SATURDAY PITSTOP WITH ESSEX FORD BILLERICAY – 21.6.8

SATURDAY PITSTOP WITH ESSEX FORD BILLERICAY – 21.6.8

Ernie Clark, newly awarded the MBE with wife Paula for dedicating themselves to saving animals, came on Phoenix FM this morning.  The 81-year-old told how their Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, in Sawyers Hall Lane, costs upward of £10,000 a month to run.

Home to 200 horses, donkeys, goats, pigs, sheep, cows and chickens, the sanctuary is on land owned by Tesco, following its failed attempt to build a supermarket there.  Hopefield has a lease paying a peppercorn rent up until 2012.

Originally based in North Benfleet, the Hopefield story began when the Clarks helped to save horses in poor health kept on Rainham Marshes.  Up until then the couple's interest in animal welfare extended to fundraising for different sanctuaries up and down the country.  Then they were handed enough money to buy the Rainham horses by a benefactor and the Clarks had the beginning of their own animal refuge.

Today key to paying for Hopefield's survival are open days when all animals are on show and supporters run side stalls and serve refreshments.  The next is on July 13 from 1pm, with entry at £3 for adults and £1 for children.  Remember to pay a visit to Phoenix the pig – found on the streets of Brentwood at Christmas in 1996 and named after this station when Ernie came on air to tell the pig's story.

More about Hopefield Animal Sanctuary at www.hopefield.org.uk

From Essex Ford Billericay

Phoenix FM listeners are entitled to an Essex Ford reward card entitling holders to £500 off every used car purchased.  Contact James in vehicle sales to find out more on 01277 652242.

Also at Essex Ford, did you know there's a car wash and valet service?  The three levels are:

Bronze          Wash, leather and vac - £5.50

Silver            Bronze + wheels, windows and wax - £18

Gold             Full valet including interior - £69.95

Essex Ford Service continue to offer the £99 value service for Ford cars aged 3+ years with free £25 Debenhams gift card included.  Contact Carol in service on 01277 652242 or go to www.essexford.com