Teenagers who paid thousands for prom left in dark by golf club’s closure

Teenagers who paid more than £4,000 to Mentmore Golf Club for their end of year prom have been left in the lurch after the venue announced its shock closure yesterday (Sunday).
Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School on Oxford Road, AylesburySir Henry Floyd Grammar School on Oxford Road, Aylesbury
Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School on Oxford Road, Aylesbury

Year 11 students from Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School in Aylesbury were due to have their end-of-year bash on July 1, but were not informed about the club going into administration – instead hearing it on the grapevine.

Prom committee members booked the venue and paid the deposit in February, before collecting the remaining ticket money from their peers and paying Mentmore £4,000 for their big day.

Now, they have been left struggling to find an alternative venue with just 23 days to go.

Millie Drew-Smythe, 16, who is part of the school’s five-strong prom committee, said: “My mum saw an online post last night, but we thought it was a hoax at first.

“Then someone she knows got an email from the club, because they’re a member, but we heard absolutely nothing. We had to find out ourselves.

“It was all over Twitter and then we realised it was real.”

The teenager said one of her fellow students called the venue, but was put on hold before being transferred to voicemail.

Another drove up to the club, only to find it locked up.

Millie, who is now on study leave with the rest of her year, said: “We were so looking forward to it. We loved the venue, but we don’t know what to do now. We can’t get hold of anyone.

“Everyone has their dresses, everyone has bought new shoes and I have booked in to have my hair done.

“I know others will have booked their transport.

“We’ll really struggle to find another venue so quickly because none of us are in school now, as we’re doing our exams, so we can’t collect money off of people.

“And we don’t think anyone will want to pay again.

“The last resort is having it at the school.”

Could your venue help the prom committee deliver their promise?

Call the news desk on 01296 619764.