A Herefordshire couple have told Your Herefordshire about how they’ve had to make a last minute venue change and are concerned over the loss of several thousands of pounds after news broke about the likely liquidation of a wedding venue in Herefordshire.
Megan and her partner had originally planned to get married at Lemore Manor and booked the venue with Fine Manor Events Limited, but have since received a letter to say that the company has explored all options and is looking to enter a Creditors Voluntary Liquidation.
Megan said:
“I’m due to get married on Monday. I’ve had to reschedule my whole wedding but with half the budget as Lemore Manor have the other half.
“We went all year with no communication from them, meetings were cancelled, phonecalls not returned and emails ignored. We were stuck between a rock and a hard place because even if we cancelled, they wouldn’t refund our deposit and would force us to pay the “late cancellation charge” which was around £9,000. So we had to continue our plans at Lemore.
“We received an email from Opus on 6th October telling us they had gone into liquidation. When I rang Lemore I was told they couldn’t answer our questions and couldn’t help us at all. They refused to talk.
“My partner even went to the venue and tried to speak to someone. The building was the same, everything inside was the same. It was like nothing had happened.
“We finally received a call from Margaret, the owner, who tells us she is retiring anyway so can’t help. We have had no support since the day we handed over £7000.
“I had family who spent £160 each on rooms that we can’t get back. We have had to plan a wedding in less than 2 weeks, otherwise we would have lost thousands from our suppliers (who have been paid in full as it is so close to the date).
“Luckily, we found a church and are having a reception at The Green Dragon who have gone above and beyond to accommodate us and make us feel at ease.
“Unfortunately, the money to Lemore was paid by bank transfer (at their request) so I doubt we will ever see that again. We are now £7000 out of pocket while they carry on hosting weddings and guests at the same venue, with the same staff, the same contact numbers, the same owners. It is so heartbreaking.”
A letter sent to couples that had booked their big day with Fine Manor Events Limited said:
“We regret to inform you that the Directors of the Fine Manor Events Limited, (“the Company”) having explored all options including re-financing or a managed sale of part or all of the business, have formally engaged Opus Restructuring LLP (“Opus”) to assist with the formalities of placing the Company into liquidation.
“The global health pandemic and commercial and social lock down of the last 18 months has drastically and catastrophically affected its business. Having explored all realistic options to try and save the business, the directors have reluctantly concluded a Creditors Voluntary Liquidation is now the only viable option. Accordingly, Opus has been instructed to assist the Directors in the convening and holding of the meetings to commence the Liquidation. Please find attached to this email formal Notice of the meeting of creditors scheduled for 19 October 2021. It is appreciated that there are a number of events booked for the remainder of the year and into 2022 which will be affected by this closure and we will be working closely with creditors and other stakeholders throughout the process.
“The proof of debt form should be received at this office no later than 4 P.M. on the business day before the virtual meeting. The proxy form will need to be delivered to the convener before it may be used at the virtual meeting. Please be aware that if sending documents by email they will not be deemed received until 9 A.M. the next business day unless the contrary is shown.
“Please click here for Formal Notice of the appointment of Joint Liquidators. Please forward any queries to FME@opusllp.com. Notice to customers regarding credit and debit cards. If you have made a deposit for or paid for goods or services by credit or debit card and the goods or services are not going to be received by the due date, you may be able to get your money back by claiming a refund from your card issuer. Please contact your card issuer as soon as you can if this may apply to you. Further information including on time limits that apply is available from the UK Cards Association Credit and debit cards: A consumer guide.”
A number of affected couples have joined a group on Facebook called ‘Lemore Manor – COVID affected couples’ and have been sharing their experiences.
One of the affected members of the public called Kirsty said:
“We are due to get married in December. Any updates would be appreciated.”
