Sevenoaks Soroptimists and visitors from SI Tunbridge Wells and SI East Grinstead were treated to an upbeat and amusing history of the Pearly Kings and Queens by Chris Conlan and his own journey into becoming the Pearly King of Bromley. Over £100 was raised at the meeting which was given to Chris for his charities. He is a member of the Pearly Kings and Queens Society who support a plethora of London charities. Chris is also the Town Crier for Sevenoaks supporting the mayor, councillors and local charities at events in the town. He has been honoured with a British citizen award for Services to the Community (BCAc). He collected his award from Matt Allwright and Karen Featherstone.
The first Pearly King was Henry Croft, born in 1861 an orphan in the workhouse and street sweeper who started the tradition in the late 19th century to raise money for charities. He covered his suit with mother-of-pearl buttons to stand out and attract attention, which was so successful he inspired others to do the same, creating the Pearly Kings and Queens tradition.
Photographs: President Margaret Crabtree presented Chris with a donation; Past President Penelope Robbins who had invited Chris to be our speaker for the evening, trying on the Pearly King jacket which was very heavy with all the buttons sewn on!
