The Virtual Pub
Come Inside... => Saloon Bar => Topic started by: Grumpmeister on April 11, 2008, 02:53:38 PM
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Having lived in a small devon village for a while when I was younger I can just imagine the uproar this would have caused among the locals. point:
A north Devon farmer has caused a stir among villagers by diversifying into hosting a swingers' club.
Roger Stanbury said the premises in Horswell near Bishops Tawton were providing a "harmless" service.
But some villagers say the club, promising "sexy fun", is the wrong type of entertainment for a rural area.
The venue was originally a barn which was converted into a weddings venue by Mr Stanbury in 2001 using money from South West Tourism.
One neighbour, Sheila Moorcroft, 62, said: "I don't think it's fitting. I think it's pretty sleazy."
Divorced dairy farmer Mr Stanbury, 54, said he decided to diversify in 1996 following the BSE crisis.
First he set up a holiday park and in 2001 converted a barn on the site into a weddings and functions venue.
Last year he attracted some adverse publicity when he introduced a once-a-month strip night at the venue, called Club Vanilla.
On 26 April he is planning a once-a-month swingers club.
The club's website says it offers "a sophisticated club environment designed for sexy fun" with "erotic areas, a jacuzzi, dance floor and an "exotic floor show".
Mr Stanbury told BBC News: "We put on a few strip shows and it went down very well.
"I wouldn't have put on a swingers club unless I knew there were a lot of people who wanted this type of thing.
"It's not illegal. It's not sleazy. It's a club for mature couples who want to meet other people who want the same thing and have an enjoyable night out."
He added: "No-one is going to be harmed. Most people are broad-minded enough round here to find it quite amusing."
Colin Petty, who also lives nearby, said: "As long as it's confined and doesn't go over the top, then it's ok.
"I'm not a prude, but if this affects the way I live, then I will be doing something about it."
Malcolm Bell, chief executive of South West Tourism, said it supported any legal enterprise.
He said: "As long as it is legal then technically there is no problem.
"It's a sign of the times, but we always encourage people to get the maximum amount of local support for a new venture."
A North Devon Council spokesman said: "There are no restrictions on the licence which say they can't have adult entertainment."
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"Market Forces" will be the deciding factor I suspect.
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"Market Forces" will be the deciding factor I suspect.
Words from an expert in the field?
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Simple logic ~ If no-one goes then he'll stop doing it. If he gets people there then he proves that there is a market and will continue. My money is on it working until the local plod start taking an interest in the car numbers etc and someone will finally ask if any money has changed hands then a bright young lawyer will start trying to build a case for living off immoral earnings.
Seen it happen before ~ anyone remember The Ponderosa C&W club outside of Fareham, Hants about twentyfive years ago?
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anyone remember The Ponderosa C&W club outside of Fareham, Hants about twentyfive years ago?
Nobody still alive, no.
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Pity ~ similar story though.