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Subject: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Lizzie Cornish 1 Date: 10 Jul 12 - 06:32 AM .....Make sure you have Noah's 'Emergency' phone number.. :0) |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Dave Earl Date: 10 Jul 12 - 06:42 AM There was a You-tube thing too over the weekend on which someone said that Sidmouth was almost clear of water by the following day. However the longterm forecast isn't good so hope for the best but plan for the worst Dave |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: melodeonboy Date: 10 Jul 12 - 10:03 AM ..be sure to wear some flowers in your hair! :-) |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Richard Bridge Date: 10 Jul 12 - 11:49 AM Now now, Mellors. |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: John J Date: 10 Jul 12 - 12:28 PM ....bring wellies. JJ |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Jack Campin Date: 10 Jul 12 - 03:06 PM That gives them a lot more space for the water ceilidh. |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Steve in Sidmouth Date: 10 Jul 12 - 06:16 PM I posted the comment saying things were substantially back to normal - and indeed they are in the Byes and all over the town. Obviously farmland is still quite wet. There has been little rain since Saturday and little is forecast, so things should dry out in plenty of time. I cycled down to town on the Sunday (day after the floods) and apart from a few piles of twigs and a couple of trees down, and a little mud in places, the Byes were much as normal. The Sid rises very fast and goes down very quickly too. Local people have been amazed at low little lasting damage has been done. Fortunately the EA dredged the Sid at Sidford a few weeks ago - this helped limit damage in the village. Land around the River Otter will take longer to recover - the river is much slower to rise and fall. Most of the water on roads in Sidmouth (see videos) was simply run-off from fields and gardens, not water spilling over from the river. I am happy to report one of my pics made MSN webpage! might still be posted as pic number 9 A selection of my photos are on this webpage (Sidford Bridge area) with links to some of the better youtube material - more will be added later. photos of Sidford floods and links to youtube around Sidmouth In contrast to several places in Dorset, Sidmouth suffered virtually no property damage. One large brick wall was demolished near the Ford. East Devon Council were busy on the Sunday (on double time?) cleaning roads including my own with pressure washers and large vacuum tankers. They even cleaned driveways for some residents! However, on the Monday (yesterday) two days after the floods I had water through my lounge ceiling owing to a cracked cistern in the roofspace - coincidence or what?? |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Steve in Sidmouth Date: 11 Jul 12 - 04:24 AM Some 10 day forecasts show weather getting drier in southwest UK with the end of July being sunny. But 10 day forecasts can be inaccurate unless the weather is quite static. Discussions of Jet stream influence - see for example link from BBC science and for more detail on Jet Stream generally: all about the theory of jet streams Summary sent to me today: The Jet Stream has fixed itself in an unusual position; it usually moves around more, and north of the UK. It is currently in a more southerly position around the globe - and frighteningly fixed, without any known scientific reason. This explains the constant rain here - and the extraordinary heat in the US. |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: GUEST,FloraG Date: 11 Jul 12 - 04:50 AM What might the parking be like if its mega wet? Are there alternatives? FloraG. |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Steve in Sidmouth Date: 11 Jul 12 - 10:23 AM The large carpark near town (Manor Road) should be fine and is long stay but for people on the Bulverton campsite things could be inconvenient if they cannot leave their cars on the main festival car park (if they wish to use them during the festival). There will likely be a car movement ban on the main campsite - assuming cars can get onto it in the first place of course!! If we have another deluge at the wrong time the festival car park could become very tricky. Ensure you park across the slope - cars have been known to slide downwards even with brakes on...... It is all drying out quite well at the moment (sunshine most of the day), so the rugby and cricket fields may be OK. Famous last words! Otherwise long term parking in Sidmouth or nearby is always difficult (even outside of Folk Week). One option is to park out as far as Sidford (quite a bit of on street parking )and simply use the frequent bus number 52 in and out of town or walk along the cycle path (2 miles). I have known people do that - but of course there are bus fares to consider. Or there are roads at the other end of town - Redwood Road for example. A bit posh but unrestricted parking and walk into town quite easily. Might upset the natives but there is no law against it! I'll update my Newcomers' Guide shortly, www.seered.co.uk/folk158.htm Can't do a proper link - mudcat so SLOW at the moment. |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: maeve Date: 11 Jul 12 - 11:44 AM Here you go, Steve: http://www.seered.co.uk/folk158.htm |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Richard Bridge Date: 11 Jul 12 - 03:33 PM Your site, Steve, is very interesting. |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Will Fly Date: 11 Jul 12 - 03:48 PM Well I'm coming for the latter part of Folk Week - for the first time as I'm not really a festival-goer. We'll be staying in a nice b&b (kindly organised by another 'Catter) with car parking, not too far from the centre. It's curiosity that's bringing me - and it's also a stop-off before going on to meet up with friends in Exeter to play duets - so I shall enjoy the town and might nip in to the odd session... If any other 'Catters in are "in session" on the Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (afternoon only for me on Friday), I'd like to try and pop along and say "hallo". |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Dave Earl Date: 12 Jul 12 - 02:15 AM There will be Catters in The Anchor Middle Bar (Upstairs), The New Tavern, The Bedford (Front Bar), The Volunteer (lunchtime)"In the Tradition" seesions and I think there are one or two in the Radway Tunes Session. You cant avoid Mudcatters at Sidmouth really Dave |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Dave Earl Date: 12 Jul 12 - 02:40 AM Oh ! I forgot to mention that a catter (this one) will be working in the Festival Box Office during Build Up week and the opening weekend. Dave |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Leadfingers Date: 12 Jul 12 - 04:49 AM Dont think The Newt will be running Friday evening , so I shall procbably be in The Middle Bar for at least some of the evening |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: GUEST,vectis Date: 12 Jul 12 - 05:50 PM The Royal York and Faulkener on the front have an evening sing every day of folk week, Rosie runs it and all singers and players are very welcome. |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: John J Date: 12 Jul 12 - 07:24 PM We only do the fringe....well the Anchor actually! We've decided that if the weather continues to be so wet, a week of camping is going to be a no-no. Fingers crossed that things improve, otherwise it will be the first Sidmouth we'll be missing in years. JJ |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Girl Friday Date: 13 Jul 12 - 01:25 PM We are booked into the Bulveton Campsite, with caravan . I have requested a pitch in the disabled area . We have problems walking up to the gate in dry weather. What is it going to be like if it is muddy and slippery ? Can someone who knows,give some useful advice please. I Was hoping to make greater use of our car, rather than the bus. Is there even a bus service this year after Hookways went bust at the end of Folkweek 2011 ? |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: JHW Date: 13 Jul 12 - 03:57 PM I've done Sidmouth with mud before. Plodging in boots through mud IN the tent to the edge of the Boyd dance floor! |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Steve in Sidmouth Date: 14 Jul 12 - 04:28 AM "What's it going to be like if it's muddy and slippery?" Answer: muddy and slippery? Some photos are here: pictures from a muddy year Some discussion is here: Discussion of a muddy year. If it is muddy the chances are you'll be able to make less use of your car not more. And car parking on the cricket and rugby fields may be restricted - even for motorcampers who have booked. The bus service is scheduled to include the new Social Dance venue near Waitrose so must be working as normal. It is too soon to predict what the weather may be like. The current position of the jet stream only gives the likelihood of poor weather - the actual day be day weather is governed by other factors. At the present time the bottom end of the camping fields are probably unusable and unsafe for vehicle access because of the slope and general ground conditions. There were two small landslips on the Bulverton Road recently - and the road was closed for a while. Minor landslips have occurred on other local roads - the ground is just so saturated. Some discussion of slopes here: photos from 2010 and slopes and calculations All of this highlights the increasing need to consider Health and Safety in planning use of these fields and the need for contingency plans to accommodate people in other locations - maybe even on private driveways and gardens rather than at Bulverton. I have motorcampers booked into my level and flat garden (and I'm hoping the lawn dries out before they attempt to drive 3 tonnes onto it!) and maybe tents in my garden too. A 'reserve' of private driveways in Sidmouth that could take motorcampers and caravans in extreme weather would be one idea - I've mentioned it before here but it was dismissed by Joan Crump (EX artistic director). This general idea is gaining credence - look at websites such as camp in my garden dot com I'll resurrect the idea if this year proves difficult. It is to be hoped that the ground will improve - even access for the heavy equipment needed at the Bulverton could be tricky after yesterdays downpours. It all adds to the hassle and cost unfortunately. The Bulverton campsite has never been properly organised with a prime emphasis on Health and Safety (and this goes back 15 years or more) but this year there has been emphasis elsewhere on cancelling events because of unsafe car parking on fields. It would be foolish to have an accident and then be accused of negligence. There are some links on this page. events cancelled owing to unsafe car parking etc I'll load some photos of current campsite conditions in the next week or so. It could still be absolutely fine during the festival - the current need is for contingency planning if only because of the way the jet stream is behaving this year. Using all the available land higher up the fields and avoiding use of the swamp at the bottom of Field 1 might be considered! |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: GUEST,FloraG Date: 14 Jul 12 - 06:10 AM Steve - what a considerate person you seem to be. Were booked on an out of town camp site. Do you know when the last busses go from the town centre ( In case we can't park at the rugby club). Thanks FloraG |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Steve in Sidmouth Date: 14 Jul 12 - 06:59 AM Ah yes, but that depends on which bus you mean and to where! For all public transport enquires this site is useful: travel line website As for the last special Festival bus, pretty late, ask the organisers.... If you mean the special (unofficial) bus to Salcombe Regis campsite and other campsites I believe there is some info somewhere on my website as well as on old threads on here. Problem is finding it.... I'll ask Google, she knows everything. Here you are: (scroll down the page to section 3) now fancy that - helpful information on buses. |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Steve in Sidmouth Date: 14 Jul 12 - 07:18 AM The latest (Friday 13 July) issue of the Sidmouth Herald (also known as Toytown News) has 6 pages of flood photos. If you want a souvenir copy, I believe you can order via their website. |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: JHW Date: 15 Jul 12 - 03:50 AM The Sidmouth email out says "We are very lucky that, unlike many green field site summer festivals, Sidmouth FolkWeek has all of its main events within our covered secure marquees and town buildings and all with easy access to roads." So no probs with mud in marquees this year. |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Steve in Sidmouth Date: 15 Jul 12 - 04:57 AM I'd forgotten about the six lane highway recently constructed to the Bulverton dance marquee. It was paid for by the Greek government. They had some spare EU cash and needed to spend it before the end of the financial year. Silly of me. |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Girl Friday Date: 15 Jul 12 - 09:46 AM Well said Steve. Drove up thewre the first year we went... just to be nosy. It was frightening in dry weather. Glad that there may be some contingency plans in place. |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Big Al Whittle Date: 15 Jul 12 - 10:24 AM Gotta gig next Sunday at the Blue ball Sidford, is the road all right? |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Steve in Sidmouth Date: 15 Jul 12 - 10:58 AM Road is so clean you could eat your dinner off it. Apart from the ground being still a little damp (!) it is as though the floods never happened. |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Big Al Whittle Date: 16 Jul 12 - 04:26 AM went to Topsham last night to see Spider John. the roads were closed from Bridport to Dorch...Must still be some flooding. |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Herga Kitty Date: 16 Jul 12 - 11:03 AM For early risers, there will be at least one Catter (me) in the Faulkner bar morning singarounds, 10.30am -12.30pm from the Sunday morning through till Friday. Other Catters have been known to put in an appearance or two during the week. Kitty |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Steve in Sidmouth Date: 16 Jul 12 - 06:09 PM Dorset was very badly hit with some damage to roads - the A35 and A37 closed for a while. Sidmouth roads are 100% OK and have been for days. Exeter also OK as far as I am aware - but the Exe nearly overtopped its banks. The jet stream is on the move and so (on average) warmer and drier weather can be expected over the next few weeks. The recent flooding may be irrelevant to FolkWeek and no special arrangements may be needed. I'll look at the fields and car park in next few days. The Highways Agency website has details of all major road closures. |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Big Al Whittle Date: 16 Jul 12 - 07:18 PM Talking to a bloke in the folk club tonight - apparently the A35 has been closed all day because of a landslide! |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Girl Friday Date: 17 Jul 12 - 07:09 AM We werein the Dorchester/ Bridport area during the first week of July. Saw the signs that said the area was prone to flooding, though there was none then. There was a lot of fog between the two. Quite common occurence, apparently. Heard on traffic reports about the flooding, though they didn't mention a landslip. These have also happened in the past.We stay in Winfrith Newborough, which has also past flood problems. Glad things are looking up weatherwise . Look forward to a positive report regarding campsite. Thanks Steve. |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Steve in Sidmouth Date: 17 Jul 12 - 10:50 AM Girl Friday: You'll have to wait a little longer then. I was up by the Knowle today so drove up to the festival car park - water everywhere, the bottom of the field is like a swamp in places. Few potholes in the road (I'm reporting them to DCC and also asking them to clear the road drains), a man was clearing vegetation from the track that leads to the car park entrance and the roadway there is in a poor state but repairable. I then drove down Ice House Lane - it runs down the side of the campsite. There was a 10 foot long brown puddle right across the road, 8 inches deep (200mm for any younger readers) and the bottom and middle of the campsite are so wet there is brown standing water in all the hoof marks. It's OK to stand on the grass but so wet that vehicles on it would be a joke. I didn't bother walking any further up the hill. Maybe next week. The middle part of Field 1 (aligns with the puddle across Ice House Lane) is always very wet and today was no exception. My car smelt so bad when I got home I hosed down the underbody. Eau de cowpat or similar? My rear garden was underwater in the flood but it has dried very well. It's still soft underneath a drying crust - rather like walking on a firm jelly, press one bit hard and it pops up a few inches away. So it has a while to go before recovering. Beautiful sunshine today, more is forecast, that whole area on the car park and campsite hillsides just needs maybe a week longer to drain before it gets back to more like normal. There is plenty of time! |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Dave Earl Date: 17 Jul 12 - 11:29 AM Certainly hope Sidmouth doesn't get any more rain! Dave |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Steve in Sidmouth Date: 17 Jul 12 - 01:49 PM I told you it had been wet in Dorset - this is a bit unfortunate: video link We are all waiting for the first muppets be to buried by a landslide from the cliffs to the east of the Esplanade in Sidmouth. Despite all the warning notices they still dice with death. Clifftop gardens are disappearing at the rate of 2 metres per year according to one recent report. |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Big Al Whittle Date: 17 Jul 12 - 04:35 PM more details http://uk.news.yahoo.com/two-feared-dead-landslide-121557837.html Please make this bloody rain stop! |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Steve in Sidmouth Date: 17 Jul 12 - 06:00 PM What should stop is farmers and local government cutting back or removing vegetation, trees, hedges that are natural defences to hold land in place and slow flood water. This is the third example brought to my attention this week where the removal of 'natural' defences has been implictaed in flooding, or (in this horrible case) worse. The major and regular flooding events in nearby Ottery St Mary (always in the news for floods) have been argued to have been made worse by removal of hedges and trees in past years. Ditto floods from above Beer (neighbouring fishing village) owing to pig farming having churned up the land. It is the same story up the Sid valley - 'improving' farmland by removing hedges, draining natural ponds that act as overspill capacity. There was one case when I was a town councillor over 10 years ago - a major landowner wanted to 'improve' land by removing some old hedges - I forget the outcome but it was probably nodded through - he's a big noise in the ruling Party. "Car slides down muddy field and crushes a family of folkies in their tent." I've been warning about this for over 10 years as well. One day........ |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Girl Friday Date: 18 Jul 12 - 06:05 AM Dreadful.... !!! Have farmers stopped praying for rain? We have seen no bees in the garden. Have harvested the early spuds, and onions seem to be doing well. A few carrots and parsnips seem ok, but no sign of any tomatoes, and slugs and snails have ate the beans. |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Big Al Whittle Date: 18 Jul 12 - 07:03 AM How unlucky is that though - to be going through the tunnel just when there is a landslide. if you went in a bookies and told the bookie that you lived in the UK and wanted to bet you'd die in a landslide. How many million to one would he give you? |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Will Fly Date: 18 Jul 12 - 07:20 AM Well Al, you could box clever: make the bet, make a will - and watch the tunnel and the weather. Your loved ones could rake it in... |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: GUEST,FloraG Date: 19 Jul 12 - 05:16 AM Anyone remember I see a bad moon arising? FloraG. |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Herga Kitty Date: 19 Jul 12 - 07:32 AM The weather forecast for EX10 looks reasonably sunny for the week after tomorrow.... fingers crossed! Kitty |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Girl Friday Date: 19 Jul 12 - 11:15 AM Thank heavens ! Long may it last |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: GUEST,Rob Hopcott Watson Date: 19 Jul 12 - 03:12 PM Hi If any of you have previously taken part in the Loose Knit Band Sailing Club Big Session in previous years, you may like to know that it has moved this year to the Balfour pub, 26 Woolbrook Road Sidmouth, Devon EX10 9UZ about a mile back from the sea front. Unfortunately, this alternative venue has only just recently been identified, so we regulars of that session are doing all we can to put out the word and would appreciate any help in telling people you know who might be interested. http://www.balfourpub.co.uk/gallery It has a decent car park and lots of space inside with a big garden at the back. Looking forward perhaps to seeing some of you there! Thanks :-) |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Tattie Bogle Date: 19 Jul 12 - 07:52 PM Well if anyone's thinking of cancelling their accommodation (B & B), I've a friend who might be interested (room for 2) as it might be nearer than Exeter where she's currently booked! |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: GUEST,Ebor_Fiddler Date: 19 Jul 12 - 08:03 PM We're in at Exmouth! We tried for local booking for self-catering during Folkweek last year, but everywhere was already booked up for 2012 even then. |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: GUEST,FloraG Date: 20 Jul 12 - 05:39 AM We haven't been to Sidmouth for a few years, so help greatly appreciated. Where are the best mixed sessions - singing and playing. Where are the bsst pasties? Which pub does the best range of beer? FloraG |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Dave Earl Date: 20 Jul 12 - 06:08 AM Mixed Sessions in Bedford and New Tavern. Radway is Tunes only and Anchor Middle Bar is Singing only (No bloody instruments!) Beer good in the Swan (if they have the Beer Fest that they've had in previous years) and the Anchor is not bad either. Other than that it'll be dip yer toe in and suck it and see.There'll be something to your taste somewhere. Dave |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: GUEST Date: 20 Jul 12 - 07:37 AM What ever your preference session wise you can pretty well guarantee that there will be something to your taste at Sidmouth. I love the Radway sessions for the predominantly English music and the opportunity to play with some really good musicians (they seem to tolerate me). Or, for unmitigated fun and a really good mix, the Sailing club sessions (as was) take some beating. It's been pointed out above that theses are moving to The Balfour pub in Woodbrook Road (EX10 9UZ). The Loose Knit band do a tireless job of leading a cracking session so I for one would like to lend my support at the new venue! That's The Balfour pub, Woodbrook Road. Pass it on!!! |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Dave Earl Date: 20 Jul 12 - 08:51 AM I should have mentioned the York and Faulkener morning (10:30) session run by Kitty Vernon and the Evening Session in the same place formerly run by Rosy They'll probably never forgive me for leaving them out. Dave |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Herga Kitty Date: 20 Jul 12 - 12:51 PM That's ok Dave - at least Vectis and I mentioned the Faulkner am and pm events....! If we follow the usual tradition, Tim Edwards will be hosting on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings... Kitty |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Surreysinger Date: 20 Jul 12 - 04:34 PM Decent pasties - from the shop near the church. Sadly I won't be at Sidmouth this year - trying to avoid withdrawal symptoms from not being able to go to the Volly... sigh. I'm sure they'll cope without self and Mrs Button! |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: GUEST,Swindon/Enfield Pete Date: 21 Jul 12 - 03:03 AM Are there any slow sessions or time given over to slower players? Cheers - Pete |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Big Al Whittle Date: 21 Jul 12 - 04:09 AM I'm doing a charity gig at Sidford at the The Blue Ball this Sunday. the evening consists of Nigel - 8 to 8.40pm Ben & Lizzie - 8.40 - 9.20pm And then Al - 9.40 to 10.30 - with maybe a "bit of a jam" together for last 10 minutes? Its a nice room, nice attentive audience, no admission fee I don't think - just a make a contribution to local charity sort of jug (at least that happened last time). be nice to see anyone from the cat there. |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Will Fly Date: 21 Jul 12 - 05:35 AM Have a good gig, Al. Don't really break a leg, but you know what I mean. |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Steve in Sidmouth Date: 21 Jul 12 - 04:48 PM Unbroken sunshine today, friends who have been in the sea say it is warming up nicely. Forecast is for full-on sun for the next few days and maybe longer. Floods are a distant memory. Except for one woman who abandoned her small car in the council car park at Sidford because the roads were impassable - she got a lift home in a 4x4 , went back a few hours later after the floods had subsided and found a parking ticket from East Devon District Council. They've refused to cancel it according to front page Toytown News this week. Quote: After careful consideration of the circumstances, we have found no grounds for cancellation of the charge. |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Girl Friday Date: 23 Jul 12 - 07:43 AM Steve... that's reason enough for a like button on here. She should take it further. Glad to hear that weather is good now. Have you seen the campsite recently ? |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Steve in Sidmouth Date: 23 Jul 12 - 10:04 AM I'll go in a few days if I have time, not that it will make any difference! The surface may have dried out but the underlying ground is still very damp - the risk is that any substantial rain may have more impact than in a 'normal' year because it will be falling on what will still be compromised ground. If I didn't live here I'd head for the high ground on Field 2, and avoid the possible swamp in Field 1. It would save a lot of tramping about if the organisers provided a water tap at the top of field 2 half the way along - shouldn't be too difficult to arrange once vehicle movements have been banned for the week! They may do so already - can't say I've looked........ Maybe put it on your feedback form? Meanwhile, the sun is blazing, the icecream sellers are delighted and the beaches are packed. It's far too hot for dancing though! |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Dave Earl Date: 23 Jul 12 - 01:23 PM In my experience the "Top" of field 1 is usually fairly stable apart from where the trucks and 4x4s have churned it up. For several years I have been able to get my tent up against the top hedge and have stayed fairly comfortable within it. The getting about the field, as has been said, can be very difficult if there is any sort of wetness about. Hope for the best but plan for the worst! Dave |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: The Barden of England Date: 23 Jul 12 - 03:33 PM Sidmouth Folk Week site is messing about at the moment. John Barden |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Richard Bridge Date: 23 Jul 12 - 03:34 PM Is it flooded? |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: The Barden of England Date: 23 Jul 12 - 03:38 PM Nah!! John Barden |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Tattie Bogle Date: 23 Jul 12 - 06:59 PM Haven't come across any slow sessions but there are lots of impromptu ones along the prom so maybe start your own? |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Girl Friday Date: 25 Jul 12 - 12:08 PM Dave, I believe that your usual spot is near us lot on the disabled area. I have just seen the weather forecast for 1st to 3rd August. It's the same at home as it is in Sidmouth... heavy rain on Wednesday. Light shower Thursday and Friday. Hope to see some advice on the website soon. |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Steve in Sidmouth Date: 25 Jul 12 - 07:43 PM It is surely too early to predict with any certainty where there may be rain. All that may be reasonably inferred is that temperatures may be lower over the UK than of late - a good thing for the festival because it makes dancing less stressful. Forecasting even a couple of days ahead in Cornwall and Devon is difficult - friends in Cornwall say if you want to know the weather forecast - look out of the window. Apparently, air masses can move less predictably near land/sea boundaries. Often a downpour is predicted and we miss it completely. Or vice-versa. The Met Office forecasts during 'changeable' periods often update to entirely different predicted weather for Sidmouth even 2 days in advance - let alone 5 or 10 days. It may be just a normal year - suncream, mud and wellington boots. The floods have long gone - it would be a waste of money to plan on expecting them to return. We've had the once in 15/20 year event this year. Which is of course no guarantee at all we won't get another one quite soon. |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Girl Friday Date: 26 Jul 12 - 04:01 AM I usually get the B B C Forecast. It's saying exactly the same for hnere at home, so maybe they are playing safe. |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Girl Friday Date: 26 Jul 12 - 04:33 AM I have had a good lok at the Festival website. It gives a lot of information, but nowhere does it mention what facilities they have for disabled campers. |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Tug the Cox Date: 26 Jul 12 - 05:22 AM Anyone know if there's anything happening at the Sailing Club now the musicians have decamped? |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Tug the Cox Date: 26 Jul 12 - 05:25 AM Ebor Fiddler, can't PM you as you're not listed as a member. What are your travel plans, there are a couple of us who live in Exmouth and go over on the bus and share a taxi back. |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Rumncoke Date: 26 Jul 12 - 04:59 PM I'm on the South coast in Dorset and we are having a heatwave - temperatures have reached 30 degrees in my garden and that is shaded!! Of course that will only make matters worse if it rains as the topmost layer soil will have become a crust, but the change in the weather over the last few days is breathtaking. Anne Croucher |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Gloria Pipes Date: 27 Jul 12 - 09:58 PM Hello, Steve in Sidmouth - I'm looking forward to anything you have to say about the conditions of the campsite, where it will likely be driest on 1st August. I'm in Kent: forecast thunder showers for today have materialised as v. gentle rain. Hope that's true in the West where you are as well! |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Steve in Sidmouth Date: 28 Jul 12 - 05:50 PM Today was promised to be hot and it was - it's been well over 20C all week and not a drop of rain for over a week. The part of my garden that was under a foot of water on 7 July is now like a desert. People are watering garden plants!! However, Tues and Wed are forecast as wall to wall rain but it often doesn't happen (and vice versa of course). If you use the Met Office website the nearest location for which they give detailed predictions is STOWFORD - just by Waitrose. I'll have a look at the campsite if I have a chance, but I'd wager the surface is baked by now. The general forecast for the week is changeable - maybe more rain to start with than at the end (bad luck for the set-up crews). I would anticipate some mud and stay on the highest ground you can find, unless you like mud of course. The concern is how far down it is dry - you'll only tell after cars etc start churning up the surface. I'll try and have a look at the Ham too if I have time - that was very slow to drain in recent years - it now sits atop the sewage pumping station of course. |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Gloria Pipes Date: 28 Jul 12 - 06:10 PM Thank you, Steve. Don't like mud. I'll check the predictions for Stowford Waitrose. I'm aiming to arrive asap the official site opens, Wed, and head for high ground! On a completely different tact, what does one do for wifi during the festival? I'm guessing phone/laptop charging is a matter of surreptitious plugging in at venues. |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: GUEST,Abdul on his iPhone Date: 29 Jul 12 - 02:26 AM Wotcha Gloria, I believe there is a USB charger that works off the fag lighter in your car. If the offspring havn't acquired it I'll try and get it to you afore u go. Al |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Steve in Sidmouth Date: 29 Jul 12 - 02:55 AM Elf and Saftey would probably preclude private use of any sockets in venues, but it's something I have mentioned before at other festivals. Phone based internet is taking over from wifi links? I believe the library in town (Blackmore gardens area) has wifi but you may need to register and pay. One festival did have a stewarded area for charging phones, and lots of power sockets - you left yours there, got a ticket and went back for it later. Can't remember where it was though! Might have been Towersey? Someone with a tiny Honda generator and an array of sockets could set up a changing station as a sideline! Output 1000 watts, power required per laptop = 50 watts? - you could do do twenty at a time! Expensive on fuel though! |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Richard Bridge Date: 29 Jul 12 - 05:35 AM Power an inverter from your car cigar lighter and use your normal home charger for the gadget. |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Gloria Pipes Date: 29 Jul 12 - 08:50 AM Thank you, Abdul, Steve and Richard! Perhaps order up unlimited phone data for the week; and a car lighter charger would help. |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Tattie Bogle Date: 29 Jul 12 - 07:15 PM I have used the library computers in the past: not sure about wi-fi, they were desk-top machines. Used to be free for a half-hour session, but I think it's now only free for local residents, tho' not overly expensive for visitors. On a recent visit elsewhere, I found some of the pubs had free wi-fi, and it was far superior to the laptop mobile broadband dongle I had been using. The cost was a nice pint of cider, drunk very slowly! |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Acorn4 Date: 30 Jul 12 - 06:45 AM Wonder if anyone knows the answer to this one. Is there a filling station anywhere in Sidmouth? Our car won't quite get from Leicester to Sidmouth and back on a tank due to towing the caravan, and last year I drove around the town trying to find diesel, but ended up having to go quite a few miles along the Exeter Road. No one who we asked last year seemed to know if the town had one, but it certainly seems odd if it hasn't. |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: John MacKenzie Date: 30 Jul 12 - 07:22 AM Here I'm sure I saw one in Sidford too, but not 100% on that. |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Leadfingers Date: 30 Jul 12 - 08:28 AM Google gives Ottery St Mary a well as John's link |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Acorn4 Date: 30 Jul 12 - 09:02 AM Ah, thanks for that - will check it out. |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: GUEST,Lee, Nottingham Date: 30 Jul 12 - 09:05 AM As it's my 1st Sidmouth, thought i'd check out what the camping was/is like on site. Good job i found website. Looks like i'm going as high as possible on site, car permitting. Noticed the forecast says showers/heavy rain Saturday onwards. |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: John MacKenzie Date: 30 Jul 12 - 09:35 AM If they let you take your car on site, that is! |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Steve in Sidmouth Date: 30 Jul 12 - 02:57 PM There is only one petrol station in Sidmouth. By LIDL on Woolbrook Road. all details including map here; all you need to know (almost) There used to be two petrol stations in Sidford - both were converted to housing a coupe of years ago. |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Steve in Sidmouth Date: 30 Jul 12 - 03:22 PM And don't believe weather forecasts more than a few hours in advance. Yesterday the Met Office forecast an all-day soaking for Sidmouth on Tuesday, now they are saying some rain tonight (it tried for a short while but has now stopped) and nothing much for Tuesday. The rain forecasts even a day in advance are pretty much useless in very changeable conditions. The Bulverton marquee looks awfully small perched on the hill - maybe it's wishful thinking on my part that it was larger! |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Tattie Bogle Date: 30 Jul 12 - 09:11 PM There's a Tesco filling station at Honiton, if you're coming that way, but probably as well to patronise the local one before Sidmouth ends up with none! |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: John Golightly Date: 31 Jul 12 - 03:58 AM Susie & I have just got back home from Sidmouth after a long weekend of doing admin stuff in preparation. Our tent is already up, on the Festival site, and as of 5pm yesterday (Monday) I can report.... There is no mud. There are no ruts, and the ground is firm enough to make my arms ache from hammering in tent pegs. All the really heavy stuff (generators, loos, showers etc) seems to be already on site. All marquees, electricity cabling and water pipes appear to be in place, including the overhead lighting. On Saturday, I noticed more hardcore being laid in areas which have been a problem in the past. FYI the word is, they are going to be very strict on early arrivals this year(no admission before midday Wednesday without explicit permission) John |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: GUEST,moira(flyingcat) Date: 31 Jul 12 - 05:47 AM just to remind everyone that Sheila Miller and i will be hosting the ballad sessions every evening from 5-7pm at the Woodlands. Looking forward to seeing everyone. (4 more sleeps!!) |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Steve in Sidmouth Date: 31 Jul 12 - 08:05 AM Just looked at the LNE dance programme - they emphasise that the LNE has been extended to 1.15am but it now starts half and hour later. In 2010 we got three hours of LNE (10.30 to 1.30am) with (say) a half hour break so call it 2.5 hours of dance time. In 2011 it was scaled back to 10.30 to 1.00am, less the floor spot gave 2 hours of dance time. This year we get short changed again : 11pm to 1.15am less half and hour brings it down to 1.75 hours of dance time. So in two years we have lost 0.75 hours out of the 2010 figure of 2.5 hours or 30%. Major evening ceilidhs generally run from 8 to midnight with a half hour spot, thus you get 3.5 hours of dance time for typically £9. Sidmouth LNE now gives exactly half this for £13 - so it's cost per hour is almost 3 times larger. This is like comparing £26 with £9. Is there a prize for spotting the deliberate mistake in the full pdf programme? It's not an important one! |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Acorn4 Date: 31 Jul 12 - 09:03 AM Thanks to all those providing the petrol station info! |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Girl Friday Date: 31 Jul 12 - 04:26 PM Acorn4. If you are coming into Sidmouth from the motorway M5. There is one on the B road. May be the same one, but I don't remember seeing a Lidl close by. |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: John Golightly Date: 01 Aug 12 - 02:07 AM Hmm. Some suprising comments from Steve-in-Sidmouth, in that a dancer of his calibre chooses to use 'dance time' as a measure of what the LNE is all about! I'd always considered it a much broader experience (listening, socialising etc). As for the arithmetic - anyone who has been involved in organising an event like this knows that there are set (planned) times... a) when the band 'finishes' for the first time b) by which the final encore needs to have finished c) by which the sound level needs to come right down d) at which the sound desk is switched off e) for last orders at the bar f) when the bar must close g) last public to leave venue h) last staff to leave venue... Somewhere in amongst that lot will be the advertised finish time. Some of these times coincide with each other, others don't. Some are set in stone, some fuzzy. Time will tell. I suggest any 2012 LNE-goers re-read Steve's post in 12 day's time or so, & then make their own minds up in the light of experience... |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: GUEST,Lee, Nottingham Date: 01 Aug 12 - 07:48 AM Has the recent rain made the 2 fields wet under foot? |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Leadfingers Date: 01 Aug 12 - 08:32 AM Just had a look at the Official Website - The Programme is there , but not as easy to find as it might have been , and runs to about sixty pages ! There is a brief mention of The Fringe on page 48 though they have us as being there Friday evening - NOT SO ! New Tavern , Gerry Milne and I , will be running from MidDay Saturday through the week - Drop in for a tune or a song ! |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Steve in Sidmouth Date: 01 Aug 12 - 10:15 AM Very slight surface wetness on the grass owing to rain this morning - nothing unusual. Sunshine and showers until the weekend at least. Again, nothing unusual. |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: GUEST,Lee, Nottingham Date: 02 Aug 12 - 06:07 AM All my camping gear is ready to be packed when i get back from work. Shall be loading up and leaving by 10am tomorrow. Hoping there isn't lots of mud when i get there, don't want to be cleaning my clogs to much. I'll be the tall chap in Earlsdon kit, have a good festival everybody who's going. |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: John MacKenzie Date: 02 Aug 12 - 07:19 AM Shan't make it this year I'm afraid. 100 BTW |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Vic Smith Date: 02 Aug 12 - 07:26 AM Shan't make it this year I'm afraid. Sadly, neither will Tina or I for the first time in many years. As compensation, from early tomorrow morning, we shall be soaking up the sun and the wonderful traditional song, music and dance of Sardinia. Have a great time at Sidmouth! |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: The Barden of England Date: 03 Aug 12 - 03:57 AM We've been on the official campsite since Wednesday. I drove all the way round the caravan/campervan area without a problem, parked the caravan and set up. We've had some sharp showers but nothing to make the field muddy, so all in all no problem. Once again can say that there is no mud here, just the grass being a bit wet underfoot as it is long and uncut. Sun is shining and I'm about to shower and start a brand new day at the festival/ John Barden |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: melodeonboy Date: 03 Aug 12 - 04:25 AM I'll be there this evening, John! Look out for the shirt! |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Richard Bridge Date: 03 Aug 12 - 04:49 AM Hi John what is your email address now (message me on here or if you have email you can email me) I'm assuming it has changed with your move. |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Tattie Bogle Date: 03 Aug 12 - 08:25 PM TOILETS! Twice today I have heard the MC at the Ham Marquee say that there are, new for this year, extra toilets outside the marquee. Fine so far, but he then goes on to say that this means you don't therefore have to go and use the " other smelly ones". If, by that, he means the public loos near the sea front, I can imagine the good folk of the local Council will not be best pleased to hear them described thus. I have always been impressed in previous years at how well they have been kept clean, re-stocked with paper, etc, especially given the huge numbers of people using them! (but of course, I've never been in the gents' loo!) No doubt he thought he was being funny, but somewhat lacking in tact! |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Big Al Whittle Date: 06 Aug 12 - 04:37 PM Popped into Sidmouth today - did a quick spot at Dukes. Walked around - met a few old mates Alan Bell, Paul Downes, Simone the songwriter who goes round with the man who plays a saw, Alan and Iris from the Sailors Return in Weymouth, Dennis from the Portsmouth Hoy in Poole. Couldn't see anyone from the midlands. Now that I live down here I might come here more often. My parents dragged me there when I was a kid - so I always harboured a lingering resentment! Nice place though. I love all those red cliff places - Budleigh, Exmouth etc. The sea smells nicer than in Weymouth. |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Tug the Cox Date: 09 Aug 12 - 07:14 AM Life boat night Good night on all fronts takings, Middlebar and Anchor gardens £310.12.Auction £175.00. Run Ashore £331.55. Total £816.67. Well done to all, and a special mention for Mike Gibson and his team for clinching the runner's up spot! Jeff |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: GUEST,Ebor_Fiddler Date: 09 Aug 12 - 07:06 PM Good week! |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: Girl Friday Date: 15 Aug 12 - 11:58 AM Thoroughly enjoyable. The rain had the good manners to fall mainly overnight, and the afternoons were sunny and hot (mostly.) There is nothing wrong with the loos at The Ham , though, I can't speak for the gents. Few complaints about the campsite. It was a tad "cosy" with us all up on the high ground, but very sensible. Almost as soon as a puiddle appeared by the loos, bark chippings appeared to soak it up. There did seem to be fewer loos and showers this year though . We were in the disabled area, and had dedicated facilities. The walk up and down was hard at first, but got better the more we did it. The recycling bins were a welcome addition, though one for paper would have been good.... and only on the last day did we get some rubbish bins in the disabled area. Disappointed by the ever- increasing use of amplification by the street buskers... it was hard to find somewhere quiet to play. |
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Subject: RE: If You're Coming to Sidmouth... From: GUEST,Guest Date: 16 Aug 12 - 09:13 PM I think it has now ended for 2012! |
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