessions are not free, there is a collection.

I do put money into the tin - and now feel guilty that in previous years I have put less into the Woodlands one as the collectors tend to be less 'in your face' than in other venues.

I don't feel segregated, Sidmouth is where I am not 'Mom being weird' and feel welcomed everywhere I can get to.

I feel it is the organisers who are separating the individual events and by stipulating that they have to be 'self funding' they are creating artificial divisions.

I have never divided the donations I make evenly between the different venues, and often have just put a note into the next collecting tin shaken under my nose.

If I had carefully divided up the cash so as to put in the same amount in each venue on each day, would that have provided the organisers with a greater insight into the relative 'value' of each event?

I have always regarded Sidmouth as one event to fund - perhaps I was wrong and I have been sending the wrong messages.

Anne Croucher

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 11 Jul 09 - 07:43 AM

The first Sidmouth FOLK WEEK was just a few years ago.

Lizzie is eternally young, 25 again this year and doesn't look a day older.

All I need is to have her on my dance card.......(clothes optional)

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 11 Jul 09 - 03:45 AM

Lizzie.
So you remember the first Sidmouth?
1954.
Don't think you were born then.

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Surreysinger
Date: 10 Jul 09 - 09:52 PM

Personally I can think of one event which was not charged for last year (or even, if I recall correctly the year before) - the Ballad sessions. I see that these are now being charged for at the rate of £8. I have to admit (sorry Joanie/Ruth) that that does seem rather steep for an event which is essentially a specialised singaround with most (if not all) of the singing provided from the floor, if previous years are anything to go by.

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: GUEST,Ruthie sans biscuit
Date: 10 Jul 09 - 08:51 PM

At the end of the day, Anne, the events have to be self-funding, or there won't be a festival for anyone to enjoy, full stop. Buy a workshop pass and they come in, as I said earlier, at just over £6 each for 5 workshops. This seems like very good value to me, and given what you do when you're at the festival, I'd have thought it ought to be an attractive option for you, too.

You still haven't specified which events these are that are charged this year, but were free last year. You also have completely ignored the new evening Rugby Club Sessions, led by festival guests, which are free - a whole week's worth of extra free evening activity.

If you feel segregated, I'm sorry - but the festival costs money, and has to be paid for.

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Rumncoke
Date: 10 Jul 09 - 07:18 PM

Alas no, my immediate family are not interested in folk music so paying to park all day and then waiting around whilst I went off to a folk club was never an option when visiting York.

Sidmouth is the only time I have to be away from the family and be entirely free to sing and play - I get away to a couple of local festivals for a few hours, but that is all.

Ironically I now have a promise of some work which will bring in almost exactly one season ticket's worth of money - if it happens - I am never sure of it until I have the money in the bank. Maybe I can get to some set price events after all.

I will still be unable to whinge over a pint in a pub - I can't afford to go out drinking.

I never meant to imply that a Sidmouth season ticket is not good value, if it can be got then it is fine. It is just that for people like me who are only just able to afford to get to the festival the increase in workshop prices, and the alteration of events from a collection to eight pounds entry will effect what I will be able to attend.

I only hope that it doesn't result in ever increasing segregation of ticketed events and the fringe.

Anne Croucher.

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Jane Bird
Date: 10 Jul 09 - 06:22 PM

Stewarding at festivals isn't for everyone, I know. I appreciate what Anne means about the "I'm stuck here doing a really boring shift and my favourite band are on somewhere else" feeling. For me, though, it is still the best way to appreciate Sidmouth - it's another way to be part of it.

And yes, I completely agree with Dick The Box about the whinging. It's rather boring and should be reserved for when the whingers are sitting in the pub, nursing a pint, remembering the old days and forgetting some important bits too. That way they can properly savour and enjoy their conversation.

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: stallion
Date: 10 Jul 09 - 03:16 PM

ah Anne did you manage the Tap & Spile on Friday night in York, a must! Now that is definately thread creep!

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

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: 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 - 04:07 AM

:0)

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 - 02:02 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: 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: 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: 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: 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.