News

Press Release - 18 February 2008

Alan Pond

Directors and staff of BEN, the Automotive Industry Charity, were deeply saddened this week to hear of the unexpected death of their former President, Alan Pond. His funeral will be held on Thursday, 21^st February at 11.30am, St Peter’s Parish Church, High Street, Roydon, Essex

Alan was President of BEN from 1991 to 1993 during a period of economic downturn and he was undoubtedly responsible for helping BEN secure its long term future. As President during the launch of the SMMT-BEN ‘30p Per Car’ Initiative in 1993 Alan was able, with fellow directors and staff, to secure core funding for BEN. During his presidency he attended the official opening of BEN’s Town Thorns Residential Centre in Coventry along with HRH Princess Alexandra.

Gerard Barclay, Chief Executive of BEN, “Unfortunately I did not have the privilege of meeting Alan personally. However, I am aware of all the tremendous support he gave to BEN over many years. We will always remember with gratitude his leadership during his presidency when he saw us through one of the most difficult periods in the Fund’s history.”

Alan was founder of Alan Pond Service Stations in the 1970’s which was one of this country’s leading petrol retailers. He was an innovative entrepreneur who introduced the first self-service fuel pumps to his customers. Described by his colleagues as a quiet captain of the team, modest to extremes, he will be sadly missed by all who knew him in the industry.

Alan is survived by his wife, Dorrie, two sons and three grandchildren. He died on 8 February, aged 81 years.

Further information & Picture:

Lorna Russell, Media Relations Officer, BEN

T: 01344 294765 M: 07920 138187 Fax 01344 622042

lorna.russell@ben.org.uk

Editors’ Notes

BEN is the Automotive Industry Charity, the only occupational charity for those who work or have worked in the automotive and related industries. Founded in 1905, the Charity provides practical help, support, advice and friendship to more than 15,000 men and women and their families every year. In addition BEN provides a home to over 350 individuals who reside in one of its four residential centres in the UK and offers day care facilities at its centre in Coventry.

Website: www.ben.org.uk