FabSwingers.com forum: Effrenata - The Press, Secret Garden, Refunds & A Big Big Thank You

By *ffrenata Paul OP Man
over a year ago

Birmingham | Nationwide

The Secret Garden

The Secret Garden was cancelled due to not enough tickets being sold for the festival. With three areas to fill – Salon de Libertine, Saints & Sinners & The Secret Garden - we did not have enough people attending the event to ‘fill’ all three areas with enough people to create a good vibe in each of the areas.

The entertainment from The Secret Garden was switched to Saints & Sinners.

This now meant that everyone got to see The Secret Garden performances free of charge.

At the event, I personally spoke to everyone who had bought tickets to The Secret Garden and informed them of the cancellation, the reason why and then offered them a full refund or the option to attend a party in the house. The house party never happened – I can’t go into this right now for reasons previously given.

After I realized the house party wasn’t going to happen, I believe I informed all The Secret Garden ticket holders that their tickets would now be refunded. We will be contacting all The Secret Garden ticket holders tomorrow when we’re back to the office. All will be given a full refund as promised last weekend.

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By *ffrenata Paul OP Man
over a year ago

Birmingham | Nationwide

Bluebelle Suites

I was sad to learn these had not lived up to peoples expectations. I decided to put my own glamping tents on because I thought the standard of what was on offer from other companies was poor.

An average price of £450 for a 4 night stay in a glamping yurt will get you a basic bed and mattress, rug, futon or straw bale and bedside table.

I included a quality foam mattress, clothes hanging and storage. And I also reduced the average market price of £450 down to £399

I fully appreciate we could have dressed them better – bunting, more scatters maybe, fairy lights…. Made it more homely. But for what you got for your money, I still believe was good value – compared to what else is on offer in the marketplace.

That said, I acknowledge these did not meet peoples expectations. So, anyone who would like to book one for next year can do so at 50% discount.

I take it you all saw the lady who dressed her yurt with fairy lights and other bits and pieces? You’ll be glad to know that that lovely lady will be dressing all our yurts next year.

I’ve listened to all other feedback about the Bluebelle Suites and I will be revisting all the furnishings for next year. I will publish pictures of the actual yurt and it’s furnishings before we start taking bookings – this way you can see exactly what you will get for your money.

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Apology & Refund

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Full-length Mirror

Over the weekend it was bought to my attention that the full-length mirror was missing from the bluebelle suites. I told two glampers that the mirror had been removed from the package some time ago and was not displayed on the website.

I’ve just checked the website again and I am wrong.

We had removed the full-length mirror from the What’s Included section (where list the contents of the yurts) but, had failed to remove it from the page content.

I have just realised this now and fully accept this is our error. I will be offering all Bluebelle Suite reservations at this years festival a 10% (£39) refund for our failure to supply the full-length mirror. We will contact directly everyone who booked a Bluebelle Suite this year– no need for you to contact us on here.

The mirrors were removed from the original package due to health and safety concerns – glass in the field.

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By *ffrenata Paul OP Man
over a year ago

Birmingham | Nationwide

The Press

At no point were any members of the press or media invited to the event.

The Daily Mail and The Stratford Herald turned up at the festival entrance gate on Friday – DM Friday morning, Herald the afternoon. I spoke to both of them. I gave them my time and answered their questions. By doing this I started to build a relationship with the reporter(s) and a mutual respect.

I then asked the reporters into the event to take their photos. The Daily Mail declined saying they had already taken shots from outside the event from public land. I asked that given I had given my time and information about the event to the reporter that he now do something in return for me, not to expose or risk exposing any of my festival goers by printing images of faces or number plates. He didn’t.

The Herald accepted my offer and came into the event. I stayed with them at all times. They wanted a shot of me so I gave them one. The shot was being taken at the bar, up close however, as a precaution and out of respect I asked the group of people behind me at the bar to stand completely clear of shot as it was members of the press taking a picture of me – they were already completely clear of shot, I was just being upfront and honest.

As you know, myself and head of security intercepted two freelance reporters allegedly from The Sun after a tip off from festival goers. On the photographers phone I found images that had been taken from inside Saints & Sinners. The images have not been published.

I did not and would not invite the press to any of my events. If like last weekend, they turn up then I will give them my time and treat them like any other human being in the hope they will return the favour. It seems to have worked this time. No faces or car registration plates have been printed online or in the papers.

Those that know me, know the lengths I went to last weekend to protect the identity of the festival goers. I do not pull punches, I do not suffer fools. I have not and would not seek to promote my event at the expense of my clients.

It’s my duty to protect your identity. I believe that’s what I did. xx

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By *ffrenata Paul OP Man
over a year ago

Birmingham | Nationwide

A Big Big Thank You

There were a handful of people – my old and new friends – who stood by me last weekend and chipped in. I’d like to mention your usernames here to give you a bit of the recognition you deserve for playing your part.

Unfortunately, after the nastiness some of you experienced over the weekend or on here since, I’m sure that’s the last thing you’d like me to do ?

So, you all know who you are and I guess that’s good enough for us.

Without you guys I really don’t know what I would have done. Words can’t express just how grateful I am so, over time my actions will show you.

Another big thank you goes out to the festival goers who have sent nice messages and are understanding of where it and I went wrong. Even you guys are not happy with everything and I get that – thank you for being honest. I’m grateful for your show of support for next years event.

Thank you thank you thank you xxx

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By *ffrenata Paul OP Man
over a year ago

Birmingham | Nationwide

Pool Party

I wasn't happy with what we delivered at the Pool Party - lack of furniture and atmosphere.

Anyone who bought a Pool Party ticket that would like a 50% refund please PM and I will arrange this for you.

Paul xx

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By *inky karen 2Woman
over a year ago

East sussex

I can't believe I'm the first to post.

But thank you for your explanation. We are all aware these things aren't easy to organise and hopefully all will be happy with the refunds.

As for me I had a blast, yes the festival side of things for me was crap but it gave me a weekend away of filth with even filthier friends.

I did by hot tub passes, and didn't use them but I don't want a refund.

Hopefully I will come next year, but don't waste your money on dj's, that made a name for themselves several decades ago. There is a lot of fresh talent who would have done a better job, for less money.

Massive learning curve but hopefully this will make things better next year xx

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I can't believe I'm the first to post.

But thank you for your explanation. We are all aware these things aren't easy to organise and hopefully all will be happy with the refunds.

As for me I had a blast, yes the festival side of things for me was crap but it gave me a weekend away of filth with even filthier friends.

I did by hot tub passes, and didn't use them but I don't want a refund.

Massive learning curve but hopefully this will make things better next year xx

Got to disagree Danny Rampling was the best thing to happen at the festival yes he did all but bring the whole house scene to the uk in the late 80s but every tune he played was not only current but in a lot of cases pre release nearly every song had a sexual inference he and his wife spent days looking for and downloading them Then although he is not in the scene turned up in a leather harness and bondage boxers some off the fresh talent you talk of just want to party and become famous they could learn a lot from his work ethic and total professionalism.

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By *tevenipperMan
over a year ago

chertsey

"I can't believe I'm the first to post.

But thank you for your explanation. We are all aware these things aren't easy to organise and hopefully all will be happy with the refunds.

As for me I had a blast, yes the festival side of things for me was crap but it gave me a weekend away of filth with even filthier friends.

I did by hot tub passes, and didn't use them but I don't want a refund.

Massive learning curve but hopefully this will make things better next year xx

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Danny rampling, vince and their respective wives were absolutely brilliant... They were the right DJs for this particular event as they participated in the activities, very friendly and didn't judge, etc.. Vince's wife for example put on an amazing blindfold BDSM show in the marquee, not many people would do that!!

Personally, I find their tunes a bit tame but that's just my opinion and would love to see them at this event again.. Obviously though, I do appreciate it's difficult paying for their fees and hoping you recoup from ticket sales... Maybe next year, just have the one, my preference being Vince..

DJ Nipper, who backed them up, played some wicked tunes so would like to see more of him at this dance festival...

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I can't believe I'm the first to post.

But thank you for your explanation. We are all aware these things aren't easy to organise and hopefully all will be happy with the refunds.

As for me I had a blast, yes the festival side of things for me was crap but it gave me a weekend away of filth with even filthier friends.

I did by hot tub passes, and didn't use them but I don't want a refund.

Massive learning curve but hopefully this will make things better next year xx

Our personal fave.... "Fucking you makes me bilingual". Couldn't find it on spotify though

V and A xxx

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By *ushandkittyCouple
over a year ago

Gloucester

"Vince's wife for example put on an amazing blindfold BDSM show in the marquee, not many people would do that!!

She did have a motto for the weekend "I'm not gong to say 'no' to anything!"

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Vince's wife for example put on an amazing blindfold BDSM show in the marquee, not many people would do that!!

She did have a motto for the weekend "I'm not gong to say 'no' to anything!"

We're broad minded and up for a laugh but you wouldn't have got us doing that... lol... 10/10 for effort!! X

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I can't believe I'm the first to post.

But thank you for your explanation. We are all aware these things aren't easy to organise and hopefully all will be happy with the refunds.

As for me I had a blast, yes the festival side of things for me was crap but it gave me a weekend away of filth with even filthier friends.

I did by hot tub passes, and didn't use them but I don't want a refund.

Massive learning curve but hopefully this will make things better next year xx

Our personal fave.... "Fucking you makes me bilingual". Couldn't find it on spotify though

V and A xxx "

Jose Nunez bilingual it's on YouTube I will be laying it at depraved next month

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Well we feel we had a lucky escape by not going to this event. Sorry to say that the people we have spoken to who did go were all very unhappy.

Sad to see and, based on what we have heard, we will not even consider future events from this company.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Well we feel we had a lucky escape by not going to this event. Sorry to say that the people we have spoken to who did go were all very unhappy.

Sad to see and, based on what we have heard, we will not even consider future events from this company.

Why are you having a dig if personally it didn't affect you?? You might have enjoyed it, we did, and we're not connected in any way..

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By *ookinkMan
over a year ago

Skegness

Real issue is other events or there customers not welcoming the event onto the scene. there been a number of keyboard warriors / sock puppets posting about the event.

Yes the event did not go to plan but give the man a break he been open with people.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Well we feel we had a lucky escape by not going to this event. Sorry to say that the people we have spoken to who did go were all very unhappy.

Sad to see and, based on what we have heard, we will not even consider future events from this company.

Why are you having a dig if personally it didn't affect you?? You might have enjoyed it, we did, and we're not connected in any way.."

We certainly had a fantastic time too xx

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Real issue is other events or there customers not welcoming the event onto the scene. there been a number of keyboard warriors / sock puppets posting about the event.

Yes the event did not go to plan but give the man a break he been open with people. "

You are not doing Paul any favours with your ill-judged comments. We were there and, along with a lot of other people, we had plenty to complain about. We've had our say on the matter in the other forum posts (guess that makes us a "keyboard warrior/socket puppet") and were happy to leave it at that, but all that your deluded accusations will do is stoke the fires again.

Everyone has had their say, best just leave it there.

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By *hybloke67Man
over a year ago

ROMFORD

Just like to add I appreciate you posting this Paul.

I know from when we chatted at SF15 you had genuine high hopes for the event.

Sadly it didn't work out as expected but hopefully you will learn from this.

I did however have a fun time because there was a field full of like minded people there. And the credit for that has to go to you.

I also had a pool party pass but will chalk that one down to experience!

I guess the thing that I didn't like about Danny Ramping's set WAS the fact he play nearly every track with sexual inference in.

I'm sorry but I know he could of done a lot better than that and to be honest it was a bit tacky IMO!

So let's see what happens in the next year and maybe see you again.

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By *LUKCouple
over a year ago

Loughborough

"Real issue is other events or there customers not welcoming the event onto the scene. there been a number of keyboard warriors / sock puppets posting about the event.

Yes the event did not go to plan but give the man a break he been open with people. "

You might think that you're helping him out but in fact you're doing the opposite.

As it stands he didn't quite get the numbers this year that he hoped. With a lot of dissatisfied customers probably not returning he needs to attract new people to the festival. When someone (a potential new customer) who wasn't there this year raises a concern the last thing you want to do is alienate them.

The last thread became toxic and was closed because of childish name calling like above (keyboard warriors? really?). It actually says above the reply box 'Don't badmouth other members or "name and shame"'

Maybe let Paul address people instead of jumping to his defence and making matters worse?

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By *ookinkMan
over a year ago

Skegness

"Real issue is other events or there customers not welcoming the event onto the scene. there been a number of keyboard warriors / sock puppets posting about the event.

Yes the event did not go to plan but give the man a break he been open with people.

You might think that you're helping him out but in fact you're doing the opposite.

Maybe let Paul address people instead of jumping to his defence and making matters worse?"

Just for the record he was in same room as I posted and he was aware before I posted.

Very little is known about me well I been on the management team of a 500 cap festival from the start for 5 years we got bigger and won awards was part of kinkfest management team in 2005 and 2006 1500+ and have been within the London fetish club scene.

I can name drop most events in London.

I did not know Paul in any way I was booked to supply a Dungeon and support Club decadence DJ and acts with lighting. I ended up getting my hand dirty packing event away am currently heading back to London.

I see a great event with the right people behind paul it will change the scene. and everyone will benefit people get it wrong I have in the past but you learn from it. I once taken on a job too big and I feel so did paul but he will just like me rise from it. so long as people let him show what can happen with the right people not just talkers or ones wanting it to see it goes tits up. There more to it then people think when a event is under planned with a lack of money due to lower sales and crew not turning up running away. there was a lack of community spirit by some.

if am liked ok if am not not that bothered people that know me know I work hard help people and is not shy to open my mouth and say what needs to be told. I dont hate anyone and I enjoy going to other peoples event as when you work at events you cant enjoy the event fully as legally your head is on block.

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