Sidmouth Folkweek 2015

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,EssexGirl
Date: 17 Jul 15 - 10:56 AM

I'll be there, not stewarding this year so that I can do more of the fringe events. See you on The Thursday night for the Sidmouth Mummers - not to be missed!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Henry Piper of Ottery
Date: 17 Jul 15 - 11:39 AM

Yes Linda, The Sidmouth Mummers will be up to their usual tricks on the Thursday Night !! "Something will Happen" and don't forget George the Sidmouth Giant will be strolling around the town accompanied by his friends from the Mummers on the Saturday around lunchtime till mid afternoon. Following that some of the mummers will be joining the Sid Vale community Players in another one of Barry's theatrical extravaganza's outside the sailing club..

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 23 Jul 15 - 05:25 PM

Essex Girl - whatever happened to your cookie?

Henry (aka Pip) - Maybe next year I will re-unite you (in the sense of let you visit) your mandolin that you left with Jacqui, which had the front smashed in by moving man, beautifully repaired to a sound like a stripper behind gauze by a man from up north whose name I forget, then I put strings on it that were too much, and when it fell off a table at a folk club it split, then I let a wanker called Andy Perkins fix it and it has never sounded the same since - but it still plays and after the money I've spent on it I reckon it's mine...

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Henry Piper of Ottery.
Date: 24 Jul 15 - 05:55 AM

Richard,   I vaguely remember having a mandolin, many years ago, in fact I seem to remember having two, a flat back fairly cheap Romanian one, and a traditional round back "Neapolitan" style one but I don't remember what happened to either !! If I did leave one with Jacqui, and you still have it and have spent money on it, you are more than welcome to keep It. !!
All best wishes.... Henry,

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 24 Jul 15 - 07:16 AM

Yep, the Neapolitan one.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Sue
Date: 27 Jul 15 - 10:51 AM

Saturday night - The Wilson Family celebrate "40 Years Of A Unique Singing Family Tradition" at the Manor Pavilion. We have just got back from Warwick Festival where we heard the Wilsons in the packed "Living Tradition" venue (school chapel) they were Brilliant - Best at the Festival by far....
Now we have to dry the tent out ready for Sidmouth!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 27 Jul 15 - 01:29 PM

Jim and I will be in the Kennoway gardens near the Triangle

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 27 Jul 15 - 01:35 PM

We're camping at Core Hill. Does the bus go there and can we ride it without a festival ticket?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Jul 15 - 03:15 PM

If that is the Core Hill by Waitrose the ordinary 52 bus goes every half hour to Exeter from the Triangle, via Radway, past the Volunteer, past LIDL, etc and on to Waitrose before going on to Exeter.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Jul 15 - 03:20 PM

There are bus-stops in both directions just at the bottom of Core Hill where it joins the A3052. Half hour service during the day, less good as the night wears on. Timetable on Stagecoach website.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Realist
Date: 27 Jul 15 - 08:41 PM

Is anyone on this thread - apart from Mr Red - actually buying a ticket to support the festival?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Henry Piper of Ottery.
Date: 28 Jul 15 - 04:03 AM

I am sure that all those people who refuse to buy a ticket, donate most generously and at every possible occasion to the collections, so that they can continue to enjoy their subsidised entertainment for many years to come !!!

Henry Piper, O.F.C. Sidmouth Traditional Mummers.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 28 Jul 15 - 08:03 AM

We're trading in the Kennoway gardens which is another craft fayre this week, and singing in the sailing club so not really part of the festival. We usually donate to the RNLI cos we're sailors.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 28 Jul 15 - 08:06 AM

Ps: if you're a Mudcat lemonade is £1. Don't forget to mention it when you visit us
😎

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Realist
Date: 28 Jul 15 - 09:31 AM

I'll take that as a no then!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Jul 15 - 09:47 AM

Yes wev'e bought tickets!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Martin Hughes
Date: 28 Jul 15 - 12:41 PM

The Balfour Music sessions will be free, hosted by The Loose Knit Band.

We moved there in 2012 after falling out with the ethos of the Yacht Club.

Multi-national folk music every evening 8pm from Friday 31st July until Thursday 6th August inclusive.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 29 Jul 15 - 03:23 AM

Full season ticket bought, Realist, AND I put money in the cans, and donate to the Sidmouth Lifesaving organisation (they are not RNLI). And so do plenty of others.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Henry Piper of Ottery
Date: 29 Jul 15 - 04:58 AM

Yes Tattie, its worth making the point that The Sidmouth Lifeboat is an Independent, and not Funded by R.N.L.I, although of course they do co-operate with them, They Therefore could use any donations visitors can spare.
Its also worth mentioning that a large percentage of the funds that go to keep the festival running come from the generous donations of visitors, and sponsors, as well as ticket sales.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Henry Piper of Ottery
Date: 29 Jul 15 - 04:58 AM

Yes Tattie, its worth making the point that The Sidmouth Lifeboat is an Independent, and not Funded by R.N.L.I, although of course they do co-operate with them, They Therefore could use any donations visitors can spare.
Its also worth mentioning that a large percentage of the funds that go to keep the festival running come from the generous donations of visitors, and sponsors, as well as ticket sales.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Henry Piperof Ottery
Date: 29 Jul 15 - 05:02 AM

SORRY ABOUT THE DOUBLE POST !! Don't know what happened there !.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Realist
Date: 29 Jul 15 - 08:39 AM

So that's three or is it four?

Asking the question seems to have touched a nerve with some, surprisingly those who do contribute financially.

The silent majority will just carry on being parasites.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,visiting holiday maker
Date: 29 Jul 15 - 09:34 AM

Why are the people who keep the fringe sessions going in the pubs, called parasites? Surely they contribute to keeping the pubs and restaurants going. The town of Sidmouth during the festival is heaving, and local businesses must be glad of it. I'm not sure I like being called a parasite; it's a bit rude, actually. The music and song sessions are really worth going to, and are a wonderful source of traditional folk songs, music and entertainment. Not everyone wants to buy tickets to see concerts or even camp.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 29 Jul 15 - 09:40 AM

Whoops, sorry, but I live in the wilds of the Welsh Border country and I didn't remember that the Sidmouth Lifeboat is an Independent organisation. Please forgive me

:-)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Leadfingers
Date: 29 Jul 15 - 10:08 AM

I agree that if there was NOT a festival ,there would not be a fringe , but the fringe gives more opportunity for ALL performers to perform - There are a LOT of folkies who want do more for a week than watch only other performers .
And as HAS been mentioned above , the town (Pubs , Cafes , B&B's etc) do make a lot of money from Folk Week .

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Henry Piper of Ottery.
Date: 29 Jul 15 - 10:24 AM

Guest Realist, I don't think its fair to refer to visitors who don't buy tickets as " Parasites", not all of them are necessarily obsessive Folkies who want Wall to wall Folk activities, some of them may have only limited time to spend here, or be of limited means, many I know come principally for the social aspect of meeting up with old friends for a once a year re-union. And there are many supporters who, like myself live in the area, and for whom Folkweek is not a holiday but a working week, making it uneconomical to buy a season ticket that we cant make adequate use of, but still like become involved in the festival to the best of our abilities.
There are a few however who seem to want to make a virtue out of not contributing financially,who turn up year on year, spend the entire week in one (Free) venue and boast of never having paid for anything, all this despite the amazing variety of entertainment on offer.
Festivals cost money to put on, Artists, Organisers, and the like all have bills to pay and are entitled to their wages, and contrary to what you might think, the biggest costs are things like the Hire of venues,and supply of the necessary ancillary services to ensure that visitors have an enjoyable time, very little goes on "Free" or Cut price tickets for people, and many performers are willing to appear for reduced fees, some having even having performed free of charge.
However it should be obvious to all, that those who buy tickets DO subsidise those who do not, and that if there was no Festival due to lack of money, there would be No free fringe to enjoy, So please if you do come without a ticket, PUT SOMETHING IN THE COLLECTING TINS !!!

Henry Piper. Old Father Christmas, Sidmouth Traditional Mummers.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 29 Jul 15 - 12:03 PM

Henry Piper ...
where's the Like button when you need it .. ! :-)
Derek

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Realist
Date: 29 Jul 15 - 05:04 PM

Amazing how many people object to the word parasite even when it is not addressed to them.

However, that is what a lot of people are.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Martin Hughes
Date: 30 Jul 15 - 03:08 AM

How easily people forget!

The fringe element of the festival (music sessions, song sessions, dance performers) kept the momentum going when the festival took a year off. It may be unofficial but it's still part of Sidmouth Folk Week.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Mr Red
Date: 30 Jul 15 - 04:32 AM

As a ticket holder, may I point out that I do a lot of fringe stuff. Mostly participatory.
Would I go to a festival that only had concerts? ie entertainment - you know the sort of thing that can be experienced on TV, DVD, radio & CD.
Definitely not. If there were ceilidhs maybe. But to make it worthwhile there has to be sessions. And sessions are not that easy to organise, they have a life of their own, they are - er - um - don't prompt me - er - um - Folk

And then there are the people to commune with - you know Folk Folk. Talented, a lot of 'em.

AND the sweet shop sells troach - normally only found in the Black Country owr kid. Folk is not just music, don't ya know.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 30 Jul 15 - 07:48 AM

The festival never took a year off. In 2005 there was a marquee on the Ham, ceilidhs in Blackmore, the Manor, bulverton etc... And a thriving fringe of course... Derek

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 30 Jul 15 - 08:31 AM

There used to be a young metal band called "Parasite". Jolly good they were too.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 30 Jul 15 - 11:34 AM

Yes, well said and very well put, Henry P!
And where were you in 2005, Martin Hughes? The festival was, of unavoidable necessity, much reduced in size from the previous (50th) year, but we are indebted to those who had the faith AND took considerable personal financial risk to ensure that there WOULD be a festival that year. It has gone from strength to strength ever since.
As for the fringe, it has gained official recognition, in that at least some of the fringe events have featured in the full working programme for the last few years. The Middle Bar Singers regularly achieve the highest total of any venue for can collections over Folk Week, as well as raising amazing sums for the Sidmouth Lifeboat on their shanty night on the Tuesday evening session in the Anchor, and on the "run ashore".

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,LynnH
Date: 30 Jul 15 - 01:38 PM

Don't forget your hard-hats..........!!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Martin Hughes
Date: 31 Jul 15 - 09:20 PM

In 2005 I was in Sidmouth co-running the Sailing Club sessions as part of "Terry Pearson and Friends". I was there!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 01 Aug 15 - 09:17 AM

Pout. So sorry to miss it this year. Been too unwell to risk having to cancel stewarding duties mid festival. Fingers crossed I am better for next year.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 05 Aug 15 - 05:23 AM

SIDMOUTH FOLK WEEK

For sessions players and singers: another venue is at KENNAWAY HOUSE CELLAR BAR--- All welcome during the day

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 08 Aug 15 - 09:08 AM

Well that's it for another year: brilliant as ever, though didn't manage to see all that I'd have liked to: could have been enough to keep me going for at least another month! Compliments to all involved in organising, stewarding, and local businesses for sponsoring events, as well as the performers and amateur participants who all contributed so much. No it's not a cheap week, but it was a main holiday for us. Back next year!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Liz the Squeak at home
Date: 08 Aug 15 - 12:44 PM

So.. apparently someone sang 'The chocolate's no for you' in the Middle Bar at the beginning of the week. Does anyone know who that singer was? It wasn't me, and I'm interested to see if it is someone I know or if it has finally done the folk process and made it into common usage. Plus I need to know who to send the bill for royalties to!

LTS

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Liz the Squeak at home
Date: 08 Aug 15 - 12:44 PM

So.. apparently someone sang 'The chocolate's no for you' in the Middle Bar at the beginning of the week. Does anyone know who that singer was? It wasn't me, and I'm interested to see if it is someone I know or if it has finally done the folk process and made it into common usage. Plus I need to know who to send the bill for royalties to!

LTS

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 08 Aug 15 - 12:46 PM

Just wondering if 4ADiva found what she was looking for, and if we perhaps saw her somewhere, but thanks to our pseudonyms, we didn't know it was her!?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 08 Aug 15 - 05:29 PM

Tattie B - you beat me to it.... I was also wondering if I might have encountered 4A Diva without knowing it, and hoping the Sidmouth experience proved enjoyable!

Kitty

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 08 Aug 15 - 08:10 PM

LTS, I was there when the chocolate song happened: wracking my brain to remember who did it. Would a big bar of Dairy Milk do as royalties?
A friend of mine in Scotland has also written another parody, much on the same lines re calorific values : the tatties're no for you.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Realist
Date: 08 Aug 15 - 09:01 PM

Not sure parodies qualify for royalties.

Les Barker will probably know.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 09 Aug 15 - 03:43 AM

The tune is traditional so is a free for all, but the lyrics were mine (I did have help from another 'Catter, but I tend not to sing his verse as it's country specific) so I WANT SOME ROYALTIES!!!! :-P

LTS - now properly logged in!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 09 Aug 15 - 04:03 AM

Is that a "tongue in cheek" sign? Hope you're flattered that someone would want to sing your song!
If every copyrighted song that was sung last week in sessions was subjected to royalty collection, the bill would run to millions! Different story if you're doing it on stage for oayment!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Howard Jones
Date: 09 Aug 15 - 06:57 AM

The venue has already paid for royalties through the fee it pays to PRS for a live music licence. The festival will have had to pay PRS for licences, and will make PRS returns for the larger concert venues at least, and based on these the composers will eventually receive some payment. Of course this doesn't cover what goes on in sessions, but the better-known material may get picked up anyway via the PRS's sampling. If your compositions aren't sufficiently well known the best way to receive royalties is to claim through the small gigs scheme (if you're a PRS member).

If a composer isn't a member of PRS then in theory a performer should seek their permission and agree any royalties direct with them. In practice that is unlikely to happen, if only because of the practical difficulties, which is why there is the PRS to administer this, which for all its imperfections does succeed in returning some meney to folk composers.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Richard Atkins
Date: 09 Aug 15 - 10:50 PM

Shame about the local Council attitude to this festival re parking.
Perhaps they don't want the festival at all!
Megga no parking on all streets not done before to visitors.
Locals cant even park outside their own house!

This Council attitude is detrimental to the festival and local business as well.

Other festivals provide a welcome in the town

Winge done R

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Realist
Date: 10 Aug 15 - 06:25 AM

I think you will find that most if not all Councils have clamped down on street parking in recent years.

Partly as a means to ensure access for emergency vehicles but mostly as an income generator.

Sidmouth is especially problematic because of the preponderance of narrow streets and roads.

An all the year round one way system would help and also allow more kerbside parking but Councils do not necessarily go for the sensible option.

It will not be too long under the current government with its cut backs on Council funding or a future Labour government (ho ho) with its dislike of private transport before just owning a car even if kept off road will attract local taxation.

You read it first here!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 10 Aug 15 - 06:41 AM

I am not sure there are many areas of the town where parking is only prohibited in Folk Week. Some examples might convince me otherwise.
Sidmouth is 'governed' by 3 separate councils. The Town Council which is very supportive of the festival. East Devon District Council which is less so.... And Devon County Council. Which one has responsibility for parking restrictions?
Derek