Lound Hall's activities coordinator is a presidential clown

Many activities co-ordinators in care and nursing homes have a special talent which they bring to the role, whether it is baking, flower arranging, or singing.

But Lound Hall Nursing Home’s co-ordinator has a rather unique claim to fame – he is not only a professional clown but also the President of the World Clown Association.

Andrew Davis joined the home in November and has been clowning and entertaining full-time since 2007. He got into clowning by chance 22 years ago, when he was asked to step in to entertain 50 children in the theatre of an entertainment complex he worked at. As he says, “I knew nothing of entertainment, but I could copy what I'd seen the others do for a show. So I did. Never did I imagine how this would change my life.”

His route to the Presidency of the World Clown Association began when he joined it in 2012, to network and share ideas. Since then he has performed in many places across the world, including a two-week stint outside the Hard Rock Casino in Las Vegas. He is also believed to be the first person to clown on the south rim of the Grand Canyon.

Since starting work at Lound Hall, ‘Andy the Clown’ has only made an appearance once. As Andrew says, “There is a time and place to clown. Caring is a serious business but I’m sure ‘Andy the Clown’ will pop in from time to time. What I have brought to Lound Hall, I hope, is a new dimension to the fun and smiles. I've dyed my hair, worn bright colours, organised sensory activities, one2one sessions and given compassion to the residents. Clowning isn't always about being silly or wearing a red nose. Clowning comes from the heart.”

Andrew will serve as President for another year and will remain on the board of the World Clown Association for a further year as Past President.

Why does he love it so much? As he says, “Clowning is great. It's nothing like the media portrays, my true clown has compassion and feelings for others. The gift of laughter is special, as is the opportunity to make memories that my audiences keep with them for a lifetime. I know how lucky and truly blessed I am to have this opportunity.”

Andrea Deakins, Manager of Lound Hall, agrees: “Andrew has brought so many new ideas to Lound Hall and is very popular with the residents. We are very lucky to have him as part of our team.”

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