The London Taxidrivers’ Charity for Children had the pleasure of being invited to attend the traditional annual London Pearly Kings and Queens Costermongers’ Harvest Festival Parade (14th Anniversary) held on Sunday 30th September 2012 at the Guildhall and I went along, together with the fund’s Hon. Chair, Susan Angel and committee member Steven Bell, and our wives Maureen and Wendy, to witness this colourful and spectacular event.

Scores of Pearly Kings & Queens from all corners of London had gathered for this festival, more than 130 years on from when road sweeper Henry Croft covered his finest ‘whistle and flute’ (suit) in shiny white buttons in aid of the City’s poor, with the modern day Pearlies continuing his mission and doing such great charity work.

Following some brilliant entertainment which was greatly appreciated by the huge crowd that had gathered in the Guildhall yard, our three taxis joined the very long procession led by the Pearlies around the City to attend St Mary-le-Bow Church where the pealing of the Cockney Bow Bells welcomed the congregation for a thanksgiving service. It was highly evident from the huge crowds lining the streets that spirits were still running high following the Jubilee and the Olympics, with vast crowds out in abundance to cheer the parade along.

Committee member Steven Bell and his wife Wendy had made a brilliant job of converting his taxi into a large brown furry ‘Rabbit’ which delighted and attracted many children and even the adults could not resist stroking its fur, with a Policeman even feeding it with a carrot!  Well taxi ‘Rabbits’ do get hungry !!  I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the people who came over to see us and we are deeply grateful for your kind donations.

Well done to Doreen Golding, Pearly Queen of the Old Kent Road, for organising such a brilliant event.  Her late husband, Larry Golding, would have been so proud of her and thrilled to see so many people in attendance.  We would also like to thank all the wonderful Pearlies who help so many charities in London and the Greater London Area and for all the help they give our charity.

 Raymond Levy

(Press Officer)