For the second year running, shoppers at Waitrose in Gillingham found the Pearly King of Harrow collecting by the exit, this year accompanied by his daughter the Pearly Princess of Tunbridge Wells. Several could not believe their eyes and several posed for pictures. They were collecting on behalf of Home-Start Blackmore Vale (formerly North Dorset)
The Pearly King, David Hemsley, now lives in Mere but his grandmother, a Pearly Queen, originally came from Harrow. His daughter, Sophie, inherited her title from her grandparents. They continue the Pearly Tradition of carrying out charitable work and meet regularly with other Pearly Kings and Queens in Covent Garden in London.
Caroline Salt, a Trustee of Home-Start BV, collected with them and would like to extend a huge thank you to them both for giving up a whole day just before Christmas.
The Pearlies collected just over £560 which was amazing and will go towards the cost of funding a volunteer for a year. So, thank you to all those who so kindly donated and another to Waitrose Gillingham for allowing us to collect on such a busy day.