ecently I visited a place in East London and interviewed five interesting "subjects." Giggle Town, a room in Judy Carscaddens home, is home to GiGi, Lemmy, Powder Puff and Miss Quote.

Carscadden’s background is in psychiatric nursing and has published books on Self Harm. She took an early retirement and what started as a hobby has turned into a career.

"I was never exposed to clowns," said Carscadden. "As a child I don’t recall going to a circus, nor had I taken my children to the circus."

Carscadden attended a meeting and met a woman who was a "clown." She was very quiet, someone you would never think of as a clown. Carscadden talked with her and was fascinated.

"Something clicked, something inside of me connected," states Carscadden. "I began researching at the library, exploring the internet and joined Clown Alley."

"There are many different faces of clowning," states Carscadden. "Community-oriented GiGi loves going out and being silly. She attends charitable events, parades etc. Powder Puff the posh clown, gets dressed up and attends corporate functions. Lemmi, a care clown, visits hospitals and nursing homes. Miss Quote, who enjoys plays on words and misinterpreting the English language loves speaking engagements."

Carscadden’s background in nursing has paid off for Lemmi. Care clowning can be rewarding yet sad. Lemmi "care clowns" at local nursing homes and hospitals, entertaining patients. Carscadden finds that some hospitals are cautious about clowns being part of their programs, however nursing homes welcome clowns with open arms, making them regular visitors. Rather than just being entertaining you often need to be encouraging, hold a hand and just listen. Carscadden’s medical background has helped her deal with pain and death.

Clowns shop at places such as Value Village or in clown land V V Boutique, yard sales, specialty shops such as Moes and Dotsy’s and Dollar Stores. These are the preferred places for the shopaholic clown.

As for becoming a clown, Carscadden recommends Clown School. In London, classes including face painting, juggling and ballooning are held throughout the year. Carscadden joined Clown Alley, chose a mentor and Miss Quote soon became the librarian. She has since been the Semi Clown Boss (Vice President) and was recently elected Boss Clown (President).

Carscadden subscribes to clowning magazines, such as "Funny Paper" a Canadian publication and has been published several times. There are several clowning associations such as Clowns Canada. Clown Alley of London, a non profit organization, recently celebrated their 5^th birthday. What a bash! Visit them at

Carscadden has written several clowning skits and is preparing to write a book on Clowning for the Elderly and Disabled. Asked how long she plans to be a clown, her response was "as long as I am able." She is designing a course on Care Clowning and working on presentations on Therapeutic Care, Workplace Wellness and Stress Relief. Looking at Carscadden and her new career, I see that "when one door closes, another one opens."