Grieving bride-to-be told: find another groom

Last updated at 08:25 04 July 2006


A bride-to-be whose fiance died five weeks before their wedding day was told by a photographic studio: "We'll keep your deposit for next time."

Rachael Gate was still grieving over Jon Baglee when she asked for the return of her £150 down-payment.

But instead of handing over her money, Risbeys Photography in Darlington told her she could put the money towards her next wedding album.

Miss Gate, 31, demanded an apology from the firm and accused them of a lack of compassion.

She said yesterday: "I signed a contract and I understand that legally I don't have any rights to get the money back.

"But, given the circumstances surrounding the cancellation, I thought I may have been given it. However, the money is not really the issue.

"I feel extremely aggrieved about the treatment I have received and I want a full apology for what was said and the way I was treated.

"It is such a completely painful and sad time of my life, and I think a little compassion could at least have been offered."

Mr Baglee, 40, died after a heart attack on March 24 in Algeria, where the former Army staff sergeant with the Royal Logistic Corps was working as a health and safety consultant.

Their wedding was booked for April 29 at Redworth Hall, near Newton Aycliffe in County Durham.

'Gesture of goodwill'

The pictures were cancelled a week after Mr Baglee's death. Risbeys - which took three months

to contact Miss Gate after she cancelled - insisted their offer had been made as a "gesture of goodwill".

They said she had been made aware the £150 was non-refundable and a photographer had already spent a number of hours with her prior to the proposed wedding day.

Last night, a spokesman for the firm said it had reviewed the case and decided to return Miss Gate's money.

He said: "The confusion that has arisen is due to our administrative procedures which did not allow a refund in the case of a booking fee.

"In light of this exceptional case we have reviewed our procedures and we are returning the booking fee to Miss Gate. We are very sorry that this matter has caused her distress. Although a credit note was originally offered, this referred to the wide range of photographic products and services provided.

"However, Miss Gate is a valuable customer and we will be returning her booking fee immediately."

Linda Buck, secretary for the Master Photographers' Association, the industry's trade body, confirmed it had received a complaint from Miss Gate and had spoken to Risbeys but had no power to intervene in the dispute.

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