As in previous years, we gathered at All Saints Church Hall in All Saints Road, Sidmouth each morning at 9.00, stopped for coffee at 10.30 and finished at 11.45.

A post beginners band was run by Sally Barrett whilst a more accomplished band was conducted by her husband Paul. Both bands rounded off the week with a public performance in Blackmore Gardens.

One participant writes :-

This year, during the Sidmouth Folk Festival, I attended the concertina workshops held at All Saints Church. At first the idea of going every day at 9.30 till 12.00 was a bit daunting but after day one I was totally hooked and never considered missing one. I joined the Post beginners group which was taken by Sally Barrett. Her enthusiasm and love of the instrument is very infectious and we were soon caught up in her passion for the music. We worked on five tunes during the week which were all nicely varied and on the final day we performed them for the Advanced group led by Paul Barrett. I thought this would be very nerve racking but everyone was so kind and encouraging that we soon relaxed and played very well. (at least we thought so) The highlight of the week was when we joined the Advanced group in the Blackmore Gardens to perform 'My Love is Like a a Red Red Rose'. Playing under the trees, on a beautiful sunny day to an audience was a very uplifting experience. My thanks to Sally and Paul and all those who work so hard to make the workshops a success. I look forward to meeting you all again next year, but before that there is the residential week-end in October at Kilve which I am very excited about.

Peggy Danby

You can see some photos from Sidmouth 2012 in the WCCP Galleries.

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Sidmouth Folk Week 2011

The WCCP workshops held during Sidmouth Folk Festival were very successful, we signed up 6 more members. We have a number of photographs of the showcase, and if you wish copies, please send your e mail address to Georgie.

Just a few of the many comments:

Band Workshop

A good range of music from easy to very stretching. A lot of effort put into preparation which was appreciated. I think I’ve been dragged (just a little bit) to a higher competency

Post Beginners

Very good venue – especially coffee with other people, and great to have so much time for tuition. Super Tutor, knowledgeable, patient and supportive.

Beginner Anglo.

I really enjoyed it, I learned loads and it was fun!

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October 2011 Bampton in October

A band of intrepid musicians braved the rain and played at Bampton Fair; first at a Residential Home and then in the main Entertainment Tent in the middle of the Village. We finished by drying off and warming up with the traditional cream tea at Blackberries. Our thanks go to Fiona for organising yet another cracking day.

The concert was opened with a performance given by the Isle Abbotts Village Singers followed by the J25 Concertina Band and then the Meeting Voices Community Choir.

The J25 band played five pieces commencing with a fine performance of 'Jamie's Patrol' and ending with 'A Yellow Audi in Somerset' bowling along at something close to the speed limit.

It was a successful concert given to a full house on a warm sunny day and ending with a splendid tea of home-made savouries and cakes.

You can see some photos from Broadway Hall in the WCCP Galleries.

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