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| firemynx_B |
on Mon 18 Jun 07, 11:21 PM to firemynx_B's blog.
Badg1 and I arrived at the new SWAMP Venue "The Mandrake" at around 3pm.
Upon reaching the venue, just outside, we were warned it was very hot inside the venue. No great surprise actually, it was boiling hot and had been all weekend. So I went inside fully expecting it to be like a sauna, and not looking forward to the prospect of it being stifling hot.
We walked in and paid our entrance for both the market and also the play party. Even if we didn't decide to stay, if it truly was as hot as we envisaged. I am glad to say, that it wasn't, it was a lot cooler than I expected.
As we entered it had a "cave/dungeony" feel about it, and along the little entrances were stalls, we headed into the area that would be the demo area, it was a little tight for space, and MistressCP asked people to move in, so others could get in too. The venue seemed to have the lighting just about right, lights in the areas that were needed and dimmer in the areas where it was not.
The demo was very good indeed. Was caning by LeatherMGoddess (aka Kat) and LeatherEagle (aka Luisa) with their assistants rowan and inquisitive lady, with leatherangel on the side lines handing over implements. Kat went into detail about how canes can be used, even on the nervous and scared, and how caning "drumming" can be a great warm up, especially to music. Both Kat and Luisa did a demonstration and then asked if anyone would like to try, either feeling the canes, or using them. As I was unfortunate enough to miss the caning workshop at the Cmunch, I decided now was as good a time as any to give it a go. I went up, and a gentleman kindly agreed for me to try out the caning on him. Getting the rhythm was a little tricky at first, but I got the hang of it eventually, and something very new for me, with canes. A few others put themselves forward, both to try the caning out, and also to try it out on others, and personally I found it was a very successful demo, ending with lots of smiles, and happy faces.
The only problem with the demo area was that there were 2 or 3 stalls directly behind the demo room, so the general chit chat and banter between customers and stall holders was carrying quite loudly. Kat did ask for quiet a few times, but I honestly don't know how that can be overcome, unless the destination of the demos is moved to somewhere away from the stalls themselves. Time will tell with that, after all, it was the first SWAMP at the venue.
Before we went into the demo, myself and Badg1 purchased soft drinks from the bar, which were reasonably priced and they provided as much as you wanted too, the bar staff were friendly and helpful, and no one seemed to be left waiting for very long at all, hence there was not a queue at the bar, that took up any more room than necessary.
We wandered amongst the stalls for a little, and myself and Badg1 purchased something special to use (those who know will understand), after that, we headed off to get something to eat, at which point, Kat and co were convinced/convinced themselves to go back for the play party, which I was very happy about. We went off to the hotel to get changed, before heading back for the play party.
Upon re entering SWAMP, it was a lot less packed, as most of the stall holders had either gone, or were packing up. I had been concerned about this, earlier in the day, as the play area was quite a squeeze. Once the stall holders were out of the way, the play area was fantastic. The upper layer had a cross, bench in both corners and the DJ booth. The lower had some more equipment and also a seating area whereby people could watch.
Upon entering the upper level, there was a particularly intense scene going on, between Kat and Luisa, and I watched in total awe and respect, I have seen them play before of course, but had forgotten just how hard they both play, and this seemed to concern one or two, one in particular who I spent time explaining that they were completely safe, and that is how they play. Various people walked in, and some in the line of the single tail that was being used, so I gently manoeuvred people to a safer place.
The only problem that I could see in the upper level, was the lighting, if you were stood in a certain position, it caused a shadow problem to whoever was using the cross, so it was the case that we had to duck and run, in between single tail strokes, across to the other side of the room. I'm sure it's something that can be ironed out quite easily 
My turn to play, came sometime afterwards, and ended in tears, smiles, hugs and happy sighs, and a very blissed out mynx.
Needless to say, I had a great night. Venue was great, staff both SWAMP and venue staff were great. The place is very atmospheric, play space was good, plenty of room to play, good music.
Considering it was the first time there, it surpassed all I thought it would be, and my opinion is, the new venue is great, though I'd limit the play space in the day, and save it for the evening time.
Congrats SWAMP Team, what a success!!
Edited Mon 18 Jun 07, 11:36 PM by firemynx_B
