Getting a refund of a deposit

Nosnehpets

we paid £150 deposit in June 2009 for an 'ultimate hawking day' at our local bird of prey centre for a date in November 2009.
On the date we had booked in november the centre cancelled due to weather and rearranged for a date in december. This date and four other dates were cancelled by the centre for the same reasons. The end of the hawking season was february, so we were told we would be given a date for October 2010. We declined as this would be 16 months after paying the deposit and there is no guarantee they can provide the service then either, but we were told that they do not refund deposits.
Surely this is not legal, as they have not delivered the service we paid for in a reasonable timeframe? How can they legally keep our money?
I have written to the manager detailing the cancellation dates, and explaining why we think this is unreasonable, but have not received a reply. Any help or advice would be appreciated.

KeithP

What does it say in their T&Cs?

For example, if they say they can postpone for upto two years, they may be ok.
But then again that may be an unfair contract term.

Think about writing another letter giving them say 14 days to refund or you will take further action... Small Claims Court. Send it Recorded Delivery.

Dick_Van_Dyke

Nosnehpets wrote: »

we paid £150 deposit in June 2009 for an 'ultimate hawking day' at our local bird of prey centre for a date in November 2009.
On the date we had booked in november the centre cancelled due to weather and rearranged for a date in december. This date and four other dates were cancelled by the centre for the same reasons. The end of the hawking season was february, so we were told we would be given a date for October 2010. We declined as this would be 16 months after paying the deposit and there is no guarantee they can provide the service then either, but we were told that they do not refund deposits.
Surely this is not legal, as they have not delivered the service we paid for in a reasonable timeframe? How can they legally keep our money?
I have written to the manager detailing the cancellation dates, and explaining why we think this is unreasonable, but have not received a reply. Any help or advice would be appreciated.

Why wouldn't it be legal

You entered into a contract with them. What do there terms say?
If the weather wasnt suitable it wasnt suitable and it had to be postponed. Unless the terms set a limit for postponements or such then you will likely need to wait.

Also add the fact this winter was one of the most horrendous in decades it is hardly there fault.