Sidmouth 2010- who's going?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 24 Apr 10 - 06:56 PM

Ruth - sounds very much like the School Governor conferences I used to administrate. Only 300 delegate places for over 9000 governors, 13 workshops offered twice in the day, 2+ seminars, surgery and opening and closing lectures, 2 lunch sittings, 2 dozens speakers and VIPs and dealing with technical issues on a rather spread out campus.

It was a bear to organise and tiny in comparison to Sidmouth. Best of luck and as little stress as possible to those organisers.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 24 Apr 10 - 06:08 PM

"Ruth - you have stated several times that you are addressing this issue and that the system is new and that we will be hearing from you soon - but it just isn't happening."


As Virginia Tam says, this falls outside of my remit. I have brought this thread to the attention of the appropriate people within the team, and have done my best to assist with the areas that I can.


"Rather like the billions that our governments spend on I.T. only to find it doesn't work. I must ask why was something that wasn't broke used again?"


The idea that the old system wasn't "broke" is a big assumption. Since The festival effectively re-launched after Mrs Casey left, the organisation has been gradually evolving. It is run very differently even now than it did 5 years ago. As it changes and evolves, systems must inevitably develop. The festival "manual" is still being written, because for the first few years, people were rather preoccupied with the huge task of just making the festival happen every year. Now we are taking stock, and seeing what works and what doesn't, and what we can do to make things better.

The new stewarding systems are not just about new IT. There has also not been an audit in many years of the ratio of stewards to venues, how many we actually need, what the standard shift times should be, etc. While many of these issues have been discussed and evaluated through the year, some of them were dependent on certain aspects of the programme being completed before any judgements could be taken. While all of these elements are making things more challenging this year (especially for our very small and hard-working team), hopefully we are creating systems which make things far more efficient in years to come.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Acorn4
Date: 24 Apr 10 - 06:03 PM

Ah, one of my favourite oxymorons:- "The quiet area of the campsite."

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Dave Earl
Date: 24 Apr 10 - 05:48 PM

I know (from another internet place) a couple of the people involved with the Stewards IT system.

I suggested to them there that they may wish to look in here and comment as they see fit.

I've had the acknowledgment and photo request (which I was able to send)
so it's all looking good from my point of view .

Dave

ps Tattie Bogle my pic was from an MBS thing too

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 24 Apr 10 - 05:32 PM

Kevin - This element of the festival is not in Ruth's remit as I understand it. She has looked into it and reported what she could to both sides. Can't say fairer than that. It is a new system. There is likely only a handful of people dealing with this among other things to do with the festival.

I am just feeling worried that I won't be able to go at all if the other camp site gets booked up and we don't make steward, especially now it has been built up so much to me. Yes I really want to be there. But if it doesn't happen I will learn to live with it and just go to some other smaller festivals this year and try Sidmouth next year.

Now... just breath. As you have stewarded before, I am sure you will make it this year. See you next weekend in Rochester.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: The Barden of England
Date: 24 Apr 10 - 05:24 PM

I'll be VERY surprised if nothing comes through - but it's not a good situation I'll agree.
Rather like the billions that our governments spend on I.T. only to find it doesn't work. I must ask why was something that wasn't broke used again?
John Barden

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 24 Apr 10 - 05:16 PM

I have PM'ed Bonecruncher, haivng found a nice pic of him that he might be able to use (NOT the one from Wimmin's Night 2002!)

Subject: I applied online at the same time as Val. She is confirmed, I am not. I have sent TWO emails to the
From: Kev The Clogs
Date: 24 Apr 10 - 05:03 PM

I applied online at the same time as Val. She is confirmed, I am not. I have sent TWO emails to the stewards@sidmouthfolkweek email address and have had no reply from either email. I even tried submitting a fresh application this evening tonight in the hope that I would get a response tonight and the site informed me that I was making a duplicate application!

I have heard yet again, of many friends who are being asked for electronic photos BEFORE being confirmed.

I along with many others, have encouraged people to think about stewarding at Sidmouth. Virginia has stated above that she is thinking about making alternative arrangements due to the stress and uncertainty that this POOR lack of response is causing!

Ruth - you have stated several times that you are addressing this issue and that the system is new and that we will be hearing from you soon - but it just isn't happening.

Sidmouth relies very much on the hard work and commitment of the stewards. At the moment, it feels like we are being taken for granted and that we will be the last to know about whatever is going on.

PLEASE tell potential applicants if they have been accepted. PLEASE reply to emails sent from your official website.

This rant will probably ensure that I am not picked - but, SORRY - it needs saying. People have expressed grave concerns and they are NOT getting answers!

Regards

Kev

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 24 Apr 10 - 05:54 AM

Think I am going to look into booking the alternate campsite now and just do fringe. The anxiety about getting in as a steward is making me nervous.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Bonecruncher
Date: 22 Apr 10 - 07:34 PM

Many thanks for the suggestions, particularly from Virginia Tam and Tattie Bogle. Unfortunately my nearest Jessops or Staples is about 25 miles away. My computer is about fifteen years old, with programs which are also on their knees, so I don't know if it will be able to send anything by e-mail. The last few times I have tried the items have been returned.
Unfortunately the current organisers of the festival seem to be unable to comprehend that many people 1) may not have a computer, 2) may have a very old or basic one, like mine, 3) may live, as I do, in an area far from a large town 4) may have no use or need for "modern technology".
It seems that there is rampant discrimination against us "more simple" folk!
Colyn.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 22 Apr 10 - 03:31 PM

There is, of course, a family and quiet zone on the campsite for people who want less disturbance late at night.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Old Vermin
Date: 22 Apr 10 - 03:07 PM

After camping Mon-Sat last year we worked out that even in good conditions it's a logistical impossibility to get to morning workshops and do LNE. As you won't get any sleep until LNE ends and there were too many BYTs being noisy late and horribly early, we thought it just too much of an endurance test.

Bits of it were very good, but too much like hard work.Not to mention the rain.

May manage a day or so.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 22 Apr 10 - 02:01 PM

Colyn, someone from the MBS might have one of you that would do: these days you can also crop them to make a passport photo size. I'll have look and see what I've got on my other pooter!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 21 Apr 10 - 02:16 PM

TSO and I haven't heard yet either Kev.

Bonecruncher - I should think that you could scan a photo even one taken in photo booth which come out the proportions of ID photos for passports, etc. If you don't have a scanner then you can take photo to Staples or Jessops or some such place. They can save to CD, then you can load to your pc and email.

Luckily TSO and I still have photos from my Leave to Remain application. I will scan those and send if/when Sidmouth Stewarding team request them.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 21 Apr 10 - 02:04 PM

I rang the Royal York today (because my e-mail of 6 April hadn't been answered - turns out their e-mail's been down) and I've been told they're happy for us to run morning singarounds in the Faulkner Bar as per the last few years. Looking forward to seeing old friends and new!

Kitty

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Apr 10 - 07:50 AM

Although I have had a request for a photo, I don't think it means that I have been accepted. They say that applications will not be considered without a photo

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Kev The Clogs
Date: 21 Apr 10 - 07:26 AM

Now I am REALLY worried!!!! People are saying that they have had requests for photos - I STILL have had no reply as to whether I have been accepted or not, whilst my girlfriend has AND we submitted applications within 30 seconds of each other!!!

I appreciate that the system is changing, but SOMETHING doesn't feel quite right here!!

Kevin

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: ShadyLady
Date: 21 Apr 10 - 05:43 AM

I'm going!! I was going to bring friends but one can't afford it and the other's mum won't let her go :( but I can't wait to see everyone else!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 21 Apr 10 - 04:58 AM

At least a Digital Photo is free , assuming availability of Camera or Mobile phone , while a Hard Copy , even from one of those Booths in a shop is £4 PLUS postage . Same offer as DeG is available in West London !!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 21 Apr 10 - 04:33 AM

I am more than happy to lend a webcam or digital camera to anyone who wants to use one in the Manchester area. PM me if you want.

Cheers

DeG

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: naughtyforty
Date: 21 Apr 10 - 04:28 AM

I have sent a photo but it doesn't have a white background and I am smiling - does that make it invalid?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: GUEST,Cosmic kate folkie
Date: 20 Apr 10 - 08:04 PM

I have recieved the email ask fop photo but they want it digitalised i dont have a digital camera going to have borrow one just to send the photo so hopefully the rest of you that have applyed should hear soon good luck

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Bonecruncher
Date: 20 Apr 10 - 07:26 PM

Can one take a photo on a phone? Personally I don't even know if mine will. After all, it's only turned on when I, very rarely, need to make a call.
Besides which, if something is e-mailed to me what do I do with it then? whatever is sent to me inevitably gets lost within the guts of my computer.
Colyn.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 20 Apr 10 - 07:08 PM

Bonecruncher, the IDs are printed out digitally so a digital photo is required. You could get someone to take a photo of you on their phone and e-mail it to you.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Bonecruncher
Date: 20 Apr 10 - 07:05 PM

Can someone please tell me how the hell I can find a digital photo of myself when I am the person behind the camera.
Difficult for any person who 1) lives alone or 2) does not possess a digital camera or 3) does not have, is unable to use, or does not have access to a computer.
Mine is nothing more than a glorified tripewriter - I have neither the time, the interest or the inclination to use it for playing games such as photos.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Apr 10 - 06:28 PM

I have received an email requesting a photo upload which I have appeared to have done successfully. Fingers crossed it has been received okay.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 18 Apr 10 - 06:46 PM

To potential stewards:

Having spoken to the Operations Manager, the delay is due to the system for managing stewarding changing a bit this year. As with any system review, implementation is just taking a bit more time than usual.

You should be hearing from the festival very soon.


"Come on Sidmouth, some people have to make money out of trading and the season is short. Most venues are done and dusted and they are well before your festival."

And most festivals aren't dealing with almost 700 events over 8 days, an infrastructure which spans both town and greenfield sites, and an administrative system which is going through a process of major change. The festival appreciates that you have to make money out of trading, and everyone on the Sidmouth team is doing their best to satisfy your needs as well and as quickly as possible - as well as the needs of all our other traders, catering partners, volunteers and customers. Thanks to all of you for your patience.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Apr 10 - 05:59 PM

I have received an email from the Stewards organiser, saying that she would investigate the down-loading of photos but thought that if we had submitted photos last year that we wouldn't need to do it again. I have yet to hear back from her.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 18 Apr 10 - 06:16 AM

I've heard something now. Not sure yet if it's in my favour yet, I'll have to now wait and see... again! Come on Sidmouth, some people have to make money out of trading and the season is short. Most venues are done and dusted and they are well before your festival.   I could be losing money if you don't book me.

Sal

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Stower
Date: 16 Apr 10 - 10:14 AM

I am going on my own this year :-/ - always gone accompanied for the past 10 years - and would just love it if friendly Mudcatters who wouldn't mind meeting up would PM me so I could have some company.

Stower

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 16 Apr 10 - 07:46 AM

BTW - My last post was not intended to suggest that Sidmouth is any any way shape or form plagued with the said hazards. Ruth and a few others will understand and to those that don't, please just treat me as the bloke sat in the corner talking to himself...

:D

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Mr Yellow
Date: 16 Apr 10 - 06:16 AM

So will he

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Mr Red
Date: 16 Apr 10 - 06:15 AM

I will be there

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 16 Apr 10 - 05:18 AM

Bit far for me but I have a couple of mates who go every year and have a whale of time in the singarounds and sessions.

Is it now safe from seagull shit and right wing loonies? :-)

DeG

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 15 Apr 10 - 03:58 PM

The Nic Jones concert is going to be VERY special, not least because of the presence of Nic himself. He'll also be receiving a special award on the day in recognition of his contributions to folk. He is obviously one of the most influential and well-loved figures of the revival, and artists were absolutely queueing up to be a part of this event.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: The Barden of England
Date: 15 Apr 10 - 02:57 PM

See my email Richard.
My word I fancy that Nic Jones concert - I'll have to see what I can do. Thanks for the heads up Ruth.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 15 Apr 10 - 11:34 AM

Cheers Terry. No sweat. It leaves me free to do as I please (or don't please).

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 15 Apr 10 - 10:49 AM

To potential stewards:

Having spoken to the Operations Manager, the delay is due to the system for managing stewarding changing a bit this year. As with any system review, implementation is just taking a bit more time than usual.

You should be hearing from the festival very soon.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 15 Apr 10 - 10:34 AM

Richard - Thanks , but Gerry Milne is the Main Man in The Newt - He invited me to join the session WAY Back . Detail in PM !

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 15 Apr 10 - 10:18 AM

snip from confirmation email we received 7 March.

Thank you for applying to steward at Sidmouth FolkWeek 2010. We have received your application and we will contact you by email if/when you have been allocated to a particular team/venue.

You will be contacted by email with a link to upload a passport photo of yourself, your application will not be considered if you fail to upload a suitable image (do not be concerned if this email does not arrive immediately). Instructions will be included in this email which will arrive when the photo upload facility is available.

Maybe the function for uploading passport photos is not working yet, so possibly holding things up. I can imagine getting to grips with a new booking system has its repercussions too. Now that I am determined to go, If I have not heard by early May, I will look into booking alternate camp site and buy tickets for specific events and fringe it the rest of the time.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: GUEST,Cosmic kate folkie
Date: 15 Apr 10 - 10:08 AM

Not if you take a tent john

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 15 Apr 10 - 09:53 AM

TattieBogle - yes, I understand. I thought some of the other Mudcatters reading the thread might benefit as well from understanding what must sometimes seem like a pretty bizarre system.

I have previously brought the issue of stewarding forms to the attention of the Operations Manager; I will raise it again with him and with the person who created the online booking system.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: naughtyforty
Date: 15 Apr 10 - 08:43 AM

Apart from the "form received" e-mail I have also heard nothing yet.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: mattkeen
Date: 15 Apr 10 - 08:32 AM

We haven't heard yet

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 15 Apr 10 - 08:17 AM

still waiting here for mine and TSO's. I completed both apps same time and submitted within minutes of each other. Apart from email confirmation that submission was received, I have heard nothing. Would also like to book caravan space off main campsite and start planning too if we are not to be stewards.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Kev The Clogs
Date: 15 Apr 10 - 08:13 AM

Hoff, glad to hear that you will be in Sidders again this year!!

Has ANYBODY that has opted to be a Steward heard ANYTHING from ANYONE yet?

Ruth said that she would be having words with the people who do the website/stewards bit, but as yet, I have still not heard a dikiebird, and as far as I know, other friends have not either.

It is vitally important to know 1:Has the registration form been received and 2: Have we been accepted (so that we can get booked in somewhere, and also budget for the week).

It's only fourteen weeks to go, but we all need to plan accordingly.

As my original post said, my girlfriend and I registered within 30 seconds of each other - she received an acceptance email the following morning, whilst I have heard nothing. I even emailed the stewards email address and have heard nothing.

Any further news please would be GREATLY appreciated.

Kind regards to all

Kev

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 15 Apr 10 - 08:05 AM

Ruth, I was merely making an observation, and I do appreciate the huge amount of work that has gone into keeping the Festival alive after it nearly died, and the financial risks taken by those who committed themselves to that process. IMHO the Folk Week we have now is all the better for it: as many have said before "it has given the festival back to the town". (I speak as one whose husband is a Sidmouthian).
And despite my observations, I HAVE bought the day and evening season tickets, tho' I may not go to everything I'm entitled to (physically impossible anyway, when there's so much choice)- as I also love the Fringe events, esp the Middle Bar and the Bedford sessions with JB and pals.
The "Fringe- only" crowd also spend money in the town which is all to the good of it, and most contribute to the Folk Week collecting tins. Have also heard some local businesses say that what they take in Folk Week sustains them through the long quiet winter months.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 15 Apr 10 - 06:49 AM

I felt I rather imposed on my hosts last year (John Barden, who is a bad influence, can tell the story) - they live a mere 100 yards from the Volunteer - so if I can convince myself that I can manage the office remotely with netbook and mobile phone, where else should I be looking to sleep affordably? If I can get a shower and loo somewhere I'm happy to sleep with guitars in back of Volvo (keys well hidden in case PC Plod asserts I'm "drunk in charge").

I'd be happy notionally to chair the Newt until Terry arrives, it's pretty well self-running. How early would I need to be there on Friday if I were to be permitted to do that?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 15 Apr 10 - 06:40 AM

Oh, one more thing: at the moment the sale of season, weekend and day tickets is substantially up on last year. As a result, advance tickets for events that are likely to be very popular may be quite limited; for some events, we won't sell any at all. This is to ensure that day, weekend and season ticket-holders are not disadvantaged and have the best chance of seeing the events they are most looking forward to.

If there is something that you really, really want to see (such as the Nic Jones concert, Bagpuss, Bellowhead or Roy Bailey's solo concert in the Methodist Church), it might be wise to buy a day ticket for that day.

Of course, in the event that these events are not actually over-capacity on the day, we will sell tickets for any remaining seats on the door.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 15 Apr 10 - 06:30 AM

Chaps, the festival LOVES the fringe! Over the past eighteen months or so, our relationship with the town has improved enormously, which translates to a more supportive atmosphere in Folkweek and year round, and more material support locally for the festival as well. One of the things which has helped to develop this relationship is that we have driven home the economic impact of the festival on the region. Whether you attend festival events or not, if you are staying in a local hotel, B&B or campsite, using the supermarkets and restaurants, going to pubs and buying things in shops, you are contributing to the festival's positive impact on Sidmouth and consequently to our good relationship with the town's business community.

Of course, we also thrive on the collections, so your donations in the many tins are equally welcome and much appreciated!

If you want to help the festival, though, please also consider supporting those businesses who support the festival (you'll find the list in the programme or on our website, and most have signs in the window) - and let them know that you're shopping there because they support FolkWeek!

Last year, there was one shop which was selling "I (heart) FolkWeek" cotton bags - of course, there was no money coming to the festival from these, and to add insult to injury, they weren't even sponsors! (I did pop in and ask if they'd like to become sponsors as they were making money from the festival, but was rebuffed). So again, if you are going to buy FolkWeek merchandise, please buy the official stuff on sale at the Ham, as all profits help to ensure the festival's future.