From Steve Mansfield:

"However until this thread I'd not personally been aware that the festival's finances had stabilised under her administration - having been a performer at the 2004 festival when Steve Heap stood down and a lot of people didn't even think there would *be* a 2005 Sidmouth, for that alone Joan deserves the respect and thanks of everyone who loves The First Week In August."


Just to get matters straight...Joan was not involved in bringing Sidmouth back from the edge during the very first Sidmouth Folk Week. That was down to many volunteers who stepped forward and worked their backsides off to keep Sidmouth going and to one particular person who stepped forward with a large amount of money, from his own piggy bank, risking the lot, because Gordon wanted to ensure that Sidmouth would still be alive for his new-born grandson to enjoy during *his* life.

Not wanting to detract from anyone here, but merely wishing to ensure that folks know that others were involved in 'saving' Sidmouth, for without those very people, back in 2005, Sidmouth would not be here now.

Thanks.