Growing Talent, shattering dreams
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Growing Talent is a company that offers the chance for people aged between five and 25 to learn about showbiz from the best in the industry. The event sounds great, it is full of classes, workshops and you are even given the opportunity to perform in front of top agents and casting directors. They are currently advertising for people to attend next years 2010 event in Barcelona, however the Growing Talent experience doesn't come cheap. To attend it will cost £1235 and that doesn't include flights or accommodation. There's also one thing they don't mention. This year's 2009 Growing Talent event never happened and so far everyone who's paid up for it - hasn't had their money back.
The organiser behind Growing Talent is dance teacher Lynne Millar. She organised a Growing Talent event in 2008 in Paris. The event did run but not quite as billed. Places had been sold with the promise that Andrew Lloyd Webber would be there but he wasn't and he doesn't even remember being asked. The 2009 event was supposed to take place last month in Barcelona but just one day before the people who had signed up were due to fly out, they got an email saying it wasn't going to happen. It's still not clear which of the industry's big names were supposed to be at this year's cancelled event, Watchdog's not spoken to any who'd planned to go. It was also supposed to take place in a five star luxury resort hotel but the hotel threatened to pull the plug because they never received a penny from Lynne Millar.
So it seems that the families of the children have handed over hundreds of pounds for an event that did not happen, which leaves us with one question. Where is all the money?
Back in the UK, the families are still confused and angry. When parents have rung Growing Talent, they have been fobbed off about exactly when they will get a refund. Bizarrely, they are being told the event was not cancelled; it was just postponed by a whole year. When one parent phoned Growing Talent she spoke to Lynne Millar herself who said:
'...we will be making a full announcement and moving forward very, very quickly with the 2010 event...'
'...if you then still feel you do not wish to attend the 2010 event we will issue you with a refund.'
Consumer Direct say the families should have had a refund within 7-10 days. Instead, Lynne Millar has rolled their places over to next year. That is not what they had signed up to and even if they agree, you have to wonder whether the 2010 event will actually happen? Growing Talent's website is promising the event will be at the same hotel in Barcelona. But the hotel has told Watchdog they wouldn't have anything to do with Growing Talent ever again.
The event was cancelled, leaving a lot of people financially out of pocket as well as upset that they had missed out on the event they were promised. Watchdog wanted to try and help. We organised our own event, with workshops in acting, singing and audition techniques. We invited casting directors and Sylvia Young also helped us out. She runs one of the best-known stage schools in the country and it is her team who gave the children the sort of training they had hoped to get in Spain. She explained to us, "These children have paid a lot of money to attend this event in Barcelona, which did not happen. I'm extremely sad". Award winning R&B singer, Beverley Knight also attended the event to pass on her expertise, as did X-Factor finalist and star of the West End musical Grease, Ray Quinn.
Growing Talent has not given any of the children the head start in the industry they had paid for. However they seemed to have a fantastic day at our own event, learning and having fun at the same time. The kids even got a chance to perform in front of not just friends and family but some influential casting directors who were pretty impressed with what they saw.
When we approached Growing Talent, Lynne Millar provided us with the following statement:
"I, Lynne Millar and Growing Talent regrettably had to postpone the 2009 event due to circumstances beyond our control. Certain individuals have been trying their utmost to cause problems to myself and Growing Talent by spreading false and defamatory statements about us. Our lawyers are currently in the process of taking legal action in this regard. We understand that Watchdog is investigating certain issues. We have very significant experience in this industry and look forward to the 2010 event, which we are planning at this point. All those who paid for the 2009 event will be refunded in the full once they have confirmed that they do not wish to attend the 2010 event. We had 18 Industry Professionals of the highest standard available for the 2009 event."
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This situation is appalling and is especially sad as so many young people want to make it in the entertainment industry (myself included) and are willing to pay vast amounts of money to do so. Lynne Millar deserves bringing to task for shattering so many dreams at such a huge mental and financial cost, so thanks to Watchdog for featuring the story.
Not having a four figure sum to get myself trained in Spain for a week and seen by influential people, I've found a book brilliantly useful in my budding career. It is called "Auditions A Practical Guide" by the British casting director Richard Evans CDG, and contains great advice and techniques for auditioning. The book's website [Unsuitable/Broken URL removed by Moderator] also gives some good tips and resources on auditioning and performing and both come highly recommended for anyone wanting to break into acting and showbusiness. Good luck! Stephanie
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This situation is disgusting, especially as many young people are desperate to make an impression in showbusiness and are willing to pay ludicrously high fees for promises of results. [Unsuitable/Broken URL removed by Moderator]
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I have to say how disappointed I am that Lynne Millar was the only person name and shamed on Watchdog last night. Why was there was no mention of the other Theatrical Agents that had been earning thousands of pounds from these auditions, let alone all the theatre school operators who helped to promote this event, and last years fiasco?
The BBC in concentrating on the easy target have in my opinion missed out on a great opportunity to have made a programme that highlighted the full extent of the dodgy operating practises of so many in the UK children's talent business. What's even worse is that some of the people who were just as heavily involved in this event as Ms. Millar will not only walk away with their reputations intact, but will probably go on to start their own event, keeping the price just under the £1000 mark, and telling all the parents and kids that they are doing it to show them that not everybody in their business is trying to rip-off the public. Sadly from my own experience of trying to warn parents about "talent conventions" for almost two years I fear that many will fall for the same sales techniques all over again.
Please try to remember, if your child has talent, people pay them, you must NEVER hand over your hard earned cash to some smooth operator that tells you that your son or daughter is "special".
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I would like to ask the series producer Joe Mather how much time and money was spent on investigative journalism when producing this programme, compared to the utter waste of license fee money spent on hiring celebrities to take part.
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I would just like to say that I have known Lynne Miller for 20 years, I was a pupil of hers and a personal friend and I worked for her for over 4 years. I have never found her to be anything but truly genuine and honest. I have not spoken to her in a couple of years and I am saddened to see the way her reputatuion has been tarnished by this whole situation.
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How do we stop this woman from thinking that she has done nothing wrong?? and get her to repay everyone who wants their money back!!
It was said on Watchdog that she would give the money back as soon has she gets it in writing from the ones that gained a place on the Workshop in Barcelona.
Well, at a meeting with Lynne Millar on the 18th August 2009 with some of the parents. (The police were called and attend)
She was handed letters from the parents who wanted their money back.
Asking for her to refund them as they did not want to go next year, due to what she had done and therefor it was felt that she could not be trusted.
It has been found out that she has not collected her mail from her and that mail sent to her has been returned!!!
So WATCHDOG please advise parents how on earth do they get their money back from her if she will not open her mail. How will she know who does not want to go next year?
Why has she not paid the money back to the parents who handed her the letters in person over a MONTH ago?????
WATCHDOG PLEASE DO NOT JUST LEAVE IT THERE. PLEASE HELP THE PARENTS TO MAKE HER RETURN THEIR MONEY AS THIS WORKSHOP IN BARCELONA WAS PAID FOR BUT WE DID NOT GET IT.
DOES THE SALE OF GOODS ACT NOT APPLY?? I would have thought it should.
PLEASE CONTINUE TO HELP THE PARENTS.
Thank you for the day in London. That was a great thing to do for the Children.
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I have also known this person for 20+ plus years and I have to agree with Watchdog whole heartedly...I was over the moon to see her company and her morals brought to light.. It's about time!
I feel so sorry for these families as I fear they will never see a refund from Lynne Millar. I feel so sorry for the children who were so badly let down.
There are so many more Reputable Dance Schools, Stage Schools, Model Agencies that will push their career further with a fraction of this ridiculous fee. Remember if you really are talented, it should't cost money to prove this.
I hope this feature from Watchdog will prompt more people to come forward to support these allegations.
I truely hope Watchdog take this further [comment removed by Moderator for legal reasons]
Good job WATCHDOG....Keep it up!!!
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Bookman is absolutely right. Lynne Millar is the tip of the ice berg, there are lots of dance and theatre school owners along with some theatrical agents who have been heavily involved in Growing Talent. This organisation would not be able to function without them. The company clearly needs looking into from the top all the way down.
This is not going to go away quickly, so many people have been let down and worst of all it has involved children. I dearly hope that all those disappointed will get their money back as soon as possible. In the meantime I hope that your program will investigate more fully this type of business and others like it in order to allow parents to make informed and balanced choices when helping their children get a foothold in the very competetive field of show business. There are a lot of good people out there who will genuinely help in getting a start, this is the ideal opportunity for Watchdog to highlight the good and open peoples eyes to the tactics of the bad.
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i have just found another blog.. i presume this one is from one of the parents who have lost out...
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I would just like to ask why Toby's full statement was not featured? Toby told watch dog that he did nto pay growing talent any money and turned up in Barcelona for the event. Growing Talent beyond expectations to ensure Toby was safe and looked after including paying for his flight home as his parents were on holiday! I do not see this featured anywhere in this? This is by far selective journalism, let the truth speak!
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I personally have known Lynne for a long time also and have known her to be nothing but an honest and loyal person. Lynne has went out of her way to help many children and watchdog has made this a personal attack against her. Its is not fair and they are making accusations that false and untrue, people need to know the truth and that is that Lynne Millar is not a fraudster, I know that she would never have wanted to postpone the event and let the kids down.
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If there are so many people let down by growing talent then why are there only like... 10-15 people around the table? and why is one of the 'disappointed contestants' that attended the workshop actually one of the Casting Directors sons? Was that just to make it look busier? .. Major slip up zooming right in on his face!
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I used to work for Growing Talent and would just like to add, after many attempts of sabotage against the company Growing Talent were left with only 21 fully paid clients. How anyone could have expected them to go ahead with the event after this I do not know? Also, only one person featured and interviewed in this clip had paid growing talent in full! Many of the people featured were not even Growing Talent contestants.
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I attended last years event and it was the best experience of my life. I made so many great friends and met with some really influencial people who have helped to kick start my career. Growing Talent gives people who want to break into the industry a chance to meet the people who matter and I think we should be thanking lynn for bringing it here. I learned so much there and had so much fun, it made me realise how much i want to work in this industry and gave me the information and confidence to do so. All the other contestants i know felt the same way! It's such a shame it didn't go ahead this year but look forward to returning in the future :)
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I dont see how Watchdog have made a personal attack on Lynne Millar, she is the C.E.O of Growing Talent and is, therefore, answerable to any complaints. I don't remember anything personal about her mentioned, Watchdog on behalf of the complainants were just trying to find out when refunds would be paid.
If only 21 people had paid in full, then the event would have had little point in going ahead but whether it's one, two, twenty one or a hundred people who have paid what matters is that they have a right to their money back and so far they haven't received it. Twenty one full payments amounts to over £25,000 being held by Growing Talent and that doesn't include partial payments that could potentially add up to many thousands more.
Not everyone wants to make their complaints on national television so it is easy to understand why not all the aggrieved would want to be interviewed, I know two people who were in the studio audience who had paid in full who were not spoken to on the program. It is not everyone's style to come forward publicly and it would be unreasonable to expect otherwise.
Whatever your personal feelings about Miss Millar or the Growing Talent company it is clear that there are many questions to be answered and much money to be refunded. Lets hope for all concerned on both sides of the situation that this matter can be resolved as quickly as possible.
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I like a lot of people have known Lynne Millar for many years. [Line removed as breaks house rules] She says she is experienced in dance and talent spotting etc., But what experience does she actually have? Does she dance? NO. Does she teach? NO. What she does and always has done is talk a good story. Really if your child is talented, make sure you send them to a genuine experienced and qualified teacher who without charging a fortune will give the best training and opportunity. Some of us are in this business for the love of it, [removed as breaks house rules].
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All the children and parent were not on Watchdog show because I belive it was one or two parents that got in touch with the show. So they only had a few e-mail addresses of who was going to Barcelona. The show I am sure did its best to inform as many as it could. I agree that they should have made more of the story on the show. It should have shown the Children's acts. but only about 6mins were about the Children and in their workshop including the interview with parents, where more of them had spoken (but this was not shown), then the rest of the shows report was all about Beverly Knight!!! This was not relevant to what had happened.
It does not matter that some people on here have said good things about Lynne Millar or not, or that she was good or bad at her job in the past. The fact remains that the parents need help to get their money back by someone making her get on and pay to them. (They nead a volunteer to escort her to her bank!!)
WHAT REASON HAS SHE GIVEN NOT TO PAY IT BACK??? other then she thinks that she can hang onto it until next year. How dare she?? and why is the police not doing anything??? By stopping this woman ever going near any children ever again. If this is not criminal, I do not know what is!!!!!
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if you have a builder who doesnt do his job, you ask for money back, if you buy clothes which are no good you ask for money back, if you book a holiday and have to cancel it you get your money back, so what is the difference with growing talen?..... she just doesnt want to give it back!! within 7- 10 days of the event been cancelled this should have been done. number of times it says it was postponed. thats wrong it was cancelled as it happened only 2 days before they were due to go. the deposit wasnt even paid to the hotel so lynne knew ages ago that they was going to be problems and the event would not go ahead so in these days of technology would have been so easy to let people know. a few blogs on here are saying if only 21 people booked it wasnt worth it going ahead,. but yes you should at least let them know and give them the money back. im sure that no one on here would like to be let down like this. i hope the people at watchdog are reading these comments and still following the story.
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i am a dance teacher that was heavily affected by growing talent. i was told my school had been scouted for this audition and that my dance association supported it, which obviously in my mind the fact that it was supported by an association meant it was legit.my association did not know of this event which made it all lies which is what these people will do to get what they want, which is money for nothing
i had 6 students signed up for this event which when the event didn't go ahead was horrendous to see the dissapointment in the childrens eyes, not to mention the financial crisis that it left my parents in.
the children and i put in hours and hours of work to make sure we were prepared for this event as i as a dance teacher, teach my children to always be over prepared as not to avoid disappointment.
i feel this as a personal attack on my profession and my dance school and can never forgive this woman. i will make sure as many fellow dance teachers are warned of this woman as to not experience what my children and i have experienced this last month.
i can not understand why this woman has done this to someone who is in the same profession as her, as i would not dream of putting a fellow dance teacher through this, we are meant to stick together not take each other down.
throughout all of this lynne millar has had no thought for anyone but herself. when i was speaking to her the night this all came to ahead she never once asked how my children were just told me all of her sorrows and what she has been through.
this lady is not fit to work with children, she sees them as trophies to get what she wants not innocent and vunerable human beings, she has never in all this taken the childrens feelings into account.
the hotelwhere is was due to take place had a boutique in the foyer with dresses for thousands and thousands of euros which is not a place for a childrens event. this venue was chosen to assist her plush lifestyle not with the children in mind. there wasn't a place in sight that sold burgers and chips just restaurants with main courses costing about 40 euros. her plush lifestyle is funded by our money may i add.
at our orientation day she was suggesting that to keep cost of the hotel down we should book a small room and smuggle as many people into that room as possible. great business practise (hotel fire regulations obviously not taken into account)
i have to hand it to her i was hooked, but i thank her for opening my eyes to the type of people who are looking after our children in show business.
this lady is no better than any other adult who exploits children and needs taking down in the same way!!!!!
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I sincerely hope the poor people concerned hang on in there and get the money back that is owed to them. So many people Lynne Millar has owed money to over the years eventually get fed up being fobbed off with her lies and give up the fight. She should not be allowed to get away with this AGAIN. Good Luck Everyone concerned you will need it.
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My son is one of 6 children from Aberdeen who paid the full fees to Growing Talent. It is easy for people to say that we should not have been sucked in by such a scam but living in Aberdeen we are so far removed from the industry and professionals and this was an opportunity for the children to perform in front of these professional, furthermore, the event was sold to us in good faith as being run in conjuction with International Talent Showcase (who have since confirmed they had not connection with the 2009 event)as all Growing Talent literature, contracts, e-mails all show "International Talent Showcase". Following the Watchdog show I wrote once more to Growing Talent (I understand their registered office in London does not exist as mail has been returned from this address) and this is the response - this still does not explain why they are keeping our money :-
How are you? I thank you for your e mail, unfortunately watchdog did not read out our full statement however it is available on the watchdog site. We will be making our announcement to 2010 shortly, you will be given the opportunity once this has been announced to respond and if your fees are requested they will be released to you.
I know that it has been diffiuclt for you all to understand fully as we have been so limited to what we can/or cannot say and I apologise to you for this, we are working very hard this end to ensure a successful 2010 event and please know that your customer care and satisfaction is of the utmost importance.
Kind Regards,
The Registration Team.
Growing Talent Europe's Premier Talent Event,
Incorporating :
International Talent Showcase (ITS)
127 Valley Street, East Providence, RI 02914
Registered Office : 188 - 190 Finchley Road, London NW11 7TJ
Correspondence Address : 243 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow G2 3EZ
Phone: UK : 0845 299 0842
Phone : US : 001 401 431 6610
website: http://www.growingtalenteurope.com
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I have watched this blog since the programme was aired last week and am sickened to see people on here defending the actions of Lynne Millar when so many parents have been left out of pocket and their children disappointed.
Firstly to Eavix who claims to have known LM for 20+ year and worked for 4 years, I would presume that you would have been part of the school when other bills were left unpaid, resulting in exam trophies and medals not being paid, halls not being paid, etc. If you worked so closely with LM then you would know that she has tarnished her own name - no one else has done it! Mdance123, It would seem that you are still under the spell that LM puts people under so well. You state she did not want to postpone the event as the kids would have been let down, but she has let them down, not only them but hard working parents who have struggled to get the money together for such an extravagent event that was unnecessary.
Fastteacher1234 - If the event had all been above board, no matter how hard people tried they would not have been successful in sabotaging it, as you suggest in your comment. The event, like last years which was organised with AMTC, was a money scam for Lynne Millar. If it was all above board, why was the hotel not booked and a deposit made to them in advance? Because the event was never going to happen!!
Famousagoodfriend - You state that last years event gave you a good kick start in your career, but you will be going to the event next year. If your career has had a good kick start, why would you feel the need to continue going to these events?
My final point is to "getthescammers" Lynne was evicted from her studio which she previously used and this is possibly why your mail has not been collected. I really hope you are successful in getting your mony back, but to be honest, Lynne is very good at slipping out the net and I think she will do so again. Lets hope Watchdog keep on top of the matter.
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Just want to say, we didn't pay the money for our children to 'become famous'. It was for a supposed four days of fantastic workshops with the professionals, and the experince of it all. It doesn't matter where you go, you will always pay for training. Unless anyone out there can tell me where you get it free.
I can also guarantee that the six children i personally know had all paid up in full.
If it is true that only 21 people paid then I understand that the event could'nt go ahead, what I don't understand is that this then gives Lynne Millar the right to keep the money of 21 people!! Can't get my head around that one!
I would also like to say that as I was present during the day of filming all but one
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Lynne has unfortunately done this many times to many students & parents over a period of 20 years. Most of the theatres and conference centres in the Glasgow area will not allow dance teachers to perform as they all have had "dealings with Lynne Millar" and are quite vocal about how the final invoice was never paid. Many students have also attended schools of Lynne's to find out that the following week it had been closed (no refunds on attire, shows, exams etc). Lynne has never truly been interested in the individual student and has always leaned to the "glamourous side" of the art.
This really cannot go on and it is beginning to have a detrimental affect on young performers and parents. It is also giving the wrong impression on those who teach for the love of it, teachers who are proud of all their students and what they achieve however small or insignificant it may seem to others.
I feel that Lynne should not be allowed to practise in this profession.
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If you read Ms Millar's full statement above you will see that she hasn't once said people will not be refunded their money?? I think the parents featured here should really take a long hard look at theirself and see if it is their child or themselves that wants fame? It seems these parents just want to be in the lime light!
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I attended the 2008 Growing Talent event with my two children and I thought the concept and the event was amazing. Both my children had a ball and had an experience that they will remember for the rest of their lives. Both children did extremely well and thanks to Growing Talent are now doing what they'd hoped to do. I don't know of any other company that gives people the chance to break into the industry the way Growing Talent does and i support them 100 percent. It's a shame that this years event didn't go ahead but i'm sure the 2010 event will be amazing and I am sure that the rest of the contestants from 2008 and the parents will agree.
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I am utterly disgusted by the comment from Let the truth speak.. comment no 30....
LEGALLY the money should have been paid 7-10 days after the parents confirmed they do not wish to attend the following event.. Lynne Millar had no right to move them to the 2010 event!!.. The parents have found this difficult to do as Lynne millar has been evicted from her premises, and the phione is not being answered too.
How dare you say these parents want the limelight!!!! They are the ones who paid the money to a "so-called" talent agency.. ha ha thats the best joke I have heard this year...
Watchdog is a programme that exposes individuals like LYNNE MILLAR
to the general public for a very good reason....not for people to go for limelight, really you should listen to yourself.
Lynne Millar always wanted the fame, though if she had enough scruples, maybe she would be on the TV for the right reasons and not for coning people out money like she always has done! FACT
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Converse09 Ms Millar does teach and actually has a very successful school. She has helped many children and trained many children in the business and I think you people should get the facts before you speak. It seems here everyone is making unfounded comments and there are very few people speaking the facts. I agree with 'letthetruthspeak' you parents need to really think about what your doing as it seems you will do anything to get 'fame' and it seems you want it more than your children? I would advis you all get the truth and the facts before you make statements that are untrue and unfounded.
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I know Lynne and not only is she a phenomenal dance teacher with a very successful training school she is a great person. She has never said that she will not pay people back so all of you people that are out to get her need to calm down and stop making unfounded comments, read Lynne's statement above!
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Hey im orange ! This watchdog thing is a total disgrae ! Has Anne Robinson, Ray Quinn or Beverley Knight ever met Lynne ..... NO!!!! So why should you be speaking about her ! I attended the Growing talent Paris event in 2008 and i loved it ! No money was stolen and it was a great experience. You people just want your kids to be that famous that you lied about Lynne stealing money so you could get them on T.V somehome and yourself .. Watchdog ???? Its alot of rubbish ! Growing talent is much better ! You guys would have achieved so much if you went in 2010 as i think it will be an amazing event. You guys are idiots for letting an opportunity like this pass ..... I have known Lynne since i was 2 years old and know her extremely well and have so much trust in her! She is an amazing teacher and great person. Not only is she the teacher but always there to help if needed. So stop writing ridiculous comments about her and Growing Talent and get it right .... NO MONEY WAS STOLE , SHE IS NOT A LIAR , AND THE 2010 EVENT WILL BE GOING AHEAD AND IT WILL BE GREAT ! YOU GUYS HAVE MISSED OUT AND ARE NOT WANTED THERE ANYWAY ! BACKSTABBERSS !!! its your loss ;)
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Hey its me again ! In response to dance teaher 001's comment !!! I have been at Lynnes dance school for years now and never has she conned me out of money! She wouldnt do such a thing! The pupils used to turn up without fees but never would she not let them attend the class! Never has she took money off of kids that have been succesful !!!!! Money doesnt matter to her all that she cares about is her kids achieving and helping kids become succesful.
:)
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You people do not know Lynne and have no right po be making the comments that you are! Letthetruth speak is ABSOLUTELY right!!!!! READ THE STATEMENT!!!?? Not once ANYWHERE does Lynne say you will not get your money back, you people just want a chance to be on TV. Lynne is a great and honest person and a loyal friend, you people do not know her!
Beverley Knight does not know what she is talking about? Growing Pains????? Not everyone is as lucky as her to be picked up. growing talent gives people the chance to showcase their talents to the people that matter and break into the industry. Lynne Millar does all she can to help kids and people who are aspiring to be in the industry and is a great person.
You people don't know her personally so stop making comments about her and only make a comment if you have something factual to say...
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The quickest way out of the mess for Miss Millar and Growing Talent is to sort this matter quickly. She needs to inform all those that have paid her any money of her new address as the letters asking for a refund cannot get through if they are not going to land on her desk. Then within the required 7-10 days she needs to send a total refund. Simple, problem sorted, what's the problem?
Maybe all you friends and supporters who are convinced that she has done no wrong could find a way to help and encourage her to keep the good reputation you talk about and sort this mess out, rather than having a go at those poor people who paid money in good faith and now feel left out on a limb as they cannot make contact with the organisation holding their money!
If Ms Millar really is the good person you talk about why is she hiding?
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The event had to be postponed because of a competitor that went to extreme lengths to makesure the event did not go ahead. Lynne would not have wanted to postpone the event but had no other choice! We should NOT be attacking Lynne here but this person that made this happen!
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In reply to 'tinystreetsensation' comment I would like to answer a few of your points:
The event helps people break into the industry – no one can deny that? We just have to look at the success stories! Lynne would not have wanted to let these children and parents down but had no other choice thanks to an over zealous competitor that has had a tenth of the experience, if even that, that LM has had in the business. An event like GT is always going to come under scrutiny but what we need to do is see past what all these unexperienced people are saying and see the potential that GT has to help aspiring performers!
If the event was as you say a ‘money making scam’ then why were so many people given scholarships?? Why was one of the contestants featured in Barcelona there not having paid GT a penny? Not one single penny? And why did Growing Talent pay for his flight home?? Why would GT make the effort to care for these peoples welfare if it was just ‘a money making scam’???
You people are making comments when you do not have a clue what you are talking about??
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My seventeen year old son paid in full. £1185 sent via PayPal in five chunks on one day. He paid in May 2009 and following an intervention by an individual known to both Lynne Millar and my son he requested a refund in writing as per Growing Talents policy in June 2009 by recorded delivery.
Lynne Millar has refused to refund his money ever since.
We have no interest in going to any event she holds in future. On Friday I sent by recorded delivery a request for a refund (to her and another and a staff member who when I phoned on Thursday gave the name Lindsey Snoddon calling herself an Operations Assistant, she claimed Lynne Millar was director of the company)
I had already emailed Lynne Millar with the same request following the Watchdog Programme and not received any acknowledgement. This was after it was reported that she was going to give full refunds.
There is also an interesting article online at East Stirling News (if you haven't already seen it), just go to that and put in the search part the name Lynne Millar. When you read that you will see it is reported that she blames others for sabotaging her event! I hope she is not including my son in that accusation!
There are some questions that need answering that were never asked of Lynne Millar
1) What happened to the money paid to Growing Talent by the chilkdren and their parents, go on account for it, the hotel advise that they never saw any of it?
2) When did you first know that your event was not going to take place?
Because in our letter dated 12th June you were advised by us that 'it had come to our attention that the Committee of Casting Directors originally anticipated to attend the Growing Talent Event in Barcelona, will not noe be coming' so that should have set the alarm bells ringing.
and
3) When are we going to see our son (and all the others who have / are in the process of or will be asking for their money back) reunited with his hard earned savings. Money that he has saved over about three years from birthdays, Christmas etc?
I would also recommend that everyone who paid through PayPal, dispute the payment and tell them the story. I have and they told me that although their normal policy was only about 45 days or so, they can actually extend that to over 100 days. The lady I spoke to when I phoned their contact number which is on the PayPal site said the more people that question it / dispute it the more chance there is of them investigating further.
Best of luck everyone, somehow, being an old cynic I feel we're going to need it!
Finally what are BBC Watchdog going to do in the event of non-payment by this woman and her company?
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THE FACTS. Lynne Millar offered our kids a fantastic opportunity and to this day we don't know what happened to our money.
Truth - We paid Lynne Millar lots of money.
Truth - The event didn't happen.
Truth - We asked for our money back.
Truth - We haven't had a penny back.
Truth - Next years event isn't happening in the hotel Rey Juan Carlos as advertised on Growing Talents website.
Truth - I can't trust a person who doesn't tell the truth.
Question - How long does it take a the average person to make a payment for goods?
Answer - A few seconds!
Question - How long does it take Lynne Millar to pay people back what she owes them?
Answer - So far, over five weeks.
What part of please can we have our money back doesn't Lynne Millar understand.!
I think most people would be slightly annoyed that their hard earned cash is sat in someone else's bank acccount earning interest. So you have a few facts and the truth about what is happening. As for some of the childish comments on here, it's so much easier if we act as adults. Maybe being an adult is just too hard to do for certain people.
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I am sorry that you were disgusted by my comment (danceteacher001) but I am sorry that that is the impression given here. I would just like to state that growing talent is NOT an agency? It is an event which helps aspiring performers, no where does it say growing talent is an agency and it resembles an agency in no way??
I cannot believe that 'tinystreetsensation' is sickened by people defending growing talent? I am defending Lynne and Growing Talent as I took the time to find ou the facts before I spoke and did not just jump the gun. If you parents and 'disappointed contestants' took the time to listen to the facts that some people on here are trying to tell you and are trying to be fair and reasonable then I am sure you would feel differently? It seems you people are only interested in attacking Ms Millar and getting attention, whether it's for your child or for yourself I'm not sure but it seems you will just not take the time to be reasonable and let the truth speak!?
Sorry, just my opinion, i'm sorry if it 'disgusts' or 'sickens' anyone!!!???
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P.S. Thank you ReachHigh09 it seems you have taken the time to look at the facts also!
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I agree with letthetruthspeak, that's what you people need to do, you need to stop making this all about Lynne Millar and look at the facts, Watchdog did not air any of the positive comments, this we can see from comment 13 by 'letthetruthspeak' why did they not use this young boys full statement?
Then, when we look at the comment from alphadancer (number 16) why were there people featured who were not contestants? That doesn't seem right?
Why were there only 10-15 people there if so many people were let down?
Furthermore, comment number 17, if only one person featured was fully paid then why did watchdog waste money investigating this? It is clear that Lynne Millar is not just out to make money, listen to the people who know her personally? These people have known her for years on a personal level, have either attended her school or are friends, they know her personally and spend time with her, you people do NOT so cannot judge/comment about Lynne on a 'personal level'? Yoou cannot make this a attack against her, that is unfair?
and look at the people featured that HAD NOT paid, obviously given scholarships? Lynne must care about these kids and must want to help them or when they said they couldn't afford the event she would have turned them away NOT given them a scholarship and NOT have forked out money to pay their flight home to ensure their well being?... That must say something good? No? ....
What you need to do is be reasonable and fair and look at the facts here... Lynne Millar is obviously not a bad person or there would not be so many people on here supporting her? It seems she had no choice but to postpone the event and I am sure she will be saddened by the fact that she was left with no other option. Maybe we should be looking further into this competitor that has done all that he could to bring Lynne and the event down? It's this person that is to blame.. No?
Be reasonable and fair, please? And look at the facts before you speak?
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The article I mentioned earlier in the East Kilbride News was dated 23.09.2009 and the headline was 'EK Idol lost in legal wrangle' it was by a gentleman called Mr Wynn.
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Has anybody received a refund yet? I was under the impression that if the 2010 event was not going to be attended,and Growing Talent had been informed, then a refund would be given......????? Any idea when? Why should the 2009 clients have to wait until the 2010 event is sorted out? All seems grossly unfair to me. Ms Millar has stated that refunds will be given - great. But the $60 million question is related to 'when'. At the end of the day, according to Consumer Direct this should have taken place withing 7 - 10 days following cancellation of the event. Could Ms Millar confirm when refunds will be issued.
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LYNNE MILLAR IS NOT LIAR!!!!!
GET THE STORIES RIGHT !!!
MAYBE IF YOU DIDNT MAKE UP STORIES AND HAD HER SIDE YOU WOULD REALISE WHAT A FULL YOU HAVE MADE OUT OF YOURSELVES !!!!
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The first message, still under moderation, there are currently 14 posts, was at 3.08pm on 28th September it is now 8.50 pm on 29th September, come on BBC get your act together, or is this intentional?
What is taking the moderators so long?
There is important debate going on here.
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why should lynne millar get away with not giving any money back. think she is digsuting. quick to take it off people but not to give it back. to the people who are on here sticking up for her, i bet if it was you in this situation you would be shouting about it and wanting money back, or are those blogs done from lynne millar herself?... we know she tells lies. if she is so good why dosent she go on tv and publically say sorry and say will give money back, this time next year she could be anywhere! people on here sticking up for her, hey come on, you would want your money back wouldnt you!!
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AKANINADAY
If someone you say is a competitor that is trying to put Lynne Millar aka Growing Talent aka Lynne Millar School of Dance aka Lynne Millar Academy of Theatre arts out of business and you truely beleive this , why dont you name them!!... surely if someone tried to do that to me I would shout about it, so why isnt Ms Millar publicly shouting about it...I would do anything to defend my reputation, I certainly wouldnt have my parents do it for me or ane else for that matter...
Lynne - If you have this money that you owe everyone back, why dont you appear on Watchdog to let them know when they will receive this? Surely all you are doing is singly handedly ruining all of your chances of the 2010 event going forth, or are you going to blame someone else for that too? Take some responsibilty for your own actions, admit that you completely mis-managed this event, pre spent the money you were given and stop lying for once in your life. Doesnt your reputation mean that much to you?
PS.. orage014..sadly you look like the FOOL as you cant spell!!
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Alphadancer - Comment No 16. The boy standing by the piano was with one of the casting directors, but he wasn't participating, just watching. He was asked by the singing teacher to stand next to the piano so that the kids taking part could sing to him in one of the exercises. Other people from the audience were also asked to stand up for a few minutes, but maybe they weren't featured because they weren't so cute! One more inaccurate claim by the Lynne Millar's brainwashed cronies exposed.
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Maybe if you had Lynne Millars side of the story u guys would know the truth !!!!
You are all making up lies about Lynne when really she is a great person maybe if you knew her at all you would realise tht but you DONT !!!!
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I would like to ask the following posters a couple of questions
This is for;
Akaninday
Letthetruthspeak
Breathe30
ReachHigh09
Alphadancer101
Eaviex
and
Orage014
"Why has my son not received a refund from Lynne Millar or Growing Talent when he asked for it in June 2009 if she is as honest and as genuine as you say she is?"
"What has my son done to deserve the treatment he has received from Lynne Millar and her company?"
and finally
"Who is the common denominator here? I have never heard of half of these people on this forum, I have never met any of them and yet we all agree about Lynne Millar and Growing Talent. We have between us paid a lot of money to her and her company. Who are you to question our reason for requesting a refund?
I accept that she she will have friends and you are probably extremely loyal to her.
But be honest now, what facts do I need other than the fact that he has asked for his money back and not received it over three and a half months later? Do you think it is right that he loses £1185?
I will await your answers with bated breath!
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Fact 1)Growing talant had uk audition dates on there website in August i believe it there first one was at the Jurys inn hotel in Manchester in september.Then there after were holding audtions at Jurys inns around different city,s.And also how many companys do you know that pay through paypal?Strange that people need a password and username to access information from there site.Good luck to all you parents affected by this keep on fighting to get your money back.
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Growing talent were holding Auditions at Jurys inn,s hotels around different cities.Believe there first was in Manchester in september for the 2010 convention.So it stated on there website in August but how strange you now need a password and username to get any information from there site!You parents must keep up the fight
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I have put three comments up and they have all been removed? I wonder why? Is that because the BBC do not want these people to know the FACTS?
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