PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST,John Robinson
Date: 10 Aug 09 - 08:01 AM

There is much claim and counter claim going on at the www.tractiontalkforum.com forum, including Simon Boak and another director of the company, Arthur Harris, having a public disagreement about their budgeting and financial responsibilities.

I think you have to be registered to read the threads.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: Dennis the Elder
Date: 10 Aug 09 - 05:17 AM

Unwelcome news to those owed money.

There has been aledgedly even more trouble concerning the organisers following severe problems at the showground on Sunday.
I enclose a press release from "The Press" in York

"Police called after Pickering Traction Engine Rally exhibitors block exits
8:37am Monday 10th August 2009


POLICE were called to a huge steam show in North Yorkshire after a sudden dispute led to angry exhibitors blocking the exits.
A row over the arrangements for the Pickering Traction Engine Rally flared during the final stages of its four-day stay at the town's showground following what stallholders say was an unexpected and "fiery" afternoon meeting with organisers.
It led to lorries, trucks and some of the vehicles on show at the event – which is believed to have attracted more than 50,000 visitors – being used to blockade the exits to the venue. Police were eventually able to clear the way after 5pm.
The reasons for the protest are unclear, but the company behind the rally – Leeds-based Events & Exhibitions Ltd – was unavailable for comment yesterday, despite repeated attempts by The Press to contact them.
One of the show's exhibitors, who did not want to be named, said: "We were all called into a meeting at about 3pm and were told there had been some problems – it was certainly fiery.
"Everybody was furious afterwards and the next thing we knew people were loading up their vehicles and taking them round to block the entrances to the showground, saying they weren't leaving until they got answers on certain things.
"Nobody who can tell us exactly what has been happening seems to have been around, but there has been a lot of anger."

Both the new owners and the original owners were allegedly involved in the dispute.

This "may" result in even less a chance of anyone receiving a refund from anyone.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST,Just trying to help
Date: 22 Jul 09 - 05:51 PM

It is clear that Simon Boak is still involved, at least with the steam rallies which are as chaotically organised as ever.

The following press story seems to suggest that the new company is paying off some creditors in part, but maybe not all creditors are involved in this arrangement?

http://www.maltonmercury.co.uk/news/Collapse-ofevents-firm.5034298.jp

Hope this helps.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST,Dorothy and Simon Haskins
Date: 20 Jul 09 - 04:29 PM

Hi did you have any luck getting your money back?
Fedup!
Dorothy ansd Simon

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST,Dorothy and Simon Haskins
Date: 20 Jul 09 - 04:21 PM

Hi We are at a total loss as we don't know how to get our money back. We paid for a full weekend and camping.
We would appreciate any advice.
Cheers
Best wishes
Dorothy and Simon

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: Dennis the Elder
Date: 09 Jul 09 - 07:47 AM

Obviously the message I referred to was removed.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: Dennis the Elder
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 05:34 AM

Should the last message be removed

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST,jacobsgoldmine
Date: 26 Jun 09 - 12:47 PM

I would question if Mr Boak has anything to do with the new company, if so why was he handing out money on the showfield at Selby stem fair to the traction engine exhibitors????? 2 weekends ago

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: Qwertyco
Date: 25 Feb 09 - 07:58 AM

I have been in contact with the new owner of the Pickering Showground, Mr.H.
He phoned me personally, and has supplied me with the following, which seems to clarify a lot of the rumour and gossip surrounding this whole sorry affair.

Mr.H. Bought the showground, and it's associated websites last year.
He employs two of the former events office staff, to man his new company.
Simon Boak has no connection with the new company.
He has no responsibility for Mr.Boak's debts, past, present or future!
He is offering complimentary tickets (for 2008 ticketholders) for the 2009 festival purely as an act of goodwill.

Looks like the trail ends firmly at Mr. Boak's door!

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST,Dravinger
Date: 19 Feb 09 - 05:50 PM

Well it looks like the "Yorkshire Folk Festival" we were offered free tickets to isn't going to happen either - the weekend of 23rd 24th and 25th May is now the dates for the Yorkshire Food Festival at the Pickering Show Ground http://www.theeventsoffice.co.uk/ and I guess that will probably sink into the Pickering mud too especially if Mr Boak has anything to do with it.

I might have lost only £80 (which my credit card company won't refund as it's under the £100 threshold) on the tickets but it's the 500 mile round trip for nothing and a disappointed family that really p***ed me off.

It also looks like the bands haven't been paid or compensated either for the last minute cancellation. I found this on The Waterboys web site:


PICKERING FESTIVAL REFUNDS UPDATE
27th Jan 2009

Many people have contacted us to say they still haven't received ticket refunds for the cancelled Pickering Festival of last August. We're very sorry to hear this but not surprised, because The Waterboys haven't been paid either despite the show being cancelled only the day before and the band having already incurred costs in advance. Anyone still waiting for refunds is advised to report the matter to The Trading Standards and Consumer Advice Office, 9 St Leonard's Place, York YO1 7ET. Or you could try chasing the promoter: Simon Boak, The Events Office, PO Box 1, Pickering, North Yorkshire, YO18 7YG. Telephone; 01751 473780. Good luck!

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: The Sandman
Date: 17 Feb 09 - 02:37 PM

business men and thieves,now this is interesting,the two are sometimes interchangeable,.
just take a look at what happened in Iceland,and next it seems someone called Stanford is going to be accused of fraud,they are all good businessmen ,or are they good thieves? .
who cares what they are called.
all that matters is that they return the money ,to those ,that they have taken it from .

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: Nick
Date: 17 Feb 09 - 02:25 PM

>>Simon Boak is just a business man who has made a mistake. All his other events are very good.

If his other events are very good he'd presumably have made enough money to reimburse those he has not so far repaid

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Feb 09 - 09:13 AM

QUOTE:
From: Dennis the Elder
Date: 23 Jan 09 - 06:53 PM

"I do know Simon quite well for many years, . . . . . . He is without doubt a nice man".




Perhaps he'd be "Nice" enough to give me back the £300 he owes me.

How much does he owe you?

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST,Qwertyco
Date: 17 Feb 09 - 08:58 AM

The Events Office website:

http://pickeringfolkfestival.theeventsoffice.co.uk

is now defunct!,
though the elusive Mr.B is still to be found in the area.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: The Sandman
Date: 24 Jan 09 - 06:56 AM

leveller,yes,Iam booked to be therehttp://www.dickmiles.com

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: Dennis the Elder
Date: 23 Jan 09 - 06:53 PM

I do know Simon quite well for many years, doing Health and Safety and Food Hygiene consultancy for him at his Steam Traction events. He is without doubt a nice man, but unfortunatly his luck and business sense lets him down quite often.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: theleveller
Date: 23 Jan 09 - 12:13 PM

Never met him but he did ring me up and spent around 20 minutes on the phone towards the end of last year, explaining what had happened. I really do believe that he wanted to organise a really good folk event (and make money, of course). He said that he had advice from someone prominent in the folk scene in Whitby. I must say that I don't think he's a conman (but, then, I did get my money back). I do, however, think that he's guilty of a big breach of good faith in promising refunds that he hasn't delivered. I suspect that he simply hasn't got the money to make the refunds at the moment - whether he will in the future is anyone's guess.

As for a folk festival in the Pickering area on the May Bank Holiday weekend - I, for one, will be going to Ryedale Folk Weekend just up the road in Hutton-le-Hole, same as I did last year. Brilliant little festival! Hope to see some of you there.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST,yoyo
Date: 23 Jan 09 - 11:46 AM

Have any of u even met Simon Boak?

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST,Greycap
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 07:24 PM

Well, thank you, Captain Birdseye.
I'm tickled, oh, and I don't owe money to lots of innocent punters who deserve a fair deal and aren't getting it.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: The Sandman
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 02:07 PM

100.
Greycap is a respected performer who has earned his living on the folkscene for many years.
Simon Boak owes a lot of people money,
anonymous guest,piss off.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST,yoyo
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 01:31 PM

Simon Boak is just a business man who has made a mistake. All his other events are very good.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Jan 09 - 05:45 PM

May I also suggest that The Villain's posting that was taken from the Pikering Forum may be a tad defamatory. I'm very surprised that Mudcat have allowed this to be posted. If I were Mr Boak I would be looking very carefully at this thread with my legal advisor in response. Threatening behaviour is insinuated too. Not very good or professional Mudcat, regardless of Mr Boak's activities.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Jan 09 - 05:25 PM

Greycap, you're a COCK! "BOAK IS A F***ING THIEF!!!" Ain't that a bit strong? I'm more inclined to side with Stallion's version of events. I truly hope that people get their refunds of course but at least Mr Boak is trying to settle the matter albeit slowly! If he was a f***ing thief, don't you think he may have made off with all the booty? I, for one, hope he succeeds with his events because, having gone to many of them for years, they're successful, well-organised shows. He appears to have got his fingers burned with this one but I still reckon he'll come back bigger and bolder. He's not a conman. Probably just a businessman that was out of his depth. One other thing to mention is that, if he had no knowledge of the folk music scene, then how on earth did he manage to get together such a fabulous line up? I wish him and all of you well and hope that the matter resolves itself quickly.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Jan 09 - 07:20 AM

I'd be very suprised if many artists. traders or anyone else would touch this event with a bargepole now (apart from anything else if the weather is bad in May it isnt beyond the realms of possibility the same thing could happen again - it being the Vale of Pickering after all)

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST,Karen L
Date: 08 Jan 09 - 07:17 AM

I'd like to hear of anyone who has had sucess in claiming thier money back through small claims court. Also is anyone goingto go for this ofer of free pass to next year's event? I don't know what to do? I'm going to contact watchdog programme.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST,Dravinger
Date: 22 Dec 08 - 04:28 PM

Just received a letter to say The Events Office has ceased trading but another company is acquiring some of the Events Office business... What's the betting that the 'new' company has the same set of directors or owners?

Fat chance of getting any money back from them now.

They have offered a free pass to next years festival (now called "The Yorkshire Folk Festival") even if you have had a refund. This sounds good to start with until you ask yourself what the line up will be - if we are struggling to get a refund what about the bands? So what chance of a line up of a similar quality or any of the acts who were supposed to play last August?

Question is can you trust them? I don't.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: SPB-Cooperator
Date: 21 Dec 08 - 08:25 AM

The proper contraction for 'there is' is there's. Theirs is the 3rd person plural posessive pronoun- which should be their.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: Rasener
Date: 15 Dec 08 - 01:22 PM

Just seen this post on the Pickering Forum by somebody called Jimbo.

>>
Posts: 1
Re: Pickering Folk Festival Launched
Reply #9 - Today at 15:30:10 Quote
BEWARE ALL POTENTIAL SUPPLIERS AND CUSTOMERS WHO EITHER SUPPLY
OR BUY FROM THE EVENTS OFFICE ORGANISATION.

THEY ARE A BUNCH OF THEIVING NO GOOD W******.

BECAUSE THEY CANCELLED THE PICKERING FOLK FESTIVAL I AM OUT OF
POCKET TO THE TUNE OF £600 FOR SUPPLYING THEM WITH SERVICES FOR
THE EVENT TOGETHER WITH OTHER NUMEROUS SUPPLIERS AND ARTISTS.

DO NOT GO ANYWHERE NEAR THIS BUNCH OF THEIVING CON ARTISTS OR
YOU WILL LOSE A LOT OF MONEY.

HOW MANY PUNTERS BOUGHT TICKETS FOR THE FESTIVAL AND HAVE NOT HAD
A REFUND YET ????

WE ARE SUING THE ARSE OFF SIMON BOAK AND IF THEIRS ANYONE OUT THERE
WHO HAS BEEN SCREWED BY THIS ORGANISATION AS WELL, LET ME KNOW
IT WILL ONLY ADD TO THIS GUY GETTING SCREWED BY THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM.

WATCH OUT SIMON, YOU NEVER KKNOW WHO'S GOING TO TAP YOU ON THE SHOULDER
WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT IT !

<<

http://theeventsoffice.co.uk/msg/YaBB.pl?num=1208273995/0

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST,yoyo
Date: 15 Dec 08 - 12:27 PM

Everyone makes mistakes!

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: stallion
Date: 11 Dec 08 - 06:58 PM

Hey I don't think Mr Boak is a crook. he was a businessman who needed to maximise the profits from the showground and took a punt at running a folk festival and it went tits up, it isn't pleasant to have to deal with the aftermath and many of them must feel wretched, yes and a whole lot are waiting for their money, which may or may not arrive. I stick by my post at the very outset of this venture wher i wished them well but in my experience successful folk festivals grew from little acorns and didn't appear overnight as it were, caveat emptor!

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST,MC Fat (at work)
Date: 11 Dec 08 - 04:23 AM

Some you may not be aware that the dialect work for sick in Scottish is 'BOAK' as in 'It's enuff tae make ye boak' i.e. 'It is enough to make one vomit'. Quite apt really

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: Rasener
Date: 11 Dec 08 - 04:18 AM

Ho Ho Ho, why not? Is he going to be Father Christmas and deliver all the money he owes to all the goodly folkies he owes it too?

He has yo yo'ed people around enough as it is.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST,Greycap
Date: 11 Dec 08 - 03:55 AM

hey, Yoyo,
Why not?

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST,yoyo
Date: 10 Dec 08 - 12:10 PM

You shouldn't be so nasty about Simon Boak!!

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: Folkiedave
Date: 10 Dec 08 - 03:48 AM

My wife and I said at the time that it was identical to one of the Halifax festivals in the 60/70s where everybody in the world was booked, nobody was ever paid, lots of the audience suffered Hyperthermyia, no pay, no money back.... it was the weather....yeah, sure.

It was held at Barkisland as I remember. And the weather was awful. if the audience suffered hypothermia in the middle of August, you can reckon that the weather was bad!!

Not really a comparison IMHO.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: Rasener
Date: 10 Dec 08 - 02:23 AM

To Save people looking back for the newspaper contact detials, here it is again.

The Gazette & Herald that covers North Yorkshire are willing to run an article on this problem.

If you phone David Jeffells on Mobile [phone] or Home 01723 863395,

Basically, if you are still owed money for tickets that you paid for the 2008 Festival or are owed money for services, he would like to talk to you, so that he has a story to go with.

He would like people to offer their name, but stated that it wasn't necessary if you so wished.

So this is your big chance to get this situation plastered all over the North Yorkshire newspapers.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST,Greycap
Date: 09 Dec 08 - 07:58 PM

Hey, folks,
Bitter experience tells me, I was once booked at a festival at Harewood outside Leeds, years ago, where everybody in music was booked, nobody was ever paid.
I regretfully feel that you paid your money to an absolute crook, who never had any, whatsoever, intention of holding a festival in the first instance,and knew folkies were nice people, but very gullible.
Look,please, for example, at the other festivals over that date.They all co-incide.warning?
Look, again, at the all artistes booked. Look at the prices, ok? My wife and I said at the time that it was identical to one of the Halifax festivals in the 60/70s where everybody in the world was booked, nobody was ever paid, lots of the audience suffered Hyperthermyia, no pay, no money back.... it was the weather....yeah, sure.
Experience helps...you aren't getting your money back..,. Boak is a F..... thief. You lost this one, be careful in future.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST,Guest, Newcastle
Date: 09 Dec 08 - 05:48 PM

December 9th and still no refund. Might be worth getting on to the news paper guy again. Will have to go back through the posts to find his details. I think the events office should get lots of negative publicity, if for no other reason than to stop others losing their money with these crims.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST,Qwertyco
Date: 05 Dec 08 - 07:39 AM

December the 5th 2008, and Mr."P" is still waiting for his alphabetical £300 refund.

Apparently the box office is closed yesterday and today because the staff are all at the showground.

Presumably shoveling snow about!

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Oct 08 - 01:03 PM

They can't be going out in alphabetical order - my surname begins with B and I'm still waiting. About to start the electronic / county court process now.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: theleveller
Date: 25 Oct 08 - 08:01 AM

I doubt if they're going out in alphabetical order. I received mine yesterday and my name begins with 'T'. Maybe they're going out in order that they were booked - I booked mine quite early one. Maybe there's no order at all. If you're moving, contact them and give them your new address.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST,Miss Jones
Date: 25 Oct 08 - 06:48 AM

Hello, does anyone know are the refunds going out in alphabetical order as I haven't still seen anything! We are moving house on Monday and I don't want to think a cheque has got lost in the redirected post!!!
Hels

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: Rasener
Date: 24 Oct 08 - 12:39 PM

Hi Chris
Thanks for that.
Blimey is that true that it is the last one. What will whitby do with all its fish and chips.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST,Crow
Date: 24 Oct 08 - 11:51 AM

Sounds good. Will definately make it then. Is it really the last one?!

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST,M&C Chris
Date: 24 Oct 08 - 11:49 AM

Guests we're hoping for at next years Moor and Coast include Vin Garbutt, Something Nasty In The Woodshed, Anthony John Clarke, Ember, Dan McKinnon and a few others who've slipped my mind. Looking forward to it.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: Rasener
Date: 24 Oct 08 - 11:01 AM

Thats excellent Jude

Do you know what the line up is for Moor & Coast next year yet?

Cheers
Les Worrall

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST,aelfleda
Date: 24 Oct 08 - 10:25 AM

Got my cheque & a letter of apology this morning.
Thanks everyone & hope that those of you who haven't had your refunds yet get them soon.
jude

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: Rasener
Date: 24 Oct 08 - 04:53 AM

No Problems theleveller.
I don't like seeing people done.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: theleveller
Date: 24 Oct 08 - 04:04 AM

I certainly think we can thank this forum for helping to get our money back (which I'm now fairly confident we will) and I'd also like to thank The Villain for his work in bringing it to the notice of the press. Cheers Les.


This has all served as a salutory lesson for anyone seeking to organise a new folk festival but I hope it won't put off those who genuinely want to break new ground. If it hadn't been for people with vision and determination, we wouldn't have the superb Folk On The Moors events created by Richerd and Jeanette Grainger or new festivals like Shepley.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 23 Oct 08 - 04:46 PM

You may very well be right - but I don't know, so I asked.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: Rasener
Date: 23 Oct 08 - 02:38 PM

Couldn't have said it better Nutty.

We can do without people like him in the folk world.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: nutty
Date: 23 Oct 08 - 01:44 PM

Save your sympathy for the poor people who have been fighting to get their money back.

The organiser is an established business man who (up till now) has not treated his 'customers' with the respect they deserved after trying to support his enterprise.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 23 Oct 08 - 01:27 PM

Funny, I'm sure I posted a very mild comment wondering whether, for all we knew, we should be haveing sympathy for an organiser who tried his best but now has his business and maybe house on the line.

Just a stray thought.

Did I get modded or was there a glitsch in the ether?

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: nutty
Date: 23 Oct 08 - 12:20 PM

Once again we can all thank Max for providing (at no cost to anyone) this wonderful Forum which enables everyone to get together.

When you get your refunds you could 'click on the fish' and send a small thankyou.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST,Sarah Derry
Date: 23 Oct 08 - 10:43 AM

Sorry!
I clicked before I popped my message on. Just to let you know I have just come off phone to a pleasant lady at the Events Office. She said commencing from last week they're saying to people it will be 6-8 weeks for refunds to be made and definitely before Christmas - although I got the impression this may not be in alphabetical order?. She seemed keen to help and took my name and was apologetic so yet again, I'll take their word for it and wait (with hopefully not mis-placed) confidence!
But this is the last time, then I'll be following Barbara's example. I did mention this forum and they knew all about it! Thanks for all who organised the newspaper article/sent recorded mail.

Sarah

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST,Sarah Derry
Date: 23 Oct 08 - 10:30 AM

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST,Besty at work
Date: 23 Oct 08 - 10:06 AM

That's very good news Villan , isn't St.Jude the patron St. of lost causes.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: Rasener
Date: 23 Oct 08 - 08:01 AM

Thats good news Jude
Les

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Oct 08 - 06:23 AM

Hi
I got a phone message from the main man last night apologising for the delay & promising me my refund next week.
I've got my fingers crossed!
Jude

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: Folkiedave
Date: 23 Oct 08 - 06:21 AM

Sorry I meant to say basically I think it is statute of limitations as far as time is concerned i.e. six years. It begins once you are aware of the problem.

And I am not a solicitor - I do not purport to give legal advice.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: Folkiedave
Date: 23 Oct 08 - 06:19 AM

Would credit card payments protect you in this context (within a month of the festival)? I don't know.

If it does apply then it is only for sums over £100.00

Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 states that the lender of money for a purchase is jointly responsible with the seller for the purchaser getting the goods or service purchased, or receiving a full refund if they do not receive the goods or service. What this means in practice is that if you paid more than £100.00 by a UK issued personal credit card (but not a debit or charge card), then you can claim ALL the money you paid (irrespective of how you paid it) provided that the maximum contrcat value does not exceed £30,000, back from the card company or lender if you do not get what you bought.

However be prepared for the card company to resist. Well there's a surprise!!

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST,Captain Sensible
Date: 23 Oct 08 - 06:10 AM

If the business has shelled-out money they cannot recoup, they indeed have cashflow problems, and those that threaten will be dealt with first. Punters, by and large, will be slower than businesses to respond - the Folk world is a trusting place until bitten.

Whatever Pickering Festival do, it will be event-driven because they probably don't have cash left over from reciepts, and were probably banking on late sales anyway.

Whether you like the way they are doing it, or not, the only sensible way to deal with it is to understand their position, and act. Which in this context is to give them a big motivational push. Like publicity, like the law. And do it before there is literally no money to be got, law or no law you can't get it if they declare bankrupcy. Except maybe pence in the pound.

Would credit card payments protect you in this context (within a month of the festival)? I don't know.

And was this the first year of the festival? If it was, caveat emptor.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST,Barbara Hoyle
Date: 23 Oct 08 - 05:48 AM

Beany,
I don't understand the logic either;as with any telephone contact made with the office,the story changes daily.
I had in fact posted the second recorded delivery letter, which stated that legal action was imminent,immediately prior to receiving my refund.
Congratulations on your efforts re the Malton and Pickering Mercury.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST,Beany
Date: 23 Oct 08 - 04:57 AM

Barbara, I am delighted that you have received your refund. However they cannot be doing this in alphabetical order as they originally stated that they would as our surname is before yours! I wonder if its because you had sent the recorded delivery letter and threatened another one?
It was me who contacted the Malton and Pickering Mercury and spoke at length to Sheila, a reporter there. I have just read the article - whooppee. Lets hope that this is the start of the end to this sad state of affairs. Fingers crossed for my refund.
Beany

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST,Barbara Hoyle
Date: 23 Oct 08 - 01:40 AM

JR,
The phone call from Simon Boak to theleveller appears to have been made after the publication of the article, and after the Events Office had been contacted by the newspaper re the matter.
I suspect that you are not one of the people who has spent countless fruitless hours merely trying to elicit any response from the Evnts Office, let alone an honest one.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: theleveller
Date: 22 Oct 08 - 03:29 PM

Sod it. Keep losing my cookies on this computer. That was me.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Oct 08 - 03:28 PM

"I can imagine Pickering have a cash flow problem and if the business ethic is not of the best order you can imagine there is a tactic in play. Quieten the loudest and those wot don't shout don't want."

Don't understand what you mean by that. I've nothing against businesses organising festivals on a proit-making basis, as long as they're good festivals that are value for money which, to be fair, is what Pickering seemed to be at the time. Let's face it there are some unbelievably crap festivals about run by rank amateurs who haven't the least idea what they're doing and some run for profit that are equally crap.

If you don't think money should be an issue, then you can't believe that there should be professional folk performers. Fair enough - I can see the argument for that but, in the end, you pays yer money (or not) etc etc.

Personally, I'm going to wait and see what happens.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST,JR
Date: 22 Oct 08 - 01:42 PM

Let's be fair here. Refunds had started PRIOR to the article being published.

There is a very good chance that this is a business that has been doing it's best in very difficult circumstances.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST,Barbara Hoyle
Date: 22 Oct 08 - 01:22 PM

I wholeheartedly agree re the warning Mr Red and would advise anyone considering booking for next year's proposed Pickering Folk Festival to be extremely wary.
It seems a strange coincidence that Simon Boak's phone call to theleveller was apparently made after an article appeared in the Malton and Pickering Mercury. A case of too little,too late as far as I am concerned.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: Mr Red
Date: 22 Oct 08 - 01:13 PM

Folkie Dave don't be so provocative. You of all people.

Folk is about people. Introduce money and there is risk. Bigger the money, bigger the risk. Bigger the egos. How did all these big festivals start? Lots of enthusiasts and just a pub to help with the tent. A lot of DIY. Simple, modest and FOLK. When money is (was) tight thats what FOLK do.

And Knowing Clive Field at Saul as I do - and knowing their purpose - they handled it as you would hope. Not all ticket holders at Saul bothered to apply for a refund, the rule there was to announce a deadline so that they could get their books audited. A lot of performers waved their rights in contract and got booked the next year.
I can imagine Pickering have a cash flow problem and if the business ethic is not of the best order you can imagine there is a tactic in play. Quieten the loudest and those wot don't shout don't want.

Let this be a warning for next year.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: theleveller
Date: 22 Oct 08 - 06:45 AM

Simon Boakes has just called me and explained the situation at length. He says that the refunds will now be made as quickly as possible (in the next few days). He apologised profusely for the situation, which arose from some inexperienced people in the Events Office who weren't properly briefed on the situation giving false information about how quickly it was possible to make refunds.

He is anxious to run a festival but doesn't want to clash with others, so he asked my advice on when would be the best time to hold the rescheduled event. (The suggestion of moving it to later in June so it didn't clash with Ryedale was made - what's the opinion?)

I have to say that I felt he was genuine, both in his explanation and his desire to run a successful folk festival that would appeal to as many people as possible. He suggested that, in the future, monies paid would be held by someone independent of the organisers so that people could be certain it was in safe hands.

Let's see if we receive the refunds as promised and take it from there.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: theleveller
Date: 22 Oct 08 - 06:16 AM

Nothing new there, then. It seems that threats of legal action are the only way to get them to do something.

In the meantime, tickets for Ryedale are now on sale. I'll be ordering mine today - at least I know they can be relied on.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST,JR
Date: 22 Oct 08 - 05:35 AM

http://www.maltonmercury.co.uk/news/Folk-fans39-fury-over-ticket.4616990.jp

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: Folkiedave
Date: 22 Oct 08 - 04:12 AM

A return to "Folk" Festivals may be the answer.

I am not sure what the difference is!! Care to explain?

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST,Barbara Hoyle
Date: 22 Oct 08 - 04:06 AM

Saul refunded without problems after 2007 and I was happy to make a donation of part of my money to help offset the inevitable costs of the cancellation.No doubt many others did the same.
The way Pickering dealt with the situation bears no resemblance to the way Saul treated their customers. People were kept well informed at every stage of the process, something which has been sadly lacking in Pickering's case.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: Mr Red
Date: 22 Oct 08 - 03:53 AM

There is going to be more of this kind of problem in years to come.

Saul has given up for 2009, after 2007 floods and a near problem this year, and Shrewsbury Showground was flooded three weeks after the festival, a near miss. Expectations that floods don't happen in summer is way out of date. Given the economic climate as well, a lot of people will decide at the last minute and that is a stress that may cause organisers to cancel.

Here we are discussing entertainment, business, employment, that calls itself Folk. A return to "Folk" Festivals may be the answer.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST,Barbara Hoyle
Date: 22 Oct 08 - 02:37 AM

A friend was informed on the telephone yesterday that her date for a refund of £150 was November 10th. She objected to waiting until then and now awaits further developments.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: Dennis the Elder
Date: 21 Oct 08 - 04:03 PM

With a little luck no one will actually loose their money, just be deprived of it for a while!!

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST,Michelle
Date: 21 Oct 08 - 02:46 PM

As sad as it is that we're all waiting for our money, I'm glad to have found this forum and to know I'm not the only one waiting. Sounds like we've all tried the same things to get our refunds; I was also fobbed off on the phone (once I'd eventually got through) and no response to my emails.
Not sure what to do next really. Might just be patient for a little while longer, after all Barbara got her money back. Think I will contact the guy at the Herald & Gazette. I hope nobody else loses their money.

Thanks

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: Rasener
Date: 21 Oct 08 - 02:23 PM

Well thats excellent news Barbara

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST,Barbara Hoyle
Date: 21 Oct 08 - 01:33 PM

I have received my refund. A postal order for the appropriate amount arrived today. May I encourage those of you still trying to persevere and thank you to anyone who offered advice.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST,Barbara Hoyle
Date: 21 Oct 08 - 06:36 AM

Apologies - just realised that I'm mistaken re deletion - think I need a lie down in a darkened room.
Thanks Villan,I'll try to access the info but the machine I'm currently using doesn't allow me to do so.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST,Barbara Hoyle
Date: 21 Oct 08 - 06:34 AM

Please explain why my message posted minutes ago has been deleted - I don't understand.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: Rasener
Date: 21 Oct 08 - 06:31 AM

You might be interested in looking at this

http://www.new.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=44286860585&topic=5513&ref=mf

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST,Barbara Hoyle
Date: 21 Oct 08 - 06:19 AM

Good luck emm lou,
       I did the same 14 days ago and have had no response whatsoever to my letter. I now intend to send a second letter and will no doubt have to resort to the small claims court: thank you everyone for your advice re this.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: Darowyn
Date: 21 Oct 08 - 03:23 AM

I lived on the Yorkshire Coast for many years, and I remember Simon Boak's name appearing on promo posters over twenty years ago. He has been around for a long time, mostly promoting Country Shows, Traction Engine Rallies etc.
I have vague memories of dealing with him with no problems.
Unless his business has collapsed drastically this summer, and that is possible, I would say that you should not give up hope.
It will be strongly in Mr Boak's interest to maintain his good name in the area.
Cheers
Dave

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: Tootler
Date: 20 Oct 08 - 05:50 PM

The small claims court does work.

My daughter and her friend successfully sued their former landlord after he refused to return their deposit on their flat when they left.

They were awarded the full amount (£1000) less £50 for some rewiring that had been done. I suspect the judge only gave the landlord that to avoid him appealing.

They actually got their money as well. I think that was partly because the money was held by the estate agents that had acted for the landlord and they felt he had cheated them.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: Folkiedave
Date: 20 Oct 08 - 03:17 PM

You can do the Small Claims Court on-line nowadays.

http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/onlineservices/mcol/index.htm

I succesfully sued Carphone Warehouse over a faulty telephone they refused to replace.

You save £5.00 (£25.00 instead of £30.00) but otherwise I thought it was easy to do and user friendly as they say.

The problem is that if you win you need to enforce it and it may be spending good money chasing bad.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: theleveller
Date: 20 Oct 08 - 02:55 PM

Damn. That as me.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Oct 08 - 02:54 PM

Any action would have to be through the Small Claims Court. I'm considering doing this myself if we don't get our refunds soon.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST,emm lou
Date: 20 Oct 08 - 02:00 PM

Hi all - after i posted on the original thread i decided to write a letter of complaint and demanding our refund to Simon Boak and sent it via recorded delivery so he should have received this today. I'm going to call the reporter about this too as I think the more people that do the better. If anyone has any advice on any legal action we can take then please help!
It may also be worth contacting Folk Roots magazine about this.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: Rasener
Date: 20 Oct 08 - 12:23 PM

Chris
At the moment, their is no evidence that fraud is involved. What is a fact, is that it would seem lots of people who paid for their tickets, haven't had it back yet.
Unless of course you have some damning evidence that we are not privy to.
Les

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 20 Oct 08 - 12:22 PM

If he is competent as an organizer (and I don't have he foggiest idea whether he is) he will have had insurance against being weathered out. So canceling because of weather is no excuse for not returning deposits.

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST,Barbara Hoyle
Date: 20 Oct 08 - 12:14 PM

Chris,
    I've just tried to email you but the message has been bounced back.We know that the main organiser is Simon Boak and that contact details are on The Events Office website: www.theeventsoffice.co.uk.
    Unfortunately, emails and letters are ignored and should you manage to make contact via the telephone,you will be subjected to evasion and false claims as to when the money will be refunded.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST,chris at electraglade
Date: 20 Oct 08 - 10:41 AM

Hello
I'm also owed money from Pickering Festival, and am organising some press and publicity to ensure that this apparant fraud is investigated and exposed.
Any info, please contact
chris
[e-mail]

I have some contact with people who know one of the organisers (who also organised a Celtic Festival in Whitby the other year) so they shouldn't be too difficult to trace.

cheers

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: Rasener
Date: 20 Oct 08 - 02:28 AM

He would be very pleased to hear from you Barbara.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST,Barbara Hoyle
Date: 20 Oct 08 - 02:02 AM

I have been away for the weekend so haven't seen this thread until now.I intend to try to contact David Jeffells later today.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST,Jim Knowledge
Date: 19 Oct 08 - 11:03 AM

I `ad that Simon Boak with a sweat on in my cab the other day.
`e said, "Can you get me to Heathrow, sharpish like?"
I said, "Yeah, what`s all the rush then. You late for your plane?"
`e said, "Nah, it`s all them on that Mudcat. They reckon `cos my planning clashed with other festivals I took the dosh and did a runner."
I said, " Did ya?"
`e said, "Nah. I just strolled out of the place!!"

Whaddam I like??

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: theleveller
Date: 19 Oct 08 - 10:26 AM

Oops, above guest was me.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: Rasener
Date: 19 Oct 08 - 08:56 AM

That sounds great Jude
Les

Guest - that sounds very positive.

It would be good to know about any articles that get in the press.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Oct 08 - 08:25 AM

I, too, spoke to him this morning. Nice chap. Looks like there'll be an article soon - probably this week.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST,aelfleda
Date: 19 Oct 08 - 07:26 AM

Hi
I've spoken with David Jeffells on the phone this morning outlining our plight.
I've suggested to David that he might want to visit Mudcat to get some idea of the number of people who are owed money & the efforts that people have been making to get their refunds
Cheers
Jude

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: Rasener
Date: 18 Oct 08 - 11:02 AM

Thats correct what the leveller says Raggytash. Its about trying to get the money back.

So if there is enough people who have not got tehir money back, then the paper will do a solurge on why not.

So we are not running into libel, just trying to get the guy to pay the money back that he took of the customers.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: theleveller
Date: 18 Oct 08 - 10:42 AM

Raggytash, we're not doubting (well, I'm not) that there was a genuine reason for cancelling the festival - we were due to go up to Northumberland with the caravan afterwards and our campsite was closed as well. What we are questioning are the actions of the organiser who, after promising refunds from 27 August has failed to deliver or to communicate with us.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 18 Oct 08 - 09:10 AM

Before anyone commits libel it would be well to remember that the festival was genuinely cancelled because of inclement weather

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: theleveller
Date: 18 Oct 08 - 07:12 AM

Thanks for starting this thread. I've just rung David Jeffells and left a message for him to call me. Let's hope that we can get enough people together to persuade him to run the article. If The Events Office are trying to run the rescheduled festival we need to warn people not to part with their money until the situation with refunds is resolved.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: Rasener
Date: 18 Oct 08 - 07:11 AM

Join this group

Pickering Folk Festival 2008 - Are you owed money

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: Rasener
Date: 17 Oct 08 - 07:14 PM

I guess it would help greatly if mudcatters could get first post on this thread on as many different websites as possible across the UK.

The more people who let him know that they haven't had their money back, the stronger will be the reporters investigation and newspaper report

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: Rasener
Date: 17 Oct 08 - 07:09 PM

probably wily & crooked & respected in Pickering and very hard to get

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST,Greycap
Date: 17 Oct 08 - 07:04 PM

Thanks for the info, Villan.
Simon Boak, huh? Don't think I've ever heard of him in 48 years of involvement in the folk club world.
Is he new, keen & stupid? Or old, wily & crooked? Any opinions needed here?
What's his track record on folk music events?

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: Rasener
Date: 17 Oct 08 - 06:57 PM

The main organiser is Mr Simon Boak, The Events Office

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: GUEST,Greycap
Date: 17 Oct 08 - 06:55 PM

Who was the guy? I'm still in the dark on this one, but don't want to be stung in the future.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: Rasener
Date: 17 Oct 08 - 06:46 PM

I think he is more than that Captain Birdseye

Hopefully people will go to teh newspaper and expose this guy for what he is.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: The Sandman
Date: 17 Oct 08 - 06:42 PM

frankly this organiser is a nincompoop,first he organises afestival theat clashes with Saltburn,then he organises it to clash with Ryedale Folk Weekend.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: Tootler
Date: 17 Oct 08 - 06:14 PM

The other thread was just below this one when I clicked here, but here's a link to it anyway

http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=113028&messages=92

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: Rasener
Date: 17 Oct 08 - 05:28 PM

There is Jack.It was called Pickering Folk Festival: Tickets Online, which developed into people saying how they are not able to get their money back after the Festival was cancelled

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: Jack Campin
Date: 17 Oct 08 - 05:24 PM

What happened? There doesn't seem to be a previous thread about it.

Subject: RE: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: The Sandman
Date: 17 Oct 08 - 05:11 PM

no.
but anyone who is,should take this up[imo]

Subject: PickeringFolkFestival Are you owed money
From: Rasener
Date: 17 Oct 08 - 01:23 PM

The Gazette & Herald that covers North Yorkshire are willing to run an article on this problem.

If you phone David Jeffells on Mobile [phone] or Home 01723 863395, he will create the article.
He is available all weekend.

Basically, if you are still owed money for tickets that you paid for the 2008 Festival or are owed money for services, he would like to talk to you, so that he has a story to go with.

He would like people to offer their name, but stated that it wasn't necessary if you so wished.

So this is your big chance to get this situation plastered all over the North Yorkshire newspapers.