Oh Dear Sidmouth

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Rumncoke
Date: 22 Jul 09 - 01:14 PM

Do be careful if you decide to sleep in an enclosed van - without proper ventilation you can die.

A couple of people I knew at school borrowed a van and went off for a weekend at the seaside - they parked in a secluded spot and settled down in the back for the night.

The police found them a week later.

Anne Croucher

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 22 Jul 09 - 01:05 PM

In extremis, if you are being moved on, there is always Waitrose!

There is a motorhome website somewhere devoted to overnight parking in various areas of the UK including attitudes of various councils and supermarkets. Sad I know, but it is updated quite regularly - or was when I happened upon it some time ago.

The Sidmouth Waitrose car park is being redeveloped at the moment and access for larger vehicles is a bit dubious, and spaces at a premium at peak times. The store is being extended.

Legally, it is private land and council officials have no say in you being there. You can be clamped or get a parking ticket - but only if the appropriate notices are in place warning you, which at Sidmouth Waitrose they are not. Just don't try it in Seaton Co-op!! £90 fine if you overstay by ten minutes all computer controlled and with numberplate recognition cameras. Reduced to £45 if you pay within 14 days. Yet another reason to avoid Seaton.

I've just loaded a bus map to help on another thread - Waitrose is shown -

http://www.seered.co.uk/busmap.htm

Many supermarkets seem not to mind so long as you shop there and CLEAR UP AFTER YOURSELVES. So much anti-campervan feeling is down to people leaving a mess (some of it not for family viewing).

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Bonecruncher
Date: 21 Jul 09 - 06:30 PM

Further to Steve in Sidmouth's post, camping any place in England, including verges and car parks, without the permission of the landowner has, for a good many years, been illegal.
Mind you, with a normal commercial vehicle such as a Transit type van, any official would be hard pressed to know, at night, whether the load was commercial goods or human "cargo".
Colyn.

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 21 Jul 09 - 07:59 AM

The Folk Week programme makes clear that there will be increased emphasis this year on not allowing camper vans and tents etc on verges - I guess this might extend to the vans parked in the Ham carpark overnight -"no sleeping allowed". Parking enforcement is now under direct Council control (as elsewhere in the UK) and has been quite effective in places within East Devon - not before time you might argue, but be warned that turning a blind eye in folk week might have changed a bit.

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 21 Jul 09 - 07:42 AM

There are parking meters all up Peak Hill to the west of Sidmouth. As afr as I know these are the only ones in the town as yet. The Esplanade is still free as far as I know but you're lucky to find a space - even in normal weeks. THis link may need a bit of updating....

http://www.seered.co.uk/parking.htm

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: vectis
Date: 21 Jul 09 - 07:12 AM

Does any one know if the free parking on the front is still free or have they moved the dreaded, trade killing, parking metres in? I had heard that the parking in Sidders had been tightened up and wondered if this were true or just a rumour.

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: The Barden of England
Date: 21 Jul 09 - 03:37 AM

Mrs Annie - it sometimes feels like it :-) - however I usually stay at 'The Pink Palace' as my wife likes to call it, but it's more commonly known as 'The Devoran'. I have stayed at 'The Bedford' before now, but it does become overkill.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Mrs_Annie
Date: 21 Jul 09 - 02:28 AM

Hooray. I will have to hurry up my normal morning stroll along the prom, which is planned to reach the Bedford at 11 for coffee!

(and JB is always in there - does he sleep there? ;))

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Sue the Borderer
Date: 20 Jul 09 - 05:18 PM

NEWS   NEWS   NEWS!       PLEASE PASS IT ON

There WILL BE a "Not-the-Sunday-Morning-Procession" after all. I am glad to say that my previous post (16th July at 7.50pm) is wrong.

Exmoor Border Morris has now had permission from 'the powers that be' to run a procession along similar lines to that which Sidmouth Steppers has run for the last 3 years.

Any sides who want to take part need to get themselves lined up at the Connaught Gardens end of the Esplanade past the Bedford Hotel. The plan is to set off at 10.30am (Sharp! - not "morris time".) It'd be good to see hordes of people there soon after 10.

The procession will have to stay on the pavement - so please be aware of the safety of other pedestrians.

Exmoor Border would love to hear from any sides who would like to take part. If you PM me before Wednesday 29th - preferably with a mobile contact in case there's a change of plan - I'll pass the information onto Liz, Exmoor's Squire, who is responsible for setting this up.

Please HELP MAKE IT HAPPEN by passing this info on to anyone else who you think might be interested.

Sue

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Jane Bird
Date: 18 Jul 09 - 05:37 AM

Mr Red, the problem of tents interfering with each other at festivals is indeed a pernicious one. But I'm glad to say that at Sidmouth this has always been well policed by the camp site stewards and security guards.

;-D

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: GUEST,Mr Red
Date: 18 Jul 09 - 04:51 AM

Kevin Sheils

Quite right Boat Band Wed Cajun session Thurs Concert (including), Fri Concert.
- I will be the one wearing yellow

Normally I eschew large impersonal festivals, Sidmouth for all it's size does not have that impersonal feel but then it is based on a town and all the benefits that that brings. Another reason to not like loud festivals - is: tents in a field can interfere with each other - especially audibly. And, in a field, how many pub sessions can you walk to with instruments and not have the roar from the main stage? Without mud?

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Jane Bird
Date: 17 Jul 09 - 05:59 PM

Captain - for "you" please read "one". Sorry, perhaps I wasn't clear, but I hadn't made any assumptions at about your circumstances at all, and was speaking quite generally and, as you can see, from experience.

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: The Sandman
Date: 17 Jul 09 - 04:02 PM

Captain Birdseye is not unemployed,just showing concern for them.

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: The Barden of England
Date: 17 Jul 09 - 03:36 PM

Kevin - I'll try and remember to wear my badge - but you probably know me.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: GUEST,Jim Martin
Date: 17 Jul 09 - 07:42 AM

I agree Sue, also, the absence of Esplanade bunting has been a 'downer' due, I understand, to dreaded local authority health & safety liability issues. It really used to brighten up the Esplanade.

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Kevin Sheils
Date: 17 Jul 09 - 03:34 AM

The Boat Band are at the Manor Pavilion Thursday Evening, Mr Red, I think the Rugby Club session is the Wednesday and there is the Methodist Hall as well as the CHurch on the Friday.

May see you at one of those, how will I recognise you :-)

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Sue the Borderer
Date: 16 Jul 09 - 07:50 PM

What good news!!!
I've been off-line for a week or so and, working through this thread (and having seen the working programme) I was getting ready to complain about the £8 charge for the themed sessions at Woodlands and the Ballad sessions when I discovered that I didn't need to.
What a relief!
Is there any chance that the info could be changed in the pdf file of the working programme? If there was mention of the mistake anywhere on the website, then I didn't notice it.

I love Sidmouth - and recommend it to anyone and everyone.
I'm really looking forward to seeing some of the 'innovations' for this year.
The one thing I'm sad about is that there is (once again) not an official Sunday morning procession to start off the morris displays on the Esplanade. And this year I believe there is also not a "not-the-Sunday-morning-procession". I would love to see a procession re-instated. It makes a great start to the dancing.

Sue

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Jane Bird
Date: 16 Jul 09 - 06:44 PM

Captain Birdseye asked about concessions - there appears not to be a discount if unemployed. But, as long as you can do it on your budget, if you steward you get a ticket and you get to put the work experience on your CV. ... It's worked for me! Seriously, it was an example of something I'd done Sidmouth was what clinched one job interview for me, according to a former boss of mine.

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: The Sandman
Date: 16 Jul 09 - 05:14 PM

100

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: The Sandman
Date: 16 Jul 09 - 05:14 PM

Are there concessions for students and unemployed?
season ticket prices

Full Week Season
        

Before 31 March
        

After 1 April

Adult
        

£140
        

£160

Young Adult (18-24)
        

£105
        

£120

Youth (12-17)
        

£70
        

£80

Child (7-11)
        

£35
        

£40

Under 7
        

FREE
        

FREE

Day Season
                

Adult
        

£28
        

£32

Young Adult
        

£21
        

£24

Youth
        

£14
        

£16

Child
        

£7
        

£8

Weekend Season (Fri-Sun)
                

Adult
        

£56
        

£64

Young Adult
        

£42
        

£48

Youth
        

£28
        

£32

Child
        

£14
        

£16

Ham Evening Season
                

Adult
        

£60
        

£60

Young Adult
        

£45
        

£45

Youth/Child
        

£30
        

£30

Camping
                

Adult/Young Adult full week
        

£50
        

£50

Youth full week
        

£25
        

£25

Under 11 full week
        

FREE
        

FREE

Family full week
        

£130
        

£130

Caravan/motorhome supplement
Sorry, all caravan pitches are already booked - we are looking into alternatives
        

£24
        

£24

Camping per night
        

£10
        

£10
                

Big discounts on season ticket prices for young people

25% off adult price for Young Adults (18-24yrs)

50% off adult price for Youths (12-17yrs)

75% off adult price for Children (7-12yrs)

Under 7s are FREE but must be accompanied by a responsible adult and may have to sit on your knee if an event is full.

Under 16s must be accompanied by a responsible adult at any event that is programmed to run after midnight.

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Leadfingers
Date: 16 Jul 09 - 05:06 PM

When you complain about the cost of a ticket , do you ever think about the cost of setting the festival up ? Apart from Artist Fees ,
there are THOUSANDS laid out for Canvas , Insurance (ALL Sorts) and Lord Knows what else besides before a single ticket is sold !

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: fiddler
Date: 16 Jul 09 - 08:10 AM

Well I am with Ruth and Jane, and few of you others!

But I am biased - Jane is working (not for the first time) with me and I am working with Ruth!

I last bought Sidmouth Tickets in 1980 something.

Other than that I have always worked. So you miss a few gigs - you meet some great people, have some good times and there is always the folk music to fall back on.

Go to Costa del ripoff you pay some prices get some booze meet many different people and there is no folk music to fall back on.

I have voted for over 20 years with my commitment and not my money and will continue to do so!

With the skills learned I have even Venue Managed at the Australian National Folk Festival in Canberra - Just as much fun.

Oh and the Blue Mountains Roots and Blues in Katoomba, after this week we all know where that is.

For me it is about the people and the genre - please everyone give us all a chance and come and see what we have!

Times may have changed but the people and the Folk has not.

Heartfelt Ramblings by

Andy

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 16 Jul 09 - 07:52 AM

Not maybe your type of music but a weekend ticket at Glastonbury or T in the Park costs approx the same as a whole week at Sidmouth.
Yes, I know that doesn't include all your overheads such as food drink and accommodation, but it doesn't anywhere.

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 16 Jul 09 - 07:43 AM

Some ALOUD people here, possibly your relations, Mr Red?
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=622309

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: GUEST,Tony Five Bellies
Date: 16 Jul 09 - 06:14 AM

Oh I hadn't realised you went last year, I thought the move in 2007 had created your abhorrence for THOSE people. I would have thought a revisit in 2008 would have changed your mind.

Anyway I'm now off thread, I'll get me coat.

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: GUEST,Mr Red
Date: 16 Jul 09 - 04:18 AM

are we referring to aloud people? I decided to make 2008 my last year there (in 2007) but the decision was made easy for me a year earlier. I went to a festival with buzz, rather than giving my ears a BUZZ. And stayed at Sidmouth longer too.

I notice there are three Boat Band gigs in Sidmouth. Concert Wed, Cajun session in the Rugby Club Thurs eve & the Methodist Church Fri.

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: GUEST,Tony Five Bellies
Date: 16 Jul 09 - 04:03 AM

I don't think you are allowed to go to that one are you Mr Red?

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: GUEST,Gadaffi
Date: 16 Jul 09 - 03:51 AM

I am immensely looking forward to Jim Causley's Devon Sent night. Does anyone out there know who Barbara Hawkins is? I've met Margaret Palmer and everyone else on his list, but who's Barbara?

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Rumncoke
Date: 15 Jul 09 - 06:06 PM

Most of the time at Sidmouth I am rushing from one venue to another, that is after deciding where to go and what to spend my money on - the value good or bad is immaterial if there is no money available to pay for everything.

I am still on tenterhooks waiting for final confirmation of the hoped for money making event - but at least it has not been cancelled.

Maybe I should buy a lottery ticket.

That is desperation setting in.

I have work for after I get back - but that is no use!!

Anne Croucher

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Mr Red
Date: 15 Jul 09 - 09:37 AM

Of course Sidmouth isn't cheap. Unless you compare it (per day) with a 4 day festival where each venue attempts to outdecibel the other and the organisers most vehemently insult you for pointing it out. You know who they are.

Sidmouth is value. If it were cheap it would be cheap for a reason. Having said that it looks good value compared to Broadstairs. How does it compare with Whitby? Another excelent seaside town with bags of character and folkies.

And Sidmouth has the Connaught Garden Tea Rooms - portion control is a bit excessive, but another excelent example of value beyond the course of duty.

My only dilema is the choice. I may have to give-up a ceilidh or two for the Boat Band & the torchlight procession. Life is hard.........

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: mattkeen
Date: 15 Jul 09 - 06:08 AM

Sidmouth looks great
Is good value for money, not cheap, just good value.

What are you lot willing to pay for?


I just paid £30 to the John Clare Society and walked around Helpstone all weekend at the John Clare Festival - it was GREAT value for money and I could have done the same thing and paid nothing. Weird I know but I like contributing to things that are worthwhile.

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: The Barden of England
Date: 15 Jul 09 - 04:39 AM

By the way, keeping on thread, I see that Broadstairs is £154 this year. I believe Sidmouth is better value, but then that's just me.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: The Barden of England
Date: 15 Jul 09 - 03:59 AM

Oh well, I'll have to not be there again this year. I also wasn't there last year. But then again I'm glad it didn't happen.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: steve_harris
Date: 14 Jul 09 - 08:06 PM

You mean they put it in the programme this year?

It was only in a very early edition with a very short print run. Then there was a petition by some ducks to the English Ceilidh Authority and British Wildfowl PLC so funding was withdrawn....

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Surreysinger
Date: 14 Jul 09 - 07:28 PM

You mean they put it in the programme this year? And I shall miss it yet again?

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: steve_harris
Date: 14 Jul 09 - 06:59 PM

I'm surprised that no one has pointed out that the excellent, spin-free but regrettably cancelled ceilidh in the ford scheduled for 3pm on Friday 7th was priced at only £27.50 !

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Mr Red
Date: 14 Jul 09 - 10:33 AM

Do Scarlet Men behave in the same way that Scarlet Women do? :0)

Unfortunately men in red have the disadvantage of being rather visible and have difficulty blaming the other Mr Red though they do exist! And with a name like mine - I can't even hide very well in muffti. So I have to behave myself.






Mostly.

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: GUEST,Surreysinger at work
Date: 14 Jul 09 - 09:17 AM

Trayton - you and that right elbow contact with the bar !!! BTW, I believe that the venue should now be known as "The Tune Lover", courtesy of Borefolk...

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: trayton
Date: 14 Jul 09 - 08:27 AM

Starting to get twitchy at work, I can almost feel the bar of the Volunteer under my right elbow already.

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Dave Earl
Date: 14 Jul 09 - 02:17 AM

Yes Colyn

A bit of shift swapping has always been a feature.

On the Box Office team there have already been requests for swaps for various reasons.

Its always been like that - provided you have enough people on duty and can cover all the tasks the overall job gets done.

See you in a couple of weeks.

Dave

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 13 Jul 09 - 06:44 PM

Under EU legislation it is no longer permitted for non-approved persons to discuss what is outlawed.

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Bonecruncher
Date: 13 Jul 09 - 05:51 PM

Re Stewarding.
Anne Croucher and others mentioned their frustration at having to be on duty at the time they would like to be at a particular event.
Surely it is possible, within the team of stewards for an event, to sort out among yourselves the events you wish to attend and the times you will be available fo duty.
This system has been in operation within Ham Car Park Team for in excess of twenty years. It is that successful that the same stewards return year after year!
Or are the concepts of organisation, leadership and team spirit now outlawed under EU legislation along with Common Sense?
Colyn.

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Jane Bird
Date: 13 Jul 09 - 03:10 PM

PS I vote we change the thread name to "Oh Great Sidmouth" - I'm really, really looking forward to it!

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Jane Bird
Date: 13 Jul 09 - 03:09 PM

Mick, perhaps coming for the entire Festival doesn't appeal, but that's the really nice thing about Sidmouth: you can come for the day and have a smashing time. There are a lot of festivals who only offer a day ticket, and not for individual events. But at Sidmouth this is perfectly possible, although sometimes it requires a bit of research and queuing. And there are still a lot of free, fringe and low cost events, too.

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 13 Jul 09 - 12:46 PM

Oops...I got my Scarlet Men muddled up. I do apologise, Mr. Red! LOL

Do Scarlet Men behave in the same way that Scarlet Women do? :0)

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Mick Woods
Date: 13 Jul 09 - 11:11 AM

I've never been to this festival. I looked at the website and It looks to be VERY expensive! I'll have to give it a miss.

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Mr Red
Date: 13 Jul 09 - 09:38 AM

Mr Red (cresby.com) wishes it be known that he has no connection with seered.

Mr Red enjoys his sartorial affectation and eschews campaigning/political opinion.

And as much as he would like to, does not live in Sidmouth, Sidford, or Sidbury.

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 13 Jul 09 - 09:12 AM

Oh, what a fool I've been!

:)

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: GUEST,the Lemonade Lady
Date: 12 Jul 09 - 07:37 PM

Ruth you've omitted to mention that I will be in the Blackmore Gardens!
Sal

Subject: RE: Oh Dear Sidmouth
From: Surreysinger
Date: 12 Jul 09 - 07:09 PM

Oh well ... back to the drawing board then Kitty, eh?? One woman's fortune is another's misfortune!! :-)