Anyone seeking an informative and impartial view of Sidmouth past, present and future should read the editorial in the latest "Living Tradition" magazine. I hope the author Pete Heywood won't mind me quoting his remarks that: "messages claiming a healthy future for the event are a little wide of the mark. It is likely that there will be a spin-off event, but we should face the fact that Sidmouth as we knew it is behind us".

There's some interesting background information explaining why Steve Heap quit and why anyone attempting to pick up the baton will find it difficult.

The editorial comes to the conclusion that: "It won't be impossible for somebody else to pick up the baton, but unless there is a significant change in the circumstances, it won't be easy."

An interesting conclusion from somebody who knows more than most us about what really caused Steve Heap to quit and what problems will be faced by anyone attempting to pick up the baton.