Sidmouth Accommodation

Subject: Sidmouth Accommodation
From: Gwenzilla
Date: 19 Jul 06 - 07:31 PM

Well, EFDSS wants to send me to Sidmouth. Problem is, this decision just became official at the end of last week, and then there was a further glitch, because my husband is going to be out of the country that week, and I was not sure I wanted to take my fourteen-year-old son along to the festival, especially if I was going to be working. However, I'm trying to make plans. I've never been to Sidmouth before, or any folk festival in the UK, and so I found out yesterday what most of you good people already know: there is no accommodation in Sidmouth, except camping accommodation (which I assume I could still get) or a room at a four-star hotel, which I would never expect EFDSS to cover.

Why not camp? Well, I haven't been to a big festival in *years*. Like double-digit years. (Unless you count being a guest at pagan gatherings or science fiction conventions, and it's really not the same.) I have never been to a big festival alone. I am shy to camp with thousands of strangers; that's just the way I am. On top of that, I do not own a car and would be transporting camping gear, clothing and towels, CDs to sell (yeah, right, as if anybody's actually going to buy one...), a harp... I ran out of hands three clauses ago. Nobody at work is able to offer me a ride, no one I know who is going has any space in their accommodation, and I am starting to think I might not be able to go, given all this hassle.

So I'm just putting the word out there-- if anybody is going and has space in their accommodation for either just me or me and a not-too-smelly teenager, I'm willing to pay. If anybody is going to Sidmouth from Southeast London or anywhere I could get to via public transport (or hell, even taxi) and would be willing to offer me and various bits of stuff a ride, I'm willing to help with driving and expenses. If anybody out there knows any resources I should be checking to see about last-minute hotel cancellations that could be passed to me, group accommodation with anybody that'll have me, or group camping, or even the offer of a lift, I would be very, very grateful.

And if anybody has any tips for someone who's never been to Sidmouth before, I'll take those, too. Thanks for reading.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Accommodation
From: Zany Mouse
Date: 20 Jul 06 - 02:16 AM

Hi Gwen.

I can't help with travel etc as I'm not going. Just a thought, but if you DO camp then it is more comfortable to camp at somewhere like Salcombe Regis camp site, rather than the festival site. This is a friendly, family run site and they run a regular mini bus to and from the festival. You would be safe there. They have a few static caravans as well but they might well be booked up for the festival. Worth a try though. You'll find loads of helpful friendly festival goers camping there.

Another possibility: if you can hire or borrow a camper you can get a week long ticket (used to be £15 but I would think it will have gone up now) for the Rugby Club car park. They have showers etc and the boundry of the field is used for the campers. Again, a friendly lot.

As to tips for Sidmouth: well I suppose that depends on what you want out of the festival. I assume the EFDSS are paying for a season ticket, and if so then there are loads of excellent concerts and late night extras. If you want sings then head for the Theatre Bar during the day. The New Tavern (usually known as The Newt) seems to have a permanent session going.

There are loads of Mudcatters more involved in Sidmouth who can give you help. Herga Kitty, for example is one of the sing hosts and Leadfingers seems to be a permanent fixture at the Newt.

Hope that helps.

Rhiannon

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Accommodation
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 20 Jul 06 - 02:33 AM

Somewhere in the other Sidmouth thread Steve Wozniak was offering his caravan:

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

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Accommodation
From: Gwenzilla
Date: 20 Jul 06 - 07:43 AM

Thanks for the suggestions! I'll go back through the other thread, as well.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Accommodation
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 20 Jul 06 - 02:43 PM

Gwen

I can't help with accommodation or transport, but would be glad to
see you in the lunchtime singarounds in the Theatre Bar (the bar in the Manor Pavilion, above the Arts Centre). Gerry Milne from Sharps (and Folk London) is likely to be camping, and playing in the New Tavern.

I very much enjoyed last year's smaller scale festival, but I mainly do the fringe (Middle Bar Singers in the Anchor, Ashby de la Zouch folk club on the first Friday in the garden of the Volunteer, Theatre Bar singarounds...).

The Volunteer is also the venue for the lunchtime "In the Tradition" sessions, which I never get to ... I understand these are great sessions but it's very crowded.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Accommodation
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 20 Jul 06 - 02:52 PM

PS - are EFDSS getting you a ticket for Ham Marquee concerts (not covered by festival season ticket)?

Kitty

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Accommodation
From: GUEST,Seaking
Date: 20 Jul 06 - 03:03 PM

Hi Gwen

I've got a spare three man tent you're welcome to borrow for the week if it helps. I'll be staying at the Bulverton Festival campsite as usual with three of my own teenagers between the first Thursday and the last Saturday so would be happy bring the tent with me if it helps you.

Chris

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Accommodation
From: GUEST,blether
Date: 20 Jul 06 - 06:46 PM

oh I can't wait I just love all these folkie, what shall I do well you must camp/sing/play/eat/sleep/tune up with us, conversations. I am restored before I get there. THIS IS WHAT IT IS ALL ABOUT Arts Council etc

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Accommodation
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 21 Jul 06 - 02:40 PM

Gwen

Breton Cap has e-mailed the url for this thread to the Middle Bar Singers newsgroup (some MBS are Catters, and some live in or near Sidmouth, so may have some helpful suggestions].

Another obvious person to ask for information is Sheila Finn.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Accommodation
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Jul 06 - 05:01 PM

very positive contribution there blather

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Accommodation
From: Gwenzilla
Date: 22 Jul 06 - 03:46 AM

Everybody, thanks for all the help and encouragement. Keep your fingers crossed: I might have solved my problem, and I'll keep you posted (especially if I end up wanting to take up your generous offer of your extra tent and possible camping with teenagers, Chris). :)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Accommodation
From: GUEST,muddy the waters
Date: 22 Jul 06 - 04:28 AM

Did no-one tell you the Sidmouth Bulverton campsite is on a 45 degree slope and often has 6 inches of mud? You really must treat yourself to the experience - maybe once in your life!!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Accommodation
From: MikeofNorthumbria
Date: 22 Jul 06 - 11:42 AM

Muddy, you're exaggerating - the slope is only about 15 degrees! No problem as long as you pitch your tent fore and aft, remember to sleep with your head higher than your feet, and keep the tent entrance shut to stop you surfing down the hill on your airbed in the middle of the night. I've survived it twice before, and will be coming back for more this year.

As for the mud ...well, an August downpour is always a possibility, but I suspect that this year a more likely hazard will be sprained wrists from driving tent-pegs into rock-hard ground.

Wassail!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Accommodation
From: GUEST,psychmorris
Date: 22 Jul 06 - 01:20 PM

If you have tent The Thorn camp site is level and has all the amenities. Have however always gone to either the sailing club or the rugby club to use their facilities. ( nearer the pubs) Thorn like all the camping sites out eastwards have a coach (cheap) that you can use to travel in and out of Sidmouth. Quite also especially when you want to go to sleep. You cannot say that of the official site. Ageing camper aka psychomorris.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Accommodation
From: Gwenzilla
Date: 24 Jul 06 - 02:20 AM

Thanks so much to everyone for all the advice and offers of assistance and goodwill.

I have solved the accommodation puzzle, thanks to the healing powers of networking and the kindness of friends. So there's a great weight off my shoulders, and I'll see you at Sidmouth!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Accommodation
From: Chris Amos
Date: 24 Jul 06 - 03:03 AM

One thing that puzzles me is, why does no one sing in the showers at the Bulverton campsite?

Chris

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Accommodation
From: Dave Earl
Date: 24 Jul 06 - 12:09 PM

Chris,

The Showers at Sidmouth are not really suited for singing.

The catering outlets near the gate are where it all happens late at night.

Dave