David Cooper
David Douglas Cooper
Born in Tooting, South West London in 1940, David first got hooked on farming when he was evacuated to Suffolk during the war.
He moved with his family to the Island when he was ten years old, his father a tenant farmer.
After leaving school, David worked at Park Farm and as a young man earned cigarette money working on a farm in the Freshwater in the evenings.
After a TB outbreak in 1957, David trained and went on to make a living in the motor trade.
He moved with his family to the Island when he was ten years old, his father a tenant farmer.
After leaving school, David worked at Park Farm and as a young man earned cigarette money working on a farm in the Freshwater in the evenings.
After a TB outbreak in 1957, David trained and went on to make a living in the motor trade.
Family life
Tooting, South West London
Working life
Holgate Farm – Haymaking and helping with cows
Park Farm – 1955- Helping with cows and arable
Moved into motor trade after TB outbreak – 1958
Park Farm – 1955- Helping with cows and arable
Moved into motor trade after TB outbreak – 1958
Full interview
Conducted: Lisa Kerley on 9th February 2017 in Ryde
Read the interview transcript
David Cooper's audio clips
David Cooper's photos

Cattle on Nettlestone Green
Collection: David Cooper
Copyright: From a private collection
Location photo taken: Nettlestone Green
Keyword: Cows

Family photograph at Holgate Farm
Collection: David Cooper
Copyright: From a private collection
Location photo taken: Holgate Farm

David Cooper’s Great Grandfather Cooper wearing a yoke carrying milk bucket
Collection: David Cooper
Copyright: From a private collection
Keyword: Milk, Churn

Bert Cooper (left) Charles Cooper (David Cooper’s Grandad) pier in background, sitting on a launching rig
Collection: David Cooper
Copyright: From a private collection
Location photo taken: Seaview beach
Keyword: Beach, Rig, Pier, Seaview

Holgate farm, Nettlestone
Collection: David Cooper
Copyright: From a private collection
Location photo taken: Holgate farm, Nettlestone
Keyword: Farmstead

Bert Cooper (David’s dad) with horse
Collection: David Cooper
Copyright: From a private collection
Date taken:
Location photo taken: Holgate Farm
Keyword: Horse

Bert Cooper and his dog at Holgate Farm
Collection: David Cooper
Copyright: From a private collection