Whilst in London as press delegate for the BFI London Film Festival I was delighted to take a day trip Sunday October 8 to attend a special tea party honoring Lady Colin Campbell aka “Lady C.” Taking the train at 12:30 pm from Victoria Station to Sussex (over two hour journey through some lovely countryside) to the southern coastal town of Worthing near Brighton, it was a glorious sunny day. The event was held in the “Roots” cocktail/wine bar owned by Lady C’s son Misha. A delightful time and so nice to be on the coast with vista of the English Channel I’d soon travel under en route to Paris, France (see Dec. PVP).

My sister Deborah, avid listener, “introduced” me to the broadcasts of fascinating Lady C (nee Georgina Arianna Ziade): author (including a biography of Diana, Princes of Wales among other titles), television and radio personality, socialite. She has a special You-Tube channel (link follows) and presents her personal incisive viewpoint about British life and particularly the Royal family with whom she is personally acquainted. When my sister forwarded the announcement/invitation for tea I was immediately intrigued and made the reservation to attend and travel plans.

Lady C is utterly charming, most warm and welcoming with her captivating personality, distinctive enunciation, elegant English heritage, Lebanese lineage, and having grown up in Jamaica a bit exotic. She married young to heir of Duchy of Argyle (Scotland), and likewise divorced him at young age. She’s lead a colorful life and exudes tremendous style, and deep compassion. In c.1993 she adopted twin boys from Russia Michael (Misha) and Dimitri (Dima) and been devoted mother to them for decades. She’s also devoted to “Aurora” and “Mickie” her King Charles Spaniels, her adorable and constant companions who of course attended the tea!

The gathering was an eclectic congenial group of about two dozen “fans” from England, and some Americans. We enjoyed the debut of the unique Lady C cocktail and traditional afternoon tea with lovely sandwiches, scones and Devonshire cream, and sweets. After tea we were all graciously invited Lady C’s home “Castle Goring” for a glass of champagne and personal tour of the 18th century edifice erected by the grandfather of the celebrated “Romantic” poet Percy Bysshe. The intriguing property is also a venue for special events.

It was a memorable and long day, and I was glad to return to my home away from home about 10 pm to The Milestone Hotel in Kensington and a welcoming nightcap in the Stables Bar.

Another day excursion out of London was to Bletchley Park (Berkshire). My good friend Alyce drove us to Berkshire about 45 min. from London, though it seems further and deeper in the country, to the “secret” location where some of the brightest minds in England were ensconced in the height of World War II (c. 1939-44) who “broke” the Enigma Code and helped England win the war. Probably the most significant contributor was Alan Turing whose story has intrigued me since seeing the play West.

End hit play Breaking The Code decades ago, starring esteemed thespian Derek Jacobi in one of his most evocative performance as the gifted mathematician and encryption analyst Turing; and subsequently viewing the outstanding English television series The Bletchley Circle about the “Codebreakers.”

The @nine acre property that was once setting of a private home and hunting lodge has been preserved as a museum with rooms to view and many interactive exhibits. The property is also used as a venue for special events. When we there it was being set up for the international artificial intelligence “AI Safety Summit” conference that took place in early November. The exhibits are extensive and informing. Being in the rooms where so much significant decoding occurred was extremely poignant to reflect upon, particularly the office of Turing with his haberdashery and briefcase. One can feel the spirit of the taciturn heroic individuals who were sworn to secrecy, and many never revealed what they’d done to help in the war effort, until 70 years later, if ever. We enjoyed light lunch in the restaurant/café that was like “home cooking” and chatted with some other visitors who were paying homage to their family and history with great pride and patriotism.

When I was returning from Paris to the USA on American Airlines the film Imitation Game from 2014 about the historic time was one of the entertainment offerings. Another uncanny bit of serendipity to be able to see it, and I hadn’t when it debuted, made the experience even more meaningful.

My time in London was primarily to view films though it was great to see some exhibits and dine with friends. London is invigorating and always some place to revisit or discover! Make a “cuppa” and tune in to:

Imitation Game

(UK/USA, Black Bear Pictures/Film Nation Entertainment,/Bristol Automotive, 2014, 104 min. PG13, dir. Milton Tyldum)

Based on true story of genius cryptanalyst Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch) , the inventor of precursor of today’s computer, who cracked “Enigma” code during intense time of WWII that lead to Great Britain winning war against Germany.

The movie reveals how Turing and the brilliant team of code-breakers in top-secret facility in Bletchley Park (near London), Government Code and Cypher School.

Stellar cast includes Keira Knightly and Matthew Goode.

Eight Academy Award® nominations and win for Best Adapted Screenplay.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2084970/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

More about:

Lady Colin Campbell “Lady C”

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMlk9gp1WNndfOjs0_1gG3g

https://castlegoring.com/

Bletchley Park – Berkshire

https://bletchleypark.org.uk/

The Bletchley Circle (UK, 2012-14, TV series)

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2275990/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

More about:

The Milestone Hotel (London, Kensington)

The Milestone Hotel & Residences, Five-Star Boutique Hotel, Kensington, London

Stephanie Mardesich, a native of San Pedro from a family who arrived in the harbor area over 100 years ago. An alumna of U.S.C. School of Cinematic Arts; founder-director of the LA Harbor International Film Festival; credited journalist and public relations consultant, she launched "Cinema Stephanie" film critique blogette in 2017. More recently, she created "Eclectic Culture" lifestyle stories and reviews blog. She is also co-producer with Jack Baric (S.P. native and R.P.V. resident) of the oral history project Stories of Los Angeles Harbor Area: For Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (SOLAHA) - Volume II debuted in March 2020