American in Britain Winter 2019/2020

WINTER 2019/2020

AMERICAN IN BRITAIN Serving the American Community in the UK

FEATURES INCLUDE Eating Out • Theatre • Hotel Review • Legal Issues Reader’s Lives • Arts & Antiques • Taxing Issues • American Expatriate Clubs News Lady Astor Story • Wealth Management • Embassy Corner

WINTER 2019/2020

CONTENTS

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3 Eating Out 7 Theatre 10 Wealth Management

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13 Taxing Issues 16 Take Five 20 Reader’s Lives 21 Legal Issues

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23 Lady Astor Story 26 Food From Home

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28 Hotel Review 32 American Expatriate Clubs News 35 Animal OBE

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23

37 Arts & Antiques 39 Useful Numbers 40 Embassy Corner

ADVISORY PANEL:

PUBLISHER: Helen Elliott, Telephone: 020 8661 0186 Email: helen@theamericanhour.com PUBLISHING DIRECTOR: Damian Porter, Telephone: 01737 551506 Email: damian@theamericanhour.com American in Britain, PO Box 921, Sutton SM1 2WB WWW.THEAMERICANHOUR.COM

Marshall Mirarchi with Hurricane wearing his PDSA Order of Merit.

Image courtesy of PDSA.

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

Origination and Printing by Gemini Group

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Baluchi

EATING OUT Baluchi

LaLiT Hotel, 181 Tooley Street, London SE1 2JR Telephone: 020 3765 0000 I am a Londoner born and bred, and as I have said numerous times, this wonderful city never ceases to surprise me. My latest surprise is how much the south side of the river has changed over the last few years.

The area around London Bridge has changed so much with a number of considerable new developments including the ultra-modern London Assembly building and, classy as these buildings are, I can’t help loving those older buildings that survive this modern design of glass and metal. It was, therefore, a true delight to visit Baluchi, a restaurant within the 5-star luxury of the LaLiT Hotel.

The LaLiT hotel group are an ultra-luxury hotel chain and have cleverly chosen a good location in London, near to Tower Bridge, and have renovated an old school building, thus using the wonderful architecture of a bygone age whilst maintaining the luxury expected today.

The LaLiT hotel chain was not known to me, but is clearly a modern company which chooses the most trendy sites, and their first hotel in London is a genius choice, situated on the South Bank in the Tower Bridge Conservation Area, occupying the former home of renowned London grammar school St Olave’s. This is a listed building and the renovation is sympathetic and classy.

On arrival you enter the grand entrance, which was truly more impressive than any school I have ever attended, and to the left of WWW.THEAMERICANHOUR.COM

the lobby is a stylish bar which used to be the teacher’s common room, and ahead of this is Baluchi. Baluchi is situated in the old school’s main hall and the room is imposing with its vibrant blue ceiling and four truly stunning chandeliers that wouldn’t look out of place in Hogwarts Main Hall. Under their watchful gaze the tables are well spaced, and the large space is broken up by ornate wooden partitions, although I personally would add a few plants as a bit of greenery always soften things a bit.

Indian cuisine has had a real make-over during the last few years, and many fine dining Indian restaurant’s have appeared on the scene, and Baluchi is a good addition to this revolution. Baluchi does distinguish itself from others however, by having at the far end of the restaurant the first Naanary I have ever seen. This is an Art Deco bar which serves a selection of naans with a flight of wines that go with each naan - a first for me!

Baluchi’s menu is compact, and has throwbacks to the restaurants previous use, referring to Term1 (Starters), Mid Term (Mains) and Term Break – School Holidays (Desserts). For Term 1 my wife chose the Hand Dived Orkney Scallops (£14.50) with oyster leaf pakoda, buckthorn purée, gin foam and pickled grapes, which was served in a smoke-filled glass dome. I chose the Lamb Chops (£14.50) with smoked aubergine, coriander chutney and beet crisp. My chops were succulent and had a lovely heat which was delightfully offset by the cool refreshing aubergine, and both were a great start to our meal. The mains are inspired by the whole of the Indian continent and it was nice to see a number of imaginative vegetarian choices available, including Tandoori Roasted

Cauliflower and an Aubergine Steak. Despite those temptations my wife stuck with the seafood theme and chose the Tandoori Lobster (£27) masala shrimp khichdi, wild mushroom, homemade lime pickle and sabudana papad, and I continued with the lamb theme with the Lamb Shank Gushtaba (£21.50) fennel, cashew and saffron with masala mash. The lobster was sweet and succulent and meaty just like lobster should be, and the masala shrimp khichdi was delicately spiced so it complemented rather than overpowered the lobster. My lamb shank was based on a Kashmiri delicacy and was slow cooked so the meat fell off the bone.

There was an abundance of sauce which was eagerly mopped up by me using breads from the Hindustani Rotiyan (£11), a basket of mixed breads including paratha and a mixture of different flavoured naan’s.

Despite all this food we still had a little room for dessert, which was lucky as these were a wonderful end to our meal. I had never really thought of Indian restaurants as having great desserts until now, as my Ginger and Mint Cake (£8) with dark chocolate crumble and berry compote was spectacular. The mixture of textures elevated the dish but the real star was the sharp sorbet which just burst with flavour.

Just when I thought things couldn’t get better, I tasted my wife’s desert, Bhapa Doi (£8). This was a rich and creamy honey steamed yoghurt which surrounded a fruit compote and cake that just caressed the tastebuds.

Baluchi serves quality Indian food in a unique environment and is well worth a visit, as it takes the great tastes from across India and serves them up in a creative way, all a stone’s throw from Tower Bridge.

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FAFA’S

FishWorks

1 Monmouth Street, London WC2H 9DA

FishWorks

2-4 Catherine Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2B 5JY Telephone: 020 7240 4999 My first thought when I saw the name FishWorks was that it was a slogan dreamt up by a clever adman rather than a name for a chain of restaurants, but when I got up to speed with the restaurant’s concept I was struck just how pertinent the actual name is!

Fish is a healthy and very nutritious source of food and unfortunately is not always people’s first choice (unless it is covered in batter and deep fried), but it really should be. But I digress, so returning back to the concept, I think FishWorks are trying to reverse the, I guess fear, of fish, by providing ultra fresh produce and cooking it in an exciting and innovative way. Indeed, one very novel way they are promoting it is not just to eat fish in their restaurants as you can actually buy fresh fish in the restaurant to cook at home, so a real twist on taking home a doggy bag!

On entering this restaurant, which has a lovely spacious and airy feel to it due to the natural light from the expansive windows that surround the main dining area, you can’t fail to notice FishWorks’ in-house fish counter that boasts the freshest display of the morning’s catch, from South Coast wet fish through to crustacea and shellfish. There is also a fishmonger here who can answer any questions you may have on the fish on offer, or can offer recommendations depending on your taste. Luckily for us, we have had a very efficient and charming waiter, who suggested we start our meal with three different oysters, which, although not my usual choice, we did, and I have to say I actually really enjoyed them and felt very proud of myself for going outisde my usual eating comfort zone!

There is a dedicated Oyster Bar that runs along the main dining area and is fully fitted with built-in ice trays and piled high with freshly shucked oysters.

For my starter I chose Hand-Dived King Scallops (£13) that were sautéed and cooked with white wine and garlic butter, topped 4

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with breadcrumbs and Pernod, delicious, whilst my friend chose Steamed Mussels (£9 as a starter or £16 as a main) which were cooked in an almond, white wine, garlic, chilli and saffron sauce.

Desserts are also a treat at FishWorks and I can highly recommend their zesty homemade Lemon Tart served with raspberry sorbet and the Peach and Passion Fruit Eton Mess.

From lunch through to dinner, the á la carte menu will satisfy any pescatarian passion.

Lavish lobster dishes, cracking crab and towering fruits de mer platters sit alongside a variety of classic and contemporary fish dishes including a divine day boat Dover Sole, simply cooked with the respect it deserves, a classic Fish and Chips given a luxe touch with monkfish (my choice), and the daily catch from the counter, served whole or filleted at the table.

FishWorks list of small-batch wines and champagnes has been curated by sommelier Tim McLaughlin-Green. The wine list also features a selection of ‘maritime’ wines, produced within 10 miles of the coast, and exhibiting a slight salty note that perfectly pairs with seafood. For something a little stronger, the ‘spritz collection’ features premium spirits and award-winning premium mixers – try the Dark and Stormy Twist, a blend of Havana Club Dark Rum and No 4 Chocolate Tonic. A wide selection of beers and spirits is also available.

The decor of the restaurant I found to be very calming, with its colour palette of soft blues, greys and white is nautically inspired.

Traditional white tiling with ad hoc fish motifs is paired with two stand-out feature walls designed with copper ‘fish-scales’ to bring warmth and contrast to the space.

On Sundays it’s all about free-flowing prosecco, where you can enjoy three courses with bottomless prosecco or wine for £38.50 per person.

However, FishWorks also offer two courses for £16.50 and three for £20.50, and that’s not all – pre-theatre guests are invited to return after the show for a digestif, receiving £10 off their bar bill, so what’s not to love?!

This is a slightly different restaurant review, as Fafa’s is more of a takeaway rather than sit-in restaurant, although it does have a few seats outside, and inside a couple of window ledges with stools where you can, and we did, enjoy this delicious Middle Eastern street food that I have been told features in the ‘Where Chefs Eat’ guide. so if you work around the Covent Garden area, or are in town heading to the theatre or shopping and want to grab something quick and tasty to eat, then Fafa’s is a great option.

Fafa’s started out as a modest street food kiosk in the Finnish town of Punavuori and Tel-Aviv-born Doron Karavani has now put Fafa’s firmly on the map; with 40 sites across three countries including one in the UK! On the menu are breakfast dishes from £5.50 that include broken eggs with salad and tzatziki; and avocado and fried egg with chilli and mint. All-day pitas, served from lunch until late, are packed with tabbouleh, sweet and smoky matbucha, fresh tomatoes, kale, chopped chilli and parsley.

I chose a pita with falafel and halloumi, whilst other options include hummus, goat’s cheese and pesto, or roasted vegetables and feta. Exciting flavour combinations, exclusive to London, include grilled shrimp with harissa and tzatziki which my friend chose and exclaimed was gorgeous; Fafa’s burger (patty) with tahini; and slow cooked short rib with harissa and beetroot.

For those wishing to shed a few pounds following the Christmas and New Year indulgence, why not choose the house mezze box, a low carb meal featuring spiced chicken breast, grilled shrimp or Fafa’s burger served with falafel, hummus, tabbouleh, matbucha, a range of vegetables and pickles, tahini and tzatziki, or a salad that includes chicken and tabbouleh or goat’s cheese and pesto.

Don’t miss on-trend sides such as fries with homemade beetroot ketchup and halloumi strips with harissa for a glorious mix of crunchy, spicy and salty. These would be worth eating in, as the halloumi lost its crispiness after a while, but it was a while as FAFA’S

EATING OUT we were throughly enjoying tucking into our pitas and salad boxes whilst enjoying the halloumi strips, fries and sweet potato fries!

Although Fafa’s is a takeway, they do not scrimp on the drinks on offer, as they do sell cans of cocktails, flavoured gin drink, cider and craft beers, as well as a selection of soft drinks.

So, if you work around the Covent Garden area, or are in town heading to the theatre or shopping and want to grab something quick and tasty to eat, then Fafa’s is a great option.

Plaquemine Lock

139 Graham Street, Angel, London N1 8LB You may be wondering, as we did, where the unusual name of this establishment in Islington hails from. Things become a little clearer once you step inside this pub. From the outside, it resembles a traditional British pub, on the inside two large murals depicting scenes from the Mississippi and the Bayou in America’s Deep South are the clues that this is something different. The menu, offering Cajun and Creole cuisine (think Gumbo, Jambalaya and fried chicken) is confirmation that this is something very different - a refreshing change from the Gastro pub fayre on offer in most London public houses. But why? Obviously, there is a story to uncover here…

At the turn of the twentieth century, Jacob Hortenstein went to Bayou Plaquemine, Louisiana, to build a series of locks to enable heavy cargoes of Louisiana timber (from the Schwing Lumber & Shingle Corporation), and later sugar cane and oil, to transfer safely from the Bayou onto the mighty Mississipi. Carrie B Schwing opened Plaquemine Lock in 1909, swooshing a champagne bottle against the lock house as the family steamer (also called Carrie B Schwing) passed through the lock gates.

Carrie B Schwing and Jacob Hortenstein’s great-grandson Jacob Kenedy (chef patron of Soho’s revered Italian restaurant Bocca di Lupo) opened Plaquemine Lock in London on the Regents Canal in 2017, as a tribute to his great grandmother and his heritage.

The walls are adorned with pictures of Kenedy’s Great Grandmother, Carrie B Schwing,

Plaquemine Lock

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along with the steamboat owned by the Schwing family lumber company that was named after her, maps of the land the family owned in Louisiana, and memora­ bilia relating to Mr Kenedy’s grandmother, the late actress, painter, marionette artiste and socialite Virginia Campbell. Indeed, the murals themselves are the work of Jacob’s mother, Haidee Becker, making Plaquemine Lock the culmination of this family’s story.

On the night we visited, the pub was bursting with life. We happened to visit on one of their regular Jazz nights, and were treated to an hour of excellent music, along with the party atmosphere it created.

We were determined to fully embrace the Deep South traditional cuisine, and made our selections with the help of a cocktail: a Plaquemine Sour for me (rum, rhum sour, red wine float) and Gin Fizz for my partner.

To start, I selected the Cured Salmon with Black Lemon Dressing and Creole Potato Salad (£10). My partner bravely stepped outside her comfort zone and chose the Shrimp & Grits with Bacon Gravy (£9.50).

Grits is one of those foodstuffs that sounds pretty unappealing (in my opinion), but turns out to be surprisingly comforting - and when teamed with shrimp and gravy is a really tasty dish. Perfect for a cold winter’s evening.

When it came to the main course, it was my turn to be ‘brave’. I chose the classic regional ‘house special’, Crawfish Boil, which was a bowl full of Crawfish, sausages, new potatoes, corn, andouille and Cajun Spices (£26). In the Mississippi Delta, they call them mud bugs, but apparently, Crawfish are an excellent source of high-quality protein and low in calories, fat and saturated fat. They also are a good source of vitamin B12, niacin, iron, copper and selenium.

I had never eaten Crawfish before, it has a sweet taste with a hint of salt, not unlike shrimp or crab. The meat is not in any way chewy, but the fun is definitely in picking the meat out of them!

My partner chose the Shrimp Tail & Smoked Eggplant Gumbo Green Onion Rice (£16.50). I’m told that Gumbo is the official cuisine of Louisiana, and we could see why. It has a really rich, earthy flavour with plenty of spice - a quite delicious dish, and unlike anything I’ve tasted before. Other

main courses include Cajun Fritto Misto (£20), Andouille & Chicken Jambalaya (this would have been my second choice, as I love Jambalaya; £15), and Chestnut & Porcini Mushroom Pot Pie (£15.50). There are also Oysters on the menu and a good snack and a Po-boy sandwich menu for lighter meals.

We enjoyed a side of Spinach Rockafella Gratin (£6.50) with our mains, and there’s plenty of other delicious alternatives when it comes to accompaniments such as Candy Yam (£5), French Quarter Fries (£3.50) Grilled Cornbread with Corn Relish (£4) and fried Green tomato remoulade (£5).

The wine list focuses on the regions that contributed to Louisian culture – namely Canada, USA, Mexico, Spain, Italy, France, Portugal & UK. The list is quite small but carefully curated, and is very reasonably priced. We enjoyed a bottle of Californian Zinfandel (£36).

The ‘Happy Ending’ made us both very happy indeed. We shared Pecan Pie with Cane Sugar Ice Cream (£7), and Pumpkin Pie with Bourbon Cream (£6.50) – both spot on, and a delicious, sweet conclusion.

Louisiana has some of the strongest food heritage in the USA, and also lays claim to the invention of the cocktail, so Plaquemine Lock has a lot to live up to. In our humble opinion, it is doing a great job in paying tribute to the state’s food scene. I would certainly head back for some more live jazz, cocktails and Creole cuisine with a group of friends, as this pub brings something unexpected and excitingly different to this part of town.

Plaquemine Lock is beating the January gloom with the launch of ‘Blues Mondays’ - weekly jazz nights throughout the month of January that will serve as an antidote to Blue Monday, the most depressing day of the year. Guests will enjoy weekly instalments of raucous jazz from some of the best musicians in town, while they feast on a specially created Blue Menu. Dishes include wild rice, pecan and blueberry; duck with cornbread and blueberries, and a classic blueberry pie to finish. Everything will be washed down by the Blueberry Fizz cocktail, made with Vodka, Ginger beer, Angostura bitters, fresh blueberries and topped with a basil sprig.

Plaquemine Lock

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THEATRE Review of London’s Theatre Productions

by Lydia Parker Mary Poppins - Step In Time with Zizi Strallen.

Photo credit Johan Persson.

Mary Poppins at the Prince Edward Theatre

Mary Poppins, which opened recently at the Prince Edward Theatre, is a potent reminder of why people go to the theatre. We want to be transported out of our daily lives and drawn into a world full of magic, terror, adventure and heightened passions. This musical has all of that, although the terrors are never too overwhelming for the youngest audience members and come in the shape of financial woes, scary nannies and weirdly overgrown puppets. The pure warmth emanating from this entire production is enough to melt the heart of theatre goers of all ages, including die-hard fans of the Disney film who think it could never match their beloved movie. This production takes inspiration from the original books by PL Travers, adding new characters and storylines while making a two-act narrative suitable for a West End musical.

For anyone who has ever been deprived of this most enchanting tale, the Banks family has difficultly retaining nannies as their two young children, Jane and Michael, seem to drive them all away through sheer naughtiness. George Banks works in a bank, worries about money and status constantly and has absolutely no connection with his wife or children. He was brought up by a stern nanny and has obviously had all the fun sucked out of him. Winifred, a former actress here, not a suffragette, longs for her husband’s attention but will do her duty as a wife, even if it means planning a tea party for society women who despise her. Into this household comes the magical, stern yet kind Mary Poppins, who speaks plainly, admires WWW.THEAMERICANHOUR.COM

her own good looks and declares herself practically perfect. Her method of nannying varies between drawing firm boundaries for these spoiled children who are used to having their own way and knocking them off their feet with incredible adventures, bringing statues, dolls and pictures to life and dancing on the roof with chimney sweeps.

Tension builds in the family, however, as Mr Banks fears he will lose his job after turning down the shady foreigner Mr Von Hussler for a loan and supporting instead an earnest Northern factory owner, Mr Northbrook.

The children rudely dismiss Mary Poppins, not thinking she will actually leave. As the family is bereft of a nanny and George cannot fathom bringing up children without one, Winifred decides to bring in his old nanny, Miss Andrew, not realising he refers to her as “The Holy Terror”. Indeed, George runs in fright from her, leaving his poor children and wife to her evil machinations. Luckily for all, Mary Poppins returns to save the day in every respect, with the help of her trusted gentleman friend Bert.

The book, by Julian Fellowes, fills out most of the main characters. Jane and Michael are not the lovable innocents from the Disney film but are instead entitled, headstrong brats who are occasionally cruel. Winifred is a loving woman but a bit of a pushover who is afraid to stand up to anyone. Her solo number Being Mrs Banks, one of the welcome additions by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, who also adapted the Sherman brother’s songs from the film, shows a different side to Mrs Banks, who just wants to be let into her husband’s life. George is almost a poster child for toxic masculinity, considering himself the

sovereign of Cherry Tree Lane, showing no affection for his children and assuring himself that his wife is not clever enough to understand anything about the world, let alone his work. It is clear that Fellowes wanted to dive into the psychology of George Banks, explaining the emotional detachment of the British upper classes who people not only the world of Mary Poppins but that of Downton Abbey as well.

The script is, however, mostly full of fun, steals the best dialogue from the film but also remains true to the original books.

The new songs fit in well, particularly Practically Perfect, but can’t help but be overshadowed by memorable numbers such as Feed The Birds, Spoonful of Sugar and Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, which is now set in a strange sweet shop run by the apparently Jamaican Mrs Corry. The creators have made an effort to replace the familiar scenes to disassociate with the film, which mostly works. Jolly Holiday with dancing naked statues was a bit jarring but as all the sumptuous choreography is by Matthew Bourne, this is not really a complaint. The outstanding number was Step in Time which was full of surprises and fantastic dancing by the talented Charlie Stemp who shines as the cheeky and charming Bert.

Joseph Millson and Amy Griffiths bring lovely depth to Mr and Mrs Banks, who go through their own rebirths with the help of Mary Poppins. Nuala Peberdy is a star in the making as Jane with a beautiful voice and remarkable self-confidence. Fred Wilcox as Michael is a natural comedian and gets all the best lines. Petula Clark turning up as the Bird Woman was such a treat and perfect casting. At eighty-seven, she still has that unique voice and terrific stage presence.

Zizi Strallen makes Mary Poppins entirely her own, no mean feat when comparisons will undoubtedly be made to Julie Andrews and even to Emily Blunt, who shone in the recent film Mary Poppins Returns. Miss Strallen takes possession of the entire theatre the moment she flies onto the stage. Her Mary Poppins always has a smile dancing around her lips even at her sternest. With a more robust voice than Julie Andrews, yet extreme gracefulness of movement, she is a force to be reckoned with yet knows when to step back and observe. It’s a performance that will go down as a definitive Mary Poppins.

The direction by Richard Eyre is seamless and fluid, the sets and costumes by Bob Crowley WWW.AMERICANINBRITAIN.CO.UK

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are gorgeous and evocative - I loved the Banks house opening like a dollhouse, the steam pipe top hats and Mary Poppins’ ever changing colour scheme. The illusions by Paul Kieve and Jim Steinmeyer were suitably astonishing. I still can’t figure out how she pulled all those objects from her handbag.

This is the perfect family show. Children will love it but on the night I attended it was full of the young at heart. A woman in front of me, who had bought a souvenir parrot head umbrella, was sobbing by the end. It’s that kind of musical, which will evoke many happy memories and create joyful new ones.

Dear Evan Hansen at the Noel Coward Theatre

Dear Evan Hansen, like Hamilton, is one of those musicals that you hear before you see it; the songs have been playing in my household for at least a year. My daughter and I were eagerly anticipating the arrival of this production to London and it does not disappoint. With stunning songs and a strange and compelling story that keeps you on the edge of your seat this is a musical like no other.

It is no surprise that it has won six Tony awards and has been selling out on Broadway.

Evan is a lonely and troubled teenager with no friends and a broken arm; he tells his mother he fell out of a tree whilst on a park ranger summer apprentice programme.

His mother Heidi, a single parent and hardworking nurse, suggests a good way to make friends would be to get his classmates to sign his cast. As he pitifully carries around a sharpie, the only person who signs it is another outcast, Connor Murphy. Evan suffers from anxiety and depression so his therapist has recommended he write letters to himself as a reminder of what is good about his life. He types out a letter at school, but it is snatched away by Connor as it mentions his sister Zoe, whom Evan has a crush on. In a panic he confides in Jared, a “family friend”, i.e. their mothers are friends. They are both astonished when Connor kills himself and the family assume Evan was his friend as his letter was found on Connor. Evan hates to break the truth to them, especially when Connor’s name is plastered across his cast. Evan asks Jared to help compose fake email correspondence to show Connor’s grieving parents and things spiral out of control as he gets pulled into the heart of the Murphy family, while drifting further away from his own mother.

Meanwhile Evan gets closer to Zoe, the girl of his dreams, assuring her that her brother, whom she thought was a monster, actually cared for her deeply. Evan’s good intentions, mixed with his desire for Zoe and for friends, draw him deeper into a pack of lies as schoolmates join in the mourning, making a cause of Connor’s death, despite his unpopularity in life. Evan, who is a skilled storyteller, creates the perfect friendship he 8

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would have loved to have with anyone and through his imagination changes his life. Of course, every good story shows the downfall of a hero from their dizzying heights and the same happens to Evan in Act II, with laughter and tears from the audience.

What makes this musical so unique is that the book, by accomplished playwright and TV writer Steven Levenson, is good enough to be a play without music. The characters are real and flawed, the story hooks you from the beginning and has so much to say about social media, loneliness and the pressures not only of being a teenager, but of being a parent to one. In the world of Instagram and Twitter everyone is more successful and happier than you. It is impossible to keep up and to determine what is actually real. Death becomes a way for people to connect and relate to each other, feeling part of a virtual community. Evan just longs for a family, a mother who doesn’t work but is there for him constantly, hanging on his every word, a father who shares the secret of softening a baseball mitt. Cynthia and Larry Murphy take Evan into their family not only as he paints a picture of a kind and loving Connor, but because he can be their replacement son, the one they always wished they had.

The songs, which range from heart rending to comical, do not have a typical Broadway/ West End sound; some of them could have been composed by an indie songwriter with an underground following. Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, who also composed the songs for La La Land and The Greatest Showman, clearly know their audience. They started writing the musical while studying theatre at university, which can’t have been long ago, judging by their photos, and it feels very connected to a young audience. Having said that, Dear Evan Hansen can be appreciated by any age, as its themes are universal and appeal to all ages in our media obsessed world.

Most of the cast are very young and three of the leads are making their West End

debuts. Sam Tutty is superb and perfect casting for Evan Hanson, speaking haltingly, not knowing what to do with his limbs, afraid of eye contact. He sings from the heart, letting his voice soar on For Forever or gently glide over If I Could Tell Her. It is clear that he will have a shining career in music and/ or theatre, in any genre. Lucy Anderson, who at times resembles Kirsten Stewart, is also a recent drama school graduate and excels as Zoe, lending the right vulnerability and nerviness to the grief stricken and confused teenager. Doug Colling, a RADA alumnus, is brilliant as Connor, surly when he is alive and weirdly cheerful as Evan’s imaginary friend.

Nicole Raquel Dennis, a finalist on The Voice who has also appeared in Dreamgirls, is suitably awkward as nerdy Alana who uses her acquaintance with Connor to build her own popularity. She also has a fantastic voice which often melds beautifully with those of Rebecca McKinnis as Heidi and Lauren Ward as Cynthia, who are both also wonderful actors. The cast is rounded out

by Jack Loxton as Jared and Rupert Young as Larry, who provide strong support. Fluid direction from Michael Greif brings the cast together as a close ensemble, creating a world that we are completely drawn into.

Mention must also be made of the inventive scenic and projection design by David Korins and Peter Nigrini respectively.

The creators have said that social media is a character in the play and as we see Instagram, Twitter and Facebook posts constantly projected onto hanging screens we get a sense of how overwhelming and enveloping this virtual world can be.

Despite the subject, this musical is not completely disturbing, but has comic and uplifting moments, testifying to the strength of humanity in the face of tragedy.

My daughter and I are already planning to see Dear Evan Hansen again. Grab a ticket, buy the soundtrack, don’t miss this one of a kind musical.

l-r Sam Tutty (Evan Hansen), Rupert Young (Larry Murphy), Lauren Ward (Cynthia Murphy, Lucy Anderson (Zoe Murphy).

Photo by Matthew Murphy.

WEALTH MANAGEMENT The Impact Of Regulation On Investment Options For Americans With the increasing regulatory scrutiny and operational framework to which investment managers in the UK and Europe are subject, the range of suitable investment options for American citizens residing in the UK has continued to narrow.

In an effort to avoid having to comply with strict new requirements, some foreign financial institutions have closed their doors to Americans or, if they can maintain a relationship with American citizens, many may not be able to provide solutions which, whilst compliant from a regulatory perspective, are also tax efficient. In recent months, we have experienced an increasing number of individuals being asked to liquidate and close existing accounts as another wave of regulation gets rolled out.

As Americans in Britain have a dual reporting requirement to the IRS and HMRC, structuring one’s portfolio tax-efficiently from both a US and UK perspective is crucial for maximising post-tax returns.

Investors must therefore be aware of what is tax inefficient from both a US and UK perspective when investing in collective investments (i.e. funds). From a US perspective, all non-US regulated funds are classified as Passive Foreign Investment Companies (PFICs) which attract punitive tax charges in the US. For example, capital gains are taxed by the US at the highest rate of marginal income tax (37% as of 2019)

By investing in US Mutual Funds with UK Reporting Status, Americans in Britain can invest tax efficiently from both a US and UK perspective 10

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regardless of other sources of income.

From a UK perspective, unless an election is made with HRMC by the fund to gain UK Reporting Status, any US fund is classified as Offshore Income Gains (OIGs) with GBP capital gains taxed at marginal income tax rates. By investing in US Mutual Funds with UK Reporting Status, Americans in Britain can invest tax efficiently from both a US and UK perspective.

Recognising the increasingly limited range of investment options for Americans and the demand for information, we have summarised two of the main regulatory drivers of change and how they have impacted Americans in Britain.

Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (“FATCA”)

You have most likely heard the above phrase thrown around in passing, but what is it and what does it mean for you? FATCA, which was signed into law in 2010, created additional reporting mechanisms to ensure US persons abroad report all applicable income to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) each year. The legislation assigns a two-pronged reporting approach that places responsibility on both the individual and the financial institution.

Individual reporting responsibility includes both the reporting of worldwide income, but also many informational reporting requirements (which carry high penalties for non-compliance) to allow the IRS to gain a deeper understanding of the extent to which US persons are holding foreign financial assets. Foreign financial institutions (FFI) were required to implement systems to identify all of their clients who met the FATCA definition of a US person and report applicable income to the IRS each year or face a 30% withholding on all US sourced payments. The approach is designed to make it impossible for US persons with foreign financial assets to remain undetected. An unintended consequence of this legislation has been the retraction of FFI’s in the US-expatriate market specifically to circumvent the regulation’s onerous reporting obligations.

FATCA legislation was not designed to affect the appropriate investment strategy for US persons. Foreign mutual funds, collectives, and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), otherwise classified by the US as PFICs, were previously and remain highly tax-inefficient investment choices for US persons and should be avoided in almost all situations. FATCA, along with some other regulations, has created certain restrictions related to the purchase of many offshore investments, as we have seen many funds specify in prospectuses that purchases are now off-limits for US persons. However, investing in many of these offshore vehicles previously brought little benefit to US persons and thus should have played a small role in any investment strategy anyway.

Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (“AIFMD”)

In 2013, Americans in Britain became the unintended victims in the fallout of another piece of legislation introduced following the global financial crisis in 2008 as the governments of European Union Member States felt that the lack of transparency of hedge funds, private equity funds, real estate funds (collective referred to as ‘alternative investment funds’) played a significant role in destabilising the European financial system. One of the aims of AIFMD is to increase the protection of investors investing in alternative investment funds which are not domiciled within an EU Member State and therefore not subject to the regulatory requirements of ‘domestic’ funds. The new regulation is intended to ensure that alternative investment funds do not operate outside of the scope of the regulatory authority of the country in which that fund may be being promoted, and introduced an EU-wide harmonised framework for monitoring and supervising risks posed by both the managers of alternative investment funds as well as the funds they manage.

The resulting impact of the new regulation caught Americans in Britain by surprise, as US fund managers, caught up in the new regulation, decided to restrict their sales of US mutual funds to overseas residents.

WEALTH MANAGEMENT As the directive applies to all US asset managers who manage funds in the EU or, manage funds in the US but simply market to investors living in the EU, it was MASECO’s experience that a number of US institutions chose to opt out of the burdensome requirements of AIFMD by restricting asset ownership to US residents only. Many Execution Only Broker Dealers did not force affected individuals to sell out of existing positions held. They only prevented the purchase of additional shares. The inability to make new purchases left many ‘DIY’ investors unable to properly rebalance portfolios without the help of an investment professional knowledgeable of these international issues. Inevitably, over time, this leads to hidden risks and potential negative consequences on maintaining an effective wealth management strategy.

Where Are We Today

The regulatory environment continues to evolve as governments continue to seek ways in which to protect their citizens by ensuring that investment services and products sold within their shores have appropriate levels of transparency, so investors are fully aware of what the service or product is designed to achieve and the concomitant risks as well as benefits such as fostering efficiencies within the markets. In light of regulatory changes, investment firms will need to review their business models and client base. We continue to see other investment firms decide that they can no longer work with Americans in Europe or, if they do continue to work with them, provide tax inefficient solutions for those Americans resident in the Europe.

Most notably, over the last two years we have seen some large UK and US Execution Only stockbrokers decide to no longer

take orders into US based funds. The alternatives still available for unsuspecting European based US taxpayers for purchase can more often than not be tax inefficient for those unaware of the specific types of securities to avoid. This is a complicated area that is often difficult to navigate.

We recommend US taxpayers seek professional advice before making any major investment decisions.

Summary

As outlined above, the widespread legislative changes that we have seen out of the US and the EU over the last decade has resulted in a reduction of both the range of institutions that can work with US citizens effectively and the range of available investment options and, in some cases, in our experience, has forced the closure of existing accounts at certain US institutions without clients being given a clear viable alternative for transferring out. The impact of these legislative changes has resulted in both an increased operational cost on those institutions choosing to maintain US connected relationships as well as an increased importance in understanding how to navigate through the restrictions in a manner that helps support long-term goals in a tax efficient manner.

Risk Warnings And Important Information

MASECO LLP (trading as MASECO Private Wealth and MASECO Institutional) is registered in England and Wales as a Limited Liability Partnership (Companies House No. OC337650) and has its registered office at Burleigh House, 357 Strand, London WC2R 0HS. MASECO LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for the conduct of investment business in the UK and is an SEC Registered Investment

Advisor in the United States of America.

This article does not take into account the specific goals or requirements of individuals and is not intended to be, nor should be construed as, investment or tax advice. Information contained in this article is based on MASECO’s understanding of current regulations and tax law and legislation which is subject to change. MASECO Private Wealth is not a tax specialist and does not provide either tax or legal advice. The tax treatment of any investment strategy or investment in a financial instrument depends on the individual circumstances of each person and may be subject to change in the future.

You should carefully consider the suitability of any strategies along with your financial situation prior to making any decisions on an appropriate strategy. We strongly recommend that every person seeks their own tax advice prior to acting on any of the tax opportunities described in this article.

Patrick Bowen is a Wealth Manager at MASECO Private Wealth. Patrick studied Economics at the University of Birmingham and holds the certificate in Private Client Investment Advice & Management. Patrick specialises in advising high net worth Americans in the UK providing tax efficient wealth management solutions.

Kyle McClellan is a Senior Wealth Executive at MASECO Private Wealth.

Kyle studied Economics and Finance at Bournemouth University and holds the certificate in Private Client Investment Advice and Management. During his time at MASECO, Kyle has worked closely with MASECO’s Head of Advanced Planning to assist in the design and implementation of tax efficient investment strategies for US expatriates based in the UK and foreign nationals in the US.

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TAXING ISSUES New Relief Procedures For Accidental Americans A modern trend has seen Americans living abroad making the decision to hand in their US passports at increasing rates.

The most recent statistics indicate that 1,810 Americans decided to renounce their US citizenship status in 2019 through September 30th alone. US taxes have been cited as the driving force behind this dramatic change, but the reasoning is considerably more nuanced.

Americans abroad have long maintained the obligation to file tax returns in the United States and disclose their non-US accounts on the Foreign Bank Account Report (FBAR), irrespective of where they were living or working. But most were unaware of these reporting obligations. And ignorance was bliss.

The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), passed in 2010, changed this. Many of the American expats who were alerted of these filing obligations by their financial institutions immediately found their access to financial services options outside the United States seriously curtailed. The additional reporting hassles placed on non-US financial institutions under this legislation had rendered Americans “personae non gratae” in the eyes of these banks and financial institutions that had previously welcomed their business.

While the financial services landscape for the American expatriate community is clearly improving, particularly in the United Kingdom, the issue is still very emotional.

Let’s face it. Nobody moves to the United Kingdom from the United States to pay less tax. In fact, at no level of income will the tax responsibility be lower in the United Kingdom. Even the hint that this community has been engaged in some untoward activity that is worthy of penalties is frankly insulting.

But emotional issues aside, what exactly is driving this modern expatriation trend?

The Why

The Income Tax Treaty between the United States and the United Kingdom was designed to eliminate double taxation. Nevertheless, all countries have slightly different mechanisms for incentivising savings, retirement planning, and home ownership, which can escape treaty protection. The differences between these benefits can create tax problems for Americans abroad.

For example, income from Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) remains taxable in the United States and the protection against tax on gains from the sale of a home in the United Kingdom are more expansive WWW.THEAMERICANHOUR.COM

than those offered to American taxpayers who own their home. Additionally, the complicated and punitive rules placed on individuals who have invested in non-US mutual funds make this type of investment largely unavailable. The result is that middle class American expats are largely cheated out of the opportunity to take advantage of the benefits and investments that have been designed to help them build wealth and plan for their family’s future.

Accordingly, the expatriation trend in the expatriate community is not due to Americans not wanting to pay their fair share of tax. Rather, the baggage that comes along with being an American expatriate in a post-FATCA world and the elimination of basic savings and investment opportunities have truly been the motivating factors.

The IRS has taken a largely pragmatic approach to dealing with Americans who were alerted to these obligations over the last few years by their financial institutions Modern Compliance Initiatives

The IRS has taken a largely pragmatic approach to dealing with Americans who were alerted to these obligations over the last few years by their financial institutions.

The Streamlined Compliance Programme, the first version of which was launched in 2012, embodied this pragmatism. The IRS’ goal has clearly been to get Americans abroad back into compliance, not penalise them under a regime that was largely

designed for bad actors living in the United States who have used foreign entities and investment vehicles nefariously. To quote Ben Franklin, “a spoonful of honey will catch more flies than a gallon of vinegar”.

The new compliance programme for “Accidental Americans” is an extension of this pragmatism. Launched in September of 2019, the new relief procedures are designed for those who face US tax responsibilities but have never actually identified as American.

Individuals who were born in the United States while their parents were working or studying on a short-term basis, and certain children born to Americans living abroad who have never set foot in the United States, face the same challenges described previously.

New IRS Programme Relief Procedures For Certain Former Citizens

This new programme is designed to help individuals who are subject to the complicated reporting obligations without ever having experienced any of the benefit of being American. The process to renounce with the Department of State is the same under this new programme and the $2,350 fee will still apply, but the IRS compliance rules are significantly relaxed.

To qualify for this relief, the following conditions must be satisfied: 1. You have relinquished your US citizenship after March 18, 2010.

2. You have no filing history as a US citizen or resident.

3. You did not exceed the threshold related to annual income tax liability described in IRC Sec. 877(a)(2)(A) (currently $168,000 in 2019).

4. Your net worth is less than $2 million at the time of expatriation.

5. You have an aggregate total tax liability of $25,000 or less for the five tax years preceding expatriation; and.

6. You agree to complete and submit with your submission all required Federal tax returns for the six years required by the programme.

Ultimately, the new programme does not get Accidental Americans out of the tax filing requirements of expatriation, but several of the most prominent challenges are ameliorated.

Notable Highlights Of The Programme For Accidental Americans

The Relief Procedures for Certain Former Citizens contain three pronounced WWW.AMERICANINBRITAIN.CO.UK

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improvements from the existing compliance burden. Firstly, it does not require Accidental Americans to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) to initiate the renunciation process with the IRS. The requirements for applying for an SSN while outside the United States can be quite challenging and add even more red tape to the already onerous expatriation process.

Secondly, the relief procedures are available to individuals who had renounced previously with the Department of State but did not actually go through the process with the IRS. Former citizens who have been worried about the IRS catching up with them in the future can take advantage of these procedures now and sleep soundly.

Finally, while many of the modern IRS compliance programmes have protected taxpayers from penalties, these procedures provide up to $25,000 of actual tax protection. This benefit can go a long way to covering taxpayers who owe US tax strictly due to the differences in certain savings and investment opportunities, such as US tax on income generated through an ISA, phantom currency gains, or taxes related to investments in non-US mutual funds.

Qualification Challenges For The American Expat Community

Unfortunately, those who identify as American expats will likely be ineligible to participate. While the programme is expansive, it is unavailable to those who have a tax compliance history in the United States. This means that anyone who has filed a tax return in the United States is not eligible and will need to comply with the regular expatriation process described in the Internal Revenue Code.

This requirement alone will place these relief procedures largely out of reach for American expats who have previously worked in the United States. Conceivably, even someone who moved overseas for university and has remained abroad since, would be ineligible if they had filed a tax return to report income from summer employment while in high school.

Options For Individuals Who Do Not Qualify For The Relief Procedures

With the relief procedures largely unavailable to Americans living abroad who have determined that turning in their US passport is the right decision for their family, the tax issues can be challenging. The goal is that the process is nothing more than a glorified arts and crafts project resulting in a slightly more complicated tax return in the year of expatriation. However, anyone classified as 14

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a “covered expatriate” can face considerable tax exposure and compliance headaches.

A “covered expatriate” is defined as someone: 1. With an average annual tax liability over the prior five years of $168,000 (2019).

2. With a net worth at the time of expatriation greater than $2 million, or 3. Who fails to certify under penalties of perjury on Form 8854 that they are in compliance with US tax obligations for the five years prior to the year citizenship had been renounced.

...the fact that the IRS continues to place emphasis on developing programmes for international taxpayers indicates that this pragmatism will likely endure For Americans who have spent considerable time abroad and have been unaware of their US tax filing obligations, this means that they will need to file more tax returns than would otherwise be required under the Streamlined Compliance Programme, which mandates that only the prior three years of tax returns be filed under this process.

Furthermore, unlike the annual tax liability standard, the $2 million net worth threshold is not adjusted annually for inflation and will include the value of pension assets and home ownership. The high value of real estate in London and other areas in the United Kingdom means that simply owning a home in London could take a significant bite out of the $2 million threshold.

However, another positive aspect of this programme was identified in the Frequently Asked Questions and will still offer some relief to individuals who do not actually qualify to use these procedures. Those who have relinquished their citizenship and have been in compliance with US tax obligations, but may be classified as “covered expatriates” due to the failure to have filed Form 8854, may also find relief.

The IRS has explained in these FAQs that those who have failed to file Form 8854 may submit a late filing for processing through these new procedures so long as they can provide a statement demonstrating reasonable cause. Taxpayers who would not otherwise be classified as covered expatriates will not acquire such status simply for the filing of the late Form 8854.

The FAQs further explain that this relief may even be available to taxpayers needing to amend prior year returns to report income that had been honestly omitted from the original filings. How expansive this relief will be for those who also need to amend returns is unclear, but it could be very helpful for anyone who has made attempts to comply with US tax laws but did not understand some of the more challenging nuances, such as US taxation of ISA income or the onerous obligations placed on foreign mutual fund ownership.

A Positive Sign

While the relief procedures were clearly not designed for the American expat community, the fact that the IRS continues to place emphasis on developing programmes for international taxpayers indicates that this pragmatism will likely endure. The new programme makes it clear that abandoning citizenship with the Department of State is not going to solve any tax problems, but establishment of the programme in the first place is insight into the IRS’ view of this complicated issue.

References: 1. Federal Register, Quarterly Publication of Individuals, Who Have Chosen To Expatriate, as Required by Section 6039G (11/12/2019).

2. Internal Revenue Service, Relief Procedures for Certain Former Citizens (11/22/2019), at: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/ international-taxpayers/relief-proceduresfor-certain-former-citizens Roland Sabates is the managing partner of Expat Legal Services Group offering business, tax, and estate planning services to Americans living in the United Kingdom and globally.

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 using 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.

TAKE FIVE Cosy Culture: Judith Schrut takes us on a brief but spectacular preview of 2020’s top cultural treats.

Sweet Treats from Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker! photo by Simon Annand, courtesy of Raw PR

The glow, glitz and guzzle of the festive season are behind us and Spring’s tell-tale snowdrops, blue skies and daffodils aren’t quite ready to make an appearance. Are you wondering what to do with those wintry waiting weeks? Easy! Britain’s got loads of cocklewarming treats on offer this time of year. So, resist that urge to hibernate and enjoy some of our great ways to cut those frosty feelings down to size.

1. Sounds of Music

For many music lovers, Britain is Music Heaven, with hundreds of venues, concerts and gigs to suit every taste or genre.

Whether your favourite is rock, jazz, folk or classical; dub, doo-wop or death metal— or a sound so new it doesn’t have a name yet— the UK has a range of music unequalled anywhere on the planet.

2020 looks to be another exceptional British musical year. In late January, grab your cowboy ‘n gal boots, denims and Stetsons, and mosey on down to East London for the annual AmericanaUK Fest. Joan Armatrading will be honorary keynote speaker; the legendary Judy Collins and ‘Whispering Bob’ Harris will both be making special in-conversation appearances at the Fest. One brilliant value ticket will get you into 6 uber-hip Hackney spaces for two Showcase Nights, featuring 75 UK and international Americana artists and bands.

In April, it’s time for La Linea, the London Latin Music Festival. Venues across the 16

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capital will host a sumptuous Latin music feast, from global superstars to new talent.

Top notes will be Brazilian bossa nova icon Bebel Gilberto supported by an all-women band, Fémina, Portuguese fado from Sarah Carreia, seriously cool Tango beats from Argentina’s Melingo, and the UK debut of venerable Mexican jazz drummer Tino Contreras, now in his 90s. Early May ushers in Cheltenham Jazz Festival, bringing together international stars, up and coming newbies and lots of sound surprises under its very big jazz umbrella. The Festival’s artistic curator is our cherished friend, Gregory Porter (a previous American in Britain Magazine interviewee).

Few call it beautiful, many call it brutal; nonetheless the Barbican Centre boasts some brilliant music spaces and rings in 2020 with a glorious glut of world-class orchestras, bands, choirs and solo artists.

In case you’re unfamiliar, the Barbican is a 35-acre art, culture and housing complex in London’s financial district, built over an area left devastated by World War II

The joy of music at La Linea, London’s Latin Music Festival

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, 2019, photo by Frank Stewart

bombs. It’s home to the London and BBC Symphony Orchestras, Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the Museum of London and includes concert halls, cinemas, a theatre and a major art gallery as well as shops, restaurants, several hundred luxury apartments, magical roof gardens, a manmade lake and the best public library in the UK. The Barbican Centre’s upcoming year is themed Inside Out, exploring the relationship between creativity and the inner life. Musical highlights include a year-long celebration of Beethoven’s 250th birthday, with dozens of events, talks and performances, and two days devoted to Bach and his Beautiful Mind.

Every year the Barbican Centre warmly welcomes the cream of American musicians. The New York Philharmonic and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, soprano Joyce DiDonato and harpsichordist extraordinaire Mahan Esfahani will be visiting in 2020, as will the mighty Wynton Marsalis and his Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra for their annual residency, an invigorating series of concerts and the European premiere of Marsalis’ New York City-inspired symphony, the Jungle.

London’s Southbank Centre starts the musical year with gusto, offering plenty to stir the heart and warm the soul. It will mark Beethoven’s 250th birthday with 20 concerts by the world’s greatest artists and orchestras.

We are particularly excited that the alwaysinspirational American Marin Allsop will

TAKE FIVE be conducting Beethoven’s 9th Symphony with an amazing 350-person choir. You can also enjoy many musical premieres and artist debuts, movie screenings with a live orchestra, an international piano series, the annual EFG London Jazz Festival and Shankar 100, a fabulous programme honouring the late Indian composer, guru and sitar genius, Ravi Shankar, led by his illustrious daughters, Anoushka Shankar and Norah Jones.

Further information: barbican.org.uk theamauk.org/AmericanaFest-UK-2020 southbankcentre.co.uk comono.co.uk/la-linea

2. Cold Hands, Warm Art

An outing to one of Britain’s 2,500 museums and art galleries is a perfect way to cheat the chill. Millions of visitors seem to agree: together, Britain’s top 5 museums (British Museum, Tate, Natural History Museum, V&A and the National Gallery) attract an astonishing 27 million visitors each year!

With free entry, first class collections, splendid late night events, cosy eating, lovely gift shops and loads of family activities, they offer easy escapes out of the cold and into the imagination.

If you like curiosities and unusual treasures, Oxford’s Pitt Rivers Museum is a must. It displays one man’s (Augustus Pitt Rivers) obsessive collecting over a lifetime of exploration and discovery. The sheer quantity of stuff here becomes evident as soon as you step inside the main hall, where glass cabinets brimming with exhibits fill the walls and floors from top to bottom. Most visitors end up finding at least one object they wish they could take home with them.

St Fagans National Museum of History in Cardiff and the National Railway Museum in York are two hugely popular museum choices outside of London.

Scotland is home to some of Britain’s familyfriendliest museums. Edinburgh’s Museum of Childhood and National Museum of Scotland and Glasgow’s Science Centre and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum are all enchanting places to while away a winter’s day, whatever your age or interest.

As well as its fine art, arms and armour Andy Warhol - Marilyn Diptych 1962, Tate, © 2019 The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts

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collections, suspended Spitfire plane and Sir Roger the elephant, be sure to visit Kelvingrove’s famous (real) Beehive.

The Tate siblings – Tate Modern, Tate Britain, Tate Liverpool and Tate St Ives– are always full of temptations for art lovers, with their hugely popular and unparalleled collections of historic and modern masterpieces set in superb spaces. The coming year’s highlights include a huge retrospective on Rodin, the unconventional French sculptor who changed art history; a timely, major exhibition on the film, photography and outspoken vision of Steve McQueen; and Andy Warhol, a fresh look at one of the 20th century’s most recognised and fascinating artists.

The Victoria & Albert Museum in London’s South Kensington is unreservedly the world’s greatest museum of art and design. The V&A, as it’s affectionately known, houses 150 galleries and nearly 3 million objects from around the world and across the ages, from breath-taking jewellery, glass, theatre and performance collections to vast and glorious displays of gold, silver, fashion, ceramics and much, much more.

It’s all free and invitingly displayed– along with plenty of free activities, special events, late night openings and daily guided tours, including the unique and award winning LGBTQ tour. Take time out for tea and tempting cakes in the Refreshment Rooms, the world’s first museum café, designed by none other than William Morris and his contemporaries. Amongst several exciting (ticketed) exhibitions for 2020 are Bags: Inside Out, dedicated to the ultimate accessory, from designer handbags to despatch boxes, vanity cases to military Alice in Wonderland, The Royal Ballet, Zenaida Yanowsky ©ROH,photo credit Johan Persson, 2011.

rucksacks; a fantastic trip down the rabbit hole with Alice in Wonderland, Alice: Curiouser and Curiouser; and Cars: Accelerating the Future, portraying the story of one of the most revolutionary, loved, contested and influential innovations in the world.

Further information: vam.ac.uk tate.org.uk museum.wales/stfagans

3. Best in Show

Count on UK Theatreland to deliver a snowplow of toasty treats to snuggle up to this winter.

In London’s West End, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Hamilton, the Lion King and Wicked continue to thrill, while a rollicking new Mary Poppins is playing to five star reviews. Surefire hits coming soon are Hello Dolly!, starring Olivier and BAFTA winning Imelda Staunton (Follies, Gypsy, Harry Potter) and the return of Sister Act, with the ingenious casting of Jennifer Saunders as Mother Superior and Whoopi Goldberg as Deloris, reprising the role she originated 27 years ago in the comedy film.

Samuel Beckett fans will be queuing up for the Old Vic’s production of Endgame with a cracking cast of Daniel Radcliffe, Jane Horrocks and Alan Cumming.

The always impressive National Theatre is staging the world premiere of My Brilliant Friend, based on the bestselling novels of Elena Ferrante. Performed in two parts, it’s an epic tale of the turbulent lifelong relationship between two strong women, from the slums of post war Naples through the social and sexual revolutions of the late 20th century. Look out too for Lucy (Chimerica) Kirkwood’s latest play The Welkin, starring the astonishing Maxine Peake, and Lesley Manville (Phantom Thread, Mum) in Tony Kushner’s adaptation of Dürrenmatt’s masterpiece, The Visit. You can also catch topnotch NT-originated productions like War Horse, A Taste of Honey and the Lehman Trilogy in the West End or on tour. Even more exciting to know that friends and family back home can enjoy all these wonderful shows, as NT broadcasts in movie theatres across the USA as part of National Theatre Live.

Mary Poppins, Step in Time, Zizzi Strallen, photo credit Johan Persson

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Niamh Cusack and Catherine McCormack in My Brilliant Friend Part 1, image by Marc Brenner, photo courtesy National Theatre Press Office

It’s always worth remembering that London’s many off-West End venues offer a pleasure and quality match for a fraction of the price. We’re massive fans of the beautiful, historic and inexpensive Wilton’s Music Hall. This one-of-a-kind gem in the heart of London is the oldest Grand Music Hall in the world, now splendidly restored. Wilton’s proudly hosts a year round programme of exceptional shows, guided tours and community events. Coming highlights include Gilbert and Sullivan’s infectiously tuneful blockbuster H.M.S. Pinafore, and the Strange Tale of Charlie Chaplin and Stan Laurel, the hilarious, deeply moving story of two unknown young Brits who, together and apart, would change the world of comedy forever.

Early 2020 sees the opening of revamped Riverside Studios in West London. First up on its sparkling Studio 3 Stage will be the world premiere of Persona, a psychological thriller adapted from Ingmar Bergman’s eponymous Scandi classic. Coming soon after will be Riverside’s state of the art cinemas, rehearsal spaces, TV studio, art gallery, café, restaurant and bar.

Britain’s superb regional theatres should not be overlooked for outstanding drama and musicals. A hop, skip and long jump from London you’ll find Leicester’s Curve Theatre, with an acclaimed version of West Side Story. Further north are thespian treasures like Manchester’s Royal Exchange and its in-the-round stage. Its programme this year looks refreshing and diverse, with three dramas about powerful women Wuthering Heights, Gypsy and Macbeth, and Rockets and Blue Lights, a fascinating new work about Great Britain’s role in the transatlantic slave trade. There’s special significance in it being performed at The Royal Exchange, formerly one of the world’s largest cotton exchanges.

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Regional theatres provide a fantastic chance to view top shows on tour around the UK. You’ll find great touring versions of Phantom of the Opera and the Lion King. Hit musical DreamGirls will be venturing out of London for the first time. Buddy– the Buddy Holly Stor y and Educating Rita will be touring to celebrate their 30th and 40th anniversaries, respectively.

Finally, when treating yourself to a show this winter, remember our Golden Rule: there’s no need to pay full price! You’ll be amazed how many theatres have hugely discounted on-the-day tickets to in-person callers, students and over-60s. Do also check out Leicester Square’s official half-price ticket booth or the numerous online theatre discount sites. For really useful tips on choosing seats and insider reviews, consult Theatre Monkey.

Further information: wiltons.org.uk nationaltheatre.org.uk riversidestudios.co.uk royalexchange.co.uk

4. Discover Your Inner Folk

There’s only one place in the world where you can try Argentinian Tango, Lancashire Clogging or English Morris Dancing, play folk fiddle, accordion or old time banjo, sing a cappella harmony in a community choir or foot stomp yourself silly to the rhythms of a live Ceilidh, barn dance or Cajun band, all in the same week and under one roof. That place is Cecil Sharp House, the delightful and definitely cocklewarming north London headquarters of the English Folk Dance and Song Society for the past 90 years.

Named for Victorian gentleman extraordinaire Cecil Sharp, who devoted his life to reviving traditional British music, song and dance (including its strong US Appalachian connections), this unique community and cultural centre offers endless ways to ‘discover your inner folk’. In addition to a wide choice of workshops, classes and other hands or feet-on activities, Cecil Sharp House hosts folk-flavoured events and performances within the beautifully muralled and wood panelled surroundings of its historic Kennedy Hall.

Hotly anticipated this season are a gig by roots-rock pioneers Oysterband, Welsh Harpist Catrin Finch re-uniting with Grammynominated Colombian joropo band Cimarrón, an evening of musical joy led by renowned folk guitarist Martin Carthy and squeezebox virtuoso John Kirkpatrick, and an imaginative jazz-folk collaboration featuring top pianist Kit Downes, fiddler Aidan O’Rourke and writer storyteller James Robertson. Cecil Sharp would have been proud.

For many more chances to watch, sing, dance, play and otherwise find your folk around the UK, see the information below.

Further information: efdss.org thenestcollective.co.uk ukfolkfestivals.co.uk areyoudancing.com

Hotter than a Hoedown, Appalachian Dancing at Cecil Sharp House led by Kerry Fletcher

TAKE FIVE

5. Cool for Kids

ENB also runs children’s workshops, open rehearsals, ‘ballet buddy’ days and courses for all ages and levels.

Fans of Daddy Pig, Mummy Pig, George and Peppa won’t want to miss Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever, Peppa Pig’s latest live show.

Described as “toddlertastic colourful fun,” it’s a road trip full of porkish adventures and will be oinking its way around the UK with stops in Brighton, Cardiff, Southampton, York, Edinburgh and elsewhere.

London’s Southbank Centre will host a ton of piping hot fun for children and families at its annual Imagine Children’s Festival.

This year’s event takes place over the February half-term and looks sensational.

There will be 12 jam-packed days of children’s theatre, music, workshops, comedy and other activities, with themes of caring for the planet and how no one is too small to make a difference.

There’s a chance to meet charismatic children’s writer Michael Rosen, reading classic poems and introducing his new autobiographical book, The Missing; to see gorgeously yummy cabaret star Le Gateau Chocolate in his first children’s show, Duckie; or to sing along with CBeebies’ star YolanDa and her Band Jam, perfectly suited for an audience of noisy children. Kids of all ages are sure to love Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo, an interactive puppet extravaganza from Australia teeming with herbivores,

This winter, why not share some warm and fuzzy feelings with the whole family? For a deliciously defrosting treat, take your young’uns on a magical dance adventure with Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker, playing in London and on tour. They’ll meet the yobby Gobstopper Boys, the Cheeky Marshmallow Girls and the Flamenco Licorice Allsorts, dancing their way through the Kingdom of Sweetieland, to Bourne’s remarkable choreography and Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score.

The English National Ballet’s winter touring season presents My First Ballet: Cinderella, everyone’s favourite ragsto-riches story in a beautifully adapted ballet for children aged three and up. The The Very Hungry Caterpillar eats through his 50th anniversary meal at Southbank Centre’s Imagine Children’s Festival

carnivores and cute baby dinos. There will be live versions of the Very Hungry Caterpillar, as the beloved children’s classic celebrates its 50th anniversary, and Hans Christian Andersen’s The Ugly Duckling, reimagined for today with a message of tolerance and self-acceptance.

Further information: southbankcentre.co.uk new-adventures.net/nutcracker peppapiglive.com Take Five is our quarterly feature bringing the best of British to Americans in Britain.

Are you doing something special this winter you think our readers might like to cosy up to? We’d love to hear from you; get in touch with Judith at judith0777@gmail.com.

Peppa Pig Live: Peppa Pig Best Day Ever! photo credit, Dan Tsantilis

The 2020 Expatriate’s Guide to Living in the UK will be Published at the end of March 2020 Pre-order your FREE copy now!

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READER’S LIVES An American Singer Living In London For Over 25 Years

Kym Mazelle

I moved from my birthplace of Gary, Indiana to Chicago, and from Chicago to London nearly 30 years ago. Since then I have also lived in Ibiza, and Madrid, Spain.

Living abroad has taught me a lot about myself and all this time has revealed some aspects of American society that make you go “hmmm”. And, at the same time there are some things here in UK and European side of things that make you go “hmmm”!

I can still recall the first time I set eyes on London, England. I had just graduated from College a year or so earlier and had released my first record on a label put together with two other partners. It was 1988 and I was travelling abroad for showcases and performances I had been preparing for my whole life!

In 1989, I packed up everything, and moved from my high-rise apartment with a doorman no less, from Chicago to London for career opportunities in the music industry. More than 25 years later, I still live in London, well the suburbs now, Hertfordshire. There’s no way on earth you could have told me 35 years ago I’d live in England and Europe for longer than 10 years! That was the plan, to do what I needed to do concerning my career, plant the seeds and I’d go back home to the States to my daughter, family and high-rise apartment with a doorman. Well as the saying goes, if you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans.

In 1989 my first album to EMI/Syncopate/ Capitol Records Worldwide was released and the whirlwind started. First, lunch with Princess Diana and Capital Radio’s Help A London Child along with Bros and The Bee Gee’s, and there I was standing in the receiving line to greet the Princess! I was so happy as my single Wait had just entered the Charts at number 7, and was 20

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still climbing. I’ve been coached on how to curtsy and had been told not to touch HRH. I saw The Princess approaching me, I’m ready for my introduction and quick “hello”.

Oh dear, I must have forgotten everything when she held out her hand to greet me, YES I DID, I could not help it, I had to give her a big hug! Her eyes where the bluest I’d ever seen, they matched her blue suit and they seemed so sad to me, so I chatted and gave her a cuddle. You see I was sad too; I was missing home and everyone, there was no-one to share any of these moments with.

Living abroad has taught me a lot about myself and a lot about people and the other countries that I’ve visited and lived in as well. What I love about living in London is all the attractions, it’s like living in a Museum!

Moving to London from the US brought plenty of excitement to my life. It’s also easy access to the Continent, places like Greece, Italy, Spain and Cyprus to name a few.

Working in the music industry has given me access to many of these destinations, as my music and talent travelled before me and paved the way.

As the years carried on, I’d be married and divorced, and living in the Fulham/Chelsea area. I really enjoy this area, my daughter would spend long summer holidays with me here and we’d explore parks and restaurants, visit friends that lived close by and soak up all the various cultures they’d brought to England as well. So many different people in a close proximity, one neighbour was Australian with a Brazilian wife and twins, their neighbour happened to be Brazilian married to an Englishman so our barbeques were a culinary treat to say the least. Me and my soul food cooking self would lay a spread to make my Mother and Grandmother and Aunties proud, (by the way, I was semifinalist on BBC1’s Celebrity MasterChef in recent years). What a lovely time I had.

There were tough times as well, and this is when I discovered the differences between the American and British cultures. I had moved to a new area outside of London and was building new relationships which were very different. In America we go all out, even with strangers, and in Britain this is not so much their way - it was like pushing custard up hill with a fork (you can tell I’ve been here a while, this is a very English expression)! I was on my own and I didn’t know what some of the simplest things meant. My American-ness assumed one thing, however, quite often it was an entirely different thing.

Once my confusion was cleared up, I was able to navigate sufficinently to get the help and

people I needed, and communication opened up. But it took some door knocking, so to speak.

Now I felt back on track, it was all systems go. I do a bit of both now - commute from the Burbs to the West End to meet up with friends for coffee or tea at my favourite outlet Joe the Juice. I love attending the Gala Events where I’ll be driven in for Red Carpet events and high ‘Glam’. I’m really loving that a lot of American culture is all over the UK, this new generation has nearly cloned the 90’s and stepped it up times ten!

We won’t talk about dating in London as for me it’s a nightmare and sadly no-one ever asks me out. I’m a people-person and quite outgoing, and at the same time I am very private. I love walking along the River Thames as it gives me such a good feeling. I also really love all the different statues, like the bench on New Bond St of Churchill and Theodore Roosevelt, and the one in Chelsea near the automobile dealership of the boy holding a dolphin’s fin. The Statues of the ladies in front of Jeeves New York Dry Cleaners is in my old stomping ground. I know it sounds geeky but at one time I was going to write a book about all these statues which I had encountered in my way across London, as they all have a memory and meaning to me – milestones, periods and situations I found myself in - joy, pain, happy, sad and just being really good with myself and life.

I also fondly remember the early days.

The wonderful five years I spent on and off having Mick Jagger as a mentor! I worked on The Wandering Spirit album with him (I’m credited on this album as well) and that’s how we became friends. It was amazing living in South Kensington and having Mick Jagger pop round for a cup of tea to listen to my demos. It was real but surreal, and I would call my Mom and say “Mick Jagger just listened and danced to my demo and had a cup of tea here at the house” … Only in London, the 90’s!

Well, I am still here and counting my blessings that I am able to love both America and London and fly both flags, with its ups and downs, smiles and frowns experiencing life in all it’s hues, flavours, thorns, nettles and roses. I’m happy with my Transatlantic life, and it’s all good!

Kym Mazelle is The first Lady of House Music. She has a new single out – “Quality” – available on all major digital outlets on Point Blank Records. She is also featuring on a major compliation release of 80’s artists with Boy George, Kiki Dee and Doris Pearson of Five Star.

LEGAL ISSUES Building A Family - The Modern Way For some, having a family is not straight forward. It can involve a long period of planning and the help of a fertility clinic.

Although commercial surrogacy is prohibited in the UK and parts of the US, surrogacy arrangements are becoming increasingly common. There are different types of surrogacy. Gestational (where the surrogate’s eggs are not used and the child is conceived via in vitro fertilisation, IVF) and traditional (where the surrogate is also an egg donor and the baby may be conceived via intra uterine insemination, IUI).

It is vital to explore the legal implications of a surrogacy arrangement before fertility treatment starts. The Law Commissions are carrying out a review of surrogacy law. It is hoped that changes will come into force alleviating some of the problems with the current position. Some examples being:• On birth, the surrogate and, if relevant, her spouse or civil partner are the child’s legal parents. This remains the case until a Parental Order is made to extinguish that status and grant it to the intended parents.

Consent is required if a Parental Order is to be made.

That position supports the generally false notion that a surrogate sees the child as hers and that she wishes to have legal status as the child’s mother. In fact, cases where consent by the surrogate to grant legal parenthood to the intended parents is withheld are unusual. It is clear from those consulted by the Law Commissions that surrogates have no desire to be the child’s legal mother. They are clear that they are simply carrying a child to help someone have a family of their own.

The Law Commissions propose that the intended parents should be the legal parents from birth. It is proposed that the surrogate will have a defined time period post birth in which she can object.

• It is noteworthy that there has been significant growth in international surrogacy arrangements. It can be a lengthy process to obtain the required travel documents to get the child back to the UK. That can mean the child and the intended parents need to stay in a foreign country for a significant period of time.

The US is a common destination for international surrogacy. Different states vary in their approach and it is vital that you take advice from a specialist within your chosen destination.

The Law Commissions propose that intended parents who have gone abroad WWW.THEAMERICANHOUR.COM

for their surrogacy arrangement will still need to apply for a Parental Order.

The reason for that is different countries operate different legal frameworks for surrogacy and it is vital that in these circumstances the court can assess the position on a country by country basis.

• There are few safeguards for those choosing a surrogacy arrangement. For instance, there is no requirement for legal advice to be obtained.

The Law Commissions propose that a number of measures be taken preconception (shifting away from the current post birth focus). Such measures include medical and criminal checks of all participants of the surrogacy arrangement, independent legal advice and implications counselling. A written surrogacy agreement is also to be entered into.

A new pathway is proposed for domestic surrogacy arrangements incorporating the above safeguards, an assessment of the welfare of the child and granting legal parenthood on birth – therefore avoiding the need for a Parental Order.

• There is a current requirement that there be a genetic link between the child and at least one of the intended parents. That excludes couples using double donation (sperm and eggs) in a surrogacy arrangement from obtaining a Parental Order.

The Law Commissions propose that the requirement for a genetic link be removed if, for medical reasons, either of the intended parents are not able to provide sperm or eggs.

The current requirement of domicile is also thought to be unnecessary and it is proposed that the requirements to obtain a Parental Order are to generally be broadened. The status of the intended parents’ relationship and the requirement that the child have his her home with the intended parents are also to be considered as is the issue of “reasonable expenses”.

Case law has already moved beyond some of the requirements as set out in the current law to obtain a Parental Order so as to place the child’s welfare as the central consideration. One example of that is, under the current framework, there is a requirement that intended parents make their application for a Parental Order within 6 months of the child being born. The court has, since 2014 however, been prepared to make a Parental Order even if the application is made outside of that window. It makes no sense therefore to maintain that requirement

where the courts do not action it in practice.

The Law Commissions’ paper is welcome.

Reform is necessary. However, given the current political landscape, we cannot say with certainty how long it will be until we see any of the proposals come into force.

It is vital, regardless of how a baby is conceived, that the full legal implications are considered before treatment starts.

Hopefully parents can then focus on enjoying their new arrival knowing that the legal aspects have been fully understood and acted upon.

If you require information about the legal implications of fertility treatment and surrogacy, contact Rachel Lemon, the head of Mundays’ Modern Families Sector.

Rachel can be contacted on 01932 590 612 or at rachel.lemon@mundays.co.uk.

Rachel Lemon is a Partner in the Family team at Mundays LLP. Rachel specialises in family law and advises clients on financial and child arrangements on the breakdown of a relationship. She also heads up the department’s Modern Families sector. Rachel is a Legal 500 recommended lawyer and Mediator.

WWW.AMERICANINBRITAIN.CO.UK

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Dr. Bonnie Schneider Health is wealth and this includes your emotional well-being...

I am an American trained Clinical Psychologist with a Masters and Ph.D. from Columbia University in New York.

In my private practice I support individuals and couples to address difficulties they are facing in their lives and relationships. I am experienced in working with clients in acute emotional and psychological distress, as well as those seeking a space to engage in a process of self-exploration.

Individuals presenting with the following difficulties have found working with me helpful: • Anxiety (including rumination and indecision) • Depression (including suicidal feelings) • Bipolar disorder • Self destructive behaviour • Borderline Personality Disorder • Addiction • Low self esteem/self worth • Anger and rage • Bereavement • Interpersonal difficulty - with family members or in romantic relationships • Parenting issues (including pre and post partum) • Acute or chronic medical issues • Individuals seeking to enrich their self awareness and understanding.

I practice from three locations - Waterloo, London Bridge and North West London and also offer sessions on-line.

If you are considering therapy, bear in mind is that ultimately the “best” therapist for you will be subjective, based on whether you feel a sense of rapport and trust with the therapist. Please do reach out to arrange a telephone conversation to begin to explore whether I might be that person. drbonnieschneider.com • dr.bonnie.schneider@gmail.com • 07478657881

LADY ASTOR STORY A Centenary Salute To Virginia’s Lady Astor – The First Woman To Take Her Seat In The British Houses Of Parliament

By Mary Moore Mason

Cliveden’s John Singer Sargent portrait of Nancy Astor

Who would have thought that an American divorcee from an impoverished background would become the first woman to take her seat in the British Parliament? And yet that is exactly what happened to Virginia born and bred Nancy Witcher Keene Langhorne, whose election to Parliament as Viscountess Astor, on November 28, 1919, opened the gates for hundreds of other women MPs and two female Prime Ministers in the years to come.

The centenary of her election was celebrated with great flair this past Thanksgiving Day both in London and in Plymouth, Devon, the constituency Lady Astor served for 25 years.

A special ceremony was held at Paddington Station to name The Nancy Astor, the Great Western Railway train she regularly travelled on between Plymouth and London. Among the VIPs on board were several generations of the Astor family. Upon arrival they were greeted by the flamboyantly-attired Plymouth Town Crier as a parade of Girl Guides carrying Lady Astor posters marched by. A reception, attended by Plymouth Lord Mayor, Richard Ball, and the Lady Mayoress, was held in the waterfront Elliott Terrace mansion, long occupied by Lady Astor and her American-born husband Waldorf; a statue of Lady Astor sculpted by Hayley Gibbs was unveiled in the parkland fronting the house by former Prime Minister Theresa May; current PM Boris Johnson later popped in for a photo opportunity and that evening there was a fireworks display launching Plymouth’s 2020 commemorations of the Mayflower’s 1620 sailing from its port, WWW.THEAMERICANHOUR.COM

carrying Pilgrims to the New World. (Lady Astor sometimes referred to herself as ‘The Returning Pilgrim’.)

In addition to Mrs May, the speakers included Emily Astor, Lady Astor ’s granddaughter; Dr. Helen Pankhurst, the great granddaughter of leading suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst; Dr. Jacqui Turner, an Astor expert and professor at Reading University which houses the Astor archives, and Alexis Bowater, the Plymouth businesswoman who led the statue project, including the crowdfunding campaign and day of celebrations, which continues to raise money to encourage young women to go into politics, and also for a foundation set up by Lady Astor for the benefit of the people of Plymouth.

Here, and at the Paddington train station inaugural, they all lauded Lady Astor for her pioneering role in opening up Parliament and political life in general to women and noted the need for more to be done in the future.

Dr. Pankhurst said that Lady Astor was the first woman to make the suffragettes’ fight for votes a reality and even though “she was cold-shouldered by all the men in Parliament, she persevered with humour, dignity, courage and resilience”. She also “worked tirelessly to unite her fellow female MPs across the political divide”.

However, she added, much still needed to be done. “Today women only account for 26 per cent of the House of Lords - and there Lady Astor addressing a crowd

are still 92 male hereditary peers. Seriously, is that acceptable in the 21st century? And in the recently dissolved House of Commons only 32 per cent of MPs were women – one hundred years on, is this good enough?”.

How Lady Astor Entered Politics

So how did Nancy Astor find herself in this pioneering role? And what did she achieve thereafter? A temporary exhibition in the Plymouth Guildhall provided many answers.

In 1910, her husband Waldorf successfully ran for the Plymouth seat in the House of Commons with Nancy, unusual in those days, campaigning by his side. When his father died in 1919, he automatically became the Second Viscount Astor and a member of the House of Lords, leaving empty his former Parliamentary seat. Nancy, encouraged by the women in Plymouth, decided to step into the gap and it was a brave move. British women, and then only those over 30, had achieved the vote just the year before and Plymouth was a tough, working class port city. How would they take to a rich, aristocratic and previously divorced American woman as their potential MP? But with her famous quick wit, sense of humour and ability to both work a crowd and break down British class barriers, Nancy soon had them on her side winning some 5,000 more votes than her closest rival.

Among her achievements were a ban on

Lord and Lady Astor

alcohol sales to young people, the lowering of voting age for women from 30 to 21, the provision of nursery schools, the raising of school leaving age, the improved treatment of juvenile offenders and women in the courts and in prison, and the encouragement of women to join the police force. By 1924, her success as a Parliamentary candidate had resulted in 24 additional female MPs. Subsequently, Waldorf became Lord Mayor of Plymouth and both became even more popular when they risked their lives by staying in the city and helping its residents during the 54 devastating World War II Nazi bombing raids. Not only did the flamboyant and defiant Lady Astor hold tea dances on the waterfront to cheer up the populace, she even did cartwheels to their great amusement. Meanwhile, she and her husband established housing, schools, community centres and other amenities for the city, helping to rebuild it after the war.

Her Formative Years In Her Native Virginia

But that still raised a question for me: how did my fellow Virginian, Lady Astor, develop her strong sense of social justice and what led her to the UK and marriage with Lord Astor? To find the answers I paid a visit from my London home base back to Virginia where my first port of call was Danville, the former tobacco boom town, known as The Last Capital of the Confederacy, close to the North Carolina border. It was here that Lady Astor was born in 1876, in a onestorey, four-room frame house shared by her parents, seven siblings and four other family members. Now expanded into two stories and located at 117 Broad Street, with a historic marker nearby, it is a small museum.

Here you can see photos of her mother Nancy, known as Nanaire, her siblings and flamboyant, entrepreneurial father Chiswell “Chillie” Dabney Langhorne, a tobacco auctioneer and former Confederate solider who had fallen on hard times following the American Civil War. To discover his more 24

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affluent family background I continued northwards to Lynchburg where his Langhorne relatives had resided in the elegant hilltop Point of Honor mansion, so named as it was built on a former duelling ground. Emily Astor, I discovered, regularly visits the city as a patron of its Virginia Episcopal School which, she said, was originally partly financed by a gift made by her grandmother, by then Lady Astor, who met the founder while separating two fighting dogs at a family home near Charlottesville.

In an effort to find a better life for his wife and children, Chillie moved them to the state capital city, Richmond. However, he was so unsuccessful at finding work that by 1890 they were left sitting on packing crates and suitcases outside the Grace Street home he could no longer afford. Then he suddenly became lucky – while paying a farewell visit to a private club he frequented, he was offered a lucrative job helping Northern businessmen organise railroad construction throughout Virginia.

From his newly-found wealth he bought a splendid country home, Mirador, on the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains near Charlottesville. Unfortunately, it’s now in private ownership so can’t be visited for it was in her years here that much of Nancy’s personality and interests were formed. Both she and her favourite sister, Phyllis, became superb horsewomen which served them well when they moved to equestrian-mad Edwardian England. Meanwhile, Nancy developed a crusading concern for the poor and down-trodden by accompanying a local Episcopal priest on missions to the povertystricken families in the nearby mountains.

The social success of her older sister, Irene, also influenced the future course of both Nancy’s and Phyllis’ lives. Beautiful, stately and self-possessed, she was invited to be the first Southern Belle to lead New York City’s prestigious Patriarch’s Ball, and after receiving 52 marriage proposals she chose Charles Dana Gibson, the most highlypaid and celebrated artist/illustrator of his time, becoming the real-life epitome of his romantic symbol of modern, womanhood, the Gibson Girl. (A mediocre portrait of her

by Gibson is now in Richmond’s Valentine Museum along with Nancy’s death mask and photographs of her in the red velvet and ermine attire she wore to royal weddings and with Franklin Delano Roosevelt.)

Unlike most Southerners in those post Civil War times, Chillie held no grudge against “damn Yankees” and encouraged both Nancy and Phyllis to find rich Northern husbands. Nancy, who had 16 proposals by the age of 18, disastrously fell for Robert Gould Shaw, a handsome, polo-playing playboy from an old Boston family, who she was finally able to divorce on the grounds that he had married his long-time mistress while still married to her. Later Phyllis divorced her alcoholic playboy husband and both women – Nancy with her young son, Bobbie – moved to England where Dana and Irene were holding court.

Nancy became not only accepted for her equestrian and social skills – and great wit – but courted by several noblemen. She settled for quiet, thoughtful, intelligent Waldorf Astor, son of eccentric William Waldorf Astor, one of the world’s richest men, who had renounced his American citizenship, become a British newspaper tycoon and philanthropist and was a member of the House of Lords. For unlike many other upper-class Brits, Waldorf, like Nancy, had a keen social conscience and was keen to reform many of the inequities he saw in the surrounding society.

After their marriage in 1906, they moved to palatial Cliveden, which was given to them by her father-in-law who also owned, restored and improved Hever Castle in Kent. Overlooking the River Thames,

Theresa May with Roma Williams, 92, a member of Lady Astor’s election team. Credit: Poppy Jakes Photography

Former Prime Minister Theresa May unveiling the statue of Lady Astor

LADY ASTOR STORY Chaplin, Bernard Shaw and T.E. Lawrence (of Arabia). Nancy also turned Cliveden into a hospital for wounded soldiers during both World Wars.

Today you can not only tour part of the house but also the beautiful surrounding gardens leading to the final resting places of Nancy and Waldorf. It is said that throughout her long life Nancy remained homesick for her native state and that in her coffin was a Virginia flag.

Native Virginian, London-based Mary Moore Mason is the award-winning editor/ editorial director of Essentially America travel magazine which is distributed in the UK and nine other countries. She recently won major media awards from the UK’s Visit USA Association and the Travel South association, representing 11 US Southern states.

Cliveden, the Astors’ Thamesside estate. Credit: National Trust Images/Andrew Butler

west of London, Cliveden is now a National Trust Property and five-star hotel. It is still adorned by the numerous treasures the elder Astor acquired while he was the American Ambassador to Italy as well as by a charming portrait of Nancy painted by her friend John Singer Sargent. Back in England, I joined the Cliveden curator, Oonagh Kennedy, for tea and a tour of passageways displaying such things as portraits of Nancy and Waldorf

WWW.THEAMERICANHOUR.COM

and information about Nancy’s famous entertainer/actress niece Joyce Grenfell.

Sometimes, said Oonagh, tour participants can view Nancy’s bedroom if it is not occupied.

During her early years at Cliveden, Nancy set about lightening up its interior, developing majestic gardens, bringing up her six children and, along with Waldorf, hosting not only famous British and American statesmen but the likes of Charlie

Mary Moore Mason at the London Paddington launch of The Nancy Astor train

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FOOD FROM HOME

by Derek Miller Maybe it’s the lack of options here or the pure fact that anything “American” is covered in BBQ sauce (why?) but, it’s enough to make any expat rethink their exodus from the land of massive potions and endless convenience. Luckily, my ire at the attempts at American “food” gave way to American “can-do-it-ness.” I was so sick of hearing myself complain (my wife probably more so) I went ahead and opened my own pop-up restaurant. You know, those trendy one-night specialty restaurants that seem to be all the rage? Well, I did that.

Now, I’m not a chef by trade - I am an Actor.

Once upon a time, I was even on billboards in Times Square and the Sunset Strip! On my way up, I had some cool day jobs. I was a line chef in Chicago while interning at The Second City and I was a (m)anny in L.A. There, I had a credit card put aside for trips to Whole Foods. An initial effort to get kids off of chicken nuggets ended with me adding Osso Bucco to my repertoire. I kept cooking as my career took off and we had people over for all the L.A. holidays. You know, The Golden Globes, The Oscars, The Emmys, The Daytime Emmys…

And from these parties, came a neighbour’s persistent pleading - “You HAVE to open your own restaurant”.

Apparently, I took the compliment as sacrosanct. I presented the idea to the owners of my favourite cafe, Corner Cup, here in Leeds. They said “yes!” before I could finish my pitch. They are a wonderful mother and daughter-in-law duo that made it all insanely easy for me. I put together a hip logo, plastered it on some hats and aprons and “State Side” was born. In a quaint northern cottage on possibly the worst hob in the UK - I set to work. My goal was simple, serve stuff I hadn’t seen done well in the UK. The online expat groups are dominated by conversations about getting food right. A friend of mine missed the Waffle House so much she went to great lengths to recreate her scattered, smothered and covered hash browns. So, authenticity was key. My dad loves to cook too, and when he heard what I was up to, he wanted in. I needed him too - for supplies. He flew over with breads, sauces and the piece-de-resistance, tortillas. Not just any tortillas, but the ones from the only factory in Chicago with Mexican maize imported by Rick Bayless. I was doing this right.

First on the menu, from expats in Chicago: Italian Beef Sandwiches with homemade giardeniera. That’s If you’re from Chicago, you for sure have a favourite beef place and you know what giardeniera is. For the rest of 26

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you: A “beef” is not a fancy “sandwich,” it’s roast beef, sliced super-thin, dipped in piping hot fatty gravy juice that soaks a sandwich from crust to crust. It’s not a French dip - it’s way better. Giardeneira is a play on an Italian relish. It’s diced veggies and hot peppers in an oily brine. The heat, vinegar and crunch complements the warm beef perfectly. Dedicated beef fans are probably asking what about sweets? These are green peppers sautéed to sweetness and added to the sandwich - I love them, but I didn’t have the real estate at the café to do them justice.

A friend of mine missed the Waffle House so much she went to great lengths to recreate her scattered, smothered and covered hash browns Next on the menu was Carnitas Street Tacos - sensing a theme? This expat dish was a staple in my twenty years in L.A. Also, they suck from every place I’ve tried them from in England. I tell anyone, if they want to judge a Mexican restaurant - start with their carnitas.

Carnitas is marinated pork seared in lard and slow cooked for hours till it’s shredded and crisped on a skillet just before serving.

I like it with a roasted tomatillo verde salsa.

Tomatillos are hard to get in the UK and expensive, but I had to have them. I miss taco trucks the most from my home in America, even if it’s not “American” food. Similarly, when my wife was homesick in L.A. she needed “English” food a from the curry house in the valley that tasted like her favourite one in Bradford. I guess if some people call Chicken Tikka Masala the national dish of England, tacos could usurp the burger.

Lastly, I made a Shrimp Étouffée with Jalapeño Cornbread Muffins. A dish from mashed up from French expats and for

this one, I put my hands up (great English expression). I have never been to the Big Easy.

But, I have been blessed with southern friends who steered me in the right direction for Cajun cooking. Crayfish Étouffée (translated: mean smothered) is one of my all-time favourite foods. Crayfish are super abundant here in the spring but completely disappeared from the fish mongers after the summer, so I substituted shrimp. Étouffée is in the same family as gumbo, anchored with a roux and the “holy trinity,” then it’s smacked with Cajun spice and drizzled over rice. My pop flew in the Crystal hot sauce which crowned it perfectly.

For the Jalapeño Cornbread Muffins, I went with the old standby Jiffy mix and added fresh corn and mild cheddar. The Brits had never tasted anything like it and was a perplexing bonus to the night.

It was a success for myself and the café. The food was a hit and we’ve booked another for December. Most importantly though, it ended up being one of my favourite moments I’ve had with my dad. The two of us standing on the line filling orders together and watching him put his skills as a surgeon to work slicing wafer-thin beef is the stuff of legends. Pretty simpatico that the expat food that was made to bring me closer to home - brought my home closer to me.

Derek Miller is an Actor, Writer and Director with 20 years in the entertainment industry. In search of a change of pace - he moved his wife, son and two LA street mutts from the Hollywood HILLS to the Yorkshire DALES. He is currently writing and pitching, doing voice-over for video games and commercials and performing and teaching live comedy.

Whatley Manor

HOTEL REVIEW Whatley Manor, Malmesbury Malmesbury, which is fairly close to Bath and Bristol, is not one of the best known towns in England, but it was actually once the capital of England, as well as being the town where man’s first recorded flight was, and has the honour (?) of being the place where the first person in England to be killed by a tiger was. Surprising, but true!

Today, it is a market town in North West Wiltshire with lots of quirky independent shops and is a perfect location to investigate the southern Cotswold region, including the stunning Malmesbury Abbey, which is a rare survivor of the dissolution of the monasteries.

When you do stay in this area there is really only one place to choose, Whatley Manor, which is conveniently situated 3 miles outside the town centre. You know you are entering somewhere special when you turn 28

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off the main road and the drive is flanked by trees and lavender. The Manor is situated in its own 12 acres and these grounds are truly stunning, putting my feeble efforts at gardening to shame. When you get to the end of the drive you pull up to a large wooden gate which automatically opens allowing you a glimpse of a cobbled inner courtyard surrounded by rustic flower beds bursting with country flowers.

Whatley Manor has been restored to its former glory by the recent owners and this Grade 2 listed building is now home to a top of the range spa, private cinema (that seats up to 40, or can be hired for you and your partner to have a private showing), and 23 bedrooms. All rooms are large and spacious with every mod con you could wish for, including a Bang & Olufsen television,

sound system and MP3 player, as well as luxury dressing gowns and slippers.

Although Grade 2 listed, Whatley Manor has a state of the art Spa and treatment rooms which are more akin to the 21st Century and ooze charm and exclusivity. The cool, calm spa is centred around a large hydro pool with a thermal suite where each room has its own aromatherapy scent. Upstairs there are six treatment rooms which host facials and body treatments and I was treated to a Gaia Massage, a bespoke massage that lasted an hour and eased all the tensions of my three hour drive away. The treatment starts with you choosing your oil for the treatment, and then a foot exfoliation and massage. The treatment then works on the areas of your body that you feel needs attention, and along with the relaxing music is a real treat.

HOTEL REVIEW The large hydrotherapy pool has 3 swan necked water jets to massage away your stress and to create the feeling of being one with the outside, there is an outside pool area with water massage jets. There are also cushioned loungers around the edge of the pool and plenty of extra towels. If you visit on a sunny day (which unfortunately ours wasn’t), try the comfortable loungers around the outdoor pool, where you can soak up some sunshine.

The decor at Whatley Manors communal rooms are in keeping with its Grade 2 listing and fit perfectly with the age of the building.

Before dinner we relaxed in the lounge and sank back into comfortable period chairs whilst enjoying a warm dĂŠcor which is in keeping with a country home rather than a hotel making you feel at home. This is where our 12-Course Tasting Menu commenced, with two light dishes, advertised as Charcuterie from the Manor, that we enjoyed with a glass of champagne.

We were then invited to have a look in the kitchen, which was cleverly where the next courses of Mango, tamarind glaze, Eel citrus aigre-doux and Citrus Tea were served to us We were then invited to have a look in the kitchen, which was cleverly where the next courses of Mango, tamarind glaze, Eel citrus aigre-doux and Citrus Tea were served to us.

It was great to see so many young, talented and enthusiastic chefs at work, and each chef presented their course to us with great pride.

They were all beautifully presented, and small in size, which was a shame in one way as they were so tasty, but did ensure we still had room for the next six or seven courses to come!

We then headed to The Dining Room, a 46-seat restaurant, where we enjoyed the next courses, Native Lobster Custard, Risotto, chorizo, scallop, Tortellini Black, Salmon, aloe vera, buerre blanc and Anjour Pigeon. Again were beautifully presented and small in size, but each left us excited for what was to come!

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Niall Keating was employed as Executive Chef in 2016 and is doing an outstanding job, and The Dining Room was awarded two Michelin-stars in the Michelin UK & Ireland Guide 2020, having received its first star in 2017. The Dining Room also received four AA Rosettes in The AA Restaurant Guide 2020, was ranked #30 in the Waitrose Good Food Guide 2020 with a 7/10 rating, and was listed in Square Meal’s UK Top 100 Restaurants 2019. Whatley Manor was included in Restaurant Magazine’s National Restaurant Awards list of the UK’s top 100 restaurants in 2019, and was named the Best Green Hotel in 2019 by The Times. The hotel was also awarded the Best Hotel for Sustainability in the Condé Nast Johansens awards 2020.

Additionally, Niall was awarded the Michelin Young European Chef 2018 accolade.

The Tasting Menu is priced at £120 per person, but I have to say the quality and attention to detail of each dish is well worth it, and I only wish the restaurant was nearer to where I live!

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The wine list is extensive and there is a wine for every taste and budget including a wine flight that includes 7 different selections.

The Tasting Menu is priced at £120 per person, but I have to say the quality and attention to detail of each dish is well worth it, and I only wish the restaurant was nearer to where I live!

The other option for dining is Grey’s Brasserie with a more contemporary feel which serves a wide choice of bistro dishes. Food here is equally as good, and indeed comes from the same kitchen, and is also where we enjoyed a large hearty breakfast, both choosing the Smoked Salmon on Crumpet to start, and then I chose the Avocado, Poached Eggs on Sourdough whilst my friend chose the traditional English Breakfast.

Whatley Manor prides itself on quality and service, and the staff are outstanding, from check-in to the Spa and the restaurants, and anything we needed was quickly brought to us, making us feel very welcome and very at home. These qualities shine through in everything Whatley Manor and their staff do or serve. Nothing is left to chance and guests are treated to the best of everything, and I for one loved everything about it.

For further information please visit: www.whatleymanor.com

AMERICAN EXPATRIATE CLUBS NEWS THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF LONDON: Catalysts For Change in 2020

Happy 2020! As we enter the challenges of a new decade, the women of The Junior League of London are staying steadfast to our commitment to building better communities and therein, quality of life for those in need.

Are you thinking ‘Junior League. That sounds familiar!’? It is likely you had a league in your community if you moved from North America. The Association of Junior Leagues International is a global non-profit organisation of women with 291 leagues across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and more than 300 members in London. You may have visited a “Touch a Truck” event, shopped at a holiday market, donated to the “Little Black Dress Initiative”, cooked with “Kids In The Kitchen”, or purchased a cookbook or travel guide - all Junior League designed and led.

Each League has their own focus specific to their community. In London, we fight poverty by addressing homelessness, education and employment. By partnering with like-minded community organisations, we double the volunteer power. We volunteer, we fundraise, we lead. Our members receive hands-on training and formal learning opportunities to develop new skills, further their personal goals, and engage with the community as a civic leader. A recent new member shared why they joined: “I joined Junior League because of the opportunity for leadership development, in a field entirely different from my career. I get to drive decisions and outcomes relating to

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something outside of my comfort zone and critical to my community”.

Why is this important? Because you can positively impact the community by participating in events with us, making a donation to our annual fund, becoming a member, and sharing our work with your friends, colleagues, and family. Proceeds from our events and donations fund our mission and training for our members to expand our reach. Little Black Dress Initiative is one example of how our reach has expanded, globally!

Every spring, our members address the epidemic of working poverty amongst women, one little black dress at a time. The Little Black Dress Initiative (LDBI) was started in 2014 by two London members. LBDI has since been implemented by leagues throughout North America. It is a week-long fundraising campaign that uses the iconic LBD to raise awareness about poverty and its effect on women. Participants wear one ‘LBD’ for consecutive days and utilise social media platforms to build awareness and drive online donations.

During the campaign, participants also donate dresses and other appropriate business attire to London charities Smart Works and Suited and Booted. Our 2020 LBDI week is 23-27 March.

“We implemented the Little Black Dress Initiative in my last league. It was hard work and incredibly fulfilling. I had no idea at the time I would be a part of the league where it started!”.

Here are some other important spring happenings: January - Purchase our latest edition of our locals guide, Living in London, written by expats, for expats. Available as an ebook or paperback.

January/early February - Accepting new members! Attend an Interest Session to learn more.

29 February - This is our 35th year as Junior League of London, and a leap year, so we celebrate with a FUNdraising Birthday Party at the Beaumont House in Chelsea.

We cordially invite you to join us for cheers, nibbles, drinks, and an auction with the theme “Let The Good Times Roll”. Cocktail dress. Tickets are on sale here: bit.ly/ JLL35th.

23-27 March - Week we (and our supporters!) wear the Little Black Dress.

April - Pub Quiz Night! Watch our social media for announcement of date.

For our anniversary year, our league President, Melissa Allen, is sharing 35 Cheers For 35 Years. From award-winning programmes to community achievements and member highlights, her Cheers are the perfect way to learn more about our work and history of the Junior League in London.

We look forward to seeing you at our spring happenings or as a new member!

Bookmark Us! 35 Cheers - jll.org.uk/about/35cheers/ LBDI - jll.org.uk/thelbdi/ Join Us - jll.org.uk/join-us/ Living In London - jll.org.uk/living-in-london/ Donate - jll.org.uk/donate/ JLL Homepage - jll.org.uk Social Media - @jrleaguelondon Thank you to our contributing members: Starr Cortner, Alexandra Hallock, and Rachel Anderson.

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kcwc

Kensington and Chelsea Women’s Club (kcwc)

Kensington and Chelsea Women’s Club is a vibrant organisation of international women offering a variety of social, cultural and lifestyle activities. Our daytime and evening events appeal to those who wish to experience London and the UK at its best. We invite you to visit www.kcwc.org. uk to learn more about our organisation.

Please join us at our monthly guest speaker events at the Royal Geographical Society, Kensington on the following dates:

Royal Geographical Society, 1 Kensington Gore, Kensington, London SW7 2AR. Join us and our special guest speaker TESSY ANTONY DE NASSAU, a Social E n t r e p r e n e u r, Business Wo m a n, Philanthropist, UN Aids Ambassador, Public Speaker, Activist, and Mother. She is also an ambassador for UNAIDS (Global Advocate for Young Women & Adolescent Girls) and founder of ‘Professors without Borders’.

Hospitality lunch to follow. KCWC monthly special meetings are open to non-members for £15.00 redeemable towards membership fee on the day. For more information please visit our website: www.kcwc.org.uk

January 2020 Kensington Chelsea Women’s Club (KCWC): Thursday 9 January, 9:30-12:00 noon, The

February 2020 Kensington Chelsea Women’s Club (kcwc) Thursday 13 Februar y 9.30-12

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noon at The Royal Geographical Society, 1 Kensington Gore, Kensington, London SW7 2AR. Join us to hear our panel of special guest speakers discussing Consciously Creative: The Re-Birth of Fashion and its Impact on Women, Waste & Wealth. A fascinating conversation looking at the impact of fast fashion with 3 women in the industry who are actively pursuing sustainable solutions. Join us to hear Katie Young Gerald: Bespoke Textiles; Vanessa Jacobs: The Restory; and Helen David: English Eccentrics.

KCWC monthly special meetings are open to non-members for £15.00 redeemable towards membership on the day. For more information please visit our website: www.kcwc.org.uk.

AMERICAN EXPATRIATE CLUBS NEWS

The American Society in London - UK and US military guests.

The American Society in London

The American Society in London was founded in 1895 by the then US Ambassador Thomas F. Bayard. Indeed, the serving US Ambassador, Robert Wood Johnson IV, remains our Honorary President and we are fortunate to have the generous support of the US Embassy. The intention of our founders was to improve and cement relations between the citizens of our two countries, fostering mutual respect, understanding and affection. Membership is open to both US and UK citizens and draws heavily on the US ex-patriot community here in London.

This past fall the Society held several

events kicking off with the Chairman’s Cocktail Party on a warm autumn evening in a beautiful award-winning garden at a private residence in Kensington. This was followed by a gracious invitation from the Mayflower 400 organising committee to attend their launch event at historic Watermen’s Hall in October.

As the year drew to a close the Society held its marquee event, the 124th annual black-tie Thanksgiving dinner, at the Savile Club in

Mayfair. Members and guests, including representatives of the US and UK armed services, enjoyed a delicious feast of turkey with all the trimmings followed by slices of both pumpkin and pecan pie. Indulgent, but quite correct. We are non-partisan after all!

After the delectable meal, an enchanting musical interlude featuring ‘New York, New York’ brought everyone to their feet, followed by several captivating speeches, and all were particularly charmed by the warm Thanksgiving message delivered

by Deputy Chief of Mission Yael Lempert.

The delightful evening finished with the awarding of a selection of generously donated door prizes from some of our favourite London businesses. All eyes were on the enormous luxury Christmas hamper donated by Selfridges in honour of their founder and our past Chairman, H. Gordon Selfridge. It seemed like divine intervention when Reverend Jennifer of the American International Church’s name was pulled from the Society’s Loving Cup. A perfect ending to a perfect year.

We look forward with delight to our 125th anniversary year in 2020 which will kick off with a very special celebration in March.

To learn more about our events or to join the American Society please email info@ americansocietyuk.com and follow us on Facebook @americansocietyinlondon or Twitter @ASL1895.

Some of our board members during the cocktail hour Rachael Stearns, Arlena Filipowicz & Doreen Willis-Bailey

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‘ANIMAL OBE’ FOR US SECRET SERVICE DOG Hero hound Hurricane, who protected Barack Obama, has received the PDSA Order of Merit A US Secret Service dog has been honoured with a Medal for devotion to duty by the UK’s leading veterinary charity, PDSA, for protecting the then President and First Family from an intruder who attempted to gain access to the White House.

Special Operations Canine, Hurricane, who worked with his handler Officer Marshall Mirarchi for four years, received the PDSA Order of Merit* – known as the animal equivalent of the OBE. Hurricane was trained as part of the USSS Emergency Response Team and provided specialist protection to the White House and its grounds.

Now retired from service, Hurricane flew to the UK from Washington in style courtesy of British Airways. He will receive his Medal from PDSA at a special ceremony at the House of Lords.

He is the first international animal to receive the honour, which was instituted in 2014 and has been awarded to just 30 other recipients.

Commenting on the award, PDSA Director General, Jan McLoughlin, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Hurricane and Marshall to the UK for today’s presentation. Hurricane had a truly outstanding career with the US Secret Service, and went above and beyond the call of duty when an intruder tried to gain access to the White House. Despite suffering a ferocious assault he never faltered from his duty.

“Through our Animal Awards programme, PDSA seeks to raise the status of animals in society and honour the incredible contribution they make to our lives. The PDSA Order of Merit was introduced to recognise animals for the exceptional devotion to duty.

Hurricane’s achievements certainly fulfil this criteria and warrant the highest recognition.

We are thrilled that he has become the latest recipient of the PDSA Order of Merit.”

Service Emergency Response Team (ERT).

Suddenly and unexpectedly, a man vaulted the White House fence and sprinted across the lawn, towards where President Obama and his family were residing.

The man’s intentions and state of mind were not known, but it is the job of the Secret Service to prevent any threat to the President.

The first attempt by a Secret Service canine team to stop the intruder was unsuccessful, but fortunately Officer Mirarchi and Hurricane were stationed nearby and ready to offer their support. Seeing the first struggle, Mirarchi gave the command and Hurricane flew into action.

He made contact with the suspect, intending to push him back to the perimeter fence.

In the ensuing struggle, Hurricane was kicked, punched and swung through the air.

Despite this violent, repeated assault, his jaws were locked onto the suspect’s arm and he never gave up. He continued to drive forward and finally grounded the intruder, enabling

armed officers to take him into custody.

Though severely battered, Hurricane refused to be beaten and carried out his duties faultlessly.

Hurricane retired on health grounds in September 2016. Officer Mirarchi believes the ordeal on the White House lawn that night contributed to his physical issues.

Hurricane’s heroic actions that night thwarted a serious security breach. He stood between an aggressive intruder and the US President, who was at home with his family.

Hurricane’s devotion to duty and service, while enduring a horrific personal attack, make him a worthy recipient of the PDSA Order of Merit.

Award reaction

Marshall Mirarchi, Hurricane’s former USSS handler and adoptive dad, said: “Hurricane was such a legend within the Service. He loved working and his talent for the job impressed me every single day.

Hurricane’s story

US Secret Service Special Operations Canine, Hurricane, is famed within his Unit for his outstanding drive, determination and courage. He may be small in stature, but his power and tenacity know no bounds.

On 22 October 2014, these attributes were tested to the limits. Canine Handler Officer Marshall Mirarchi and Hurricane were on duty at the White House with the US Secret WWW.THEAMERICANHOUR.COM

Marshall Mirarchi with Hurricane wearing his PDSA Order of Merit. Image courtesy of PDSA.

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That night, he stepped up and delivered under circumstances that no amount of training could prepare him for. I have never witnessed such violence toward a dog before but it didn’t stop him from doing his job.

“I am so proud of him and extremely thankful to PDSA for honouring his service and actions in this way. We are very pleased to be in London to receive the honour – Hurricane has travelled in style with British Airways and is receiving the full VIP treatment, just as he deserves”.

Thomas Sullivan, Chief of the Secret Service Uniformed Division, said: “The Secret Service Uniformed Division canine programme is, without a doubt, one of the best in the world, and Officer Mirarchi and Hurricane executed their mission flawlessly. The entire Secret Service is proud of Officer Mirarchi and Hurricane and all the men and women and canines that do that job every day”.

New York Times best-selling author Maria Goodavage, who nominated Hurricane for a PDSA award, said: “I first met Hurricane and Marshall when I was researching my book, Secret Service Dogs. When I heard what happened that night and how impeccably Hurricane behaved, I was absolutely blown away. The skill and talent of these dog teams is second to none and I am completely thrilled to be here to see Hurricane honoured with the PDSA Order of Merit.”

Carolina Martinoli, British Airways’ Director of Brand and Customer, said: “When we heard that Hurricane and his owner Marshall needed help getting to the UK to collect an award, we knew we had to step in. We were delighted to be able to fly them over in style and add a touch of magic to their special journey. We’ve never had a more photographed celebrity on board!”.

The airline surprised Hurricane and his owner Marshall by pulling out all the stops making it a journey to remember as part of its BAMagic100 campaign. The airline ensured that Hurricane and Marshall were given full VIP treatment picking them up in a limousine from their house, surprising them with personalised check in desk and flying them both over in Club World (business class) to the ceremony.

About PDSA PDSA is the UK’s leading veterinary charity, providing free and reduced-cost veterinary care to the pets of people in financial need. The charity strives to improve the wellbeing of all pets’ lives through providing preventive care, educating pet owners and treating pets when they become sick or injured. Today, PDSA treats around 470,000 of the UK’s most vulnerable pets a year, through its nationwide network of 48 Pet Hospitals.

For more information about the charity visit www.pdsa.org.uk.

PDSA Animal Awards Programme PDSA’s Animal Awards Programme was instituted in 1943 by the charity’s founder, Maria Dickin, CBE. She believed that, if animals were recognised for their heroic actions and the vital roles they play in society, it would help to raise their status, ensuring they are better treated. The charity continues this legacy today with the world’s leading Animal Awards Programme.

The programme is comprised of three major awards; the PDSA Dickin Medal, instituted in 1943, which acknowledges outstanding acts of animal gallantry while serving with the Armed Forces or Civil Defence units in any theatre of war, worldwide. It is recognised worldwide as the animals’ Victoria Cross.

The PDSA Gold Medal, instituted in 2002, rewards civilian acts of animal bravery or exceptional devotion to duty. It is now widely recognised as the animals’ George Cross.

The PDSA Order of Merit, instituted in 2014, recognises animals who display outstanding devotion above and beyond normal companionship, and animal acts that symbolise their special relationship with humans. It has become recognised as the animals’ OBE. For more information on the Medals and recipients visit www.pdsa.org.uk/Medals.

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Shop Front at 12 Cecil Court

Cecil Court Street Sign

Cecil Court

ARTS & ANTIQUES A Jeweller To The Stars

By Abby Cronin To find the shop owned by a ‘jeweller to the stars’ you only need to walk a few steps off Charing Cross Road into the passage of Cecil Court. This pedestrian thoroughfare has the Dickensian atmosphere of old London.

Victorian shop frontages house individual specialist dealers selling all manner of collectibles: antique books, modern first editions, rare maps, antique and modern prints, silver, stamps and theatrical ephemera.

But the ‘jewel’ in the crown is Christopher St James’ jewellery shop at number 12. His front window is mesmerising, with stunning shimmering treasures on display. Once inside you will be warmly welcomed by Christopher, who is always delighted to share his vast knowledge of jewellery design and discuss his collection with interested customers and folks who are just curious about his unique stock.

History radiates from his diverse selection of gems. They range from Tudor style to the present and many of these brilliant jewels were made by Christopher himself.

Thespian - Collector Craftsman

Christopher’s story is fascinating. It’s lifelong a journey both onstage, backstage and in the wings. Growing up in a theatrical family nurtured his appreciation and love for theatre.

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All he ever wanted to be was an actor, which he was for over 30 years. But the onstage thespian side of Christopher gradually changed direction. He describes himself as an incessant collector of odds and ends – “I had my own box

There were amazing pieces from Georgian times to the present and it was from this experience that I became interested in historical costume and period detailing

of tricks…scouring market stalls, collecting odd bits of jewellery like old cufflinks and shirt buttons. It was great fun and you never knew when you might need these trinkets to use as accessories for period costumes.”

The turning point came some years ago when he trained as an actor with the Repertory Company in Birmingham. “When I wasn’t in a production, I learned everything I ever learned backstage. The Rep Company had an extraordinary costume collection and I catalogued the whole collection. I learned about period detail. There were amazing pieces from Georgian times to the present and it was from this experience that I became interested in historical costume and period detailing.”

Gradually Christopher’s part-time hobby turned into a full-time professional career.

When period pieces of jewellery were required for a production, he haunted market stalls in search of trinkets he could use to make a Tudor or Medieval piece. His expertise progressed step by step, he explained: “The best way to learn was to take things apart, see how they were made and put them back together again. I watched and listened and asked how do you do this? that? My skills just evolved from that point and people began to ask me to make for a particular production. Today theatrical production costs have soared and most theatres are WWW.AMERICANINBRITAIN.CO.UK

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unable to afford specialist props departments so they farm everything out”. Fortunately, Christopher, with a reputation for excellence in crafting jewellery, is ready to step in. With the indispensable support of his partner, Robert Mace, he can be relied upon to meet the detailed design demands as he crafts the jewels required.

Signed photo of Glenn Close

Art Deco Jewellery

Downton Abby Jewels for Lady Cora by Christopher St James

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Bejewelled Stars

Christopher’s repertoire of theatrical jewellery includes a catalogue of impressive credits stretching back some 35 years. He has supplied gems for a long list of glamourous stars. Today his credits include musicals, plays, movies, TV, opera and catwalks. He has ‘dressed’ some of the most outstanding actors in their field.

One of his first commissions came in the 1980s when Faye Dunaway needed a crown for her role in ‘Wicked Lady’. Since then, calls for his work have continued. He admits that at first he wasn’t sure how to do it so he - “just winged it.” Whether he ‘winged it’ or not, his excellent period designs and craftsmanship is second to none. Somewhat of a transatlantic thespian, he works in Broadway and Hollywood and wherever - when he gets the call. Some years ago he provided Elizabeth Taylor with brooches for her to give the cast and crew in the 2001 London production of ‘The Little Foxes’.

Glenn Close shone in the spectacular jewellery

by Christopher in the recent Broadway and London productions of ‘Sunset Boulevard’. He described working with Close as “a dream”.

She signed a photo thanking Christopher; it hangs on the wall in his shop. More recently his original gilt 1950s jewellery was used in the production of ‘Marni’ at the English National Opera. This production will transfer to the Metropolitan Opera in New York.

Remind yourselves of the extraordinary success of the TV series Downton Abbey. Its success may be due, in part, to the exquisite period costumes and accessories. The entire cast had to be dressed in the fashions of the day, but it is fair to say that the leading ladies’ wardrobes took top billing. Here

period jewellery was an essential ingredient.

So when the Downton costume designer came to Christopher requesting bespoke items for specific episodes, he was delighted to accept. Devoted Downton fans may remember the jewels worn in the ballroom episodes. But perhaps even more memorable is the stunning Parure of jewellery worn by Elizabeth McGovern as Cora, Countess of Grantham, in the Christmas special 2013 (pictured here). These are only a few of the jewels supplied by Christopher.

The sheer vitality of Christopher’s jewellery is infinite. Next time you are in Cecil Court pop into number 12. Familiarise yourself with his extensive collection. You just might find that ‘special occasion’ piece you are looking for. Or, you could commission one for yourself. His clientele is a mixture of theatrical designers, collectors and impulse shoppers all looking for that unique piece. Among his popular and collectible stock items are designer brooches

by Lea Stein, a longstanding friend. Stein, a Parisian-based jeweller-designer, is well known for brooches of people, animals and geometrics made from laminated cellulose.

There is always a wide variety of Stein’s items available at very reasonable prices. In a similar vein, there are dozens of Art Deco pieces, probably Christopher’s favourite period design.

At modest cost, you will find a rich selection of Art Deco bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and brooches, in Bakelite and Lucite, both vintage and modern, and several made by Christopher.

He takes the view that: “Art Deco never ages.

You can wear it anytime with anything and it will always look amazing”. If you love jewellery, you will not be disappointed by visiting this exceptional ‘jeweller to the stars”.

Get in Touch. Contact: Abby Cronin Email: artsjournalist@abbycronin.co.uk Website: abbycronin.co.uk Photo credits: 5 Photos by Abby Cronin 2 Courtesy Christopher St James

Film and theatre pieces by Christopher St James

USEFUL CONTACTS EDUCATION - SCHOOLS

LEGAL

ISL GROUP OF SCHOOLS ISL LONDON 139 Gunnersbury Avenue, London W3 8LG Contact: Yoel Gordon Telephone: +44 (0)20 8992 5823 www.isllondon.org ISL QATAR Po Box 18511, North Duhail, Qatar Contact: Admissions Telephone: +974 4433 8600 www.islqatar.org/ Website: www.islschools.org Founded in 1972, the International School of London (ISL) Group comprises two International Baccalaureate (1B) primary schools situated in London (UK) and Doha (Qatar) plus an IPC primary school in Surrey (UK) providing education for internationally mobile students.

Although the languages of the school is English, the schools are known for integrating home languages and English as an Additional Language (EAL) into the internationally recognised curricula.

The schools are culturally diverse communities which foster a passion and enthusiasm for learning, and where students’ cultural and linguistic identities are valued and nurtured.

ISL Schools develop the attitudes, skills and understanding needed for further education and to become active and responsible contributors to local and global communities.

The ISL Group enrols over 1800 students from 88 countries, and teaches 25 languages.

MUNDAYS LLP Surrey Office: 400 Dashwood Lang Road, Weybridge, Surrey KT15 2HJ London Office: 2-3 Conduit Street, Mayfair, London W1S 2XB Contact: Oliver Taylor Email: oliver.taylor@mundays.co.uk Telephone +44 (0)1932 590523 Website: www.mundays.co.uk Twitter: @MundaysLaw Mundays LLP are a top UK law firm based in Surrey and London. Ranked in The Legal 500 UK, Chambers & Partners UK and Chambers HNW legal directories as a leading law firm in the South using expertise to deliver the full range of legal services to individuals, families and businesses. Our highly experienced friendly team offer a range of knowledge. Delivering not just legal advice, but tailored advice that is appropriate to your specific circumstances.

TASIS THE AMERICAN SCHOOL IN ENGLAND Coldharbour Lane, Thorpe, Surrey TW20 8TE Contact: Simon Fitch 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.

Taught in small classes, every student in our diverse community from 50 nations is encouraged to reach their academic potential.

Participation in co-curricular activities, the arts, athletics, and leadership programs provides balance, fosters curiosity, and develops Individual talents. With excellent exam results and one-to-one college counseling, 97% of TASIS graduates gain acceptance to their first- or second-choice university in the US, the UK, and worldwide. Extensive summer opportunities are also offered to students from all schools. Located close to London on a beautiful and historic 46-acre estate.

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TAXATION FRANK HIRTH 236 Grays Inn Rd, Holborn, London WC1X 8HB Telephone: 020 7833 3500 Contact: Michael Lewis Email: Michael.lewis@frankhirth.com Website: www.frankhirth.com Twitter: @Frank_Hirth With years of experience in helping owner managed businesses to expand overseas, as well as advising individuals on their personal tax needs, Frank Hirth has established itself as the leading US/UK tax compliance and consultancy provider. We focus on providing high quality tax advice and compliance services for those with the most complex needs.

TAX AND ACCOUNTING HUB Hallings Wharf Studio Office, 1A Cam Road, London E15 2SY Telephone: +44 (0)208 221 1154 and +44(0)7914393183 Email: Kader@taxandaccountinghub.com Contact: Kader Ameen, US Tax & ITIN/EIN Specialist Website: www.taxandaccountinghub.com Website: www.itincaa.com We are UK based American expatriate personal tax and ITIN (IRS approved CAA) specialist service team with many years of big 4 US/UK tax experience (FATCA, Tax Treaty, 1040 tax return, UK tax return, ITIN, Foreign Bank Account PFIC Reporting, US/ UK Tax treaty claims). Our team aims to provide personalised professional service at affordable fixed fees.

US TAX & FINANCIAL SERVICES 3 Harbour Exchange Square, London, E14 9GE Telephone: +44 20 7357 8220 Contact: Joni Trulock, Group Marketing Manager Email: j.trulock@ustaxfs.com Website: ustaxfs.com Twitter: @ustaxfs With 30 years’ experience, our US/UK expat tax specialists provide US and UK tax return preparation, planning, compliance, and expatriation as well as all US business tax services, wherever you are in the world.

WEALTH MANAGEMENT LGT VESTRA US LIMITED 14, Cornhill, London EC3V 3NR Telephone: +44 20 3207 8181 Contact: Paul Nixon, CEO Email: info@lgtvestra-us.com Website: www.lgtvestra-us.com Twitter: @LGTVestraUS A fresh approach to wealth management with a global, personalised and transparent service designed around our clients’ best interests. We are a specialist subsidiary of wealth management firm LGT Vestra LLP, set up specifically to help clients with personal and financial connections to the US. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK and a Registered Investment Adviser with the Securities & Exchange Commission in the US. MASECO PRIVATE WEALTH Burleigh House, 357 Strand, London WC2R 0HS Telephone: +44 (0)20 7043 0455 Email: enquiries@masecopw.com Website: www.masecoprivatewealth.com MASECO Private Wealth gives peace of mind by providing expert guidance to US families on how to simplify their crossborder wealth management needs. We serve and care for Americans living at home or abroad through the planning and implementation of rational, practical and tax efficient wealth management strategies.

To discuss advertising or annual print & digital promotional packages in American in Britain magazine and www.theamericanhour.com, please email Damian at damian@theamericanhour.com

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EMBASSY CORNER Know Your Notaries Are you a US citizen in the UK and need a notarial service? Fear not as you can obtain a notarial service through the British system. Wondering what this means exactly? Don’t worry, we’re here to help you know your notaries.

Documents notarised through the British system are acceptable for use in the United States and comply with the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirements of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents.

All you need to do is follow this two-step process: 1. Have your documents signed in front of a Solicitor or Notary Public. You may locate one near you through the Notaries Society at www.thenotariessociety.org.uk 2. Next, have the documents legalised by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). The FCO will legalise documents by means of an ‘Apostille’ (the legal term for the legalisation certificate).

In addition, documents such as UK public records (birth, death, and marriage certificates; probate documents; all documents certified by court officials, the Patent Office, and Companies Registration Office, etc.) can be legalised at the FCO. More information can be found on the FCO’s legalisation website at www.gov.uk/ get-document-legalised Documents that comply with the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents are entitled to recognition in any other Convention country without further authentication. Such recognition is an obligation on the part of the United States to the other countries party to the Convention, and the Federal courts and state authorities have been alerted to this obligation. Further information on the Hague Convention can be found at www.hcch.net/en/ instruments/conventions/full-text/?cid=41 If you are coming to the Embassy for a notarial service, there are a few things worth noting: • The fee for our service is $50 per consular seal, which can be paid by credit, debit card or cash, in US$ or pound sterling • Our ser vice operates strictly by 40

AMERICAN IN BRITAIN

appointments only, and information on how to schedule an appointment can be found on our website. By ‘appointment only’ we mean that we are unable to accommodate walk-ins or process any documents that are submitted by mail to the Embassy.

Once you have scheduled your appointment you should write down the appointment ID and password (you will need this if you need to cancel or change your appointment).

Here are a few simple steps to help you get prepared for an appointment at the Embassy: • If two people need to sign the same document, or if a witness is required, they will be required to attend the appointment. (You will be able to submit their names when scheduling the

appointment via our website). Embassy staff cannot act as witnesses • Bring your passport and/or government issued photo ID (this ID must have a signature and the name must match the name on the documents being notarised) • The documents you wish to be notarised (be sure to prepare your documents well in advance. If you have multiple documents, please ensure you have them in order where necessary - it can help to speed up the process!)

• Do not sign the document.

Want more information on the Embassy’s notarial services? Check out our website at uk.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/ notary-services-for-all-nationalities/, which includes our helpful instructional video.

EMBASSY INFORMATION US Embassy, 33 Nine Elms Lane, London, SW11 7US uk.usembassy.gov Switchboard: (020)7499 9000 Business Hours: 8:30am- 5:30pm, Monday-Friday.

Closed on American and UK holidays.

An officer is available via the switchboard all day, every day, for a life or death emergency involving a US citizen in the United Kingdom.

Passport and Citizenship Services: By Appointment Monday - Friday Notary Services: By appointment Appointments available only online at uk.usembassy.gov Federal Benefits Unit: uk.usembassy.gov General Social Security information: ssa.gov Travel Advice: travel.state.gov

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