KWPN forcing renewal of membership... can they do this?

[2010songsong]

After the french post office lost my horses passport (despite being on recorded/tracked etc delivery) I had to join the KWPN last year to get a duplicate passport. I assumed the membership would end itself, but I have recently been sent letters requesting payment of £115 for renewal. I emailed them asking to cancel my membership as I do not wish to continue, and they replied stating I had to cancel before december 1st and I had to pay or an £80 fee will be added. Is there anyway I can avoid renewing membership and paying fee as I was completely unaware of this rule and said horse now has a mystery injury costing me my other arm and leg!

Many Thanks

Elly x

 

[blueneonrainbow]

Is there a contract in place?

 

[2010songsong]

Not that Im aware of, I have just looked at the documents I have and they all seem to be invoices. And we used a dutch (non horsey) contact at the time to help with translation and they dont recall any mention of the renewal terms.