I was lucky to have known Bill Rutter - from my time as an EFDSS NEC member amongst other things. Bill would have hated some of this bickering - he would have just wanted people to enjoy themselves at Sidmouth. Incidently, one year Bill was 'arrested' and put on trial for a whole catalogue of alleged 'crimes' - there's a famous photo of him tied to a tent-pole in the ham marquee, with a noose above his head ! He thought the whole thing was a brilliant stunt.

Perhaps 2005 will enable the festival to get back a bit nearer to it's roots - in 1966 when I first went, it was amuch smaller event than in recent years - but I reckon it was probably more fun. As far as Linda and I are concerned, if we can enjoy ourselves and also provide some entertainment for others, it will be worth while.