Sidmouth 2010- who's going?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 24 May 10 - 04:04 PM

I don't want to talk about it privately. The reason i'm not coming is because last year the pitch fee was £390 and this year you've asked me to pay £500!
My decision. On Saturday I'll be trading at Pembridge Horse and Pony Show where the pitch fee is £30.
Sal

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 24 May 10 - 01:09 PM

As I have explained: the original workshop was supposed to be a ceilidh band workshop. It is not performing that function. We are creating something, as part of the festival's ongoing development and in response to requests from festival guests, which is closer to the actual brief of that workshop. Because of the pressures on workshop space, we cannot run another large scale workshop in the mornings. So there is no room in the programme this year for that particular workshop.

I'm afraid that the decision is made. As I say, it was taken in consultation with others who have a much longer involvement with the festival than I do, who support the decision. I hope that people who have enjoyed the previous workshop will come along and try the new one, and enjoy it just as much - and by opening things up a bit, we might even get some new participants as well.

If you wish to continue this conversation, perhaps you would be kind enough to send me a PM. I feel that your points have been responded to now, and to the continue to discuss the issue would only become increasingly repetitive, which I know is a popular Mudcat passtime but it's one I simply don't have time for right now.

Best wishes,

Joan

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 24 May 10 - 11:32 AM

Oh - I would add that "Clearly you are ignoring the wishes of those who attend" implies that you speak for all of those who have attended the workshop in the past. In fact, I'd hope that many of the people who previously attended the big ceilidh band workshop will give the new set-up a try, and many will hopefully really enjoy it. This is not a reduction in provision - it's just something a bit different that what's gone before.

Joan

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 24 May 10 - 11:03 AM

"Guest": the decision is made, the reasons have been stated. The workshop you refer to is a ceilidh band workshop; it came together to create a ceilidh band, which played for a ceilidh at the end of the week. The decision was taken based on feedback from existing customers, plus consultation with people who have been involved in the mamnagement of the festival for many years, who were also supportive of the change. Sometimes things have to change. I am very sorry if it isn't a change that you are happy with.

"I've no doubt the Rugby Club could accommodate both your new workshop and the much loved and enjoyed "Big Band" if you wished to run both."

Actually, the Rugby Club is pretty much back-to-back with activity of all kinds this year - adults' workshops, talks, led sessions, youth activity, children's activities. As I explained earlier, workshop space is always tight - if nothing ever changed, we would not ever be able to introduce anything new.

Although the workshop programme is not yet published, it is complete. I am not intending to make any further major changes, as artists' contracts and timetables are currently being produced.

Best wishes,

Joan Crump

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 24 May 10 - 08:01 AM

I understand Sal was made a 'Concession' offer that was far too easy to refuse

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 24 May 10 - 06:14 AM

Hello, anonymous guest! :)

To be clear, we have not scrapped a Big Band workshop. John Kirkpatrick has always run the festival band workshop, and he still will. The workshop series you refer to is actually meant to be a Ceilidh Band Workshop. But as is evident from your post, it has morphed over the years into another big band workshop. Last year, several people remarked in their feedback that they would like a ceilidh band workshop that is more like the experience of playing in a real ceilidh band - ie, smaller ensembles developed over the week. As we have a new ceilidh coordinator on board in the form of Cat Kelly, who is also running her popular Callers' Academy at this year's festival, we decided it was an opportunity to create something new. So this year's Ceilidh Band workshop will have guest tuition from some of the leading ceilidh bands in the country, and will work in conjunction with the Calling Academy - and might even result in some real life ceilidh ensembles being formed.

So, you may ask, why are we not running the "Big Band" workshop as well as the new Ceilidh Band workshop? Two reasons: first of all, we already have a band workshop with JK's daily session; secondly, one of the biggest challenges at Sidmouth is venues - particularly during the day, and particularly for workshops that require a fair bit of space and with floors appropriate for dancing. Unfortunately we simply can't fit in every single workshop and event that every single visitor would like, much as we might wish to.

Every festival has to grow and change if it is to develop and not stagnate. We have to listen to the views and take into consideration the needs of visitors who feel they are not being particularly well catered for, in addition to those that are perfectly happy with the way things are. Sometimes, that means making difficult choices.

I'm afraid that I am not involved in decisions around catering, so I have absolutely no idea if or why a decision has been taken not to have Sal's lemonade this year. I do know that we have had a lot more catering applications this year, and there is someone new to the festival team who is managing the applications. If Sal would like to discuss the situation privately I am happy to do so.

Joan

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 23 May 10 - 01:57 PM

I was looking forward to trying your lemonade. What's happened?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: The Barden of England
Date: 23 May 10 - 01:18 PM

Only just came back here - Why no Lemonade Lady?

John Barden

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 23 May 10 - 09:09 AM

I do Sal. I love your lemonade! I wouldn't be Sidmouth Folk Week without it!
Do you mean to say they still haven't booked you? (Looking back at your post of FIVE WEEKS AGO (18th April))

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 22 May 10 - 06:21 PM

Oh fine. No body actually cares then. Ok.
Sal

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 20 May 10 - 06:07 AM

Not me.

Sal

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 13 May 10 - 08:34 AM

Woot! Thanks Derek.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 11 May 10 - 04:38 AM

Chumbawamba also appearing Thursday evening...
Derek

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: PercyBysshe
Date: 10 May 10 - 02:45 PM

I'll be there - first time at Sidmouth, and will be stewarding. Really looking forward to it.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Cathie
Date: 10 May 10 - 01:41 PM

me

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 10 May 10 - 01:39 PM

thanks naughty. will make that known to the organisers. We've decided to do the whole week except Friday stewarding as we will need to go to Swansea on Friday morning. Breaks my heart too, because Chumbawamba are performing Friday afternoon. Boohoo!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: naughtyforty
Date: 08 May 10 - 06:36 AM

You can still steward Tam - just let them know that you won't be available for the whole week - that is normally OK.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: GUEST,VaTam on TSO'sPC
Date: 07 May 10 - 02:14 PM

Oh dear. Just found out that TSO's daughter's handfasting is at end of Sidmouth week. Don't know if we can stay whole of festival now.

May have to fringe it after all. We are going to do some discussing and calculating tonight and tomorrow and make a decision.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: GUEST,Tattie Bogle
Date: 06 May 10 - 11:32 AM

Great to hear that you and Clive are coming, Don.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 05 May 10 - 09:02 PM

""Glad to see you will be there Don ! I will be around on Thursday evening . then away till Sunday , so I will be wandering round .""

Look forward to seeing you Terry. I'll be with the earlybirds in the Bedford Thursday night. Drop in and I'll buy you a pint.


""Glad you can make it Don - hopefully including the first Friday Ashby de la Zouch folk club session at the Volunteer!""

Thanks Kitty, I'll do lunchtime at the Bedford, but I have no plans for missing the A de la Z gig. I should have Clive Lever with me too, as I'm transporting him down and back this year.

See you all there.

Don T.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 05 May 10 - 05:58 PM

Glad you can make it Don - hopefully including the first Friday Ashby de la Zouch folk club session at the Volunteer!

Kitty

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 05 May 10 - 06:05 AM

Glad to see you will be there Don ! I will be around on Thursday evening . then away till Sunday , so I will be wandering round .

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 05 May 10 - 05:03 AM

New transport sorted. Booking at Kings Down Tail confirmed.

Arriving Thursday lunchtime.

As Tam might say WOOT!

See y'all in the Bedford, Swan, Newt, etc. etc.

My year just got a shine on it.

Don T.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: naughtyforty
Date: 05 May 10 - 03:56 AM

Hurrah I have had my confirmation e-mail.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 30 Apr 10 - 05:58 PM

"I'm still looking forward to hearing from someone."

Good. I understand meetings have been taking place this week.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 30 Apr 10 - 05:57 PM

"I thought it was going to stay small after Mr H departed? Are there plans for it to grow again? Is this what the locals want?"

I would venture a guess that a greater proportion of those 6 - 700 events are participative - workshops, talks, lectures, dances etc - than at any other UK folk festival. So it depends what you mean by "small" - for me, it means making sure that the grass roots is well represented and catered for.

What the locals want is a festival that is solvent - because that's sustainable. Locals want the festival to keep bringing a substantial economic impact to the region, as it is well known in the area that festival week has a major impact on the viability of a number of local businesses. Should the festival be too small, or disappear altogether, that economic benefit would be lost. So a certain critical mass of activity - and visitor numbers - needs to be maintained.

We are working very much with the local business community, and we have certainly had no feedback so far that the festival is any bigger than the local community would want it to be.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 29 Apr 10 - 08:31 PM

"...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......" Thanks for your reply. It seems to me that it has become so complicated to do anything with the festival. I thought it was going to stay small after Mr H departed? Are there plans for it to grow again? Is this what the locals want?

I'm still looking forward to hearing from someone.

Sal

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 29 Apr 10 - 03:37 PM

thanks John will do if I haven't heard anything in a few weeks time. I just one a little (very little) porch awning for the caravan on ebay.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: The Barden of England
Date: 29 Apr 10 - 02:11 PM

I'd just give them a gentle reminder and remind them about your OA, then turn up early on Wednesday(if you can - it is school holidays) or Thursday (we arrive on Thursday and will be making noise in The Bedford.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 29 Apr 10 - 10:55 AM

TSO has just asked me.

Do we need to book the camping. I remember indicating in the applications that we require camping for a caravan. But do I still need to book the pitch?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Kev The Clogs
Date: 28 Apr 10 - 04:56 PM

Woot! (to use a Tam phrase!) Both Dilligaf and I have emails today to say that we are IN! No request for photos yet, but, hey ho, we are in! Looking forward to seeing everyone, both other stewards and folkie singers/musos :-)))))) Tam - you are going to LOVE IT! The crowd will be there - Essex Girl, Hoff, the Baird, Pierre, Naughty Forty - may the force be with you!

Kev

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 28 Apr 10 - 07:46 AM

I just received 4 "gentle" reminders to upload photos 2 for each of us. System must depend on someone entering some info on the Sidmouth end before it generates the request for photo upload.

Anyway. I have just scanned the photos and uploaded them. Does not work in Google Chrome but did (I think) in Internet Explorer.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: naughtyforty
Date: 28 Apr 10 - 04:24 AM

I have sent a photo but haven't had any confirmation yet. Should I send another photo do you think?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: The Barden of England
Date: 28 Apr 10 - 02:14 AM

Tam - the Kids activities go on most of the day so I'm sure you'll be able to get down to the RY&F. Glad to hear you've got the acceptance through. Jan's done the last few years stewarding, but is taking a well earned rest this year.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 27 Apr 10 - 06:02 PM

woot! just got acceptance for me. now need link to upload photos.

Kitty would like that but I have specifically asked to do kids activities so likely working mornings. If not then I am there and thanks for the invite.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 27 Apr 10 - 05:57 PM

Tam - if you do get to Sidmouth, I hope your stewarding schedules allow you to drop into the morning singarounds in the Royal York and Faulkner!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 27 Apr 10 - 04:02 PM

Just got another email stating that one of us (TSO or me- they didn't specify which) had not put in preferred dates to work. I am assuming it was for me. I wave responded to both emails.

Things are looking promising.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 27 Apr 10 - 01:49 PM

I submitted TSO's app a minute or so after I submitted mine. Today I received TSO's acceptance with indication that he should have had a request for photo upload.

We have not had the request for photo upload. And now I am wondering where my acceptance. Maybe I buggered up the system by using my email addie for both applications.

If it's broken you can all blame me.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Bloke from Poole
Date: 27 Apr 10 - 07:24 AM

Got confirmation of acceptance yesterday. Bit of a damp squib since the photo request preceded it by a couple of days. I kind of assumed that they wouldn't want my photo if I hadn't been accepted!

Photo upload worked fine (Firefox with 50k JPEG).

Just need to know which form I fill in to get a dry campsite...

Malcolm

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: GUEST,Cosmic kate folkie
Date: 26 Apr 10 - 03:08 PM

Thanks dave ill do that and its a total mystery as to why it wont work kate

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Dave Earl
Date: 26 Apr 10 - 02:31 PM

Kate

I don't know what may be going wrong but if you email the Stewarding people and send your pic as an attachment they should be able to link it up with your application.

Dave

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: GUEST,Hi dave re sidmouth photo
Date: 26 Apr 10 - 12:16 PM

Hi i cant seem to up load my photo the password doesnt tryed it on several computers very frustrating please help kate begley

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: GUEST,crossstitchgill
Date: 25 Apr 10 - 03:40 PM

My husband and I have received emails saying that we have been accepted as Stewards. The system works!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Dave Earl
Date: 25 Apr 10 - 01:13 PM

Further news from my chums people.

They have got the messages you say you have sent and are looking at the picture issue.

Just a little more patience guys and it'll all come right.

Ruth(J.C.) you know A.T. and O.S. are on the case don't you

Dave

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: The Barden of England
Date: 25 Apr 10 - 08:40 AM

Thanks for the clarification Ruth. I'm sure it will all come straight, and I certainly know how much effort goes in to the organisation, for which I'm eternally grateful.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 25 Apr 10 - 06:58 AM

"It WILL be a shame if , because of the vagaries of the system , there is shortage of Stewards come the day , and those that HAVE got in will have to work longer shifts !"

If anything, what we have found is that, while some people have been working many hours, every day, some have worked very few hours for a couple of days and enjoyed the same benefits. What we ARE trying to do is make sure that the system is as fair as possible, regardless of what job you are doing or which venue you are assigned to. This is likely to ensure that we keep a strong, dedicated team of stewards year on year, where no one feels they are being treated unfairly. It should also help to ensure that we are using the team we have as effectively as possible.

We also have to balance the experience of previous years with the reality that season ticket sales are up almost 25% from last year, and individual event tickets have not even gone on sale yet. We have to make a new system work with audience numbers that are not following any previous trends and are rather unpredictable. So a cut-and-dried "this is the way we've always done it, let's carry it through to next year" approach is simply not going to work.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Dave Earl
Date: 25 Apr 10 - 06:54 AM

Ok folks I've heard from my contacts and the word from the horses mouth as it were is:-

"we always need more stewards so its very unlikely they wont get accepted."

I'm told your messages WILL arrive soon.

A little patience for a bit longer will see all your worries over.

Dave

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: GUEST, Cosmic kate folkie
Date: 25 Apr 10 - 06:32 AM

I got sent the photo thing to up load but my password i was sent doesnt work tryed it on several computers ive emailed them for a new password or help and had no response i will have to send my photo to the stewards email address and just hope they recieve it

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010- who's going?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 24 Apr 10 - 06:57 PM

100

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

It WILL be a shame if , because of the vagaries of the system , there is shortage of Stewards come the day , and those that HAVE got in will have to work longer shifts !