The American November-December 2016 Issue 754 by Blue Edge Publishing Ltd.

November - December 2016

BRITAIN’S #1 AMERICAN MAGAZINE

Est. 1976

read more at ... www.theamerican.co.uk

Holidays!

STAR INTERVIEWS WITH WALTER TROUT AMY MADIGAN ODALINE DE LA MARTINEZ 21ST CENTURY FLYING EXPAT TOP TIPS EDUCATION CHARITABLE GIVING ARTS & REVIEWS

EXCLUSIVE US/UK SOCIAL GROUPS GUIDE

Houses of Parliament The Rebuild Wars NFL London, NBA, NCAA, Golf, Vin Scully retires

CLINT J.

THERE’S A FUNNY THING THAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU BUILD FACTORIES. IT’S CALLED JOBS. ALEX S.

TIARA T.

28 FOUB ERT ’S P L ACE , LONDON , W1F 7P R SHINOL A .CO.UK

SH I NOLA PRODUCTS AR E B U I LT I N AM E R ICA WITH U.S. AN D/OR I M PORTE D PARTS.

The American ®

Issue 754 November-December 2016 Single copy £3.80 inc. P&P Annual subscription £20 (UK) For free digital sub or free print copy pickup visit www.theamerican.co.uk and click on Magazine PUBLISHED BY SP MEDIA FOR

Blue Edge Publishing Ltd. Old Byre House, East Knoyle, Salisbury SP3 6AW, UK Tel: +44 (0)1747 830520

Departments: News, Article ideas, Press releases: editor@theamerican.co.uk Advertising & Promotions: advertising@theamerican.co.uk Subscriptions: theamerican@blueedge.co.uk The Team: Michael Burland, Content Director michael@theamerican.co.uk Sabrina Sully, Content Director & Community Contact sabrina@theamerican.co.uk Daniel Byway, Content Executive dan@theamerican.co.uk Virginia E Schultz, Food & Drink virginia@theamerican.co.uk Michael M Sandwick, Food & Drink mms@theamerican.co.uk Alison Holmes, Politics alison@theamerican.co.uk Jarlath O’Connell, Theater jarlath@theamerican.co.uk

ricky one to write, this welcome message. This issue of The American is out at the beginning of November. Shortly afterward American citizens at home in the States and all over the world will make the biggest decision for a generation in the US presidential election. However you vote(d), and whatever the result, life will go on, much as in the post-Brexit Britain we’re all now part of. We’ll still celebrate the Holidays with our loved ones and friends. And if you don’t have the facilities to host a Thanksgiving, Hanukkah or Christmas dinner yourself while you’re in the UK we have some wonderful suggestions on page 26. Great American artists are still coming to Great Britain to entertain us, and we’ve interviewed three of them in this special issue: Walter Trout (bluesman supreme), Amy Madigan (actress, here with husband Ed Harris in a UK premier) and Odaline de la Martinez (the Cuban-American conductor who’s chosen to live in Britain and runs the London Festival of American Music). There’s a lot to enjoy in your expat life, and we hope The American can be part of it - see the links below to get our free digital edition, pick up a free print copy, and follow us on social media. Enjoy your magazine, M ichael Burland, Content Director michael@theamerican.co.uk

Read the magazine online anytime: go to www.theamerican.co.uk and click on Magazine @TheAmericanMag @TheAmericanCommunity Follow us on social media:

Among this issue’s contributors

Dr Caroline Shenton Michael M Sandwick Gary Baker The Director of the Parliamen- One of the joys of living in the The NFL International Series tary Archives tells the story of UK is the range and quality is over for another year and how the Palace of Westminster of restaurants all over the ace snapper Gary was there was rebuilt after being country. Helping you find the to capture the action and the destroyed by fire best is our foodie guru atmosphere The entire contents of The American and www.theamerican.co.uk are protected by copyright and no part of it may be reproduced without written permission of the publishers. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information in The American is accurate, the editor and publishers cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions or any loss arising from reliance on it. The views and comments of contributors are not necessarily those of the publishers.

The American

6 44 4 13 14 18 20 24

in this issue...

COMPETITION: Kite Runner Tickets

COMPETITION: Keurig Coffee Machine NEWS: Embassy and Election NEWCOMERS: Top Tips for Expats PROPERTY: Apple are moving to Nine Elms FLIGHTS: 21st Century Choices DIARY: Thanksgiving & Christmas special

The American

30 32 36 40

FINANCE: Charitable Giving

1 Welcome 4 News 10 A-List: Products & Services 2

HUMOR: Miss Patriciaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Miss Adventure HERITAGE: Rebuilding Parliament

INTERVIEW: Bluesman Walter Trout - Alive! MUSIC: Odaline de la Martinez talks about her London Festival of American Music

THEATER: Amy Madigan on working with husband Ed Harris in a UK premier

AMERICAN SPORTS: NFL in London, Pro and College Basketball; Ryder Cup; NHL preview; Vic Scully retires

24 Diary Dates 45 Food & Drink 60 Arts Choice

66 Theater Reviews 81 US Social Groups 88 Coffee Break Fun

Fully qualified Coordinated approach Competitive rates

020 7523 5322 s.healy@best4business.com best4business.com/us-advisory

Best Business Accountants

IF CARLSBERG DID THANKSGIVINGâ&#x20AC;Ś Carlsberg Sports Bar is the place to be this Thanksgiving with all the sporting action and great food and drink offers. We show NFL, NBA, NHL and College Football games all season. Book your seating today at Carlsberg@thecasinolsq.com

Come to where the action is

CASINO

EMBASSY NEWS Be Street Smart

PHOTO COURTESY METROPOLITAN POLICE

The US Embassy has asked us to pass on a message to our expat readers from the Metropolitan Police about recent robberies and muggings in central London. In several of the incidents, assailants riding motorbikes have tried to snatch mobile phones, laptops, and

valuables from female pedestrians. If you are a victim, the Metropolitan Police recommend surrendering the requested items and dialing 999 as soon as possible for police assistance. Review your personal security plans, remain aware of your surroundings, including local events, and monitor local news stations for updates. Be vigilant and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security. Discourage unwanted attention. Keep valuables out of sight, items such as expensive watches, jewelry, and phones are prime targets for thieves. Stick to well-lit and populated areas. Muggers are far less likely to target people where there are others around or they are likely to be seen. Walk with a sense of purpose. If you are moving slowly or look lost,

you are more likely to become a target. Stay alert. Be aware of the people around you, and trust your instincts. You are an easier target when you are listening to music on headphones, or talking on the phone. Travel with a group. If you can, try to stay with a group. There is safety in numbers. If you sense danger or believe you are being followed, take action. Head toward a populated area, such as a cafe, bar, or other well-attended place. Make noise or call for help! Report an incident immediately to the Metropolitan Police emergency number 999. For further information: https:// uk.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizenservices/security-and-travel-information/ You can also enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at the Embassy’s website to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.

hearts full of dreams for a brighter future”. The spacious new 26,000 square-foot building will allow for expanded artifacts, content and exhibits. The museum will explore the

philosophical concept of liberty and how the Statue of Liberty serves not only as an American symbol but as an interpretive and celebrated iconic global symbol.

Some Street Safety Tips:

New Liberty Museum A new $70m Statue of Liberty Museum on Liberty Island, New York Harbor is slated to open in 2019.The current small museum is located inside the statue’s pedestal, but is only accessible to 20% of the Statue’s visitors due to safety upgrades that were put in place following September 11, 2001. Diane von Furstenberg, chair of the fundraising campaign, which aims to raise £100 million, said: “Lady Liberty is the symbol of everything America is about: freedom, hope, possibility and resilience. It is She that millions of immigrants saw first as they arrived in this country, their

The American

NEWS COMPETITION Based on Khaled Hosseini’s international bestselling novel, this powerful story has now been adapted into a stunning new stage production. A haunting tale of friendship which spans cultures and continents, it follows one man’s journey to confront his past and find redemption. Afghanistan is a divided country on the verge of war and two childhood friends are about to be torn apart. It’s a beautiful afternoon in Kabul and the skies are full of the excitement and joy of a kite flying tournament. But neither Hassan or Amir can foresee the terrible incident which will shatter their lives forever. For your chance to win a pair of tickets to this production, which arrives at Wyndham’s Theatre on December 21st for a strictly limited season, just email your answer to this question to theamerican@blueedge.co.uk with KITE RUNNER in the subject line: The Kite Runner is based on the book written by which award winning writer? a) Dan Brown b) Khaled Hosseini c) Jeffrey Archer You must be 18 years old or over to enter. One entry per person per draw. The editor’s decision is final. No cash alternative. Tickets are not transferable and you are responsible for any travel, accommodation or other expenses. If an event is cancelled The American accepts no liability.

ElectionFest 2016

Rich Hall had the crowd in stitches at ElectionFest

©FLEUR BURLAND SULLY

PHOTO BY ROBERT DAY

ElectionFest, The American magazine’s pre-election party held in the new ‘Diplomatic Precinct’ of Nine Elms, successfully combined the hard facts of the US presidential election campaign with heartfelt opinions, hilarious comedy and brilliant Americana music. The audience enjoyed the allAmerican ambience, met old friends, made new ones, and had a look at the new US Embassy building, right next door to the Embassy Gardens Marketing Suite venue. The evening got under way with a great ‘US Electile Dysfunction’ comedy slot from Erich McElroy. Rich Hall’s hilarious dissection of the US election and the joys of being married to a Brit had several guests in tears of laughter! (Erich is performing in London, and Rich is on tour through the Fall, so check out their websites and go see their full sets!) David Beirne from the Federal Voting Assistance Program helped guests register and apply for their ballot through the evening and MORI’s polling guru Sir Robert Worcester gave the latest election data. They were introduced by our co-host, American writer and actress Alex Kolton. The election panel debate was expertly moderated by Bloomberg’s (and formerly Newsweek’s) Stryker McGuire. The panelists were Larry Sanders (Sen. Bernie Sanders’ brother and a spokesman for the UK Green Party), Bill Barnard (former Chair of Democrats Abroad UK),

Jan Halper (former Republicans Overseas’ Worldwide Vice-Chair), Anthony Ugorji, Co-Chair of American Citizens Abroad, and broadcaster and journalist Charlie Wolf. All contributed interestingly and forcefully. Did they change anyone’s mind about how they’re going to vote? Only the audience can tell, but the guests became much better informed about a perplexing election. The evening ended with two fantastic music acts: Loud Mountains (expat Americana brothers) who were brought by ‘Whispering’ Bob Harris’ Under The Apple Tree festival, and New York bluesman the Rt. Rev Swifty LeZarre. Thanks to all our sponsors, participants and to everyone who came. Watch this space for The American magazine’s next event!

CMYK Fonts Flama Ultra Condensed Medium. (Feliciano Type Foundry www.felicianotypefoundry.com) Georgia

Travel beyond the headlines

Colours ‘Political’: Black ‘Tours’: 0C 60M 90Y 12k

Travel beyond the headlines

CIGNA INTERNATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE At Cigna Global, we specialize in health insurance policies for expats just like you, ensuring you have the very best of care available to you as and when you need it. +44(0)1475 777625 www.cignaglobal.com

Put Your Name On The New Mayflower

Artist’s impression of how the extraordinary Mayflower Autonomous Ship may look

The American spoke to Brett Phaneuf, the brainchild behind the Mayflower Autonomous Ship project. Read more at goo.gl/24quz9 One way or another, Tuesday November 8th, 2016 is going to be a historic date. Where will you be? Join The American at the equally historic Stafford London hotel’s American Bar for a special evening of Election Night celebrations. Watch all the action unfold live on big screen TVs. A special menu will be served featuring Election themed delights alongside speciality cocktails. The party starts at 9pm and tickets are £20 per person. Call +44(0)20 7518 1104, email meetingsandevents@thestaffordlondon. com or book online at thestaffordlondon.com [no hyphens!]

The American

Support this project and your name will appear on a remarkable craft that sails itself. The Mayflower Autonomous Ship (MAS) is a solar powered 100 foot trimaran that takes its inspiration the original Mayflower, and marks the 400th anniversary of its sailing out of Plymouth to the New World. It will be the first vessel of its kind to sail without captain or crew and could change the way the shipping industry works. US Ambassador Matthew Barzun supported the Mayflower at a special reception at the Embassy in London. Now it’s your turn. The robot boat depends on a Crowdfunder campaign. The transatlantic team needs to raise £300,000 for the next design and development stage. A £20 donation gets your name on the boat; for £50 your family’s name is added and for £35 you can have two names and a significant date. Larger rewards will include invitations to VIP events, invitations to the launch, exclusive opportunities and other offers.

Join us at The Stafford’s Election Party

THREE OF THE VERY BEST INDIAN RESTAUR ANTS This award winning sophisticated Indian Grill offers intense flavours with an innovative twist, in a theatrical open kitchen setting. Michelin star. Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Halkin Arcade, Motcomb Street Knightsbridge, London SW1X 8JT T: 020 7823 1166 E: amaya@realindianfood.com Private dining room seats 14

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Classical dishes, lovingly prepared and beautifully served in sumptuous surroundings overlooking Regent Street. The oldest Indian restaurant in the world. Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Mezzanine Floor, Victory House, 1st floor 99 Regent Street, London W1B 4RS T: 020 7734 1401 E: veeraswamy@realindianfood.com Private dining room seats 24

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Butler Snow LLP

Suppliers of quality products and services - hand-picked for you

From our offices in London, Asia and the US, Butler Snow attorneys deliver tax and estate planning advice for clients residing outside of the US who have US business interests, family members or investments. London: Brad F. Westerfield +44 (0)20 33003802 Brad.Westerfield@butlersnow.com Singapore: Kurt G. Rademacher +65 6808 6291 Kurt.Rademacher@butlersnow.com www.butlersnow.com Twitter: @Butler_Snow Facebook: @ButlerSnowLaw

ACCOUNTANCY & TAX

Professional and affordable clear tax advice provided by Enrolled Agents and UK Chartered Tax Advisers. Free initial consultation throughout the UK. We can manage all your US and UK tax affairs and their interaction. 0800 917 6765 taxhelp@cleartaxation.co.uk www.cleartaxation.com

Winner of the 2015 “Best International and Expatriate Team” at the UK Taxation Awards. Leading tax practice with a highly respected client base and excellent reputation for providing high quality UK/US personal and corporate tax services with an international focus. 16 Great Queen Street, Covent Garden, London +44 (0)20 7486 0111 mark.abbs@blickrothenberg.com www.blickrothenberg.com Twitter @BlickRothenberg

Frank Hirth

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Established in 1975, and guided by a passion for building lasting relationships with our clients based on trust, understanding and technical excellence, we use our in-depth knowledge of US and UK tax jurisdictions to advise our clients through their complex tax issues, for both the present and the future. 1st Floor , 236 Gray’s Inn Road , London, WC1X 8HB 020 7833 3500 mail@frankhirth.com www.frankhirth.com

Fusion Consulting

Burton Sweet

Tax Return Preparation and compliance service for US Expatriates. Specialist in providing advice on UK/US Tax interaction. Affordable Fixed Fees. Spencer House, Morston Court, Aisecome Way, Weston-Super-Mare, North Somerset BS22 8NG 01934 620011 Contact Rachel Finch rachel@burton-sweet.co.uk www.burton-sweet.co.uk Twitter @burtonsweet www.linkedin.com/company/burton-sweet

The American

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H&R Block Expat Tax Services

One H&R Block Way, Kansas City, MO 64105 USA 1-816-504-1665 expattax@hrblock.com http://hrblock.com/expats Our secure, remote service has a dedicated team which includes CPAs, enrolled agents, and tax attorneys, who focus on expat taxes and can handle all types of U.S. tax returns, including FATCA and FBAR.

Humphrey & Co.

cleartaxation group

Blick Rothenberg LLP

Bright!Tax is a leading US expat tax services provider for Americans living in the UK. Visit brighttax.com to learn more. +1.212.465.2528 http://brighttax.com inquiries@brighttax.com

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Based in Eastbourne and Brighton & Hove, we have been providing tax and business advice since 1928. Within our general practice, we also specialise in Expatriate Tax and US Taxation, providing comprehensive advice and quality service to US citizens living in the UK. For more information contact our Tax Director, Kevin Hancock: 7-9 The Avenue, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 3YA 01323 730631 khancock@humph.co.uk www.humph.co.uk

SDC Global CPA

Expats have special and complex tax considerations at home and abroad. Constant changes to the tax laws and regulations mean it’s important to work with a CPA knowledgeable of your unique reporting requirements. The penalties are too significant to risk. We are experienced in working with US citizens abroad, navigating the complex reporting requirements, including Streamlined and OVDP filings. P.O. Box 1278, Columbus, Texas 78934, USA Contact Stacy Collier, MPA, CPA stacy@sdcglobalcpa.com www.sdcglobalcpa.com T: +1 346 231 1195 F: +1 346 231 1194

Tax & Accounting Hub We provide specialist US taxation advisory and compliance services to cater for our clients’ unique and sometimes complex circumstances. We assist clients in bringing their tax filing obligations up-to-date and in compliance with US tax law. We have skills in international, cross-border taxation for taxpayer’s resident in the UK or US or living abroad. Contact us for more information on the Streamline Program, 1040’s, FBAR’s and PFICS. 0203 841 7010 info@fusionconsult.co.uk www.fusionconsult.co.uk

Professional service at affordable prices. Fixed fee U.S. Expatriate tax preparation service in London. Federal/ State, Foreign bank account/IRS audits response 152 Burford Wharf, 3 Cam Road, London, E15 2SS +44 (0)20 3286 6445. M: +44 (0)79 1439 3183 kader@taxandaccountinghub.com www.taxandaccountinghub.com

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Tax Advisory Partnership

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Expat Therapy London

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FINANCIAL ADVICE Aisa Professional

Tax Advisory Partnership provides a broad range of UK and US tax advice and compliances services to private clients both in the UK and abroad. Our highly experienced team are ready to help you. Please contact us for further information. Tel: +44 207 655 6959 info@tap-london.com www.taxadvisorypartnership.com

Warrener Stewart

Professional experienced psychotherapy in North and Central London.Trained in the U.S., registered in the U.K., and for the last 14 years I’ve worked in the U.S., Argentina, Cambodia and now London. In that time I’ve worked with many different types of issues ranging from: an unsure sense of what is really wrong, to depression/anxiety, to serious life crises, to sudden traumatic events as well as constant more pervasive traumas. 0792-846-3007 info@expattherapylondon.com http://expattherapylondon.com

A joint UK and US regulated company who specialise in pensions and offer cross border investment and financial advice using UK and US custodians. Unit 4, Fordbrook Business Centre, PEWSEY, Wiltshire, SN9 5NU + 44 (0) 1672 569111 info@aisagroup.org www.aisagroup.org

LGT Vestra US

EDUCATION Based in Fulham, we are Chartered Accountants and Chartered Tax Advisors providing a cost effective, bespoke service for US citizens with UK or US tax affairs. To arrange an initial free consultation contact : Ashleigh Molton on 020 7731 6163 or email amolton@warrenerstewart.com

ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES Stephen T Taylor Your American stamp dealer in Britain since 1995. 5 Glenbuck Road, Surbiton, Surrey KT6 6BS 020 8390 9357 info@stephentaylor.co.uk www.stephentaylor.co.uk

COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY

A-List Education

A-List offers specialist and highly customised US test preparation and admissions services for students and secondary schools all over the world via its offices in London, New York and Dubai. We can guide private clients through the entire process or just specific parts, including: tutoring for entrance exams (SAT, ACT, SAT Subject Tests, APs), selecting and visiting best-fit colleges, and crafting outstanding applications and college essays. A-List works with a number of leading UK schools providing US admissions support, SAT/ACT courses and teacher training. +44 (0)20 3004 8101 info.uk@alisteducation.com www.alisteducation.co.uk

American SAT & ACT Tuition

Anji Holland Hypnotherapy

For Stress, Anxiety, Depression Insomnia, Sleeping Disorders, IBS, Panic Attacks, Fears & Phobias, IVF, Natural Childbirth, OCD, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Stop Smoking, Pain Control, Weight Management, Sport Motivation, Anger Management, and more Seymour Place, London W1 and Bath 07944 647 978 anji@hollandhypnotherapy.com www.hollandhypnotherapy.com

A specialist subsidiary of wealth management firm LGT Vestra LLP, set up specifically to help clients with financial interests in both the US and UK. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK and a Registered Investment Adviser with the Securities & Exchange Commission in the US. 14 Cornhill, London EC3V 3NR Contact Paul Nixon on +44(0)20 3207 8364 or email paul.nixon@lgtvestra-us.com www.lgtvestra-us.com

Maseco Private Wealth

Expert wealth management advice, exceptional client service and a phenomenal client experience for Americans in the US and abroad, UK residents, as well as financial advisors, trustees and foundations. Burleigh House, 357 Strand, London WC2R 0HS +44 (0) 207 043 0455 enquiries@masecopw.com http://masecoprivatewealth.com

Tanager Wealth Management LLP

Personalised SAT and ACT tutoring, bespoke online courses, expert advice on both the college application process and interviews. 207 Regent Street, 3rd Floor London W1B 3HH +44 (0)20 7692 0766 Twitter: @elivonna www.AmericanSATACTtuition.com Elizabeth@AmericanSATtuition.com www.facebook.com/AmericanSAT

Integrated financial and investment advice for US expats living in the UK provided by US expats. Global account consolidation, UK/US savings and retirement planning together with investment advice. Contact us for a no obligation meeting or telephone conversation. 020 7871 8440 www.tanagerwealth.com contact@tanagerwealth.com @tanagerwealth

The American

Suppliers of quality products and services - hand-picked for you

continued .... FINANCIAL ADVICE

Barton Wyatt

US Global Mail

VISAS & IMMIGRATION

Sabbatical Homes

London’s leading rental agency for visiting academics and professionals, specialising in fully furnished properties mainly in zones 1 & 2. Members of NAEA, TDS and TPO, visit our website for more details. Please contact Elaine or David: elaine@sabbaticalhomes.co.uk david@sabbaticalhomes.co.uk M: (0) 7785 501 042 Office: +44 (0) 208 906 4747 Skype : david.godfreyoffice www.sabbaticalhomes.co.uk

The American

Cigna Healthcare

Cigna Global specialise in health insurance policies for expats. Choose from three distinct levels of cover, with five optional additional benefits, including outpatient care, medical evacuation, and vision & dental care. Get a quote now! The Grosvenor Building, 72 Gordon Street, Glasgow, Scotland G13RS www.cignaglobal.com +44(0)1475 779161 From the US: 877.539.6295

Award winning agents offering quality managed properties and house sales in Surrey & Berkshire. Comprehensive stress free service. NAEA, ARLA & NAR qualified staff. 01344 843000 homes@bartonwyatt.co.uk www.bartonwyatt.co.uk

108 Medical Chambers 108 Medical Chambers is a leading Consultant led and delivered independent out-patient and diagnostic centre with clinical teams specialising in breast disease, dermatology, groins and hernia surgery, colo-rectal problems, sports injuries and thyroid and ENT problems. 0207 563 1234 info@108harleystreet.co.uk www.108harleystreet.co.uk

OTS Solicitors

OTS Solicitors is one of the UK’s leading immigration law firms, with over 60 years of combined experience and knowledge in immigration law. Our solicitors are ultimately here to ensure the best representation and outcome for individuals and companies at every stage of the immigration process. 107-111 Fleet Street, London, EC4A 2AB t +44 (0)20 7936 9960 f +44 (0)20 7936 9100 info@otssolicitors.co.uk www.otssolicitors.co.uk TWITTER: twitter.com/OTSSolicitors FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/otssolicitors LINKEDIN: www.linkedin.com/company/ots-solicitors/ GOOGLE: plus.google.com/+OtssolicitorsCoUk

MEDICAL

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VitalChek, a LexisNexis® company, is America’s #1 authorized online service for ordering official vital records including birth and death certificates, marriage records and divorce records. Order through our website: www.vitalchek.com www.vitalcheknetwork.com

Mail & Parcel forwarding service for expats, international shoppers, businesses and travelers. US street address. Virtual Mailbox with mail scanning, bundling and up to 70% savings on international shipping rates. +1 281 596 8965 www.usglobalmail.com support@usglobalmail.com

LETTINGS

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VitalChek

Independent US/UK compliant Financial and Investment Planning uniquely placed to assist US clients in navigating through the maze of investment options available in the UK. Contact Andrea Karpinski on 07905 828052 or email her andrea@usaukfinancialconcierge.co.uk

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OFFICIAL VITAL RECORDS

MAIL & PARCELS

(Cont’d)

USA/UK Financial Concierge Ltd.

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US Visa Solutions - Law Office of Janice A. Flynn

US-licensed immigration lawyers advising on US citizenship, green cards, visa and US entry issues. Honest, straightforward advice and a high level of bespoke service. Third Floor, 6 & 7 Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8AD UK +44 (0)20 7092 6830 US +1 (312) 361-0581 Twitter: FlynnUSVisaLaw Janice@usvisasolutions.co.uk www.usvisasolutions.co.uk

To find out whether you’re eligible to advertise your products and services here, and for rates, call Dan +44 (0)1747 830520, or email dan@theamerican.co.uk. You’ll reach Americans living in and visiting the UK as well as Britons who like American culture and products.

6 TOP TIPS F

for US expats in the UK

rom its vast shorelines, to rolling countrysides and bustling cities, the United Kingdom is becoming one of the most popular expatriate destinations. The UK has a rich history and some of the most deep-rooted traditions – which is why it’s highly recommended for expats to learn well about the culture in order to blend in smoothly, and avoid some of the most typical cultural faux pas. Cigna Global, a specialist in expat healthcare, has gathered this list with the 6 top tips for American expats in the UK, to help you fit in with the British ways:

3 ‘Please’ and ‘Thank you’

1 London Underground use

5 Make tea the British way

If you are living in London, you may be aware of the particularities of the tube etiquette. If not, be conscious that there are certain rules that visitors are expected to know and respect. There are plenty of articles online to check out some of the golden rules of the London Underground – some of the most important ones: walk on the left and stand on the right when using the escalator, respect the queue, and don’t block the flow of traffic.

2 Buying rounds etiquette

It is customary for friends in the UK to go out and buy rounds of drinks for all friends present. If you go out with a friend and you’re offered a drink, don’t assume your friend is buying you drinks because he or she is overly kind or rich – bear in mind that you will be expected to buy the next round. It may be considered rude not to return the favour.

Brits are known for their very polite manners. The best way to fit in with the protocol is to ensure you make good use of the expressions ‘please’ and ‘thank you’. Using these in conjunction with ‘I’m sorry’ and ‘excuse me’ will be even more appreciated.

4 Watch your hand gestures

While a ‘peace sign’ with your palm facing inwards towards your body is a completely harmless gesture in the US, it does not represent peace in the UK – It is highly offensive and inappropriate. Britain has perfected the art of teamaking, so if you are going to make a cup of tea for a British friend, make sure to follow some basic rules: Ask your guest how he or she takes it (with milk and/or sugar), then boil the water – don’t just heat it, and add the boiling water to the tea bag. Most Americans do the last step the other way round; adding the tea bag to the water, but this way does not allow for the tea to properly brew. Finally, let the tea brew in the cup for at least two minutes, or longer for a stronger taste, and add milk if desired.

6 Language alterations

You may be already familiar with some of the many words that are used in the UK and not in the US, and you may have already added to your vocabulary the words ‘lift’ and ‘trousers’. But apart from that, you may want to take note on the dif-

ferences in spelling. Many verbs and words are spelled differently in the UK, like ‘centre, ‘colour’, ‘organise’... the list goes on. As a general rule, it is fine to use either US or British spelling, but try to stick to one rather than mixing both. If you have recently made the big move to the UK, keep in mind that it may take a bit of time getting used to the new culture, but that over time and through daily life, you will be likely to master culture shock and feel at home very soon in your new country. Much like any other big life event, becoming an expat can be stressful, so a sense of humour is of paramount importance. Be willing to laugh at the situation when you get things wrong. Settling in a new country is an exciting step in your life, so take it all as it comes and embrace the change. Have you figured out your health insurance? As you master the culture in your new location and immerse yourself in the British lifestyle, don’t forget about your health and ensure you have the best cover. Cigna Global are specialists in expatriate healthcare, offering a high level of care facilities for expats in over 200 countries and territories, with the flexibility to choose from three levels of cover and optional additional benefits, including outpatient care, medical evacuation, and vision & dental care. Visit Cignaglobal.com for more information on Individual Private Medical Insurance.

The American

Charitable Giving Ways to give effectively through a Donor Advised Fund, explained by Andrea Solana

utting a coherent strategy around Charitable Giving can be an important part of an individual’s comprehensive Wealth Plan. When you have a good handle on your financial goals, objectives and net worth and if giving strategies are among actionable priorities, it is important to identify the most taxefficient ways to achieve your charitable objectives. Typically there are two central reasons why people give to charities: (1) To support a cause or organisation that they care about. (2) To leave a legacy through their support. Whilst giving often forms part of an individual’s estate planning objectives, some also give during their lifetime by transferring a sum of money thus removing it from their estate. In practice there are many different methods by which an individual can give. One way is by maximising the potential tax benefit and thereby ultimately gifting more.

Ways to Give

Before exploring optimal strategies for US persons living in the UK, it would be good to review the different ways to give. (1) Give directly - This approach is the most straightforward and simple. It involves donating money directly to a charitable organisation of your choice. The donation is made in the current year and any tax benefit is received at the same time. (2) Use insurance as a vehicle for giving – If you do not have large sums of money to give during your lifetime and you hold a life insurance policy that is not needed for other important

The American

purposes, you could consider naming a charitable organisation as your policy beneficiary. This could result in a larger gift than you otherwise would have been able to make and potentially create a longer-term legacy. However, serious thought must be given to this method and you should seek guidance from a financial adviser before any steps are taken. Even though the policy may be redundant in terms of the purpose it was originally taken out for, there may be valuable benefits attached of which you are not immediately aware (i.e. terminal illness before death). (3) Volunteer time – Giving is not always about money. It can also be about getting involved by giving your time. Many organisations need volunteers to help deliver on their charitable goals and this can be a way to establish a personal connection and give in ways that require little or no money changing hands. (4) Establish a trust to give money - This is a more long-term approach towards charitable giving. It will allow you to receive tax benefits today and allocate funds specifically for charitable giving intentions but actual donations may be made at a future point in time. This may be a strategy for people who are asset rich but time poor and who have not been able to decide to which causes they wish to donate.

Donor Advised Funds

A Donor Advised Fund is one type of vehicle that facilitates the giving strategy. Donor Advised Funds have increased in popularity over the last few years due to their offering of administrative convenience, cost savings and tax benefits.

What is a Donor Advised Fund? A Donor Advised Fund, or DAF, is an investment fund administered by a public charity that is formed for the purpose of managing charitable donations on behalf of an individual, a family or an organisation. It allows donors to make an irrevocable charitable contribution, receive a tax benefit immediately and then allocate charitable gifts from the fund at some point in the future. Gifts are made to a specified charity whenever the donor decides it is the appropriate time. Whilst the gifts remain inside the fund, they are invested with an eye to growing the fund size. What are the benefits of a Donor Advised Fund? DAFs have a number of benefits. First, a DAF is a cost effective way for donors to maximise the tax benefits of making charitable donations to causes that they care about. A DAF can be set up with a relatively small amount of money (as little as £1,000 or £5,000) so an individual can choose to donate a lump sum or make small contributions in regular intervals over time. DAFs have relatively few administrative responsibilities. There is generally little paperwork that needs to be completed, and quite often grants can be made directly online. Additionally, DAFs are not subject to the minimum payout requirement each year. Private foundations, for example, must distribute at least 5% of assets annually. The fact that DAFs are not subject to this requirement leads to more flexibility on timing of distributions. Another benefit of DAFs is that when donors decide to make a dona-

tion from the funds held within their DAF, it is possible to choose whether their donation is made anonymously or if their personal details are disclosed to the charity. Perhaps one of the largest benefits that a DAF offers is not only the ability to receive a tax benefit upon funding the DAF but the ability to invest the pool of money and choose an organisation to donate to at a point in the future. So, if an individual can benefit from funding a DAF today but has not had time to decide which cause they would like to receive their gift, a DAF provides a mechanism to make that feasible. How can a dual-qualified Donor Advised Fund be beneficial for Americans living in the UK? Many charitable organisations are considered to be qualified non-profit

organisations in one jurisdiction or the other. As a result, giving directly to charities in either the US or the UK will often result in a one-sided tax benefit. A dual qualified DAF allows individuals who are taxpayers in both the US and UK to receive tax benefits available from both countries. As such a dual qualified structure will ultimately allow the individual to allocate more money to their favoured charitable causes. Once the money has been donated to the dual qualified structure, it can then be allocated to other charitable organisations and causes around the world without the need to be dual qualified. Whilst charitable giving is not all about receiving a tax benefit for doing so, we know that we are often limited in the amount we can give and would sometimes like to be able to give more if we had the ability to. Giving in a way

that maximises the benefit to both the charity and the donor will help ensure that more assets ultimately reach the causes we personally care about. Utilising a dual qualified DAF is one way to help facilitate this strategy and should be considered when assessing your charitable giving objectives.

If you would like a full copy of MASECOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 39 Steps to Smart Living in the UK please visit http://www.masecoprivatewealth. com/the39steps or contact us at enquiries@ masecopw.com. MASECO Private Wealth is not a qualified tax adviser and you should seek separate advice on your tax position with a suitably qualified tax adviser. MASECO LLP trading as MASECO Private Wealth is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate tax advice.

Gifts that Give ...and Give Again O

h, the holidays. In some ways, it’s the most stressful time of the year as most of us are searching for that perfect gift for our loved ones. Might we suggest a few gifts that give, and then give again! Here’s what we mean:

For the Techie

The perfect gadget that is solar powered! For every unit you buy whether it’s an LED light or portable charger, WakaWaka gives one to a child or family living without power.

For the Zen lover

Elephant Pants that save elephants! A portion of every purchase made on TheElephantPants. com goes directly to the African Wildlife Foundation to stand against poaching.

For the Hat lover

LoveYourMelon.com donates a hat to a child battling cancer as well as supporting organizations that fight against pediatric cancer. Make that beanie/hat that you purchase count!

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For the Adventurer At HydroFlask.com you can purchase a water, beer or coffee flask and 5% is donated to multiple charities to create a better world.

For our Furry Friends

Help feed a hungry dog or cat while snagging a bag of food from Bogo Bowls. BOGO Bowl also works with pet pantries and foster-based programs.

For the Hard-tobuy-for types!

SocietyB.com sells fair trade products ranging from all types of home goods to men, women, baby/ kids accessories and clothing. 10% of every purchase gets donated to someone in need as a different charity is featured every month.

How to get it all delivered

The solution lies in two simple words: US Delivered. The service lets you buy from the US, ship items locally in the US and have them bundled together and shipped to you at home. Even if you don’t have an international credit card, they can source the items for you. Plus they will give 20% of your sign up fees to help feed children in Syria. Yes, it’s the most wonderful time of the year!

US College Applications

The what, the how, and - importantly - the when of getting into the college of your choice

pplying to the US from the United Kingdom can be a bit tricky. First off, it’s not as straight forward as UK University applications where pretty much all that is required are academic records and a personal statement. Also as a student in the UK, it can be easy to lose track of when to do the various things necessary when applying to US Schools. Student counsellors here may not be very aware of the process so it is up to the student and/or the parents to be more proactive and make sure that all the boxes are ticked. To help with the process, it can be helpful to have an overview. Let’s break this down step by step and year by year:

Year 11 to Lower 6th/Year 12:

Start to think about which schools to apply to: research should ideally start in Year 11-12 or Lower Sixth. Get to know what types of schools you’d be interested in, visit local College Fairs (such as Fulbright here in London!), talks to student reps. Get a better sense of which might be suitable for you – not everyone is Harvard material, nor should they be! With over 4,000 institutions, there are a great range of Colleges, so it’s worth doing some homework to find

the best-fit school. There are counsellors in the US whose full-time job is to do just that, so finding outside help might well be worth it. Also, begin to think about your extracurricular activities – these are important to US Colleges, so if you aren’t as active as you should be by Year 11 or Lower 6th, then it is time to look into activities and/or sports outside of school to engage in. Think about a teacher you might ask for teacher recommendations – remember – US schools expect a more thorough, detailed evaluation from your teacher about you – beyond just your academic performance. Request one from teachers who know you well. Start your ACT/SAT prep! These are standardised tests required by most schools in addition to your application. Get an idea from your research the scores their admitted students get. You should aim to take your first test in April/May of your Year 12/Lower 6th. That way if you need to retake (and many students in the US take the test multiple times), you’ve got time to do so in June of that year and in Autumn of Year 13/Upper 6th. Schools also may require SAT Subjects Tests – again, make sure and schedule these

is. Please check the next issue of The American for more information on the SAT and ACT Tests.

Upper Sixth/Year 13

Get started on your applications and application essays. Most schools accept the Common Application, but may require additional essays. These are important so make sure they are a true reflection of yourself. Applications will be due October for Early Decision and Early Action, December/January for Regular Please see last month’s issue of The American for discussion on the differences. Every school is different, so it’s important to keep track of deadlines. Make sure you have your final tests taken in time for deadlines. It may seem like a lot to do, but it is definitely worth the effort. Getting into your best-fit American College will pay off for the rest of your life!

Elizabeth von Nardroff is Head of American SAT & ACT Tuition, a London-based company specialising in US College Entrance Exams & application services. She has helped past students gain entrance to Yale, Princeton, Dartmouth, Brown, UPenn, UC Berkeley and more.

The American

PROMOTION

Nine Elms London’s new innovation hub

n 2021, technology giant, Apple, is moving its UK headquarters to the Battersea Power Station — London’s iconic brick building, located in southwest London’s fashionable new Nine Elms neighbourhood. The move will see 1,400 UK employees relocated to this prime London destination, which Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has hailed as “a further sign that London is open to the biggest brands in the world and the leading city for trade and investment.” Nine Elms, which borders the River Thames, features high-end apartments, hotels, roof gardens, parks, and a number of office spaces, as well as providing a home for the US Embassy building and the planned Dutch Embassy building. Just a stone’s throw away from these iconic buildings is the luxurious new residential development, Embassy Gardens. Drawing inspiration from the attractive residential and commercial estates which evolved over time in cities like New York and Boston, there will be 3.3 acres of linear gardens linking Vauxhall with Battersea, designed to

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replicate the Manhattan High Line, as well as a stunning suspended swimming pool. Within the development, there are a variety of rooftop spaces, with views stretching across the whole city and the American Embassy building. Featuring a range of stunning one, two and three bed properties available to buy or rent, Embassy Gardens offers spacious and modern apartments with unrivalled amenities including a state-of-the-art residentsonly health club and leisure complex, a private cinema and indoor pool, as well as a 24 hour hotel-style concierge and valet service. Nine Elms has experienced promising signs of further growth, as recent reports show the average value growth for residential property has been nearly 35 per cent between 2011 and the end of 2015, with an anticipated six per cent growth forecast by 2020. The Embassy Gardens development has already proven extremely popular with investors from the UK and overseas seeking a modern, 21st century home in a well-connected central

London location. The vision is for Nine Elms to become an ultra-modern, fashionable destination in central London offering 20,000 new homes, 25,000 new jobs, new schools, parks, culture and arts. With the recent announcement regarding the arrival of Apple, the Northern Line extension and the completion of Battersea Power Station, Nine Elms is already making significant progress towards its goal of transforming this part of the capital. JOHNS&CO is the sole property lettings, management and resale agent listed on the development and the only agency with offices on-site, in the heart of Embassy Gardens. Properties are available to buy and to rent, with prices starting at £720,000 or £425 per week for a one bed apartment. A stunning three bedroom Penthouse is also on the market, at a guide price of £4,500,000. JOHNS&CO, 8 Ponton Road, Embassy Gardens, Nine Elms, London SW8 5BA +44 (0)20 7481 0600 http:// johnsand.co/properties/embassy-gardenssw8/ gardens-sw8/

JOHNS&CO present Embassy Gardens, SW8. Luxury new build homes next to the US Embassy, available to rent and buy now. Suites, 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments T +44 (0) 20 7481 0600 E nineelms@johnsand.co

The distinctive architecture of Embassy Gardens is strongly influenced by the 1920s commercial neighbourhoods of New York. Perfectly positioned within Zone 1 along the south bank of the Thames and just a short walk from Westminster, Embassy Gardens is recognised as one of the most desirable and prestigious new addresses in London.

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ir travel in the 21st century has never been cheaper, particularly for fliers between the US and the UK. Even in the wake of Brexit, the past several decades of deregulating air travel and a better environment of cost competition has opened up many opportunities for travelers to fly cheaply - albeit at a cost. The low-cost, or ‘no frills’ airline model has generated much in the way of efficiencies in air travel, evidenced by players such as Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and others in the US along with easyJet, RyanAir, and Norwegian Air Shuttle in the EU. However, changes to the political landscapes like Brexit as well as the emergence of faster, cheaper air travel add an additional dynamic to the modern transatlantic flight experience - both for better and for worse.

xxxxxx

Fly the American How 40 Years of Airline Deregulation, Competition, and Innovation Have Shifted the Flight Path for Transatlantic Commuting by Kester Keating

by Kester xxxxxxxxxxx

US Roots of Low-Cost Travel

In the 1970s, the air travel community of businessmen and leisure fliers alike was introduced to the benefits of an otherwise unknown phenomenon: low-cost air fares. Herb Kelleher’s Southwest Airlines - rising to prominence in the wake of the 1978 Airline Deregulation Act under the Carter administration revolutionized air travel by casting off the inefficiencies of ‘hub-andspoke’ flight routing (flying through major connecting airport hubs to end destinations) in favor of the point to point system, which maximized time and cost efficiencies for the airline. This resulted in the low cost model of flying, which allowed Southwest to charge less in fares for its customers and to reap substantial profits at the expense of legacy carriers like Northwest, Delta, and American Airlines. Kelleher’s utilization of cost saving initiatives such as com-

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mon aircraft within the fleet, quicker flight turnaround times (resulting in more flights per day), and a focus on getting aircraft off the ground quickly led to a model that was not only profitable, but gained the attention of other players in the industry across the Atlantic. It wasn’t long before the two major players utilizing the low-cost carrier model in the EU – RyanAir and easyJet – sought to learn from Kelleher’s model in the 1990s and 2000s in order to improve their own businesses. While neither Southwest Airlines nor the European low-cost carriers actually instituted a model that relied on transatlantic travel, the model for cheaper flying and faster turnaround was a success story, given that both airlines successfully undercut major European legacy

carriers such as British Airways, Aer Lingus, Lufthansa, and Air France, to name a few. Today, RyanAir and easyJet have seen substantial gains from their improvement of the low-cost model to the ‘ultra-low cost model,’ which includes spartan accomodations for fliers, single model fleets, fast turn arounds, one-cabin class systems, no frills, and the service of satellite airports in order to keep costs low and flight turnover high. RyanAir

Way

some airlines are now charging to customers given the demand for lower fares and the perception that amenities and ‘frills’ can be profitable if priced accordingly by the airline).

Can traversing the Atlantic be just as cheap?

reported a 157% increase in share prices since 2013 as of 2015 with their increasing market share, which was bolstered by improvements to service for the fliers (including relaxing their notoriously stringent inflight baggage policy) and ultra-low fares. The improved ‘ultra low-cost carrier’ model proved inspirational for newcomers in the US market as well, and in the 1990s and early 2000s the idea boomeranged back as compa-

nies like AirTran (ultimately acquired by Southwest) and Spirit Airlines began utilizing the model in the US market. With similar effect, the point to point flight routing, baggage fees, single cabin service, no frills experience proved wildly successful, as companies like Spirit have illustrated: the budget airline operates with an industry-high 16.2% margin and an over 400% increase in share prices since the company went public in 2011. This has not, however, come without a steep, growing resentment by consumers, as frustration with the low-cost model has made many fliers increasingly aware of the sacrifices airlines will make to keep their costs so low, including customer service, amenities, seat space, and the ability to make seating reservations ahead of time (a feature for which

As the market evolved throughout the 1970s through today, one of the great hurdles for air travelers has always been how to affordably fly between the US and the EU – the poster child of transatlantic flying. Legacy carriers have traditionally dominated this market space, and in some cases, airlines like Virgin Atlantic started as a business comprised heavily of these routes. So why haven’t the Spirit Airlines or the RyanAir’s of the world tapped more of this market? From the perspective of the innovative airline, navigating the course has been tricky: costs are high with a +6 hour flight, and it has been difficult to entice customers to fly without the ‘frills’ or benefits that most low cost or ‘ultra low cost’ carriers eschew in their business models. While Freddie Laker attempted to create a low-cost flight between London’s Gatwick airport and New York’s JFK in the late 1970s with Laker Airways, the model ultimately collapsed under the weight of massive corporate losses stemming from costs borne by the airline catering to its customers while keeping fares low. Walk-on flights and fierce competition for the route led to a price war, and within 5 years the company went bankrupt. In the wake of Laker Airways’ unsuccessful venture, only the largest legacy carriers benefitted from the transatlantic route with sustained success, given the access to favorable routes (e.g. JFK vs. Newark, Heathrow vs. Gatwick, etc.), lucrative

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Threat 1 to traditional carriers: JetSmarter brokers unused seats on private aircraft

premium and first class cabin service offerings, and point loyalty systems which allow fliers to upgrade or lower the total cost of their flight in return for brand loyalty. However, in the past few years, this norm has been changing as consumers have found alternatives challenging this status quo.

Flying transatlantic in the 21st century: Brexit and Private Flights

While large carriers have commanded the skies over the Atlantic and have captured most of the market share for air travel, the recent shake-up in the industry has ushered in serious changes. Most notably, the emergence of Norwegian Air Shuttle has offered a low-cost option for budget-conscious fliers flying transnationally, much to the chagrin of legacy carriers and politicians alike. Benefitting directly from the US-EU Open Skies Agreement from 2007, the 3rd largest low-cost carrier in Europe has become a thorn in the side of the full service airline business, as the US House of Representatives recently authored a bill seeking to impede any of Norwegian’s future transatlantic business routes due to perceived unfair cost undercutting against legacy carriers (carriers which still command over 79% of the transatlantic commercial flying volume as of May 2016). By offering rock-bottom fares, low cost

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carriers like Norwegian have been able to capitalize on favorable flight volumes, governmental attitudes toward competition in this sector, and fliers who don’t wish to shell out for a full-service (and fuller fare) flight. In addition to traditional commercial airline businesses, legacy carriers face another growing threat to their established dominance: private flights. Improving technology, aircraft, and companies offering chartered jet services have improved access to private air travel – whether owned or chartered – and with record low flight times recorded between New York to London, flying private offers an appealing alternative to commercial flights for time-sensitive, business professionals. Start-up companies like JetSmarter have launched services selling unused seats on private aircraft for a fraction of the cost (one-way flights from approx £100) of whole chartered flights and cer-

tainly one-way costs on legacy carriers between airports on either side of the pond, subject to availability. Given the rapidly shifting dynamics in this space, several ‘known unknowns’ lie ahead in the transatlantic air travel space. The impact of Brexit has taken a toll on flight routes for legacy carriers, as Delta Airlines announced decreasing its service on UK routes, and the shock to the pound sterling has resulted in significant price shocks to fares and costs for many airlines. Navigating Brexit’s long-term impact on transatlantic air travel leaves much to guessing, as the UK’s negotiation with the EU will inevitably impact trade agreements and flight costs which will only complicate plans and budgets for people traveling to the continent. However, fliers stand to benefit from lower priced fares to the UK when coming from the US, especially as oil prices and sterling remain depressed. Some airlines, like American, have opted to keep their flight route frequency to the UK the same, and data aggregators like CheapAir. com have begun advising fliers on the impacts that Brexit will have on travel arrangements. With such changes and uncertainties in this market, we can certainly expect to see many important developments in the near future.

Threat 2: Norwegian benefits from the US-EU Open Skies Agreement

From the Pacific to the Pennines Dedicated to serving clients’ diverse financial interests on both sides of the Atlantic.

Paul Nixon +44 (0)20 3207 8364 paul.nixon@lgtvestra-us.com www.lgtvestra-us.com

LGT Vestra US Limited is a limited company registered in England & Wales under company number 06455240 and has its registered office at 14 Cornhill, London EC3V 3NR. LGT Vestra US Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of LGT Vestra LLP and is authorised and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority and is a Registered Investment Adviser with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. It is important to note that the value of investments can go down as well as up, and the amount returned may be less or more than the amount originally invested. Past performance should not be used as a guide to future performance.

Whether you need to file one U.S. tax return or many,

we can help. H&R Block Expat Tax Services is a dedicated team of CPAs and enrolled agents whose singular focus is expat tax preparation for Americans abroad.

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Selected for you

Find many more events at www.theamerican.co.uk Festival Flaming Tar Barrels Ottery St Mary, EX11, UK www.tarbarrels.co.uk November 5 The tradition of ‘Tar Barrels’ stretches back to the early 1600s. Nobody quite knows the origins of carrying lit barrels of tar through the streets, but Ottery celebrates the procession each year. It’s a spectacular sight.

American Museum in Britain Claverton Manor, Bath BA2 7BD www.americanmuseum.org The only museum outside the USA to showcase America’s arts. Exhibition: An American Toy Story explores the impact that movie-licensing had on toy production and the way we play. Regulars: Yarn Bomb trails, Quilting Bees, Toddler groups, Art Talks, Craft Courses, Classic American Dance classes. Events: November 26th Christmas Craft Fair; December 10th Christmas with Noctis - What Sweeter Music, join Bath’s award-winning chamber choir for a selection of festive carols by Lauridsen, Todd, Rutter, Nordqvist, Ives and Jonathan Lane; Dec 18th Holiday Homecoming, join the Museum for a magical end to the Christmas season, 1pm to 4pm. 24

The American

UK Parliament Week www.ukparliamentweek.org November 14 to 20 A programme of events and activities aimed at connecting people with parliamentary democracy; events across the country include workshops, discussions, debates and Q&A sessions.

Meet the Green Man at Washington Old Hall Washington Old Hall, Washington NE38 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ washington-old-hall November 3 & 4 The home of George Washington’s Ancestors hosts a twist on a Christmas tradition - instead of Santa Claus, meet the Green Man. Historically, Mothers would take their children to the woods to see the Green Man for a blessing of good fortune.

Eccles Centre for American Studies Eccles Centre for American Studies, British Library, 96 Euston Road London NW1 2DB www.bl.uk/eccles Regular events on North American and Transatlantic themes. Highlights include: November 15th Hollywood and the Great Depression; 21st 30 Years of Bloomsbury Publishing; 25th The Pianist Who Transformed the Cold War; 28th & 29th US Politics Today; December 8th Mapping, Power Politics, and the Challenge of the Americas.

London Festival of American Music Warehouse Waterloo, 13 Theed St, London SE1 8ST www.lorelt.co.uk November 6 to 11 Lontano’s Biennial Festival explores and celebrates the work of major American composers and reflects the variety of style that is so characteristic of contemporary American music today. This year’s festival celebrates Lontano’s 40th Anniversary by featuring American Women Composers, one of Lontano’s enduring themes.

US Thanksgiving Service at St Paul’s St. Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD www.stpauls.co.uk November 24 A special service for Thanksgiving Day at St Paul’s Cathedral in London. Free entry, but get there early for a seat.

City Bach Cantata Series St. Mary-at-Hill, Lovat Lane, London EC3R citybachcollective.org.uk November 11 This group of professional period instrument specialists are particularly relevant to The American’s readers as the American Lutheran community has been key to the prosperity and longevity of the series since 1982 when the ensemble was engaged to perform in Lutheran Vespers services. A festive free event.

Great Christmas Pudding Race Covent Garden, London WC2E www.xmaspuddingrace.org.uk December 3 Teams of 6 battle an obstacle course whilst trying to keep a Christmas Pudding balanced on a tray! On behalf of Cancer Research UK. Porthcawl Christmas Swim Porthcawl, Wales christmasswim.org December 25 Thousands of people delve into the water on Christmas Day at Porthcawl in Wales to raise money for local towns and charities, many in all manner of fancy dress costumes!

Written by James Graham Directed by Jeremy Herrin

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Thanks - giving!

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Missing that uniquely American meal shared with friends and family? Miss it no more. Here are some great restaurants who invite you to join their Thanksgiving and Christmas Holiday parties.

GOAT Chelsea 333 Fulham Road, London SW10 9QL www.goatchelsea.com 0207 352 1384 reservations@goatchelsea.com Facebook/Instagram/Twitter @goatchelsea November 24 to December 24 GOAT Chelsea’s annual Thanksgiving Barn Dance returns to whisk you back to your homeland to enjoy an abundance of Bourbon inspired cocktails (receive one on the house between 9-10pm) and country music until the early hours. Southern attire is encouraged as is pre-booking tables. GOAT will also be offering their traditional thanksgiving menu on the night in the restaurant downstairs for those wanting to dine first.

The Breakfast Club Angel / Canary Wharf / Battersea Rise / Hoxton / London Bridge / Soho / Spitalfields (London) & Brighton www.thebreakfastclubcafes.com @TheBrekkyClub The Breakfast Club are hosting their annual Thanksgiving celebration across their quirky cafes in London and Brighton. For £28 there’s a lot to be thankful for on the three course menu, from spicy pumpkin soup served with maple and pecan cornbread, to bacon and beer roasted turkey with all the trimmings and rosemary and sea salt pretzel topped mac and cheese for the veggies. Finish up with a slice of pumpkin pie, of course!” !

Villandry 170 Great Portland Street, London W1W 5QB 020 7631 31 31 & 12 Waterloo Place, London SW1Y 4AU 020 7930 3305 www.villandry.com Villandry restaurants have been celebrating the great American tradition of Thanksgiving for over 15 years. We mark this Holiday by serving a delicious 3 course dinner, including the traditional American dish of a roast bronze turkey with Chestnut stuffing, mashed & sweet potatoes, green beans, carrots & parsnips, gravy and cranberry sauce. We are also taking Christmas bookings now.

The Fat Bear First Floor, 61 Carter Lane, St Paul’s, London EC4V 5DY www.thefatbear.co.uk info@thefatbear.co.uk 0207 236 2498 The Fat Bear, an American regional restaurant is serving a ‘family style’ feast for Thanksgiving, and will be continuing the festivities into Christmas. A £40 sharing set menu including pimento cheese, wings, turkey, ham, mallard, gumbo, cornbread, pecan pie and spiced pumpkin cheesecake will sate the greatest appetites, and can be accompanied with one of their excellent American wines or whiskies, or their expertly crafted cocktails. 4 time slots are available.

Babylon, The Roof Gardens 99 Kensington High St, London W8 5SA www.roofgardens.virgin.com/babylon 0207 368 3993 November 24 Guests booking for dinner can select from the usual restaurant menu or a selection of specially created American themed dishes including traditional roast turkey for the main course and a tasty pumpkin pie for dessert. Thanksgiving themed cocktails available to enjoy on arrival including the ‘Peanut Butter Cup’ featuring Jamaican rum shaken with bitter dark chocolate liqueur and the ‘Pumpkin Pie’, a warm punch made with pumpkin puree, spiced rum, cinnamon and winter spiced syrup. Babylon’s Sample Thanksgiving menu: Starter - Clam Chowder; Hard shell clams and palourde clams in a rich creamy broth, served with crushed water biscuits Main – Roast English Rose Turkey Tournedo served with glazed chestnuts, roasted baby potatoes, cranberry jus and pork chipolata sausage. Pork & sage stuffing bonbon, Brussels sprouts with smoked bacon. Dessert - Spiced pumpkin pie with cinnamon ice cream. 26

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FESTIVE MUSIC BRINGS CHEER

American choristers & musicians hit holiday high note

Orchestral groups, bands and Choirs from across America will welcome in the New Year with a series of Concerts as part of London’s New Year’s Day Parade and Festival at some of capital’s most historic venues. There will be a range of orchestral and modern music from some of the best High School musicians that America has to offer. All of the Bands, Choirs and Orchestra’s on show have toured the United States playing to thousands of spectators at large scale sporting and seasonal events.

CADOGAN HALL

ST JOHN’S SMITH SQ.

THURSDAY DECEMBER 29TH

Cadogan Hall is situated in the heart of Chelsea and on Thursday 29th December, the venue will play host to Olentangy Liberty High School Symphonic Band from Ohio, Vintage High School Concert Band from California and another 105 musicians from Mount Horeb High School Concert Band, Wisconsin. The entertainment doesn’t stop there, as Cadogan Hall will be hosting another live concert on Friday 30th December. The bands taking part include Stone Bridge High School Combined Concert Band from Virginia, Lee’s Summit High School Orchestra from Missouri, Fort Myers High School Symphonic Orchestra from Florida and James Clemens High School Concert Band from Madison Alabama.

FRIDAY DECEMBER 30TH

The magnificent St John’s Smith Square is our second venue in our concert series. On Friday 30th December the Royal Airs Drum & Bugle Corps from Illinois, 30 choral singers from St Lucy’s Priory High School and 65 choir singers and 15 Orchestral musicians from the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection will be serving up London with a beautiful evening of song.

WESTMINSTER CENTRAL HALL

MONDAY JANUARY 2ND

Our grand finale gala night is at the magnificent grade II listed Westminster Central Hall, on 2nd January 2017, which will conclude the holiday festivities in style. The gala features 40 choral singers from St Lucy’s Priory High School, 65 singers from United Methodist Church of the Resurrection and the Alexis I Du Pont High School Singers from Delaware.

Some of these fine musicians will be featuring in on one of the World’s great street spectaculars, London’s New Year’s Day Parade 2017 on January 1st. We will be welcoming over 500,000 spectators on the streets of the West End for the event which will be beamed live on Television across the United States. To secure your seat visit www.lnydp.com

PARADE NEEDS YOU Give your life a lift on New Year’s Day

Fancy starring on a global TV show – and parading through the West End in one of the World’s biggest street spectaculars? Well what better way to lift your spirits on New Year’s Day - than parade before half a million people through the streets of London! London’s New Year’s Day Parade is seeking dozens of balloon handlers – to lead some giant inflatables along the 2.2-mile route. American Magazine readers have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in this magnificent turn of year tradition – which will be televised across the UK and USA. The balloons, created especially for the event will fly high above the streets of the West End among more than 8,000 performers from numerous nations. Successful applicants must be available from 10.00 – 16.00 on New Year’s Day. They will be supplied with LNYDP jackets and caps to wear on the day. The 2.2mile route starts near the Ritz `Hotel in Piccadilly runs to Piccadilly Circus, Regent St St James, Cockspur St, Pall Mall, Trafalgar Sq, Whitehall to Parliament Sq – running past some of the most iconic buildings in London. Executive Director Bob Bone said: “It

will be a wonderful way to blow away the cobwebs and star in our production. The programme is being televised on more than 500 TV stations The free, family event – the living embodiment of ‘the Special Relationship’ – now in its 31st year is firmly established as a treasured turn of year tradition. Of course there is all the pomp and pageantry that you might expect – the Lord Mayor of Westminster, London’s civic mayors and leaders, horse and carriages and a goodwill message from Her Majesty the Queen – combined with the very best of good ‘ol American razzmatazz. Fourteen US marching bands – from States including Florida, Ohio, Alabama, Georgia, Texas, California, Wisconsin and Tennessee – will be performing. No less than 1,200 cheerleaders from the Universal Cheerleader Association will be strutting their stuff too. The parade’s theme is ‘Lights, Camera, Action’, celebrating the magic of the movies, will be reflected by entries from 16 London boroughs and others, including Jurassic World, Ghostbusters and the Italian Job. Those wishing to become a balloon handler should apply to Joe Bone joe@ lnydp.com

Get All The Up To Date Parade Info at www.lnydp.com To Watch the parade in the comfort of a grandstand seat go to: www.ticketmaster.co.uk

The American

Miss Patricia ‘Tis the Season of Miss Adventure T

he Season approaches! The season where one faints at the Royal Mail counter if the gift box goes over 2 kgs (International Economy, £13.25 - allow 6 weeks). The season where one has to leave British shops at 3.30 in the afternoon, because it’s too dark to step off the pavement. The season where one is required to fly home, or be guilty of abandoning The Ones You Left Behind. Ex-pats frequently travel alone, as the family becomes fragmented, with members acting as reps who promise: ‘She sends her love.’ What I have learnt from travel is that travel is not for me, and my true calling is to sit in a kitchen chair and make no foolish attempts to transition to the reception room…that’s the ‘living room’, to we colonists. There was the trip where I wanted to get some artwork done over Christmas, and attempted to re-enter the UK with sculpted body parts in my baggage that showed up in the scanner. And then when the baggage was opened up, all my new wigs popped out, so what I had thought would be fun for my British friends became evidence of my plans for an international crime spree. There was the trip where I tried to enter my home country with my

The American

home accent, but produced the wrong passport. The correct one was ‘somewhere’ in bulging bags, and even though both show my US birthplace, that was not deemed proof that I was an American citizen. I only got in because the official said his mom was just as ditzy. Jet lag is the cause of this outbreak of dementias, mark my words! Too much brain jiggling and too little oxygen! There was the trip where I wearily staggered onto a wayward escalator, missing a connection in Ontario. This led to a ladylike nap on a plastic sofa (yellow, mid-century), with night janitors vacuuming under my shoes (extra large for flight swelling). Lost in the mists of sleeplessness, I missed even my second connection after moving my nap to the prayer room, where the unfamiliar alarm of a temporary phone provided only a soothing soundtrack for dreams. PRAYER ROOMS in AIRPORTS?! This is the opposite of comforting. What kind of planes need prayers to hold them up? Prayer didn’t cure our goldfish of cancer (although his companion fish nibbling his tumor off kept him alive an extra year.) Praying for the car to start means it’s time for a new one. No one

prays at Waterloo Station, except for the untimely ends of striking staff. I prefer planes to be held up with conventional methods, like my personal force of will. Because I was asleep, I kept not getting off flights I was supposed to be on, leading to hijinks I assured my family they would someday find amusing. But this is not THOSE episodes. This is a more recent one. The phrase ‘repeated incidents’ has now been bandied about the household. My father grew up in an ‘old’ Victorian house - Brits may snicker here - in San Francisco, complaining that the new neighbours were too posh. My daughter lives in one now. In SF, there’s a murky underworld of chain subletting where the original owner disappears beneath the pile of tenant applications. San Francisco was once a place for ferrying across the bay to listen to cool music over Italian dinners, but now it’s just another pin on the giant map of places where I’ve humiliated myself. Holidays brought a chance to visit with the ‘adult child’, (an oxymoron hinting at a job), and the next morning she clicked off in expensive boots to a loft situation, where she performs digital magic

IMAGES © DANIELLE BAUER & WILL FOLSOM

that produces bank deposits. Inside her trendy, brick-walled open office, everyone dresses like Paul Bunyan, (except they don’t know who that is), and they work a squillion hours a week. Breakfast’s free if you get in early. I am brilliant, me! I could help by ‘populating’ her starkly naked refrigerator with healthy home cooking! Instead, jet-lagged again, I fell into a sleep hole and awoke to the death rattles of whole grains shriveling in the pan. But all was cleaned up, and I scuttled off to the bus stop for my next appointment, with my mobile charger safely packed to ensure maximum uselessness. I made some new chums amongst the doorway dwellers. Aren’t holidays great? You can’t

work, even if you feel you should. I relaxed against cool bus windows, idly gazing at serene views of the famous bridge, and rolled dreamily onward through the Golden State. They like to call it that because it sounds better than Drought-ridden Dead Plant State. Reality met me on a corner when I got off the bus. Leftover smoke from my cookpan had insidiously wafted upstairs and set off alarms for the whole building, requiring total evacuation and a visit from the fire department; and panicked phone calls amongst the residents, the apartment’s phantom owner in another state and my daughter the illegal tenant called home from work. Two counties had been searching for the arsonist, everyone

supposing I had become a bridge jumper due to embarrassment. That would have made more sense than the decisions I actually made. For those who haven’t been, San Francisco’s public transit has failed the public so badly that there’s not even a decent train under which the despondent might throw themselves. So I can’t return to the City-bythe-Bay-of-Shame, because people there can judge me, and only too accurately. I have entered the twilight zone between Too Young To Be Rid Of and Too Old To Be Useful, and now require a minder. This is why I tell people that I used to live in the state of California. But now I live in the state of Confusion.

The American

A.W.N. Pugin 1812-52, oil painting by John Rodgers Herbert 1845

Mr Barry’s War Caroline Shenton, of the Parliamentary Archives, tells the story of the man who rebuilt the Houses of Parliament in the nineteenth century hat a chance for an archi‘W tect!’ Charles Barry exclaimed on the night of 16

October 1834 when the ancient Palace of Westminster burned down in a terrible accidental fire. But although the brilliant classical architect went on to win the competition to build a new Houses of Parliament it swiftly turned into the most nightmarish building programme of the century. It took twenty four years to complete, at a cost of £2.4m. From the beginning, Barry’s new Palace of Westminster’s design, construction and decoration were a battlefield. The practical and political forces ranged 32

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against him were immense. The new Houses of Parliament had to be built on acres of unstable quicksand, while the Lords and Commons carried on their work as usual. Its river frontage, a quarter of a mile long, needed to be constructed in the treacherous currents of the Thames. Its towers were so gigantic they required feats of civil engineering and building technology never used before. And the interior demanded spectacular new Gothic features not seen since the middle ages. Rallying the genius of his collaborator AWN Pugin; flanking the mad schemes of a host

of crackpot inventors, ignorant busybodies and hostile politicians; attacking strikes, sewage and cholera; charging forward three times over budget and massively behind schedule, it took twentyfive years for Barry to achieve victory in the face of overwhelming odds, and at great personal cost. But the struggle ultimately produced his ‘great work’: the world’s most famous secular cathedral to representative democracy. Barry, the orphaned son of a government stationer, grew up in Bridge Street in the shadow of the old Palace of Westminster. At the time of the fire he was already a highly successful architect. As

well as the Houses of Parliament, his other famous buildings include the Reform Club in Pall Mall and Highclere Castle (better known as ‘Downton Abbey’). With the example of the ruined St Stephen’s Chapel (the old House of Commons) before them, the competition rules set by MPs stated that the new building must be in the ‘Gothic or Elizabethan style’. 97 entries were received by the Office of Works, some more successful than others. Barry’s entry, no 64, produced in collaboration with up-and-coming Gothic designer Pugin, had ‘such evident marks of genius and superiority of talent… and displayed so much taste and knowledge of Gothic Architecture’ that the judges awarded it first prize. Barry had enormous skill at planning large public spaces and for the design he drew on the iconography of Westminster Abbey, as well as the medieval town halls of Flanders and buildings as far afield as Italy, Greece and even Egypt which he had visited on the Grand Tour - as well as reflecting the late Georgian taste for the Picturesque. The original design underwent many changes over the years, not least those imposed on a reluc-

A.W.N. Pugin 1812-52, oil painting by John Rodgers Herbert 1845

Sir Charles Barry 1795-1860 Architect of new Palace of Westminster, sculpture by John Henry Foley 1865 © PARLIAMENTARY ART COLLECTION, WOA S9

tant Barry by Dr David Boswell Reid, the chemist brought in to advise on the ventilation scheme for the Palace. At one point Barry was obliged to introduce a third major tower in the form of a spire over his Central Lobby to accommodate Reid’s increasingly eccentric experiments. Reid – known in the press as ‘the Great Puffer’ - was finally sacked by the Commons in 1852, but sued successfully for unfair dismissal. Barry’s design required a major portion of the building to be constructed right into the river. Sarah Barry, wife of the architect, laid the first stone on land in 1840, but the years following saw delays due to a mason’s strike, the complexities of building on the cramped site with Members still in residence, and rows about changes which Barry had made to the original approved design. Gradually, however, the monstrous new building began to rise up beside the Thames. Barry used cutting edge and innovative technology in his design, and chose the most successful experts of the age to undertake the engineering and construction. The major railway contractors, Grissell & Peto, were used for most of the Palace’s building. The American

Steam engines were used to haul stone and other materials around the site, and the three towers of Parliament rose up without help from exterior scaffolding. At last, when the House of Lords chamber was opened in 1847, it was declared a sensational success. After further controversy and argument, the House of Commons finally moved into their new chamber in 1852, but the alterations to Pugin’s interior demanded by MPs caused Barry, disgusted on his own and his collaborator’s behalf, to refuse to enter it ever again. Barry was knighted soon after by Queen Victoria but Pugin, suffering from the probable effects of tertiary syphilis, went insane the same year and died in the arms of his third wife that autumn. The final design from Pugin’s delirious hand in 1852 was the

famous clock stage of the Elizabeth Tower. Big Ben – in fact the nickname for the Great Hour Bell – was first cast in 1856 but cracked the following year. The second bell was installed in 1858 but also cracked, remaining silent until the early 1860s when it was turned and has continued chiming ever since. Barry died of a heart attack the following year, worn out by decades of stress, just as the Victoria Tower was completed. A representation of the tower - which he regarded as his greatest achievement - and the ground plan of the Palace, was engraved, on Barry’s tomb brass in Westminster Abbey where he was buried on 22 May 1860. The Builder magazine in its obituary described the creation of the Houses of Parliament at the time as “the greatest combination of contrivance in planning, skill in

construction, business management, and true art that the world has seen”. It is hard to disagree. Caroline’s latest book Mr Barry’s War: Rebuilding the Houses of Parliament after the Great Fire of 1834 was published by OUP in September and is available from all good bookshops and Amazon. VISIT PARLIAMENT Tours of the Houses of Parliament, which include many of the rooms designed by Barry and Pugin, are available every Saturday and on most weekdays during parliamentary recesses. www.parliament.uk/visit New Palace of Westminster 1858, colour lithograph by an Unknown engraver published 1858

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Walter Trout: Alive

The American’s Michael Burland talks with the blues star about his life changing - and nearly life ending - illness in this extract from our extended online interview

alter Trout’s double espresso kicks in. It’s early in the morning for one of the hardest working bluesmen in the business, 10am in sunny SoCal, and he’s talking to The American before preparing for a UK tour that starts October 17th and culminates in a headliner at Blues Fest in London on the 30th. It’s a tour he wasn’t expected to make. Two years ago he almost died. Walter you never seem to stop working – you’ve pretty much done an album and a tour every year. Until a catastrophic health problem hit you. Yes, I went solo in 1989 and I’ve done 24 albums. I’ve worked all the time except the two years I was in hospital getting a liver. That started in 2014, didn’t it? You were recording The Blues Came Calling album – and they really did. I was incredibly ill – I really thought I was going to die. I was walking with a cane and a Zimmer frame. I thought that album was going to be my last statement on life, my goodbye to the world. Two weeks after we finished the album I was hospitalized for seven months. I found out what it was after I was on tour in Germany in 2013. I’d been having symptoms for a while, dizzy spells onstage, chronic fatigue, my hands would cramp up so I couldn’t play. One night I woke up at 4am and my legs were swelled up like telephone pole and my stomach looked like

The American

I had swallowed a basketball. I had two more shows on the tour and I did them sitting on a chair. When I came home they told me I had Hepatitis C that had caused cirrhosis of the liver, and there was a transplant in my future. My wife Marie and I tried to deal with it by eating organic foods and living a clean lifestyle, but it got so I couldn’t walk, I was out of breath. I was so filled up with fluid they would put a drain into my abdomen every week or two and take out – and this is not an exaggeration - 50 pounds of liquid. It would press on my lungs and diaphragm. It’s hard for me to listen to the vocals on The Blues Came Calling because I would have to record it one line at a time. What was the cause of the Hepatitis C? A lot of people of my generation

have Hep C, some of them don’t know how they got it. From 1975 through ‘77 I was a heroin addict. I played with a guy called Jesse Ed Davis – he was John Lennon’s favorite guitarist, he was on the Walls and Bridges and Rock ‘n’ Roll albums, and he played with Jackson Brown and in the Concert for Bangladesh. I’d moved to California after playing in bar bands in New Jersey and I was looking for a band. I was at a party and someone told me he wanted a rhythm guitarist so I told Jesse Ed I’d like to audition. He asked me who I’d played with, and I said a bar band in Jersey. He said, ‘I play with John Lennon and Bob Dylan, the bass player’s with Rod Stewart, the drummer’s with Van Morrision – do you think you can keep up with us?’ I said, let me play one song and I’ll bring you some cocaine. I got the gig! All of a sudden I was in the high life in LA, running up and down the Strip. And in that band, everybody was doing heroin. It was the thing to do. I could have got it then. I don’t know – you can also get it from a dentist, or from getting a tattoo… When the time came for the transplant, didn’t your fans help out via a Crowdfunder campaign? We did have health insurance, but we have a thing called a 30 percent co-pay so we had to pay 30 percent of a $2 million hospital bill. We didn’t know what we were going to do – sell the house and live in a trailer? That beautiful, beautiful gesture by the fans enabled us to

Main picture and left: The artist in his natural environment, ‘70s Stratocaster in hand. Walter’s a one-guitar guy! ALL PHOTOS: GREG WATERMAN

The American

Walter with his wife, Marie ALL PHOTOS: GREG WATERMAN

keep our home – and to live, because I wasn’t out working so we had no income. I had to go to Omaha, Nebraska for the transplant because there aren’t enough donors in LA. I was in the ICU in UCLA and they were telling my wife, get ready to lose your husband, he’s not

going to get the transplant he needs here. UCLA is a Mecca for the operation, the doctor who invented it is still working there, but my wife found out that in LA you only have an 18 percent chance because in LA there are a lot of actors and musicians who have damaged themselves and there’s not enough livers to go around. In Omaha you have an 82 percent chance because there are more donors and not as much demand. Curtis Salgado, a great blues singer, had had a transplant in

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Omaha. He called my wife and told my wife to get me out of UCLA and gave her the number of the doctor in Nebraska, Dr Dan Schafer. So off we went to Omaha and we lived there for seven months. And that’s where they saved my life. Two weeks ago I went back to Omaha and played a big outdoor benefit concert for the Donate Life charity and Dr Schafer came up on stage. Your new album Battle Scars is about your experiences, and a lot of it is harrowing, but instead of being unremittingly gloomy there’s a sense of the joy of life. When I came out of hospital I couldn’t play, I had to relearn to play guitar, and I really wanted to make another record. I had a whole different perspective on life and wanted to write about it in songs. But every time I tried, it came out in cliches ‘isn’t the sunshine wonderful…’ I had musical ideas but didn’t know how to say what I wanted to in words. My wife said I had to put myself back in the bed, think about what I went through, and write about my experience. When I got my head round that I wrote six songs in about four and a half hours. The next day I wrote the rest of it – the entire Battle Scars album in two days. I’d sit with an acoustic guitar on the couch and set

the recorder on my phone going, and a lot of it came out exactly as it is on the record, musically and lyrically. They’re the most personal songs I’ve ever written. ‘Almost Gone’ is about I see it in her eyes, I’m almost done. ‘Omaha’ is about being in that bed, and people dying in the next room – one night three people died right around me. ‘Fly Away’ is about a near-death experience I had where I was visited by spirits. Every song is an aspect of the experience. But in the long run, I made it. I am smelling the daisies and seeing the sunshine. How are you feeling, back on the road again? I feel great. The chronic fatigue is gone. The cramps and dizzy spells are gone. It was terrifying being on stage the last two tours, not knowing if I could play, but now I’m overjoyed to be back on tour. Walter recently toured the UK, ending October 30th at Blue Fest at the O2, London. Check out his website www.waltertrout.com for future dates. You can read the full interview with Walter Trout, including his terrifying upbringing, his fascinating career, and his lifelong love for one guitar at www.theamerican.co.uk

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Odaline de la Martinez

The contemporary music maven on her Cuban-American heritage and how moving to London was “an absolute shock - eveything was different!”

orty years ago the dynamic Cuban-American composer and conductor Odaline de la Martinez (the first woman to have conducted a complete BBC Prom at the Royal Albert Hall) co-founded Lontano, a music group which has featured some of the most noted, inventive and radical names in contemporary music. After starting their own record label, they created the London Festival of American Music, Lontano’s Biennial Festival. Since 2006 it has explored and celebrated the work of major American composers and reflects the variety of style that is so characteristic of contemporary American music today. This year’s festival features American Women Composers, reflecting new music as well as diversity of gender, generation and geography. The American caught up with Odaline to find out what makes her – and the Festival – tick.

Odaline, I read that you moved from Cuba to the USA at a young age – how did this move affect you and shape your perspective on life? My sister Margarita and I were sent by our parents to stay with our aunt and uncle in the States just after the Bay of Pigs invasion. I was eleven and she was ten. My parents didn’t know what would be happening in Cuba and felt it was safer for us to study there, learn English and return when things were clearer. Living in the States changed my perspective on life completely. We lived in Topeka, Kansas for one year and then moved more permanently to Tucson, Arizona. While in Kansas I saw snow for the first time. And in Tucson is saw cacti, gila monsters and of course the desert. And we were children. Children adapt to change very quickly. But also education was different. In

Odeline de la Martinez with the Lontano Ensemble PHOTO: MALCOLM CROWTHER

The American

Cuba we learnt by rote, in the States there was a lot of interchange between the teacher and the students. It was very inspiring. My mother and brother came out of Cuba and we moved to New Orleans. My father followed. New Orleans was also unique. Music was everywhere. It was infectious. And of course, life was so different. The States was a rich country and as a democracy you could express yourself freely. That was quite new to me. Does your Cuban heritage still inspire your music? Very much so. How? As a child we lived in a small town surrounded by sugar plantations. This meant that there was a large Afro-Cuban population. I remember going to sleep with the hypnotic sound of drums and waking up very early in the morning when the drums stopped. That wonderful Afro-Cuban culture is still in

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my blood. The music and dancing that comes with Afro-Cuban music is part of my composing. Sometimes it’s a memory of a memory but it’s still very much there. Why did you go into classical music? I started playing the piano when I was 3 years old. I kept up my piano studies, joined the high school and university choirs, wrote early works and took classes in theory and harmony while in Tulane University in New Orleans. I had originally received a maths scholarship to attend Tulane. And while there took classes in Maths and Music. When it was time to declare my principal study I was told I had to choose, since the degree in Music (BFA) was different from the Maths degree (BA). Realising that I couldn’t keep away from my music I chose to go in that direction and haven’t looked back since. Are there any kinds of popular music that you would like to work in? I love Afro Cuban music and as mentioned above, am very influenced by that style. What led you to become a composer and conductor? I was born that way. I have been writing music since an early age. But I also wanted to conduct. I was told (though not by my parents) that women didn’t conduct, so I didn’t start conducting until much later. Having experienced the big move from Cuba to the US, how did you find the transition from America to London? Coming to London was an absolute shock. Everything was different! Turning on a light switch, changing a light bulb, going shopping for food,

The American

travelling on the underground. You name it. It was all so different. For the first year here I was in absolute shock. Studying at the Royal Academy of Music was also very different. It was not academic like being in university. It was about performance and composition. Quite a different world. You founded the London Festival of American Music in 2006, what were your original goals, and 10 years later, how are your goals progressing as you approach 2016’s festival? My initial goal for starting the London Festival of American music was to bring to the capital and to the UK the many voices we call today American Music. A few American composers were known at the time, but that was it. There is so much variety in music being written in America today, that it was my vision to bring all that wonderful music to London. Ten years later my vision hasn’t changed. The festival programmes show diversity in geography, style, and gender. I would like to think that when audiences come to the London Festival of American Music they get a real

taste of everything that is happening in America today and historically as well. What particular highlights of this year’s programme are you looking forward to, or think our American readers should look out for? This year is my ensemble Lontano’s 40th Anniversary and we are featuring women composers. We have men composers in the festival, of course. But it’s a 50/50 balance. Many of the composers are coming over and we have a special Women’s Panel led by Jessica Duchen, a leading journalist in Women in Music. It’s all very exciting. Is the US/UK Special Relationship an important part of your life? It’s important in that the two countries have a lot in common both culturally and politically. This is something quite crucial in the changing and challenging world we have today. How do you feel about the reopening of US/Cuba relations? Will it change your life? I think the re-opening of US/Cuba relations is a good idea. As to whether it will change my life, I really don’t know. It’s early days. What’s the best thing about being Odaline de la Martinez? That is some question! I guess I feel lucky that I can follow my passion, which is music and hopefully do it well. I am my own boss and am free to devote as much love and care to my music as I want. That’s a big thing. The 6th London Festival of American Music is at The Warehouse, Theed Street, London SE1 8ST Tickets are available from Eventbrite or on the night at The Warehouse from 7pm www.lorelt.co.uk

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Far Right: Kankrar Jhal

Reviewed by Michael M Sandwick

very once in a while I meet someone who is a total inspiration. The founder of Calcutta Street, Shrimoyee Chakraborty is such a someone. Beautiful, bubbly, clever, ambitious… she has it all. Her enthusiasm is so infectious, you can taste it on the plate! Shrim built up a following with her food blog. From there she created a pop-up that was so successful, she took up permanent residence in Fitzrovia. Shrim’s place has the warm friendly feel of a family restaurant. Small wonder. Much of her inspiration comes from her mother’s kitchen. It is cosy, and the multiculti staff all fit right in. Warm, welcoming and well-informed, they provided atmosphere as well as good service. The food here is a nice blend of street food and Bengali home cooking. The flavors are softer and more subtle than much of Indian cuisine and spice is typically offset with something sweet. We started with Phuchka (£4), the Bengali version of panipuri or gol-

gappa. These were filled with spiced potato and served with tamarind mint water. Very well balanced with sweet, sour and fire, these little bites explode in your mouth. Chicken Reshmi kababs (£5.50) of succulent thighs and sweet peppers were simple and satisfying. Seabass steamed in banana leaf with mustard and coconut was another fine example of sweet and spice. Mustard and coconut is such a simple, effective combination, and the cooking method keeps the fish moist. Tiger prawns Malai Kari (£15) was the winner of the day. 2 big, fat prawns in the most delicious coconut sauce was neither street food nor home cooking. This was another level altogether. Again, quite simple, but the flavor was heavenly. A must have. I have never been a fan of English fried bread. It usually has me burping the entire day! The Bengali version however, Luchi (£2.50), is something else entirely! Delicious.

Whole meal flatbread is deep-fried, giving a light, puffy texture and a deeper taste. Rice and daal at £3 each rounded out the meal. The daal was my only disappointment. The red lentils were watery and the other flavors didn’t compensate for the lack of reduction. Less liquid or more lentils would be my remedy. We washed it all down with a lovely Riesling, Kumpf et Meyer, Alsace, 2013 for £34 a bottle. The balance of sweet and citrus was perfect with the food. The wine list is small, thought out and reasonable. We ordered 2 desserts and were given a third as well. It must have been my charm! £5 apiece, Bengali hotcakes with sugar syrup and caramelized bananas and sweetened yogurt with fresh mango were both delightful. Rice flour pancakes with coconut and jaggery was divine! Very thin crepes with a gorgeous, sweet but not too sweet filling. If my mum taught me how to make these, I’d open a restaurant too!

The American

Far Left: afternoon tea Near Left: Panfried Mackerel, Pesto & salsa

The Wallace restaurant

Far Left: the restaurant Near Left: scone

The Wallace Collection, Hertford House, Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN www.peytonandbyrne.co.uk/the-wallace-restaurant

Reviewed by Michael M Sandwick

’ve found the covered courtyard of Hertford House is perfect for whiling away the afternoon on a sunny day. After you’ve seen The Wallace Collection, of course! It is stunning. Art, furniture and porcelain galore in a “townhouse” built in 1776 – 88. Situated on the north side of Manchester Square in Marylebone, this is one of London’s grandest treasures. The restaurant is run by Peyton and Byrne, who also run eateries at The National, Kew Gardens, The Royal Academy of Arts …the list goes on like a who’s who of London icons! Yes, they know what they are doing! The atmosphere, food and service are all worthy of their glorious surroundings. Breakfast, lunch and tea are served every day and dinner on Fridays and Saturdays. A wonderful Domaine Gerard Fiou, Sancerre, 2013 (£42) put us right in the holiday spirit. And it was only Monday lunch! Sauvignon Blanc at its best, with apricot, citrus and honey. A good portion of the wines here are under £30 a bottle. A

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bargain in this setting. Fresh and fabulous sourdough bread with salty butter appeared and somehow, disappeared in a trice. Must have been my blonde guest! Asparagus with sauce gribiche (£9) was just right on a summer day. Al dente spears with a mayonnaise of chopped egg, capers and pickles. A light, tasty change from hollandaise. Crab, prawn and cucumber salad (£13.50) was served with the most delightful yuzu dressing. So delicate, it just gave a bit of zip to the sweet seafood and the crunch of cucumber. A slurp of Sancerre brought the dish to perfection. Pan roasted lemon sole Grenoblóise (£22.50), the classic, served with brown butter, capers, parsley and lemon was cooked beautifully. Served whole, but luckily, I learned how to fillet a fish early on. It’s like riding a bike! Nary a bone passed my lips. Poached turbot with coconut broth and prawn ravioli (£19.50) was much more complex. The tradi-

tional Thai ingredients: lemongrass, lime leaf and galangal enhanced the broth and the delicate, gyozalike ravioli was superb. Simple, grilled broccoli (£4) ensured we replenished our vitamins! Peach soup with raspberries, raspberry and lemon sorbet (£7) was light and very refreshing though the taste of sun-ripened peach didn’t quite shine through. Passion fruit and coconut cheesecake (£7.50) was as delicious as it was beautiful. A work of art, worthy of The Wallace! Lighter than even MY cheesecake (sulk), topped with a passion fruit gelée and decorated with miniature meringues and mango purée. Like a summer wedding on a plate! Afterwards, in my Sancerre haze, I took a stroll through Marylebone, admiring its buildings, people, cars and boutiques. After the cornucopia of art and lunch on a Monday, this was icing on the cake. And as if that weren’t enough, I had a blonde decorating my arm as well! Living the dream…

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Far Left: the restaurant Near Left: burger and fries

www.peytonandbyrne.co.uk/inn-the-park

Inn the Park I

f you are on your way to Buckingham Palace, whether it’s for an audience with Her Majesty, or to battle the throngs for the changing of the guards, you will likely be in need of fortification. What better place to do it, than right smack in the middle of St. James’s Park? Who’d o’ thunk this gorgeous garden was once a marshy wasteland and the site of a leper hospital??? Still, in its most recent incarnation, designed by the renowned landscape architect John Nash, it is the centre of iconic London with Westminster, St James’s Palace and Buckingham Palace all on its borders. Inn the Park is a light, airy pavilion on the banks of the St James’s Park Lake. It is beautifully designed to blend in with the natural surroundings, the grass roof sloping seamlessly into lawn. Inside, there are a cafeteria and a more formal restaurant, both with indoor and al fresco dining and every seat has a view. Snob that I am, I went for the formal!

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Surrounded by English heritage as I was, I felt compelled to swill some gin. There is a great selection of craft spirits on the bill of fare. Dodds gin from Battersea had a slight taste of bitters from its abundance of botanicals, including lime peel. Jensen’s gin of Bermondsey was cleaner, less aromatic and with a peppery finish. Both were served with Fever Tree Mediterranean tonic. I would have preferred plain tonic over this floral version which has no bite. Charred octopus and Jersey royals (£6.50) was as tender as I’ve ever had, with the great taste of char and a powdering of smoky paprika. Wonderful dish. Grilled prawn and avocado cocktail (£6.50) was tasty, if uninspired. In a glass, on a bed of shredded lettuce with Marie Rose sauce. Some people like their classics unadulterated! Rump of lamb with broad beans, pea puree and salsa verde (£16.50) and 27 day aged beef rump with béarnaise sauce and hand cut chips (£18.50) were both good cuts of

Far Left: the roof terrace Near Left: fish and chips

St James’s Park, London SW1A 2BJ

Reviewed by Michael M Sandwick meat, tender and served medium rare as ordered. Again, there is not a lot of invention here, but both execution and presentation were faultless. The buttery béarnaise was particularly good. With our mains we had a glass of Malbec, Santa Julia (£6.50), smooth with plum and light oak and a Rioja reserve ‘Gavanza’ (£7.25), full bodied, with good tannin, dark berry and coffee. Both good wines. For dessert (£6.50 ea.) my companion and I agreed on treacle tart with clotted cream but couldn’t decide between chocolate pot with pistachio brittle and lemon thyme and honey roasted plums with vanilla ice cream. Our lovely waitress talked us into the plums. Always listen to your waitress!!! They were delicious and I shall attempt them myself in my lab kitchen. Alright, my plain old ordinary kitchen. Sweet, tart, aromatic and juicy, this was the dish of the day. Now, about that audience with the Queen!

58 St Martin’s Lane, London WC2N 4EA

www.mr-foggs.com/tavern

MR FOGG’S TAVERN

Reviewed by Michael M Sandwick

fternoon tea, Victorian paraphernalia, theater and gin. What could possibly be more English than that??? Bring a brolly and a stiff upper lip, and you have the whole kit and caboodle at one fell swoop! Honestly, this is a must do the next time you have a couple of Yankees in your guestroom. They will love it, as will you. Afternoon tea is of course, my favorite English meal. Beats mutton hands down! At Mr Fogg’s however, the teapot is filled with gin. Why this hasn’t always been so is beyond me. It makes the meal ever so much more enjoyable. Served by the charming and theatrical Raphael, it just doesn’t get much better! He’s a gem. There are several “teas” to choose from. 3 with gin and 3 with champagne. £38 for a single pot, £58 for bottomless gin and £68 for bottomless Champagne. A single pot was more than ample. Especially if you continue directly to the adjacent gin parlor for cocktail hour. Of course we did!

We sampled a “What win I, if I gain the gin I seek?” with rose and cranberry green tea, Tanqueray, bergamot, honey, lemon and grapefruit. Complex and flowery with a touch of sharp citrus. “Fall to your knees, Tanqueray to the Gods!” was a smoother gintail with jasmine green tea, pineapple syrup, lemon and orange bitters. Both were extremely well concocted and surprisingly well suited to the three-tiered offering of teatime treats. The sandwiches were not the best ever. Classically crustless ham, salmon and cheese and chutney. All the right ingredients, but skimpy as opposed to sumptuous. Two quiches and a sausage roll were the best of the savories. Scones were served with a portion of clotted cream that stilled my heart and the lemon meringue and chocolate ganache tarts were both good. In between, an elderflower cream was a delightful surprise. During our meal Siegfried Loew amazed us with his sleight of hand.

Coins and cards disappeared and reappeared in ways I just couldn’t figure out…no matter how much gin I swilled! The room and décor are just divine. Victorian with a capital V. Hats, wigs, costumes, jewels, chaise longues, settees…it’s all set in precisely the year 1885, when Phileas J. Fogg inherited the tavern from his aunt, the actress Gertrude Fogg. I had assumed the Fogg came from the state one is in upon leaving the tavern. Such a fog, it requires two g’s! It is of course, all based on the character from the Jules Verne classic, Around the World in Eighty Days. As I mentioned, we continued directly into Aunt Gertrude’s gin parlor for yet another libation. Should you miss tea, the gin parlor is a delightful, and depending on your disposition, possibly superior alternative. The array of gins on display is nearly as impressive as the knowledge of the woman who serves them. And you will definitely leave in a London Fogg!

The American

MUSTARD 98-100 Shepherd’s Bush Road London W6 7PD www.mustardrestaurants.co.uk

he team behind Joe Allen have brought their expertise to Brook Green. Restaurateurs Lawrence Hartley and Tim Healy and Executive Chef Jason Wild’s new brasserie feels like part local pub and part West End chic. Teal blue panelling and Victorian tiles line the walls and botanical prints hang above the mustard yellow, leather banquettes. Bright, inviting and lovely. The fare is also a combination of pub food and trends of the mo. British, local, artisan and seasonal ingredients with an emphasis on light, healthy food shares the bill with classic pub favorites, and a great range of vegetarian dishes so I took a fishetarian friend. We were offered the cocktail of the day within moments. The sign of good service. They know what you want before you do! Prosecco with black currant puree was just the ticket. Root veg crisps and olives got me in the healthy, veggie spirit. Pushing my boundaries! This called for more alcohol!

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Reviewed by Michael M Sandwick The wine list is small and atypical, mostly low to mid-range in price. A bottle of Picpoul De Pinet, 2014 at £29.95 was lovely. Lemon, grapefruit and a buttery finish. Frosted wine glasses was a nice touch. We were well looked after throughout the meal. Freshly baked fennel and linseed bread (£4.95) was a tasty take on focaccia. It was served very crisp though, which belied the freshly baked concept. Lightly fried Cornish squid (£6.50) was excellent. Perfect, golden brown, crispy batter, tender squid and a good tartare sauce. I could eat it like popcorn! Devonshire crab salad (£7.95) was even better. Very fresh and served with a bit of wild fennel, beautifully bitter radicchio, endive and chicory, and dressed with whole grain mustard. Could easily be offered as a main! Fish cakes with sorrel sauce and chips (£11.95) was a low spot. Very heavily breaded and nothing to

spice up the prawn, salmon and haddock filling. The tart, piquant punch of sorrel was also lacking. Pan fried woodland mushrooms (£10.95) on the other hand was brilliant. Perhaps I am just more West End chic than pub classic, but Chef Wild does trendy veg really well. The fungi were bursting with taste and paired with lentils, pearl spelt and a wonderful soft cheese. A great marriage of texture and flavor. Sides of Whitmore heritage tomatoes with rosemary and caper salt (£3.95) and raw shaved vegetable salad with whole grain mustard and toasted seeds (£4.95) were also excellent. Good, simple, high-end produce. Gooseberry and gin crumble (£5.95) had a nice topping, but was incredibly tart. I love gooseberries, but they do need sugar! Flourless chocolate cake (£5.95) was excellent. Light, with a rich dark chocolate flavor and ground almond instead of flour gave the cake a good crumb! Disappeared in a flash.

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City Point,1 Ropemaker Street, London EC2Y 9AW

‘

attis

he City isn’t my usual bailiwick. For some reason, I am not on the A list at Goldman Sachs. Their loss! Mine has been missing out on the square mile’s restaurants. Silly twit! Obviously the high flyers of finance have fine dining on their Carrara doorsteps. Forget Pokémon Go. My new game is “follow the money and find the food”! Gatti’s is half a tick from Moorgate station. Scads of wealth on one side and the wonders of The Barbican on the other. Money, food AND culture. I might move in. We were warmly welcomed in the sleek, modern bar and offered Champagne. “Twist my arm”, I said to the barman, but I was in the barstool with all limbs intact before he had a chance. Then came the surprise. Veuve Clicquot Rich, served on ice with a choice of raw fruit or veg. What??!! That’s sacrilege! How can they? With panache, it turns out, and so will you! It’s amazing. Rich is an old term that refers to the amount of sugar in Champagne.

The American

www.gattisrestaurant.co.uk

Reviewed by Michael M Sandwick This one is quite rich. On its own, a good pairing with fruit desserts. The addition of ice and either pineapple, grapefruit zest, cucumber, celery, sweet peppers or tea changes the drink completely, turning it into a summer quencher like no other. I chose the peppers and my friend, cucumber and pineapple. The aroma that wafted from our glasses was fantastic and the change in taste even more so. Great fun. We then moved to the dining room. Here, the formality of linen is offset by the warmth of exposed brick. Class and comfort. The service too is top notch with the friendliness of a family owned trattoria. There are crowds at lunch and pre-theater, but for dinner, it is quite relaxed, inviting leisurely dining. The food is classic Italian with a modern sensibility. There are several set menus as well as à la carte. We chose the tasting menu at £68.99 for 2, including a glass of Veuve Clicquot, 2 starters, 2 mains and a trio of mini

desserts. Excellent value! Grilled scallops with asparagus, ginger, garlic, fresh chili dressing and crispy Parma ham was heavenly. Grilled seasonal vegetables with toasted goat’s cheese was simple, abundant and also good quality. 5-aday with flare! Scottish beef fillet in a port wine reduction, herbs, crispy onion and parmesan gnocchi was an excellent dish, marred by overcooking. Ordered medium rare, served medium well. An amateurish mistake from an otherwise competent kitchen. The sauce was brilliant and the gnocchi, light and flavorful. Ravioli with duck’s leg confit filling, porcini sauce and grated fois gras was pure opulence. A reason to return. Tiramisu, chocolate mousse and passion fruit panna cotta are uninspired choices for my jaded tongue, but satisfied my sweet tooth nonetheless. I am looking forward to the dessert trolley next time!

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2 – 4 Hoxton Square, London N1 6NU

www.smokeytails.co.uk

SMOKEY TAILS

Reviewed by Michael M Sandwick

don’t usually review breakfast but, as we all know, it is the most important meal of the day. That is why I accepted a first thing in the morning invitation at Smokey Tails…Sunday at 12:30! Getting there was a trick. I still had cucumbers on my eyes! But after the shock of having to function at the crack of noon, the rest was pure joy! Smokey Tails is a collaboration between DJ Seth Troxler, festival director Jo Vidler and Head Chef Jona Ahearne. What a team! They reminded me of the great Fats Waller lyric, “Find out what they want, and how they want it, and let ‘em have it just that way!” They did, and they do. Hoxton/Shoreditch, aka hipster heaven, is still the hottest hood in London, in spite of the fact that much of it has outpriced itself, losing its edge in the process. Not here. Smokey Tails keeps its cool and the prices are rock bottom. To boot, it’s

connected to the fab music venue, Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen. The neo-warehouse style is no longer cutting edge, but the terrace, overlooking Hoxton Square, is glorious. Troxler is known for Detroit House Music. For Sunday brunch it was mellow, but still groovy. Perfect for nursing a hangover. The food too is just what the doctor ordered for pulling yourself out of whatever Saturday abuse you inflicted upon yourself. I of course went to the gym and drank veggie smoothies!!! The only problem with the menu is that everything is a hafta. You hafta have it! Midwest Modern, there is barbecue, fried chicken, French toast, eggs Benedict and a few Hoxton alternatives. I was in such a quandary. Thankfully Billy, our wonderful waiter, came to my rescue and helped me settle on a mere 4 main courses! Brioche French toast (£10) was coated in cornflakes, giving it a sweet, satisfying crunch.

Served with bacon, maple syrup and a slice of fried chicken, I was ready to plough the back 40! Sweet Corn and chilli fritters with goat curd and harissa (£7.50) would have been perfect if they had been cooked through. Sadly, raw batter ran out middle. Note to kitchen: make them smaller! They won’t look as dramatic but will cook evenly. The outer bits were crunchy and delicious and the updated accompaniments a great touch. Eggs Benedict with pulled pork (£8.50) was a gilded lily if ever I ate one! A delicious calorie bomb that will get you through the day…and tomorrow! Best for last was beef brisket hash (£9). Melt in your mouth beef, lots of caramelised onions and chunky potatoes was on the money. The horseradish cream was light on the horse but still, the dish of the day. The prices don’t differ much at dinner. Nearly everything is under £10! My value pick of the year!

The American

Graveteye Manor Vowels Lane, West Hoathly, Sussex RH19 4LJ 01342 810567, info@gravetyemanor.co.uk www.gravetyemanor.co.uk

Review by Virginia Schultz

y late husband and I kept our 44 foot sailboat in a marina in Lymington, Hants and after a long weekend sailing, we’d often stay over in this country house hotel. Usually we had two cars and he dashed off to London about five while I stayed for a few more hours. William Robinson, the father of the English garden moved into Gravetye in 1884 where he spent the next fifty years writing books and publications expressing his ideas on a more sensitive and naturalistic style of gardening. Since the sixties, the manor has been run as a hotel and anyone who is is interested in gardens or just wants a weekend of wonderful dining, there are fewer more delightful places to stay in the UK than here. Admittedly, I’m prejudiced as Gravetye holds many wonderful memories for me, and today my youngest daughter and her family rent one of the houses on the estate.

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As a photographer she always has her camera within hands reach and she, my two grandchildren and my West Highland terrier - once a city dog, born in Philadelphia, now a proper county dog - are out exploring the countryside where deer, ducks, and foxes roam free. She even took a photograph of a rare white deer, known as the Judas deer, surrounded by barely visible darker relatives. Beside county walking or just relaxing in the garden, there is also the food. There is a kitchen garden where the freshest vegetables are grown and this summer I had sliced tomatoes that really tasted like tomatoes and not the waxy flat kind we buy in the supermarket. Oh, and the Southdown lamb, the only time you’ll taste lamb as good as this is in New Zealand which is rather out of the way. And dessert, it’s not always on the menu, the red beetroot and coconut cake is worth every single calorie

you add to your daily take. There are only seventeen rooms and getting a reservation is not always easy. Teas are also fantastic and if you’re going to be in the area, make a reservation ahead of of time. There are flower arranging classes that include lunch and wine dinners as well. Staying or just enjoying lunch or dinner is a bit like stepping back to before World War I where the upper class lived as if they ran the world - and did. As someone who grew up in a town in the USA that the socialists ran for 13 years and who dated the son of a man who ran as the socialist vice presidential candidate, I mean no criticism. But, I must admit I decided while having a fantastic tea there recently that I’d have enjoyed living as the wife of a lord of the manor for a week or two. Take note, reservations are necessary, but definitely worth the wait for a view of the gardens and tea, lunch or dinner.

Cook’s Books

love cookbooks. They are my favorite bedtime reading. However, not being a natural born cook, even after taking numerous cooking lessons, I’ve learned to avoid those recipes that are too complicated. At least most of the time. Eating in my house as my son then twelve once said, ‘can be feast or famine’. This past Christmas, my youngest daughter gave me Katie and Giancarlo Caldesi’s VENICE, Recipes Lost and Found (ISBN-13: 978-1742707730). The introduction starts with a brief history of Venice cooking which is fascinating, especially for someone like myself who has been to this fascinating city numerous times. The photography is above board, I might also add. I’ve already cooked a number of the recipes, all of which give easy explanations from buying to cooking. As a result, I finally learned how to cook as well as serve pasta properly. If you enjoy ‘Liver and Onions’ as I do, the recipe on page 213 explains how to buy the liver but prepare it as well. From Italy, I went to France with My Paris Kitchen, by Davd Lebovitz

Reviewed by Virginia Schultz (ISBN-13: 978-1607742678). This is a book with not only recipes, but stories. It took me back to my first trip to France where I stayed in a friend’s apartment, she was American, and I found myself in the most ill equipped kitchen I’ve ever had to cook in. Her explanation, “I don’t like cooking and why would any one cook when they live in France?” did make sense, especially after eating in local bistros. There were, however, delightful small shops whose proprietors were happy to give simple explanations on how to prepare whatever I bought. Simple, I might add, if my French were better. The recipe for mashed potatoes on page 216 is lovely, but as a French friend advised, ’plus de beurre, plus de beurre’ . ‘Americans,’ as one green grocer said, ‘zay is fearful of adding butter.’ Or as he insisted, when I make mashed potatoes, add the butter I think is necessary, then double the butter. The third recipe book is The Grain Brain by David Perlmutter, MD (ISBN-13: 978-1444791907). This cookbook would horrify many of my French and Italian friends as

it explains how wheat, sugar and carbs can harm the brain. Still, the recipes are not only wholesome but quite good and justifies any American guilt I have after serving dishes from the recipes in the previous two books. Another I love is Fine English Cookery by Michael Smith (ISBN-13: 978-1897959367). This is not a new book, it was published in 1973. It is a good read for anyone interested in the history of English cooking. The 18th Century, often known as the age of elegance, was especially fascinating because England’s aristocracy took as much pride in the food they serve as today’s followers of Gordon Ramsey and Jamie Oliver. One thing I didn’t know was that ice was imported from America or that Oxford and Cambridge were in many ways responsible for preserving these dishes from the past. Minor errata for The Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard in the last issue: Chef ‘s name is Gareth Bowen, and although the address of The Shard is 32 London Bridge Street, SE1, the hotel entrance is round the corner at 31 St Thomas Street, SE1.

The American

DRINKS of the MONTH Soda Folk Root Beer and Cream Soda

RECIPE of the MONTH Joy Lee’s Mystic Seaport Haddock Chowder Looking for the perfect starter for your Thanksgiving Dinner? Joy Lee Ramell is the Treasurer, Chaplain and Honorary Regent of the St. James Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. She has kindly shared with us her delicious chowder recipe, which she adapted many years ago from one published in Recipes from American’s Restored Villages by Jean Anderson. Joy Lee says, “This has been our traditional Thanksgiving starter for at least three decades, a change from Oyster Stew after one of our Chapter members could not eat shellfish. The original recipe, from Mystic, Connecticut, has diced potatoes, but I leave them out for Thanksgiving.”

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ideal for pairing with food or as a mixer with Bourbon. The Root Beer Soda is also made with a base of carbonated water and pure cane sugar, but gets its spiciness with the pungent and piquant root, wintergreen; rounded off with aged vanilla and pure maple syrup, it’s a great pairing to the classic American hamburger, a novel cocktail ingredient and is taken to a whole new level as part of a Hard Soda or (Hard) Root Beer Float. I look forward to the three new Soda Folk flavors launching soon. Soda Folk’s website is just being re-done (sodafolk.com) so you’ll be able to buy them direct, but for now email ken@sodafolk.com to find more information on stockists.

Serves 8 1/8 pound salt pork, cut into a dice 2 large yellow onions, peeled and chopped 2 1/4 cups of water Salt to taste White pepper to taste 2 1/2 pounds fresh, skinless naturally smoked and fresh fillets of Haddock about equal amounts 2 cups of whole milk 2 cups of Creme Fraiche or double cream 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter Chives or parsley Ingredients:

©FIREBRANDBAR

I’ve always found good sodas difficult to obtain in the UK. Luckily a fellow American has come to my rescue for my Thanksgiving and Christmas guests who can’t have alcohol. Soda Folk was founded by Coloradan, Ken Graham, when he moved to London from the states and found himself homesick for Coloradan Root Beer. Having played around with making sodas in the kitchen since he was a small child, he decided it was time he brought craft sodas to the UK, with nothing artificial added, just the best quality ingredients he could find and simple recipes, which launched late last year. The Cream Soda is made simply with carbonated water, pure cane sugar and Madagascan vanilla extract packing a luxuriant flavor punch,

Method: Slowly render the fat from the salt pork until the salt pork is crisp and brown. Add the water and onions and simmer for about 15 minutes. Add the milk and Haddock and cover. Simmer until the Haddock breaks apart into large pieces, add the creme, butter and salt and pepper to taste. Do not allow to boil. Garnish with chives or parsley.

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The Radical Eye: Modernist Photography from the Sir Elton John Collection

Tate Modern, Bankside, London SE1 9TG November 10 to May 7, 2017

Carl Laubin : A Sentimental Journey

Carl Laubin, Klenzeana, 2016 140 x 241 cm, oil on canvas (CAPRICCI inspired by Leo von Klenze) ©CARL LAUBIN

American born artist Carl Laubin (b.1947), now living and working in the UK, is best known for the virtuosity of his incredibly detailed capricci. A ‘capriccio’ in painting means a fantasy combining actual buildings, ruins, even fictional touches, dating back, some say, to ancient Rome, and the wall decorations of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Laubin trained as an architect at Cornell, worked for London practices, including Jeremy Dixon, who encouraged him to illustrate their redevelopment of the Royal Opera House. By 1986, painting, his first love since early childhood, took over full time. Here, Laubin’s journey is from neo-classical 19th century to 1920s modernist. It begins with capricci inspired by the little known Leo von Klenze (17841864) who transformed Munich

from a provincial town into a major cultural capital city. ‘Klenzeana’, including many of his best known buildings and ‘Befreiungshalle’ built to celebrate of Bavarian freedom from Napoleonic rule, are two of the most powerful works in the show.

Plus One Gallery, B & C Trafalgar House, Juniper Drive, London SW18 1GY November 23 to December 16

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This major photography exhibition of classic modernist images from the 1920s to the 1950s is drawn from one of the world’s top photography collections, and marks the start of a long term relationship between Sir Elton and The Tate. With 150 works, all of rare vintage prints created by the artists themselves, from more than 60 artists, it includes André Kertész, Berenice Abbot, Alexandr Rodchenko and Edward Steichen, and a large swathe of works of Man Ray, collected over 25 years. It demonstrates how the portrait, nude and still life genres were reimagined through the camera. Featuring portraits of great cultural figures of the 20th century, including Georgia O’Keeffe by Alfred Stieglitz, Edward Weston by Tina Modotti, Jean Cocteau by Berenice Abbott and Igor Stravinsky by Edward Weston. Man Ray, Glass Tears (Les Larmes) 1932 Photograph, gelatin silver print on paper COLLECTION ELTON JOHN © MAN RAY TRUST/ADAGP, PARIS AND DACS, LONDON 2016

Tameka Jenean Norris: Cut From the Same Cloth Ronchini Gallery, 22 Dering Street, London W1S 1AN November 25 to January 21, 2017

Andy Warhol, Debbie Harry, Oct 27, 1980 (ref. 13731) gelatin silver print, dated 10 x 8 inches, £28,500

Pimlico Goes Pop

Haynes Fine Art, 70 Pimlico Road, London SW1W 8LS November 3 to December 7 Haynes Fine Art, one of the UK’s largest privately owned dealerships, have opened a new gallery, with a collection of rare and previously unseen works by Pop Art legend Andy Warhol (1928 - 1987). This selling exhibition comprises 27 original works, many directly from the Warhol Foundation. It includes a group of 1950s drawings and illustrations, rare Polaroid portraits and unique gelatin silver photographs of 1980s celebrities. The early drawings include a number of original illustrations for a 1956 book by Warhol called ‘In the Bottom of my Garden’, a work that begins to blend his experiences in commercial art with his own developing ideas and skills as a fine art draughtsman. Other drawings depict fashion, flowers, footwear, animals and birds, abstract works, and female figures, executed in ink, tempera, watercolor and ballpoint pen.

An exhibition of new works in a wide range of media, by American artist Tameka Jenean Norris (b. 1979, Guam). Many of these works portray members of her family along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. She says, “In the process of striving to achieve a better life, many people (and particularly those of color from lower socio-economic backgrounds) typically end up having to leave the community they grew up in, often resulting in a detached relationship with family. For me, this was a way to reconnect with relatives I had become estranged from. Some of the subjects have deceased or are incarcerated while others I have been able to reach via social media - but rarely in person. Part of the work is about starting conversations with my family or reconciling some rift between us.” Tameka Jenean Norris, Marilyn No Matter What He Do, (work in progress), 2016 fabric, canvas, acrylic paint, thread, 55 x 50 in. IMAGE COURTESY THE ARTIST AND RONCHINI GALLERY

Robert Rauschenberg, Retroactive II, 1963 Oil, silkscreen, and ink on canvas 80 × 60 in. © MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART, CHICAGO

Robert Rauschenberg

Tate Modern, Bankside, London SE1 9TG December 1 to April 2, 2017 Creating pop art alongside Andy Warhol and making an artwork out of his bed half a century before Tracey Emin, Texan artist Robert Rauschenberg (1925 2008) has been a global influence in the art world. This is the first major exhibition of his work in the UK for 35 years and the first retrospective of the artist since his death, and is organized by Tate Modern and The Museum of Modern Art, New York. It includes large-scale pop art screen prints, a paint splattered taxidermy goat in a car tyre surrounded by street signs; and Bed, soiled sheets spattered with brushmarks. His quest for innovation was fired by his boundless curiosity and enthusiasm for new ways of making, from painting to performance art. He worked with mass, popular and trash imagery and materials – paint, silk-screen printing, found objects, newspapers, politicians, sportsmen, and pop stars.

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DON’T MISS ... Modern Folk

98 Tower Bridge Road, Bermondsey,

London SE1 4TP www.modernfolkshop.com

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, The Supper at Emmaus, 1601 Oil on canvas,141 x 196.2 cm © THE NATIONAL GALLERY, LONDON 1925 Hungarian wedding chest

This hot new folk art and furniture gallery has recently opened in Bermondsey. Curated by Art Historian Kitty Walsh, who runs it with entrepreneur Scott Hadley, it showcases a curated collection of folk art from across Europe and beyond. A long time collector of folk art herself, Kitty has been trading in historic and vintage pieces for over a year and has gained a reputation for unique pieces that offer a fresh take on traditional styles. The collection ranges from 19th century primitive painted furniture and religious icons to mid-century modern ceramics and Soviet-era posters, as well as new works including Russian matryoshka dolls and traditional embroidered slippers from throughout Europe. Choose from vintage taxidermy, traditional ceramics, naïve paintings or quirky kitchenalia - each piece is unique, hand-crafted, and tells a story. 

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Beyond Caravaggio

National Gallery, Sainsbury Wing, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN to January 1, 2017; then National Gallery of Ireland (February 11 to May 14); Royal Scottish Academy (June 17 to September 24) Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1571–1610) is one of the most revolutionary figures in art. His striking, emotionally charged paintings, with their intense naturalism, dramatic lighting and powerful storytelling, had a lasting impact on European art. This is the first major UK exhibition to explore his work and influence on his contemporaries and followers. Yet he never had pupils or traveled extensively, and died at only 39. From 1600, artists from across Europe flocked to Rome to see his work, and many went on to imitate his naturalism and dramatic lighting effects – these included Orazio Gentileschi, Valentin de Boulogne, Jusepe de Ribera and Gerrit van Honthorst. Paintings by Caravaggio and his followers were highly sought after in the decades following his death, but fell out of favor by the middle of the C17th. Maureen Gallace, Surf Road, 2015 Oil on panel, 9 x 12 inches. IMAGE COURTESY

MAUREEN PALEY, LONDON & 303 GALLERY, NEW YORK

Maureen Gallace

Maureen Paley Gallery, 21 Herald Street, London E2 6JT to November 20 New Yorker Maureen Gallace brings another exhibition to this gallery, focusing on specific aspects of the weather, the beach shore, architectural details and plants that grow in the landscapes that she has visited and reimagined as a subject over many years. Her oil paintings are realized with wet-on-wet brushwork into formal compositions and completed on small wooden panels, that have a kinship to Edward Hopper’s scenes of solitude and the meditative still-lifes of the Italian modern master Giorgio Morandi, and affinities with the 1950s New York tradition of painterly realism.

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by Murray Schisgal Directed by Gary Condes

8 Dec 2016 → 7 Jan 2017

Amy Madigan

e caught actress Amy Madigan in the middle of packing for their trip to London. Their? We don’t usually talk to interviewees about their spouses, but in this case it’s hard not to. As well as her many stage, movie and TV roles Amy is famous as the wife of actor Ed Harris and they have a long-term habit of working together. Maybe an addiction? This time they’re coming to the West End stage with their production of Sam Shepard’s play Buried Child.

Amy, we’re on the phone, where are you as we talk and when do you fly across the pond? We’re at home in Southern California, near the beach. We head off to New York City tomorrow for three weeks of rehearsals, and I am stoked to meet our Brits in the cast. It’s a great ensemble piece and we have to create a family. Then we all head over to London. We have a pretty good number of previews which I think this play needs – it’s a big beast of a play, with three acts, but it’s brilliantly written by Mr Shepard. Sam started writing in the ‘60s at La MaMa in New York and the Magic Theatre in San Francisco, and I remember when Left: Ed Harris and Amy Madigan in the New York production of Buried Child Right: Ed and Amy at the show’s New York opening

Buried Child won the Pulitzer Prize in 1979 some people were a little taken aback that the committeee chose it. But other writers and theater artists and critics clearly knew that this was an unbelieveable play. We’re thrilled to be attacking it again! Sam was well known before he wrote Buried Child but this was a masterpiece, different to what other playwrights were doing: the hilarity of it, but also the sadness of family denial that ruins everyone. In our interpretation the way that Dodge, the patriarch of the family, and Halie, his wife and the matriarch, relate to everone, particularly each other, is pretty hilarious – in a dark way. Hopefully people will see a little of themselves up there, or at least think, thank God I’m not in that family! When we did Buried Child in New York at the beginning of the year it was almost exactly 20 years since it was given a full production there. I don’t know if it’s ever been done over in London. [This will be its UK premier – ed.] Mr Shepard lived in London for a while, and I hope everyone over there is excited about the play. Let’s get that inevitable question out of the way ...So Amy, what’s it like working with your husband?

We have done it a lot! [laughs] Ed and I met in a small theater production back in 1981 and we’ve continued to work with each other since. We’re lucky. It’s very fulfilling and a lot of fun. I don’t recommend it for everbody, but for us …You want to work with somebody who’s really good, somebody you can get to the heart of it. Ed and I have different personalitites, we work in different ways and it’s a pretty good balance. Your ‘day job’ involves rowing and getting into heightened emotional states. Do you have strategies for coping when you get home? No, I don’t think we do. But that’s the great thing about theater – there’s a beginning, a middle and an end and you get through it all to the end of the play, then it’s over. Sometimes we talk about it, certainly when you’re in rehearsal and you dissect it. Even during the run a play changes and moves and hopefully grows every night. We’re pretty good at that. Two years ago Ed and I did Beth Henley’s play, The Jacksonian, in Los Angeles then in New York. We played husband and wife and in the play he actually kills me – it was a great thing to do every night!

Have either of you worked in London before? No. Ed has filmed a lot over in England and we’ve visited often on vacation and seeing friends, but to be on the West End stage is very, very exciting for both of us. What an opportunity to meld the work with being in London! Being Irish I’d love to explore there too, but we’re doing eight shows a week with one day off so who knows where we’ll get to go. I figure anywhere outside of the theater district and our apartment will be exciting for me. The play’s set in a post-recession rural America with industries collapsing and a rise in the popularity

of right wing political candidates. Does it have anything to say today? Absolutely – Sam wrote it in the ‘70s. Nixon was just going out and the Vietnam War was a gigantic thing. Rural America was divided from the cities and people were isolated. Nixon was like, “I’m law & order” and that’s what Trump is saying now. It’s cyclical. The play’s about how to survive the changes. In New York people related to it in a very visceral way. It will be interesting to see how a London audience reacts to it. Britain is divided too, depending on whether you’re in London or in the countryside. At least in the Cold War there was a kind or certainty.

True, but then out of that came the punk movement, and music getting involved with politics. And now here we are refighting the Civil Right movement, and Chicago, where I came from, is getting kinda bankrupt, just like New York in the ‘70s! Finally, what’s the best thing about being Amy Madigan? Is that like Barbara Walters asking what kind of tree you’d be? Hmmm, the best thing is ...retaining my sense of humor and being able to throw it back on myself. Buried Child runs from November 14 to February 18 at Trafalgar Studios, London

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Niamh Cusack

PHOTO ©MARC BRENNER

UNFAITHFUL H

arry Potter star Matthew Lewis returns to the West End stage in Belfast writer Owen McCafferty’s powerful and poignant drama about the nature of love and deception. It is staged in Found 111, a chic, if rough and ready, pop-up venue on the site of the old Central St Martin’s College of Art where it follows critically acclaimed productions of Bug and The Dazzle, both of which showcased young stars. But here, it is two well established Irish actors, Niamh Cusack and Sean Campion, who grab the attention. McCafferty, whose work we don’t see nearly enough of, premiered this at the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh in 2014 and Adam Penford’s taut staging perfectly fits this intimate room. It’s a four hander which, in 75 tightly crafted minutes, tells us much about a 30 year marriage gone numb and a younger relationship struggling to get off the ground. Immediately we are thrown into a confrontation where Joan (Cusack) furiously admonishes Tom (Campion) after discovering that he’s had sex with a young woman in a bar. In a witty twist she makes him tell her what he should have told her

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on the phone if he was being honest with her from the outset. Not a good marriage counselling technique. Tom is a bored plumber crumbling in existential angst who prefers to delay in hotel bars of an evening, nursing pints. This is where he is propositioned by a drunken but determined young blonde Tara (Ruta Gedmintas). Joan in revenge decides to work out her anger and frustration by hiring a male escort, Peter (Matthew Lewis), and we soon learn that he happens to be Tara’s partner. This is perhaps a coincidence too far but this attempt at presenting infidelity in all its dimensions was also tried by the likes of Schnitzler in La Ronde or Pinter in Betrayal and so it has form. Cusack is magnificent, rising to the leading lady role she so deserves. She holds us rapt throughout, perfectly fusing the sheer ordinariness of Joan, who is a supervisory dinner lady, with the fire of Greek tragedienne. Some witty Irish sarcasm leavens the drama too and McCafferty writes great dialogue. Campion does wonders as Tom, humanising an emotionally dried out middle-aged man. His graphic descriptions of the sex may be designed to wound, but

By Owen McCafferty Found 111, 111 Charing Cross Rd London WC2H 0DT Found111.co.uk/unfaithful Reviewed by Jarlath O’Connell they reveal a man standing on the edge of an abyss. The young couple’s story is less convincing and harder for the actors to pull off. Tara longs for real connection, a modern malaise, and can’t get it from Peter. “I didn’t hurt you because you can’t feel hurt” she says. He seems to have lost his sense of self, blunted by the delusion that his escort work is merely cold blooded capitalism, which he’s perfectly in control of. The four characters all feel cheated in some way out of a life they never had and this is the aching sense of disappointment at the core of the play. McCafferty structures the piece brilliantly. We witness accretions of lies and we are left in some doubt about the veracity of the two stories. This gets to the nub of it: is the mere thought of contemplating infidelity the real infidelity, with the activity ultimately being beside the point? What gets you to that stage, what keeps you together and what pushes you apart? These are the oldest questions but they are given a powerfully compelling airing here in this impeccably directed drama, which shimmers like a mirage. 

‘SAM SHEPARD’S GOTHIC MASTERWORK’ THE NEW YORK TIMES

ED HARRIS AMY MADIGAN JEREMY IRVINE CHARLOTTE HOPE BARNABY KAY

BURIEDCHILD WITH

Photography; Serge Nivelle

WRITTEN BY SAM SHEPARD DIRECTED BY SCOTT ELLIOTT

FROM 14 NOVEMBER 2016

BuriedChildPlay.co.uk

PHOTOS ©ALASTAIR MUIR

NIGHT MUST FALL Salisbury Playhouse and on tour*

elsh dramatist, author and actor, Emlyn Williams, took the part of Inspector Belsize when his psychological thriller was first performed in 1935. Totally shocking at the time, it is rarely performed now, although you may have seen either the 1937 film adaptation starring Robert Montgomery and Rosalind Russell, or the 1964 remake with Susan Hampshire and Albert Finney. This touring co-production from The Original Theatre Company and Salisbury Playhouse, in association with Eastbourne Theatres, brings it to the stage once again, with an excellent cast. Gwen Taylor is the controlling, wheelchair-bound reasonably wealthy Mrs Bramson (and incidentally looking strikingly like Hillary Clinton facially - casting directors please note), bossing her ‘live-out’ housekeeper Mrs Terence (Mandi Symonds) and maid (Melissa Vaughan), whilst being superior to District Nurse Libby (Anne Odeke) and enjoying pulling the strings of her impecunious niece Olivia (Niamh McGrady). Oh, and being ever the martyr to her nebulous infirmities. Dan (Will Featherstone) is the bell hop from the local hotel, who’s seduced the, now pregnant, dim maid. As befits her social standing, Mrs Bramson summons him to require him to ‘do the honorable thing’ so that no scandal is attached

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britishtheatre.com/night-must-fall-uk-tour/ to her household. But when charming, smooth-talking Dan arrives at old Mrs Bramson’s remote woodland bungalow, he soon ingratiates his way into her life and that of her niece, Olivia. After a hotel guest goes missing and is later found murdered, Olivia begins to suspect her aunt’s new private assistant. She resolves to find out the truth, distracted by the engagement intentions of Hubert (Alasdair Buchan grown up from his role as one of the Harry Potter Slytherin bullies - where do the years go?), the middle class neighbor. The Scotland Yard detective is soon knocking at the door to enquire if the missing lady has been sighted in the woods that apparently surround the house. Daragh O’Malley (Sergeant Harper, Sharpe tv series) steals the stage as Inspector Belsize - an honor to see a true ‘great’ tread the boards. Special mention too to Will Featherstone, turning in a fine performance as Dan, the ‘nice young man’ Williams wanted Dan to be, the psychopathic tendencies gradually emerging during the five Acts. The whole cast carry their roles well, and Luke Sheppard’s direction makes it seamless. Designer David Woodhead’s set of an early '30s British Arts & Crafts bungalow works well, its dark wood getting more sinister throughout

Reviewed by Sabrina Sully the play, and a multiplicity of doors deftly giving a sense of unease as to who is where. All action takes place on the one set, adding to the sense of isolation. Harry Blake’s sound effects work well to heighten the dread. Although difficult for us to step back to the idea of a home inaccessible by car, in the middle of nowhere, with no mains electricity or phone, (quite common in the UK countryside until after WWII), Howard Hudson’s lighting helps our imagination to reach there, the oil lamps lending an extra vulnerability. It might start like an old-fashioned English farce, complete with bumbling male with amorous intentions (Hubert), (what, no tennis racquets?), but it gets darker, as it exposes yet another layer in the killer’s complex psychological state. This is what Williams wanted to explore, and he did it well. It broke new ground at the time, although we’re now familiar with the genre through television thrillers, which perhaps lessens its impact, but watching Dan ingratiate himself and manipulate others is chilling. There are still plenty of Dans out there today. Well worth catching.  (* Nov 1–5, Palace Theatre, Southend; Nov 8–12, Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham; Nov 15–19, York Theatre Royal; Nov 29– Dec 3, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford)

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Sadlers Wells London and on tour

ounded in 1958 and still wowing audiences nearly 60 years later, the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater has long ago attained the status of national treasure in the US. Moving on from Ailey’s death in 1989 was no mean feat but first Judith Jamieson and now Robert Battle have taken the company in exciting new directions, cleverly balancing reverence for their roots with confidently embracing new work from, among others, the English choreographer Christopher Wheeldon. A key part of this success is the quality of the dancers who remain simply luminous in their artistry, whether they’re in strongly classical works or in more hip-hop or funk infused pieces. They bring old fashioned showmanship to the often austere world of modern dance and audiences adore them for it. Back in the UK for a national tour after a gap of 5 years their London dates encompassed ten different works across four programmes and these can be seen in various permutations around the country. Programme C brought us Lift (2013) by the Canadian choreographer Aszure Barton all sensuously sculpted lighting and percussive

www.danceconsortium.com

beats, playing to the company’s strengths as an ensemble and demonstrating their ability to fuse classicism with funk. A resounding foghorn-like din pinned us to our seats and immersed us in Awakening (2015), the new piece from the company’s artistic director Robert Battle. Stark white-clad figures sought frenzied escape to the sounds of John Mackey’s modernist score, which had more than an echo of Stravinsky about it. Linda Celeste Sims was exquisitely defiant in Cry (1971), which was Ailey’s own piece for a solo female, dedicated to “all black women everywhere, especially our mothers”. Set to the music of John Coltrane, Laura Nyro and the Voices of East Harlem, it was gloriously of its time, ending as an explosion of sheer dance joy. Completing the evening and indeed completing every evening’s performance by the company was Ailey’s signature piece Revelations (1960). Every time I see it I wonder if it will have aged, yet it never disappoints. It is also of its time, you can see the strong Martha Graham influence, but it also transcends time and what is moving is how they present it

Reviewed by Jarlath O’Connell

each time as if it’s an offertory procession in a church, always heartfelt, never jaded. Inspired by Ailey’s own upbringing in the South and with a heart-stopping gospel score it is an expression of sorrow, of longing, of hope and of faith in redemption. The spirituals, which all would have been originally sung by slaves, cut through like a knife. But there is joy amidst the sorrow. A woman rushes round bearing a large gaily trimmed parasol and you connect to that feeling of when you were a kid and a big room was something to race through with wild abandon. It is an elemental connection with joy and it transforms what could have been merely an artful evocation of a Baptist ritual in the Deep South into something everyone can get. All the classically trained perfection of this company would be for nought without Ailey’s ability to connect like this. After London they’re in Plymouth, Birmingham, Bradford, Nottingham, Cardiff, Salford, Southampton, Canterbury and Edinburgh. The programmes are very varied and include Paul Taylor’s hymn to the tango, Piazzola Caldera. Not to be missed. 

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By David Hare National Theatre – Lyttleton www.nationaltheatre.org.uk Reviewed by Jarlath O’Connell

hat does it cost you being a good man? What happens if you stray from the path? How would you live with yourself after? These moral questions lie at the heart of Georges Simenon’s crime thriller Le Main, which has been transformed into a wonderfully assured and stylish stage thriller by David Hare. Simenon, the Belgian born master of crime fiction, is back in vogue with Penguin reprinting a raft of his titles in new translations and there’s also a lavish new Maigret on ITV. Hare (for some reason) is currently out of fashion whilst the young director Robert Icke is most definitely the hottest thing. His Uncle Vanya and Oresteia were the best things on the London stage last year. Also in vogue is leading man Mark Strong, fresh from wowing Broadway in A View from the Bridge and this cast also welcomes Australian Elizabeth Debicki who was so compelling in BBC’s hit The Night Manager. Probably the most statuesque leading lady ever to set

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foot on a stage, think of a silky Cate Blanchett on stilts. We are immediately thrust into the maelstrom of a violent New England blizzard as two couples make their way back from a party. Only three of the four make it to the remote farmhouse however as one of the men disappears in the snowstorm, having failed to keep hold of the other’s hand. Donald is a mild mannered middle aged lawyer who feels life has passed him by. He is married to the sober Ingrid (Hope Davis), from good WASP stock and highly esteemed in this rural community, which only makes Donald feel even more unworthy. After two fruitless hours searching he returns alone and comforts Mona (Debicki) on her loss. We soon learn that her husband Joe was a cad and the marriage was rocky. Later the local police inspector adds the possibility of Ray’s death being a suicide to the mix. Slowly Don becomes totally entranced with Mona and soon he is handling more than her legal

The Red Barn

affairs. We are left to question all the characters’ motives. Simenon’s skill was in exploring how a single crime could suddenly rip a hitherto normal life apart and the characters here are all enticingly ambiguous. His prose style too had a deadpan flatness to it and Hare translates it to the stage with great aplomb. The plain line readings manage to reveal as much as conceal. Bunny Christie’s retro monochrome designs are astonishingly beautiful. Gliding and contracting screens replicate pans, zooms and fades-to-black in this totally filmic treatment of the material and they enhance the theme of looking but not seeing. Paule Constable’s painterly lighting and Tom Gibbons’ soundscape too accentuate the totally unnerving atmosphere. As in the best of theater you don’t see any joins and Icke here has woven the contributions of all the collaborators into a totally satisfying whole. It is a feast for the senses and the intellect. 

No Man’s Land By Harold Pinter Wyndham’s Theatre, London www.wyndhamstheatre.co.uk Reviewed by Jarlath O’Connell

ean Mathias’ production of Pinter’s great play started at Berkley Rep in California, played on Broadway, has just been on a UK tour and now lands on Charing Cross Road. It has been worth the wait because in the hands of two masters, Sir Ian McKellen and Sir Patrick Stewart, you’re unlikely to see a more polished revival. The last time this partnership was in the West End was in a production of Waiting for Godot which, though a huge hit, was unbalanced by the leads with the duo descending totally into Music Hall turns. Here, director Sean Mathias restrains their temptations to brilliant effect. It’s a Rolls-Royce masterclass in the craft of acting, in how you can make every word sing and every gesture matter and you realise you are witnessing the ease that comes with 5 decades of experience. Less experienced hands could never mine the depths which these two manage to do here. We encounter two elderly men in an imposing drawing room of a north London house. One has invited the other back from the pub. Hirst (Stewart), the host, appears to have been a celebrated writer but is now holed up with two sinister retainers - the brutish Briggs (Owen Teale) and the cocky young Spiv, Foster (Damien Molony), both spot-on performances. The guest, Spooner (McKellen), is a dusty, shambolic figure in crumpled pin stripes, a minor poet. They start on the drinks cabinet.

McKellen perfectly captures the sly obsequiousness of Spooner, how he never lets go of his old raincoat because he might have to take his leave. He has the loquaciousness of the barfly, revelling in his verbosity and mercurial humor and inveigling his way into the attentions of others. “I have never been loved and from this I derive my strength”, he remarks, quite accurately. Hirst is the opposite, an oracular presence, perched on his Chesterfield like a king with Foster and Briggs at his side. Stewart of course has a march on other actors here because of that famous voice, which immediately commands attention. His strength here is in capturing the gnawing despair underlying the urbane exterior. This is a frightened man. Like all Pinter you take from it what you bring, he makes you do the work. One can wonder for example whether Spooner is Hirst’s alter ego, what he could have become, how he might have ended up. Similarly, Hirst’s present condition, artistically dried

up and hermetically sealed from the world, whilst being guarded by two self-serving associates, is the nightmare of every successful artist. How, after achieving great success, and as a consequence needing seclusion, you can still meaningfully connect with real experience. All the production elements couldn’t be more perfect, especially Stephen Brimson Lewis’ wonderful costumes, the ‘70s suits and Cubanheels perfectly draw out the raffishness of the two servants. The central image too of a classically imposing salon, set under a canopy of green branches, billowing in the sunlight, extenuates the metaphor of art vs life. The echoes of Beckett too are very strong. Here we are as humans, trapped in our own bodies, in a cage largely of our own making, repeating ourselves, deluding ourselves, goading each other with games merely to pass the time, and all the time, we never move on. Making stasis dramatic is what Pinter does here and that is the achievement of a true master. 

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The Ryder Cup at the 2008 PGA Golf Show, the last time we won it

The Best Ryder Cup Ever By Darren Kilfara L

et’s give a big shout out to our boys in red, white and blue at Hazeltine. They brought the Ryder Cup home. They made American golf great again! It all started in the Thursday practice round. David Johnson – he’s from Mayville, North Dakota. A true Red State patriot. We have the best hecklers, we really do. Rory McIlroy and Henrik Stenson couldn’t make a 12-foot-putt. Six times they tried and missed. Johnson yelled out that even he could make that putt. The dumb Europeans – so dumb, so SAD! – gave him a chance. Justin Rose even offered him $100 if he could make it on his first try. I know a thing or two about gambling, and you never, EVER let other people gamble with your money. You gamble with OTHER PEOPLE’S MONEY. Of course Johnson made the putt, and he danced around

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the green like Patrick Reed. We celebrate better than anyone. The best celebrations. The PGA of America set up a Task Force – a Task Force – with one mission: bring the Ryder Cup home Four captain’s picks, including the last one announced live, five days before the first matches, during Sunday Night Football on NBC. (Which gets the best ratings, by the way.) Cut the rough down nice and low, because Europe drives the ball better than we do. That’s how you negotiate the best deals: you own the tractors and the mowers, you cut the grass however high or low you like. And then on Sunday, when you lead by three points, put all the holes in the middles of all the greens. Rose complained afterwards

that the Sunday pin placements had a “Pro-Am feel”. What an AMATEUR. What has Justin Rose ever won, apart from a US Open and an Olympic gold medal? Winners WIN by making birdies. And everybody loves birdies. At the Battle of Midway, it took TWO American Task Forces to sink four Japanese aircraft carriers. But it took only one Ryder Cup Task Force to achieve mission SUCCESS. Many people are saying the Phil Mickelson-Sergio Garcia match on Sunday was the best singles match in Ryder Cup history. 19 birdies between the two golfers. The last two holes both halved with birdies. You know why it wasn’t the best singles match in Ryder Cup history? Because America only got half a point. You know what was a better singles match? Brooks Koepka

October 2nd, 2016: The hugely great American crowds at the 17th Hole, Hazeltine National Golf Club Ryder Cup 2016 PHOTO ©DARB02

defeating LOSER Danny Willett 5&4. I like my Masters champions not to ever lose 5&4 – you know what I’m saying? I also like my Masters champions to be American, and certainly not to have brothers who call Americans “fat, stupid, greedy, classless bastards.” Pete Willett: LOCK HIM UP. Or build a wall around him. Too much was said about our great, huge and hugely great American crowds at Hazeltine. We get the biggest crowds at our Ryder Cups. They just wanted to see America win. And America DID WIN. If McIlroy really wanted our people to shut up, he should have made more birdies, not get them ejected. In what kind of America can’t people drink as much beer as they want and scream whatever they want whenever they want? (I was going to say something

about Lee Westwood right now – I really was. But out of respect for Westwood’s ex-wife and all of the super-hot wives, girlfriends and children of the players at this year’s Ryder Cup, I just can’t do it. I won’t say anything about missed two-foot putts. DEFINITELY not talking about that.) Some people say the Ryder Cup ought to be a friendly exhibition between the best golfers in America and Europe, a showcase of the best etiquette and manners as well as the best golf. Some people also say that because golfing form goes up and down so quickly from week to week, winning or losing the Ryder Cup is largely random and says nothing about the greatness of golf in America or Europe. Do you know why none of that is true? I don’t either, but Sean Hannity told me it wasn’t. And besides: AMERICA!

SEVENTEEN POINTS TO ELEVEN! Just wait until the Ryder Cup comes to Trump Turnberry in 2026: you’re not gonna believe how much gold will be on the toilet handles in the player’s bathrooms. 

US expat Darren Kilfara formerly worked for Golf Digest magazine and is the author of A Golfer’s Education (below), a memoir of his junior year abroad as a studentgolfer at the University of St. Andrews. His latest book, a novel called Do You Want Total War?, is also now available online at Amazon and elsewhere.

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Jacksonville Jaguars vs Indianapolis Colts, Wembley Stadium, October 2, 2016

“You can’t win the game in the first quarter, you can’t win it in the second or the third. You have to win it in the fourth. And that’s what took place.” Stated Jaguars Head Coach Gus Bradley after his team did enough to get by the Indianapolis Colts 30-27 at London’s Wembley Stadium in the first of this year’s three International Series games. It was a true enough account of the game as in some aspects it mirrored their first win in London a year ago. A fast start with some good quality play, which the opposition started to echo to ease themselves back into contention, only for Jacksonville to strike a killer blow at the end. There can be no doubt that the side-line who needed the win most (or should that be the coach who needed it more) was the Jaguars. Coming across the Atlantic with a 0-3 record wasn’t ideal, and going back winless could have resulted in another case of the Wembley curse being handed out. Coaches have been in similar positions before and not survived the flight home. The importance of the win wasn’t lost on the team’s quarterback Blake Bortles (pictured above left), “We

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think every victory is important. Obviously the situation and the circumstances of this one is big, it’s good. Were excited about it.” Dropping to 1-3 after 4 games though wasn’t good in an AFC South division that generally is tight to the end, the Colts have that problem and somehow need to turn the tide of their season quickly. Andrew Luck was openly critical about his own team’s play but did have some fighting words after as well, “We’ve got really good football players in that locker room. Really good coaches. A great culture. And we’ll be alright. This does not feel good and it shouldn’t. We lost.” Through good balanced offensive play, and some tenacious defense, the Jaguars were ahead 23-6 going into the last period. The Colts though were not going to leave the United Kingdom without giving their fans something to cheer about and two quick scores got them within 3 points. That’s when the Jaguars normally feel the pressure and fold but not this time. Bortles found a favorite target in Allen Hurns (WR, pictured above right) who weaved his way through

the Colts D to extend the lead to 10. Phillip Dorsett answered back with a 64 yard catch and run. The Jaguars then did enough to run out the clock to gain that precious first win. This was the fifteenth game to be held in London, not all have been exciting or close, and indeed just a handful could be looked upon that way. This does not reflect on the public’s enthusiasm. Once more the crowds showed up in numbers. The stadium was close to capacity and just above the London gate average. The pregame culture of tailgating will never be the same as it is in the States, largely due to the layout of the Stadium, but with the now usual fare of beer, hotdogs, and grilled pork (other meats are available) on offer it does its best to recreate that occasion. Contract extensions have been signed for Wembley to host more games, and with a three year deal to play games at Twickenham Stadium, and a ten year handshake to play at the new Tottenham Hotspurs stadium from 2018, anyone who thinks that this is just a passing fad that will burn out is truly mistaken.

Words by Gary Jordan Photos by Gary Baker see more of Gary B’s images of the games at www.imagesgb.co.uk/SportsGuestAccess/

Los Angeles Rams vs New York Giants, Twickenham Stadium, October 23, 2016

‘Twickers’! The surroundings were unfamiliar to most. The change wasn’t welcome by some. But this was a progressive step forward in the International Series in London, now in its 10th season. Twickenham, home of England Rugby Union, staged its first nonrugby professional sports event in its 107 year history, as the Rams “hosted” the Giants. The game was the first London game played away from the regular, safe confines of Wembley Stadium. The third and last of this year’s series is back at Wembley when Cincinnati play Washington after we go to press. With the Twickenham deal - a minimum of three games spread over three consecutive years - came concern about travel arrangements. Twickenham is infamous for bottlenecks and slow moving queues for trains after rugby events and occasional music gigs. With this in mind NFLUK laid on shuttle buses to other larger overground railway stations, to help ease congestion. The tailgate area was in full swing as early as 9.30am. Maybe the very switched on NFL fans were in fear of getting caught up in the travel

scrum, or perhaps they wanted to soak up the new stadium. Twickenham has played host to large crowds before, World Cup Finals aren’t exactly small affairs but NFL is a different beast: a crowd that arrived on site four hours before kick-off and stayed there for up to six hours afterward as the tailgate reopened after the game. That’s something that Wembley has yet to do, and could well be worth investigating if local authorities will allow. Teething problems included a lack of food or drink choice inside the concourse, even the chance of buying an official programme, and the lack of any signage. They will be noted and changes will be made to make next time better. So what of the game? Two teams that have been streaky at best arrived with identical 3-3 records, both needing a win to make a mid-season push more realistic. The Rams fans, although outnumbered at least three to one, were in good voice early on. Their QB Case Keenum was moving the play around well and the Giants defense was sluggish. This led to the Rams jumping out to a 10-0 first quarter lead,

Tayvon Austin scoring on a simple 10 yard pass play. The Giants D turned the tables in the second period with an electric 44 yard interception return by Landon Collins (above right), who zigged and zagged his way to the end zone and sent the teams into the interval level at 10-10. It wasn’t until late in the fourth quarter that the tied game was broken. Eli Manning was starting to find marquee receiver Odell Beckham Jnr more frequently and it was his catch that set up Rashad Jennings short touchdown run for the lead. Rams’ Keenum had his chances to tie the game up as the clock ticked under two minutes, but he threw his fourth interception of the day with 50 seconds left, his pass picked off in the end zone by Rodgers-Cromartie. Giants Head Coach Ben McAdoo now has his team at 4-3, a two game win streak heading into their bye. QB Eli Manning said, “It was a great environment to play a football game, and I hope all the fans enjoyed it as well.” If the wrinkles can be ironed out, you can bet the overall experience will be even better next year.

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NHL OFFERS BREAK FROM REALITY by Jeremy Lanaway

inally. It’s the only word to describe the NHL’s return to primetime after an off-season dominated by what can only be characterised as a slippage of the world’s moorings. The initial puckdrops of the 2016-17 season have provided much-needed respite from the mounting ails of the world, reminding us of the power of sport. Now that we have reason to break from our hand-wringing — if only for a moment — let’s ponder the NHL’s newest season and envisage what it may bring.

World Cup bait and switch?

The NHL’s typically pale pre-season was given a technicolor boost by the return of the World Cup, a leaguesponsored competition inaugurated in 1996 and last run in 2004. The event, hosted by Toronto, Canada, saw the United States, Canada, Russia, Sweden, Finland, the Czech Republic, Team North America (23-and-under players) and Team Europe (leftover European players of all ages) compete in a group stage, a knockout stage and finally a best-ofthree tournament final. Repeating their feat from 2004, Canada defended their custody of the World Cup by defeating Team Europe with two straight wins in the finals. The victory didn’t surprise anyone who’s been paying attention to the Canadian group, led by Sidney Crosby and company, who have dominated hockey’s world stage from the World Juniors in 2005 through two separate Olympic Games (2010 and 2014), with a

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World Championship or two sprinkled in for good measure. Perhaps the only surprise is NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman’s insistence on dangling the Olympic carrot despite the fact that the likelihood of NHLers playing in South Korea in 2018 is slim to nought. The World Cup is a welcome addition to the international cupboard, and would slot in nicely every two years as a waypoint between Winter Games, but no true hockey fan will argue that it can muster the nationalism needed to supplant Olympic hockey. Bettman has yet to rule out NHL participation, but his demand that the International Olympic Committee cover travel costs and insurance is likely to fall short.

Penguins finally flightless?

After winning their fourth Stanley Cup last June, dispatching the San Jose Sharks in six games, the Pittsburgh Penguins aren’t just facing the dreaded Cup hangover; they’re staring down the barrel of playing a sizable chunk of their campaign without their captain. Sid the Kid’s recent career spike, which saw him win his second Cup, the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoffs MVP, his first-ever World Cup of Hockey championship and World Cup MVP, all within the last four calendar months, is now facing the challenge of yet another concussion recovery. The Penguins remain hopeful that Crosby’s latest diagnosis isn’t as severe as the ones that side-lined him for 40 and 68 games in the 2011 and 2012 seasons. However, anyone

who knows anything about concussions will tell you that they tend to be cumulative in severity. If the Penguins are to have any hope of becoming the first team to defend the Stanley Cup in back-to-back seasons since the Detroit Red Wings managed the achievement in 1997 and 1998, they’ll need Crosby at the top of his game. The only silver lining, for non-Penguins fans anyway, is that the concussion occurred in the pre-season, giving them ample time to swap out Crosby for Patrick Kane, Alex Ovechkin, Jamie Benn, Connor McDavid or even Auston Matthews (see below) in their hockey pool.

Changing of the guard?

Not since the arrival of Crosby and Ovechkin in 2005 has the NHL enjoyed such a prominent bloom of talent. Last year’s Calder Trophy winner, Russian Artemi Panarin, who tallied 30 goals and 47 assists in 80 games for the Chicago Blackhawks, is sure to find his way back to the upper rungs of the points ladder, and the Edmonton Oilers are pinning a fair share of their comeback hopes on sophomore centreman McDavid, who lived up to all the hype by netting the highest pointsper-game ratio among rookies last year (16 goals and 32 assists in only 45 games), but spent half the season on the IR list with a broken clavicle. Furthering the claim that youth is king are this year’s newcomers Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs), Patrik Laine (Winnipeg Jets) and Jesse Puljujarvi (Oilers). Matthews has

already given notice to the league and fans alike that the so-called boys can indeed compete with the men. In the Maple Leafs’ season opener, Matthews became the first rookie in NHL history to score four goals in a debut. Laine is sticking to the plot by keeping to a point-pergame pace, and Puljujarvi is managing to stay in the thick of things. And let’s not forget about other rookies and second-year players pushing the pace in point production: Jack Eichel, Max Domi, Sam Reinhart, Sam Bennett, Matt Murray, Devin Shore, Mitch Marner — just to name a few upstarts expected to make an impact this season.

Dazzle or dependability?

So who got the better end of the stick in the off-season’s biggest trade — the Nashville Predators or the Montreal Canadiens? The question is still being batted around by hockey pundits and fans on both sides of the continent. The Predators gave up their captain and face-of-the-franchise in Shea Weber, a stay-at-home defenceman who’s won every international championship out there, lacking only a Stanley Cup, in return for the Canadiens’ uber-talented, and perennial fan favourite, PK Subban. Weber has anchored Team Canada throughout the duration of his career, serving as a leader both on and off the ice, but at thirty-one years of age, many can’t help but wonder if his career arc has crested. The twenty-sevenyear-old Subban is definitely on his

Sidney Perry of The Pengiuns

up-swing, combining raw talent with an unrivalled flair and a knack for well-timed risk-taking, giving him the ability to break games wide open seemingly at will, but rumours have nagged throughout his career, tainting his sheen with allegations that his attitude generates conflict in the dressing room. Both the Predators and Canadiens are poised to make a big push throughout the regular season and into the playoffs — assuming Weber and Subban can pick up where they left off in their former locales. Neither fan base seemed overjoyed at losing their top blueliner, but both have slowly come around to the idea of having a new defensive foundation. Subban is enjoying a point-per-game pace in the early days of the Predators’ schedule, and Weber has used his trademark steady, mistake-free play to remind Canadiens fans, notoriously stingy in bestowing support, that a winning

team is built from the goalie out. The best part of endeavouring to predict storylines in a new NHL season is that for every projected narrative, there are countless others that defy anticipation. Will the referee helmet-cam make its NHL debut after stealing the show at the World Cup? Will a Canadian team manage to tilt the league’s axis northward after the most dismal season for the Great White North in recent memory? Will the words Las Vegas and hockey start to sound natural in the same sentence? Will the Washington Capitals manage to pick up where they left off last season? Sorry, my bad. I should’ve quit while I was ahead. Hurry, turn on a hockey game, sit back, put your feet up and forget I ever mentioned Washington. You’ll have plenty of time to think about that, and everything else ailing the world, later on.

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HOOPS HOPS As another season on the hardwood is set to unwind before our eyes, Jay B. Webster takes a look at the top story lines from the NBA to the NCAA Durant Defection

In the wake of their historic 73-win regular season, the Golden State Warriors faced Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals last season. After racing out to a 3-1 series lead, the Thunder collapsed, then had salt rubbed in their wounds over the summer as they watched their franchise star switch jerseys and join their tormentors. It wasn’t a popular move beyond the Bay area, and Durant has become public enemy number one in many circles. It will be interesting to see how a team that already boasts Stephen Curry and Clay Thompson – who have never met a shot they didn’t like – can leave some shots on the floor for another gunslinging former MVP. We shall also see how a player so used to being a popular and beloved superstar deals with the boos and negativity he’s sure to face around the league.

Charging Bulls?

It’s Derrick Rose out, Dwyane Wade and Rajon Rondo in for the Bulls in Chicago. Added to a lineup that includes Jimmy Butler and Robin Lopez, it would look to be a star-studded team taking the court in the Windy City. But in a league that has come to rely so heavily on efficiency and shooting, one has to wonder if the Bulls have enough of either to put any more wins on

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the board than they managed with Rose in town.

Got a New Rose

With Phil Jackson’s arrival not exactly meeting the elevated – albeit highly unreasonable – expectations of the Big Apple denizens, the Knicks bring in the aforementioned Rose, along with his Chicago teammate Joakim Noah. Courtney Lee and Brandon Jennings also join 33-year-old Carmelo Anthony and 7ft 3in second-year center Kristaps Porzingis and his freakish wingspan. While the total doesn’t seem to add up to the sum of the parts, things should at least be interesting, and maybe even a bit entertaining, in Gotham.

King James’ Court

After winning two titles in Miami, LeBron James returned to Cleveland as a true prodigal son and led his home-town Cavaliers to their first-ever NBA title – with their come-from-behind victory over the Warriors in the NBA Finals sure to go down in basketball lore. The Cavs kept their core intact while adding solid veteran pieces in Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Chris Andersen. And you just know that LeBron will be driven to cement his legacy in the Pantheon of all-time NBA greats by bringing yet another title home to Cleveland.

Saying Goodbye

One of the biggest changes on NBA courts this season will be who is not on them. With the retirement of Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett, the league says goodbye to three players whose impact on the game has been as monumental as it was long-lasting. Kobe and Timmy won 5 NBA Championships, not between them, but EACH, while KG single-handedly made the Minnesota Timberwolves relevant in the early 2000’s before winning a title in Boston in 2008 with Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. Their shadows over the game of basketball are long, and the doors of the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA, will be open wide for them in five years’ time.

Meanwhile, over in the College Basketball ranks... The More Things Change...

While basketball at the collegiate level is by its nature eternally in flux as one incoming class replaces another year after year, some things never seem to change. Like Duke and Kentucky’s places atop the college hoops heap. Things are no different this year. The Blue Devils add the nation’s top freshman class to a team that already includes Grayson Allen, Luke Kennard, Amile Jefferson and Matt Jones. With

size, dead-eye shooting, depth and experience, the Blue Devils have all the bases covered. Down the road in Bluegrass Country, the Wildcats are anchored by returning starters Isaiah Briscoe and Derek Willis. Add blue-chip freshman talent in De’Aaron Fox, Bam Adebayo and Malik Monk, and a Coach Cal(ipari) vs. Coach K(rzyzewski) title matchup isn’t completely out of the question.

ACC. Or Big Ten.

five in the early season rankings, Nova does return three starters and three significant bench contributors from their title-winning team. Come crunch time, don’t count out the Cats.

13-peat

The Kansas Jayhawks have a chance to match UCLA’s NCAA record of 13 straight conference titles. Sure, Oklahoma should prob-

Prodicgal son LeBron James in action for the Cavaliers against the Washington Wizards

The ACC figures to be the strongest conference in the land over the course of the winter and into March. Duke, Syracuse, Louisville, North Carolina and Virginia will all compete for top-5 seeds come March Madness time. But the conference could see 9, 10, or even a practically unthinkable 11 teams reach the tournament field. But while the ACC will be stacked, the Big Ten may be where the real drama plays out. Nigel Hayes and Wisconsin, Thomas Bryant’s Indiana Hoosiers, as well as Purdue and Michigan State will in all likelihood be battling to the very final weekend for the conference title in a race with a razor-thin margin for error.

A Villa-peat?

Or is that a Nova-peat? Kris Jenkins found himself living out the dream of every kid who has ever picked up a basketball when he hit an epic three-pointer as time expired to give Villanova a win in the NCAA Championship title game over North Carolina last season. It would be hard to imagine going out on a bigger high, but Jenkins returns to the college hardwoods for his senior season. While the Wildcats may not sit among the top

ably have ended the streak last season, but you don’t get to be good without being a little lucky as well. With Frank Mason, Devonte Graham and Josh Jackson leading the way, the Big 12 title could be coming back to Lawrence, yet again. However it plays out it is sure to be exciting. It always is. So sit back and enjoy another thrilling season on the hardwood.

Vin Scully

A Farewell to a Baseball Legend by Jay B. Webster

hrough long summer nights over the past 67 years, there has been one constant for baseball fans in general and Dodgers fans in particular: the mesmerizing and melodious tones of announcer Vin Scully weaving the tale of yet another baseball game. But on October 2nd in San Francisco, the soon to be 89-yearyear-old Scully called his last game before heading into a well-earned retirement. On longevity alone, his career behind the microphone would be utterly amazing. But with wit and wisdom, an endless string of tales and down-home humour, as well as an unparalleled knack for making a baseball game feel like one long timeless story, Scully became the sound of baseball – a beloved uncle sitting in the living room with you spinning a good old yarn. Vincent Edward Scully first sat behind a microphone to call a Major League Baseball game in 1950, joining Connie Desmond and the legendary Red Barber in the booth for Brooklyn Dodgers radio and television broadcasts. After Barber left the Dodgers in 1953, the 25-year-old Scully became the

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youngest person ever to broadcast a World Series game – a distinction that still belongs to him. In 1958, Scully moved west with the Dodgers franchise as they left Brooklyn for Los Angeles. He became so popular in Southern California that radio and television engineers had trouble compensating for the echo of Scully’s play-byplay from all the transistor radios which fans brought to the stadium to listen to the game. Scully went on to national prominence through his work on CBS and NBC, calling PGA Golf, tennis and NFL games, in addition to Major League Baseball’s Saturday Game of the Week and playoff action. In 1982 he was behind the mic for Joe Montana’s last-second touchdown heave to Dwight Clark in the NFC Championship Game. In fact, the list of legendary moments in sports history which were painted by Scully’s voice are legendary in themselves. He called 19 no-hitters, from Sandy Koufax to Clayton Kershaw, the infamous Bill Buckner boot in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series and Wrigley Field’s first official night game in 1988. But it was the 1988 World Series that brought about perhaps his most memorable moment, when Kirk Gibson hit the game-winning

pinch-hit home run against Dennis Eckersley inspired the immortal words “In a year that has been so improbable, the impossible has happened.” Scully later recounted that his proudest moment of that game actually occurred when he pronounced Gibson out for the game with his bad knees. Gibson heard the pronouncement on TV in the locker room as he was icing his legs and took it as a personal challenge. “My greatest contribution in all my years with the Dodgers was getting Gibby off the training table at the end of the game,” Scully said. “Whatever happened, it struck a note, and Gibby got up and hollered, ‘Tell Tommy [Lasorda] I’ll be there.’ Next thing you know, he comes down and . . . magic.” Through the years, Scully wove his own magic day in and day out with grace and humility. He called games alone without a color commentator and drew his viewers in, melding the magic of the current moment with the history of the game through his endless tales of moments past. He wove a baseball game into a tapestry to be savoured and enjoyed. The game of baseball will be poorer next season without Vin Scully’s voice, but after all he has given the game over the past 67 years, no one can begrudge him, as his famous sign off line goes, “a pleasant good afternoon”

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American Friends of the Philharmonia Orchestra jennifer.davies@philharmonia.co.uk www.philharmonia.co.uk/support/friends/afpo/ American Friends of the Royal Court Theatre U.S.: Laurie Beckelman, Beckelman and Capalino +1.212.616.5822, laurie@beckcap.com UK: Gaby Styles, Head of Development 020 7565 5060 gabystyles@royalcourttheatre.com or info@afrct.org American Friends of the Royal Institution U.S.: c/o Chapel & York Limited, PMB #293, South Building Washington, DC 20004 UK: The Development Office, Royal Institution of Great Britain, 21 Albemarle Street, London W1S 4BS 020 7670 2991 kdodd@ri.ac.uk www.rigb.org American Friends of the Royal Society http://royalsociety.org/Overseas-Donations development@royalsociety.org 020 7451 2211 American Friends of Sadler’s Wells USA: 222 Park Avenue South, 10A, New York, NY 10003 +1.917.539.9021 americanfriends@sadlerswells.com www.sadlerswells.com/page/american-friends UK: 020 7863 8134 development@sadlerswells.com American Friends of St Bartholomew the Great 2925 Briarpark, Suite 600, Houston, TX 77042, USA. UK: 020 7606 5171, administrator@greatstbarts.com Shakespeare’s Birthplace America John Chwat, President, 625 Slaters Lane, Suite 103, Alexandria, VA 22314, +1. 703.684.7703 www.shakespeare.org.uk/support-us/sba American Friends of the Victoria and Albert Mus. U.S.: Diana Seaton, Executive Director 61 Londonderry Drive, Greenwich, CT 06830 +1.203.536.4328 diana.seaton@afvam.org www.afvam.org UK: 020 7942 2149 American Friends of Wigmore Hall U.S.: c/o Chapel and York, 1000 N West Street Suite 1200, Wilmington DE 19801. UK: 020 7258 8220, mhosterweil@wigmore-hall.org.uk American Institute of Architects 27 Old Gloucester Street, London WC1N 3AX 020 3318 5722 membership@aiauk.org, www.aiauk.org American International Church Pastor: Rev. Jennifer Mills-Knutsen 79a Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 4TD 020 7580 2791/07771 642875 www.amchurch.co.uk churchsecretary@amchurch.co.uk American Museum in Britain Claverton Manor, Bath BA2 7BD. 01225 460503. info@americanmuseum.org www.americanmuseum.org American Red Cross RAF Mildenhall, red.crossv3@mildenhall.af.mil 01638 543742 US (Toll free) +001 877 272 7337 Facebook RAFL.RAFM.RedCross

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American Voices International (AVI) - PAC http://avipac.org events@avipac.org @AVInterPAC American Women Lawyers in London www.awll.org.uk joanne@awll.org.uk The Anglo-American Charity Limited Jeffrey Hedges, Director. 07968 513 631, info@anglo-americancharity.org www.anglo-americancharity.org The Association of Americans Resident Overseas 34 avenue de New York, 75116 Paris, France + 33 1 47 20 24 15 www.aaro.org Association for Rescue at Sea To make a tax efficient gift to the Royal National Lifeboat Association contact AFRAS. Mrs. Anne C. Kifer, P.O. Box 565 Fish Creek, WI 54212, USA, 00-1-920-743-5434 ackafras@aol.com Atlantic Council UK 185 Tower Bridge Road, London SE1 2UF 0207 403 0640 info@atlanticcounciluk.org Bentwaters Cold War Museum c/o Bentwaters Aviation Society, Building 134 Bentwaters Parks, Rendlesham, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 2TW 07588 877020 info@bcwm.org.uk Bethesda Baptist Church Kensington Place, London W8. 020 7221 7039 office@bethesdabaptist.org.uk bethesdabaptist.org.uk Boy Scouts of America in the UK Mayflower District 075 9210 1013 crpriddy@bsamail.org Find your local Troop at the website www.tac-bsa.org/Districts/Mayflower/Unit List British American Business Inc. 75 Brook Street, London, W1K 4AD. 020 7290 9888 www.babinc.org ukinfo@babinc.org British American-Canadian Associates Contact via The English Speaking Union – esu@esu.org Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 66-68 Exhibition Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 2PA 020 7584 7553 adcockmp@ldschurch.org https://lds.org.uk, http://mormon.org Church of St. John the Evangelist Vicar: Reverend Stephen Mason. Hyde Park Crescent, London W2 2QD 020 7262 1732, parishadmin@stjohns-hydepark.com www.stjohns-hydepark.com Commonwealth Church Rev. Rod Anderson, PO Box 15027, London SE5 0YS commonwealthchurch.com Democrats Abroad (UK) Box 65, 22 Notting Hill Gate, London W11 3JE www.democratsabroad.org.uk 020 7724 9796 www.democratsabroad.org/group/united-kingdom Register to vote: www.votefromabroad.org

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Farm Street Church 114 Mount Street, Mayfair, London W1K 3AH Tel: 020 7493 7811 www.farmstreet.org.uk Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) Department of Defense, 1155 Defense Pentagon, Washington DC 20301-1155. UK 0800 028 8056, US:1-800-438- VOTE (8683). www.fvap.gov vote@fvap.ncr.gov Friends of Benjamin Franklin House Director: Dr. Márcia Balisciano 36 Craven St,London WC2N 5NF 0207 839 2006 www.benjaminfranklinhouse.org info@benjaminfranklinhouse.org Friends of Chicksands Priory (12th Century) Julie Benson 01525 860497 friendsofchicksands@gmail.com www.chicksandspriory.co.uk Friends of St Jude London Debbie Berger debbie.berger@stjude.org 07738 628126 www.friendsofstjude.org/london Grampian Houston Association Secretary: Bill Neish, 01224 484720, wineish@sky.com 5 Cairncry Avenue, Aberdeen, AB16 5DS International Community Church (Interdenom.) Pastor: Rick Andrew 01932 571820 Chertsey Hall, Heriot Road, Chertsey, Surrey KT16 9DR Office: 13 London Street, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 8AP churchoffice@icc-uk.org www.icc-uk.org Junior League of London President: Suzy Bibko; Office Admin: Ruth Linton CAN Mezzanine , 49-51 East Road , London N1 6AH Tel: 020 7499 8159 jrleague@jll.org.uk www.jll.org.uk Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation 19 Angel Gate, City Road, London EC1V 2PT. Tel: 020 7713 2030 info@jdrf.org.uk www.jdrf.org.uk Liberal Jewish Synagogue 28 St John’s Wood Road, London NW8 7HA Services 6.45pm Fri., 11am Sat. First Friday each month service is 7pm with a Chavurah Supper. Please bring non-meat food dish to share. 020 7286 5181 ljs@ljs.org Lions Club International Lakenheath & District 105EA, 15 Highfields Drive, Lakenheath, Suffolk IP27 9EH. Tel 01842 860752 www.lionsclubs.org St Anne’s Lutheran Church stannes.stagnes@gmail.com www.stanneslutheranchurch.org.uk Methodist Central Hall Westminster, London SW1H 9NH 020 7654 3809, church@mchw.org.uk www.methodist-central-hall.org.uk

North Am. Friends of Chawton House Library US Office: 824 Roosevelt Trail, #130, Windham, ME 04062 +1.207 892 4358 UK Office: Chawton House Library, Chawton, Alton, Hampshire GU34 1SJ 01420 541010 www.chawtonhouse.org Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner 5th Floor, Counting House, 53 Tooley Street, London SE1 2QN 0207 211 1500 info@oisc.gov.uk www.oisc.gov.uk Republicans Overseas UK Chair Jan Halper www.republicansoverseas-uk.com chair@republicansoverseas-uk.com wlowery@republicansoverseas-uk.com www.republicansabroad-uk.org Rotaract in Great Britain & Ireland For 18-30 year olds, international membership www.rotaract.org.uk Rotary Club of London 6 York Gate, London NW1 4QG. Tel. 020 7487 5429 Rotary Great Britain and Ireland www.ribi.org, membership.rcol@gmail.com Royal National Lifeboat Institution Head Office, West Quay Road, Poole BH15 1HZ 0845 045 6999 www.rnli.org.uk The Royal Oak Foundation Sean Sawyer, 35 West 35th Street #1200, New York NY 10001-2205, USA 212- 480-2889 or (800) 9136565 ssawyer@royal-oak.org www.royal-oak.org St Andrew’s Lutheran Church Serving Americans since 1960. Whitby Road & Queens Walk, Ruislip, West London. Services: 11 am. 020 8845 4242 pastorvan43@hotmail.com www.standrewslutheran.co.uk, www.lutheran.co.uk T.R.A.C.E. P.W. Reuniting children with GI fathers and their families. Norma Jean Clarke-McCloud 29 Connaught Avenue, Enfield EN1 3BE normajean78@hotmail.com www.tracepw.org United Nations Association, Westminster Chairman: David Wardrop 61 Sedlescombe Road, London SW6 1RE 0207 385 6738 info@unawestminster.org.uk www.unawestminster.org.uk www.wethepeoples.org.uk USA Girl Scouts Overseas – North Atlantic gsmembership@usagso-na.org www.usagso-na.org

SOCIAL American Club of Hertfordshire President: Kathy Morris Wood End, 29 Orchard Road, Tewin, Herts AL6 0HL 01438 798 389 hertsamerica@outlook.com

American Expats of the Northwest of England The Ruskin Rooms, Drury Lane, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 6HA. expatsnw@gmail.com American Society in London Chairman Raymond A Colledge c/o The English Speaking Union 37 Charles Street, London W1J 5ED info@americansocietyuk.com 020 7539 3400 American Stamp Club of Great Britain Chapter 67 of the American Philatelic Society. Hon. Publicity Secretary: Stephen T. Taylor 5 Glenbuck Road, Surbiton, Surrey KT6 6BS. 020 8390 9357 AWBS International Women’s Club [formerly American Women of Berkshire & Surrey] PO Box 10, Virginia Water, Surrey GU25 4YP. www.awbs.org.uk info@awbs.org.uk American Women of Surrey PO Box 185, Cobham, Surrey KT11 3YJ. www.awsurrey.org American Women’s Club of Central Scotland P.O. Box 231, 44-46 Morningside Road, Edinburgh, EH10 4BF info@awccs.org www.awccs.org

Canadian Women’s Club Canada House, Trafalgar Square, London. SW1Y 5BJ Tues–Thurs 10.30-3.30 0207 930 3889 info@canadianwomenlondon.org www.canadianwomenlondon.org CAWC Int’l (was Chilterns American Women’s Club) PO Box 445, Gerrards Cross, Bucks, SL9 8YU 07789 076238 membership@cawc.co.uk www.cawc.co.uk Colonial Dames of America Chapter XI London. President Anne K Brewster: AnneBrewster@hotmail.com Daughters of the American Revolution St James’s Chapter (London) stjameschapter-nsdar.org regent@stjamesnsdar.org, UKDARStJames@aol.com Daughters of the American Revolution Walter Hines Page Chapter (London and UK) Adrienne Pitman, Regent daradrienne@gmail.com http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~engwhdar/ walterhinesdar/membership.html

American Women’s Club of Dublin P.O. Box 2545, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 IRELAND www.awcd.net awcdmembers@gmail.com

East Anglia American Club 49 Horsham Close, Haverhill, Suffolk CB9 7HN 01440 766 967 eaacexpats@karej.co.uk

American Women’s Club of London 68 Old Brompton Road, London SW7 3LQ 020 7589 8292 awc@awclondon.org www.awclondon.org

English-Speaking Union Director-General: Jane Easton Dartmouth House, 37 Charles Street, London W1J 5ED. Tel: 020 7529 1550 esu@esu.org

Americans in Bristol Tim Ellis 07572 342483 Twitter @americansinbris americansinbristol@yahoo.com www.facebook.com/groups/USEXPATSINBRISTOL Anglian Shrine Club Recorder: Allan David Warnes “Koloma House”, Warren Avenue, Fakenham, Norfolk NR21 8NP 01328 862001, 07860187333, VOIP 08714084364 Skype batman4499adw allan@allandavidwarnes.co.uk www.anglianshrineclub.co.uk Association of American Women of Aberdeen PO Box 11952, Westhill, Aberdeen, AB13 0BW email via website www.awaaberdeen.org British Association of American Square Dance Clubs Patricia Connett-Woodcock, 87 Brabazon Road, Heston, Middlesex TW5 9LL, 020 8897 0723 tricia_baasdc@btinternet.com www.squaredancing.co.uk Canadians & Americans in Southern England 023 9241 3881 contactcase@casecommunity.com

Hampstead Women’s Club President - Stacy Popovici president@hwcinlondon.co.uk www.hwcinlondon.co.uk High Twelve International, Inc. Arnold Page High Twelve Club 298 Secretary, Darrell C. Russell 01638 715764 russelld130@btinternet.com Inter-Cultural Society of London Contact: Dr Kenneth Reed, 01753 892698, kjreed37@yahoo.co.uk ticsl.org kcwc (was Kensington & Chelsea Women’s Club) President: Catia Dal Poz, president@kcwc.org.uk Membership: potential@kcwc.org.uk www.kcwc.org.uk Facebook /kcwc.kcwc Twitter @kcwc_womensclub Knightsbridge Village info@knightsbridge-village.com www.knightsbridge-village.com Limerick International Women’s Organisation www.limerickiwo.com limerickiwo@live.ie

New Neighbours Diana Parker, Rosemary Cottage, Rookshill, Rickmansworth, Herts WD3 4HZ, 01923 772185 welcomeservicesinternational.com/index.php/finda-welcome-service-in-your-area/106-england/133new-neighbours-limited.html North American Connection (West Midlands) PO Box 10543, Knowle, Solihull, West Midlands. B93 8ZY 0870 720 0663 info@naconnect.com www.naconnect.com Petroleum Women’s Club of London www.pwc-london.co.uk Petroleum Women’s Club of Scotland pwcscotland@yahoo.co.uk www.pwcos.com Pilgrims of Great Britain Allington Castle, Maidstone, Kent M16 0NB. 01622 606404 sec@pilgrimsociety.org Propeller Club of the United States, London propellerclubhq.com +1 703-691-2777 [USA] Royal Society of St George Enterprise House, 10 Church Hill, Loughton, Essex IG10 1LA. +44 (0) 20 3225 5011 info@royalsocietyofstgeorge.com www.royalsocietyofstgeorge.com Order of the Eastern Star #45 Washington Jurisdiction District #9, RAF Lakenheath sogb45@yahoo.com elizabeth.jackson.tripod.com/sogb St John’s Wood Women’s Club membership@sjwwc.org www.sjwwc.org Thames Valley American Women’s Club PO Box 1687, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 8XT. 01628 632683 membership@tvawc.com www.tvawc.com UK Panhellenic Association Contact Susan Woolf, 10 Coniston Court, High St. Harrow on the Hill, Middlesex HA1 3LP. 020 8864 0294 susanrwoolf@hotmail.com Wandsworth Women’s Institute Secretary: Laura wandsworthwi@hotmail.com www.wandsworthwi.org.uk W.E.B. DuBois Consistory #116 Northern Jurisdiction, Valley of London, England, Orient of Europe, Cell: 0776-873-8030 mjack36480@aol.com

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MILITARY 290 Foundation (UK Confederate Navy memorial) Ian Dewar, President, 2 Thompson Drive, Middleton on the Wolds, East Riding, Yorkshire YO25 9TX 01377 217 442 290admin@onetel.com sites.google.com/site/290foundation

American Legion London Post 1 Adjutant: Christopher Shea, 10 Ivel Bridge Road, Biggleswade, Befordshire SG18 0AB 07501-062-882 info@amlegionpost1london.org.uk www.amlegionpost1london.org.uk

The American

American Institute for Foreign Study 37 Queensgate, London SW7 5HR 020 7581 7300, www.aifs.co.uk info@aifs.co.uk American School in London 1 Waverley Place, London NW8 0NP 020 7449 1200, www.asl.org admissions@asl.org American School of Aberdeen Craigton Road, Cults, Aberdeen. 01224 861068 / 868927.

US Air Force Recruiting Office Bldg 239 Room 139, RAF Mildenhall, Suffolk IP28 8NF 01638-54-4942/1566 phillip.guffa@mildenhall.af.mil Retired Affairs Office, RAF Alconbury Serving Central England POC: Rex Keegan Alt. POC: Mike Depasquale 423 SVS/RAO, Unit 5585, Box 100, RAF Alconbury, Huntingdon, Cambs PE28 4DA. 01480 84 3364/3557 Office Hours: Tuesday and Friday, 10:30am–2:30pm RAO@Alconbury.af.mil. Emergency no. 07986 887905 2nd Air Division Memorial Library The Forum, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 1AW 01603 774747 www.2ndair.org.uk 2admemorial.lib@norfolk.gov.uk USAF Retiree Activities Office Director: Paul G Gumbert, CMSgt (USAF), Ret 422 ABG/CVR, Unit 5855, PSC 50, Box 3 RAF Croughton, Northants NN13 5XP 01280 708182 422abg.rao@croughton.af.mil

Eighth Air Force Historical Society Gordon Richards/Michelle Strefford UK Office, The Croft, 26 Chapelwent Road, Haverhill, Suffolk CB9 9SD, 01440 704014 www.8thafhs.org

Joint RAF Alconbury/Molesworth Retiree Affairs Office 423, ABG/RAO, Unit 5623, RAF Alconbury, Huntingdon, Cambs., PE28 4DE, rao@alconbury.af.mil 01480 843364 (Tues only 10:30-14:30)

Alconbury Middle/High School RAF Alconbury, Huntingdon, Cambs, PE17 1PJ, UK. www.alco-hs.eu.dodea.edu AlconburyHS.Principal@eu.dodea.edu

Society of American Military Engineers (UK) UK address: Box 763, USAFE Construction Directorate: 86 Blenheim Crescent, West Ruislip, Middlesex HA4 7HL London Post. President: W. Allan Clarke. Secretary: Capt. Gary Chesley. Membership Chairman, Mr. Jim Bizier.

Commander in Chief, US Naval Forces Europe US Naval Forces Europe-Africa - US Sixth Fleet www.c6f.navy.mil, CNE-C6FPAO@eu.navy.mil

AFJROTC 20021 Principal.AlconburyHS@eu.dodea.edu

Reserve Officers Association London Col. B.V. Balch, USAR, 72 Westmoreland Road, Barnes, London SW13 9RY memberservices@roa.org www.roa.org

British Patton Historical Society Kenn Oultram 01606 891303

Friends of the Eighth Newsletter (FOTE News) Chairman: Ron Mackay, 90 Elton Road, Sandbach, Cheshire, CW11 3NF, 01270 767669

EDUCATIONAL ACS International Schools ACS Cobham International School, Heywood, www.acs-england.co.uk

Navy League of the United States, United Kingdom Council Council President: Steven G. Franck steven.franck@googlemail.com www.navyleague.org

Bentwaters/Woodbridge Retirees’ Association President: Wylie Moore. 2 Coldfair Close, Knodishall, Saxmundham, Suffolk, IP17 1UN. 01728 830281

Madingley American Cemetery Cambridge The American Battle Monuments Commission Madingley Road, Coton, Cambridge CB23 7PH 01954-210350 www.madingleyamericancemetery.info damian.lappin@madingleyamericancemetery.info

Western UK Retiree Association President: R. Jim Barber, MSgt (USAF), Ret 01280 708182

Military Officers’ Association of America www.moaa.org msc@moaa.org

American Overseas Memorial Day Association To remember & honor the memory of those who gave their lives in World Wars I & II, whose final resting places are in Europe. info@aomda.com, aomda.com

Brookwood American Cemetery The American Battle Monuments Commission Superintendant: Craig Rahanian. 01483 473237 Brookwood, Woking, Surrey GU24 0BL www.abmc.gov/cemeteries-memorials/europe/ brookwood-american-cemetery

Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Commander: Ernest Paolucci, 00 33 (0)1.42.50.96.34 24, rue Gerbert, 75015 Paris, France

Marine Corps League London, UK Detachment. Founding Commandant Michael E Allen, Creek Cottage, 2 Pednormead End, Old Chesham, Buckinghamshire HP5 2JS mcllondon.1088@sky.com www.mcl-london-uk.org

AFJROTC 073 Lakenheath High School. Tel: 01638 525603 Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA) Chapters at RAFs Alconbury, Croughton, Lakenheath and Mildenhall. staff@hqafsa.org www.hqafsa.org

Joint RAF Mildenhall/Lakenheath Retiree Affairs Office Co-Directors Dick Good & Jack Kramer Unit 8965, Box 30, RAF Mildenhall, Bury St. Edmonds, Suffolk, IP28 8NF 01638 542039 rao1@us.af.mil

US Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point) UK Chapter President: Allison Bennett, bennett.ac@gmail.com Facebook: Kings Point Alumni - London/United Kingdom USNA Alumni Association UK Chapter Pres: LCDR Tim Fox ’97, timfox97@hotmail.com Vice Pres: Miguel Sierra ’90, mrsierra@chevron.com M’ship: Bart O’Brien ’98, bartonobrien2@yahoo.com Secretary: Matt Horan ’87, matthoran@btinternet.com

Benjamin Franklin House 36 Craven Street, London WC2N 5NF. 020 7839 2006 info@benjaminfranklinhouse.org

Boston University – London Graduate Programs Office 43 Harrington Gardens, London SW7 4JU. 020 7244 6255, www.bu.edu/london British American Educational Foundation Laurel Zimmermann, Executive Director BAEF, 520 Summit Avenue, Oradell, NJ 07649 USA (201) 2614438 www.baef.org BUNAC Student Exchange Intern in Britain Program - Asst. Director: Jill Tabuteau, Priory House, Wrights Lane, London W8 6TA 020 7251 3472 www.bunac.org iib@bunac.org.uk Butler University, Institute for Study Abroad 21 Pembridge Gardens, London W2 4EB 020 7792 8751 www.ifsa-butler.org/england-overview.html Centre Academy London 92 St John’s Hill, Battersea, London SW11 1SH Tel: 02077382344, info@centreacademy.net www.centreacademy.net

Centre Academy East Anglia Church Rd, Brettenham, Ipswich, Suffolk IP7 7QR Tel: 01449736404 admin@centreacademy.net www.centreacademy.net

Hult International Business School Undergraduate: Hult House East, 35 Commercial Road London E1 1LD +44 (0)20 7636 5667 Graduate: Hult House, 37-38 John Street, London WC1N 2AT +44 (0) 20 7636 5667 Enrolment: 22 Chelsea Manor Street, London SW3 5RL +44 (0)207 341 8555 www.hult.edu/en/contact-us/

Central Bureau for Educational Visits Director: Peter Upton, The British Council , 10 Spring Gardens, London SW1A 2BN, 020 7389 4004. Wales 029 2039 7346. Scotland 0131 447 8024. centralbureau@britishcouncil.org

Institute for the Study of the Americas Director: Professor James Dunkerley. Tel 020 7862 8879 americas@sas.ac.uk www.americas.sas.ac.uk International School of Aberdeen 296 North Deeside Rd, Milltimber, Aberdeen, AB13 0AB 01224 732267 admin@isa.aberdeen.sch.uk www.isa.aberdeen.sch.uk

Council on International Educational Exchange Dr. Michael Woolf, 52 Portland Street, London WIV 1JQ Tel 020 7478 2000 www.ciee.org contact@ciee.org Ditchley Foundation Ditchley Park, Enstone, Chipping Norton, Oxon OX7 4ER Tel 01608 677346 www.ditchley.co.uk info@ditchley.co.uk

International School of London 139 Gunnersbury Avenue, London W3 8LG. 020 8992 5823 mail@ISLschools.org www.islschools.org

Dwight School London Formerly North London International School 6 Friem Barnet Lane, London N11 3LX 020 8920 0600 vrose@dwightlondon.org www.dwightlondon.org

International School of London in Surrey Old Woking Road, Woking GU22 8HY, 01483 750409, www.islsurrey.com mail@islsurrey.com Ithaca College London Centre 35 Harrington Gardens, London SW7. Tel. 020 7370 1166 www.ithaca.edu/london bsheasgreen@ithacalondon.co.uk

European Council of International Schools Executive Director: Jean K Vahey Fourth Floor, 146 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9TR 020 7824 7040 www.ecis.org ecis@ecis.org

Marymount International School, London Headmistress: Ms Sarah Gallagher George Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 7PE 020 8949 0571 info@marymountlondon.com www.marymountlondon.com

European-Atlantic Group PO Box 37431, London N3 2XP 020 8632 9253 justinglass@btinternet.com www.eag.org.uk

Missouri London Study Abroad Program 32 Harrington Gardens, London SW7 4JU. 020 7373 7953. web_office@umsl.edu www.umsl.edu/services/cis/

Florida State University London Study Centre Administrative Director: Kathleen Paul 99 Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3LH. 020 7813 3233 intprog1@admin.fsu.edu www.international.fsu.edu/london Fordham University London Centre Academic Coordinator: Sabina Antal 23 Kensington Square, London W8 5HQ 020 7937 5023 londoncentre@fordham.edu www.fordham.edu Fulbright (US-UK Educational) Commission Dir. of Advisory Service: Lauren Welch Battersea Power Station, 188 Kirtling Street, London SW8 5BN 020 7498 4010 www.fulbright.co.uk Halcyon London International School Co-educational International Baccalaureate (IB). 33 Seymour Place, London W1H 5AU +44 (0)20 7258 1169 hello@halcyonschool.com halcyonschool.com Harlaxton College UK Campus, University of Evansville, Harlaxton Manor, Grantham, Lincs. NG32 1AG. 01476 403000 harlaxton.ac.uk.

Regent’s University London Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4NS. 020 7486 9605. www.regents.ac.uk exrel@regents.ac.uk

Richmond, The American International University in London Queen’s Road, Richmond-upon Thames TW10 6JP Tel: +44 20 8332 9000 enroll@richmond.ac.uk www.richmond.ac.uk Schiller International University Royal Waterloo House, 51-55 Waterloo Road, London SE1 8TX. Tel. 020 7928 1372 www.schillerlondon.ac.uk admissions@schillerlondon.ac.uk Schiller International, Wickham Court School Layhams Road, West Wickham, Kent BR4 9HW. Tel 0208 777 2942 Wickham@schillerintschool.com www.wickhamcourt.org.uk

Sotheby’s Institute of Art Postgraduate Art studies, plus day /evening courses 30 Bedford Square, London WC1B 3EE Tel: 0207 462 3232, info@sothebysinstitute.com www.sothebysinstitute.com Southbank International Schools Kensington and Hampstead for 3-11 year olds; Westminster campuses for 11-18 year olds. 020 7243 3803 admissions@southbank.org www.southbank.org Syracuse University London Program Faraday House, 48-51 Old Gloucester Street, London WC1N 3AE, sulondon.syr.edu TASIS England, American School Coldharbour Lane, Thorpe, Nr. Egham, Surrey TW20 8TE. 01932 565252, england.tasis.com ukadmissions@tasisengland.org UKCISA - Council for International Education 9-17 St. Albans Place, London N1 0NX 020 7354 5210 www.ukcisa.org.uk University of Notre Dame London Program 1 Suffolk Street, London SW1Y 4HG 020 7484 7811, london@nd.edu http://international.nd.edu/about/notre-dameglobal-gateways/london-global-gateway Warnborough University International Office, Friars House, London SE1 8HB. Tel 020 7922 1200 www.warnborough.edu admin@warnborough.edu Webster Graduate Studies Center Regent’s College, Regent’s Park, Inner Circle, London NW1 4NS, UK. 020 7487 7505, webster@regents.ac.uk www.webster.ac.uk Wroxton College Study Abroad with Fairleigh Dickinson University, Wroxton, Nr. Banbury, Oxfordshire OX15 6PX 01295 730551, www.fdu.edu admin@wroxton-college.ac.uk

ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONS Regent’s American College & Alliant U Alumni (formerly United States International University) President: Eric CK Chan 020 7487 7599 chane@regents.ac.uk, alumni@regents.ac.uk c/o Regent’s University London, Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, London, UK. www.alliant.edu Amherst College Bob Reichert RAreichert26b@aol.com, alumni@amherst.edu www.amherst.edu/alumni Andover/Abbot Association of London Jeffrey Hedges ‘71, President 07968 513 631, hedgeslon@hotmail.com www.andover.edu/alumni

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Association of MBAs info@mbaworld.com, www.mbaworld.com

t.vifor@mbaworld.com

Babson College Nico von Stackelberg ‘12 vonstack@gmail.com Ben McLeod M’97 bernard.mcleod@gmail.com babson.alumni@btinternet.com Barnard College Club Hiromi Stone, President. 0207 935 3981, barnardclubgb@yahoo.co.uk Berkeley Club of London Geoff Kertesz berkeleyclublondon@gmail.com http://international.berkeley.edu/LondonClub www.facebook.com groups/223876564344656/ www.linkedin.com/groups/Berkeley-ClubLondon-4186104 Boston College Alumni Club UK Craig Zematis, President +44 7717 878968 BCalumniclub@gmail.com www.alumniconnections.com/olc/pub/BTN/cpages/ chapters/home.jsp?chapter=41&org=BTN Boston University Alumni Association of the UK Will Straughn, Snr International Development Officer, University Development and Alumni Relations, 43 Harrington Gardens, Kensington, London SW7 4JU 020 7244 2908 020 7373 7411 bstraugh@bu.edu Brandeis Alumni Club of Great Britain Joan Bovarnick, President http://alumni.brandeis.edu office@alumni.brandeis.edu

Cornell Club of London nmt4@cornell.edu www.alumni.cornell.edu/orgs/int/London

Mount Holyoke Club of Britain mhcbritain@gmail.com sites.alumnae.mtholyoke.edu/wp/ukclub

Dartmouth College Club of London alumni.dartmouth.edu www.dartmouth.org

Notre Dame Club of London ndlondon@alumni.nd.edu http://london.undclub.org/

Delta Kappa Gamma Society International Sheila Roberts, Membership Chair 01580 761165, worsleyroberts@btinternet.com www.dkggb.org.uk Delta Sigma Pi Business Fraternity London Alumni Chapter. Ashok Arora, P O Box 1110, London W3 7ZB 020 8423 8231, bertela@yahoo.com www.dspnet.org

NYU STERN UK Alumni Club www.stern.nyu.edu/portal-partners/alumni sternukalumniclub@hotmail.com fjrodrgo@yahoo.com

Delta Zeta International Sorority Alumna Club Sunny Eades 01543 490 312 SunnyEades@aol.com www.deltazeta.org

Ohio University Alumni UK & Ireland Frank Madden, 01753 855 360 frank@madant.demon.co.uk www.ohioalumni.org

Duke University Club of England rpalany@gmail.com, a.sagar@promemoriauk.com www.dukealumni.com/alumni-communities/ regional-programs/groups/london

Penn Alumni Club of the UK w ww.alumniconnections.com/olc/pub/UPN/cpages/ home.jsp?chapter=4&org=UPN pennalumniuk@gmail.com

Emory University Alumni Chapter of the UK Matthew Williams, Chapter Leader 079 8451 4119, matthew.eric.williams@gmail.com www.alumni.emory.edu

Penn State Alumni Association pennstatelondon@gmail.com www.alumni.psu.edu

Georgetown Alumni Club Alexa Fernandez, GeorgetownLondon@Yahoo.com UKHoyas@gmail.com , alumni.georgetown.edu

The London Association of Phi Beta Kappa phibetakappalondon@gmail.com www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=5117368 www.pbkldn.org Twitter: @phibetakappaldn

Gettysburg College Alumni London Britt-Karin Oliver, brittkarin@aol.com alumni@gettysburg.edu www.gettysburg.edu/alumni2

Brown University Club of the United Kingdom President: Tugba Erem. Communication: Patrick Attie Alumni Club & Liaison: Vanessa Van Hoof Brown Club UK, Box 57100, London, EC1P 1RB contact@brownuk.org www.brownuk.org

Harvard Business School Club of London admin@hbsa.org.ukwww.hbsa.org.uk

Bryn Mawr Club Lady Quinton, President. Wendy Tiffin, Secretary/Treasurer, 52 Lansdowne Gardens, London SW8 2EF wendytif@ukgateway.net

Indiana University Alumni club of England ukhoosiers@gmail.com www.alumni.indiana.edu/clubs/england

Claremont Colleges Alumni in London Hadley Beeman, hadley_beeman@alumni.cmc.edu

KKG London Alumnae Association londonalumni.kkg@gmail.com w ww.kappakappagamma.org

Colgate Club of London Stephen W Solomon ‘76, President 0207 349 0738 swsolomon@hotmail.com

LMU Loyola Marymount Alumni Club London Alumni Relations: heather.wells@lmu.edu 310.338.4574 http://alumni.lmu.edu

Columbia Business School Alumni Club of London 6 Petersham Mews, London SW7 5NR www.cbsclublondon.org londonadmin@gsb.columbia.edu

Marymount University Alumni UK Chapter President: Mrs Suzanne Tapley, 35 Park Mansions, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7QT. 020 7581 3742 www.marymount.edu/alumni

Columbia University Club of London london@alumniclubs.columbia.edu www.alumniclubs.columbia.edu/london

MIT Club of Great Britain reenan@alum.mit.edu greatbritain.alumclub.mit.edu

The American

NYU Alumni Club in London Jodi Ekelchik, President alumni.london@nyu.edu alumni.nyu.edu

Princeton Association (UK) membership@princeton.org.uk princeton.org.uk Rice Alumni of London Kathy Wang 07912 560 177 a lumni.rice.edu kathyw@alumni.rice.edu, suzanne.boue@rice.edu

Harvard Club of the United Kingdom president@hcuk.org, membership@hcuk.org www.hcuk.org

Skidmore College Alumni Club, London alumni.affairs@skidmore.edu w ww.skidmore.edu/alumni www.facebook.com/SkidmoreCollegeAlumni Smith College Club of London smithclubgb@gmail.com www.smithclubgb.org Stanford Business School Alumni Assn. UK alumni@gsb.stanford.edu alumni-gsb.stanford.edu/get/page/groups/ overview/?group_id=0038990048

Syracuse University Alumni UK SUalumniUK@syr.edu sulondon.syr.edu/about/sualumniuk.html www.facebook.com/SUajlumniUK Texas Tech Alumni Association - London Chapter Scott Dewar 077754 35877 sdewar2@gmail.com www.texastechalumni.org/chapters

Texas Exes UK (UKTE) England: Carra Kane 0778 660 7534 carrakane@alumni.utexas.net Scotland: Corey Cripe coreycripe@gmail.com www.fornogoodreason.com/UKTEMain.htm

Texas A&M Club London london@aggienetwork.com www.aggienetwork.com/club-page/londn The John Adams Society johnadamssociety@gmail.com www.johnadamssociety.co.uk Tufts - London Tufts Alliance tuftsalumni.org Londontuftsalliance@yahoo.com UConn Alumni Association uconnalumni.com UnitedKingdom@UConnAlumni.com UMass Alumni Club UK President, Renu Singh, renu.singh@alumni.lse.ac.uk umassalumni.com University of California Alumni UK 3 Bedford Square, London WC1B 3RA +44 (0)20 7079 0566, jodi.anderson@ucop.edu http://london.universityofcalifornia.edu University of Chicago Alumni Association rupalyp@gmail.com, www.uchicagouk.org University of Chicago Booth Alumni Association President: hbunuan@chicagobooth.edu www.chicagobooth.edu/alumni/clubs/uk University of Colorado Alumni www.colorado.edu/alumni/connect/chapters-clubs/ london-forever-buffs-alumni-chapter Facebook: LondonForeverBuffs Email: contact via website University of Georgia Alumni Association Lee Hutchins lee67@uga.edu www.alumni.uga.edu/alumni/index.php/site/ chapters/london_chapter University of Illinois Alumni Club of the UK Amy Barklam BUS 1994, President, 07796 193 466 amybarklam@msn.com, alumni@uillinois.edu, illinoisalumni@uillinois.edu, uisalumni@uillinois.edu, uicalumni@uillinois.edu www.uialumninetwork.org University of Michigan Alumni Association 0788-784-0941, jesscobb@yahoo.com alumni.umich.edu University of North Carolina Alumni Club unclondoncochairs@googlegroups.com london.unc.alumnispaces.com, alumni.unc.edu

University of Rochester/Simon School UK Alumni Association Julie Bonne, 0118-956-5052, julie_bonne@yahoo.com, alumni@rochester.edu www.rochester.edu/alumni

University of Southern California, USC Alumni Club of London Walter Ladwig, President usclondon@gmail.com uscalumnigroups.usc.edu/london/ University of Virginia Alumni Club of London uvaclubs.virginia.edu/group/uvaclub-of-london 020 7368 8473 , uvacluboflondon@gmail.com

US Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point) Alumni UK Chapter www.usmma.edu/alumni bennett.ac@gmail.com Facebook: Kings Point Alumni - London/United Kingdom USNA Alumni Association, UK Chapter President: Cdr Timothy W. (Tim) Fox ‘97, USNR timfox97@hotmail.com www.usna.com www.facebook.com/groups/USNAAlumniUK/ Vassar Club UK President: Andrew Solum ‘89 Treasurer Tris Barker’64 treasurer@vassarclubuk.org, 020 8467 0890 www.vassarclubuk.org Warnborough Worldwide Alumni Association 01227 762 107 www.wwaa.info/wwaa.htm admissions@warnborough.edu Washington University UK Alumni Club Steven Leof, steven@leof.co.uk alumni.wustl.edu/Community/Pages/London.aspx www.facebook.com/groups/WUSTLLondon www.linkedin.com/groups/Washington-Universityin-St-Louis-6966904 Wellesley College Club www.wellesley.edu/alumnae/groups/clubs/intlclubs/ wellesley_uk_club WCLondon@alum.wellesley.edu Wharton Alumni Club of the UK 020-7447-8800 www.whartonclubuk.net Williams Club of Great Britain Ethan Kline: ethankline@gmail.com, alumni. relations@williams.edu, alumni.williams.edu Yale Club of London President, president@yale.org.uk Secretary secretary@yale.org.uk www.yale.org.uk Zeta Tau Alpha Alumnae Kristin Morgan 07812 580949 kristinamorgan@gmail.com www.zetataualpha.org

CIVIL WAR SOCIETIES American Civil War Round Table (UK) American Civil War historical society Derek Young rebeldel55@icloud.com www.acwrt.org.uk

Southern Skirmish Association (SoSkan) The oldest American Civil War Re-enacting Society outside the USA. www.soskan.co.uk membership@soskan.co.uk

ARTS American Actors UK 07873 371 891 admin@americanactorsuk.com www.americanactorsuk.com Savio(u)r Theatre Company Britain’s American theatre company www.saviourtheatrecompany.com

SPORTS English Lacrosse Wenlock Way, Manchester M12 5DH 0843 658 5006 info@englishlacrosse.co.uk www.englishlacrosse.co.uk British Baseball Federation / SoftballUK 5th Floor, Ariel House, 74a Charlotte Street, London W1T 4QJ 020 7453 7055 www.britishbaseball.org British Morgan Horse Society 01981 500488 admin@morganhorse.org.uk www.morganhorse.org.uk Ice Hockey UK 02920 263 441 ihukoffice@yahoo.co.uk www.icehockeyuk.co.uk Infinity Elite Cheerleading (founded by CAC) 077 9132 0115 infinityelite@yahoo.co.uk www.facebook.com/InfinityAllstars Herts Baseball Club Adult & Little League Baseball www.hertsbaseball.com Lakenheath Barracudas Swim Club Open to all military affiliated families. laken.barracudas@yahoo.com lakenheathbarracudas.com LondonSports American flag football, baseball, basketball and soccer, boys/girls, 4-15 all nationalities, new or experienced players. www.londonsports.com vll@me.com London Warriors American Football Club info@londonwarriorsafc.co.uk www.londonwarriorsafc.co.uk

Details changed? Let us know email sabrina@theamerican.co.uk

Send profiles, news or articles about your organization for possible publication in The American. email sabrina@theamerican.co.uk, tel +44(0)1747 830520 Twitter @TheAmericanMag

The American

Coffee Break

QUIZ

3 7 1 8 6 9

➊ In 2013, Thanksgiving day fell on the first day of which

religious ceremony, a confluence which will not happen again, according to scientists, for over 70,000 years? ➋ In Bowling, how many consecutive strikes are known as a Turkey?

➌ Vaccinium macrocarpon is the scientific term for which ➍ Billy Corgan is the lead singer in which band, which might be considered to have a Thanksgiving-related name? a) The Cranberries b) The Smashing Pumpkins c) Wild Turkey

5 9

4 2

1 9 3 4 1 2 5 7

1 4

Berry, commonly used for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners?

➎ In which room of the White House is the official indoor ➒ Known in Europe as the Volkswagen Passat, what Christmas Tree traditionally located? a) Blue Room b) Oval Office c) Roosevelt Room

was this model called in North America? a) VW Dasher b) VW Comet c) VW Vixen ➏ Rudolph ‘Rudy’ Giuliani was Mayor of New York from 1994, ➓ Of Santa’s Reindeer, which two have not yet been until what year? mentioned in this quiz? Cupid is the name of a moon orbiting which planet? ➐ a) Earth b) Uranus c) Mars It happened 140 years ago... ⓫ November 30, 1876: The first Thanksgiving Ball ➑ The name of the Oregon River, ‘Donner und Blitzen’, game took place – between which teams? translates from German to what in English? Quiz answers and Sudoku solution on page 89

The American

It happened 144 years ago...

⓬ November 28, 1872: What notable thing happened to Ulysses S Grant’s 1872 Election Opponent, Horace Greeley?

QUIZ: 1. Hanukkah; 2. Three; 3. Cranberry; 4. b) The Smashing Pumpkins; 5. a) Blue Room; 6. 2001; 7. b) Uranus; 8. Thunder and Lightning; 9. a) VW Dasher; 10. Dancer and Prancer; 11. Princeton & Yale, when football was still evolving from a rugby hybrid. By 1890 there were thousands of games. Some of these matchups still continue, e.g. the high schools Boston Latin and the English High School of Boston have faced off on Turkey Day every year since 1887. It became the traditional date for the Intercollegiate Football Association championship game. Today, the NFL holds three Thanksgiving games, two of which always feature the Detroit Lions and the DalSOLUTION las Cowboys. The 5 1 2 9 7 6 8 4 3 Lions have been a fixture of Turkey 9 6 8 3 5 4 7 2 1 3 7 4 8 2 1 9 6 5 Day since 1934.; 12. Greeley died 1 8 6 2 4 3 5 7 9 before the Electoral 2 4 9 5 1 7 3 8 6 College cast its 7 3 5 6 9 8 4 1 2 vote, although the 8 2 1 4 3 9 6 5 7 popular vote had already been won 6 5 3 7 8 2 1 9 4 by Grant. 4 9 7 1 6 5 2 3 8

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