Stoke-on-Trent Care Home Resident's Life

A life of fairgrounds, fun, and two mischievous monkeys is being celebrated at HC-One’s Coopers Croft Care Home in Stoke-on-Trent, as resident David Camm, aged 81 years old, shared stories of his extraordinary past with his fellow residents and colleagues. Born into a long line of fairground owners, David, now a cherished member of the Coopers Croft community, has led a life far from the ordinary.

Fairgrounds are in David's blood. His family's legacy stretches back generations, with his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather all owning and operating traveling fairs. David's own career started at just five years old, collecting balls at his family’s coconut shy.

Growing up, David's schooling was a unique experience. As his family moved from town to town, he attended many different schools but was always remembered for one unforgettable detail: his mum's two pet monkeys named Joe and Jackie. These furry friends would cause a stir when they came to collect David from school, thrilling his classmates and making his family a firm favourite wherever they went.

Life on the road was no easy feat. David recalls the hard, physical labour involved in setting up and dismantling the fair in all weathers. While they often hired local help, the heavy work meant that most employees only lasted a day or two. This left David and his family to do the back-breaking work themselves, a testament to their dedication and grit.

Despite the challenges, David has nothing but fond memories of his life on the fairgrounds. He even remembers some of the catchy, cheeky calls that ride operators would use to attract a crowd, including the memorable line, "when the red light flickers, hold on to your knickers!"

David's stories provide a captivating glimpse into a bygone era of hard work, family ties, and vibrant community life. His tales are a testament to a life lived to the fullest, and everyone at Coopers Croft is delighted to hear them.

Anita Rawlingson, Lifestyle Manager at HC-One’s Coopers Croft Care Home said:

"David's stories are a highlight for everyone here at Coopers Croft. His life on the fairgrounds, from his family's legacy to his mother's pet monkeys, is truly extraordinary. It's a privilege to hear about a life lived with so much colour and joy."

As the community waves goodbye to the summer months, Coopers Croft is also looking ahead to autumn – a season of warmth, comfort, and togetherness. With the arrival of September comes the Harvest Festival and the promise of cosier days indoors, making now the perfect time to think about finding a kind and welcoming home for the colder months ahead.

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