Sidmouth folk week camp site - muddy?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth folk week camp site - muddy?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 03 Aug 07 - 03:36 AM

Bum I wish I was not so busy at work and could take the two weeks......

Subject: RE: Sidmouth folk week camp site - muddy?
From: Morticia
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 08:01 AM

The New Tavern, just along from where the Dove ( RIP) used to be....at least, I think it's called the New Tavern....never looked at the real name.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth folk week camp site - muddy?
From: John J
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 07:53 AM

The Newt?

John

Subject: RE: Sidmouth folk week camp site - muddy?
From: The Barden of England
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 07:12 AM

I'll nip in from time to time. It'll be good to see you again.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Sidmouth folk week camp site - muddy?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 06:31 AM

All Fringers , dont forget The Newt ! Gery Milne and I will be there most of the time !

Subject: RE: Sidmouth folk week camp site - muddy?
From: GUEST,Rockin'Robin
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 04:59 AM

I'm in an old white (with snazzy blue flashes) short wheel base ford transit high top campervan cunningly accessorised with liquid alto flute and nifty soprano sax.

Main stamping grounds are Bedford - Radway - sailing club but I'll definitely check out the Anchor too ...

We're loading up the campervan now

So this may be my last post

doobie doobie diddly tediddle ee diddle dum doobie doobie diddly

Sidmouth is just rockin'on

See you there ...

Subject: RE: Sidmouth folk week camp site - muddy?
From: John J
Date: 01 Aug 07 - 01:52 PM

What vehicle / tent / campervan will you be in? We should arrive Saturday lunchtime - thence to the Anchor for a laugh, drink and sing.

john

Subject: RE: Sidmouth folk week camp site - muddy?
From: GUEST,Rockin'Robin
Date: 01 Aug 07 - 12:16 PM

Decision taken and am now happily sorted

See you all at Sidmouth :-) I'll be there from tomorrow ...

Tediddle ee diddle dum

Now I'm getting in the mood ...

doobie doobie diddly

Rock on Sidmouth ...

Subject: RE: Sidmouth folk week camp site - muddy?
From: Folkiedave
Date: 01 Aug 07 - 11:55 AM

The bus will have a posted timetable and it does run until quite late.

Bulverton to campsite is walking distance - remember we all need to do 10,000 steps a day.

Is it free for those with a bus pass?:-) Probably not........think of the lost revenue!!

Dave

Subject: RE: Sidmouth folk week camp site - muddy?
From: John J
Date: 01 Aug 07 - 10:52 AM

Rockin'Rob: I don't know how much they charge, we've always stayed there as part of the Caravan Club's Sidmouth Festival Rally so there would be a different charge structure. Unfortunately they only have the Rally every two years - and this ain't one of them.

The site is very well drained, I'm sure you won't have a problem getting on and off - we never have.

We're just going to turn up, there's always loads of room. The bus seems to run quite late but I'm not sure how late.

If you have a look on Google Earth the image of the site come up rather well.

Not too sure when we're getting there, it may not be until Saturday or even Sunday.

Cheers,

John

Subject: RE: Sidmouth folk week camp site - muddy?
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 01 Aug 07 - 08:25 AM

No problem - I hope it's been helpful!

Yes - there are showers, loos and catering facilities on the official campsite.

I remember the showers being quite good last year - hot, and kept reasonably clean.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth folk week camp site - muddy?
From: GUEST,Rockin'Rob
Date: 01 Aug 07 - 08:19 AM

Hi Ruth

Thanks for all your help

Are there any shower facilities at the official site?

Thanks for bearing with a worrying old wrinkly

Subject: RE: Sidmouth folk week camp site - muddy?
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 01 Aug 07 - 06:43 AM

...and for anyone still worried about the campsite, here are some pictures taken this morning:


http://www.flickr.com/photos/10759218@N05/

Subject: RE: Sidmouth folk week camp site - muddy?
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 01 Aug 07 - 06:31 AM

I'd be wary about thinking of taking your van on and off the campsite during the week, regardless of the campsite you're on - I think everyone will be trying to avoid churning up damp ground, and it's been pretty common at the festivals which have gone ahead this summer for punters to be asked not to move their vehicles once on site.

There's certainly a late shuttle bus to and from the Bulverton that runs till at least the finish of the LNE, if you decide to go for the official campsite.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth folk week camp site - muddy?
From: GUEST,Rockin'Robin
Date: 01 Aug 07 - 05:45 AM

Hey John that's fantastic ... just sounds like my sort of place

Any idea what they're charging per day or all week

Also, how late do the buses run? I'm hoping to spend most of my time in the pub sessions so will be returning late

On the other hand, I could take the campervan down as long as late returning isn't a problem (eg for the tent people) I don't mind limiting the drinking too much

Is there likely to be a restriction on numbers and should I book beefore turning up?

Sorry to deluge you with questions ...

BTW titchy caravans are great and their owners so welcoming (great memories of Bude folk fest).

Thanks again for your help

Subject: RE: Sidmouth folk week camp site - muddy?
From: John J
Date: 01 Aug 07 - 03:30 AM

Rocking'Robin: regarding alternative campsites, there are a couple up the hill past the observatory.

I use the one on the left, it appears on the internet as a golf course: http://www.thorngolfcentre.co.uk/ . This site is used by lots of fringe festival goers (like me). Although it's fairly basic it's kept clean, has showers & loos....and it's not expensive. There's a regular bus service into town and back so you can safely fill up with beer in town.

We'll be there in our titchy caravan towed by a silver-grey Fiesta - come and say hello!

John

Subject: RE: Sidmouth folk week camp site - muddy?
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 31 Jul 07 - 03:10 PM

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10759218@N05/

Pictures from Sidmouth today!

Not much mud to be seen...

Subject: RE: Sidmouth folk week camp site - muddy?
From: GUEST,Rockin'Robin
Date: 31 Jul 07 - 08:51 AM

Thanks Ruth

Subject: RE: Sidmouth folk week camp site - muddy?
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 31 Jul 07 - 08:36 AM

The latest from Sidmouth:

The official Sidmouth campsite is dried out. The ground is hard enough for camper vans, and they've put hardcore down at the entrance to make access easier.

The "unofficial" campsites in the area have actually suffered worse with the weather, and they've been sending festval-goers back to the official festival site.

This, combined with the good weather forecasts over the next week or two, will hopefully be reassuring!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth folk week camp site - muddy?
From: GUEST,Rockin'Robin
Date: 31 Jul 07 - 08:10 AM

Hi All

I'm filled with trepidation after reading the above.

Are there any alternatives to the official campsite field such as regular parking where I can leave my camper overnight?

I've got a short wheel base Transit with rear wheel drive ... And it definitely doesn't like mud as I've discovered in my local roads in West Somerset.

Thanks in advance for any ideas ...

Subject: RE: Sidmouth folk week camp site - muddy?
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 30 Jul 07 - 07:20 PM

Ruth - shovelling shingle, more like, which is probably quite wearing on the shorts!   Promenade sounds too energetic. I'll settle for lemonade and esplanade. And staying in a hotel, not camping (been there, done that, got the muddy t-shirt).

Best wishes to people who are camping, and hope it's not too muddy.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Sidmouth folk week camp site - muddy?
From: GUEST,Sally the lemonade lady
Date: 30 Jul 07 - 07:11 PM

Hoping to see as many Catters as poss in the Blackmore Gardens. I'll have a signing in sheet should you feel the need.

Sal

Subject: RE: Sidmouth folk week camp site - muddy?
From: John J
Date: 30 Jul 07 - 06:18 PM

I've never seen a promenade wearing shorts.

JJ

Subject: RE: Sidmouth folk week camp site - muddy?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 30 Jul 07 - 01:20 PM

It seems like a better use for them than some I've seen, and quieter too. So win win then!
G

Subject: RE: Sidmouth folk week camp site - muddy?
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 30 Jul 07 - 01:16 PM

Depends - do you normally shovel sand with a bodhran and a banjo?

Oh, you probably do...

Subject: RE: Sidmouth folk week camp site - muddy?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 30 Jul 07 - 12:57 PM

Is that another name for a bodhran and banjo Ruth ?
G.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth folk week camp site - muddy?
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 30 Jul 07 - 12:37 PM

Latest weather update from Derek Schofield in Sidmouth:

Hot and sunny all day. People sunbathing on the beach, and on the promenade wearing shorts.


Don't forget your bucket and spade!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth folk week camp site - muddy?
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 30 Jul 07 - 05:43 AM

Message from Derek Schofield in Sidmouth:

The weather in Sidmouth was fine this weekend, and the forecast for the next fortnight is mostly dry and sunny. the campsite is drying out as well.

Don't forget your sun cream!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth folk week camp site - muddy?
From: Dazbo
Date: 29 Jul 07 - 10:24 AM

According to the BBC website it's set sunny for the rest of this week. Perhaps summer has come at last (if you discount April of course!)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth folk week camp site - muddy?
From: GUEST,Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 26 Jul 07 - 06:38 PM

Even the ducks on the river were taking cover from the rain in Sidmouth this afternoon! But the overall forecast is not too bad. "Unsettled" is perhaps as much as can be hoped for - but better for dancing if it is not too hot.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth folk week camp site - muddy?
From: North/South Annie
Date: 25 Jul 07 - 07:45 PM

Daughter has gone today to 'Task Force'. Haven't heard from her yet, hope she's not stuck in the mud or swimming in floods!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth folk week camp site - muddy?
From: fiddler
Date: 25 Jul 07 - 03:00 AM

The boggle minds!"

Subject: RE: Sidmouth folk week camp site - muddy?
From: MBSLynne
Date: 24 Jul 07 - 07:15 AM

You're right Colyn! Cos if people were left to use their common sense they'd obviously have to break half the rules and regulations

Annie, I was interested enough in Andy saying he'd just enjoy me while I'm there, without that extra word!

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Sidmouth folk week camp site - muddy?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 24 Jul 07 - 04:40 AM

Common behaviour Dave?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth folk week camp site - muddy?
From: fiddler
Date: 24 Jul 07 - 03:03 AM

ROTFL!!!

Is all I can say!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth folk week camp site - muddy?
From: Dave Earl
Date: 23 Jul 07 - 08:34 PM

Colyn

If Common Sense has been done away with has something else replaced it?

See you there mate.

Dave

Subject: RE: Sidmouth folk week camp site - muddy?
From: Bonecruncher
Date: 23 Jul 07 - 08:27 PM

Andy, Dave and Lynne
You aught to be aware by now that Common Sense has been banned on Health and Safety grounds!
Colyn.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth folk week camp site - muddy?
From: North/South Annie
Date: 23 Jul 07 - 05:48 PM

Fiddler & Lynne, after many years of campsite stewarding,relinquished only a few years ago, I agree with all your comments! NB Watch your spelling fiddler - combined with my less than perfect eyesight thesedays I thought you'd written '....so I will just enjoy you while you lie there...' P.S. (Just to be politically correct)- If you're actually dyslexic I apologise profusely and I might even buy you a pint !

Annie

Subject: RE: Sidmouth folk week camp site - muddy?
From: GUEST,Rumncoke
Date: 23 Jul 07 - 01:30 PM

One year at Sidmouth the driver of a big car upset me at about 3am.

I wonder how long it took to pump up all the tires after I left.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth folk week camp site - muddy?
From: MBSLynne
Date: 23 Jul 07 - 10:18 AM

Lol!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth folk week camp site - muddy?
From: fiddler
Date: 23 Jul 07 - 07:37 AM

That sounds heartfelt Lynne, Not that I would expect anything less form you!

Shame on them, so I will just enjioy you whlie you are there!

and keep away form those horridble festival goers!

andy
XX

Subject: RE: Sidmouth folk week camp site - muddy?
From: MBSLynne
Date: 23 Jul 07 - 07:12 AM

The trouble is that because the government tries to do all our thinnking for us, protect us against any possibility of any sort of accident etc, a lot of people seem to have lost any common sense they ever had along with the ability to use their brains. I had a break of several years from stewarding on the campsite gate and when I came back to it two years ago I was amazed at how different people seemed to be. All the things Andy quoted above as well as a lot of other issues that people refused to listen to or see reason about. An awful lot of people now seem to expect to be able to do whatever they like, without thought because someone else will deal with it. It's one of the reasons I'm not gate stewarding this year.

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Sidmouth folk week camp site - muddy?
From: Dave Earl
Date: 23 Jul 07 - 06:26 AM

Well Andy (Fiddler) is the man who should know.

Yes Common sense and good manners should be the order of the day and hopefully it won't be too muddy anyway.

Dave

Subject: RE: Sidmouth folk week camp site - muddy?
From: fiddler
Date: 23 Jul 07 - 06:11 AM

I don't really want a debate about 4X4 driving. Just seemed an appropriate place to make a comment when considering Sidders and mud!I've seen how some of them do it! I know how I do it!

Liz's maxim, a bit of common sense is always the best way.

We get them at the gate 'No problem I've got a 4x4' thay say or 'don't you know this is a 4x4' and hurtle off at 30mph(+ in some cases) through 3" mud. Dangerous stupid and ingnorant - many don't even wait for a reply!

Some feel any vehicle movement ban does not apply to them either, many use their 4x4s to go to the loo irrespective - when tackled the fairly standard reply is - 'well it is a 4X4 and anyway I've not taken it off site!'

So it was just a bit of a plug for common sense and manners! Nothing more.

If you don't fit that bill and you come to festivals in a 4X4 then you are a friend for life - especially if it is a landrover!

Andy

Subject: RE: Sidmouth folk week camp site - muddy?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 23 Jul 07 - 04:02 AM

Ah Breton.. I know what you mean... he's never liked me since I asked him a) for his ID at one of his own festivals and b) to slow his 4X4 down whilst driving through a campsite full of small children running loose.

Like I said elsewhere, common sense should be allowed to prevail, but regretably, many people are in short supply.

LTS

Subject: RE: Sidmouth folk week camp site - muddy?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 23 Jul 07 - 03:50 AM

The trick with 4x4 driving is NOT to drive too slowly. Quite apart from "tread lightly" and "give way to horses" the other maxim of the considerate 4x4 driver is "as slow as possible but as fast as necessary". Momentum may get you through without ground damage when trickle in and boot it with the diff locked may well dig you into a large hole which becomes a quagmire for others - what farmers and foresters usually do, secure in the knowledge that the recreational 4x4 drive will usually unjustly get the blame.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth folk week camp site - muddy?
From: fiddler
Date: 23 Jul 07 - 03:39 AM

Hmmmmm........

I was managing on cmap site in 1997!

The River Sid rose in one enourmous downpour by 3m in 1 hour!

The camp site bottom became a slow flowing stream about half a meter deep at it's deepest!

The site dried up enough that most folk were able to drive off on Friday / Saturday.

Yes the site dries very quickly, Izzy is managing this year and I don't envy her.

If anyone reads this please heed Dave's advice, get your car on, park up and leave it there.

If you have a 4 wheel drive please drive slowly, 4X4s driven badly can do more damage than a 2 wheel drive.

You may find that there are restrictions on vehicle movements at the start of the week please respect the Stewards and give them a cheery smile, it can be very hard work in this sort of weather.

Andy

Subject: RE: Sidmouth folk week camp site - muddy?
From: MBSLynne
Date: 23 Jul 07 - 03:32 AM

Yes, I have memories of pushing vehicles off site and trying to explain to the drivers how to drive them...a lot of them had no clue whatsoever. I also have memories of people getting quite stroppy when we told them they couldn't bring their cars back on if they left the site..."But we're going to visit Auntie so and so" "But we're going out for a meal". (I also remember Essex girl being really apologetic because she needed to take Dave to the hospital....there are some things that are important)

The worst time during '97 was the Thursday when we had the whole of August's usual rainfall in about two hours. That was pretty heavy rain! That was when some people had to be evacuated from the site.

Let's just hope that what we've been having so far this year will ease off for Sidmouth

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Sidmouth folk week camp site - muddy?
From: Dave Earl
Date: 23 Jul 07 - 02:44 AM

Yes Liz,

Thats the science of it but I always arrive early enough to set up my tent as high up the slope as I can.

In that field the wet stuff drains down the hill and it was the peeps camped down on the more level area at the bottom who suffered most in 97.

Sounds a bit "I'm alright Jack" I know cos big Frame tents need a fair amount of flat ground and that is mainly at the bottom.

Getting in and out of the field in your car needs "proper" driving techniques in order to maintain traction and steering control and, above all when it's wet, keep vehicle movements to an absolute minimum.( I have unhappy memories of a Certain Festival Organizer driving past my tent in his 4x4 and spraying mud all over my tent, meand my morning cuppa - the mug and my abuse was hurled after said "gentleman" who remained completely oblivious to what he had done.

Dave

Subject: RE: Sidmouth folk week camp site - muddy?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 22 Jul 07 - 06:45 PM

The problem with 1997 was persistant rain over a number of weeks, rather than the short, sharp but heavy downpours we're experiencing now. Flooding occurs in the second instance when the rainfall is so great in so short a time that the sheer volume is too great to drain away - like pouring a gallon of water into a pint funnel, it takes time to go through the spout. With the first scenario, the water table rises gradually until the ground is saturated and can physically no longer absorb more liquid. That's what happened at Sidmouth in '97.

LTS