mmm... I do know what Eliza means about the usual crowd in the little back room at the Bedford. Last year we had a very uncomfortable time in there and left pretty sharpish when it became obvious we weren't welcome.

This year we hadn't really intended to play in that room at all but one afternoon just wanted to join a session for an hour or so and couldn't get in anywhere except for that little room where there was no music going on and only a few people sitting having a drink. We went in and started playing and, although the drinkers were very noisy, we accepted that as it is a public bar and we have no right to expect people to be quiet. We were the only people playing for quite some time then, just as we were thinking of packing up because we had friends coming to join us in our flat for a meal, the drinkers got out guitars and so on and started singing. They seemed a bit disappointed that we were getting ready to leave but the timing was pure coincidence. So, a different experience completely from last year.

On Thursday night we wandered in to the Bedford again and managed to get seats in the front room to the right of the entrance. We were made very welcome and the lady (you will all know who I mean) who dances on the board in particular was very friendly and welcoming to us. We had a great time and went back to the flat feeling very much that this is what Sidders is all about. Loads of people came up to ask about the weird looking instrument I play (bass recorder) and the atmosphere was really welcoming and inclusive.

We had a wonderful time and will definitely be back next year.

Marilyn