Pearly Kings and Queens from all over London paid touching tributes to the late Pearly King of Newham at St Paul’s Church on Tuesday (October 12).
Around a dozen Pearly Kings and Queens travelled to Covent Garden to celebrate the life of George Davison, 79, who was a Pearly King for more than 40 years.
READ MORE: Lambeth Walk: The South London street with a song named after it that was once ‘the most famous street in London’
George’s most proudest moment was when he met the Queen
George died of cancer last July and his death left a hole in many of the Pearly Kings and Queens hearts, as well as the charities and communities in Newham he dedicated his life to.
The Pearly King of Harrow, Pearly Queen of Old Kent Road and Bow Bells and the Pearly Queen of Royal Greenwich spoke poignantly about their friend.
David Hemsley, Pearly King of Harrow tearfully said: “I have known George for over 43 years – George was a young King as his dad had passed away in the mid-seventies.
“He was a West Ham United fan through and through – he worked really hard to raise enough money to start the Pearly Kings and Queens Society and was one of the founders and trustees.
“He is now gone and we all loved him.”
Pearly Kings and Queens from all over London paid touching tributes to the late Pearly King of Newham at St Paul’s Church today
Doreen Golding, Pearly Queen of Old Kent Road and Bow Bells told mourners how George’s proudest moment was when he met the Queen.
During his reign, he appeared alongside other Pearly Kings and Queens at the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games in support of Blesma, a military charity for limbless veterans.
He enjoyed touring East London pubs, where he’d perform popular Cockney songs with other pearlies – Lambeth Walk, My Old Man’s a Dustman and Dame Vera Lynn classics were some of his favourite songs to perform.
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Born in Canning Town, George inherited the title at a young age after his dad, Bill, died in the 1970s. He worked as a caretaker across the capital but spent his final years in Yeovil, Somerset, where he continued to support others right up until his death.
Friends describe George as a funny, chatty King, who was always on hand to lend help to others who had just started their reign and needed advice.
Lola Gibbard, Pearly Queen of Norbury and Clive Bennet, Pearly King of Woolwich, ended the ceremony with a joyful Lambeth Walk singalong with all the pearlies – one of George’s favourite songs.
Did you know the Pearly King of Newham? Contact Ruby at [email protected] with your tributes.
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