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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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 - 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,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: 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: 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,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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 - 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: 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 - 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 - 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: maeve Date: 11 Jul 12 - 11:44 AM Here you go, Steve: http://www.seered.co.uk/folk158.htm |
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