TAKE FIVE
TAKE FIVE The Joys Of Summer by Judith Schrut Joyful British summertime! featuring Ava, Jonah & Max, photo by Sarah Stanton Plotkin
Country fairs and village fêtes, scones and clotted cream in a quaint tearoom, fish and chips on a pebble beach, Wimbledon, cricket, pond dipping, birdwatching, be it in cottages, tents or under umbrellas, come rain or shine, nothing compares to summertime Britain. You’ll find the upcoming season packed with summer joys: shows, concerts, festivals, sports and other summerlicious treats. Let us help you make the most of these glorious long days and late, light nights, with our Take Five summer preview.
1. Awesome Anniversaries
Make a date with history this summer as Britain toasts a truck load of birthdays and anniversaries, such as illustrious Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. The world witnessed its first Quidditch match 25 summers ago, when the first Harry Potter book was published. This year also marks the 100th birthday of James Joyce’s Ulysses, and the 150th of George Eliot’s Middlemarch. The British Broadcasting Corporation - our beloved BBC - turns 100, as does that most British of condiments, Branston Pickle. This year is memorable too for fans of composer Ralph Vaughan Williams, whose 150th birthday will be fêted with many performances of his works including rarely heard tuba and oboe concertos. WWW.THEAMERICANHOUR.COM
Whether you’re new to the UK or have been around since the Queen’s Coronation, visiting historic houses, castles and stately homes is an unmissable and uniquely British experience. From perfectly restored fairytale fortresses to crumbling medieval wrecks where much is left to the imagination, these are attractions you definitely can’t get Stateside. Waddesdon Manor, one of my favourite’s, is a stunning French-style château, splendidly set in Buckinghamshire countryside and just an hour’s train or car ride from London. Waddesdon has a distinguished history, most notably as home to banker, politician, philanthropist and art
Mia Jackson, Curator of Decorative Arts, in the Exhibition Room, Alice’s Wonderlands at Waddesdon © Waddesdon, A Rothschild House & Gardens
collector, Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild. This summer Waddesdon presents “Alice’s Wonderlands”, a salute to the Baron’s little sister Alice on the centenary of her death. The Baron’s young wife and only child died in childbirth, so at his death he bequeathed Waddesdon to Alice. Alice (18471922) was a strong, smart, independent and free-spirited woman, a passionate art collector and gardener, who soon gave Waddesdon a memorable stamp of her own. Alice’s fascinating story has long been overshadowed by her brother’s, until now. Charming, enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff are on hand to guide you around Alice’s extraordinary life, collections and legacy. Leave plenty time during your Waddesdon visit to explore its wondrous grounds, gardens and Rococo aviary teeming with exotic birds; to sample its vast wine cellar including top notch Rothschild wines; and to savour a sumptuous Afternoon Tea or traditional Sunday lunch in its awardwinning Manor Restaurant. Throughout the year, Waddesdon hosts music, theatre, open air movies and other events, indulgent food and wine tastings, seasonal fairs and the UK’s annual Chili Fest. But it’s only natural that the year’s biggest celebrations are reserved for our devoted, long serving monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. Across the UK and throughout 2022, we’re honouring Her Majesty’s 70th year on the throne, the first time in history that any British WWW.AMERICANINBRITAIN.CO.UK
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