Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 22 Mar 09 - 02:25 PM

October 2005 it was: there's a long thread of condolences on this site: I have some pics of him in the Middle Bar at Sidmouth in 2004, with a very young singer high up on his shoulder.
And I have him singing "Sweeney Todd" on one of my minidisk recordings.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: Dave Earl
Date: 20 Mar 09 - 07:26 AM

Sorry Guest I am not Dave Bryant.

You really have been out of touch because you can't have heard the Dave died 3 or 4 years ago

Dave

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: GUEST,Terry Turner
Date: 20 Mar 09 - 07:19 AM

Are you the Dave Bryant who recorded the tape album "naturally supernatiral"?

If so I would like to make contact with you. [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: GUEST,Sean O'Shea
Date: 22 Aug 05 - 05:16 AM

Highlight?
The amazing performance of Bev James at The Bedford on the first night.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 19 Aug 05 - 03:55 AM

MBS reunion will be 17-19 February 2006.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 18 Aug 05 - 05:48 PM

A lots of my custmers liked it. said it as much more friendly and more like a seaside event and more personal to the town. not an enormous event that could have been put anyhere.

/sal

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 18 Aug 05 - 05:27 PM

I think you'll find the newsletters are there somewhere on the Sidmouth folk Week website.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 18 Aug 05 - 10:09 AM

Being a compulsive clearer of old files, I don't have the newsletters. Refresh please, Breton Cap, and if retirement goes to plan I shall make the effort.

Don T.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: Lizzie Cornish
Date: 18 Aug 05 - 06:42 AM

You definitely will Dave....in fact let's have TWO to make up for the one we missed! ;0)

Lizzie xxx

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: Dave Earl
Date: 18 Aug 05 - 06:06 AM

This is going a bit off Thread but:-

For those who can't wait until next August there is always the Middle Bar winter Reunion in February.

If you kept the Festival Newsletters the dates were published therein.

Dave Earl
ps Will we see you in Feb Lizzie? - I want the hug you promised!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: Lizzie Cornish
Date: 18 Aug 05 - 06:01 AM

So am I Don....so am I!

Lizzie :0)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 18 Aug 05 - 05:57 AM

Judging by the ratio of complaints to praise, from those who were there, I should say that there were fewer problems than one might expect from an event of this size.

This certainly reflects well on the organisers, and bodes well for the future of Sidmouth Festival.

I am counting the days till August 2006.

Don T.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 18 Aug 05 - 05:57 AM

Regarding Session Finish Times , The New Tavern is the overflow bar for Carinas Nightclub , and we only had ONE evening where we were playing after 11pm , and that was only til 11.15pm . I cant imagine The Newt running any later than this as we are then in competition with the Disco ! Suits me though as its a nice time to slip round to the Bedford for a quiet drink and chat to unwind at the end of the day .

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Aug 05 - 05:41 AM

Praise also to the Blackmore Gardens ceildh crew (lastminute ceilidhs?)stepping in to run some good dances with a great atmosphere at short notice, and organising the bar with themselves as unpaid staff to put money into the kitty.

Shame about the iffy floor but I heard it was not their choice and the onlyone available at the time.
I hope they are running the ceilidhs next year

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: GUEST,cardboard cutout
Date: 18 Aug 05 - 05:05 AM

This thread has become very uncomfortable.
I was at Sidmouth for most of the week, and,whilst it differed from the festivals of late, enjoyed it hugely. I particularly enjoyed the Bedford Hotel events, and would like to publicly thank Barry Lister and Tom Addison for organising them.

In short, a different Sidmouth, but a good Sidmouth.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: The Shambles
Date: 17 Aug 05 - 06:42 PM

This from the first post to this thread.

There will always be quibbles and especially as there are many well-organised past events to compare the present one with. But festivals organised as recent Sidmouth Festvals - were not going to be an option. So perhaps any comparisons should be made in the light of this fact - if they are to be fair ones?

I think that those who have put in the effort to ensure that some form of festival would happen this year - deserve our thanks.

What is done - is done and cannot be undone. We all make mistakes and the trick is to learn from these mistakes. Let us all hope that all parties can do this and will have the the opportunity to demonstrate that these lessons have been learned - for future Sidmouth Folk Weeks.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: squeezyjohn
Date: 17 Aug 05 - 05:07 PM

Thanks Kate - I was about to say pretty much the same thing.

Can we leave it there please?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: GUEST,Kate Longmate, Queen Mab's Music.
Date: 17 Aug 05 - 04:27 PM

Whilst I appreciate the support and sentiments of some people posting here, I was hoping that my previous post would put an end to public speculation and accusations regarding this matter.

As I said previously I have made my difficulties known through official channels to the committee and the individuals concerned and hope that the matter can be resolved for the good of all and without any lasting hard feeling.

A lot of people put a lot of effort into this year's Sidmouth and it would be a shame to let this matter overshadow their efforts and successes. Can we let this rest and be dealt with elsewhere now please.

Kindest regards,

Kate Longmate.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 17 Aug 05 - 04:15 PM

Saint Gordon of Newton a 'truly lovely man'? Unprofessional mysogynists are not that. And I sure as hell wouldn't like to meet him if this is a typical example of his behaviour.   I don't care how much personal effort he put in to get the festival off the ground. Such an attitude cannot be condoned and I'm glad it's out in the open. I just didn't feel I should be the one to expose it since I wasn't present and said I would leave it to those directly involved to decide what should be said.   I have, however, met Kate Longmate who is indeed a truly lovely, efficient and professional person who manages her artists with skill. She didn't deserve this kind of treatment. Others need to be aware.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: Lizzie Cornish
Date: 17 Aug 05 - 03:39 PM

Hi Guys,

Well...I've been watching this thread with great interest and great joy. It's been lovely to read so very many positive postings and to hear how much everyone enjoyed themselves at Sidmouth this year. I had THE most incredible time and I miss you all.

My town is now very quiet without you, no wonderful music drifting out over the waves,no singers, no dancers all along the seafront....no Middle Bar Singers waving their lilos in the air and singing "We're bound for South Australia" so joyfully to the sky. PLEASE hurry back next year! All that's left of you now are some photos in the window of Fords/The Post Office....of which I'm going to order quite a few.

Please let's keep the spirit of this thread alive. It has been so enjoyable for such a long while.

Kate and Musician Anon.....whatever happened at the Bellowhead concert is private and purely between the people concerned. It is NOT something to be put on messageboards where speculation can run rife and mischief makers can thwart and demean people to their hearts content. There are now comments coming out which, to me, seem almost like defamation of character.

There are ALWAYS two sides to EVERY story....here, we are only hearing one, which is unjust and uncalled for.

I had a wonderful night watching Bellowhead, really wonderful and would be grateful if the memory of that night was not spoilt any further by comments on this board.

I would also like to say that without Gordon Newton there would have been no Bellowhead at Sidmouth, or indeed any other big concert artists either. I spoke to him on many an occasion during the week when I was rushing around enjoying myself. He was always kind and courteous and he always had time for a quick natter to a batty lady (!) ;0)....and there was a permanent smile on his face too.

Gordon was also the man in the River Sid who, after the festival was finished, was pulling out all the rubbish that had been thrown in there by some local troublemakers. He didn't have to do that....and I believe he was willingly helped by the travellers too, who also get things said about them in places, usually unkind things, but I spoke to many of them during the week and found them lovely people too.

Also, whenever I thanked Gordon for what he'd done he ALWAYS said to me that it wasn't him....it was a whole team of people who'd come together and that there was such a bond between everyone and that Sidmouth was not down to any one person in particular.

He holds a very big place in my esteem. A truly lovely man. I have read the very positive comments on behalf of other artists, about their time in Sidmouth and how well they were treated and find that totally in keeping with the team and the man that I bumped into so many times recently.

And now...let's get back to Sidmouth 2005 and to your memories of that wonderful First Week In August and your hopes for Sidmouth 2006.

Lizzie :0)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: GUEST,Musician (Anon.)
Date: 17 Aug 05 - 02:07 PM

Well done indeed to Kate for having the courage to speak out.

In answer to "logged out" you are wrong to criticise Bellowhead or any other musicians, amateur, semi-pro or fully pro, who expect to be treated with a little courtesy and respect by the promoter who has booked them.

I only know some of the members of Bellowhead in passing but they strike me as very pleasant and genuine individuals who love their music and don't deserve to be slagged-off by "logged-out" or anyone else.

Kate is too courteous to repeat what was said to her by Gordon backstage but it's already well-known in musician circles and if Gordon has a shred of decency in him he should apologise to Kate for the grossly insulting comments he made about Kate and women in general.

Most musicians want Sidmouth to continue. We recognise the enormous hard work and dedication of those who made the Folk Week happen this year. We wish you every success in 2006 and, if asked, most of us will be back to perform again.

BUT...

Whoever organises Sidmouth 2006 should think seriously before letting Gordon become involved again. His attitude and demeanour backstage contrasted sharply with the wonderful atmosphere out front. His involvement could result in artists declining bookings at Sidmouth 2006 and that would be a very great loss for us all.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: rhyzla
Date: 17 Aug 05 - 01:27 PM

guest 'logged out' wrote "As for the 'Friends of Lizzie Cornish', Rhyzla and Hip Flask Andy were booked by 'Lizzies' husband (she won't thank you for letting that out you know Duncan)it's not surprising they're singing her praises is it? I met her recently at another event and wasn't at all surprised at her demeanour. Where you seen shy and unassuming, I saw a unfullfilled bottled up woman, struggling with ageing, dressed a little too young, too much make up for daytime and uneasy in her own skin. Her behaviour on that day was exhuberant to say the least, she was running about exclaiming over everything from a crap dj to a woman with dyed hair.

Rhyzlas also states that bands had to PAY to play in some venues, what kind of festival was this?"

In reply:

I, or rather my band were booked and paid directly by Dukes Hotel.

Your description of a woman at 'another event' bares no resemblance to the person I met in Sidmouth - full stop!!

The venue that I paid to get in and play was the folk club in the arts centre - i knew that this was the case before I went!

And finally, 'logged off', you must be a wonderful person to criticise others so easily, but not quite brave enough to tell us who you are, and if you went to Sidmouth.


Also, thanks to Kate from Dabs for clearing up the other issue and finishing it!!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: Dave Earl
Date: 17 Aug 05 - 11:10 AM

Good.

The right and proper way to go about things.

Now shall we agree to let this matter rest in the hands of the parties concerned?

Dave Earl

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: GUEST,Kate Longmate, Queen Mab's Music.
Date: 17 Aug 05 - 11:05 AM

I am posting here to stop speculation and to prevent further mudslinging in any direction.

I am the manager in question and I manage both bellowhead and the Demon Barber Roadshow. we did encounter some difficulties at Sidmouth and I have brought these to the attention of the committee and the individuals concerned.

However both bands enjoyed a full house and a fantastic audience and we all hope that Sidmouth thrives and prospers in the future.

With kindest regards,

Kate Longmate.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: Dave Earl
Date: 17 Aug 05 - 10:42 AM

The Anchor sessions were over by 23:30 usually.

Don't know about other places.
Dave Earl

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: GUEST,late night guest
Date: 17 Aug 05 - 10:24 AM

A general question which hopefully won't start a battle!!!

what time were the sessions in the anchor and other venues finishing?

were there any rumours about future closing times when the extended hours legislation starts?
(okay, thats two questions)

I'm just curious about the purpose/demand for Late Night extras which have to be quiet by 1a.m. if people can stay late in the pubs in town.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: MBSLynne
Date: 17 Aug 05 - 09:00 AM

Yawn yawn. Here we go again. This is where I stop reading this thread. See you all next Sidmouth

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: HipflaskAndy
Date: 17 Aug 05 - 08:50 AM

Some straight facts for you 'guest' as you are so wrong and yet so public with your utterances.

We were not booked by Lizzie's husband.
Was he even on the committee?
He, kindly, passed our CD on to Gordon who booked us (on merit) on hearing it.
He (and she) are fans of our music, of course they sing our praises.
He clearly thought Mr Newton might like us. He did. (So subsequently, did many others!).
As stated before, I met them both for the FIRST time on the Wednesday of the festival.
Thank goodness there are still kind folk around that will help others.
HFA

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 17 Aug 05 - 08:45 AM

Excuse me, "logged out", but I have not said anything about this incident "on another board".   You must be confusing me with someone else. It's widespread tittle tattle though, along with the rest of your comments. I wasn't there and neither were you. I believe it is a matter for those directly concerned to speak out if they so wish.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 17 Aug 05 - 08:44 AM

"People who went for the first time"? If anything it was too far the other way - probably a much higher proportion of returning regulars and low on the newcomers. As you'd expect under the circumstances.

There are always things that need sorting, and there always will be with every human enterprise. But that's a saying that perhaps fits just a few of the comments we've had here (a very few). It goes "To Hell with the Begrudgers"...

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: GUEST,logged out
Date: 17 Aug 05 - 08:19 AM

It's not like the countess to be so coy is it? The band in question is Bellowhead, or so she says on another board. What did they expect? To be treated as pros at a festival organised by amateurs? If they are so desperate to get gigs they'll have to learn to put up with this kind of treatmemt or stick to playing nightclubs like they ususally do. Considering who else was on the bill that night I'm surprised the promoter didn't get headbutted.

I didn't go, I was on the side of the boycott. Of course reading that people who went for the first time and the Middle Bar Singers think it was better than usual, shows how wrong I was. That you've all let the local authority off the hook with your ersatz 'Sidmouth' doesn't matter does it? Obviously the festival won't need support next year, as all the 'profits' from this year will more than make up for the loss of funding. Attendance down by three quarters is a Good Thing too, according to Steve Harris. Well of course it is you wouldn't want all we crusty old folksters clogging and dancing and messing up your town would you? Shame the ceilidhs only 'covered their costs' they won't be adding much to next years kitty then, will they?

As for the 'Friends of Lizzie Cornish', Rhyzla and Hip Flask Andy were booked by 'Lizzies' husband (she won't thank you for letting that out you know Duncan)it's not surprising they're singing her praises is it? I met her recently at another event and wasn't at all surprised at her demeanour. Where you seen shy and unassuming, I saw a unfullfilled bottled up woman, struggling with ageing, dressed a little too young, too much make up for daytime and uneasy in her own skin. Her behaviour on that day was exhuberant to say the least, she was running about exclaiming over everything from a crap dj to a woman with dyed hair.

Rhyzlas also states that bands had to PAY to play in some venues, what kind of festival was this? That any genuine folk musician would indulge in this kind vanity is beyond me. Were the punters told this? I take it he doesn't mean floorspots paying the entrance fee. How much did they pay? It doesn't sound like those venues will add much to the kitty either.

So Sidmouth is dead for me, thank fuck for Whitby!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: BanjoRay
Date: 17 Aug 05 - 08:05 AM

As an Old Time musician who plays in as many sessions as possible, I can report that nothing had changed as far as the right hand bar of the Bedford is concerned. We had some excellent jams all week with many different people, both in the bar and on the front. There was very little Old Time in the festival itself unlike previous years, and the only event I paid to attend was the half full Shirley Collins lecture about her American tour with Alan Lomax in 1959, which was a truly wonderful and moving experience, and she sold every book she'd brought. If you haven't seen it yet, please do - this is great history, beautifully presented.
Cheers
Ray

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: MBSLynne
Date: 17 Aug 05 - 07:43 AM

Cool photies Giok!!

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: Dave Earl
Date: 17 Aug 05 - 04:59 AM

Are we discussing "The Promotor" ,who is one person, or the Venue manager on the night, who would have been someone else?

Obviously this is still a very sad state of affairs but I think we should be clear who it is that was responsible.

Dave Earl

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: Mrs_Annie
Date: 17 Aug 05 - 04:51 AM

I would like to add my voice.

If this is the same promoter who was taking our tickets on the door, then he was very rude and aggressive both to my husband and a lady a few people in front of us.
I shall be making a comment when I return my Feedback form.

I must add that everyone else we dealt with were friendly, helpful, in all ways and it's a pity this one person had to spoil it.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: manitas_at_work
Date: 17 Aug 05 - 04:23 AM

Seven sticks? I thought they were using the sticks to build a picket fence in recent years.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: Schantieman
Date: 17 Aug 05 - 04:05 AM

Well, I enjoyed it.

I agree that it was smaller than before - definitely a good thing. I stopped going in the eighties coz it was too big. This was the right size. I didn't miss the arena one jot as I never went there anyway.

For me, a folk festival's for getting together with like minded people, singing in the pub, a dance or three (preferably outdors, weather permitting) & playing/listening to some music. That's exactly what I got this year and I shall be there again!

Glad to hear of the resounding success of the MBS in raising all that dosh. How can we weave seven sticks into a lock?

...and thanks to all those Mudcatters who came to the Blackmore Gardens and bought lemonade too!

Steve

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: HipflaskAndy
Date: 16 Aug 05 - 04:08 PM

'If I thought you didn't exist - would that mean that you didn't? '

I like that, Shambly-one!
Reminds me of the old Jimmy Greaves tale - and this I'm afraid is thread-creep!

Troubled by the ref's 'poor' decisions all through a game, Jimmy, somewhat exasperated, spoke to the ref...
'Ref, if I called you a right-bleedin' bast**d, what would you do?'
Ref replied 'I'd have to send you off son for foul and abusive language'
'But what if I just THOUGHT you were a right-bleedin' bast**d' said Jim
'Oh, I can't take any action for what you THINK' said the ref
'Well in that case' said Jimmy 'I THINK you're right-bleedin' bast**d!!!'

Still tickles me after all these years (and I hope I'm remembering it right!)
Cheers! - HFA

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 16 Aug 05 - 04:07 PM

I have heard on the grapevine about this particular instance

So have I. I wasn't there but I think it is perfectly obvious who the main protagonists are. And I find the entire episode deplorable though, regrettably, predictable. I don't intend to expand on it because it is up to the individuals concerned to decide whether or not to reveal their identities. Many Mudcatters are well aware (for one reason or another) who I am (and anyone who doesn't is at liberty to PM me and inquire). I'm not anonymous but then, I have nothing to lose. I'd just like the manager (and band) concerned to know that I back them every inch of the way. I'm not interested in excuses and mitigating circumstances. This should never have happened.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: The Shambles
Date: 16 Aug 05 - 03:51 PM

does that mean I don't exist? HFA (worried)

Duncan - If I thought you didn't exist - would that mean that you didn't?

Don't worry. I simply meant that the other view expressed should perhaps be seen as more than a little suspect and perhaps not to be assumed to be what it claimed to be. For as you had pointed out - you had already expressed a view - as a performer at The Ham.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Aug 05 - 03:29 PM

As far as I can see the second poster doesn't claim to speak on behalf of others, but relates witnessing an incident during an event in which the promoter of an event acted abominably.

I have heard on the grapevine about this particular instance and several others involving this promoter and I sincerely hope that all of thise affected are making complaints through proper channels.

I remain anonymous in the hope of not joining the apparently ever growing list of acts 'banned' from Sidmouth next year.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: HipflaskAndy
Date: 16 Aug 05 - 03:10 PM

Hey there Mr/Mrs Shambles,

You quote...

'One thing missing from this thread is the view of professional musicians booked to appear in The Ham Marquee'.

...and add...

'It is probably still missing. We have the view of one who descibes their experience and is not worried about using their name and we have the supposed view of another who is too worried to use their name. They are quite different.'

...does that mean I don't exist? HFA (worried)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: The Shambles
Date: 16 Aug 05 - 12:59 PM

Complaints vs mudslinging

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: The Shambles
Date: 16 Aug 05 - 12:30 PM

In view of the fuss over the fairly recent thread (started by a named posters)about the actions of a named performer - it is probably better to treat similar claims from (anonymous) performers about the actions of unspecified organisers - in the same way.

That inccident at least was fact and not just anonymous and possibly made-up and groundless gossip.

That thread is now closed as a result of all the fuss. It would be nice if posts in this thread offered no excuse for any editing action from our volunteer fellow posters to be imposed upon us.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: The Shambles
Date: 16 Aug 05 - 11:48 AM

'One thing missing from this thread is the view of professional musicians booked to appear in The Ham Marquee'.

It is probably still missing. We have the view of one who descibes their experience and is not worried about using their name and we have the supposed view of another who is too worried to use their name. They are quite different.

The second individual also claims to speak on behalf of others - who probably don't know know this poster's identity either. Perhaps none of should not assume that any gossip in this post has any foundation - or repeat it as fact - until the poster is prepared to use their name?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: GUEST,Gadaffi
Date: 16 Aug 05 - 11:23 AM

Message from John Dowell for anyone with Sidmouth photies:

We're having a photo competition on the website (http://www.sidmouthfolkweek.org.uk./)as one way of showing the rest of the world that it happened and that everyone enjoyed it. The winner to be voted for by the punters so we keep them involved.

What we need to get it started is a few pics of smiling faces, big audiences etc. So if you found time to take any during the week it would be good if you could pass one or two on to me and I will get it started.

Perhaps Giok and McGrath might consider forwarding theirs?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: HipflaskAndy
Date: 16 Aug 05 - 11:21 AM

GUEST,Musician (Anon.) obviously had a bad experience. That's a pity.

He/she does make the comment....

'One thing missing from this thread is the view of professional musicians booked to appear in The Ham Marquee'

...must have missed my, er, rather lengthy post way up earlier then.
I know we're technically only semi-pro, but we were booked and paid as 'proper' artists to appear at the Ham Marquee.
Our experience, however, seems to have been the reverse of our Anon Muso.
We found the backstage 'staff' from steward to head steward to head-honcho-in-chief as pleasant and helpful as could be.
Nothing was too much trouble for them.
They, in turn, seemed very happy with our outlook and attitude towards them and, consequently, everything ran smoothly and painlessly for both parties.
I spoke to many other artists over my four day stay at Sidmouth and found no other dissenting voice.
I am sorry the 'injured' party feels this way but would not like the staff that worked so hard there all week (and who knows how much more before and after) to be tarred by one particular evening's incident. That would seem a tad unfair.

They did us, and many others proud, and as I mentioned in the previous post - our thanks to them all.
HFA (Duncan McFarlane)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: MBSLynne
Date: 16 Aug 05 - 10:56 AM

What you report, anonymous musician, is unfortunate and possibly unforgivable (especially the bit about not taking instruction from a woman!) but having been involved in the first week setting up of the festival, I can see a certain amount of possible reason for that sort of outburst, while not in any way condoning it.
Apart from the hours of work that were put in by completely unpaid people (and one organiser was driving back and forth for a couple of hours each way for the first few days as weel) we had horrific weather conditions to contend with as well as not being at all sure what was actually going to come of the whole thing. At least two organisers put in large amounts of their own money and no real idea whether or not they would be getting much of it back. The stresses and pressures were enormous, believe me. Ok, that sort of treatment of artistsw is not on, but perhaps you may look at it with a little understanding after this explanation, I hope

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 16 Aug 05 - 09:39 AM

A few pictures Sidmouth 2005
I think that whoever said the words reported, and to a woman should not being doing the job he was, paid or unpaid. However I cannot see what light if any Shambles tunnel vision has cast on the subject, as usual I find his gnomic utterances mind bogglingly irrelevant.
Giok

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: Chris Cole
Date: 16 Aug 05 - 09:39 AM

Possible reasons:-
The person involved was a teacher? I have experienced this syndrome myself and witnessed the same behaviour at other festivals. I have seen them revert to the techniques required when dealing with children when under stress. It hacks me off beyond belief.
Or
The artist(es) involved may have forgotten they are simply a big name in the folk world - try asking the average non folkie if they have heard of Martin Carthy. That kind of behaviour hacks me off beyond belief.

Before you all rip my head off, I am trying to suggest there are always 2 sides to an argument and usually mitigating circumstances. Most people have been involed in rows where what they have said previously has been quoted back supposedly verbatim, but the accused has no recollection of ever saying those words.

Don't let this kind of thing become an issue and an opportunity for gossip and chinese whispers. No-one needs it, especially people on a steep stage management learning curve. I have a mate who is a technical manager at a large Manchester venue and they could top and tail this little scuffle.