Sidmouth Sunshine and Sparkles!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Sunshine and Sparkles!
From: GUEST,Bellowhead Fan
Date: 22 Feb 05 - 02:11 PM

Bellowhead aren't yet confirmed for Sidmouth Lizzie.

See their website - the Sidmouth date is still to be confirmed.

Like so much of Sidmouth 2005, a lot is promised but so much is still to be confirmed.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Sunshine and Sparkles!
From: MBSGeorge
Date: 22 Feb 05 - 01:57 PM

Guest Anon - Lizzie hasn't started another thread giving people a chance to knock Sidmouth!!

All those who are mudcatters appreciate what it takes to keep a festival going and I for one am pleased to see different sides to what goes on for Sidmouth.

Lizzie you are very informative pay no attention to Anon.

George.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Sunshine and Sparkles!
From: Lizzie in beautiful Sidmouth
Date: 22 Feb 05 - 01:20 PM

Thanks Barry...I need you at my computer desk! How did you DO that??
I'm most impressed! It's purely because I'm left-handed you know! ;0)
Computers are COMPETELY designed for right-handed people! ;0)

Don't worry...I won't bite anyone this time around. Absolutely no need..... I Love All Those Grumblies! ;0)

Have just heard that BELLOWHEAD are coming too! This will give me the chance to see if they really are Best Live Act 2005! I've heard them on Mike Harding and the Radio 2 Folk Awards CD...they sound absolutely BRILLIANT! But then I'm a bit of a Spiers & Boden nutcase myself anyway.

Really plesed to hear they're coming too.

Lizzie :0)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Sunshine and Sparkles!
From: MBSLynne
Date: 22 Feb 05 - 09:25 AM

You are, of course, right Barry....wish I could resist...

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Sunshine and Sparkles!
From: rhyzla
Date: 22 Feb 05 - 08:50 AM

Lynne and Lizzie, Dont bite!! Don't waste your time!!

Here is Lizzie's photo link - sidpix

Barry

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Sunshine and Sparkles!
From: Cllr
Date: 22 Feb 05 - 07:24 AM

Brilliant weekend fantastic sessions looking forward to it in august

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Sunshine and Sparkles!
From: MBSLynne
Date: 22 Feb 05 - 07:22 AM

Oh Guest Anon, you ARE joking aren't you? The 2005 organisers are struggling to maintain enthusiasm?? I think you are looking at this from a very strange angle...where all the rest of us stand the enthusiasm is bubbling.

And Sidmouth resident...the only thing that you can really cast doubt on as far as licensing goes, is the Ham Marquee, and I'm sure that will be fine. Most of the other concerts, sessions etc are taking place in pubs and hotels which, I'm sure, have already sorted their licenses. If you are bothered about people on these threads knocking the festival, and damaging the festival, don't have a go at Lizzie about it...the best thing you can do is SHUT UP.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Sunshine and Sparkles!
From: GUEST,Anon
Date: 22 Feb 05 - 07:16 AM

Lizzie, why on earth have you started yet another thread which gives people yet another chance to knock Sidmouth?

The 2005 organisers are struggling to maintain enthusiasm as it is. We really don't need attention drawn again to the licensing problems, lack of volunteer stewards, no arena shows etc. etc.

I know you mean well but you actually harm the festival instead of helping it.

Please desist.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Sunshine and Sparkles!
From: Lizzie in beautiful Sidmouth
Date: 22 Feb 05 - 06:52 AM

See....I told you didn't I? Doh! Well...if you google it you should get there. Great piccies!

Lizzie

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Sunshine and Sparkles!
From: Lizzie in beautiful Sidmouth
Date: 22 Feb 05 - 06:50 AM

Thanks heaps 'Gervase'! I shall sing that now and think of Jim Jim Jimmy Jim Jim every time!

I really am just about to go out of the door now, but just in case any of you are feeling Sidmouth Withdrawal Symptoms, I thought you might like to look at the pictures on this site. Hope it comes out.
Terrible Dingbat with technology, but here goes:

http://www.sidmouth.ws/

Fingers crossed!

Lizzie :0)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Sunshine and Sparkles!
From: Dave Earl
Date: 22 Feb 05 - 06:41 AM

As it happens some of the Radway people were in the "Arena" on Sunday morning and by chance were found by some Anchor people who were out for a constitutional.

I am told that some songs, tunes and dances were shared during what I believe was a very pleasant free period.

I know because my partner was one of the Anchor people and led people through the dance "Trip to Bavaria". She says the tune was not the one she is used to but I think it all worked well enough.

So if they can do it during a winter weekend will it be possible to stop them during the first week in August.

Dave Earl

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Sunshine and Sparkles!
From: greg stephens
Date: 22 Feb 05 - 06:36 AM

Will the grumbling moaner be displayed in a cage at this years festival? It might be quite entertaining.

Subject: Lry: Eldorado
From: Gervase
Date: 22 Feb 05 - 06:32 AM

By the superb Graeme Miles...

MY ELDORADO
I had my hopes as we all had hopes
For what I'd be and what I'd do
But as my youth soon bloomed and faded
So all my dreams they vanished too

      I never found my Eldorado
      I never walked down silver sands
      I never saw those gold pagodas
      Nor held a sunrise in my hand
      But I just dreamed and dreamed a dream
      I just dreamed and dreamed a dream

I was just a kid just a scruffy kid
But I held the world in my grubby hands
But then the world just turned to water
Ran through my fingers into the sand

The terraced streets were my playground canyons
The shipyard cranes were my redwood trees
The steel yard tips were my mountain ranges
And the brick yard ponds were my seven seas

The public bar was full of sailors
They laughed and sang and told their tales
But I just felt as black as coal
Put down my glass and walked away

...and to hear Jim sing it - along with Graeme Miles' "Where Ravens Feed' makes the weekend worth the trip all on their own.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Sunshine and Sparkles!
From: Lizzie in beautiful Sidmouth
Date: 22 Feb 05 - 06:30 AM

In fact....I even have to GO out down to the sea. Sorry! Way too much excitement! It's all Jim McAdam's fault! I think he should record that song!

Lizzie

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Sunshine and Sparkles!
From: Lizzie in beautiful Sidmouth
Date: 22 Feb 05 - 06:27 AM

Hellooo El Greko! Glad your home from Oz safely! :0)

Helloo Sidmouth Grumblie!.....now then...The Arena.....Ah yes!! That beautiful park which no-one ever gets to see in it's naturally breathtaking state, (except me!)

Don't be daft..it won't be empty! It will be filled with 'the people' all dancing, singing, having their food and drink, lying in the sun, rolling down the hill....when was the last time you roly-polyied (?) with a Morris Man/Girlie down a hill?!....it will be filled with colour, laughter and FUN....'cos we're all going to be there with no rules, no regulations, no health and safety, no licensing laws, no smelly toliets,....just the sun, (or the rain), the trees, the grass, the voices and the music!

'Total Freedom In The Arena'.....Whoooo! Eat your heart out Tony Blair! 'Bums' to you Alistair Campbell! We're still Free People! You can NEVER stop us singing and dancing.

And now...I have to out down to the sea to check it's still there and sparkling in the sun!

Ah! The Bells...The Bells!

Lizzie ;0)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Sunshine and Sparkles!
From: GUEST,Sidmouth Resident
Date: 22 Feb 05 - 06:06 AM

"Would Sidmouth council be giving £5,000 towards the festival if there was going to be a problem with licensing?" -
Manitas at home

Answer: Yes. It's only Sidmouth Town council that's given a grant. The East Devon District Council (EDDC) is responsible for licensing and their grant has been cut from £60,000 in 2004 to £0 (nothing) in 2005.

That said, the atmosphere in The Anchor was wonderful last weekend and will no doubt be so in late July / early August.

One session does not make a festival though.

I'm sure those who return to my fair town in the summer will be able to enjoy singing in The Anchor and maybe even some morris dancers on the prom but if they walk up to the arena they will find it empty and if they go looking for all the concerts and dance marquees that made the festival so special they will find most (and maybe all) of them missing.

Come and enjoy the sessions, the sand, the sea, the sun but please don't try to pretend that the 'festival' will be anything like the fantastic festivals of years past. It will not be.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Sunshine and Sparkles!
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 22 Feb 05 - 06:05 AM

Lizzie, you're worth coming to Sidmouth for, just to meet you!
Watch out for someone with a sign saying "looking for L"...

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Sunshine and Sparkles!
From: Lizzie in beautiful Sidmouth
Date: 22 Feb 05 - 05:57 AM

Regular music sessions in Sidmouth throughout the year!!!! Jez...that's WONDERFUL! I've just gone into complete raptures about that idea.Mmmmmm.....Jim McAdam ALL year round! Quick! Kidnap him!

You Middle Bar Singers are a Sassy Lot! ;0) I truly enjoyed the time I was in The Anchor.....I was easy to spot guys...I was the one who didn't know any words!!! (I'm working on it though! ;0)..) I'll have to teach you all some Show of Hands songs next time!

Now then.....Jim McAdam!!! Whooooo! I think he's just become a new Hero of mine! Fancy being on a desert island with Jim....he'd keep me entertained for YEARS!!! ;0)   And when we were finally rescued I'd be able to sing ALL those gorgeous songs down at The Anchor with you!! Whoa Jim....my imagination is off and running now!! :0)

Dave.....how could I have missed you???!! I shall know who to look for in the summer if you're coming down! Hello to everyone else above as well....even The Grumblies!!

Yes...I even LOVE all The Grumblies on this thread....this is because there is NOTHING that they can do to stop my town coming alive in the First Week of August anymore. So...I shall even dance with them down on the sea front....That is if the Morris Men will let me! ;0) Hello all you Morris Girlies out there too! Wavey Smiley! :0)

I may even dance with 'Limehouse Lizzie'....isn't she from a Catherine Cookson novel....lurking down a dark alleyway, red shawl pulled tightly around her shoulders...waiting.....for who knows what.....and dreaming of a Beautiful Devon Town....Somewhere in England...filled with colour, music and dance! ;0)

Lizzie

PS Hello Lynne...Hello Kitty....Hello Alan :0)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Sunshine and Sparkles!
From: GUEST,Tatterfoal
Date: 22 Feb 05 - 05:40 AM

Does anyone have the lyrics to El Dorado I agree it was wonderfully sung and I would like to learn it as well.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Sunshine and Sparkles!
From: JeZeBeL
Date: 22 Feb 05 - 05:11 AM

Are there regular music sessions in Sidmouth throughout the year?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Sunshine and Sparkles!
From: Dave Earl
Date: 22 Feb 05 - 04:59 AM

"Is Steve H still involved?"

Wake at the back!!

NO

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Sunshine and Sparkles!
From: EagleWing
Date: 22 Feb 05 - 04:41 AM

"Sidmouth 2005 still has the potential to go belly up."

Surely that's true of every event, anywhere, that has not yet taken place?

Cropredy, for instance, is not being organised by Chris Pegg this year for the first time as far as I know. It could go belly up, but no-one is predicting that it will.

I'm with those who see the large council grant as a very good omen. (Despite being one of those asking awkward questions earlier).

Frank L.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Sunshine and Sparkles!
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Feb 05 - 03:53 AM

Is Steve H still involved?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Sunshine and Sparkles!
From: GUEST,MBSLynne
Date: 22 Feb 05 - 03:42 AM

Well I spotted Lizzie in the Middle Bar but I didn't say hello. I will do so in August!

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Sunshine and Sparkles!
From: Dave Earl
Date: 22 Feb 05 - 03:35 AM

Well Lizzie how come I didn't get to say hello?

There were a number of mudcat people in the Anchor on Friday (and Sat & Sun.

Was it because I was too intent on the Laughing, Drinking and Singing or were you keeping your light under the proverbial bushel?

Dave
(he of the breton cap (with badges), beard,and telescopic walking stick/trekking pole)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Sunshine and Sparkles!
From: Manitas_at_home
Date: 22 Feb 05 - 01:44 AM

Would Sidmouth council be giving £5,000 towards the festival if there was going to be a problem with licensing?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Sunshine and Sparkles!
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 21 Feb 05 - 06:56 PM

Lizzie

It was Jim McAdams who sang El Dorado.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Sunshine and Sparkles!
From: alanww
Date: 21 Feb 05 - 06:56 PM

Hi Lizzie in Beautiful Sidmouth.
Yes, I was in beautiful Sidmouth this weekend, mostly in the Anchor but a little bit in the Radway. It was lovely in the sun but let's hope it will be a bit warmer for the Folk Week!
Jim McAdam sang Eldorado on Friday night in the Anchor. He certainly has a fantastic voice.
A great weekend was had by all, both in the Anchor (unaccompanied singing) and the Radway (music), and it was a good taster for the Folk Week.
"And did those feet in ancient times ...!"
Alan

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Sunshine and Sparkles!
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 21 Feb 05 - 06:46 PM

Sidmouth Folk Week will be a good week for all of us who turn up to have a good time. Anonyomous posters can have their good time somewhere else if they want to.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Sunshine and Sparkles!
From: GUEST,Limehouse Lizzie
Date: 21 Feb 05 - 06:19 PM

... and everyone lived happily ever after in Lizzie-land.

Pity real live is so different.

Anyone in the know knows that Sidmouth 2005 is far from the blissful paradise described by Lizzie above.

Many of the promised events and venues have still not been approved by the council and many of the plans are just that... plans... and even the best-laid plans don't always come to fruition.

Full marks for trying Lizzie but your head-in-the-clouds optimism is not shared by those of us with our feet on the ground.

Sidmouth 2005 still has the potential to go belly up.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Sunshine and Sparkles!
From: Lizzie in beautiful Sidmouth
Date: 21 Feb 05 - 02:57 PM

Woops....grammatical error...unusual for me!! ;0) NOT! That should of course read something along the lines of...the 800 seater marquee down on The Ham where Show of Hands etc.etc. WILL BE PERFORMING.

This next bit is all said with a big, soppy smile on my face and is to be read in a 'fun' voice that doesn't cause offence. Curse that political correctness....read on...it's a free country, (just.. still!)

Ooh! I also forgot the sweetest (and possibly the MOST exciting bit of the evening, depending on how you view it!! ;0)..) when the lovely lady in charge of the Morris dancing mentioned that there were now so many teams coming into the town from all over the UK and from Brittany, all of whom are coming for free btw, that if ANYONE would like to offer a MORRIS MAN a bed please feel free!!

Well! What IS a Girlie to DO!!!! ;0) ;0) Dreamy Smiley!

Roll on Sidmouth Folk Week! ;0)

Lizzie :0)

PS I behaved impeccably by the way! ;0)

Subject: Sidmouth Sunshine and Sparkles!
From: Lizzie in beautiful Sidmouth
Date: 21 Feb 05 - 02:46 PM

Hello Chaps! I know I said I'd not come back, but w..e...ll it IS a Girlie's Duty to change her mind. ;0)

I thought you'd like to know that the organisation of Sidmouth Folk Week is up and running. The latest public meeting chaired by Eddie Upton, Tony Reed and Gordon Newton amongst others was superb.

The Town Council is donating £5,000 to the children's side of things and experienced students from Newcastle Uni. are coming down to help out. Sandra Kerr is doing The Festival Choir and John Kirkpatrick is in charge of The Festival Band. There is the 800 seater marquee down on The Ham, right by the seashore, where Show of Hands, Battlefield Band, Whapweazel, Kathryn Tickell, Bismarcks, Little Johnny England and LOADS more, with lots still to be announced. There is camping at The Bowd and Salcombe Regis, (with buses) there's the LNE up at Salcombe Regis too.

Everything is coming together in the most amazing way. The Sidmouth Herald has three pages dedicated to The Folk Week this week, ALL full of positive news. There is to be a music tent at The Ham and a Beer Tent too. The Arena, as you know, is not taking place, but I'm looking forward to sitting on the hill and watching some of you dance and sing, on the large paved area where the stage normally sits. Even Sidmouth's Loos AREN'T closing as was rumoured at one stage by EDDC, so you can all leave the pottys at home! ;0)


Both Eddie and Gordon are determined to keep the Folk Week centred in the town, which is going down extremely well with local people. Most of the 'rats' who thought they were leaving a 'sinking ship' have sold up and moved on and there is new blood coming in to the town, with support from hoteliers and shopkeepers alike. We EVEN have a new hotelier who is a Morris Man!! :0) How about that then! AND he's born in Sidmouth and so is his wife! AND they are really behind the Folk Week as are so many others. Even Mark down at Dukes Cafe, formerly The Marlborough, is having acts that are Folk Centred. The Anchor has all been painted up, with lovely new landlords, even Somerfields is being extended so you won't have to queue for hours like normal! Beautiful new lamposts along the seafront....it's just all starting to happen!

There was only ONE 'slight problem' at the meeting.....Oh SeeRed....Where are you? ;0) Friendly Giggle, Steve! ;0)

However, you'll be delighted to know that Steve has been turned into our very own 'Sidmouth Star'. Yes, SeeRed Steve has made it into The Sidmouth Herald as the most wonderful cartoon! There he is bless him, with his bow and arrow, which has 'Constructive Criticism' written all over the arrow, which he is aiming at a Sidmouth Folk Week 2005 Air Balloon which has Eddie Upton, Tony Reed, Gordon Newton and their Folk Week colleagues in.

Now Steve....you have to admit it's good! It's not nasty and it's been drawn very well. I recognised everyone. As you say elsewhere Steve, it was a very positive night all round. Eddie Upton has handed the torches, the symbols of Sidmouth Festival, to all of us to take Sidmouth forward, support it and love it again.

I think Steve, that it is very fitting for you to end up in the paper like that, as you have sort of become a bit of a Local Mascot. No other town in Great Britain has a Seered Steve, as we do, and I think it's lovely that you've been acknowledged in that way.

So...let's all make up and be friendly. That room was just buzzing with excitement about this year's First Week in August! And having just had all the Middle Bar singers and musicians down this weekend...I can't wait for it all to start and for them all to come back again. And by the way....WHO WAS THAT MAN who sang, (not sure if this is the actual title!) 'I never found my Eldorado'...all about terraced streets being his Grand Canyon. He sang it in The Anchor on Friday night, towards the end...had a long grey ponytail...(I LIKE ponytails! ;0)..) and he just belted out that song. What a singer!
What an accent..(Scottish..I LIKE Scottish accents! ;0)..) He was right inside that song, brought it alive. You were GREAT whoever you were!! Big Kiss, just for you..Mwa! ;0) :0)

I will also be very pleased for anyone else who is going anywhere else and wish you lots of enjoyment at your festivals or folk weeks too, WHEREVER they may be.   

But you just CAN'T beat Sidmouth...for we've got our SeeRed Steve!;0) ;0)
And he's going to be dancing his little cotton socks off in a few months, with a huge, happy smile on his face!

But then again....maybe......! ;0)

Lizzie :0)