American In Britain Spring 2022

SPRING 2022

AMERICAN IN BRITAIN Serving the American Community in the UK

FEATURES INCLUDE American Expatriate Clubs’ News • Eating Out Education • Health • Hotel Review • Platinum Jubilee Celebrations Property • Taxing Issues • Theatre • Travel • Wealth Management A D V I S O RY PA N E L

AMERICAN IN BRITAIN

SPRING 2022

CONTENTS 3 Eating Out 8 Travel

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12 Tax 15 Wealth Management 19 Property 22 Days Out With The Family 23 Healthcare

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27 Hotel Review 29 Theatre 32 Forest School

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34 Platinum Jubilee Celebrations 37 Americans Clubs' News

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40 Useful Numbers IBC Free Annual Subscription

PUBLISHER: Helen Elliott Telephone: 020 8661 0186 Email: helen@theamericanhour.com DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & SALES Ben Everson Telephone: 07921 694823 Email: ben@theamericanhour.com American in Britain, PO Box 921, Sutton, SM1 2WB No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publishers.

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Helen Elliott

Ben Everson

Cover: Royal Collection Trust / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2022

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EATING OUT

EATING OUT

Benares

12a Berkeley Square House, Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London, W1J 6BS Telephone: 020 7629 8886 Mayfair is, as everybody knows, one of the more exclusive areas of London, and within Mayfair, one of the more exclusive areas is Berkeley Square. This exclusivity dates back to the 18th Century, when the influential Kent family had their London house in the square, and other famous residents included Winston Churchill and Charles Rolls, the co-founder of Rolls Royce, and for those fans of Jeeves and Wooster, the fictional character Bertie Wooster. In addition, it has one of the most exclusive private members club, Morton’s Club, reportedly the most haunted building in London. I am not so sure of the existence of ghosts, but one place that high spirits are abound, however, is at No. 12a, where you will find Benares, the well-deserved Michelin starred restaurant.

The front entrance is not flashy, in fact it is rather understated in comparison with some of the other restaurants in the vicinity, but you feel a sense of class and understated elegance which is enhanced once you scale the stairs to a low lit bar, which wouldn’t be out of place in many of the slick and exclusive nightclubs in the area. The bar flanks the far wall, and there was a pleasant buzz of patrons happily partaking of a variety of cocktails before moving into the restaurant for dinner.

Cocktail lovers are well catered for here, and many of them have an Indian twist, including the Curry Spritz (gin, aperol and wine bitters with infused curry) or the Passion Fruit Chutney Martini (passion fruit chutney, vodka and fresh lemon juice).

Benares, now under the skilful guidance of Executive Chef, Sameer Taneja, has thrived since it opened in 2003, and in this tough WWW.THEAMERICANHOUR.COM

environment that is a notable achievement.

It also points to a set-up that moves with the times and continually updates its menus, always drawing on influences and spices from all corners of the subcontinent. Benares offers a fine dining experience where your taste buds are continually being challenged by the subtle spicing of varied and fresh ingredients, where a fusion of regional Indian flavours and spices and British ingredients create a unique modern cuisine, which, from hence forth, I will refer to as Brindian!

The menu, as in all good restaurants, concentrates on quality rather than quantity, so there are 8 appetisers and only 6 main dishes, but what caught my eye was the Tasting Menu of 10 dishes for £119 per person, which showcases all that Benares can offer. Perfect.

Before we set off on this tribute to fine food, we happily made our way through some delightfully light and crispy poppadoms, ably complemented by sweet chutneys, providing that sweet and sour contrast, as well as an onion oil (something I have never seen before).

Our first course was mysteriously named Street Snack, and what a way to start a meal, as it clearly indicated the authenticity of what was to come. The Street Snack is a tribute to all the street traders who ply their trade on the streets of India and rest under the branches of the trees to avoid the midday sun. It consisted of two skewers of delicately fried potato fritter sheltering under the branches of a Bonzai tree.

Fried potato, on the face of it, doesn’t seem that special, but in the hands of the chefs at Benares, the texture and seasoning made this probably my favourite dish of the evening.

The next course was an Italian Black Winter Truffle Shorba. Shorba is an Arabic word that means a kind of stew or hot soup and was lusciously thick and creamy and packed with chicken and chestnut flavour along with the distinctive richness of black truffle. The

delights just kept coming, with a Porlock Bay Oyster and cured Sea-Bream Chaat, and then baked Malabar Hand Dived Scottish Scallop with a crispy bread podi. The small pieces of oyster and diced raw sea bream were mixed with avocado, chickpeas, peas and chilli to provide an explosion of tastes, all bathing in a delicate sweet and sour sauce, and the scallop had the slight sweetness, that Scottish scallops are famous for, and was accompanied by a delicate coconut sauce and a satisfying crunch from the breadcrumbs.

The final fish dish was a Tawa Masala, wild halibut with a clam moilee and again the composition of the dish was spot on, with the fish perfectly cooked and delicately spiced and complemented by the multi-coloured moilee.

The next two dishes were meat dishes of Tandori Muntjac with garlic yoghurt and chilli chutney and then the Baby Poussin Tikka Masala with lentils, rice and breads, again superb.

Our final two courses, pre-dessert and the dessert, were equally delicious, consisting first of a delicate crispy fig leaf complete with veins accompanied by a sweet fig chutney, and then the actual dessert, which was an indulgent Rasmalai (literal translation is juicy cream) which was milky and creamy and absolutely delicious. The Rasmalai was accompanied by a cinnamon cookie, shaped like a flower with a small drop of a sharp raspberry coolie in the middle, which provided the contrasting colour, texture and sharpness.

A visit to Benares is a true delight, with every dish being expertly constructed. Along with wonderful ingredients and textural combinations, there is just the right amount of spice to give the dish its taste without overpowering its ingredients. Very clever, and totally delicious, and it is no surprise that Benares has regained it Michelin star, and continues to go from strength to strength. www.benaresrestaurant.com WWW.AMERICANINBRITAIN.CO.UK

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Greek Wine Tasting Brother Marcus 2 Crispin Place, Spitalfields, London, E1 6DW

London doesn’t have enough space to cater for all of the people who want to live and work there, so it has continued to reinvent and redevelop areas over the years to try and keep up with the demand, and one such place that has undergone a dramatic change is Spitalfields Market.

Spitalfields is one of London’s oldest markets, originating in 1682 as a fruit and vegetable market, but over the years all of the fruit and vegetable traders have moved over to a new site in East London, and Spitalfields is now a seven-days a week market destination, with an array of independent stall holders, showcasing handcrafted and hard to find pieces accompanied by a number of restaurants and bars, and it was to one of these, Brother Marcus, that we visited on a winter’s night for a Greek Wine tasting evening.

When anyone mentions Greek wines I immediately think of retsina, as it is the best known traditional Greek wine. Retsina has not always had a positive reputation, indeed, I always remember my father’s description of retsina, when I was much younger, as being very dismissive describing it as ‘gutrot’ as it had a strong aftertaste from the resin added as a preservative. This reputation is actually quite unfair, as Greece is one of the oldest wine producing regions in the world dating back 6,500 years. In fact, Greek wines were highly regarded by the Romans, and as the Greeks spread throughout Europe they introduced vines and quality wines to much of Italy, Southern France and Spain.

Indeed, I had recently been to the Greek island of Santorini, where I enjoyed a few bottles of their wine, so I was really looking forward to our visit to Brother Marcus for the Greek wine tasting evening, as I hoped to enjoy a few more!

Brother Marcus was created by three best friends, Arthur, Alex and Tas, and their objective is to bring the flavours and recipes of the Eastern Mediterranean to London.

They currently have three restaurants, one in Angel, another in Spitalfields, and the third,

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which recently opened in Borough Yards in early March.

When we arrived, the restaurant was already buzzing, even though it was early on a Wednesday evening, with diners enjoying their food and drinks seated in the Mediterranean styled outside seating area, complete with plants and overhead beams. As mentioned, we were there to experience a wine tasting evening, which Brother Marcus holds on the last Wednesday of each month and is designed to encourage Londoners to try and buy Greek wines. These wines are selected by Maltby & Greek, the leading supplier of Greek wines in the UK, and are selected from unknown regions to be paired alongside delicious Greek food provided by Brother Marcus.

The first wine was a complete surprise to me as I didn’t know that there was a Greek champagne, but it was a true delight and would give many big named champagnes a run for their money. It was fruity and crisp and was a great accompaniment to the first small plate of pickled vegetables and marinated olives in preserved lemon, chilli and rosemary. The olives were quickly devoured and replaced with a selection of Greek dips including hummus with paprika chickpeas; fennel tzatziki with Aleppo chilli and smokey aubergine baba ganoush, all accompanied by toasted fluffy pitta bread. The hummus was light and creamy, the tzatziki fresh, and the baba ganoush rich and garlicy. We then moved on to two different white wines, two delicate rosé‘s, and then finally 2 robust reds, all expertly presented and described by representatives from Maltby & Greek. Other dishes that were served during the evening

were a dish of crispy and delicate Calamari with a smooth almond purée with basil, a wonderful baked Manouri Cheese with orange and thyme, Kefir Fried Chicken with paprika and romesco, and finally red lentil kibbeh with yellow chilli purée, leek hay and pomegranate molasses. Every dish we tried was perfectly cooked and a lovely example of what Greek food should taste like, and also showcased perfectly the skill of the Brother Marcus chefs.

The clever aspect of this evening was that the representatives from the wine distributors provided just enough information describing the wine and the region it was from, and in a way that us lay people can easily understand and appreciate, which is a skill that many sommeliers could take a leaf from, as they can often bamboozle people with unnecessary facts.

Brother Marcus’s mission is to bring the family together through food and memories, and so far my memories of the evening are very positive, as although we were really there for the wine, the food was tasty, perfectly cooked and gave a positive glimpse of what their kitchen can provide, and I for one, will be back very soon to investigate the menu further.

It is great to have found a fun and stylish restaurant with such a positive message to promote inclusivity by serving quality food accompanied by some exceptional Greek wines. I will now be going back to my Dad with a few bottles of Greek wine to prove to him that his critique of all Greek wines, all those years ago, is truly out of date! www.brothermarcus.co.uk

EATING OUT

Yauatcha

Broadgate Circle, London, EC2M 2QS Telephone: 0203 817 9888 Yauatcha first came to the attention of UK diners with its initial offering in Soho that gained a Michelin star, and is now a firm favourite with London diners.

Not content with resting on their laurels they opened a second restaurant deep in the heart of the city, and this was the restaurant we were invited to in order to share our experience of Yauatcha with you.

I have worked in the city, and my initial concern was that the restaurant would be stark and full of loud, brash city types, drinking over-priced wine and talking extremely loudly about the state of the markets and how they can make more money, but my concerns were totally unfounded.

Yauatcha City, dominates almost the entire second tier of Broadgate Circus, encircling the area where the ice rink is set up every winter, and although it can cater for almost 200 people, the clever design and segregation of the space they have maintains a level of intimacy that is vital when enjoying a meal out.

There is a bar area where you can sit on high tables, with a perfect view into the kitchen where the chefs weave their magic a perfect place for a quick bite with friends.

Other sections of the restaurant include parts replete with aquariums, star lit ceilings, and deep booths, and bookending the restaurant are two large, tastefully decorated outside terraces, where diners can enjoy a drink whilst looking down on the hustle and bustle of city life. Unfortunately, in February, the weather made it impossible to have a drink outside (think Siberian wind and you won’t be too far wrong), but I will be back in the summer to sip one of the many expertly created cocktails and enjoy the comfortable seats in the shade of the cherry blossom on the trees. The section of the restaurant we were seated in was filled with modern leather and metal chairs and wooden tables lit by low hanging lights, cleverly creating an intimate and inclusive atmosphere.

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Yauatcha is renown for its Dim Sum, and Dim Sum translated actually means Gratitude. There are many legends based around this, and my favourite one is that, to show soldiers gratitude after a battle, a General had civilians make buns and cakes to send to the front line. If they had been sent the ones Yauatcha make, they would have been lucky soldiers!

The choice of Dim Sum is extensive, so either ask your waiter for some suggestions, or alternatively, you can choose one of the Dim Sum Platters - the Classic Steamed (£36), the Classic Baked (£36), the Supreme Dim Sum (£52) or the Vegan Dim Sum (£28). We put our trust in our waiter’s hands and weren’t disappointed, as he suggested we chose from the steamed section the Seafood Black Truffle Dumpling (£15) which was delightfully indulgent with a mixture of crab, prawn and scallop, subtly flavoured with black truffle wrapped in a pinky red sticky dough. The next two suggestions were from the baked/fried/ pan fried section and were Spicy Soft Shell Crab (£16) and the Sesame Prawn Toasts (£15). Soft shell crab is a favourite of mine, and especially when encased in a light and delicate batter, and this was accompanied by almonds and chilli to provide more texture and heat. The prawn toasts not only tasted fabulous, they looked great as well, and are a must to order. Our final starter came from the Bao Bun section with the recommendation of the Char Siu Bun (£11). Bao Buns are wonderfully sweet and gooey, and this sweetness was perfectly juxtaposed by the succulent pork within, making it a delightful mixture of sweet and savoury.

Before deciding on our main courses, we ordered one of our favourite dishes, half a Crispy Aromatic Duck with pancakes, cucumber and spring onion (£39). I have had duck in many establishments across the world and it is difficult for me to think of one that was better, the duck was succulent and fell off the bone when expertly de-boned by our waiter at the table, the skin was crispy, the pancakes were warm, and the hoisin sauce rich and comforting - perfection!!

Yauatcha’s mains again cater for everyone with an extensive range of fish, meat and poultry dishes, as well as a wide selection of tofu and vegetable dishes for vegetarians, and after extensive discussions we decided on the Pan Fried Silver Cod in superior soy sauce (£33) and Kung Pao Chicken with cashew nuts and dried chilli (£21). To accompany them, we selected Singapore Noodles with prawn, squid and bell peppers (£18) and Egg Fried Rice with spring onion (£10). Cod is a delicate taste and needs to be cooked well to bring out all the wonderful taste it has, and this dish didn’t disappoint, with the slightly salty soy sauce an able supporter. Kung Pao Chicken was renamed for a brief time during the Cultural Revolution to ‘spicy chicken’, due to its association with the imperial system, and although it is not such an appealing name, it is an apt description, as it had a lovely spicy heat all combined with the crunch of the cashew nuts. The spice of the chicken was off set nicely by the Singapore noodles, packed with prawns and squid and the fluffy rice we had ordered, finished off our mains perfectly.

Despite all this food we still had enough room for a dessert, and how lucky for us we did, as they were spectacular. Strangely, at an oriental restaurant, the desserts are described as ‘petite gateau’, so you may feel they are in the wrong restaurant, but when you see and taste them you will be grateful they are here.

These small cakes are visually spectacular and are as clever and distinctive as they are tasty, and a perfect end to the meal. We selected, initially, just the Spiky Lemon (£6), as we were quite full by then!, but were persuaded to also try the Year of the Tiger dessert. This is a special dessert celebrating the start of the new Chinese New Year of the Tiger. The Spiky Lemon was a wonderful mixture of soft, sweet and creamy meringue, with the sharpness acidity of the lemon curd, and the Year of the Tiger dessert married two flavours that complement each other perfectly, namely orange (in the form of mandarins) and white chocolate. A truly spectacular end to a spectacular meal. www.yauatcha.com/city WWW.AMERICANINBRITAIN.CO.UK

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Burger & Lobster

36 Dean Street, Soho, London W1D 4PS Telephone: 020 7432 4800 When it comes to food, there are just some partnerships that just go together, like Fish and Chips, Bangers and Mash or Bubble and Squeak, and until now I would never have added Burger and Lobster to the list, but after my visit to their Soho restaurant I may just have changed my mind.

Burger & Lobster started out in 2011, on an Irish Pub’s rooftop in Mayfair, when four school friends came up with a really simple idea, namely, take a few quality ingredients and focus on making them taste the best that they can.

The quality ingredients are not surprising, given their restaurants’ name, Burger & Lobster, and the best testament to the quality of their offering is that they have rapidly expanded, and now have 9 restaurants in London, as well as restaurants in 5 other countries (including one at the iconic Raffles hotel arcade in Singapore).

Many think that simple things are easy to do, but that is really not the case, as with simple things there is nowhere to hide, and you can’t hide deficiencies with a sauce!

Our destination was the Burger & Lobster restaurant in Soho, which is situated close to many of London’s theatres in that area, and is in the heart of London’s foodie capital.

Soho has had a very colourful reputation, but few are aware that it also has an impressive cultural past, for example, it was the place where Lord Nelson spent his last night on dry land, where Mozart used to perform as a young boy, and where Karl Marx used to live in the 1850’s. It is now in the centre of the film and theatre industry, as well as home to numerous advertising agencies, which provides a lively and creative vibe that is mirrored by Burger & Lobster.

Burger & Lobster pride themselves on using the finest ingredients. The best lobsters come from Nova Scotia, Canada, and are caught in the time-honoured fashion in lobster pots, and then flown to the UK and transported to the restaurants where they are released into large tanks whilst still wonderfully fresh.

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namely the burger, but that would be a mistake, as the ingredients for these are also the freshest and tastiest you can get. Provenance is important, and a good burger must have good beef, and the beef in these burgers comes from the pastures of Nebraska where the cattle are only grass fed.

The menu at Burger & Lobster is a simple one to understand, as after the starters there is really only four options for the mains, Lobster, Lobster Roll, Burger, or a combination of burger and lobster. It is simple to understand, but not so simple to decide what to choose, as it all looks amazing, and the smells coming from the kitchen can make you change your mind a number of times!

I looked at the starters, or ‘small plates to share’ as it says on the menu, and was initially tempted by the Calamari (£8.50) and the Queen Scallops (£11), but I have tasted these many times before, so decided on something new and plumped for the Classic Oysters (£3.50 per oyster) and the Spinach Croquettes (£8). Oysters are certainly an acquired taste. Here their flesh was succulent and delicately flavoured (if a bit slippery!) and the taste was enhanced by the hint of tabasco, lemon and the shallot vinaigrette I added. The Croquettes were served with Feta cheese and a moreish green goddess dipping sauce, and I was glad I had selected something different. My wife chose the Queen Scallops that were served in their shell, sitting on a wonderfully spicy sauce, and do be warned, it is a hot sauce!

For the mains I changed my mind a number of times again, as everything was just so tempting, but I finally decided to have the B&L Combo with half a lobster and a 5oz original burger (£28). This was served with fries, salad and a dressing of your choice (I chose the lemon & garlic one).

Your lobster can be grilled or steamed, but personally I prefer it grilled as it preserves its meaty flavour, and I chose the lemon and garlic sauce which is frankly a joy without dominating the lobster’s natural

taste. I would like to think of myself as a bit of a connoisseur of burgers, as I have eaten many burgers in many restaurants across the world, but I am struggling to remember when I have had a tastier burger than the one here. The burger was packed with salty bacon, cheese, tomato and salad, along with a ‘secret’ recipe burger sauce, but the gem was the patty which was so succulent and just slightly pink in the middle and seasoned perfectly. A true delight to my taste buds.

It is not only the taste that makes eating lobster special, you also have the challenge of finding and extracting every last tasty morsel from the shell. To do this you are provided with a nut cracker (I know it has a different name, but that’s what it looked like to me!), and a long metal implement with 2 tiny prongs to dig into the nooks and crannies of the lobster.

If you prefer a hybrid of lobster and burger then the lobster roll is for you, as it provides another way to enjoy lobster as the lobster is dressed in lemon mayo and served in a toasted brioche bun - a lobster burger no less! If you are visiting with children under 10 there is also a special menu for them, that includes burgers and fish and chips instead of lobster.

There are only two desserts to choose from - a creamy Crème Brulee and a Baked Cheesecake (both £6), and if you still have room I would suggest the Crème Brulee as it has a great crunchy sugary top and is wonderfully creamy, and you can’t have enough sweetness or cream in life, can you?!

I love a restaurant where everything is simple. The concept is simple, namely, take two ingredients, ensure that they are the freshest and tastiest you can source, and cook them perfectly in a comfortable and buzzy environment. It seems simple, but it is hard to pull off, and Burger & Lobster have aced it with consummate ease, and it won’t be long before I return for another one of those amazing burgers. www.burgerandlobster.com

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TRAVEL Plymouth, The Home Of The Mayflower Voyage As an island country, Great Britain does have quite a large coastline to investigate, and visitors to our shores have many towns and beaches to choose from. When you think of seaside towns to visit your first thoughts probably go to Brighton, Blackpool or Bognor Regis, but if you go a little further down the alphabet from B to P, you come to the historic city of Plymouth, that has so much to see and do.

Plymouth is located on the south coast of Devon, about 193 miles from London, and is well supported by rail and road links. Plymouth is a university town which mixes all the benefits of a modern city, with the more historic Barbican area, which is Plymouth’s delightful old port full of cobbled streets, Elizabethan warehouses and specialist shops, cafés and restaurants.

Plymouth also has a lido, a plethora of picturesque walks, and views, and all the expected water activities ranging from a relaxing fishing trip to a high-octane jet ski safari to delight visitors, and if you want to go a little farther afield, is also only 25 minutes away from the breath-taking scenery of Dartmoor National Park.

To my shame, I have never been to Plymouth, and so it was with great expectation that I drove past the sign welcoming me to the ‘Ocean City’, and followed the signpost directing me to The Barbican. The Barbican is the old port area and forms the heart of the city’s heritage with the oldest buildings and the most historical stories. Our first port of call was one of the oldest surviving buildings

Smeaton’s Tower

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in The Barbican, The Elizabethan House. This house was built for a cost of £150 in the late 1500’s when Plymouth was a thriving port, (£150 was coincidently the same amount of money spent building the Mayflower), and despite the heavy German bombing in World War II and a demolition order in the 20th Century, it still stands today having undergone a major restoration as part of Plymouth’s Mayflower 400 commemorations.

History can be a little dry at times, but visitors to the house enjoy an immersive and authentic journey through Plymouth’s history under the watchful guidance of both a human guide and the spiritual ‘voice’ of the house. This ‘spirit’, who herself lived in the house, takes you through the history and the various residents of the house, so you have a real feel for what life was like over the past few centuries. This history is related to visitors via a multi-sensory audio-visual tour, and the hour-long tour truly flew by.

Having spent a very enjoyable hour at the house, we walked the very short walk down to the quayside to see the Mayflower Steps from where the Pilgrims are believed to have finally left England aboard the Mayflower, on 6th September 1620, to cross the Atlantic Ocean to settle in North America, finally landing at Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts.

Although the actual steps the pilgrims left from are long gone, there are a number of memorials commemorating the voyage, including a granite block bearing the ship’s name, a commemorative portico with Doric columns of Portland stone that was built in

1934 (flanked by British and American flags), and historical information, and it is hard not to stand here and look out over the Plymouth Sound and think about the bravery of those original pilgrims as they set out in 1620 into the unknown on a ship which was, reportedly, very leaky!

The best effort by local historians to place the actual site of the Mayflower finally casting off is roughly where a Victorian public house, the Admiral MacBride, now stands, and is a perfect place to raise a toast to those hardy souls.

Having seen where the Mayflower set sail, it is a short walk (up a steep hill!) to Plymouth Hoe, a large south-facing open public space famous for a game of bowls! It was on Plymouth Hoe that the apocryphal story relates that Sir Francis Drake played his famous game of bowls in 1588, whilst waiting for the tide to change before sailing out with the British Fleet to engage and defeat the Spanish Armada.

In the summer months, The Hoe is a lovely place to soak up the sun and enjoy a picnic whilst gazing out over the Plymouth Sound, and soaking up Plymouth’s history.

Prominently sited near the Royal Citadel, at the eastern end of the Hoe, is Smeaton’s Tower, which is the upper portion of John Smeaton’s Eddystone Lighthouse, which was originally built on the Eddystone Rocks (located 14 miles to the south) in 1759, and moved to The Hoe, stone by stone in 1877, when it was discovered that the sea was undermining the rocks it was

Elizabethan House

TRAVEL

Bistrot Pierre

Room in Bistrot Pierre

standing on. The lighthouse stands 72 feet high, and once you have negotiated the 93 steps and ladders up to the top, you are afforded amazing views across Plymouth, as well as the Tinside Lido, perched on the shore line, which has welcomed bathers since the 1930’s.

Having enjoyed the bright wintery sun, we returned to our car, and left one historic area and made our way to another, the Royal William Yard, where we found Bistrot Pierre, our accommodation for the trip.

The Royal William Yard was constructed between 1825 and 1831 as a naval victualling yard, and was recently sympathetically redeveloped into an array of eating and drinking establishments, as well as hosting many events and music events, and a local traders market on the first Sunday of each month.

Our accommodation was in Room 15 at Residence One, by Bistrot Pierre, which is perfectly located on the Yard’s main green.

The building used to be the home of a royal navy admiral and has been lovingly restored to its former glory to house 14 individually styled rooms, Our room, on the 2nd floor, had wonderful views of the sea and had a luxury double bed with indulgent goose feather and down pillows and duvet, which gave us a wonderfully refreshing night’s sleep. The room also has all the expected mod cons, including a large Samsung TV, complimentary tea and coffee making facilities, free wifi, and breakfast at Bistrot Pierre’s restaurant just across the green.

Although Bistrot Pierre is slightly outside Plymouth City centre, it is a wonderful place to stay on your visit, as the rooms are luxurious and well equipped, their restaurant is welcoming and serves a mean breakfast, and it isn’t hard to reach WWW.THEAMERICANHOUR.COM

View from Smeaton’s Tower

In the summer months, The Hoe is a lovely place to soak up the sun and enjoy a picnic whilst gazing out over the Plymouth Sound, and soaking up Plymouth’s history the city centre via the plentiful buses or the ferryboat which will take you to the heart of The Barbican. The staff are also very helpful, and for residents of the hotel, the parking is free. There is an outdoor dining area in front of Bistrot Pierre in front of the green, where children and dogs can run around freely whilst you enjoy a delicious meal or drink. Bistrot Pierre’s menu has something for everyone, at very good prices. It even has an incredible six-course dinner for £24.95 on some Tuesday evenings.

Food options at Royal William Yard are plentiful, but we were invited to visit an independent restaurant, so headed to the Hook & Line for dinner. Hook & Line is the brainchild of fisherman, Ben Squire and hospitality expert Steve Page, and it is

advisable to book, as when we visited all of the tables were full. The interior is quirky and rustic with wonderfully vaulted ceilings and stone walls and makes maximum use of the space whilst still retaining the character of the original use of the building. As the name suggests this is a fish restaurant, but with a twist, as how many restaurants do you know where much of the fish has been caught by the owner in his boats?

After a refreshing night’s sleep and hearty breakfast, we started our second day at the National Marine Aquarium, located in Sutton Harbour. The National Marine Aquarium is run by the Ocean Conservation Trust, a charity dedicated to connecting people with the ocean and, as well as providing visitors with the opportunity to see animals you would never be able to see in the flesh, it endeavours to educate about the oceans and its wildlife, in an accessible and engaging way. It seems that they have got the balance between education and enjoyment just right, as, when we visited, it was lovely to see the number of children there all excitedly running from one educational display or exhibit to a tank full of rays and sharks, and engaging with each equally.

National Marine Aquarium

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A visit to the aquarium takes you from the shores of Plymouth across all of the oceans of the world and there are over 4,000 animals to meet including sharks, sting rays, octopuses, jelly fish, and my favourite, turtles. It also boasts the deepest and largest tank in the UK, and with the cleverly designed arched glass viewing panel, you can get spectacular views of the turtles or rays as they gracefully glide over your head.

Having spent a wonderful couple of hours at the Aquarium (and you could spend much longer if you wanted to), we headed next to The Box Museum, and after a lovely lunch at the Box Kitchen & Bar, where I can totally recommend their homemade flatbreads, especially the spiced chicken, harissa yoghurt, dukkah and coriander one, turned our attention to the myriad of exhibitions and galleries housed here.

The Box is a major new museum and art gallery for Plymouth and the South West, and mixes permanent galleries showing the history of the area with temporary exhibitions.

One such temporary exhibition is ‘Another Crossing’, which forms part of the Mayflower 400 commemorations. This exhibition has been created by asking a number of artists to portray their vision about the Mayflower voyage and what it meant to them, and it is well worth a visit as some of the exhibits will totally surprise you. The exhibition runs until 5th June. You will also be able to visit Mabel, a life sized woolly mammoth!

Having visited a lot of Plymouth’s older sights, our final destination was The Market Hall, which is certainly as modern as it gets, having launched in mid-July 2021.

The Market Hall has introduced a worldclass space for creative, digital innovation, The Market Hall

Acléaf

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learning and immersive experiences in the heart of Plymouth. It also boasts an aweinspiring 15 metre immersive dome - the first of its kind in Europe - which is at the cutting edge of immersive technology, and we came to view one of these interactive experiences.

Visitors sit on large, comfy, bean bags in the centre of the dome (there are chairs available as well), and are treated to an immersive experience without the need for a VR headset, and you can take a trip to space, deep underwater, or an evening of cutting-edge cultural content, all whilst comfortably ensconced on a bean bag. The other thing that makes this place unusual is that there are no set ticket prices, and visitors are asked to pay what they thought the experience was worth for them at the end of their visit.

Those visiting Plymouth are not short of great dining experiences, but the pinnacle must be the Acléaf restaurant at Boringdon Hall.

The restaurant has just been awarded a 4th AA Rosette and our visit here finished off our trip to Plymouth with a gastronomic flourish.

The 5* Boringdon Hall Hotel and Spa’s history dates back to the Doomsday Book and is an eclectic mix of styles, as it just oozes history from every stone, whilst also offering all of the modern facilities hotel guests would expect, including an ultra-exclusive spa which is just spectacular, but our destination was Acléaf, which means ‘oak leaf’ in Anglo Saxon, and is situated in the main house.

The restaurant overlooks the ornate Great Hall, and under the expert oversight of Head Chef, Scott Paton, diners are treated to inventive British food using the finest locally sourced ingredients. The menu is a 4 course tasting menu (£120) and is laid out in 4 courses of 4 dishes, where you select a dish from each course, which you may think would be easy as there are only 4 choices, but it is much harder than you think, as they all sound so delicious. We also were struggling with what wine to choose, so opted for the wine flight to go with the meal at £55, so we could leave that choice to the sommelier!

Initially, we were served a couple of Amuse Bouches, which were delicate and bursting with flavour, and accompanied ably by one of my favourite British sparkling wine’s, namely,

Gusbourne. This wine is from one of the finest estates in England, and is a wonderful mixture of acidity and creaminess in the same mouthful, and is just delightful.

Our first courses, were the Duck Terrine with quince, and my wife chose the Chicken Liver. My terrine was rich and the duck surrounded a generous serving of fois gras, all supported by the quince that provides sweet and sour at the same time. The chicken liver was so smooth and the brioche that accompanied it was crispy on the outside and so light on the inside it almost melted in your mouth. Our second courses, were the Scallop with maitake and soy, and Veal, celery root and pepper. The veal sweet breads were delicate and perfectly sautéed, and the scallop was meaty and had been given just enough additional flavour by the salty soy sauce. These courses were accompanied by perfectly selected wines, so much so that we decided to stick with the Pouilly Fume which had already been served, for the rest of the courses! The journey through the finest British ingredients continued with the third course, Turbot with pumpkin and lemon, and Venison with salsify and cocoa. As a fish, turbot is pretty hard to beat, as its buttery soft flesh and subtle salty flavour is a firm favourite, and with the addition of a hint of citrus from the lemon the flavour was taken to even greater heights. Venison is lean and bursting with flavour and mine was cooked to perfection with a vibrant pinky interior.

Desserts are as tasty as they are visually appealing, and Acléaf combine a number of classic combinations with a few little twists, to ensure a fine end to the meal, and it is surely only a matter of time before a Michelin star will be awarded.

I am not sure if it is fair to describe Plymouth as a ‘Hidden gem’, especially as it is the second largest city in the region and attracts thousands of visitors, but until I visited, I didn’t realise just how much there is to see and do here, both on and off the water.

From the history of the Mayflower, Drake’s defeating of the Spanish Armada or jet ski safaris, there is something for everyone.

Elizabethan House Email: www.theboxplymouth.com/ outside-the-box/elizabethan-house Smeaton’s Tower Email: www.theboxplymouth.com/ outside-the-box/smeatons-tower Bistrot Pierre Email: www.bistrotpierre.co.uk/rooms/ residence-one/ The National Marine Aquarium Email: www.national-aquarium.co.uk/ The Market Hall Email: www.realideas.org/our-spaces/ market-hall/ Acleaf Restaurant Email: www.boringdonhall.co.uk/diningdrinks/acleaf-restaurant/

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TAXING ISSUES UK Income Tax Through A US Tax Lens The following is designed to provide general tax information for Americans contemplating a move to the United Kingdom and does not constitute legal advice. As with all legal issues, seeking tailored advice from qualified counsel is advisable.

Americans who relocate to the United Kingdom will encounter an income tax system with many similarities to the one they have grown to loathe in the United States. Nevertheless, continued US tax obligations, combined with new tax responsibilities in the United Kingdom, create a landscape characterised by both opportunities and pitfalls.

1. Tax Reporting Obligations And Remittance-Basis

Similar to taxation policy in the United States, UK tax residents will generally owe tax to Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) on worldwide income. But unlike the US system, many taxpayers do not need to file an annual tax return (known as a “Self-Assessment”) with tax responsibilities being largely satisfied through withholdings. For example, an individual earning UK wages as their only source of income would not need to file a tax return unless earnings for the tax year ending April 5th were greater than £100,000.

Importantly, Americans who are in the process of moving to the United Kingdom should be aware of potential tax savings through election of remittancebasis taxation. This tax status has no corresponding policy in the United States and creates an opportunity to protect non-UK investment income from UK tax for a limited time following a move.

To summarise, investment income from non-UK sources earned during the remittance period is not subject to taxation in the United Kingdom unless funds are remitted into or otherwise spent in the UK. US tax would continue to be due, but Americans with short-term plans in the United Kingdom who earn considerable investment income would be wise to analyse possible tax savings that would be produced through this strategy.

The remittance basis can only be used for seven years after arriving in the United Kingdom after which time an annual charge of £30,000 applies. This annual charge then increases to £60,000 for those who are resident in 12 of the prior 14 years, and 12

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is not available once deemed domiciled, which applies after 15 years of residence during the prior 20-year period. Please note, domicile determinations can be challenging, and if strong connections are not maintained outside the United Kingdom, there will always be risk of a determination that UK domicile has been established by choice, thus eliminating protection of remittance basis.

Irrespective of UK status and filing obligations, US citizenship status will require that annual tax returns and foreign bank account reports continue to be filed back home. Because of these continued US tax obligations, many provisions are in place to eliminate exposure to double taxation for an American living in the UK, but cracks in the foundation do exist.

Outside of remittance basis taxation, tax will generally be assessed in the United Kingdom at a rate higher than the corresponding rate that would be due on that same amount of income in the United States 2. Tax Rates

Outside of remittance basis taxation, tax will generally be assessed in the United Kingdom at a rate higher than the corresponding rate that would be due on

that same amount of income in the United States. Income from salaries or selfemployment, pensions, interest, and rental income will face a “basic” tax rate of 20% after the application of a personal allowance of (£12,570 in 2021/22). A “higher” tax rate of 40% applies to income in excess of £50,271 and an “additional higher” rate of 45% is applied to income over £150,000.

By comparison, the progressive tax system in the US contains over twice as many rate bands and a top rate of 37%, which in 2022, does not kick in until total income reaches $539,901 ($647,851 for married taxpayers filing jointly). Americans who are resident in states with high rates of income tax, such as California, Hawaii, or New Jersey, will tack on an additional state tax charge and face rates closer to those encountered in the United Kingdom. But, a permanent move from Texas, Florida, or another state, with no personal income tax, will always come with a hefty increase in the overall income tax bill.

3. Tax Incentives For Pensions And Investments

UK tax policy incentivises investment and offers a wide range of tax protection opportunities for British taxpayers working to fund their retirement or just save for a rainy day. To offset the brutality of the rates described above, tax incentives on investment and retirement are often considerably more generous than those offered in the United States. But unless specifically provided for in the United States – United Kingdom Income Tax Treaty, American citizens will continue to pay US tax on their tax-protected UK income.

UK Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs).

Participation in retirement savings schemes in the UK is largely protected by this Treaty; however, the Individual Savings Account (ISA) designation will be disregarded for US tax purposes as the accounts do not qualify as retirement plans. ISAs create opportunities for British taxpayers to make limited annual contributions to tax-free investment accounts that can be withdrawn at any point, irrespective of age. ISA income remains fully taxable in the United States and retains its underlying character (ie., dividends, interest, capital gains, or PFIC income!).

Tax Incentives for Investment Income (2021/22). In the United Kingdom, annual

TAXING ISSUES tax-free allowances are offered for dividends (£2,000), capital gains (£12,300), interest (£1,000) and rental income (£1,000), in addition to the personal allowance.

Basic rate taxpayers pay a tax rate of 7.5% on dividend income, which is increased to 32.5% for higher rate taxpayers, and 38.1% for taxpayers in the additional rate. These rates are projected to increase. For capital gains, basic rate taxpayers pay a 10% rate on the sale of assets other than residential property which is taxed at a rate of 18%.

Higher and additional higher rate taxpayers will pay capital gains rates of 20%/28%.

On the US side, American taxpayers benefit from a 0% tax rate on long-term capital gains and certain dividends while in the 10% and 12% tax brackets and pay a rate of 15% thereafter. The rate then jumps to 20% once the top tax bracket has been reached.

No corresponding allowances are available, meaning US tax could potentially be due on tax-protected UK income.

Further complicating matters, outside of the interest allowance in the United Kingdom, Americans will generally face UK tax on tax-free interest income from certain US government bonds and obligations.

Health and education savings plans in the United States can also carry unintended UK tax consequences.

Mutual Funds and Unit Trusts. Despite the tax incentives for investment income in both countries, mutual fund investments are problematic for Americans on both sides of the pond. Mutual fund investments in the United Kingdom will be subject to taxation under the Passive Foreign Investment Company (PFIC) rules, whereby gains and certain irregular distributions are taxed at the highest marginal rate in the US with additional interest charges accruing over the holding period. The result is that the cost of compliance on the US side and underlying tax obligations have the potential to largely undermine investment objectives.

US mutual funds can also be inefficient for Americans who are tax resident in the United Kingdom and not using remittance basis. Like the PFIC rules in the United States, the United Kingdom taxes gains from certain non-UK mutual funds and unit trusts at income tax, rather than capital gains rates. Fortunately, the same punitive rate and interest charges assessed in the United States under the PFIC guidelines do not apply.

Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT).

This 3.8% tax is assessed in the United States against the investment earnings of Americans with income over $200,000 ($250,000 if MFJ and $150,000 if MFS).

Even when the investment income is UK source and more than sufficient foreign tax credits are available, as it is classified as a “Medicare” tax, the IRS maintains that is not part of the foreign tax credit calculations and cannot be reduced by UK income tax paid.

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Retirement Savings. Opportunities to save for retirement start to form the silver lining of our discussion. Provisions in the Treaty provide protection from current taxation of plan-level earnings in qualifying retirement arrangements in both countries. Moreover, a unique provision protects same country rollovers and postretirement distributions from taxation in both countries. With retirement savings strategies being the main area where the stars align for American expats in the United Kingdom, coming up with a strategy to maximise participation with your financial advisor may be a good idea.

Nevertheless, a couple of additional considerations will come into play when thinking about UK pension participation from a US tax perspective. First, in the United States, retirement funds can be accessed before the age of 59 ½ by paying an additional 10% tax on taxable portion of the distribution. In the UK, there is no similar mechanism to access your pension pot before the age of 55 without considerable cost and unfavorable tax ramifications.

Furthermore, UK pensions will be reportable as foreign assets for purposes of US FinCEN and FATCA filings. The reporting is purely informational in nature, but Americans who leave behind retirement accounts in the United Kingdom will need to make sure they understand what ongoing reporting will be required of them even after a move back stateside.

Furthermore, UK pensions will be reportable as foreign assets for purposes of US FinCEN and FATCA filings 4. Home Ownership

Keeping up with the momentum of the retirement savings alignment, ownership of a personal home is heavily incentivised in both countries with broader tax savings available in the United Kingdom. For US purposes, a taxpayer can exclude up to $250,000 of gain from the sale of a home that he or she has owned and used as a principal residence for two of the prior five years. This is doubled to $500,000 for married taxpayers filing jointly.

The tax exemption functions quite differently in the UK where periods of usage as a main home can create a partial tax exclusion in the future, even when the property has not been used as a main home for an extended period.

Furthermore, no cap is placed on the maximum amount that can be excluded from tax in the UK, meaning that gain from the sale of a property that has always been used as a main home in the UK will be fully tax protected irrespective of the amount of profit produced. Considerable capital gains could be generated from the sale of a main home that would be tax protected in the UK but taxed at capital gains rates with NIIT exposure in the United States, resulting in a sizeable cheque potentially being cut to Uncle Sam.

5. Child Tax Credits

Ending on a high note, filing US taxes can be a joyous occasion for Americans with children living in the United Kingdom. Since 2017, the income limitations for claiming the child tax credit have been increased to $200,000 for single taxpayers and $400,000 for married taxpayers filing jointly. This legislation was further expanded for certain taxpayers for the 2021 tax year.

The way the tax credit ordering rules function on the US tax return allows for the foreign tax credit for UK tax to be applied first, fully offsetting the US liability and converting a portion of the child tax credit into an actual cash payment. Americans with children who have been claiming the foreign earned income exclusion on their tax returns may want to ensure they have not left money on the table.

Conclusion

In summary, double taxation can generally be planned against despite the differences between the tax systems. Unfortunately, tax incentives in one country may be largely eliminated by limitations of the other. As a rule of thumb, the tax policy you will need to be concerned with is the more unfavourable between the two countries under the circumstances. American expats experience the best of both worlds in many ways, but do face the worst of both when it comes to taxes. Let us make it easier for you.

Roland A. Sabates, Expat Legal Services Group Expat Legal Services Group offers unique legal services for American expatriates and foreign nationals with financial interests in the United States. Our firm serves the expat community in the areas of international tax, immigration law, and cross border business and estate planning leveraging a suite of modern technology solutions. Contact Expat Legal Services Group today at info@expatlegal.com or visit the website at www.expatlegal.com.

The choice of an attorney is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertising.

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WEALTH MANAGEMENT

WEALTH MANAGEMENT The Value-Add Of A US-UK Cross Border Wealth Manager The role of a wealth manager is much more than attempting to choose the best performing investments each month, quarter or year. It is about structuring and managing a diversified portfolio that helps you reach your individual financial goals and objectives. In the case of a US person living abroad, it is doing this while also navigating the potential pitfalls that exist when you are an expatriate.

The success of an individual’s investment journey represents a collection of everyday financial decisions that impact the bigger picture. It does not only involve decisions to help achieve various short-term and longterm wealth goals. A good wealth manager will help to ensure that the everyday decisions support (and don’t detract from) a cohesive strategy seeking to maximise the chances of completing your investment journey successfully.

Published research by Vanguard estimates that a good wealth manager has the ability to add around 3% in net returns for clients through suitable asset allocation, cost-effective implementation, disciplined rebalancing, behavioural coaching, asset location and a tax-efficient spending strategy (1) . This quantifiable value is not something that can be expected annually, but instead is likely realised in a lumpy fashion over time. In reality, the most significant opportunities to add value do not present themselves consistently, but intermittently over the years, and often during periods of both market highs and lows. In fact, behavioural coaching seems to be the biggest contributor to that value-add figure. According to the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), the average length of a business cycle is just under 5 years(2). Over 30 years of investing, that equates to roughly 6 cycles. Based on Vanguard’s findings, if a client invests $1m over 30 years, partnering with a knowledgeable wealth manager over those years may potentially translate to much more than an additional $1.43m available for retirement income, legacy goals or other personal priorities.

Below is a non-exhaustive list of the five main benefits you may receive by working with a wealth manager who understands US-UK cross border financial planning issues. They will: WWW.THEAMERICANHOUR.COM

1. Help You Remain Focused On The Things That Matter Most To You

Over the short-term, markets will display volatility and different types of investments will perform better than others. If your portfolio is designed to deliver performance according to your individual needs, your very personal goals, time horizon and risk tolerance, and at the same time is also simple enough to understand, then it can be a lot easier to stay in your seat during periods of volatility. A good wealth manager serves as an objective party to hold your hand and help you steer clear of some of the behavioural biases that can often derail the success of one’s investment journey. They will also regularly review your situation and the economic environment and proactively recommend adjustments as appropriate.

They will help you maintain control over your financial future in a clear and concise way.

They will help you maintain control over your financial future in a clear and concise way 2. Allow You To Maximise Your TaxAdvantaged Savings Opportunities On Both Sides Of The Pond

It is always beneficial for an individual to utilise tax-advantaged savings opportunities as part of their broader wealth plan.

However, for individuals with ties to multiple jurisdictions, knowing where to place your savings to achieve your stated goals in the most tax-efficient manner becomes quite complicated. A knowledgeable wealth manager will help to outline the most relevant savings opportunities available in both the US and the UK, and will recommend

the appropriate funding strategy over the course of the tax year.

Most individuals living and working in the UK pay more taxes to HMRC than the IRS. Ensuring that these excess Foreign Tax Credits (FTCs) are used smartly can be very valuable. Consider an additional rate taxpayer working in the UK for a number of years and subsequently retiring back to the US. Contributions made over their UK working years could receive 45% tax relief in the UK. Using FTCs, those contributions may become after-tax dollars for US purposes. When that individual retires back to the US, generally distributions are taxable in the US as opposed to the UK under the US-UK tax treaty. With proper planning, it may be possible to distribute the individual’s UK pension assets in the US with little to no additional cost to them for US tax purposes.

Individuals who have charitable giving inclinations for a portion of their wealth can benefit from a dual qualified Donor Advised Fund (DAF) and receive both a US and UK tax deduction. Tax benefits are received today and (under current tax legislation) you remove assets from your taxable estate.

These assets grow tax-free within the DAF and the decision on where you want to donate funds can be made at a future date allowing the total funds you eventually donate to continue growing tax free until the point of distribution.

3. Provide Assistance In Structuring Your Wealth In A Way That Minimises Expenses Including Income And Estate Tax Obligations

Despite all of the complexities associated with cross border taxation, there are many opportunities to minimise tax obligations associated with your wealth plan, and subsequently maximise after-tax rates of return if you structure your wealth properly.

The cost of investing is much more than the expense of the assets that you own. It is the total of transaction costs, annual fund management fees, any fees paid to enter or exit a particular investment, custodial fees, annual taxes paid and annual tax compliance reporting fees. The higher those total fees, the higher the hurdle rate before your investments WWW.AMERICANINBRITAIN.CO.UK

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become profitable. Some people may think the best way to lower costs is to choose the lowest asset management fee. However, it is important to understand what tangible value you are getting for that fee. Is your portfolio diversified in a way to mitigate market risks and help meet your goals? What fees are you paying on transaction costs or bid/offer spreads on fixed income? Any fees paid that do not offer value will create cost drag to your net performance. Is it possible to lower your foreign financial reporting requirements to the US government and still invest tax-efficiently in both the US and the UK? A knowledgeable wealth manager will minimise the annual costs that arise from all aspects of investing to effectively lower your hurdle rate for profits.

In addition to lowering the overall hurdle rate to make investments profitable, it is important to aim to take advantage of all wealth transfer opportunities as well in order to limit any potential estate tax obligations down the road. A knowledgeable wealth manager will help you structure your wealth in a way that will maximise what will be available to pass on after your death. Many non-domiciled individuals in the UK have the opportunity to consider utilising excluded property trusts before becoming deemed domicile to prevent the differential between the US and UK inheritance bands from being taxed (a potential savings for some of up to c.$4.5 million under current rules) and seek gifting opportunities to move assets between spouses when only one spouse is a US person.

4. Seek To Mitigate Foreign Currency Risks In Your Wealth Portfolio

Many people with financial lives in multiple jurisdictions don’t fully understand the role that foreign currency plays in helping create a secure financial future. Generally, the greatest exchange rate risk within portfolios lies in fixed income investments and cash. Understanding how to structure your assets in a way that supports your broad goals and objectives, minimises costs and matches the currency of your fixed income and cash investments with the currency of your liabilities can be incredibly valuable for the long-term. This helps safeguard the buying power for current or future income needs. Proactive adjustments to the structure of the wealth portfolio are able to reflect any inevitable changes in plans and intentions over the years.

5. Maintain A Disciplined Approach To Your US And UK Year-End Financial Review

When advising Americans living in the UK, there are two year ends to account for when reviewing a client’s financial situation.

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Often, year ends will result in much more certainty with respect to year-to-date cash flows. Leading up to the end of the US and UK tax years, potential bonus pools, windfalls, market movements and other financial transactions can be looked at and examined to understand what tax planning and investment opportunities, present themselves. Looking at each year end in isolation can result in missed opportunities, so working with tax advisers and wealth managers who understand cross border issues can ensure you are reviewing both year ends concurrently and provide the optimal ability to take advantage of any available opportunities. A prime year end planning item is looking for rebalancing opportunities that will help offset realised capital gains and losses as well as looking to ensure that you take advantage of both spouse’s UK capital gains allowance where applicable. Additionally, when one spouse is a lower rate taxpayer, reviewing that assets are placed in their name to benefit from lower UK tax rates on income and gains over time, can maximise use of UK basic rate bands and potentially save a material amount of tax for individuals.

The most successful partnership will be one that affords you the ability to focus on what is most important, living your life in the most meaningful way possible for you In short, it is an investment in, and of itself, to find yourself a good wealth manager with whom to partner. It is an investment that can almost certainly pay dividends if you find one that suits your holistic global needs. The most successful partnership will be one that affords you the ability to focus on what is most important, living your life in the most meaningful way possible for you.

Further information please contact Andrea Solana: andrea.solana@masecopw.com Risk Warnings and Important Information: Nothing in this article constitutes investment, tax or any other type of advice and should not be construed as such. The information in this article is provided for information purposes only. You should consult with your financial adviser before making investment decisions. All investments involve risk and may lose value.

The value of investments can go down depending upon market conditions and you may not get back the original amount invested. Your capital is always at risk.

Information is based on data which MASECO considers reliable, however, MASECO gives no assurance or guarantee that the information is accurate, current or complete and it should not be relied upon as such. Information about tax benefits is based on our understanding of current tax law and practice (which may be subject to change). The levels and bases of, and reliefs from, taxation is subject to change.

However, MASECO Private Wealth is not a tax specialist. We recommend that anyone considering investing seeks their own tax advice. The tax treatment of any investment or particular strategy will depend on the individual circumstances of each person and may be subject to change in the future.

The information contained herein is subject to copyright with all rights reserved.

MASECO LLP (trading as MASECO Private Wealth) is established as a limited liability partnership under the laws of England and Wales (Companies House No. OC337650) and has its registered office at Burleigh House, 357 Strand, WC2R 0HS. For your protection, telephone calls may be recorded.

MASECO LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for the conduct of investment business in the UK and is registered in the US with the Securities and Exchange Commission as a Registered Investment Adviser.

The partners are Mr J E Matthews, Mr J R D Sellon, Mr D R B Dorman, Mr H Q A Findlater, Mr T Flonaes, Ms A L Solana and Mr N B Tissot.

References 1. Vanguard Research. Putting a value on your value. March 2014.

2. https://www.nber.org/research/businesscycle-dating.

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PROPERTY

PROPERTY Welcome to W2 Living in W2 puts the very best of London on your doorstep. This is a sought-after area of the capital, filled with excellent residential options and a winning combination of parkland, cutting-edge shopping streets and swift transport links. Residents are well-placed for all of London’s world-famous cultural and leisure facilities, yet can also row on the Serpentine or horse ride through Hyde Park, making W2 a prime choice for those looking for a central, but leafy London postcode.

W2 stretches from Hyde Park northwards past Bayswater up to beyond Paddington.

For many residents, Hyde Park and its immediate neighbour, Kensington Gardens, are the stand-out attraction. These are two of London’s eight Royal Parks, historic parkland covering a substantial 615 acres that includes the Serpentine Lake, formal Italian gardens, the Diana Memorial Gardens, and Kensington Palace, the London residence of several members of the Royal family. This is where Londoners come to relax, to stroll, and to enjoy time with their friends, in a much loved expanse of greenery in the heart of the city.

From W2, a stroll across the parks takes you to the designer boutiques of Knightsbridge to the south, with Mayfair to the east, and Kensington and Notting Hill to the west. Along with nearby Marylebone, these are some of London’s most desirable ‘villages’, each with its own character and a wide variety of restaurants, bars and cafés to sample.

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Young professionals, energetic families and older couples will all find reasons to relish living in this area of London. W2 is perfectly poised to make the most of London’s vibrant lifestyle. There is a wide choice of nurseries and schools – Wetherby Prep and International Community School among them - and you are within easy touch of the world-famous medical knowledge collected on Harley Street.

There’s no shortage of culture too, with regular classical concerts at Wigmore Hall and lively summer concerts in Hyde Park (Taylor Swift and Bruce Springsteen are past performers, with Elton John and the Eagles signed up for this summer), while the year-round cultural highlights at the Royal Opera House, Royal Albert Hall, and the theatres of the West End, are all within easy reach.

You are close to many of the capital’s most prestigious members clubs, and the ever-buzzy shopping boulevards are complemented by many surprisingly quiet lanes and peaceful garden squares. Wander around Connaught Square, home to former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and his wife Cherie, and you’ll experience the calm face of W2, just steps from Hyde Park itself.

Montagu Square for example - with stately homes around private, well-kept grounds, mews houses, stucco-fronted villas and handsome 1930 mansion blocks. For totally up-to-date living, there are apartments and penthouses at Park Modern, a super-prime development with a front row southerly view across Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens that takes in sunrise and sunset over the iconic London skyline. These offer fully serviced lateral living, with every home having some private outside space.

Market Insight

Average sales prices across prime central London in the year to January 2022 grew by 1.5%, the highest annual increase since 2015, with a continuation of the misstep between high demand and low supply

Property In W2

W2 has a wide choice of residential options with striking architecture, ranging from 19th Century townhouses right up to cuttingedge contemporary penthouses. The choice includes tall homes in elegant garden squares - look at Bryanston Square and WWW.AMERICANINBRITAIN.CO.UK

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Kurobuta Japanese tapas-inspired dishes served in street style: an Asian fusion success that has won over Londoners for its taste and style.

17-20 Kendal Street, W2 2AW www.kurobuta-london.com Huckster London World-class cocktails served by expert mixologists, an immersive multi-layer karaoke lounge and a breezy slice of 1985 Lower Manhattan. What’s not to like in this bar?

4 Kingdom Street, W2 6BD www.hucksterlondon.co.uk Bel Canto You want opera with your French cuisine? Of course you do! Bel Canto is London’s only opera restaurant where singing waiters add a unique twist to your dining experience.

67 Bayswater Road, W2 3PN www.belcantolondon.co.uk

experienced in prime central London last year. There’s no immediate indication of a swift resolution, because although supply is slowly, but steadily building, with new market appraisals, a leading indicator of supply, up 6% on the five-year average in January, demand remains extraordinarily high. For W2, a cosmopolitan area of London with wide appeal, the anticipated return of international investors to the market this spring, could add to the upward pressure on property and rental prices.

Lettings values in prime central London recorded an increase of 19.8% in January, the largest jump since the prime central London Index began in 1995. These steep rises compare with a 5% increase across London and the UK as a whole on pre-pandemic levels (March 2020). With rents rising and stock availability low, there is additional pressure on prices from corporate relocation companies, where enquiry levels were the highest since January 2020. In addition, the number of new prospective buyers in London and the Home Counties in January was 62% above the five-year average.

Shopping

For fashion-forward boutiques and department stores, W2 has it covered. From W2 you’re right beside Marble Arch and the start of Oxford Street, one of the world’s most renowned retail avenues, home to 300 shops including household names and the eternally stylish department store Selfridges. The three tube stations along Oxford Street make it easy to scoot off to shop elsewhere, Covent Garden perhaps or further afield, Westfield in Shepherd’s Bush, with 290 brands, both high street names and designers, all under one roof. From W2 you are also within easy reach of Portobello Road Market with its six days a week antique market, and the independent boutiques of Notting Hill.

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Getting Around

For destinations to the west of the capital, including Heathrow Airport, W2 is a winning location.

Underground: W2 has several underground stations: Bayswater, Lancaster Gate, Queensway, Royal Oak, Edgware Road and Paddington. Nearby stations include Marble Arch, Bond Street and Oxford Circus. In addition, the Elizabeth Line, Crossrail, will save significant time and will connect Heathrow, Paddington, the City and Canary Wharf. The first section, from Paddington to Abbey Wood, is expected to open in the first half of 2022.

Knight Frank’s Relocation Service

Finding a property in the current market can be a trying process, with unprecedented tenant demand and a shortage of stock across the board. Our relocation team are here to help navigate the competition and ensure our clients find the right property and that your experience is as smooth as possible.

Train: London Paddington Station is the gateway to the southwest with regular fast connections to Bath, Bristol, Devon and Cornwall and south Wales. St Pancras International is easily reached, with Eurostar departures to Brussels and Paris.

Buses: Excellent. W2 has 79 bus routes serving 90 bus stops.

Car: Well-placed for access to the A40, M25 and M4.

Restaurants, Bars And Cafés

You are spoilt for choice with a selection of superb restaurants all close by from the star-chefs working in Knightsbridge and Piccadilly to the casual cafés of Notting Hill.

Staying within the W2 postcode itself: Casa Malevo You would expect an Argentinian steakhouse to serve a perfect steak and this restaurant in the heart of Connaught Village, between Paddington and Marble Arch, does not disappoint. Alongside the prime beef there is a range of South American specialities.

23 Connaught Street, W2 2AY www.casamalevo.com

Sacha Hawkins, Associate, Relocation Inspired by my parents’ love of property, I started out my real estate career in Cambridge, first working as an estate agent. I jumped at the opportunity to move into the world of corporate relocation and now have over 11 years’ experience in the industry and six of those working with corporates, relocating their employees. A vital part of what I do is to listen to my clients’ individual needs, so that when they are matched to their perfect property, they have the best start to their new journey in London.

For any of your property needs or advice, please get in touch. I’d love to help you.

E: sacha.hawkins@knightfrank.com T: +44 20 3504 7337 www.knightfrank.co.uk

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DAYS OUT WITH THE FAMILY Monopoly Lifesized

I am pretty certain that whoever you are, and wherever you were born, you will know of the game Monopoly.

Monopoly started life in 1903 as a game to help people understand tax, and it has since evolved to be a game where the aim is to buy as many properties on the board to enable you to dominate the property market (hence the game’s name Monopoly).

My confidence in thinking you will have heard about the game, comes from the fact that it has sold over 275 million games in 111 countries, and has been translated into 43 languages. As part of its success, many different versions of the game have been created, including a Disney version and even a Game of Thrones one!

The latest evolution of the game is now a lifesized version based in London’s Tottenham Court Road, and means that you actually move around the board yourself, making it a high octane way to play the planet’s favourite board game as it is brought to life.

There are 4 lifesized boards to play, and the gameplay works exactly the same way as the board game, but the themes and challenges differ. The Luxury Board provides stealth based challenge rooms, on the City Board you have London landmark inspired challenges, the Junior Board is family friendly, but we chose the Classic Board as we relived our favourite Monopoly memories whilst racing against the clock to complete the challenges.

When you arrive you initially meet Mr Monopoly, who explains the rules and introduces you to your playing ‘token’ who will be your guide throughout the experience. (Here is question to see if you are a Super Expert at Monopoly: What is Mr Monopoly’s true name? Answer at the bottom of the Review!).

I won’t spoil your fun by describing the actual rooms and challenges, but the objective is simple - although some of the challenges are certainly not! - earn as much money as you can.

The rules are pretty much the same as Monopoly, and once you have been put into a team of up to 6 and have been allocated a ‘token’ (this is a real-life person who is your guide and also who manages the money you earn), you are ready to play.

The ‘board’ is a smaller version with fewer properties than the real board, but here there are challenge rooms linked to each property square and you physically roll the dice to move around the board. Solve the challenge and you win the property and can then collect rent if the other teams land on it.

During the game you can also earn houses and hotels to put on your properties, as well as passing go, going to jail etc., which have their own challenges if you land on either.

The game moved at a rapid pace and it was testament to our enjoyment of playing the game and how involved we got in trying to win, that the 90 minutes we had to play totally flew by, and it was soon time to tot up the total amount of money everyone had amassed to see who had won.

Unfortunately for our team, our victory parade (we were leading from the first round), was cut short when we landed on Leicester Square with a hotel on the last roll of the dice and went from first to last place in one fell swoop!

The actors who play the tokens and guide you, really get you immersed in the game by giving advice, but leave you to solve the puzzles yourselves, and some of these puzzles are really difficult!! Well, they were for me.

Having come last, our friends and I decided to lick our wounds and have a debrief about the reason for the loss (I blame the person who rolled the last dice and landed us on that hotel), and retreated to the Top Hat Bar and Restaurant, where we had started our experience with a drink before the game.

The Bar area has banquettes in vibrant red leather, and very reasonably priced wines. On the Signature Cocktail list you can visit many of the famous locations on the London’s Monopoly Board, such as Mayfair (Laurent Perrier Champagne, Syrup, Brandy, Lemon, Mrs Betters Bitters, Edible Gold and a Sugar £50 note), and Coventry Street (White Rum, Apricot Jam, Lime and Grenadine). There is also a good selection of non-alcoholic cocktails.

The restaurant is based on a tapas styled menu, but the dishes here are British not Spanish. The menu includes choices such as King Prawns in white wine and garlic (£9.50), Miniature Fish and Chips (£8.50) and Minted Lamb Sliders (£9.50), to name just a few. Dishes come when ready and are designed to be shared, although I didn’t share my dessert of Chocolate Brownie with vanilla ice cream (£6) with my team, as it was totally moreish and it was clearly their fault that we came last!

In this digital age Monopoly remains a firm favourite with kids and adults alike, because it continues to develop and evolve with the times, and its latest evolution, is Monopoly Lifesized, will delight the whole family, as it requires teamwork to succeed.

(The answer to Mr Monopoly’s real name is Rich Uncle Pennybags, so congratulations to anyone who got that.

You truly are a Monopoly Superfan!).

Monopoly Lifesized is based at 213-215 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7PS and tickets start from £49 per person. www.monopolylifesized.com

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HEALTHCARE

HEALTHCARE The UK Healthcare System Explained Migrating to another country to live or work is exciting, but there are many practicalities that need to be dealt with, especially when it comes to healthcare.

Many expatriates who move to the UK find it hard to understand how the healthcare system works here. To help you, St John & St Elizabeth Hospital have put together a guide which introduces the NHS and explains how to register with them; how to access private healthcare services; and sets out some of the main differences between the NHS and the private system. This guide has been created with the help of Lindsay Walker, who works at the US Chamber of Commerce.

A Brief Introduction To The NHS

The NHS (National Health Service) provides free and significantly subsidised healthcare.

It spans the whole country and includes GPs (General Practitioners), dentists, pharmacists, hospitals, optometrists, the ambulance service, therapists, and many more specialists. It launched in 1948, with the aim of providing good quality medical care to all, regardless of social status or income.

Nowadays, the NHS provides free care to anyone that lives in the UK, including foreign nationals, as long as they are legal residents, pay taxes and contribute to the NHS. This includes routine exams, pregnancy scans and check-ups, emergency care, treatment for chronic conditions and surgery.

As an American in Britain, you can access both the NHS and private healthcare depending on what you want and need, but first you’ll need to get yourself set up and registered with a local GP.

How To Register

GP surgeries have catchment areas, which means you’ll need to live within a specific zone in order to register. If you don’t know whether your postcode (zip code) qualifies, call your local GPs and check if your address falls within their catchment area.

Once you’re sure a GP practice will accept you, you’ll need to bring various pieces of paperwork when you register. Your passport or identity document won’t be enough – they will also need to see proof of address, such as a Council Tax statement or utilities bill dated within the last three months.

The NHS can be strict about registration when you’re from abroad, and if you move around London regularly, it can be hard to understand what services are actually WWW.THEAMERICANHOUR.COM

available to you. As such, it’s always best to call your local GP before going in person, to make sure they’ll take you on as a patient, and check what their requirements are.

As a foreign national, you pay an excess healthcare surcharge. This is a fee that’s structured by year and varies depending which visa you have Healthcare Contributions

As a foreign national, you pay an excess healthcare surcharge. This is a fee that’s structured by year and varies depending which visa you have. You will have paid this upfront as part of your initial visa application. Once you’ve moved to the UK and have registered with a GP, you’ll be able to access the NHS immediately (there’s no qualifying period after which you’re eligible for free healthcare). If you’ve moved here with children under 16 and/or a partner (who lives with you permanently), they will also be eligible for free NHS treatment.

Every legal foreign resident is entitled to free emergency treatment, but depending on the situation, you might be asked to pay for inpatient treatment once the emergency has passed, so make sure to check with your doctor to avoid any surprise bills!

It’s worth remembering that some services, like prescriptions or dentists, aren’t free, but are heavily subsidised.

Prescriptions currently cost £9.35 per item, but if you take a number of medications, you could buy a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC). A 3-month PPC costs £30.25 and 12-months costs £108. This will cover all your NHS prescriptions, including NHS dental prescriptions, no matter how many items you need. Dentist treatments fall into four bands. Band one costs £23.80 and covers general check-ups and scans; band two costs £65.20 and covers minor treatments such as fillings, band three costs £282.80 and covers more complicated procedures such as bridges, crowns, and dentures, and band four costs £23.80 and covers emergency dental such as fixing fillings, ulcers and draining an abscess.

UK And American Healthcare - What Are The Main Differences?

If you decide to stick with NHS services, you won’t necessarily get to build a relationship with your practitioner as you would in the US. Whereas in the US you always tend to see the same practitioner, in the UK you’ll be assigned whichever GP is free at the time of your appointment.

It’s completely normal here, especially in London, never to see the same doctor twice.

In the US, you might have insurance, go to hospital, discover you’re not covered, and have to go elsewhere, whereas in the UK you’re entitled to free care at any NHS hospital.

In the US, people have annual exams that come with health insurance, whereas in the UK we don’t have annual check-ups, like women’s health or eye tests. This means people can go for years without a health check, and could end up not having the treatments that they need.

The Benefits Of Private Healthcare In The UK

Inevitably, when affordable healthcare is offered on such a large scale, it’s going to be in high demand. Moreover, in the case of a public-funded body with limited resources, demand is quickly going to exceed supply. Nowadays, it’s very normal to be waiting for some NHS treatments for months or even years. It’s no surprise then that one of the main benefits of private healthcare is reduced waiting times. Going private can mean the difference between waiting years or just days.

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Consultants and GPs at private hospitals see fewer patients, but that doesn’t mean they spend less time working. On the contrary, doctors spend more time with their patients and will often stay with them during their health journey. This one to one personalised care isn’t something that happens frequently on the NHS. Private hospitals aren’t held back by a stretched budget that means compromising on comfort. This means they can invest money into employing world-class consultants, buy the newest and most effective equipment, and create a relaxing environment for patients. For example, at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, we’re in the process of opening our new £35m wing, the single largest investment into the hospital to date.

Top Tips For Picking Your Healthcare

• Research the NHS and private healthcare so that you have a really clear picture about your options, especially depending on your history and specific situation • Remember that where you live will affect the clinics and services you can access.

So make sure you understand your local rules and processes!

• If you have private insurance, make sure you fully understand your package. If this is via your work, ask an HR professional in your company to give you a run down so that you fully understand your cover and what’s available to you

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• Make sure to register with the NHS, just in case anything serious happens, or if you have pre-existing conditions which might not be covered by your insurance • It’s a good idea to blend NHS and private. If you want something dealt with urgently, a more streamlined journey, or want to see a specific practitioner, private is the way to go • Research Shared Care Agreements.

These allow you to see a private doctor for diagnosis and treatment, and then transfer your prescription over to the NHS to reduce costs.

Founded in 1865, St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is one of the UK’s largest independent charitable hospitals All treatments in the hospital help fund the onsite St John’s Hospice, which provides free care to over 4,500 people and their families each year.

GET IN TOUCH St John & St Elizabeth Hospital 60 Grove End Road, London, NW8 9NH Telephone: 020 7806 4000 Website: www.hje.org.uk

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ROBERT MCGUIRE Associate Director/ Global Employer Services Robert.McGuire@bdo.co.uk

AMERICAN IN BRITAIN

HOTEL REVIEW

HOTEL REVIEW Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa New Forest, Hampshire As a Brit, I am truly in awe of my country and how many wonderful places there are to visit.

There is so much to see and do, so it is really hard to prioritise what to do first, and it is not always the most known places that are the best to visit. So, when planning a weekend away, or something a little longer, don’t just focus on the more well known places, but look a little more off the beaten track.

A few years ago, a place like the New Forest would have been considered a ‘best kept secret’, but over the last few years more and more people have discovered this beautiful National Park. Indeed, the New Forest was voted Number 1 National Park in Europe in the 2022 Trip Advisor Travellers Choice Awards, and came 10th Wordwide. This idyllic destination is only one and a half hour’s away from London by car or train, nestled between Bournemouth and Southampton, and is so unspoilt and tranquil, it makes a perfect place to unwind from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

The New Forest was created as a royal forest by William I (William the Conqueror) in about 1079 for the royal hunt, (as he wanted WWW.THEAMERICANHOUR.COM

to hunt mainly deer), and was allegedly created at the expense of more than twenty small hamlets and isolated farmsteads; hence it was ‘new’ in his time as a single compact area. This ‘new’ area now spans 219 square miles and is home to an abundance of wildlife, and is not only a National Park but also a UNESCO Heritage Site. Two little known facts that you can regale your friends with are that this is the only place in the UK where horses have right of way over all motor vehicles, (even on the main roads, so be careful as these animals are truly wild), and the second, is that it is the only place where you can find a New Forest cicada, the only cicada native to Great Britain.

Just outside of the charming village of Brockenhurst, is Carey’s Manor Hotel, with its delightful mix of styles and character and all the class of the converted 19th Century hunting lodge interwoven with more contemporar y accommodation and a modern Spa. All the rooms are well appointed and offer guests the choice of character rooms in the Manor House, or more contemporary ones in the modern

extension, but whichever you choose, after a hard day trekking through the unspoilt countryside (or in my case soaking in the Spa), there is a warm welcome waiting for you back at Carey’s Manor.

The New Forest is worth a visit in its own right, but when you can add in fine dining and the lure of a luxury Spa, the mix is surely irresistible?

The SenSpa is not merely an added extra for hotels guests, it is a destination in its own right, with numerous treatments and an outstanding hydrotherapy suite.

The SenSpa is an authentic Thai Spa with extensive facilities which cater for your total wellbeing, as it provides relaxation for the mind as well as the body. At the centre of the Spa is the 14 metre ozone treated pool, perfect for swimming or just splashing around in, and at one end tall glass doors afford you views of the Zen Garden, which, if it wasn’t the middle of February, would have been perfect for relaxing in. Off this pool, for those who are using the Spa, is the hydrotherapy suite. Entry is via a smart-band which unlocks the door to a huge spa pool.

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Water has many relaxing and recuperative powers, and here in this large warm bath they are all brought together. You can recline on the underwater benches and be gently massaged by the bubble jets, have your neck and shoulders pummeled by the water jets, or have your legs drilled by narrow water jets (my personal favourite), and stand in an almost circular ‘whirlpool’ Jacuzzi, and, being the ever diligent reviewer, I opted to test all of the above and left the pool with a calmer disposition and a considerably less knotted body!

A final mention must go to the ‘whirlpool’, which also provides your daily upper body work out for your arms, as you really do need to hang on to stop yourself from being bodily pushed out by the force of the jets!

Having tired myself out being massaged by the water, my next decision was to either choose the roomy herbal sauna or the steam room with a central crystal, and having seen so many films where energy crystals wreak havoc on the world, took the safe option and opted for the sauna! The additional benefit of it being herbal is that it enhances the revitalising and detoxifying properties, and the fragrance is nice too!

After being in such a lovely contented place I opted to pass on the Experience Showers which include a Tropical Storm one, a Health Shower (which has jets targeting different parts of the body) and the one that filled me with dread, the Ice Room, which I am reliably informed has a thunder and lightning shower and a tub that you can upend and douse yourself with ice cold water, but as I was already too warm and relaxed for such ‘torture’, I didn’t even open the door!

My journey through this tardis of treatment rooms finally took me past a Rasul and Hamman Thermal Treatment Room to my final point of call, a relaxing

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Tepidarium, where I stretched out on a heated ceramic lounger and drifted away whilst looking at the star-studded roof – a perfect way to end a perfect day. With all this relaxation I didn’t have time for a spa treatment which was a shame as there is an extensive range on offer, but be warned, do book early to avoid disappointment as they are extremely popular.

‘Foodies’ are also well catered for at Carey’s Manor with a range of restaurants to choose from, including the fine dining Cambium restaurant, which provides modern British cuisine using locally sourced ingredients, the less formal French Bistro, Le Blaireau, serving classic French dishes in authentic Parisian déco, to the Zen Garden which is situated adjacent to the Spa and during the day provides smoothies, snacks and Afternoon Tea for the Spa goers in their dressing gowns, but by night transforms to a chic Thai restaurant.

It is easy to see why the New Forest and Carey’s Manor have received so many accolades, as from the moment you arrive at both you just feel more relaxed. Carey’s Manor is a perfect place to stay when visiting the New Forest as it is so well situated to access all it has to offer, and alongside the location it also has a relaxing spa and fine dining. It caters for everyone from couples to families, from those looking for a base to walk and cycle through the miles of breathtaking scenery, to those just looking for a relaxing pampered break, and it is this relaxed welcoming feeling which remains with you long after you leave, and will entice you back time after time.

Careys Manor Hotel & Senspa Telephone: 01590 624467 Email: reservations@careysmanor.com www.careysmanor.com

THEATRE

THEATRE REVIEWS

By Tim Baros The Collaboration The Young Vic

Moulin Rouge Piccadilly Theatre

The highly anticipated and much delayed ‘Moulin Rouge’ is finally open and ready to entertain us - and what a show it is, and isn’t!

‘Moulin Rouge’ has the razzle, the dazzle, super amazing sets, the famous windmill, great costumes etc., and there’s a huge elephant in the room - literally and figuratively.

While the blue elephant overlooks the stage, the other elephant is the book (written

by John Logan and which is based on the Baz Luhrmann 2001 film musical of the same name), which is very thinly stitched together by pop songs, and a love story that’s a bit weak, acted and sung by two leads who don’t quite give us what we want and crave.

It’s a show that should be larger than life, but actually just gets by with it’s sets, lighting, choreography, orchestration, sound, venue and especially the supporting cast.

One can’t help but notice that ‘Moulin Rouge’ is similar in style to ‘Cabaret,’ which has stolen all the thunder.

The Moulin Rouge is in threat of closing down, and it’s compere and director Harold Zidler (the wonderful and funny Clive Carter) strikes a deal with the Duke of Monroth (an ok Simon Bailey) who promises to invest in the Moulin Rouge to save it from financial ruin. This is in exchange for part ownership of the club, and possession of its star chanteuse Satine (Liisi LaFontaine - a perfect name for a theatre actress). But you see Satine has fallen in love with penniless songwriter Christian (Jamie Bogyo). Nonetheless the show must go on. While the Moulin Rouge performers pretend to create a new show for the Duke to impress him, complications abound from every angle, but the excellent back up cast WWW.THEAMERICANHOUR.COM

(including Jason Pennycooke and Elia Lo Tauro as Christian’s mates) makes you forget the weak and unbelievable storyline in the show that brings us 74 pop songs (Chandelier, Firework, Single Ladies, Bad Romance) that thread the story together, giving you a sense of deja vu (‘& Juliet’ does it so so much better, and original).

There are lots of memorable moments in the show (Lady Marmalade in the opening number), and the set is just simply delicious and amazing - think Paris skyline, romantic themes including an endless wall of hearts, the fabulous Moulin Rouge sign, so all of this is worth the price of admission (tickets range from £49 to top tier £225). While LaFontaine might be trying a bit too hard, and Bogyo, starring in his first West End musical, is not quite West End ready. But, yes, it’s nice to be back in the theatre again, and ‘Moulin Rouge’ just about ticks that box! Enjoy! www.moulinrougemusical.co.uk

Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat are brought back to life in the new show ‘The Collaboration’ at the Young Vic. Paul Bettany (The Avengers, Wandavision) is brilliant as Warhol, and Jeremy Pope very good as Basquiat, in the show that gives us a peak on a fictionalised collaboration by these two artists who were living in the same city at the time and who both travelled in the same circles.

It’s 1984 NYC, local girl Madonna was just hitting the big time, the AIDS crisis was decimating the gay community, and closeted Ed Koch was Mayor. A meeting arranged by their manager (Alec Newman) puts Warhol and Basquiat together to create a painting. Their time together, in the apartments of both men, is a chance for two very difficult high profile artists to come together to create more art, and make lots more money. Warhol extols about being shot by radical Valerie Solinas, while Basquiat is enjoying the ride of being famous, and selling paintings for lots of money. Money that he keeps in the refrigerator, with plenty for drugs.

It’s sad, but true, that Warhol would be dead three years later, whilst Basquiat would die four years later of a drug overdose at the age of 27.

The world premiere of Anthony McCarten’s thrilling new drama, directed by Kwame KweiArmah, gives Bettany the role of a lifetime - he smashes playing Warhol - bringing him to life with his mannerisms, voice, awkward body language. Pope is also very believable as the young troubled artist. Set to a soundtrack fit for its time (Money Talks, I Feel For You, Smalltown Boy) played by an on-stage DJ, ‘The Collaboration’ will, if you are old enough, take you back to the 1980’s. www.youngvic.org

Jeremy Pope and Paul Bettany in The Collaboration (c) Marc Brenner

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The Heart of It Riverside Studios

CABARET - Amy Lennox and Fra Fee at the Kit Kat Club.

Photo credit Jason Hetherington

Cabaret The Kit Kat Club NEW CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED CABARET AT THE KIT KAT CLUB The hottest ticket, and the hottest show in town - Cabaret - has announced a new cast to replace the megawatt superstar casting of Eddie Redmayne and Jessie Buckley.

Opened in December, 2021 amidst the beginning of the Omicron variant, Cabaret had an extremely successful initial run. With ticket prices that were in the neighbourhood of £250.00 - Cabaret was a show not everyone could afford to see. And now, after being nominated for 11 Olivier awards, the most of any show, including nominations for Redmayne and Buckley, a new cast is being brought to the Kit Kat Club to relieve the exhausted leads and allow them to go back to their very successful film careers.

Fra Fee will play ‘The Emcee’ and Amy Lennox will play ‘Sally Bowles’ from 21 March – 25 June 2022.

Fra Fee most recently starred as Kazi in the hit Disney+ series Hawkeye, set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He created the role of Michael Carber in the award-winning play The Ferryman at the Royal Court, the Gielgud Theatre in the West End and the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on Broadway.

His other theatre credits include Owen in Translations and Amiens in As You Like It, both at the National Theatre and the title role in Candide at the Menier Chocolate Factory.

He played Courfeyac in the film of the musical Les Misérables and also appeared in the stage production at the Queen’s Theatre.

Amy Lennox received an Olivier nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical for her portrayal of Lauren in the West End production of Kinky Boots.

Her other credits include Ellie in the London 30

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premiere of the David Bowie and Enda Walsh musical Lazarus. She was in the original West End cast of the musical Legally Blonde and created the role of Doralee in the original UK production of 9 to 5 The Musical.

Fra and Amy appeared together in the critically acclaimed production of The Last Five Years in Belfast.

Also joining the production on 21 March 2022 will be Omar Baroud as ‘Cliff Bradshaw’ and Vivien Parryas ‘Fraulein Schneider’. Continuing in their roles will be Elliot Levey as ‘Herr Schultz’, Stewart Clarke as ‘Ernst Ludwig’ and Anna-Jane Casey as ‘Fraulein Kost’.

The cast is completed by Josh Andrews, Emily Benjamin, Sally Frith, Matthew Gent, Emma Louise Jones, Ela Lisondra, Theo Maddix, Chris O’Mara, Daniel Perry, Andre Refig, Christopher Tendai, Bethany Terry, LilliePearl Wildman and Sophie Maria Wojna.

In a time when the world is changing forever, there is one place where everyone can be free… Welcome to the Kit Kat Club, home to an intimate and electrifying new production of CABARET. This is Berlin. Relax.

Loosen up. Be yourself.

The Kit Kat Club has laid siege to the Playhouse Theatre. The performers have infiltrated the premises. The artists have staked their claim. Who knows for how long they’ll stay, but for now they are enjoying the party. The party at the end of the world.

Transforming one of London’s most famous theatres with an in-the-round auditorium and reimagined spaces, before the show guests are invited to enjoy and explore the Kit Kat Club with pre-show entertainment, drinks and dining all on offer. When booking, guests receive a ‘club entry time’ to allow enough time to take in the world of the Kit Kat Club before the show starts. But of course, the show reallystarts when you first join us in the Club…

Tickets for CABARET at the KIT KAT CLUB are currently on sale until October 2022. www.kitkat.club

Acclaimed performer Liza Pulman brings dazzling new show The Heart of It to Riverside Studios, 101 Queen Caroline St, Hammersmith, London, W6 9BN, from Sunday 24th – Saturday 30th April 2022 After wowing sell-out audiences with her highly acclaimed West End tour de force, Liza Pulman Sings Streisand, Liza returns with her brand-new show The Heart of It. Featuring songs from her 2021 album, this sparkling night of music premieres in London for a limited run at Riverside Studios, before playing Cadogan Hall with the Syd Lawrence Orchestra on 25th May 2022 and Wilton’s Music Hall on 4th and 5th June 2022.

As the inaugural female solo artist in Riverside’s Studio 3, this stage production captures the magic of Liza’s spectacular album, which rediscovers and reimagines timeless classics and lost gems. Her funny, intelligent and emotional connection to lyrics and melody goes straight to the heart of every song, with a diverse and eclectic range of influences encompassing Michel Legrand, Irving Berlin, Randy Newman, Judy Collins and a host of other iconic artists.

Liza’s varied career proves her magnificent talent in music, theatre and comedy, from Glyndebourne Opera through to West End musicals.

In addition to being one third of the British satirical comedy group Fascinating Aida, whose 2022 tour includes two dates at the Royal Festival Hall, she has also established herself as an acclaimed solo performer and recording artist, proving that one woman can do it all. As a solo artist, Liza’s connection to a song and to a lyric is second to none and takes her right to the heart of every ballad and every note. Flawless vocals accompanied by easy wit and natural storytelling make Liza one of the most compelling performers of her day.

Box Office Tickets are priced £30, available from www.riversidestudios. co.uk/ and 020 8237 1010 The Heart Of It Tour dates & tickets can be found on: www.lizapulman.com/tour-dates Fascinating Aida tour dates & tickets www.fascinatingaida.co.uk/tour-date.

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FOREST SCHOOL “The Best Classroom And The Richest Cupboard Is Roofed Only By The Sky” (Margaret McMillan, C 1925) The concept of formalised outdoor schooling is relatively new, despite its simplicity.

Learning within nature has been around since the beginning of time, but the concept of the Forest School originated in Scandinavia in the 1950s. In Sweden there was a concept called ‘Skogsmulle’ and this was developed in 1957 by Gosta Frohm. ‘Skog’ means wood and ‘Mulle’ is a fictional character who helps children learn to love and care for nature.

Forest School was introduced to the UK in 1993 by a group of nursery nurses from Bridgewater College, Somerset. They had visited a Danish Forest School and were so impressed with the ethos and approach that they were keen to develop their own programme. Forest School has been rapidly developing in the UK and globally ever since.

Today, Forest Schools have become popular in many nations around the world, with programmes as diverse and unique as the locations, students and teachers themselves.

One can approach this learning like a classroom-without-walls, where education can be simply defined as experiential learning in, for, or about the outdoors, but can also use traditional teaching in a more hands on/holistic approach.

Benefits

There is an increasing recognition for the benefits of nature play, particularly for the early childhood years, and families everywhere are now returning to the roots

of communal living and looking for a more holistic approach to education, that emphasises social and emotional skillbuilding just as much as academics.

It is believed that nature-based education is the antidote to the modern pandemics of childhood obesity, attention deficit disorders, hyperactivity, depression, habitual screen time and society’s emphasis on stressful and busy schedules. The data and research show that an open-air learning environment/classroom and free outdoor play can go hand in hand with the traditional school curriculum.

At our school we also use Miley, our Forest School dog, to add a positive effect on emotional well-being, as she has an immediate and positive influence on the children’s demeanour. Interacting with dogs improves the students’ sense of responsibility, as well as teaching them nurturing skills and so much more.

The objective and benefits of forest school are for all learners to have the chance to excel in their learning, especially in calm and open surroundings led by nature as it reduces stress and anxiety, and it can provide respite /relief for over stimulated minds for the students as well as for the teacher. I believe as a teacher it gives me the opportunity/ freedom and challenge to find different teaching methods and teaching styles to deliver any subjects using mostly natural resources, making teaching more fun for the students.

PYP students building shelters out of natural materials in Forest School

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Forest School Leaders

As a Forest School Leader, I aim to promote holistic development of all involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent, and creative learners. Forest School offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.

It is believed that nature-based education is the antidote to the modern pandemics of childhood obesity, attention deficit disorders, hyperactivity, depression, habitual screen time and society’s emphasis on stressful and busy schedules Children learn life skills such as the use of tools, and take their own interest of exploring the outdoors into their own hands.

They will learn about the world around them, and to love and to appreciate nature and their living creatures. Forest School is for all ages and although I’m teaching across Primary, I’m hoping to extend further. This

FOREST SCHOOL is a great escape for students, and can have a positive impact for the older student’s wellbeing just as much as it does currently for the younger students.

As a practitioner I enjoy meeting with the classroom teachers to link their topics, finding different ways of delivering it the Forest School way. This is a great partnership at both ends.

Implementing Forest School And Forest School Principles In Schools

I believe any classroom can have a feel of nature by bringing in open ended resources, sensory objects, and natural materials. By bringing in some tree logs to sit on as an alternative to chairs, plants and nature sounds whilst learning brings in already an outdoor ambience. This can be done even in an urban school environment.

More green spaces/plastic free/natural materials such as wood, rocks, sand, water inspired play areas also contributes to the wellbeing of children. Teachers can and should be inspired to take learning more in the outdoors and adapting their lessons to compliment this. Ultimately, the principles of Forest School aim to enhance a healthy

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FS Team photo is Forest School Leader Anna Brown (left), Miley the dog, and Jason Brumpton (Right) Forest School Assistant

body and minded child, with an appetite for learning and exploring.

Anna Brown, Forest School Leader, International School of London Born and raised in Germany in the beautiful part known as the Black Forest to Portuguese Parents, I have always been passionate about the outdoors and especially the forest.

I am a fully qualified teacher at the International School of London.

With over twenty years’ experience working in primary schools as a learning facilitator, PE teacher, Music & Movement teacher, Performance and Arts Coordinator and Forest School Leader. I speak three languages, namely English, German, and Portuguese.

Contact details: International School of London 139 Gunnersbury Avenue, London, W3 8LG Mail@isllondon.org +44 (0)208 992 5823

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THE QUEEN’S PLATINUM JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS To celebrate this unprecedented anniversary, events and initiatives will take place throughout the year, culminating in a four-day UK bank holiday weekend from Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th June. The bank holiday will provide an opportunity for communities and people throughout the United Kingdom to come together to celebrate this historic milestone.

The four days of celebrations will include public events and community activities, as well as national moments of reflection on The Queen’s 70 years of service.

In addition, initiatives including The Queen’s Green Canopy and the Platinum Pudding Competition will create a lasting reminder of The Queen’s Jubilee, while The Queen’s private estates will also join in with special Jubilee themed events offering more opportunities for members of the public to celebrate the historic milestone.

The Platinum Pudding Competition

To mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee a nationwide baking competition set out to find a brand new pudding dedicated to The Queen. The Big Jubilee Lunch and Fortnum & Mason invited applications from UK residents aged 8 and over to create the perfect Platinum Pudding recipe.

The competition is now closed and five finalists will be announced in due course.

Each finalist will prepare their pudding for an expert judging panel including Dame Mary Berry, Monica Galetti and Buckingham Palace Head Chef Mark Flanagan. The winning recipe will be made available to the public and the pudding will be enjoyed at Big Jubilee Lunches during the Jubilee weekend, and by generations to come.

Thursday 2nd June

The Queen’s Birthday Parade (Trooping the Colour) Over 1,400 parading soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians will come together in the traditional Parade to mark The Queen’s official birthday, usually held on the second Saturday in June.

Beginning at Buckingham Palace, the Parade will move down The Mall to Horse Guard’s Parade, joined by Members of 34

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the Royal Family on horseback and in carriages. The Parade will close with the traditional RAF fly-past, watched by The Queen and Members of the Royal Family from the Buckingham Palace balcony.

Platinum Jubilee Beacons The United Kingdom’s long tradition of celebrating Royal Jubilees, Weddings and Coronations, with the lighting of beacons, will be continued to mark the Platinum Jubilee.

Over 1,500 beacons will be lit throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and UK Overseas Territories.

For the first time, beacons will also be lit in each of the capital cities of the Commonwealth countries to celebrate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

The Principal beacon will be lit in a special ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

Friday 3rd June

Service of Thanksgiving: A Service of Thanksgiving for The Queen’s reign will be held at St. Paul’s Cathedral. Further events will be announced in due course.

Saturday 4th June

The Derby at Epsom Downs Her Majesty The Queen, accompanied by Members of the Royal Family, will attend the Derby at Epsom Downs.

Platinum Party at the Palace The BBC will stage and broadcast a special live concert from Buckingham Palace that will bring together some of the world’s biggest entertainment stars to celebrate the most significant and joyous moments from The Queen’s seven decade reign.

Sunday 5th June

The Big Jubilee Lunch Every year, since the idea began in 2009, The Big Lunch has encouraged communities to celebrate their connections and get to know each other a little bit better, coming together in a spirit of fun and friendship. In 2022, The Big Lunch will bring the Jubilee celebrations into the heart of every community.

People are invited to share friendship, food and fun with neighbours as part of the

Platinum Jubilee celebrations. A Big Jubilee Lunch can be big or small - street party or picnic, tea and cake or a garden barbeque.

The Big Lunch provides tips and ideas for hosting an event. Over 1,400 people have registered to host Big Jubilee Lunches so far, with events being planned across the length and breadth of the country.

The Platinum Jubilee Pageant Artistic performers, dancers, musicians, military personnel, key workers and volunteers, will unite to tell the story of The Queen’s 70 year reign in an awe-inspiring festival of creativity. The London based Pageant will combine pomp and ceremony, street arts, theatre, music, circus, costumes as well as cutting-edge visual technology, drawing on talent from every part of the United Kingdom and across the Commonwealth.

Forming an important part of the Platinum Pageant, the ‘River of Hope’ section will comprise of two hundred silk flags which will process down The Mall, appearing like a moving river. Primary and secondary school children are invited to create a picture of their hopes and aspirations for the planet over the next 70 years. A selection of these creations will be transferred on to silk flags, which will carried by secondary school pupils in the Pageant.

The artwork for the flags will be focused on climate change and incorporate the children’s messages for the future.

Teachers from applying schools will be provided with step-by-step guides to creating a beautiful digital artwork with their students, of which 200 will then be selected for the flags. The selected artwork will also be shown up and down the country on screens as part of the Jubilee celebrations. For more information and to register your school’s interest to take part please go to www.riverofhope.co.uk.

Further Platinum Jubilee Events:

The Queen’s Green Canopy As the Platinum Jubilee year begins, over 60,000 trees have already been planted in the UK through the project in the two months since the planting season began.

Green-fingered communities and cities from

THE QUEEN’S PLATINUM JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS Cornwall to Glasgow have come together to make 2022 a truly special year to “plant a tree for the Jubilee” as a celebration of The Queen’s 70 years of service to the nation and the Commonwealth.

The Queen’s Green Canopy is generating the planting of large, celebration trees, new majestic avenues of trees, urban planting, and expansive new forests that will benefit future generations. Every planting is being recorded on a digital Queen’s Green Canopy map which will be presented to Her Majesty at the end of the Jubilee year.

The Queen’s Green Canopy is also working to protect 70 ancient trees and woodlands that are a valuable part of the UK’s heritage and history and has launched a special training programme to teach unemployed young people new skills in tree planting and management, as well as a Young Foresters Award to highlight the value of trees to school children. The Queen’s Green Canopy will continue throughout 2022 and into March 2023.

Royal Collection Trust Three special displays marking significant occasions in Her Majesty’s reign – the Accession, the Coronation and Jubilees – will be staged at the official royal residences from July 2022.

At the Summer Opening of the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace, portraits of The Queen taken by photographer Dorothy Wilding between 1953 and 1956 will be on display, alongside items of Her Majesty’s personal jewellery worn for the sittings.

At Windsor Castle, the Coronation Dress and Robe of Estate worn by The Queen for her

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Coronation at Westminster Abbey on 2 June 1953 will be on display, while at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, visitors will see outfits worn

by Her Majesty on occasions to celebrate the Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilees.

The Queen’s Private Estates Celebrations will also take place on The Queen’s private estates, Sandringham and Balmoral, for local residents and visitors to enjoy.

Events free for members of the public to take part in over the Bank Holiday weekend will include ‘Platinum Party at the Palace’ on the big screen in the Royal Parkland at Sandringham - a live screening of the BBC Concert celebrating the most significant and joyous moments from The Queen’s seven-decade reign.

The lighting of the Sandringham beacon will also take place in the Royal Parkland, accompanied by live music from the Norwich Pipe Band and the Hunstanton Band.

The Platinum Jubilee Celebration From 12th-15th May, the Platinum Jubilee Celebration will see over 500 horses and 1,000 performers create a 90-minute piece of arena theatre that will include actors and artists, musicians, international military displays, dancers and global equestrian displays.

The show takes place in the same arena used by Royal Windsor Horse Show during the day and is the fourth in a series of events at the same venue that have marked significant moments in the life of The Queen. The production will take the audience on a gallop through history from Elizabeth I to the present day.

Top Trumps The iconic card game Top Trumps, has announced a new collection, rounding up 30 moments across Her Majesty The Queen’s life and reign. With everything from births to marriages and pets to residences, celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with this Top Trumps pack.

Top Trumps has been an iconic card game for almost 50 years and over this time has launched hundreds of titles across the world, in many different languages and is the UK’s #1 card game. From cars to skyscrapers and films to TV shows and now ‘HM Queen Elizabeth II’ Top Trumps.

This limited edition pack includes 30 beautifully presented cards showing iconic moments from across Queen Elizabeth II’s life and reign as she approaches her Platinum Jubilee. All cards pack into a sleek, limited edition, cassette style case, making it the perfect memorabilia and collector’s item.

The Top Trumps pack includes the births of her children and grandchildren, as well as weddings. Key moment’s throughout her reign when she has ‘united the nation’ are highlighted, including her coronation, London 2012 Olympics, as well as World War II’s Children Hour.

Iconic residences feature such as Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace and Balmoral, as well as showcasing her love for animals including Corgis and Horses.

Players will compete to get the highest stats on the cards and the categories include Year, Endurance and Uniting The Nation. Each card includes a ‘Top Trumps File’ where you can learn more about these important moments and events.

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AMERICAN IN BRITAIN

AMERICAN EXPATRIATE CLUBS NEWS

AMERICAN EXPATRIATE CLUBS’ NEWS CAWC CAWC International Women’s Club Christmas Bazaar raised more than £25,000 for Chilterns-based Motor Neurone Disease Breathing Support Project After having to cancel last year ’s renowned Christmas Bazaar, CAWC International still managed to raise over £14,000 entirely via online sales. But this year the bazaar was back in business, with 60 artisan vendors and over 800 shoppers gathering at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Beaconsfield on 14 November.

When all the receipts were totalled, the bazaar raised £25,760 - the highest total in 36 years. Robin Smirnov, Bazaar Chair, said ‘We are extremely proud that we have raised such a large amount of money which will make a huge impact to the Motor Neurone Disease Breathing Support Project! We are so grateful for all of the support we receive from everyone, and we are already looking forward to our next Christmas Bazaar’.

All of the money raised will go to the Motor Neurone Disease Breathing Support Project, delivered by the Palliative Care Service based at Florence Nightingale Hospice, part of Buckinghamshire NHS Trust. The project has the backing of the Chiltern Branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Sue Eddy, a physiotherapist involved with the MND Breathing Support Project, attended the bazaar and said: ‘The CAWC Christmas Bazaar was absolutely amazing! Beautiful, beautiful stalls, and fabulous food and drink. Every bit of the funds raised will go to expanding and deepening the support we’re able to give MND sufferers and their loved ones’.

Seven members of the Motor Neurone Disease Association, Chiltern Branch, assisted at the event. Supporter Phil Murray shares: ‘The atmosphere at the bazaar was vibrant and enthusiastic and we were able to answer all the varied questions which visitors asked about MND. What a coincidence that on the day of the bazaar the Government announced funding to include at least £50 million for MND related research to find a cure. Thank you so much, CAWC, for all you do to support good causes in the Chilterns’.

In addition to the vendors, the bazaar featured 360 holiday baskets contributed by CAWC members, who also raffled off dozens of prizes, served home-made chili and snacks, and sold goodies baked by members. Thirtyfive sponsors from the local area supported the bazaar financially. Over 80 members and their families volunteered on the day.

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CAWC International (formerly known as the Chiltern American Women’s Club) is a social and philanthropic club, organised by women for women of all nationalities, based in the Chilterns. Originally founded in 1987, they have raised over £350,000 for various charities in the Chilterns area, including: • Community First Responders • Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity • Epilepsy Society • The Pepper Foundation • Horizon Sports Club • HESTIA • William’s Fund – Cancer Research for Children • Medical Detection Dogs • Scannappeal.

The club has regular meetings and activities including crafts, hiking, golf, cinema, tennis, and more. They also arrange outings to places of interest, including Ascot, The Potteries at Stoke-on-Trent, Blenheim Palace, Bletchley Park, and walking tours of London. New members are always welcome, and are no longer required to have ties to North America. The club is multi-national with members from over 20 different countries. Anyone who wishes to enjoy the activities and help with philanthropic projects is encouraged to join. More information is available at https://cawc. co.uk as well as on social media: Facebook: www.facebook.com/CAWCInternational Instagram: cawc_international Twitter: @cawc_intl For more information: MNDA: www.mndassociation.org CAWC Philanthropy: www.cawc.co.uk/about/philanthropy/ Contacts: Bazaar Chairpersons: Robin Smirnov robinsmirnov@hotmail.co.uk Kate Harman: kateeschuman@gmail.com Membership: cawcmembershipuk@gmail.com

AWBS 40th Anniversary Gala

events and activities that range from cultural, sports, educational, social, and philanthropic. We are 250+ women strong with 25+ activities per month on offer!

Serving the counties of Berkshire and Surrey, we are an all-inclusive sisterhood of international and local women who come together to enhance our UK experience with volunteer-run activities and events.

AWBS is celebrating our 40th Anniversary this year and to start the celebrations off we had a fabulous 1920’s themed Gala at the brand-new Fairmont at Windsor Hotel & Spa. Entertainment featured 1920’s dancers and West End superstars Mike Stirling, (Phantom of the Opera, Evita, Les Miserables, Oliver), and Helen Power, (Bravo Amici, Patriot Girls, The Greatest Showman), giving us a spectacular vocal performance at our Gala!

We live on the backs of those who built this world, and to our Founding Member, Jonnie Wright Dorman, we started AWBS as American Women of Berkshire & Surrey in 1982, we give you a huge “Thank you!”.

AWBS International Women’s Club AW B S International Women’s Club has gotten off to a rolling start after almost 2 years on Zoom! We are back to offering in-person

AWBS Straussborg Trip

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Jonnie, you have given thousands of women lifelong friendships, support, well-being, and an enrichment of UK culture to our lives.

In the past few years, we needed to re-brand to recognise our increasing international demographic, we are now AWBS International Women’s Club. We are open to all women who wish to join from Berkshire and Surrey or wish to continue membership through our growing alumni overseas membership. Membership fees are at half-price at the start of each calendar year. Our Club year starts in September each year but may offer summer activities.

If you are living in Berkshire or Surrey and wish to join one of our general meetings, please contact membership@ awbs.org.uk. We usually meet at Wentworth Club, Virginia Water. Log on to www.AWBS. org.uk for more information!

AWBS Tennis Team

KCWC KCWC invites members and guests to our May and June Speaker Series General Meetings.

Please join us at the Royal Geographical Society, One Kensington Gore, at 10:00 Thursday May 5 to hear Colonel Jane Davis, Vice Lord Lieutenant of Greater London.

Thursday June 9 at 10:00 author Anne Sebba discusses her latest book, introducing it in paperback after its successful hard copy sales. Hospitality lunches by reservation follow both speakers.

Please visit www.kcwc.org.uk for more information about our International Women’s organisation ready to welcome you as a member. Or contact marketing@ kcwc.org.uk to find out more about our many activities and speaker events.

If you are a member of an American Expatriate Club and would like to share your news, events and photographs with fellow Americans in the UK, please email ben@theamericanhour.com 38

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USEFUL CONTACTS CHARITABLE GIVING CAF AMERICAN DONOR FUND 10 St Bride Street London EC4A 4AD Contact: Joe Crome, Senior Manager, CAF American Donor Fund Telephone: +44 (0) 3000 123 150 (Telephone lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm excluding UK bank holidays).

Email: cadf@cafonline.org Website www.cafonline.org/cadf With over 20 years’ experience, we are the smart, tax-effective way for dual UK and US taxpayers to achieve greater impact with their charitable giving.

The CAF American Donor Fund is a dual qualified Donor Advised Fund which can help you maximise the value of your gifts to charitable organisations. If you pay tax in the UK and the US, the CAF American Donor Fund enables you to claim eligible UK and US tax relief on your global giving, including adding 25% through UK Gift Aid where applicable.

We have a range of flexible products available, starting at one-off giving through to long-term invested funds. We accept donations of cash (any major currency); stocks and shares as well as non-cash gifts.

Whatever stage you’re at with your philanthropy journey, we can help. Our specialist team of Relationship Managers will be with you every step of the way to guide you quickly and efficiently throughout the management and administration of your giving, using our established and trusted service.

EDUCATION - SCHOOLS TASIS THE AMERICAN SCHOOL IN ENGLAND Coldharbour Lane, Thorpe, Surrey, TW20 8TE Contact: Sarah Travis Telephone: 01932 582316 Email: ukadmissions@tasisengland.org Website www.tasisengland.org The educational pathways TASIS England offers to day (3-18) and boarding (13-18) students include a broad-based American curriculum, AP courses, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, and EAL support.

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college counseling, 97% of TASIS graduates gain acceptance to their first- or secondchoice university in the US, the UK, and worldwide. Extensive summer opportunities are also offered to students from all schools.

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TAXATION

BUZZACOTT LLP 130 Wood Street, London, EC2V 6DL Contact: Carlo Gray Partner - Expatriate Tax Services team Telephone: +44 (0)20 7556 1200 Email: enquiries@buzzacott.co.uk Website: www.buzzacott.co.uk Buzzacott is a top 20 UK accountancy firm in London, with a team in Hong Kong. For more than 50 years, our dual-qualified US/UK tax experts have helped individuals, companies, partnerships and trusts to comply with everincreasing tax regulations and minimise their tax liabilities. We specialise in preparing US/UK tax returns and providing bespoke advice tailored to individual circumstances. Rely on us for exceptional service with empathy and authenticity.

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