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Refund at last for widow
The widow of a Chorley war veteran is in despair after an entertainer failed to attend her 80th birthday party.
Lilian Chew says she had to book a DJ at the last minute when Bolton-based singer Darren Shaw pulled out of her celebration at St Peter's Club.
Mrs Chew, of Fern Bank, paid him 125 to keep guests entertained with a selection of songs, but says she has had a protracted battle to get a refund.
Poignantly, the well-attended birthday bash in March was organised by Mrs Chew's late husband and former Royal Marine, Alan, who recently died after losing his battle with cancer aged 83.
The distraught widow and mum-of-four, who took her husband's ashes to sea for a special funeral service in Dorset, has spoken of her disappointment.
Mrs Chew, who is a member of the Monday Club at St Peter's Club, said: "I have seen Darren Shaw's performance because he has performed at the St Peter's Mothers' Union Christmas parties. I thought he was always very good and someone else also recommended him to me.
"He is quite popular but on this occasion he couldn't attend and I had to get the Puppet Man from Blackburn in at the last minute and it was a big shame that Darren couldn't turn up.
"I understand that he had to cancel because his mother was very ill and I told him that I also lost my husband recently and I expressed my sympathy.
"I actually had four parties and Alan paid for them all – it's quite upsetting to still have to deal with this several months after he has died."
Richard Openshaw, Darren Shaw's manager, contacted the Halifax to trace the money after the Consumer Champion got in touch with him.
He said: "The payment was in a suspense account, as the receiving information was incomplete. She was apparently informed some time ago.
However, the details have now been corrected and I have this evening been informed that the money has now been credited to her account."
In relation to the cancelled show he said: "The booking for Mrs Chew was on March 3, 2008, and was cancelled due to the ill health of Darren's mother at the time. She had brain cancer. She has since died.
"The booking came about from the Womens' Group at St Peter's in Chorley, as Darren sings at their Christmas party and has done so for the past two years and is booked to do the same this year.
"We have spoken with a friend of Mrs Chew and explained the situation to her."
When told of the good news, Mrs Chew said: "I'm glad this has now finally been sorted. It's been bothering me for a while and I was disappointed that the refund never arrived."
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Weather for Chorley
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North east
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