Sidmouth Folk Week - New Director

Subject: Sidmouth Folk Week - New Director
From: Vic Smith
Date: 22 Aug 11 - 08:46 AM

This has been hinted at on another thread, but it really deserves its own position.
The Press release comprised a WORD document drafted by John Braithwaite.

Part of the text of the press release is reproduced below.

Sidmouth FolkWeek 2011 - Alan Bearman to be the new Artistic Director - effective 1 September 2011

Press Release: 18/8/11

After 3 successful years, the Executive Team at Sidmouth FolkWeek is due to change. Joan Crump, the Artistic and Marketing Director, is leaving the Festival to concentrate on other folk-related projects. She says, "It has been incredibly exciting to work for Sidmouth during this period in its development. I am very proud of everything we have achieved in the past 3 years, and wish the festival every success in its next chapter."

The Festival Directors are pleased to announce that Alan Bearman has accepted the post of Artistic Director, returning to the Festival after a gap of 7 years. Alan has huge and successful experience of directing festivals in the UK and Ireland and was the Artistic Director of Sidmouth International Festival during its period of rapid expansion over 18 years to 2004.

Alan is a Sidmouth devotee and 'feels a great affinity for the festival and town'. He looks forward to the challenge of continuing to build a sustainable Festival, based around a unique and strong programme.

John Braithwaite, Festival Director, comments 'Joan's energy and creativity have helped us make great strides since 2009. We are delighted that Alan has now agreed to join the team. No-one has better festival direction experience and there is the considerable bonus of his Sidmouth Festival background'.

Sidmouth FolkWeek is a major week-long festival, offering a unique blend of music, song, dance and family entertainment with lots of opportunity for participation, set in a beautiful East Devon seaside town.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week - New Director
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 22 Aug 11 - 04:41 PM

That was pinched from my website. Rumour locally is that Joan Crump was sacked (something to do with an artist Jim someone or other.....) but the way gossip spreads in this town I wouldn't believe a word of it.

However the Press release is genuine but seems it was only sent to a few local papers.

http://www.seered.co.uk/folk189.htm and try reading the preceding page too (folk188.htm).

I suspect there will be very little discussion on here.

The title of the thread should have been new ARTISTIC Director.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week - New Director
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 22 Aug 11 - 04:51 PM

By the way, the rest of the body of Press Release only gave some contact details for journalists - so I omitted them from my webpage, after checking that the phone numbers were genuine.

I also omitted a covering note.

Apart from that, you probably all know more than I do!!!

Any news on the sailing club?

storm in a teacup - or a shipwreck?

My write up of 2011 starts at page folk171 here start of 2011 write-up
- and on to folk189.htm

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week - New Director
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 22 Aug 11 - 06:25 PM

The 'missing page' in the series referred to above, folk183.htm has now been loaded. Rewriting the history of FolkWeek in Sidmouth.

Page 184.htm is awaiting publication of the next issue of S&TS - 'the magazine for folk dancers.' http://www.setandturnsingle.org.uk

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week - New Director
From: The Sandman
Date: 22 Aug 11 - 08:45 PM

Is this important? Will there be a radical change of artistic direction?
I have known Alan Bearman since 1978,he has always struck me as a good organiser and someone who has a love of varying types of folk music.
I have only met Joan Crump once,and then only briefly.
People come and People go,the Folk club scene continues regardless of who the artistic director of Sidmouth is, IMO the folk club network is more important than who is the director of One PARTICULAR folk festival.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week - New Director
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 23 Aug 11 - 05:22 AM

It is probably marginally more important (and indeed far more interesting) than the details of when and how often you met various people.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week - New Director
From: GUEST,999
Date: 23 Aug 11 - 06:04 AM

A M E N to that!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week - New Director
From: GUEST,OldNicKilby
Date: 23 Aug 11 - 06:05 AM

Well said Mr Miles. The Folk Clubs are where the real spirit of the music lives and sometimes thrives and is there on a weekly basis. However there are times that it is weakly, it all depends on the people involved.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week - New Director
From: Vic Smith
Date: 23 Aug 11 - 07:24 AM

You put a link to something called a "press release" on a public website and then when someone quotes from it on a forum where it is of central interest, you write, "That was pinched from my website." Eh?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week - New Director
From: GUEST,999
Date: 23 Aug 11 - 07:36 AM

OK. This is gonna be one of those UK thread fights. I'm outta here.

Best of luck with the festival.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week - New Director
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 23 Aug 11 - 09:27 AM

Memo to Vic Smith: it would have been polite to acknowledge where it came from - I put my link on the other thread. And you didn't just quote from it, you reproduced virtually my entire webpage.

Anyhow, just to say that over 100 people have accessed it already - so much for the topic not being of any interest!!

so here it is again, the (almost) full original version of the Press release

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week - New Director
From: Banjiman
Date: 23 Aug 11 - 09:31 AM

Does this mean that Sidmouth will be dominated by Alan Bearman's stable of acts?

Just asking.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week - New Director
From: GUEST,Guest Vivienne
Date: 23 Aug 11 - 09:38 AM

Quite a high proportion of this year's acts were from his stable so I can't see it making much difference - and he has a very large stable.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week - New Director
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 23 Aug 11 - 09:38 AM

As opposed Ms Crump/Mr Hallam's Albion Folk stable of acts?

Just asking

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week - New Director
From: GUEST,Jim Moray
Date: 23 Aug 11 - 09:44 AM

Steve - I'd be very careful about throwing allegations around. After your "about an artist called Jim something or other..." I (understandably I hope) made a few calls to hear the truth about this. I think it might be wise to keep quiet if you are just speculating in this case...

I have spent the majority of the last 30 first-week-in-Augusts in Sidmouth as a festival goer and as a performer, and I have felt the last three years have been some of the best festivals I have ever been to. Under Joans leadership the festival has regained lost ground and was really on the cusp of being the market leader again. Joan is well liked amongst most artists I know, and I am really sad that she won't be steering the festival creatively any more.

For the record, I also have a professional relationship with Alan and my formative Sidmouths were programmed by him, so I'm interested to see what he does, but I'd hate to think it was a "safe" backwards step when the last few years have seen some daring and unique programming and special projects that, frankly, would never have happened in the Mrs Casey years.

Whatever your experience of the last few years, I think everyone who loves Sidmouth has to agree that Joan has made some huge achievements (the silent ceilidh/disco, rejuvenating the Bulverton into being a success again, the special projects that have taken on a life outside the festival, the partnerships with other organisations and countries like the Irish exchange this year, and not least getting the festival on a financially stable footing and turning a profit where it was making huge losses) with the festival over the last few years and should be thanked for her hard work.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week - New Director
From: GUEST,Noreen at work
Date: 23 Aug 11 - 09:44 AM

Steve, I am surprised at you objecting to others using items from your website, when you take whole chunks of posts from the Mudcat Café and repost them on your website, names and all- which I find rather suspect.

Did you ask the permission of the original posters to reproduce their posts on your website- or even let them know?


Back to the topic- good luck to Joanie Crump with her future career.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week - New Director
From: GUEST,Jim Moray
Date: 23 Aug 11 - 09:55 AM

And, GUEST - I believe Joan stopped having any involvement in Albion Folk quite a while ago, and was never involved in the agency side because of the potential conflict of interests. Her role was always the fundraising and project management that she did for Sidmouth and as a freelancer.

Alan meanwhile is the biggest folk agent in the country (he's my agent for a start...) but programmes Towersey without too much conflicts between roles. He is dependable and is probably second to none in knowing what the folkish public want to see. But Joan has quite often programmed things people didn't know they wanted to see which is subtly different and is something that I hope Alan will continue to include in the festival.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week - New Director
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 23 Aug 11 - 11:20 AM

Maybe working with Jon B isn't easy, he insults indirectly, and 'forgets' to take the cc off his emails. This must be on purpose, because he's a 'whizz kid' with computers.


Sophie Braithwaite's email to Sally (The Lemonade Lady)

Dear Sally,

Thank you for your application to cater at this year's festival.

There has been an amazing amount of interest so allocating pitches has been tough. Unfortunately, we didn't find one that would suit your set up this year, but would encourage you to keep in contact as set ups and situations often change.

Have a wonderful summer season.

Kind regards
Sophie Braithwaite


John Braithwaite's email to Sophie:

"Sorry not to reply to your message. Yes, what you have done is just fine.

Oddly enough this is one we would probably never have back because she is a pain in the........argues about pitch fees etc. Now we have Salcombe with floats and the cafe with drinks in Blackmore we don't need her."

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week - New Director
From: The Sandman
Date: 23 Aug 11 - 01:05 PM

IMO, It was preferable when the EFDSS ran this festival.
Any agent running a festival,IS going to be tempted to book predominantly their own acts, and that is not good for the festival, it becomes a closed shop.
   This is why I prefer folk clubs, that are run by enthusiasts rather than FOLK CLUBS run by entrepreneurs,if an enthusiast is a good organiser there is no reason why their club should not be successfull as many are.
god forbid the day when folk clubs are taken over by those whose only motive is making money.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week - New Director
From: Vic Smith
Date: 23 Aug 11 - 01:49 PM

Jim Moray is the one who has hit the nail on the head here. What this thread should be about is:-
a) Thanking Joan for her very considerable contribution and
b) Welcoming Alan back to a role that he fulfilled very well in the past.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week - New Director
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 23 Aug 11 - 02:04 PM

Given the links I should also say that Gordon Newton is of inestimable value to Rochester Sweeps Fest.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week - New Director
From: The Sandman
Date: 23 Aug 11 - 03:05 PM

yes and John Taylor to Saltburn, John Taylor has been running a successful festival in Saltburn for 13 years, and before that in REDCAR for many years, Alan Bearman and joanie crumpet are mere whippersnappers/johnny come latelies in comparison.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week - New Director
From: GUEST,Phil B
Date: 23 Aug 11 - 04:21 PM

Just to say thanks to Joan for a tough job very well done indeed. These last few Sidmouths have been a great pleasure. Good luck to her and indeed to her successor.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week - New Director
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 23 Aug 11 - 04:48 PM

Just for the record, the Jim that was mentioned to me was not JM, but as the story didn't seem believable anyway I simply missed off the surname and threw it in as bait.

The interesting question in these cases is of course 'why', and the more senior the person, the more interesting the answer, as a general rule.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week - New Director
From: The Sandman
Date: 23 Aug 11 - 06:24 PM

From: Vic Smith - PM
Date: 23 Aug 11 - 01:49 PM

Jim Moray is the one who has hit the nail on the head here. What this thread should be about is:-
a) Thanking Joan for her very considerable contribution and
b) Welcoming Alan back to a role that he fulfilled very well in the past.
SOUNDS LIKE A LOT OF ARSE KISSING FRANKLY

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week - New Director
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 24 Aug 11 - 12:37 AM

My word Dick. You don't have to eat the entire bunch of sour grapes you know.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week - New Director
From: GUEST,Jim Moray
Date: 24 Aug 11 - 02:00 AM

Steve - I know exactly which artist you are referring to, and it might be the kind thing to do to drop the topic for now. A popular singer and a friend of lots of Mudcatters needs support and friendship, not to be gossiped about in public. I'm just thinking of his wellbeing and pointing out that a bit of compassion might be good.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week - New Director
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 24 Aug 11 - 04:42 AM

Gosh, I thought this would be about that rude and arrogant bloke wot runs Sidmouth..the one who was so damned foul to Sally, The Lemonade Lady, in his email to his daughter.

I'd have kicked him off for that unpleasant episode alone, personally..for anyone who treats decent people that way, particularly those who've become such a part of Sidmouth over the years doesn't come across as a true Leader to me, just a bully who dismisses people at the drop of a hat when he feels Sidmouth has become so good that they no longer need the very people who helped to give him the festival he has today...

Bit like that chap from BP...the one who referred to folks as 'the small people'

You won't catch me at a festival where someone who thinks of himself as a Big Person verbally spits on those he deems to be the smaller folks..

And now, back to the plot....

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week - New Director
From: SteveMansfield
Date: 24 Aug 11 - 05:25 AM

What this thread should be about is:-
a) Thanking Joan for her very considerable contribution and
b) Welcoming Alan back to a role that he fulfilled very well in the past.

I've not been to Sidmouth in the past few years, through no reason other than other things have got in the way. Joan Crump seems to have done an excellent job of keeping the festival going whilst also changing (as all decent festivals do over the years).

However until this thread I'd not personally been aware that the festival's finances had stabilised under her administration - having been a performer at the 2004 festival when Steve Heap stood down and a lot of people didn't even think there would *be* a 2005 Sidmouth, for that alone Joan deserves the respect and thanks of everyone who loves The First Week In August.

And if she is passing on the baton to Alan Bearman, whose track record at both Sidmouth and Towersey speaks for itself, then I'm very happy to welcome that as a positive development for the future.

And if that's considered arse kissing, then I'm happy to pucker up.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week - New Director
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 24 Aug 11 - 05:30 AM

It might be good to get away from 'unique and daring acts' for a few years and get back to basics. And that does not mean either dull or uninteresting!

An attempt was made with the social dance programme this year and it was better in part because so many regulars stayed away - and the rest of us had room to dance! 50 or 60 less dancers than in years past? That is 50 or 60 season tickets or maybe £8,000. Maybe not enough to interest the organisers. How many minutes of Kate Rusby can you buy for £8000?

Sidmouth was primarily a dance festival - many years ago - and it is arguably the dance element that needs attending to in future years. Much remains to be done to regain the loyalty of many of the UK's best social and ceilidh dancers.

The Ham venue is now arguably better than it ever was but is 'concerts only' with fixed seating. All the minor venues are much the same as they ever were.

Sidmouth should be aiming for the highest standards for dance as well as for Ham concerts. Has it been a case of too many gimmicks, too much of the wrong type of innovation and not enough basic teaching, learning and improving? We have lurched from Nu-ceilidh to the silly 'family evenings' programmed at £15 - comments on my website! We also have sound (noise?) levels so high that even youngsters say it's too loud - and with their ear plugs in. Quite ridiculous.

There were some very good dance events this year but much remains to be done. Standards of celidh dance are nowadays much higher at Chippenham and IVFDF than at Sidmouth - where loud noise and gimmicks seem to have been the order of the day over the last few years.

How much does Alan Bearman know about these topics? I would hope that the answer is 'a lot' : under Steve Heap the International Festival attracted the best people. Those days (sadly) are unlikely to return but a properly structured five year programme to get social and quality ceilidh dance back to previous standards (or at least to equal the standards routinely achieved elsewhere in the UK at present) might be a good start.

And if anyone wants to accuse me of unfairly criticising Sidmouth, the dance at Towersey (a present-day Steve Heap venue) ranges from excellent to appalling - excellent daytime workshops that attract very good dancers, including from overseas, ceilidhs that I would rate as well below IVFDF standards (mainly because they don't attract the same number of talented people), and late night thrash arounds that are notable for excessive noise, alcohol and prats. But if you want to hone your skills in collision avoidance whilst attempting to dance, they are simply unbeatable.

Something is wrong with the 'shooting roots' programmes at both festivals - people spend hours teaching youngsters and then in the dances they can't do even the simplest things properly. It reminds me of schools these days - after over TEN YEARS of full time education half of them can hardly read and write - get rid of the self expression, the gimmicks, and never criticising the little darlings and start teaching them properly? Now that really would be innovative!!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week - New Director
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 24 Aug 11 - 05:41 AM

The comment from Steve Mansfield seems curious - Joan Crump was at Sidmouth for 3 years - see the Press Release.

The history of how Sidmouth was 'saved' is well documented and if any one person should be singled out it is probably Gordon Newton.

I quote from my own website:

The history of Sidmouth's International Festival in the years up to the 50th and final year are documented on this website. In 2005 things looked bleak, yet together with many local 'folkies' two men stepped forward to help ensure that some sort of festival took place. It was widely thought then (and probably correctly) that if there was no festival worthy of the name at all in 2005, it would be far more difficult to restart one in 2006 or subsequently. Therefore, 2005 was seen as a crucial year. Two names stand out - both men were prepared to risk tens of thousands of pounds of their own money in order to try and ensure that the festival didn't die completely. These were Gordon Newton, a folk musician and businessman from Kent and Malcolm Burrough, one of a family of Devon farmers and landowners - he runs the Thorn Park golf centre, where many folkies have camped for years.

At the time, Tony Reed was a local and long serving councillor and also Chairman of the Town Council. He was therefore able to 'pull strings' as needed. Whilst Gordon Newton organised events on the Ham and in the town, Mr Burrough prepared to take on the task of running an LNE event. Yet every possible obstacle seemed to be put in his way by EDDC - something that Councillor Reed could surely have tried to prevent?

Mr Burrough was even asked ' what if there were complaints about the noise from Seaton?' - Seaton is about six miles away from the Thorn Park site! Faced however with what he regarded as ridiculous demands for numbers of toilets (in addition to a large number of security guards and other demands) Mr Burrough pulled out at the last minute, rather than face losses of maybe £20,000 to £30,000. Very late in the day, Gordon Newton stepped in again to run the LNE also - and he apparently lost a lot of money in the process.

There was no doubt therefore that Gordon Newton did as much as anyone else (if not far more) to save Sidmouth festival in 2005.

End of quote - full page here: Gordon Newton - airbrushed from history?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week - New Director
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 24 Aug 11 - 05:42 AM

Surely THE soul of Sidmouth is the fringe, isn't it?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week - New Director
From: The Sandman
Date: 24 Aug 11 - 05:46 AM

I apologise, the remark was an over reaction.
However I do find the appointment of Alan Bearman slightly worrying, he has proved very competent as an organiser.
But it beggars the question should anyone whether they be Alan or anyone else who is running a folk agency be musical director of a Folk Festival.
Ralphie it is not sour grapes, I am not short of work and am not concerned about being booked at Sidmouth,I prefer weekend festivals.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week - New Director
From: MarkAustin
Date: 24 Aug 11 - 05:49 AM

With reference Steve in Sidmouth's comment about dance, I was at the feedback meeting this year, and the subject was raised. The top brass were aware of problems in that area, and said that there was a potential new venue (it's apparently still under construction, and not yet booked, so they were understanably a bit vaugue about details) which, if available, will gho a long way to solving the problem.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week - New Director
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 24 Aug 11 - 05:56 AM

From Steve Mansfield:

"However until this thread I'd not personally been aware that the festival's finances had stabilised under her administration - having been a performer at the 2004 festival when Steve Heap stood down and a lot of people didn't even think there would *be* a 2005 Sidmouth, for that alone Joan deserves the respect and thanks of everyone who loves The First Week In August."


Just to get matters straight...Joan was not involved in bringing Sidmouth back from the edge during the very first Sidmouth Folk Week. That was down to many volunteers who stepped forward and worked their backsides off to keep Sidmouth going and to one particular person who stepped forward with a large amount of money, from his own piggy bank, risking the lot, because Gordon wanted to ensure that Sidmouth would still be alive for his new-born grandson to enjoy during *his* life.

Not wanting to detract from anyone here, but merely wishing to ensure that folks know that others were involved in 'saving' Sidmouth, for without those very people, back in 2005, Sidmouth would not be here now.

Thanks.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week - New Director
From: Vic Smith
Date: 24 Aug 11 - 06:37 AM

From: Vic Smith - PM
Date: 23 Aug 11 - 01:49 PM

Jim Moray is the one who has hit the nail on the head here. What this thread should be about is:-
a) Thanking Joan for her very considerable contribution and
b) Welcoming Alan back to a role that he fulfilled very well in the past.
SOUNDS LIKE A LOT OF ARSE KISSING FRANKLY

I have to say that I find this very offensive. Why should people like Joan Crump and Alan Bearman not be thanked for the enormous contribution that they make to the smooth running of many aspects of the folk scene? I am afraid that such comments reflect very badly on you, Dick.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week - New Director
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 24 Aug 11 - 06:51 AM

"However until this thread I'd not personally been aware that the festival's finances had stabilised under her administration - having been a performer at the 2004 festival when Steve Heap stood down and a lot of people didn't even think there would *be* a 2005 Sidmouth, for that alone Joan deserves the respect and thanks of everyone who loves The First Week In August."


Steve, Joan took up her post at Sidmouth in 2009...just for the record. She has *not* been there from the start of Sidmouth Folk Week. Up to that point Eddie Upton had been the Artistic Director. He left to concentrate on Folk South West.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week - New Director
From: Dave Earl
Date: 24 Aug 11 - 07:11 AM

"That was pinched from my website. "

What are you complaing about you pasted onto your page from a copy of the press release didn't you ?

The words therefor never yours in the first place.

Dave

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week - New Director
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 24 Aug 11 - 08:37 AM

I was sent a copy of the Press Release.

It is the express purpose of a Press Release to be copied and multiplied.

A bit like bacteria.

You never know what you are going to pick up from a newspaper or a website.

Sometimes it can be catching.

It's all to do with what medics call the infective dose.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week - New Director
From: GUEST,Sidmouth fan
Date: 24 Aug 11 - 08:37 AM

Thanks to Joan and good luck to Alan.

Despite Steve of Sidmouth's constant sniping, there isnt a great deal wrong with the current set up and I had a marvellous week. Long may that continue.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week - New Director
From: The Sandman
Date: 24 Aug 11 - 10:23 AM

LIZZIE is quite correct,Gordon Newton saved the festival, and due to him Joan Crump was later able to be artistic director, if gordon newton had not stepped in there would have been no festival to save.
Vic Smith you clearly missed my apology.
Richard Bridge is also correct the fringe is just as important as the actual festival and would probably continue regardless of whether the main festival was on or not

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week - New Director
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 24 Aug 11 - 11:01 AM

Thank you, Dick. It's important that Gordon does not get forgotten about here, for yes, without him, there would be no Sidmouth Folk Week for others to manage.

Gordon was, imo, treated very badly by some folks in the folk world, sadly deciding to leave the Sidmouth Team because of that..I think it's a great shame that happened, and I wish he'd return to Sidmouth Folk Week to be honest, because his passion and love for Sidmouth absolutely shone through.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week - New Director
From: Morris-ey
Date: 24 Aug 11 - 11:42 AM

Did he like lemonade?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week - New Director
From: Alan Day
Date: 24 Aug 11 - 11:44 AM

I am not sure what year the Daily Dance in the centre of town finished ,but I can remember playing at one that was very well attended. The street activity was a bit sparse for visitors to the town while I was there (OK it rained in the morning). The sessions were exactly as I remembered them.
I have been to many Folk Festivals run by Alan and he will not let any one down.
Al

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week - New Director
From: The Sandman
Date: 24 Aug 11 - 11:55 AM

as I have said twice Alan is a very competent organiser.
I hope he continues to book performers other than those on his books, if he starts to book acts solely that he represents I think the festival will deteriorate.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week - New Director
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 24 Aug 11 - 12:15 PM

"Did he like lemonade?"

Well, yes, inasmuch as Sally The Lemonade Lady was there year after year after year....in the Good Ol' Days, before Horrible eMailMales took over..

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week - New Director
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 24 Aug 11 - 12:25 PM

I believe the Festival Director to whom Lizzie is referring is on holiday for a few weeks. That being the case, maybe best to leave the matter of an apology until he returns.

It might just have been a 'spur of the moment' emailed comment by someone who was under pressure to get many problems sorted as the festival date neared, in which case an apology could easily be given and graciously received.

On the other hand....

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week - New Director
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 24 Aug 11 - 12:53 PM

Surely THE soul of Sidmouth is the fringe, isn't it?

I didn't hear any Soul music at any event fringe or booked acts. I enjoyed both immensely.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week - New Director
From: Alan Day
Date: 25 Aug 11 - 04:52 AM

Well Alan Bearman and I have an understanding, I know He will never book me for any of his Festivals in My lifetime and He knows it.
Good luck to Alan however,this Sidmouth of my return lacked the old excitement and thrill of the past, The wonderful North West Morris of Garstang. The exciting displays of dancing and music along the parade, now completely full up with traders. How long has Folk Music been associated with jewellery and crafts ?
Al

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week - New Director
From: Jim Martin
Date: 25 Aug 11 - 07:27 AM

"the parade, now completely full up with traders" - this has been a sore point for some time and appears to be entirely due to the Town Council which seems to think that money is more important than the Festival!