Pearly Queen Brings Cockney Cheer to Lake View Lodge During Care Home Open Week

Residents at Lake View Lodge care home in Halling enjoyed traditional Cockney fun when they welcomed Susan Golding, the Pearly Queen of Silvertown, as part of this year’s Care Home Open Week celebrations.

Care Home Open Week, organised by Championing Social Care, encourages care homes across the UK to connect with people in their areas.

Susan entertained residents with a lively “Good Old Knees Up,” performing much-loved traditional Cockney songs that had everyone singing along. The celebration began with a classic fish and chips lunch, after which residents donned bowler hats, waved flags, and joined in the festive atmosphere.

The third generation of Pearly royalty in her family, Susan’s connection to entertaining began at a remarkably young age. At just 22 months old, she performed as a dancer during the war alongside her grandfather, beginning a lifelong passion for preserving and sharing the Pearly heritage and traditions.

Resident Margaret Howe (88) said, “I thoroughly enjoyed the performance, and it brought back a lot of memories too. Everyone had a good time!”

Sally Taylor, the Customer Relations Manager at Lake View Lodge added,

“It was an absolute pleasure to welcome Pearly Queen Susan to our home. Her energy and passion for Cockney traditions created a memorable afternoon for our residents. Seeing everyone singing together, wearing their bowler hats, and enjoying the occasion was wonderful.

“Events like these are what Care Home Open Week is all about – bringing people together and creating special moments.”