It seems that there are many issues: I’m advised to contact my host about this error:
https://*****/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php Failed to load resource: the server responded with a status of 500 (Internal Server Error)
I’m advised to contact the theme author about the reservations problem.
Helpfully I’m told that there are multiple modifications in the plugin code.
At least I now know that I can get a response from the support team of one of the most popular booking plugins. I also know that the advice has moved me forwards but a few microns and that ‘upgrading’ to the pro version would likely not have ‘cured’ the issues.
I don’t propose to post further on this ‘topic’.