'Maybe It's Because I'm A Londoner'
- Simon O'Donovan
- Oct 13, 2021
- 10 min read
Updated: Oct 18, 2021
“In London, everyone is different, and that means anyone can fit in.” – Paddington Bear
“When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.” – Samuel Johnson
I thought it was high time we had a CST activities page themed on our capital city, London.
After introductions and orientation, ask members:
- Has anybody lived in or near to London?
- Has anybody visited London? What was the purpose of their visit?
- What are the best things about London?
It is such a beautiful and cosmopolitan city.
Some of the best landmarks and tourist attractions in the UK.
The theatres and hotels.
- And the worst things?
The crowds.
Public transport during rush hour.
Getting lost!
FIRST SONG
'Maybe It's Because I'm A Londoner' - Singalong Lyric Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tiALqr2Vhfo
COCKNEY RHYMING SLANG
To be called 'Cockney', where do you have to be born? - WITHIN EARSHOT OF THE BOW BELLS (Mary-Le-Bow Church in Cheapside)
Say, or sing, this rhyme together ...
Oranges and lemons,
Say the bells of St. Clement's.
You owe me five farthings,
Say the bells of St. Martin's.
When will you pay me?
Say the bells at Old Bailey.
When I grow rich,
Say the bells at Shoreditch.
When will that be?
Say the bells of Stepney.
I do not know,
Says the great bell at Bow.
Here comes a candle to light you to bed,
And here comes a chopper to chop off your head!
Chip chop chip chop the last man is dead.
Name the famous people in this 'Eastenders' picture, and what are they dressed as?
PAT BUTCHER (PAM ST CLEMENTS)
NORMAN SIMMONDS (GEORGE LAYTON) * Starred in 'It Ain't 'Alf Hot Mum' and 'Doctor In Charge'
JEAN SLATER (GILLIAN WRIGHT)
PEARLY KINGS AND QUEENS
Have a go at guessing some of the meanings of these 'Top 100 Cockney Rhyming Slang Words and Phrases' (Londontopia.net):
(Take care. A few of these are a bit on the rude side. Maybe just choose a few?)
1. Adam and Eve – believe
2. Alan Whickers – knickers
3. Apples and pears – stairs
4. Artful Dodger – lodger
5. Ascot Races – braces
6. Aunt Joanna – piano
7. Baked Bean – queen
8. Baker’s Dozen – cousin
9. Ball and Chalk – walk
10. Barnaby Rudge – judge
11. Barnet Fair – hair
12. Barney Rubble – trouble
13. Battlecruiser – boozer
14. Bees and honey – money
15. Bird lime – time (in prison)
16. Boat Race – face
17. Bob Hope – soap
18. Bottle and glass – arse
19. Brahms and Liszt – pissed (drunk)
20. Brass tacks – facts
21. Bread and cheese – sneeze
22. Bread and honey – money
23. Bricks and mortar – daughter
24. Bristol City – breasts
25. Brown bread – dead
26. Bubble and squeak – Greek
27. Bubble bath – laugh
28. Butcher’s hook – a look
29. Chalfont St. Giles – piles
30. Chalk Farm – arm
31. China plate – mate (friend)
32. Cock and hen – ten
33. Cows and kisses – missus (wife)
34. Currant bun – sun (also The Sun, a British newspaper)
35. Custard and jelly – telly (television)
36. Daisy Roots – boots
37. Darby and Joan – moan
38. Dicky bird – word
39. Dicky dirt – shirt
40. Dinky doos – shoes
41. Dog and bone – phone
42. Dog’s meat – feet
43. Duck and dive – skive
44. Duke of Kent – rent
45. Dustbin lid – kid
46. Elephant’s trunk – drunk
47. Fireman’s hose – nose
48. Flowery dell – cell
49. Frog and toad – road
50. Gypsy’s kiss – piss
51. Half-inch – pinch (to steal)
52. Hampton wick – prick
53. Hank Marvin – starving
54. Irish pig – wig
55. Isle of Wight – tights
56. Jam-jar – car
57. Jimmy Riddle – piddle
58. Joanna – piano (pronounced ‘pianna’ in Cockney)
59. Khyber Pass – arse
60. Kick and prance – dance
61. Lady Godiva – fiver
62. Laugh n a joke – smoke
63. Lionel Blairs – flares
64. Loaf of bread – head
65. Loop the loop – soup
66. Mickey Bliss – piss
67. Mince pies – eyes
68. Mork and Mindy – windy
69. North and south – mouth
70. Orchestra stalls – balls
71. Pat and Mick – sick
72. Peckham rye – tie
73. Plates of meat – feet
74. Pony and trap – crap
75. Raspberry ripple – nipple
76. Raspberry tart – fart
77. Roast pork – fork
78. Rosy Lee – tea (drink)
79. Round the houses – trousers
80. Rub-a-dub – pub
81. Ruby Murray – curry
82. Sausage roll – goal
83. Septic tank – Yank
84. Sherbert (short for sherbert dab) – cab (taxi)
85. Skin and blister – sister
86. Sky rocket – pocket
87. Sweeney Todd – flying squad
88. Syrup of figs – wig (sic)
89. Tables and chairs – stairs
90. Tea leaf – thief
91. Tom and Dick – sick
92. Tom tit – shit
93. Tomfoolery – jewellery
94. Tommy Trinder – window
95. Trouble and strife – wife
96. Two and eight – state (of upset)
97. Vera Lynn – gin
98. Whistle and flute – suit (of clothes)
99. Wonga – cash
100. And of course, Rabbit and pork - TALK
NEXT SONG
'Rabbit', Chas And Dave - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOSseI1hao8
What shop is mentioned in the lyrics?
MUSIC & PICTURE QUIZ
Round 1. History
1. William Shakespeare, 1564–1616
What is the name of his theatre on the banks of the Thames?
2. 'Gunpowder Plot', 1605
What was his name?
What was he trying to destroy?
3. 'Great Plague Of London', 1665-66
What was the name of the illness?
How did it spread?
4. 'Great Fire Of London', 2 September 1666
Where did the fire start?
How many people died?
5. 'Dick Whittington And His Cat', published 1711
Which high office did he achieve, according to the poem by Clara Doty Bates?
6. 'The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street', 1785
What was his name?
How many men did he murder during his 17 years reign of terror?
7. Sherlock Holmes, first appeared in publication in 1887
Who wrote the books?
Where did he live?
8. 'Jack the Ripper', terrorised London in 1888
How many murders were linked to the case?
9. The Kray Twins, Organised crime 1950s-1967
What were the twins' names?
What was the name of their gang?
10. 'Oliver', Charles Dickens 1837
SONG. 'I'd Do Anything', 'Oliver, 1968' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ey0D53Dxl3M
Complete these Dickens book titles:
- 'A Christmas *****'
- 'Great *************'
- 'David ***********'
- 'The Pickwick ******'
- 'Nicholas ********'
Round 2. Landmarks
11. Name the landmark?
What flag is raised when she is in?
12. Name the landmark?
What is the name of the guards and the birds who protect it?
13. Name the landmark?
How many stories are there? (Nearest guess)
14. Name the landmark?
Which architect designed it?
15. Name the landmark (original name)?
Which phone network is it associated with now?
16. Name the landmark?
How many minutes does it take to go round?
17. Name the landmark?
Name the cat?
18. Name the landmark?
On average, how many times a year does the bridge open?
19. Name the landmark?
Who works here? (He is pictured below)
20. SONG. 'Feed The Birds', 'Mary Poppins - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHrRxQVUFN4
Who co-starred with Julie Andrews in this 1964 movie?
Round 3. Tourism
21. What examination do 'Black Cab' drivers in London have to take?
22. Name the 'London Underground' stations?
🐻
🐘➕🏰
🧀🟥
🤴🤴❌
👧👧👧👧👧👧👧
👼
🐂🚗🎪
🧑🌾🌳
💦🚽
⬅️🐷
23. How much a week was promised by Boris Johnson for the NHS on the side of the 'Brexit Bus'?
24. What is the longest running play in the 'West End' (started in 1952)?
25. What ceremony involving the 'Queen's Guard' takes place several times a week?
26. Name the landmark?
What 'Last Night' takes place here every September?
27. Name the art gallery (it used to be a power station)?
28. Name the gardens?
29. The 'Prime Meridian Line' runs through here?
When do the clocks go back?
30. SONG. 'Penny Lane', The Beatles - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-rB0pHI9fU
Name the road in this picture?
Round 4. TV & Film
31. Name the children's TV show?
14 episodes were made. Can you remember any of the costumes?
32. Name the children's TV show?
What was the name of the headmistress?
33. Name the TV show?
What was the cook's name?
34. Name the TV show?
And the retail store?
35. Name the TV show?
And the characters?
36. Name the TV show?
And the characters?
37. What was the name of 'the boy who never grew up' in this 1953 movie?
What was the name of the fairy?
38. 'Hogwart's Express' in the Harry Potter series, left from which London station?
And which platform?
39. Name the bear?
Where was he from and which sandwiches did he like?
40. SONG. 'She', Elvis Costello - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWoJsiy26gc
Name the actor and actress?
Round 5. Name The Londoners
41. Name the Londoner?
What breed was his dog?
42. Name the Londoner?
Complete some of his film titles:
- 'Rear ******'
- North By *********'
- 'Strangers On A *****'
- 'The 39 *****'
- 'Dial M For ******'
43. Name the Londoner?
Who was 'the love of her life'?
44. Name the Londoner?
Which American drama did she star in?
45. Name the Londoner?
What was her 'Eastenders' character's name?
46. Name the Londoner?
In which market is there a statue of her?
47. Name the Londoner?
Which James Bond movie did she sing the theme song for?
48. Name the Londoner?
Which famous acting role is he front runner for?
49. Name the Londoner?
What was his 'The Apprentice' catchphrase?
50. SONG. 'Waterloo Sunset', The Kinks -
Who was the lead singer with 'The Kinks'?
SINGALONG (WITH LYRIC VIDEOS)
Baker Street Gerry Rafferty
Winding your way down on Baker Street Light in your head and dead on your feet Well, another crazy day You'll drink the night away And forget about ev'rything
This city desert makes you feel so cold It's got so many people, but it's got no soul And it's taken you so long To find out you were wrong When you thought it held everything
You used to think that it was so easy You used to say that it was so easy But you're tryin', you're tryin' now
Another year and then you'd be happy Just one more year and then you'd be happy But you're cryin', you're cryin' now
Way down the street there's a light in his place He opens the door, he's got that look on his face And he asks you where you've been You tell him who you've seen And you talk about anything
He's got this dream about buying some land He's gonna give up the booze and the one-night stands And then he'll settle down In some quiet little town And forget about ev'rything
But you know he'll always keep movin' You know he's never gonna stop movin' 'Cause he's rollin', he's the rolling stone
When you wake up, it's a new mornin' The sun is shinin', it's a new mornin' You're goin', you're goin' home
Streets of London Ralph McTell
Have you seen the old man
In the closed down market
Kicking up the papers
With his worn out shoes?
In his eyes, you see no pride
Hand held loosely at his side
Yesterday's paper
Telling yesterday's news
So, how can you tell me you're lonely
And say for you that the sun don't shine?
Let me take you by the hand
And lead you through the streets of London
Show you something to make you change your mind
Have you seen the old girl
Who walks the streets of London
Dirt in her hair
And her clothes in rags?
She's no time for talking
She just keeps right on walking
Carrying her home
In two carrier bags
So, how can you tell me you're lonely
And say for you that the sun don't shine?
Let me take you by the hand
And lead you through the streets of London
Show you something to make you change your mind
In the all night cafe
At a quarter past eleven
Same old man
Sitting there on his own
Looking at the world
Over the rim of his tea cup
Each tea lasts an hour
And he wanders home alone
So, how can you tell me you're lonely?
Don't say for you that the sun don't shine
Let me take you by the hand
And lead you through the streets of London
Show you something to make you change your mind
Have you seen the old man Outside the seaman's mission Memory fading with The medal ribbons that he wears? In our winter city The rain cries a little pity For one more forgotten hero And a world that doesn't care So, how can you tell me you're lonely And say for you that the sun don't shine? Let me take you by the hand And lead you through the streets of London I'll show you something to make you change your mind
VIDEO BREAK. 'London Olympics 2014' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AS-dCdYZbo
PRACTICAL ACTIVITY
You could have a game of 'Monopoly'.
Or, as Heather Manktelow suggests, play a game of Charades using the property name cards. (Great idea!)
Or you could plan a day out in London. (You could do this as a group.) Pretend money is no object.
- Plan your train journey.
- Choose a hotel.
- Find out the nearest tube station.
- Choose a show to watch in the evening.
- What type of restaurant would you prefer?
Ask members to guess at what the Queen has to eat and drink each day?
@Indy100 said:
"The Queen meets with the head chef to the royal household twice a week, to decide what meals she fancies.
Breakfast: The Queen likes cereal, usually Special K, and fruit, or scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, according to a former chef.
Lunch: Former chef Owen Hodgson said he would often make the Queen mushrooms with a bit of Marmite, and crustless tuna sandwiches with thinly sliced cucumber and pepper.
Evening meals: She’ll often have an evening meal consisting of something like grilled sole with vegetables and salad.
To drink: The Queen likes a gin and Dubonnet with a slice of lemon and ice, and also likes wine and champagne with dinner."
Apparently, when on a long train or plane journey she also enjoys something simple, like a Fray Bentos pie!
Also, random information, she enjoys dancing to 'Dancing Queen' if at a function which involved dancing.
(Play Abba - 'Dancing Queen' if there is time.)
OTHER SONGS
Underneath The Arches - The Andrews Sisters
My Old Mans A Dustman - Lonnie Donegan
Don’t Dilly Dally On The Way - Fiona Harrison
Lambeth Walk - Official Play Me Music
Any Old Iron - Peter Sellers
Down At The Old Bull And Bush - Stanley Holloway
Knees Up Mother Brown - Mrs Mills
Wouldn't It Loverly - 'My Fair Lady'
You've Got To Pick A Pocket Or Two - 'Oliver'
I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles - Doris Day
ANSWERS
SONG. YOU'VE GOT MORE RABBIT THAN SAINSBURY'S
1. THE GLOBE
2. GUIDO FAWKES
HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT
3. BUBONIC PLAGUE
FLEAS ON RATS
4. PUDDING LANE
6
5. "THRICE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON TOWN"
6. SWEENEY TODD (May be fictional)
160 (He and his partner in crime Mrs Lovett disposed of body parts by baking them into pies and selling them in the church next door.)
7. SIR ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE
BAKER STREET
8. 5
9. REGGIE & RONNIE
'THE FIRM'
10. - 'A Christmas *****' CAROL
- 'Great *************' EXPECTATIONS
- 'David ***********' COPPERFIELD
- 'The Pickwick ******' PAPERS
- 'Nicholas ********' NICKELBY
11. BUCKINGHAM PALACE
'THE ROYAL STANDARD'
12. THE TOWER OF LONDON
BEEFEATER & RAVEN
13. THE SHARD
87
14. ST PAUL'S CATHEDRAL
CHRISTOPHER WREN
15. MILLENNIUM DOME
O2 ARENA
16. THE LONDON EYE
30 MINS
17. 10 DOWNING STREET
LARRY
18. TOWER BRIDGE
ABOUT 800 TIMES
19. 'THE GHERKIN'
LONDON MAYOR SADIQ KHAN
20. DICK VAN DYKE
21. 'THE KNOWLEDGE'
22. 🐻 - PADDINGTON
🐘➕🏰 - ELEPHANT & CASTLE
🧀🟥 - LEICESTER SQUARE
🤴🤴❌ - KING'S CROSS
👧👧👧👧👧👧👧 - SEVEN SISTERS
👼 - ANGEL
🐂🚗🎪 - OXFORD CIRCUS
🧑🌾🌳 - SHEPHERD'S BUSH
💦🚽 - WATERLOO
⬅️🐷 - WEST HAM
23. £350M
24. AGATHA CHRISTIE'S 'THE MOUSETRAP'
25. 'CHANGING OF THE GUARD'
26. ROYAL ALBERT HALL
'LAST NIGHT OF THE PROMS'
27. TATE MODERN
28. KEW GARDENS
29. GREENWICH ROYAL OBSERVATORY
31ST OCTOBER
30. ABBEY ROAD
31. The Characters that Mr Benn became in chronological order were RED KNIGHT, HUNTER, CLOWN, BALLOONIST, WIZARD, SPACEMAN, COOK, CAVEMAN, ZOO KEEPER, DIVER (FROGMAN), COWBOY, ALADDIN, PIRATE AND GLADIATOR
32. 'GRANGE HILL'
MRS MCCLUSKY
33. 'UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS'
MRS BRIDGES
34. 'ARE YOU BEING SERVED'
GRACE BROS
35. 'EASTENDERS'
DEN & ANGIE WATTS
36. 'ONLY FOOLS AND HORSES'
RODNEY & DEL BOY TROTTER
37. PETER PAN
TINKERBELL
38. KING'S CROSS
PLATFORM 9 3/4
39. PADDINGTON
PERU / MARMALADE
40. JULIA ROBERTS 7 HUGH GRANT
41. CHARLIE CHAPLIN
JACK RUSSELL
42. ALFRED HITCHOCK
- 'Rear ******' - WINDOW
- North By *********' - NORTHWEST
- 'Strangers On A *****' - TRAIN
- 'The 39 *****' - STEPS
- 'Dial M For ******' - MURDER
43. ELIZABETH TAYLOR
RICHARD BURTON
44. JOAN COLLINS
'DYNASTY'
45. BARBARA WINDSOR
PEGGY MITCHELL
46. AMY WINEHOUSE
CAMDEN MARKET
47. ADELE
'SKYFALL'
48. IDRIS ELBA
JAMES BOND
49. ALAN SUGAR
"YOU'RE FIRED!"
50. RAY DAVIES
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