Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support

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

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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,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: 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,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: 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: 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: 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: 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,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: 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,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: 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,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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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,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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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?