Sidmouth Folk Week 2006

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Lizzie Cornish
Date: 20 Feb 06 - 12:45 PM

From Steve in Sidmouth:

"I think we need to enjoy Sidmouth and the world while it lasts - if the worst happens (which I naturally believe it will) Sidmouth will be under the waves and all we shall have left are a few faded images of how life once was, and of course a few songs. Our town council will probably be in a bunker somewhere, debating the colour of roofing felt on a garden shed, oblivious to the fact that the whole road has been washed away.

Believe it or not, when I bought my home in Sidford I checked how far above sea level it was, and having in mind even in those days the melting of the icecaps. It may not be long now - and as a scientist I know a bit about positive feedback. It's very dangerous. It is why a door slams shut so suddenly and why Chernobyl was an accident waiting to happen (any increase in temperature makes the moderator less effective). Negative feedback is so much safer, don't you agree?"



From Oliver Wendell Holmes, author and physician 1809-1894:

"What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lives within us."



From Me: I'm 100% with Oliver on this one Steve.



:0)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Lizzie Cornish
Date: 20 Feb 06 - 12:39 PM

Hi Kitty, thanks, it was lovely to see so many of you too, and to finally put names to some faces...and a big (((hug))) to Cllr too.

Lizzie :0)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 20 Feb 06 - 10:08 AM

Lizzie - it was good to see you in the Anchor yesterday.

Last year's festival was a stop-gap, and jolly good it was too.

The plans for the 2006 and following years' festivals seem to be shaping up pretty well.

There will be a full and co-ordinated programme of events this year, additional concert venues, great guests and family season tickets. It's pretty good value even without the Ham marquee. OK the seasons don't cover the evening Ham marquee concerts, but they do cover earlier concerts there, and there will be a 1/3 discount on evening concerts for season ticket holders.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: breezy
Date: 20 Feb 06 - 09:22 AM

1 - 1 ?

but whose counting anyway?

is this a 'dancer v singer' syndrome ?

great entertainment nevertheless.

Beats big brother.

2nds out

next round

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 20 Feb 06 - 08:56 AM

Lizzie.

My dearest petal.

I have received a few considered comments on my draft report, and I have noticed yours. The webpage is being updated. The other evening, whilst you were no doubt busy continuing to vent your emotions, I (and several folk dance friends) were supporting the organisers of Last Minute Ceilidhs by attending one of the Great Western Ceilidhs in Exeter. It really is a case of 'use it or lose it' with many of these local folk events, so where were you?

It was a splendid evening, the Pixies were in fine form and all that was missing was the sight of you with my name on the top of your hug card.

The next day, I was busy supporting another local dance group. It's all worth it just for the hugs - you should try it sometime, it might make you more equitable.

As for the 'daft' woman at the meeting, I was told all about her and considered putting a dismissive comment in my report. However, it was pointed out to me that I should report what she said without being judgemental. It was also pointed out to me that despite the fact that she may well be 'bonkers' what she actually said has (to my direct knowledge) been said many times by many people in Sidmouth. It is sad I know, but it is also a fact.

As for your comment:

It was Steve Heap's Sidmouth which brought me to live in this town in the first place and for that I will always be very grateful, because it has given me a music that I love.

Yes I know, it's one the reasons I came to live here too.

I think we need to enjoy Sidmouth and the world while it lasts - if the worst happens (which I naturally believe it will) Sidmouth will be under the waves and all we shall have left are a few faded images of how life once was, and of course a few songs. Our town council will probably be in a bunker somewhere, debating the colour of roofing felt on a garden shed, oblivious to the fact that the whole road has been washed away.

Believe it or not, when I bought my home in Sidford I checked how far above sea level it was, and having in mind even in those days the melting of the icecaps. It may not be long now - and as a scientist I know a bit about positive feedback. It's very dangerous. It is why a door slams shut so suddenly and why Chernobyl was an accident waiting to happen (any increase in temperature makes the moderator less effective). Negative feedback is so much safer, don't you agree?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Cllr
Date: 20 Feb 06 - 06:18 AM

Yes Breezy she was staying at my place along with a few others. we had a great weekend. Cllr

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Cllr
Date: 20 Feb 06 - 06:17 AM

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Mrs_Annie
Date: 20 Feb 06 - 05:04 AM

Don, my sentiments exactly.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: breezy
Date: 20 Feb 06 - 04:32 AM

was guru there?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 20 Feb 06 - 04:18 AM

It ill behoves one whose standard attitude is one of disdain and sarcasm to lecture others on sense of humour.

If your only purpose in posting is (as it seems to be) to belittle the efforts of others to keep Sidmouth alive, then I would suggest that your contribution is valueless, and unwanted.

Don T.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: GUEST,Cupid
Date: 19 Feb 06 - 07:51 PM

Serious humour bypass you have there Don.

And I'm sure Cllr. and Lizzie go together very well.

Two of a kind.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Cllr
Date: 19 Feb 06 - 07:27 PM

Don excellent post LOL
Cllr

PS I met lizzie today and it was a pleasure. A very nice person!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 19 Feb 06 - 06:09 PM

We know who Lizzie Cornish is. OF COURSE we are more likely to take her seriously than one who comes here to register dislike for her under the name GUEST Cupid. Pretty inappropriate to the kind of posts you generate, not much love there mate.

Duh!

Don T.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: GUEST,Cupid
Date: 19 Feb 06 - 05:59 PM

Lizzie.

Do you really think anyone takes YOU seriously?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Lizzie Cornish
Date: 19 Feb 06 - 11:20 AM

Manitas I'll try but, it is *so* difficult to keep from going blue when 'red' is all around me! I've literally just got back from The Radway and The Anchor in town, and the happiness and feeling of community that I saw there..well...it makes you feel very emotional. For *anyone* to want to undermine Sidmouth Folk Week or seek to destroy such an atmosphere is totally beyond belief, it really is.

I know that what Stevie puts on here is no longer taken seriously but even so...it still upsets me that someone can say such things about Sidmouth, when for so very long it has been such an inspiration in so many people's lives. Ah well..best to leave him to it, I think. I've said far more than I should have anyway. Must write on my computer screen "Do not go near keyboard whilst frothing wildly at the mouth!" ;0)

Not long to Folk Week though...and as all those happy people in The Anchor called out about 30 minutes ago, hugging each other lovingly whilst bidding farewell to one another....

"See you in the first week of August!"

I'm sure they did this in The Radway as well of course, it was just that I was in The Anchor at the time, having been in The Radway earlier. Thanks to everyone for a brilliant weekend of music and songs, depsite the rain pouring down, and it was lovely to finally meet some of you.....and a great big hug to (((Dave Earl)))too! ;0)

Lizzie :0)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: GUEST,Jim Martin
Date: 19 Feb 06 - 08:52 AM

Totally agree with your comments re International Fest Sidmouth Resident, I know many others who agree with us!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: GUEST,Sidmouth Resident
Date: 19 Feb 06 - 08:38 AM

I was also at the meeting and have to say Steve of Sidmouth's report is pretty accurate.

Yes, Lizzie, there were some positive comments but there were also many negative ones and the woman who said she was glad to get rid of the international arena sadly spoke for many Sidmouth residents who never liked the Folk Festival and don't like the new Folk week much either.

Of course those who have shops or B&Bs are quite happy to take the money of those who attend the Folk Week but it's when you see them in a meeting in mid-winter instead of in Sidmouth in the summer that you realise they're also very happy to bite the hands that feed them.

As one who would love to see the return of the International Festival because it was the colour of the international dance sides and arena displays that I most enjoyed, I found last week's meeting terribly depressing.

Sorry Lizzie but that's the way it is. Don't hit me when you see me in the grocers!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: manitas_at_work
Date: 19 Feb 06 - 06:25 AM

Take a breath Lizzie, you're going blue!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Lizzie Cornish
Date: 19 Feb 06 - 05:15 AM

And...when I quoted this above, from you site:

"..One person said that she was glad to get rid of the International Festival and all the arena events, which she saw as overpriced. She saw the 'new-look' Folk Week as being much more in the spirit of the 'old days'. Her view, that the town is glad to be rid of all the 'excess' of the Steve Heap years is one shared by many local people and some older folkies..."

..and then put my response above, there was one thing I forgot to add, mainly because I was raging at the time and not thinking straight (!)

It was Steve Heap's Sidmouth which brought me to live in this town in the first place and for that I will always be very grateful, because it has given me a music that I love. However, I would still have chosen to come and live here if I had wandered into Sidmouth during last year's Folk Week. The atmosphere in both festivals was (and is) palpable. It is something very precious and should never be undermined, in my opinion.

A lot of local people loved The Arena, myself being one of them, but we also realise the huge financial risk that goes with it and that having the main festival events in the heart of the town is an extremely good idea.

You also I think forgot to mention Eddie Upton/Derek Schofield talking about last year's Folk Week. Explaining that when they first started last year, there was *no* money, but they struggled on and very quickly they were being swamped with support from artists and visitors alike.

Also, when you mentioned this:

"...In passing, Eddie Upton noted that a member of the Old Rope String Band had been killed by a hit and run driver - the band had since reformed into the New Rope String Band and would perform in the Manor Pavilion..."

...you did not report that properly either!

Eddie made a *special* point of telling people how *very* pleased he was that The New Rope String Band were coming to Sidmouth this year. He explained the tragedy of Joe's death and that of his friend Keith too...his voice almost cracking with emotion at times..and then he said how thrilled he was to hear that the band was continuing to play and that they would be in The Manor Pavillion during Folk Week.

In no way was that done 'In Passing', it was done with much tenderness and emotion, and I am sure that their concert will bring many a tear to people, but also a deep feeling of happiness that Joe's memory lives on through his music and his friends. And here they all are:

http://www.newropestringband.co.uk/

And here is the Old Rope String Band as well:

http://www.oldropestringband.co.uk/

I very much hope to be able to see them, although I've a feeling they will probably sell out very quickly.

And last night, in my town, Folk Week Winter Reunion took place and once again the pubs were filled with musicians and singers.....and it was wonderful!


Lizzie :0)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Lizzie Cornish
Date: 18 Feb 06 - 01:59 PM

Annie, I was sitting right in the front and I heard nothing but positivity coming out of that meeting. They spoke about the huge success of last year and the huge support and many letters they have had from a lot of people.

I am so seething (as you can probably tell) that I can't even put a Smiley on the board! (never been known before!).....

Apologies to all for exploding, but there are times when you just have to!!


Lizzie

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Lizzie Cornish
Date: 18 Feb 06 - 01:36 PM

Stevie Scarlett!!!!! OOOOOOOH!!!!!

Don't you go smiling at me at that meeting when all the time you were sitting there writing twaddle and doing your usual thing of putting the festival down at every opportunity....casting doubts and printing things in the most negative way you possibly can....whilst getting people to 'hit' your meddling website! And the way you cleverly just add it in amongst the good stuff! OOOOHHH!!!!OOOOOHHHHH!!!!!!! 'Tis a good jod you're out of my reach Stevie else you'd have your head down something very uncomfortable at present...and you'd be feeling more than a little flushed!!!!


OOOOOOOHHHHHHHH!!!! How...HOW can you keep doing this Stevie????

OK...a few bits you mysteriously decided to leave out of the Stevie Snipes on your Website:

Eddie Upton talking gently but passionately about how, for *so* many people Sidmouth has become their 'spiritual home'...as they've been coming here *every* year for decades!

The hotel owner who was asking about tickets for his guests and then stated that he's already booked right up for this year...and that people had booked up *last year* to come back again this year!!!!!

That lovely man, Lawrence Heath, who's helping to run The Ham this year, standing up telling us all about the great acts who are appearing there and then telling us how he and his family have been here every year since the 1970's and their daughter has *never* had a year in her life *without* Sidmouth being in it...and how they booked to come here back last year even without knowing if Sidmouth was taking place....because they knew that it would never die and they wanted to keep Sidmouth in their lives FOREVER!!


OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

And that *DAFT* woman whom you've written this about on your site:

"..One person said that she was glad to get rid of the International Festival and all the arena events, which she saw as overpriced. She saw the 'new-look' Folk Week as being much more in the spirit of the 'old days'. Her view, that the town is glad to be rid of all the 'excess' of the Steve Heap years is one shared by many local people and some older folkies..."

....IS NOT TALKING FOR THE TOWN OF SIDMOUTH!!!!!!! That DAFT woman was talking through her usual drunken haze...perhaps you noticed the aroma as you went out Stevie...and she is to be seen almost every day staggering along the pavement just past the Post Office, she lives round there..she has also been banned from quite a few venues, and, quite frankly should have been banned from the meeting after the disgusting claptrap she was coming out with!....and which YOU have decided to use on your site!!!!! OOOOOOOHHHHH!!!!!

Her crazy view is not "shared by many local people or older folkies"...THAT is *your* opinion and those are your words and what *you* want people to believe. I've spoken to many local people and shopkeepers and they all thought that last year was fantastic!! They felt that the festival had become 'theirs' again...Oh and do you remember Eddie saying that yet *another* local business had come forward asking to sponsor Sidmouth this year? Paragon Books I think it was.....
   
BOTH OF YOU are going on that Trebuchet, except this time you are NOT going to Budleigh Salterton...oh no, no, no,...even Budleigh is too good for you....this time I'm sending you over to Florida...no...not Disneyland...I'm aiming for the Swamps and the Crocodiles this time Stevie....because I've had ENOUGH!!!!

I KNEW you'd be up to something! I DID!!!!! When Eddie asked "Any Questions?" and there was a *total* silence from you, I went cold all over...others were very pleased about it, but I KNEW what you'd be doing!!! And when that chap mentioned about his friend and the Arena he was told about Blackmore Gardens having far more to offer this year and he was very pleased and satisfied with what he heard, saying that he would pass it on to his friend! OOOOOOHHHH!!!!

And you didn't report on our lovely Excitement Officer(my phrase, not an official one)...bless her...young Jo...who was there, as she said, purely to offer Enthusiasm and Excitement! WHY didn't you mention her Stevie???? Probably too darn busy trying to make out that no young people want to come to Sidmouth I expect! Jo came down all the way from Bath for that meeting Stevie....because she believes in Sidmouth Festival and wants to do all she can to help!

Shame on you!!!

Perhaps they should make *you* the Pessimist Officer...and we could have some Stocks in Blackmore Gardens where we can all throw wet sponges at you...I reckon at £2 a time we could make a *fortune* and ensure Sidmouth's future well into the next century!!

OOOOOHHHHHH!!!

And you heard Phillipa talking about the EthnoFolk people coming in this year for the teenagers and 'older' young people! You heard her saying how Blackmore Gardens is going to have a Village Green feel, with far more things to do...And what about all those great students from Newcastle coming down to teach in the workshops...bigger craft tent, more for the children to do etc....Laurel Swift coming back this year too....

OOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

I had huge respect for all the people associated with Sidmouth Folk Week yesterday...but TODAY after reading your pessimistic rubbish, my respect has increased a thousand fold for them....because to go ahead and do what they are all doing *so well* with such love and committment, whilst having to put up with complete twits like you...well...it just goes to show how *deep* their love for Sidmouth *truly* is........

....and how *utterly* shallow yours is!!

Sidmouth Folk Festival will continue for a very, very long time to come Stevie, for the very reason that it is *so* loved by the people who are committed to keeping it going...and that includes *all* the people who come here year after year after year, along with those working so hard behind the scenes.

Oh..and you also forgot to mention how the audience last night was played in and treated to some lovely music from Eddie, Tom and John...AND how all the chairs were not on the stage, but out there on the floor with all of us, as they wanted the meeting to be very informal and very open.

You do yourself *far more* of an injustice than you do them Stevie.


Lizzie

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Mrs_Annie
Date: 18 Feb 06 - 12:46 PM

I would like to read a report from an official source and one not so obviously 'biased'.

Anne

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 18 Feb 06 - 11:17 AM

Report of a public meeting held in Sidmouth on 17 February.
Nice to see you there Lizzie!! page /folk90.htm on my website or direct from http://www.seered.co.uk/folk90.htm

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Lizzie Cornish
Date: 11 Feb 06 - 07:49 AM

But then again....that Guest 'Me' above *may not* be you Stevie.....Hmmmmm.....

Tell you what though...I rather fancy that vision of a 'Swirling Sea Of Morris Men'....I think we should have that all year round in Siddy...I'll get on to East Devon District Council straight away and suggest it!

Morris Men haven't taken to wearing Jimmy Choo Shoes as well have they? I don't think I could cope with that. :-(

;0)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Lizzie Cornish
Date: 11 Feb 06 - 07:08 AM

Er... ???'Guest Lizzie Cornish'??? ;0) ;0) :0)

I like the spin job there Stevie, very funny..it quite made me chuckle! BUT you let yourself down over the Jimmy Choo sandals I'm afraid!

I could *never* love a Shanty Man who wears Designer ANYTHING!!!!

We only have REAL Shanty Men in Sidmouth...I guess you is just going to the wrong festivals!! ;0) YOUR Shanty Men aren't wearing Designer Dresses as well are they? Sheesh! Another reason to Support Sidmouth!! All the other festivals have cross-dressing Shanty Men! WE may be the only one left in the country that's not awash with Jimmy Choo Shoes! Where are those Wareham Whalers....someone put a 24 hour guard around them immediately...and check their wardrobes whilst we're about it...just to be on the safe side! ;0)

And er...NO Stevie...if it's all the same to you...I'll pass on holding your hand under the moon, on the cricket field. (Whoa! Deeply Scary Smiley!) There will be far too many Shanty Men wearing REAL Shanty Men's Shoes in town who will already be on my Dance Card...besides, now I know about your ChooShoe Habit I'm more than a little worried! ;0)

See you next week I expect!

Lizzie :0)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: GUEST,Lizzie Cornish
Date: 10 Feb 06 - 08:10 PM

Now Stevie Red. Control yourself. And all your alter-egos.

Your last sentence is so badly mis-spelt that I think you must have taken some IVDF yourself.

Helps stop the brain working and makes you ramble which is something I never do.

The Public Meeting has been called to give leading citizens in Sidmouth like The Mayor and myself the chance to say how absolutely sooper dooper this year's Siddie Festival is going to be especially now Tom and Tom are coming this way even though dear Phil and Steve are not.

There will be dancing on the Prom, much merriment in hostelries, singing in the public toilets and much drunken debauchery around the Ham, maybe even on the cricket field Stevie if you'd like to join me in the age-old festival tradition of holding hands and dancing around the cricket square at sunrise chanting "Stevie Red, Stevie Red, Sidmouth Festival is not dead".

I can hardly wait but must console myself with Radio Britfolk to while away the hours til August when the world and its onion will once again transform my beautiful idyllic little devonian haven into a swirling sea of morrismen, coconut dancers and hunky shanty singers with beards to their navels and Jimmy Choo sandals on their feet.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: GUEST,The Sidford Sage
Date: 10 Feb 06 - 06:37 PM

"Old Buzzard turns into Screaming Banshee" Shock.

You heard it here first - Lizzie admits to amazing transformation.

It's worth going to the Public Meeting next week just to see her howling at the moon.

As for the IVDF Festival, I must admit I've never heard of it.

IVDF sounds the likes of medical treatmen women of advancing years like Lizzie take to balance their hormones.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Lizzie Cornish
Date: 10 Feb 06 - 05:27 PM

Hi Tom....great news to hear Napper & Bliss are coming to Sidmouth this year! I shall book my tickets as soon as possible...and I'm sure we'll bump into each other during the week, no worries! :0) Now...if you'll excuse me...I have to deal with Steve in Sidmouth, formerly known as SeeRed Steve...(Apologies for the following outburst Tom) ;0)



Stevie Scarlett come over here IMMEDIATELY!!!

Right...now then....there is a public meeting about Sidmouth next week and I just want to tell you in advance that if you come out with cr*ppy comments like the one above, I shall probably turn into a Screaming Banshee...right there in the middle of the meeting!!

Now if you remember, last year you got a very loud and slow handclap from practically the entire audience for being such a pessimist! PLEASE Stevie....don't let me down and start coming out with waffle like that again!

If Steve Heap had wanted to stay doing Sidmouth I'm sure he would of.
He got fed up with it all and who can blame him after so many years?But you must have seen on the local news the other day that Devon is now £36,000.000 (yes...million!) behind the rest of the country in Council Grants, because apparently Terrifying Tony and Angry Alistair regard Devon as a very rich County and have therefore cut our Grants back! So....there is now even less money to go round, because of the Complete Prats in charge of my country! (Although *where* all the Good Guys have gone I've no idea..all as bad as each other)

Basically Stevie...we *ALL* need to stand together over Sidmouth..there ain't no-one else who's going to help us!

So...either you stay living in Sidford, having one of the most beautiful festivals, in one of the most beautiful settings, right on your doorstep, which you encourage and support in every way possible....or..I suggest you up sticks and move Lock, Stock, Caravan and Meddling Computers up to Beverley! I'm sure Steve Heap would love to have your support and admiration!

Failing that...perhaps you'd like to organise a SeeRed Rebellion and march on Downing Street and find out what they've done with our £36,000.000 'cos there's an awful lot of Folk Festivals in that amount! Mind you...it would probably only keep Cherie in Designer Outfits for a year or two! (oooooooooh!...sorry...don't mean to be horrid, but *that* woman drives me round the bend!)

There are people 'out here' Stevie who are working so *damned* hard for you and for everyone else...and most importantly, working hard to keep Sidmouth ALIVE...and if you're going to go to that meeting to stir things up and come out with Nauseating Nincompoopish comments like that, then I'm going armed with a basket of over-ripe tomatoes and my Arnold Schwarzenegger water pistol strapped to my back!

So watch out!!!!!! ;0)

Sheesh!


Lizzie :0)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Snuffy
Date: 10 Feb 06 - 09:14 AM

That was posted back in February of last year, Steve.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 10 Feb 06 - 07:48 AM

Copied from another Mudcat thread.

"Good to see Steve Heap is now helping to organise Beverley.

Sidmouth's loss is Beverley's gain."

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Folkiedave
Date: 09 Feb 06 - 05:25 PM

Just as a point of information/interest the oldest continuing festival in UK is
http://www.ivfdf.ucam.org/

though it does change venue each year.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 03 Feb 06 - 09:39 AM

Didn't think for one second that was either of you.

Don T.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Feb 06 - 08:14 PM

Just for the record: The Tom who doesn't like the smell of Sidmouth is neither Tom Napper nor Tom Bliss. We visited on tour last year and walked on the beach. It smelled lovely, and we're looking forward to second helpings.
Tom Bliss

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 02 Feb 06 - 07:58 PM

That really takes the biscuit Tom. You overhear one comment, and from that alone you manage to hypothesize a negative attitude attributable to Sidmouth people in general.

The government is always on the lookout for statisticians of your calibre to prove the unprovable for them. Perhaps you should apply.

Don T.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: GUEST,Tom
Date: 02 Feb 06 - 06:35 PM

Overheard in a Sidmouth foodstore well known to festival-goers on Thursday afternoon.

One elderly woman complaining about the smell from the beach.

A distinguished-looking gentleman replying that the smell "is almost as bad as those dreadful people who invade our town during summer festival week".

Nice to know the locals welcome our presence!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: GUEST,Sidmouth Resident
Date: 01 Feb 06 - 09:34 PM

Tom. Do you REALLY want to meet Lizzie?

Better bring your headache tablets.

You may be in for a nasty shock!

And Lizzie, when you say "The smell of the sea wafts up the high street" just for once you're telling the truth.

The seaweed stank on Wednesday afternoon!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Feb 06 - 06:54 PM

Lizzie, is it too soon to say we'll be there - Tom, Tom, (Napper and Bliss) and The Pipers Sons (Chris Parkinson and Tony Taffinder)? Perhaps we may finally meet!
Tom (B)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 01 Feb 06 - 05:58 PM

An easy-to-load html version of the research paper discussing the reasons for failure of the Sidmouth Festival is now available on my website.

http://www.seered.co.uk/folk89.htm


I would be especially interested to learn whether many people in the folk world have seen it before - I came upon it by accident and was surprised that it had not been sent to me by the authors.

Has it been discussed elsewhere? If so where and by whom?

You are welcome any time Lizzie.......

Dr Stephen J Wozniak
Sidmouth.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Lizzie Cornish
Date: 01 Feb 06 - 04:39 PM

Good heavens Stevie...Poor you!!!!

You are suffering from Britfolk Starvation!! It's all starting to become clear now!!

Tell you what...I'm almost word perfect on some of these songs now...I'll pop up one day and sing to you on your doorstep. That'll cheer you up no end! ;0)

Hey...I'm no way rich....bit posh though! ;0)....but in all the right areas of course! Chuckle! ;0)

Nice to talk to you again though.

Lizzie :0)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 01 Feb 06 - 03:32 PM

How can I tell you this Lizzie? My ancient computer does not even have a sound card. Unlike you rich people in central Sidmouth, we poor folk in Sidford make do and mend as best we can. So I shall have to imagine as best I can, but thank you for the thought.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Lizzie Cornish
Date: 01 Feb 06 - 12:41 PM

Guys! Guys! Calm down....

I've heard that those contracts are being 'sorted' very, very shortly! Panic Ye Not!


Stevie Scarlett...have you completely lost your marbles up there in Sidford? I know that there's not an awful lot to do up there, but surely you don't really spend your time reading pratty articles about why Siddy 2004 was 'the last one' when you've already been to Siddy 2005 and you would have read in the World Famous Sidmouth Herald this week, how well the season tickets are all ready starting to sell for Siddy 2006! Minutes after going on sale I believe.

Move downtown Stevie! Honestly...I think there must be some sort of Negative Cloud hanging over Sidford, probably caused by the exhaust fumes from those cars at the traffic lights! ;0)

We have no traffic lights down here...the air is clean and pure...and the smell of the sea wafts up the high street with the sunshine!

And if you truly can't find anything else to read...I'd recommend tracking down some old copies of The Beano or The Dandy...or maybe The Hotspur...and travel back in time to your childhood, when you belived in magic..and then transport yourself, with the magic still intact, right back to the present...and look forward to the future....

For The Future Is Bright!! The Future Is Sidmouth 2006

And HECK!!!!! COOPE BOYES & SIMPSON ARE COMING!!!!! Triple Swoon!

Here you go Stevie...listen to Radio Britfolk's Billboard instead...it will cheer you up no end:

http://www.radiobritfolkhome.co.uk/HomePage.aspx

No Coope Boyes & Simpson on there...yet...but Pete Coe is there, as is Anahata's Mary..lovely voice too..and ACRES of other wonderfully talented people.

Turn Sidford on to Britfolk Stevie...do something USEFUL!!! AND FUN!!!

Ohhhhh..George is singing on Britfolk as I type...'Flowers And The Guns' You SO have to listen to George Papavgeris Stevie...you will love the intelligence and the messages in his songs.

Tell you what...instead of reading rubbishy things like that article, take a look at George's site and read his lyrics. You'll be astounded and deeply moved too. Just click on 'albums' then click each CD in turn, takes you to a list of the songs on that CD..click on the title and voila...all of George's magical words. We are so LUCKY to be having him come to Sidmouth this year.

http://www.folk4all.net/

Uh Oh...I have to go..Alistair Hulett has just started singing now The Red Clydesiders'...Sigh!

Hope you enjoy *my* links Stevie. :0)

Take care and see you at Siddy 2006


Lizzie :0)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Folkiedave
Date: 01 Feb 06 - 10:59 AM

I like to see artists contracted - and you have it in one!!

I read the Liverpool management paper and I would be delighted to see a summary Steve. I need to read it again a few times to get a full sense of it all, but one thing they mention not often seen as a benefit of festival such as this is the "work experience" it gives to people who wish to get involved in this work on a professional basis. My own daughter worked both as a volunteer and as a paid short-term worker, was given a lot of responsibility by Mrs. Casey, and I suspect got her present job as Assistant Director of a large pop-type festival on the strength of it. (Along with her degree!!)

One thing I am wary about. The suggestions that the Writers are not sure where the �5,000,000 figure comes from seem a bit strange. I believe it is fairly standard economics since Keynes that an investment of money like this is spent more than once - the B and B places re-decorate in winter with money made in the summer and buy their paint in the local paint shop. And the paint shop and the painters also spend their money and so on. Seems an underestimate to me if anything!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: treewind
Date: 01 Feb 06 - 09:02 AM

...though now I look at the web site it says "all artists subject to contract" - better pick uip that phone tonight!

A.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: treewind
Date: 01 Feb 06 - 08:56 AM

Folkiedave - why should I worry? I'd better get on the phone to Tom Addison (who I spoke to months ago) or Barry Lister soon and make sure everything's OK - but I am assuming if we're on the web site then the only way we aren't part of the festival is if the whole festival falls flat on its face and doesn't happen at all.

We're a bit concerned about the absence of the big band workshop - a popular regular Sidmouth feature run by Nick and Mary Barber, who haven't heard anything about it this time. Last year they ran independently - hired a room in the rugby club and charged at the door. This time with central ticket organisation they can't do it that way and are at the mercy of the festival organisation.

Anahata

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 01 Feb 06 - 05:52 AM

I am producing a quick-to-download copy of the pdf paper with my own brief summary/conclusion. It will be here (but not there yet!)
http://www.seered.co.uk/folk89.htm

The pdf link has been sent to many key players also, in case they want to comment, either here or elsewhere.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: GUEST,TerraPin
Date: 31 Jan 06 - 10:41 PM

An interesting read Steve.

An outsider's view of Sidmouth's "collapse" (their word, not mine)

Perhaps the individuals who are trying to keep a small Folk Week alive in Sidmouth should take the time to read it

Not sure I agree with all the conclusions but the paper offers a fresh perspective to the ongoing Sidmouth Festival saga

Terry Pindar (Musician to the Masses)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 31 Jan 06 - 12:45 PM

OK so that didn't work, try this instead. I blame you Lizzie.

try again maybe second time lucky...

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 31 Jan 06 - 12:42 PM

A public meeting will take place in Sidmouth on 17 Feb, to discuss 2006. In the meantime, for all of you on broadband, try this. It is old but I didn't know about it and I have not seen it discussed here.

Hope the link works and best wishes to Lizzie, as always...

a long pdf document, maybe go make a drink while it downloads!!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Folkiedave
Date: 13 Jan 06 - 11:47 AM

Ok, so you DO want someone else to stump up. It doesn't matter what they do in other countries - it isn't going to happen here.

In fact of course it does happen here. Many festivals are subsidised in the form of lottery grants, regional arts subsidies, by tourist boards and so on. Artists are booked who are able to access suitable grants - who then during a festival visit schools or set up education projects. Local authorities subsidise festivals.

Applying and getting these things is amongst other things what festival organisers do and the great art of a festival organiser to access these things. This sort of work goes on without anyone noticing. I believe Sheffield Folk Festival was supported to the tune of £multi-thousand for example last year.

However opera-goers and ballet-goers and theatre-goers do not pay the full price for tickets and would scream and scream until they were sick if they had to. For all sorts of reasons traditional music in this country has little access to these sorts of seats of power. Personally I feel a slight change for the better. But it is a long slow grind.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: MBSGeorge
Date: 13 Jan 06 - 07:45 AM

There is way too much to read all the comments on Sidmouth Festival. Last year I couldn't afford it, I don't know how much it is this year but I probably can't afford it. The only bit I did agree with last year was the ability to camp but not pay for events that you probably won't have time to see anyway. I love Sidmouth but I'm not a fan of the new system. By the time summer comes round I don't have several hundred pounds to spare and I expect there are a lot of younger people who are in the same boat. Like last year I will probably only go to Sidmouth to go to the Anchor. My budget just about stretches to that.

George