PROUD TO be British is the only way to describe Brit Week. Everything starts with an idea, and Nigel Lythgoe had the idea for Brit Week last summer, which he took to our British Consul General, The Right Honourable Bob Peirce. Lythgoe, of American Idol fame (Entertainment 19), wanted to do a celebration of all things British in LA.

This idea happened to fit in nicely with a pet project Bob was already working on, that of the 50th anniversary of the British Residence in Los Angeles, and how the British had influenced LA over the last 50 years.

Juliet Mills and Judi Dench.

The Dream: started last year on a limited basis with a reception and “Walk About” of Brit shops, Brit products, film screenings, and fashion show.

The Goal: to get major corporations Entertainment 19, Virgin Megastore, Mini, Rolls-Royce, HBO, BBC America, BP, Air New Zealand, Pinewood, BAFTA/LA, Myawol.com, Diageo, UK Film Council-US, UK Trade and Investment, BABCLA, Lloyds TSB and other corporations along with British shops, restaurants, and pubs, and the general public to get involved to form Brit Week.

Achievements and recognition: would there even be an LA without the Brits from Mulholland, who brought water to a desert; Griffith an Observatory and park; Charlie Chaplin to Cary Grant and David Niven, who helped create magic and fantasy in the film industry? To all the Brits that came here to make California the single largest trading partner between the UK and US.

Creating History: Bob Peirce didn’t waste one second of an opportunity to unite the Brits with Californians by utilizing his position in bringing people together. His natural ability and leadership, and that of his wife, Sharon Harroun Peirce, is why so many of us became involved in what has become a totally successful Brit Week.

The Events: go to www.britweek.org.

Lucy Davis (The Office, UK), with Eric Idle
and John Cleese.

The Kick-off: April 24 when Bob and Sharon opened up the Residence for a champagne reception to launch this year’s festivities. On hand to make this all happen and welcome the British was LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Council Member Tom LaBonge and long time County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky. Representing the Brits: Dame Judi Dench, Juliet Mills, John Cleese, Maxwell Caulfield, Eric Idle, Michael York, Jackie Collins, British Bachelor Matt Grant, Tony Curran, Patricia Heaton, David Hunt, Lady Victoria Hervey, Imelda Staunton, Eileen Atkins, Cat Deeley, Zandra Rhodes, Alicia Jacobs, Michael Keaton, Jamie Bamber, Julia Verdin, Lucy Davis, Owain Yeaman, Tania Kosevich, Anthony Morrison, winner of reality show Sheer Magic, and current performers of American Idol: David Cook, Jason Castro, Brooke White, David Archuleta, and Syesha Mercado.

The evening was electric as they came up the red carpet, past at least 150 cameras as Bob and Sharon welcomed all of the guests individually. Yes, it made the nationals both here and in the UK. Are you starting to get excited?

The Anniversary Party: April 26, for all those who were honoured and privileged to participate in a garden reception for 600 guests, again at the Residence, an event of a lifetime for a lot of people who wouldn’t normally get the chance to meet and mingle with so many interesting people: Sir Ken Robinson, Police Chief William Bratton and his absolutely charming wife Rikki Klieman; political correspondent for NBC Sherry Bebitch Jeffe; Paul McCartney and his guitarist, Brian Ray; David Philp from the Automatics; Sheriff Lee Baca; business people from all around southern California, and again the two former Consuls General, Reg Holloway, accompanied by his wife Anna, and Merrick Baker-Bates.

Entertaining the guests throughout the afternoon were The Hollies, followed by a fabulous performance by Peter and Gordon. As if that wasn’t enough, everyone got to eat a feast fit for a king or queen: mini lamb chops, beef, salmon, and the sweetest California strawberries we’ve ever tasted, all provided by Annabelle, a British caterer the Residence has used for years. There were five open bars for a little liquid libation; you’ll be hearing about that event all year! And that’s only the start: check out www.britweek.org for the Comedy Awards at the Four Seasons; special functions at most of your local pubs, shops and restaurants in celebration of Brit Week and the British Celebrity Football Match hosted by LA Galaxy at the Home Depot Center.

Sharon Harroun Peirce and Bob Peirce with Alicia Jacobs and Nigel Lythgoe.

While visiting Bernadette’s on Main in Ventura last week, we met Lisa Richardson, an exchange student from Huddersfield, taking on the biggest challenge of her life: teaching military youngsters whose parents are serving abroad. Whilst chatting, we found out she had taken a photography course. “How would you like to help us, the UJ News, and be our assistant at Brit Week?” “Would I? Are you kidding? What a memory to take home with me in June.” She replied. Lisa you were terrific. A true Brit. You must have taken 500 snaps. Thanks Lisa, you’re a gem! Don’t be surprised when you arrive home to find your photo has been in the paper of you with the Consul General and his wife.

One of the highlights of her visit was a boat ride out of Ventura Harbour to East Anacapa Island: nature at its best. Most people are surprised by the spectacular panoramic view from the plateau, the nature trails. Lisa, I forgot to ask if you saw the seals and sea lions.

I bet you noticed the total lack of buildings, tourist shops, vehicles etc all of the islands are the same: where you can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, camping, kayaking, nature walks, bird watching (the feathered kind). We were over at Island Packers the other day and could hear on the radio the excitement the passengers were feeling as a Pacific Grey Whale swam by.

Island Packers is family owned and operated and has been lovingly taking care of visitors in Ventura since 1968. Check the ad this month (805) 642-1393 www.islandpackers.com. Guaranteed fact – Karen and I will be visiting one, if not all four of the islands over the next few months. That’s the rewards for living here! What a price to pay: The Pacific Ocean. You are dreaming again, Leo. Be satisfied with a dull and boring life. “You’re going to see Duran Duran during Brit Week and the comedy awards, the screenings, and the Celebrity Football Match,” stated Karen.

Are you kidding? I’m proud to be born British. I should have been rich and famous. Ah, well. I’ll settle for enjoying Brit Week!!