A number of couples have claimed that they may have lost thousands of pounds after Herefordshire wedding venue Lemore Manor reportedly cancelled their weddings, with some just a few weeks away.
A group of people have taken to social media to share their experience after receiving a letter from Opus Restructuring LLP who are said to be assisting with the formalities of placing the company into liquidation.
Debbie has taken to social media to share her experience:
“Sorry this will be a long post but there are some things that need to be said.
“Myself & Rob booked our wedding at Lemore Manor in 2019 to get married in August 2020.
“We had to postpone 3 times due to covid/ lockdowns and Lemore made it extremely difficult & stressful during this time, trying to take more money from us at every turn.
“We were due to get married on the 29th October but instead have been left heartbroken.
“We have now been contacted by a liquidation company saying ‘Fine Manor events’ are going into voluntary liquidation and have spent all of their clients money & our wedding will not be going ahead.
“We have now found out that Lemore Manor have changed their name to Lemore Estate and have changed their trading company from ‘Fine manor events’ to ‘Moore Escapes Ltd’. The owners Margaret & Ben Owen are the directors of both companies.
“They didn’t even have the decency to tell us themselves and have known for a long time that they would not be running our wedding. We were at Lemore in September where they were showing us how they have increased their assets over the last 12 months by building new lodges, ski chalets, hot tubs and improving the Manor House. They gave us no indication that anything was wrong & were actually talking to us the day before we were contacted by this other company, organising the final details for our wedding with us!
“They have taken nearly £18,000 from us and we have no idea if we will ever get any money back as they are claiming they have no money in ‘the company.’ They are still trading running as a hotel spa & taking bookings for weddings next year! And are even running a wedding today (I’m assuming under the new company name)
“As well as the financial loss, it has been truly heartbreaking to go through this just weeks before our wedding. Something we had planned and waited for, for so long.
“I’m writing this post as I don’t want any other couples to go through what we have gone through. Lemore have done this to so many couples already and it is just disgusting that they are allowed to get away with it.
“I believe reputation is everything so I am asking people to spread the word. These people do not deserve your money or the chance to ruin your dreams.”
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.”
