Sidmouth on the move?

Subject: Sidmouth on the move?
From: GUEST,Dave Chamberlain
Date: 24 Jan 05 - 10:23 AM

JUst seen a piece on the BBC Wales news website to the effect that the organisers of the Sidmouth festival are visiting Llanelli to assses the suitability of the festival fields as a location for the 2006 festival!
A bit of background - the festival fields are on reclaimed industrial ground & were created specifically for the 2000 national Eisteddfod. Camarthenshire county council are also spending £65,000 on bringing permanent water & electricity as well as a permanent fence around the site.

to see the full story click here

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: Snuffy
Date: 24 Jan 05 - 10:59 AM

It used to be in Stratford-upon-Avon before those seasiders nicked it from us back in the 50s!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: ConcertinaChap
Date: 24 Jan 05 - 11:03 AM

"A major international folk festival usually held in Devon could be staged in Llanelli, south west Wales, after outgrowing its current location. The Sidmouth International Festival, one of Britain's longest-running music festivals, attracts thousands of people and brings £5m to the local economy.

But organisers say they are looking for a bigger venue to stage the show.

They are in talks with Carmarthenshire Council who have offered Llanelli's Festival Fields.

Organisers of the festival are planning to visit the site to assess its suitability.

The Festival Fields is a fantastic site and is rightly attracting interest from far and wide

Carmarthenshire councillor Clive Scourfield,

The event, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2004 and attracted around 60,000 people to Devon over six days, is said to have brought in an estimated £5m into the local economy.

If the Festival Fields site is deemed suitable, the event will be staged there in August 2006.

More than £65,000 is being spent at the site on new infrastructure including a permanent fence and power.

It has already staged a number of events including a three day Party on the Coast extravaganza last summer.

Councillor Clive Scourfield said: "The Festival Fields is a fantastic site and is rightly attracting interest from far and wide.

"It is in a stunning location and the recent investment will provide the infrastructure needed to attract big name organisations.

"The council is committed to providing better events and entertainment across Carmarthenshire and we are confident that Festival Fields will become widely known as a major venue in Wales."

One question: who are the organisers herein referred to? Such a festival would be more Glastonbury than Sidmouth. Sounds right up Mrs Casey's street.

Chris

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: Dave Earl
Date: 24 Jan 05 - 11:05 AM

But who are the team organising it. I doubt whether it will be Steve Heap and Mrs Casey. There will still be the problems with potential finanancial losses in the event of wet weather.

Other threads around here will tell what is happening at Sidmouth in 2005 and 2006.

Dave Earl

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 24 Jan 05 - 11:08 AM

Has anyone ever thought of asking Steve Heap directly? You can reach him via Mrs Casey, or the Festival Organisers Association. If you want the truth of a matter, always go to the source, don't piss around with speculation.

LTS

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: GUEST,davy
Date: 24 Jan 05 - 11:16 AM

Won't be Sidmouth! it's in a different country and Sidmouth's still in Devon!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Jan 05 - 11:28 AM

Its Devon's lost and South Wales gain!!!!!.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: pavane
Date: 24 Jan 05 - 11:35 AM

Never been to Sidmouth, but Llanelli is only just down the road...

But what about Pontardawe, also in August?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Jan 05 - 11:53 AM

Pontardawe is later in the month than Sidmouth use to be.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 24 Jan 05 - 12:18 PM

Sidmouth festival is in its entirety an experience. Carmarthen in a field is a different and new experience, Ponterdawe is just down the road and has its own roots. Sidmouth has the tradition the streets the pubs and the atmosphere- the financial problems are with the big venues and names not with the folk singers and musicians who just want to gather and make music! Sidmouth will be crowded with folkies this year just as it was last year but independently of Mrs Casey thank God!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: Dave Earl
Date: 24 Jan 05 - 12:31 PM

If this plan takes off I find it difficult to see where in August it could take place without clashing with something else.

As far as I know there will already be "something" in Sidmouth,Broadstairs,Whitby,Towersey and some other weekend festivals which seems to me to take up most, if not all, of August.

For what it is worth, and disagree if you wish, I shall continue going to Sidmouth to sing with my mates at what we believe will be a "real" Folk Festival.

Dave Earl

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 24 Jan 05 - 02:04 PM

Festivals in fields away from towns are a totally different kind of thing. It might be possible to move "Sidmouth" to another town and keep the heart of it, but out in a field, however well set, won't do it. It might be a great event in its way, but it's not my way. I don't think I'll be the only Sidmouth regular to give it a miss.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 24 Jan 05 - 02:19 PM

I think we are seeing the International Festival growing away from town centres and heading towards a Cropredy/Cambridge type of event. There is demand for this sort of event anyway (we already know that the younger folkies prefer that), so I suspect they will do well after any teething problems with the transfer (including the problems of cutting the umbilical from the "fringe").

Meanwhile, Sidmouth retains a smaller scale, "fringe"-oriented (with some booked acts) event, more suited to the town perhaps; and with many die-hard fans to seed it, it will also do well (I certainly wish it well).

I detect lots of undercurrents in the thread (and others similar), including bitterness at the departure of the International Festival, resistance to change, a wish to compare festivals and events and find one wanting, location "nationalism" etc. All bad reactions, if understandable.

Lets be grown up about it, and wish both events a long a prosperous future - and move on.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: Ned Ludd
Date: 24 Jan 05 - 02:23 PM

So someone's starting a new festival. Sidmouth will still be there as well. May the best fest win! it all helps the music. The more the merrier!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 24 Jan 05 - 02:44 PM

Cherry Hinton the Cambridge venue is nicely situated, and managed to bridge the gap between Glastonbury, and Sidmouth type venues. Totally closed in venues with all franchised bars and food outlets are not for me I'm afraid.
Giok

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 24 Jan 05 - 03:08 PM

Cambridge? Yes, that's the kind of event I had in mind...
I'm reminded of the continuing push there is to move Notting Hill Carbival out of the streets and into a park - it makes a kind of practical sense, but there are more important thinhs than practicality.

Culture gets turned into packaged entertainment.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: MBSLynne
Date: 24 Jan 05 - 05:19 PM

Steve Heap has put out a press release categorically stating that under no circumstances will Sidmouth festival be moving to LLanelli...it belongs in Sidmouth. He has asked for the piece to be withdrawn from the BBC web site.

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: Dave Earl
Date: 24 Jan 05 - 05:32 PM

So my understanding of the situation is that, while something may happen at Llanelli, it will not be "Sidmouth" in another place.

Good luck to them but I know where my home festival is and it ain't in Wales.

Dave Earl

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Jan 05 - 06:09 PM

The piece quite clearly stated that Mrs Casey would be evaluating the site to see what would be suitable. Not necessarily a folk festival at all.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 24 Jan 05 - 06:29 PM

This is exactly the sort of reaction I have been hoping to see. Nice to have so many people say that Sidmouth will not die. Best wishes to Llanelli, but I'll still be with the rest of you at Sidmouth.

Poaitivity at last!

Don T.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 25 Jan 05 - 02:32 AM

Text of Steve's Press Release:-

Sir,

Your item re: the speculation of Sidmouth Festival moving to Wales. As the ex-Director of Sidmouth Festival and Director of Mrs Casey Music I can quite categorically state that the 50-year-old Sidmouth Festival belongs and should remain in Sidmouth. My organisation may well be entering into discussions with Carmarthenshire Council to investigate the possibility of running an event on a site yet to be viewed. Under no circumstances will Mrs Casey Music attempt to move Sidmouth International Festival to Wales.

I would appreciate you withdrawing the BBC website speculation whilst understanding that the information may well be contained in a press release from the Council.

Yours sincerely,

Steve Heap, Director

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: MBSLynne
Date: 25 Jan 05 - 02:38 AM

A festival in Llanelli would be Llanelli Festival, not Sidmouth Festival. Whatever happens in Llanelli, Sidmouth Festival will continue...in Sidmouth. Steve Heap resigned as Manager of Sidmouth Festival anyway, so how could he take the Festival anywherre else? It no longer has anything to do with him

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 25 Jan 05 - 05:03 AM

Good grief, someone took my advice?!!! *Sits back in stunned amazement!!*

LTS

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: Adrianl
Date: 25 Jan 05 - 04:03 PM

I'm most disappointed after reading the thread title to read the messages.

I had thought that the Sidmouth was breaking away from the Devon mainland to drift like a giant iceberg away down into the sea. Dedicated folkies would hire small ships to make a last minute dash to continue the Folk festival as Sidmouth drifted sedately down through the Bay of Biscay into the Atlantic. Emergency convoys of food would be shipped to the new preambulating island.

As the town drifted on the folkies would continue to morris, celidh and sing while the rest of the town barely noticed. Some shopkeepers and hotel keepers would at first complain about the lack of trade but this would soon came back as the novelty generated a thriving tourist trade. But many inhabitants would hardly notice apart from complaining about the change in the weather and how it was much better in the old days. Steve Wozniak would continue to rhetorically berate the council and others via a specially created satellite link. Show of Hands would be parachuted in to keep Lizzie happy.

Eventually Sidmouth would drift into the West Indies and a new hybrid folk would be created with limbo morris, 56 verse reggae ballads and ska ceildhs (Whapweasel are practising already).

Maybe I will get my tent out this summer and see where Sidmouth ends up.

Adrian

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Jan 05 - 04:19 PM

Love the story if only it was "true".

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: MBSLynne
Date: 25 Jan 05 - 05:18 PM

Lol Adrian!!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 25 Jan 05 - 07:18 PM

Mmm, anyone interested in starting a Sans Serriffe festival?

Kitty

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: Snuffy
Date: 25 Jan 05 - 07:37 PM

Perhaps we could get the Grauniad to sponsor it - give those Sidmouth traders a break.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: Cllr
Date: 25 Jan 05 - 07:38 PM

adrian LOL thats the best post on a sidmouth thread that I have read really funny. Cllr

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 25 Jan 05 - 07:44 PM

Cllr

Have now been brought back down to earth. If the festival was moved to Sans Serriffe, there would just be arguments about whether it should be on Lower Caisse or Upper Caisse....

Kitty

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: GUEST,Anon
Date: 25 Jan 05 - 08:06 PM

Glad Steve Heap has confirmed you can't move Devon to Wales.

Note he is talking about a POSSIBLE new festival in Wales and said nothing will happen before 2006.

It seems there is already a new festival aiming to replace Sidmouth in 2005, this one near Southampton in Hampshire (Eastleigh?) with rumours of a star-studded guest list of artistes.

This new festival along with the established Cambridge and Broadstairs festivals will give those of us not going back to Sidmouth this year a decent choice of alternatives.

Sidmouth will soon be forgotten as other festivals take its place.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: GUEST,anonymous
Date: 25 Jan 05 - 09:22 PM

Glad someone realises that Steve Heap is organising another festival near his base in Derbyshire.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: fiddler
Date: 26 Jan 05 - 03:40 AM

I think Adrian has come up with the best comment on all teh Sidmouth threads that have existed sincec last year!

Well done - I'll practice my reggae riffs and West indian Songs now and be ready for the off.

so have you got any news of the iceberg - the festivals on it you see.....

To be continued!!!

Andy

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 26 Jan 05 - 09:44 AM

""Steve Wozniak would continue to rhetorically berate the council and others via a specially created satellite link.""

Split infinitive Adrian old chap - bad form. (...to boldly go...)

Anyhow, the shore based website is as up to date as ever. Try the latest pages from folk70.htm onwards. As for the new 'official' website it's all very pretty but with lots of practical questions still to be resolved. At least the Town Council are giving some money now - even if aspiring councillors couldn't be bothered even to mention the festival. Read it on SeeRed..... Start here latest news from sidmouth mainland

The main Q&A page is also updated. latest, latest, read all about it

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: steve_harris
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 07:23 PM

Steve in Sidmouth! Why doesn't your post contain any rhetorical questions????? I do hope you are not ill :-)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 07:44 PM

Plenty of festivals, and lots of enjoyable times to come, I'm sure - but there aren't any which have the International dance and music aspect which Sidmouth has had. I think that matters.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: GUEST,Sidmouth Resident
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 11:54 AM

Very nice new Sidmouth Festival website but my friends at East Devon District Council tell me they have still NOT approved any licence for any outdoor venue in Sidmouth this summer.

One officer has expressed considerable doubt as to whether the planned Ham marquee will be allowed.

The Arena has already been ruled-out.

To quote 'Steve of Sidmouth' there are still "lots of practical questions to be resolved" such as licensing conditions; insurance (£15million Public Liability required by EDCC); risk assessments; health & safety issues; security (SIA registered staff now needed) etc. etc. etc.

Certainly there will be something in Sidmouth this summer but whether it's just a few sessions and morris dancing on the prom or a proper festival remains to be seen.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: MBSLynne
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 04:24 PM

Having just got back from a meeting in Sidmouth about this year's 'Folk Week', I'm happy to report that "A Sidmouth Resident" is very far from the truth in his comments. There is definitely going to be very much more than 'a few sessions and morris dancing on the prom'. I'm not sure why certain people have been doing their best to undermine the efforts of those working to ensure the continuation of Sidmouth festival, but I can report that they have failed.

The comment about The Arena having been ruled out seems to suggest that this is because of licensing. This is not the case. There are a couple of reasons why the arena will not be used, but the licencing issue is not one of them.

So...roll on July! This is going to be a year to be there, and I'm looking forward to it even more after being at the meeting than I was before. See you there!

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: Dave Earl
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 04:40 PM

the man said-

"but there aren't any which have the International dance and music aspect which Sidmouth has had"

This leads me to ask if WOMAD is not to his liking. Ive never been there but understood it was all about "International" music and dance.

Dave Earl

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: GUEST,Sidmouth Resident
Date: 30 Jan 05 - 11:35 AM

Sorry MBS Lynne but my comment above is correct and yours is wrong.

East Devon District Council have still NOT approved any licence for any outdoor site including the Ham.

I'm pleased your group are planning more events but they still have to be licenced by the Council if taking place in marquees such as that planned for the Ham.

Council officers say there are a great many licence requirements to be met and they will NOT licence any outdoor or tented site until all health & safety, security and licensing requirements, including the provision of £15 million Public Liability Insurance, are met.

I hope you succeed in getting licenced but you haven't done so yet. It is dishonest to suggest otherwise.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: steve_harris
Date: 30 Jan 05 - 11:40 AM

"One officer has expressed considerable doubt as to whether the planned Ham marquee will be allowed."

There's been a Ham marquee for years. Presumably the 2005 Ham marquee will be similar in all essential respects.

So what EXACTLY did this "officer" say the problem was?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: MBSLynne
Date: 30 Jan 05 - 05:18 PM

Sidmouth Resident...I said nothing whatever about the Ham or anywhere else having received licensing permission. Would you like to get YOUR facts straight before you start accusing me of dishonesty? Thank you very much. And an apology for your accusation would not go amiss.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: GUEST,Ella still no bloomin cookie
Date: 31 Jan 05 - 03:15 AM

Oh that'll be fab for me... I could get there in a flash.... oh that would be fab!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: GUEST,Council Officer
Date: 06 Feb 05 - 01:22 AM

I hesitate to intrude on this discussion but have been asked to comment on the points regarding a tented structure on the Ham.

No formal licence application for the Ham has been received so far by East Devon Council.

However officers are aware of proposals for concerts at the Ham and I believe there have been some informal discussions between interested parties and with representatives of the Town Council.

There were problems with licensing at the Ham last year and I believe the Council's insurance requirements were not met although concerts were still allowed to proceed in 2004.

Concerts will only be allowed in 2005 when all licensing conditions are met.

Anyone wishing to stage concerts at the Ham will need to obtain £15 million of Public Liability Insurance, employ a properly qualified Health & Safety Officer, provide the licensing authority with satisfactory Risk Management, Noise Management and overall Event Management plans, and satisfy all our other licensing conditions to ensure a safe and acceptable event.

Until those conditions are met and a licence is granted it is premature to talk about concerts at the Ham and advertise artists who are performing there.

I trust this clarifies the situation. For obvious reasons I cannot reveal my identity here but I would ask concert organisers to contact East Devon Council without delay to discuss the licensing situation and the need to submit a full and detailed licence application, site plan and other documentation.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: GUEST,Member of the public
Date: 06 Feb 05 - 10:59 AM

Quote from Guest:Council officer - "There were problems with licensing at the Ham last year and I believe the Council's insurance requirements were not met although concerts were still allowed to proceed in 2004."

If this was indeed the case, then I would suggest that the council planning people, and perhaps you Mr Anon. Council Officer should really offer their resignation for this major oversight!!

Or perhaps offer similar 'understanding' maybe.

Maybe the obvious reasons why you do not reveal your identity is that you like to stir it, otherwise you would direct these comments to the Festival committee, and not make them public here!!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: Cllr
Date: 06 Feb 05 - 11:33 AM

As a local government elected member I do not believs for one minute that the previous post is genuine. Or if the im-poster is a local governmet officer he is nothing to do with licenscing - watch for the denial folks and precious little evidencial proof Cllr

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: GUEST,Prize Pedant
Date: 06 Feb 05 - 12:00 PM

Whether the Guest Council Officer is a genuine LGO or not, everyone who has ever been to the Ham (or indeed just about any other festival venue) knows that health and safety regulations have been regularly flouted in the past. Far be it from me to defend councils, but this is not their fault but that of organisers failing to arrange adequate stewarding. If councils are now tightening up this can only be in the public good. Whatever the cost, this is surely preferable to a tentful of burnt or suffocated people. If you can't afford to stage an event safely AND book a credible range of artists (as seems far beyond the capabilities of the '05 lot), don't screw around. Leave it those who can.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: Cllr
Date: 06 Feb 05 - 12:39 PM

I saw pink floyd once they were great but the support was awful.
I wasn't interested in the rights or wrongs of health and saftey neither was I commenting on the content of the post but I was stating that I did not believe in the legitmacy of an im-poster claiming what they were relevent lgo and hence trying to gain credence and more weight on what they posted. (hence im-poster it's a pune or play on words.) Cllr

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Feb 05 - 02:37 PM

What is the relationship between Council officer and prize pedant above. Friends, or just the same person!

The fact is their aim is similar, to belittle the "05 lot" for putting on any kind of festival.

If there altruistic concerns were genuine, they wouldn't be posting here, they would be offering their opinions via the official website.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: GUEST,Council Officer
Date: 06 Feb 05 - 05:07 PM

I am sorry if I have stirred-up some ill-feeling. I was asked to post here by a near-neighbour who told me of her concern about the suggestion that concerts at the Ham had already been approved.

I will not be posting here again but before leaving I will respond to comments from others by saying:

(a) In answer to cllr. I am certainly genuine. I hope you are too even though you cannot spell the word 'licensing' properly. If you are a cllr. in East Devon you will know of your need to declare a prejudicial interest and not vote in any council debate on licensing issues surrounding the Sidmouth concerts

(b) Last year's event went ahead despite a dispute over insurance cover. Organisers were informed just prior to the event that inadequate insurance cover was in place but they refused to pay for extra cover as required by East Devon Council. Effectively they defied the Council and officers such as myself have a responsibility not to let that happen again

(c) I am in no way connected with the writer Prize Pedant although I would echo his or her views. Health and Safety must be paramount at any event. If rules were broken in the past that is no excuse for them being broken again now. Local authority officers have a duty to protect the public and ensure their safety at outdoor events. Event organisers have the same duty. I would hope anyone attending such events welcomes moves to ensure their safety

I am not interested in the debate on whether the Sidmouth festival should take place this year and if so in what form. I am not here to undermine the organisers of any event. My job is solely to ensure events are properly licensed with the required insurance in place and all health & safety issues properly addressed.

I hope anyone attending events in Sidmouth this year will recognise the importance of my role in ensuring your safety.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: Cllr
Date: 06 Feb 05 - 05:18 PM

I stand by my previous post
I am a county councillor for bedfordshire
[e-mail]
if you wanna contact me to prove you are what you say you are I will apologise on this forum I will do so without revealing who you are.
Cllr

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: GUEST,Terri Palmer
Date: 06 Feb 05 - 10:37 PM

and the arguments go on and on and on and on.

well I'll still be in the Middle Bar enjoying a song though I know many of my friends are sadly giving Sidmouth a miss this year.

doesn't worry me whether there are concerts on the Ham or not.

I'm not interested in the wurzels, show of hands or the rest.

why not give up on all plans for the Ham just as people have given up on all plans for the arena.

Just give me a beer and some voices in the bar and that'll do me.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: Cllr
Date: 07 Feb 05 - 01:52 PM

What a surprise No response from our im-poster friend. Tell you what, council officer I will explain why I mispelled license - it was a typo - If you can explain why you called East Devon District Council or EDDC by the wrong name.    Cllr (I have never heard anyone else refer to it as East Devon Council that actually worked there)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: GUEST,Council Officer
Date: 07 Feb 05 - 04:07 PM

As an elected councillor Cllr. you know very well why an officer such as myself cannot reveal their identity on a board such as this or indeed to an individual such as yourself who I have never met.

For all I know you might reveal my identity to your own Conservative Party colleagues on the authority I work for. I could then face political pressure which might impact on my ability to do my job and assess licensing and health & safety issues impartially.

As for the name of my district authority I think that as an employee of the authority I probably have a better idea of its name than you do.

I rather regret having responded to a request from a near-neighbour to contribute to this board. I will not be doing so again. Neither will I even be looking at this board again.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: MBSLynne
Date: 07 Feb 05 - 04:11 PM

Well that will be a relief to a lot of us then....

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: rhyzla
Date: 07 Feb 05 - 06:23 PM

Yep .. go find the stone ...and crawl back under!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: GUEST,GUEST
Date: 07 Feb 05 - 06:38 PM

It sounds as if Sidmouth doesn't deserve a Folk Festival anymore, but a Charm School wouldn't be out of place.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 07 Feb 05 - 06:43 PM

Cllr makes the same point as I loaded onto my website this afternoon!

""If you can explain why you called East Devon District Council or EDDC by the wrong name.""

Nobody I know locally says "East Devon Council" and never is it called that in the local paper. It is always EDDC or simply "East Devon" or the full name. Read more here about the public meeting on 11 February also. http://www.seered.co.uk/folk75.htm

Fireworks at Sidmouth Town Council tonight - transcription available soon!

By the way, this thread was originally about Wales........

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: Cllr
Date: 07 Feb 05 - 06:50 PM

O, what a tangled web we weave when first we practise to deceive!
Walter Scott

I don't usually feed the trolls but getting a rise out of them sure is fun especially when someone is trying to give a bad name to real LGO's by implying that in the past they havn't done their job properly.

PS I have had a flat in sidmouth for over twenty four years and I pay attention to that sort of thing- like what the council is called- it goes with my job description. Cllr

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: Cllr
Date: 07 Feb 05 - 06:53 PM

I don't often agree with you Steve but thank you for that we must have crossposted. cllr

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: GUEST,Peter Crabb-Wyke
Date: 07 Feb 05 - 06:56 PM

rhyzla - if you don't have the guts to post under your own name then crawl back under your own stone.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: Bonecruncher
Date: 07 Feb 05 - 09:00 PM

Nice reply, Cllr. Mike. I thought the job of Councillors was, in part, to encourage local events, not to put the kybosh on them.
Colyn.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: GUEST,Another Sidmouth Resident
Date: 07 Feb 05 - 10:29 PM

So Cllr. is a Councillor in Bedfordshire with a holiday home in Sidmouth.

Small wonder local kids can't afford a home here in Sidmouth anymore. It's people like who Cllr. who drive up prices yet contribute little to our local economy because you're hardly ever here.

And don't bring your hatred of Council officers onto mudcat either. This is a posting board about folk music and we don't want your cheap political posturing thank you very much.

People like you and rhyzla claim to be pro-festival but your continual sniping is just giving the festival a bad name.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 08 Feb 05 - 01:00 AM

GUEST of 10:29PM, you're so wide off the mark...
You don't know the provenance of Cllr's house in Sidmouth. Perhaps he comes from there originally. And anyway, how does he drive prices up by keeping his house there? It's those who sell their houses that feed the price system.

And you don't know his life style. Perhaps he is there every weekend; perhaps he rents it to holiday makers - surely that brings money into the local economy?

And you don't know that he hates Council Officers. Being one himself, that doesn't stack up.

And you don't know him as a person and his admirable reputation. He may bat for the "wrong" team in my view, but he is liked and admired by supporters (and activists) of all parties.

But no - you had some spleen to vent, and you lashed out regardless. And did so anonymously too, while he even went as far as to disclose his email address in an effort flush out what he genuinely believes to be an impostor.

And like every year for many years now, he will support the Festival by the most important method - being there.

I tell you again - you are off the mark, and an apology to Cllr would be most appropriate.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: MBSLynne
Date: 08 Feb 05 - 02:47 AM

Peter Crabb-Wyke, rhyzla is the Mudcat name of Barry Hunt...he makes no secret of the fact and often signs his postings with his name. A lot of people on Mudcat have 'nicknames' as you may have noticed. Using one's Mudcat handle is what we do and most of us are known to everybody anyway. You are firing at the wrong people. The ones who don't have the guts are the ones who post as "Guest" with or without a made-up nickname, so that people won't know who they are.

MBSLynne
(Does that name tell you any more about me than rhyzla does about Barry?)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: GUEST,ryzla - aka Barry Hunt
Date: 08 Feb 05 - 05:51 AM

Thanks Lynne

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: rhyzla
Date: 08 Feb 05 - 05:59 AM

Ahh - that's better!! I'm not a guest anymore.

I declare an interest in Sidmouth festival this year, as I am playing there in a band called Rhyzome - I've got nothing to hide, and the reason I made a rather intolerant post above, is because I am pissed off with the way some people (who prefer to be anon) abuse this board.

We all want the festival to be safe and legal, but the way that the anonymous LGO has brought these matters to light suggests that he is keen to cause mischief, rahter than be helpful. It is becuase of that attitude, that I suggested this poster climb back under his stone.

I'll now go back under mine ......for a while!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 08 Feb 05 - 06:06 AM

Only under a stone? I thought rhyzomes were supposed to dwell deep down in the ground...

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: Cllr
Date: 08 Feb 05 - 06:58 AM

Gee shucks, Thanks guys.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: Cllr
Date: 08 Feb 05 - 08:23 AM

similarities between "sidmouth resident" and "council officer" both unable or unwilling to recognise the points I make.

1) I am supporting LGO's as I believe falsely posting as one is detrimental to the reputation of real LGO's (especially implying that they had failed in their duties in previous years.) Hardly hatred more actually supportive. GAME

2) I never mentioned my brand of politics, that was done by the imposter claiming to be in licensing, he was right though I am a conservative, point is I didn't bring it up. SET

3) Anything that gets me and Steve agreeing with each other has got to prove that previous anonymous posters have been well and truly caught out. MATCH

Cllr

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: rhyzla
Date: 08 Feb 05 - 08:34 AM

Actually countess, the correct spelling is rhizome, and the srict definition is a root which tends to travel horizontally and allows a plant to regenerate, so your amusing quip about being deep underground is somewhat innacurate!

Derrrr!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 08 Feb 05 - 09:11 AM

No, I really did mean that I hoped Rhyzome would remain underground.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: GUEST,ANON
Date: 08 Feb 05 - 10:08 AM

YAWN YAWN YAWN YAWN YAWN YAWN YAWN

BORING BORING BORING BORING BORING BORING

Don't you people realise you're turning EVERYONE off Sidmouth.

Rhyzla, Cllr., Lizzie and the rest.

You claim to support Sidmouth but your continued posting does no good at all.

Why not stop it.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: rhyzla
Date: 08 Feb 05 - 10:19 AM

Guest anon (?) - kindly explain how my possts above damage sidmouth festival (apart form being way-off subject!!)?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: Cllr
Date: 08 Feb 05 - 11:31 AM

LOOK LOOK I can use a CAPS LOCK button as WELL Sheesh Cllr

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: GUEST,ANON
Date: 08 Feb 05 - 11:34 AM

I think the two of you have just proved my point.

How childish can you get.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: rhyzla
Date: 08 Feb 05 - 11:36 AM

well for a start, i could call myself anon, and talk bullshit

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: Cllr
Date: 08 Feb 05 - 11:40 AM

English philosopher Edmund Burke said, 'The only thing necessary for the triumph [of evil] is for good men to do nothing.
Cllr

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: GUEST,cookieless countess richard
Date: 08 Feb 05 - 01:12 PM

rhyzla (correct spelling rizla: roll up and set alight, so well named),

Jeez, were talking (n)etiquette here. Doesn't everyone know that the only mudcatter with a monopoly on self-promotion is Breezy?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: GUEST,Bedford Regular
Date: 08 Feb 05 - 01:36 PM

Can't you all stop this silly name-calling before even I decide to cancel my hotel room in Sidmouth this year.

Every time I check for positive news on what's happening in Sidmouth all I get is 'yah-boo' politics from Councillors, Council Officers, Rhyzla, Lizzie, Roger, Eddie, Countess Richard, Sidmouth Resident(s) and Guests too numerous to mention.

Thank goodness for the SeeRed site that at least contains real news even if the news is not very positive.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: Cllr
Date: 08 Feb 05 - 01:37 PM

Speaking of which Breezy has asked me to say that he is coming to Ampthill folk club (of which I humbly organise with help of a stalwart crew) He is there to support "My Guru always says" our guest this evening.
See you tonight Breezy also wanted me to mention Snorbans as well Cllr

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 09 Feb 05 - 07:10 PM

It may be old news but I have just seen the 'farewell' posted by Steve Heap on his website. Some news about what he is planning elsewhere.

http://www.sidmouthfestival.com/

By the way, I have just changed over from Gates Explorer to Firefox as an experiment because Hotmail was so slow. Seems much better (except it seems not to allow RTF in Hotmail.....), and according to Tech posts here and elsewhere it is far less liable to be a target for malware. The mudcat site renders differently - so does SeeRed come to that. Back to the drawing board! Would seriously recommend people try it. Obtain from mozilla.com - and it is free. Just don't delete Explorer because Windows needs it to run even if you don't use it as the default browser.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: GUEST,First-timer
Date: 09 Feb 05 - 07:46 PM

A very diplomatic farewell from Steve Heap.

His comments about lawmakers and businesses hopefully supporting future events suggest (reading between the lines) that he feels they didn't give enough support in the past.

Good luck to Steve in whatever he does from now on.

He gave us a great festival in Sidmouth over many years.

So sad it will never be the same again.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 12 Feb 05 - 07:14 AM

Some notes from the public meeting held in Sidmouth last night are now available here. Anyone who attended who feels that changes are needed is welcome to contact me. The overall atmosphere was very positive but tickets for most events will not be on sale until May.

http://www.seered.co.uk/folk77.htm

Subject: RE: Sidmouth on the move?
From: Dave Earl
Date: 14 Feb 05 - 02:17 AM

You said

"Thank goodness for the SeeRed site that at least contains real news even if the news is not very positive".

Thats as maybe, but you should also be checking www.sidmouthfolkweek.org for what the organisers are saying.

It is my belief that the seered site has a wider agenda and is using the Festival issues to get at the local authorities because of other matters that have got up his nose.

Dave Earl