That's great, but you clearly didn't read my post properly. I said the problem arose because they could not confirm earlier in the week. Not inform. As there were six families to arrange and/or rearrange the weekend plans for, the old adage of 'where there's doubt, there's no doubt' came to the fore.
And for your information, I have already paid into the 558 kitty to the tune of well more than me and my mates lifetime's worth of Waddo entry fees.
Thank you for asking.