Sidmouth Winter Reunion 2009

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Winter Reunion 2009
From: GUEST, topsie
Date: 24 Feb 09 - 06:03 AM

"I now believe the Swan is the new Dove"

I haven't been to Sidmouth for several years.
Does this mean that music is now banned at the Swan?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Winter Reunion 2009
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 24 Feb 09 - 04:28 AM

Well, well, people contributing to a Mudcat thread without a clear idea of what they are on about. A confusing title? Well, well . . .
If elitism = excellence, long live elitism (I think I might be repeating myself here).
I escaped from the Royal Free at lunchtime on Saturday and concluded it was too late to get the Exeter train. I went to Ray Fisher and Di Henderson instead, so this is for Kitty, on the subject of those who know not how to behave:

Some bloke tried to barge in on arrival as Peta Webb was mid-song. Duly restrained, he then nicked Tom Paley's seat, despite having to clamber over 15 banjos to do so. At every pause for tuning, he roared (yes he really did) - :Good Enough For Folk".
Apart from it being great to see Ray Fisher fully recovered, it was a really miserable evening.
The "f*lk scene"? Far too many oafish GEFFs. Stuff it.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Winter Reunion 2009
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 24 Feb 09 - 04:11 AM

Deek Schofield??? Sorry, I lost his A(R)se!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Winter Reunion 2009
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 24 Feb 09 - 04:04 AM

An apology to bubblyrat.
I never meant to sound elitist about the Radway. It is indeed open to all musicians. Young, Old (mostly!!) Learners, all welcome. It's just that there is no singing....! (Having heard some of the musicians trying, thats no bad thing!!)
My "Irish" comment was slightly tongue in cheek. There are some wonderful players out there. but in 30 years of sessioning, the Irish style just gets lost by everyone playing too damn fast.
(as I type this I'm listening to a session I recorded of Martin Hayes. Such a joy).
On a more general point, I'm with Kitty when she says it's not a "mini Sidmouth" weekend. It just seems that the song and music elements have coincided over the past few years. Jolly nice too. And it's a good excuse for the festival organisers to do some planning at the same time, and have the chance to meet us lot.
Ms Archer, Deek Schofield, John Dowell popped into the Rad for a bit, and also went down to the Anchor.
Personally I will stay in my spiritual home the Rad.
But, I would never knock other peoples idea of a good time.
And as noted above. The fact that I got the chance to meet Liz the Squeak, means that I'll never enjoy Christmas again!!
So, Sorry if I've offended anyone. There are no Cliques, just horses for courses. And Surrysinger.....why not start a Volly reunion as well? Then it could really be a mini fest.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Winter Reunion 2009
From: DG&D Dave
Date: 24 Feb 09 - 03:56 AM

Much as I hate to admit it...
I now believe that the Swan is the new Dove.
[Deep sigh].
So, now looking forward to the Swan reunion.
Love to all.
Dave.
"It's a song, a sigh of the weary..."

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Winter Reunion 2009
From: My guru always said
Date: 24 Feb 09 - 03:51 AM

Well, I thoroughly enjoyed the weekend in the Middle Bar - apart from my terrible hangover on Saturday! It was great to meet up with so many good friends & hear so many good songs!!

And yes, the title is misleading Kitty!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Winter Reunion 2009
From: Dave Earl
Date: 24 Feb 09 - 03:43 AM

Hi folks
I got home safely if a little hungover but had a good time

As Kitty says the Radway and Middle Bar are organised seperately but I also understand there was a Festival Business meeting (The Great and Good were seen around the town) and also the younger members of the TaskForce seem to have had a reunion of there own somewhere - I saw the daughters of friends of mine with their mates.

If many more of the various festival groups assemble in Sidmouth in February we could end up with a mini festival - Don't some others have winter fund raisers ( Chippenham,Alcester and Banbury to my knowledge)

Dave

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Winter Reunion 2009
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 24 Feb 09 - 02:29 AM

The thread title's a bit misleading, really. The Middle Bar Singers have had a winter reunion for many years and so have the Radway musos, but the two are arranged separately and there's no guarantee that both will be arranged for the same weekend. There are some people who both sing and play and visit both pubs (and some who visit one or both but don't sing nor play), but not many. It's not a weekend Sidmouth festival reunion.

Surreysinger - I had a great time in Sidmouth last weekend but it meant I missed Ray Fisher and Di Henderson at the Cellar Upstairs!

Kitty

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Winter Reunion 2009
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 24 Feb 09 - 01:07 AM

Sidmouth? Pah. Other seasides are available.
Whitby. Broadstairs . . .
Though I haven't been near Sidmouth for the past five years (because of one thing or another but mostly just one) and thus have little clue nor authority to speak on the subject.
I first went in 1960 (or thereabouts) to dance with a school troupe. To my chagrin, we couldn't get into pubs at all despite having no problem back in Newcastle as long as any scrap of uniform was not visible (also not a problem) so it was probably us who instituted the tradition of playing as loudly as possible on the prom to drown out any GEFFs who'd left the Bedford window open
It's quite useful knowing just what happens in each pub and, therefore, where to avoid. Most places, actually. During the two decades up to the mid 90s I did just that with unqualified success.
I'd only step into the Radway if I'd practised for six months beforehand and that's unlikely. And not to bash a bodhrán and sing Shores Of Erin (not that this is likely either).
In fact, I probably won't ever go again. And who will care? No-one, I shouldn't think.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Winter Reunion 2009
From: Surreysinger
Date: 23 Feb 09 - 06:45 PM

Oh dear bubblyrat ... EFDSS Music Police ... that's a term I take great exception to, as a longstanding member of the EFDSS since the 1970's while in university. I never cease to wonder where on earth that dreadful term comes from. To the best of my knowledge these days EFDSS doesn't try to police anything (although ,granted, Cecil Sharp was the biggest policeman of them all, he is long gone now). Additionally I rather suspect that if you asked around the people in the Radway the vast majority of them are not members of EFDSS anyway.

I must say that, as a reader of the thread, I think your final paragraph is both generalised and less than pleasant. To the best of my knowledge the majority of the Radway denizens are neither obsessive about English music, although they do favour it, members of the EFDSS, exclusively players of squeezy things (pictures of the weekend that I've seen show trombones, tubas, clarinets, banjos etc) or pale and pasty faced etc. I set foot in there for the first time this year as a fledgling musician of mature years, having been a denizen solely of the Volunteer for some years, and did not find the Radway bunch in the least unwelcoming or cliquey ....
although as one who is still in the first stages of learning to play a squeezy thing I was really not up to speed enough to be joining in.

One thing that I do know is that some of the sessions (whether musicians or singers) at Sidmouth do not suit me at all... they all have their individual characters, and suit different people. I,for instance, would not enjoy a Bedford or Middle Bar session overly much, so don't go to them ... and I would also not expect to hear the same sort of repertoire in the Volunteer as would be served up in the Anchor ... although there is obviously some degree of crossover. As far as I can see it's horses for courses - to use another cliche, one size does NOT fit all - you find out which sessions are suitable for you, and go along to them... but don't expect the regulars at one type of session to necessarily be receptive to your ideas of how a session should be run, contentwise.

Hopefully better luck for you next time.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Winter Reunion 2009
From: bubblyrat
Date: 23 Feb 09 - 05:56 PM

"Radway for the dedicated musicians ".......???
    Well, I always thought of myself as being one of those !--I mean, I have been going (on and off) to Sidmouth since 1965. I play the guitar ( DO forgive me, please),and I can play tunes (not just chords !), many of which come from my beloved "Hardy Manuscript".I am particularly proud of my personal rendition of not only the "Waltz in G ",but also "The Seven Stars",et al.I also enjoy playing Scan Tester tunes on the harmonica.
                However----I realise that my musical shortcomings must be exacerbated by A) the fact that I am not OBSESSIVE about "English" music, and B) that I am not a member of the EFDSS Music Police,and am therefore able to enjoy music from other countries,viz. (in my case) Poland,Holland,Belgium,France,and ( Oh Dear !!) Ireland.
    Thirdly, of course, I don't play a "squeezy" thing,am not pale & pasty-faced, and actually believe in stopping occasionally in order to not only WELCOME other,visiting,musicians,but actually let them "have a go".( Even if they DO play the dreaded Guitar !)
                But don't worry---I shall stick to the Bedford ( And Real People, if not Real Musicians ) in future !!
    Enjoy your "Clique"....While it lasts !

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Winter Reunion 2009
From: Surreysinger
Date: 23 Feb 09 - 04:56 PM

I'm intrigued .. there's the Radway for the musos, Bedford for the mixed bag, and Anchor for MBS ... but there doesn't seem to be a place for hard nut traddies like me that would inhabit the Volunteer for singing. Are we just too thin on the ground for consideration for the February weekend? Ah well, next year, as a fledgling muso of mature years, perhaps I can be brave enough to poke my head around the door of the Radway for a second time ??? (I live in hopes)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Winter Reunion 2009
From: Manitas_at_home
Date: 23 Feb 09 - 03:49 PM

Ralphie, How can you have lived in London for so long and say that!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Winter Reunion 2009
From: GUEST, topsie
Date: 23 Feb 09 - 02:31 PM

It sounds as if he was suggesting Irish in the Bedford, not the Radway.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Winter Reunion 2009
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 23 Feb 09 - 02:12 PM

With greatest respect to bubblyrat, the Radway has always been a venue for Mostly English, some Northern European, a smidge of Canadian, and most definitely not Irish!
I Love Irish music. It's just that I never hear anything representative of that culture in England.
Fine Girl you are (or not) and the Fields of "At Henry" isn't for me.
So. Middle Bar for the singers....Great!
Bedford for the mixed singer/musician stuff. ...Great!
Radway for the dedicated musicians......Great!
Where is the problem?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Winter Reunion 2009
From: bubblyrat
Date: 23 Feb 09 - 10:54 AM

We had a lovely time in Sidmouth----The apartment we rented was very nice,with sea views---We ate well & slept well--Spent loads in the many charity shops--the weather was kind---Karen & Linda enjoyed their visits to the Anchor---"LTS" was nice,and great fun too !!
            I found both venues (Anchor & Radway) to be much too crowded and too hot for my liking,so neither sang nor played ! Colin Pyne at "The Bedford" did say that it would be fine if any musos and / or singers felt like going there to play as per Sidmouth Folk Week, but,although I did suggest it to one or two Radway denizens,there were no takers----perhaps,when asked by one rather pompous Melodeonist,what sort of music we might play there ,and I suggested " Irish,possibly ?",which brought about an almost apopleptic response,I should have been more cautious,and less optimistic !! The offer still stands for next year,though !

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Winter Reunion 2009
From: Surreysinger
Date: 23 Feb 09 - 07:06 AM

"It has often been said that I leave women sated, elated and in a slightly damp heap."
Hmmm ... a super-inflated ego methinks ?? I'll bet it was said by the legend in his lunchtime himself ! LOL!!! and runs for cover ....

Liz - should you have inflicted this horrendous Christmas present on an unsuspecting populace ?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Winter Reunion 2009
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 23 Feb 09 - 02:41 AM

OMIGOD!!!
What a heinous heap of pants you have inflicted on me Liz!!
It's brilliant!
(Mind you I haven't found a concertina on it yet...and the banjo seems to be consigned to an accompanying role!)
It's up there with "Balsara and his Swinging Sitars" take on the the Sound of Music.
Dreadful, Dreadful, Dreadful.
I just don't have words to thank you enough for this pile of poo!!
Hugs Ralphie xx
Memo to anyone I don't like in my address book.
Move before next Christmas. I have my present to you sorted, and I know where you live!!!!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Winter Reunion 2009
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 23 Feb 09 - 01:00 AM

It has often been said that I leave women sated, elated and in a slightly damp heap.
Never thought that the the Martians would have the same effect!
Will report back on the Banjo/Tina CD. It's at the bottom of a bag I haven't unpacked yet!!
Slightly worried Ralphie!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Winter Reunion 2009
From: Surreysinger
Date: 22 Feb 09 - 09:22 PM

I wonder which of you two got the better return out of that sordid little deal then?? ;-) (I suspect my vote for sheer awfulness would have been for the banjo CD ... there's just a bit too much musicality in the Martians' piece de resistible) I sincerely hope that Ralphie's neighbours are up to coping with the strain later on today - you may have a lot to answer for Liz [grin]

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Winter Reunion 2009
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 22 Feb 09 - 06:57 PM

Ralphie, you have made me a very happy woman... you have no idea how long it's been... After our assignation, I skipped like a lamb and scared small children by grinning at them... I am sated, and lie in an elated and slightly damp heap.

I hope it's good for you too.

LTS

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Winter Reunion 2009
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 22 Feb 09 - 06:41 PM

Thanks to Liz of Squeakiness fame.
Was banned from playing the CD in the car on the way home...
Girding my loins for the morning!!
Hope the Martisns play nicely for you!!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Winter Reunion 2009
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 22 Feb 09 - 05:30 PM

Really good weekend - many thanks to Tony and everyone who came, laughed, drank, sang and listened!

Kitty

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Winter Reunion 2009
From: MBSGeorge
Date: 22 Feb 09 - 04:46 PM

Got back just before 4. Had a fantastic weekend. Well done to all the singers.

G x

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Winter Reunion 2009
From: Phot
Date: 22 Feb 09 - 01:16 PM

Got back about three hours ago, a really good weekend. Well done to the organisers.

Wassail!! Chris

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Winter Reunion 2009
From: Phot
Date: 20 Feb 09 - 11:36 AM

Throttles set for climb, brakes, V1, rotate!

See you there!!

Wassail!! Chris and Fiona

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Winter Reunion 2009
From: MBSGeorge
Date: 20 Feb 09 - 09:19 AM

Heading South in approx 1 hour. See everyone later! Yippee.

G xx

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Winter Reunion 2009
From: Phot
Date: 20 Feb 09 - 09:06 AM

Throttles wide, and brakes off in T minus one hour!!

Wassail!! Chris

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Winter Reunion 2009
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 19 Feb 09 - 04:25 PM

Oh my dawg.... was just going to post saying, have finished work for this week and am really looking forward to tomorrow evening, when I saw the post from Jack... well, that'll lower the tone, then I(don't tell Tone though!).

Kitty

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Winter Reunion 2009
From: Mudcat Jack
Date: 19 Feb 09 - 04:23 PM

Ullo everyone, I is gettin dere too!

WOOF!! Jack

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Winter Reunion 2009
From: MBSGeorge
Date: 19 Feb 09 - 11:40 AM

Happy Birthday to me ........... etc.

Woo hoo. I think I may be stumbling back to pass out after Friday's sing.

G x

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Winter Reunion 2009
From: alanww
Date: 19 Feb 09 - 09:17 AM

Hi to all my MBS friends
Sorry, I cannot make it this year, as I'm singing at ENKHUIZEN (Netherlands) "DEUNEN EN DEINEN 2009"
Enjoy the Reunion! I'll see you all in the summer.
"I thought I heard the old man say ...!"
Alan

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Winter Reunion 2009
From: GUEST,LTS pretending to work
Date: 19 Feb 09 - 08:08 AM

So that's one candidate for the cheery greeting then!

Getting excited... but may be leaving later than planned... don't ask!

LTS

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Winter Reunion 2009
From: My guru always said
Date: 19 Feb 09 - 05:55 AM

Don't worry Liz, Richard is never up in time for breakfast....

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Winter Reunion 2009
From: MBSGeorge
Date: 18 Feb 09 - 05:44 PM

Yay 2 days to go.

G x

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Winter Reunion 2009
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 18 Feb 09 - 05:11 PM

Is it me, or does it sound like we're making breakfast for half the population of Devon?

LTS

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Winter Reunion 2009
From: My guru always said
Date: 17 Feb 09 - 04:16 PM

Wouldn't it be nice to have another 24 hour Sing???

I'll get me coat.....

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Winter Reunion 2009
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 17 Feb 09 - 03:57 PM

Tony Day has put together a roster of people to keep the Middle Bar singing going from 8-11 on Friday and 11-11 on Saturday (and Sunday afternoon till about 3). There's not the usual distraction on Saturday from 6 Nations matches this year, so it's possible the singing will keep going....

Kitty

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Winter Reunion 2009
From: Wild Flying Dove
Date: 17 Feb 09 - 01:01 PM

Hi MGAS, I suppose we should find time in between bouts of eating etc to go singing as well! Though I suspect we may do a fair bit on the way down in the car. By the way, what time do things get going and what time does the Anchor stay open to? Is there a break between lunchtime & evening on the Saturday or does it just carry on non-stop?
see you soon xxxx

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Winter Reunion 2009
From: My guru always said
Date: 17 Feb 09 - 11:42 AM

Are we going to get any singing done?

WLD: if you're coming to the Middle Bar bring earplugs!!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Winter Reunion 2009
From: GUEST,LTS pretending to do housework
Date: 17 Feb 09 - 11:24 AM

I don't do washing up... I do cooking. I also do eating. I'll bring the picnic sets.

LTS

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Winter Reunion 2009
From: Wild Flying Dove
Date: 17 Feb 09 - 09:48 AM

Liz, I have sent you an email with the address. Also, details of friday evening's dinner that I'm bringing if you care to join us! I think some red wine will be in order. But I must try not to overdo it too early on in the evening! Do I gather I need to bring ear plugs for the morning?
Really looking forward to the weekend, see you all soon,
Karen

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Winter Reunion 2009
From: bubblyrat
Date: 17 Feb 09 - 05:51 AM

Gosh,Colyn,are you coming too??And Hilary & Richard,and their friends Citizen Camambert and Mr Taylor ---what fun !!
To answer Liz's question----I will get Karen to PM you with all details,as she handled the booking. But basically,you park in the car-park opposite side of road to The Bedford Hotel,look at said hotel,and it's in the same building !!I'll wave from the window if we're there first.Resounding "Yes" to extra plates and Sloe Gin,please.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Winter Reunion 2009
From: Bonecruncher
Date: 16 Feb 09 - 07:59 PM

No, Liz, we'll bring our own plates but you can wash up as well, for being so cheerful.
Colyn.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Winter Reunion 2009
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 16 Feb 09 - 05:18 PM

Should I bring a couple of picnic sets with me too... extra plates and all that....?

LTS

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Winter Reunion 2009
From: My guru always said
Date: 16 Feb 09 - 05:14 PM

Quite right Morti, what's the address Roger? We have Port and a cheese collection!!!!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Winter Reunion 2009
From: Morticia
Date: 16 Feb 09 - 04:58 PM

I think we all need the address, Roger....although I have done many years of Liz 'perking' at me first thing and feel quite sure it is someone else's turn.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Winter Reunion 2009
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 16 Feb 09 - 04:46 PM

ER.. you are going to PM me the full address aren't you? Any idea if there is parking nearby?

Sloe gin and Tea Fairy kit on standby.

LTS

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Winter Reunion 2009
From: bubblyrat
Date: 16 Feb 09 - 09:45 AM

Ok Liz, it's a deal----You get to do the breakfast ! I will be bringing some mighty fine "Royal Berkshire" traditional free-range bacon,some fresh eggs from Newnham Farm, Crowmarsh,near Wallingford,some organic baked beans & mushrooms from Waitrose,Henley,and a "Seeded Batch"wholemeal loaf,plus a nice Black Pudding from Wraysbury Farms near Staines --I shop around, you know !! I will do dinner--(probably fresh fish from the shop on "The Ham" in Sidmouth ).See you Friday !!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Winter Reunion 2009
From: MBSGeorge
Date: 16 Feb 09 - 06:54 AM

Woo hoo 4 days to go.

G xx