SIDMOUTH (UK)

Subject: RE: SIDMOUTH (UK)
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 19 Aug 03 - 06:56 AM

I was a first-timer in the Middle Bar this year, it was wonderful. On the last Friday I had to go to pitch my trailer at Dartmoor festival. Schantieman joined me there. I closed up my trailer for the evening and suggested we go to a little pub I'd found, 'down the road'. He had no idea where we were going until he saw 'Sidmouth' on a sign post after Exeter. He hasn't been to the Middle Bar for 15 years. We laughed and sang our hearts out that evening. And wasn't the moonlight beautiful on the sea that night. We had a lovely walk on the beach. I shall be back next year. Watch this space.

Sal

Subject: RE: SIDMOUTH (UK)
From: fiddler
Date: 15 Aug 03 - 08:43 AM

I like it, through all the songs and antics we never can forget 1997!

This year the problem was reversed - how the hell do you get all those folk on to site it was so wet.

Anchow was good I managed and hour a day.

CU all next year (or sooner)

Subject: RE: SIDMOUTH (UK)
From: Phot
Date: 12 Aug 03 - 02:07 PM

Just like to say, I hoped you all enjoyed yourselvs, a huge thanks to Allan WW and Derick Drosher for helping to run the bench (Steer the ship!), Mark for bottling, and everyone else who gave, sang and generally had a good time, see you at the reunion!!

Wassail!   Chris:.)

Sorry, almost forgot Mike!!!..Cheers yer mongrel, good to sing with you again!!

Subject: RE: SIDMOUTH (UK)
From: JudeL
Date: 12 Aug 03 - 12:57 PM

Although the chorus begins with the words "union miners" the title of the song is "Miner's Lifeguard" and refers to a miner's life being "like a sailor's "

Subject: RE: SIDMOUTH (UK)
From: alanww
Date: 11 Aug 03 - 06:21 AM

PS ... well actually it only finished off the sea songs part, as Mike and Chris sang Union Miners with some gusto as the last song ...
Alan

Subject: RE: SIDMOUTH (UK)
From: alanww
Date: 10 Aug 03 - 08:36 PM

Just got back. I am exhausted - I am sung out from the Middle Bar of the Anchor and my concertina is recovering from being red hot in the yacht club. A great week. I particularly enjoyed the sea songs and shanties session on Tuesday night with Mike, Chris and Derek. While I didn't get round to singing John Dead, Three Jolly Fishermen or Sons of the Sea, as I had intended, I did sing Row On and Sailor's Prayer and I had the honour of finishing it off with the Farewell Shanty.
"It is time to go now ...!"
Alan

Subject: RE: SIDMOUTH (UK)
From: Steve Benbows protege
Date: 09 Aug 03 - 04:20 PM

just finished unpacking! A thoroughly enjoyable week. It was great to see John Barden again.
my highlight of the week was Les Barker and Dan Keding.

I am having withdrawl symptoms already!!

Subject: RE: SIDMOUTH (UK)
From: Phot
Date: 08 Aug 03 - 05:13 PM

Thanks to everyone for a great shanty session Tuesday evening in the Middle Bar. The collection for Sidmouth Inshore Rescue Service raised a fantastic £433.76. Thanks to everyone who donated and special thanks to Mark for his fantastic work (Shake that Bucket Mark!!!)

Subject: RE: SIDMOUTH (UK)
From: Folkiedave
Date: 07 Aug 03 - 06:03 PM

Just got back 'cos I have to go to Saltburn Festival for the weekend.
The weather was great and I caught Berroguetto Uiscedwr and John K(an awesome concert), Folkestra North, Spiers and Boden and Altan. The latter arrived from New York with no luggage and no bouzouki. They borrowed clothes including a maternity smock, a instrument from one of the music shops and so on. Amazing. I felt they were just starting to get going when they ended.

Great sessions in the Bedford and an awsome one in the Anchor I think Tuesday night. Rodney Miller was out of this world. Cold Drinks party with the Smiths was great - thanks Ian.

Dave

Subject: RE: SIDMOUTH (UK)
From: GUEST,Anne Croucher
Date: 07 Aug 03 - 03:03 PM

I managed Friday evening, all Saturday, and Sunday to about ten pm - and it never rained - must be climate change.

I sang in the Theatre bar - that was good, took my drum on the promenade, and the factor 60 sun screen, still got sunburnt, but not badly unlike some folks who were the same colour as my breakfast lobster.

The tent in the back of the Volunteer was not bad Friday and Saturday, but Sunday it was more crouded and there were people talking just as though they were sitting in front of their TVs at home - I couldn't hear any of the singers very well - and the talkers were not going to shut up for anybody. I had intended to stay to closing time, but eventually I just gave up and came home.

Anne

Subject: RE: SIDMOUTH (UK)
From: Gervase
Date: 07 Aug 03 - 01:22 PM

Managed a couple of days (for which, Mike, a thousand thanks), and it was, as usual, bloody excellent (notwithstanding the Saturday night 'care in the communicy' hour in the Middle Bar. Never knew that folk songs could get people so randy!).
Good to see so many of the usual suspects, and my voice should have recovered in time for a day trip to Towersey at the end of the month.

Subject: RE: SIDMOUTH (UK)
From: vectis
Date: 06 Aug 03 - 06:50 PM

Lovely to see so many of you at Siddy. Sad that I had to leave so early to get ready for Broadstairs.
Maybe I will do a whole week one year.
Mary

Subject: RE: SIDMOUTH (UK)
From: running.hare
Date: 06 Aug 03 - 03:00 PM

Has Desided to head down for Thursday night *she thinks*
(well I've been camping out since Sunday, lets extend the back to basics a litte ;) )

Subject: RE: SIDMOUTH (UK)
From: The Barden of England
Date: 01 Aug 03 - 05:18 PM

Not sad at all - - - well not a lot anyway. I'm in the starting blocks and ready for the gun to fire. See you in the Bedford --- Saturday lunchtime or before.

Subject: RE: SIDMOUTH (UK)
From: GUEST,Tattie Bogle
Date: 01 Aug 03 - 12:00 PM

How sad is this, sending messages from Sidmouth Public Library??? I had to check my emails, but in between fantastic MBS lunchtime sing and on the way to the bedford for an hour before tea with the "outlaws". Sun's coming out............................!!!
Tattie B

Subject: RE: SIDMOUTH (UK)
From: The Barden of England
Date: 01 Aug 03 - 07:51 AM

The Rugby Club is usually fine, but it's going to be hot Ms. Lemon so make sure you've got the windows open and the curtains shut. The competition is always in the Arena showground - but I wouldn't mind a nice refreshing glass at the Rugby ground!! Although mind you the beer's not bad there too.
Leaving from Kent at about 05:00hrs tomorrow and expect to be in Sidmouth by abot 08:00 to 08:30 - - here we come!!!

Subject: RE: SIDMOUTH (UK)
From: Ralphie
Date: 01 Aug 03 - 07:02 AM

Ms Lemon...

Looking forward to a refreshing glass at Dart-I-Moor..!

Regards Ralphie

Subject: RE: SIDMOUTH (UK)
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 01 Aug 03 - 06:31 AM

AlanWW: I'm hoping to sleep in my car in the rugby club car park too. Now I'm worried!!!

Sal

Subject: RE: SIDMOUTH (UK)
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 01 Aug 03 - 06:26 AM

I've heard that the camp site entrance is a quag mire. Probably drying up by now tho'. I shall be there from Monday night, not selling lemonade, (but checking out the competition) and generally hanging around. I will be at Dartmoor the following w/e selling lemonade tho'.

We're in for a heat wave.

Sal

Subject: RE: SIDMOUTH (UK)
From: Leadfingers
Date: 01 Aug 03 - 02:57 AM

Have fun you lot,wish I as able to get there again this year.Please drop into the Newt and give Gerry a hand sometime during the week.
Now I must drive down to Portsmouth for todays ferry trip.

Subject: RE: SIDMOUTH (UK)
From: The Barden of England
Date: 01 Aug 03 - 02:49 AM

Anybody there yet?

Subject: RE: SIDMOUTH (UK)
From: Cllr
Date: 31 Jul 03 - 06:12 AM

See you lot down there im off Cllr

Subject: RE: SIDMOUTH (UK)
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 30 Jul 03 - 06:28 PM

Phot

Well, if you did sing the Wild Rover I hope you all dutifully handed over your fivers.

If I'm not in the Anchor tomorrow evening, please send out a search party. Though it's not usually on the way to the Anchor that I get lost.....

Kitty

Subject: RE: SIDMOUTH (UK)
From: Phot
Date: 30 Jul 03 - 06:19 PM

Just back from the 1st night of 2003, didn't make the pub crawl as I'm on duty at 07:30 tomorrow.

Good little sing , most of the usual suspects there - Tony Day, Alan White, Dave, Rosie, Barry, Andy and Mark. No, of course we didn't sing Wild Rover!! I lie like a cheap Japanese watch.

Looking forward to hearing Byker Hill sung by a toddler! set to be the highlight of the Middlebar this year - make sure you don't miss it.

Chris

Subject: RE: SIDMOUTH (UK)
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 30 Jul 03 - 05:34 PM

Just packing my case, won't forget the oxygen masks, though not much use without oxygen cylinders! Will also bring the words of "Just had my last cigarette" ( in my case 27 years ago) aka "Tobacco, tobacco, I hate you I do".
Weather forecast seems good, at least for the weekend.
Malinky are great, but will see them in the afternoon as I want to see Berroguetto in the evening.
See ya friday!
Tattie B

Subject: RE: SIDMOUTH (UK)
From: Larkin
Date: 30 Jul 03 - 05:13 PM

I'm heading down from London late Sunday afternoon and have room for one maybe 2 people in my car. PM me if you want to keep me company .

Subject: RE: SIDMOUTH (UK)
From: The Barden of England
Date: 30 Jul 03 - 10:20 AM

I think you've hit it on the head McGrath, or at least for me. The purchase of a season ticket for me would be useless, as I try to see those acts that interest me, I do the sessions, and sometimes the Esplanade too. Even managed to get Alan Bell out on the sea-front about 3 years back. His hands have stopped him now I'm afraid, but what a voice. Anyway as you said I do think Sidmouth is a range of intertwining festivals, each complementing the other, and long may it be so.

Subject: RE: SIDMOUTH (UK)
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 30 Jul 03 - 09:31 AM

Wouldn't miss the Arena for worlds. The combination of foreign sides and native sides are the unique thing about Sidmouth.

Or mnaybe the unqie thing is that there are a whole range of intertwining Sidmouth Festivals co-existing, and we can all put together the one that suits us.

Subject: RE: SIDMOUTH (UK)
From: NicP
Date: 30 Jul 03 - 08:55 AM

Can I point out that I bear no relation to the above nickp - obvious,really as he appears to actually be a musician. As usual I'll be commuting to Middle Bar with or without family depending on the day for most of the fest. Cllr and Phot - can I point out that Beky now sings Byker Hill, so I look forward to a comparison of versions ( Knowing her, probably simultaneous!)
See y'all during opening hours.
NicP

Subject: RE: SIDMOUTH (UK)
From: The Barden of England
Date: 30 Jul 03 - 02:24 AM

I usually take the arena in at least once during the week, but only to take in the atmosphere, and maybe try a few things on the music stalls there anmd see if anything takes my fancy. I also like to take the odd concert in. The one for me this year has got to be 'Last Nights Fun' at the Ham on the last Friday. It's about time they were booked at Sidmouth. I see the weather men are saying that they might be using the word 'Hot' next week - here's hoping.

Subject: RE: SIDMOUTH (UK)
From: alanww
Date: 29 Jul 03 - 09:13 PM

Getting excited now! Leaving tomorrow, via Ross-on-Wye, and will be arriving on Thursday lunchtime! Will be putting my little Bambi campervan in the rugby Club car park, at least until Sunday.

Looking forward to seeing everyone! And will be seen in the Anchor, Bedford, Theatre Bar, Radway, Swan, Royal York & Faulkner and Dove at various times ... might even visit the arena once!

"Come fill up your glasses and let us be merry ...!"
Alan

Subject: RE: SIDMOUTH (UK)
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 29 Jul 03 - 05:35 PM

Thee's always some sunny days. If you carry a good set of waterproofs with you it seems to bring out the sun.

Subject: RE: SIDMOUTH (UK)
From: vectis
Date: 29 Jul 03 - 05:32 PM

I remember the Sidmouth refugees arriving at Broadstairs one year. Their cars had mud up to the roof line and everyone sported a nice new set of webbed feet.

Subject: RE: SIDMOUTH (UK)
From: The Barden of England
Date: 29 Jul 03 - 03:06 AM

That obviously wasn't the Thursday of 1997 - very very thick drizzle in the afternoon.

Subject: RE: SIDMOUTH (UK)
From: Cllr
Date: 28 Jul 03 - 07:52 PM

We once re-named Sidmouth as "places" You know when the tv man says there will be mainly sunshine with rain in places. One year, 1997, I had to vist Bath during the festival i left Sidmouth in drizzling rain rain which after I got out of the valley it was brilliant sunshine all the to Avon - and back- as I decended in to valley it returned to wet and mist, the clouds like the festivsl as much as we do. Cllr

Subject: RE: SIDMOUTH (UK)
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 28 Jul 03 - 06:49 PM

And the bar at the York seesm to stay open a bit later than the others.

LNE - it's a hell of a trudge up and back, if you're staying down in the town, which I am - can't see myself making it. It's a shame there isn't also a non-dancing late night extra down in the town. I really miss Carinas.

Subject: RE: SIDMOUTH (UK)
From: vectis
Date: 28 Jul 03 - 05:47 PM

The Royal York and Faulkener is a hotel on the front near the sailing club. It is reasonably smoke free and has a singaround every night until the wee small hours.

Subject: RE: SIDMOUTH (UK)
From: GUEST,Anne Croucher
Date: 28 Jul 03 - 04:32 PM

I think so - it always rains when I go to Sidmouth.

All the other days can be blistering - the sand, the heat, the flies, smell of camels etc - as soon as I hit the outskirts of town the rainclouds gather for a monsoon session, I leave and the sun breaks through.

Thanks for the details of sessions I will wander around and see what the breathability is in each one.

Anne Croucher

Subject: RE: SIDMOUTH (UK)
From: My guru always said
Date: 28 Jul 03 - 08:23 AM

I'm hoping to get along for a few days - probably the first weekend and most of the week depending on current circumstances.

BTW: I'll be off-line from 31st July till I can get another PC *sob*

Do not miss Malinky - they're a MUST....
Hil

Subject: RE: SIDMOUTH (UK)
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 28 Jul 03 - 07:56 AM

In the Theatre bar people pop out if they want a smoke. I can't recall seeing anyone smoking in a song session there. I doubt if the people who'd rather they didn't would accept smoking during the singing without protest. No spitting, no smoking.

Subject: RE: SIDMOUTH (UK)
From: The Barden of England
Date: 28 Jul 03 - 05:36 AM

Being an ex-smoker of over 10 years standing, it surprises me just how many musicians smoke. I've got to say I do suffer a bit after a couple of days sitting in the middle at the Bedford, but then again all of the pubs are going to be smoke filled. Did someone say that the Theatre bar was better? I'm glad to see Maca (John MacDonald) is around again - is Izzy going to be there too?

Not long now - counting down and getting 'demob' happy.

Subject: RE: SIDMOUTH (UK)
From: Seaking
Date: 27 Jul 03 - 08:18 PM

I'll be travelling down from Felixstowe next Thursday, hopefully be set up on the campsite by late afternoon. Anything going on Thursday night? McGrath of Harlow - I've seen the forecast too, the wellies are packed!

Saw Malinky at Ely - Don't miss them..

CK

Subject: RE: SIDMOUTH (UK)
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 27 Jul 03 - 06:44 PM

"The Bedford's quite airy if you can get near the windows" - otherwise you need an oxygen mask.

I'll be there all week from Friday lunch in. I hope to run into a few of the rest of us. I'll be in the Theatre Bar anyway, from time to time, and up the Volunteer. Haven't looked at the working programme yet - I do that on the train down.

Bring your waterproofs - I suspect this is going to be a wet one again...

Subject: RE: SIDMOUTH (UK)
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 27 Jul 03 - 03:28 PM

The Bedford's quite airy if you can get near the windows, but too many smokers for comfort sometimes. Don't just borrow a working programme, buy one, it's well worth it to know where all the official events are, hour by hour, but still doesn't include things like the Middle Bar or Bedford sessions. Also pick up the daily free newsletter for any late changes or more exact timings of concerts.
Tattie B

Subject: RE: SIDMOUTH (UK)
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 27 Jul 03 - 03:05 PM

Anne

I think you've got the location of the Theatre Bar (in the Manor Pavilion) about right.

If you're arriving on Friday, and don't want to be kippered in the Anchor, you might try the back garden of the Volunteer, for the (fringe/ unprogrammed) Ashby-de-la-Zouch folk club session.

There will be a singaround in the Theatre Bar on Saturday from noon till 2pm, and on Sunday from 10.30am until 2pm.

For the first time, there will be a marquee in the garden of the Volunteer, and John McDonald aka Maca will be running song and music sessions every afternoon from Saturday 2 August.

Find someone with a working programme to see what's on where when.

Kitty

Subject: RE: SIDMOUTH (UK)
From: GUEST,Anne Croucher
Date: 27 Jul 03 - 02:49 PM

Thanks Kitty

The Theatre. Is that between the croquet lawn and the Arena, on the left?

Although I have been visiting the I.F.F. for decades I have not been able to stay long since I got married.

Do they have lunchtime and evening sessions at the threatre or is it less regular?

I actually find it quite difficult to find out what goes on, other than the really big things - and I have frequently found myself at a loose end so I just find a spot and sing/play/talk to people so as not to feel I am wasting what time I have.

I will try to get there for early evening Friday 1/8 but have to be back home for Monday morning 4/8 - even then I have to throw my hat in first...

Anne Croucher

Subject: RE: SIDMOUTH (UK)
From: Cllr
Date: 27 Jul 03 - 02:00 PM

Phot hopefully down on wednesday but I won't know till nearer the time I know the traditionl pub crawl is on, otherwise I will see you when I get there.Cllr (any other Mudcatters down early?)

Subject: RE: SIDMOUTH (UK)
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 27 Jul 03 - 01:03 PM

Anne

You could try the Theatre Bar - we get the occasional smoker but it's not a smoky atmosphere.

Kitty

Subject: RE: SIDMOUTH (UK)
From: GUEST,Anne Croucher
Date: 27 Jul 03 - 12:48 PM

I have tried to sing at the Anchor on several ocassions in the last few years but find the smoky atmosphere reduces my voice to a squeek - never could cope with cigarette smoke.

Is there singing in the open or with fresh air anywhere? - I used to do well in the garden at the Swan and in the shelter at the end of the promenade, that is between the river and the life boat building.

Anne Croucher

Subject: RE: SIDMOUTH (UK)
From: running.hare
Date: 27 Jul 03 - 10:46 AM

What with Guide Camp the 1st 1/2 of the week & friend comming down here second weekend looks like I'll be missing out on alot of fun sillyness, but prehaps if finances wil streach to the Deisel & a few drinks I might mannage to drive down for Thursday.... What R the rules for passing out on the backseat of your car over night???
If I do come I'll be one of that strage breed called "young" wandering round on my own possibly in a red gingam dress which our local land lady informs me isn't fashionable!!! Heading for the middle bar sounds good.