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AbFabs/Kestrels
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I don't get there often enough, it is however a great place to chill out in the sun & dip in the pool, all as nature intended. Anything over & above chilling is surely an added bonus.
It will be such a shame if this club has to close. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Typical - How can such a discreet well run place with no history of any problems end up on the wrong end of a judgement like this - "
Because of the lack of planning permission? Hardly a surprise that this is the outcome |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Typical - How can such a discreet well run place with no history of any problems end up on the wrong end of a judgement like this -
Because of the lack of planning permission? Hardly a surprise that this is the outcome"
And the moral of the story is, make sure the paperwork's in order. |
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"Wonder wether a petition would help them ??"
There's been one.
Not happy if it closes down, I've been a member for nearing 10 years and love the place. It employs a lot of people too so they'll be out of jobs. Crazy.  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Absolutely gutted.
It's our haven but people's jobs are now at risk and they've all worked so damn hard to keep it running with on going improvements etc.
So bloody sad  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"i suppose they could keep going without the marquee, huts and anoy other non permitted build. the main house and pool are not in breach of the planning regs?"
I don't think so. Based on that news report, the planning order was both to remove the marquee and huts and to stop operating as a club - in other words, turn the place back into a large house with swimming pool and stable block. |
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By *ton TwinkleWoman
over a year ago
Slough Heathrow Windsor ish! |
I am devastated.... however.... chances are it will go back to the court of appeal and continue a good while yet... lets have at least one last summer out of the place.
I honestly fail to see how they can complain about Greenbelt land etc with the green monstrosity build next door last summer and a radio/mobile phone mast as close and a quarry across the road?
Perhaps as naturists we should take up residence in a Spellthorne Council park... since they would be closing the only facility available.
Surely the fact people travel miles to use it and bring footfall to a small community whos shops may well suffer too for the clubs closure must say something for its reputation and the need for such a place?
How can these bureaucrats think closure will benefit anyone?
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Fantastic place and the staff are amazing I will be gutted if something happens to this place . its always been a safe way to meet and play with new people and great to socialise and have a giggle with friends |
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Kestrel Hydro Naturist Spa Update
We would like to take this opportunity to update you on the current situation regarding the Kestrel Hydro Naturist Spa court appeal.
Regrettably, at this stage, our appeal has been turned down,
but all is not lost - this is not the end.
We can appeal this decision.
This is a brief update for now, though we would like to thank you all again for your continued support and understanding.
We are so grateful and it helps to know that you are all behind us and our venue.
We will keep you updated as and when we have further information.
Thank you.
The Kestrel Hydro Team
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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" I am devastated.... however.... chances are it will go back to the court of appeal and continue a good while yet... lets have at least one last summer out of the place.
I honestly fail to see how they can complain about Greenbelt land etc with the green monstrosity build next door last summer and a radio/mobile phone mast as close and a quarry across the road?
Perhaps as naturists we should take up residence in a Spellthorne Council park... since they would be closing the only facility available.
Surely the fact people travel miles to use it and bring footfall to a small community whos shops may well suffer too for the clubs closure must say something for its reputation and the need for such a place?
How can these bureaucrats think closure will benefit anyone?
Naked protest all the way!
"
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"Kestrel Hydro Naturist Spa Update
We would like to take this opportunity to update you on the current situation regarding the Kestrel Hydro Naturist Spa court appeal.
Regrettably, at this stage, our appeal has been turned down,
but all is not lost - this is not the end.
We can appeal this decision.
This is a brief update for now, though we would like to thank you all again for your continued support and understanding.
We are so grateful and it helps to know that you are all behind us and our venue.
We will keep you updated as and when we have further information.
Thank you.
The Kestrel Hydro Team
"
Love you guys |
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By *nderusedMan
over a year ago
Somewhere near Reading |
Guys - everyone cam down......!! I am sure you wont be surprised to hear that the appeals process can take a little while!!! In that time the very intelligent people that run the wonderful facilities at Kestrels/Abfabs will I am sure work out how the club will adapt/evolve to meet any new ill-conceived conditions that the council may wish to impose should the appeal fail. I shall not be looking for a new venue just yet..!! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Nooooo
Abfabs team..... We all hope you appeal and wish you the absolute best of luck. See you very soon if everything is still open while your appeal is lodged. V and A.
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I am very grateful to Abfabs for many years of enjoyment and relaxation. It has given me a lot of confidence with women. On every visit there I have enjoyed cpls or small groups involved in sexual activity sometimes close up and other times from a distance. Sometimes I have joined in and had many passionate encounters with women and fulfilled some of my sexual fantasies with women, doing some things I would want to do with a girlfriend if I had one. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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As others have said this is not necessarily a surprising turn of events, but disappointing nonetheless. I do love this place although do not get to visit as often as I would like. It does also seem a bit criminal when less scrupulous builders and the like extend their houses without planning permission and then when busted just slap in a retrospective request that gets accepted. I hope there is a way around this as it is a special place and provides what feels to me a fairly unique breadth of facilities and "opportunities" for people like us. Long may Kestrel / AbFab continue to run and serve us. |
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By *osieWoman
over a year ago
Wembley |
Such a wonderful club; both; Kestrel and AbFab
We will be there tomorrow and every weekend until it lasts
More than loosing the fun, we hope that ALL the people running it will soon find other things to do
xxx |
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Appeal notwithstanding perhaps we, collectively, can find a suitable alternative location - a brownfield site perhaps - that could be fitted out with the appropriate...ahem...facilities?
Think along the lines of those kids play centres that have popped up all over the place: imaginative use of a building that doesn't lend itself well to leasing as offices or what-have-you and we could reinstate Kestrel in a new location.
Maybe a pipe dream (the crew might not wish to start over) but it's a profitable business & its exact location isn't important to its users - so why not consider relocating? |
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Thank you for your support and suggestions.
I am sure you all appreciate that we are working on it. We have a right to appeal and we plan to - we are considering ALL possibilities.
UNTIL THEN, THE SPA IS OPERATING AS USUAL, SO PLEASE COME ALONG, ENJOY THE FACILITIES AND HAVE FUN! That is what we have always been about and we are nowhere near stopping yet x |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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As the appeal would be to the High Court of Apppeal, it would have to be on a point of law. I am sure the existing legal team would have thought of everything at the planning appeal stage. I wish you luck but feel the cost of the High Court Appeal would go a long way to buying another property!
Logic does not come into these arguments when council planners are involved. If they want it closed I am sure they will do everything in their power to win. After all it is not their money they are wasting on legal fees.
In the meantime make the most of this facility. |
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By *enithWoman
over a year ago
closer than you think |
If I remember rightly that was the cause of the problem in the 1st place!
Too many cars parking on the roads and local residents complaining bought Kestrels/Abfabs to the attention of the Council |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Understand that the council took umbrage re car park and other improvements but how come Hellfire can operate still when it's 20 mins down the road and Divinos which has staff that offer a "massage" is 15 mins away? Must be more to this than just a planning issue. The other 2 operate from commercial premises I assume but where is the harm from a few people who enjoy a bit of nudey sunning( and other distractions)
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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To be fair I don't think it's a parking issue, there's a large logistics company nearby and most of their drivers park in that road daily, at night the parking is barely an issue. |
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By *osieWoman
over a year ago
Wembley |
In the 6 months we have been going to AbFab on Fri/Sat nights and to Kestrel on Sunday afternoons, only once did we have to park on the street
Like last Sunday, today the club was full too and we parked in the Kestrel carpark
We hope they win their appeal as it is a wonderful club, run by wonderful people |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"What's Abfabs like on a Friday now are there still way to many single guys?"
We only went once and there was more men but they were all respectful.
Better way to find out is to try going  |
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By *osieWoman
over a year ago
Wembley |
"What's Abfabs like on a Friday now are there still way to many single guys?"
There are plenty of single guys to choose from and most times, the guys are well-behaved
Once in a while, someone will touch without first asking but a short sharp, "do not touch me", is all that is required |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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we was only chatting yesterday to a cple friend of ours that we should go for a visit to see what its like there ,
so you cant close yet until we have had a visit,
fecking fun police cant leave anything alone |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"What's Abfabs like on a Friday now are there still way to many single guys?
We only went once and there was more men but they were all respectful.
Better way to find out is to try going "
we may just have to give it a go |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Back on topic:
Sadly I think (though I'd love to be proven wrong) that the optimistic notes understandably sounded by the AbFab team are whistling in the wind. The judge's ruling was curtly dismissive that there was "no merit" in any of the arguments put forward by Kestrel's counsel (a QC) and the team will have to think long and hard whether they really want to undergo the colossal expense of a High Court as against the frankly remote chance of winning.
Let's be clear here and state the obvious: the decision (that of the planning authority and that of the appeal judge) have fundamentally *nothing* to do with land use, parking, or any of the specious reasons cited for the action and *everything* to do with hostility to adult facilities of all and any kind. Kestrel's fatal flaw has been to be an outdoors venue in (reasonably) open view in a (partly) residential area. Grounds enough for the bluenoses to shut it down given the opportunity.
I have been going to Kestrel/AbFab since I discovered the venue 6 years ago. I will be frankly devastated to lose this haven of relaxed, hedonistic fun. Hopefully the club can drag out the enforcement procedure for as long as possible but it's hard to see how under the terms of the judgment they can adapt to continue functioning as a paying business. A real, real shame. Thanks for all the good times guys and let's hope there are still more to come before the final curtain falls |
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By *exxxesCouple
over a year ago
Newbury / London |
Interesting, in terms of local community impact - surely there will be some form of financial hit to the area.
We're thinking of lost bookings at Travelodge, Station Cars, et al
Admittedly probably not huge - but an impact all the same. |
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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago
Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound |
I'm sorry to hear about the judgement.
I managed to get there for the first time this week and had the fun and relaxation I needed.
I thought the case was against Kestrels. Has the judgement included AbFabs so that both would have to close?
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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You know if people like 'Hornycouplesberks' stopped back stabbing Kestrels and Abfabs then maybe there wouldn't be such issues. You claim to attend there and enjoy it, yet you post that their now closing down and the house being made back into a family home. Are the owners aware of this decision you seem to of made? |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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It's a sad decision indeed but as the staff have said they will continue to fight it. I do feel that this seems a dig at the lifestyle more than a planning issue, as previously stated some dodgy property owners get retrospective permission. Also as previously stated the green monstrosity next door looks worse than anything kestrels have. |
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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago
Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound |
"It's a sad decision indeed but as the staff have said they will continue to fight it. I do feel that this seems a dig at the lifestyle more than a planning issue, as previously stated some dodgy property owners get retrospective permission. Also as previously stated the green monstrosity next door looks worse than anything kestrels have. "
Not to mention a very large airport. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"It's a sad decision indeed but as the staff have said they will continue to fight it. I do feel that this seems a dig at the lifestyle more than a planning issue, as previously stated some dodgy property owners get retrospective permission. Also as previously stated the green monstrosity next door looks worse than anything kestrels have.
Not to mention a very large airport."
Which at some point may wipe out the village anyway with the 3rd runway!! |
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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago
Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound |
"It's a sad decision indeed but as the staff have said they will continue to fight it. I do feel that this seems a dig at the lifestyle more than a planning issue, as previously stated some dodgy property owners get retrospective permission. Also as previously stated the green monstrosity next door looks worse than anything kestrels have.
Not to mention a very large airport.
Which at some point may wipe out the village anyway with the 3rd runway!!"
Reading through all the bits of press the thing that is a refrain is that most of the people aren't local. The solution is to get the rest of Spelthorne to join and make the case it's a local amenity.  |
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By *ton TwinkleWoman
over a year ago
Slough Heathrow Windsor ish! |
Lets be realistic ANY kind if establishment worth its salt will attract custom from out of area.... how many passing through Heathrow airport are local?! lol
Im local.... im less than 5 miles from it, but as I live in another Borough my being local doesnt count... the fact the club stands on the farthest reach of the Spellthorne Council with nothing but a tiny village and reservoirs surrounded by sheep means the likelihood of many 'locals' using it are slim.
I am genuinely concerned for the future of the village shops who will without doubt see a loss of revenue.
Its interesting that the council was alerted by 'anonymous complaints' yet the residents of the village (the locals!) have no complaint?
Also reading the Get Surrey artical you could be forgiven for thinking the stable/dungeon are was newly purpose built when infact its been there since the main dwelling was built, if not longer.
What is within the house and block is neither here nor there.... swings harnesses and bdsm equipment or not.
The club is not overlooked by anyone...
It has operated discretely without issue for a good few years.
Personally I feel much is down to the future expansion of the airport... BAA would have to compensate not only for the house but also the loss of business should the club remain open. Shut it now and they will only need to compensate the value of the home.
Lets face it, who in there right mind would actually buy the place as a family home know its former use? Can you imagine the conversations at 9.30 Friday evening when visitors arrive in their kinky party attire?!
I do find it amusing to see those prophets of doom spouting off that its closing like they know because they attend 3 times a year when the suns out!
I am sure Graham and the team will not go down without a fight so rather than helping the poorly reported 'forced to close' rumours steaming through the site perhaps show some support and use the club more?
Anyway... Bank Holiday BBQ tomorrow... Sunday 3rd May.... open 10.30 til midnight! So stick that in ya hot dog bun and eat it Spellthorne Council!!!
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By *parkyukMan
over a year ago
Camberley |
"Lets be realistic ANY kind if establishment worth its salt will attract custom from out of area.... how many passing through Heathrow airport are local?! lol
Im local.... im less than 5 miles from it, but as I live in another Borough my being local doesnt count... the fact the club stands on the farthest reach of the Spellthorne Council with nothing but a tiny village and reservoirs surrounded by sheep means the likelihood of many 'locals' using it are slim.
I am genuinely concerned for the future of the village shops who will without doubt see a loss of revenue.
Its interesting that the council was alerted by 'anonymous complaints' yet the residents of the village (the locals!) have no complaint?
Also reading the Get Surrey artical you could be forgiven for thinking the stable/dungeon are was newly purpose built when infact its been there since the main dwelling was built, if not longer.
What is within the house and block is neither here nor there.... swings harnesses and bdsm equipment or not.
The club is not overlooked by anyone...
It has operated discretely without issue for a good few years.
Personally I feel much is down to the future expansion of the airport... BAA would have to compensate not only for the house but also the loss of business should the club remain open. Shut it now and they will only need to compensate the value of the home.
Lets face it, who in there right mind would actually buy the place as a family home know its former use? Can you imagine the conversations at 9.30 Friday evening when visitors arrive in their kinky party attire?!
I do find it amusing to see those prophets of doom spouting off that its closing like they know because they attend 3 times a year when the suns out!
I am sure Graham and the team will not go down without a fight so rather than helping the poorly reported 'forced to close' rumours steaming through the site perhaps show some support and use the club more?
Anyway... Bank Holiday BBQ tomorrow... Sunday 3rd May.... open 10.30 til midnight! So stick that in ya hot dog bun and eat it Spellthorne Council!!!
"
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Lets be realistic ANY kind if establishment worth its salt will attract custom from out of area.... how many passing through Heathrow airport are local?! lol
Im local.... im less than 5 miles from it, but as I live in another Borough my being local doesnt count... the fact the club stands on the farthest reach of the Spellthorne Council with nothing but a tiny village and reservoirs surrounded by sheep means the likelihood of many 'locals' using it are slim.
I am genuinely concerned for the future of the village shops who will without doubt see a loss of revenue.
Its interesting that the council was alerted by 'anonymous complaints' yet the residents of the village (the locals!) have no complaint?
Also reading the Get Surrey artical you could be forgiven for thinking the stable/dungeon are was newly purpose built when infact its been there since the main dwelling was built, if not longer.
What is within the house and block is neither here nor there.... swings harnesses and bdsm equipment or not.
The club is not overlooked by anyone...
It has operated discretely without issue for a good few years.
Personally I feel much is down to the future expansion of the airport... BAA would have to compensate not only for the house but also the loss of business should the club remain open. Shut it now and they will only need to compensate the value of the home.
Lets face it, who in there right mind would actually buy the place as a family home know its former use? Can you imagine the conversations at 9.30 Friday evening when visitors arrive in their kinky party attire?!
I do find it amusing to see those prophets of doom spouting off that its closing like they know because they attend 3 times a year when the suns out!
I am sure Graham and the team will not go down without a fight so rather than helping the poorly reported 'forced to close' rumours steaming through the site perhaps show some support and use the club more?
Anyway... Bank Holiday BBQ tomorrow... Sunday 3rd May.... open 10.30 til midnight! So stick that in ya hot dog bun and eat it Spellthorne Council!!!
"
I couldn't put it better myself. I just wonder if it's against the human rights for naturists and swingers to force the closure? |
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By *ton TwinkleWoman
over a year ago
Slough Heathrow Windsor ish! |
Im sure if enough got together to openly campaign as swinging naturists they would have to accept and provide for us!
Look at other leisure activities.... rock climbing for example... not something catered for in every area.... do the few facilities available across the country face closure because they are not used by local residents?
As I said in my initial response to the OP... perhaps we ought to take up residence, on mass, in a public Spellthorne Council facility, nude... if enough do it they will be forced, surely, to acknowledge that a private, discreet, well managed, sheltered community/commune is definitely a better way forward. |
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By *osieWoman
over a year ago
Wembley |
I do hope that the Council sees some sense and lets AbFab/Kestrel continue as is. It is a wonderful club with a car park so that means that none of the residents are disturbed in any way
Who in their right mind will buy that building as a home with all those aircraft flying overhead. And soon that traffic will probably increase |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Im sure if enough got together to openly campaign as swinging naturists they would have to accept and provide for us!
Look at other leisure activities.... rock climbing for example... not something catered for in every area.... do the few facilities available across the country face closure because they are not used by local residents?
As I said in my initial response to the OP... perhaps we ought to take up residence, on mass, in a public Spellthorne Council facility, nude... if enough do it they will be forced, surely, to acknowledge that a private, discreet, well managed, sheltered community/commune is definitely a better way forward."
With you all the way on that one Twinkle!  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Won't be going to Abfabs or Kestrels as I feel excluded as a single man."
Really? I was a first timer, single male two weeks ago at the bi night. Got chatting to a few folk, ended up having a blast!
Get in early, find a spot in one of the hot tubs, or on a couch next to folk and just chat with them. I'm Going back this Monday, I've become somewhat addicted..... |
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"Won't be going to Abfabs or Kestrels as I feel excluded as a single man.
Really? I was a first timer, single male two weeks ago at the bi night. Got chatting to a few folk, ended up having a blast!
Get in early, find a spot in one of the hot tubs, or on a couch next to folk and just chat with them. I'm Going back this Monday, I've become somewhat addicted....."
See u there  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Won't be going to Abfabs or Kestrels as I feel excluded as a single man.
Really? I was a first timer, single male two weeks ago at the bi night. Got chatting to a few folk, ended up having a blast!
Get in early, find a spot in one of the hot tubs, or on a couch next to folk and just chat with them. I'm Going back this Monday, I've become somewhat addicted.....
See u there "
If I'm lucky!
Speaking to a friend today and it sounds like it's going to be a good night! |
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