About Pat Clements

A Brief Introduction

The quest to prove myself a worthwhile individual began with my return to university at an age when most women are crocheting their shawl and bed-socks in readiness for the retirement home and mandatory bingo once a week. Obtaining a BA(Hons) briefly restored my self-esteem but I continued on to an MA. Having determined to make it to the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest to qualify for a PhD, I am still studying! In between mucking out an ex-circus pony, an abandoned donkey and two goats to name but one daily chore, I also produced a book about the founding of the sanctuary, its rapid expansion, and subsequent traumatic but worthwhile move from Oxford to the wilds of West Wales. Nothing very unusual in that, I hear you mutter. Ah, but it is a book with a difference. The entire production was achieved without cost; each contributor giving their services free of charge. Consequently the entire revenue goes to benefit the animals (more here)

The sanctuary is totally self-supporting, depending on donations, fund-raising, sponsorship, and subscription to the newsletter.
Material for another book is thoughtfully provided daily by the animals who plot and scheme fiendish episodes overnight in order that some day soon I will put pen to paper yet again to ensure their well-being. I find it difficult to explain to them that a publisher has to be found this time, so if there is someone out there who could help?...

At present there are about one hundred animal souls (and one human) roaming a twelve-acre smallholding in happiness and safety. A far cry, for many of them, from their sad beginnings. If anyone would like to help by purchasing a copy of A Cat in Every Corner please click here.
You are also welcome to send a SAE for a copy of the aforementioned newsletter which gives a quarterly review of the work here, various animal adventures and details of things needed besides money.

This extract first published in Bwrdd, the Mensa newsletter for Wales in July 1999