Smashing stereotypes on International Women's Day - Meet Pearl, who was the Queen of the funfair

As we mark International Women's Day, when it comes to smashing stereotypes, meet Pearl, a resident at our Ivydene Residential and Nursing Home in Ivybridge, who was proudly working at her family-run funfair until the grand age of 98.

Pearl was born into the funfair, which was run by her parents, before she and her late husband George took over.

For Pearl, who will be 102 in April, the fair has always had a special place in her heart, explains daughter Anne.

“She loved it every minute of it – it was a way of life and she had never known anything else.”

Pearl, who is believed to have been the oldest show-woman in the country, would tour with the fair, looking after the coconut shy and the children’s fun house.

 “We are very proud of her,” explains Anne, who at 74 still helps her sons Shane and David run the fair, following in her mother’s footsteps.

The home’s activities co-ordinator, Kelsey Mawson, said: “We are so lucky to have Pearl with us here at Ivydene. She loves reminiscing about this special time in her life and we love hearing her stories.”

For information about care options at Ivydene of any of our care homes, our Enquiry Support Team are here to talk on 0800 331 7422.