We had a great time ,despite the wet weather at the beginning of the week . But Oh dear ! -How the esplanade has changed to what it used to be ( like back in the 60s & 70s ). Far too many stalls nowadays, with the stall-holders' vans clogging up the road, and then there's the misery of the dreaded "Birdie Whistles" . Personal highlights for me were a very good Irish session one afternoon in the Anchor ,several American " Old Time" sessions in the new venue that I / we arranged with Colin in the Bedford , ie his downstairs "Pynes " or "Jack's" Bar : Debbie McClatchie dropped in several times , to our delight ! And , one afternoon ,in the same venue , a brilliant unaccompanied , mainly sea-shanty -type singalong. Perhaps the "Middle Bar " singers would be much happier there ?? The acoustics are good ,and there is room for a large number of singers / musicians.Colin showed his appreciation in the usual way . ie chicken,sausages,chips and jugs of beer ; thanks, Colin !
               I also enjoyed playing for "Wild Thyme" Morris a couple of times , and extra-curricular activities included visits to Seaton Tramway , Exmouth, Bicton Gardens ,and a boat-trip on the " Fanny Bowser" that takes passengers off Sidmouth beach, along the "Jurassic Coast " .And Brass Monkey were superb, as usual , as indeed were Mary Humphries, Anahata ,Nick Barber and Mary Barber, playing on the esplanade . No ,it wasn't the Sidmouth of old, but it was still a memorable experience !