Sidmouth 2010 comments??

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010 comments??
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 22 Aug 10 - 06:41 PM

Some comments are now loaded on Sidmouth's SeeRed website - they've been through several drafts and discussions locally and are now available on the web. start at page 139 and onwards to page 153.

Constructive ideas and further comments welcomed.

link here for 2010 pages: http://www.seered.co.uk/folk139.htm

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010 comments??
From: GUEST,Houston_Diamond
Date: 16 Aug 10 - 05:28 AM

I can't remember Sidmouth, I have photo evidence I was there though and I lost my voice for a while so I'm guessing I was noisy.

I think I must've had a fantastic time then :)

Houston

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010 comments??
From: GUEST,surreysinger sans cookie
Date: 16 Aug 10 - 04:27 AM

Here you go



Alan Cole's Sidmouth 2010 photographs

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010 comments??
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Aug 10 - 06:51 PM

That's right - Alan's...

Subject: RE: Sidmood.outh 2010 comments??
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 15 Aug 10 - 06:45 PM

Alan Coles are pretty good.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010 comments??
From: Surreysinger
Date: 15 Aug 10 - 05:45 PM

Which pics were you after Dave??

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010 comments??
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 15 Aug 10 - 04:36 PM

Hi Dave...Will link to them via my profile page shortly!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010 comments??
From: GUEST,folkiedave
Date: 15 Aug 10 - 01:41 PM

Would you be kind enough to post a link to the Facebook pictures?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010 comments??
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 15 Aug 10 - 01:10 PM

Ron D - I've PM'd you!

Kitty

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010 comments??
From: fisheye
Date: 15 Aug 10 - 01:06 PM

you hear that Sidmouth is a festival that you must experienc., Now I have i can certainly accept what I have heard about it.
Marshalling may have it's draw backs to the fringe enjoyment, however,the rewards cirtainly out way any of them. My name will be down again for next, marshalling again asap.
I did not take many pics of the artists but did enjoy the carnival procession at the end. Some of the pics are on Facebook.
Next year with the right requests I hope I will get more involved with pics.
fisheye

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010 comments??
From: Ralphie
Date: 15 Aug 10 - 01:37 AM

Folk not Folky
www.xtranormal.com

I think this says it all.
I had an exceptopnally good time.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010 comments??
From: Ron Davies
Date: 14 Aug 10 - 06:57 PM

Kitty--

How would I get in touch with Alan Twelftree about that song?   Should I PM you?

Thanks,

Ron

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010 comments??
From: MBSLynne
Date: 13 Aug 10 - 04:23 AM

VT, I remember my first Sidmouth too, and I remember sitting on the pavement outside the Anchor crying on the Friday night because I thought I'd never be able to repeat such a brilliant week. Now nearly 30 years later, I'm still doing it!

There's always the Middle Bar Reunion in February to keep you 'topped up'.

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010 comments??
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 13 Aug 10 - 04:11 AM

Girl Friday - I understand that the address I gave for the Middle Bar Singers can only be used by existing members, and that messages to that address go to all members. The address to become a member is middlebar-owner (at)yahoogroups.com (address paraphrased to deter spam....)

Kitty

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010 comments??
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 12 Aug 10 - 04:32 PM

Tam - I remember my first Sidmouths, and it was, absolutely, a matter of counting the 51 weeks till the next one, so glad to hear you feel the same way too!

Kitty

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010 comments??
From: GUEST,guest - watcher
Date: 12 Aug 10 - 04:01 PM

It is significant that the initial criticisms in this thread by Mr Red were about the dance side of the festival, but the positive comments that followed were about hte concerts, fringe and sessions.

I agree with Mr Red it was dumb to have the Monday ceilidh finish at 9.30 - in previous years it was a family ceilidh on until 11pm. Parents are capable of deciding when our kids should go to bed, and at 9.30 it is too late to go to a concert and we can't take kids into a pub session.
Incidently why were all the Blackmore ceilidhs finished at 10.30 instead of 11 as in previous years, and why have "nuceilidhs" (described as challenging) unless it meant experts only - not very inclusive.
Last year in Blackmore there were adfternoon dance displays and teatime meet the team sessions, much less this year.
Overall the dance side of the festival was poor compared to the last 2-3 years. Has there been a change of organisers, a change of policy to downgrade dance, or what?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010 comments??
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 12 Aug 10 - 03:43 PM

Well I thought the whole thing was brilliant and I mean to tell the organisers so.
I have just completed my feed back form and it is in addressed envelope awaiting stamp.

it is capped off with "Well done and huzzah to the festival organisers, artists, stewards and the town of Sidmouth for making this such a wonderful experience. Yay you!"

I now anticipate the next Sidmouth folk week like a child does Christmas. Like it said in the Sidmouth email I just received, only 51 more weeks to go! Woohoo!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010 comments??
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 12 Aug 10 - 03:26 PM

Girl Friday - I'll check out the Middle Bar contact info problem!

Kitty

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010 comments??
From: MBSLynne
Date: 12 Aug 10 - 01:34 PM

Oh-oh...it's deteriorating again. This is where I leave. Byeee

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010 comments??
From: Mavs82
Date: 12 Aug 10 - 11:24 AM

Mr. Red,

Firstly, couldn't you change your name to Mr. Angry?

Secondly, "I thank you by: being there
advertising it (unbidden) on several pages on..."

What a load of rubbish. Do you patronise a shop in thanks of it being there? No, you patronise a shop because you have need of it's products. You patronise a festival for the personal benefits you gain from attendance whether that is Dancing, Singing, Drinking, Socialising, Concerts or a combination of them all.

Secondly, don't claim to 'advertise' the festival, all you do is bitch, moan and whine like a child! If all I knew of Sidmouth Folk Week was what you have written I would NEVER attend. However, I know enough about the Festival and about you to take everything you say with a large pinch of salt because moaning is all you ever do.

Enjoy the personal benefits you receive from the festival and if you have constructive criticisms, make them to the fesival management direct in the manner requested of us all.

I'm sorry to anyone offended by this rant but I am fed up with Mr.Red badmouthing a Festival he claims to enjoy. Now I'm off to carry on organising my own festival, which requires massive effort and is significantly smaller!!

Finally, congratulations to ALL staff and stewards for a wonderful Sidmouth Folk Week 2010 - see you in 2011!!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010 comments??
From: GUEST,Fancy
Date: 12 Aug 10 - 08:02 AM

I don't buy a season ticket any more, Last time I had one I did not get anything like full value, and anyway I objected to having to pay extra for the concerts in the Ham marquee, so I spent most of my lunch times and evenings in the volunteer, which was great, good singing at lunchtime and great mucicians and singers in the evening(plus they were open until midnight) Great energy from some top class musicians. I went to a couple of concerts in the arts centre (what a sterile Venue that is) and a couple in the Bedford and the Woodlands respectively and enjoyed them all. If I come back next year (I have been coming since the early 80's) it will probably not be for the whole week, what I enjoy most is meeting old friends and chewing the fat with them.

Fancy

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010 comments??
From: Girl Friday
Date: 12 Aug 10 - 06:10 AM

Kitty's posting: "My understanding is that the Middle Bar t-shirts were a limited edition organised by Cllr for the Boston Song and Single Malt contingent .... to keep in touch with the Middle Bar Singers and for info about possible future t-shirt issues, I suggest contacting [e-mail] . "
I tried to put the above into my Yahoo address book, but it doesn't like the format.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010 comments??
From: Johnny J
Date: 11 Aug 10 - 06:02 PM

Delighted to hear that your singing festival was another great success.
I'll need to get down there sometime myself.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010 comments??
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 11 Aug 10 - 05:45 PM

Ron D - you omitted to mention that the superlative performance of Bollocky Bill last Thursday was delivered by a couple of septuagenarians.....

The effing rye song at the DG&D was performed by Alan Twelftree of Wessex Morris, who is also a caller ... fortunately, the lady who assaulted Richard T-W and attempted to halt his performance of a different parody of Fields of Athenrye in the Anchor wasn't present at the DG&D!

Kitty

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010 comments??
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 11 Aug 10 - 05:26 PM

As I lay in my bed in the morning,
Monday morning, five past nine,
Should I stay here or get up without warning,
Hit that workshop oh so fine.
Well I charged out the house with no word of Farewell
My toast and cup of tea left behind
Tho' my ma-in-law and husband thought that I was really unkind
I made it to the Rugby Club on time....

OK well nearly, and what a great week I had at John Kirkpatrick's Big Band workshop
(Apologies to Tom Paxton for that).
Then from Tuesday were the Carols in August workshops with Ian Russell: I went every day, and felt quite bereft on Friday when there wan't one.
Managed to get to most of the concerts: very little to disappoint there, other than not really liking a couple of the support bands, but I suppose that's all a matter of taste: by the time I'd heard them and had the first interval that was an hour wasted.

My biggest bugbear was making several of the evening concerts a "game of three halves": as it seems to be the norm in folk concerts for people to come and go as they please when they need the loo or the bar, I didn't really see the need for having two intervals: it just prolonged the evening unnecessarily, and so on more than one night I did not stay until the end, whereas I might have done had the concert had only one interval. Having two breaks also runs the risk of losing any good atmosphere built up so far.The exception to that might have been the Show of Hands night when it was extraordinarily hot, and the band might well have needed a cold shower and some rehydration halfway through, especially in the light of Phil's recent health scare. I have included comments to this effect in my feedback form.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010 comments??
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Aug 10 - 05:17 PM

Guest above is Ron Davies, still in UK--but not for long. Wish I could take this weather--and music--- home.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010 comments??
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Aug 10 - 05:13 PM

Best Sidmouth `Jan and I have had except for 2004. `Loads of great music everywhere you turned. `Prom music just wonderful, and an amazing assortment. ~Love the street performers (great stage patter, among other things.) Some really classic performances in the Middle Bar; above all for me was `'Bollocky Bill`. March to the Sea and singing in the sea a great kick--and well recorded, it appears--lots of videocameras.


Thanks so much to Glen Titmus for renting violins for the week--and to Leadfingers for putting me in touch with him.   `Having an instrument makes a huge difference in getting into pickup sessions on the prom and elsewhere. I was at one of `Leadfingers' dynamite sessions at the Newt, among lots of others.   Even got taken for a `Grappelli-style fiddler.   `I can live with that-to say the least.

Sorry I wasn't able to see the Wilsons, but at least heard them sing 4 or 5 at the York.

I'd really like the words to the `Gloom and `Doom parody of `'Athenry`' `9` (So why grow fields of f'--ing rye?)

Thanks to VTam for the great weather.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010 comments??
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 11 Aug 10 - 04:44 PM

if you are inferring that I meant incontinent folk cats, you are way off base.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010 comments??
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 11 Aug 10 - 02:11 PM

Spotty showers? How dare you so denigrate Tone Deaf Leopard?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010 comments??
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 11 Aug 10 - 02:00 PM

echoing TSO's first post. Thanks to all organisers, artists, sponsors, stewards, etc. for making it such a great experience.

I misremembered last Knockholt. There was a spot of rain on Saturday late afternoon. But nothing like downpours. Spotty showers don't count, do they?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010 comments??
From: TheSilentOne
Date: 11 Aug 10 - 11:39 AM

lol - isn't that thread highjacking CS?

(ummm.. in which case so is this post!)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010 comments??
From: Crow Sister (off with the fairies)
Date: 11 Aug 10 - 06:35 AM

Coo-ey you! *waves*, see youze next week ;)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010 comments??
From: TheSilentOne
Date: 11 Aug 10 - 06:32 AM

Sometimes I have to break silence, even if belatedly. Our first big folk festival, first time at Sidmouth, and first time stewarding. The whole experience was wonderful! Of course the weather helped, but Tam is arranging that for next year too, when we will definitely be back.

I find it difficult to pick out highlights, but a special mention for the Shanty-crawl, that was great fun. There were no "lowlights", unless you count wanting to be in half a dozen places at once.

Thanks to everyone who organised, participated, attended, or in any way contributed to a great week. Special thanks to those who encouraged us to go!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010 comments??
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 11 Aug 10 - 06:15 AM

Virginia Tam
we were putting out the first newsletter at the Box Office and Bedford right through till Monday. As fast as they were put out, the quicker they went! I learned a few things about distribution this year, ready for next year.
yes, the lanyard shortage was an oversight somewhere - and thanks for the different coloured lanyard suggestion.
I hope you'll fill in a feedback form and include that comment. The forms are on the website.
Oh, and the Guardian gave the festival a 5 star review this morning.
Derek

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010 comments??
From: Abdul The Bul Bul
Date: 11 Aug 10 - 03:55 AM

Good to hear the benefit of your precipitation protection will prevailat Ash then VT. Although if I don't get this guitar fixed I may not be going.
Al

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010 comments??
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 11 Aug 10 - 03:08 AM

no Richard... no rain at Knockholt. Started raining as we left Pig's Ear and was just misting as we packed up on last day of last Knockholt.

I've been on one Cornwall and 3 Scotland holidays and one Lake District where the clouds and rain were coming down as we arrived, suddenly brightened when i got out of car and stayed pretty much dry (apart from light scattered showers) until the day we left when the heavens opened. Even Sidmouth's one morning of rain I was on stewarding duty in the Arts Centre and it cleared as soon as my duty was over.

It was raining and cloudy just before the Handfasting in Swansea last Saturday and cleared as soon as I got out of the car.

Several times Friday and Saturday night it started raining as soon as I got back into caravan after toilet breaks.

What can I say?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010 comments??
From: GUEST,Tatts
Date: 10 Aug 10 - 07:59 PM

Great festival, enjoyed the quite afternoon singaround in the Woodlands lovely comfy chairs and setees!!   A quiet oasis in a busy week .

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010 comments??
From: Girl Friday
Date: 10 Aug 10 - 06:02 PM

Quite -it usually rains on us all at Knockholt.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010 comments??
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 10 Aug 10 - 05:40 PM

Surely it rained on you at Knockholt VT?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010 comments??
From: Surreysinger
Date: 10 Aug 10 - 04:33 PM

John and Virginia - please see the separate thread on Marian Button - it turns out that it was not a stroke after all. Nevertheless Marian remains in hospital and is undergoing further tests. :-(

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010 comments??
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 10 Aug 10 - 03:59 PM

now that I have boasted about my luck with weather, watch it turn on me. like a child or pet sitting dumbly refusing to perform new trick mummy has boasted about.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010 comments??
From: MBSLynne
Date: 10 Aug 10 - 01:41 PM

You ARE coming to Moira aren't you Virginia??

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010 comments??
From: Old Vermin
Date: 10 Aug 10 - 01:38 PM

Derek - thank you for the news of Rollo. I knew he was selling his Skipper 12 back in the winter - I think to get a replacement sailing dinghy - but couldn't remember if I'd seen him at all this year.

And Barden, thanks for the news of Phil Atkinson. I first came across him at the Ram Ciderhouse in the mid-90s, when his appearances fitted round Heathrow flights and, probably, Swedish steelworks. He did the end-of-evening American Pie.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010 comments??
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 10 Aug 10 - 01:20 PM

Lack of mud was pretty brilliant as well, though no one can be thanked for that.

Oh yes they can and you are all welcome. Fine weather follows me when I am on holiday. It really does. Ask my partner. He is considering selling my services to weddings and festivals and any other outdoor events.

Post festival depression setting in badly now..at least I've got Moira in less than two weeks!

Tell me about it! Can we get festivals paid for on the NHS? Maybe near to home mini festivals to stem the withdrawal symptoms.

I did not clock the Marion Button thread at all. Must check that. Hope she will make a seedy and full recovery.

for more comments from the stewarding side I just posted he following on the other Sidmouth thread.

Subject: RE: newbie guide to Sidmouth folk festival
From: VirginiaTam - PM
Date: 10 Aug 10 - 01:01 PM

Unfortunately the first news letter ran out before we could get one and as stewards we needed it. We had to borrow the Ham box office copy and mark changes in our main programme. The lanyards for holding passes also gone and we arrived on Thursday 29 July well before festival started.

If possible, it might be good to have a different coloured lanyard (or armband) for stewards (even if we have to buy them) so there is a visible presence to punters who have questions/concerns. Someone mentioned to me that there should be more stewards in the high viz vests just wandering about town. But in the event you don't have enough stewards, then I for one have no problem stepping up to fill the one off needs when I am off duty. The special lanyard or armband would facilitate that.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010 comments??
From: GUEST,The Barden of England sans cookie
Date: 10 Aug 10 - 12:02 PM

Old Vermin - Phil Atkinson was there,along with Dan, Elinor, myself, Marco,Paul from Munich (and Falmouth),Vince and others. Only now recuperating myself after Dartmoor. Heard about Marion Button from Barry Lister who told me that she had a stroke which it would appear was not too severe (that is if any stroke can be so). I'm currently still holidaying in Cornwall but wish my good friend Marion a speedy and full recovery.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010 comments??
From: GUEST,Gadaffi
Date: 10 Aug 10 - 07:47 AM

The Volunteer ran itself - okay, with a little/lottle bit of nudging!
The band booked didn't turn up on Friday, but that was the least of my worries what with my elderly mother in Acute Dependency in Frimley Park and one of my house guests taken ill (see Marian Button thread).

Enjoyed the storytelling workshops which I attended for the first time. New 'finds' were Thomas McCarthy and Dan from Dartmoor with his menagerie of jig dolls.

Cream of Devon and Traveller concerts were excellent.

Disappointments: few. Mike Waterson unable to attend - naturally wish him a speedy recovery (see thread elsewhere), so understandable.

Roll on next year!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010 comments??
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 10 Aug 10 - 07:38 AM

Rollo was only there for the weekend.
Derek

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010 comments??
From: Old Vermin
Date: 10 Aug 10 - 07:01 AM

And of course saw Mr Red in yellow.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010 comments??
From: Old Vermin
Date: 10 Aug 10 - 06:58 AM

Didn't do the week as a whole this year after last year's camping, so that worked....

Was elsewhere - could only get there for the Wednesday, so had to be the real essentials - seeing who I met whilst doing Anchor Gardens & Middle Bar Upstairs, Craft and Music fairs and, alas, going through pubs with indecent haste. Very much essence of Sidmouth.

The Anchor Gardens have got even steeper. Danced anyway; particularly to PolkaWorks early evening. Both times I went to the bar, saw someone I knew. 100% correlation of something-or-other. GBH & co contingent well represented, not to mention Ralphie striding purposefully past. And of course Mr Kiddier on keyboard.

Middle Bar - bit of lunchtime and evening. Tip: do not dance and then go straight into room full of people singing with windows shut.
Thankfully opened soon.

Thoroughly enjoyed both sessions. Morticia made herself known which was good. I must dig out the song about the Bantam Cock.

Sue the Borderer/from Bideford is saying I ought to lead songs even if I am a bass. Now choruses/directed harmony I can do, but this means learning to hold a tune reliably solo and learn all the verses. Be as well to try, anyway. Thanks, Sue.

And noted Richard's well-merited promotion to the Bench.

Neil at the back of the Music Fair was as gloomy as ever: Music Room had conspicuous 'reductions'. And the undiscounted price of a new Pokerwork has risen to a quoted £600. Managed not to buy a discounted mandolin, again.

First time for several years I haven't seen Rollo Woods - West Gallery amongst other things - either in the Anchor Garden or on the Front. Neither did I see Kevin Gorton on fiddle, melodeon, recorder and Surrey bagpipes in the Bedford or the Swan as usual, but then he is said not to have gone. Nor Phil Atkinson in the same sessions. A real break with ritual.

Thought I saw Moira Craig quietly looking at her notebooks in the back of Sue's Pantry. And saw Martin Carthy pushing Norma on wheels, who was directing him vigorously and in detail....

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2010 comments??
From: mattkeen
Date: 10 Aug 10 - 05:00 AM

Oh - and Jon Boden doing Bellamy

And some great sessions in the Radway