American in Britain Autumn 2014

Autumn 2014

Free Subscription Offer Inside Serving the American Community in the UK

Features Include: UK Sports • Travel Eating Out • Wealth Management • Property Theatre • American Women’s Clubs News • Arts & Antiques Take Five • Hotel Review • Embassy Corner

Contents

Autumn 2014

Eating Out ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 3 Wealth Management �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 8 Legal Matters ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������11 Hotel Review ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������13 Travel ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������16 American Eye ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������20 Advising Young People About Their Future ������������������������������������22 American Women’s Clubs News ������������������������������������������������������������24 Being Awarded An MBE �����������������������������������������������������������������������������30 Reader’s Lives �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������32 Take Five ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������33 UK Sports ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������39 Theatre ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������41 Health ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������43 Arts & Antiques ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������44 Useful Numbers ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������47 Embassy Corner ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������48

Autumn 2014

Free Subscription Offer Inside Serving the American Community in the UK

PUBLISHER: Helen Elliott Tel: 020 8661 0186 Email: helen@theamericanhour.com Publishing Director: Damian Porter Tel: 01737 551506 Email: damian@theamericanhour.com American in Britain, PO Box 921, Sutton SM1 2WB Advisory Panel:

'FBUVSFT *ODMVEF 6, 4QPSUT t 5SBWFM &BUJOH 0VU t 8FBMUI .BOBHFNFOU t 1SPQFSUZ

No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publishers

5IFBUSF t "NFSJDBO 8PNFO T $MVCT /FXT t "SUT "OUJRVFT 5BLF 'JWF t )PUFM 3FWJFX t &NCBTTZ $PSOFS

Mike Brown of the Jacksonville Jaguars

Origination and Printing by Gemini Group 1

Eating Out Restaurant Reviews

L’Anima Café 10 Appold Street, London, EC2A 2AP Telephone: 020 7422 7080 L’Anima Café, not to be confused with its older sister L’Anima, which is practically next door, is a new Italian restaurant opened in the vicinity of Liverpool Street Station, and although the café has the same soul as its sibling, it is a less formal and more up-market bistro.

The influences of the restaurants are however similar, namely Southern Italy, and the food is freshly prepared from scratch using the finest natural Italian ingredients, but that is where the similarity ends.

On entering L’Anima Café the first thing that strikes you is its size, with the expansive glass fronted room stretching into the distance.

Spaces like this can sometimes be cold and give an impression of emptiness, but not here. Like

L’Anima Café

many city restaurants the floor is wooden, and the tables have no tablecloths, some are booths, and some are next to the window surrounding a large glass tower housing fire, but all are generously spaced out.

Having passed a Lambretta strategically parked near to the entrance, we were warmly welcomed by attentive staff who led us straight to our table. There is a vibrant bar which was to the left of the restaurant, but due to the fact that we had two very hungry children with us we sadly skipped the opportunity to enjoy a drink in it. The bar, however, was buzzing, with a mixture of diners and the early evening city types having a drink or two before wending their way home. All tastes are catered well with an extensive range of beers, wines and cocktails. For those not wishing to have too much to eat, or fancy something to compliment their drinks, there is a wide range of Stuzzichini, or finger food. These range from a selection of Cheeses and Salami (£9.50) to Courgette Fritters (£3).

Once we were settled in a cosy booth near to the retail deli at the back of the restaurant where the local workers can purchase sandwiches etc. at lunchtimes, we focussed our attention on the wide choice of food on offer. The menu is split into 7 sections the Antipasta, Primi, Secondi, Contorni, Insalate, Pizza and then Dolci. Each section has approximately 7 dishes which cater to every taste. Before all of this however, we were regaled with our first trolley of the evening bearing a multitude of breads. My children delighted in the wide selection of Focacia and Sour Dough along with those bread sticks I can never remember the name of, but remember vividly getting in restaurants in Italy as a child with my parents, and we loved the dips that accompanied them. As a treat there were also two bread ‘specials’ (a first for me) a Spicy Salami and a Pesto Spiral both baked from the same dough as used for croissants and both delightfully light and crispy.

For starters my wife chose the Impepata

di Cozze e Vongole (£8.50) where steamed Cornish Mussels and Clams were encased in a bread basket all bathing in a light basil sauce. Mussels are usually overpowered by being served in a strong creamy garlic sauce and it was lovely to have a much lighter sauce allowing the true flavours of them and the clams to come through. I chose the Pasta Straccio ai Frutti di Mare (£12.50), a baked sea food pasta which skilfully combined a variety of seafood, cheese and pasta. My children opted for the childrens menu which at £6.95 for 3 courses is exceptional value and had the Pizza Margherita and Spaghetti al Pomodoro for their starter. The tomato sauce was rich but not too overpowering for children, and the pizza was large and cooked in the Italian style, namely with a thin and crispy base.

The main course was much harder to choose as the choice spanned Pizza’s as well as the Secondi section, and there is a wide choice. Filetto d’orata al Sale (Sea salt-crusted Seabream, £13.50) rubs shoulders with Pancia di Maiale e Sanguinaccio (Norfolk Pork Belly, Sanguinaccio £13.50) or for pizza lovers the choice is even wider with Calabrese (mozerella, chilli, spicy salami, n’duja) or the Sybarita incorporating Calabrian Sausage with peppers and roast potatoes both at £11.

L’Anima Café

3

I finally plumped for the Coniglio alla Cacciatore (Hunter Rabbit Stew at £14) which they say is a peasant dish fit for a king!

Rabbit is not a common dish in the UK, maybe because of the link with family pets, but has been a mainstay of the rustic Italian diet and the meat was lean with a slightly sweet and gamey taste that blended nicely with the pungent partners of garlic and rosemary. To accompany my stew I plumped for Sformato di patate (not a literal translation but gooey cheese in mash potato). My wife chose Porcini e Salsiccia pizza £12.50 generously topped with cep mushrooms and Tuscan sausage. My kids opted for the Chicken Fillet Milanese and fries and the Margarita Pizza.

Desserts are a chance for the second trolley of the evening to arrive enabling you to see your possible choices. My wife and children had admitted defeat and opted for some light and fresh Gelato, but ever the professional I ‘forced’ myself to try the Caprese (£6.50) a flourless chocolate cake served with lightly whipped cream; a perfect end.

Italian wines are amongst my favourites and L’Anima Café didn’t disappoint, with an extensive choice to suit all tastes and pockets, from the mellow and medium bodied whites like the Falaghina, to the Bordeau-like reds such as Petit Verdot from Lazio. They also serve Trebbiano or Sangiovese, Marche which is great value at £20 for a litre.

As for the children, they loved the Homemade Sicilian Lemonade, served by the large glass or jug (£2.80/£6.50) and the Venchi chocolate hazelnut milkshake (£3).

CASA BRINDISA Casa South Kensington, 7-9 Exhibition Road, London SW7 2HE Telephone: 020 7590 0008

After Spain and her beautiful Balearic islands, the next best place to enjoy tapas could well be South Kensington on a sunny summer’s evening. Casa Brindisa was our destination, and it is perfectly located just a stone's throw from the tube in one direction, and the ‘big three’ museums in the other, namely the Science, Natural History and Victoria and Albert museums. This part of Exhibition Road has been pedestrianised for a while, and now offers an outside dining culture. The atmosphere reminded me of being on holiday in one of those bustling village squares lined with restaurants and cafés that spill out onto the pavement outside; great to watch the world go by. Having said that, we chose to dine inside to soak up the equally charming but entirely different ambience of the restaurant itself. The restaurant is light and airy with a distinctly Mediterranean feel, achieved partly through the abundance of natural materials 4

such as marble and wood, used in its décor.

The name “Brindisa” comes from the Spanish word “Brindis”, meaning to raise your glass in celebration – a good omen to start any evening out in my opinion!

Brindisa was founded by Monkia Linton, after 16 years of wholesaling. Monika opened her first restaurant, Brindisa Tapas, London Bridge in 2004. The tapas are freshly prepared, offering a variety of cured meat, artisan breads, cheese and fish plates, as well as their own house specialities from Spain’s best producers.

Whilst looking over the menu, we enjoyed a classic Spanish cocktail – Tinto de Verano - a light and refreshing white wine based drink.

To whet our appetite we selected several simple, but classic Spanish appetisers from the “Picoteo” section of the menu, which ranges in price from £1.30 to £6.75. We enjoyed some Padron Peppers, Chicken Liver Pâté and Melon with Cebo ham. We were warned that one of the Padron (small pan-fried Galician green peppers) would deliver a considerably hotter kick than the others, and I was the lucky recipient of this lottery- with the very first pepper! After the initial surprise (and a few gulps of water) I grew to love their more usually subtle kick, and delicate crunch. I subsequently ordered them several times whilst on holiday in Majorca!

As you will know, tapas is served in relatively small portions with the idea of ordering as many or as few as your appetite dictates, so after advice from our waiter, we selected a variety of dishes that really appealed to our palette, and empty stomachs! I really enjoy this way of dining as it provides an opportunity to combine many different flavours, ingredients and textures, as well as sampling new dishes that you might not otherwise choose.

Our selection comprised of Patatas Brava Casa Bridisa - Giacomo Bretzel

Casa Brindisa

(fried potatoes in a delicious spicy tomato sauce), Sautéed Beetroot with blue cheese and flaked almonds, and Croquetas De Jamon Y Pollo (cured ham and chicken croquettes).

The waiter also recommended that we sample the house special, Cider House Txuleta (£65/ kg); a basque style steak. This is a large piece of rib eye steak, which is eaten in Basque cider houses (from 6 year old animals) and is fine flavoured meat, seared on the plancha. The meat was, as promised, both tender and flavoursome. In addition to these dishes, we could not resist the Gambas Al Ajillo (chilli garlic prawns), always a favourite of mine, which were succulent and delicious.

We complemented the tapa plates with some superb Spanish regionals wines, all reasonably priced from £18.50 a bottle. The waiter will, of course, help you match your food with your wine. The drinks list is extensive and includes a variety of different sherries, cocktails, cava, rums, and whiskies. Perhaps we should have tried a traditional Spanish Liquor- maybe next time!

The menu is very reasonably priced overall, making this the perfect spot for lunch or supper after a day at the museums. The range

of dishes caters for all tastes, with traditional cured meats available from the Charcuteria menu, House Specialities including Lamb Cutlets and Spinach Canelones, Vegetarian plates including that quintessential Spanish staple: the potato tortilla, and much more besides. You certainly will not go hungry.

For dessert we opted for a traditional Galician Almond Cake with vanilla ice cream, and Caramelised Catalan Custard with strawberries. A perfect, sweet conclusion to our Spanish feast. The cake, complemented perfectly by the ice cream, was quite delicious, but the combination of custard and strawberries was sublime. Unfortunately we couldn’t accommodate anything from the Queso menu, but if you lingered over your meal as long as is typical in parts of the Mediterranean, you could probably manage to squeeze in a cheese course!

This a busy, and apparently very popular restaurant, and I can see why. Brindisa are successfully celebrating their 10 year anniversary this year. With four London restaurants under their belt, I cannot think of a better place in London to sample an authentic Spanish experience. Unfortunately, the sunshine is not guaranteed!

Mayfair Pizza Company

Mayfair Pizza Company 4 Lancashire Court, New Bond Street, London, W1S 1EY Telephone: 020 7629 2889 The great thing about London is, however long you have lived or worked here, it always reserves the right to surprise you, especially when you thought you knew everything about it, and that is what happened on my way to The Mayfair Pizza company which, as the name suggests, is in the heart of Mayfair.

Amongst the pomp and grandeur of New Bond Street and those must have designer label shops, is a small alley by the name of Lancashire Court. How would I describe it? Well probably as the Diagon Alley (from the Harry Potter films) of the food and drink world, with an eclectic mixture of bars and restaurants. My destination was towards the end of the alley, and as I passed through all of the Muggles enjoying the evening sun, I couldn’t help looking out for Olivanders, as I have always wanted a wand, but unfortunately to no avail!

The restaurant is situated on the first floor above a lively bar serving all manner of drinks, but drawn by the idea of Prosecco on tap, I resisted, and climbed the spiral stairway into the restaurant made light and airy by a large skylight. The tables are generously spaced and allow privacy whilst being close enough to create a buzzy atmosphere, and the décor is a little Spartan with wooden floors and tables and plain walls, but the chairs buck

Mayfair Pizza Company

this trend being armchair style and covered by a light purple/lilac velour type material I remember seeing in the late 70’s, and which were remarkably comfortable. The serving area/bar covers the majority of the right hand side of the wall and is dominated by the large pizza oven, which I later found does produce a kind of magic in the form of gourmet pizza of the savoury and sweet variety.

Having been seated, my wife and I plumped for a glass of Prosecco from the tap to aid our perusal of the varied menu. On first glance the starters are what you would expect from an Italian restaurant with Bruschetta (£4), Fritto Misto with lemon mayonnaise (£8) and Calamari Fritti (£7), but on closer inspection a few surprises appeared in the form of Crab ‘n’ Mac (£9) or Burrata with Lentils (£7). I chose the former, and was rewarded with a crab shell filled to overflowing with pasta smothered in a rich and creamy cheese sauce with a generous helping of crab providing the perfect contrast.

My wife elected for the Burrata with lentils.

Burrata literally means buttered in Italian and this didn’t disappoint with the smooth buttery/ creaminess the perfect foil for the rougher and salty lentils. There is also a Counter section offering a variety of cheeses and meats (any 3

for £12, or individually priced).

Our second glass of Prosecco moved our thoughts from starters to the mains.

The modern pizza is believed to have been ‘invented’ in Naples in the 16th Century and reached the US in the 19th Century with the arrival of Italian immigrants, but wasn’t popular in Britain until much later in the 1950’s, and a few years ago I thought that as the British love Italian food and especially Pizza, there was a niche in the market for a ‘posh pizza’. Unfortunately I never acted on my idea and now my thoughts were here in front of me and would have been what I would have created if I had had the gumption to act. Pulled pork shoulder with onion and crackling (£13), Mayfair Pizza Co Truffle and Porcini mushrooms (£14) rub shoulders with more standard favourite such as Quattro Formaggi D.O.P (£12) and Fiorentina (£11).

All the pizzas are standard size and are cooked on a crisp thin base in the typical Italian style.

I selected the Salami, Chorizo, Palma ham and Pancetta pizza (£14) and was pleasantly surprised by the generous toppings with the crisp pancetta and the powerful chorizo.

My wife opted for the Pulled pork shoulder pizza, with a generous helping of toppings which again went down very well. For those who don’t fancy pizza, and I would strongly recommend against this, there are a number of carne or pastas that are available covering linguini, risotto along with Seabream, Lamb Shank or Slow Roast Pork Belly.

On our third, or was it fourth glass of Prosecco, we turned our attention to dessert, and do suggest leaving room as what a joy awaited us. The Salted Chocolate Caramel Pot with popping candy (£6) was a chocoholics dream, but even that was topped 5

by the Nutella Calzone which was filled with marshmallow and crushed hazelnuts (£7). A sweet which combines pizza with chocolate, what more could you ask for? Other exotic combinations include Wild Strawberry (with white chocolate and Basil), Limoncello & Lime and Banana Tiramisu (all £7). A perfect end to a lovely experience, and I although my idea of ‘posh pizza’ was a good one, I had to admit I don’t think I would have done it as well as the Mayfair Pizza Company.

Silk & Grain 33 Cornhill, London, EC3V 3ND Telephone: 020 7929 1378 London’s square mile must have the largest and densest population of restaurants and bars in the world - well I am not sure that is totally true but it can’t be far from being right, and so any newcomer needs a unique selling point to make it stand out from the rest. Some try to differentiate by price, some by the décor, and in the case of Silk & Grain it is by the quality of their cocktails. I thought that making cocktails was just mixing drinks a bit like Tom Cruise in the eponymous film, but Silk & Grain have opened my eyes to a whole new world, and may I say taste, with their aged cocktails.

The city, although at the forefront of most things, is behind the curve here and only a few bars are serving aged cocktails, but the trend is moving fast. What you may ask is an aged cocktail? to which, before I had visited Silk & Grain, I may have answered flippantly one that has been left on the bar for a while! The actual concept is a simple one, and takes the

Silk & Grain 6

idea from those used in the wine and spirit industries. Just like a wine matures and picks up its flavour from being left in barrels, as does a malt whisky, the same can be applied to cocktails. Silk & Grain are pioneering the idea of mixing their cocktails and then storing them in various containers allowing them to pick up their distinct flavour. Silk & Grain’s menu is too large to list here, but each is enhanced by being stored either in barrels, glass bottles, metal containers and even leather. Each adds its own distinct flavour, and believe me when I say it is great fun to spend a happy hour or two after work with friends/ colleagues experimenting with prices ranging between £7.50 and £8.50. There are also nonalcoholic offerings for those who wish to keep a clear head at £5, again combining strong tastes together to create stylish and intriguing combinations.

After having experimented as suggested, or if you just fancy much loved classics cooked well, Silk & Grain have a restaurant on the mezzanine level overlooking the downstairs bar. The bar is as per many such establishments in the city with tall ceilings and a predominance of wood furnishings, although the bright copper beer pumps do stand out, but the restaurant has a much different feel and is much more intimate.

The food is good honest English fare and it is testament to the balance of the menu that I can’t find a dish on the menu that I didn’t consider ordering. Starters include Potted Smoked Mackerel & Horseradish Pâté with toasted sourdough (£7), Maldon Oysters (£10 for 6) and a Chilled Lobster

Salad (£10). I chose the pâté whilst my wife chose the Isle of Man scallops, English garden pea purée and smoked Trealy Farm bacon (£12). The pâté had just enough horseradish to give flavour without being too overpowering and the earthiness of the pea purée complimented the fleshy scallops and crispy bacon. On reviewing the mains you again see a varied offering with Steaks from £16 but also Burgers (£17), Duck (£16), Lamb (£23), Pork (£20) and Chicken dishes (£14) as well as a whole Lemon Sole with caper butter (£15).

I chose the 10oz Ribeye (£24) with chunky chips with garlic and herbs (£4), creamed spinach (£5) and a green peppercorn sauce. The steak was suitably chargrilled on the outside and succulent on the inside, and the accompanying pepper sauce was opulently creamy whilst retaining that slight oomph that a pepper sauce must have. The creamed spinach was worthy of ones I have had in the US and avoided the usual pitfall of being a little too watery and bitter. My wife had the Sole with skin on skinny fries with truffled Parmesan and Mac ‘n’ cheese and the fries are so moreish I nearly asked for seconds and thirds!

For dessert the homemade gooey Chocolate Brownie with Pistachio Ice Cream (£6) was a chocoholics dream, but the Frozen White Chocolate Parfait, strawberry coulis & pecan praline (£6) was the crème de la crème (literally!).

Silk & Grain is a fine addition to the gastronomic scene in the city and I look forward to continuing to experiment in the coming years. n

Wealth Management AIFMD - The Little Known Regulation That May Result In The Closure Of Your US Investment Accounts

S

ince 2008, when the international tax crackdown began, managing financial affairs continues to get harder and harder for US persons living overseas. Off the back of the requirements introduced by 8

the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), many foreign financial institutions contemplated how best to comply with the new reporting responsibilities.

Unsurprisingly, over time, alarming stories began to trickle out about foreign financial institutions closing their doors to US persons as a way to avoid being subject to the new strict compliance requirements.

But, while FATCA continues to dominate the headlines, an equally worrying piece of legislation has been passed within the European Union ‘outside the radar’ of many unsuspecting Americans. This relatively unknown legislation is called the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFMD) and has resulted in a new wave of disturbing stories about US financial institutions choosing to close their doors or severely restrict asset ownership for US persons living overseas to ultimately avoid (the financial institutions, that is) being subject to the increased compliance requirements.

With each passing day, it’s becoming harder and harder for US persons to navigate their financial affairs appropriately.

A Reminder about FATCA FATCA was signed into law in 2010, creating additional reporting mechanisms to ensure that US persons holding an interest in foreign financial assets report all applicable income to the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) each year. The legislation takes a two pronged reporting approach and places reporting responsibility on both the part of the individual and financial institution.

FATC A e x p a n d e d t h e f o re i g n informational reporting requirements for the individual all of which were fully introduced in prior tax years. These informational reporting requirements provide the IRS with additional insight into what foreign assets are held by each taxpayer and aims to trace income sources from each asset to the relevant parts of the individual’s tax return.

Foreign Financial Institutions (FFIs) are required to implement systems to identify all their US persons and report applicable income to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) each year or face a 30% withholding tax on all US sourced payments. In the UK, this income will be reported directly to HMRC who will pass the information to the IRS through a signed Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA). The approach is designed to make it impossible for US persons with foreign financial assets to remain undetected.

Ultimately, for the American in Britain, the biggest impact of FATCA is the diminished options available for savings. With the full implementation of the FATCA legislation

in effect from July 2014, more and more UK banks and financial institutions are not accepting US connected clients. It is worrying to think about what new consequence or development might be lurking around the corner. The trend is concerning because the more difficult it becomes for Americans to find a solution, the less likely they will be to take the time to deploy proper investment and savings strategies that effectively meet their future financial needs.

AIFMD - Background Americans living in Britain are now becoming the unintended victims in the fallout of another piece of legislation introduced following the Bernie Madoff scandal exposed in December 2008. Up until 2008, Madoff appeared to be a very successful US-based fund manager who attracted investment from many people within Europe. As the extent of his fraud was uncovered, there were many questions asked about the due diligence process fund managers carried out on behalf of their clients. It was the combination of this scandal and the perceived origins of the financial crisis that led to a new wave of regulation within the European Union (EU). There were increased calls to close the regulatory gap that allowed the fraud to remain undetected for so long and introduce uniform rules within the EU to monitor and protect investors in all funds that previously fell outside of European Economic Area (EEA) regulatory rules. The resulting impact of the new regulation has caught Americans in Britain by surprise, as US fund managers, who would otherwise be caught up in the new regulation, decide to restrict their sales of US mutual funds to overseas residents.

What is AIFMD exactly?

The scope of the legislation is wide and covers the management, administration, and marketing of essentially all funds within the EU no matter where the fund managers are based.

The main aims of AIFMD are to: • Create more robust and comprehensive oversight among the EEA regulatory authorities to reduce the likelihood of a future widespread financial crisis • Enhance investor protections through required ownership verification, record keeping and cash flow monitoring duties allowing abuse to be detected earlier • Design compensation in a way to avoid an individual from being encouraged to take unwarranted risks • Encourage efficiency and cross-border competition through the allowance of an EEA-wide passport to market and manage applicable funds.

AIFMD – Impact on US Persons Living Overseas The new regulation will certainly bring about more uniform controls and monitoring, but it remains to be seen whether it will achieve the intended goals. One thing is for certain, Americans living Britain have begun to see notifications that their US investment accounts may be closed.

As the directive applies to all US asset managers who manage funds in the EU, or manage funds in the US but simply market to investors living in the EU, US institutions are one-by-one choosing to opt out of this heavy burden and restrict asset ownership. This summer Fidelity became the latest, in a growing list of asset managers, to inform their US clients living overseas that they can no longer purchase or trade US mutual funds within their brokerage accounts as of 1 August 2014. While most asset managers are not forcing affected individuals to sell out of existing positions, the inability to make new purchases or trades will certainly limit their ability to properly rebalance their portfolios. Inevitably this will lead to hidden risks and potential negative consequences on maintaining an effective wealth management strategy.

What US Persons Overseas Can Do If Americans living overseas are no longer able to purchase US regulated investment products, it becomes a significant issue for c.6.8 million Americans living abroad.

The restricted access to US mutual funds, and the need to avoid almost all non-US registered mutual funds due to the harsh tax consequences associated with the Passive

Foreign Investment Company (PFIC) rules, leave Americans with few options to appropriately diversify their investment portfolios in a tax efficient way. However, there are solutions that remain available and, in order to identify the most efficient and appropriate individual solution, Americans in Britain should seek out a dual-qualified US-UK wealth manager that understands the underlying complexities. n

Andrea Solana is a Financial Planning Consultant at MASECO Private Wealth. Andrea spent the first 9 years of her career with a well-known Washington DC based international tax and global wealth management firm where she provided advisory services to US expatriates abroad and foreign nationals living in the US. Andrea has gained considerable experience advising high net worth individuals with multi-jurisdictional financial interests to design and implement strategies for tax efficient and risk managed asset growth. She has written numerous whitepapers regarding financial planning and investment strategies for US connected individuals and has previously been invited to speak on financial planning topics at both the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Andrea graduated from the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce with a degree in Finance and Management. She recently completed her MBA at Imperial College London and holds her US Series 65 license.

9

NORTH STAR LAW N o r th Sta r L a w L L P Private Client

Family

Property

Corporate

Specialists in advising US citizens in England about English tax and estate planning.

St James House, 13 Kensington Square, London, W8 5HD Sarah Noake: 020 3355 9614 (sarah.noake@northstarlaw.co.uk) Benedikte Malling: 020 3355 9613 (bm@northstarlaw.co.uk)

Legal Matters Preparing For A Hop Across The Pond?

M

oving to the UK is an exciting experience but despite speaking the same language, for those moving to the UK, whether for a short or long period of time, there are a number of differences between the US and UK in relation to estate planning, which should be considered.

The purpose of this article is to look at key estate planning considerations for a US citizen moving to or already living in the UK. Will My US Will Be Valid?

If you have a US Will in place, you may be wondering if it is enforceable whilst you are living in the UK, should you die whilst living here. Although the UK recognises validly executed foreign Wills in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction in which they are made, the effect of your US planning may not be desirable in the UK. All US documents should be reviewed from a UK perspective to see what the tax consequences will be.

For US citizens who have the majority of their assets in the US and are only planning to live in the UK for a short period, keeping their US Will may well be the best option. This will depend on the type of document in place.

Many US people have a ‘living Will’, which is a very useful US estate planning tool.

However, further advice should be sought where a US person buys UK property (real

estate) or a UK business (including holding shares in a UK company) and expects their living Will to cover the UK based asset. There is some uncertainty as to the tax treatment of a living Will in the UK, mainly because it depends on how the living Will is drafted. A living Will can be regarded as a Trust for UK tax purposes, which, if it holds UK property, may trigger UK tax charges.

Therefore, reviewing the effect of US documentation from a UK perspective is essential planning for a US citizen in the UK. What Happens If I Become Seriously Ill In The UK? Many people are concerned as to what happens if they fall ill or lose their ability to make decisions whilst they are living in the UK. Healthcare proxies and powers of attorney, which cover the position in the US, are not valid for UK purposes.

In the UK you have to formally appoint people to make decisions on your behalf using a lasting power of attorney (‘LPA’) for property and financial affairs and health and welfare. An LPA, in order to be effective, must then be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian. The Office of Public Guardian is an arm of the Ministry of Justice and is responsible for looking after people who no longer have capacity or are unable to look after themselves and make decisions about their health and financial matters.

The purpose of an LPA is to appoint a trusted person (or more than one person) to make decisions on your behalf, such as the care you receive or the money in your bank account. Making lasting powers of attorney is particularly important if you are planning to live and work in the UK for some time or an unknown period of time, or if you own property whilst UK resident.

I Like It Here! I Am Not Going To Leave Yet……

The US and the UK have different tax regimes in relation to the passing of assets to the next generation, whether during lifetime or on death. Where a US person has UK property or connections, such as a UK spouse, looking at both the US and UK rules is essential to achieve a tax efficient income.

In terms of terminology, the UK refers to inheritance tax planning, not ‘estate planning’ – and this encompasses both the lifetime planning as well as the preparation of a Will.

Whereas the US has a generous US estate tax exemption of $5.34m (and rising annually) before estate tax is payable, the UK has a 40% inheritance tax rate on estates which exceed £325,000 (the current nil rate band amount, which is currently frozen until at least 2018).

The challenge is to ensure that Wills take

advantage of the benefits under both tax systems, where possible.

The type of estate planning document that is most suitable for a US citizen living in the UK will depend on what assets you have and where they are held. If you have a UK spouse and have wealth in both countries, a carefully drafted estate plan is needed to ensure that a full spousal exemption is available in both the UK and the US. This is explored further under ‘differing domiciles’ below.

UK Inheritance Tax: Will It Apply To Me? UK inheritance tax applies to UK domiciliaries (that is people who live permanently or indefinitely in the UK; a full definition is outside the scope of this article). UK inheritance tax also applies to UK based assets, such as real property (real estate), regardless of your domicile status. If you buy a house in the UK, you are exposed to UK inheritance tax.

With London property prices being so high, if you bought a flat for £1.5 million (just under $2.5m) the first £325,000 is not subject to UK inheritance tax (subject to other UK assets held) but the remaining £1,175,000 may be subject to UK inheritance tax at 40%.

It is therefore worth understanding the tax consequences of owning UK property before purchasing it, to see if there may be a more tax efficient way of holding it.

Differing Domiciles For married couples, where one spouse is a US citizen and the other is domiciled in England and Wales for UK inheritance tax purposes, careful consideration needs to be given to the Wills so that a full spousal exemption (or marital exemption) is available in both the US and UK. Under UK rules, a UK domiciliary can only leave a maximum of £650,000 to a non-UK domiciled spouse. An election, for the non-UK domiciled spouse to be treated as a UK domiciliary for UK inheritance tax purposes, is available.

However, the effect of making the election is to bring the non-UK domiciled person’s assets within the UK inheritance tax net (potentially subject to 40% inheritance tax). It therefore may not be the best option where the majority of their assets are held outside the UK. Sarah Noake is a private client lawyer for North Star Law. For further information or advice, contact Sarah on 02033 559 610/07811 412 136 or email sarah.noake@ northstarlaw.co.uk.

11

The 2015 Corporate Relocation Conference & Exhibition is taking place on

Monday 2nd February 2015 from 10am-5pm and will be held at Hotel Russell, Russell Square, Bloomsbury, London, WC1B 5BE This one day event is aimed at Expatriates of all nationalities and there are over 35 exhibitors with products and services that support expatriates and their families.

This event is FREE to attend

For further information or to reserve your place, please email: helen@theamericanhour.com or call Helen Elliott on +44 (0) 208 661 0186

Hotel Review The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London

S

ituated in the wealthy area of Knightsbridge, The Mandarin Oriental is a five star London hotel that oozes class and sophistication, but in a casually, relaxed manner.

The service on arrival at The Mandarin Oriental was second to none, with someone rushing to open the door, two doormen offering to take the bags to the steps, another to carry them into the hotel and another to carry them up to our room. One might think that this is a little over the top, but it does make you feel very special, and very pampered.

Our check in was swift and efficient, and we were shown up to our suite on the sixth floor, with views looking over Hyde Park. The suite was very comfortable with every amenity possible. The linen on the bed was the softest ever, which meant I had a problem getting out of bed in the morning, and after breakfast I got back into bed to enjoy the pure softness of the sheets and duvet cover! The television was huge, and had there been a film or box set I would have liked to have watched at the time, I could have thought of nothing better

than languishing in my bed watching my programme of choice on the huge screen. The bathroom was large, light and airy, and again had all the toiletries you could wish for.

Luckily for me there wasn’t anything I really wanted to watch on the large television screen, as I would have missed out on one of the best meals I have had this year, that was taken in the basement restaurant Bar Boulud. The atmosphere in this bistro style restaurant and wine bar was amazing. Guests can choose to dine at the charcuterie counter where they can watch the chefs create their dishes, or sit in the main restaurant area. Michelin starred chef Daniel Boulud has created a menu inspired by rustic French cuisine, that includes house made terrines, pâtés, hams and saucissions, along with mains such as Coq au Vin and Moules, and these are teamed up with popular classics like NY grilled Beef Burgers and Dorset Crab. Bar Boulud is buzzy, busy, and casual, but smart at the same time, and the

food I chose was delicious. Every few days the specials change so as to allow the sous chefs to create dishes for their diners, and I chose the Foie Gras Parfait with toasted brioche that was delicious, from the specials menu, followed

by Grilled Prawns in a chilli sauce with truffle mash, and then the equally fabulous Pistachio Souffle that was divine, both from the à la carte menu. I am not usually a fan of hotel restaurants, but my opinion has now been completely changed, and I would head back to Bar Boulud for dinner with friends and family. My husband chose the Sharing Board of Cold Meats and Breads, followed by a good size Rib Eye Steak, chips and spinach, and a Chocolate and Ice Cream dessert, which he also thoroughly enjoyed. The service again was informative and attentive without being intrusive.

There is a spa within the hotel with a fairly large and modern gym and a good size swimming pool that we were able to use

Outdoor terrace belonging to one of the suites

13

before dinner. The pool is big enough to swim in properly and is lined with flames behind a glass screen, and there were a few loungers for those wishing to relax away from the hustle and bustle outside the hotel.

Breakfast was taken in the same restaurant that houses Heston Blumenthal’s ‘Dinner’ during the evening, and was again a great dining experience. The continental breakfast was beautifully laid out, with cold meats, fruits, yoghurts, cereals, breads and croissants, and hot dishes can be chosen from the breakfast menu. My husband had the traditional English Breakfast, whilst I chose one of my favourite American breakfasts of pancakes, streaky bacon and maple syrup, and had it been a warmer morning we could have taken breakfast on the beautiful outdoor terrace.

After such a large breakfast, I thoroughly recommend a walk through Hyde Park which has a boating lake, Speaker’s Corner, hosts many concerts and leads up to Oxford Street if you have the energy to go shopping.

On a personal note, I have been to two weddings at The Mandarin Oriental before, and both stand out as two of the best weddings I have ever been to. Had our wedding budget been larger than it was, then I would have seriously considered having our wedding reception there too, as the food and service was outstanding. n The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, 66 Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7LA Telephone: 020 7235 2000

14

Travel

Royal William Yard

Helen Elliott & Jackie Atkins Take A 2 Day Break In Plymouth, Devon

F

ollowing last issue’s review of Wales, my friend Jackie and I were delighted to be invited to Plymouth for two nights, to sample the various activities at this historic city in the South West of England. It didn’t help that my husband’s automatic car with its built in sat nav, broke down the night before our journey, so we resorted to the old fashioned (and some might say better) method of reading maps to reach our destination, which from Surrey took five hours.

Our first port of call was to the Plymouth Gin Distillery, based in the city centre, where it was originally established in the 1400’s.

Personally, I had reservations of a two and a half hour tour, as my attention span is generally a little bit shorter than that. However, I have to say, it was one of the best tours I have ever taken, as it was educational, interactive, and the last half hour was spent creating our own personalised gin, which we were then able to take home. Our tour guide was extremely 16

knowledgeable, friendly and brought the whole history of gin, and Plymouth Gin to life. We were taught about the botanicals that make up different brands of gin, which to be honest, as a gin and tonic drinker, I had never even considered, and I was amazed to find that most gin’s have on average ten botanicals (natural flavourings), including juniper (obviously), lemon, orange, orissa, cardomon, nutmeg, liquorice, and coriander seeds. We were then able to smell the botanicals, and then tasted five well known gin brands, to see if we could identify which botanicals had been used, and which gin was what brand.

There are different types of tours, and our tour included a £1 discount voucher for the shop, and a gin of our choice or sample bottle, in The Rectory, (the bar named in memory of the monks who frequented the original building and whose image is printed on the back of all the Plymouth Gin bottles), but you can find out more yourself, on the interesting history of the building and Plymouth Gin brand, by taking one of the tours on offer, which we do highly recommend.

Plymouth Gin

Following the tour, we then headed, via the edge of Dartmoor National Park, with its evocative, desolate landscape, full of wild plants and flowers and roaming cows and ponies, to the Moorland Garden Hotel, possibly named after the lovely gardens that it is set in. The hotel is perfectly positioned for those who wish to explore these famous moors and the varied wildlife that live there.

The next day’s itinerary started with a personal visit to friends who live in Cornwall, which is only about an hour’s drive away.

We returned to Plymouth late afternoon for our personal tour of the National Marine Aquarium. The National Marine Aquarium has a mission to ‘drive marine conservation through engagement’, and this was certainly reflected through the exhibits, environment and enthusiasm of all the staff. The staff were extremely knowledgeable, and keen to ensure all visitors, both adults and children, got as much out of their visit as possible, through both displays and interaction. Throughout our visit we saw marine life from the Plymouth Sound, the British Coasts, the Atlantic Ocean and the Blue Planet overall, but the highlight for us was the main viewing auditorium where you could take a seat and watch all marine life swimming by and almost imagine you were swimming in the water too - but needless to say I would be giving the sharks a wide berth!

We finished the tour, exiting through the shop, which has a great range of gifts and reference books for sale. The National Marine Aquarium is a charity which is ‘dedicated to conservation,

Plymouth Gin

research and education’, and really did inform us of the challenges faced in marine conservation, and how we can all play a part in improving our environment. At the National Marine Aquarium you can see fish from all over the world and see the great work that they do in preserving and managing our marine environment, including sustainable fishing.

After a busy day, and in anticipation of an awe inspiring British Fireworks Championships later that evening, we walked to the Rockfish Restaurant just alongside the Aquarium. Rockfish offers seafood dining in a perfect ocean side location, looking out across

the harbour. Rockfish is a relaxed, family friendly restaurant, with a wood burning fire and great ‘beach shack’ themed decoration.

The main restaurant has 120 covers, and seating for 80 outside, with a good choice of seafood dishes on the menu. We both had fried salt and pepper prawns, which were simply delicious, followed by traditional cod and chips, which was cooked to perfection and certainly satisfied our hungry tummies.

Due to the Fireworks Championships, the restaurant was completely full inside and out, and all fellow diners looked suitably happy with both the attentive service and

dinners served. It was pleasing to see that a discretionary £1 is added to each bill to be donated to the National Marine Aquarium for the study into conservation of local seafood stocks, and you really do get a feeling that the whole community is genuinely engaged in promoting marine conservation and sustainability.

Following dinner, we literally took 30 steps out on to the harbour side to secure our viewing position for the British Fireworks Championships. To be truthful, I had no idea this competition even existed, but it soon became apparent that this was quite an event, as not only the immediate area, but also the whole shoreline, reaching up past Plymouth Hoe was lined with people, 3 or 4 rows deep, taking up their places in anticipation for some spectacular fireworks displays - and we were not disappointed. There were three fireworks manufacturers displaying their creations on the first night, and then another three taking place the following night. Each display lasted approximately 15 minutes, with short intervals between each one. The displays were spectacular, with some fantastic colour combinations and loud bangs and whizzes that everyone enjoyed, with ‘oohs’ and ‘ahs’ all around – Guy Fawkes would have been proud. This is an annual 2-day event that we both thoroughly recommend.

After our second night at the Westmorland Hotel, we were treated to a personal historical tour of the harbour side/Barbican area of Plymouth. We firstly visited the Heritage/ Tourist Centre, which has a very informative three floor exhibition dedicated to Plymouth’s rich seafaring history and its famous

17

quayside, from where Drake embarked on circumnavigating the World, and from where the Pilgrim Fathers boarded the Mayflower for their epic voyage to the New World.

We then began a walking tour around the immediate area. The streets are mainly narrow and cobbled, flanked by many Elizabethan houses and warehouses. Evidence of Tudor architecture could be seen all around, be it the Elizabethan House that you could visit, or the beautiful walled city garden that recreates an Elizabethan garden using old plant varieties, tucked away behind the Tudor buildings in New Street. As you explore this area a number of wooden plaques naming the Pilgrims who sailed from Plymouth can also be seen on buildings around the town, denoting where the Pilgrim Fathers rested, prepared and feasted before the long sea voyage ahead. The Mayflower Steps mark the spot where it is believed the Pilgrim Fathers set off from the water’s edge aboard the Mayflower. Visiting the harbour and Plymouth Barbican really helps to bring this time in history alive, and you can only begin to imagine both the anticipation and excitement that these intrepid travellers must of felt, in search of a new life. 2020 will be the 400th anniversary of the Pilgrims’ voyage, and celebrations, commemorations and festivities are already being planned, which I am sure will be fitting for this very significant event.

Our final visit was to the Boathouse Café, near the Plymouth Barbican. We were due to take to the seas for a ‘CYC Cook your Catch’ experience, where we would have embarked on a 4 hour fishing trip, catching our own fish, and returning to the Café for it to be cooked to our liking. Unfortunately the conditions were not suitable for deep sea fishing that morning, but that did not spoil our Boathouse Café experience in any way.

We were welcomed to the café and due to improved weather conditions took a seat outside, again in a perfect spot right next to the harbour. The menu offered dishes created using sustainably caught fish, as well as other fresh, locally sourced produce. I ordered crispy calamari and Jackie had haddock goujons to start, followed by freshly caught mackerel with new potatoes and leaves. All of our dishes were well received, and reflected the delicious, fresh foods that this Café really does have to offer – perfect for the seafood lover.

Before we were due to leave Plymouth, we were fortunate enough to meet the owner of the Boathouse Café, who had been out fishing that morning. He described Plymouth and the great visitor experience it offers with great enthusiasm and pride. I can only but agree with this sentiment - we were welcomed by everyone that we met and came away feeling very positive. Plymouth is well worth a visit 18

Moorland Garden Hotel Boathouse Cafe

and I look forward to seeing what more Plymouth can offer as it nears the 2020 400th year anniversary celebrations. n Tourist board: For more information on Plymouth visit: www.visitplymouth.com Accommodation: Moorland Garden Hotel Garden Rooms at the Moorland Garden Hotel start from £85.00 per night with breakfast.

Yelverton, Dartmoor, PL20 6DA. Tel: 01822 852245. www.moorlandgardenhotel.co.uk Attractions: Master Distillers Tour at Blackfriars Distillery: www.plymouthdistillery.com The Master Distillers Tour costs £40 per person and includes a bottle of ‘your own’ handmade gin to take away plus a G&T from the bar.

Black Friars Distillery, 60 Southside Street, The Barbican, PL1 2LQ. Tel: 01752 665 292 National Marine Aquarium: www.national-aquarium.co.uk The National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth

Catfish exhibit at the National Marine Aquarium

is the UKs biggest Aquarium with a fantastic collection of fish including over 70 sharks.

Adult tickets cost £12.75 and a family ticket (two adults, two children) costs £37.

National Marine Aquarium, Rope Walk, Coxside, PL4 0LF. Telephone: 0844 893 793 Cook-your-Catch Fish ‘n’ Trip with Plymouth Boat Trips: www.fishntrips.co.uk The ‘Cook Your Catch’ experience gives passengers on three or four hour fishing trips the option to have their catch cooked and served by staff at the Boathouse Café. From £25 per person and £12.50 for spectators.

2-5 Commercial Wharf, Barbican, Plymouth, PL1 2NX. Telephone: 01752 253153 Restaurants: RockFish Plymouth, Mitch Tonks 3 Rope Walk, Sutton Harbour, Plymouth, PL1 0LB. Tel: 01752 255974 www.rockfishdevon.co.uk Boathouse Café, set in the fisherman's arches on the Mayflower Steps 2-5 Commercial Wharf, Barbican, Plymouth, PL1 2NX, Telephone: 01752 600560 www.theboathousecafe.co.uk

American Eye Judith Schrut Speaks To Top Jazz Vocalist, Gregory Porter

Gregory Porter, photo courtesy of AirMTM

20

W

e are thrilled to welcome Gregory Porter, Grammy-winning singer songwriter and fast-rising star of the jazz world, to American Eye. Known for his rich, warm voice and unique vocal style, Gregory’s musical career began as a young boy singing in the California church where his mother was Minister. More recently he’s earned non-stop rave reviews and standing ovations at the Hollywood Bowl, Newport Jazz Festival, and gigs across the UK and Europe as his career goes from strength to strength. Judith Schrut spoke with Gregory ahead of his upcoming UK tour, starting at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

We understand you blew the audience away last year at London’s Bluesfest and you’ll be headlining this year’s Fest in October. What are you looking forward to most?

I’m just looking forward to being in the Royal Albert Hall with my working band. It’s one of those places that was special before I ever went overseas. We Americans have a healthy obsession with anything Royal so to be playing there, knowing all the greats who’ve been on that stage, is amazing. And it’s a beautiful building, the sound is good and there is a false lull of intimacy. I don’t know how it’s achieved, but it doesn’t feel like the huge place it is.

You’ve been performing in the UK quite a lot recently. Tell us a little more about sharing your music with British audiences.

Yes, it’s been extraordinary. The UK was the first audience across the pond to really give my music a boost. A whole lot of energy came out of working with the BBC, with

musicians like Jools Holland and Jamie Cullum. UK audiences just seem to have a special understanding. Maybe it’s that you can sometimes see better from a distance, maybe they recognise a soulful expression that’s connected to the American history of soul and jazz. Whatever the reason, they’ve quite nicely embraced me and seem to know where I’m coming from without me saying a word.

What do you like to do in the UK when you’re not working?

I love architecture so I find myself just walking around and – I know this sounds strange – rubbing walls! I kinda love to touch those big buildings and small cottages built a few hundred years ago. I’m fascinated by pub culture, not only for the beer but the conversation that happens there and the type of people that go there. The food is interesting to me too, especially grotesque titles like ‘sticky’ or ‘bloody’ or ‘mushy’. I don’t think Americans would say it like that!

What essential things would you advise Americans in Britain to be sure not to miss?

Some Americans like package deals when they are here but I would say, try to get off the beaten path. Sure, London’s great and it can be scary to get out into the wilderness, but it’s a whole different thing when you get out. The country here is just gorgeous, with forests and trees and greenery to rival any beauty I’ve seen before. I’ve been lucky to see amazing castles in Kent, beautiful cottages and churches in the Cotswolds, and working class holiday beachfronts in Skegness and Bridlington. I found these to be charming. So I’d just say, get out and do some local things.

Gregory Porter at the Royal Albert Hall, photo courtesy of AirMTM

local beer. But at times, like when my computer is down, I do wish I could figure out the electricity and the bizarrre plugs they have here!

You were born in LA, grew up in Bakersfield and went to college in San Diego. What were some of your inspirations from those different environments?

My childhood church experience at Mount Calvary Church in LA and then Bakersfield informs my music now. I infuse soul music into my jazz and that comes from my gospel experience, especially that very Southern gospel sound from Bakersfield. In San Diego I cut my teeth on the jazz scene, at the jam sessions of Gilbert Castellanos. My song ‘Painted on Canvas’ says “We’re made by the pigment of paint that is put upon.” There’s something in my personality and music from all the places I’ve lived.

Are there any American comforts you miss when you’re touring in the UK? Not too many. I pretty much try to immerse myself in the local place I’m in, so when in the UK I wanna have steak and kidney pie and drink

Here at 'American in Britain' we like to promote British-American relations. Tell us who you’d invite to your fantasy crosscountry dinner party?

Definitely Nat King Cole, Sammy Davis Jr and Abbey Lincoln, all great inspirations to me. My wife and my brother, Lloyd –

he’s an actor and always the life of the party, Usain Bolt, Dame Judi Dench and Jools Holland, ‘cuz he’s a funny guy and he likes good wine! I’d make it a house party with a jazz vibe, where everyone’s dressed nice and there’s good conversation flowing. I’d do the cooking – I’ve got some skills with that!

Can you tell us about a moment that changed your life?

Something that changed my life musically as well as personally was my mother’s passing. I was studying at college, all set to study City Planning, wear brown shoes and go to work. But just before my mother died – she was suffering from cancer and at that time – she told me, “Continue with your music, it’s one of the best things you do…don’t forget about it.” It kind of gave me the right to take this risky path, to go for the music. That was a life-changing moment for me.

Gregory Porter opens BluesFest 2014 at the Royal Albert Hall on 27 October and will be performing at other great venues around the UK. For further information visit: www.bluesfest.co.uk www.gregoryporter.com.

21

Advising Young People About Their Future Dr Mariama Ifode Offers Advice To Those Advising Young People About Further Education

I

n the year in which we celebrate the centenary of the birth one of my favourite poets, Dylan Thomas, it seems only

22

fitting to recall some of his vivid emotion and uncompromising imagery to frame my thinking on advising and guidance counselling. In my view, Dylan’s poem ‘I dreamed my genesis’ could be read as poetry that captures the difficulties inherent in the journey towards the fulfilment of one’s full potential. How do we encourage young people in our charge, as primary carers or educators, towards their flourishing, and as Thomas so beautifully writes “to seek the sun?”

Before I begin, I must confess that I unashamedly love my job. My position encompasses talking to students daily about their choices, hopes and dreams. I have come to realise, however, that listening plays more of an important part in my role as Head of Careers. To listen to a young person is an immense privilege. As a careers professional, listening is an ethical obligation. Yet, how often do we listen to the young people around us, and especially when it has to do with their future plans, which you, their families, may be funding? When do the young person’s dreams start and yours end?

High school students face more pressures to succeed academically than ever before. The grade offers for most universities in the UK are the highest they have ever been, and the competition for the top schools in the US has not abated in recent years. Listening to a young person is not just about listening to them talk about their plans for their academic and professional lives. It is also about listening to their grades. What are their grades saying about their academic potential?

Do their grades match their, or indeed your, aspirations? Conversations around university and college education have to place the young person at the centre of the process. Students cannot be co-opted into the process, as this will only leave them angry, disengaged and resentful in the long-run.

Secondly, once the conversations are underway, how can we support them to consider the right institutions for their flourishing? There are no easy answers, especially as the internationally renowned institutions are the ones, perhaps, with the most brand recognition. Add to that family affiliations (which may sometimes come with sprinklings of pressure and inflexibility), geographical and financial considerations, as well as the particular academic, emotional and psychological needs of the young person, then the temptation to adopt the “spray and pray” approach is, to some extent, understandable. This approach, which leads to applications to between 10-20 American schools may suggest that enough research has not been done to refine the number of institutions that would be good soil in which the young person could grow. It is all about

fit. When Admissions Committees in the US are considering applications they are asking “is this candidate the right fit for our institution and our campus”? Research with a comparative approach is fundamental. It saves time, it saves money, and it saves tears.

For those who focus on applying to UK universities through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) they are limited to five institutions only (four for medical students), and there is only one application fee (£23.00). UCAS is a centralised system and it is responsible for sending the applications to all five (or four) institutions.

Thirdly, there is no point in planning your commencement outfit or graduation hat if your child does not even obtain a place at the university or school. That is the objective. To achieve that objective, it goes without saying that the application has to be solid in all areas. Some of this will be the responsibility of the young person (grades, application essays and personal statement), and some will be the responsibility of the teachers (letters of recommendation, school report, school profile, references). Both parties need to be aware of the crucial practicalities, namely deadlines and application fees. Further considerations are the fact that students have to be encouraged to start to think early about universities, preferably from Year 11 or 10th Grade. The young person could, for example, start to create a “candidate’s portfolio” of achievements, work-experience, internships, awards, volunteering, jobs and any other activities that would make their application exceptional. This portfolio should authentically reflect their interests, gifts and talents. His or her voice and personality must shine through to enable those reading the application to say with resounding unity: “I want to meet this candidate and I want them to study at our institution”.

Dylan’s captivating oscillation between life, dying and being reborn, foreshadows the emotional journey ahead for all young people who plan to leave home for the first time. Our job is to ensure that the journey brings them new strength and a renewed vision of who it is they could really be when they are truly flourishing. n Dr Mariama Ifode is Head of Careers and Alumni Relations at a leading independent day school in Central London, and founder of the educational consultancy Maris Rosa Consulting, marisrosaconsulting@ gmail.com

American Women’s Clubs News American Women of Surrey Our new year is off and running with a great group of both returning and new members enjoying 35 different activity groups. This year we are focusing our philanthropic efforts on FAWCO's 'Save the Girls' and three important local charities: Peterson's Fund for Children which supports children in Surrey and surrounding areas who struggle with mental & physical disabilities; Transform Housing & Support helping hundreds of homeless and vulnerable people to improve their lives; and Oakleaf which is the only mental health charity in Surrey working as a social enterprise to provide vocational training for those suffering from mental health issues.

Our main fundraiser of the year, the AWS Gift Fayre will be held on Sunday, 16 November from 10am to 4pm at the ACS Cobham International School on Portsmouth Road in Cobham, Surrey. Please join us to shop from over 90 wonderful craft vendors, enjoy freshly made food and drinks, and participate in Christmas activities for the kids.

24

AWS ladies Gift Fayre Ornaments

AWS 2014-15 Board

More Upcoming Events: · Memorial Tree Planting – 28 September; Painshill Park, Cobham · Halloween Costume Party – 1 November, Adults only · Remembrance Day Service - 9 November, Brookwood Cemetery · Thanksgiving Dinner - 27 November · St. Ebbas Holiday Party, December 3 · Members Holiday Luncheon and Silent Auction, December 5 · Holiday Homes Tour, December 9 For more information on any of these events or to become a member, please visit www.awsurrey.org.

The Junior League of London The Junior League of London (JLL) is proud to be celebrating 30 years of serving the London community this year. We are looking forward to commemorating our 30th Anniversary in many different ways, while continuing to pursue our mission of promoting voluntary service, developing the potential of women, and improving the London community.

Our members remain active in the London community. Over the past few months, our volunteers helped create over 50 interview outfits for Suited and Booted, supported the Kensington & Chelsea Foodbank by collecting food items and filling grocery bags for clients, helped The Manna Society's Sunday Soup Kitchen prepare and serve food, and lastly, provided arts and crafts activities for children in the local community at the Venture Centre.

In September, we welcomed 47 women into our Autumn New Member Programmeme!

The new class kicked off with a Super Saturday event at the Colville Primary School assembling 10 large gift bags filled with school

supplies, including 100 book mark packages for students to create and use when they check out books from the library, plus re-canvassing 20 canvasses for the arts department.

Planning is under way for our JLL annual Christmas market and charity fundraiser - Boutique de Noel on 12 & 13 November!

With more than 100 vendors, you will find unique gifts for everyone on your Christmas list and it's the perfect chance to ring in the season and shop for a good cause. Purchase tickets online at jll.org.uk/bdn.

Holiday Hampers is also on the hunt for this year's assembly location for Christmas hampers, in late November/early December for 7-10 days.

Hampers are filled with gifts, food, toiletries and other essentials for some of London’s most vulnerable populations during the holiday season. Do you or someone you know work for a company with unused floors, or have access to a vacant warehouse, school hall or gymnasium?

Contact jll.holiday.hampers@gmail.com for an in-kind space donation.

To learn more about the JLL, visit our website: jll.org.uk. We moved! Our office is now located at CAN Mezzanine, 49 - 51 East Road, London N1 6AH. New phone number: 020 7250 8104.

JLL Autumn New Member Class September 2014

The Chilterns American Women’s Club The Chilterns American Women’s Club recently kicked off the new club year with our September General Meeting held at the Buckinghamshire Golf Club. After the summer break, it was lovely to reunite with returning friends and welcome new members that have moved to the area. We had a wonderful time visiting and learning what our Programme Chairs have planned for the club this year. The next CAWC General Meeting will be held on Thursday, 16th October, featuring wine tasting with Majestic Wines of Gerrards Cross. We will also learn more about the Epilepsy Society and Horizon Sports Club, our chosen charities for this club year. Our Thursday, 13th November, meeting will feature a fashion show by Heidi and Hudson. General Meetings are held at the Buckinghamshire Golf Club and begin at 9:30 with a chance to shop a selection of local vendors. CAWC also has several activity groups for our members to enjoy, including Moms and Tots, Day Hikes, Stitch & Chat, Golf, Tennis, Christian Corner, Let’s Go, and so much more.

In addition to General Meetings, CAWC has several special events planned for the fall.

On Friday, 3rd October, CAWC members and their partners will set sail on the River Thames.

Following a champagne reception at the home of CAWC President Pamela Houghton, the group will board the New Orleans riverboat for an evening of dining and dancing. Passengers will also be able to enjoy the stunning views from the top deck as the paddle steamer cruises to the historic town of Henley-on-Thames.

The Moms and Tots group will host our annual Trunk-or-Treat on Sunday, 26th October from 16:00 to 18:00, at the Buckinghamshire Golf Club. At this family event, participants decorate the trunks of their cars and kids of all ages dress in costume to trick-or-treat at the cars. On Monday, 8th December, CAWC will host our Christmas Luncheon at Stoke Park Country Club.

CAWC’s primary fundraising event is our Annual Charity Christmas Bazaar. We are actively planning this year’s Bazaar, which will be held at The Bellhouse Hotel in Beaconsfield, on Sunday, 16th November from 10:00 to 16:00. Over 1000 people attend this highly anticipated event. We have already secured a large number of vendors, assuring shoppers will be treated to top quality home accessories, specialty food and wine, art, paintings and paper crafts, children's goods, clothing, and jewellery. There will also be several local artisans who design and produce unique ceramics, glass and silver creations, and Christmas gifts and decorations. Due to popular demand, CAWC will again host an American-Style bake sale and café, tempting shoppers with delicious sweet and savory treats. The Christmas Bazaar will feature the sale of gift baskets with themes

such as: pampering for her, sports and DIY for him, jewellery, kitchen and cooking items, American themed baskets, and children’s items. Raffle tickets will be available at the Bazaar for fabulous prizes donated by vendors and sponsors. All CAWC proceeds from the Bazaar will benefit both the Epilepsy Society, which seeks to enhance the quality of life for people affected by epilepsy through education, research, and services; and Horizon Sports Club, which provides children with disabilities the opportunity to participate in sports.

CAWC is an active group of over 120 North American and International women who call this area home, either temporarily or permanently.

Our club offers the opportunity to network through meetings, social activities, outings, and charitable events. We are a great resource to newcomers and returning members alike.

A very important part of the club is to give back to the community. We are proud to have raised over £230,000 for local charities over the last 27 years with our Annual Christmas Bazaar and look to do much more in the future! For more information visit us at www.cawc.co.uk.

joining on the day.

Ladies of kcwc BOOK GROUP are hosting a fascinating author talk followed by 2 course lunch at the elegant private members club Grace Belgravia, SW1, at 10.30am, Wednesday, 26th NOVEMBER. Journalist and Author LUCY SIEGLE will talk about her ongoing research and investigations following on from her book 'TO DIE FOR - IS FASHION WEARING OUT THE WORLD?'.

With characteristic curiosity and passion she explores the issues that every woman needs to know surrounding our increasing dependence on ridiculously priced 'fast fashion' and those truths the fashion industry does not want us to know.

kcwc kcwc is an organisation of international and British women who want to enjoy everything London has to offer. kcwc October General Meeting: Friday 10 October 2014 9:30 am – 12:30 pm The Royal Geographic Society 1 Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AR (nearest tube: South Kensington or High Street Kensington) GUEST SPEAKER: Charles Spencer, author of Killers of the King: The Men Who Dared to Execute Charles I. The fee for the General Meeting is £10, redeemable toward membership if 25

In 2011, Lucy founded The Green Carpet Challenge with Livia Firth (fashion activist and wife of Colin Firth) and Vogue.com, which works extensively with some of the biggest names in fashion to bring environmental issues that surround fashion to mainstream high profile events, including the Hollywood Oscars.

Please register by email with Bee Robb by emailing beerobb1@gmail.com to secure your place. £5 author talk plus £20 two course lunch.

View our activities on our website: www.kcwc.org.uk.

AWC “Where are you from?” is a question you will often hear during your stay in London. Our accents are a dead give away and most Brits are no more able to ID our regional accents than we are theirs. Most of us will answer some particular city or region of America, but after a while the answer to that question becomes more fraught with uncertainty. If we are back in the US visiting friends and family where is “home”? You may find after a while that you feel more “at home” upon your return to London than you do from whence you came!

Membership in the American Women’s Club can smooth that transition to making London feel like home. Our closed Facebook page is a wonderful resource to get questions answered, find someone to join you at an event, or get recommendations for restaurants and travel destinations. Any expat assignment requires adaptation and assimilation, understanding the accepted practices of the culture in which you find yourself and accepting that while they may be different from what you are accustomed to, they are reasonable and effective. Just because we speak “the same” language doesn't mean we do things the same way. It soon becomes apparent that while our language shares much, differences can lead to 26

some embarrassing moments and frustrations. Let us help you navigate these waters.

The AW C offers a refuge of members who really do speak the same language, “get” you, don’t mind your exuberance, and can assure you that, yes, every thing will be alright. Check us out online at www.awclondon. org, or just give the office a call at 020 7589 8292.

We are located at 68 Old Brompton Road, SW7 3LQ. You will receive a warm welcome and hardy “how do you do?”.

Join an activity that you regularly practiced at home, or try something new!

Many members find themselves trying Thursday Afternoon @ the Serpentine

Dental Treatments

Dr Mark Barrett is a US trained prosthodontist based in a private dental practice in Cavendish Square, Central London W1. He is the President of the American Dental Society of London for 2013/14.

Examination Hygienist Children’s Dental Care Replacing Missing Teeth - Dentures, Bridges and Implants Root Canal Treatment Crowns Dental Veneers Tooth Whitening Fillings GDC no: 60751

Mark Barrett BDS MS(Texas) 6 Harcourt House, 19a Cavendish Square, London, W1G 0PN WWW.MARKBARRETTDENTISTRY.CO.UK E: reception@markbarrettdentistry.co.uk

T: 0207 580 2500

27

new things, opportunities exist here that just can’t be found anywhere else! The meeting begins at 10am, you’ll be introduced to the Board, Activity Leaders and other members.

Peruse the activities, meet other members and then join us for a informal lunch at a nearby restaurant.

We offer many weekly, bi-weekly and monthly activities in addition to an active travel group and many one-offs that are wonderful because somebody else plans them - all you have to do is pay and show up! One such activity is volunteering to take part in the spectacular installation of poppies at the Tower of London on Thursday, 23 October.

Pre-registration is required. Although our Buckingham Palace after hours tour and Houses of Parliament tours are sold out we offer many, varied similar tours throughout the year. Look out for Big Ben tours, private London Walks and trips to Ascot and Henley.

Weekly Monday Morning Coffee Group, Day and Evening Bookclub, Bridge, Stitch, Health and Fitness, are on offer in addition to twice weekly Mah Jongg and more. The AWC offers many monthly activities such as Hiking,

Theatre Day, numerous Wine tastings, cooking classes, and Bumps to Jumps when Mums and kids sometimes get together for activities or just the Mums get away to relax and compare notes in addition to Business Women’s club and much more!

Our next Travel Group trip is to the Christmas Markets trip in Germany and France from Monday, 1 December to Thursday, 4 December. The trip includes stops at a local winery, cathedrals and museums, in addition to many fabulous markets and accommodations in the lovely three star Maison des Tetes. Trips to Portugal, Bavaria, and Iceland are also upcoming, so stay tuned for further details.

The nature of expat life is that members come and go so we are always looking for enthusiastic members to lead activities, serve on the Board, and lend their enthusiasm to ongoing activities. Friendships made here are often life long, the shared experience of life abroad bring us closer together and it is wonderful to remain in contact and reconnect once you find yourself back in the USA, but the first step is develop these relationships, so join us!!

Cellar Dwellers, Wine Tasting

MARIS ROSA CONSULTING Cambridge University PhD and US Fulbright Scholar with extensive UK/US education experience provides bespoke/ personalised guidance counselling for entire UK/US university application process, including advising on university choices, references, essays, and UCAS/ Common Application for UK/US schools.

High student acceptance rate into first choice universities. Central London.

Flexible/home visits available.

E: marisrosaconsulting@gmail.com

28

AWLL American Women Lawyers in London (“AWLL”) is an organisation of London-based women with ties to the American legal community.

We provide professional development support to our members through educational events, networking and mentoring opportunities.

AWLL regularly holds evening speaker and networking events at leading City firms. On 24 September, AWLL had a panel discussion on "How to Market Yourself in a Competitive Environment" hosted by Shearman & Sterling LLP. Speakers included Geraldine Gallacher, head of the Executive Coaching Consultancy; Jennifer Nielsen, General Counsel, Commercial Banking, at Lloyds Banking Group; Sarah Priestley, Partner at Shearman & Sterling's Tax Group; and Jane Turton, Chief Operating Officer of all3media.

The discussion was moderated by Jelena Madir, Senior Counsel at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

On 11 November, AWLL will be holding an event on "Navigating the Tax Minefield: Tips for US Expatriates" hosted by Frank Hirth.

For further information, please see www. awll.org.uk or contact Joanne Skolnick at joanne@awll.org.uk.

The 2015 Corporate Relocation Conference & Exhibition Monday 2nd February 2015 from 10.00am - 5.00pm Hotel Russell, Russell Square, Bloomsbury, London, WC1B 5BE

FREE SEMINAR PROGRAMME 10.30am - Raising Internationally Mobile Children: Understanding and Nurturing the Third Culture Kid Experience

A significant reason for failure of international assignments revolves around the ‘soft’ issues - the adaptability of families and children. For the majority, when properly understood and managed, the benefits of growing up abroad can far outweigh the challenges. This session for parents and professionals who are working with internationally-mobile families will share research-based insights into how a global experience can enhance future educational and career opportunities for children, and how to manage the stumbling blocks encountered along the way. While parents naturally worry about how moving away from the home culture and language will impact their children, when approached with knowledge and optimism, it can be an enriching life-changing experience.

Presented by Mary Langford whose own international journey began at the age of two, and who has worked with international schools and families as an educator, researcher, writer, speaker, independent consultant and trainer for over 34 years. She is currently Director of Admissions for Dwight London School.

11.30am - Did My Identity Get Lost In The Move?

Once the practicalities of moving are in place, spouses and partners often experience a loss of identity. This can have a serious impact on their personal confidence and daily routine. Helping them with their career search and with building their network can get them on the right path to their new life so they no longer say “Who am I?” Join FOCUS as they explore the key factors that contribute to a successful establishment of a spouse or partner’s new identity.

Presented by FOCUS.

12.30pm - US Tax Updates & Overview Of The US/UK Tax Treaty For US Persons Residing In The UK This seminar will cover tax updates for 2014 and any for 2015, and interaction of the UK and US tax treaty and how this affects US persons living in the UK. Presented by BDO LLP.

1.30pm - Immigration Update

This seminar will be a practical session providing advice on the latest Immigration developments and the implications for businesses, and will cover Immigration Policy Updates, Global Immigration Strategy and Management, Compliance and Risk Management.

Presented by Ferguson Snell & Associates, and if you have an immigration enquiry that you would like Ferguson Snell consultants to cover on the day please email your enquiry in advance to fs@fergusonsnell.co.uk.

2.15pm - Short-Term Business Visitors: Staying Ahead Of The Game

Any global employee is potentially a business traveller, capable of creating tax or immigration obligations in any country in an era of increased scrutiny by tax authorities around the world. For many organisations, defining the size of the population and identifying the relevant individuals is the biggest challenge. We discuss how a data-driven approach utilising the latest analytics techniques coupled with tax and immigration expertise can enable a process to identify, review and propose actions for organisations to help manage business traveller compliance risk efficiently for any size of population.

Furthermore, this data also provides business and mobility leaders the opportunity to pro-actively manage business travel before an issue arises, identify cost reduction opportunities by analysing spend and evaluate adherence to an organisational travel policy.

Presented by Scott McCormick, Partner and Robin Brown, Senior Manager from Deloitte Global Employer Services.

3.30pm - Employment Disputes And How To Avoid Them

This seminar will take a practical look at things assignment managers (and expatriates) can do to reduce the risk of employment disputes.

The discussion will focus on: Common Flashpoints, Managing Expectations, Where Paperwork Can Help (And Where It Can’t), Practical Steps To Avoid Claims, Why Expatriate Claims Are Different, Dispute Resolution Strategies & Things You Could Do Now To Avoid Disputes Later.

Presented by Juliet Carp, Employment Partner, Speechly Bircham LLP.

4.15pm - Expatriate Costs Simplified

The seminar will cover not only how much an expatriate should be paid, but also how much this will cost the business, and also how it should be delivered.

Presented by Total Rewards Group.

If you would like to register for any or all of these free seminars, please email helen@theamericanhour.com with the times of the seminars you would like to attend.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Being Awarded An MBE G

enerally, we Americans end up in London for two reasons; work or love. Mine being the latter, I met my very lovely English husband in the South of France - he was on holiday (see, I talk like one of them now) and I was a travel writer and had been sent to a grand hotel to do a story. My sister had joined me and we were in the lobby bar of the hotel having a last drink before flying home, early morning to Atlanta. I ordered a single malt scotch with a lemon wedge when I heard a voice say, "that's not cricket - lemon with scotch?" As they say, the rest is history.

I married that Englishman (the humour did the trick) and 13 years later, I am still here. My game is now far more worldly and sophisticated and likewise, my husband has had introduction to the likes of Butterscotch Moonshine, grits and fried oysters. It has been adventurous, but what I never could have predicted was that this Georgia girl would be visiting Buckingham Palace, by appointment, to honour my husband.

On a Fall afternoon, a letter came through the mail box with gold, gilded, raised lettering, return posted Buckingham Palace, Horse Guards Parade. Tempted to steam it open, I waited for my husband Martin to come home guessing it was something to do

30

with The Prince's Trust or another charity that Martin might have made a contribution to. To our surprise, the letter explained that Martin had been nominated by his peers to become an MBE for Outstanding Services to the community. An MBE or Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an award that was established in 1917 by King George V to British subjects who do something remarkable for their country. Another 18 months passed and we did not hear anything. Nearly two years later another letter came through and this time my 10 year old son Henry and I opened it! And indeed, my husband was to be awarded the honour of an MBE on June 27th 2015 at Buckingham Palace, for Services to Hairdressing Training, particularly Youth Training. Martin has government funded colleges that teach children basic life skills (reading & maths), computer skills and many other trades with a focus on hairdressing. To date, he has trained over 30,000 children, many of whom had fallen through the educational cracks, and put them gainfully into the work place. I could not wait for him to come home that night. When Martin opened the door, Henry was in a velvet crown and cape and presented the letter to Martin on a silver platter whilst royal music played and the champagne awaited.

Going to Buckingham Palace could be compared to visiting the White House but this particular honour is intrinsic to the UK and the Commonwealth. We needed to brush up on royal etiquette, I knew very little. I painstakingly found the right dress and had a hat custom made by milliner to the royals, Rosie Olivia. I learned that women keep hats on indoors, men remove them, that is the general rule. Martin could take three people to the palace so myself and our two sons Aaron and Henry would attend. Martin's best mate loaned him a silk top hat from royal milliners Lock and Co. that his father had worn when he had also received an honour at the Palace.

Being superstitious, I gave the boys red socks for good luck and our 10 year old was given leave from school. We checked into Hotel 41 the night before which is next door to the Palace and an exceptional find. They treated us like royalty having had many guests stay there who had been invited to the Palace.

We woke up early, hair and makeup arrived and the hour approached. As we walked to the Palace gates, hundreds of tourists suddenly turned and the cameras started clicking. My son Henry has red hair and in tails and a cravat, he looked quite like a Prince and we played along enjoying our 15 minutes of celebrity.

Armed guards gave us entry upon viewing our invite and we were closely marshalled and directed through what appeared to be modest security but, indeed, hundred of cameras were

upon us and I suspect tastefully disguised metal detectors as well. We were to check all coats, bags, cameras and phones.

On every perimeter there were immaculately tailored, armoured and medaled personnel from services including the Queens body Guard of the Yeoman of the Guard and the Gurkha Orderly Officers who escort the Queen into the ballroom. The royal red carpet is so plush that I had to walk gingerly so as not to fall, and the walls are filled with remarkable works by Vermeer and Constable, breathtaking floor to ceiling tapestries. My son said that he had been studying one of the paintings at school and my older son said with humour, "old money." My husband was taken off to be coached for the ceremony and we were given a programme and seated to enjoy the music by the Countess of Wessex's String Orchestra playing from Elgar to Les Miserables.

In the morning, I had looked out the hotel window and noticed that the Union Flag was being flown, thus indicating that the Queen was not in residence, meaning another royal would be instructing today's Investitures and it was to be H.R.H. The Prince of Wales.

When Prince Charles walked in, we all stood as 'God Save the Queen' was played, and I felt grateful that the make up artist had suggested waterproof mascara. As the recipients were sent up to Charles, Lord in Waiting, the Viscount Hood would offer some details into Prince Charles' ear, who would ask a few questions then hang the medal on a special lapel hook which made it easy to embellish. Each and every candidate had created, performed, achieved or inspired the people of the UK, including my husband, making an impact on this great country, not necessarily to create personal wealth, but primarily to make our Kingdom a better place. When my husband came forward, my heart was bursting with love and pride and it was an inspiration that my children will never forget. Charles asked him about his work with his Trust and in honesty, my husband said he was so nervous he doesn't much remember the conversation.

We were told that we might be invited to the Queens Garden parties and that our children have the privilege to marry in St. Paul's Cathedral. I feel very proud to be an American living in the UK and although at times I find it exasperating repeating myself, and pronouncing my T's, I tell my children to stay open to experience and chance, you never know who you will meet and where romance or a career might take you.

Alex Kolton is an American Voice Overs artist and a freelance writer.

Reader’s Lives Marygrace Anderson Where are you originally from?

I was born and raised as one of five in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, by parents who were supportive, encouraging, and installed the travelling bug into their children. I went to University in Denver, CO, where I spent my junior year abroad in Rome, Italy, and I had one of the best year’s of my life travelling around Europe. I returned to the USA, finished school, and headed East to work in Washington DC.

How long have you been in the UK and what brought you here?

I have now lived in the UK for 22 years. I first came to visit my sister, who started a woman’s accessories company. I then returned to London to help her grow the business. I met my English husband, had our beautiful daughter, got divorced (although we still remain great friends), and stayed as I had so many good friends here of all nationalities. I then met my current partner of 9 years, Michael, and we have added to our family an Irish Terrier and an alien looking Devon Rex cat.

32

What have you found challenging as an American living in the UK? In the early days, I found the UK’s customer service to be lacking compared to that of US standards. It was dumbfounding when you would call to complain about something, like an electricity fault, only to then feel that you wanted to call back and complain about the lack of customer service care! I hated that the cost of the call to complain was so high!

I was used to being able to make free local phone calls with unlimited time in the US. Transport could be a nightmare when going out to make sales calls for the company or trying to get around with a buggy. However, a lot of those things have improved greatly over the years. The only other challenge is missing family and friends in the States, but that happens no matter where you make your home. In every place you live, you will always find the good and bad, but have to decide how to make the best of it! Every situation can be viewed as negative or positive, it just takes effort. This applies to all ages as well - you just need to learn to adjust to change.

What has your career experience in the UK been like?

First I worked with my sister in our own company, and as we were on a constant budget, we had to be creative and hands-on, so we both wore many hats. We literally were the press office, sales, shipping, sourcing, delivery, and accounting departments. Interestingly, this did increase our business skills 1000 fold. Whenever we were faced with challenges, my sister had great advice, “If you can’t handle it or don’t want to do it, go to Heathrow and get on a plane to the States”. It really was that simple a choice, and we would just get on with whatever we had to accomplish. We also met and worked with great people. Then after 7 years I needed a break, so I worked for a few other excellent companies as an office manager and project manager. Again I was lucky to work for nurturing companies and gained excellent training and more employment skills in other areas of business. My two favourite companies were The Haygarth Group and Fitflop Ltd, as both were outstanding companies to work for in London.

What led you to do what you do now?

When my daughter (Aimee) was born, I returned to work with my sister as I had the opportunity for flexible hours (and thank goodness that is changing in the UK), and had the balance between raising my daughter and working. In the beginning I was adjusting to being a new mom with a career, and trying to get everything else done that life throws at us. I found that the stress was beginning to

creep into my life and I felt that I didn’t have a balance. My coping mechanism and stress release came in an unhealthy form. I found that when Aimee spent the night at my sister’s flat, or with her Grannie, I headed down to the shops and bought a pack of cigarettes and bottle of wine - AND I didn’t even smoke! It just happened to become my release from stress. The rest of the time I was Miss Responsibility. After the fourth time Aimee was away from me for the night, I realised that it was becoming an unhealthly pattern and I wanted to stop it and find a healthier way of dealing with stress.

The problem was I didn't know where to go for help. I couldn’t see my GP, as it wasn’t like I was an alcoholic, severely depressed or a constant smoker - what would I say? I knew I just needed some help. So, at a friend’s suggestion, I went to see a Hypnotherapist. I booked an appointment, even though I didn’t believe it was going to work.

The key was that I wanted it to work! This is the secret for any change in life. It worked so well that I came out of the session and began to research how I could become a hypnotherapist and help others. I had a background in Sociology and Psychology from college but never used it, as I was too young to know what I wanted to do.

Hypnotherapy allows me to help children, teens, and adults overcome or make changes in their lives from confidence boosting, managing stress, to phobias, public speaking, smoking cessation and weight loss. I absolutely love my work and my clients.

Have you any advice for fellow readers of 'American in Britain', especially those who have moved to the UK over the summer months?

Give it time and take one day as it comes. It takes a while to find your way and meet new friends, but you will. Look for the positive in everything that happens. Remember to say to yourself when facing a new challenge or experience, “It may be a little difficult but I will handle it”. Things may be different but different isn’t bad. Use the time to be an explorer and find new things to do with your own skills and go out and see new sites. Use this time to reinvent yourself and encourage your children to do the same. n Marygrace Anderson is a partner at ‘mghypnosis’, a multidisciplinary service in SW London, offering Hypnotherapy, Life Coaching, and TFT “Tapping”, based at ‘The Putney Clinic of Physical Therapy’. If you would like more information, please visit www.mghypnosis. co.uk or call 07931 547414.

Take Five Get Into London Life

by Judith Schrut

A

hhh, London! You’ve arrived, found a great place to live, sorted that job/ study course/sabbatical/bank account.

If you’ve got a family, you’ve settled the kids in school. You’re getting the hang of looking right before crossing the road, minding those

Poppies fill the moat at the Tower of London

gaps and putting milk in your tea, and you’ve even made peace with those pesky 3-pin electric plugs. So what’s next? Let us be your guide to five fabulous ways to get into London life.

1. RENDEZVOUS WITH ROYALTY Whether you’re a royalty virgin, frequent flyer or experienced expat, London’s royal attractions are top of this city’s must-sees.

They’re salt, fat and sugar free - although arguably high on the schmaltz scale so go on, give in. You know you want to.

And you’re not alone. It’s been another record-breaking visitor year for London’s royal parks, palaces, shops and landmarks with a noble imprint, with many millions flocking to London’s noble sights.

First on the royal sightseeing list is, of course, the Tower of London, with its spectacular riverside setting, Crown Jewels, Beefeaters and the glorious and gory history of English kings and queens. In a stunning tribute to those who lost their lives in World War I, its dry moat is currently filled with 888, 246 ceramic red poppies.

Next up is Buckingham Palace, the world’s most famous working palace, boasting its own police station, hospital, post office, cinema and helicopter pad. Tour the wondrous State Rooms in summer or enjoy the Changing of the Guard daily at 11.30am. If you prefer smaller crowds and no railings, try the less well known Changing of the Queen’s Life Guards at Royal Horseguards Parade, (11am weekdays, 10am Sundays). We also recommend the unique Household Cavalry Museum for a behind the scenes look at ceremonial horses and troopers at work in the Queen’s original 18th century stables.

Westminster Abbey is an extraordinary church and witness to over 1,000 years of royal history. Every monarch since 1066 has been crowned here and it’s hosted 16 royal weddings, including the Queen's to HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and Prince William and Kate Middleton’s in 2011. This is where Princess Diana’s funeral was held, and it’s the resting place for seventeen monarchs and innumerable nobles. A short gilded coach ride away, Kensington Palace has been a royal residence for centuries. Birthplace of Queen Victoria in 1819, nowadays it’s the London home of Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge. Whilst their living quarters are not open to visitors, many parts, including the beautiful landscaped gardens, Queen’s State Apartments and Princess Diana’s dress collection, are. On your way out, be sure to dip a toe in Peter Pan-themed Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain.

Although a rendezvous with royalty can be costly, there are free or inexpensive options too.

For the cost of a bus ticket you can enjoy a bird’s eye of majesty atop one of London’s iconic red buses. Try Nos. 15 or 9 for a whizz past some the most famous royal romping places. Sites with free entry include the Royal Maritime Museum and the Royal Air Force Museum.

You can view the astonishing history of royals in portraits at the National Portrait Gallery or see wigs and gowns in action daily at the Royal Courts of Justice, Old Bailey Criminal Courts and the Supreme Court. Culture vultures can further satisfy imperial longings at the Royal Albert Hall, Royal Festival Hall and Royal Opera House Covent Garden.

For free, green and healthy, explore one of eight Royal Parks. Our favourites include Regents Park, with its boating lake and Open Air Theatre, London Zoo, excellent playgrounds, sports facilities, Queen Mary’s rose garden and romantic panoramic views from the top of Primrose Hill, St James Park, with landscaped water gardens, waterfowl and daily pelican feedings and Hyde Park, renowned for Speakers Corner on Sundays and open air events throughout the year, plus bike paths, swimming, boating and over 4000 trees. A short walk away is the moving Royal Air Force Bomber Command Memorial, commemorating the 55,000 aircrew of RAF Bomber Command who died during the Second World War. If you’re still mad on majesty, a fast train to London’s outskirts whisks you to Hampton Court Palace, residence of King Henry VIII of the six wives fame. Costumed guides bring the Palace's 500 years of royal history to life and in the formal gardens outside you can have great fun getting lost in the magnificent maze.

Further information: www.royal.gov.uk www.royalparks.org.uk www.hrp.org.uk 33

2. DOWN THE PUB Ask your best British friend the quickest route into London life and it’s unlikely you’ll be told to take a black cab to Buckingham Palace, ride the London Eye at dusk or go on a Harry Potter tour. No, we’ll bet our bottom dollar the answer will be a variation of “Go down the pub.”

A few hundred years ago Samuel Pepys described the pub as the heart of England, and today that rings just as true. Pubs - and the beer within - are about as ancient and quintessentially British as anything could be.

In days gone by, pubs were the community’s meeting place, with family visits the norm and beer served to children as a health drink, or at least a safer bet than oft-contaminated drinking water.

British pub life changed forever when national law banned all indoor smoking in 2007. At the time, many pub landlords vociferously protested, imagining this would be the beginning of their end. But in reality the ban brought pubs a lease of life, a new golden age. Nowadays, visit one of London’s 7000+ pubs and you’re likely to find much After hours at the Banker pub, Cannon Street

34

more than just a good pint and a packet of crisps (potato chips to you and me). Many pubs also offer live music, theatre, comedy nights, pub quizzes, darts, pool, karaoke, movies, beer festivals and more. On weekday evenings it can seem like London’s entire office population has left the building and moved to the sidewalk of the nearest pub.

And that age-old tradition of salty, stodgy and deep fried pub grub, the cheap cheese/ stale bread ploughman’s lunch and dubious meat pies has, thanks to the 1991 invention of the gastropub by landlords of The Eagle, City Road, given way to creative, seriously good pub food, handcrafted beers and artisan

Great pints at the Dove, Hackney, photo by Amanda Benjamin

ciders. If you’re not a beer drinker, that’s no problem. Wine, spirits, soft drinks and other non-alcoholic tipples are perfectly acceptable.

You can soak up local history along with your pint at legendary pubs like The George Inn, London’s last surviving coaching inn, Ye Old Mitre Tavern, where a young Queen Elizabeth I danced ‘round a cherry tree and William Wallace was hung, drawn and quartered nearby, or The Star Tavern, where the Great Train Robbery was planned. Squeeze into Covent Garden’s pint-sized Lamb and Flag or the ancient White Hart, London’s oldest pub and frequented by Dickens, Hogarth and many a past and present Londoner at the end of a working day. Other recommended old-fashioned ‘boozers’ include the ornately Victorian Dog and Duck, Soho, favourited by George Orwell and Dante Gabriel Rosetti and The Pride, Spitalfields.

On a sunny day, there’s nothing more London-ish than a lazy drink by the river.

Fabulous waterside pubs combining history, scenic settings and bold brews include The Prospect of Whitby, Wapping, once a meeting place for sailors and smugglers, Trafalgar Tavern, Greenwich, The Old Ship and The Crabtree near Hammersmith and The Mayflower, Rotherhithe, a stopping point for our Pilgrim forefathers on their way to the New World. The Banker is a riverside treasure tucked beneath Cannon Street Bridge and adjacent to Steelyard Passage with its extraordinary river soundscape.

Now, if you’re new to British beer there are a few basics you should know. Firstly, British beers are nothing like American lagers. There are a huge range of beer styles, each with different tastes, qualities and strengths, the main ones being pale ale, bitter, brown ale and stout. Secondly, when tasting beer, take the advice of our native experts* - don’t sip it, swig it. Chug at least a full mouthful to wash the flavour over your tastebuds and experience its full glory before swallowing. And finally, it’s great to sample those old-fashioned beers which come in wooden barrels and need to be hand-pumped but be wary: some local beers can be as strong as wine.

In recent years there’s been a joyful explosion of small local breweries and specialist quality beers across the UK. Treats to try include London Pride bitter, East London Brewer pale ale and AllGates Double Espresso stout.

Or be brave and go for Newcastle Brown Ale, affectionately known as Newky Brown or Dog, the archetypal strong Northern working class beer associated with shipbuilders, bikers, and rock stars! If you’re not sure what to order, be bold, just ask for a pint and point to the tap with prettiest picture. *with thanks to Amanda and Ivor Benjamin

3. TURN BACK TIME London is full of ‘olde world’ treasures, from its rich, ripe, sometimes glorious, sometimes notorious past. Whether you’re into Charles Dickens, Queen Boudicca or Jack the Ripper, going back in history is another brilliant way to get into London life.

Starting at Bank, Monument or Temple underground stations, explore the nearby narrow streets and alleyways of the old City, ancient London’s original square mile. With a financial and legal buzz on weekdays and an astonishing silence at weekends, the City’s historic pubs, churches and streets with names like Hanging Sword Alley, Knightrider Street and Bleeding Heart Yard evoke a forgotten age. Challenge yourself to climb 311 winding steps to the gilded top of the Monument, built in 1677 to mark the start point of the Great Fire of London in nearby Pudding Lane, and see London’s history spread out beneath your feet. Visitors completing the climb are awarded impressive certificates to mark the achievement.

Or turn back time and wander the magical maze of Middle and Inner Temples, two of the old legal inns of Court, stop for a drink at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese pub on nearby Fleet Street, lunch in Victorian Leadenhall Market (mentioned in Dickens and transformed in Harry Potter as Diagon Alley) or a glass of champagne in the luxuriously-restored Royal Exchange. Other nearby gems include ancient Guildhall and medieval St Bartholemew the Great Church. If Romans are your thing, you’ll discover hefty chunks of London’s Roman wall near the Barbican and Tower Hill.

Also recommended for a great olde world day out is the newly-renovated Museum of London (free) or Tower of London (pricier).

For the oldy-worldly playgoers amongst you, visits to Shakespeare’s Globe and the Jacobean Sam Wanamaker Playhouse are a must. Take a tour of these historically perfect recreations, enjoy a snack in the courtyard and see a first class play on the Globe’s open air stage (April to October) for only £5 standing, as a front-of-stage groundling, or a bit more to sit on traditional wooden benches.

Talking Statues, London’s innovative new history treat, lets famous statues tell their own story. Pass a Talking Statue, swipe your phone On yer Bike, TallyHo Cycle Tours visits Big Ben

Lunchtime at old Leadenhall Market

on a nearby tag and you’ll receive a call from the likes of Queen Victoria, Sherlock Holmes, Shakespeare and Dick Whittington’s cat, voiced by top British actors.

Tally Ho Cycle Tours offers another unique way to explore London’s timeworn streets. Its London Landmarks Tour gets you up close and personal with the City’s melting pot of history, cultures and street art atop the comfy leather saddle of a vintage hand-built Pashley bike, a bike style you’ll recognise if you’ve been following BBC’s ‘Call the Midwife’ series.

Further information: www.talkingstatues.co.uk www.tallyhocycletours.com www.shakespearesglobe.com 4. ROLLIN’ ON THE RIVER Our next great way to get into London life is packed with scenic views, culture, free entertainment, food for all tastes and unrivalled people-watching. The River Thames is London’s symbol and heart, its liquid history and its life blood, intimately connected with the city’s fame and fortune, war and peace, disaster, disease and scandal. It’s been celebrated in the poems of Wordsworth, stories of Sherlock Holmes, Turner and Monet’s paintings, rock songs like Waterloo Sunset and just about everything written by Charles Dickens, and even the most jaded Londoner can’t seem to get enough of it.

For a guaranteed buzz whatever the weather or season you can’t do much better than explore London Thames-side, from London Bridge to Westminster. On a Wednesday to Saturday, make your first detour the unmissable Borough Market. It’s one of London’s oldest, largest and most vibrant markets, offering quality fresh food and delectable eats from dozens of unique traders like Neal’s Yard Dairy, the Ginger Pig, Bread Ahead, the Fresh Olive Company and Artisan du Chocolat. If you can spare room for dessert, try a mouthwatering cake from Konditor and Cook.

Waterloo Sunset, Waterloo Bridge, Southbank

Continue your journey past Southwark Cathedral, the replica of Sir Francis Drake’s ship, the Golden Hinde, and down cobbled Clink Street, under Southwark Bridge, past riverside pubs and eateries, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Tate Modern (free entry, and brilliant panoramas from its 6th floor café) and the walkers-only Millennium Bridge (well worth a detour with magnificent St Paul’s Cathedral looming into view on the other side). Your riverside walk then proceeds to Blackfriars, world’s largest solarpowered bridge, its platform spectacularly spanning both sides of the river, and the shops, restaurants and galleries near the Oxo Tower and Gabriel’s Wharf. If you have time, ride the elevator to the top of the Tower for breathtaking (free) views.

Wander on and you’ll find yourself at the Royal National Theatre, where you can rest, snack and enjoy a free open air event, indoor live music or top-drawer theatre. Or follow the cobbles beneath Waterloo Bridge, with its secondhand bookstalls on one side and the wonderful National Film Theatre/BFI on the other, past the perpetual cackle of the subterranean skateboard park until you’re at the Southbank Centre, a series of indoor and outdoor spaces which plays host to an endless, energetic feast of concerts, shows, exhibitions and food. If you’re in the mood and feeling 35

Rollin' on the River, St Paul's Cathedral and the Millenium Bridge

cash-rich, join tourist crowds at the London Eye or Sealife London Aquarium or finish your journey on foot to Westminster Bridge, the majestic Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. This is likely to be an exhausting day out, especially if there are little legs in tow, so there is no shame in feeling tired at any point. That’s only the perfect excuse to hop on a River Bus, where you and your entourage can relax and enjoy a refreshing return journey with some of the best views London has to offer.

Further information: www.nationaltheatre.org.uk www.southbankcentre.co.uk www.tfl.gov.uk/modes/river/about-river-bus www.boroughmarket.org.uk 5. SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP As the saying goes, whoever said money can’t buy happiness just didn’t know where to go shopping. That’s never been a problem for Londoners, although in this city, a shopper’s paradise, the retail choice can seem overwhelming.

Year after year sees London crowned world top of the shops. From the well-troden byways of Oxford Street and Regent Street, to the elegant avenues of Knightsbridge and Mayfair, from the boutique feasts of Kings Road, Westbourne Grove and Marylebone to

major malls like Westfield and Brent Cross, London has a sales solution for every taste, budget, fetish or occasion, plus bucketloads of great window shopping.

Of course you’ll want to stop by Selfridges, Liberty’s and Harrods, those Disneylands of London shopping. But we also recommend you spot the latest fashion trends on Dover Street, feel the art and vintage funkiness of Spitalfields and Shoreditch, and lose yourself in labyrinthine Soho where delicatessens, fabric emporiums and sex shops jostle for space.

Marvel at the museum stores of the V&A, National Gallery and two Tates, dote on the displays of Burlington, Piccadilly and Princes Arcades and when only serious spending and top designers will do, head for Bond Street, Kensington or Chelsea. For a real slice of London life, however, you’ll need to make your way to one of the capital’s open air markets.

Markets have been essential to Londoners for centuries. Like Londoners through the ages, you too will be tempted by an extraordinary range of produce, street food, antiques, knick-knacks, head-to-toe wearables, basement bargains and unrepentant junk, although you’ll also find it easy to while away hours without buying a thing.

For a superlative Saturday, join East End locals and galloping gourmets alike at Broadway

Foodie Heaven, Broadway Market

36

Market in Hackney. This foodie wonderland is the place to sample Gujarati Rasoi’s samosas, heaven in a triangular pastry, kookoo wraps, traditional hot salt beef on rye, jellied eels and umpteen varieties of infused olive oil including mandarin, rosemary and white truffle. You won’t find haggis on any menu in the USA (it’s illegal to import food containing sheep lung), but at Broadway Market you can sink your choppers into a Haggis Toastie Macbeth, lovingly created by Scottish chef Carol Deeney: spicy haggis sandwiched between caramelised onions, melted cheese and rocket.

Cleanse your palate (as frequently as possible) with the likes of lavender lemonade, ginger beer and the best iced Vietnamese coffee west of Hue, or pop into the Dove pub for a pulled pint. Broadway’s sweets-du-jour include London Marshmallow Company’s artisan marshmallows, Violet’s red velvet cupcakes and Zardosht’s Persian dates stuffed with orange blossom, mascarpone and nuts.

Other wonderful markets include Brick Lane, for everything from saris and curries to bicycles and recyclables, Borough Market and Portobello Road. Try Berwick Street for weekday lunch food and buzz or Columbia Road for flowers on a Sunday. London’s hottest new weekender is Cabbages and Frocks in Marylebone, where vintage clothes and jewellery mix it up with cheese, breads and balsamic vinegar. n Further information: www.broadwaymarket.co.uk boroughmarket.org.uk shopportobello.co.uk Take Five is our quarterly feature bringing the best of British to Americans in Britain. We’d love to hear how you’ve been getting into London life, email Judith at judith0777@gmail.com.

Deeney's Haggis Toasties, Broadway Market

Egd[Zhhdg 6W]^gVb EgVhVY 8VgY^dad\^hi

JH IgV^cZY >ciZgkZci^dcVa 8VgY^dad\^hi VcY 6Y_jcXi Egd[Zhhdg d[ BZY^X^cZ Vi i]Z BVnd 8a^c^X# GZXZcian gZadXViZY [gdb BVnd 8a^c^X! GdX]ZhiZg V[iZg egVXi^X^c\ [dg &% nZVgh Vi i]Z CjbWZg & GVc`ZY =dhe^iVa ^c i]Z JH# LZaXdbZh eVi^Zcih gZfj^g^c\ XVgZ [dg ]ZVgi gZaViZY XdcY^i^dch# 9g EgVhVY ^h V Egd[Zhhdg d[ >ciZgkZci^dcVa 8VgY^dad\n Vi i]Z Jc^kZgh^in d[ AdcYdc# =Z ^h V ;Zaadl d[ i]Z 6bZg^XVc 8daaZ\Z d[ 8VgY^dad\n! VcY i]Z 6bZg^XVc =ZVgi 6hhdX^Vi^dc#

I=: =6GA:N HIG::I 8A>C>8 6C9 8GDBL:AA =DHE>I6A

EaZVhZ XVaa %'% -,'* (*,+ dg %,*.* ,',&%) id hX]ZYjaZ Vc Veed^cibZci# LZWh^iZ/ lll#i]Z]VgaZnhigZZiXa^c^X#Xdb$XdchjaiVcih$ XVgY^dad\n$egd[Zhhdg"VW]^gVb"egVhVY :bV^a/ VW]^gVb#egVhVY'5\bV^a#Xdb

Magazine n 2014

Autum

Courtesy of

n bscriptio Free Su UK

side Of fer In

ity in the Commun erican the Am Serving

5SBWFM PSUT t SUZ 6, 4Q 1SPQF *ODMVEF VFT FNFOU t 'FBUVSFT .BOBH "OUJR t "SUT t 8FBMUI T

FX VU T / &BUJOH 0 OFS FO T $MVC PS PN $ TTZ O 8 t &NCB "NFSJDB X t F WJF PUFM 3F 5IFBUS WF t ) 5BLF 'J

I would like to take advantage of the free annual subscription to American in Britain Name: ...................................................................................................................................................................

Subscriptions

âœ

Address: .................................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................. Post Code: ...........................................

Telephone: ............................................................................................... Date: ...................................................

Email: ..............................................................................................................

Would you like to receive our monthly email newsletter?

YES

NO

cccc

To apply for your free subscription please complete this form and return to us or email your details to helen@theamericanhour.com.

For further information please call Helen Elliott on 0208 661 0186.

Details sent to us are confidential but will be shared with the sponsors.

38

UK Sports Our Quarterly Overview Of UK Sports

I

t has been a very mixed three months since our last UK Sports with disappointments followed by some unbelievable successes across a range of sports, and it has been mainly our girls who have given us most cause for celebration.

Soccer - World Cup Unfortunately, our predictions for England in Brazil in our Spring issue were spot on; defeats to Italy (a little unluckily) and Uruguay followed by a draw against Costa Rica, and the boys were on their way back to England, or an expensive and early summer holiday.

Once again, England were shown to be way below the technical and tactical standards

required to succeed at top international level.

Regrettably, England did not, and still do not, possess players of true world class capability.

Defenders are prone to make bad mistakes, we have no true playmakers in mid-field and we do not have a world class goal scorer like, for example, the Dutch players Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben, Germany’s Gerd Muller, Spain’s Diego Costa, Chile’s Alexis Sanchez, Argentina’s Lionel Messi, Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo or Colombia’s James Rodriguez. The England strikers Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge were just not in that class. So, the World Cup in Brazil got us off to a very disappointing start this quarter!!

when England were just 14-9 ahead, then converted the try for 7 vital points. Emily had also scored three penalty kicks for a further nine points.

Unlike the men’s game, none of the Women’s England rugby team were paid to play. They worked or had supportive husbands and trained in their spare time. They played for the honour of their England shirts. How about that guys?

So, our congratulations to the England World Cup winning Women’s Rugby team and our thanks for bringing the success and joy to our UK sports that the men’s soccer and rugby teams failed to do!!

Rugby Union Also in June, the England Rugby team went to New Zealand to play a three match Test Series against the mighty All Blacks. Hopes were high that the new look England squad could secure not just one Test victory but a Series victory. A narrow first Test defeat by 20 points to 15 did not dispel such hopes. Disaster struck, however, in the second Test when New Zealand won an even tighter match by 28 points to 27 - agonisingly close for England.

Still, the third Test could end New Zealand’s proud long run of avoiding defeat at home.

English hopes were destroyed with a crushing defeat by 36 points to 13.

More disappointment then in New Zealand to accompany that with our soccer team in Brazil. However, it is fair to say that England’s rugby team do look as though they can develop to become a successful and exciting team at world level. Next year’s Rugby World Cup on home soil could prove interesting.

Nevertheless, another disappointing start to this quarter, that is until we got to the Women‘s Rugby World Cup held in France.

England had reached the final of the last three World Cup finals only to lose on each occasion to New Zealand. But in Paris our girls were to be the first to turn our summer of sporting disappointment into success and deep joy!!

In the Group matches, England defeated Samoa 65-3 and Spain 45-5 before a very close and exciting draw with Canada 13-13.

In another Group, Ireland surprisingly beat the defending champions, New Zealand, by 17 points to 14 and, because of the format of the tournament, the draw between England and Canada caused the elimination of New Zealand. That would have pleased our girls!

In the semi-final, England played New Zealand’s conquerors and defeated the Irish heavily by 40 points to 14. The Final saw a rematch between England and Canada and this time England secured a great win by 21 points to 9. Whilst this was a great team achievement, special mention must go to Emily Scarratt who scored the decisive try

Cricket The England cricket season got off to a similar disappointing start. First, as reported in our last issue, the Sri Lankan cricket team were on tour in England and had defeated England in the single Twenty20 match. The five One Day internationals went the same way with Sri Lanka winning the Series 3-2.

Could things get any worse? Absolutely, as Sri Lanka won their first ever Test Series in England 1-0! The first Test was drawn with England needing one wicket for victory but the Sri Lanka last wicket held out. The second Test produced the exact opposite with England trying desperately to hold out for a second draw. Despite Moeen Ali’s brilliant 108 not out and England’s last two batsmen, Broad and Andersen, batting between them for 112 minutes and facing 79 balls for no runs, Andersen was out off the penultimate ball of the innings!!

Next came the Indian cricket team for a five Test Series and, again, England got off to a dreadful start. After drawing the first Test, India won the second by 95 runs. Alistair Cook’s position as both opening batsman and captain was under massive media criticism scoring far too few runs and being questioned over his leadership skills. But then came a most astonishing and unforeseen turn around - the Indian Test team fell apart with both bat and ball and England won the next three Test matches by 266 runs, 54 runs and, finally, by a cataclysmic innings and 244 runs - quite unbelievable.

Suddenly, Alistair Cook was a great batsman and an even greater captain again!!

But the transition from sporting disappointment to success did not last too long. The five One Day Internationals followed and India won the Series by 3 matches to 1 with one match drawn. One last ray of success followed with England winning the solitary Twenty20 match by just 3 runs.

The England Women’s cricket team fared better in their One Day International Series against India’s Women’s team winning a three match Series 2-0 with one match abandoned.

39

Commonwealth Games Now we come to great success and deep joy for UK sports this summer. In the Commonwealth Games, England came first in the medal tables with 58 gold medals, 59 silvers and 57 bronze, a total of 174 medals beating Australia, who have invariably topped the medal table, with 137 medals and Canada with 82. Hosts of the Games in Glasgow, Scotland, secured 53 medals. As commonwealth competitors England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland competed separately but, had they competed jointly as Team GB as they did in the 2012 Olympics, the medal total would have been 275 medals.

It is impossible to mention all the success stories here, but a few competitors do deserve special mention. England’s Claudia Fragapane, a relatively unknown sixteen year old, 4 foot 6 inch gymnast won four gold medals and became the first woman to do so at a Commonwealth Games since swimmer Joyce Cooper in 1930. England’s Siobhan-Marie O’Connor, the youngest British swimmer at the 2012 Olympics, won six medals including one gold and Max Whitlock won three gymnastics gold medals.

Perhaps the most inspiring performance of

40

the Games came in the women’s 5,000 metres athletics event when England’s Jo Pavey, who led the fancied Kenyans for most of the race, was overtaken by Mercy Cherono, Janet Kisa and Margaret Muriuki at the last bend. With her husband/coach and 4 year old son (her 10 month old daughter was not present!) watching, Pavey battled back to overtake Muriuki for the bronze medal and nearly caught Kisa on the line for the silver. What a performance from a 40-year-old mother of two.

Another inspirational performance came from Scotland’s Erraid Davies who won a swimming bronze medal in the SB9 100 metres breaststroke. Erraid, who had difficulty walking as a result of a rare hip condition when she was four years old, became the youngest competitor from any country to win a Commonwealth Games medal - she is only thirteen but is now a national heroine.

European Athletics Championships Following the Commonwealth Games, British athletes moved to Zurich, Switzerland for the European championships and came top of the medal table with 23 medals, the same as France but Team GB had more gold medals.

Following on from her bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games, Jo Pavey went two better and won the gold medal in the women’s 10km race with another inspirational performance - it seems the older she gets, the better she gets! Mo Farah duly won both the 5km and 10km races and Greg Rutherford won the long jump.

Both the men and the women dominated the shorter distances with James Dasalou winning the 100m, Adam Gemili the 200m, Tiffany Porter the 100m hurdles and Martin Rooney and Eilidh Child winning their respective 400m races. Britain then won three of the four relay races; the men’s and the women’s 4x100m and the men’s 4x400 metres.

There is no doubt that British athletics is getting stronger and stronger, and over in Oregon young Morgan

Lake was taking gold in both the high jump and the heptathlon in the World Junior Athletic Championships - the only athlete to win two gold medals. With Jessica EnnisHill and Katarina Johnson-Thompson already major heptathletes, the emergence of Morgan Lake is going to give Britain huge strength in this particular event. Her only disadvantage is that she does not have a hyphenated surname!

Golf Having opted out of marriage at the last moment, Rory McIlroy triumphed at the 143rd Open at Royal Liverpool, holding off a bold challenge from Sergio Garcia by two shots.

McIlroy became the first European to win three of the four majors and now has his sights firmly focussed on the 2015 Masters in Augusta.

UK SPORTS Golfing attention now turns to the Ryder Cup to be held at Gleneagles, Scotland on 26-28 September. Some big names are missing; the USA will be without Tiger Woods who withdrew due to injury and Europe will be without Luke Donald. The American team, led by Tom Watson, has three newcomers to the team and three who have only played once.

Only Phil Mickelson with 9 appearances, and Jim Furyk with 8, have significant Ryder Cup experience. The European team are in a similar position with only the captain’s ‘picks’, Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter, with 8 and 4 appearances respectively, bringing experience to the team.

Europe has won seven of the last nine Ryder Cups, and America last won in Europe in 1993 when Watson was team captain at The Belfry. Might this just be a good omen for team America? Whatever the outcome it is certain to be another fantastic golf match.

NFL in London Don’t forget that the NFL are bringing three matches to Wembley stadium this autumn.

On 28 September, just after Europe have retained the Ryder Cup, the Miami Dolphins play the Oakland Raiders, kick off 6 pm.

On 26 October the Detroit Lions play the Atlanta Falcons, kick off 1:30 pm.

On 9 November the Dallas Cowboys play the Jacksonville Jaguars, kick off 6 pm.

Well, as we said, a disappointing start to the past quarter but a much better finish, thanks mainly to England’s women’s rugby and cricket teams and some of the outstanding women’s individual performances at the Commonwealth and European Championships. Our guess is that this trend will continue with the NFL at Wembley where the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders will probably be best remembered from the three games! n

Theatre

I saw an audience leave the theatre so happy and humming the tunes. This is a show that would suit anyone, even people who don’t like musicals. It is only until 22 November so be sure to see it while you can.

The Vaudeville Theatre Box office 0844 482 9675 www.nimaxtheatres.com/vaudeville-theatre/ forbidden_broadway

Forbidden Broadway

Some Reviews Of London's Theatre

by Lydia Parker

Forbidden Broadway Forbidden Broadway, the revue style musical playing at the Vaudeville Theatre, has been delighting New York audiences since 1982 with its parodies of Broadway musical numbers. Although I never had a chance to see it in the many years I lived in New York, I was so pleased to catch it at the Menier Chocolate Factory in Southwark before its West End transfer. I also kicked myself for not having seen it sooner in New York. This show has survived for so long as the creator, Gerard Alessandrini, updates the songs all the time to keep up with the ever changing face of Broadway. Some of the funniest numbers, however, were those that mocked the long running shows like Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera, making fun of the boredom that sets in for actors who have been performing the same show for years on end.

With only four incredibly versatile performers, a pianist and a lot of quick costume changes, Forbidden Broadway sends up at least twelve musicals, including Cats, Once, Book of Mormon, Jersey Boys, Miss Saigon, Matilda and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. It also has special solos spoofing Broadway stalwarts Mandy Patinkin, Kristin Chenoweth, Idina Menzel, Hugh Jackman, Liza Minelli (“I’m Liza One Note!”) and Rita Moreno and Chita Rivera (“I’m Chita not Rita”). One number early in the first half about the exploitation of child actors had a Matthew Warchus/Miss Trunchbull character terrorising child stars from Matilda, Billy Elliot and Les Miz. A mash up of Cats and a Chorus Line worked brilliantly as well. The lyrics are so clever, witty and eminently quotable.

Amongst my favourites, a warbling actor in Phantom singing: “When the song’s a bitch, and I’m slightly under pitch, they just flip the reverb switch, from left to right.”

It is rare to find a musical comedy that is this consistently funny. My daughter nearly fell off her chair she was laughing so hard at the Les Miserables numbers: Jean Valjean singing “This Song’s too high”, the actors having to leap onto a constantly revolving turntable, complaining “We’ve become a theme park ride” in the number "Ten Years More", a bored Eponine sneaking in some texts onstage in “On My Phone.”

The cast deserve high praise indeed not only for their talent but also for their energy, switching between different sketches quickly, sometimes having to sing offstage while obviously getting changed into the next character. Anna-Jane Casey, Christina Bianco, Damian Humbly and Ben Lewis were outstanding, all accomplished singers and comedians. I can’t remember the last time

King Charles III King Charles III by Mike Bartlett, a transfer from the Almeida Theatre, envisions a world in the near future where Prince Charles is about to become King as his mother, Queen Elizabeth has just died. Labour is in power but the fictional Prime Minister, Mr Evans is not very different from his Conservative counterpart, Mr Stevens. When the Prime Minister updates Charles on parliamentary business, he brings up a privacy bill which has just passed, limiting the powers of the press.

Charles does not want to sign it - although he abhors the hacking scandals and the intrusions in people’s private lives, he cannot in all good conscience take away what he considers to be an important right of free speech. When Mr Stevens lets him know it is in his powers to refuse to sign the bill, Charles does just that, believing the Conservative leader to be on his side. Instead, both parties insist that the King must sign the bill or they will limit his powers with exclusion of the Crown from Parliament. Wading into the middle of this dispute is not Prince Charles or Prince Harry, but Kate, the Duchess of Cornwall.

She demands that William fix this situation to secure his own future and that of his son.

The tension escalates and everything spins out of control for Charles and for the country.

Meanwhile, Harry has fallen in love with Jess, an art student and anti-Royalist who shows him the joys of shopping in Sainsbury’s and being a normal person. Unfortunately she is soon being blackmailed by an old boyfriend over some naked pictures she texted him in the past. The press is of course all over the story and devotes even more attention to Harry’s girlfriend than they do to the anarchy developing in the UK. This astonishing play is written in iambic pentameter, which one soon gets used to hearing, as the language is so accessible. It’s not the only Shakespearean convention Bartlett uses; there are rhyming couplets at the ends of scenes, soliloquies addressed to the audience, a comic messenger monologue from Charles’ under butler, and of course tragedy and comedy mixed together to tell the great story of the downfall of a king. There are echoes of King Lear in the depiction of Charles, called an old fool by Kate, and ultimately betrayed by those closest to him. Kate resembles 41

King Charles III – Oliver Chris & Tim Pigott-Smith by Johan Persson

Lady Macbeth, pushing William to be more ambitious. A ghostly Diana appears with strange proclamations, a combination of Hamlet’s father and the three witches from Macbeth. Prince Harry is very much Prince Hal from Henry IV, rebellious, eager to enjoy himself and happy to befriend commoners.

This play imagines what these very public figures, the Royal Family, are like in private and it is fascinating to see the personalities he has invented for them, inspired from real life. Tim Pigott–Smith excels as Charles, completely believable as a tragic hero, not a “Spitting Image puppet” as he ironically fears people see him.

The playwright and actor have together taken an actual person who in real life is stubborn, forward thinking, outspoken and intelligent and run with it, creating a wonderful fictional character. It is a difficult task and one that the cast members who are playing the Royal Family have achieved beautifully. Charles remains sympathetic throughout and there were audible gasps at times from the audience when he made ill-fated decisions. Lydia Wilson as Kate was quite frightening: a cold, grasping and manipulative woman from a middle class background who will stop at nothing to become queen. This was most probably an exaggeration of the actual Kate, but a brilliant creation in this fictional world. Oliver Chris actually closely resembled Prince William in appearance, while Richard Goulding as Harry was recognisable more from his behaviour and mannerisms. Both Princes are excellently portrayed: William the staid, calm inheritor to the throne, always hand in hand with Kate, while Harry wears a hoody under his jacket, hangs out in clubs and is fairly inarticulate. Camilla makes an appearance too, recognisably portrayed by Margot Leicester, as a woman who would rather be out making public appearances and having fun than worrying about laws and bills.

The fictional politicians, Evans and Stevens, played by Adam James and Nicolas Rowe, were also entirely convincing, men who are only concerned with their own power, deeply tied to the press, deceptive and uncompromising.

I felt the character of Jess was less plausibleshe was just generally angry and moody, it was difficult to see why Harry would be so attracted to her. I also wasn’t impressed with the ghost of Diana, played very oddly by Kate Brayben. These may have been choices made by the writer or director but they were 42

weaknesses in an otherwise perfect production, expertly directed by Rupert Goold. Not only was it thought provoking, it was incredibly entertaining and very funny, one of the finest pieces of writing I have ever seen in the West End. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Wyndham’s Theatre Box office 0844 482 5138 www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk The Play That Goes Wrong I can say without hesitation there is nothing like The Play That Goes Wrong in the West End. This physical comedy, created by Mischief Theatre, a young company of actors, would have made Buster Keaton laugh. The premise is that Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society are presenting a mystery, The Murder at Haversham Manor and due to a mix up with the RSC’s production of Equus, have ended up in the West End - this is all in the programme notes, which must be read as they are as entertaining as the play.

The evening starts off with audience members being brought on stage to help with the set, which is already being repaired.

The play begins, after a brief welcome and perhaps warning, from the nervous director/ producer, and through a period of two hours everything that could possibly go wrong in a theatrical production does indeed go wrong.

It would not be giving anything away to say these mishaps include set pieces falling apart, understudies reading in, and props not working properly. However, most of the trouble comes from the fictional actors themselves, losing props and picking up the first thing they can find as a replacement, mostly unintentionally causing injury to each The Play That Goes Wrong

other, losing their place in the script, over acting, competing, calling for their lines, and not staying dead when they are supposed to be. What is so clever in the construction of this piece, put together by a theatre group who also do a show called Lights! Camera!

Improvise!, is that these fictional actors refuse to improvise and will not stray from the script for a moment.

The actors are all to be commended and worked beautifully as a group. Dave Hearn was a standout as ridiculously over the top actor Max Bennett - he can fling himself gracefully all over the place like a young Donald O’Conner. Henry Lewis, who is also artistic director of Mischief Theatre, was ingenious at getting himself into and out of difficult positions, seemingly in control all the time, but losing it ever so slightly when he has to call for his line. Henry Shields as the fictional director and playing the Inspector of the murder mystery, was also wonderful - he takes his time with gags, which makes them all the funnier when the pay-off comes. Nancy Wallinger as the stage manager, and Charlie Russell as the female star are brilliant comic actresses, unafraid to be as physically daring as the men, which was very refreshing to see.

Credit has to go the set designer, Nigel Hook, who has created an incredible seemingly lethal set, and director Mark Bell, who made order out of all this chaos. Just the timings of entrances and exits must be a nightmare to coordinate. It is heart-warming to see a company of young actors, who have gone from the tiny Old Red Lion Theatre in Islington to UK tours and now to the West End, succeed so dazzlingly without any celebrities to sell the show. Hopefully this production will make celebrities of all of them.

One last note - it was great to see so many children in the audience. There are not many non-musical plays in the West End that are suitable for kids and this one will definitely make them laugh as much as their parents! n Duchess Theatre Box office 0844 412 4659 www.theplaythatgoeswrong.com

Health New Genetic Tests For Cancer Now Available In The UK

I

n the Western world, more women than ever before are being diagnosed with breast cancer. As 10% of cancers are affected by an inherited gene, many people are keen to explore the use of genetic tests.

Such tests can be used to find out if someone is at risk of developing cancer for the first time or if a previous cancer is likely to come back after being in remission. The results of such tests can reassure people who discover they are at low risk and help those at high risk of cancer, to decide with their physician upon the best management plan in order to lower the likelihood of developing cancer.

Preventative management plans may include more frequent screening, the use of certain medication, or in some instances, preventative surgery to remove one or both breasts and/or ovaries. There are various genetic tests available, however many will only look for one or two of the genes that are linked to breast cancer, unfortunately, as there are many genes linked to the development of cancer, such tests may fail to predict an increased risk in some people.

The myRisk™ test Dr James Mackay, Consultant Clinical Genetic Oncologist, University College London and The London Breast Clinic, 108 Harley Street, is now using a new genetic test, manufactured in the US, for his patients who believe they have a high risk of breast cancer, due to a family history of cancer. The myRisk test looks at 25 genes linked to cancer from a blood sample. This, along with the individual’s family history, creates a report showing your personal risk of developing not only breast and ovarian but also six other major cancers; colorectal, endometrial, pancreatic, prostate, gastric and melanoma. The myRisk test can provide a great relief to patients and their families as well as enabling proactive management and the most appropriate use of available treatments.

Knowing your family history of cancer is obviously very important in assessing hereditary risk, and it is essential that people look at their mother and father’s history of all types of cancer, over more than one generation.

Dr James Mackay stated that “Many people do not realise that a family history of other cancers, such as prostate, may increase their risk of breast cancer. The myRisk test can reassure people that their risk is low, or enable them to be proactive in reducing the likelihood of developing cancer.”

The myRisk test has been available in the US for 1 year, and during this time it has alleviated anxiety in many, and provided people with a greater understanding of what the future may hold for them. Last year, at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium in the US, the myRisk test was shown to identify 51% more people at risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer than previous genetic tests.

As part of the early introduction of myRisk into UK clinical practice, approximately 150 high risk families have been tested; the results so far suggest that using the myRisk test, rather than the genetic tests that would previously have been used in UK practice, can almost double the number of important cancercausing mutations identified in high risk families that may otherwise go undetected.

James Mackay stated “We are delighted to be able to offer this test in the UK now.”

The EndoPredict® test Another new genetic test that has recently become available in the UK is called EndoPredict. This is a test for people recovering from surgery that they have undergone to cure breast cancer. EndoPredict is used to assess whether there is a high or low risk of the person developing secondary tumours, also known as metastases, and therefore whether or not the person should receive chemotherapy. Existing tests of this

kind, put people into a ‘low’, ‘intermediate’ or ‘high’ risk category, however receiving a result showing an ‘intermediate’ risk often causes some uncertainty, and many receive unnecessary chemotherapy as a precautionary measure. This is the first test of its kind to give a clear indication of risk, either ‘high’ or ‘low’.

The test was launched in the UK this year following its use in approximately 50 breast centres throughout Germany.

Avoiding over-treatment in around 50% of people At last year’s American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting, EndoPredict was shown to help around 50% of people safely avoid unnecessary chemotherapy, and therefore the unpleasant side effects that come with this kind of treatment. Likewise, EndoPredict can also identify those patients who would benefit from chemotherapy due to a high risk of developing secondary tumours.

For myRisk, please visit: www.myriad.com For EndoPredict, please visit: www.myriadgenetics.eu T: 0207 544 8406 E: info@myriadgenetics. co.uk If you wish to make an appointment with Dr James Mackay, please telephone his clinic on:

0207 563 1234 or email: info@108harleystreet.co.uk Myriad Genetics Myriad Genetics is a leading molecular diagnostic company dedicated to making a difference in patients’ lives through the discovery and commercialisation of transformative tests to assess a person’s risk of developing disease, guide treatment decisions and assess risk of disease progression and recurrence.

For further information, please visit: www. myriadgenetics.eu.

Reimbursement The myRisk test is reimbursable by many leading insurance companies.

Further reading www.cancerresearchuk.org/cancer-info/ cancerstats/incidence/ - Tung N et al. Prevalence of gene mutations among hereditary breast and ovarian cancer patients using a 25 gene panel.

Poster presented at San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium - December 12, 2013. - Ettl J et al. Prospective comparison of uPA/PAI-1 and EndoPredict-clin score in the management of primary ER-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer: Impact on risk stratification and treatment decisions. ASCO Annual Meeting 2013 (poster presentation).

43

Arts & Antiques The Enduring Legacy Of William Morris

by Abby Cronin

Satchel Owned by William Morris © William Morris Gallery

Morris’s influential ideals of ‘art for the people’ into the 20th century and asks the question: What relevance does his visionary thinking have on art and design, the ethics of work, distribution of wealth and responsibility for the natural environment? The exhibition illustrates how his values have influenced and were integral to the philosophy and practice of the Pre-Raphaelites, Socialism, and the Arts and Crafts movement. In the early years of the 20th century his ideals inspired the Suffragette movement, Garden City pioneers, the 1951 Festival of Britain and post-war designers such as Terence Conran. (1) William Morris was the eldest son of a large wealthy middle-class family. His childhood years were spent in the east London suburb of Walthamstow in a home imbued with a spirit of the Middle Ages, simple furnishings and holidays spent in idyllic rural surroundings.

‘Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.’

William Morris lecture, ‘The Beauty of Life’, 1880

O

ne of the greatest Victorian artistcraftsmen and visionaries, William Morris (1834- 1896) is the subject of the current exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery. Fiona MacCarthy, the biographer of Morris and design historian, has curated a show that looks far beyond his wallpaper and textile designs. In Anarchy & Beauty: William Morris and His Legacy, 1860-1960, MacCarthy has drawn on her vast knowledge of Morris, his circles and politics to tell a story of networks and influences through key narratives from 1860 to 1960. The story follows William

44

William Morris by G F Watts, 1870 © National Portrait Gallery

The influence of these early years sowed the seeds of a profound appreciation for the beauty of nature. As he matured, Morris became a passionate advocate of ‘art for the people’: Men should be free to pursue their natural curiosity and to work with nature. Such was his revulsion for the soulless, repetitive and dehumanising practices he saw in the factories and cities of industrial Britain that he became involved in the struggle to change the whole basis of society, expressed so clearly in his visionary novel News From Nowhere, (1890).

It was through the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, formed in the years after 1857, that many fellow artists shared his reverence for the purity of medieval arts and excellence in craftsmanship. Members of the PRB (PreRaphaelite Brotherhood) included BurneJones, Rossetti, Faulkner, the architect Philip Webb and Ford Maddox Brown. When they gathered at Red House, the first marital home of William and Jane Morris, they shared these ideals and exercised their unique creativity in designing, furnishing and decorating the home. They made exceptional pieces of medieval painted furniture. One of the most remarkable examples is the Prioress’s Tale Wardrobe, (1859), which Burne-Jones decorated with episodes from Chaucer’s ‘Prioress’ Tale’ for the bedroom apartment.

The only completed painting of his wife by Morris, La Belle Iseult (1858), portrays Jane in a stylised medieval dress.

New concepts of beauty in design and styles of decoration evolved as the PRB engaged in furnishing the Red House. Furniture was rugged and simple, and women were encouraged to be creative partners in the process. Jane embroidered and her sister

became a skilled wood engraver. Women were now co-workers, a core principle in the Arts and Crafts movement from the 1890s onward.

It is hardly surprising that Morris saw the beginnings of a decorating business taking shape as the architecture and interiors of the Red House were completed. Perhaps it is somewhat incongruous that, as the decoration scheme in the Red House evolved, it was the antithesis of simple. There were multiple patterns, colour upon colour, elaborate handblocked wallpapers, stained glass, tiles and metalwork. Everything was handmade. Morris was so enthusiastic about the furnishings for the Red House that he went on to establish his own decorating business. Known as ‘The Firm’, Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co was set up at 8 Red Lion Square when the family moved back to London in 1865. The business grew and was reconstituted under Morris as Morris & Co. when it moved to 449 Oxford Street in 1877. The company flourished and continued to follow the design principles of medieval-inspired handcrafted items for the home. It was best known for specialising in stained glass, metalwork, carving, wallpapers, carpets, printed textiles and furniture. (2) It is hardly surprising that Morris was unable to bring good design within reach of the working classes. Quite simply, he was a meticulous craftsman whose designs were too costly for most people. His clientele was largely drawn from the enlightened middle classes and aristocrats.

Nonetheless, he did achieve a revolution in taste by raising people’s awareness and appreciation

Prioress's Tale wardrobe by Edward Burne-Jones, 1859 © The Ashmolean Museum, Oxford

Terence Conran and His Cone Chair by Ray Williams 1950s © Estate of Ray Williams

of what had been considered ‘the lesser arts’ such as textiles, metalwork, weaving, ceramics, carving, publishing, bookbinding and even calligraphy. The importance of these so-called ‘lesser-arts’ is much appreciated today. There are several examples of valued handmade objects in the exhibition. An exceptionally beautiful example of the art of bookbinding is Morris’s own well-thumbed copy of Karl Marx’s Capital.

It is in the exhibition in a gold-tooled binding

by T.J.Cobden-Sanderson, (1884). Many more were produced by the Kelmscott Press, which Morris established in 1891, notably the Kelmscott Chaucer, Unable to see any progress towards eliminating class distinctions, Morris actively embraced socialism from the mid1880s. MacCarthy explains: “In embracing socialism Morris had quite consciously moved beyond the familiar confraternities of the Arts and Crafts movement and the Society

La Belle Iseult by William Morris, 1858 © Tate 2014

for the Protection of Ancient Buildings into a different and more unsettling world, in which accepted values, political and sexual, behavioural and spiritual, were always being © Frederic Edwin Church. Niagara Falls 1867.

Courtesywas of thenow National Gallery. questioned. Morris in with the humanists and naturalists, Theosophists, sexologists and psychical researchers, suffragists and feminists….”(3) Although Morris played a major role in the Socialist League, it lacked a coherent political position and had only a tiny membership.

When the Red House was sold in 1865 due to financial difficulties, Morris’s home, Kelmscott House in Hammersmith, became a focus of socialist activity. Fellow artists like Walter Crane supported the Socialist League with designs for the membership card, a series of pamphlets, essays and banners. Others espoused unorthodox sexual lifestyles and established communal collectives. Edward Carpenter, known as ‘the Saint in Sandals’, lived communally with workmen and women in Millthrope, a cottage in a small agricultural village, where he developed sandal making into a successful cottage industry. C.R. Ashbee opened the Guild and School of Handicraft in the East End of London in 1888. But in 1902 he moved some 150 people to a rural setting in Chipping Camden in the Cotswolds in order that these craftsmen and women could improve their living and working conditions.

Ashbee aimed to provide employment for the poor and they flourished in Chipping Camden as jewellers, silversmiths, and enamellers, furniture-makers and so much else.

The pursuit of the ideal society was central to the Garden City movement. Morris wrote: “I want neither the towns to be appendages of the country, nor the country of the town…..” (4) Land was acquired in 1903 for Letchworth in Hertfordshire, the first garden city. The architectural plans of C.F.A.Voysey influenced the designs for Garden City homes. They were planned to be simple, gabled slate-roofed cottages paired together so that 45

they would re-create an old village charm. As the Garden City movement progressed, Heal & Sons saw a retailing opportunity for the manufacture of beds, mattresses and simple furniture well suited for such houses.

Peacock Brooch Designed by C R Ashbee 1900 ©V&A

46

Long after his death in 1896, Morris’s radical thinking continues to influence many aspects of the arts and politics. Among his many supporters were Sylvia Pankhurst, one of the leading women in the suffragette movement and Ambrose Heal, whose handmade furniture still flourishes. In the post-war years, gifted potters such as Bernard Leach and women textile designers like Lucienne Day inspired contemporary ceramicists and fabric designers. Day’s’ ‘Calyx’ textile is still available today. Morris’s political influence is evident in the Fabian Movement*, the emergence of the Labour Party and the post-war Atlee Labour Government. The 1951 Festival of Britain, a regenerative project of the postwar Labour government, was a major stimulus for mid-twentieth century designers. ‘There is no logical reason’, Gordon Russell argued in the publication Design in the Festival, ‘why welldesigned things should not be available to all of us.’ (5) Today we see excellence in design all around us. Conran’s furniture and domestic products demonstrate how good design can be both costefficient and sold on the high street. Although Morris’s ideal of ‘art for the people’ exemplifies the tension between anarchy and beauty, his visionary thinking - his creative anarchyhas endured.It provides a rich landscape for

maintaining high standards of good design for the public and understanding the importance of caring for the natural environment.

Exhibition - Anarchy & Beauty: William Morris and His Legacy, 1860-1960 National Portrait Gallery www.npg.org.uk Exhibition Dates: 16 October 2014 – 11 January 2015 Catalogue: Anarchy & Beauty: William Morris and his legacy – 1860 – 1960

By Fiona MacCarthy.

Yale University Press 2014 All images Courtesy of the National Portrait Gallery *The Fabian Movement: http://en.wikipedia. org/wiki/Fabian_Society Notes from exhibition catalogue: (1) catalogue p.164 (2) catalogue p 28 (3) catalogue p.38 (4) catalogue p. 94) (5) catalogue p.117 Get in touch. Contact: Abby Cronin artsjournalist@abbycronin.co.uk Website: www.abbycronin.co.uk

Useful Numbers EDUCATION - SCHOOLS

ACS International Schools Heywood, Portsmouth Road, Cobham, Surrey, KT11 1BL Telephone: 01932 869721 Email: frose@acs-england.co.uk Website: www.acs-england.co.uk Contact: Fergus Rose Three superb locations close to London, ACS provides a stable environment, high educational standards and a happy social life for relocated youngsters.

DWIGHT SCHOOL LONDON 6 Friern Barnet Lane, London, N11 3LX Contact: Alison Miley Email: amiley@dwightlondon.org Telephone: + 44(0)20 8920 0600 Website: www.dwightlondon.org Twitter: @DwightSchoolUK Dwight School London, formerly known as The North London International School is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School and is one of the first schools in the UK to offer the full IB Programme.

ISL Group of Schools ISL Surrey Old Woking Road, Woking, Surrey GU22 8HY Contact: Claudine Hakim Telephone: +44 (0)1483 750 409

ISL London 139 Gunnersbury Avenue, London W3 8LG Contact: Yoel Gordon Telephone: +44 (0)20 8992 5823 ISL Qatar PO Box 18511, North Duhail, Qatar Contact: Nivin El Aawar Telephone: +974 4433 8600 Website: www.islschools.org Email: hmulkey@islschools.org The International School of London (ISL) Group has schools in London, Surrey, and Qatar.

The internationally recognised primary and secondary curricula have embedded language programmes (mother tongue, English as an Additional Language, and second language) which continue throughout the student’s stay in the school. A team of experienced and qualified teachers and administrators provides every student with the opportunity to grow and learn in an environment that respects diversity and promotes identity, understanding, and a passion for learning.

TASIS THE AMERICAN SCHOOL IN ENGLAND Coldharbour Lane, Thorpe, Surrey TW20 8TE Contact: Karen House Telephone: +44 (0)1932 582316 Email: ukadmissions@tasisengland.org Website: www.tasisengland.org TASIS England offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma, an American college preparatory curriculum, and AP courses to its diverse community of coed day (3-18) and boarding (14-18) students from 50 nations. The excellent academic program, including ESL, is taught in small classes, allowing the individualised attention needed to encourage every student to reach their potential. Outstanding opportunities in art, drama, music, and athletics provide a balanced education. Extensive summer opportunities are also offered. Located close to London on a beautiful and historic 46-acre estate.

MOVING

DT MOVING 49 Wates Way, Mitcham, Greater London CR4 4HR Tel: 020 7622 4393 Email: london@dtmoving.com Web: www.dtmoving.com Contact: Tim Daniells DT Moving is a long established and awardwinning* international moving company.

Founded in 1870, we have vast experience in moving Americans to and from the United States and to other worldwide destinations. With a customer satisfaction rating of 96% throughout 2012, we offer a quality service at competitive rates. First class storage facilities are available.

RELOCATION UniGroup Relocation One Worldwide Drive St. Louis, MO 63026, USA Contact: Mario M. Amato Tel: + 1 636 349 2718 Fax: + 44 (0) 208 181 4945 Mobile: + 44 (0) 7513 061 536 Email: mario_amato@unigroup.com Website: www.unigrouprelocation.com/aib UniGroup Relocation is a global mobility network serving nearly 1,200 locations in more than 180 countries across six continents, making it one of the largest owner managed relocation networks in the world. Our broad range of pre-assignment, transportation and destination services will guide transferees along every step of the journey, from beginning to end. A common voice, a consistent standard of quality and unsurpassed local knowledge set UniGroup apart, giving our customers support and peace of mind as they settle in to their new international locations.

TAXATION

WESTLETON DRAKE LLP 9 Devonshire Square, London EC2M 4YF Telephone: +44 (0)20 3178 6041 Fax: +44 (0)20 3178 4083 Email: info@westletondrake.com Website: www.westletondrake.com US and UK tax advisors who specialise in assisting Americans living in the UK, and corporations and partnerships doing business in the US and UK.

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

MASECO Private Wealth Buchanan House 3 St James’s Square London SW1Y 4JU Telephone: +44 (0)20 7043 0455 Email: enquiries@masecopw.com Website: www.masecoprivatewealth.com MASECO Private Wealth gives peace of mind by providing expert guidance to US families on how to simplify their cross-border wealth management needs. We serve and care for Americans living

If you would like to advertise your company or organisation on our Useful Numbers page please contact damian@theamericanhour.com.

Entries cost £175 per issue or £600 for the year.

*Awarded six global moving awards since 2010.

47

The Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) provides services for six federal benefits programmes outside the US. The largest of these is Social Security.

Did you know that the fastest and easiest way to apply for benefits is through the Internet?

You can apply for retirement benefits three months before your 62nd birthday by visiting: www.ssa.gov/retirement/about.htm Also available online are Medicare and Disability benefits.

No other online services are available outside the US. Please note the online operation hours are limited to correspond with system availability in the United States. From the UK, DDS systems are available at the following times: Weekdays and US holidays - Midnight to 8:00pm Saturday - Midnight to 6:00pm Sunday - 3:00am to 6:30pm The Social Security Administration no longer provides printouts or verifications of Social Security Numbers (SSN).

These printouts were not official documents with security features. Eliminating them will help prevent identity theft. If you do not know your SSN and need it urgently, perhaps for a passport application, you must apply for a replacement SSN card. Since the new card will be mailed to you from the United States, if you reside in the United Kingdom you should allow one month to receive it.

Contact us by e-mail at FBU.London@ssa.gov. Even better, complete our online form at the London US Embassy website - London.USEmbassy.gov. Click on Federal Benefits/Social Security.

48