Please scroll down to view all the rest of comments

Maybe it’s because I’m a Londoner,I had a butchers at the site, and couldn’t believe my old mince pies…

I’ve read your book, it’s a great read for all ages!!!

Keep up the cockney spirit George, we may have to look a little harder now to find old London, but sites like this help keep things alive.

God Bless You xx

My old China Plate George, i was there with you i just wanted to give little Georgie a big cuddle. What a fantastic book. I have known george for a number of years and he never lost his joy and giving to others in spite of what he had experienced in his younger years, an inspiration of true love to mankind.I cannot wait for stitch two, onwards and upwards George!!

I had the pleasure of going to the book launch, held in the Old Kent Road, London. George Major is a personal friend and until I read the book I had no idea of what a traumatic life he had, he never feels sorry for himself or talks about his past and is always there to listen to and help others. He is a truly inspirational man and always comes across as a happy go lucky, cheeky chappie. Because I know him does not make me biased, this is an excellent book and is not all about George but about the tradition that is the Pearly Kings & Queens and what they stand for. It is a fantastic read and will be enjoyed by all.

Personally, I thought your book was an inspiration. The patience that you showed throguhout everything you have been through was admirable and I was pleased to come away from it having learnt more about the tradition of Costers and thier development into Pearlies, a valuable part of the book ,I feel and a community that I wished I could have been lucky enought to see first hand. It was an absolute privalige to have the oppertunity to read this, thank-you George.

Dear Maria,

First thank you for your comments on my Blog Page.
You asked where you can get my second book THE STOLEN WHISTLE AND FLUTE well it is not quite finished yet but I expect it ready by the end of the year or beginning of next,which I am told will be better and bigger.
It is people like you who express there views that lets others know which helps to sell more books and in this case helps a London child and they do need our help.
Please keep in touch and any more news on the second book you will be the first to know.

Best Of Cockney Luck

George

Pearly King Of Peckham.

I have have just finished reading the Hidden Whistle and Flute. It was such an interesting read. The part where he does not know who his mother or history was had me going and I am still wanting to find out what happens in the end. Hurry up with that other book so I don’t have to wait too long in suspense. I will pass the book on as it is full suprise and laughter. I think the man George is very brave and to think how he helps charity’s now is astonishing. Wow for the Pearly King. Chevi Daniels

A fantastic story what a strong character.

I found it to be a bit of a mixed bag parts of it had me reaching for the tissue box other parts made me smile and chuckle .

Looking forward to the next one, Stitch Two, The Stolen Whistle & Flute

Dear George,

I have just finished reading your book and I felt very sad at times the way members of your family treated you and the difficult time you had as a young boy. The Cruelty that was dished out by your bully of a father, and the indifference of your aunt, brought tears to my eyes.

Then parts of your early life brought joy and laughter to me. Despite your very bad start your determination and hard work made you what you are today. You are a credit to us all and I feel proud to know you. I look forward to your next book, stitch two. Til then George, the best of luck and I know you will carry on doing your charity work as the King.

From your mate Ted, the crazy plumber

Dear George

It was a great honour to have a King as out VIP guest at the town’s celebration of its 30th Anniversary of twinning with Luynes. We hope you enjoyed the evening; you certainly gave the theme an authenticity. For me it has been along time since I have seen a Pearly King (and for many at the party it was their first glimpse of an old London tradition). I thought you and your kindred spirits had died out long ago, but I am delighted that you are still going strong. I haven’t had a chance to read your book you so kindly autographed, but when I do, I hope I will learn more about traditions. Correction, I have just had a sneak preview of the book and suddenly I had to tear myself away having just read the first 19 pages! It’s good and we are going away next weekend over the bank holiday, so already I am looking forward to a good read over the next week or so.

I hope you had a good journey home it seemed a long way to go at such a late hour. I am sending a cheque to cover your expenses and perhaps a small donation towards your charity. You have a charming family and such an attractive Pearly Queen and Pearly Princess, you must be quite proud of them.

On behalf of the Association, thank you for coming to see us and helping to make it such a memorable, even royal evening.

Yours sincerely
Paul Brunt

I’m 13 years of age, and have read the whole book. Great read, you just dont want to put the book down. All ages will enjoy. I loved it and would definatley recommend it.

Much love,

Leah/Princess x

to all the children of Ivydale school in peckham….your musical play PEARLIES giving the history of our pearly tradition was a show that brought tears to my eyes,not only did you all do it with meaning but from the heart as well,I am so proud of each one of you ,you were all my pearly kings and queens,you also proved that peckham kids are the best and not what the media likes to print,you were a shinning example of real peckham people.I am going to help you to put that show on again but this time for the world to see and hear and prove that the peckham kids have a good heart and talent,you are stars.
George
Pearly King Of Peckham
xxx

George was kind enough to give me a copy of his book and I am really glad he did! It is a really good read and an amazing insight into his troubled young life. I am so pleased he managed to come through such a heartbreaking childhood victorious. I didnt really know anything about the pearly history and found it fascinating to learn about. I have already recommended the book and will continue to do so. I wish you all the luck in the world George and I can’t wait for Stitch 2!, Luv, Yvonne x

To George
Thankyou so much for your book. Even thinking about it now I find it moving. So honest, and very very funny! I was moved to tears, particulary at the beginning- and it’s such a good story full of London history and told so well. I have talked and talked about it I can’t recommend it enough. The best thing about the book is the warmth I felt when I read it.
Hannah xx

Wednesday afternoon saw the prison library full of cockney cheer as the immensely entertaining pearly king, George Major delivered a talk to a group of approximately twenty five prisoners and staff. Fortified with several cups of rosie lee, George told us about the origins and history of the Pearlies and the charity work that they still carry out today as well as answering questions from the audience. Besides turning up in full pearly dress George had also brought along photographs of bygone pearly families and various other memorabilia that helped to bring the talk alive. Even prisoners reluctant to be involved initially, were slowly drawn in by George’s narration.

Afterwards the prisoners were were positive about the event, discussing it long after they had returned to the wings. They found the stories entertaining and were interested to learn about a little bit of London’s history and the old traditions. Their enthusiasm is reflected in a few of the comments taken from the evaluation forms that they were asked to complete at the end of the event:

‘Even though I am from Newcastle I found it interesting’

‘…interesting, George was a good bloke…’

‘It was an experience…don’t get to meet people like him’.

Hope this is OK and if you ever want to come back please let me know

Michele