magpie

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The Pearly Kings and Queens are a famous symbol of Cockney culture and the second oldest charity in London, but what’s the real story behind the Pearl monarchy? The group was founded in 1875 by Henry Croft, who was born and raised in a Victorian workhouse orphanage on Charles Street, Somerstown. Croft became fascinated with the costers and their way of life. The costers were a tough sort. They spoke in a language of their own (Cockney rhyming slang) and followed a ‘king’ – a community leader elected to organise them, keep the peace with other sellers and stand up to the authorities on the other costers’ behalf. They were also known for lining their trousers, pocket flaps and caps with mother-of-pearl buttons. The more successful a coster was, the more buttons he wore, and so the phrase “Flash Harry” came about. The costers’ bling was also a cheeky imitation of West End society, who had developed a fashion for wearing pearls with their Sunday best. Wherever he went in his suit, Croft would collect money to help his childhood orphanage. Within the patterns of the buttons were symbols and messages, a way of spreading his charitable message and encouraging other people to give. One pattern read: ‘All for charity and pity the poor.’ After receiving huge amounts of donations, Croft began also collecting for children’s hospitals, local charities and the homeless. Eventually, Croft drafted in the costers and their wives to help him with his charity work, calling themselves the Pearly Kings and Queens. Pearly suits and dresses are worn at charity events, christenings, weddings and funerals. They can be covered in up to 30,000 buttons and weigh up to 30kg. Like Croft’s original suit, buttons are used to create symbols: hearts for charity, wheels for the meaning of life, and doves for peace. Today’s Pearly Kings and Queens continue the work of the original monarchy. They dedicate their lives to raising money, supporting children’s hospitals, special needs schools and research charities, among others. Source: romanroadlondon.com/history-pearly-kings-queens/

The stunning good looks of the Magpie bird is just one of its awesome qualities - it is also considered one of the most intelligent of the bird species. In fact, the magpie is the only non-mammal that has been able to recognize itself in a mirror. Before you bring a magpie into your home with the intention of keeping it as a pet, be aware that in most areas it is illegal. If you have found a baby magpie, make sure it has indeed been abandoned by the parents. If so, then call a professional wildlife rehabilitator to come and get the bird. If there are no such persons in your area, then the following information will be of use to you. The magpie is a social bird that will not do well left alone in a cage. However, you must be careful when handling one as the talons and beak are very sharp and powerful. Source: petcomments.com/magpie-pet/