Doing the Lambeth Walk

Pearly Queen of Old Kent Road, Doreen Golding

Our hospitality season kicked off with an 'oi' yesterday as CWC members joined Pearly Queen Doreen Golding in song. No, we didn't get up to do the Lambeth Walk, but we had a go at helping her with the chorus, especially the 'oi' bit - and there were smiles and laughs all round.

There was much admiration too, as Doreen gave us an insight into her life as Pearly Queen of Old Kent Road. Quite apart from the juicy bits of news about some of the celebrities Doreen has met over the years, we learned the meaning of 'costermongers', why pearl buttons were used as decoration, the different symbols sewn onto their suits, and how the titles of Pearly King and Queen are handed down through the generations. We also learned about the wonderful charity work carried out by Doreen and other 'Pearlies'.

Doreen's visit to the CWC will no doubt be a highlight of our year. And because Doreen is such a good friend of long-time CWC member Vi Knight, perhaps we'll all meet again - on the Old Kent Road!

From left: Teresa Howe, Doreen Golding, Patty Bell, Vi Knight

Any time you’re Lambeth way

Any evening, any day,

You’ll find us all

Doin’ the Lambeth walk - oi!

Ev’ry little Lambeth gal

With her little Lambeth pal,

You’ll find ‘em all

Doin’ the Lambeth walk - oi!

Ev’rything free and easy,

Do as you darn well pleasey,

Why don’t you make your way there?

Go there, stay there,

Once you get down Lambeth way

Ev’ry evening, ev’ry day,

You’ll find yourself

Doin’ the Lambeth walk - oi!