Sidmouth - was it good for you?

Subject: Sidmouth - was it good for you?
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 12 Aug 07 - 07:09 AM

I had a fantastic time. Perfect mix of concerts, workshops/special events, chilling out and carousing. Lovely atmosphere in the town, loads to do, glorious weather and a brilliant programme. Missing the sound of the seagulls today...


How about you lot? Any thoughts?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth - was it good for you?
From: The Barden of England
Date: 12 Aug 07 - 07:17 AM

I had a brilliant time. Weather was almost perfect, just a couple of showers, but that didn't stop the enjoyment. Plenty to do, see and hear and most of the concerts were pretty near full. Excellent all round.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Sidmouth - was it good for you?
From: MBSLynne
Date: 12 Aug 07 - 11:09 AM

Only managed the weekend but it was good. No ticket so no concerts and ceilidhs but Ashby de la Zouch folk club on Friday evening in the Volunteer garden was great. We had a mini Mudgather and I was really happy to get to meet Bente to whom I've spoken in the chat before. Otherwise it was the Upper Middle Bar which was good every session I was in. (The BIG plus to the new room is that the accoustics are brilliant).

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Sidmouth - was it good for you?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 12 Aug 07 - 11:19 AM

I had a ball though I had to leave on Friday morning due to financial commitments . Had quite a few catters drop in to The Newt through the week , which was nice . Bente had a good time - we HAVE chatted since she got home to Denmark .

Subject: RE: Sidmouth - was it good for you?
From: bubblyrat
Date: 12 Aug 07 - 11:24 AM

Sadly I was unable to make it this year, having just started a new job !! A matter of priorities , really. But have booked the holiday dates for NEXT year !! Looking forward to Towersey , now, and hope to see you , Terry Leadfingers, at the Horse & Groom , in Henley ( and anyone else who can come ) on Tuesday , August 21st. !!!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth - was it good for you?
From: bubblyrat
Date: 12 Aug 07 - 11:27 AM

Yes !! That"s right ! August 21st !!( Not 28th as promulgated, as people will all be elsewhere !!! )..

Subject: RE: Sidmouth - was it good for you?
From: Goldengob
Date: 12 Aug 07 - 12:33 PM

It was good for Bill Whaley and me - we had a great three days and got to appear on some superb concert line-ups
Dave F

Subject: RE: Sidmouth - was it good for you?
From: Sue the Borderer
Date: 12 Aug 07 - 03:25 PM

I had a brilliant time too.
As 'Herbaceous Border' we had 56 people in the Friday evening procession though sadly not Bente, who had set off home by then, or Bubblyrat. (I wondered what had happened to you, Roger) We also enjoyed the "not-the-Sunday-morning-procession" - in which Bente did take part.
Spent much more time in the Upper Middle Bar than I did last year. As Lynne said, the acoustics are great and, especially compared with last year, there was very little overspill of noise from the garden or the other bars.
Thought the Anchor security men looked very fetching in their maroon shirts - and were unfailingly helpful.
Sue

Subject: RE: Sidmouth - was it good for you?
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 12 Aug 07 - 03:35 PM

Did anyone else catch any of the films put on by EFDSS from the VWML, presented by Sam Lee? They were a festival highlight for me.

Malcolm Taylor, the VWML Library Director, also did a really good talk on the future of the library which was really well attended and received.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth - was it good for you?
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Aug 07 - 03:49 PM

I particularly enjoyed the Ceilidh in the Ford - not that it happened, of course. But I imagined it very clearly with brilliant sun and a miniature Napoli bobbing on the waters and somewhere in the dream there was a bottle of whisky......

Subject: RE: Sidmouth - was it good for you?
From: Dazbo
Date: 12 Aug 07 - 04:45 PM

Couldn't summon up much enthusiasm for most of the concerts although I did a few (Glorystrokes, Brass Monkey, The Askew Sisters, The Devil's Interval and Last Orders all brill). I blame the weather: after two months of bloody awful weather it was too tempting to stay out in the sun than go into hot sweaty tents/rooms. Did loads of dancing at ceilidhs though, drank too much alcohol and discovered the joy of pims in the evenings:-)

I have some video clips that I'll add to my youtube soon - I'll let you know when.

Roll on Towersey!!!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth - was it good for you?
From: GUEST,Malcolm
Date: 12 Aug 07 - 05:36 PM

Dancing on the prom as we watched the Napoli being towed away - loads of dancing - knackered legs - Tom Bliss and a hurdy gurdy workshop - the sunburn on my nose is still peeling - and I still managed to lose an inch on the waist despite some excellent pies and burgers (and beer).

Hi Sue, see you in Swanage. Hi Ruth, see you when you next accompany BMM? But I didn't find out about the non-existent Ceilidh in the Ford until Sunday.

Ho hum, back to work...

Subject: RE: Sidmouth - was it good for you?
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 12 Aug 07 - 06:00 PM

BMM? If I'm accompanying it or them, I'm not sure I know about it...

Subject: RE: Sidmouth - was it good for you?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 12 Aug 07 - 06:05 PM

Rumour has it it was so good for Kevin the Clogs that the earth moved.....

Subject: RE: Sidmouth - was it good for you?
From: GUEST,Malcolm
Date: 12 Aug 07 - 06:33 PM

Ruth Archer said..

"BMM? If I'm accompanying it or them, I'm not sure I know about it..."

If you did then you would, so I have the wrong person. For which assumption I apologise.

Malcolm

Subject: RE: Sidmouth - was it good for you?
From: Surreysinger
Date: 12 Aug 07 - 06:38 PM

I had a great time - got virtually no use out of my day tickets (except for going to see Hammersmith Morris in the Blackmore Gardens, and meeting Housewives' Choice ... despite the fact that I'd already met most of them more than once before!)... but had a lovely week propping up the Bay Window in the Volunteer lunchtime sessions (and now rejoice in the name of one of the Bay Window Mafiosi ... respect!), going to Ballad sessions, indulging in evening sessions in the Volunteer with Ken Langsbury and Roger Grimes (among others), and then venturing down to the Bedford to sing into the small hours again.... who needs concerts??

I'm now thoroughly tired out, and trying to limber up for Whitby...

Oh and I forgot - got my lemonade from the Lemonade Lady at last :-)

(And another highlight - being introduced to Ruth's melodeon... and a nice little thing it seems to be - did you ever manage to link up with Anahata and Mary for that lesson after all??)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth - was it good for you?
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 12 Aug 07 - 06:56 PM

Wonderful week, despite a snivelling, streaming cold which severely limited my singing (I have told daughter that if she wants her huge tent pitched in the pouring rain next year it's D.I.Y).

Sidmouth never disappoints, and this one was no exception. Already looking forward to 2008.

Don T.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth - was it good for you?
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 12 Aug 07 - 07:17 PM

I have the misfortune to be summat of a dialect and accent sponge. Four weeks in any region with a strong local accent, and even my wife has difficulty understanding me.

I once had the Nawf Lunnon accent, but now after thirty years it's mostly somewhere between grammar school standard and Kentish.

I den't spend any time in Newcastle or Brum. Imagine it....halfway between Jimmy Nail and Jasper Carrott.

Don T.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth - was it good for you?
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 12 Aug 07 - 07:18 PM

Scratch that folks. Posted to wrong thread.

Don T.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth - was it good for you?
From: bfdk
Date: 13 Aug 07 - 05:40 AM

I had a great time, would definitely love to do it again sometime. I'm knackered now and work has caught up with me, so just a brief note for now.

I did lots of dancing - both with Herbaceous Border and in the Anchor garden ceilidhs. Lovely weather most of the time, and all those beautiful flower pots and baskets hanging everywhere impressed me greatly. Sidmouth is a little gem of a town nestled at the foot of the hills, glad I didn't have to *walk* up to HQ, but could take the festival bus, though. The days just whizzed past in a blur, on Thursday I couldn't understand where all those days went and I was ready to start over again, given the chance. Sorry I missed the Friday revelries, it sounds as if I missed out on a lot of fun there.

I met a lot of nice people, if I don't start mentioning names, I won't leave out anybody by accident. Thanks to Sue I was - to some extent, at least - kitted out properly for the Sunday procession. And she lent me her beautiful hat with the red/orange/yellow flowers, thanks for that! On Wednesday night I even managed to get a ticket for the venue with Martyn Wyndham-Read, a favourite of mine for years and years, but first time ever I had the opportunity to hear him live. What a treat :-)

Now it's nose back to the grindstone..

Best wishes,

Bente

Subject: RE: Sidmouth - was it good for you?
From: Folkiedave
Date: 13 Aug 07 - 06:03 AM

Glad you all enjoyed it - can anyone tell me about the John Glasson jig competition?

Dave

Subject: RE: Sidmouth - was it good for you?
From: GUEST,Frank Lee
Date: 13 Aug 07 - 06:33 AM

Hi Dave - In case no-one else posts here re. the jig competition you can find all the results on the Morris Dance Discussion List (MDDL) archives. I don't think you need to log in to view this. I think it's 'Gasson' btw.
Sidmouth? Didn't see much of it, little point in venturing outside the Radway if you're a muso, especially if you have no ticket!
Cheers
Frank (he who you stayed with at Brampton Live once!)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth - was it good for you?
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 13 Aug 07 - 06:34 AM

Solo: 1st Emma Darby (Oyster), Peter Derby muso.
      2nd Tracy Seelig (The Outside Capering Crew), Mark Rogers muso.
      3rd Jack Worth (Ditchling), John Bacon muso.

Double: 1st Ben Moss, Dom Moss (Great Western), Cat Radford muso
       2nd Fiona Bradshaw & Jess Arrowsmith (Pecsaetan), Richard Arrowsmith muso
       3rd Jack Worth & Neil Woolley (not sure who they dance with), Nick Cooke muso.

Audience Appeal: Simon Pipe (The Outside Capering Crew) & Lawrence Wright muso.

Best New Entrant: Ben & Dom Moss (Great Western) & Cat Radford muso

Best over 40: Tracy Seelig (The Outside Capering Crew) & Mark Rogers muso.

Judges: John Braithwaite, Sue Swift, Jill Griffiths and Barry Goodman. Sponsors were Pete Collinson, Daryl Hurtt, Chris & Tracy Rose, Trefor & Rhiannon Owen and Janet Dowling.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth - was it good for you?
From: Scooby Doo
Date: 13 Aug 07 - 06:39 AM

I can remember to this day where i was when i heard about the accident,it was in the Anchor talking to Alvin,Jon and Colin.One minute we were laughing and then silence.



Scooby

Subject: RE: Sidmouth - was it good for you?
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 13 Aug 07 - 07:43 AM

Like nearly everyone else, Sidmouth seems to be gathering momentum again, after the hiatus of the past few years.
Because of work commitments, didn't get to see much of anyone else, but, as a large dance band, it was relatively easy to move around. The only exception was trying to derig in the Anchor gardens Sunday afternoon, when an unbooked twerp of a juggler started his act right in front of the stage as we finished, making it very difficult to get the van in for the drum kit. He wsa lucky not to have been run over!
I understand that he did this most days! maybe some sort of venue manger could have told him to sling his hook. Apart from anything else, it was very dangerous, because naturally the public stayed to watch.
But, that was the only blip, and it was lovely to see so many old friends, sessions in the Radway were fab, (I counted 7 Brass and woodwind players at one point.....scary!!)
Oh, and the other thing I discovered is that my electric shaver is in the key of D....(Jon Loomes was tuning up his Hurdy Gurdy at the time!}
Might see some of you at Broadstairs later in the week, and then Towersey for the first time in years.
R
(The Housewives' Choice Massif)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth - was it good for you?
From: Folkiedave
Date: 13 Aug 07 - 07:48 AM

Thanks for that Ruth and Frank......

And I still remember your kind hospitality at Brampton.

You mean you stayed in the Radway the whole of the Festival? Isn't that normal then?

Dave

Subject: RE: Sidmouth - was it good for you?
From: GUEST,Jon C
Date: 13 Aug 07 - 07:50 AM

A brilliant week all round.

Highlights ........

The concertina concert at the Bedford, Yves Lambert and his fantastic orchestra, the one session I was allowed at the Radway, John Gasson Jig, Hammersmith Morris, the Showcase concert on Friday when all the children performed .......

And a very big thumbs up to the Folk South West crew who made the Blackmore Gardens children's activities so enjoyable for us all. We loved the knitting drop-in - can we do it again please? Special thanks to red-haired Ellen - she really made our kids' week, particularly when she popped up at the Anchor to MC on Tuesday evening and was so graceful and funny.

We're all looking forward to Towersey via Whitby then it's back to grind ........ boo!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth - was it good for you?
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 13 Aug 07 - 08:07 AM

Ralphie, I think the idea of the street performers in the Anchor Gardens was that the Anchor management invited them in to perform once the music was over. This was conceived, I think, to help alleviate the overcrowding out in the market square during street performances...of course, nature hates a vacuum, so new street performers were appearing magically in the market square anyway.

The thing I find so brilliant is the way so many people on this thread attended Sidmouth - yet all had a different festival. There was a staggering amount and diversity of activity on offer.

I know a lot of people have said that the loss of the arena makes Sidmouth "just another festival", but I have to disagree. It has a momentum and life all its own. Roll on next year.

(Did anyone see the fireworks on Friday night? Blimey!)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth - was it good for you?
From: fiddler
Date: 13 Aug 07 - 08:59 AM

Brilliant Fireworks on Friday Ruth, Can't say much else really, spent the whole week on the Ham!

Andy

Subject: RE: Sidmouth - was it good for you?
From: John J
Date: 13 Aug 07 - 09:15 AM

I wandered up and down the prom enjoying the sun, the performers etc. The rest of the time was spent in the (upper) Middle Bar singing my head off. Excellent!

John

Subject: RE: Sidmouth - was it good for you?
From: alanww
Date: 13 Aug 07 - 09:43 AM

Yes, the Middle Bar's unaccompanied singing, the Radway's English music sessions, the Bedford's high octane music & singing, the Sailing Club's large loud sessions, the Doom, Gloom & Despondency Competition's respectful singing, the Anchor Garden's open mike and the Swan's laid back bit of everything were great this year.
Was anything else going on?
"... when I heard of some ringing, some dancing and singing!"
Alan

Subject: RE: Sidmouth - was it good for you?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 13 Aug 07 - 10:32 AM

The beauty of Sidmouth is that whatever aspect of Folk or Acoustic type music , you can find it somewhere during the week , and , with some forms , literally ALL the week !
And The New Tavern is still the best mixed session in Sidmouth !

Subject: RE: Sidmouth - was it good for you?
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Aug 07 - 10:37 AM

Folkiedave replied. 'You mean you stayed in the Radway the whole of the Festival? Isn't that normal then?'

Er, well, hmm, actually I did do some squeezing at a couple of concerts, not enough to warrant a free ticket, but they did let me in to these for free(!) so I got to see 'Last Orders'. Was expecting to be unimpressed by yet another group of young musicians venting their corporate spleen with 500-notes-per-minute-endless-belt-celtic-music. How wrong could I have been!
They probably left with a feeling of 'another job done', but I left on a high, feeling that 'feeling' is still there at the younger end of the spectrum!
Frank.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth - was it good for you?
From: The Barden of England
Date: 13 Aug 07 - 10:52 AM

You're right there Terry Leadfingers. Nice to see you again and enjoyed the little time I was able to spend with you.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Sidmouth - was it good for you?
From: Dick The Box
Date: 13 Aug 07 - 11:00 AM

A lot of the new wave of young performers are like the emperor's new clothes - a triumph of hype over substance. Maybe festival organisers are so busy not upsetting their delicate new flowers that they lose their critical faculties. That said, "Last Orders" were fantastic. Great musicians, nice lads, and humble with it.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth - was it good for you?
From: Folkiedave
Date: 13 Aug 07 - 07:57 PM

Hi Dick the Box. I have seen a lot of the new performers and whilst I agree they are a bit like the curate's egg - most have a fantastic amount of talent - they need it tempered with some stage craft.

I have seen "Last Orders" a couple of times, they are brilliant though I have to tell you Joe O'Connor's sister, Marie-Louise is a stunning singer. If you have bought their record then you will know what I mean. If you have seen her live then you will know even more.

Of the others - Kerfuffle are also outstanding. So are Damien O'Kane and Shona Kipling, Sarah Hayes - I could go on........

I suspect that what is happening is that the media are belatedly catching on to the fact that folk is producing some amazingly talented young people - they tend to latch onto the first one they see.

Another name to look out for - Ruth Notman.

But many of these groups are just starting out. Few are fully formed and I am happy to cut them a bit of slack. The wonderful Robin Garside sums it up admirably. "Let's not talk about their talent. Let's talk about the amount of practice they've done to get that good".

Subject: RE: Sidmouth - was it good for you?
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 13 Aug 07 - 08:00 PM

I got to meet Ruth Archer!

Not having a ticket, on account of running an event that had been shunted to the fringe, I found I sang more than usual, including at 4 ballad sessions, and the upwardly mobile Middle Bar, and the Doom and Gloom.

Thanks to everyone who supported the morning singarounds in the Faulkner bar, which were great fun.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Sidmouth - was it good for you?
From: Folkiedave
Date: 13 Aug 07 - 08:04 PM

What time of day? Did she have the cinnamon vodka with her?

I think we should be told!!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth - was it good for you?
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 13 Aug 07 - 08:12 PM

Dave - about 10am, when I was on my way to collect a collecting tin from the Scout Hut. Introduction by Derek Schofield. No mention of cinnamon vodka.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Sidmouth - was it good for you?
From: SINSULL
Date: 13 Aug 07 - 09:54 PM

Bente failed to mention that she stalked Martyn Wyndham-Read and has a photo with him to prove it.
SINS

Subject: RE: Sidmouth - was it good for you?
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 14 Aug 07 - 01:08 AM

Ruth.
Point taken. No objection with street performers, The life blood of any good festival.
But, It was a bit silly of him to set up right in front of the stage, when we had half a ton of plumbing and drum kit to get out. (We had another gig only one hour later). and his attitude left much to be desired.
It was getting dangerous.
Apart from that, another memory was in the corridor outside the Concertina concert, talking to the aforementioned Mr Wyndham-Read (who had arrived late, and couldn't get in!) commented that "I can't understand the attraction, probably nothing on TV this afternoon!!"
Ralphie
Have now decided to form an electric shaver band for all those who can't afford a Hurdy-Gurdy!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth - was it good for you?
From: MBSLynne
Date: 14 Aug 07 - 03:36 AM

I like "Upwardly mobile Middle Bar" Kitty. Perhaps that's what whould be on the next T-shirts!

Didn't get to see any performers of course, but I heard Glorystrokes and ShadyLady thought they were fantastic.

One of the things about all these young bands is that they often appeal to the young, thus, hopefully, bringing more youth into the folk scene. Then the audience and the bands can both develop to the benefit of all

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Sidmouth - was it good for you?
From: GUEST, Tom Bliss
Date: 14 Aug 07 - 04:01 AM

The organisation was exemplary, the concerts very well attended, and some wondeful acts. Jackie O Jim M and Nick Glorystrokes were particularly good standing in for Eliza at short notice (Nick was called from the sea to assist)! We got some stunning songs about the Napoli, but I can't agree about the seagulls. No sooner had the last musician been tipped out the back door of the Bedford (and I finally closed my eyes) than they started a-skreeeechin and a-skawin. It was WONDERFUL to escape to the peace and quiet of Dartmoor!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth - was it good for you?
From: Mrs_Annie
Date: 14 Aug 07 - 04:35 AM

We too had a wonderful time. Our morning constitutional along the sea front, coffee from the Bedford, lunchtime drinking at the Swan, afternoon concert most days, tea from Chez Nous, evening concert sometimes but mostly just hanging out in the Bedford. What a relaxing week and what great music. Thanks to all those who played in the pubs and along the sea front, and the step dancing ladies.
Tom, we too enjoyed Jackie O Jim M and Nick Glorystrokes, and we too went on to Dartmoor. I was going to say 'hi' but the opportunity didn't arise. And I spotted Jim Causley there too.

It's raining and gloomy here, what a great holiday we had.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth - was it good for you?
From: Folkiedave
Date: 14 Aug 07 - 04:41 AM

One of the things about all these young bands is that they often appeal to the young, thus, hopefully, bringing more youth into the folk scene.

I love that bit about the "young".

Though I agree (having seen them at Warwick) about their appeal. And they are younger than me. But then so are most people......

Dave

Subject: RE: Sidmouth - was it good for you?
From: lilly
Date: 14 Aug 07 - 06:03 AM

Martin Wyndham Read/Glorystrokes-suprise find !/Vin Garbutt/ Jig competition/ Lester Simpson's 'interviews'/Rugby club concerts and workshops/trying to write song lyrics on the beach when there was a whole festival to go to !! Great time as always.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth - was it good for you?
From: GUEST,albert
Date: 14 Aug 07 - 06:16 AM

I had a great time again in Sidmouth.

Enjoyed the morning singing with Kitty at the hotel on the front and lunchtimes in the Gardens. I hope this event goes back to the Theatre bar where it belongs next year and also back into the festival programme.

I thought the Spookymen were wild,weird and wonderful.Very entertaining.A cross between some 18th century gold prospectors and a gang of escaped zombies....loved the Swedish folk song at the end!

Also Bill Whaley and Dave Fletcher were simply great....
Congratulations and jubilations to all concerned with organising another brilliant Sidmouth!!

As a Welsh music lover could I suggest the organisers take a listen to Swansea band "Boys From The Hill" who are still magnificent.This year they are taking a break but are still playing festivals and other selected venues.
Albert

Subject: RE: Sidmouth - was it good for you?
From: GUEST,Gadaffi
Date: 14 Aug 07 - 07:31 AM

I'm now having a nice restful time at work!

Best personal moment of week: Norma Waterson/Eddie Upton interview. House full, and I thought Eddie and Martin Carthy would nearly come to blows!

Best acts of week: Yves Lambert, of course. Housewives Choice have a lot of possibilities going for them. The Askew Sisters were a breath of fresh air. Watch out for David Steptoe - he has a lot of potential.

Worst personal moment of week: getting 'blanked' by John Howson in his cameo at The Volunteer. Rod Stradling does the same to me, but at least I'm getting used to that! My apologies to Ralphie for not having done my homework.

Most embarassing moment: finding out that the Volly wasn't in the programme in its normal place. Hopefully an oversight and not a deliberate policy change by FolkWeek, otherwise it's going to be doubly difficult to maintain this valued part of the Festival.

Now here's the challenge - how do we maximise use of the Bulverton in 2008, if at all?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth - was it good for you?
From: GUEST,jethro
Date: 14 Aug 07 - 09:36 AM

Bulverton was utilised on most days as follows:

0900-1200 - workshops
1300-1430 - brunchtime concert
1600-1800 - soundchecks for 3 bands for evening and LNE
2000-2230 - Dance event
2300-0130 - LNE

The Brunchtime concerts were poorly attended - but all of exceptional quality. It was a joy to sit inthe sun and listen to it all.

There is space in the schedule for more events/workshops to be slotted in - though the stewarding requirement for the venue (this year about 45) would have to be increased.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth - was it good for you?
From: GUEST,Gadaffi
Date: 14 Aug 07 - 09:39 AM

I thought Fluxus were excellent. It was a pity that so few attended.
The Bollywoods were equally enjoyable, but the early evening slot really does need careful thought.