'Free Time' took money from my credit card

A question about : 'Free Time' took money from my credit card

I've just received a letter from a company called 'Free Time' - based in Spain although the postmark is Greenford in UK - congratulating me on a year's membership and advising they're about to charge my credit card Ј99.99 for a second year's 'membership'.
I checked my statements from last year and find - to my surprise and dismay - that they charged the same amount last year - don't know how I missed it, but...
I spoke to my credit card company and they said there was no way they could prevent Free Time claimimg the second amount and that I would have to contact them to cancel the 'arrangement'. So I've closed my card account on the basis, no account no charge.
I hope that works for this time, but does anyone have any experience in retrieving the original amount?
Seems odd that a company can acquire your account details and charge an account without authorisation?
Any info/help would be appreciated.
Regards
Esman

Best answers:

• I suspect you signed up for the service sometime or ticked a box somewhere.
  Write to the address on the letter requesting a refund.
• OP, as well as Shaun's good advice, you might like to remind your credit card company that they are obliged to act upon a request from you to cancel the continuous payment authority that is undoubtedly in place.
  Here is the FCA's confirmation of that:
  Continuous payment authorities: it is your right to cancel
• Some useful thoughts there guys, espcially the FCA comment.
  Many thanks guys
  Esman
• The morning following receiving 'Free Time' s letter I rang the 0844 number provided - somewhat worried in case it was a line designed to keep you holding on while the call charges clocked up but, to my surprise I found myself speaking to a young man within one minute of connection.
  An even greater surprise was his manner, which was one of concern for any problem caused, a promise that my 'membership' was now cancelled and that no further sums would be charged to my credit card, and a referral to their customer service dept to seek refund. Sounds too good to be true? We shall see ! I wrote to their office in Spain - by recorded delivery - to confirm my cancellation and refund claim.
  Today (Monday 16th) a lady from the 'spacebags' company telephoned to find out the nature of my complaint. She told me that refunds take 5 to 7 days to process and that I should ring her again if nothing happens.
  Now spoken once more to my credit card company and they say that. as I have officially cancelled my 'membership', they can now put a 'stop' on any further collection of funds from my account. Not hopeful on them making any refund though.
  Hopefully this all adds up to progress !
  Thanks to all for help and advise.
  Esman