I know who Joanie is Sweetums....leave her alone, she's doing far more for folk music than many other people....

The one thing that I've really enjoyed in this thread is reading how much everyone who DID come to Siddy HAS enjoyed it this year, and I'm really pleased about that. It'll be passed on to the people who organised it, although I'm sure many of them already have been reading what's been said. I'll bet it's made them feel great as well!

And Jon, I'd not get too pedantic about those words above. I think perhaps what was meant was merely that Sidmouth has a very special atmosphere, in that it is very safe for children and families in general...And you don't have to have children to be part of a family you know....we ALL belong to families of some sort or another.

I remember reading somewhere one of the more 'famous' folkies' Mum saying that she'd always felt that when her children were younger they were safe to wander round Siddy on their own, as there were people everywhere and so many wonderful things for the children to take part in. It DOES have a special atmosphere and the rest of the year round it is still a wonderful place for children to grow up.

There were just as many people here with their elderly parents as there were with their children, and people who were just down on there own as well...Sidmouth is for everyone, as are all folk festivals, but it is a lovely place to come with children.

And the folk festival community in general is hugely supportive, caring, peaceful and uplifting and there's nothing wrong with that. It is what our society in general is desperately short of right now...and I've said many a time that society has a great deal to learn from the folk world, for as Jan said, it IS about family (of all sorts), community and continuity....and long may that continue.....


Lizzie :0)