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04 Nov 04 - 06:15 AM (#1316195) Subject: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: John Golightly This thread is for those who wish to express opinions, positive or negative, about Sidmouth 2005 and beyond. If you have a problem with the way things are going, or which individuals is/are involved in helping them go that way, or if you want to discuss past history or high-level strategic issues, or ask rhetorical questions, then this is the place. It is one of 2 threads which are together a continuation of 51st Sidmouth festival - so that's where to look for earlier postings. As for the other continuation thread - if you have news, straight questions, suggestions, or something positive/constructive/forward-looking to say, then please go instead to "Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support" John Golightly |
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04 Nov 04 - 06:27 AM (#1316203) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: John Golightly ... and here's the clickthingy for the other thread Sidmouth 2005+ - news, info & support |
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05 Nov 04 - 09:07 AM (#1317620) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST,not THAT Steve of Sidmouth 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!! |
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06 Nov 04 - 08:05 AM (#1318737) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: The Barden of England Hi GUEST,not THAT Steve of Sidmouth.. I won't miss Sidmouth next year. It may not be the same, but as ever it will still be Sidmouth. What more could any of us want? |
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06 Nov 04 - 09:32 AM (#1318766) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Tony Day Zis messaage is for Greg Stephens on zee other thread, from Clouseau of zee yard (zee Anchor back yard). Zees tribes of pseudonymous and anonymous "families", clog dancers, etc who say they eez not coming next year are nothing to worry about - zey ees all the same homme peculiare, who 'as is own reasons for wanting 2005 to fail. It is 'im who will fail!! Clouseau, he know who zis man is - and you can work it out too. Clouseau. |
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06 Nov 04 - 01:47 PM (#1318915) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: *Laura* Wouldn't it make more sense to not go next year? Then the town would realise what it was missing and would probably offer some finance for '06? Much as I love Sidmouth and don't want it to finish - I can see the sense in this. xLx |
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07 Nov 04 - 06:58 AM (#1319439) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: John Golightly Good point - and you're not the first to have said this, by any means. I think the feeling generally is that 1) It would be impossible to persuade everyone to unite in such a view 2) An active boycott of Sidmouth would be seen by many as a destructive/retaliatory act & so not good for PR 3) Given that people will turn up anyway - it's much better to do our best to put some structure into the event. If we don't we risk driving a deeper wedge between Town & Festival Just my view... John |
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07 Nov 04 - 07:14 AM (#1319451) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: fiddler Bored as I am getting of all this Sidmouth wrangling I sadly must agree with John and Laura! Both are 100% right! Tahts all I can say! |
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07 Nov 04 - 08:18 AM (#1319481) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST,Lizzie in Sidmouth! How's about coming to Sidmouth, having THE MOST FANTASTIC TIME and doing your shopping in Lyme Regis!!! :-) :-) Don't let all the Dancers and Folk Singers down! I just get SO angry when I hear all this stunning talent in the Folk World, who are all treated like second class citizens, never seen on our TV's or heard on our Radios. We, the public, are the only ones who can change this crazy state of affairs! So support the people who REALLY matter, the musicians and the dancers! Think of all the young people out there who might just 'fall into the Folk world' as my kids have done, through coming to Sidmouth! Pass the music and the dancing on, it's all beginning to take off big time. Help to plant more seeds, don't dig them up! Let the Miseries be Miserable and the Oldies be Old! And I'm going to wrap the entire EDDC building in Soundproof Bubble Wrap so they can only look out of their windows and watch us all, won't be able to hear a THING!! It's only fair penance for pulling out the money! :-) :-) Let's just all put our hands above our heads and whirl around to the music and to hell with all the complainers. And what about 2006 and the money 2005 will raise towards it? This Breathtaking Festival has to continue for years and years and it needs all the help it can get! It needs YOU! So please don't let all the performers down! They have a hard enough struggle as it is!! Come to Sidmouth and spend your money at The Festival! Enjoy....Don't Destroy! Lizzie :-) PS I'm a Sidmouth resident and I just can't WAIT till you all get here! |
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07 Nov 04 - 03:57 PM (#1319791) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST,Joe Richards from London I write in support of Laura (above). At last someone is speaking sense. A boycott of Sidmouth in 2005 is probably the only way of forcing the town to see sense and offer some finance for a fully revived festival in 2006. While I believe GUEST Lizzie and GUEST Steve and others are well-intentioned in trying to keep the festival afloat in 2005 they are probably doing more harm than good so far as the long-term future of the festival is concerned. As for the increasingly silly postings from someone calling themselves Tony Day or Clouseau can we please start a new thread for people who cannot speak proper English or French. Let's keep this thread for serious postings on Sidmouth's future then maybe more new people will think it worth expressing their views. |
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07 Nov 04 - 10:32 PM (#1320108) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: steve_harris "Then the town would realise what it was missing and would probably offer some finance for '06?" I am quite sure that nearly all the businesses in the town have a clear and accurate view of the affect of the festival on their profits. They know a lot better than you, I or Steve Heap what the arithmetic is for their business. Boycott 05 and none of them will have any finamcial surpises. Anyway, the best future for the festival is to make 05 as big and good as possible. Because people who take 05 off - or hear it wasn't very good, may never come back. |
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08 Nov 04 - 06:55 AM (#1320276) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST,Lizzie in Sidmouth For Joe Richards, above.......... Sidmouth 2005 is going towards helping Sidmouth 2006 and I certainly want to see Sidmouth 2006 so that's why I'll be supporting Sidmouth 2005! (Gosh, that sounds a bit confusing, but I hope you understand it!) Support the musicians and the dancers first and foremost and the atmosphere which makes Sidmouth so special! Good to have this separate thread though for everyone's differing opinions! Lizzie |
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08 Nov 04 - 12:14 PM (#1320578) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST,Spot the Dog There is an awful chance that by running a nearly festival you will shut Sidmouth down with a whimper rather than letting it go after it's 50th with a bang. Spot |
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08 Nov 04 - 12:31 PM (#1320597) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST,Fritz The Cat Well said Spot. A nearly festival is worse than no festival at all. Leave Mr. Hughes to run his Caribbean Night and leave those of us who love traditional folk music to go elsewhere. |
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08 Nov 04 - 04:04 PM (#1320657) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST,rover the tiger Well said SPOT AND Fritz let them carry on with the Carribean Night and let the folkies who dont buy season tickets carry on with there little dream of a fantastic fringe festival 2005. |
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08 Nov 04 - 04:50 PM (#1320710) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Adrianl Well Spot,rover, tiger whoever you are I do buy a season ticket just as those who are putting a lot of effort into organising a 2005 event do. If you don't want to go don't but don't whinge about those who will. Its a nice place I'll take the tent have a few beers meet some friends go to the Middle Bar, have a dance if any is going sit on the seafront and enjoy myself. Adrian |
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08 Nov 04 - 06:47 PM (#1320802) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Herga Kitty It's complete rubbish to say that the festival will be better off in 2006 if there isn't a festival in 2005. Sidmouth Town Council or even EDDC couldn't possibly finance a festival on the same scale that Mrs Casey did, and it's barking mad to suggest that boycotting the festival in 2005 will somehow magically produce adequate funding for 2006 and beyond. But there will be a good festival next year, because a lot of people, including Tony Day, are working to make sure there will be. What makes Sidmouth special, is Sidmouth, which is why the people who love Sidmouth will be there next 29 July and have a good time. |
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08 Nov 04 - 08:37 PM (#1320934) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST,Fritz The Cat Ummm, those above who talk about buying season tickets for 2005 should read today's Press Release where I think you will find it says no season tickets will be available in 2005. |
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09 Nov 04 - 03:10 AM (#1321199) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST,rover the tiger What i meant is why the old Sidmouth died was due to the fact so many people never bought a season ticket. |
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09 Nov 04 - 03:51 AM (#1321214) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: greg stephens Folk whining doesnt half drag you down sometimes. Come to Sidmouth if you want to, great. If you dont want to, just shut up and dont come. |
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09 Nov 04 - 06:57 AM (#1321295) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST,ROVER THE TIGER This thread says "opinions" so thats what i am doing saying how a lot of people think but havent got the guts to come out with it,so dont read this thread Greg. |
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09 Nov 04 - 07:33 AM (#1321309) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST,would rather remain nameless something I've been confused about for a while - people on this forum and elsewhere keep saying things like 'the reason Mrs Casey stopped running the festival was because they weren't making enough money/because people didn't buy season tickets/because they couldn't actually afford to run festival of that scale' etc etc (ok so I'm paraphrasing and have probably missed some points) I thought Mrs Casey were perfectly clear at the time - they said they could not afford to underwrite the festival in case of another bad weather year. The implication I would assume is that they were ok with the year to year running costs of the festival, just didn't make sufficient profit to build a disaster fund... and if they had made sufficient profits to build a proper disaster fund no doubt there would have been all the whingers saying 'we're not getting value for money, where are all the profits going?'. If we assume that this was true and that had disaster funds been made available from elsewhere Mrs Casey would have continued to run the festival, should the debate about future festivals not also focus on 'what happens when the weather is bad'? Sounds to me like there is enough of a market for the festival as it was for it to be able to build up to a similar sized event again once a new organisation has had time to bed in, but that if that is what happens they'll be stuck in the same position again as soon as the weather turns bad. Haven't heard anybody mention this aspect for a while, it just all seems to have dissolved into 'well I'm not going because it'll be crap...' or 'well I am going and how dare you be so negative...' etc etc ad nauseum. |
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09 Nov 04 - 08:05 AM (#1321320) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: MBSLynne Y.... I mean Guest, it's nothing to do with season ticket sales. Get a life. Lynne |
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09 Nov 04 - 08:06 AM (#1321321) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST,Lizzie in Sidmouth Sorry, am having trouble 'logging on' hence being a constant GUEST! Anyway.................... Down Rover! Down! YOU may think as you do, but I CERTAINLY don't think like you at all! Good to read all sorts of opinions though! That's what this thread IS about! Now personally, I think it's amazing that people have come forward to offer their help and support for Sidmouth 2005! This is despite all the obstacles which they know they may face, despite all the criticism from people such as yourself, despite all the hurdles they may yet have to go through! They are brilliant people! They've even managed to continue to carry on through all your various words and disguises! I think that this is because your words are just making them go from strength to strength! And not only in their attitudes and determination, but also in how we are beginning to view them all! They all go up in my estimation every day, every time I read your lines! So, Well Done Rover, perhaps you may end up becoming the Sidmouth 2005 Mascot! Now that WOULD be COOL!! :-) Hmmmm.....maybe those other 51 weeks a year without this Treasure of a Festival are beginning to get to you! Just think what a state you'll be in by 2006!! :-0 :-0 You may be suffering from Rabies by then Rover....in fact I think you may be beginning to show the first signs of it all ready! Frothing at the mouth, split personality, do you have an aversion to water yet? Why not take a stroll down to the seafront and find out! Anyway, I'll stop my "scribbles" for now and leave you to remember the words of Sir John Betjamin..........'Still Sidmouth' Hooray for that!! :-) Lizzie PS....And now folks, it's almost time for another...."When I read all the arguing on this thread, my whole family/village/town/city/ is/are so utterly horrified/mortified/stupefied...that we have to seriously consider whether to come to Sidmouth or not/at all/or even ever again!".....piece! Criticism should be Constructive, but when the Destructive type comes from mainly one person then I think it's time to stand up and shout about it! But I'm done with my shouting now! Too many other things to think about! Hope it all goes seriously BRILLIANTLY! :-) |
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09 Nov 04 - 08:11 AM (#1321326) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST,rover the tiger Well said hooray for Lizzie at Sidmouth!!!!!!!. |
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09 Nov 04 - 03:41 PM (#1321811) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: *Laura* I only said what I said becasue the town HASN'T offered much financial support has it? I mean - I don't know the precise details (which I'm sure some of you will be quick to swoop down on and shoot at me or something) but, I thought that the town hadn't offered a lot of support. Now, if they had a year with no Sidmouth - they'd realise how much they needed it. (and believe me it's taken until about last week for me to see this - I was all set for going to Sidmouth anyway and to hell with people who said it should end. It's the last thing I want - Sidmouth ending finally, but I have to agree with Spot - if 05 does spell the end of Sidmouth - it'll be a shame it didn't go out with a bang.) I am in absolute support of Sidmouth 06. Just to clarify. xLx |
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09 Nov 04 - 04:59 PM (#1321891) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST,Another GUEST Well said Laura and GUEST who would rather remain nameless (as indeed do I). One point to GUEST. He or she is half right in saying Mrs Casey withdrew because of the financial risk if the weather is poor. Speak to Steve Heap and Mrs Casey as I have done and you will also find they withdrew because they were being messed-around by East devon District Council who were making impossible demands on site issues, staffing issues, licensing issues and insurance issues. Those issues will surely still have to be faced by whoever attempts to stage events in 2005. As the financial situation will be even worse without the £60,000 Council funds then surely even those of us who want Sidmouth to continue have to ask whether all the heady optimism from Lizzie & Co. will be enough to overcome the real and practical difficulties in staging events without Council funding and with a whole load of expensive licensing demands to fulfill. Sorry to be a tad negative but "them's me views". |
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09 Nov 04 - 05:35 PM (#1321930) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: John Golightly No one said it was going to be easy... |
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09 Nov 04 - 08:04 PM (#1322059) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST,Another GUEST That's true John. I just hope the Council are a tad more helpful than they were to Steve Heap but as they can't be seen to be doing one of their own councillors any favours there's always the risk they will be even stricter in 2005 than in 2004. |
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11 Nov 04 - 12:23 PM (#1323394) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: rhyzla On the other Sidmouth thread (the one offering support) Steve of Sidmouth (Dr Stephen J Wozniak of seered site)mentioned me (Barry Hunt) along with other individuals who are involved with the organising of the 2005 festival! My main connection is that I am in a band called rhyzome who are booked to play the Arena next August - it's not surprising that I am supportive of everyone who is working positiviely toward a good 2005 festival, but that is my only connection so far! I am happy for Steve to publish my name on his site, and very happy if he chooses to publicise the band as well .... RHYZOME ...... we need all the publicity we can get!! My photo is on the website Steve ..... www.rhyzome.co.uk ....help yourself!! |
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11 Nov 04 - 05:54 PM (#1323879) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Steve in Sidmouth What primarily concerns me now is that there are many people who appear not to understand that the world has moved on - from the days when Sidmouth had dancing in outlying halls and holidaymakers were happy with a bucket and spade. People now have more choice of which festival to attend and higher expectations when they get there. The majority of those attending Sidmouth 2003/2004 may not have been drawn primarily by sing-songs in pubs but by the international "spectaculars" and the superb dance sessions and concerts conveniently located near the centre of a unique town. I agree with Lizzie when she mentions dance in the centre of Sidmouth as being a feature so many people come to experience. It was watching the dance sessions in Blackmore Gardens and on Church House Lawn that got me on to a dance floor for the first time in my life. (Thank you, Steve Heap) If you have the data (and no-one has released any, and especially not EDDC who had a report drawn up by Peter Mason) you can illustrate these things using Venn diagrams and other manifestations of group and set theory. I have suggested as much to DCMS and their library colleagues in another section of SeeRed. For an illustration of their use try http://www.venndiagram.com/toptenvenn.html Put simply, a festival needs a good overlap between the events on offer and the things that the majority of potential attendees find attractive - especially if attending means a long trip down to deepest Devon. It also needs a healthy proportion of the overlap to be substantially insensitive to weather. This is in effect your guaranteed income, come what may. I suppose someone may start bleating in Lympstone English (or equally bad French) about negativity, but constructive criticism and rational analysis are the only way forward within any businesslike approach. Take a simple example - my figures are pulled out of the air but it is the principle that needs illustrating. If you organised 30 pub sessions, MBS, Bedford and the like, and a few storytelling sessions and pub concerts, these might be of keen interest to a total of 500 people, including the folkies who come primarily to spend most of their time (and money) in the Anchor. Remember that in 2004 only around 2500 full season tickets were sold. http://www.seered.co.uk/folk21a.htm The remaining 20,000 people making between them (in 2003/4) maybe 40,000 visits to individual events might have been interested primarily in dancing (say 800 people and 6000 visits?), the superb international events and the whole 'Sidmouth atmosphere' (say 3,000 people and 20,000 events) and specifically the arena and Ham concerts (say 5,000 tickets sold to people who came primarily just to see Kate Rusby, the Watersons and a few others and who stayed on for a few other things too.) Take away the international acts, take away the 'star' acts such as Kate Rusby and take away the 'house full' dance sessions in the town (putting them out into half-deserted village and church halls miles away) and you are left with very little in town that is of primary appeal to many (perhaps most) potential attendees. Will many travel 200 miles to see things that are not of primary interest? What if it rains? How does the proposed model stand up? Granted many people will participate in or watch a pub session for the odd half hour but how many are sufficiently interested to class these events as primary interest and a compelling reason to make the trip? The arena has always been sensitive to weather, less so the marquees and the whole 'in town' experience of which they were a central part. What will be left in town in 2005 if it rains? (This is not negativity, it's called sensitivity analysis.) There will be little on the Esplanade, the pubs will be full of maybe 1000 people in total, there will be (?) no dance marquees in town where you can spend a few happy hours out of the rain (even if you don't want to dance), and the arena may be a soggy mess with perhaps a 1970's act to look forward to in a few hours and maybe nowhere to shelter. Will the large Ham marquee be open to all as shelter with some entertainment? If not, might as well go home? The Ham is not mentioned in the press release of 9 Nov. Has the idea of having a Ham marquee been abandoned? Most attendees may not be the determined folkies who will cheerfully trudge one and a half miles carrying their rucksacks and children to a distant village hall. Many people on family budgets will need to decide whether to come to Sidmouth or to go to a more guaranteed experience elsewhere. We are not all retired and/or rich folkies who can do the lot if we wish. The 9 November press release really shows one thing - lack of coordination. EDDC or Sidmouth Town Council could have taken a lead and it would have cost them peanuts. I hope it is not too late to reconsider providing dance marquee(s) in town - the tickets might be selling rather better. There is certainly plenty of time to 'get it right' and full dance marquees are surely a viable cost centre? I retain the view I expressed months ago - it is an appalling mistake to put the social dancing/workshops/ceilidhs out of the town centre. It will put so much of the 'action' of the festival out of public view and it will be hassle enough getting to and from distant campsites, wet children in tow. Granted you might have a ceilidh or two at the Anchor - with many (most) intending dancers stuck out at Sidford for the morning and with no easy way to park in town at lunchtime? In fact I have not seen anything at all said about parking. It may be an even more crucial part of 2005 than 2004 even if the total numbers attending are much lower - because so many people may come just for one or two acts (Wurzels??) and many may wish to use cars to and from the distant campsites and venues, rather than pay for infrequent buses. Several people who do not live in East Devon have said to me that they will need to confirm hotel accommodation for 2005 early in the New Year or lose their reservation - so by then there needs to be a very much firmer idea of what they can expect. Finally, if some people bothered to read http://www.seered.co.uk/folk21.htm we would see less discussion here about Sidmouth traders becoming bankrupt if the festival were to fold. Only a few would suffer badly. By far the largest income streams for the town are independent of the festival. Put simply, most Sidmouth residents couldn't care less about it one way or the other and most Sidmouth shopkeepers couldn't either. It seems a wholly different set-up from Cropready. Whatever happens in Sidmouth post-2004 there will be a record on SeeRed - if only as a warning to others not to let slip away what took years to build. For those who missed it on the 'news' thread, photos of the principal 30 or so players in all of this would be welcomed - together with some biography and details of your involvement. |
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11 Nov 04 - 06:10 PM (#1323893) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: John Routledge Thanks S in S. What your post highlights is the need to focus on the reality and plan accordingly |
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11 Nov 04 - 10:26 PM (#1324144) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST,Another Festival Organiser Steve in Sidmouth has analysed the situation beautifully. I know the people trying to keep the Festival alive are very well-intentioned and I wish them well. I know the difficulties they will face. My fear is that they don't. Specifically I question whether they know of all the new licensing regulations they will have to abide by. The £15 million public liability insurance that the council will expect. The health & safety requirements. The environmental health requirements. The risk assessments. The emergency planning. The fire regulations. The new SIA security rules. The costs of all the above. Not forgetting the levy they will have to pay the PRS on each and every ticket sold. If the Press Release means what it says in stating that every organiser will be responsible for their own event then the logistics of dozens of event organisers all having to handle each and every one of the above requirements will be nightmarish. I rather suspect that the EHOs at EDDC will also have something to say about the prospect of them being expected to licence dozens of individual events instead of one overall event. Someone said elsewhere on this site that it won't be easy. That is true. It will be extremely difficult. My advice to all involved would be to discuss the practical licensing issues with the appropriate officers at EDDC as soon as possible, certainly before you start confirming artistes or booking halls. Get from them in writing precisely what they will expect from you in terms of risk assessments, insurance, site plans, event management plans etc. etc. If you can get all this in writing now then it may save you some very nasty surprises later on. |
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12 Nov 04 - 04:54 AM (#1324357) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: John Golightly Thanks - your comments noted. |
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12 Nov 04 - 08:16 AM (#1324454) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Folkie With regard to the comments that people at the fringe events don't buy season tickets, I tried to buy a season ticket and they had sold out. I would very much have liked to have had a season ticket and been able to go to the concerts but as things were I had a great time in the sessions. |
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12 Nov 04 - 11:42 AM (#1324653) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST,Spot the Dog Don't you just hate it when you paste an opinion in a thread entitled Sidmouth 2005 Opinions and then get taken to task for not having the correct opinion. Democracy is fine if we win. I have run a festival (albeit small) for 20 years and a folk club for 25. I have experience in the fickle nature of crowds etc. I have been a performer at Sidmouth. I offered my opinion. I will not be offering anything to Sidmouth or the new management thereof again. They are apparently ungrateful if it doesn't agree with theirs. Spot the Dog |
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12 Nov 04 - 12:04 PM (#1324678) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST,Guest up North |
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12 Nov 04 - 05:10 PM (#1324972) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: *Laura* This is a sad day. What everyone wants is to see Simouth up and running again in all it's former glory. This thread is for people to voice their opinions on how best that should happen. So, children, please! |
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12 Nov 04 - 08:40 PM (#1325146) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: steve_harris "Remember that in 2004 only around 2500 full season tickets were sold. " I was told by a steward that 4000 people were entitlled to be at LNE. Oh, some of those could be day ticket holders bur then there's all the under 12s as well. |
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13 Nov 04 - 06:12 AM (#1325481) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Snuffy Well I've always fought shy of going to Sidmouth, because it seemed to be too big and too commercial, but I hope to be there in 2005 for a more intimate, friendly experience. |
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13 Nov 04 - 07:37 AM (#1325555) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: BretonCap It seems that there is a feeling in this tread that the team working to produce Sidmouth 2005 are not fully aware of what running a festival involves (Insurances licences etc) I understand that Derek Schofield and Eddie Upton are part of the team and it seems to me that, if anybody is going to know, the likes of these gents will be well up the list. Yes 2005 will be different but there will be plenty going on so why not support it so that the groundwork can be made for future years? Dave |
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14 Nov 04 - 08:54 AM (#1326334) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Adrianl 4000-2500=Day + stewards + artists + complimentaries? maybe Adrian |
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14 Nov 04 - 09:38 AM (#1326356) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: John Routledge Arithmetic looks fine Adrian. |
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14 Nov 04 - 11:05 AM (#1326394) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Folkiedave I'd say that estimate of season ticket holders is spot on. To Breton Cap - Eddie Upton is part of the team organising 2006 - I will ask Derek to post on here as to his involvment. To Snuffy - people were complaining about the size/commercialism certainly way back in the early 70's when it was probably smaller than it is likely to be in 2005!!! Best regards, Dave Eyre |
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14 Nov 04 - 01:12 PM (#1326525) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Herga Kitty Snuffy Glad to hear you're thinking of joining us for the first week in August in Sidmouth next year! Kitty |
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15 Nov 04 - 09:10 AM (#1327277) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST,News from Telford The future of the Sidmouth Festival was discussed by many delegates at the Association of Festival Organisers Conference held in Telford on 13/14 November. The overwhelming majority agreed that no event worthy of the name 'Sidmouth Festival' was likely to happen in 2005 and any events that did take place would be more likely to harm than help efforts to get a proper Sidmouth Festival reinstated in 2006. Those with knowledge and experience of the Sidmouth situation suggested that the local council and traders needed to experience the effects of a year with no Festival if they were to be persuaded to properly support a proper Festival again in the future. There was a very strong view that practical issues relating to insurance/health & safety/council licensing requirements do not appear to have been properly considered at an early enough stage by those claiming that they are organising events in 2005. The many agents present at the Conference indicated that they were unlikely to accept bookings for their artists from Sidmouth next year as they did not have sufficient confidence that the promised concerts would actually take place. The general conclusion was that it was best to concentrate efforts on reinstating a proper Sidmouth Festival in 2006 and forget about organising a poor substitute in 2005. |
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15 Nov 04 - 09:45 AM (#1327303) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Snuffy The Guest posting above looks to me like it is NOT a report of the AFO conference, but of an informal gathering of some attendees, who have already made the same points here. And how many are "many delegates"? 250? 80? 12? It would be interesting to know if:
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15 Nov 04 - 10:02 AM (#1327314) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: greg stephens GUEST: News from Telford's contribution all looks very official and sensible. Rather curious that it isnt signed by an identifiable person or organisation. Can't help feeling we have read contributions in this style under various peseudonyms. Suggest ignore. |
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15 Nov 04 - 10:14 AM (#1327323) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Steve in Sidmouth So much then for those of us who have already purchased their £90 dance tickets in the hope of supporting the festival in 2005/2006?. There are clearly many serious issues still to be addressed. Confidence needs to become established. One way of doing this would be for all those who are on the organising committee(s) or groups or whatever they call themselves to make known exactly what they are doing, with whom and with some statement as to their expertise and experience. I did suggest a "roll of honour" on my website (or somewhere else if you prefer) with some photos, but I have had one response so far. As for the dance tickets (300 at £90 each) = £27,000, where is the money going if (as has been said) many callers and bands are going to almost give their services for free to support the Sidmouth Ideal? Hiring village and church halls would cost a few thousand, if that. We need cards on the table and some more transparency. Granted no-one knows yet exactly what they will be doing but a statement of whos whats and wheres and some agreed principles of where the money goes (all of it) would help to take forward the whole idea of a 2005 event helping to support 2006. If we are not careful the many people who started out with the idea of coming to 2005 (despite that it may not be all that great) to support 2006 will begin to wonder if their loyalty is misplaced. I have stated on my SeeRed website that it is beginning to look like lots of little people giving what they can and none of the rich people (including some in Sidmouth who have for years made money from the festival) giving anything or much at all. Mention the Rugby Club, the Cricket Club, the main car park owners, the campsite owner - we need to know how much is being offered 'free' this year as a token of goodwill towards the festival. If none of these people give this year, does Sidmouth deserve a 2006? How much would marquees cost for Blackmore Gardens for the dances and childrens events - to keep these in the town centre where they belong? By the way Lizzie, I want it to happen too, but I am more of a realist than you are. |
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15 Nov 04 - 10:23 AM (#1327330) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Steve in Sidmouth Greg Stephens posted : "Can't help feeling we have read contributions in this style under various peseudonyms. Suggest ignore." Suggest stick head in sand also? You can't ignore it! Suggest instead find out PDQ from some people who were there (and as many as possible) if it does represent a consensus view from 'outside' as to the perceived prospects for Sidmouth. If anyone can send me preferably paper (xerox) copy of the articles that have appeared in fRoots and Living Tradition please PM me or email store1001@hotmail.com Thank you. |
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15 Nov 04 - 01:01 PM (#1327477) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST 'Steve in Sidmouth' yawn yawn yawn. |
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15 Nov 04 - 01:05 PM (#1327479) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Tony Day I have just spoken to my good friend Steve Heap, who has just got back from the AFO confernce. I read him the spoof posting "News from Telford" above, and it is just that - a spoof. Not only is it, in Steve's words, a "load of twaddle", but it is a strict rule of AFO that it never passes judgement on a festival or how it is being organised. Steve Heap has asked me to report the truth on here, on his behalf - which is why I have departed from my recent (and future) policy of ignoring all the ill informed and often malicious nonsense which is posted on here, probably by one person who has their own private reasons for wanting Sidmouth 2005 to fail. It won't. We will report progress at intervals, as the programme takes shape over the coming weeks and months. In time it will all be on our website, too. In the meantime, if anyone wants to offer to help, or just be on our mailing list, do please e-mail SidmouthFolkWeek@exmouth.demon.co.uk Thanks folks! Tony |
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15 Nov 04 - 01:11 PM (#1327488) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: John Routledge Well spotted Snuffy :0) |
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15 Nov 04 - 02:43 PM (#1327598) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST,MBS Breton Cap Thanks Tony for putting forward the truth of the matter. Those of you who only put yourselves forward as "Guest" are not going to get yourselves the support you hope for (or are you just wind-up people)unless you a)make your identity clear (register with or log-in to Mudcat)and b)put forward your case supported whatever justification you have (but make true and factual) Fro an MBS person who is not afraid to let you know who I am. Dave Earl |
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15 Nov 04 - 02:53 PM (#1327609) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Dave Earl OK son I did what I accused other of but I have now logged in properly and am trying to demonstrate that it only takes a few seconds and there is no real excuse to use "Guest" (at least it does when I am using by work system to read all this stuff. I think I have made the point so end of rant Dave Earl |
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15 Nov 04 - 04:26 PM (#1327696) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST,Anon As someone else who was at the AFO Conference I can confirm the REPORT FROM TELFORD does not reflect any formal debate or resolution on Sidmouth (there was none) but neither is it "a load of old twaddle". I would say REPORT FROM TELFORD does accurately reflect the views of Conference delegates who discussed Sidmouth quite a lot in the bars and informal get-togethers. I would add that if Tony Day wants to accurately reflect Steve Heap's own views he should mention that Steve has said he believes Sidmouth needs a year with no festival at all if the local authority and the town traders are ever to be persuaded to financially support a festival in 2006 at the required level. I apologise for posting as 'Anon'. Please don't criticise me. I think other readers of Mudcat have a right to know what experienced festival organisers are saying but I don't want the name of my own festival dragged into the ongoing Sidmouth debate thank you very much. |
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15 Nov 04 - 05:17 PM (#1327751) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: greg stephens I would love to hear what experienced festival organisers think about this. If there are ACTUALLY any experienced festival organisers reading this thread, perhaps they could identify themselves and let us have their views. I am an experienced festival performer, have played at Simouth many times, will do so again , and don't have any difficulty letting people know who I am. |
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15 Nov 04 - 06:14 PM (#1327813) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Tony Day I'm sorry, I can only repeat what Steve said to me this evening. He used the words "load of twaddle" and asked me to make the truth clear on here on his behalf. He also refuted the other scurrilous suggestion that agents won't book their acts there. If you insist on me accurately reflecting Stve Heap's views I must also tell you that Steve said this evening that he will be in Sidmouth next year - both for the Middle Bar Singers reunion (18th Feb folks!), and for the first week in August. Now I really am NOT going to respond to any more anonymous postings.... Tony |
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15 Nov 04 - 08:04 PM (#1327924) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST,Roger Hayes Glad Steve Heap will be in Sidmouth next year. Just a great shame he won't be running the festival but given the lack of support from council and traders who can blame him. |
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15 Nov 04 - 08:09 PM (#1327932) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: John Routledge Presumably this same lack of support will extend to the 2005 organisers. Politics being what they are however........ |
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15 Nov 04 - 08:19 PM (#1327948) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: steve_harris "suggested that the local council and traders needed to experience the effects of a year with no Festival if they were to be persuaded to properly support a proper Festival again in the future." Believe it or not, I'm slightly changing my position on this! Maybe, if we all stay away in 2005 and the local bankruptcy court is NOT extra busy, the folk world will face the reality? That the people and traders of Sidmouth do not owe us a festival. |
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15 Nov 04 - 08:32 PM (#1327969) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST,Carmen Four points from a new and almost virginal mudcat poster: i) To Tony Day who reported "It is a strict rule of AFO that it never passes judgement on a festival or how it is organised." Nobody can pass judgement on Sidmouth 2005 as it has yet to take place but surely anyone can comment on the removal of council funding support for Sidmouth 2005 and the lack of local business funding support for Sidmouth 2004 and 2005... which coupled with the departure of Steve Heap must impact on the chances of any festival in 2005 being a success? Don't be so sensitive towards your critics. And don't try and impersonate Inspector Clouseau again as you just sound silly. ii) To Greg Stephens. I do not know what an "experienced festival organiser" looks or sounds like as the organisers of festivals I attend seem to stay in the background but I can understand any organiser posting on this board wishing to hide their true identity. Why? Firstly because of the Festival Organisers Association rule above. Secondly because anyone who questions the prospects for Sidmouth 2005 gets subjected to a tirade of abuse and I guess organisers of other festivals have enough problems with their own events without being 'named and shamed' for daring to comment on Sidmouth as well. iii) To Anon., Another Festival Organiser and Report from Telford. I'll assume you are all men because women have better things to do than write messages like yours but if any or all of you are genuine in wishing to point Sidmouth 2005 in the right direction then perhaps you might offer to at least give constructive advice to those struggling to make things happen next year? Stay anonymous if you must but offers to help others avoid the pitfalls you describe would make this whole debate more useful and worthwhile. iv) To Mudcat. Mr. Mudcat or Ms. Mudcat? The rest of your forum is tremendously interesting and I enjoy reading numerous posts on all manner of subjects from people with an incredible depth of knowledge about this thing we call folk music. However... if the numerous Sidmouth debates cannot be transformed into something more useful and positive then could you please consider deleting the word 'Sidmouth' from Mudcat altogether until the various parties get their acts together and come up with something worth reading again? |
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15 Nov 04 - 08:37 PM (#1327981) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST,Fritz The Cat From John Routledge "Politics being what they are however..." Politics being what they are I wonder why Cllr. Hughes seems to have gone all quiet recently. Are you still there Stuart? Anything to report? |
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16 Nov 04 - 02:44 AM (#1328243) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: greg stephens Well done, Carmen, you're jolly good at thinking up new names. |
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16 Nov 04 - 02:58 AM (#1328248) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: MBSLynne Carmen...you don't have to read it....... |
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16 Nov 04 - 03:03 AM (#1328250) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: el_punkoid_nouveau It seems to me that we have here another thread with a load of political bollocks going on, one or two people "disguising" their identities to repeat the same point, leading to a repeat of the previous load of utter crap. Not why this thread was started. In the fifteen or sixteen years that I have been going to Sidmouth, the festival has changed considerably - I have opinions on what I liked and what I didn't, but I lived with those changes. OK - so Mrs Casey leaving is a sudden big change - but it is still only a change, not a recipe for disaster. So - all you anonymous guests - let's cut the crap about "It'll never work", "I/my family/my wife's hairdressers aunt lettie's cousins gibbon won't be there", "We're all doomed", "You'll never get me up in one of those" - and go with the idea of enjoying ourselves. Not making the best of a bad thing, but having an effing good time for a week, meeting friends (manny of whom live and work in the town), and perpetrating folk. Sidmouth doesn't owe us a festival, but to some extent we owe Sidmouth a degree of thanks for hosting it. And yes, opinions are fine - but fer Gods/Godesses/Deity-of-your-choices sake - try to be a bit more constructive with them! Share and enjoy epn |
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17 Nov 04 - 05:26 AM (#1329661) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST,Anon Is "el punkoid nouveau" the same person as "inspector clouseau" who is the same person as "Tony Day"? And are Stuart Hughes and all the people praising him earlier on this board all the same person and if so why have they all suddenly gone quiet? And does anyone other than me really care? The whole Sidmouth debate has become one big yawn. Maybe like the Festival it's time to put it to sleep. |
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17 Nov 04 - 05:58 AM (#1329686) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: The Borchester Echo Seconded, GUEST, Anon. btw, are you me? |
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17 Nov 04 - 06:17 AM (#1329706) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Steve in Sidmouth Steve Harris posted ""Maybe, if we all stay away in 2005 and the local bankruptcy court is NOT extra busy, the folk world will face the reality? That the people and traders of Sidmouth do not owe us a festival."" I believe he is right. I have put a few words explaning why at the top of this page http://www.seered.co.uk/folk63.htm You don't need to read the rest of the page - just the bullet points on the opening screen. |
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17 Nov 04 - 06:48 AM (#1329730) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: George Papavgeris What a lot of children! Sniping at each other, arguing whether it will, or will not, work out; and whether the town of Sidmouth will be sorry (or not). What a lot of noses ready to be cut off to spite an equivalent number of faces! Grow up. This is just about lovers of folk organising something for themselves and other folk lovers. If some want to try, help them or get out of the way. If you have warnings to give, give them once - don't repeat them at nauseam. And those who want to try staging something at Sidmouth, stop this unproductive arguing back and forth with your detractors, knuckle down, and just bloody get on and do it. The rest is bollocks. |
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17 Nov 04 - 07:49 AM (#1329763) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: MBSLynne Is there some sort of image to type that means a round of applause??? |
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17 Nov 04 - 08:25 AM (#1329806) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: el_punkoid_nouveau No, Anon, you ignorant pillock - I ain't Tony Day. I'm just sick and fucking tired of arseholes being negative. |
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17 Nov 04 - 08:47 AM (#1329829) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST,Guest up North (more applause...) |
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17 Nov 04 - 09:05 AM (#1329853) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: rhyzla clap clap clap etc etc |
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17 Nov 04 - 10:08 AM (#1329923) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST,Roger Hayes A quick observation. There is good rational consideration of the case for and against Sidmouth 2005 (and 2006) on the seered site produced by Steve in Sidmouth. It's worth reading. The debate on this site has descended into childish mudslinging (and in the case of el punkoid nouveau offensive swearing). It's no longer worth reading. End of story. |
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17 Nov 04 - 01:15 PM (#1330128) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: MBSLynne Has anyone noticed how many of the people called GUEST something or other on this thread are supporting the negative aspect? Or even how many who are posting negatively are only GUESTs not members? Interesting that. |
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17 Nov 04 - 06:32 PM (#1330456) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Steve in Sidmouth There has been confusion on the other thread about who is who. It is a good idea to register - I would urge all serious people to do so. You need only an email address and its free. I posted the following on the news thread to help clear confusion there. I hope it helps here too....... I have posted as "Steve in Sidmouth" albeit as a guest for a long time. About the time Inspector Clouseau started to make accusations about who was who, and things started to get silly, I thought it would be better if I registered on mudcat under the same name as I had previously used. All my posts have been under Steve in Sidmouth, originally as Guest, more recently as a registered user. I am aware of NO posts as Steve of Sidmouth that were not from me - there may of course be some on other threads. Thank you for the (few) kind comments about my SeeRed website - I receive rather more from non-mudcat sources! As for the negative feedback, I have developed a thick skin. You need one around here. I do not know who is on the steering group - and I live here! I have offered to host photos and biographies so we could all know more but have had no response. Enough said I suppose about open government! Would Steve Vernon care to tell us a bit about himself?? On the BBC discussion board I post as "seered in sidmouth" - always as a registered user. They do not allow "guests". |
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17 Nov 04 - 08:06 PM (#1330559) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Steve in Sidmouth The long term crisis for Sidmouth is all about funding - but at times it descends into ego trips. Leave those aside. Without resolution of a serious funding issue, it may never be the same 'international' festival again. 2005 is to support 2006 and to keep the memories of 2004 alive until 2006, as much as proves possible. Discussing finance is as central to 2005 as it is for 2006 - but different questions need asking if contributors are to produce the best possible festival in the circumstances in which everyone now finds themselves. Other festivals also suffer from increased costs. Rational discussion of how these should be reduced and/or new sources of finance found is surely crucial to the future. In my (relatively) expert opinion, the AFO discussion of how festivals contribute to local economies is rubbish. I have stated my views and the reasons for them .http://www.seered.co.uk/folk22.htm The AFO report was produced by very well meaning people who were knowledgeable in their field (the folk scene) but who got out of their depth. I have published my views on the company who undertook the work. I couldn't pluck a guitar if I tried (which I wouldn't) and some people couldn't analyse their way out a paper bag. There have been debates in Sidmouth about these issues for a long time and never from a proper analytical base. Hence there has been little progress. The funding issue will not go away. The discussion needs to be taken forward. If a few large or small egos get bruised on the way, if some people wish to limit their involvement in the folk scene to making music in smoky pubs then don't try and tell other people with different perspectives and abilities that they can/cannot discuss other topics. I have no interest in pub sessions (mainly because of the smoke!) and I would never try to tell people how to hold them or what to play or sing. Around 90% of my 'folk' interest is simply in ceilidh dancing. I am not a folk groupie. But I do have an interest in analysis and economics. (PhD in physics and many years working with scientists and economists). One reason I chose to live in Sidmouth was the Festival. My first letter in support of the Festival (stating that it surely helped to promote international understanding) was published in the Sidmouth Herald before I bought my present home. I will try to find a copy. So is it permitted to discuss a few points central to the future funding of folk festivals - and to the Sidmouth festival in particular (both 2005 and 2006) and without being accused of 'negativity'? Thank you so much. If people don't like rational discussion - go someplace else. The following is from the BBC thread - I posted it but their board is so inadequate in software terms I doubt many people will see it. I have never seen such a weird system - they tell me it is overloaded and due for replacement. They should just order the mudcat software and have done with it! From BBC Board: ""Here is a challenge: find anything that is wrong on SeeRed folk pages, prove it to me and I'll change it. I have made changes within minutes when minor errors have been pointed out or when I have reproduced something that someone didn't want exposing more widely than on the muddy cat. I have, for example, argued that local taxpayers should not (perhaps) have to subsidise what is a national festival - the page is folk22.htm. It is akin to expecting residents of Birmingham to pay for the M6, the M5 and the M42 just because they happen to meet there. These are national resources and are funded nationally. Try to fault the arguments instead of just bleating."" "Discuss" - but only if you want to and can remain polite and rational. If you can't, just ignore the discussion. Dr Stephen J Wozniak Sidmouth |
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18 Nov 04 - 07:23 PM (#1331642) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Folkiedave I have sometimes supported Steve and recently commended his website via these pages. However I must take issue with his thoughts about the AFO report. I'll go into some detail on this in the hopes of throwing some light on the general subject in question. The report was produced by a respected consultancy with a professional staff. The client list of the firm is impressive. See: http://www.lateralthinkers.com/clients.html If I had designed a research exercise like this then I think I would have done it in a similar way (I have been a Lecturer in Leisure and Recreation for 20 years). Large scale survey of a variety of festivals in size, location and so on, and then an in-depth follow-up on a stratified random sample. Steve's arguments against this IMHO apply to any large scale event which is held without boundaries and therefore difficult to measure. If Sidmouth Festival was held on a large site with camping (or residence like the National) on site then its impact is easily and totally measureable, a bit like Glastonbury/Cambridge Folk Festival/Cropredy. If the festival is like Sidmouth/Edinburgh International Festival/Olympic Games - open and without boundaries then the measurement is much more difficult. Then the easiest way to get a rough idea of the impact of a festival of this type is to ask people how much they spent - tickets, transport, catering and merchandise. It isn't perfect but it is not too bad. BUT what tourism officers often look for when measuring their own impact is in major part measured by that marketing term, social class. And "folkies" are (generally speaking) people that anyone hoping to attract an audience would kill for in terms of social class. Part of the problem in Sidmouth again IMHO is that the people look different in terms of beards and clothes. They are generally reasonably well off. Look at the cars in the car park, the mobile homes on the camp site and the instruments they play. The nearest I have seen to trouble in Sidmouth has invariably been non-festival-goers. So it is fair to assume that they spend plenty of money in Sidmouth. Of course they spend it in the pubs and the catering outlets. Plus in my case newsagents, bookshops, antique shops,supermarket etc....One festival close to where I live reports that the local supemarket (a Co-op as it happens) has its largest turnover during festival week excepting Xmas. I would be surprised if Waitrose Sidmouth for example found it any different. What people at festivals or So Sidmouth and its local council needs to make its mind up. Do they wish to attract tourists to the area and are they prepared to spend money to do so? If they are, then one of the ways they can do this is through supporting festivals and again most tourist places think they are a good idea. Sidmouth International Festival is as good as you could get in this respect. These events can be local and volunteer led, like most village fetes and indeed folk festivals, professionally led like most other events of that size or a mixture. If they don't want tourists, then IMHO, fine - their shout. Best regards, Dave Eyre |
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18 Nov 04 - 07:27 PM (#1331647) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Folkiedave So sorry: "What people at festivals or any other tourists...." should have read: What people at festivals or any other tourists Apologies....... |
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18 Nov 04 - 08:17 PM (#1331698) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: steve_harris "The report was produced by a respected consultancy with a professional staff. The client list of the firm is impressive" So, to summarise your position -the consultants and the report are correct but the traders are too thick to read their own bank statements correctly? |
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18 Nov 04 - 10:14 PM (#1331801) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST,Moneypenny When did you last hear a trader tell you their profit Steve? I can only speak for myself but I spend in excess of £1,000 every time I visit the Sidmouth Festival. * I stay in a hotel. Often the Belmont or Victoria. I like my creature comforts! * I eat out in restaurants. When I can get a seat. All the restaurants are normally choc-a-bloc full of other festival-goers. * I drink in the pubs. When I can get served. The bars all appear packed with other festival-goers. * I buy snacks, newspapers, ice creams and other goods in local shops. Always surrounded by other festival-goers. * I use the bus to get around and sometimes even a taxi when I can find one not already booked solid by other festival-goers. * And I get damn annoyed when the likes of Steve Harris say that festival-goers hardly spend any money in Sidmouth! Just wait until you see how quiet it is next August when thousands like me are not around. You'll hear the traders moaning then Steve! |
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19 Nov 04 - 04:16 AM (#1332044) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST,Guest up North On Thurday 5 August I put down my box and came out of the Radway on a mission - to get some cash. I tried 4 holes-in-the-wall before I found one that hadn't been emptied. The time? About 7 p.m. |
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19 Nov 04 - 05:16 AM (#1332071) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Folkiedave Steve H. - how people react to the presence of people spending money is entirely up to them. I was simply trying to show that the AFO report was IMHO of more significance than Steve W was saying and from my own humble knowledge and experience pointing out how a tourist department generally looks at things. I was "discussing", in line with Steve's suggestion. I know of one weekend folk festival where the local fish and chip shop which is full from Friday evening through to Sunday night and with long queues, fails to support a festival within 50 yards of his establishment. The owner will not even take an advert in the programme. Will he miss the festival if it went? Clearly he doesn't think so - perhaps on the grounds it might mean less work. Sad for festival goers but entirely up to him. The position in Sidmouth as I have understood it, is that the traders believe that the festival-goers will be replaced by all the people who have stayed away because there is a festival on. I am thinking especially of hotels and B and B. As I said that is their decision and I personally make no comment on whether that is right or wrong. Frankly it would be a guess on my part as much as it is on theirs. They don't seem to have considered that the festival goers arrive in Sidmouth whatever the weather. But as I have repeatedly said, their decision. One other thing I missed out of my earlier letter. The money that gets spent in Sidmouth is not just a one-off,and goes around and around. If the landlord of the Anchor has a particularly good year thanks in part to the festival goers then he might spend some money on e.g. redecoration or alterations. He may use a local builder, who might then use the Radway for a pint after work. That was a result of the festival being there - some of the money goes into the local economy in the form of extra wages and goes around and around. (I suspect that some of the AFO report figures are based on this sort of calculation but I do not know for certain). If the festival (or something to replace it) isn't there, that will not happen. I would not try and dictate to the people of Sidmouth, the business people and their representatives how they organise their town. I confess to being sad that the festival seems to be changing. But these things happen. And I wish those re-organising next year's events all the luck in the world. Best regards, Dave Eyre |
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20 Nov 04 - 01:35 PM (#1333735) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: steve_harris "And I get damn annoyed when the likes of Steve Harris say that festival-goers hardly spend any money in Sidmouth!" You are interpreting what I actually said EXTREMELY creatively :-) "I can only speak for myself but I spend in excess of £1,000 every time I visit the Sidmouth Festival." Sure, but that only deepens the mystery. Why don't the traders worry about losing your money? Have they failed to notice it going through their tills? Are they just stupid? Or perhaps those fine hotels know how many times they could fill your bed in the first week of August - festival or not. |
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20 Nov 04 - 01:52 PM (#1333752) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: steve_harris "The money that gets spent in Sidmouth is not just a one-off,and goes around and around. If the landlord of the Anchor has a particularly good year thanks in part to the festival goers then he might spend some money on e.g. redecoration or alterations. He may use a local builder, who might then use the Radway for a pint after work" Quite a good example except that most of the money spent at the Anchor goes straight out of the town to brewers, food supploers, etc. I'm sure I saw a claim that every pound you spent magically multplied to become £39! My guess is that less than 39p stays in the town. Another good thing about the Anchor example though is that it's one of the few businesses that does make a lot of money at festival time. Or maybe their membership of the patrons scheme and giving the venue is just stupidity of another sort :-) |
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20 Nov 04 - 07:28 PM (#1334045) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST,Moneypenny Steve Harris. If you are one of the people behind Sidmouth 2005 then small wonder the festival is in such trouble. You're just sooooooo negative and critical of anyone who expresses an honest opinion you don't like. If the traders who put so little money into past festivals are happy to manage without my hard-earned cash next August then fine. Whether "they failed to notice it going through their tills" I know not. What I do know is that my money won't be going through their tills again until we have a full festival once more, hopefully this time with more support from both traders and council. BTW I find the responses on mudcat from the supposed organisers of Sidmouth 2005 profoundly depressing. If you really want to persuade people to return to Sidmouth then lighten-up and think about the criticisms and concerns from longtime festival patrons instead of dismissing us all out-of-hand. We just want the REAL Sidmouth festival back. We shouldn't be criticised for that. |
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21 Nov 04 - 06:12 AM (#1334310) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST Your right Moneypenny we want the old Sidmouth not a fringe festival,it should have a year off and come back in 2006 with a bang and money invested into the festival should not be wasted next year. |
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21 Nov 04 - 06:47 PM (#1334733) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: steve_harris "Steve Harris. If you are one of the people behind Sidmouth 2005" You mustn't believe everything Steve W says! "You're just sooooooo negative and critical of anyone who expresses an honest opinion you don't like." In sad contrast to your own kind and cheerful interest in my opinions :-) "If the traders who put so little money into past festivals are happy to manage without my hard-earned cash next August then fine ... What I do know is that my money won't be going through their tills again until we have a full festival once more" So you'll only be going to festivals that the locality really needs and who show it with extensive sponsorship? Very altruistic. |
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22 Nov 04 - 06:22 AM (#1335116) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST,Sidmouth resident Could someone please put Steve Harris out of his misery. With people like him promoting Sidmouth 2005 who needs enemies? |
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22 Nov 04 - 07:10 AM (#1335139) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Steve in Sidmouth It is EDDC that may need putting out of its misery soon. Their spending review may need to find savings of £4 million per year out of a budget of £45 million (according to a press report this week). The review even includes considering selling off the Knowle - which could include the land where the arena events are held. In years past, the Knowle was an up-market hotel. That was before cheap air travel. Knocking it down might be a logical next step - they have just spent £100,000 on a new plate glass and superior chipboard entrance foyer. In the old days of the PSA (who used to look after central government buildings before privatisation swept all before it) we always used to say that you could tell which was the next edifice to be demolished because it would just have been repainted. The various departments never used to talk to each other. Enough of this nostalgia, and let's hear it for the Wurzels..... |
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22 Nov 04 - 10:39 AM (#1335262) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST,Anon Sounds like the Wurzels will be playing a benefit for the Council instead of raising funds for the festival Steve. BTW Steve. What's become of Councillor Stuart Hughes? He seems to have gone all quiet now his plans for 'StuFest 2005' have gone down like a whore in a brothel? |
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22 Nov 04 - 10:45 AM (#1335269) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST Sorry but most traditional folkies would not be seen dead listening to the Wurzels!!!!!!.I am one of them so if they are top of the guest list count me out. |
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22 Nov 04 - 11:41 AM (#1335319) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST,Wurzel Hater Oh but it gets worse...The Strawbs and Show of Hands as well. |
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22 Nov 04 - 11:47 AM (#1335327) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST With all the people they could have chosen they choose them.Well i never, another long term Sidmouth goer going to another festival. |
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22 Nov 04 - 11:49 AM (#1335334) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST,Lowestoft Folkie Show of Hands are O.K. The rest of the names being mentioned for the Arena are awful. They're certain to keep folkies with any street cred well away from Sidmouth next summer. |
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22 Nov 04 - 12:04 PM (#1335345) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Schantieman IMHO, the best type of festival is a small, non-commercial one, with sing-songs, music sessions and non-amplified ceilidhs for people who want to sing, make music and dance. That's what I'd like to see at Sidmouth (and elsewhere) in 2005. Once you start putting on big concerts and big ceilidhs it starts getting expensive and un-folky. That's what' happened to Sidmouth in spades in the last 50 years. Let's get back to basics. Steve |
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23 Nov 04 - 12:10 PM (#1336599) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: steve_harris "put Steve Harris out of his misery. With people like him promoting Sidmouth 2005 who needs enemies?" Steve Wozniak said I was one of the promoters for reasons best known to himself. If you want to believe that Sidmouth traders are rich, tight idiots who held out against Steve Heap for years but will finally capitulate in the face of a "folkie strike" in 2005, carry on! Let's have your picket lines by the Bowd Inn, a sit-in on the Ham and running battles with the blackleg Middle Bar Singers! It's a great idea for a long ballad? A verse about the brave Sir Heap fighting the evil Count Sill and the wicked Screaming Lord Stuart and his horde of devliish Wurzels! :-) |
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23 Nov 04 - 03:37 PM (#1336758) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Lizzie still in Sidmouth! Hello Guys! I'm just SO pleased that all you Miserable Moaning Minnies above aren't coming to Sidmouth!! I really am! Please, please, please, promise me you WON'T change your minds and come! I just couldn't BEAR it! After all, this is MY town and I don't want you moaners and stirrers here! All of you who ARE coming, are coming for the right reasons! Because you LOVE Sidmouth and what it stands for. It's you who are going to make the Folk Week! It REALLY is THAT simple! :-) :-) You'll not be walking around moaning about this and tut-tutting about that! Nope! You'll be dancing, sitting in the parks playing music, down on the Seafront chatting to each other and watching all the singers and the dancers. In The Bedford, where you've gathered for years and years, and The Swan and The Anchor! Up in Connaught Gardens or tickling your toes in the waves, climbing on the Rock Islands and sitting in Absolute Ecstasy in The Arena watching Show of Hands,(sigh!) and The Battlefield Band.(Yey!) Then there's all those Magnificent Morris Dancers, twirling and swirling all over town, outside Fields, round by the Church, where the squirrels all sit on the gravestones, and on to Fiddlers Green, by the bus stops. But BEST of ALL! NO MOANING MINNIES OR MICKEYS at Sidmouth Folk Week!! Just people with smiles on their faces having a good time! I just can't wait for all you Sidmouth Groupies to get here! I really can't! :-) :-) Lizzie |
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23 Nov 04 - 03:48 PM (#1336769) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST Sad old person with nothing better to do than whinge about those who make comments about your Sidmouth!!!!. You make me feel a lot better for not coming next year if we have to put up with people like you. |
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23 Nov 04 - 03:55 PM (#1336775) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: The Borchester Echo Just to let Lizzie know, in case she imagines it was, that GUEST above wasn't me. (Actually, my guess is that it was probably the goat...) |
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23 Nov 04 - 04:17 PM (#1336812) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Adrianl It saddens me to see so much anger from people about what they say that Sidmouth Fesival should or should not be. I have only been going to Sidmouth for the last four years but it seems to me that its strength was it variety. You could regard it as a series of parallel festivals going on at the same town. English Ceilidh, Social Dance, Large Arena events, acoustic sessions, morris etc. If you wanted you could stay within one stream but its strength was created by people moving from one stream to another. As far as I can see many people are working to carry this on in 2005 to create a base to continue in the future. I hope they succeed. Adrian |
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23 Nov 04 - 04:23 PM (#1336819) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: The Borchester Echo Adrian, the only quibble I have with your post is the date. Many people are working to carry this out in...2006. |
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23 Nov 04 - 04:35 PM (#1336832) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Adrianl No I stick by what is said. "As far as I can see many people are working to carry this on in 2005 to create a base to continue in the future" (2006 and beyond). "I hope they succeed." Adrian |
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23 Nov 04 - 08:44 PM (#1337138) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST,Toby Jug Steve Harris should not slag off Steve Heap who kept Sidmouth going for years. The bile coming from Steve and his supporters is harming Sidmouth's future, not helping it. |
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23 Nov 04 - 11:04 PM (#1337253) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST,Anne Croucher In the past I have always found it difficult to spend money at Sidmouth - really. I try to spend as much time there as possible, some years I have only had the weekend, some years the weekend and last Friday, or Thursday and Friday. A few years I could stay for the whole week. As I don't have time for dancing and prefer to perform rather than listen I go to the pavillion cafe bar, the sea front - last year I could sing in the Middle Bar thanks to it being almost smoke free. Being there all week I took my drum to the motley morris. I do go and look at things in the Arena - but I like to play rock and roll cds, mostly, I have all the musical instruments I need, and I don't even like the food on sale there. I might like to have gone to some of the workshops - but by the time I knew what there was all the books of tickets were sold, and the information was that without a season ticket or workshop ticket there was no entrance. I did find out that they had changed the rules but too late for all but one workshop and that at the very last minute. If I buy a season ticket I am denying one to someone who will actually use it for dances and concerts, but I do have money to spend - most years I have spent scarcely 1/3rd of the amount I had available. I do hope that the new management will have better information for people 'on the fringe' and maybe even provide a good reason to spend a bit more money at Sidmouth. Anne |
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24 Nov 04 - 07:46 AM (#1337507) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST,Anon Shouldn't be difficult to spend lots of money in Sidmouth next year Anne. The shops and pubs will be empty so you'll be served quickly. Nobody will have sold out of anything. You won't have to wait hours for a table in caffs or restaurants. There will be no queues for concerts or workshops and none of the workshops will have been sold out. You'll even be able to walk round Sidmouth and along the Prom more easily as none of those wretched folkies will be around to block your way with their wretched instruments and clanging bells on their legs. Hope you have a great time. |
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24 Nov 04 - 08:24 AM (#1337536) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GRex Guest, Anon is a 1st class pessimist isn't he. Most of my friends & I will be there & intend to enjoy ourselves. |
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24 Nov 04 - 08:58 AM (#1337574) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST,Guest up North Guest, Anon, is a first-class lots-of-other-things-wot-I-could-think-of. What a sad, sour, bitter, twisted view. Why inflict it on the rest of us? |
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24 Nov 04 - 07:11 PM (#1338225) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: steve_harris "Steve Harris should not slag off Steve Heap who kept Sidmouth going for years. The bile coming from Steve and his supporters is harming Sidmouth's future, not helping it. " There does seem to be a serious literacy problem on this board. I haven't slagged off Steve Heap - indeed my recent post cast him as "brave Sir Heap fighting the evil Count Sill" I'm not aware of having supporters. And there's this persistent belief that I'm a festival organiser despite 2 categoric denials. |
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24 Nov 04 - 07:15 PM (#1338229) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: steve_harris "Shouldn't be difficult to spend lots of money in Sidmouth next year Anne. The shops and pubs will be empty so you'll be served quickly ... wretched folkies will be around to block your way with their wretched instruments and clanging bells on their legs" When exactly next year will this quiet time be? I went to Sidmouth one January and it was heaving! Not with musicians or morris dancers though - you are right there. |
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24 Nov 04 - 07:20 PM (#1338234) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST You really should be in bed by now children. |
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24 Nov 04 - 10:59 PM (#1338395) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST,From Cleveland Ohio You Brits sure know how to turn people off your festival |
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25 Nov 04 - 10:29 AM (#1338775) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Lizzie still in Sidmouth! Dear 'Guest from Cleveland, Ohio' Hey! I didn't know the Sidmouth Murder Campaign had reached you out there! So what's Ohio like then? Listen, you come to Sidmouth next year and you won't be turned off! No Sirreee! You'll be seriously Turned ON! Trust me!!! :-) :-) So, tell me, why don't they give you names out in Cleveland, or are you all called GUEST? That must be a bit confusing!! If you come to Sidmouth, I'll give you a Proper English Name, we can search the ancent Churchyard together and look at all the old, moss covered, crooked gravestones! There are some GREAT names on them! I'm sure I'll find you one that you like! Anyway, there is NO other Festival in the world that gets people talking and arguing like Sidmouth! Of course, I'm too busy to argue as I'm busy dreaming of Show of Hands next summer in The Arena! They always put a smile on my face! Bit like this thread! Wonderful isn't it!! One of the best threads on Mudcat!! :-) :-) Lizzie |
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25 Nov 04 - 09:44 PM (#1339312) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST,From Cleveland Ohio The name's Bud Ms. Lizzie. I don't want to be disrespectful or anything Ms. but I sure can think of better things to do if I cross the pond than wander around a Churchyard looking at crooked gravestones. We do have gravestones here in Ohio as well y'know. I only posted because I was amused to read about all you brits arguing over the future of one small festival. Is it some game you brits play to while away the winter months. Like I said the arguing sure turns me off your festival. |
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26 Nov 04 - 03:00 AM (#1339415) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Dave Earl OK everyone read the press release on the other Thread. It's going to happen whether you like the idea or not. Dave Earl |
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26 Nov 04 - 06:16 AM (#1339538) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Lizzie still in Sidmouth! That's better 'Bud' in Cleveland, Ohio! The point your missing is that IT IS all this arguing which is making The Sidmouth Folk Week 2005 and the subsequent Sidmouth Folk Festivals SO intriguing!! Ask yourself just WHY are so many people getting their blood pressure up (or down!) about it!! I'll bet you're just jealous 'cos you don't have a Sidmouth Folk Festival to argue about, over there!! But Hey! We're very civilised over here, we don't mind if you join in with us at all! Please feel extremely welcome! Do you live down by the banks of the Ohio, Bud? You see, I guess it's like Chris Smither, a fellow countryman of yours, said at this year's Sidmouth.....He talked about the fact that in America a folk festival is often in the middle of nowhere with very few facilities, but what he loved about Sidmouth is that there's a beautiful beach, shops, post office, hotels, parks, incredible Regency houses,breath-takingly stunning scenery, beautiful air and The Sidmouth Fiddler!!! Also, he loved the fact that it attracts people of ALL ages, from toddlers who can hardly walk to seriously elderly people who again can hardly walk and all the ages in between. From all backgrounds and from all over the world. SIDMOUTH? THERE IS SIMPLY NOTHING LIKE IT! And THAT'S why there is so much Passion and Anger on this thread! Leave Ohio, Bud, and come and live here!! ;-) AND Sidmouth has 'possibly' the largest and most scrummiest cakes in all the world! AND next year we're going to have SHOW OF HANDS at the Folk Week! Yeeeyyyyyyy! Get Show of Hands over to Ohio Bud and life will take on a WHOLE NEW MEANING.....ECSTASY!! :-) :-) AND they've got this brilliant song called 'Crooked Man' which I think is all about Mr.Blair and Mr. Bush. It's just DIVINE!!!! You'll love it!!! By the way Bud, you really don't have to call me MS, just plain old Lizzie will do! Leave the MS to stand for Major Stars, all those who have turned up for the last 50 years, are going to turn up next year and will continue into the future to turn up for The Sidmouth Folk Festivals to come! And trust me, until you've seen Sidmouth Churchyard, you just haven't lived! It is one of the most beautiful, tranquil, spiritual places in this country! Put it on your 'travel' list Bud! Go On! :-) :-) Oh! And one more thing! As you may be aware, we 'Brits' very rarely air our views, we're all brought up with the old 'stiff upper lip' and 'musn't grumble' attitude, but every now and then 'Something' comes along which lights a fire in us, that just won't be put out by anyone or anybody! And THAT is what THIS thread and it's 'sister' one is all about. Don't Suffocate The Flame, Bud! Light it! Leave Ohio Bud! Move to Sidmouth! Whooppppeeeeeee! :-) Lizzie |
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26 Nov 04 - 02:32 PM (#1339904) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST,Sidmouth Resident Lizzie. I meant to mention. Did you hear Show of Hands on Radio 5 Live in the early hours of Friday morning? They'd played a gig in Ilfracombe then driven to some pub from where Matthew Banister was broadcasting his late show live. Noel Edmonds was also on. I kid you not. Show of Hands were fab. Hope you heard them. If you were already fast asleep, that'll teach you to stay up later! |
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26 Nov 04 - 02:53 PM (#1339923) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: steve_harris Well, Bud, the arguing is because we believe in DEMOCRACY. And that noise you can hear is a Bombarde and not a WMD. I know we haven't got a MacDonalds in Sidmouth yet but we really realy realy are not a threat to World Peace and there's absolutely no need to liberate Sidmouth! And there's no oil either. |
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27 Nov 04 - 06:24 AM (#1340375) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Lizzie still in Sidmouth! Oh No! Siddy Rezzy! I missed SHOW OF HANDS!!! How did that happen??!! WHAT A BUMMER!!!!! This though is undoubtedly due to the fact that yes! I was FAST asleep and already DREAMING of them! Mmmmmmmm.......! :-) :-) Oh! And Hey Bud! If you're out there, how did I miss this one???! Come to Sidmouth Folk Week Bud and you'll just start to BLOSSOM!! Lizzie :-) Hmmmm....I think I'm going to change my 'From' bit, that title sounds a bit boring.........! |
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27 Nov 04 - 06:27 AM (#1340376) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Lizzie in SASSY SIDMOUTH! Ahhhh! Now that's a better name! Change this town's image a bit maybe!!! Lizzie |
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27 Nov 04 - 03:00 PM (#1340619) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST,Anne Croucher when I posted about spending money I meant more money - to suport the organisation. I don't find any problems buying food and drink - after going to the festival so long I have everything worked out for buying what I need. It is simply that the organisers and traders at the festival have not found anything I want to do so they can get some of my money - or when they got my attention they then prevented me from buying the ticket I thought I needed, and not telling me (or anyone else in the same situation) I could go to the door and buy my way in with real money if there was space. So for 25 or maybe 30 years I have been going to Sidmouth, been on the fringe with increasing amounts of money to spend and nowhere to spend it. The policy of workshops for ticket holders only has just pushed me further from the organised festival. I never really minded a free festival - but perhaps if I had contributed the festival would not have financial troubles. Perhaps if I had been able to become involved in some way the festival would still be certain of its future. I did steward one year, but I was just selling bells books and kazoos on a stall by the Arena at the times when I would usually have been singing. I was given a season ticket but hardly used it. I have never been averse to getting involved - but there has never been a way for me to get in. Anne |
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27 Nov 04 - 05:34 PM (#1340739) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST,Volunteer Well now you can get involved Anne. The new festival will need all the help it can get as many of the normal teams of stewards won't be attending next year. I suggest you contact any of the organisers and volunteer your services. P.S. Great idea that it should be a free festival. Let's hope Cllr. Hughes, Tony Day and co. agree to that. It would certainly save a lot of time and effort selling and checking tickets etc. |
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28 Nov 04 - 12:06 PM (#1341171) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: *Laura* This is unbelievable. I left this thread becasue I was fed up of all the to-ing and fro-ing. If you're not even going to try and see each others points of view - then don't post! You're just going backwards and forwards - accusing and arguing. Just back off for a few days and then look back at the thread and you'll see how ridiculous some of these arguments are! xLx (and I thought I was supposed to be the arrogant stubborn teenager here! :-) ) |
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28 Nov 04 - 10:24 PM (#1341627) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST,Anon Applause for Laura. I'm glad I'm not the only one amazed by this thread. I'm only posting myself now to say to those who oppose Sidmouth 2005 that I don't expect anything better than your constant jibes BUT to those who are supposed to be supporting Sidmouth 2005 GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER and stop all the sniping back at your opponents. You are just turning neutrals off next year's festival. Why? |
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29 Nov 04 - 06:31 AM (#1341840) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Lizzie in SASSY SIDMOUTH! Hello again 'A-NON' important person! Could I just point out that ANYONE who is NEUTRAL about Sidmouth Folk Week or past or future Sidmouth Festivals shouldn't be coming!!!! Nope!! It is, in my opinion, Utterly Impossible to be Neutral about Sidmouth! Truly, Madly, Deeply, Impossible! I don't want Neutrals in my town next year!!! I want my town to be filled with people who know EXACTLY what they want! Don't want people who 'sit on the fence' and can't decide 'one way or t'other' or who whisper 'I used to be indecisive, but now I'm not so sure!' Can't bear lily-livered, shall we or shan't we kind of people!!! Can't bear people who want to try to 'kill-off' Sidmouth either!! :-) Also can't bear ANON's who don't even have a name! Why DID your Mother call you 'Anon'? Was she fairly 'neutral' about you? Does this explain why you don't expect anything better than "constant jibes"!! Look, come to Sidmouth and I will give you a STUNNING Name and your whole life just might start to change!! You'll stop being happy to accept jibes and you will start to discover a Passion you never knew you had!!!! And as far as 'sniping back' goes? Ummm.....isn't that JUST what you were doing above? That's what this thread is for, different opinions! Don't be NEUTRAL, for this also can mean: disinterested,indifferent,dispassionate,aloof, uninvolved, and uncommitted! It can also mean; bland, dull, ordinary, colourless, insipid and indistinguishable!! I mean GEE WHIZZ! WHO wants to be that??????! Become a PARTISAN!! For this can mean; a disciple,a champion, a supporter, a backer, a fan, an upholder,an enthusiast,a stalwart, a devotee and interested!! I'd love to see my Town just FULL of Partisans and not Neutrals! Hey! We could have a Partisan Party down on the Seafront! That would be Cool!! But you ARE right about this thread, (and the other one!) It is truly AMAZING isn't it. Just like Sidmouth! :-) :-) :-) SO MUCH PASSION! Lizzie |
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29 Nov 04 - 06:53 AM (#1341870) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: George Papavgeris Lizzie, dear girl, what are you on? Go back and read my post on this thread, dated 17th November. You clearly did not read it before, or did not understand it. Do you really not realise that by attacking the "neutrals" you are doing the festival a disservice? What kind of a PR is this? Your so-called passion consists of dozens of "smileys", loads of SHOUTING, more exclamation(!) marks(!) than would be good for anyone's health, and is generally unfocused and thrashing. To the average punter reading this, your recent posts have moved from positive towards the festival, to flailing and ranting. In fact, if you were a "troll" wanting to damage the festival, you could not do better. You are close to being a liability, and the nightmare of any PR officer for the festival. Please, calm down. Continue being positive, but focus your energies on doing things for the festival, not talking and certainly not alienating the "neutrals". Recognise those who wish the festival (and you) well, and stop offending them. And send me some of whatever it is that you're on - the wife says I could do with it. |
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29 Nov 04 - 09:44 AM (#1342004) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Lizzie in SASSY SIDMOUTH! Dear 'El Greko', This is what you need....lots of !!!!! and :-):-) :-) :-) and then a few more !!!!! AND SOME CAPITOL LETTERS....and a huge sense of fun and an even HUGER (new word!)LOVE of Sidmouth! (You don't know a chap called Ian Anderson do you?!:-)...) He has a terrible aversion to all my !!! as well! I think he has to go and lie down in a darkened room to recover! In fact I think he might be trying to wipe me off the Internet!! Got into trouble for standing up for Sidmouth over on Radio 2 as well, that's strange isn't it! :-) WHY do I keep getting into trouble for STANDING UP for Sidmouth? ANYWAY, can I just ask why you're not having a go at 'Steve of Sidmouth' too? I think you'll find he might be doing more damage than I am? I think it's living in Sidmouth for the other 51 weeks a year has completely frazzled both our brains!! You don't think I'm getting like him do you?? :-0 :-) Now that COULD be scary!! I don't do 'Calm Down'!! Calm Down is what I see everywhere about me in Sidmouth for the rest of the year! Lots of Zimmer Frames and Ambulances, life is just far, far too short to 'calm down'!! Besides, I'm not doing PR, good, bad, or outrageous! I just love Folk Music too and this Festival particularly, and Sidmouth 2005 is going to help Sidmouth 2006! And I'm NOT going to stop with my !!! and my :-) :-)'s either! This is a Free Messageboard and a Free Country (I think!! Although just lately.....but hey that's another Thread!!) I'll send you some Freshly Bottled Sidmouth Air and a few Show of Hands CD's and then you'll be JUST like me! Life will be much more fun, honestly? Do your wrinkles go up or down? :-) Do you even HAVE wrinkles? :-):-) You don't like The Mekons do you? :-) Well, that's me off to the beach then! Sun's out, sky is azure blue and the sparkling sea is calling! And I'm going to do some 'thrashing about!!' And please, please don't make me STOP talking!!! How MEAN can a man get! Just be very, very grateful that you're not married to me!! That could just turn out to be your worst nightmare!!! :-) :-)You just ask 'He who owns a Steve Knightley Songbook'! On the other hand, maybe you'd better not! :-) ;-) Lots of Love Lizzie :-) (Hopeless 'lost cause' and Sidmouth Groupie!) In Sidmouth! By the Sea! In the Sun! And Chris, if you're out there......Hellooooooo! :-) :-) |
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29 Nov 04 - 04:56 PM (#1342420) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Steve in Sidmouth Lizzie I know you are well meaning. In fact, I'm beginning almost to look forward to your next post. Do you live exclusively on carrot juice and mature cheese? There has to be some rational medical explanation. Whatever else afflicts you, you obviously spend far too long in front of a computer. It can have awful consequences. Spend time on ebay and who knows what may happen. I almost bought a camper van the other day - I had a dream of being able to go to other festivals just to get away from you. But I'm reconciled to dancing at Sidmouth now - even if it is in dreary school halls miles from the sea instead of in proper marquees that could so easily (?) be afforded and that would bring so much life and atmosphere to the town centre. See - I never miss an opportunity. You need to get out more. Take some proper exercise. Test out your lungs, stretch yourself. Get fit for the dances we shall have together. And believe me you'll need to be fit. So less of all this computing and lounging around on Sidmouth beach. You missed a good dance on Saturday - and you would have been able to read a few of the latest 'SeeRed' posters on the hall doors. Or was that you with the little black dress, the pearls, the captivating delicate eyes, the warm soft hands and the permatanned toned body? Gosh, I do hope not!! You'd have learnt FAR too much about me. |
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29 Nov 04 - 05:55 PM (#1342486) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Blowzabella Lizzie and Steve - i don't know whether to be scared of you two - or to go out and buy a new hat...and await the invitation...? It is certainly keeping my interest in this thread stimulated...whether it is for the right reasons or not remains to be seen..... |
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29 Nov 04 - 10:18 PM (#1342758) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST,Councillor (EDDC) Ha ha Steve in Sidmouth. Stuart told me if I looked at this website I'd have a good laugh. He also told me you don't like the council. Just don't ask too many questions about the deal on the arena which we're giving Stuart else others might also expect free hire of Knowle. Remember it is in Sidmouth's best interest for us to help Stuart keep the festival show on the road. Stuart has to declare an interest if the festival is debated in council but he tells us what is needed in our group meetings. We will do all we can to help him. He's one of us. We want to help him save the festival. Yours etc. Councillor (EDDC) |
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30 Nov 04 - 06:51 AM (#1343021) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Lizzie in SASSY SIDMOUTH! First of all; MEMO to me....Never put the word CAPITAL in capital letters if you spell it wrongly....this will only prove what a Complete Dingbat you truly are!!:-) Now then, where do I start on THIS thread?? Well, first of all, Blowzabella......PLEASE DON'T BUY A HAT!!!!!! Well, only if you wear it to next year's Sidmouth! Yeyyy! That would be cool! We could have a Best Live Folk Hat Act competition in Connaught Gardens and get the Sidmouth Fiddler to judge!! Mind you, Blowz, please keep coming in to this thread, as just occasionally I think I'm the only other person in here apart from Steve and his many alias's and that scares the Hell out of me!!! :-0 :-) It was actually very comforting to see El Greko in here yesterday even if all he did was tell me off! Old Grouch!!!! Steve in Sidmouth: Please BUY that camper van and Head Up Country as fast as you can!! Best idea you've come up with so far! And take Mr. and Mrs. Giggs, (or is that Gigs!) with you! They can sit in the back and look at your website all the way up to Scotland! And as for spending too much time on the computer!! SPENDING TOO MUCH TIME ON THE COMPUTER!!!!!! HOW CAN YOU......! HOW CAN YOU POSSIBLY..........!!! And as for Dancing????!! Well, I'm sorry to disappoint you, but my 'Dance Card' is already full! I know! I know! This will make you very disappointed, but just what is girl to do! Is it my fault that my town will soon be filled with Heart-Melting Morris Men!! There is only room on my card for a few carefully, preciously selected Morris Men!! And NO! it DEFINITELY wasn't me you were dancing with!! :-0 And finally, Councillor Eddc. (again) were you this troublesome at school or are you REALLY Alistair Campbell? I wondered where he'd gone! You just keep spinning, spinning, spinning! Maybe you're the Black Fairy from Sleeping Beauty, do you have a Spindle too!! You really are a Naughty Little Councillor aren't you? Lizzie |
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30 Nov 04 - 07:12 AM (#1343033) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST Lizzie, I think you need to drink less and stop using the computer so often,your either retire or unemployed as your on this and the other thread throughout the day about Sidmouth and how wonderful it is,we all know that already stop gabbing about it. I also want to know if you love Sidmouth so much why dont you go to the open meetings,are you "BANNED" from the council chambers in anyway. From someone who went to Sidmouth and loved it for many years long before you left darkest Dartmoor. |
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30 Nov 04 - 09:18 AM (#1343155) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Dave Earl Here we go again. A "Guest" putting his two pennyworth in. Look mate if you are not a mudcat member with your own handle at least put some form of identification in the "From" field. Or is it that you are on a wind-up and don't want to reveal who you are. You could liken what you are doing to heavy breathing down the phone. If you think you have a valid point why hide behind "Guest". Dave Earl |
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30 Nov 04 - 11:40 AM (#1343294) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST Your the heavy, who is an MBS singer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
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30 Nov 04 - 12:12 PM (#1343324) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Dave Earl Guest wrote:- "Your the heavy, who is an MBS singer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Yes I am a MB singer but at least I let everybody know who I am! Dave Earl |
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30 Nov 04 - 12:29 PM (#1343346) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST Go and hide in The Anchor at least we know where you are safely out the way of the other singing sessions going on around Sidmouth. |
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30 Nov 04 - 12:37 PM (#1343360) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Dave Earl I will be in The Anchor but I have sung in other sessions around Sidmouth. I have friends who go to the other sessions and am known to a lot of the people there. I am sorry but you may well find me somewhere else around the town. Can we now get back to the point of this thread? Dave Earl |
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30 Nov 04 - 12:45 PM (#1343371) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST My opinion was to DOPEY LIZZIE not to you Dave,you put your penny worth into a part of the thread that did not belong to you.I have also known you very well for many years. Hope you are making some pots for next year????. This thread is opinions and thats what i have done,Lizzie is talking from her - - - -. |
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30 Nov 04 - 12:53 PM (#1343386) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Dave Earl So PM me or send me a personal e-mail so I know who you are. You are probably a mate of mine so lets not fall out over other peoples silliness. Dave |
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30 Nov 04 - 01:17 PM (#1343418) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST I have not fallen out with you Dave.Have a good Christmas,see you in February where we will have a chat. |
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30 Nov 04 - 02:41 PM (#1343505) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Lizzie in SASSY SIDMOUTH! Dear 'Guest 07.12, 11.40, 12.29, AND 12.45' Wow! That's worrying, you're on here EVEN more than me! In answer to ....I'm not so think as you drunk I am! :-) In answer to In answer to Good to see that Sidmouth is making you angry though!! :-) :-) Lizzie |
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30 Nov 04 - 03:09 PM (#1343525) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST Lizzie, Who said, except you that i am angry it takes more than a geriatric to make me angry,lol.I have been going to Sidmouth since 1981,i expect even before you moved???????????. |
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30 Nov 04 - 03:45 PM (#1343551) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: MBSLynne May I suggest we stop feeding this Troll? She/he is enjoying causing upset. If nobody reacts she/he might go away. |
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30 Nov 04 - 03:51 PM (#1343559) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST I have as much right as been here as everyone else who believes the music is in their heart Lynne |
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30 Nov 04 - 06:11 PM (#1343707) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: steve_harris "WHY do I keep getting into trouble for STANDING UP for Sidmouth?" 'Cos there's some boring farts around, Lizzie. In 2005, maybe the bouncers at the Anchor will refuse to let anyone in not wearing a tie? |
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30 Nov 04 - 06:51 PM (#1343734) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST,Pongo from Wales Does 'Lizzie' really exist? Or is she (or he) just a fake name for the anti-festival brigade? Make it look as if you are madly in love with the festival but post increasingly bizarre and lunatic rantings so any sane person thinks "Ohmigod, I might bump into this nutter" and runs off to any festival not being held in Sidmouth. Keep it up Lizzie. With friends like you Sidmouth 2005 sure don't need enemies. |
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01 Dec 04 - 06:33 AM (#1344190) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Lizzie in SASSY SIDMOUTH! Hello Pongo! Are you on one of those 'Bad Puppy Farms' in Wales that you hear about now and again? Shall I send Perdita to find you? Was 101 Dalmations your favourite book when you were little? It was one of mine! I do really exist.....I am a she...I'm not fake...I am passionately in love with Sidmouth Festival and Folk Week.....I am getting increasingly bizarre!!:-)Thank God!....I am looking forward to bumping into all sorts of 'nutters' next August, especially ones in brightly coloured clothes who love folk music and morris dancing and Sidmouth, for they are My Clan!....I do hope that YOU run off to any other Festival that is not Sidmouth......I have decided to take your advice and 'keep it up Lizzie' after all.......And with friends like the organisers of Sidmouth Folk Week, Sidmouth will be just fine! Relax....Pongo! Have some Pedigree Chum, curl up by the fire and just work out how you're going to support 99 puppies and Perdita!!! So many pooper-scooper bags to take out with you on your walks!! I think that Cruella de Vil is making you a little 'bothered'! She always was a nasty piece of work. Bit like some of the people doing Sidmouth 2005 down I'd say!!! I'll bet they wear coats made from Dalmation Fur!!! Hmmm....they should be quite easy to SPOT next year then!!! (Sorry, that just sort of happened!):0) :0) Anyway Pongo, Croeso Y Cymru as they say in The Red Dragon! And OWAIN GLENDOWER 4 EVER!!!! Yeeeyyyyyy!!!! Lizzie ;0) |
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01 Dec 04 - 09:05 AM (#1344279) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Scooby Doo By the way Lizzie as i live in Wales its Owain Glyndwr!!!!!!!!!!. |
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01 Dec 04 - 11:45 AM (#1344434) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Dave Earl OK Guest I think I can guess who you are (MBS prime mover?) See you in Feb and again in the first week of August regardless of the view anybody else around here has. I shall also revert to lurk mode until such time as I feel I need to come to the aid of the party. Bye for now. Dave |
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01 Dec 04 - 12:12 PM (#1344465) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Lizzie in SASSY SIDMOUTH! Hello Scooby! Sorry, I wrote it the politically correct way! Half Welsh, half English! Bit like me! Wrong side of the Severn Bridge that's the trouble! I like Wales, not only have you got Pongo and Scooby, (hey! we're back to those 'puppy farms' again), but you've got Martyn Joseph and John Jones (Sigh!) two of the Sassiest Welshmen that ever walked the Planet! Can you imagine a double bill of The Oysterband AND Martyn Joseph? Wooooooowwwwww! :0) :0) In fact with that thought in mind......I'm just heading for that Severn Bridge as I type! Book Castell Coch for me to live in, I rather fancy that and then all those fabulous Welshmen can sing their hearts out down in the Castle Courtyard! But I expect you know far more romantic Welsh Castles than that....it's just that it's a bit 'fairy-like' and that appeals to me! Glad to see you're a !!!!!! too! Must be all that gorgeous Celtic Blood! Lizzie :0) |
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01 Dec 04 - 12:35 PM (#1344487) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Scooby Doo Its ok,i dont live far Castell Coch lovely place.Take it easy Lizzie and i may bump into you in time.Your crazy,thats all i can say about you!!!!!!. I am off to Llantrisant folk club tonight,so i will sing you a song. Take care, Scooby |
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01 Dec 04 - 07:05 PM (#1344866) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: steve_harris "Keep it up Lizzie. With friends like you Sidmouth 2005 sure don't need enemies. " I say "Keep it up Lizzie. With friends like you Sidmouth 2005 should be free of boring people like Pongo" |
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01 Dec 04 - 10:36 PM (#1345026) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST,Horatio Whistleblower Quote from Lizzie: "I am getting increasingly bizarre" You said it lady. Are all the lunatics being let out of the asylum for Sidmouth 2005? |
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02 Dec 04 - 09:27 AM (#1345381) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Lizzie in SASSY SIDMOUTH! Hello 'Horatio'! Nice to speak to you! Ummm....we haven't met before somewhere have we?! All the lunatics are out 52 weeks a year in Sidmouth My Deario! Why, just yesterday I happened upon a delightful 'elderly' lady in a shop down in town. She was about 75ish I'd guess and she was talking to her friend, who was looking slightly bemused to say the least! This lady was immaculately dressed 'Sidmouth Style', posh jersey and perfectly pleated skirt and she had one of the most beautiful wrinkled faces I've ever seen. Deep wrinkles EVERYWHERE and they all turned upwards, (I think she was a secret seered reader!! :0)...) but it was her feet that fascinated me! For on them she wore Sparkling Gold and Leopard Skin Patterned Ankle Boots, which laced up the front and bore a striking resemblance to Doc Martens! Definitely a Folk Fan I reckon! I was utterly transfixed!! Honestly, I just thought she was the most Exciting Old Lady I've yet encountered in Sidmouth! She was laughing continually and had the biggest 'Twinkle' in her eye ever!! So I'm off to 'Feathers' in town, to get myself a pair of said Ankle Boots to wear at Folk Week! I shall have to think carefully what to wear with them of course, but at least I've still a few months to think about it! Oh and Horatio sweetie, with a name like yours, you've just GOT to come next year! I expect there are quite a few Whistleblowers in Sidmouth, maybe we could track your family for you! After all, Horatio is a Sea-Going Name. Kiss me Hardy! (Hmmm....No perhaps we'll just leave that bit out!!) Lizzie PS I still think that Steve Harris Chappie is COOL!! :0) Oh! And Scooby....Llantrisant Folk Club....hope you enjoyed yourself :0) |
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02 Dec 04 - 12:11 PM (#1345546) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Dave Earl "Suggest ignore." Yes! What is occuring in 2005 is being organised by a committe/steering group and they are announcing what they feel they can by way of formal press release. What it says in the press release(s) is where we are at for the present and more "official" information will follow. I think you can rest assured that the guys know what they are doing but it all takes time. Dave Earl |
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02 Dec 04 - 02:24 PM (#1345588) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Lizzie in SASSY SIDMOUTH! Oh......all right then Dave! 'Ignore' it is!!! But it has been a bit of fun hasn't it??! I agree with EVERY word you've put above by the way! Well done! :0) You and Steve Harris sound the only 'sane' guys in my computer!(apart from the Steering Committee that is!) And me?....Well, safe to say that I've COMPLETELY lost it!!! And 'Steve in Sidmouth' Man of Many Personalities........I'm going to go quiet now and keep Dave Earl happy! (Oh, that didn't quite come out the way I meant! Woops! Anyway, you know what I mean! :0) Sorry Dave!!) I think though Steve that you're going to have a wonderful Christmas, as I know your house will be just full of 'Guests!' Don't forget to say 'hello' to Mr. and Mrs. Gigg for me! Hope you enjoy Sidmouth next year too! :0) Byeeeeee! Lizzie :0) :0) |
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02 Dec 04 - 04:01 PM (#1345668) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: John Golightly Hi All A newsletter is imminent, in the next few days. However, it's in PDF (Adobe Acrobat) format & I don't want to mess up the designer's hard work by posting it here in plain text. So if you're interested in a copy, please click on "pm" just after my name (above) and send me your Email address/first name/last name (real name, not Mudcat name please). I'll add you to our mailing list, and send you a copy when it's released for publication. As always - we will not reveal, sell on or otherwise misuse your personal contact details. Happy days John |
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03 Dec 04 - 12:39 PM (#1346501) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Scooby Doo Lizzie. Yes i did enjoy myself on Wednesday night thank you.Glad to see you are on top form as usual,why dont you take it easy for a few minutes????. Scooby |
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03 Dec 04 - 02:07 PM (#1346574) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST,The Chemist Scooby - I think Lizzie is on Prozac or one of those mind-bending substances that allows you to see the world through rose-tinted spectacles. The trip is great. You truly believe everything is wonderful in the Sidmouth garden. The Festival is happening again in 2005. The sun is shining. Morris Dancers pack the prom. Thousands of smiling happy people flock to the arena. Show of Hands are on stage. The crowd cheers for more and... You wake up to the reality of a deserted dilapidated old Victorian holiday resort that is past its prime, cold, dank and grey on a chilly December morning, with the Sidmouth Festival just a happy memory, a cast-back to a bygone age, never to be repeated, but let's remember it for what it was. As the saying goes... Better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all... |
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03 Dec 04 - 02:40 PM (#1346598) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Scooby Doo I dont think Sidmouth will ever be the same since it lost the beach hut and the drill hall,i remember many happy times in those places.But if someone wants to believe it will work again why let them lose the image.I loved Sidmouth too once,but its not been on my calender for a long time due to circumstances. |
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04 Dec 04 - 12:47 PM (#1347276) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: GUEST Scooby, If you remember those days you must be one of the locals another geriatric folkie who should have been put down years ago. |
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05 Dec 04 - 11:06 AM (#1347996) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Dave Earl So "Guest" is at it again. This time he/she is only showing what he/she doesn't know. Although I have never met Scooby, I know who she is and something about her past involvement at Sidmouth. (Andy is a mate of mine!) Dave Earl |
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05 Dec 04 - 11:41 AM (#1348020) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Scooby Doo Dave, I know we have not met by i am sure you have heard from Andy who i am and how i loved Sidmouth. Take care and Happy Christmas to you and your darling wife Eliz. Yas |
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05 Dec 04 - 11:49 AM (#1348023) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Dave Earl Yas, Thanks for the good wishes. Elizabeth is my partner (not wife) but I will pass it on. Dave |
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05 Dec 04 - 11:59 AM (#1348029) Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005+ - opinions From: Scooby Doo Sorry about that Dave,i should know better by now in the folk scene. |