The London Taxidrivers’ Charity for Children were very kindly invited to attend the traditional annual London Pearly Kings and Queens Costermongers’ Harvest Festival Parade (13th Anniversary Celebrations) held at the Guildhall on Sunday 25th September 2011 and I went along, together with the fund’s Hon. Chair, Susan Angel and committee member Lilian Julier, to witness this time-honoured, colourful and spectacular event.
The annual festival has always been organised by Doreen and Larry Golding, Pearly Queen and King of the Old Kent Road. Sadly Larry passed away on 14th July, 2011, but Doreen carried on his good work ensuring that another tremendous and excellent festival took place – Larry would have been so proud of her. Larry, nephew of actor Alfie Bass, had been a licensed cab driver for many years after the war and also did some work for the then Taxi Aid Society, as did his father and uncles and Doreen is a Freeman of the City of London. It was a warm and sunny day and the Guildhall yard rapidly became a very colourful sight with many Pearlies, Mayors, Dignitaries and Chelsea Pensioners in attendance.
After some great entertainment, our decorated taxis joined the long procession. This was led by the Pearlies around the City to attend a service at the famous St Mary-Le-Bow Church, Cheapside, where the congregation were welcomed by the pealing of the Cockney Bow Bells. This was a wonderful event and it was great seeing the Pearlies proudly showing off this often forgotten aspect of London’s heritage, pageantry and costume. The London tradition of the Pearly Kings and Queens began in 1875 and the Pearlies are still a very active organisation collecting for many charities in London and the Greater London area.
We are very pleased to support the good work that they do to benefit people across London and its surrounding areas and the Hon. President, Hon. Chair and all the committee would like to thank them most sincerely for all the help and support they have continually given to our charity over very many years.
Larry will be sadly missed, but his good work will be carried on expertly and competently by Doreen and he will always be remembered with great pride by us all.
Raymond Levy
(Press Officer)