Subject: RE: newbie guide to Sidmouth folk festival From: Cllr Date: 13 Jul 10 - 02:42 PM yes but if you have it in a fridge don't you get the cold shoulder? cllr |
Subject: RE: newbie guide to Sidmouth folk festival From: Desert Dancer Date: 13 Jul 10 - 03:40 PM What constitutes "NuCeilidh", as opposed to any other flavo(u)r? And "Transatlantic Ceilidh"? I think I understand "Contra Ceilidh", given the "best of both worlds" subtitle... ~ Becky in Long Beach (future newbie, someday) |
Subject: RE: newbie guide to Sidmouth folk festival From: GUEST,Fred Snout Date: 16 Jul 10 - 05:47 PM I'm planning to go to Sidmouth for the first time this year. I found some very helpful stuff in this thread – thanks. A few things I am wondering about… I'm intending to buy a full week season ticket which "gives access to all events, subject to space". Based on past performance, any idea how likely I am to get grumpy that I can't get in to the events I particularly want to see? Several contributors mention the fringe. Is there even more stuff going on than is in the Festival Programme and if so how do you find out about it? Is the campsite fairly civilised? Is getting there and back easy? Any tips on eating reasonably healthily, reasonably cheaply? |
Subject: RE: newbie guide to Sidmouth folk festival From: Jane Bird Date: 16 Jul 10 - 07:03 PM Desert Dancer - NuCeilidh is more complex dances but with ceilidh attitude, I understand. I'm waiting to find out about Transatlantic Ceilidh. Ivy, re shoes - wear what ever you find most comfortable to dance in, as believe that most venues are pretty relxed about footware. The dance venues vary from church halls to wooden dance floors in marquees. When dancing at The Anchor Gardens you're outside and in fact you're in a car park, so trainers works best for me there and anything more delicate might not withstand tarmac. Tankards are a matter of personal choice. A significant minority of people at Sidmouth do use them, but personally I prefer the taste of beer to the taste of peuter. Fred, there are one of two venues that do have a reputation for getting very full. For example The Manor Pavillion, The Bedford (for concerts) and sometimes The Ham. The first two are relatively small venues, and especially if there's a terrifically popular act on getting in can be an issue. The Ham, on the other hand, is massive - round about 1,000, I think. In general, if you're prepared to queue (at least 30 mins in advance) you're often okay, but it always depends on what else is on at the same time, what the weather's like etc. Getting into the dances is rarely a problem. The good thing about Sidmouth, though, is that if something is full, you often don't have to go far to find something else instead. If there's something you really, really, really don't want to miss, go and check out the venue first and ask advice from the stewards. They generally get a reasonable feel for what queuing might be like, but it is sometimes hard to predict. The campsite is very civilised and it's about 25 mins brisk walk from the seafront. There's pavement most of the way now, but nearer to the campsite you have to walk on the road. Torches and reflective stuff (even if only one of those snap-on wrist bands) a v important at night. Some people bring bikes - it's perfectly cyclable. There's a bus running 3-4 times an hour (mostly) as well. The journey back up to the campsite is up the hill (gentle incline) but if you've had a good enough day you won't notice by night time :-) Tips on cheap, reasonable healthy eating: rolls/oat cakes and cheese, humous etc in town from the grocers / supermarket. White Horse Cafe and Prospect are the chippies (not healthy, exactly), and I'd recommend White Horse as better chips and cheaper, but Prospect is better presented. Gnesha's Wholefoods (my favourite Sidmouth food place) makes the best salad, houmous and falafels around, plus they do a good line in herbs, spices, cakes and yoghurt coated dried fruit. There you go, that's my two penn'th. I hope anyone coming to Sidmouth for the first time enjoys it as much as I did and still do! I've met so many people and made very good friends as a result of Sidmouth. I'm glad I've got the habbit! See you in a few weeks time! Cheers, Jane |
Subject: RE: newbie guide to Sidmouth folk festival From: Tattie Bogle Date: 16 Jul 10 - 08:31 PM Jane has pretty well answered all Fred's questions, but just to add that Sidmouth has several very good bakeries, a small market hall and a great greengrocer's. And don't forget the wonderful fresh fish and seafood at Bagwell's, very close to the Ham marquee (tucked away behind the public loos!. The prawn and crab sandwiches are a real treat! |
Subject: RE: newbie guide to Sidmouth folk festival From: JHW Date: 17 Jul 10 - 04:35 AM As a newbie I was advised to buy a full season ticket so I could try anything. This was very good advice and I would offer it in turn but I have never bought one since. Partly because I go for such as are in Leadfingers 30th June list plus absolutely the Middle Bar singers in the Anchor ie non ticket events. Partly because however good a show might be (see Ruth Archer 30th June list) I won't spend half my day queuing to get in which you may well have to do even though you have a ticket and you might still not get in! (Plus I struggle with the heat. Last time I had a Ham marquee ticket I came out and listened outside.) |
Subject: RE: newbie guide to Sidmouth folk festival From: Mr Red Date: 17 Jul 10 - 04:45 AM Read all of the above. After 3 years I would not be considered a newbie but Terry mentions 2 or 3 session/pubs I haven't any cognizance/recollection of. Take three gold (make that Silver) stars Mr Leadfingers. |
Subject: RE: newbie guide to Sidmouth folk festival From: Leadfingers Date: 17 Jul 10 - 06:20 AM Praise indeed Mr Red ! |
Subject: RE: newbie guide to Sidmouth folk festival From: PercyBysshe Date: 17 Jul 10 - 06:48 AM This newbie now has her stewarding rota, has engineered a couple of swaps and is very excited (and also quite dizzy from looking at the programme!) |
Subject: RE: newbie guide to Sidmouth folk festival From: Cllr Date: 19 Jul 10 - 01:44 PM ten days to go! well nine for me but ten if you are seeing Ron Shuttleworth on the Thursday |
Subject: RE: newbie guide to Sidmouth folk festival From: Jane Bird Date: 19 Jul 10 - 02:22 PM Ron Shuttleworth? Don't you mean his distant cousin, John? :-) |
Subject: RE: newbie guide to Sidmouth folk festival From: Cllr Date: 20 Jul 10 - 01:13 AM Of course |
Subject: RE: newbie guide to Sidmouth folk festival From: Lady Policeman Date: 20 Jul 10 - 06:44 PM Jane, just to let you and any others that are interested know, the Sidmouth Indoor Market that was situated up the High Street opposite Somerfields, is now The Original Factory Shop. Ganesha Foods has survived the move and is now in the old Clarks shoe shop at the top of Old Fore Street and the Cheese Board delicatessen has also thankfully survived and moved onto the High Street just down from Somerfields. (Cheapest milk in Sidmouth at 78p per litre!). Quite a few other shops have closed and reopened in some form or other and some are being renovated as I type.The Dove is now a surf shop! Lots of changes but still the same old Sidmouth looking forward to welcoming newbies and oldies to it's festival! Kath |
Subject: RE: newbie guide to Sidmouth folk festival From: Pierre Le Chapeau Date: 21 Jul 10 - 01:46 PM after reading all this this lot I wanna to be in at least six places at the same time and Iam a Sidmouth Virgin this year too. |
Subject: RE: newbie guide to Sidmouth folk festival From: GUEST,guest - Greenguy Date: 21 Jul 10 - 04:00 PM I was wondering about session etiquette for the fringe singing sessions, such as that at the Middle Bar. I expect that etiquette may vary by session, but any information would be appreciated on the following: 1) Are there songs that are either officially or unofficially reserved for certain occasions? I mean something along the lines of saving "Leave Her Johnny" or "The Seamen's Hymn" for the final song of a session. 2) Are there songs that are either officially or unofficially reserved for certain people to lead? Here I mean something along the lines of, "Old Fred always leads that one, so the rest of us leave it to him". 3) Are there songs that are just not sung? Here I mean something along the lines of, "Please, lord, not *that* one, we're all sick of *that* one." 4) What about ending a song with a repeated chorus? Is that common? Left to the discretion of whoever is leading the song? Frowned upon? Thanks in advance for all help! |
Subject: RE: newbie guide to Sidmouth folk festival From: Leadfingers Date: 21 Jul 10 - 04:32 PM I CAN speak for the Newt - Ita a MIXED session . Songs AND Tunes - IF you dont want anyone to join in , SAY SO , other wise we tend to play along ! And NOT to drown out the singer ! We (Gerry and I) are there to fill gaps and maintain SOME semblance of order , so we try NOT to let one person or group take over ! Otherwise its just be polite and try NOT to start a song when someone else has just got going - There are one or two who are quieter than me !! The Middle Bar has Twig Rule - When you are passed the twig its your turn ! And there is usually a board witha list of Fines - DONT Sing The Wild Rover is usually top of the list Not sure how some of the other sessions run - No Doubt others will say whats what ! |
Subject: RE: newbie guide to Sidmouth folk festival From: Tattie Bogle Date: 21 Jul 10 - 05:13 PM Yeah, Wild Rover in the Middle Bar) attracts a £5 fine.....unless you can do it in German (as someone did one year and got away with it) or maybe do the real trad version )dfiferent tune) without the "no, nay, never" bits. Mobile phones going off also attract fines as do such things as over-acting, "crap swaying" etc, etc. The strange thing about the twig is that it is "driven" from "The Bench", so just when you think it might be your turn next, it goes off in the opposite direction. But if you hang around for long enough/get in early enough you should get at least one song in per session, and ample opportunity to join in any choruses, some of which will be "Standing choruses" when everyone ......stands! Don't think there's anyone who will seriously get the hump if you do "their song", and you don't necessarliy have to keep "leaving songs" to the end of the session as it will probably not be you singing at the end of the session anyway! (I have sung the "older" version of "Auld Lang Syne" in the middle of a session, on the grounds that it's more about enjoying each others' company than going away! In the Bedford, a quiet word with the session host that you have a quiet voice and would like to sing usually results in him bellowing "Quiet! (Lady)Singer on!" and it usually works! Some of the Trad sessions are a bit more exclusive: i.e. don't ask you to sing unless they know you. I was quietly killing myself laughing to be introduced as a "new singer" at a late night session, when I ahd been singing for over 50 years! And Terry, I'll give the Newt a try this year! |
Subject: RE: newbie guide to Sidmouth folk festival From: GUEST,Greenguy Date: 23 Jul 10 - 12:29 PM Thanks to Leadfingers and Tattie Bogle for the useful information. As a Sidmouth newbie who wishes to lead a song here and there, but also wants to be sure to comply with local custom, this is really valuable information to have. By the way, I'm one of Cllr's friends from the states, and the one who asked him about a "newbie's guide". This sort of thing is part of what I was hoping to learn. Tattie Bogle said: "Some of the Trad sessions are a bit more exclusive: i.e. don't ask you to sing unless they know you." So is it common for you to need to be asked to sing, as opposed to just following the general politeness rules that Leadfinger described for the Newt's session? And, when an invitation is required to start a song, is there generally either a passed token (such as the Middle Bar twig) or an explicit introduction? The former ought to be pretty obvious and so easy to follow, while the latter would make it clear with whom I should check in if I want to sing. If, on the other hand, there are sings where you need an invitation but not an introduction/token, then that could be confusing to someone who doesn't need the room quieted. Leadfingers wrote: "DONT Sing The Wild Rover" Got it, and no problem. Any others songs that make people groan? People aren't sick of hearing "Barrett's Privateers" or "What Shall We Do With a Drunken Sailor"? |
Subject: RE: newbie guide to Sidmouth folk festival From: GUEST,Greenguy Date: 23 Jul 10 - 12:31 PM I wrote: People aren't sick of hearing "Barrett's Privateers" or "What Shall We Do With a Drunken Sailor"? *Not*, I should point out, that I had been considering leading either of those two songs. |
Subject: RE: newbie guide to Sidmouth folk festival From: Herga Kitty Date: 23 Jul 10 - 01:55 PM Greenguy - hope to see you in the Middle Bar and possibly even in the Faulkner bar sessions. The reason for the fines in the Anchor is to raise money for the festival so it's quite acceptable to sing TWR if you're happy to pay the fine! And it was noticeable, when the Middle Bar singers were made to sing TWR to the tune of Away in a Manger at the Wareham Wail as a forfeit a few years ago, that the MBS all knew the words all the way through.... Kitty |
Subject: RE: newbie guide to Sidmouth folk festival From: VirginiaTam Date: 23 Jul 10 - 02:00 PM Can stewards (it's our first time too) set up caravan on Thursday 29th? We wanted to arrive day before reporting for duty so we can set up and go grocery shopping and stuff. |
Subject: RE: newbie guide to Sidmouth folk festival From: Ruth Archer Date: 23 Jul 10 - 02:45 PM Tam: yes. Campsite open from Wednesday. Off to Sidders - see you all there! |
Subject: RE: newbie guide to Sidmouth folk festival From: Herga Kitty Date: 23 Jul 10 - 04:20 PM Tam - and, if you've set up on Thursday, there will be singing in the Anchor on Thursday evening and Friday lunchtime, hopefully before you have any stewarding duties! Kitty |
Subject: RE: newbie guide to Sidmouth folk festival From: Tattie Bogle Date: 24 Jul 10 - 08:21 AM Greenguy, I think you'll find the vast majority of sessions are NOT by invitation, but they all vary. With the Middle Bar it's the twig-holder. At the Bedford and the Swan it's mainly "jump in" when you can. At others it may be "round the room" (Woodlands?)or the session host may indicate how things will go. At Rosie's evening one at the Faulkner, she takes names in a wee book as you arrive, then usually tells you when your turn is coming up. It used to be "by invitation" at the Volunteer, but that may have changed - please someone advise - but I think if you tell the host you'd like to sing they'll fit you in. (And same for the late night singing session in the back room at the Bedford). Leadfingers and Kitty can tell what the system is in their respective sessions. |
Subject: RE: newbie guide to Sidmouth folk festival From: The Barden of England Date: 24 Jul 10 - 08:44 AM We'll be in The Bedford on Thursday too Tam, then Friday onwards. Greenguy - as Tattie Bogle says, the Bedford is 'jump in' when nobody else is doing something but not when someone has just started. John Barden |
Subject: RE: newbie guide to Sidmouth folk festival From: VirginiaTam Date: 24 Jul 10 - 08:49 AM Well I may not be doing much singing. I am not a jump in kind of girl. Always respectfully wait for others and then miss my chance. Not a biggie if I don't get to sing. I get as much or more from listening. |
Subject: RE: newbie guide to Sidmouth folk festival From: Tattie Bogle Date: 24 Jul 10 - 09:27 AM Hi JB, I should have also said that you are very good at "facilitating" the session ANd giving everyone a fair crack o' the whip! DO NOT - UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES - HAVE YOUR MOBILE PHONE AUDIBLY ON DURING JB'S SESSIONS!! (It also incurs a fine in the Middle Bar.) |
Subject: RE: newbie guide to Sidmouth folk festival From: The Barden of England Date: 24 Jul 10 - 09:38 AM L.O.L. - Danged mobile phones :-) John Barden |
Subject: RE: newbie guide to Sidmouth folk festival From: Herga Kitty Date: 24 Jul 10 - 12:08 PM The sessions Tim Edwards and I run in the Faulkner generally go round the room, so everyone who wants to will get a chance to sing, but we might hop around a bit if we know some people have to leave early for an event or stewarding, or if we're about to get a whole run of one gender or singer/ guitarist/ songwriters.... Kitty |
Subject: RE: newbie guide to Sidmouth folk festival From: GUEST,Greenguy Date: 24 Jul 10 - 12:17 PM Thanks to all for the great information. I'm looking forward to all the great singing, and to meeting some of you fine folks. Meanwhile, here's one rather specific question about the "sillier song session" and the "doom gloom and despondency session", mentioned earlier in the thread by Cllr; should songs for each of these be specifically nautical/maritime? |
Subject: RE: newbie guide to Sidmouth folk festival From: Tattie Bogle Date: 24 Jul 10 - 03:18 PM No, anything goes for both. The guys on the bench in the Middle bar usually have some placards which, in a silly and light-hearted way judge the degree of silliness (no prizes!). So the sillier the better: and it is followed by the procession into the sea, so bring your swimming gear that day! Doom and Gloom is conducted in a very solemn atmosphere, but the songs are usually more of the black tragi-comedy type than wrist-slitting ballads. Anyone who laughs gets removed from the room for several minutes! Wear black! |
Subject: RE: newbie guide to Sidmouth folk festival From: Herga Kitty Date: 24 Jul 10 - 03:53 PM Yes, Trish, but don't forget that the youngest ever winner of the DG&D workshop (Mudcat's Shady Lady - while too young to observe the traditional custom of buying the judges a drink afterwards)won with a completely straight and gloomy version of the Unquiet Grave! Kitty |
Subject: RE: newbie guide to Sidmouth folk festival From: Steve in Sidmouth Date: 24 Jul 10 - 05:59 PM Quote: "Jane, just to let you and any others that are interested know, the Sidmouth Indoor Market that was situated up the High Street opposite Somerfields, is now The Original Factory Shop. Ganesha Foods has survived the move and is now in the old Clarks shoe shop at the top of Old Fore Street and the Cheese Board delicatessen has also thankfully survived and moved onto the High Street just down from Somerfields." Anyone looking for Somerfield had better look for Coop instead....and the Factory Shop sells mainly low grade rubbish. If you want an upmarket shopping experience try Waitrose. And you can park! Anyone wholly new to Sidmouth should view photos on my website - a picture paints a thousand words and for some reason my site is not listed on the official website as a source of further information. This is despite it has far more info on many topics than does the official site. here are the links: some of last years photos from my website travel info: buses and other useful travel info including the only remaining petrol station in Sidmouth One of the major changes this year is axing of the afternoon social dance - there were problems last year with House Full at some dances (although others were not full) and so this year may be tricky. Out of maybe 200 local folk dancers I know I would guess less than 5 buy a season ticket nowadays. Without some decent dance venues my guess is that this aspect of the festival will continue to decline. The Nuceilidh is an interesting idea - can't wait to see if it works (if I can get in..). |
Subject: RE: newbie guide to Sidmouth folk festival From: SussexCarole Date: 24 Jul 10 - 06:25 PM We're travelling down to Penzance and stopping off en route for a day at Sidmouth Festival on Tuesday. I'm a Sidmouth virgin and Andrew hasn't been to Sidmouth Folk Fest since 1970something. |
Subject: RE: newbie guide to Sidmouth folk festival From: Tattie Bogle Date: 24 Jul 10 - 10:33 PM When I said market, I meant the real market in the marketplace (opposite Field's shop!) - or where the dancers go most nights - not the covered area further up the town, which has now turned into somehting like a "Poundstretcher" shop. Thanks for the correction re Doom and Gloom. Kitty: I did say "usually" but Shadey's worthily winning contribution was "unusually" |
Subject: RE: newbie guide to Sidmouth folk festival From: Jane Bird Date: 25 Jul 10 - 08:10 AM Going back to the food part of this dicsussion: thanks re update on Co-op. Should have recommended Trumps for cheese, in my ealier post. |
Subject: RE: newbie guide to Sidmouth folk festival From: GUEST Date: 25 Jul 10 - 09:12 AM with regard to Steve in sidmouth's post about transport, if you talk nicely to the driver of the 157 (Exmouth) Stagecoach bus from the triangle, some will let you off at the campsite. If coming in from Exeter on the 52, ask for the Ice House Lane bus stop. It is the third one after you pass Waitrose. Ice House Lane to the campsite will be on the other side of the road about 50 metres back. If you ask for core Hill you might end up being dropped off before Waitrose and have a long walk. For anyone travelling from the southeast, it could be worth noting that Honiton is on the Waterloo-Exeter line, so you can use a Network Railcard to get a reduced fare off-peak. |
Subject: RE: newbie guide to Sidmouth folk festival From: Richard Bridge Date: 25 Jul 10 - 03:05 PM Without wishing to re-open old wounds, at the Newt it may be wise to start even your quiet songs with a crashing chord if you want to play an introduction, otherwise no-one will notice (said being ignored happened to me 7 times in a row last year, my first at Sidmouth) - and be careful when doing that crashing chord and pressing on, because what may appear to be some old friends having a chat may be a performer doing his performance by telling a story or joke. |
Subject: RE: newbie guide to Sidmouth folk festival From: JHW Date: 25 Jul 10 - 04:47 PM Unnamed GUEST just above mentions Waitrose in passing. Though still not a big shop if you need a supermarket it's much bigger than Somerfield/Coop albeit well out of town. |
Subject: RE: newbie guide to Sidmouth folk festival From: Tattie Bogle Date: 25 Jul 10 - 08:31 PM And there is a Lidl's up near the Balfour pub, and near the petrol station. Small Tesco near the Post Office (or in oub terms, fairly near to the Radway) |
Subject: RE: newbie guide to Sidmouth folk festival From: Girl Friday Date: 25 Jul 10 - 08:34 PM Having just looked at all those horrible pictures of mud, I'm very concerned about the campsite. Is it possible to go to the loo without slipping over? I can't get up again if I do. |
Subject: RE: newbie guide to Sidmouth folk festival From: Ruth Archer Date: 26 Jul 10 - 02:39 AM Steve in Sidmouth: have a look at the full festival programme. There is a full programme of social dance this year, including afternoon dances in the Blackmore dance marquee. We are actively trying to find new venues for social dance in order to develop it's presence again, rather than allowing it to decline - there will be feedback forms this year which discuss three potential venues and explain their advantages and drawbacks, and we hope that many social dancers will fill in the forms so that we have a clear view about which to pursue for next year. Re |
Subject: RE: newbie guide to Sidmouth folk festival From: Ruth Archer Date: 26 Jul 10 - 02:47 AM Re the campsite: last year was exceptionally bad. But there had been poor weather for many weeks prior to the festival, and part of the problem was that vehicles being used on site before the festival even started had already begun to churn up the ground. This year there are strict rules being enforced about vehicular access to the site both before and during the festival, and the brilliant weather we've had so far looks set to continue, which means that the ground up there is currently good and solid. But the campsite has also been re-designed with dedicated pedestrian areas and a much more thought-through layout which should make it far more user-friendly. Love |
Subject: RE: newbie guide to Sidmouth folk festival From: Ruth Archer Date: 26 Jul 10 - 02:49 AM Oop! I was trying to say "Lovely moon over the sea last night!" And the sun is shining today... |
Subject: RE: newbie guide to Sidmouth folk festival From: VirginiaTam Date: 26 Jul 10 - 02:49 AM Sue I think you can request a pitch near the loos and showers, per your mobility issues. That is what I plan to do on arrival on Thursday. I am not clear what you have to do first. What I don't know, is do we report to stewards office to get camping pass? Or do we show up at the camp site with the instructions email? Must properly read through this stuff tonight. |
Subject: RE: newbie guide to Sidmouth folk festival From: The Barden of England Date: 26 Jul 10 - 03:11 AM I believe there is matting etc there Sue, plus I think there are disabled loos too. John Barden |
Subject: RE: newbie guide to Sidmouth folk festival From: Richard Bridge Date: 26 Jul 10 - 06:25 AM Just for a split second I thought that said "mating". |
Subject: RE: newbie guide to Sidmouth folk festival From: Lizzie Cornish 1 Date: 26 Jul 10 - 07:26 AM This is the first year I won't be in Sidmouth, living there that is. So sad that a place I moved to, *because* of its festival became a place I also moved out of because of its festival (amongst other reasons), due to some of the people who now run it. Once, I felt like this about it: 'Live' from Sidmouth Now I feel utter relief to be away from it....from them. I'm sure they're elated with their result though and for that reason alone, it's good to be able to leave Sidmouth far behind... |
Subject: RE: newbie guide to Sidmouth folk festival From: Cllr Date: 26 Jul 10 - 08:02 AM thank you for your contribution, moving swiftly on |
Subject: RE: newbie guide to Sidmouth folk festival From: Cllr Date: 26 Jul 10 - 08:03 AM Im going to be down there from Wednesday with most of my american friends arriving between then and saturday morning, thank you for all the positive contributions on this thread Cllr |
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