Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 04 Jun 05 - 05:05 AM

Just looked at the new festival website, and, tho' I haven't had time to examine every detail, it seems to lay everything out in a way that makes it easy to find out what you need to know.

Also, the idea of collections at sessions towards the fund for future festivals seems good to me. At least it will remove the reason for sessions specialists being thought of (wrongly), by some, as non contributors.

IMHO the organisers have done a marvellous job in producing all this in half the time it usually takes, and at some considerable financial risk to themselves.

A hearty thankyou to them all, they have made Sidmouth live on, against all odds.

Don T.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 03 Jun 05 - 06:45 PM

Come on guys, the poor bloke only asked "Does anybody know". It doesn't even require an answer from those who don't, and one of us might have had the info.

I know this festival has produced more than the usual frustrations and irritation, but I thought we were mostly friends here.

Don T.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Jun 05 - 06:05 PM

This would seem to be an odd place to come for the sort of detailed information and discussion you would need in those circumstances alan...

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,alanJ
Date: 03 Jun 05 - 03:30 PM

Good grief, is this list full of people as paranoid and insulting as Blowzabella?
This thread is entitled news,info and support, and I wanted information, which has now been obtained from another more balanced source.
The reason I wanted to know is that I am involved with the group organising the event which follows the concert, and it makes sense to co-operate on PA instead of derigging the concert set-up and bringing in a ceilidh sound system.
Our original understanding was that the generator would be available from early evening, not early afternoon indicated by the timing of the concerts.
Now, Blowzabella, what are you doing to set up events for the folk week, or are "you just a S**t stirrer" who can't handle the idea that some people are concerned with the practicalities of putting on public performances.
How about an apology, and less rudeness in future ???

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Blowzabella
Date: 03 Jun 05 - 02:57 PM

Why do you want to know alanJ? Are you a power and PA provider? If so, I should contact the organisers - this isn't really the best place to be touting for work at Sidmouth - it is just a folk forum where such subjects are discussed.

If not, do you really ask this sort of information about every event you plan to go to? If you booked a holiday cottage would you want to know who provided their gas and/or electic/water? When their pipes were last checked and their electricalgoods PAT tested. Or would you accept that it was somebody else's job - most probably the Council's Licensing Inspector, to check that theabovewas in order.   

Or perhaps you are just a S**t stirrer?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,alanJ.
Date: 03 Jun 05 - 08:45 AM

Does anyone know who is organising the 4-o-clock concerts in the Blackmore Gardens Marquee?
What are they doing about power and P.A. ?

alan J

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: sawhawk
Date: 24 May 05 - 06:50 AM

it dont take much to get things going and its going to be fine the message is out so book up now there lots of good people that will help you find sidmouth and if for the first time then welcome tell your friends and who knows maybe you will meet moor friend there!

lots of love to you all   Hawk

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Dave Earl
Date: 23 May 05 - 04:12 AM

This from the website:-

LATEST - Full programme imminent! As soon as the programme is received it will be posted here!

Black Umfolosi 5, Reinhardt Project, John Renbourn & Jacqui McShee, Yetties, Chartwell Dutiro (mbira), Mick Ryan & Pete Harris, Rocas, Steve Turner, Moor Music Trio, Tickled Pink, Red Shed, Dartmoor Pixie Band, Total Chaos all confirmed!

French dance workshops led by Blowzabella's Dave Shepherd

The site says that there will be over 300 events over 8 days.

See you all there.

Dave Earl

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: RobbieWilson
Date: 21 May 05 - 02:01 PM

Yo Hawk,

How's it going? I didn't know you did the old nudcat thing. Recognised the voice as soon as youu began to speak. See you at sidmouth if not before. What about Bishops Castle?

See you Robbie

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Lizzie in beautiful Sidmouth
Date: 21 May 05 - 01:38 PM

Ooh! Sawhawk....I LIKE the sound of you! ;0) All that AND you play the banjo! What more could a person want!!

I live in The Fairie Valley! How cool is that!! And I love trees and flowers, never cut down either.....and up in Core Hill Woods, (above Waitrose)...the bluebells are all out and the colours of the blue against the green is simply breathtaking!

<<......having the sidhe with you is all you need for a good time for all the family and as miss knee said its for the childrens children childrens so come you people the little folks are going to play any way with or without your say so as they have from the begining the music is free and playing it a gift dance is the pleasure of hearing it.......>>

Let's hear it for Miss Knee!!! Hurray!!! WHAT a lady!!! :0)

Now you see I was already looking forward to the first week in August hugely, but as Sawhawk is apparently coming too...well....I think there's going to be even more 'Magic In The Air' than I first thought! ;0)

Lots of love Sawhawk

Lizzie :0) :0) :0)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,cornishpiskie
Date: 21 May 05 - 06:48 AM

nice one sawhawk i never knew the little people went to sidmoth ill get the cornishpiskie posse to come by and have a wee dance to youre banjo and saw

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,Curious
Date: 21 May 05 - 03:30 AM

Is the above a wind-up?

At least it's more entertaining than Lizzie!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: sawhawk
Date: 21 May 05 - 12:27 AM

to whom it may concern history of sidmouth folk many years ago I was in seaton and meet a lady called miss knee she said in 1951 see founded the dance for the people working in the hotels many of they were from the north ie clogs etc and of course morris dancers she said that it was a way give to give them a bit of they home as nearly all were from far away this was the start of the folk in sidmouth and after the big bands stopped the yetties started my first folk in 1960s blackmore gardens ive been to all of the folk weeks since then and unlike my dad who played joana i play banjo and saw and many others sidmouth and i suppose ive done a lot of research into the valley is named after the sidhe or fairie valley in celtic most of my knowlege is handed down by word of mouth from the folks so write it is hard for me as you can see but i will do my best and at sidmouth this year will tell the real story of sidmouth and why the folk is really there and is not going to upset anyone to bad as steve heap said to me last year ive done my best maybe i replied maybe but things change as all good things do for the better and having the sidhe with you is all you need for a good time for all the family and as miss knee said its for the childrens children childrens so come you people the little folks are going to play any way with or without your say so as they have from the begining the music is free and playing it a gift dance is the pleasure of hearing it i call people big people and little people and if you understand you are little like me if you dont then you are big and big people hurt the flowers a good friend of mine sidmouth joke only hope to here from you all cheers me deers sawhawk

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,Observer
Date: 12 May 05 - 03:44 PM

Still waiting for mine.

All seems very late and slaphappy compared to other festivals.

Everyone keeps saying it'll be alright on the night.

Must say I'm beginning to wonder.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: MBSLynne
Date: 12 May 05 - 07:53 AM

That previous guest was me through the cat flap....

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: manitas_at_work
Date: 12 May 05 - 04:15 AM

I got one a few days ago, courtesy of Hobgoblin.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST
Date: 12 May 05 - 02:40 AM

It's been printed but not yet sent out...any minute now it should be dropping through doors....

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 11 May 05 - 06:21 PM

Do you have a brochure please? May well come for the music and the craic..Best wishes, Mike.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: MBSLynne
Date: 11 May 05 - 04:06 PM

No Topper, there's no problem, just people working very hard to get it together with less time than it normally takes and a VERY tight budget. All will be well and all will be well and all manner of things will be well....

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,alan J.
Date: 11 May 05 - 10:20 AM

Topper - don't panic (even if the answer isn't 42!)

I saw a proof copy of the guide which has been sent to the printers;

I think it said the first of June is when all tickets are going on sale.

http://www.lastminuteceilidhs.com

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,Topper
Date: 11 May 05 - 09:02 AM

Still no confirmation of the Ham marquee concerts though.

All the artist names were announced many weeks ago so why are tickets still not on sale?

Is there some problem we've not been told about?

Could that explain the lack of any newsletter updates on the official website for over a month?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,alan J.
Date: 11 May 05 - 07:41 AM

full details of the Blackmore gardens dances are appearing on
http://www.lastminuteceilidhs.com

now taken over and organised by members of GreatWestern Ceilidhs, the Exeter-based e-ceilidh series that has been running successfully for many years.
http://www.great-western.org.uk/ceilidhs.htm

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: MBSLynne
Date: 11 May 05 - 07:38 AM

Oh that's great Sally! I'll look forward to trying your lemonade! Hope the weather means loads of sales!

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: steve_harris
Date: 11 May 05 - 06:29 AM

A reasonably final(?) listing of English Ceilidh events has been posted to the English Ceilidh list by Simon Spoerer

I have placed a copy here

I think we may see major detailed announcments of many events in the next 7 days.

I am not officially connected with the festival

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 10 May 05 - 05:09 AM

8) yeeeeeeees!!!! need I say more?

Sal

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 20 Mar 05 - 07:48 PM

To Barry Martin and all detractors of Sidmouth 2005,

Forget about the International music and dance workshops. They're not happening this year........Live with it!

Remember that the English folk music and dance you so disdain and disparage was the foundation on which the international festival was built. If you could all see beyond the end of your noses, throw your considerable energy into positive support of what we are able to supply this year, and help make it a success, the same thing WILL happen again.

If all you are prepared to do is bitch and carp about what CAN'T be achieved in 2005, then we don't need you. Go start your own thread, and we'll leave you to be miserable as you like on that one.

Meantime we'll concentrate on cultivating, rather than alienating, the people of Sidmouth, so that they will want the festivals to continue in 2006 and beyond.

Steve Heap isn't coming back any time soon, so someone else will have to produce the goods. They won't get everything right straight away, but, with support rather than carping criticism, their results will improve, and the International festival will rise again.

If we had followed your line this year, IMHO there would have been no chance of Sidmouth 2006 happening at all.

So you might have to admit, at some point, that it was worth while our running "a few tea dances and song sessions" to use your disparaging, and erroneous comment.

There will be concerts and workshops, and we will, as always be visiting them, as well as supporting sessions.

For God's sake grow up, and stop throwing your rattle out of the pram just because you don't get everything the way you want it. Things change, and tho' we don't like the changes, some of us are mature enough to accept them, and get on with it. The down side of that is the fact that what we achieve also benefits whingers who do nothing but moan and belittle our efforts.

Hoping not to hear from you again
Don T.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 20 Mar 05 - 03:31 PM

Actually it wasn't me in the Arena it was my competitors, The Lemonade Factory. (spit!) Please, someone, help me. I'm going to be down on the south coast anyway with my trailer because I'm going to Dartmoor Festival at the end of the week.

Sal
(cant' respond for a bit because Schantieman [who's looking a bit like Capt. Birdseye at the moment] and I are bobbing up and down on the Solent for a few days.) (Hurrah!)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,Barry Martin
Date: 19 Mar 05 - 08:28 AM

I agree with 'Steve in Sidmouth' on this one.

The Sidmouth shopkeepers have taken the Folk Festival for granted. Like many of the grannies who've retired to Sidmouth they don't really welcome folkies though they're happy to take their money with a smile to their face and a curse behind their back. Just listen to them running down the Festival whenever they think there are only 'locals' in their shop.

Well I hope they're really happy this summer when many of us vote with our feet and go elsewhere.

I feel sorry for the handful of people who are working so hard to keep a few tea dances and song sessions alive but Sidmouth as a town doesn't deserve a Festival anymore.

Small wonder Steve Heap has upped his clogs to Beverley and Towersey. You look at how the whole communities there rally round to support their Festivals. What a contrast to Sidmouth where the businesses who have raked in the cash for years steadfastly refuse to put a penny back into Festival coffers.

Sod 'em all I say. I've loved the Festival and all the folkies who meet up every year. South Devon has beautiful scenery. But Sidmouth is full of bitter, narrow-minded, self-centred bigots waiting for the grim reaper and the rest of us should leave them a-huffin' and a-puffin' into the froth on their beer.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 19 Mar 05 - 08:13 AM

The comment from Steve Harris echos some that have appeared over the years in the local paper from people 'out of town'. They couldn't believe the surly attitude of some shop staff and the lunchtime closing with complete indifference to whether CUSTOMERS wanted to shop then or not. But it is also true that some shops are run by owners who need to eat at lunchtime and cannot get staff just to cover for that short period. But with such a number of potential patrons around in folk week, yes, I agree some could make more effort. I think it is all part and parcel of the attitude that Sidmouth should be thanked for allowing the folkies in , rather than Sidmouth should be 'damn grateful' that they come at all.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: steve_harris
Date: 18 Mar 05 - 05:57 PM

"The shopkeeper interests on the town council have always been against too many (or any!) 'outsider' food, drink and icecream stalls because they take business away from town shops"

This is an area where I DO think some of the traders need a kick up the arse. The reason many of them lose custom is because they ignore customer needs. EG: A lot of the restuarants do not start serving evening meals until 7pm. That's no good to someone wanting to attend a main evening event at 8pm. And when you come out aeound 11pm with an attack of the munchies - tough.

And I don't think Steve Heap banned local traders from pitches at the festival - the excellent Mexican would appear to be owned by people in Peaselands Road.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Lizzie in beautiful Sidmouth
Date: 16 Mar 05 - 02:56 PM

Good Lord! My hug card is full too Stevie....why didn't you ask earlier?????

Lizzie

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 16 Mar 05 - 11:59 AM

How about freshly squeezed Lizzie - if your dance card is full maybe a hug instead?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Lizzie in beautiful Sidmouth
Date: 16 Mar 05 - 09:09 AM

Stevie Scarlett.....you haven't gone a little 'lemon' around the edges have you?

Hmmmm 'Ms. Lemon'.....have you sold Lemonade at Sidmouth before?

I do remember having some fresh lemon drink in the Arena....Very nice it was too. Beautifully refreshing!

It's all right Stevie Scarlett....I don't think we have any Fresh Lemonade Sellers in Sidmouth to compete with do we? Only all that clear, gassy stuff...in plastic bottles, that's a bit like Roald Dahl's Whizz Popping Lemonade!!Eek! We SO don't want Whizz Popping in Sidmouth Stevie.....we have to get this lady a place somewhere!!!:0)

Now Freshly Squeezed Lemons.....Mmmmmmmmm! :0)

Lizzie :0)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 16 Mar 05 - 07:00 AM

The shopkeeper interests on the town council have always been against too many (or any!) 'outsider' food, drink and icecream stalls because they take business away from town shops. I don't know of any specific decisions yet but there have been rumours of a clampdown on temporary food outlets as well as on hair wraps and bead sellers along the Esplanade. It has been a source of friction for years.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 16 Mar 05 - 06:22 AM

Thanks Kitty. I've sent an e mail.

Does anyone else know of somewhere I can sell lemonade in Sidmouth? Answers loud and clear please!

Sal

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Mar 05 - 03:08 PM

Sal

Tony Day e-mailed me the list of contacts for the festival - for traders, it's John Golightly. I'll PM you with his contact details. I expect you'll want to be sure the Ham is licensed first......

Kitty

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 15 Mar 05 - 01:29 PM

I want to support this festival by selling lemonade. Can anyone tell me how I can do this? I want to sell it on the Ham if at all possible.

Sal

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: JeZeBeL
Date: 20 Feb 05 - 04:01 PM

Sorry Adrian, my fault for nto reading all the thread really, don';t think it 's the same one!! lol Sorrrrreeeeeeee :0)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Adrianl
Date: 20 Feb 05 - 12:47 PM

JeZeBeL

Sorry. It was a very poor attempt at a joke while alchoholically challenged. I was referring to the Lizzie who posted very enthusiastically to Sidmouth threads.

Adrian

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: JeZeBeL
Date: 20 Feb 05 - 09:49 AM

Adrian.....

The Lizzie I know is the fiddle player Lizzie who used to play for the band called BELTANE.

Is that the one you mean?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Adrianl
Date: 19 Feb 05 - 03:34 PM

Dear JeZebeL

I normally tell lies in Leighton Buzzard but sometimes I also lie at work. I helps when I am talking to the fiend who wants me to work harder.

And is Lizzy THE Lizzie or another on?

Apart from that I cannot help

Adrian

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: JeZeBeL
Date: 19 Feb 05 - 09:19 AM

I don't knwo if any of you can help. I lie in Exeter and have a fiend who I work with called Nuala Honan.

She is an amazing rootsy folk/funk player and usually has Lizzy, formally of Beltane, and the dubmarines in tow and is looking for festivals to play at this year.

Can anybody help please?

PM me or contact me by email at [e-mail]

Thanks

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 19 Feb 05 - 05:23 AM

More pages loaded onto SeeRed including the 'official' glossy leaflet and how to obtain one. Reports of the town meeting and lots of coverage in the Sidmouth Herald of 18 February. See the last four or five pages in the index starting from http://www.seered.co.uk/folk76.htm

There is even a cartoon - which I would like to recommend to Lizzie.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 17 Feb 05 - 02:40 PM

First and last post on this subject. I don't give a tinkers damn WHO says WHAT, I'll be at Sidmouth along with John Barden, in the Bedford, The Swan, and other venues. It's going to be a great success, though different from past festivals.

The one point I would like to make is this. PLEASE READ THE FIRST POST ON THIS THREAD, AND DO AS IT ASKS. Let's see if we can have just one troll free zone re. Sidmouth 2005, where we can come for information, without having to wade through the huge volume of bile which has more than enough space on other threads.

Don T.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Adrianl
Date: 17 Feb 05 - 02:23 PM

And I forgot to say thanks to all the hard working people who have put this together from scratch. I am looking forward to it.


Adrian

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Adrianl
Date: 16 Feb 05 - 07:33 PM

I picked up the new leaflet for Sidmouth Folk Week 2005 tonight at the Banbury Folk Club. The line up looks good, something for everyone surely!

But it does not answer one important question. Has a candy floss stall got a license yet? Not the stuff in plastic bags, the proper floss spun in front of you on a stick. Candy floss and a bit of sea salt spray mixed with some good music and dance. Heaven!

Adrian

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: steve_harris
Date: 30 Jan 05 - 11:42 AM

"Where is Lizzie? Drivelling nonsense all over the fRoots and BBC sites"

Thanks for the pointer!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,Glasgow
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 11:42 AM

I see from the new Sidmouth website that The Wurzels have been quietly ditched from the Sidmouth line-up.

I spoke to Alistair from The Battlefield Band in the 'Celtic Connections' bar last week. He didn't seem aware that he was booked for Sidmouth. The manager of Show of Hands also seemed reluctant to talk about their booking. He said they'd originally agreed to appear in the Arena but there are no shows in the Arena now are there.

Thank you to Steve from Sidmouth for keeping us informed but although it is good to see a new Sidmouth website the present list of artists doesn't look very appealing to me.

I haven't yet decided but I'm more inclined to Broadstairs or the new Eastleigh Festival in Hampshire next August instead of returning to Sidmouth again.

One of our best Scottish bands Session A9 say they are booked for both Broadstairs and Eastleigh while The Peatbog Faeries are also at Eastleigh.

Apart from The Battlefield Band I can't see anyone good from Scotland or Ireland booked for Sidmouth.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 09:17 AM

Where is Lizzie? Drivelling nonsense all over the fRoots and BBC sites, unfortunately.

Steve, can't you get her immersed in the Save Sidmouth's Loos campaign?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Adrianl
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 08:04 AM

Steve

This reminds me of a verse from a newly discovered Child ballad.

There was a woman from Sidmouth called Lizzie
Who kept herself very busy
Saying that Show of Hands
Are the best of the bands
But now people ask where is she?

Adrian

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 26 Jan 05 - 09:53 AM

Forgot to say - I really do miss you Lizzie.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 26 Jan 05 - 09:51 AM

Did everyone go to Broadstairs and not come back??

Pretty new website from the festival organisers - let's hope the practical issues get sorted - there is a long way to go.
yet another official website!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: SarahNash
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 07:53 AM

Nuts to it all - I'm going to Broadstairs.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Dave Earl
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 06:52 AM

Well for whatever reason Mr Seered is Persona Non Grata.

I don't know why but he has got up the noses of people I have contact with.

It might be that what he wants to do at The Arena is not in keeping with what the organisers wish to occur.

If he asked to attend meetings and was refused he must have some idea of what it is that puts him offside.


Dave Earl

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,James H
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 06:16 AM

that's my interpretation too Dave, the only reason I got involved at all was because various people had been aiming strong criticism at Steve and his site for 'being negative' and I didn't think that was fair.

as for next years festival - I genuinely hope it is a success for everybody who is involved in organising it or who goes along as a punter. I still think they would benefit from somebody with the amount of energy Steve has being involved and he says he has tried to get involved and not been allowed to. Either that is true or it isn't. On his site he is asking questions about next years festival (as well as the long term) that will have to be addressed before next August and if he hasn't been allowed to be in the steering group and has concerns about these specific issues I don't see what is wrong with him asking them on his own website. Although some of the questions on there could be interpreted as 'rhetorical' a lot of them are not.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Lizzie in SASSY SIDMOUTH!
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 06:06 AM

With regards to raising 'funds' for Sidmouth in the future...................Why don't the people who love this Festival all get together to try to raise the funds themselves? Or am I missing something here?

EDDC are cutting back in ALL areas! They DON'T have the money! How or why it's happened none of us will really know, but if the amount of energy that's been wasted trying to undermine this Festival was put into trying to save it and give it a viable future, we could have probably raised ALL the money needed by now!!

So let's start a new Thread and see what happens!!............


Lizzie :0)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Dave Earl
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 05:56 AM

James

I think there is a bit of a misunderstanding somewhere in all this.

What occurs in 2005 will be an "interim" thing basically working around what has in previous years been "Fringe" and I think everybody is aware of this.

From 2006 the Steering Group are working towards producing a full festival more like what went on in the past (but in my opinion probably on a less lavish scale). The Press releases that I have seen seem to indicate that proper company (with charitable status and "limited liability") will be set up to administer 2006 onwards.I hope this aspect addresses the worry you have.

Please understand that this is my interpretation of what I have read in various places and not anything coming from the comittee/steering group.

John Golighty says more details are soon to be released so we will all know a little more soon.

Dave Earl

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,James H
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 05:27 AM

cheers Dave,

no I know, he's not on the organising team - what I was trying to say was I can't see why not seeing as he's obviously keen to expend a lot of energy on thinking about it - playing devil's advocate to a certain extent may be but surely that is a valuable role? If Steve's site is true then a) various people have said 'anybody who wants to get involved in helping can come along and take part' and b)various other people have said to Steve 'no you can't come to meeting on 23rd Oct and no there aren't any other opportunities for you to come and get involved either'. The two things contradict each other. But when I've asked nobody has come forward and said 'that is something from the seered site that is factually incorrect' so I'm left to believe that despite Steve actively trying to get involved he hasn't been allowed to.

Something which occurs to me though is: on one level, for us folkies & festival enthusiasts, the issue is about 'are we going to have something to go to in Sidmouth next year?' and that has obviously been answered with a resounding yes and all the info that has been put on mudcat and on the festival site and in press releases _is_ as much as we need to know and that is fine by me.

However, there is a deeper (and more political, I guess) question which possibly is not being addressed at all by the organisers of _next_ years folk week - which is 'how can the festival be run for the foreseeable future in such way that it is financially viable?'. Its this second issue that I think a lot of the questions on Steve's site are aimed at, and it does bear some thinking about. And it does get down to politics and personalities at that stage because the extent to which EDDC puts its neck out for the festival makes a big difference to what other people can do or need to do. The thing I would be worried about is a small group of people ending up in the same position as Mrs Casey had been previously with not enough funds to cope if the weather turns bad and they don't get the people through the gates that they were expecting. A lot of the questions on Steve's site are trying to explore the issues that get bandied about when people start talking about this side of it, be they myths or hard facts. And these are issues that need exploring to _support_ the long term future of the festival and I guess its a bit galling for Steve and is certainly frustrating for people like me who also think these questions need exploring to effectively be told 'asking those questions is negative, you are not supporting the festival'.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Dave Earl
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 02:24 AM

I am sure the team are fully aware of Licence and Insurance requirements and it will all be in the pipeline. D Schofield and the others have had close involvement with past festivals as have others (previous Director for one).

I take the view that there is not much point in announcing anything until such time as it is all cut and dried. What do you expct them to say?

Elsewhere in the thread a further newsletter is on its way. Lte's see what this says before getting any more upset.

Dave Earl

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: steve_harris
Date: 02 Dec 04 - 11:47 PM

"They haven't answered any of the questions asked many times over concerning licensing, health & safety, insurance etc."

Probably because they think that anyone with a genuine interest in the Festival would be asking stuff like "Who's on the guest list?"

Or is there is some quaint traditional custom I've missed where folkies ring up every festival with "Please tell me the name of your Insurance Company? - Legal and General - That's fine, I'll take 2 adult season tickets please?"

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,Fritz The Cat
Date: 02 Dec 04 - 07:50 PM

Think I'm already on a 2005 mailing list under my real name John.

What's this about Show of Hands only being support to The Wurzels? I know the latter have had several Top 10 hits (some 50 years ago) and appeared on Brucie's Generation Game but are they really a bigger crowd-puller than Show of Hands?

If so then that suggests the 2005 audience will be more bucket 'n' spade holidaymaker than genuine folkie.

It's also an insult to Show of Hands.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: John Golightly
Date: 02 Dec 04 - 04:05 PM

Hi All

A newsletter is imminent, in the next few days. However, it's in PDF (Adobe Acrobat) format & I don't want to mess up the designer's hard work by posting it here in plain text.

So if you're interested in a copy, please click on "pm" just after my name (above) and send me your Email address/first name/last name (real name, not Mudcat name please). I'll add you to our mailing list, and send you a copy when it's released for publication.

As always - we will not reveal, sell on or otherwise misuse your personal contact details.

LLAP

John

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Dave Earl
Date: 02 Dec 04 - 11:59 AM

James,

I think you will find that Mr Seered is not actually on the team that is organising Folk Week 2005.

The only "official" and truly accurate info to date is what has been said in the Press Release(s). There is still a lot going on in the background and more will be announced as it becomes confirmed.

I have contact (elsewhere) with the organisers and I am, like everybody, else just keeping my ear to the ground.

You can take it that things will be happening but what goes on will have a different "feel" from what has gone on in recent years.

Don't get annoyed just be a little patient.

dave earl

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,James H
Date: 02 Dec 04 - 11:23 AM

I've said enough about this to bore most people to tears so don't want to subject you to much more. Only got involved in the first place cos I was fed up with several people complaining about Steve seered's negativity/lack of support for next years organisers and wanted to point out that having taken the time to read his site, I thought the majority of the points he is making sound sensible and unless there are factual errors in what he is saying, I support his general approach towards analytical questioning. Still haven't had any factual errors pointed out to me so I shall take it that there aren't any!

For what it's worth, looks to me like he would be a good person to have involved in the organisation of it and it's a shame that for whatever reason he hasn't been involved. I'd have thought steering group meetings would be the most useful place to have his questions discussed. (When I said 'the question' I didn't mean to imply there was only one, just that each question could be treated separately). That way he'd have an outlet for the energy he has put into researching the issues that concern him & others. Unless he is lying about it, he has made several ongoing attempts to get involved with said steering committee and he hasn't been allowed in. I'm prepared to keep an open mind about whether that is the whole story but nobody has picked it up as a 'factual error' so I'm more inclined to believe him than not.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: steve_harris
Date: 02 Dec 04 - 09:31 AM

"thing is Steve Harris, surely one way to deal with people doing what you say Steve at seered is doing is to simply and honestly answer the question in a factual way"

You say "the question" as if there was just one and no more would be forthcoming!

"And his main complaint that I've seen seems to be 'nobody will answer my questions'"

Yes, that crops up several times on his site. He's had that problem with Devon County Council, Tessa Jowell MP and now the Sidmouth Folk Week crowd!

"so if his questions got answered then he wouldn't have anything to complain about would he?"

What do you think? :-)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Lizzie in SASSY SIDMOUTH!
Date: 02 Dec 04 - 09:03 AM

Dear Gorgeous Guests Above and 'James'

I would write but I am just TOO thrilled at the thought of having my VERY OWN Folk Week next year, as mentioned by one of you above!

Just imagine, me in The Arena, sitting on the hill, looking down at the stage, and who'll be playing just for me.......? Why, Show of Hands of course!!!! Their ethos has always been to never get angry with the people who don't come, just give the ones that do to turn up your very best. And GUESS WHO is going to turn up?? Yeyyyyy!!! :0)

Gee Whizz! MY VERY OWN Concert! WHAT a thought! And those Folk Week 2005 Organisers are busy arranging it all for me! They're EVEN HIGER UP in my estimation today than they were yesterday....and they were pretty high yesterday! I think I might start to look upon them all as Heroes soon! Maybe I'll nickname them all 'The Incredibles'!! I'll let you know when I've seen the film! :0)

Gosh! Just Me, The Arena and Show of Hands!!!! :0) :0)

And it's ONLY Thursday!!! What IS going to happen tomorrow?
I mean it JUST SIMPLY CAN'T GET ANY BETTER!!! IT CAN'T!!!

Lizzie

PS I like the sound of that 'Steve Harris' Chappie! :0)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,Guest up North
Date: 02 Dec 04 - 04:14 AM

Ignore them, Lizzie.

As for the organisers not wanting to "show their faces" - if they did, who do you think would be first in the queue to accuse them of conceit & self-aggrandisement & promoting their own personal interests & opinions & generally telling the rest of us what's best?

Probably someone who's pretty damn good at that himself....

'nuff said

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,James H
Date: 02 Dec 04 - 04:02 AM

thing is Steve Harris, surely one way to deal with people doing what you say Steve at seered is doing is to simply and honestly answer the question in a factual way. Even if you think that he's asking the question to prove some point about not knowing arses from elbows. I haven't ever noticed him asking a question that was completely impossible to answer. And his main complaint that I've seen seems to be 'nobody will answer my questions' so if his questions got answered then he wouldn't have anything to complain about would he?

All that I've seen happen is, Steve at seered asks a question and is met with a very defensive 'how dare you imply I don't know my arse from my elbow?' response which doesn't really move anything forward. And it looks from the outside that the people being asked questions are completely unwilling to enter into a dialogue about anything.

I asked a question (of Lizzie, but I can ask it of you too...) of 'could you give me a quote of anything from the seered site that you feel is inaccurate or misinformation?' I haven't had an answer yet. Lizzie made it pretty clear that she hadn't read most of Steve's site anyway and that the things she didn't like was that it was a waste of time, left her stone cold, and quoted her... (nevermind that it also quoted Steve Heap which was a "GOOD THING !!!!!!!   :-) ;-) ")

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,Wurzelmania
Date: 01 Dec 04 - 11:13 PM

Wooeee. The sensational Wurzels coming to my home town. Can't believe it. Must be the biggest band ever to appear here in Sidmouth. Anyone know if there's any tickets left or have they sold out already? P.S. Whose this 'Shove Off Hands' who are supporting the mighty Wurzels? Never 'eard of 'em.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,Another Guest
Date: 01 Dec 04 - 10:53 PM

Isn't it amazing. James H is the latest in a long line of people who have posted honest questions to this site only to be met by a torrent of sarcasm and abuse from loony Lizzie.

Lizzie and others who claim to be PROMOTING Sidmouth 2005 never seem able to give an honest answer to an honest question.

They haven't answered any of the questions asked many times over concerning licensing, health & safety, insurance etc.

As someone else has said, the East devon Council say there are NO licensing, health & safety or insurance arrangements approved for any events at any outdoor venues, the arena, the campsites or anywhere similar.

Neither do the organisers of Sidmouth 2005 want to show their faces.

When Steve of Sidmouth offered the organisers of Sidmouth 2005 space on his own site for their photographs so people could put faces to names, I believe only one took up the offer.

Maybe the other names don't have faces.

Maybe they don't even exist.

At this rate all that will be left in 2005 will be Lizzie, sad little Lizzie, at a festival, all on her own.

Even she can't welcome the news that Show of Hands are now relegated to a support act for The Wurzels.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: steve_harris
Date: 01 Dec 04 - 06:59 PM

"but surely asking questions is a reasonable thing to do?"

It would be if they were just questions. Trouble is Seered questions are rhetorical questions - IE, they are statements with a "?" symbol put on the end. And the real drift of those statements is "X doesn't know his arse from his elbow" where X is, well, quite a few people.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Lizzie in SASSY SIDMOUTH!
Date: 01 Dec 04 - 12:40 PM

Hmmm.....I think something a 'trifle weird' has been going on whilst I've been away! 'James' seems to have completely flipped! I think it's the !!!! They do tend to divide people. :0)

I get everything I need from the Press Releases, from the people who are organising 2005, thank you very much, just as I got everything I needed from Steve Heap and his team!

Never sat there agonising over what Steve Heap was doing, never fell into a fit of the Collywobbles if I hadn't heard anything by November/December! Was really pleased when my brochure turned up telling me who was going to be on at Sidmouth each year. I already know that Radio 2's Best Live Act 2004 in the Folk Awards, Show of Hands, are going to be there, and The Battlefield Band etc. and I'll look forward to hearing about all the others too!

James, please keep your hair on! Anyone would think you were a little 'wound up' about Steve's site the amount of mentions you've given it! Gee Whizz! Try breathing deeply that can often help!
I certainly will enjoy myself next year though! Thanks! ;0)

Oh! and to 'Guest'07.49......Is a 5th Columnist Troll someone who writes for The Sunday Sport?


Roll on Sidmouth 2005!

Lizzie :0)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,James H
Date: 01 Dec 04 - 09:36 AM

patience being a virtue and all that I thought it was worth trying to get to the bottom of the question I wanted answering. *sigh*

|
|
|
re-entering lurk mode
|
|
|

James H

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Dec 04 - 07:49 AM

It took you a long time to find out, GUEST, exasperated.
We're talking 5th columnist troll here...

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,(monstrously exasperated but admitting defea
Date: 01 Dec 04 - 07:34 AM

ok I give up. You don't like Steve's site but haven't actually bothered reading it all? You haven't given me a quote of anything from it that you think is inaccurate, you just don't like it on principle because it is asking questions rather than leaping wholeheartedly to the support of the individuals running next years festival? You think it's a waste of his time to have put it together? Fair enough, your perogative. Seems a little mean of you to be so down on him though. There are some who might think that hitting the ! key so many times was also a bit of a waste of time but hey, your choice.

"Ummm.....how can you report the facts about the facts when you don't actually KNOW what the facts are? Surely, the only people who know the REAL facts are those who are organising the very facts that you claim to know the facts about!! " (quote from you, above)

For the most part all Steve's site says is 'don't accept things as facts from anybody without asking a few questions to verify them first' (whether that is Mrs Casey, EDDC, next years organisers, or anybody else for that matter). He's trying to ask some questions. You are happy to accept things from next years organisers as facts without asking questions. Your choice too, just don't expect everybody else to do the same and don't be suprised if people who do want to ask questions get frustrated when they don't get given answers.

ta ta, enjoy yourself next summer, I'm sure you will. I'll be back the year after, probably would be there next year too if I didn't have other commitments. For now I shall go back to lurking, can't see me getting any more sensible dialogue out of this one.

James H

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Lizzie in SASSY SIDMOUTH!
Date: 01 Dec 04 - 06:43 AM

Well, James, glad you've gone from 'very exasperated' to 'still exasperated' to just plain old James!:0)

I did once see a quote from Steve Heap about everyone getting behind the organisers of next year's festival, whoever they may be, and supporting them fully and making sure that this wondrous festival is handed down to our children, that was REALLY INSPIRATIONAL! Then I found, quite by accident, a few of my scribbles, that was REALLY SCARY and the rest just left me stone cold! WHY would ANYONE want to spend so much time making a site like that! It worries me! He needs to see the sky more!

Anyway 'James' I HAVE to go now! I cannot spend ALL day entertaining you on Mudcat! :0) By the way, you've one last message for today over on the other thread, for Pongo! I think it's the Sidmouth Air that does this to us you know, Old Before Our Time, Rambling on and on and on and.............!

God Bless Sidmouth 2005! God Bless you James!

Lizzie

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,James H
Date: 01 Dec 04 - 06:23 AM

can you give me direct quotes of things from Steve's site that you believe are misinformation or inaccurate in any way?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Lizzie in SASSY SIDMOUTH!
Date: 01 Dec 04 - 06:07 AM

Ummmm.....James dear, sorry what was the question again!

Lizzie :-)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,(still exasperated) James H
Date: 01 Dec 04 - 05:17 AM

nah, sorry Lizzie, you've still not answered the question - try again - can you give me direct quotes of things from Steve's site that you believe are misinformation or inaccurate in any way?

No I'm not Steve. He's not the only person in the world who wants to ask questions, and I'm sorry you feel that people who care about a festival shouldn't ask questions about the way it is run. I don't ask the same questions of other festivals a) because I don't care about them as much and b) because they don't seem to suffer from as much heated debate and controversy at the moment. If they did, and if I cared enough about them, then I would.

(btw I feel much the same about Whitby - used to be a festival I really enjoyed, it's gone down a route I'm not keen on wrt the type of events & artists booked and the organisers do not seem interested in 'being accountable' to their audience. Their choice.... but I haven't been for the whole week for years and don't care enough about it these days to even be bothered to complain - because they've made it clear that they don't care whether I go or not. I'd be sorry to see Sidmnouth go same way, hence asking the questions in the first place).

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Lizzie in SASSY SIDMOUTH!
Date: 30 Nov 04 - 02:47 PM



So, that lasted all of ooh! 15 minutes or so! Can't work out this clock!!)

Guest 01.54: Of COURSE there is a God!! He gave us The Sidmouth International Folk Festival, he's giving us Sidmouth Folk Week 2005 and he gave us SHOW OF HANDS!

Sorry, had to come back and say that! Not doing too well with this 'staying away bit'! But then neither are you! :-)

Lizzie :-)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Nov 04 - 01:54 PM

At last you realised that you got to write less,thank goodness there is a God after all.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Lizzie in SASSY SIDMOUTH!
Date: 30 Nov 04 - 01:50 PM

'James'...... the ONLY site I would view is the one being set up by the organisers of Sidmouth Folk Week 2005. They are the ONLY people who know what HAS gone on, what IS going on and what is GOING to be going on!

Yes 'Steve' is free to ask and behave how ever he so chooses, but equally the Steering Committee for Sidmouth Folk Week 2005 should also be free to arrange a Festival quietly and confidently, with as much support as possible from all involved.

They are working for all of us, to keep this wonderful Festival alive and I have a huge amount of respect for them! Why should they answer questions continually from someone on Mudcat? They are not there to keep Steve in Sidmouth happy, let him wait for the press releases like the rest of us! I should think that no other folk festival has ever had to be arranged under such a mountain of criticism and doubt!

This Country is losing many, many precious things! We seem extraordinarily happy to shrug our shoulders, be apathetic and just moan or grieve over the loss of things which we all have the power to save!

I don't know what's happened to us all!! We need a really hard 'kick up the backside' lately!! I've heard people who've professed to love Sidmouth Festival deeply just say...."Well, let it die! It's time it went! It's had it's day!"

Well, Bums to that Attitude!!

How DARE people say that and then profess to love Sidmouth! How Shamingly Pathetic!! My God! It makes me SO angry! Forget the people of my town, some of whom love this Festival, forget the businesses, it has to be the PEOPLE who so love what Sidmouth stands for who have to save it!!! It's not about Stephen Wozniak, it's about a Spirit that SO deserves to be kept alive!

And THAT'S why I get so angry!! This Festival is about everyone, from Steve Heap, Dave Swarbick, Ralph McTell, and Martin Carthy to the smallest child dancing to the music in the Arena on a summer's day! It is about thousands of people's memories and thousands more beautiful memories yet to come!

The Steering Committee are determined to save this Festival and organise an enjoyable Folk Week next year along the way and I'm damned if I'll sit by and let deliberate poison and doubt be spread around in the way that it has on this thread and the others before it! I have a great deal of respect for them all! They're doing a great job!

And as I sit here and type this, I'm listening to Jim Moray's 'Sweet England'. A young man who spent many, many holidays in Sidmouth at Festival time, and who has gone on to become one of the new generation of Folk Singers, taking this music out to young people, where it's so badly needed!

Oh Gee! 'James' I've done it again.....what was the question??? :-)
Never mind, somewhere amidst all these words you should find the answer you want!!! :-) :-) (Are you sure you're not Steve?!)

Anyway, it's high time I took a rest from Mudcat! I'll leave you all to heckle or support!

Lizzie

Must write less, must write less, must write less, must...........!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,(very exasperated) James H
Date: 30 Nov 04 - 10:48 AM

To Lizzie, (and others who make similar points elsewhere),

What is it on Steve's SeeRed site that you disagree with? Is it that you think there is information on there that is inaccurate or incorrect? If so, what information is that?

I've seen him ask the same questions in these threads but haven't seen an answer yet. I am not Steve or any alias of his, I am just another festival goer who happens to like to take a rationally questioning approach to life and as such I quite like seeing the arguments set out in black and white. As far as I can see, that is all Steve is trying to do. If it comes across as overly critical at times then that is his perogative (free country & all that) - but to be honest I haven't seen much sign of it - yes he questions the motivations of some people but surely asking questions is a reasonable thing to do? It only becomes a problem when the people who are being asked the questions either refuse to reply or reply with big defensive 'how dare you criticise me/us/the festival/what we're trying to do?' without answering the actual questions in the first place.

So, my question to you is - what is there on Steve's seered site that you think is unfair? Can you provide any direct quotes?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Lizzie in SASSY SIDMOUTH!
Date: 30 Nov 04 - 06:15 AM

Well, where do I start?!.....

Guest 0709: Cups? I have to say here with my hand on my heart that I have never EVER worn a cup ANYWHERE about my person!! Are you getting me muddled up with Madonna perhaps? And if so, should you really be on this board??!!! PLEASE a little dignity!! After all I am a Sassy Sidmouth Woman and as such expect to be treated with good manners!

Steve: I think Sweet Kate maybe getting just a little worried!!! :-)
Ummm.....how can you report the facts about the facts when you don't actually KNOW what the facts are? Surely, the only people who know the REAL facts are those who are organising the very facts that you claim to know the facts about!!

Councillor Eddc: I think if you check YOUR facts you might find that the Council are reponsible for the Promenade, but the Beach belongs to God and His/Her People! Therefore all sleeping, skinny dipping, pebble throwing, barbecuing, camp fires and singing/dancing around said campfires cannot be stopped! If the beach is invaded by ANY Councillor, Politician.....or Seered Owner....then I personally will start the Folk Revolt which is fast brewing in this Magnificent Country of ours!!!!

And Spotty Dog, I'll make sure to leave a really good supply of Bonios in all the parks for you!!

Lizzie

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,Busted
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 11:34 PM

Quote: "They'll never find me" - Spotty Dog

Isn't that what Saddam said?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,Spotty Dog
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 10:51 PM

What? No sleeping on the beach? I'll still find a corner of a park somewhere to bed down in my sleeping bag. They'll never find me.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,Councillor (EDDC)
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 10:08 PM

You're wrong Lizzie when you say people can sleep on the beach. Not next year they can't. The council intend clamping down on this and are insisting people must use fully licensed camp sites. As yet none of the normal festival campsites have been licensed. Any wishing to be will have to satisfy stringent health & safety conditions and show they have full public liability insurance cover and qualified 24-hour staffing with security personnel meeting the new EDDC / SIA training qualifications.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 07:09 PM

Still arguing kiddies - I'm not so sure this is all doing your cause any good.

Lizzie what size cup do you wear?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: fiddler
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 06:54 PM

I will post more when I know more - at this point no guarantees - no names - nowt but waht it sez in the eariler post - and yes steve (harris not Sidmouth) your balls are what it is all about!

Cape Breton - the man is involved and some of his team have already volunteered but again nothing fixed or final.

As my old grandma used to say - There's many a slip twixt cup and lip!

Andy

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 02:46 PM

Sorry Lizzie, but Kate Rusby wins hands down in the affection stakes. I'm listening to 'Underneath the stars' as I type this. She can have me (but not all my money) any time she likes. In my dreams.......

The SeeRed website remains the only one that gives facts as they become known AND some good measure of analysis and perspective. Sorry to bore you with reality, but other people find it quite useful.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Lizzie in SASSY SIDMOUTH!
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 06:03 AM

Hey Steve in Sidmouth, I have to bow to you AND 'Mr. and Mrs. Giggs'!!

What a lead-in to your site!!!! :-) :-) That was the best yet!!!
:-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) PLEASE don't forget to let Mr. and Mrs. Giggs know though, that Tony Day is still THE ONLY ONE who'd be able to tell them the REAL answer!

Do you know that you are now not only making my facial wrinkles go upwards,(!) but my chest is also beginning to creep back up towards my shoulders and away from my feet at long last!! This is SERIOUSLY BRILLIANT NEWS Steve!! Trust Me!!!! My feet were getting diabolically concerned everytime they 'looked up'!! They have now, however, been given the faint possibility of a whole new life!! :-) :-)

Could you also do something to help my hair, as it's costing me a fortune to colour all the time!!!! :-)

Please, please keep this Seered Soap going as long as possible as I think at this rate come 'The first week in August' I might just be able to pass myself off for Catherine Zeta Jones!!

Have you got a REALLY SASSY Show of Hands page on your website??
Now that WOULD be cool!!! Who wants to read about campsites when they can read wonderful things about SHOW OF HANDS! How about a
seered/folk!!SHOW OF HANDS.1,000.000.htm

Hell's Bell's! If the Sidmouth Folk Week 2005 turns out as enjoyable as this thread, then it won't just be Sidmouth that's packed out but Exmouth and Lyme Regis as well, maybe even as far away as Australia too! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Whoooooo! :-)

Hey! And don't forget Guys! If the campsites are all booked up you can all always sleep 'Underneath The Stars' 'Kate Rusby Style' down on the beach! The kids and I went down the other night and lay on the pebbles and just stared at the stars, (Astronomy lesson!) and those pebbles just kind of 'mould' around you! Really comfy!

Got to dash!...........   

Loads of giggles!


Lizzie :-) :-)

PS Steve, is this 'post'also going to make it on to your site too? I hope you put in all those 'appropriate' comments!! :-) I'm beginning to think that you have a 'Secret Passion' for my 'scribbles'!!!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 29 Nov 04 - 03:49 AM

For people uncertain of campsite arrangements, and others, the latest news (with comments as appropriate) on all aspects of Sidmouth 2005 will be found on http://www.seered.co.uk/folk51.htm

Any further questions, please ask away.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: steve_harris
Date: 28 Nov 04 - 06:52 PM

"Will the former campsite manager be doing his usual excellent job with his team around him?"

That nice man who said "I love your balls" to me? I hope so! :-)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: MBSLynne
Date: 28 Nov 04 - 12:04 PM

The camp site where we always stay will also be running as usual at Salcombe Regis, and the owner has a nother one which should be in operation near Waitrose. Plenty of places to camp!!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Dave Earl
Date: 28 Nov 04 - 08:28 AM

Message for Fiddler,

So maybe the usual campsite will be operating.

Will the former campsite manager be doing his usual excellent job with his team around him?

I ask this because I know who he is and he should know who I am (from another newsgroup)

Dave Earl

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Lizzie in SASSY SIDMOUTH!
Date: 28 Nov 04 - 08:19 AM

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Giggs,

Really sad to hear that you can't even be bothered to e mail Tony Day about your 'camping' arrangements, although you can be bothered to come back to Mudcat and write. I would think that Tony Day is FAR too busy with other e mails from truly interested people to come on this board.

However, I'm very much afraid that I have to say that if you are prepared to 'give up' on Sidmouth so easily then perhaps you had better not come.

I know! I know! This DOES sound harsh, but the reason I say this Mr. and Mrs. Giggs is because Sidmouth Folk Week 2005 and Sidmouth Festivals 2006 and onwards need all the SUPPORT and LOVE that they can get!! Sidmouth 2005 does not need people who can't even be bothered to e mail Tony Day who will give them the answers which apparently they so crave.

I think some words that sum up, for me, the committment by so many people to continue this Precious Jewel of a Festival are from Mary Frye and Wilbur Skeels, you may have heard them before, but to me they are very appropriate to Sidmouth 2005 and for many many Festivals thereafter.....

Do not stand at my grave and weep,I am not there, I do not sleep.....
Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die.....
I am the song that will never end, for I am the love of family and friend.

Please do not waste your opportunity to e mail Tony Day, Mr. and Mrs. Briggs, else you may find the camping site is full! I would be very upset if you missed 2005 for the wrong reasons.

Lizzie :-) :-)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: fiddler
Date: 28 Nov 04 - 08:18 AM

I've not read the whole of this thread but plans are afoot for a comp site in the usual place.

Currently that is jsut about all I can say.

Andy

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Blowzabella
Date: 28 Nov 04 - 04:59 AM

Quote > Thank you for that helpful advice Lizzie but we still don't know what is happening to the campsites.

And it would appear, 'Mr & Mrs Giggs', that you aren't that interested in finding out either

This really is getting silly...

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,Tim & Anne Giggs
Date: 27 Nov 04 - 08:40 PM

Thank you for that helpful advice Lizzie but we still don't know what is happening to the campsites.

If none of the campsites are operating next year we won't be able to come to Sidmouth after all.

We see Mr. Day reads mudcat so hopefully he will enlighten us and assure us that all the usual campsites will be open again and will meet the health & aafety and insurance demands of the local council.

When we know about camping we will be able to write offering our services.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Lizzie in SASSY SIDMOUTH!
Date: 27 Nov 04 - 02:23 PM

Hello Tim and Anne! It's really lovely to have a couple on here together! :-) Lovely to hear that you're both looking forward to coming to my town next year!

If you read the Sidmouth Folk Week 2005 Press Release, several messages above, you will see the name and address of Tony Day to whom you can write with your enquiries. I'll put the address below for you.

Tony Day, Harvest Home, 8 Underhill Crescent, Lympstone, Devon EX8 5JF, or you can e mail him, (again in the Press Release above) at Sidmouth Folk [e-mail]

I'm sure that he will be pleased to help you in any way he can. Oh and don't forget to leave the name of the person you spoke to at EDDC,
with him and then maybe this EDDC person will know exactly where to direct people next time, if further enquiries come through to them at the Council.

Please don't forget to spread the details of the above Press Release around to your friends and pass on any information that Tony Day is able to give you, as this will help your friends get the correct information as well! Every little bit helps after all!!

Really do hope that you enjoy the Sidmouth Folk Week 2005. Well done for raising this question. Isn't it brilliant how that Steering Committee has Tony Day to answer enquiries. Saves a lot of misinformation being given out!

Enjoy Yourselves! :-) :-)

Lizzie

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,Tim & Anne Giggs
Date: 27 Nov 04 - 10:23 AM

Can someone help us please.

We want to come to Sidmouth again next year but we have been told by the Council that none of the normal campsites are likely to be operating as the usual health & safety and insurance requirements are unlikely to be met.

A very helpful man told us on the phone that he thought the only concerts and dances would be in the Knowle Arena or local halls and public houses as the organisers would have to pay "many thousands of pounds" to meet licensing regulations for marquees and campsites.

Can someone please tell us if this is so? Where will we be able to camp next year and will any of the usual marquees still be in their normal places? We are a bit worried about what we are hearing.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Lizzie in SASSY SIDMOUTH!
Date: 27 Nov 04 - 06:46 AM

No that wasn't me Siddy Rezzy! Sorry! Gee, poor lady!

Anyway, I'd much rather have a few Foul Dogs around beautiful Siddy than all those Foul-Anti-Siddy-Folk-Week-2005-Trolls! Thank God they all seem to be going to Cropredy! Poor Cropredy!

However, I have trained my dogs to sniff out F.A.S.F.W.T's, then leap on them from a great height and pin them to the ground! So, or should that be soh! (quick Show of Hands abbreviation there! Gosh, must remember that for Ian!!!!)....Soh, even if one or two of you do still manage to get through the Anti-Mighty-Moaning-Minnie-Gates that I'm going to be erecting around all entrances to my gorgeous town next year, my dogs will spot you at 1,000 paces!!!!

And once we have 'caught' you, where shall we take you? Hmmmmmmm.....
let me think! Ah Yes! I shall lock you all away in Kent's Cavern down in Torquay, it's got lights and the temperature is always warm, so you can all have your own REAL CAVE, which will cheer all you TROLLS up perfectly! In fact you may like it SO much in there that you may NEVER want to come out!! What Perfect Bliss! :-):-)

Do you like my new 'From' bit, btw?

I think we should call next year's festival 'SASSY SIDMOUTH'S FUNKY FOLK WEEK'

Lizzie

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,Sidmouth Resident
Date: 26 Nov 04 - 02:27 PM

Lizzie. I hope you weren't the lady who was letting her dog foul the grass when I also walked through the Gardens this afternoon. If you were then I apologise for my language when asking for the mess to be cleaned-up. I do dislike local people who mess up our beautiful town. We expect some of the rougher visitors during the festival to drop litter and discarded take-aways but there is no excuse for those of us who live here all year round is there?

P.S. Please don't confuse me with The Devonian. I think you'll find he lives over Exeter way. The Wild West to us local folk.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Lizzie still in Sidmouth!
Date: 26 Nov 04 - 10:58 AM

Hello you old Devonian, Sidmouth Resident you! You're making me smile again, you naughty little imp! Were you like this when you were little????! :-)

Had 'Lunch on the Beach' today! Lovely! The waves were just perfect, giving that lovely 'swooshing' noise as they tumbled over the pebbles. Fed the seagulls, (like to be a rebel in my own way!), sat on the rocks and looked at beautiful Salcombe Hill and pondered about the way the rock changes from deepest red to palest white as it goes around to Beer and beyond!

Came back through Blackmore Gardens, could hear all the Fiddles and Accordians playing in my head, walked down by the Rugby Club and up the road to Knowle Park, more commonly called The Arena. Watched all the wild rabbits up there, thought about Show of Hands (Sigh! I think about them a LOT!!! :-) :-)!!) and walked back down again to the seafront, looked up to Peak Hill and towards Jacob's Ladder, finished the shopping, thought 'What an incredibly beautiful place I live in!', imagined all the Morris Dancers wandering through town and the people just standing in the market square, playing and dancing, and Show of Hands, (see!, told you!) and Fiddles and Mandocellos and.........!

And then I came home, came in here and sat down to write.........

Beautiful Sassy Sidmouth!

Lizzie :-)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,The Devonian
Date: 26 Nov 04 - 07:33 AM

We do indeed "await further news with interest" but those of us who have questioned plans for Sidmouth 2005 should at least give the organisers credit for their Press Release detailing the current state-of-play and naming some of the individuals involved.

I still have doubts about whether Sidmouth 2005 will happen or be a success but as a long-time festival devotee I hope others prove me wrong and succeed in keeping the festival alive.

It's worth going just to see the lovely Lizzie.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,Sidmouth Resident
Date: 26 Nov 04 - 07:26 AM

Agree absolutely with Lynne.

The Press Release omits to say whether EDDC has approved all the licensing, health & safety, site and insurance arrangements for outdoor events. I understand they have not as yet.

A senior council official told me last night that so far as he was aware EDDC hasn't yet received any licence applications.

Nothing has been approved as yet.

I'm told there have been preliminary discussions with the people organising Sidmouth 2005 but none of the arrangements for outdoor sites and marquees are approved yet though he did point out that indoor venues could be used without needing any additional approvals.

Hopefully such matters will be resolved in due course.

As you say Lynne, not sure how anyone can have an opinion of something that not only hasn't happened yet but hasn't even got any of the approvals that will be required for use of the arena or any outdoor venues and marquees.

We all await further news with interest.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: MBSLynne
Date: 26 Nov 04 - 03:18 AM

Not sure though, how anyone can have an opinion of something that hasn't happened yet. Maybe they should wait, try it, and THEN give an opinion about what it was like?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Dave Earl
Date: 26 Nov 04 - 02:57 AM

A message to all those who seem to be anti Sidmouth.

Read the press release!!

Whether you are going to be there or not Sidmouth Folk Week is going to happen.!

You can say what you like but a lot of us will know that you are just bleating because it is not what you want. You are entitled to your opinion but please allow others to have theirs.

Dave Earl

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Tony Day
Date: 26 Nov 04 - 01:50 AM

Sidmouth Folk Week

Press Release                                                             24 November 2004


More details of the Sidmouth Folk Week have been revealed this week after a further series of successful and positive meetings was held in the town. Future plans include a public town meeting to be held in February.

A 'steering group', nominated by people planning events in 2005, has appointed a co-ordinating team. The group includes former Festival Director John Dowell who lives in Newton Poppleford, Barry Lister from Sidford and Sidmouth hotelier Mark Seward.

Eddie Upton, Director of Folk South West, and Paul Burgess of the West Country-based ceilidh band Old Swan Band, are to be artistic advisers, whilst Sidmouth Steppers' musician Gordon Newton will be the business adviser. These three people will be available to advise the organisers of the individual events in 2005 if requested.

A 'future strategy' group has held its second all-day meeting. The group has made progress with formulating a business plan including an artistic policy and consideration of the scope of the Festival for the longer term from 2006 onwards.

It is intended that the future Festival will be a colourful showcase and celebration of the wide variety of the folk arts, both British and international. A high quality event in terms of performance, organisation and customer experience is central to the future. The Festival will be both participatory and display-based, encouraging an environment which fosters and nurtures creativity, spontaneity and innovation.

Progress has been made towards establishing a new company limited by guarantee and with registered charity status, and it is intended that this will be in place in the early part of 2005.

The future strategy group members include representatives of Folk South West, Wren Music and Great Western Morris, as well as of East Devon District Council and Sidmouth Town Council. The participants include Eddie Upton, Director of Folk South West, and Sidmouth solicitor and festival supporter Tim Shardlow.

An important feature of the current initiatives is the local involvement, and more than half the members of both the steering group and the future strategy group come from the local area. Sidmouth Town Council Chairman Tony Reed commented, 'It is great to see this co-operation and collaboration between the local community and the wider folk music and dance movement'.

Enquiries can be addressed to Tony Day, Harvest Home, 8 Underhill Crescent, Lympstone, Devon, EX8 5JF, [e-mail]

Sidmouth Town Council is to host a town meeting in the Manor Pavilion, Sidmouth on Friday 11 February, when plans for 2005 and the future strategy will be outlined, with the opportunity for local residents and the business community to lend their support and add their suggestions.

End

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Lizzie still in Sidmouth!
Date: 23 Nov 04 - 07:35 AM

Hello there Guest and Sidmouth Resident! Yeyyyyyy! I'm a Sidmouth Groupie! Can't wait for it to get here again. Really looking forward to a 'different' kind of thing this year and then hopefully back to a more 'Steve Heap' kind of thing the year after!

Listen, I lived on Dartmoor for years before I came to live here, so Sidmouth Rocks!! (as opposed to Dartmoor rocks! :-) giggle!) I'm a Happy Young/Oldie I definitely won't be bored stiff next year as The Sidmouth Folk Week Is Coming To Town!

Oh Yes! Little knitted 'Steve in Sidmouth' swingy thingys for the car, what a BRILLIANT idea!!

Well, can't stop too long, have to go and walk down to the sea and make sure it's still there and then I've got to go and kiss The Sidmouth Fiddler and tell him that everything will be JUST FINE! come next summer. He needs a great big hug every now and then!

Byeeeeeee!

Lizzie

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Nov 04 - 04:03 PM

Lizzie are one of them oldies who have retired to Sidmouth or a sad youngest who has nothing but Sidmouth festival to enlighten there life every year and if you dont have the festival next year you will be bored stiff!!!!!!!.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,Sidmouth Resident
Date: 22 Nov 04 - 03:51 PM

Ummmm. I don't know what you're on Lizzie but I want some.

I never thought of 'Steve in Sidmouth' as a substitute for Botox before.

If he's to be Festival mascot will we be able to buy little knitted stuffed versions to hang in our cars?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Lizzie still in Sidmouth!
Date: 22 Nov 04 - 02:04 PM

Hello Guys! I really wasn't going to come back over to Mudcat but I've just taken a quick peep and well.....what can I say?????!

What I CAN say is this!

If Sidmouth Folk Week 2005 turns out to be as ENTERTAINING, UPLIFTING
and PASSIONATE as this thread has become, it will just be the most Enormously Enjoyable Event that I will ever have attended! I truly can't wait for it to happen! Think of all the Mudcat Stories we can all swap!

Steve in Sidmouth.....I think this idea of yours to advertise your seered site and get everyone 'going' was absolutely BRILLIANT! In fact you've gone up SO MUCH in my estimation. You might just SAVE this Glorious Festival after all! Forget that hard-working pilloried Steering Committee!

Next year is going to be a Real Whizz! Why? Because all the people the come will be there for the RIGHT reasons! Because they have always LOVED Sidmouth! And THANK GOD! all those Mighty Miserable Moaners will have gone elsewhere! WHOOOOPPPPEEEEEE!

Watch out for MMM's at all those other Festivals. At Sidmouth everyone will have a smile on their face!

In the last few months I have discovered a deep love of my town and its Festival that I never knew was there before! So SeeRed Steve,
thank you, from the bottom of my heart! I think you're a wonderful person! I do! I Do! In fact, I think you should be the Official Mascot for 2005 Folk Week! I have especially loved the way that you put all your info on and then answer yourself in the next post! That was my most favourite bit! Where did you think of that? It's just brilliant! My smile has been so broad that my wrinkles are now starting to turn upwards!! It's truly magnificent! :-) Far better than Botox and SO much cheaper!!

This thread, and the other one, have given me so very, very many giggles over the past few weeks. Every time I read them I get EVEN more excited about Sidmouth Folk Week and am counting off the days!

There is truly no other Festival that could inspire ALL the things that have been put on this thread! No other Festival in the Country, probably not even the World!

THE PASSION OF SIDMOUTH STILL RULES!!!!!

So, to ALL you Mudcat Posters, good and bad and in the middles
a REALLY HUGE THANK-YOU!


Lizzie   xxxxxx :-) :-) :-)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,The Devonian
Date: 22 Nov 04 - 11:54 AM

I know and respect The Barden of England. I hope he enjoys Sidmouth whenever he visits. He is a fine man.

It's the local people who claim to be organising next year's festival that worry me. I just don't see any evidence of them being up to the job.

Having got that off my rather large chest I really do think this thread has run its course and ought now be closed.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Nov 04 - 11:49 AM

Absolutely when sensible folkies are "BOOKED"?.Not tv produced guests from the 70's.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,Wurzel Hater
Date: 22 Nov 04 - 11:39 AM

...a mailing list to receive up to date information...

Like when some artists are booked?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: rhyzla
Date: 22 Nov 04 - 11:29 AM

May I suggest that the festival organisers give people interested in a positive Sidmouth 2005 an email address to go on a mailing list to recieve up to date information.

From that point on, I suggest a strategic withdrawal from this thread, as it seems to be infected by a critically verbose virus!!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Nov 04 - 11:11 AM

Who said you had to write in the first place John??????.I know i never in the last 3 weeks this thread has been running

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: The Barden of England
Date: 22 Nov 04 - 11:07 AM

I'm so fed up with all this bickering that this is the last time I'm going to put anything here.
Many of us are going to Sidmouth next year. I'm meeting up with a lot of friends who are looking forward to it. And yes, we know it's not going to be the same as it was, and neither can it be, but we refuse to live on so called past glories. To those who don't want to go - who's forcing you? Just don't go. Just shut up and leave those of us who do want to go the space here for what it's for - News, info and support for Sidmouth 2005.

John Barden

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Nov 04 - 10:42 AM

Well said,I will see you too not at Sidmouth though,maybe Chippemham.I prefer to be a nom-de-plume,enjoy your festivals next year Bowd Groupie.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,Bowd Groupie
Date: 22 Nov 04 - 10:29 AM

I think many of us have given up on Sidmouth for next year.

I have read all the posts from Stuart Hughes, Tony Day, John Golightly and all the people who hide behind nom-de-plumes.

They all seem very silly and childish. The sniping and name-calling and jockeying for position. So irksome.

Let these people play their games. The rest of us will go elsewhere and remember Sidmouth for what it was, a wonderful friendly festival in a gorgeous part of the world, sadly now past and clearly beyond saving.

Goodbye. See you at Broadstairs, Cambridge, Cropredy, Wimborne, Gosport, Bromyard, Chippenham and Whitby. But not at Sidmouth.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,
Date: 22 Nov 04 - 08:44 AM

Panto season - well that hits the nail firmly on the head, you need to grow up, school children in the play ground are by far more well behaved and productive.

When you all grow up and I mean ALL, you may begin to move forward and actually say something worthwhile.

Dont you understand that this thread, your bickering and striving for one-up manship/womanship is putting many many people of the festival.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,Terry the Tortoise
Date: 22 Nov 04 - 08:27 AM

Well said "the Devonian" what a brave response, as they say in the panto's

Oh Yes he will

Oh no he won't

Oh Yes he will

Oh no he won't and then again

"He's behind you"

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,The Devonian
Date: 22 Nov 04 - 06:18 AM

Baron Brazenose sounds remarkably similar to 'El Punkoid Nouveau' and several others in the small (and getting smaller) group of Mudcat posters who actually think Stuart Hughes is a good thing. Anyone who dares to challenge their plans for Sidmouth 2005 gets subjected to a torrent of childish unfunny abuse which says a lot about the people claiming to be organising events next year. The only chap who seems to ad anything new and interesting to the debate is Steve of Sidmouth and I shouldn't think he'll be too bothered about the pitiful attempts to do him down.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,Moneypenny
Date: 22 Nov 04 - 04:01 AM

Baron, that is a little unfair to "Steve in Sidmouth" who is doing his best to provide positve and unbiased information to ensure that doubt and confusion are spread to all. He is only trying to help and publicise his website, the name escapes me, to get his hit rate up.

Thankyou

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,Baron Brazenose
Date: 21 Nov 04 - 03:09 PM

The praise given by my princely colleague the Countess, towards the humble Doctor in Sidmouth was very refreshing to read. She again demonstrates her usual firm grasp of the situation and any lack of biase or vindictiveness. Indeed I would go further and praise him for his self effacing work in the community, without any thought of personal gain or self promotion. His contribution to the debate has been both insightful, arrogant and condescending and will no doubt help to make the 2005 festival a success, as anyone reasding his drivel will immediately realise what a complete pillar ooopps I mispelt that, must get a better quill, I meant pillock of the cummunity he truely is. Must go, my bath has just been drawn

Toodle Pip

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 21 Nov 04 - 05:55 AM

Our dear Hugo has never to my knowledge said anything about the festival. He writes a column every so often in the local paper. Just towing the party line on any topic of current interest. You can view his own website here http://www.hugoswire.org.uk

Thank you for comments about SeeRed - it's getting so big that I have trouble remembering which page is which. The Opinions thread is starting to contain some sensible discussion. It took some doing!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,Moneypenny
Date: 20 Nov 04 - 07:34 PM

Thank you "Steve in Sidmouth" for providing the only real news on what is happening in Sidmouth. The answer seems to be "Not a Lot" at present. I'm not sure the local M.P. Hugo Swire can make any difference as "Shadow Secretary for The Arts" or whatever his new title is. The best way he could help is by persuading his local Conservative councillors in East Devon to start supporting the festival again. Has Mr. Swire said anything at all about the festival as the local M.P. I wonder?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 20 Nov 04 - 11:11 AM

Minor updates to the SeeRed website including material on Hugo Swire - our East Devon MP and newly promoted Shadow Minister for the Arts - you can read all about him using the links on this page http://www.seered.co.uk/folk65.htm

The previous page http://www.seered.co.uk/folk64.htm contains a letter from me in the Sidmouth Herald (Yes Lizzie, it is one you have read already).

If you want a website that is really hard on the eyes because its so RED try http://www.broadstairsfolkweek.org.uk Page folk66 discusses Broadstairs very briefly because of a post on the BBC website.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,steve_vernon
Date: 19 Nov 04 - 06:07 AM

No problem El Greko, hope to see you & many others at 2005.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 18 Nov 04 - 05:13 PM

Fair do's, Kitty.
Steve, my apologies for having misunderstood the tone/intention behind that sentence!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 18 Nov 04 - 04:36 PM

El Greko

Steve's post wasn't spiteful at all.

In the handful of years I haven't made it to Sidmouth for Folk Week, since I first went as a teenager, I've had withdrawal symptoms.

It's quite reasonable to hope that people who don't come in 2005 will regret not having done so, because the success of a larger festival in 2006 will depend on the return of people who didn't come in 2005 as well as those of us who are going to be in Sidmouth in the first week of August next year.

Kitty (no relation) Vernon

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 18 Nov 04 - 09:56 AM

...and a flower in every gun.
Pass the stash...:-)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,Steve Vernon
Date: 18 Nov 04 - 09:44 AM

Oh Dear,

I seem to be able to upset even El Greko.

I have no wish to enter into petty bickering on this or any other site as I feel it's a waste of everyone's valuable time.

I merely wish to say that I, amongst others, will try to make Folk Week 2005 an enjoyment for all who attend. If people who chose not to come hear afterwards that it was a success, I hope that they will come to 2006 regretting that they missed an enjoyable week in 2005. Please give us a chance to provide you with that enjoyment in 2005. We are "doing it"!!!

Peace, Love & Joy to all, whether they chose to come or not & at the risk of upsetting even more people - remember even Jordan has her knockers !!!

Steve Vernon

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 18 Nov 04 - 07:58 AM

Steve Vernon,

you were doing fine with your last posting till your last sentence: "I trust that the people who want to come will still come & those who express a wish not to come will later regret their decision when they hear that it has been a success".

No need for spite. It's this petty bickering that has detracted from this, and its sister, threads. You want to do something? Fine. Don't waste energy arguing with your detractors - just get on and do it. Comments like the above help nobody, least of all the already polarised atmosphere around S2005.

I am sure the comment reflects little more than frustration on your part, so I don't take it seriously. I wish you success with your efforts, and may see you there in 2005. But if so, it will not be because I am trying to avoid "being sorry"...;-)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,Steve Vernon
Date: 18 Nov 04 - 07:11 AM

I'm more than happy to tell you about myself. I'm sure some people would say that it's my favourite subject.

I'm not very good at this internet & only logged onto this site because a friend suggested that I read the postings. I reply by using the box at the bottom & can't see how to register, that's why I'm a GUEST. Nothing more sinister than that.

My involvement in Folk came mainly from my time in Bristol where I was co-organiser of Yesterdays Folk Club, nationally known, booking top artists from around the world & setting a trend in clubs at the time; Artistic Director of the Iron Acton Folk Festival; Performing as a member of "Elecampane" folk theatre group; One of the founder members of Bristol Shantymen & regular MC & Caller.

I say this, not to blow my own trumpet, but to explain to Dr Wozniak who I am as requested. After a few years abroad I am now resident in Sidmouth & wanted to help support the festival in any way I could. My problem was that some people were accusing me of apeearing to support the festival on one hand & writing negative comments on this site under an alias. Now that Dr Wozniak has come out in the open I hope this misunderstanding will now cease.

Of course Dr Wozniak is entitled to air his opinions & I respect his stance. However I still firmly believe in Sidmouth Folk Week 2005 & will continue in my small way to support it from the inside as a working member of the Steering Group who went to the first meeting & shall attend the remaining meetings where possible.

I trust that the people who want to come will still come & those who express a wish not to come will later regret their decision when they hear that it has been a success.

I hope this clears it up, see you at Folk Week 2005.


Ta !!

Steve Vernon

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 17 Nov 04 - 06:22 PM

I have posted as "Steve in Sidmouth" albeit as a guest for a long time. About the time Inspector Clouseau started to make accusations about who was who, and things started to get silly, I thought it would be better if I registered on mudcat under the same name as I had previously used. All my posts have been under Steve in Sidmouth, originally as Guest, more recently as a registered user. I am aware of NO posts as Steve of Sidmouth that were not from me - there may of course be some on other threads.

Thank you for the (few) kind comments about my SeeRed website - I receive rather more from non-mudcat sources! As for the negative feedback, I have developed a thick skin. You need one around here.

I do not know who is on the steering group - and I live here! I have offered to host photos and biographies so we could all know more but have had no response. Enough said I suppose about open government!

Would Steve Vernon care to tell us a bit about himself??

On the BBC discussion board I post as "seered in sidmouth" - always as a registered user. They do not allow "guests".

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,Roger Hayes
Date: 17 Nov 04 - 10:14 AM

Amen to that.

I too find the posts from Steve of Sidmouth (Steve Wozniak) interesting and informative. His own website seered is worth reading. As a local resident himself with seemingly good knowledge of what's really happening he seems able to see through the verbal pomposity and promises of others.

Which is more than can be said for some of the other posts on this site from people with very thin skins.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 17 Nov 04 - 10:08 AM

Unless from Avril ;-)

But you're right, Dave, Steve Wozniak is well-known in the community and his views are consistent and respected (if not universally acclaimed). I've never heard of Steve Vernon (though that may be my loss).

Anyway, what do I care? At this rate, the very last place I'm likely to want to be in during the first week of August 2005 is Sidmouth.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 17 Nov 04 - 09:57 AM

I thought that mudcatter "Steve in Sidmouth" was Dr Steve Wozniak. Perhaps "Guest, steve vernon" you should become a mudcat member (it's free) under your own name, the problem with guesting is that anyone can claim to be you. Unless someone else knows my mudcat password all postings bearing my name have to be from me.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,steve_vernon
Date: 17 Nov 04 - 07:34 AM

To "Steve in Sidmouth" please have the grace to use your real name and not this pseudonym. I am the Steve in Sidmouth who attended the meeting & was asked to help out on the steering group. Unfortunately I seem to have been tarred with your brush & some people think it is me writing your consistently negative postings.

Please either stop or be prepared to use your real name.

Ta !!!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 17 Nov 04 - 06:07 AM

Closure of the Manor is not a likely option. EDDC are merely pointing out that in future it may have to 'pay its way' to a greater extent. EDDC are aiming to make us all feel so sorry for their financial plight and how well they are striving to overcome difficulties resulting from horrible nasty Mr Blair taking all their money. Closure is not a serious option. So relax on that score!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,Roger Hayes
Date: 17 Nov 04 - 05:16 AM

Only just noticed the news (above) from Steve in Sidmouth warning that the "loss-making" Manor Pavilion and Arts Centre might face closure by the Council.

First they cut funding to our Festival. Then they threaten to close our venues.

Someone should tell the Council that if you take events like the Festival away from Sidmouth then the venues used by the Festival are likely to make an even bigger loss as a result.

Spiral of decline? I hope not.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: John Routledge
Date: 16 Nov 04 - 11:34 AM

Already up to 32 in less than 1hr30m :0)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,Sidmouth Festival 05 Website design
Date: 16 Nov 04 - 10:01 AM

Stuart tell that clown that's bothering you that so far this month we have had 559 visits...so someone is finding it! also, if you put 'sidmouth festival 2005' into google, we are 33rd in the
list, not bad at all for a new site that's only been up a month or two.
If we paid a professional search engine company hundreds of pounds, they could only guarantee getting us into the top 30.

Within the next month we should move up a few notches.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: steve_harris
Date: 13 Nov 04 - 01:32 PM

"I used to be top of 300,000, now I'm only about number 8 out of 70,000. Still not bad."

Awwwwwwwwww shame !!!!

"It is likely that SeeRed pages on Sidmouth 2005 will continue to be highly rated by Google"

Why does Google rate sites full of rhetorical questions so highly? :-)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 12 Nov 04 - 02:50 PM

No festival news this week in the Sidmouth Herald - except that the Press Release of 9 Nov. from Tony Day was reproduced in full as an article. Otherwise, no mention of folkies at all. Front page shock horror news was that EDDC are so short of money they are saying that the loss making Manor Pavilion and Arts Centre will have to stop making a loss or closure will be an option. EDDC short of money did I hear you say? It must be the £100,000 they spent on a classy refurb of the entrance to the council offices ......

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 11 Nov 04 - 03:51 PM

""Can somebody please explain why a search of Google only produces links to the 2004 Sidmouth festival and the Mrs. Casey Music website? I thought Stuart Hughes had a new 2005 Sidmouth festival site but it doesn't appear on Google and that probably means news of 2005 is not reaching many of the people who might attend.""

The anonymous Sidmouth Resident who posted yesterday (09.26 hrs) should learn to use Google properly! Sidmouth Library staff will be happy to advise you. Use the correct search terms (including "2005") and Google puts Stuart at the top of page one. Use most search terms for the festival (including 2005) and SeeRed is at the top.

Setting up a website is no guarantee of inclusion on Google (I read someplace that 80% of websites are not even indexed by search engines because they are even worse junk that most of the 20% that are indexed). Companies that promise to submit your site to major search engines are a rip-off. If Google likes your site he (she?) will find it and index it. Submission can speed the process. Try too hard, copy material from elsewhere on high ranked sites in an effort to improve your rankings and Google may penalise you. Google might be a computer but it is clear she is a woman - usually placid and able to do hundreds of things at once and yet capable of fury if provoked. And she has a long memory. Just like Lizzie?

Some minor search engines use Google as their guide - if Google likes a site, they list it too. About 80% of hits on SeeRed that come via a search engine come via Google - it has a near monopoly across the world because it is so good at selecting what is worth reading. Jeeves is popular but I have never found him half as good as Google. Google algorithms are complicated (in fact there are many sites where geeks chat to swop notes on SEO - I only got interested when trying to get my pages on the PN highly listed. Took some doing!) But look at this link (and I shall know how many of you did, and also what you had for breakfast). http://www.seered.co.uk/google.htm
I used to be top of 300,000, now I'm only about number 8 out of 70,000. Still not bad.

It is likely that SeeRed pages on Sidmouth 2005 will continue to be highly rated by Google simply because they are well written (!) and part of a large website that Google likes for other reasons. So photos and news etc on SeeRed are likely to be widely viewed. It may be one of the top sites for people looking for news after Christmas. I could write more on this but I have other things to do - such as posting some opinions on market sectors on the other thread. By the way, if a website vanishes from listings for a few days or is seriously downgraded by Google it may only be part of a complicated thing called a dance.

Reply to Lizzie: why ask me to confirm what is on my website? Read it yourself at http://www.seered.co.uk/folk31.htm
And why don't you buy a tape recorder for listening to Show of Hands and come to a proper folk event - at least as proper as can be found in the Sid Valley! People even come from Bridport 30 miles away. Surely you can manage a short hop from your perch in Sidmouth?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: rhyzla
Date: 11 Nov 04 - 12:11 PM

Steve of Sidmouth - you mention me above in your post, and I am happy to reply, but will also do it on the other thread!!

(Well done, lizzie ..... I'm trying to catch up!)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,Devonian
Date: 11 Nov 04 - 12:09 PM

To John Golightly. In fairness John did make it clear in my message above where I was quoting directly from the article in 'fRoots' magazine. My basic point remains the same. The main folk music magazines appear to be pouring cold water on plans for Sidmouth 2005 and 2006. Surely that should concern us all?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Lizzie in Sidmouth
Date: 11 Nov 04 - 12:00 PM

REMINDER TO SOME PEOPLE

      This is ONLY about SUPPORT for Sidmouth Festival 2005!
   

      And therefore I will put my answer to various comments
      above over on the other thread "Sidmouth + or - opinion"



      Lizzie

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: John Golightly
Date: 11 Nov 04 - 11:28 AM

Just for the record - the words "some individuals still hope to organise some small-scale dances and sessions" did not appear anywhere in the article. That is Devonian's interpretation, (or his opinion of its meaning), to which of course he is fully entitled.

Essentially that part of the article was a greatly reduced version of the press release posted on this thread by Tony Day on 08 Nov at 06:57 PM.

The words and phrases actually used - several times- were "planning" and "intending to run", not "hoping to organise". The words "small-scale" did not appear anywhere.

John

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,Devonian
Date: 11 Nov 04 - 10:52 AM

Sad to see the 'fRoots' magazine has a report in the latest issue saying "plans to relaunch the Sidmouth festival are now seriously under threat."

The magazine criticises the council for cutting funding but reports on the October 23 meeting by saying some individuals still hope to organise some small-scale dances and sessions.

Coming after the 'Living Tradition' magazine report also questioning whether anything worthwhile can be kept going in Sidmouth it appears our media partners are deserting us.

I hope Eddie Upton and Folk South West can still salvage something from the Sidmouth shambles but it seems the tide may be flowing against us.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,Sidmouth Resident
Date: 10 Nov 04 - 11:25 PM

Why not do it yourself? It's not my job to promote Stuart's festival. If he wants anyone to attend he should promote it himself.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: steve_harris
Date: 10 Nov 04 - 09:40 PM

"I thought Stuart Hughes had a new 2005 Sidmouth festival site but it doesn't appear on Google"

If it bothers you, why not submit the link to Google yourself. It's not hard

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: steve_harris
Date: 10 Nov 04 - 09:36 PM

It's kind of Steve in Sidmouth to list me under "key people" but in mainly I'm just an opinionated punter who likes English Ceilidh :-)

All I've ever organised in the way of events is "Early Arrivals Balls" on campsites at Sidmouth and Towersey. See my dedication to "customer care" on http://www.netservs.fsnet.co.uk/ec/

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,Sidmouth Resident
Date: 10 Nov 04 - 09:26 PM

Can somebody please explain why a search of Google only produces links to the 2004 Sidmouth festival and the Mrs. Casey Music website? I thought Stuart Hughes had a new 2005 Sidmouth festival site but it doesn't appear on Google and that probably means news of 2005 is not reaching many of the people who might attend.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,Eddie
Date: 10 Nov 04 - 08:51 PM

Congratulations to Steve for setting the record straight on a few things. Interesting to read that SeeRed 'hits' are down. Maybe interest in Sidmouth 2005 is waning and people are voting with their feet or at least their mouse-hitting fingers. I'd love to see a few pics of regular contributors even though several of the contributors praising Stuart (Cllr) Hughes might have his photo next to their names. Think about it!!!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Lizzie in Sidmouth
Date: 10 Nov 04 - 04:11 PM

Steve, I just found this on your website! Under your heading of:

Thank you messages from Festival News, Friday 6 August 2004 (two of many)

".....................So to the 51st Sidmouth in whatever style it may take, I would ask you to support the Festival, support the organisers whoever they be, keep this great tradition alive and well for as long as you can and make it your gift to your children, so that Sidmouth celebrates with a Festival forever...................."

Underneath you've said that it is from.......Steve Heap, Festival Director.

Incredibly thoughtful words, especially from a man who must have felt very, sad, angry and betrayed at the time and probably still does!
However, I get the feeling that he wants it to carry on, no matter what, don't you?

After your website address it said folk/31.htm. Hope that helps you to locate it! (found it through Google!) Anyway,I hope that I've quoted it all correctly!

Perhaps you could verify this for me. And no, couldn't make Honiton, I have to stay in and listen to Mike Harding on Wednesdays! He often plays Show of Hands!!! :-)

Lizzie

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 10 Nov 04 - 10:15 AM

There was nothing about the Festival in the Sidmouth Herald of 5 November. Their new website is now live but does not contain everything that is in the paper version. SeeRed has been updated now that Ensim has been circumvented. (Don't ask.)

Following on from the Press Release of 9 November, I would like to produce a 'summary' on my SeeRed website of the key people involved - councillors, organisers, the band of 24 who attended on 23 October, keen mudcatters, so that we could all know more of who is involved (and doing what), their areas of expertise and experience. Photos would be included - send as jpegs to junephoto1 or [e-mail] please - and no bigger than about 10k. Or is someone else going to undertake this PR exercise? [e-mail]

I am sure we would all like to SEE Tony Day, Steve Harris, John Golightly, John Dowell, Eddie Upton, Barry Hunt, Lynne (MBS) and all the rest, not forgetting Lizzie of course. So what about it?

For the record I phoned both EDDC and John Dowell to ask if I could attend the 23 October planning meeting and was told a definite NO. So the people who now say it was a meeting 'open to anyone' are wrong. I emailed sidmouthfringe05 to ask to attend, the message was passed by Bill Lankester to Tony Day. I heard nothing. I offered, I asked, I was told NO. End of story.

For the record also, Stuart (Cllr) Hughes invited me to help with the arena events - after I stated that I didn't wish to be involved with the arena. It was not an invite to the main steering group where I and other interested locals could participate. Stuart had no remit to issue such an invitation anyway as he was not a group member at that time. End of story again.

Interest in Sidmouth has tailed off and I expect a resurgence only after Christmas. Hits on SeeRed folk pages are also down. The local folk club voted to offer £100 to Sidmouth Town Council's appeal (after some discussion) and some members think that 2005 will be 'better' than 2004 because the dancing will be in local village halls - no need to trudge into town. It takes all sorts I suppose......

See you at Honiton folk club this evening Lizzie? http://www.seered.co.uk/folkies.htm

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 09 Nov 04 - 05:16 PM

I've offered to run singarounds in the Theatre Bar, so hopefully they'll be happening again too!

Kitty

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Scooby Doo
Date: 09 Nov 04 - 08:13 AM

This is great news Tony,Sorry i wont be there but i will be thinking of you all enjoying the festival.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,Crystal
Date: 09 Nov 04 - 04:36 AM

This is wonderful news. It looks fantastic and kudos to the comittee for getting everything organised in such a short space of time!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: John Golightly
Date: 09 Nov 04 - 04:26 AM

Don't worry, we're on the case. This is a difficulty, yes. But not a show-stopper by any means.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,Bowd Groupie
Date: 08 Nov 04 - 08:34 PM

At last some concrete news of what's planned. Just one question though. When the Press Release says "the organisers of each event will be responsible for their own activities" does that mean the organisers of each and every event will also be responsible for their own health & safety, licensing and public liability insurance? As East Devon Council insist on £15 public liability insurance and a full risk assessment for outdoor events the cost to event organisers will be massive.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: alanww
Date: 08 Nov 04 - 07:38 PM

Well said, Tony!
That's the sort of good news we were all waiting for (or rather nearly all of us). I shall be there, no doubt as many other Mudcatters will be. I am sure that those of us who do turn up will do our bits to contribute to a less commercial but no less enjoyable festival. More strength to your arm and to the others in the steering committee - not forgetting the Sidmouth Town Council & East Devon District Council who will still be making contributions in money and/or in kind. Like the phoenix...
"I like to rise" ... again!
Alan

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Tony Day
Date: 08 Nov 04 - 06:57 PM

Sidmouth Folk Week 2005

Press Release                                        9 November 2004

Plans are coming together for a week of events under the title 'Sidmouth Folk Week 2005' to replace the former Sidmouth International Festival which has been held in the Devon town during the first week in August for the last fifty years.

Ever since the former organisers of the Sidmouth International Festival (Steve Heap and Mrs Casey Music) announced that they would not be running the festival in 2005, there has been uncertainty about what would happen to the event next year.

Over the last three months, several individuals and organisations have been planning their own events in the town during the first week in August.

But now these organisers have come together to co-ordinate their approach. Eddie Upton, Director of Folk South West said, 'I am greatly encouraged by the positive and co-operative spirit of the people who are dedicated to putting on folk music and dance events in Sidmouth in 2005. This could be a really exciting week of events, capturing the underlying spirit of the annual festival'

Amongst the events being planned are:

·        Concerts of folk music and song in The Manor Pavilion and hopefully The Bedford Hotel, organised by three separate groups – Eddie Upton of Folk South West, Wren Music and local folk musicians Barry Lister and Tom Addison. Eddie is a former Arena and Dance Producer at the festival, whilst Barry is a former Song and Arena Producer.

·        A social dance programme, organised by the festival's most recent social dance advisor Ray Goodswen, probably using Sidmouth College and St Francis Hall. Workshops during the day and evening dances are planned, with bands such as Pendragon, Orion's Ring and Kelly's Eye and dance callers and workshop leaders including Colin Hume, Chris Turner, Charles Bolton and Mike Courthold.

·        Arena concerts at the outdoor Knowle Arena. Confirmed guests include Show of Hands, The Strawbs, The Worzels and Battlefield Band. The events are being organised by Stuart Hughes and Chris Wale, Sidmouth-based festival supporters who also organise the town's Caribbean Night and Carnivals.

·        Morris dance displays in the town are being co-ordinated by local dance group Sidmouth Steppers who have spread the fame of the festival at Morris dance gatherings in many parts of the country.

·        Informal song and music events in several of the pubs and hotels in the town, including The Anchor (the Middle Bar Singers), The Radway (music session), The Bedford Hotel bar, The New Tavern and the Sailing Club.

·        Workshops and other events are likely to include the West Gallery Music Association, Cornwall Songwriters, storytelling, French dance workshops and a song collectors' forum. Links have also been made with Budleigh Salterton Arts Festival.

·        There are also plans for Ceilidhs and a camp-site and an application to hold a 'Late-Night Extra' event has been submitted to the authorities.

Sidmouth Folk Week 2005 is supported by Sidmouth Town Council, whilst East Devon District Council is providing some services including several venues.

Although the organisers of each event, or series of events, will be responsible for their own activities, an umbrella website has been set up on www.sidmouthfolkweek.org.uk and this will contain details of events and venues and, in due course, performers and ticket prices. There will also be links to the websites of individual event organisers, where these exist. There are currently no plans for a season ticket, but visitors to the town will be able to purchase tickets for individual events in advance, just like other arts festivals.

It is hoped to produce a collective programme of events in the Spring, with the Sidmouth Tourist Information Centre handling ticket sales. Currently, however, there is no funding for producing such a programme.

Individuals who are interested in joining the Sidmouth Folk Week mailing list are asked to send stamped and addressed envelopes to: Tony Day, Harvest Home, 8 Underhill Crescent, Lympstone, Devon, EX8 5JF. Or to email [e-mail]    Details will be kept on a database.

Anyone else who is interested in putting on events, or in helping with the arrangements, or in sponsoring events or publicity, can also use these contact details.

The dates of Sidmouth Folk Week 2005 will be Friday 29 July to Friday 5 August 2005.

End

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 08 Nov 04 - 10:46 AM

I was lucky to have known Bill Rutter - from my time as an EFDSS NEC member amongst other things. Bill would have hated some of this bickering - he would have just wanted people to enjoy themselves at Sidmouth. Incidently, one year Bill was 'arrested' and put on trial for a whole catalogue of alleged 'crimes' - there's a famous photo of him tied to a tent-pole in the ham marquee, with a noose above his head ! He thought the whole thing was a brilliant stunt.

Perhaps 2005 will enable the festival to get back a bit nearer to it's roots - in 1966 when I first went, it was amuch smaller event than in recent years - but I reckon it was probably more fun. As far as Linda and I are concerned, if we can enjoy ourselves and also provide some entertainment for others, it will be worth while.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,Lizzie in Sidmouth
Date: 08 Nov 04 - 06:40 AM

Dear Cropredy Fan, I'm not involved with the Sidmouth Festival, I just live here and adore folk music and the people it brings into my town. :-)

Really glad to hear that Cropredy is going ahead though, good news isn't it.

By the way, this is the first post I've made on this thread and it's only because you put some wrong information down about me, see above, so I thought I'd better correct it for you. :-)

As for criticism....the other Sidmouth thread is for that, see + and -opinions. This one is purely for information and support.

Not questioning your motives at all. But I think your post would have been better on the other thread.

The whole point of this one is to keep it clean, clear and totally transparent. For it to have the very 'family atmosphere' which you say is so important. Couldn't agree with you more. Good luck to all those who are trying so hard to get Sidmouth 2005 under way and to those organising Cropredy too.

Lizzie :-)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: John Golightly
Date: 08 Nov 04 - 06:22 AM

Hi Crystal

Thanks for that

There's a press release imminent - but it doesn't answer your specific questions - so here goes:

1) Yes, stewards will be needed
2) Can't say yet - stewarding will probably not be handled centrally as before, but will be the reponsibility of the organisers of individual events.
3) Email [e-mail]

John

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,Crystal
Date: 08 Nov 04 - 06:03 AM

Here are some (sensible?) questions. Will Sidmouth 2005 be needing stewards? What consessions would volenteers get? How do I voulenteer? I stewarded the kids festival this year and I really enjoyed myself and want to be involved again.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: MBSLynne
Date: 08 Nov 04 - 05:50 AM

This is the last time I intend to read, or post to this thread. The arguing and squabbling and general air of gloom is depressing and unproductive. So while I go off and do something positive to forward Sidmouth 2005 and, hopefully the re-born Sidmouth Festival in 2006, you lot stay here and squabble all you like...at least it keeps it in one place and the rest of us can ignore it if we choose.

Before I go, should I post a list of festivals I'm NOT going to in 2005? No? Not interested? Neither am I interested in knowing who ISN'T going to Sidmouth next year. I'd far rather hear about who IS.

MBS (Middle Bar Singer) Lynne

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,Steve Vernon
Date: 08 Nov 04 - 04:32 AM

To Sidmouth & Cropredy Fan. I echo your concern over the mud slinging & bickering on this website. As one of the organising team I would just like to say that until someone suggested I check out this site I was totally unaware of the mudslinging. As a group of enthusiasts we met in a positive & generally harmonious meeting with a collective will to move forward. Yes, we were disappointed over the inability of East Devon District Council to come up with the funding originally discussed. But we listened carefully to the Council Leader who gave up his time to come to the meeting & explain that although he couldn't give funding, offered all sorts of other help.As a Sidmouth council tax payer I can understand his position.

To you & any other former Sidmouth Festival Fans I say "Please don't think we are bickering amongst ourselves, we are united in our aim to put on a festival this year." It seems to me that the mudslinging is coming from people who aren't involved. I dont know why. Possibly they have their own agenda.

But I assure you all that we will be still working forward to put on something to bring people back to our town at the beginning of August

DONT DESPAIR ! Try it, you may like it.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: steve_harris
Date: 07 Nov 04 - 10:54 PM

I would echo the sentiments of "GUEST,a different guest" about the importance of responding properly to messages we don't happen to agree with.

Complaining about "negativity" is actually worse than no reponse at all.

Such good feelings as I have about the prospects for Sidmouth 05 come from people such as Ray Goodswen who has put togethger some events and announced them. And he's never urged me to be "positive". He's just taken action.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,Cropredy & Sidmouth Fan
Date: 07 Nov 04 - 04:14 PM

I have followed the debate on Sidmouth's future for months but have resisted posting until now. Can I please urge those in any way involved with planning a 'Festival' in 2005 (Stuart Hughes, Lizzie, Tony Day, John Golightly et al) to stop throwing mud at those who question (a) your motives, (b) your expertise, and (c) your chances of success for the following reason...

Sidmouth Festival is like Cropredy Festival insofar as people go because they feel part of one big happy family and enjoy meeting-up with other members of the Sidmouth / Cropredy family year-after-year-after-year.

Take away many of the family members or the family camaraderie and you risk losing what made the Festival so very special in the first place.

The only impression I get from the ongoing mudcat debate is that people who all claim to support the Sidmouth Festival cannot agree amongst themselves whether there should even be a Festival in 2005 let alone what form it should take.

The petty political point-scoring, mud-slinging and bickering on this website suggests a squabbling family and not a happy one. I and many others do not want to spend our hard-earned cash and much-treasured holiday-time in such an unsavoury atmosphere and that is why I will not be at Sidmouth in 2005.

Guys and gals, learn a lesson from the debate over Cropredy Festival's future. You won't find anywhere on the web the kind of slanging match taking place over Sidmouth. All you will find are happy people delighted that someone has managed to save Cropredy after the sad departure of the leading organiser.

Think.... then maybe you will learn why Cropredy will have 20,000+ happy people next August while Sidmouth will be but a sad shadow of its former self.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: John Golightly
Date: 06 Nov 04 - 07:31 AM

Guest - who posted 05 Nov 04 - 05:45 PM


Please read, mark, & inwardly digest the first 2 messages on this thread, which I posted.

Happy days

John

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: MBSLynne
Date: 06 Nov 04 - 05:06 AM

A different Guest....the reason I posted that message is because I am sick to death of the negativity that so many people are showing. You will see, if you look back, that I have been one of the ones trying to be positive, telling everyone how great it's going to be etc etc.... Someone who starts a message "I have no support whatsoever for Sidmouth 2005" isn't just saying they are worried that it might not be any good...they are taking it as a foregone conclusion. Well all I can say is "Stuff them". No I'm not involved in organising the festival itself, though I am actively supporting those who are doing so. I am as entitled to give my opinion of negative posts such as that, as they are of expressing their negative opinion of the festival so many people are (obviously) working very hard to make a good one.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,greg stephens
Date: 05 Nov 04 - 09:38 PM

I have a technical problem which obliges me to post as a GUEST but I'm sure most regular posters on Mudcat will recognise my name. I would just like to point out to anybody reading this thread that Mudcat members are very much supportive of Simouth Festival next year. The negative drivel on this thread and other similar threads is coming from pseudonymous or anonymous people who have their own reasons for being as they are are. That is their problem, not ours on Mudcat.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,Newbie
Date: 05 Nov 04 - 09:05 PM

It is the constant sniping back 'n' forth on this thread and others that has convinced my family to give Sidmouth a miss in 2005. There seem to be too many people arguing among themselves and I fear that does not auger well for a friendly family festival. Now please don't have a go at me as well. I have never posted before and probably will not post again. I just wanted to express my view that all the sniping is doing the good name of Sidmouth great harm.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,a different guest
Date: 05 Nov 04 - 06:23 PM

Just an observation, MBS Lynne, and I don't know if you are planning on being one of the organisers of the 'new' Sidmouth but, if you are, then please bear in mind that a huge part of being an organiser and stager of well-loved events is PR (that stands for public relations). You might want to consider a more conciliatory response to people who aren't immediately convinced that it will be their cup of tea than the yah boo sucks tone adopted above.

It's up to you of course, but as a marketing professional, I would suggest you bear it in mind. It does nothing for the uncertain masses and makes you sound unfriendly and unwelcoming (which I'm sure you aren't).

Much better to adopt something more along the lines of 'I'm sorry if you feel that way and hope you'll be back in the future...'

and I'm sure those trying to put this thing together and wanting all the good PR they can get would agree with me.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: MBSLynne
Date: 05 Nov 04 - 05:57 PM

Your loss Guest...we are going to have a great time and you are going to miss out!!! and in fact, with an attitude like yours, we are probably better off without you

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Nov 04 - 05:45 PM

I have no support what so ever for Sidmouth 2005,I believe the shops and pubs depend on us folkies on there living.So i will not be coming to Sidmouth in 2005,only too prove to them that they need us to survive the Winter months. I would rather go to a new festival that i have not been too before and see how the other folkies enjoy their festival through Sidmouth week.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Striper
Date: 05 Nov 04 - 04:51 PM

I am expressing an opinion for the first time re Sidmouth 2005.
It appears to me that someone has picked up the ball and run with it and is doing something right.'Cause they only ever go for one with the ball'.

Live music generally in this country is dying on it feet through some people not moving forward, how are we going to get youngsters interested in our traditional & contempory music, because at the end of the day if 'they' dont take it forward it becomes extinct. Variety and looking to the future is what we need right now, or we'll end up with no new live performers.

To the organisers of this festival I say Good on Yer.

To every one else 'Lighten up and lets have good festival' at least the music will be live and not generated by samples & computers.

Take care all
Striper

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 05 Nov 04 - 10:33 AM

No guest, I'm just interested in enjoing myself at Sidmouth as I'm sure I will.   Last year was the first time that I'd been at Sidmouth since 1981 and I had a great time. My first Sidmouth was about 1966.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,not THAT Steve of Sidmouth
Date: 05 Nov 04 - 10:18 AM

As one of the "2 dozen" I sometimes wonder if people want this event or not. Stop having a go at Stuart Hughes, he's not trying to take over, merely organising something in the arena when no one else would put their head above the parapet & offering to put any profit into Sidmouth 2006.

The rest of us are just trying to get SOMETHING happening. It WILL be different from what you've seen before (at the meeting someone likened it to Edinburgh Fringe where each venue & event is separate under an overall umbrella).

We WONT GET IT RIGHT FIRST TIME!!

But for goodness sake give us some credit for trying. We are not doing it for our own egos or pockets, but for YOU to come & enjoy & hopefully keep the thread going for the future.

To the other Steve of Sidmouth thank you for no longer taking my name in vain.

NOW LET'S JUST GET ON WITH IT!!

ps I first posted this on the opinions site, but I see everyone seems to be reading this one. Keep it up.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Nov 04 - 06:38 AM

Be very careful DB you are moveing towards the sensible and objective with your last post.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 05 Nov 04 - 06:29 AM

Linda and I (Barleycorn) will definitely be around - we've got our caravan booked on the Little Bowd Farm site. We'd be happy to help with with any song or mixed sessions/events as participants or organisers - I expect we'll be dropping in at both the New Tavern and the Middle Bar at various times. Last year we were involved with one great evening session in "The Swan" garden - John Barden was as well - be nice if we could get something like that going again.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: rhyzla
Date: 05 Nov 04 - 05:11 AM

Hey Barney, glad you like the photo!
1) Tell me where I have posted actually praising Stu Hughes - I merely suggest people get off his back
2) If the organisers think you are likely to beneficial to the festival, then you might get a booking
3) Isn't your question on the wrong thread?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: MBSLynne
Date: 05 Nov 04 - 02:55 AM

And so is the Middle Bar, of course, Leadfingers!
And the Folk Club session in the Volunteer Gardens on the first Friday night...

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: GUEST,Barney
Date: 05 Nov 04 - 12:56 AM

Hey rhyzla. Like the photo on your website. If I post lots of messages on mudcat praising Stu Hughes and Sidmouth '05 do you think he'll give me an arena booking as well?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Leadfingers
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 07:41 PM

As Far as Gerry Milne and I are concerned , the New Tavern is supposed to be a Goer for next year !!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Tony Day
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 04:09 PM

Oops!

d) Please wait for the press statement, rather than get info in dribs and drabs.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: Tony Day
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 04:08 PM

a) Yes.
b) A press statement will be made within days, and will be psted on here.
c) Yes. July 29 - August 5 2005.
d)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 01:24 PM

The old thread is too long and confusing. I (and perhaps others too) would appreciate a (short) resume in this thread of the current state of play, answering questions like:
a) Will it happen?
b) Who is organising it? How can they be contacted?
c) Do we know the dates yet?
d) Do we know any artists booked for it? etc

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: rhyzla
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 06:36 AM

Well done, John.

I am looking forward to playing at Sidmouth in 2005 for the first time as part of a band called rhyzome - I would think that we are one band already confirmed that very few people know much about!!

Find out more at www.rhyzome.co.uk , where we have announced our participation on the home and gigs pages!!

I think that the sooner that the Sidmouth website has more info, the better,but obviously it is early days.

Good luck with this new thread, and I hope the other one (opinions?) is less negative than before.

regards Barry Hunt

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: John Golightly
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 06:29 AM

... and here's the clickthingy for the other thread

Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions

Subject: Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support
From: John Golightly
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 06:12 AM

This thread is for those who have news, questions (straight, not rhetorical), suggestions, or something positive/constructive/forward-looking to say regarding Sidmouth 2005 and beyond.

It is one of 2 threads which are together a continuation of
51st Sidmouth festival
- so that's where to look for earlier postings.

The other continuation thread? Well, if you simply wish to express an opinion or ask a rhetorical question, or if you have a problem with the way things are going, or with which individual(s) is/are involved in helping them go that way, or if you want to discuss past history or high-level strategic issues, then please post instead to "Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions"

John Golightly