THE family of a veteran who booked a holiday at a Weymouth campsite were left horrified when he died and they were refused a refund.

Grief-stricken Helen Baker, pictured, said her father was planning to attend this year’s Armed Forces Day celebrations and Veteran’s Parade along The Esplanade and had paid a total of £54 upfront for the stay.

Following the death of the 80-year-old, his daughter contacted Bagwell Farm Touring Park in Chickerell to ask for a refund.

The family, who are from Yeovil, had planned to donate the funds to the British Legion Poppy Appeal in memory of their much-loved father and grandfather, who had served in the Royal Navy as an engineer and supported the armed forces throughout his life.

Miss Baker has spoken of her ‘disgust’ at the ‘lack of understanding’ from the Weymouth business which refused to provide a full refund in the sad circumstances.

She revealed that Brittany Ferries, who her father had also booked a trip with, returned funds to his family immediately and had been ‘really sympathetic’.

She said: “I called the campsite to notify them of my father's death and that his booking for the weekend camping needed to be cancelled. “My father paid in full for the holiday at a cost of £54. I asked for a refund but this was rejected.

“They then agreed a £14 refund, but again refused the £40 deposit.”

She claims when she questioned the refusal she was told ‘that is what travel insurance’ was for.

Miss Baker added: “My family are extremely offended and outraged, understanding good customer service should be the pride of everyone’s business.

“My father was in the Navy and supported the armed forces all his life, so it was decided that any refunds for the excursions he had booked prior to his death would be given to the British Legion Poppy Appeal, so Bagwell Farm are taking funds from them.”

The Royal British Legion said they welcomed any donations made to the cause.

'Giving money to charity'

BAGWELL Farm Touring Park manager Karen Kennedy said: “Our cancellation policy is clearly stated on the booking confirmation letter. “Deposits are never refundable – but we do always try to rearrange holidays – even for other family members if the person making the booking is no longer able to come. “If the holiday is completely cancelled with notice then we will refund the amount paid in excess of the deposit.”

They said they would now be ‘delighted’ to pass on the refund to the Poppy Appeal.

“This is very fitting as he had booked to attend the Armed Forces Day Celebrations in Weymouth and we will be delighted to pass it on via Poppy Butcher who is organising the historic military vehicle display and parade on the June 21 and 22.”