The Gibraltar Magazine July 09 by Rock Publishing Ltd

interviews • arts • dining • finance • leisure • property • history • business • health

ibraltar magazine the

July 2009

Vol.14 No. 09 FREE

Club 4x4

Our City of Culture

Taxing Times...

lost & found again

Making Waves

The Cool Migrants At Home in Gibraltar

and much more...

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interviews • arts • dining • finance • leisure • property • history • business • health

ibraltar magazine the

July 2009

Vol.14 No. 09 FREE

Club 4x4

Our City of Culture

Taxing Times...

lost & found again

Making Waves

The Cool Migrants At Home in Gibraltar

and much more...

Cover: Time to enjoy our beaches Volume 14 Number 09 • July 2009 The Gibraltar Magazine is published monthly by Guide Line Promotions Limited, PO Box 561, PMB 6377 113 Main Street, Gibraltar Tel or fax (+350) 200 77748 E-mail: gibmag@gibraltar.gi www.TheGibraltarMagazine.com Managing Editor: Andrea Morton Design Studio: Jonathan Bull Copyright © 2009 by Guide Line Promotions Limited. All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written consent of The Gibraltar Magazine. Subscriptions £35.00 per year.

Magazine & website archived by the British Library

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

features 16 Directing Affairs of the Air 28 A Day Sail Blazer € 30 Mifsud: Lost & Found Again 48 The Right to Look Fierce 56 The Cool Migrants

34 36 38 40 42

Living in Cloud Cuckoo Land? A Fresh Feel for Summer Wall Space Bags of Room from the Bean Revolution€ Al Fresco Dining

business & finance 8 Business & Finance Guide 9 Green Shoots? € 12 Integrating your Payments 14 Taxing Times for Gibraltar 20 New Name, Same Friendly Faces 22 Express Course in Security 24 Plan-It! Recycling New Ideas 26 Making Waves with Agile Marine

leisure & activities 18 City of Culture 46 Club 4x4 Gibraltar 50 Fashion Promenade € 52 Shopping & Beauty 55 Blooming Marvellous 58 Superstar Performance 60 Books: More than 4 Walls 73 What’s Happening in July 75 Music Spotlight: Steve Brook 78 Leisure & Tuition 94 Clubs & Activities Guide health 62 PMI: Why Now’s the Time 64 Health & Medical Directory 66 Betting Against Addition food & drink 80 Stylish Cuisine 82 Lemonade & Ginger Beer € 86 Wine Column 87-90 Restaurant & Bar Guide 91 Calentita!

at home IN GIBRALTAR

history & heritage 44 Popham’s Flags 70 Baron Munchausen &

76 79 80-91

the Great Siege € Vikings in the Med Gielgud at the Theatre Royal

regulars 74 Puzzle Page 92 Around Town information 68-69 City Centre Map 98 Gibraltar Information

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

business & finance profile business & finance

by Ian le Breton

green shoots of recovery? This month I thought I would step back a bit and take a look at why many commentators around the world are already talking about a global recovery. Is this justified or is it a case that people are unreasonably talking up the markets — perhaps with their own narrow interests at heart?

As always in this column, these are just my personal thoughts and in no way should readers base decisions upon them. There is no substitute for professional advice but I hope the following might at least help to make sense of what is happening. First of all, we should always remember that no matter when a recovery sets in — and I am confident that we should see an upturn in the not too distant future — for many people the damage has already been done. Countless workers round the world are facing up to job losses or cutbacks. Bank lending has been severely curtailed making easy credit a thing of the past. Plunging stock markets over the last year have resulted in big losses, either for investors directly or indirectly via pension funds and the like, while the currency markets have seen wild fluctuations. One can see that for many, any feeling of “recovery” will be a long time coming — if at all. But cutting through all this, is there actually any genuine reason to hope that the worst may be behind us and that some sort of recovery

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

may be taking shape? It is certainly true that most major stock indices around the world have staged an impressive comeback in the last few months. Not only in the widely reported European and US markets, but also in places such as Russia where a rising rouble has helped considerably to reduce the paper losses suffered in the last year or so. British public opinion traditionally looks at the pound’s value as one measure of the country’s prosperity. Here of course, there are

Is there actually any genuine reason to hope that the worst may be behind us and that some sort of recovery may be taking shape?

definitely two sides to the story. A rising pound may be good for Brits going on holiday abroad but it can spell disaster for British manufacturing companies in an already weakened export market where cheap overseas competition is always a concern. For us in Gibraltar, of course we are concerned about the pound/euro exchange rate and at the time of writing this has certainly improved markedly from the near parity (i.e. one pound for one euro) that we were seeing around Christmas. Enough of generalities. Let’s look at some specific instances where encouraging signs are to be found. As always I write this column about a month before the Gibraltar Magazine is published so by the time these words are read, things may have moved on. In the UK, recent house price indices have reflected modest price rises in recent months. Meanwhile, contrary to public opinion, the banks insist that they are still lending — albeit on somewhat stricter terms than in the heady days of the last few years. Interest rates remain low in an effort by the Bank of England to

business & finance stimulate both lending and related consumer demand. There is as yet no sign of inflation returning although of course the opposing force of deflation is still a concern to policy makers around the world. Britain was one of the first economies to follow America into recession. Europe appeared more resilient at first. It follows then that we may see green shoots appear in these two countries first although the way back to normality is likely to take some time. In the US, giant auto maker General Motors finally succumbed to economic reality and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in early June. But even in this case, the support promised by both American and European governments is encouraging and should save many thousands of car worker jobs around the GM network across the world. US economists point out that retail sales have been surprisingly resilient; suggesting that consumer spending grew by 1% in the first quarter. Whilst still in crisis, even the US house price market falls appear to be slowing — remember that this is what caused the global problems in the first place. In Europe, governments across the continent are putting into place various measures designed to stimulate demand and there are some signs this medicine is beginning to work. An example is the plan in Germany whereby the government has offered a €2,500 payment as an incentive to trade in old cars for new, more environmentally-friendly models. Early indications are that in excess of a million Germans have taken advantage of this offer — a positive sign indeed.

Even in the Far East, specifically China and Japan, recent surveys show some sign for hope. All seem to indicate that whilst both economies still face enormous challenges, the very worst may be over. So what does all this mean to us in Gibraltar? Well, as always this depends on your own viewpoint. Certainly if you are working here and being paid in pounds, you will have already noticed a marked increase in the euro exchange rate. Sure, we’d all like the rate to go higher still but it is more than 10% better than at the beginning of the year. Local estate agents report steady demand for Gibraltar property. Prices aren’t rising perhaps but certainly we have so far avoided the steep fall in demand and hence prices just across the border in Spain. Local shopkeepers may typically be reticent about saying they are doing well, but no one can have failed to see that Main Street is very busy on most weekdays — certainly helped by the increasing number of cruise ship passengers that seem to arrive almost every day. Even the fairly hefty recent rises in local duty on alcohol and

Governments across the continent are putting into place measures designed to stimulate demand and there are signs this is beginning to work

tobacco do not seem to have dented demand, although it’s perhaps a bit early to be sure. So what is my own personal take on all this? I am a born optimist to be sure but I find it encouraging to note the evidence from around the world that leads me to believe that things are indeed starting to get just a little better. When asked to name the greatest difficulty faced by a prime minister, Harold Macmillan is reported to have said “...events, dear boy, events”. Although this is not an accurate quote (he actually said: “...the opposition of events”) there is no doubt that any recovery is also going to depend on such external factors. God forbid that we experience any major natural disasters this year, still worse any terrorist attacks, but in the hoped for absence of these, there are, I think, genuine reasons to be hopeful. Of course all major world economies need to cope with their own specific areas of concern but a generally more benign set of circumstances around the world could indeed lead to a modest recovery for the rest of this year and into 2010 and beyond. Let’s all hope so. n n Ian Le Breton is Managing Director of Sovereign Trust (Gibraltar) Limited. Tel: + 350 200 76173 Email: ilebreton@ SovereignGroup. com

gibraltar airport flight schedule

Day Flight No. Airline Arr. From Dep. Flight No. To Mon Andalus 08.25 EA2101 Madrid ZB574 Monarch 10.55 Manchester 11.40 ZB575 Manchester EZY8901 easyJet 11.00 Gatwick 11.40 EZY8902 Gatwick ZB068 Monarch 11.55 Luton EA2102 Andalus 12.00 Madrid 12.35 EA2103 Barcelona Monarch 12.40 ZB069 Luton EA2104 Andalus 17.00 Barcelona BA2494 British Air. 17.25 Gatwick 18.10 BA2495 Gatwick Andalus 18.20 EA2105 Madrid EZY8905 easyJet 18.10 Gatwick 18.50 EZY8906 Gatwick EA2106 Andalus 21.50 Madrid Tue Andalus 08.25 EA2201 Madrid EZY8901 easyJet 11.00 Gatwick 11.40 EZY8902 Gatwick EA2202 Andalus 12.00 Madrid BA2494 British Air. 17.25 Gatwick 18.10 BA2495 Gatwick Andalus 18.20 EA2205 Madrid EZY8905 easyJet 18.10 Gatwick 18.50 EZY8906 Gatwick EA2206 Andalus 21.50 Madrid Wed Andalus 08.25 EA2301 Madrid ZB574 Monarch 10.55 Manchester 11.40 ZB575 Manchester EZY8901 easyJet 11.00 Gatwick 11.40 EZY8902 Gatwick EA2302 Andalus 12.00 Madrid BA2494 British Air. 17.25 Gatwick 18.10 BA2495 Gatwick Andalus 18.20 EA2305 Madrid EZY8905 easyJet 18.10 Gatwick 18.50 EZY8906 Gatwick ZB062 Monarch 18.55 Luton 19.40 ZB063 Luton EA2306 Andalus 21.50 Madrid Thu Andalus 08.25 EA2401 Madrid EZY8901 easyJet 11.00 Gatwick 11.40 EZY8902 Gatwick EA2402 Andalus 12.00 Madrid BA2494 British Air. 17.25 Gatwick 18.10 BA2495 Gatwick Andalus 18.20 EA2405 Madrid EZY8905 easyJet 18.10 Gatwick 18.50 EZY8906 Gatwick ZB062 Monarch 18.55 Luton 19.40 ZB063 Luton EA2406 Andalus 21.50 Madrid Fri Andalus 08.25 EA2501 Madrid ZB068 Monarch 10.40 Luton 11.30 ZB069 Luton ZB574 Monarch 10.55 Manchester 11.40 ZB575 Manchester EZY8901 easyJet 11.00 Gatwick 11.40 EZY8902 Gatwick EA2502 Andalus 12.00 Madrid 12.35 EA2503 Barcelona EA2504 Andalus 17.00 Barcelona BA2494 British Air. 17.25 Gatwick 18.10 BA2495 Gatwick Andalus 18.20 EA2505 Madrid EZY8905 easyJet 18.10 Gatwick 18.50 EZY8906 Gatwick EA2506 Andalus 21.50 Madrid Sat EZY8901 easyJet 11.00 Gatwick 11.35 EZY8902 Gatwick ZB068 Monarch 11.35 Luton 12.35 ZB069 Luton BA2494 British Air. 17.25 Gatwick 18.10 BA2495 Gatwick Sun Andalus 12.35 EA2703 Barcelona EA2704 Andalus 17.00 Barcelona BA2494 British Air. 17.25 Gatwick 18.10 BA2495 Gatwick Andalus 18.20 EA2705 Madrid ZB062 Monarch 18.10 Luton 18.55 ZB063 Luton EZY8905 easyJet 18.15 Gatwick 18.55 EZY8906 Gatwick EA2706 Andalus 21.50 Madrid Brian T Richards, Air Travel Consultant - info@briantrichards.com www.briantrichards.com

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

business & finance open-plan office with a carefully arranged desk layout which makes customers feel comfortable and relaxed whilst retaining the privacy. Gibtelecom’s multi-trained staff can help you with any aspect of telephony, from applying for a line, right through to handling the most technical problems you may have with your internet service. One of the biggest benefits is that for the first time, all departments are being brought together in the same building, meaning there will always be a technician on hand to answer your queries. “It’s a true one-stop-shop,” commented Derek. “And Gibtelecom is making the best of the many benefits associated with having these new premises adjoining the Haven and City Hall, where much of the Company’s technology is already located.” n The new Customer Service Centre, open for business in the centre of town

Service in the Centre of Town

Gibtelecom’s Customer Services has spent the last few weeks settling in at the company’s new premises by the Piazza. Gibtelecom’s Customer Services Manager, Derek Ghio, said “The company has been planning for this move for many months now, and the new shop enables the company to provide a customer-friendly environment and experience, as well as added convenience through its central location. In fact, just in the first week we’ve had extremely positive feedback from customers congratulating us on the move, the layout and the service too.”

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

The new opening hours are 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday. “Gibtelecom will also be trialling Saturday morning opening again, from 10am to 1pm,” said Derek, “to see if the demand for this service is there”. The new and modern Gibtelecom Customer Service Centre, conveniently located in the centre of town, incorporates some of the innovations which were on trial at their old offices at Europort (now closed). These include a smart

Derek Ghio, Customer Services Manager

finance

integrating your payroll system

There’s no easy solution to managing HR and matching it to both your business’s technology and government’s requirements, however that was the topic of two seminars held by Rock IT at the end of June in the Eliott Hotel.

Paul Jennings of Rock IT

ith a turn-out of nearly 100 attendants from 50 local companies, the seminars looked at the ongoing software development that Paul Jennings has been involved in within various industries over the past ten years. The result is a package entitled ‘Easy Pay’, which is already used by around 80 companies in Gibraltar to help streamline their HR requirements. Companies currently using the system have five users upwards, each with their own specific requirements and systems which the Easy Pay package works alongside effectively. In fact, it’s pretty much cross-platform compatible, which means there’s practically no

doubt the software will work on any computer system you are likely to plug it in to. From an HR management point of view, the software holds the pertinent data of employees as well as being able to track training progress, career history and other statistics right through to leave/holiday management too. The seminars were run in conjunction with Dilip Taylor (Training Taylor Made) and MCS, who are marketing the product to the public. Attendees found out in detail how the system integrates current local government legislation and requirements to produce documentation — from the original contract of employment, documents needed on a yearly basis for tax re-

turns, through to termination of the contract. With Government requirements changing on a regular basis, Rock IT have an obligation to keep the software updated for their clients. “In the early days, we physically visited each client every time a change was made to update their system manually,” Paul commented. “You can imagine how time consuming that was, but all that has changed now.” It certainly has, as Rock IT regularly adds modules to enhance the software it was a priority to create an update download function for clients. Updates can be done manually or the user can set the system to check automatically, rather like standard virus database updates.

AI International Couriers Ltd 11 Engineers Lane PO Box 532 Gibraltar Tel: (+350) 200 73775 Airport office: (+350) 200 41076 Fax: (+350) 200 74389 email: gibsn@dhl.com

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

finance Professionals from a wide variety of companies on the Rock enjoyed the seminar

After the first year there is a smaller fee With this enhancement, changes made are immediately ready and installed onto the client’s which will give you continued on-site mainsystem, ensuring a smooth upgrade and saving an immense amount of man-power. “In the early days, we physically The Easy Pay product sells as an initial one visited each client every time year package which includes on-site support (for any bugs which might arise from compata change was made to update ability with your existing systems), along with the regular update downloads which Paul their system manually, but claims can be up to 50 times a year due to ongothat’s all changed now” ing changes in government requirements.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

tenance if required and ongoing access to the download facility. If you missed the seminar, and want to find out more, you can take a look at the software site: www.easypay.gi where you can download a trial version to test run on your computer as well as finding a full run-down of functions which could be beneficial to your company. For more in-depth information, contact Rock IT on 200 74121 or email paul.jennings@rockit. gi to arrange an appointment. n

Taxing Times for Gibraltar

by Angela Smart, Smart Tax Consultancy

business

April 2009 witnessed the first Tax Information Exchange Agreement (TIEA) between Gibraltar and the USA. The Chief Minister has stated that Gibraltar will sign a further 12 agreements by November 2009. By entering these agreements Gibraltar will be regarded as an established, worldwide compliant, Finance Centre, making it competitive with other low tax jurisdictions. These agreements promise that information regarding tax affairs of an individual, company or trust will be exchanged where there is a tax issue in the requesting jurisdiction.

write to our Government representative (probably the Commissioner of Income Tax) asking him to provide information regarding, for example, the beneficial owner of a company or a settlor of a trust or a beneficiary of a trust; provide bank statements, accounts etc. Our representative must obtain and provide this information to the requesting jurisdiction. Even if our representative does not hold the What does this mean? information he must do everything in his power This means that the USA tax authorities can to obtain the information.

New Apointment: Hassans Amanda Noble has been appointed Marketing Manager of Hassans International Law Firm. Ms Noble’s career in the legal marketing field spans 14 years having previously held positions at Maples and Calder (Cayman), Addleshaw Goddard (London, Leeds, Manchester) and Ernst & Young (Leeds, London). She has experience in all areas of marketing including business development, client care, database and website management and events and PR. Hassans’ Managing Partner, Javier Chincotta, commented, “With a full service law firm the size and quality of Hassans, it was becoming increasingly important that we appointed somebody who can extend our reach and network in the UK and worldwide. Amanda brings with her a wealth of offshore industry knowledge and expertise and we are excited to have someone of her calibre join our dynamic team”. Amanda says “My legal experience both on and offshore has enabled me to achieve and in- depth knowledge of the practice areas in which Hassans operate. I am pleased to be joining such a prestigious firm that is consistently ranked no 1 in the major legal directories”. n

The potential effects of a TIEA Local Companies Until now Gibraltar has been insulated from enquiries from foreign jurisdictions because of the Commissioner of Income Tax lack of power to obtain information. It goes without saying that to make these agreements effective, the information powers would have to be restored to the Commissioner of Income Tax. This will have a knock on effect into local businesses, as the Commissioner will be able to use those powers for his own investigations. Company Managers and Trustees Many clients will come under investigation from another jurisdiction to which they are connected. The implementation of the TIEAs may put some clients in a difficult position in that tax jurisdiction. In order to prepare your clients for the enivabilty of being subject to an investigation by another jurisdiction it would be beneficial to identify clients who are higher risk and take appropriate action now. What should you being doing now You should be ensuring that the structures that have been set up comply with the other jurisdictions’ tax legislation and that the actions taken for these structures in Gibraltar visibly demonstrate that the Gibraltar part of the structure works properly. n Smart Tax Consultancy Smart Tax Consultancy (STC) is able to review the structure itself to check it complies with other jurisdiction’s requirements. It can also review the operational aspect of the structure to check the appropriate audit trail is in place to ensure things, which should have taken place in Gibraltar have taken place. If the worst happens and a Foreign Revenue launches a full investigation, STC can correspond with the Foreign Revenue body on your client’s behalf or if the investigation is carried out on behalf of your client by a tax specialist in that jurisdiction it can prepare the required Gibraltar information. Tel: 58008575

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

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www.gibraltarlawyers.com

Ready for take off ? Photo: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Is your business ready to make the most of the economic turnaround? For ideas and advice on how best to prepare for the next period of growth, please contact Selwyn Figueras at selwyn.figueras@isolas.gi Portland House Glacis Road PO Box 204 Gibraltar Tel +350 200 78363 www.gibraltarlawyers.com

profile

Directing Affairs of the Air There’s a lot of activity going on at the airport these days and none of it has to do with crosswinds and landing aircraft. If you’ve crossed the runaway in recent months you’ll have seen that the work being carried out to create a new modern airport is incredible. So with a new airport and a new future for aviation in Gibraltar come new roles. The man charged by our Government to manage affairs of the air and keep us in tune with legislation and regulation is Gibraltar’s very first Director of Civil Aviation, Chris Purkiss.

Chris was born in Farnborough, Kent. A bankers’ son, he spent his early schooling at Days Lane Junior School, Sidcup, where he sat the 11+ in the days when it mattered. That pass enabled him to get a grant to Eltham College in South-East London. Originally a school for the sons of Methodist missionaries, he left there at 18 with 10 ‘O’ levels and four ‘A’ levels showing an aptitude for mathematics, but also for a military career. “By a fluke I ended up going to RAF Biggin Hill,” says Chris. “I had a friend who was interested and I basically tagged along with him.” Biggin Hill was the Royal Air Force’s Officer & Aircrew Selection Centre until the ’90s when the centre moved to RAF Cranwell. “I’d decided to take an engineering degree because of my aptitude at mathematics, clearly I was never cut out to be an engineer but I didn’t know that at the time. I had hoped as most young men and women do that I could be a pilot, but after taking the initial aptitude tests it was clear I was barking up the wrong tree. However, it turned out that while I didn’t

have had the aptitude for pilot, I certainly had the wherewithal to be a navigator. So they offered me the chance to stay to complete the rest of the tests that covered aspects of leadership, command and decision making. “I decided that instead of heading home and facing my mock ‘A’ level results, and the wrath of my parents, I should stay. Fortune favoured the brave and I was rewarded with a Cadetship through university which basically meant the RAF paid me to study.” So Chris headed to Bristol University to study engineering. During the term he learned to fly first solo standard and in the summer breaks he visited various RAF camps to learn about life in the RAF. “As a result I now have 2000+ hours in my log book as a Navigator and 15 minutes solo as a Pilot on the Bulldog training aircraft!” “So you started to enjoy the prospect of a military career?” I asked. “Well I was more suited to it than I was to engineering — that soon became evident. While at university a friend and I sold an old Ford Escort

— it had a rusty front wing, which using my vast engineering knowledge, we repaired with papier mache. We didn’t dare let people view the car if it was raining!” Chris completed his degree, despite his practical skills and followed the agreement of his cadetship by attending RAF College Cranwell and Initial Officer Training. It was here he excelled, passing out with the Queen’s Medal which is awarded to the Best Recruit of the Year. From there he entered navigator training at RAF Finningley before being asked for his choice of aircraft. Once more he was in luck, got his choice and started at RAF Cottesmore on the brand new European-built Multi Role Combat Aircraft now more commonly known as the Tornado Ground Attack aircraft. “It was incredibly exciting to be training in a brand new fighter jet,” he said. “For my first three months I was paired up with a German pilot at RAF Cottesmore, which was a NATO base where aircrew from Germany, Italy and the UK were trained. The training was as exciting as you’d expect but very demanding too.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

“After Cottesmore we finished our initial training on the aircraft at the Tornado Weapons School at RAF Honington. From there on in, I was fully trained and ready for my first real posting.” Chris continued with his resume. “The Cold War was still in full flow when in 1984 I arrived at my first posting to RAF Bruggen in Germany on 31 Squadron. A following tour on 9 Squadron saw me spending around five years in Germany which I loved. The flying was exhilarating and the low flying at 250 ft was exceptional if dangerous at times. “With these Squadrons I took part in lots of detachments to practice ultra-low flying exercises where we flew at 100ft over the deserts of Nevada and the woods and lakes of Goose Bay in Northern Canada. I remember we were very busy at the time but it wasn’t till the Berlin Wall came down in 1989 that we realised most of the busy was merely practicing to react to the Cold War threat. Unfortunately, the so called peace dividend meant instead of practicing we actually went to war! “Following Germany I was posted to RAF Marham and 617 Squadron, a posting that saw me flying 11 missions during the Gulf War. Strangely after years of training to go to war at 100ft, I spent the Gulf War in 1991 at around 20,000ft laser designating targets for other aircraft to attack. It was very surreal and a detached way to fight a war, almost like playing a video game but with really bad graphics. “617 Squadron was then moved to RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland and re-roled as a maritime squadron. The maritime role was a challenge I really enjoyed; suddenly after years of practicing attacking bridges and airfields which didn’t move, I was faced with the task of planning a coordinated attack by up to six aircraft against ships which continuously moved position! Then finally in 1996 my flying career eased off as promotion came my way.” Chris was promoted to Squadron Leader and sent to the Permanent Joint Headquarters at Northwood where all the initial planning for UK operations is conducted. He took part in preparing contingency and operational plans and was particularly involved in the planning of operations to extract UK residents from the civil strife which took place in the Congo and Rwanda in the mid-’90s. It was for his planning and success during the Congo mission he was awarded the MBE. He was then selected to attend Staff College, which is one of the prerequisites for further advancement in the military and given the choice of attending either a UK or Overseas College. “I chose the overseas option as I was thinking of an enjoyable year in America or Australia. The RAF instead offered me Paris or Madrid. I had a French ‘O’ level and so Paris seemed the obvious choice, so after a year at the Defence Language School in Beaconsfield I was sent to the Staff College in Madrid in ’98/99. It still makes me laugh. The Course was fun and small with just 30 Spanish and 7 foreign students. It was interesting from the perspective of understanding the Spanish take on world politics and military matters.” Whilst living in Madrid he met his now wife Mari-Luz who could speak a lot better English than he could Spanish. At the beginning of the course he was promoted to Wing Commander and on completion

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

posted to the MoD in London. There he worked in the Department of Force Development which provided advice to the MoD procurement area on the types of equipment that would be needed by the UK Forces in 2025 – he won’t say if his predictions are proving accurate or not! Following that he spent nine months back at Beaconsfield learning Italian before being posted to Rome in October 2001 as an Exchange Officer at the Italian MoD. For the next four years he was involved in organising bi-lateral defence staff talks between Italy and other nations. “One rather odd job involved the talks between the Italian and Spanish Defence Staffs, which I organised; part of my duties involved writing the minutes of the meeting, unfortunately while both delegations spoke in their own languages on important military matters, I took my notes in English. The minutes were brief and concise to say the least!!” “So how did you end up here then?” I asked. “Well I’d heard of the job here as Station Commander and so I decided to apply for it when it arose. I arrived in 2005 for what I thought would be the next step in my career progression as I still had 10 years left to serve in the RAF. Then the Cordoba Agreement was signed and with it changes at the airfield. It was and still is a fascinating time at the airfield, but this coupled with changes to the Gibraltar Constitution meant Gibraltar was developing its own civil aviation legislation and needed a Director of Civil Aviation. Luckily for me I was in the right

“

I spent the Gulf War in 1991 at around 20,000ft laser designating targets for other aircraft to attack. It was very surreal and a detached way to fight a war, almost like playing a video game but with really bad graphics

“

profile

by Frankie Hatton

place at the right time with the correct skill set to be able to be chosen for the job. Given that my wife is Spanish and the girls aged six and three are settled in school here, it was, for us, an easy decision to leave the RAF and take the opportunity to settle here permanently.” I wanted to ask a few questions about the airport. “Chris,what do you think about the Madrid and Barcelona flights?” “Based on my experience, the aircraft they have is ideal for the route and only time will tell if they will be a success. In the end it is the travelling public who will decide if the routes are to be a success or not. For me these type of routes are ideal for Gibraltar, our runway is not long enough to support intercontinental flights, and so these routes connect us to the major European aviation hubs.” “What about the building going on down at the airfield now?” I asked. “Can you give us an idea of when it will be ready?” “Well the terminal and the new road under the end of the runway at Eastern Beach are both due to be completed by early 2011. The biggest challenge is to keep the airport running safely during the intervening period while the work is undertaken which means the majority of the tunnel work will be done at night for the safety of passengers, aircraft and workers. It is working very well at the moment and the co-operation from the MoD in Gibraltar has been invaluable. There’s a lot of work in progress but there is an end in sight.” “Speaking of work, one of the big questions I hear is the possibility of extending the ends of the runway further out to sea, is this possible and if not why not?” “It’s not impossible, but it would present a number of challenges. At the western end the issue is with the turn of the aircraft from the Bay of Gibraltar, it is already a tight turn and lengthening the runway there would make it worse, not to mention the depth of the water. “As for the eastern end the wind shear off the Rock in strong south westerly winds is a well known problem. At the moment as the aircraft approaches from the Mediterranean it is at height when the turbulences from the Rock hits it — it can either land or decide to go around for another attempt. If we extend the runway the aircraft would be at lower when it is affected by the turbulence, this would give the pilot less time to react to the turbulence and thus might result in more aircraft diverting to Malaga.” “Finally, are you happy with your decision to stay in Gibraltar?” “Yes I am, for me this is another exciting challenge; the prospects for Civil Aviation in Gibraltar are good and it is my job to continue to ensure all the civil operations undertaken at the Airport are completed safely. There is a lot of talk about flights but it is a fact we are getting more and more passengers travelling through the airport every year and the need for a new terminal is self-evident. “Overall, all the UK flights are operating with higher load factors and with the reintroduction of the Monarch route from Manchester, this has meant there has been a passenger increase of 20% in the first five months of this year. The airport and aviation are one of the keys to attracting more visitors and businesses to the Rock and my role is to ensure this is achieved safely and in line with the accepted international standards and practices.” n

culture

Gibraltar:

City of Culture ‘Culture’: the arts, customs and institutions of a people — so says the dictionary. I’ve heard it said Gibraltar is too small to have its own culture. However, day in day out, there seems to be a lot going on, from politics to heritage, art, drama, music and sport and much more, all coming from a tiny, but identifiable population. We have enough of politics in Gibraltar, pretty much dispensed on a daily basis if you’re interested, so I went along to see the man who looks after most of the rest of the above, Minister for Culture, Heritage, Sports and Leisure, Edwin Reyes. “By nature, we are multi-talented. You tend to find the same people involved in different sports and in other activities too. These are traits of a smallish community. From an early age we are practically bullied, in a nice sort of way, by parents and school teachers to get involved in sports, music, dancing, drama... you name it, we’re there.” When it comes to art for example there are plenty of well-known artists on the Rock, past and present. Edwin Reyes has an office full of well-known names lining his four walls. “I think most of them are here, from Rudecindo Mania and Jacobo Azagury to all the present day ones too numerous to mention.” Casemates is the place to go to if you are an aspiring artist with your own paintings. At the Fine Arts Gallery, they’ll be pleased to talk to

you about displaying your work. Bathsheba, Willa and Jane, also run the Art Gallery in the centre of town (between the Cathderal and Marks & Spencer) where you can find out more. “Yes, I’m looking at the possibility of bringing to life a sort of museum of memorabilia which would go further and broaden the range

the Lennon Foundation has offered to set up an exhibition at the Casemates Gallery in November of paintings and works by the famous Beatle and Yoko

to encompass what is our culture, identity and folklore,” Edwin adds. “We would have photographs and items of musical groups of all the different genres we’ve had on the Rock, from pop, jazz, zarzuela, choirs, drama, sport, the beginning of radio and television, for example... exhibits of old customs on the Rock, not forgetting all the important milestones of our unique history: the composition and customs of our community, the evacuation and all that sort of thing. “This brings to mind important dates. 2009 marks the 40th anniversary of the marriage on the Rock of John Lennon to Yoko Ono and I’m pleased to announce that the Lennon Foundation has offered to set up an exhibition at the Casemates Gallery in November of paintings and works by the famous Beatle and Yoko, to coincide with the Autumn Festival. I understand a lot of the paintings and pictures will dwell on the post-Beatles era when John and Yoko were heavy into the ‘Give Peace a Chance’ period. There’s also the possibility of Yoko Ono coming over for the event. So that’s another piece of our

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

culture

by Richard Cartwright history coming to life. “But returning to the memorabilia project, this would be different from a museum which we already have. This ‘museum’ would attract more... the man in the street, shall we say.” When all the roadworks at the southern end of Main Street and the Trafalgar Cemetery area are over, we could see a revamped courtyard and refurbished buildings where Ince’s Hall and the Ministry for Culture are situated. This is where the memorabilia museum, drama workshops and small amphitheatre and cafeteria would come together in one area. On the stage, too, there’s been quite a nourishing treat of Gibraltarianism. We’ve had the Elio Cruz plays of the ’60s and the radio sketches written and performed by Louis Bruzon, Nemesio Mosquera and others. Recently Christian Santos’ plays have provided us with a fair share of localness in their content. GADA is alive and well, and students are back with a vengeance in the shape of Dramatis Personae under the direction of Julian Felice who recently returned to the Rock. All in all, a lot going on! Producers of plays and musicals must find it hard sometimes to book dates in our two or three available venues. We have Ince’s Hall, John Mackintosh Hall, the Alameda Open Air Theatre, Bayside Comprehensive Drama Studio and the recently acquired Central Hall. “They all serve their purpose. The two main ones are Ince’s Hall John Mackintosh Hall. Ince’s is a drama theatre and apart from staging plays and pantomimes there, the senior schools use it to perform their ‘A’ level drama pieces for their tutors. John Mac caters for school plays and

shows, but it is really a conference theatre.” I couldn’t help but bring up the obvious. When will we have some news on the old Theatre Royal or if that is finally knocked down, news of a multi purpose arena type of place, which is what some seem to favour? Edwin says, “Gib, being such a small place, makes it difficult to pinpoint a site on which to build a new theatre, if that’s the road we go down. But I think some announcement will be made in this term of office. We mustn’t forget the Leisure Centre where, once again, we will be holding a families’ day on National Day in a safe and smoke free environment. So that’s another place where activities are held.” Well that’s certainly a venue where heritage, leisure and sport — bowling events and organised skating groups — are beginning to get off the ground, not to mention the recently opened gym which, I hear, is very busy. So Gibraltarian culture is thriving there also. The Alameda Open Air Theatre is jam-packed

“The memorabilia project would be different from a museum which we already have. This ‘museum’ would attract more... the man in the street, shall we say”

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with bookings again this year and the ballroom dance ensembles have found a new home in the Central Hall. It’s also used for netball, darts, Customs and Police unarmed combat training and as a polling station! Sports practices and events we have ‘coming out of our ears.’ I don’t think anyone needs reminding of the amount of sporting activities filling our stadium, Tercentenary Hall and other places on a daily basis, all contributing to a very healthy list of physically-exerting games and activities. It all keeps up Minister Reyes’ heavy workload, considering all the events he has to deal with, and in many cases attend. This fidgety community of ours is always ready, willing, and apparently very able, to take part in all sorts of things, whether it be through artistic flair or sporting talent or skill. Lorraine, Edwin’s PA keeps him on his toes no doubt! “Yes, I’m very proud of my staff and my time is more or less divided between around 40-50% sport, a little less on culture and about 15 or 20% heritage and leisure, and I enjoy it all thoroughly.” Maybe, the cherry on the culture cake would be to have our own, National Philharmonic Orchestra? We already have a very active Gibraltar Philharmonic Society, an internationally acclaimed Gibraltarian conductor in Karel Chichon and our very own, unique, Rock of Gibraltar concert hall — St Michael’s Cave... A bit of wishful thinking there, but perhaps that would help boost the ‘arts, customs and institutions of a people’ — of this people, our very own Gibraltarian culture. n

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events of service is just as important as competitive pricing and so far the feedback from clients has been very encouraging. “Four years down the line, I’m still surprised by how busy our office can get, considering Gibraltar is such a small place. I think the fact that the majority of our business still comes from referrals is a testament to the service we offer. This is one of the reasons behind our summer promotion. We are running a ‘refer a friend’ promotion in conjunction with Oasis, Mothercare and Bhs, so that we can give something back to our loyal customers. It’s also a great way to pay for those summer essentials!”

Bill Pisani with Mary, Liana & Astrid

New Name, Same Friendly Faces! Ibex Insurance Services Ltd recently celebrated the re-brand of its retail office in Horse Barrack Lane from Trafalgar Insurance Brokers to the parent name of Ibex Insurance. To existing customers, the change simply means a new name above the door, Ibex policies have always been sold through Trafalgar and customers can still expect the same great service and competitive rates from Bill, Astrid, Liana and Mary. Ibex Insurance Services has been in business for almost 10 years offering general insurance products to Gibraltar and the expatriate market in Spain and Portugal. The office manager, Bill Pisani, has been with the company since the very first day Trafalgar opened its doors almost four years ago. Bill has provided an insight into the success of Trafalgar over the years and looks forward to the future, trading under the Ibex name. “Looking back, there have been many highlights since Trafalgar ‘set sail’ in 2005. We will

CHARLES GOMEZ& COMPANY

never forget our very first Gibraltar motor policy (for a Volvo!) and the subsequent landmarks of 1, 3 and the 3,000 or so motor policies that followed! Our customers are of course well acquainted with the Ibex name as it appears on all their policy documents, so the re branding has been well received.” A growing company in uncertain times In a time when many businesses are struggling to survive, it is refreshing to hear some positive news from a local business. One thing Bill can attribute the success of the business to is the service which he and his team pride themselves on. “We have faced some tough competition over the years, but I believe the service we offer gives us the competitive edge. I believe that quality

Ibex, a name you can trust Ibex Group was founded in 2000 and is led by John Harrison. John is well known amongst the Gibraltar community, most recently for his remarkable expeditions! John has made it to both the North Pole and South Pole in recent years, and is an avid biker, having just returned from Morocco. With a Chairman braving one of the coldest places on Earth its no wonder the Ibex Group are battling the current economic situation with such a positive attitude and determination to succeed. As coverholders for Lloyd’s of London, Ibex has the financial strength and security of the world’s leading insurance market behind it. Ibex works with leaders in their field to offer you the best possible cover available, so you can trust you will not only get a competitive quote but quality cover. Refer a friend with Ibex This summer Ibex Gibraltar are running a ‘refer a friend’ promotion whereby for every customer who recommends a friend, Ibex will reward the existing customer and the friend with up to £20 in shopping vouchers for Bhs and Mothercare or Oasis when they take out a policy. With no limit to how many friends you can recommend it is a great way to give yourself a summer treat! n

One thing Bill can attribute the success of the business to is the service which he and his team pride themselves on

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

events

Eve nt : e r umm S x e b I Pa r t y l i a t k Co c i t y, r b e l e :C Ve n u e V i l l a g e Ocea n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

training

Charles Polson of Security Express

express

an course in security “It’s no good shaking a tree to see who falls out, putting a hat on them and sending them off to work.” The security industry in Gibraltar is still unregulated, but Charles Polson of Security Express has taken the first step to bring it in line with UK Standards.

ast month, in a move to help push the industry forward in quality, credibility and ahead of schedule in preparation for EU legislation which will most likely be applied over the next few years, Charles invited Roger Gould — a UK specialist in Security training — to Gibraltar to run the NVQ course for Security Express’s staff in line with the obligatory training undertaken by all UK security guards. The course, held over a three day

period at Bleak House covers every aspect of the profession from health and safety, and legal obligations, right through to confrontation management. “The industry in Gibraltar does have a high turn-over of staff, because at present a security officer ranks on the basic wage, partially due to the lack of professional training available in Gibraltar up to now,” Charles explained. “But these courses are aimed at changing that, as well as the perception

our clients have of our staff. The banks and other clients we work for are demanding a high level of service, and at Security Express we felt the time had come to make sure we could offer a service on par with any UK company. This means clients can be confident that staff they contract are properly trained to act correctly in any given circumstance.” Although the training will bring staff up to the standard NVQ level required by UK law, at present there

is no facility in place for examination in Gibraltar. Roger explained that at present there is no legal obligation in Gibraltar and the logistics and costs involved mean for now local security officers won’t have the option to sit the exam. “But this doesn’t mean they won’t be able to take it in the future,” he told us. “Once the officers have finished the course, there is no time limit as to when they can sit the exam, so in effect they are prepared in advance for what will probably become obligatory as EU law is applied in Gibraltar over the coming years.” Roger himself has spent much of his career in the Metropolitan Police in England before moving into a consultational roll for security firms in the UK. Highly experienced in all areas, he’s accustomed to the challenges faced both in and out of the industry. “Back in 1997 I took up the challenge with a colleague, Sam Deacon, to row across the Atlantic in aid of Leukaemia Research. We set off from Tenerife on 12th October on a journey which eventually took 66 days,” Roger told us. Roger feels that security guards in Gibraltar do have an advantage over their UK counterparts: “One point is that there’s much more violence in the UK both on the surface and under. Colleagues aren’t as likely to know each other, or the companies they are contacted to either which means cooperation is not as readily available there,” he said thoughtfully. “Here in Gibraltar it is quite refreshing to see that colleagues work together well, they tend to know each other and the clients they work for which means they have an added incentive to help each other out in different situations. Coupled with the fact there is very little violence in their work in Gibraltar compared to the UK, security staff have an excellent opportunity to perform an excellent job. “In the UK, all security staff need both the NVQ followed by an assessment to receive their badge. Apart from having to front their training course, the badge itself is a personal expense of nearly £300 which once paid is non-refundable if they are denied after the assessment. This has turned the British security officer ’s position from one of just a job to that of a recognised vocation. Those that hold a badge will work hard to maintain it through giving a consistent and quality service.” Charles interjected “This is what we’re aiming to work towards here in Gibraltar. And it’s what these training courses are all about. To work with already knowledgeable staff to increase their knowledge GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

training Staff from Security Express taking a break from the training course at Bleak House

and skills so they can perform their duties to the best of their abilities.” But this is not the only innovation Charles is bringing to the security scene in Gibraltar. “We are currently undergoing a continued assessment to bring Security Express in line with the ISO 9000 certification,” he explained. “The assessment will be ongoing throughout July when we aim to achieve the award. This is another big step which yet again will add more confidence and credibility to the services we offer. What we are doing between the training courses and the ISO certificate are a first in Gibraltar and we feel it is important

not just to us as a company, but for the local industry to push the standards up. “With the type of work the security industry is involved in, it is imperative to give the best service possible. There are many situations where a potential mistake could cost not just the company dearly, but our clients too. Our first obligation is to our clients and we feel this is only possible by offering the highest quality of service.” Although the training programme is now over and Roger has returned to the UK, neither of them have ruled out the possibility of conducting more courses in the future when necessary. n

Roger Gould explains safety issues on the second day of the three day course

“The banks and other clients we work for are demanding a high level of service, and at Security Express we felt the time had come to make sure we could offer a service on par with any UK company” GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

buisness focus The Plan-It! team with their Link Teachers and the Head of the Gibraltar College just before leaving for the UK Finals

Plan-It! recycling new ideas The Young Enterprise charity has existed since 1963 in the UK and since then has become a major player in helping young people gain business experience while studying across the globe. In 2007 the scheme was introduced to Gibraltar through the Yorkshire & Humber branch and, now in its second year, it is exciting to see how the scheme is affecting not just the students but teachers and local businesses too. Last month Gibraltar was represented in the UK championships by ‘Plan-It!’ A company set up and run by a team of six students between the ages of 18 and 22 who looked hard at the niche opportunities related to recycling in Gibraltar. “Although other countries already have a strong infrastructure for recycling, both in residential and commercial locations, this is something which Gibraltar is behind on,” Rheanna, the company secretary explained. To achieve their goal within the scheme, the original team of five started research in September last year and in January when they set up the company Aislinn Patterson joined them to help out on the human resources side of the business. The other members are Paul Lucas (Marketing and Operations Director), Samir Douaui (IT Director), Nadine Pickup (Finance and Sales Director) and Nicholas Gaiviso (Managing Director). “Plan-It has shown me the complexity of set-

ting up a business for both working in a team and the business matters too,” Nicholas said. “We’ve all had to learn many new skills and it has been a real help to have the Link Teachers and members of the business community on

The students have benefited by understanding first hand how a business works and the key business functions as well as gaining an increase in confidence and self esteem

hand to give us advice and guidance.” As part of a student scheme, the team are not entirely left to fend for themselves, although ultimately all decisions are left to them. The guidance Nicholas refers to is through the two Link Teacher, Sylvanna Burns and Maria Brooks, who were present at each of the weekly board meetings, along with a business advisor from one of over 20 local businesses in Gibraltar who are involved in helping the scheme. “Apart from the support which we give to the students in our free time, we also get a lot out of it too,” Sylvanna explained. “As teachers we don’t normally have the opportunity to work this closely with students, and we often forget that they are just teenagers. Being able to advise them and guide them in this project has given us a better understanding and a reminder of what it is like to be a teenager again.” What seems to make the business achievement all the greater is that not just the teachers, but the students too are fitting their business

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

business focus into their spare time. All of them are sitting A levels or AS levels, and many of them are holding down part-time jobs too. It is a commitment which they show a real enthusiasm for though, as they are well aware of how the experience will stand them in the years to come.” The students have benefited by understanding first hand how a business works and the key business functions as well as gaining an increase in confidence, self esteem and developing attitudes and skills necessary for personal success and employability. The list of pluses for students to become involved in Young Enterprise is endless, as are the possibilities within the scheme. “At the moment the Gibraltar scheme is run through a UK branch, but we are looking into handing this over to someone locally in the near future,” Ken Longster, the project manager told us. “In the UK there are opportunities for children from the age of five upwards to be involved and although from that age it’s not directly business related, it does work with many of the same skill sets for each age group.” Since its incorporation just a few months ago, Plan-It! has been supplying recycling bins to local businesses and residents with more than merit-worthy success. Earlier this year they launched a brochure to help raise awareness of recycling in Gibraltar as well as to generate revenue to help fund the business. They are involved in Clean-up the World 2009, which involves around 35 million volunteers in over 120 countries each year, and manned a stand at the local Career’s Fair which gave them an excellent opportunity to present samples of their products to the public and take orders directly from clients.

The next step for Plan-It! was the finals in England in mid-June, and although the winning team was from a North Yorkshire school, the Gibraltar company’s hard work and dedication showed through. “The UK finals were an excellent opportunity for us to present ourselves as an innovative business,” Aislinn pointed out. “Our biggest obstacle was to present our business in this light as the concept of recycling in the UK and many other countries is not new at all. We needed to put this across as a positive and new step for Gibraltar

“

Plan-It! made an excellent presentation of their product in the UK and did Gibraltar proud. Although Plan-It! didn’t win, we were told it was a close call, and the team received a well deserved standing ovation for their professionalism and hard work

”

and that we are pioneering the change in options and even legislation in Gibraltar too.” Ken said: “Plan-It! made an excellent presentation of their product in the UK and did Gibraltar proud. Although Plan-It! didn’t win, we were told it was a close call, and the team received a well deserved standing ovation for their professionalism and hard work.” The team’s enthusiasm has indeed run deeper than just running a tuck-shop (which they’re happy to admit was one of their original ideas). The concept of recycling needs a solid infrastructure and at the time they started, there were only seven recycling points and no obligation to use them at all in Gibraltar. Since their market research, awareness campaigns and sales have taken off, there are now just over 40 points throughout Gibraltar where you can drop your waste for recycling and, although the team has no evidence this is down to their own input, they have been involved with talking to different government departments with a view to furthering local awareness along with their products. At least for the meantime... “One of the criteria of Young Enterprise is that the company must be wound down at the end of July,” Samir told us. “This doesn’t mean that it can’t be started again in the future and it is something some of us are considering.” After just a few months in business you can see real proof that a young and enthusiastic team can work together to create an extremely viable business and after their excellent representation in the UK finals, they can look forward to a summer break and in true business style, enjoying some of their profits too. n

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www.quadconsultancy.com 00 350 200 44517 email: career@quadconsultancy.com GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

maritime services

by Brian McCann

Making Waves

with Agile Marine

If you’re connected with the shipping industry in any way, Craig Thomas of Agile Marine could well have a lot to offer you Captain Craig Thomas, from Binghamton in upstate New York, came to Gibraltar nearly two years ago at the request of Bunkers (Gibraltar) Ltd. “They asked me to come and sort out the company and their ships,” he told me. “My work there is complete and the op-

eration is now running on a viable basis. Like many people, I wanted to start and run my own business so I left the company in May so I could establish Agile Marine as the vehicle for all my services.” His availability, it turns out, covers a full spectrum of nauti-

cal services, which, for example, could be the provision of marine expertise for lawyers and financial entities, inspections and vetting of ships, yacht measurement, health inspections and, through the use of local partnerships; drug and alcohol testing, liferaft servicing,

and IT support. “There are 4,000 ships a year calling into Gibraltar, and a lot of missed opportunities,” he said. That’s far from all: Craig, who is licensed to be the Master (Captain) of any size of craft, including the biggest transatlantic liners and supertankers, will rapidly provide crew replacements and technical management of ships. As he says, “A member of the crew might break an arm and so the ship can’t sail; it has to wait while a replacement is found and transported here. But I have a list of readily available qualified personnel, and they can be brought in very fast — and that represents a huge saving for the ship owners without delays to their ship. I also arrange for temporary qualified shipping personnel at all levels on board vessels or in marine-based operations ashore.” Another benefit of having Agile Marine in Gibraltar is the fluctuating nature of the shipping industry. That doesn’t just apply to sailing either: survey companies don’t have enough all-year work to keep sufficient qualified professionals on full-time, so Agile Marine can help at peak periods by quickly locating the right people for the job. In these respects, Craig’s company is partly a temps agency for the merchant marine, but it does cover every service that a vessel might need — even the comparatively straightforward measuring of a yacht’s length, beam and draught so that it can have its seaworthiness certificate completed. “I can also serve as an expert witness for marine legal matters,” he said, and a look at his lengthy CV will confirm his status as an expert. He managed Seabulk’s fleet of 42 vessels in Africa as Vice President of Operations, for instance; he was also a Programme Manager and Instructor at the Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies in Baltimore as well as having been the institute’s Business Development Manager before that. He was Port Captain at one of the largest oil refineries in the western hemisphere, at St Croix in the US Virgin Islands, as well as having worked hands-on in shipboard positions from 3rd Mate to Master for many companies all over the world. He spent 14 years working at Mobil Oil Corporation in various management positions from Marine Superintendent to Marine Manager in New York, Washington DC, London, Melbourne and San Francisco, and then ExxonMobil after their merger. These examples are just a selection from

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

maritime services

“I have a list of readily available qualified personnel, and they can be brought in very fast — and that represents a huge saving for the ship owners without delays to their ship” his vast experience in all matters nautical. His customers come from around the world, but mainly Geneva, London and New York, and he uses local suppliers wherever possible. “All ships have sophisticated computer networks, so they need IT support — which is available right here in Gibraltar,” he said. “Through my contacts and recognised experience, I link local businesses to ships. Times are hard at the moment, as we all know; but I’ve been in Gibraltar for two years and I’ve seen the need to provide that link. I’m not competing with the established shipping agencies, but I am filling in some of the gaps in the services provided.” He’s here for the long haul, too. His Channel Islands wife, Marjorie, came with him to the Rock, and is now managing director of

Fiduciary Group. They were married in Alameda Gardens and both of them love it here and intend to stay permanently. Craig, who enjoys skiing, road and mountain biking and swimming, explained that the Strait of Gibraltar is one of the two shipping “choke points” in the world, the other being the Strait of Malacca near Singapore. That strait really is narrow, measuring just 2.8 kilometres at it most constricted point. So, most of the world’s ships pass by Gibraltar at some time, meaning that Craig doesn’t need to travel too much to provide his expertise, except when he needs to meet the management of the major fleets to discuss their requirements. n Agile Marine is best contacted by mobile phone on 00 350 56000545 or Craig can be emailed on CThomas@ agilemarine.com.

Providing the link...

marine consultancy

Expert Marine Consultancy for all your short or long term requirements and projects in Gibraltar including ship management, specialized Marine IT support, technical superintendancy, temporary marine personnel, vessel inspections and surveying, liferaft servicing and more.

t: +350 5600-0545 e: CThomas@agilemarine.com

www.agilemarine.com Registered office: Suite 23, Portland House, Glacis Road, Gibraltar Company Reg. No: 102356

JULY 2009

Date Wed 01 Thu 02 Mon 06 Wed 08 Thu 09 Mon 13 Tue 14 Wed 15 Thu 16 Mon 20 Tue 21 Wed 22 Mon 27 Tue 28 Wed 29 Thu 30 Fri 31

Vessel ETA ETD Pass Capacity From To Coral 1630 2030 International 756 Tangier Ibiza Bleu de France 0800 1300 French 600 Malaga Ajaccio Pacific Dream 1300 1900 Spanish 1350 Lisbon Casablanca Coral 0700 1130 International 756 Malaga Tangier Grand Princess 0800 1700 American 2600 Ajaccio S’thampton Oceana 0800 1330 British 1950 Barcelona S’thampton Norwegian Jade 1200 1700 American 2400 Civitavecchia Lisbon MSC Splendida 1200 1700 Italian 3300 Arcadia 0800 1330 British 1968 Zakinthos S’thampton Pacific Dream 1300 1900 Spanish 1350 Lisbon Casablanca Ventura 0900 1400 British 3100 Alicante S’thampton Indep. of the Seas 0900 1600 International 3600 Cannes S’thampton Coral 1630 2030 International 756 Tangier Ibiza Bleu de France 0800 1300 French 600 Malaga Ajaccio Pacific Dream 1300 1900 Spanish 1350 Lisbon Casablanca Indep. of the Seas 0900 1600 International 3600 S’thampton Cagliari Grand Princess 0900 1700 American 2600 Norwegian Jade 1200 1700 American 2400 Civitavecchia Lisbon Coral 1630 2030 International 756 Tangier Ibiza Pacific Dream 1300 1900 Spanish 1350 Lisbon Casablanca Ventura 0900 1400 British 3100 Alicante S’thampton Coral 1630 2030 International 756 Tangier Ibiza Aurora 0800 1800 British 1975 Corfu S’thampton Black Prince 0800 1300 British 450 Liverpool Alicante Black Watch 0800 1600 British 798 Barcelona Ferrol Bleu de France 0800 1300 French 600 Malaga Ajaccio Queen Victoria 1230 1800 International 2000 Ajaccio S’thampton Total Number of Vessels calling this month = 27 Approximate Number of Passengers calling in this month = 46,821

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

performing arts

A Day Sail Blazer I am always surprised that despite being surrounded by water few of us have a boat or manage to get ourselves on one with any frequency. Determined to correct this failing (at least on my part) I scouted around for sailing opportunities available on the Rock. You’d be as surprised as I was about the facilities on offer. A walk around the marinas soon turns up a large variety of sailing schools offering everything from competent crew qualifications all the way up to RYA yacht-master.

With only basic sailing qualifications under my belt, gained whilst living in the BVI last year, I wanted to further explore the fascinating world of sailing. The allure of being on a boat with only the sound of wind and water lashing at the hull

has a romantic, almost mystical, calling. Although I am not a great believer in coincidences I came across a flyer at my office inviting people to learn how to race sail, the offer included a weekend’s training and taking part

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

under sail

text & photos by David Parody

in a real race. The offer was too great to miss and that weekend I was on-board Sea Wolf for the first day’s training session. With not much boat experience, fitness or understanding of what I was supposed to be doing it did not feel as if it was going to be something that I would enjoy! A few minutes after casting off, Dave (the skipper) was soon allocating tasks to each of us. Slowly and surely, we got to learn the ropes (pun intended) — although I subsequently found out there are only two “ropes” on-board a sailing boat and they are known as sheets.... so much new jargon to learn! At first each of the tasks looked like a single operation performed to achieve one goal, how wrong this is. It is actually part of a co-ordinated chaos that forms the teamwork associated with running a racing boat. Repeating each of the process for a “tack” or “jibe” over and over again, the team soon started getting quicker, more efficient, preempting the next set of co-ordinated movements to give the boat the edge. You can tell when the team performs well as the normally stern faced skipper manages a smile. Just when you think you have the processes down to a fine art a complication is built into the equation and you have to learn a completely new set of skills to deal with it. Spinnaker gets tangled, has to be brought down, then raised again. Trim the head sail! Ready about! Frantic activity as the crew rushes to the opposite side of the boat to act as ballast, leaning over the side as much as possible. The inevitable knocking your knee against some protrusion ensues, soon followed by a bruise to show for your efforts. Then arrives the moment you have been waiting for. Those minutes where the boat is trimmed properly, there are no plans to change tack and you sit there on the rail, sun in your face, water lashing the hull, breathing, letting the adrenaline pass you by, peace at last! Then,

THE GIBRALTAR MARITIME SERVICES HANDBOOK 2009 edition On sale at Gibraltar Bookshops

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

suddenly, a dolphin breaks the surface. What could beat this? Lunch! A stop over at an anchorage point with a scrumptious lunch provides an opportunity to rest those arms and legs (especially knees) and discuss what we were doing right and more importantly, what we were doing wrong. Trying desperately not to pry ourselves away from lunch we head back for another set of trial runs, each time getting our manoeuvres finessed and quicker. This is is a race boat after all! As the sun begins to set we head back into Marina Bay satisfied we’ve put in a good day’s sail having learned a lot in a single day’s training. Time for a beer and warm pasties where you have an opportunity to really get to know your other team members. Returning the next day the skipper decides to give us a different position to work at. A whole new set of skills to learn but this is very welcome as yesterday’s muscle groups are showing signs of weakness! But the training already filters through into better moves and the skipper is spared having to give so many instructions. Day two is much more enjoyable as you do not feel so overwhelmed by the new environment and can really understand why sailing is so popular that people will give up their nine-to-five jobs for a life on-board a boat. The following weekend is race weekend! An early breakfast at Sotogrande marina to make sure you are stocked up on the essential

Each member runs through their minds their carefully choreographed dance of ropes, places and instructions in preparation for the real thing

carbohydrates. A final shake down to make sure we all know what we are supposed to be doing. Each member runs through their minds their carefully choreographed dance of ropes, places and instructions in preparation for the real thing. The five minute gun goes off and each of the competing crews tense in preparation for the start gun. Jostling of boats to be in the right place on the starting line. Boats edge closer and closer together. Shouting from boat to boat. Much waving of hands and gesticulation between crews. The tension is palpable. And we are off! Instructions shouted and passed along the boat, each of the teams perform admirably. We settle into the rhythm of the race. Unfortunately the wind drops to nothing and forces the race to be cancelled, but we were winning as we got around the first marker buoy. To learn sailing there isn’t a need to go the full hog as I did. The Gibraltar Sailing Association and Royal Gibraltar Yacht Club run adult and children’s sailing lessons at regular intervals on the Laser class boats which are probably as exhilarating an experience as anything else you can get and give you plenty of exposure on the water. Failing that, walk around Marina Bay and check out any one of the many sailing schools around. Formal qualifications range from all practical courses to a combination of theory and practical exams. Some of the theory work can be conducted on-line as well as more traditional text-book based study and exams. These can range from a couple of days to months’ study depending on your time commitments. Fasttrack courses are also available should you be able to take time off work just for getting past your exams. n The author took part in the Race Training provided by Atlantic Charters based out of Marina Bay (www. atlanticcharters.co.uk).

TARIK

Environment and Waste Management Service

Full Bunkering & Yacht Refuelling Service Spain: 15/5a Virgen del Carmen Algeciras (Cadiz), Spain Tel/Fax: 34 56 630418 After Hrs: Gib 200 70982

Gibraltar: Tel: (350) 200 72836 Fax: (350) 200 72861 Cables: TARIK GIB TLX: 2343 TRATAR

E.W.M.S.

Repairs & Chandlery

Sheppard’s Chandlery, M. Sheppard & Co. Ltd Waterport, Gibraltar. Tel: 200 77183 • 200 42535

www.sheppard.gi

Governor’s Cottage Europa Advance Road Gibraltar Tel: 200 44220 Fax: 200 44221 E-mail: ewmsgib@gibtelecom.net

Michael Mifsud:

lost & found again by Mike Brufal

This is the story of an amazing Gibraltarian who fought his way to the top of the business ladder in the United Kingdom, lost everything in the depression in the ’90s and then clawed his way back: this time on the Costa del Sol. Michael Mifsud, aged 16, against his parents’ wishes, left Gibraltar in the ’60s for the UK with a battered suitcase, £10 in his pocket and all the self confidence in the world with the aim of becoming a rich man. What was incredible was he had no plan and few contacts. He had to live by his wits and create every opportunity that came his way. Michael was an evacuation baby born in 1942 in Mona camp, Jamaica. His father’s family emigrated from Valetta, Malta and bought land in Gibraltar near the Mount where they became known as the Shorthorn farmers eventually supplying the City with most of its dairy products. Michael’s mother, Isabel Canilla Morejon, was a descendant of the Duke of Ahumada and a relative of Bishop Canilla. He has a blood link with the Emperor Montezuma of Mexico as the Emperor’s granddaughter married a prominent member of the Ahumada family. Michael opines that he is a direct descendant of the Emperor. Mifsud was educated at St. Joseph’s School, Scud Hill and then the Gibraltar Grammar School. His peers called him ‘the professor’ as he came first in all examinations. He left school to go on a Cable and Wireless engineering course and decided this was not for him. During his spare time he became involved in amateur dramatics which turned him into a lifelong aficionado of the theatre. Those close to him point to his experience as an actor during some

of his business deals — to this day his face gives no indication of what he is thinking. Needless to say the £10 did not last long and with a sense of desperation he walked to the Cable and Wireless Head Office in the Strand where a Mr Davies, who had heard about him from Gibraltar, took him under his wing and became his mentor. Money for day-to-day living expenses was earned as a temporary secretary. In those days male secretaries were few and far between. By chance the temporary positions en-

Aged 19 he became the deputy track manager of the White City stadium where his main responsibility was to run the many bars surrounding the dog track

abled him to meet a variety of employers in the political and entertainment sectors. One such employer was Alan Sapper who became a close friend and went on to be the General Secretary of the powerful Association of Cinematograph, Television and Allied Technicians. Aged 19 he became the deputy track manager of the White City stadium where his main responsibility was to run the many bars surrounding the dog track which enabled him to meet many Gibraltarians who visited ‘the dogs’. He swiftly appreciated that academic qualifications were needed to boost his seven O Levels. Concentrated studying in the evenings and weekends produced the required A Level passes which would have enabled him to enrol in Birbeck College, London University. However General Franco imposed the 15th economic siege on his beloved homeland and he decided to forsake university to write about the Gibraltar problem in many Gibraltar papers and also to brief Parliamentarians at Westminster and journalists in Fleet Street. The Link Magazine was started and published for several years

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

profile linking expatriate Gibraltarians with their homeland. For relaxation he studied drama at the City Literary Institute and the British Drama League. His tutors included Bill Gaskell, director of the Royal Court Theatre, and Clifford Williams, director of the William Shakespeare workshop. As a journalist Michael was a member of the Commonwealth Press Union which enabled him in later years to accompany the Queen on many of her State Visits. He went on so many that he became known to many Royals as ‘the man from Gibraltar’. Soon the line was crossed between public relations consultant and journalist. A letter in the Daily Telegraph defending the inalienable right of Gibraltarians to self-determination led to an offer to bring the Association of Architects and Surveyors to the attention of the public. In his inimitable fashion he started the ongoing debate between traditionalists and modernists. Perhaps it was Michael who was the hidden inspiration behind Prince Charles’ support of tradition? His next client was Bernie Cornfield’s Investors Overseas services. Fortunately his finely tuned antennae did not let him down and, sensing a monumental fraud, he resigned before the crash. By now Mifsud was determined to work for himself and it fell to the late Pepe Holliday to prime the financial pump by giving him the UK franchise to sell Sakata watches. A network of freelance sales people, the length and breadth of England, was engaged to sell watches on pay day to factory workers. This venture was masterminded from his offices in Grand Buildings, Trafalgar Square. A simple idea and the revenue from the thousands of watches sold each week produced a healthy cash flow which was invested in property chiefly in the Hounslow district. The property boom made Mifsud a paper millionaire by the age of 27. Another sure fire winning idea came to him in his bath when he realised the boom had created a demand for chauffeurs in the capital as the new tycoons needed to impress and one way was to engage the services of a smart-uniformed peak-capped chauffeur. At a stroke it also solved the difficulty of parking in London. At this point he had no chauffeurs on his books but came up with a simple solution. He placed one small advertisement in the Evening Standard

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

‘Chauffeurs wanted’ and another in the Evening News ‘Chauffeurs available’. The response to both advertisements was sensational and all he had to do was to put the car owner in touch with the chauffeur and charge each a commission. A training school for chauffeurs followed and then the Chauffeur Magazine. There was a further investment in quality limousines which meant he was able to provide a chauffeur driven limousine hire service. This service was used by a great many diplomatic missions. Money begets money and by borrowing

Another sure fire winning idea came to him in his bath when he realised the boom had created a demand for chauffeurs in the capital

on the greatly increased value of his property empire he was able to buy more buildings which were all let and enabled him to escape the ravages of the ’70s recession. By now he had moved his offices to Oxford Street and the Gibraltar Group became his new passion. Although this lead to feuds with some expatriate Gibraltarians, history will judge that the Gibraltar Group and its successful charter flights would not have been possible without his energy and financial support. Michael was described by the late Aurelio Danino in El Calpense as being ‘A prodigious Gibraltarian son’. During this period he tried and failed to revive the Theatre Royal. Helen Shapiro was brought out and the venture lost money. He was not daunted and brought out the first ever nude review. This courageous bid failed because the expected male audience, although wanting to attend, did not because they would have been seen exiting. Michael, while on his frequent trips to the Rock, became friendly with the Governor, Admiral of the Fleet Sir Varyl Begg, who during private talks encouraged him to form a political party and enter local politics. This would have been the election of 1972 also known as the Big Lie. His antennae did not let him down and the temptation was resisted. Mifsud has always been an unashamed Royalist and a prominent member of the Monarchist League. He played a key role in persuading the Count of Barcelona to accept an invitation to be the guest of honour at the 1965 annual dinner. There followed an invitation to be installed as Knight Templar and later he was invited to write the official history of the Templars. In 1988 he was granted the Freedom of the City of London. He marshalled support to save the Coronet Theatre in Kensington from becoming a fast food restaurant and was described in the Kensington & Chelsea News as ‘a Gibraltarian white knight who rode to the theatre’s rescue’. Mifsud passionately believes in social justice and equality. He has always deplored the conditions in the Moorish Castle prison and was responsible for the Howard League report on prison conditions. He is delighted the prison is shortly to be closed. Michael became a serious collector of art and

profile in order to make his hobby tax efficient formed the Corporate Art International company. At one point in this frenetic life Mifsud became associated with the Security Services. In 1990 the freelance Observer journalist, Farzad Bazoft, was executed on the orders of President Saddam Hussain when he confessed, under torture, to have been on an Israeli spying mission. Michael had befriended him in 1985 when they met shortly after Bazoft arrived in London from Iran. Michael did his utmost to secure his release from Iraq and became known in the national press as Thatcher’s spymaster. He denies having ever had any connection with either M15 or M16. This was his last action prior to losing everything in the recession of the early ’90s when interest rates rose to the high teens and it became impossible to service the mortgage repayments. His losses included his fine house in Gardiner’s Road, Gibraltar, which was repossessed by the Algemane Bank. Mifsud, a proud man, never told his family on the Rock about the dire straits he was in. In the early ’90s he had nowhere to live in either London or Gibraltar. He decided to start all over again and moved to the Costa del Sol with the sole aim of making another fortune. Some years ago he started a car park at Malaga airport but found he had been duped by the manager put in to run it. It took him until 1998 and an expensive legal battle before he resumed control. The car park had been vandalised and it took him considerable time to restore it so once again it could be used as a car park and earn much needed revenue. Between 1992 and ’98 he had neither capital nor income and the only way he survived was by using his natural talent as an art dealer. He searched the Costa for work of art which he bought and sold on to dealers. He also dossed down with friends or in his car — on many occasions there was not sufficient money for petrol. It was a classic case of riches to rags but he never thought for a nano second he was never going to be a rich man again. There were times when there was not sufficient funds for food but he never felt self pity and regarded the time as a

process of learning. In 1998 when control was obtained of the car park site the climb to restore his finances began. This was financed largely by Michael being able now to buy more expensive works of arts which meant larger profits. Spanish banks did not lend to foreigners so all expansion was financed out of income. By 2002 the site was restored to a state-of-the-art car park with 6000 square metres of undercover parking. The car park was only some 500 metres from the air terminal, and catered for the expatriate British residents who would park the car and then be driven to and collected from the terminal. As well as being a successful car park it was also many hectares of prime airport development land. Mifsud knew that eventually the car park would be expropriated by the local authority to enable the terminal to be enlarged. The battle began of how much would be the compensation. He estimates the eventual pay out was only about 10% of the market value. Nevertheless the eventual cheque was for several million euros and so his dream had come true, as once again he was restored to the ranks of the millionaires. Not being one to rest on his financial laurels; shrewd investments have been made in other businesses. The 45 bedrooms Hotel San Felipe in San Pedro de Alcantara was bought — it was run down but is now a smart elegant hotel enjoying high occupancy. As a second string to his bow he has entered the catering business and bought a 500m2 former furniture store in the centre of San Pedro. It will be the flag ship of a franchise operation

The eventual cheque was for several million euros and so his dream had come true, as once again he was restored to the ranks of the millionaires

which centres on slow food being sold fast and will open before the end of the year. Michael was reluctant to expand on what this means as it will be the key to the successful sale of the franchises. During his time in the financial wilderness Michael developed his love of dogs and rescued abandoned strays some of whom were found in dustbins. He learned a great deal from these dogs and found that in many cases they were more reliable and trustworthy than many human beings he had meet in his turbulent life. Now he has 14 dogs most of who are the Spanish equivalent of wild jackals. Two fincas have been bought, one for himself, the other an office and used as a home for the dogs who are looked after by a full-time female dog nanny. Wherever he is in the world she send him a daily fax giving a report about each dog. Each dog is named and greatly loved and the next dog to join the family is to be called Varyl after the former Governor. Michael came into Gibraltar for this interview, his first visit for 20 years. He had all but forgotten that during the 15th economic siege he had been one of Gibraltar’s most stalwart supporters doing his utmost to help expatriate Gibraltarians in London in any way he could. But a short walk down Main Street resulted in his being stopped by friends every few yards and he soon began to feel he had never left. Life on the Rock is very much in a time warp and remains just the same, even after a two decade absence. Michael hopes this will never change and the high net worth individuals coming in to buy the luxury apartments will soon adapt to the time honoured way of Gibraltarian life. He found the experience a strange sensation and then it all clicked into place — Gibraltar was his home. Michael said: “I feel proud to be a Gibraltarian and now appreciate that the Rock is my home despite the many years spent in London and the Costa del Sol. Long may life continue on the Rock without any significant changes to the established way of life. Gibraltar is the nearest to paradise in this ever increasingly complex and in many cases corrupt world.” n

The Eyes Have It! Donate your used glasses, including sunglasses, to the Gibraltar Lions Club collection point near you and you will be helping the education of children in developing countries. For many children glasses make the difference between them being iliterate being able to learn to read and write. A new pair of glasses in a developing country may cost as much as someone there earns in three months so for some families it is just unaffordable. Instead of throwing your old glasses away, you could be helping visually impaired children to get an education, eventually get employment, and lead a more fulfilling life. What a gift! Help your local Lions Club by organising an eyeglasses collection drive at your

workplace, local school, library, or place of worship. Lions Club in Gibraltar with the public’s help has already collected 3000 + used eyeglasses, reading glasses, and sunglasses (prescription and non prescription). These are cleaned, repaired, classified by prescription, and distributed to optical missions in developing countries. Items collected from Gibraltar are sent to The Lions Club in Chichester one of the UK Lions Eyeglasses Recycling Centres. For further information visit the Gibraltar Lions Club’s website at www. lionsclubofgibraltar.com

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

cruz & co

business focus Below: Guests enjoying the successful opening celebration held by the firm

making a move

Cruz & Co recently made a move to their smart new offices at Icom House on Irish Town. Over the last 13 years the firm, founded in 1996 by Nicholas Cruz, has slowly outgrown its old offices in Watergardens, and the move accommodates the team of 17 which includes their associated trust and company management division, Acquarius Trust Company Ltd, and their recently formed Acquarius Marine Services Ltd. The firmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s opening evening was a huge success as the modern offices were brimming with guests, including the Governor, who made space in his busy schedule to attend the event and to extend his congratulations. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE â&#x20AC;˘ JULY 2009

The Governor, Sir Robert Fulton KBE (centre) greets Paul Borge and Nick Cruz of Cruz & Co

at home

rty e p proerview ov

IN GIBRALTAR

The western world, but Europe in particular, has changed beyond recognition in the last 25 years.

are we living in cloud cuckoo land

— is it time to get real 34

This was caused by the twin effects of the decline in agriculture and the extraction of coal and iron and President Nixon’s deal with China to open up their capacity to develop factories and infra-structure and thereby manufacture most of the world’s goods (even allowing Japan, as well as the West, to largely sit back and become merely the owner of brand names and fulfil purely the R & D function). America, of course, is (in theory) much more self-sufficient with its capacity to feed itself and produce all it needs, albeit at higher cost and, therefore, at a lower standard of living The once great manufacturing hubs of central and northern Britain have gone for good, but Britain is not self-sufficient potentially with its current population size. Even Spain has changed from having a protectionist economy where goods were made at higher cost to preserve jobs, and joined the same game. Little old Gibraltar had learned to be more self-sufficient following, firstly the frontier closure, then the savage reduction of the dockyards, and then the ending of the temporary additional funding from the UK. The change from manual work to office jobs has been driven more by necessity than the short-term greed to have cheap imports from China. However, it has come at a price, not envisaged. In the space of one generation almost, home ownership has become the norm in place of renting. Those now still in government flats, sometimes own villas in Spain. Even some on the housing waiting list (saying they lived with parents when they actually had a house in Spain), have been awarded low-cost flats at Waterport Terraces and, therefore, able to keep their Spanish property as well. Wage levels now match those in Great Britain. There is much more wealth than apparent from published statistics. With such excessive disposable income, ridiculously sized cars are nearly the norm, even on government estates. Nobody should object to increasing wealth, but it should not be at the expense of proper parenting of the present younger generation who take all this for granted. Equal access to secondary education and fully-funded university education for even mediocre students, has led to expectations beyond the capabilities of many and yet a decline in the much more important task of families, that is to rear our children well. It has been left to grandparents, private nurseries and the schools to cope with the bad attitudes that have developed here. The struggles of the past are totally forgotten by them and some even begrudge the standards of living now enjoyed by pensioners with government help (something well-earned in view of those wartime, post-war and border-closed years). GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

rty e p proerview ov

Of course, this is not unique to Gibraltar. Most jobs in the UK are now performed incapably by those who would have been lower down in the jobs market, as unskilled jobs disappeared and the huge expansion of the professions drew in those who would have performed those mid-

Governments are elected according to the state of the economy (even unpopular ones). Some get the credit for advances that might have occurred anyway (and lose out when events overtake them outside their control) GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE â&#x20AC;˘ JULY 2009

level jobs before. All this means that the Wilsonian-to- Thatcherite ideal of a highly-skilled technological or service economy has failed because of the inadequacy of the skills, both at the top and below. This is now apparent and the West will now decline as the East is able to become more self-sufficient and not depend on low-priced exports to survive. We have funded that change to their expectations and infra-structure by our greed for cheap goods so we can keep our hands clean and sit in an office. They will stop exporting for as little and will not pay as much for the right to sell with a western design or brand name. Governments are elected according to the state of the economy (even unpopular ones). Some get the credit for advances that might have occurred anyway (and lose out when events overtake them outside their control). But nobody should forget the bold decisions taken in recent years to change Gibraltar for good from a country struggling to survive, into a vibrant economy with so many improvements that people are forgetting how much worse it was and would still be if Government had merely concentrated on providing low-paid jobs for everyone, low rents and high taxes, but absolutely no growth or improvement. It is time for reflection before we get the shock of our lives, as they have in the UK. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s get real and work to be more productive during our working hours (not by working overtime), looking after the place with more care and respect and parenting the young a whole lot better, so that even when the West looks ahead

to lower standards of living in the future (as it surely will), Gibraltar will enjoy what is has now and stop aspiring for goals, not justified, without a return to a society of hard manual work for some (if not the many). n

Paul de Beresford is a UK-qualified tax practitioner specializing in residence and domicile from his office in Main Street and can be contacted on +350 200 400 93 (or 020 8144 1249 from the UK) or by email beresford@gibtelecom.net

35 35

at home IN GIBRALTAR

a Fresh Feel

ne of the major enhancements you can make is to eliminate dark colours as far as possible and replace heavy drape curtains with light-weight, semi-transparent ones instead which will give you shade without shrouding rooms in darkness. If you don’t want the hassle or expense of changing your curtains, maybe just choosing a different, light coloured tie-back to add contrast will be enough. Another option apart from fabric tiebacks is to use strands of beads, artificial flowers or decorative ribbons. Another trick to give a new feel to your home is to re-arrange the furniture — it’s surprising how just a few adjustments to layout can give the feel of a new room. Find light coloured fabrics to throw over sofas and chairs. Similarly dark wood tables can be lightened with light lace runners or doilies and bring in a bit of the outdoors and brighten up your rooms with fresh flowers. A quick lick of paint in a carefully chosen shade can help to give the feel you’re looking for — and that is to create a light and cool feeling to your home to contrast with the blasting heat we’ll be getting for the next couple of months. Space makes a big difference here, so tidy away clutter to give your eyes a rest. Re-decorating for the summer doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. A new lampshade, a few fabrics and a lick of paint can go a long way to breathing new life into your home — use your imagination and have fun bringing a fresh feel to your home this summer. n

for summer It doesn’t take a lot to give your home a light and airy feel for the summer months. By now you will have swapped over the winter and summer wardrobes, but what about your living space? 36

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2008

Images: Romo fabrics. Stockists: Denville Designs and Louis P. Borge Ltd

at home IN GIBRALTAR

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE â&#x20AC;˘ JULY 2009

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l waalce sp

Sam Baxter and Jill Welland

Willa Vasquez

enjoying the preview

Chris from Just Consulting with Katy of Farrington Contemporary

Paul Cosquieri

Event: Local Artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Exhibition at Farrington Champagne, amuse bouche and guests flowed out onto the boardwalk at Ocean Village last month for the incredibly successful exhibition of local artists, showing their work at the Farrington Contemporary gallery. Silke Kunter-Wilson

Jaqueline L and her husband John Wood enjoy a glass of champagne Deborah Lawson thoroughly enjoying the evening Ted - someone has to sweep up after the event! Tim of the Casino with Isla Farrington

38 38

Elena Scialtiel

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE â&#x20AC;˘ JULY 2009

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coming up at farrington contemporary...

Stephanie Devico

Dilek O’Keeffe Selected as Best of New British Graduates by the Beatrice Royal Gallery, her work has been shown at the Battersea Art Fair and the Royal Academy Summer Show too, attracting international interest and interviews from Rolling Stone and the BBC amongst others. Rather than working in isolation, Dilek O’Keeffe prefers to take her work out onto the street as she enjoys interacting with people while she works and her current studio will be somewhere on the streets of Gibraltar throughout July while the exhibition is running. Although she mainly works with

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

oil on canvas she uses computers and photography extensively in her work either as a sketching tool or to produce digital works in their own right.

Born in Fez in 1972, Stephanie spends her life between Paris and Morocco. In 1996 she was selected for the fine art school in Marseille and later attended the Sorbonne University in Paris to research Monochrome. this experience completely changed her style of painting and her work is heavily influenced by Ryman on of the big influences in this area. Her mintor, G.J.J. Hosteins who is now 89 years of age worked with Delauney Robert, a famous painter in France in the early 20th century. Her most recent works aim to portray a rainbow hidden under a mixture of light and darkness and she tries to reflect the silence of infinity in her work. Stephanie is a recognised painter in

Morocco by collectors and galleries and her work has been on display in Fez, Casablanca, Paris, New York, Boston, London and as far away as Ho Ci Min amongst other worldwide venues — and, from the 25th July in Gibraltar too. Call in at the gallery to take a look at her work. n

Her inspiration comes from contemporary life and visual media. She looks for perspective, spirituality, illusion and light in her works, and with works which looks at politics or consumerism she has provoked and caused a few ripples. In 2003, the painting Consumerism 2 had extensive coverage in the UK when it was exhibited at the Royal Academy as the work incorporated Kylie Minogue’s famous bottom. n

turn to pages 96-97 for property directory

39 39

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bags of room

from the bean revolution Leading the ‘bean revolution’ and exclusive to Furniture Solutions is the Bean2Bed. Providing two solutions in one the Bean2Bed is the latest product to arrive on the home décor scene in Gibraltar, and has created quite a storm.

This funky furniture is totally unique. It’s a bean bag (in varying sizes) with up to TWO king-size beds inside. This lounge furniture doesn’t actually have any beans, instead it contains a revolutionary CMHR™ foam filling, that moulds to the contours of your body... day or night. The inspiration came from a lack of a simple, versatile sleeping solution for guests. The idea was to provide a space-saving, comfortable beanbag that transformed into a bed in seconds. Bean2Bed has hit the furniture world by storm since its launch less than a year ago in the UK. No more bulky futons or stacked mattresses just elegant and versatile, but comfortable pieces of useful future. They can seriously enhance your home at very little cost, but make it look expensively classy and elegant. Who here in Gibraltar does not have guests at some time or another, particularly during our summers? Bean2Bed is a great opportunity to enjoy your guests whilst at the same time showing your home to its best advantage? Bean bag furniture is making a very serious comeback at the moment. The multitude of styles and sizes come in so many variations of outer covering from fabric, faux suede, faux leather and leather to faux fur that it is possible to find one to suit literally any room. Whether it be as a main piece of furniture, or an occasional piece such as a stool, or ‘slouch bag’. Bean bag furniture, such as chairs and sofas are cheap in relation to their non-bean bag counterparts. The bean bag chair, for example, is one of the cheapest items of furniture around but has come a long way from being a momentary fad

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

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for teenage bedrooms. Furniture Solutions has a range of styles and colours, at prices that allow you to feasibly buy two or three to strategically place around your home to, in effect, bring it to life. They add a sense of individuality and personality to your living space. Long gone are the days of shapeless pouches that quickly

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

lose their appeal and look shabby. Today’s bean furniture takes quality seriously, and all Furniture Solutions’ bags consist of an inner and outer covering to allow for cleaning and ‘top ups’ should they be needed. Styles range from mother and baby, gamer chairs, outdoor and pool furniture, sofas, kids, and toddlers, with

various options to personalise your ‘bean’ Browse the website at www.furnituresolutions.gi as new products are being added every day — and not just bean bags. If you can’t see what you want, you can call in to see them at 10 Engineer Lane, or give Furniture Solutions a call on 200 44955. n

turn to pages 96-97 for property directory

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outd dini oor ng

al fresco eating by Jane Hart, Denville Designs

Summer is here and apart from spending long days on the beach, having fun in the sea, one of the biggest pleasures of summer is eating out of doors. Just making a sandwich or a salad and eating it in the garden or patio to making a full blown dinner party and decking out tables and chairs in the garden, there is always something special about eating outside. For a start you seem to have more appetite in the fresh air. However big your space is for putting a table and chairs for outside dining, make the most of it. Make the dining area as attractive

as you can. Surround it with potted plants â&#x20AC;&#x201D; sensually smelling herbs are perfect, or fast growing rambling plants that grow so well in our climate and produce such beautiful perfumes, jasmine, dama del noche, orange blossom to name a few. A Californian friend of mine closed off her eating area with long flowing curtains that billowed in the breeze and gave such a romanGIBRALTAR MAGAZINE â&#x20AC;˘ JULY 2009

at home IN GIBRALTAR tic look, like being in some exotic Arabian tent. Spend wisely on patio furniture, as cheap products last very little time and do not look very beautiful. And how embarrassing when the chair collapses under your guest and this demise can be a painful experience as well! Hard wearing furniture that is comfortable to sit in for long periods of time is what you should look out for, make sure it is easy to care for, being comfortable but not having to care for and carry bulky cushions inside and out all the time. Wrought iron looks very nice but is heavy to move about, even the effort of pulling the chair up to the table. Set your scene for a really successful party, it could be a barbecue, which is one of the big advantages to be able to do outdoors, or a dinner party or just tasty tapas and salads. Set your table beautifully, with a pretty tablecloth and matching napkins or table mats and napkins, put a water and wine glass at each place setting, try to make these colourful, British Home Stores are selling a lovely range of plastic glasses at the moment, they do not make the awful mess of smashed glass if someone drops one and look far more attractive than plain glasses.

large candles in hurricane holders, solar lights, lanterns or flares, there are so many options

garden lanterns from Denville Designs

Match these with colourful china, even mix and match works well if you are eating out side. Put plenty of candles around if you are dining in the evening, you cannot have too many; tea candles placed in attractive little holders that are on sale everywhere, or placed in Moroccan tea glasses looks most attractive, add to this flowers, petals placed in small bowls placed along the table, if you are eating a lot of finger food from the barbeque place bowls of water with a slice of lemon and a flower head for sticky fingers. Have large statements of lighting around the dining table, large candles in hurricane holders, solar lights, lanterns or flares, there are so many options. Leroy Merlin had some beautiful solar powered lights that are in the shape of pretty birds and change colour. n

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is now a regular feature of The Gibraltar Magazine

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athome@thegibraltarmagazine.com adverts also appear online at www.thegibraltarmagazine.com

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43 43

history file

home riggs

by Dave Wood

Readers of a certain vintage may recall a popular vocalist of the 1950s and 1960s with the exceedingly silly name of Conway Twitty. At the height of his success at least one bewildered critic asked him why on Earth he didn’t change it. The answer, of course, was that he had. His given name was Harold Jenkins. No such excuse for Home Riggs Popham. That was the name he was born with and, unlike Harold Jenkins, he was proud of it. 44 44

ind you, any parents faced with the problem of the 15th child may be forgiven a little name fatigue. Think carefully: What would be YOUR 15th choice? (Some chroniclers, let it be noted, go further, and credit the Pophams with even greater fecundity, insisting that with the appearance of young Home Riggs they chalked up a possibly record-breaking tally of 21. For no other reason than heartfelt compassion for his long-suffering mother I refuse to believe it. Please God, let that be a miscount.) There is similar confusion regarding the name of his father. Some say Stephen, others Joseph. We detect a distant whiff of scandal, but we are children of the tabloid age and must train our nostrils not to twitch. There seems to be no dispute that Stephen, or Joseph, was British consul in Tétouan, Morocco, and that Home was born in Gibraltar on 12th October 1762. Whether the Popham litter ran to 15, 21, or any adjacent numerical combination, we can be sure that even on its calmest days the household was a doppelgänger for Bedlam. Heironymus Bosch could have set up his easel in the front room and painted The Garden of Earthly Delights from direct observation instead of eating too much mouldy cheese for supper and waiting for a nightmare. It would surprise no-one if, from their earliest years, the Popham children were sent to school with their lunchtime tucker wrapped in pages torn from an atlas, and with mum and dad’s stirring tales of adventure ringing loudly in their ears. Home Riggs, for one, took the hint. At the tender age of 16, he was out the door and off into the navy. His debut as a sailor coincided with the American War of Independence, though there is no reason to suspect the two events were in any way connected. His first commander was the celebrated Admiral George Rodney who had shot to fame at the age of 29 in 1747 with his brilliant cameo role in the walloping of the French at Cape Finisterre for which the nominal head of the fleet, Admiral Edward Hawke, received a knighthood. The war ended in victory for America in 1783, so nobody got a knighthood, but Popham had done well enough to be made a lieutenant. Then his life took a curious and somewhat mysterious turn. It started unremarkably enough with some survey work along the coast of Africa (at least, that’s what he said he was doing), but somewhere along the line it all became very strange. Around 1787 he started doing some commercial trading on behalf of the German Kaiser’s Imperial Ostend Company, which had a long and involved history which need not detain us. It was finally scuttled by some typically opportunistic political wrangling in 1793 which gave a monopoly of trading in the Eastern Sea to the British East India Company. By that time Popham had been successful enough to buy and load to the gunwales his own ship in which he continued to operate. At first he seems to have done so with the permission, or at least the indifference, of the East India Company, but he must have upset someone because before the year was out his ship was seized and the goods it was carrying declared contraband. His loss was said to have been in the region of £70,000, but he didn’t take it lying down. He sued, and in 1805 was awarded compensation of £25,000. Clearly there had been skullduggery somewhere, but GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

history file of what description and by whom is not now easy to determine. Meanwhile, our man returned to the navy although, oddly, he served with the army in Flanders under the command of the Duke of York, and was given the bizarre title of “Superintendent of Inland Navigation”. The sight of full-rigged warships on the land-locked battlefields of France must have scared the enemy witless. The Duke of York was certainly impressed, and took Popham so much under his wing that in 1794 the lad (now a man in his 30s) was first made a commander, and a year later a post captain, which meant he was able to take charge of a vessel with in excess of twenty guns. Every belligerent schoolboy’s dream The ever-popular persecution of the French continued with a campaign to force them out of Egypt — an endeavour in which Popham played a considerable part. Small wonder that in time he, too, became a knight. His job, basically, was to ship in the Indian troops who actually did the job, and in the process he decided his ship required substantial repairs at Calcutta. Again he found himself up to his eyebrows in controversy. On this occasion his claim for expenses aroused suspicion and he was told to pay for the repairs himself. I shall paraphrase Oscar Wilde at this point because, well, everybody does eventually. To be suspected of sharp practice once may be considered unfortunate. To be so twice begins to look like carelessness. In any event, Home Riggs Popham was either an innocent with an unfortunate propensity for attracting persecution, or a rogue with a neck of solid brass. Once again he fought his corner, this time as far as parliament, where he argued that his troubles were all down to personal spite on the part of Lord St Vincent and his lickspittle, Benjamin Tucker, secretary to the admiralty. It may be argued that if these two gentlemen hated him so much there must have been more to it than mere irritation with the cut of his jib, but no matter. Again he won his case. There was always more to Popham than met the eye. If Britain in the 18th century had anything approaching a secret service that lurked beneath society’s surface plotting dark deeds, Sir Home Riggs Popham was surely one of its agents. How else to explain that in 1805, after being asked by the government to report on the activities of a Venezuelan revolutionary named Francisco de Miranda, he recommended that since things appeared to be decidedly volatile in many Spanish colonies, it might be a good idea to ferment a popular revolt in, of all places, Buenos Aires. To this end he led a force of around

1500 men in an attempt to seize the town “on behalf of the people”. To his immense surprise (the British never quite understood this idea), the indigenous population were not clamouring for the replacement of one occupying force by another, and he and his men were repulsed. Many of them were taken prisoner. The debacle resulted in a court martial, but his establishment guardian spooks must have come to his aid. The court martial ended not with prison, or reduction to the ranks, still less an appointment with the gallows, but with the presentation by the City of London of a sword of honour in recognition of his bold efforts to “open new markets”. You’ve got to laugh. It must have been very early in the 19th century that Popham had the brainwave for which he is today chiefly remembered. In an idle moment when he wasn’t planning Argentinian

In an idle moment when he wasn’t planning Argentinian uprisings, or suing somebody, he came up with the semaphore signaling code using flags which the Admiralty adopted in 1803 and which, among other things, enabled Nelson to send his famous “England expects” message to the fleet at Trafalgar without having to shout

uprisings, or suing somebody, he came up with the semaphore signaling code using flags which the Admiralty adopted in 1803 and which, among other things, enabled Nelson to send his famous “England expects” message to the fleet at Trafalgar without having to shout. Despite falling foul of the almighty East India Company, ruffling the feathers of Lord St Vincent, and leaving more than 1,000 of his men rotting in Argentinian prisons, Popham appears to have lived a charmed life. He was made a Rear Admiral in 1814, and got his inevitable knighthood in 1815. Somebody up there most certainly liked him. His next move was as predictable as the inevitable collapse of an amateur chef’s soufflé. He entered parliament. He became an MP in 1804, ostensibly representing the people of Yarmouth, most of whom had probably never heard of him. The constituency was most likely won in a raffle. In 1806 he switched his allegiance to Shaftesbury, and in 1807 he landed Ipswich, although whether he could have located Ipswich on any map that did not feature a bold black arrow pointing to the town is open to conjecture. He remained MP for Ipswich for the next five years. His parliamentary duties not being particularly onerous, he apparently tired of them and returned to sea and one of his favourite pursuits. The years 1812 and 1813 found him hovering around the northern coast of Spain giving what aid he could to the Spanish guerrilla forces who were making life uncomfortable for the invading French. He was, in effect, a kind of diversionary nuisance constantly poking the Frenchmen up the backside with a sharp stick and making them jump in the air and yelp while the Duke of Wellington’s troops made their steady advance on land. Given his colourful, frequently mysterious, and time-consuming maritime adventures, it is hard to see how Popham also managed to marry and father a large family, but this he did, and several of his descendants were still serving in the British armed forces as late as the 1970s. If biographies have a fault it lies in their ultimate predictability. They invariable begin with the birth of the leading character and end with his or her death. It cannot be avoided. It’s the way that God or Nature planned it. Sir Home Riggs Popham left the stage in Cheltenham on 10th September 1820, a couple of years shy of his 60th birthday, and still proud of his extraordinarily silly name. Would history have heard of him, we wonder, if, in a bashful attempt to avoid ridicule, he had changed it to Harold Jenkins? n

Irish Town Antiques Antiques & Collectables Irish Town Gibraltar Tel: 200 70411

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

club

gibraltar

You don’t need to be an avid 4x4 fan to realise that the sport looks like great fun. Whether you’re a professional, novice, fancy watching from the sidelines or even just want and alternative day out with the family, the recently formed club4x4gibraltar is well worth investigating. At present the club comprises 15 members, but they’re looking to expand over the coming months as they organise events. “It’s a case of the more people involved, the cheaper it becomes for all of us,” Mark Sullivan, one of the founder members, told us. And it’s not that expensive to get involved even at this stage. For example, they’ll be organising a “pay and play” day out in September where the club will be hiring out some land in Spain specifically developed for the sport to have some fun with the cars, socialise over a barbecue and are even planning a night event into the weekend to add in some extra fun

Founder members of Club 4x4, Mark Sullivan, Brian Morse and Bruce Adnett

— the cost is about £15 - £25 a head depending on numbers. Mark stressed that although the emphasis is on off-roading, they really want to keep the event family orientated: “When I used to go off-roading in the UK, most people involved would leave the family at home and go out with their mates. The idea that everyone can enjoy the sport is something

There are four extremely experienced members in the club. Mark has been driving for 20 years, and is a member of two different Land Rover clubs in the UK, while Bruce is a professionally trained Land Rover Experience driver

we really want to promote. It’s great fun to make it a social occasion and get out into the open air for the day and maybe camp for the night as a group with families too. There are four extremely experienced members in the club. Mark has been driving for 20 years himself, and is a member of two different Land Rover clubs in the UK, while Brian Morse was part of the ‘Land Rover Experience’ scheme. “Although most of us are Land Rover fanatics, we don’t want the club to exclude other drivers. There are lots of people in Gibraltar and nearby with other 4x4 vehicles which are just as good

off-road treks with the club — great fun for all the family GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

outdoor sports for getting involved. We want to cater for everybody,” Mark explained. Just two months ago the club took part in a Spanish National Land Rover Club event in Seville where they had great fun. “The club isn’t all about competing, but getting involved in these events is a great way to meet new people. We were pleasantly surprised by the really warm welcome we had by the Spanish clubs which had come from all across the country, so we’re looking to keep our involvement going over the coming years too,” said Mark. “The club is open to people of all standards, from beginners through to professionals, and you don’t even need your own vehicle either to get involved. We actually have some members with quite new cars which they’re more than willing to bring out on some of the trips we organise, but would rather not take them over some of the worse terrain where they’ll get scratched or possibly worse. That’s not a problem at all as you can come down and enjoy the event by hopping in with one of us with a more rugged vehicle — as I say there are no obligations at all, apart from making sure we have a good time. Anyone wanting to learn how to drive off road safely will be shown the fundamental rules of staying out of trouble.” To ensure a good time is had by all, the club works out the routes suitable for different standards of driving and types of vehicle so you’ll be well aware of what you’re in for before you set off. From a gentle tour on the search for breathtaking views through to getting stuck up to your axels in mud, the club tries to make sure that

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

there’s something for all tastes. As a newcomer to the sport you’ll have the advantage of expert advice on hand to make sure you don’t step over the line of safety and damage your vehicle — or more importantly, yourself or others. “We are in essence an online club, rather than

“The club is open to people of all standards from beginners through to professionals, and you don’t even need your own vehicle to get involved” The club often wraps up a weekend with family camping and barbecues

a fully fledged members club at present,” Mark told us. “As such, we charge no administration fees and each person is responsible for themselves. At the same time we’re safety conscious and when we go into areas which are tricky, we do set down voluntary rules and guidelines on what should and shouldn’t be done. The club does have plans to become a fully fledged and legally protected organisation in the future as membership progresses, but we’re taking one step at a time.” Apart from the minimal costs of getting involved on the day, the sport still doesn’t need to be expensive. Mark assured us that you can pick up a reasonable second hand 4x4 to play with from as little as £1,500, but again, you don’t necessarily need your own vehicle to come along for the ride. The club usually organises one event per month with a few extras planned for the winter months to take advantage of bad weather and especially the mud. The big project on the go for the club at present is organising a 4x4 trip to Morocco for next April. “We’re planning the trip quite carefully with people who have experience on the terrain to make sure we plot a great route for anyone who wants to participate,” said Mark. “We’re quite keen for people to know about it now as this is one trip which will cost a little more than our usual escapades, so for anyone who is interested, they may want to start saving now for the event.” The club is online at www.club4x4gibraltar.com but you can also find out more by contacting Mark on club4x4gibraltar@hotmail.com n

everyone has the right to

look fierce

Husband and wife team, Monique and Stephen Perera, enjoy doing photoshoots of friends, family, aspiring models who need portfolios and anyone else who wishes to have some portraits done. For the couple, working on shoots is principally an opportunity to do something creative together. The “better half” of the team, Monique, was Miss Gibraltar in 1995 and travelled to South Africa to compete in Miss World where she met recently elected president Nelson Mandela. Some time after she had the opportunity to travel extensively by competing in pageants across the world where she started to develop an interest in photoshoots. The other half of the team is Stephen, a freelance graphic designer best known locally for his work with the Gibraltar Philatelic Bureau. As a designer he has always used a camera for his work and he most enthuses about the years spent in the darkroom at art school developing black and white film and prints. They married in 1999 and went on to have two boys, Nicholas and Sean so they shelved all their creative plans until last summer, when in a “why not, let’s do it” moment they resumed doing the photoshoots they started in the late ‘90s. They came up with the tongue-incheek name for their web site www. ulookfierce.com as a play on the word “fierce” used in the fashion world to describe someone looking great and on point! So who does what then? Monique chooses wardrobe and does the styling for shoot as well as the makeup and co-directing the person in front of the camera. Stephen chooses locations and does the photography on the shoot. “When people agree to shoot with us I meet up with them to talk about what kind of shoot they want or to explain the ideas we have for them. Then, before the shoot we choose some wardrobe for them in another meeting,” Monique explains. “Our motto is that everyone has the right to look FIERCE, not just the usual models which photographers only want to shoot. That’s the difference with us...we go for people that stay under the radar and end up surprising themselves, their friends and family. That’s

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GIBRALTARMAGAZINE MAGAZINE••JUNE JULY 2009 2009 GIBRALTAR

the arts

“we go for people that stay under the radar and end up surprising themselves, their friends and family”

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAGAZINE •• MAY JULY2009 2009 GIBRALTAR

images courtesy Monique Model & Portait Photography · www.ulookfierce.com

what Fierce is all about,” Stephen adds. As a highlight for the year, Monique and Stephen recently completed a campaign for Marble Arc that featured large posters of their shoots displayed on the shop window with their Fierce ‘models’ wearing Marble Arc brand clothing. But ulookfierce.com is not just fashion orientated. “We love shooting kids, families and doing classic portraiture in black and white,” Stephen continues. “We have a studio set up at home now and we’re hoping to do, amongst other things, some post-wedding photoshoots. The idea is to do take some pictures after you come back from your honeymoon and are relaxed enough to wear your dress again without the stresses of the big day.” If you’re interested in putting together a personal portfolio, it wouldn’t go amiss to take a look at the site Stephen designed: www. ulookfierce.com to help you decide if they are able to give you just what you’re looking for. n

fashion

promenade Ocean Village is fast becoming one of the hubs of Gibraltar’s social life as it plays host to an increasing number of high profile events. The most recent of these was a spectacular fashion show jointly organised by Lindsey Carter of Aftershock of London and Beatriz Abellán of Esprit (two boutiques located on the Ocean Village promenade). The show was produced in aid of Cancer Relief, represented on the night by Vanessa Palmero-Haywood. Over 300 guests were treated to a fashion extravaganza ably compared by Radio Gibraltar’s Michelle Rugeroni. The fabulous fashions were enjoyed by all, not to mention the delicious food, raffle prizes and free bubbly. Soon to be repeated! n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

events

hedKandi Photos from the latest HedKandi event at Savannah, Leisure Island, Ocean Village. The next HedKandi event will be on Friday 17th July at Savannah after the Chillout from 4.30-8pm on the terrace with a live DJ. A full list of Savannah's July happenings can be found on page 73. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE â&#x20AC;˘ JULY 2009

leisurewear To advertise in this section of The Gibraltar Magazine Tel: (+350) 200 77748 Email: gibmag@gibraltar.gi 54 City Mill Lane Tel/Fax: 200 45966 Email: sandra4stichdesign@yahoo.com

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY GIBRALTAR MAGAziNE • JULY 2009

charity

WALKING BUS Regent Rural Primary School, Sierra Leone

TGS helps in Sierra Leone A group of employees of Toyota Gibraltar Stockholdings recently organised the collection and delivery of various items to a school in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The items were shipped inside a 4x4 vehicle which was destined for the Sierra Leone Red Cross and the local Red Cross staff assisted in the delivery. The school was in need of stationery and three local businesses (Beacon Press, Trico Printers and Sacarello’s Newsagents) donated a variety of goods. Apart from the donated items, the group also purchased large quantities of crayons, pens, pencils, books etc. and gathered other useful equipment which included a 37 inch TV and DVD player (donated by Hammonds TV), an electricity generator, a scanner, a printer, sport equipment and even a new computer! The school is also used as a feeding point for

many needy children in the area and the items sent also included a microwave and many sets of plastic cutlery and plates. The long term goal of the project is to help refurbish the school and fundraising activities will continue to support the donations received for the refurbishment. If any individual or business is interested in donating vouchers for raffles or sponsoring the school in any way please contact Jimmy Bruzon on 57631000. n

Children from Bishop Fitzgerald School and the MOD’s St Christopher’s School took part in a world record attempt by being among more than 100,000 children, all simultaneously forming part of a Walking Bus in June. The UK Charity ‘Brake’ organised the recordbreaking attempt in UK schools to educate children and parents about the dangers of speeding and the benefits of walking. ‘Brake’ also supports a charity which cares for families bereaved by road accidents. At 11am (to coincide with a 10am start in UK) over 100 children from the two schools walked in a crocodile of twos, with adults accompanying them, from Bishop Fitzgerald School to Queensway Quay and back again. The event was organised by PC Jo Dougherty, the GSP’s Community Liaison Officer. “This is the first time schools in Gibraltar have taken part in one of these ‘Brake’ events,” said Jo. “And it’s been a good opportunity to integrate the MOD children with the local children. There was fantastic co-operation from the two schools. The walk couldn’t have gone any better,” she added. “The public response was fantastic with cars and mopeds really slowing down and people were shouting words of encouragement.” Jo also thanked Gibmaroc who provided water and fruit for the children, the MOD’s Community Relations Committee who paid for certificates and the RGP for their assistance on the day. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

53 53

achievements

Cruise Congrats to Gibraltar Gibraltar has been rated 2nd only to Naples out of 23 ports in the “Overall quality of excursion category” in the latest survey published by the prestigious Princess Cruises of “Love Boat” fame. As a small port competing against Mediterranean giants such as Barcelona, Rome, Venice and the French Riviera, Gibraltar has punched above its weight. At a reception at the newly refurbished Mons Calpe Suite at the Top of the Rock at the end of June, George Gaggero, Deputy Chairman of local port agents MH Bland, and Chairman of Calypso Tours Ltd, the Shore Excursions Agent for Princess Cruises, expressed his “delight and pride at the recognition this ranking gives to the magnificent work of all the guides, drivers, product operators, site managers, and most especially to the Calypso management team, led by Henry Catania... A lot of planning, training and research goes into each and every call by a cruise liner, starting as early as two years prior to a visit. It is a testament to the team effort to be honoured by our passengers”.

Rotary Club of Gibraltar Annual Awards Civil Servant of the Year The Club gives this award to a deserving member of the Civil Service who members feel has given good service and courtesy to the public in Gibraltar. Antonia Rumbado received the award for 2009 as a very popular member of the tax office team since 1992. She is known to go out of her way to help people. At home she takes care of her frail 90 year old mother. Rotary felt of all the many people put forward by the members Mrs. Rumbado was the most deserving candidate.

The Minister for Social Services, Youth and Family, Jaime Netto, presented the awards (together with a cash prize) at the Garrison Library in the presence of Rotary members and the families of the recipients. Also at this event two cheques for £1500 each were presented to RICC and the Lady Williams Centre. Rotary President, Bea Adams, thanked everyone concerned especially Maruchi Risso, the club’s vocational The Honoured Elder Award This annual services chairman, for collating the nominations award is for a person, over 65, who by their and organising the event. Youth Award 2009 The club members thought that in a world were youths often get bad press it is important to show there are many young people who are a credit to the community so the Rotary Club of Gibraltar has created an award for a young person. Kaylan Miller (16 years old) was the first recipient as he has shown courage in the face of adversity.

Gibraltar Heritage Trust Awards 2009 The Gibraltar Heritage Trust’s Heritage Awards were presented at the end of June. One award was granted in the Senior category, two awards for Individual Buildings and two Group Awards.

Mr Gaggero continued, “This ranking is based upon the scores given by individual passengers on each and every excursion in every port and therefore carries considerable weight. It means that passengers are enjoying the experience we give them in Gibraltar”. From a wider perspective the survey also ranked Gibraltar as 7th generally, as a port of call. While commendable against such tough competition, Mr Gaggero commented “there is more that can be done to improve the overall tourist product Gibraltar offers our visitors which I feel still holds incredible underdeveloped potential”. Mr Gaggero thanked Princess Cruises for their continued confidence and commitment by scheduling calls at Gibraltar. n

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contribution to the life of the community prove themselves mentally young by their dynamism, energetic voluntary work, or in some other manner. Frank Zammitt, one of the founder members of the South District Senior Citizens Club, received the award this year. He has worked tirelessly to make the senior citizens club work, also helping out at the Thursday Senior Citizens Day Centre. Frank helps other, older citizens and housebound older people by running various errands for them.

The Senior Heritage Award went to John Frendo in recognition of the many years he has dedicated to the preservation and protection of Gibraltar’s Heritage. Mr Frendo’s eye for detail and his positive attitude towards heritage preservation is an example to all.

The Group Heritage Awards went to Town Range Barracks, in recognition of the redevelopment of this early 19th Century row of military barracks into apartments, and to the Old Naval Hospital in recognition of the sensitive way the site has been redeveloped. In both instances, the heritage-sensitive approach to the redevelopment of these sites is a credit to all involved, developers, architects, contractors, and the residents who are now the custodians of these buildings. Individual Heritage Award went to Richard Labrador, for the restoration of John Snow House an ex-MOD married quarter in the South District dating to 1903, and to Wayne Estella for the recovery of 5 Hargrave’s Parade — an example of Gibraltar’s local architecture which has been brought back into use as a home from near-derelict condition. n GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

garden watch

blooming

marvellous a first for botany on the Rock

The Echium wildpretii, also known as the Tenerife bugloss is, as the name suggests endemic to Tenerife and is found mainly in the Cañadas de Teide and rarely seen outside the warm tropical environment it’s accustomed to.

Close-up of the unique flowers

In our January edition, we mentioned that Jim from Serene Scapes had planted one (donated by Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Dorset, UK) in a secluded private garden here on the Rock, and as far as anyone seems to be aware, up to now one has never flowered here before. The biennial seems to have a sad story, as it takes two years before it grows its fantastic flower — up to 3 metres in height — and then dies. However it does leave hundreds of seeds ready to germinate for the next cycle. Unfortunately, the plant is not in an area accessible by the public, so we thought it well worthwhile publishing the images to show off this spectacular plant and a spectacular achievement too. n

Jim with the spectacular Tenerife Bugloss which could grow as high as three metres The bugloss in January this year

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

hummingbird hawkmoth

nature watch

how butterflies and moths avoid the heat

text by Rebecca Nesbit photos by Rebecca Nesbit & Phil Gould

the cool migrants

The summer months aren’t the kindest to Gibraltar’s insects. The temperatures soar and the desiccated vegetation shrivels and dies. For butterflies this means less nectar to drink and fewer plants for the caterpillars to feed on. One way to avoid the hot dry summers is to migrate north to cooler, wetter parts of Europe. 56

The Painted Lady migration has been incredible this year. It made headline news in England as butterflies arrived literally in their millions at the end of May. Shortly before they arrived in the UK they were visible in huge numbers in Gibraltar. These were migrants just leaving Morocco and beginning their journey north. The heavy rain in Morocco over the winter caused thistles to grow well and so caterpillars developed in their millions. Hopefully we should see equally impressive numbers in the autumn as they head to Morocco for the winter. The stamina of these butterflies is amazing. An individual that emerged from its chrysalis

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

nature watch

Am I coming or going? The hummingbird hawkmoth has a ‘face’ on its rear to confuse

in North Africa could fly all the way to England, maybe taking as little as 10 days. They stop overnight and to feed, and they can fly hundreds of metres above the ground to take advantage of strong winds blowing to the north. Some of course wont make it as far and will end their journey to breed in Spain. A closely related and equally attractive migrant through Gibraltar is the Red Admiral. It is jet black with a bold red stripe down its wing. But they’re a bit hardier than the Painted Lady so they are not totally confined to Africa over the winter and many stay in Europe. Slightly smaller, but with an equally impressive migration, is the Clouded Yellow. It is bright yellow with black edges outlining the upperside of its wings. When it feeds it closes its wings revealing a white spot in the middle of its hindwing and, sometimes, a black spot underneath its forewing. The Monarch is the world’s most famous butterfly migrant. It spends the winter in the cloud forests of Mexico, often in huge groups on tree trunks. Each spring it begins its journey north. It will take several generations to make the journey to the northern USA and Canada, but individual butterflies will fly the whole way

Painted lady GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

back. Even beyond America it’s quite a traveller, and each year some are carried over to Europe on the wind! The countries they’ve been spotted in include Spain, France and even England. But the many Monarchs you will see in the Alameda Gardens haven’t come from America this year. Over the last few years they have started to breed here as milkweed, their caterpillars’ favourite foodplant, was planted in the Gardens 1998. Other insects that migrate through Gibraltar include dragonflies, hoverflies and moths. Moths and butterflies differ in a few ways. Butterflies have clubs on the end of their antennae, whereas moth antennae are totally straight or feathered. Only male moths have feathered antennae because the feathering is to help them pick up the scent of a female. Also, when a moth is sitting still it lays its wings flat and you will never see their underside while the moth is at rest. However, the distinction that scientists have made between butterflies and moths is fairly arbitrary. The Hummingbird Hawkmoth is a good example of an exception to one of the rules: it’s a moth but it flies during the day. This makes it the most noticed of Gibraltar’s migrant moths, as it

The beautiful Death’s Head Hawkmoth, named because of the skulllike marking on its back, used to be considered an omen of death hovers next to flowers to drink the nectar. But Gibraltar’s most impressive hawkmoth migrates at night. The beautiful Death’s Head Hawkmoth, named because of the skull-like marking on its back, used to be considered an omen of death. These moths are unusual not just because of their markings but also their feeding habits. Their short proboscises mean they’re limited by which flowers they can drink nectar from. What they are partial to, however, is raiding beehives for honey! All these species and many more make amazing journeys to take advantage of parts of Europe that are just too cold to spend the winter in. The good news is that, as global warming changes the Earth’s climate, migration may be the saving grace of these species. As the areas suitable for their survival change, they’re more likely to be able to move too. So, as some species struggle to adapt, beauties such as the Red Admiral and Hummingbird Hawkmoth could well be on to a winner. n

Red admiral

performing arts

Lionel Perez, director and producer of Jesus Christ Superstar

superstar performance by the Alpha Group

“I’m a millionaire every morning,” said Lionel Perez, who is directing and producing Alpha Group’s latest production of Jesus Christ Superstar which will be performed at the Alameda Open Air Theatre from 6th to 10th of this month from 9.30pm. 58

t 73, Lionel is full of life. His philosophy that anyone who can put their feet on the floor, breathe, walk and talk is worth a million has helped him keep his life in perspective all these years. His career as a teacher of history, art and drama has helped him on a path to discover the delights of directing over 50 productions since he was 25. “It actually started when I was involved in a school play, and I couldn’t learn my lines,” Lionel commented. “So I was asked to paint the scenery instead, which I thoroughly enjoyed.” From there he went on to learn scenery management, lighting, sound and virtually all aspects of putting a play together — right down to make-up and dress-making. “I thoroughly enjoy every single aspect, and when I was working in New York on my Masters Degree, we were split into teams of eight to work on productions. Each person would take on a particular task and invariably I would suggest that the other team members choose what they wanted to do, and I would take on what no-one else wanted,” he explained. “I think they were all quite surprised that I got on with each aspect without any problems and thoroughly enjoyed them too.” Under his belt, Lionel taught dance drama for many years and has been involved in productions of works such as Becket and Lorca. He’s even written a couple of plays himself, one of which Peace of Mind won first prize for an original play at the Gibraltar Arts Festival a few years back. He’s no stranger either to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar, having produced it on two occasions. Each production is different though, and this one in particular because most of the cast, although singers, are very new to the stage. The actors who play the two principal characters, Jesus and Judas, have never actually performed on stage before. “I enjoy working with people new to acting though,” said Lionel. “If you work with an experienced actor, sometimes it’s hard to find the balance between how you want something interpreted and what they envision. With someone new to acting you need a lot of patience, but you do have the opportunity to mould them into the character as you see it. Because they don’t know where they’re going, it is easier to guide them. “One of the big challenges is the crowd scenes, which we started working on right at the beginning of rehearsals. Mostly made up of people from various choirs around Gibraltar, they are used to standing still while singing and it’s been great fun to help them break out from what they’re used to so that they mingle and move as they sing. Timing is extremely important, knowing when they need to come on to stage so as not to break the flow of the performance is another aspect we’ve worked very hard on.” The music for the production has come about by the kind intervention of the band from the Royal Gibraltar Regiment. 14 band members, headed by Miguel Gomila have been practicing twice a week for the last month or so and from the middle of June started integrating their work with the stage performance with increased rehearsals to bring the final production together. Starting at 9.30pm, the performance will start in the evening light and by the time part two starts darkeness will have fallen on the outdoor production. This isn’t an accident, Lionel explained, as the first half lends well to

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

performing arts Cast and crew working hard towards the opening night

a light environment as he recreates the buzzing city of Jerusalem with crowds, buildings and bustling city scenes. Part two lends itself to a darker atmosphere as the story leads into the judgement and final crucifixion for the final hour of the play. “Support for theatrical works in Gibraltar is extremely good from a participation point of view,” said Lionel. “Although budgets are tight, most of

the costs go to lighting and sound. On a production of the scale we’re putting together, costumes are usually made by the actors and crew for very little cost, unless there’s something very specific which needs some extra expenditure.” The magnitude of this Rock Opera can be appreciated when you consider that singers, dancers, crowd participation, back stage helpers and musicians to the tune of 100 will be involved. So

if you’re looking for a slightly different evening out, head down to the Alameda Open Air Theatre one evening from 6th to 10th July to enjoy the fruits of the hard work the whole team has put into the production. And don’t forget, the team have made sure there’s access for disabled, both wheelchair and mobility buggies. Make sure you pick up your tickets from Bland Travel on Market Lane. n

a taste of things to come Chichon Steps Ahead

The Gibraltar Amateur Dramatic Association (GADA)’s next production will be in November. A hilarious comedy, billed as the best so far, A Bedfull of Foreigners, directed by Howard Danino, has the cast of Trevor Guilliano, Nadine Gonzalez, Andy Coumbe, Nadine Galliano, Mario Prescott and Michelle Francis. The story starts with Stanley and Brenda driving around France on their holiday when they find themselves in a village near the German border on the eve of a local festival and they are lucky to find a hotel room. But this kind of luck doesn’t last long. In less than GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

an hour Stanley finds himself lowering an attractive, stark naked girl from his room’s window. Confusion turns to chaos with the arrival of Claude, the girl’s husband, followed by Claude’s girlfriend, Simone. By the second hour, almost everybody is in the wrong bed. Figures dressed as nuns and monks rush in and out. Seductions and confrontations run rampant. When the dust settles, a weary Stanley wishes they had spent their vacation at a nice, quiet English seaside resort... It certainly sounds as if the cast will have fun in rehearsals this summer, and we can look forward to the results in November. n

Local conductor, Karel Mark Chichon, has joined the artist roster of Universal Music Classical Management and Productions, which is a part of the Universal Music Group (UMG). Universal will represent Karel in all countries other than Spain and Italy, where his agent is Ernesto Palacio, manager of tenor Juan Diego Florez. UMG is the most influential music corporation in the world. The most important artists from Pop, Jazz to Classic are part of the UMG. UMG is a sister company to Universal Studios, the movie studio. With a 25.5% market share, UMG is one of the Big Four record labels in the world. UMG also owns the largest music publishing business in the world, Universal Music Publishing Group, following the acquisition of BMG Music Publishing in May 2007. In a statement made via the Gibraltar Philharmonic Society Karel stressed “ this is really a huge step forward for my career, perhaps the final step I was aiming for.” www.karelmarkchichon.com n

book releases

by Elena Scialtiel

Author Dr Cecil Montegriffo with his wife

more than four walls A story of love and tragedy set against the background of 1918 Gibraltar is a must-read book for this summer — ideal to learn about the way things were without scanning bulky history tomes. The unenviable task was undertaken by Dr The elegant columned villa, aptly named Cecil Montegriffo, who retired just before his The Columns, and the wonderful panorama it 70th birthday and, to keep his grey matter ac- enjoyed over the Strait, struck Dr Montegriffo’s tive, devoted his spare time to extensive research creativity and inspired him to make it the proon the lifestyle in the Campo at the turn of the 20th Century. One might wonder why someone blessed with supple joints and mind would want to shut himself in dusty archives and leaf through volumes of documents just to ascertain whether Tarifa enjoyed electric light one century ago, or to trace advertisements of stagecoaches servicing la via de Tarifa, to discover the Gondola and the Madrileña’s ticket prices were two reales. The impulse to write about his favourite historical period was skulking at the back of his brain for decades, since he was invited to dine in Tarifa at the mansion of one his recovering patients’ British employer.

The Four Walls explores the delicate theme of the devastation caused by war horrors on soldiers’ psyche, strong of the author’s own clinical experience

tagonist of his first novel, under the title The Four Walls. While usually the title is the last thing any author worries about, Dr Montegriffo was confident that, once he visualised the majestic mansion standing tall as the backdrop of his romantic story, the story itself would fall into place. Touching tragic themes that are familiar nowadays, but very sensitive until not long ago, like pregnancy out of wedlock and the hell of mud-drenched trenches in France, the plot unravels in an epoch of great social turmoil and brings different walks of life together under one roof. The prologue tells of a Spanish lawyer who, weary of political tensions, emigrates to Cuba and up the Mississippi to Chicago where his daughter marries a Scandinavian. When the

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

book releases destitute lawyer dies of tuberculosis, his widow returns to her native Tarifa, leaving behind daughter and son-in-law trying their fortunes at farming. Eventually they’re ready to join her, but it’s too late for she has died too. The only consolation for the devoted daughter is erecting the sepulchre her mother deserves, and settling down nearby, in the Four Walls. Her own daughter marries Reginald Frobisher, the son of a British forces commander in Gibraltar who she met on the ship from America to Gibraltar. Later, a young Barcelonan wrongfully accused of murder flees to Tarifa where he finds refuge with his uncle the parish priest. Here he falls in love with one of the maidservants at the Four Walls, disgraced by a cadet of the Spanish army. His wealthy industrialist father opposes their union, but the girl’s fresh grace overcomes his reservations and their story is crowned by the happy ending. Not so for Reginald who, nearly killed in the marshlands of Passchendaele, is sent home to recuperate, broken in his spirit more than in his body. Eventually he returns to the front to face the ultimate humiliation and tragedy. The Four Walls explores the delicate theme of the devastation caused by war horrors on soldiers’ psyche, strong of the author’s own clinical experience. Although the characters are completely fictional, the historical and geographical reconstruction is accurate, and whereas the main stage is Tarifa, Gibraltar steals the limelight in the description of Armistice Day and the parades

following it, interrupted for the North Front cemetery funerals of English sailors from the ship sunk by a U-boat just days before. Mention is given to a local hotel called The Cecil, which really existed — although it may seem just some kind of self-incensing poetic licence — and to dockyard business. However, the prickly question of ‘toilet discrimination’ for British, Gibraltarian and Spanish workers that the author encountered in his archival gleanings is left untold, because he deemed it marginal and redundantly provocative. Several years in the making, Dr Montegriffo’s debut contribution to history of Gibraltarian literature in aid of the local Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Group, is finally ready for publication, and hopefully it will be distributed in our bookshops well before his eightieth birthday. The perfect day to start writing the prologue to the sequel! n

Gibraltar steals the limelight in the description of Armistice Day and the parades following it, interrupted for the North Front cemetery funerals of English sailors from the ship sunk by a U-boat just days before

90 mins to Barcelona Friday 3rd July sees the start of the much awaited flights to Barcelona by Andalus airlines. The airline, based in Madrid will be offering three flights a week on Mondays, Fridays and Sundays giving tourists from the north of Spain the opportunity to visit the Rock on a flight lasting just 90 minutes. Prices are from just 74€ each way and the company believes that this pioneering service will consolidate the long term services the company has planned. On another note, Andalus has dropped the prices for their Gibraltar Madrid route to just 59€ each way — 7€ cheaper than the nearly 5 hour train journey which connects Algeciras to Madrid — adding an extra incentive to the public, not just from Gibraltar, but from the surrounding Campo too, to take to the air. n

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the BUPA story One of the main players in the PMI market is Bupa, a worldrenowned health insurance organisation, with a network stretching across 190 countries. Since its beginnings in the UK in 1947 with 38,000 members, Bupa has continued to grow. In 1971, Bupa International was established as the specialist international division of Bupa, to offer health cover for expatriates worldwide. It now has a global membership of more than 800,000 people. As a mark of their continuing excellent health cover provision worldwide, Bupa International received the Best International Private Medical Insurance Provider award at the UK’s 2008 Health Insurance Awards, for the eighth time since 1999. Both Bupa International and Sanitas, the Spanish arm of Bupa, offer PMI policies that include all the benefits you would expect of a major player in the healthcare market. Bupa provides three levels of cover, all with the flexibility of optional add-ons, so plans can be tailored to suit corporate and personal needs and budgets.

Private Medical Insurance:

Why Now’s the Time In tough economic times, private medical insurance (PMI) might seem like a dispensable luxury. Yet the opposite is proving to be true, with both employers and employees recognising the benefits of fast, efficient medical care in helping them to keep things running as smoothly as possible. Indeed, corporate PMI is a growing sector, as more and more companies see the importance of getting employees back to work as soon as possible after treatment. Combined with premium increases that are lower than the market rate — and in some cases even falling — it’s a great time to look at implementing PMI schemes. Private healthcare also dovetails nicely with increasingly-popular corporate

schemes to help promote fitness and healthy lifestyles among their workforce. According to a recent Financial Times report, “The reason why corporate PMI is bucking the medical inflation trend which has seen individual PMI rise by about 8 per cent yearon-year is that companies are keeping a lid on claims’ costs and passing on the benefits to staff.” With a reduced number of claims,

Essential features of all Bupa International policies include: access to over 5,500 private hospitals across the globe; full cover for expensive advanced imaging (such as MRI and CT scans); complete cover for cancer treatment; out-patient and in-patient surgical operations fully covered; 24-hour multilingual helpline; online access to view and update your policy documents, details and track claims; live webchat support. For Spanish residents, Sanitas’ Health Plan Complete gives access to healthcare throughout Spain and a choice of one other European country. Designed to offer year-round healthcare to meet personal needs, it is an excellent option and includes: access to 20,000 physicians and 520 private medical centres across Spain; in-patient and out-patient care in Spain and your chosen European country; Spanish preventive medicine programmes, focussing on areas such as coronary risk, child health and family planning; full cover for second medical opinion fees. The schemes offer a host of extras, among which are dental cover, evacuation and repatriation from countries around the world. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

health & medical premiums can be lowered, giving individuals a greater incentive to join. So not only do companies benefit, but their employees are reaping the rewards too. It’s easy to find excellent international cover now, helping to give the reassurance of medical care all around the world. PMI for a healthy business In the current economic climate, where less people are typically having to do more work, PMI is great for employers. It means that when staff get ill, fast, appropriate treatment can help them get back in the office quicker. Which helps businesses to stay productive. There is a range of benefits available, depending on company size, such as disregarding previous medical history (for companies with more than 20 employees) and tailoring PMI plans to suit individual business needs, for those with over 100 employees. Corporate PMI offers substantial discounts for staff on employee schemes over personal medical schemes. It’s the proverbial “win-win” situation, where employers can offer a benefit that helps retain staff and gets them back into the office quicker in the event of illness. Staff get cheaper premiums than if they bought the insurance separately and can choose to add family members to their policy as an optional extra, bringing additional peace of mind. Get covered As personal PMI costs rise, the benefits

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

of a corporate plan become ever more obvious. Cover through the workplace can save hundreds of pounds, while the admin can be dealt with internally and avoid problems with existing illnesses or injuries. Savings can be particularly good for those aged between 55 and 65, when premiums tend to increase. With the option to add family and friends, PMI offers a flexible package that provides expert treatment to suit individuals. And as a corporate tool, it’s a great way of keeping staff in the workplace and avoiding lost hours through illness and injury. n PMI is available in Gibraltar through STM Fidecs Life, Health and Pensions, who can provide you with a quote, help with applications and ongoing assistance with setting up and administering your plan, including processing claims. To find out how PMI can make sense for you, contact Jane Caulfield on (+350) 200 45877.

Corporate PMI offers substantial discounts for staff on employee schemes over personal medical schemes

Family is for Life The Government has made public two documents which will be issued by the Courts Service to the parties to divorce or judicial separation. The documents are titled Parenting Plans: A Guide for Separating Parents and Model Parenting Contact and Residence Plans. The first document is a guide to the new Children’s Act together with a draft agreement reminding parents about all the areas they need to agree upon in order to prevent disputes about children in the future. The second document deals with the issue of residence (with who will the child live) and contact (when will the child have contact with the non-residence parent). This document is broken down into key periods in the development of a child with an explanation of how children develop during that period. There are suggested residence and contact plans in the form of schedules. There are no rules and the decision is for parents, but this may help them reach an agreement over these issues. Daniel Feetham, Minister for Justice, said “The Government is conscious that divorce and separation are very stressful and in their aftermath many parents may feel disorientated. Well-informed parents are better placed to make soundly-based decisions in the interests of their children and themselves. These should hopefully help parents resolve issues without recourse to the courts.” n

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Dr Steven J. Crump B.Sc, DC, MCC Open: Mon - Fri 9.30am - 6.30pm

Member of the British Chiropractic Association

Back to better health with Chiropractic for headaches, dizziness, neck and lower back pain, sciatica, osteoathritis and sports injuries. College Clinic, Regal Hse. Tel: 200 77777

John W Miles BSc (Podiatry), MChS College Clinic, Regal House Tel: 200 77777

ChiropraCtors

PASSANO OPTICIANS LTD British Registered Optometrists

Treatment of Back Pain, Neck Pain, Headaches, Limb Pain & Sports Injuries Tel: 200 44226

ICC Suite F5C 1st Floor, Casemates, Gibraltar Member of British Chiropractic Association

The Health Store

5 City Mill Lane, Gibraltar. Tel: 20073765 Suppliers of Glucosamine, Ginkgo Biloba and all vitamins. Body Building Products (Creatine etc) Open: 9am - 1pm & 3pm - 6pm

Bell Pharmacy 27 Bell Lane Tel: 200 77289 Fax: 200 42989

Chiropodists

Gentle holistic treatment for all back or muscular problems and sports injuries Gillian Schirmer MA, DC, MMCA Clinic (Claudia’s), 1st Floor, 58 Main Street Tel: 200 41733 or after hours: 200

Consult us at 27 Bell Lane Tel: 200 77289 Fax: 200 42989

CHEMISTS

Louis’ Pharmacy Unit F12, International Commercial Centre, Casemates. Tel: 200 44797

McTimoney Chiropractor

Here to help you by answering all your pharmaceutical questions

health & medical directory

38 Main St Tel: 200 76544 Fax: 200 76541 Email: passano@sapphirenet.gi

completefitness Sports Massage Therapy & Personal Training Unit G3, Eliott Hotel Gibraltar Tel: 200 51113

Dr Steven J. Crump BSc, DC, MCC ICC F5C 1st Flr, Casemates. Tel: 200 44226 Gillian Schirmer MA, DC, MMCA McTimoney Chiropractor, Clinic (Claudia’s), 1st Flr, 58 Main St Tel: 200 41733 After hours: 200 40026 Dr Carsten Rudolf Steiner BSc, DC Steiner Chiropractic Clinics, College Clinic, Regal Hse Tel: 200 77777

DentAL SURGEONS Daniel N. Borge BDS MSc MFDS RCS(Eng) Borge Dental/Medical Centre 7-9 Cornwall’s Lane Tel: 200 75790 Keith J Vinnicombe BDS (Wales) LDS RCS (Eng) MFGDP (UK)

Unit F5B ICC, 2a Main Street Tel/Fax: 200 40747 Emergency: 200 78756

For all your Pharmaceutical needs

ORTHODONTISTS Dr Hasse Lundgaard DDS Borge Dental & Medical Centre 7-9 Cornwall’s Lane Tel/Fax: 200 75790

Louis’ Pharmacy Open: 9 - 7 Monday - Friday, Saturday 10 -1.30pm, Closed Sundays Unit F12, International Commercial Centre, Casemates. Tel: 200 44797

JOHN W. MILES BSc (Podiatry), M.Ch.S

STATE REGISTERED CHIROPODIST Treatment of all Foot Problems • Ingrown Toe-nails including Surgical Removal • Biomechanical Analysis for Insoles / Orthotics including Children • Wart (Verruca) Clinic • Diabetics

Tel: 200 77777

College Clinic, Regal House, Queensway ALSO AVAILABLE FOR HOME VISITS

Need somebody to talk to?

7 days a week 6-10pm

Physicians

GUARANTEED

You pre-pay at today’s prices, we provide your chosen service whenever it is eventually required and whatever it eventually costs Brochures on Pre-Paid Funeral Planning Available from:

11 Convent Place Tel: 200 75747

Codali Funeral Services Primary Care Centre 2nd Flr International Commercial Centre

Weekend and Public Holiday Opening Hours (use Irish Town entrance)

Saturday: 9am - 11am, 5pm - 6pm Sunday & Public Holidays : 10am - 11am, 5pm - 6pm GP Clinics: 8am - 5.20pm

64 whataapage pageturner! turner!www.thegibraltarmagazine.com www.thegibraltarmagazine.com 64 what

Dr Norbert V Borge FRCP (London) 7-9 Cornwall’s Lane Tel/Fax: 200 75790

Health Stores The Health Store 5 City Mill Lane. Tel: 200 73765

Opticians / Optometrists Gache & Co Limited 266 Main Street. Tel: 200 75757 L. M. Passano Optometrist 38 Main Street. Tel: 200 76544

PERSONAL TRAINERS Simon Coldwell Complete Fitness Unit G3, Eliott Hotel Tel: 200 51113 Isabella Jimenez BSc (hons) 3/8 Turnbull’s Lane Tel: 54002226 email: jimenez.isabella@gmail.com

SPECIALISTS Specialist Medical Centre Unit F7 ICC Casemates Square Tel: 200 49999 Fax: 200 49999 Email: info@smg.gi www.smg.gi

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

health hobbies

Wear Yellow Day... (Above & below) Photos of the Wear Yellow Walk in support of Mental Health which took place last month under the banner “It Could Happen to Anyone”. The day raised awareness of mental health issues and raised money with the message “Mental Health concerns everyone.” n

The Lady Williams Centre recently held a two day course, given by the team leader of the Royal Marsden Hospital’s complementary medicine department, on Aromatherapy - complementary treatments within the cancer environment. Therapists from the centre attended together with therapists from the private sector. A follow up course will be held in November — for details contact the Lady Williams Centre. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

what a page turner! www.thegibraltarmagazine.com 65

issues

t s n i betting a ga addiction Gamblers Anonymous:

by Elena Scialtiel

Just lend me another tenner: I bet today’s the day I’ll make a grand out of it!

Have you ever been caught in the frenzy of shooting coin after coin into a slot machine, certain every next one will be the final one to cause a downpour of coins in the tray? Have you ever been frantically watching the ball hopping from number to number on the roulette wheel, until the croupier shoos you off to breakfast? Do you remember horses’ names and racing timetables more readily than your children’s teddy bears’ nicknames or friends’ birthdays? Have you lost grip of reality and the value of a pound, so you can waste your entire salary in a mat-

ter of minutes, certain every pound will recoup everything and more? If you have answered yes to these questions, but are ready to admit you have a problem, not all hope is lost. You are still in time to recover from an addiction which has taken over many people’s lives, if not taken their lives literally, for

compulsive gamblers often find themselves so steeped in debt and depression they deem the only way out is suicide. The good news is local compulsive gamblers aren’t suffering in silence and isolation anymore. Branching out from Narcotics and Alcoholics Anonymous, “New

Do you remember horses’ names and racing timetables more readily than your children’s teddy bears’ nicknames or friends’ birthdays?

Gamblers Anonymous” was founded in May on the Rock by someone who, after touching rock bottom himself, realised the only way up is to talk about it, do some soulsearching, share experiences and advise fellow gamblers. Self-professed ‘proud of being a compulsive gambler’ — because when one is beyond worries of finger-pointing or ill reputation, it means one is prepared to go to any length to reverse what seems irreversible — GA Gibraltar founder and spokesperson recently obtained a weekly slot at Nazareth House, where compulsive gamblers can just show up and share their

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

stories. Affiliated to the 52-year old American office, GA Gibraltar follows their philosophy and constitution of proud financial independence from any governmental or non-governmental support, total confidentiality, unity and anonymity before anything else, principles before personalities, and no requisite for membership eligibility other than the desire to stop gambling. GA has one primary purpose: ‘to carry its message to the compulsive gambler who still suffers’. Which in layman’s terms means the newest entry is the most welcome in the group, and is given the chance of extensively telling his or her experience without fear of being judged or ridiculed. Freely confessing one’s worries and mistakes is liberating and therapeutic in itself, but often other members can relate, empathise and offer advice. Thus unifying towards a common aim makes everyone stronger when fighting temptation. Besides relying on each other’s recommendations, members of the group can seek professional counselling in the most serious cases. The pessimistic news is that a full recovery is almost impossible and one must confront the ghost of relapse virtually every day. This lifelong damage management process humbly accepts one cannot make it on one’s own, but must include in a weekly schedule the active participation in group meetings to restore and maintain some decent quality of life. Yet once compulsive gamblers make a decision to turn their lives upside down, and learn to manage their urge to gamble and steer clear from enticement, they are ready to move on within the organisation to help others on their personal pathway, and draw pride and life purpose from it. How is it done? By application of the H.O.W. know-how: Honesty, Open-mindedness and Willing-

Gambling can be glamourous and fun — as long as it is done in moderation

ness. Without their own honesty in admitting their problem, the openmindedness towards themselves and fellow gamblers in seeking each other’s aid, and the willingness to do so, Gamblers Anonymous cannot fish out addicts from the streets, even if it is blatant someone is in desperate need. It has to be the individual who takes the first voluntary step from denial, after he or she realises that ‘one pound is too many and one thousand is never

Confessing one’s worries and mistakes is therapeutic in itself, but often other members can relate, empathise and offer advice

enough’, when gambling becomes an excuse to feel omnipotent and compensate for failure, shortcomings or life voids. GA is not advocating a ban on casinos, videogames, pinballs, poker machines or betting agents, for prohibitionist laws don’t eliminate the problem — this would actually exacerbate it, they feel, with the increased appeal coming from the thrill of the illicit that can be the improvised poker tournament amidst neighbours in the basement or the sneaky holiday to a country where gambling is legal. How do you know it’s high time you rang 54018193 or showed up next Wednesday at 7.15 at Nazareth House? Ask yourself the 20 questions on the left, and if you honestly answer “yes” to seven or more, you’d better shed your reservations and seek help. n

uestions

Do you ever lose time from work or school due to gambling?

2 3 4 5

Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy?

Does gambling cause a decrease in your ambition or efficiency?

After losing do you feel you must return as soon as possible to win back your losses?

After a win do you have a strong urge to return and win more?

Does gambling affect your reputation? Have you ever felt remorse after gambling? Do you ever gamble to get money to pay debts or solve financial difficulties?

9 10 11 12

Do you often gamble until your last pound has gone?

Does gambling make you careless of your own, or your family’s, welfare?

14 15

Do you ever gamble longer than planned?

Have you ever committed, or considered committing, an illegal act to finance gambling?

17 18

Does gambling cause you to have difficulty sleeping?

Do you ever have an urge to celebrate good fortune with a few hours gambling?

Have you ever considered self-harm or suicide as a result of your gambling?

Do you ever borrow money to finance your gambling? Have you ever sold anything to finance gambling? Are you ever reluctant to use “gambling money” for normal expenditures?

Have you ever gambled to escape worry, trouble, boredom or loneliness?

Do arguments, disappointments or frustrations give you an urge to gamble?

Most compulsive gamblers will answer yes to at least seven of these questions.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2008

That Nail Place L4

Nail Extensions DIGITAL VIDEO CAMERA DIGITAL CAMERA - MOBILE PHONES - GPS - PDA ACCESSORIES

No. 4 Watergardens - Block 1, PO Box 882 Tel/Fax: +350 200 78600

Gel - Acrylic - Fibreglass

Airbrushing Nail Art Body Jewellery

Unit F22A 1st Floor, ICC. Tel: 200 73211

now also in Casemates

Gibraltar Taxi Association

GUIDED ROCK TOURS 19 Waterport Wharf Main Office Tel: 20070052 Fax: 20076986 Radio service: 20070027

open12 noon till late Unit 2 B The Tower Marina BayTel: 46668

Sacha’s

DUTY FREE WINES, SPIRITS & TOBACCO open 7 days 79 Main Street

E7 C6

Artists’ Corner

Oil & Watercolours, hand-painted silks, decoupage, jewellery, prints & framing

Kiosk No. 2 5 Waterport Wharf Tel: 200 47587www.gibraltararts.com

THE TASTY BITE 59A Irish Town Tel: 200 78220 Fax: 200 74321

Quality Kitchen Ware Gibraltar’s Best Stocked Cook Shop K5

The Takeway with a difference. Homecooking . our speciality . Open Monday

M5 to Saturday

46 Irish Town Tel: 200 75188 Fax: 200 72653

the silver shop

for beautiful silver jewellery & gifts 3 locations in gibraltar casemates arcade • 275 main st horse barrack lane

Q5 V4

184 Main Street Tel: 200 72133 open: from 8am (10am on Sun) Accountants Durante Carboni Jardim..............X3 ESV Hassan & Co........................ I4 GA Olivera Accountants............ M4 Business/Financial Services AI Couriers (DHL)......................K3 GibraltarAssetManagement....... M5 Jyske Bank.................................. L4 Masbro Insurance........................N4 Norwich & Peterborough............Q5 Phoenix Solutions........................ J4 Sovereign Trust...........................N4 STM Fidecs.................................H7 Business Services Call Centre..................................V4 CTS.............................................D3 Global Business Centre................S3 PointOne.....................................D7 Waste Management......................a6 Business Supplies Beacon Press...............................N6 Glasshouse..................................N5 Image Graphics...........................N3 Stitch Design................................P3

Motoring & Car Sales A. M. Capurro & Sons Ltd ........ N6 Rock Extreme...............................E3 Computers & Cableing Image Graphics........................... N3 Newton Systems.........................M5 PC Clinic..................................... U3 Food & Drink 14 on the Quay.............................Z6 Al Baraka.................................... X7 Amin’s The Office....................... K5 All Sports Bar ............................ N3 Barbary Ape................................. b2 Birdie Cafe Restaurant................ D7 The Boatyard................................Z6 Buddies Pasta Casa..................... Q4 Bush Tucker................................ K5 Cafe Rojo.................................... K5 Café Solo..................................... G3 Casa Pepe.....................................Z6 El Patio........................................ H2 Fresh .......................................... G4 Garcia’s Take-Away.................... C1 Get Joost...............................H4, S4 Get Stuffed.................................. A3 House of Sacarello.......................L5 Just-a-Nibble.................................I4

J4• Sandwiches • Soups • Baguettes/ Ciabatta • Desserts/ • Take-away • Deliveries Homemade Italian Ice-cream • Eat in (outside!) • Business Lunches Mon - Fri 10-6, Sat 10 - 4, Closed Sundays • Parties/ 24 Main St Tel: 20043840 Fax: 42390 Kids Parties

Irish Town Antiques

Irish Town Tel: 200 70411

Just Desserts...................................I4 Khans............................................C8 London Bar...................................R2 Lord Nelson................................. H2 Marrakesh Restaurant...................R3 Mumtaz........................................ N2 El Patio......................................... H2 Picadilly Gardens.......................... b4 Pickwicks Bar...............................R3 Pig and Whistle Bar..................... D7 Pusser’s Landing . ........................C5 Roy’s Cod Plaice.......................... H4 Royal Calpe.................................. Q5 Saccone & Speed...........................J4 Smiths Fish and Chips................. V4 Solo Express................................ H4 Square Cafe.................................. H4 Star Bar........................................ K5 The Three Roses.......................... Q2 Trafalgar Sports Bar.......................a3 Waterfront.................................... Y7

Renaissance Beauty.......................J4 Roots.............................................T4 Short Cut........................................I6 Sissi Salon.................................... H4

Funeral Services Codali Funeral Services............... U3

Medical / Health Bell Pharmacy.............................. N3 Claudia’s Clinic............................ K4 Dr. Crump, Steven, Chiropractor I4 Gib-Lab...................................... ....I4 Health Food Store........................ O4 Louis Pharmacy........................... H4

Hair & Beauty Salons Classic Cuts..................................M3 Extend-it Plus............................... N2 Joya’s Gents Hairdressers............ N2

Jewellery Sales/Repair Antonio Jewellers...........................J4 Beau Jangels.................................M4 Jewellery Repairs..........................L4 Matthew’s Jewellery......................I3 Leisure Complete Fitness.......................... R3 Dolphin Safari.............................. A3 Rock Turf Accountants �� H2 Legal Services Budhrani Lawyers........................ K4 Charles Gomez............................. U4 Isolas.............................................E4 Triay & Triay............................... K5

M. Clark Dentist...........................U3 McTimoney chiropractor.............L4 John Miles - Chiropodist..............K7 Smart Puls Centre......................... I6 Specialist Medical Clinic.............. I4 Sport-On - Sports Therapy...........K3 Steiner Chiropractor.....................K7 Pet Services / Supplies Gibraltar Veterinary Clinic..........H4 Property Sales / Estate Agents Bray Property...............................B3 Norwich & Peterborough.............Q5 Property World.............................. I4 Solomon Levy . ...........................U3 General Services Art Gallery...................................R4 Balban (electrician)......................H2 Balloqui . ..................................... P4 LP Borge......................................X3 Denville Designs.........................M3 Fashion House Interiors............... P2 Gibstainless..................................C7 Greenarc.......................................X5 Larbi upholstery...........................R3 Queensway Quay Laundrette.......X7 Seabreeze Laundry.......................A3

GACHE & CO. LTD

Suds Laundry...............................I6 Space Interiors.............................I3 Shopping — General Anuska........................................S5 Arcade Keys.................................J5 Carol’s Books...............................I4 Don House Arcade.......................J5 Flair............................................ N4 Gallery Mosaic...........................M5 Pure Lighting...............................I6 Sheppard’s Chandlery................ D4 Terry’s........................................M5 Shopping — Fashion/Clothing Esprit.......................................... D4 Aftershock.................................. D4 Recruitment Corporate Resources....................J4 Just Recruitment..........................L4 RecruitGibraltar......................... O6 Quad Consultancy...................... U3 Transport / Marine Services Autoelectrical............................. C7 Gib Cargo................................... B8 Shell Bunkering......................... H6 Tarik Oil..................................... C8

GIBRALTAR BOOKSHOP

ESTD. 1830 — 150 years experience

266 Main Street, Gibraltar. Tel: 200 75757

178 Main Street · Gibraltar · Telephone 200 48480

★★★ Opticians Giftware Jewellery

300 MAIN STREET GIBRALTAR TEL: 200 71894 FAX: 200 75554

For fiction and non-fiction yachting books, bargain books

Sports Trophies, Awards & Engravers

THE PENGUIN BOOKSHOP

Queen’s Hotel Gibraltar

• Excellent Prices • Centrally Located • Easy Access • Parking • Bar • Restaurant

Tel: (+350) 20074000 Fax: 20040030

by Reg Reynolds Raspe’s book is an adaptation of the tall tales ostensibly told by Karl Friedrich von Munchausen, a retired army captain, who was celebrated as a braggart and exaggerator of some repute. In researching these two colourful characters I got the impression that Raspe wrote his book with the intention of making fun of the pompous ‘Baron’. The book is written in the first person with Munchausen relating ’impossible to believe’ adventures all the while assuring his audience that everything that happened is true and varifiable by witnesses. In the book’s preface Munchausen proclaims with tongue-in-cheek indignation: To The Public Having heard, for the first time, that my adventures have been doubted, and looked upon as jokes, I feel bound to come forward and vindicate my character /for veracity/ by paying three shillings at the Mansion House of this great city for the affidavits hereto appended. This I have been forced into in regard of my own honour, although I have retired for many years from public and private life; and I hope that this, my last edition, will place me in a proper light with my readers. At the City of London, England We, the undersigned, as true believers in the profit, do most solemnly affirm, that all the adventures of our friend Baron Munchausen, in whatever country they may lie, are positive and simple facts. And, as we have been believed, whose adventures are tenfold more wonderful, so do we hope all true believers will give him their full faith and credence. GULLIVER. x SINBAD. x ALADDIN. x Sworn at the Mansion House 9th Nov. last, in the absence of the Lord Mayor. JOHN (the Porter).

Engraving of portrait bust of Baron Munchausen, by Gustave Doré, from Masterpieces from the Works of Gustave Doré. NY: Cassell & Company, Ltd., 1887

Baron Munchausen

& The Great Siege

I must confess that until recently my knowledge and interest in Baron Munchausen was limited to the psychiatric condition named for him and the film caricature created by Terry Gilliam of Monty Python fame. Last month, however, while looking up something else I discovered there was a real Baron Munchausen who played a significant role in the defense of Gibraltar during the Great Siege of 1779-83. Or so his biographer Rudolf Erich Raspe claimed in his book The Surprising Adventures of Baron Munchhausen (published 1785). 70

Note “profit”, in whatever country they may “lie” and in the “absence” of the mayor. Anyone would have to be completely mad to believe the adventures Munchausen relates in the book, which include: travelling to the moon; riding cannonballs, dancing in the belly of a whale; escaping bandits on half a horse; and fighting entire armies singlehanded. It is in chapter ten that the Baron shows up in Gibraltar to help his ‘old and good friend’ General Elliott. In one of his first efforts to save the fortress he aims a cannon at a gun on the deck of a Spanish Man ’o’ War lying in the harbour. When he sees a Spanish gunner put his torch to the deck gun he fires simultaneously from atop the Rock — the cannon balls collide in midair and the Spanish ball is repelled backwards with such force that it takes the head off the gunner and 16 others, passes through the masts of three ships and then flies several hundred yards inland and knocks the teeth out of the head of a poor old woman lying asleep in her hut. She doesn’t die but her husband can’t extract the cannonball so he forces it down into her stomach. There is no mention of her fate from there. Meanwhile, the offending deck gun falls over and through the hull of the Man ‘o’ War, causing

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

history? the ship to fill with water and sink. Even the Baron was surprised by this “most extraordinary exploit” and humbly acknowledged: “I will not, however, take the whole merit to myself; my judgment was the principal engine, but chance assisted me a little; for I afterwards found, that the man who charged our forty-eight pounder put in, by mistake, a double quantity of powder, else we could never have succeeded so much beyond all expectation, especially in repelling the enemy’s ball.” On another occasion the Baron is dining with General Elliott when a mortar round lands unexploded in the middle of the table. Munchausen coolly picks up the mortar carries it to the top of the Rock and wielding a slingshot (the same one that David used to kill Goliath) hurls it down on the Spanish who are in the process of hanging two English spies. The mortar now explodes, killing all the Spanish while toppling the gibbet and freeing the two spies, who escape back to Gibraltar in a boat. As if this were not enough he outdoes even his exceptional self by singlehandedly destroying most of the Spanish artillery. Disguised as a Catholic priest he crosses into Spain where he overhears enemy officers planning an all out attack on the Garrison for the following day. What a night our Baron had: “I began my work, which was that of dismounting all their cannon (above three hundred pieces), from forty- eight to twenty-four pounders, and throwing them three leagues into the sea. I then piled all the carriages together in the centre of the camp, which, to prevent the noise of

the wheels being heard, I carried in pairs under my arms; and a noble appearance they made, as high at least as the rock of Gibraltar. I then lighted a match by striking a flint stone, situated twenty feet from the ground (in an old wall built by the Moors when they invaded Spain), with the breech of an iron eight-andforty pounder, and so set fire to the whole pile. I forgot to inform you that I threw all their ammunition-wagons upon the top.Before I applied the lighted match I had laid the combustibles at the bottom so judiciously, that the whole was in a blaze in a moment.” And so the Baron saved Gibraltar, and his imaginative biographer made a lot of money from his book of fabrications (many lifted from earlier German texts and fables), which proved popular with the English public.

Disguised as a Catholic priest he crosses into Spain where he overhears enemy officers planning an all out attack on the Garrison for the following day

Raspe was born in Hanover, Germany in March 1736. He was a librarian, writer and scientist but also a scoundrel who was forced to flee to England in 1775 after being suspected of pilfering gems that were in his care. In England he worked as a translator (he spoke and wrote English very well), a writer and as a mining expert. In 1776 he published a book on volcanoes and in 1782, with the help of Horace Walpole, Essay on the Origins of Oil Painting. Obviously the crafty German was highly intelligent but it seems he was incorrigible and his career in England came to a sorry end: Suspected of ‘salting’ a promising mining site by planting rich ores he fled again in 1791, this time appropriately to the land of Blarney. In Ireland he managed a copper mine but lived only a few more years succumbing to typhoid fever in November 1794. Did he know the real Baron Munchausen? It’s very likely as they both lived in Hanover at the same time. He certainly would have known of him. The real Baron Munchausen (full name Hieronymus Karl Friedrich, Freiherr v. Munchausen) was born in Hanover. At age 17 he joined the Russian army rose to the rank of cavalry Captain and fought against the Turks between 1737 and 1739. He retired to his country estate in 1752 and it’s very unlikely he was anywhere near Gibraltar during the Great Siege when he would have been in his early sixties. Late in life he married a much younger woman who made his life miserable with her extravagance and dalliances until his death in 1797 aged 77. In his honour the people of his home village of Bodenwerer erected a statue of him astride half a horse — the front half. n

time as it is a circuit at which I have always dreamed of racing.” Jonathan Palmer, Chief Executive of championship organiser MotorSport Vision, said: “Tom has had a rapid rise through the ranks following his discovery by BMW in late 2006, and despite his lack of experience he was a genuine contender for the Star Mazda Championship in only his second season of racing. Whilst F2 is a considerable step up for Tom, there’s no doubting that he is a very talented young driver, and there’s every chance he could be one of the surprise packages of the 2009 season.” The season started with Brno and Spa then in July they move on to Brands Hatch followed by Donington Park and then Imola Italy, Germany, Barcelona and Spain. Eurosport are covering all the events live and paying particular interest in Gladdis. Gladdis has two races per week one Saturday and one Sunday — that’s over an hour and a half of TV coverage over a weekend. Gladdis’s car is sponsored by one of Gibraltar’s international law firms, Marrache & Co, and the car carries the word ‘Gibraltar’ on it. Benjamin Marrache, of Marrache & Co, stated “It is a privilege to see on an international television channel, watched by miltook one victory, two pole positions and three lions, the coverage for Gibraltar and indeed podiums in just 10 races for our law firm. This is the beginning of what Tom said: “I’m particularly looking forward could turn out to be a long and successful to competing at Spa-Francorchamps for the first career.” n

Tom is youngest driver in 2009 F2 line-up Tom Gladdis, a Gibraltar resident, is competing in the 2009 FIA Formula Two Championship and has become the series’ youngest driver.

British driver Gladdis is due to celebrate his 18th birthday next week, and he joins Formula Two after finishing sixth in the Star Mazda Championship in North America. Gladdis

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

1st FLOOR 1

Stairs to Ground Floor

onthesquare

Gibraltar Museum (special exhibition rooms)

9 10

Traditional Pub Serving Traditional Pub Fare, Bass Beers, Wines & Spirits

NOW OFFERING DAILY SPECIALS Grand Casemates Sq Tel: 20044449

12 13

Casemates Gates

5th Jan Tradional 3 Kings Cavalcade Parade Casemates along Main Street-starting from Casemates Square Time: 7.00 pm

23 24 25

Square 29

Tourist Office 15th Jan

The Gibraltar Philharmonic Society Berlin Philharmonic Solist Series

(See pages 87-91 for restaurant & bar information)

Q: From where does the name come?

The word Casemates, meaning a bomb proof compartment, usually of masonry, to house a magazine or troop quarters, comes from the Italian ‘Casamatta’ from the Latin ‘Casa’ (house) and ‘Matto’ (mad) originating from the Latin ‘Mattus’ (drunk)!

33 Visit us and step back in history

Line Wall Road

32 International Commercial Centre

TAXIS

(shops, offices, health centre)

Main Street

➨

Full menu served inside or on our terrace including British Fish & Chips, Jackets, Salads, Burritos, Homemade Pizzas, our special Fresh Local Mussels and much more. Visit us and buy yourself a souvenir, T-shirts, beer glasses, lighters etc Live music every evening, join our Jam Sessions on Wednesday or Sunday. GLMS Music Venue of the Year. Official Home to Gibraltar Rugby Club Free WiFi

27 28

Fruit & Veg, Fish & Meat

SHO

Public Market

17 18 19

20 21 22

Casemates Tunnel

• Pizza • Pasta • Salads • Fresh Juices • Cappuccino • Ice Creams

15 16

Casemates Arcade

Ground FLOOR

Main Entrance / Stairs

Casemates Square Tel: 200 72987

1-3. Arts & Crafts Galleries 11. Cafe Solo 12. All’s Well 14. The Tunnel 19. The Silver Shop 26. El Cottage 27. Lord Nelson Bar Brasserie 28. El Patio Restaurant 29. Rock Turf Accountants 30. Square Cafe 32. Solo Express 33. Get Joost! smoothies

10 Casemates www.lordnelson.gi Tel: 200 50009

Open: Monday - Friday 9am - 5.30pm Saturday 10am - 3pm Sunday 10am - 1pm

now also in Casemates

72 72

Tel/Fax: 200 74982 Email: tourism@gibraltar.gi Website: www.gibraltar.gov.uk

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2009

what’s happening on the Rock during July

From live music to yachting regattas, and garden tours to musicals, there is something for everyone on the Rock this July. Every Tuesday & Thursday From 21st July to 13th August - Summer Nights at Casemates Square 8.30pm–10pm activities and stage entertainment for children, 10– 11.30pm – musical entertainment for adults. For further information contact the Ministry of Culture Tel: 20048063 Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays King’s Bastion Leisure Centre - Rock Bastion Barbecue Nights with live entertainment. Thursdays Vicente & Los Salineros. Fridays various Local artists - Elvis, Area 52, ’60s, ’70s & ’80s Music. Saturdays Take Two. For info Tel: 20052442 Email: rockbastion@gibtelecom.net Wednesday 1st Wednesday night Jam at the Lord Nelson from 9pm. Get on stage with Adrian. www.events.gi Friday 3rd Chillout from 4.30-8pm with live DJ on the terrace, followed by Miss Dynamite – live at Savannah, Leisure Island, Ocean Village. www.savannah.gi Saturday 4th Gibraltar Botanic Garden Tour meet George Don Gates (at the south end of Grand Parade) 10.30am. No fee, donations welcome. Tel: 20072639 Email: alameda@wildlife.gib.gi

tar Museum Tour led by Clive Finlayson 10am, meet at the Gibraltar Museum, Bomb House Lane. Tel: 20042844 Sunday 12th The Gibraltar Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) Annual Endurance Swim from Eastern Beach to Catalan Bay. Registration at 2.30pm. For info GASA Tel: 20072869 Friday 17th Chillout from 4.30-8pm with live DJ on the terrace, followed by HedKandi at Savannah, Leisure Island, Ocean Village. www.savannah.gi Glamour Creations Miss Glamour 2009 at Alameda Open Air Theatre from 9.30pm. Tickets £15 from Blossom,1st Floor ICC. For info Tel: 54000377 Email: glamourcreations@hotmail.com Monday 20th July to 28th August Summer sports programme. For info Tel: 20076522 Friday 24th Chillout from 4.30-8pm with live DJ on the terrace, followed by Retro Night with DJ Warren (Willy Salsa, Banana Beach, M25) at Savannah, Leisure Island, Ocean Village. www.savannah.gi

Ceremonial Guard Mounting at The Convent 12 noon. For info Tel: 20055083

Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th 13th Gibraltar International Regatta 2009. To register or for info contact Sidney Pilcher, Royal Gibraltar Yacht Club, Queensway Tel: 20078897

Monday 6th - Friday 10th Alpha Group’s Jesus Christ Superstar (music: Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics: Tim Rice) at the Alameda Open Air Theatre 9.30pm. Tickets: £15 from MH Bland, Market Lane.

Monday 27th St John’s Ambulance First Aid for Babies at St John’s Ambulance Headquarters, Coaling Island 10am -1pm. For info Tel: 20077390 Email: training@stjohn.gi

Tuesday 7th Mayor’s Ball in aid of the Lady William Centre at The Garrisons Library 7.30pm. Tickets: £50 from Solomon Levy Estate Agent, Convent Place For info Tel: 20077789

Monday 27th to 31st St John’s Ambulance Young First Aider at St John’s Ambulance Headquarters, Coaling Island 9.30am-12noon. For further info Tel: 20077390 or Email: training@ stjohn.gi

Friday 10th Chillout from 4.30-8pm with live DJ on the terrace, followed by Superfly Playboy Party at Savannah, Leisure Island, Ocean Village. www.savannah.gi Saturday 11th The Gibraltar Heritage Trust, Gibral-

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

Friday 31st Chillout from 4.30-8pm with live DJ on the terrace, followed by DJ Sonique live at Savannah, Leisure Island, Ocean Village. www.savannah.gi

Full HD sports coverage Irish Breakfast from 7am (Sunday 9am) Soups

All soups are served with a

Freshly cut Sandwiches,

crusty roll. Rolls & Tortilla Wraps Leek & Potato Soup ......................£4.50 Pub Club Classic ..........................£4.75 Chef’s Soup of the Day ................£4.50 Irish Fillet Steak Roll ....................£5.50 Fish Chowder (Traditional Irish creamy fish Chicken Caesar Wrap ..................£6.20 soup) ................................................£4.50 Chicken Roll or Sandwich ............£4.75 Appetizers Tuna & Salad Roll or Sandwich (V)..£4.50 Irish Crispy Skins ..........................£4.90 Pizza Extra toppings - 50p Prawns Pil Pil ................................£5.25 Traditional Margherita ..................£7.00 Prawn Cocktail ..............................£5.25 Hawaiian ........................................£7.95 Nelson’s Nachos ............................£5.20 Three Cheese ................................£8.00 Molly’s Mussels..............................£6.20 Deluxe ............................................£8.00 O’Reilly’s Bruschetta ....................£4.25 Vegetarian ......................................£7.50 Spicy Chicken Wings ....................£4.95

Salads O’Reilly’s Salad ..............................£5.50 Classic Tuna, Prawn or Feta Cheese Salad ..............................................£7.00 Chicken Caesar Salad ..................£7.25 Cajun Chicken................................£7.25

Jackets A freshly baked jacket potato served with a salad garnish. Baked Beans & Irish Cheddar Cheese............................................£5.50 Chilli Con Carne & Irish Cheddar Cheese............................................£5.50 Tuna Mayonnaise ..........................£5.50 Prawn Mary Rose ..........................£6.25 Chicken, Bacon Bits & Mayo........£6.25 Bolognaise Sauce & Irish Cheddar Cheese............................................£5.50

Main Meals Beef & Guinness Ale Pie ..............£7.00 Chicken & Potato Pie ....................£6.95 Cottage Pie ....................................£7.50 Fish & Chips ..................................£7.00 Atlantic Salmon..............................£8.75 Molly’s Mussels..............................£7.50 Traditional Irish Breakfast ............£6.50 Kildare Chicken (Chef's Special) ..£8.50 Drunken Swine ..............................£9.00 Gaelic Sirloin 10 oz Steak ..........£12.50 Farmhouse Vegetable Bake..........£6.75 Prime Irish Fillet Steak ................£16.50 Crab Cake Dinner ..........................£8.50 Chilli Con Carne ............................£6.75 Spaghetti Bolognaise ....................£6.75 Bangers and champ ......................£6.75 Rock Burger ..................................£8.50 O’Reilly’s Burger ............................£7.50 Vegetarian Burger..........................£7.50

Boxty Dishes A homemade potato pancake cooked on the griddle and wrapped around a variety of delicious fillings. Boxty comes from the Gaelic word “bactasi” which refers to the traditional cooking of potatoes over an open fire, which still takes place in Ireland. Ploughman’s Boxty........................£6.75 Chicken & Coriander Boxty ..........£8.00

Homemade Desserts

Rustic Rhubarb Tart ......................£4.25 Apple Pie ........................................£4.25 Baileys Cheesecake ......................£4.25 Chocolate Brownies ......................£4.25

Ice Cream Sundaes Monkey in the Middle....................£4.75 Knicker Knocker Nelson ..............£4.75 Fudge Factor..................................£4.75 Sugar Daddy ..................................£4.75

Choose a Scoop Choose from coffee, banana, vanilla, strawberry, chocolate, mint-choc-chip or Smartie ice cream. 1 scoop ..........................................£1.00 2 scoops ........................................£1.80 3 scoops ........................................£2.40 Milkshakes ....................................£3.00 (also available to take-away) Just choose your flavour, coffee, banana, vanilla, strawberry, chocolate, mint-chocchip, or Smartie ice cream. Diabetic Ice Cream........................£2.10 Vanilla & Chocolate - 100% sugar free.

, Special Coffee s

Traditional Irish Coffee ................£3.75 Bushmills Coffee............................£3.75 Maria’s Coffee ................................£3.75 Nutty Irish Coffee ..........................£3.75 Keoke Coffee ................................£3.75 Calypso Coffee ..............................£3.75

Side Orders Homemade Chips ..........................£2.00 Homemade Chips with Cheese....£2.25 Garlic Bread ..................................£1.90 Garlic Bread with Cheese ............£2.15 Olives ..............................................£2.00 Champ (homemade mash made with potatoes, spring onion & chives) ......£3.00 Homemade & especially for under 12's

Kids Menu Chilli and Rice ................................£4.00 Fish and Chips ..............................£4.00 Sausage and Chips........................£4.00 Chicken Nuggets and Chips ........£4.00

Find out about all our entertainment, click onto

Events must reach us by 10th July for inclusion in the August What’s On

puzzle page

by Alan Gravett

SUDOKU No prize for these two — you’ll be doing them for the glory!

7 6

medium

10 11

16 18

hard

Send completed crossword to: The Clipper, Irish Town, Gibraltar. One entry per person.

FIRST PRIZE: Lunch for 2 at The Clipper

Closing date: 20th July 2009 Winner notified in next issue of The Gibraltar Magazine.

Across 1) Man of iron! He makes horseshoes etc. (10) 7) Column support: when an idol sits (8) 8) See 10) 9) Haul – in woman’s clothes! (4) 10) and 8) Hero with a crossbow (7,4) 12) Absence without permission (6,5) 14) (Geological) layer (7) 16) Eons (4) 19) Ceremony; showiness (4) 20) Stress (8) 21) Winds which head for the East (10) Down 1) Extort (money) from; lose life’s essential fluid (5) 2) Mean (7) 3) Flying toy; bird (4) 4) Reproduce (8) 5) Full amount (5) 6) If you don’t mind (6) 11) Composer whose last work was Unfinished (8) 12) Nautical measure of depth (6) 13) Citizen of Kabul, for example (7) 15) Fruit which 10), 8) shot from his son’s head (5) 17) Nationality of 10), 8) (5) 18) Encourage; Tottenham fan! (4)

Jotting Pad ...

Last months winner: Bob Tester, Schomberg LAST MONTH’S ANSWERS: Across: Head Teacher, Brat, Serenade, Twitter, Chime, Orion, Actions, Chaperon, Coal, Personality. Down: Pant, Stashed, Harry, Shanghai, Hero Worship, Rudimentary, Troopers, Scandal, Groom, Crib.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

entertainment

by Bernard Capurro

spotlight on

steve brook Gibraltarian singer songwriter Steve Brook has just finished recording his new album in Nashville and has come back to spend some time with his friends and family on this side of the Atlantic.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

teve trained as a Quantity Surveyor, and he has fallen back on this qualification more than once. But his true vocation is music: singer songwriter guitarist. He has played to audiences in England, Spain, Holland and USA, his music has been played on radio, and he has released a handful of CDs over the years. In his mid-40s Steve is still looking forward to his first commercial hit. Chasing rainbows? Or living his dream. How many of us are doing that? After all, we only live once. Steve has had songs recorded and released by international Irish star Daniel O’Donnell and other artists in Europe. He is now working in collaboration with other Nashville songwriters on original songs for the Country market. Steve reckons he inherited his artistic side from his father, who came to Gibraltar with the RAF, fell for a local girl, and took her back to UK, where he worked as an art teacher. Steve also draws well, and has occasionally sold work to supplement his income. He remembers his mother singing throughout the day to keep her spirits up and to distract her from the pain of arthritis. Steve is self-taught. His first guitar was a Christmas present from his dad when he was 10. He got to play it occasionally when his dad wasn’t playing it himself, but it was not until he was 15 that the guitar became his passion. He needed an outlet to take his mind off his parents’ worsening relationship, which ended in divorce. Mum came back to Gibraltar with his sister and Steve stayed in UK with his Dad. Steve described the journey to Nashville: “I originally went out to LA then up and down the West coast, Monterrey, California, then went to Denver and Aspen. I played a few gigs and one-man concerts. The response from the audience was good, but nothing from the industry… Then I heard from some people in Nashville. I had two offers of publishing contracts and a production offer. “I really got to like the place, and had already made some friends, so I decided to stay. I signed up the two publishing contracts but turned away from the production offer, which the more I got involved the more it appeared a scam. Then one of the publishers put me in touch with a small record label who liked my music and offered me a recording contract. I recorded the album, did the deal but it hasn’t actually been released yet. “The nice thing about Nashville is that the industry people and celebrities are all around town and you can easily be sitting next to them having a coffee or be at the same dinner table at a friend’s house. People in Nashville like to sit quietly and listen to your every lyric, although the music scene is very competitive, every audience is appreciative of original music.” Which makes a change from some music bars where conversations compete with the singer. Folk and Country music are Steve’s main influences, but his Latin roots show through in some of his songs, with even slight traces of flamenco. Steve’s music is just a click away at www.stevebrook.com n

His first guitar was a Christmas present from his dad when he was 10. He got to play it occasionally when his dad wasn’t playing it himself 75

Vikings in the Med

by Reg Reynolds

It must have been a frightening sight, hundreds of big, hairy men, with horns sticking out of their heads shouting and waving huge swords as they stormed the beaches of Spain. We are well aware that the Vikings took their plundering and settling far afield to Iceland, Greenland and even North America but not so well known are their ventures into the warmer climes of southern Europe and North Africa From 859 to 862 the Vikings fought and looted their way right across the Mediterranean, from east to west and back again. The raiding fleet consisted of 62 ships perfectly adapted for the needs of these hardy adventurers. The Viking (the word in Old Norse means sea raiders) ships were swift and had shallow draughts which enabled them to enter rivers and streams in order to raid villages which would otherwise have been deemed safe from attack by water. The leaders of the expedition were named Hasting and Bjorn Ironsides and they and their followers were a ruthless bunch — killing men, raping women and taking slaves wherever and whenever it took their fancy. At the time most of Spain was under Muslim control and known as the Emirate of Cordoba while the area where Morocco and Algeria are today was called Idrisios. On their way to the Mediterranean the Vikings pillaged several towns along the coast of what is now Portugal. Nearing Gibraltar two lead boats were captured by the Moors and found to be already laden with gold, silver and prisoners.

The leaders of the expedition, Hasting and Bjorn Ironsides, and their followers were a ruthless bunch — killing, raping women and taking slaves

Although the Vikings would sometimes build settlements in the regions they conquered — notably Britain and Ireland — this raid into the Mediterranean was strictly a ‘get in and get out’ business affair. The raiders were only interested in what they could steal. The Vikings were fierce but they were also practical. They relied on speed and surprise and when they met stiff resistance they moved on to softer targets, which is undoubtedly why the walled city of Gibraltar was spared while less-protected Algeciras was sacked and its Mosque burned to the ground. Cadiz and Medina Sidonia were also plundered and the Vikings even sailed up the Guadalquivir and terrorised Seville. Upon entering the Mediterranean the Vikings raided villages in North Africa. Moslem accounts tell of the capture and plunder of Nekor (Mazimma in modern Morocco). On leaving Idrisios part of the fleet sailed for Ireland, taking with them some Moorish prisoners. These Moors are mentioned in early Irish texts as ‘blamenn’ which translates to ‘dark men’. Sailing along the coast of Africa the Vikings proceeded east, around Crete and then to the Kingdom of Italy where they successfully raided Pisa, Firenze and Luna. From Italy it was on to France to plunder Arles, Nimes, Valence and Narbonne in what were then Lower Burgundy

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

and the West Frankish Kingdom. As they arrived off Gibraltar on their return journey the Vikings fought an indecisive sea battle with the Moors. With their lust for riches still not sated, despite nearly four years of fighting and looting, the Vikings completed their tour by taking Pamplona. Satisfied at last they sailed for home with their 20 remaining ships weighed down with riches, once in the possession of the various peoples of the Mediterranean. There is no record of exactly how many Vikings survived but by now they were all wealthy men. This ambitious undertaking wasn’t the first raid by the Vikings into the region, there had been a less successful one in 844, but it was the last. That is until the late 20th century when the blonde hordes from the north returned but this time hair-trimmed and hornless and armed only with wads of cash. n

Satisfied at last they sailed for home with their 20 remaining ships weighed down with riches, once in the possession of the various peoples of the Mediterranean

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

Rotary’s Jaunt2Gib Fun Event The Rotary Club of Gibraltar and Joint Forces Gibraltar are sponsoring the Challenge4Ben0 ‘Jaunt2Gib’ fun event which is being organised for 29th August, Bank Holiday weekend, at Ocean Village. challenge4ben.ning.com and via e-mail once registered on the site.

Set up in memory of Benjamin Poole RM, who died in July 2008, Challenge4Ben sets out to encourage people of all ages to undertake some form of demanding personal challenge that requires commitment, courage and stamina — mental or physical. A second aim is to raise funds for worthy causes. In Jersey the scheme is well under way with a Summer Ball, sporting events, marathons, and musical evenings and Ben’s father (Nick) has challenged himself to sail on his 18ft lugger from Jersey to Gibraltar single-handed to raise funds for Jersey charities and Help4Heroes. Nick has long connections with Gibraltar through business and will be helping to raise funds for Gibraltar charities during his trip and following his arrival on dry land! You will be able to follow his challenge from mid-July via www.

The Rotary Club of Gibraltar supported the Forces Open Day in 2008, and this year both Joint Forces and Rotary are supporting ‘Help4Heroes’ through this ‘Jaunt2Gib’ challenge. Rotary Club have provided T-shirts for the challengers and supporters of the event, at a cost of £5 each, and all funds raised through ‘challenges’ will be dedicated to Gibraltar local charities and Help4Heroes fund. Ocean Village is supporting the event on 29th August, and will welcome and host Nick Poole and Rozelle when they arrive salty and dishevelled in Gibraltar! Apart from nautical events and an arrival ceremony with Regimental music, all local charities are invited to join in the fund raising gala with their own stands, public games, music, children’s entertainment, clowns, etc to thrill the public. Visitors can be assured of a full and exciting day down by the marina. Challenges can be registered on www. challenge4ben.ning.com and the largest fund raiser will receive a special award. Further information from julie@mossfon.gi or bea. adams@npestate.com or Tel: Julie 200 47764 or Bea 54010278. n

pets&accessories Protect Your Dog Against Fatal Summer Diseases Heartworm, Leishmaniosis, Tickborne Diseases Phone Gibraltar Veterinary Clinic for details 200 77334 Emergency: 8977

www.medgolf.gi medgolf@gibraltar.gi Tel: 200 79575 Fax: 200 44307

newsagents

hobbies&pastimes

Sun Daily Mail Star Express Mirror Available Daily on the Rock Every Morning from

L. SACARELLO 96 Main St Tel: 200 78723 Fax: 200 78723 HORTICULTURAL CONTRACTORS Tel: 200 43134 Fax: 200 50648 Convent Gardens, Convent Garden Ramp

photography

Booksellers, Newsagents & Stationers

leisure & tuition travel&hotels

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Gibraltar Connections by Reg Reynolds

60 riveting true stories of people and events connected to the world’s most famous Rock.

lessons&tuition Frost Language Centre

GACHE & CO LTD EST. 1830

• Giftware • Jewellery • Sports Trophies • Awards & Engravers

(Co. Registered in Gibraltar)

Spanish lessons. Private Tuition. If you would like to learn Spanish or improve your knowledge of the language, please contact Margaret for more info

on 956 173384 or e.mail rmf2@telefonica.net

266 Main St, Gibraltar Tel: 200 75757

Queen’s Hotel Gibraltar Excellent Prices • Centrally Located • Easy Access • Parking • Bar • Restaurant

Tel: (+350) 20074000 Fax: 20040030

EUROPORT RD. TEL: 200 70950

The Flowers of Gibraltar by Leslie Linares, Arthur Harper and John Cortes

Book on sale at Gibraltar Book Shops

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

entertainment

by Reg Reynolds

Gielgud at the Theatre Royal Sir John Gielgud did not need much encouragement to make a trip to Gibraltar at the height of World War II because stationed on the Rock at the time was his lover John Perry. Despite the very real risk of being shot down by the Luftwaffe (a fate that befell fellow actor Leslie Howard), in December 1942 under the auspices of ENSA (Entertainment National Services Association), the man hailed by many as the most accomplished actor of all time flew to Gibraltar to grace the stage at the Theatre Royal. And what a supporting cast he brought with him — Dame Edith Evans, Michael Wilding, Beatrice Lillie and the American torch singer Elizabeth Welch. It was while reading the biography of Lillie, Every Other Inch a Lady, that I learned of Gielgud’s travel to Gibraltar. Lillie had little to say about her experiences on the Rock, except to complain that because of “Gyppy tummy” picked up on a tour of Egypt, she was almost left behind. “At the end of our tour, the medical officer said I wasn’t well enough to leave Gibraltar with the rest of the company. But I didn’t really want to be left alone in an armed forces hospital, swallowing my seven golf balls [pills] every four hours. I braced myself, stuck out my chin, packed my bag and checked out with the rest of them.” Gielgud, on the other hand, had plenty to say about his experiences in Gibraltar and Spain. In a letter to his mother he wrote: “It [Gibraltar] is extraordinarily pleasant, though hectic. We have done three or four concerts on ships, which has been a moving and exciting experience, besides twice nightly in the theatre seven nights a week and we calculate we shall have appeared before audiences of about 40,000 people by the time we finish.” By this stage of the war most Gibraltarians had been evacuated. Still, those staying behind to do vital work had the rare opportunity of seeing some of the leading entertainers of the 20th century. The performances were a mixed bag of singing, poetry, musical comedy and scenes from plays — The Way of the World and The Importance of Being Earnest. Gielgud even sang in a trio with Lillie and Wilding. The company did two shows a day, every day, on warships, at the theatre, in the hospital and various cinemas, however, Gielgud managed to get out and about, as he relates in the same letter (10th January, 1943) to his mother. “We never stop going to messes,

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

Sir John Gielgud

lunches on the ships, New Year’s Eve party at Government House, etc. etc. The Governor (MasonMacFarlane) took us up to the top of the Rock to see the barrage defense exercise the other night. Masses of guns let off from over the sea — an extraordinary sight — not so very much noise compared to an average London blitz, though the ground shook under our feet. It really looked much like the miniature naval battle which they used to stage in the old days in the tank at the White City. “John [Perry] has taken us twice to Algeciras, which is about 20 miles by road, through several villages — most picturesque, and a great relief to the eye after a week of these narrow crowded streets, but of course we are lucky in this hotel [The Rock] having a continual and magnificent view over the Bay. The Spanish country looks very roman-

tic and much as I expected — richer and more full of character than Provence, with beautiful avenues of eucalyptus trees, donkeys, tickbirds and ragged looking soldiers stringing along with a mule cart in their midst covered with sacks and luggage, like a war drawing by Goya. “La Linea, the first town across the border, is pretty sordid and poverty stricken but Algeciras is quite an attractive provincial town with a pretty square and characteristic churches and cobbled streets — an excellent hotel (Reina Cristina) with superb food, typical kind of Riviera resort in peacetime — and we had sherry and delicious slices of smoked ham at a little wayside inn on the way — hardly any cars of course, but we went in the Government House barouche and sailed through in great comfort.” Gielgud also found time to party and get together at night with Perry

By this stage of the war most Gibraltarians had been evacuated. Still, those staying behind to do vital work had the rare opportunity of seeing some of the leading entertainers of the 20th century

and friends. “The curfew is at 11, so we are not able to go out after the show — though we did go on a ship one night for drinks for half an hour — so late nights are restricted, though most of the rooms in this hotel become sitting rooms after midnight, and we continue to have some quite gay parties here in consequence. Tony Quayle’s batman [actor Anthony Quayle was Military Assistant to Governor MacFarlane] dresses us and presses our clothes so that we look quite imposing among the smart officers of the HQ staff.” Gielgud and Perry had been together since the mid 1930s when Gielgud was already a star while Perry was a struggling young actor who survived by selling flowers. Perry was amiable, good looking, low maintenance, discreet and did not get in the way of what Sheridan Morley described in his book, John Gielgud The Authorized Biography, were the celebrated actors’ “theatrical obsessions and ambitions”. When war was declared in September 1939 both Johns volunteered for service. Gielgud, 35, was told his age group would not be called up for a further six months and anyway he was of more value entertaining troops than fighting Hitler. Perry was accepted into the RAF but wasn’t able to master flying. Saddled with the nickname “Wingless Victory” he was grounded and assigned to intelligence. Perry was called out to Gibraltar by Governor MacFarlane, a big fan of the theatre, on the recommendation of Quayle. While on the Rock he witnessed the crash (5th July, 1943) of the airplane in which Polish President-in-Exile, Wladyslaw Sikorski was killed, and testified at the subsequent enquiry. The day of the crash Perry had given a tour of the Rock to Conservative MP Victor Cazalet who was also killed in the crash. After the war Perry forged a modest career as a playwright and producer but the relationship with Gielgud cooled and the couple parted company. It is not difficult to imagine that Gielgud the great thespian, remembering those searchlight emblazoned nights on the balcony of a hotel in Gibraltar might well have said, in the best cinematic fashion, on parting from his old flame — “Well John, we’ll always have the Rock.” n

Photo: John J Wood

Scott Casey’s

Stylish Cuisine

by Brian McCann

“Our original canapés have acquired their own fame,” says Boatyard chef Scott Casey. Scott was telling me how his canapés have become much sought-after for high-level functions throughout Gibraltar, and it’s not just bank managers, lawyers and other professionals who are experiencing their delightful flavours — the Mons Calpe Suite, The Top of the Rock’s executive restaurant at the cable car station has appointed The Boatyard as their exclusive caterers, with Scott preparing a full range of á la carte and canapé menus for their functions and weddings. Scott Casey describes himself as a Kwaussi (from Kiwi and Aussie) because he was born in Ashburton, New Zealand, but moved to Australia’s Sunshine Coast, Queensland, when he was seven. Now just 26 years old, it was 11 years ago, when he was still a fifteen year-old schoolboy, that he received a life-changing offer: “I was at a friend’s barbecue,” he told me as we sat outside The Boatyard, looking westwards across Queensway Quay marina, “and

his brother, a chef, had just come back from Sydney and was about to open a quality beach restaurant. He announced that he was looking for trainee chefs, and I liked the idea so much that I put my hand up straight away. I’d always

Hungry for more cooking experience, Scott left Australia’s sunny shores in the direction of England; on a path to travel and work at top restaurants

liked cooking but to be honest it was the chance to leave school that excited me the most.” It was the right move; Scott told me that he loved it from the very first day, and the restaurant itself, Berardos, went on to win awards such as Best in Queensland 1998 and became famous throughout Australia. Also famous all over that vast country is celebrity chef Dayle Merlo, restaurateur and star of his TV show Dining Down Under. Scott had the good fortune to train under him for the next five years at the renowned Bistro C, and says it was Dayle who personally taught him all he knows. By now hungry for more cooking experience, Scott left Australia’s sunny shores in the direction of England; on a path to travel and work at top restaurants, acquiring experience in different cuisines and kitchen operating methods. He stopped off in Thailand to do a course in cooking there, “because Thai and Asian are my personal

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

food & drink favourite cuisines,” he told me. London was too expensive, so Scott made his way to Bristol, where he spent a year in the popular Le Monde restaurant, noted for its fish and seafood. He then decided to take a look around Europe and ended up in Gibraltar where he met Gary and Sharon, who were later to open The Boatyard. Although he was only 22 at the time, Gary and Sharon were so impressed with Scott’s cooking that two years later they called to see if he would become head chef of the new top-class restaurant they were opening on Queensway Quay. The answer he gave is obvious — Scott accepted, they flew him back from Australia, and he has been at the Boatyard from the very first day, where he is clearly happy in his work, preparing the sort of food that he loves best. He describes it as New Age Fusion, taking in a lot of Thai and Japanese influences. He said it could also be described as Pan-Asian, but he feels that New Age Fusion is the more accurate way of describing it. Scott works well with his kitchen staff of four, and believes totally in working in a calm and collected way; “There’s no need for shouting, we have a very competent and experienced frontof-house and me in the kitchen” he said; then told me that when he started out in Australia, the chef was very hard on him. “I learned a lot that way, and I’ll never forget when I rolled an ice cream ball too thick — he picked it up and threw it at me!” So, in spite of the kitchen frequently being hectic when the restaurant is busy and perhaps there is a function to prepare for as well, Scott

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

keeps calm. As he says, “If you’re organised it’s all manageable, as long as you have the right systems in place.” His own favourite dishes to eat are similar to those he cooks, “anything Thai or Asian, something that’s different and full of flavour.” He likes his regular diners to have something different, too. “I like to change the menu about every three months,” he says. “We have a lot of regulars who come every week, so it’s good to keep them guessing about what’s going to be on the menu. But word must have spread far and wide as we also have a lot of celebrities visit, and it caused quite a stir when John Bon Jovi turned up for lunch when he visited the Rock.” Like all good chefs, Scott keeps The Boatyard’s menu at a manageable size whilst still giving a good range to choose from. He explained that this also enabled him to use only completely fresh products in the preparation. The Boatyard also has its own smoker, imported from Canada, which enables Scott to get some unique flavours

“We have a lot of regulars who come every week, so it’s good to keep them guessing about what’s going to be on the menu”

in their dishes. There are nine starters, including seared and spice-rubbed sashimi-grade tuna loin (according to market availability); or pan-fried country park black pudding medallions; or the Thai-spiced tiger prawns and crab wontons, which, as with all the starters, can also be ordered as a main course too. There are eight exciting mains on the menu, with Scott’s personal favourites being cumincrusted rack of New Zealand lamb, and crispyskinned confit of French duck leg as well as the well marbled Argentinian eye fillet of beef. For desserts, there is a kaffir lime and lemongrass scented sticky rice pudding, or the orange and rosewater pannacotta. As well as the other desserts and cheese plate there are dessert cocktails such as chocolate orgasm or butterscotch bliss to swoon over. He is also working on organising another degustation menu evening, following the popularity of the previous one, with six original and highly flavoursome dishes, each one served with a different wine that has been carefully chosen to complement each course. Scott is also very particular about all of the ingredients he uses. He only uses the best, and it’s all fresh — nothing is bought frozen except the ice cream; and the raw materials are sourced from as nearby as Gibraltar fishermen, to the Costa del Sol, and even as far as Holland for fruit and vegetables, by way of Gib-Maroc. n Open every day except Sunday, the number for enquiries or reservations for The Boatyard at Queensway Quay is 20050540, or theboatyard@ gibtelecom.net. The full menu is online at www. thegibraltarmagazine.com .

recipes Traditional Lemonade A traditional lemonade takes virtually no time to prepare and there are hundreds of variations which you can let your mind run wild with to change or enhance the flavour. In Brazil, for example they add a little condensed milk to give a creamy consistency and a more substantial drink whilst in USA there’s a version called Pink Lemonade — many recipes just add a touch of food colouring whilst others suggest a little Grenadine, a fruit syrup made with a mix of berries which adds to the flavour too. Lavender, watermelon and mint are other ideas which can set you off experimenting with flavours and if you like a little spice, in India it’s quite common to add jaljira powder to add an extra kick — it sounds like a bit of a cheat’s version of ginger beer to us. Makes: 1 litre 3 400 ml 540g 500 ml 1 bunch

Lemons worth of rind Fresh lemon juice (6 to 8 lemons) Sugar Boiling water Fresh mint sprigs for garnish

In large bowl, combine lemon zest and juice with sugar. Pour in boiling water. Stir until sugar dissolves. Cover and refrigerate until cold. Combine equal parts of strained lemon syrup and water in tall glasses. Add ice cubes, garnish with mint sprigs and it’s ready to enjoy.

lemonade ginger beer

Traditional Lemon Ginger Beer While looking around, we’ve found a variety of ginger beer recipes which range from the really simple through to what seems like a mastercraftsman level involving brewing techniques, controlling the gravity and fermentation process — the results of which can have quite an alcohol content too. We’ve decided to go with the easy method which is fun and simple to make. With the following recipe, you can get the kids involved in the process and they can enjoy the alcohol free product too. Makes 1.5 litres 2 tblspns warm water 1/2 tspn sugar 1/4 tspn dried yeast granules 225g sugar juice of 2 lemons rind of 2 lemons 1 tspn to 1 tblspn dried ginger Dissolve the sugar in warm water, add the yeast and stir. Leave this in a warm area (not too difficult at this time of year) until it starts

Although both lemonade and gingerbeer are readily available in shops and supermarkets throughout Gibraltar, both can be really easy to prepare yourself and are an excellent option for a healthy and refreshing taste to accompany your meals through the heat of the summer. 82

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

summer recipes recipes to froth. Add the rind of two lemons to the sugar and dried ginger, pour over 250 ml boiling water and leave to settle for ten minutes. Strain into 1.5l plastic bottle and top up with cool water (leaving room for the yeast mixture) so the mixture will be roughly body temperature. Once the yeast starts to foam add this to the bottle and screw the lid on tightly. Shake gently to mix the yeast in thoroughly and leave to stand in a warm place until the bottle is undentable — this can take anything from 12 hours to three days, depending on the yeast. You’d be best to keep an eye on it though to make sure the bottle doesn’t split. At this point store in the fridge until it’s well chilled. Open carefully and serve with a slice of lemon. n

In Brazil, it’s not unusual to add a little condensed milk to homemade lemonade to give a creamy consitency

Modern

Relaxed

Dining

Award winning breakfasts from 7.30am Great meals & snacks all day Evening Steak House menu Med Golf Clubhouse Tottenham Hotspur HQ Parliament Lane Tel: 200 75924 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

Open: 10am - late Closed Sundays + Saturday lunch

Check out our guest’s comments on Trip Advisor!

Irish Town Tel: 200 51738 to reserve

party time!

Happy birthday Father Danny! At the Maharajah, Queensway Quay

The girls, setting off to Madrid for Desiree’s Hen Party!

Jo’s Hen Party at Cafe Rojo

Happy birthday Mark

Pickwicks on Governor’s Parade

Tel: 200 76488 (opposite the Eliott Hotel)

The Best Sandwiches made especially for you as well as Jackets•Salads•Burgers and a whole lot more

open Monday to Friday from 9.30am

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

food & drink

Jane: Still Hanging in at the Cannon then. There is also a little bit more of Jane than there used to be! Amin, the former chef and latterly manager has moved on to pastures new (the Office on Parliament Lane), but apart from that nothing has changed. Still the same warm welcome, a sense of being part of a rather unruly family. This is a real pub, not a theme bar or bistro. Mike is the long suffering organisation man providing a welcome note of sanity, the rather more slender other Jane runs between bar and tables at an astonishing speed, and Jimmy is in the kitchen surprising everyone with his inventiveness. Jane has been wondering why the kitchen gets through a bottle of brandy every day to make fish and chips, no doubt Jimmy has his reasons. Jane is as cheerful as ever, and remembers being interviewed by the forerunner of this magazine for its 2nd edition, in 1986. So why is she still here? The answer is rather complicated. No-one When I went to chat to Jane in the Cannon Bar I had a feeling of believes she really wants to leave. She moans déjà vu. Last time I had that pleasure was about 15 years ago. gently that she wants to leave and everyone ignores her. So what has been happening with Jane and all her customers I ask her to really tell the truth — not easy for since the last time I was there? a known exaggerater. The answer is “Yes I do The customers still seem the same, most of applies to you). Many years ago one of the want to go! I need to retire! I am exhausted! them a little bit balder or greyer or wrinklier customers asked Jane if there was a sign over Honest! But maybe not...” (come on guys, identify which one of those the door saying “men only”, no change there Watch this space! n

enjoy relax

Contemporary Mediterranean Dining

on the QUAY

Queensway Quay Marina Tel: 200 43731

Enjoy exemplary food with exceptional value in the relaxed atmosphere of Queensway Quay Marina

enjoy relax delicious Grand Casemates Square

FREE WiFi

Tel:

200 44449

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

lunch afternoon tea dinner cocktails

wine column

the incredible sulk

A reader of this column (unaware I write it) remarked to me the other day that it was well-written and witty but rather ill-named as it didn’t have much about wine in it. My hackles up, I enquired of her upstairs whether she wanted the limpid prose, the clever turn of phrase and the meaningful insight into the human condition for which the Gibraltar Magazine is famed (and that this column helped to provide) or whether she wanted a list of bottles. I was pleased to see her immediate reaction. Her eyes gleamed. She caught her breath and turned an enticing shade of pink. Her eyelashes fluttered as she demurely looked away. She delicately cleared her throat, her milkwhite bosom straining against the tight confines of her blouse... I waited, hopefully, expectantly... Then, with but a nano-second more of hesitation, she plumped for the list of bottles. Oh well. Here it is then:

List of Bottles: • Chateau Beausejour 2005 Claret - £23.50 from Anglo-Hispano. Good stuff, but needs a bit more body which will come with age. • Beringer, California, Cabernet - £7.50 from Anglo-Hispano. Buy now. Came top in recent tasting. Best value for a long time. • Claret, Good French - £3.89 from Morrison’s. A staple. Claret, the Best - £5.89 from Morrison’s. Not really worth the extra £2. • San Antonio riserva Rioja - £9 from Stagnetto’s (see also their wide range of Riberas). Very acceptable. • L’avenir chenin blanc, Laroche, South Africa - £5 from Anglo-Hispano. Light and refreshing from the makers of the best Chablis (£18.50). • Barbadillo, Cadiz – about £3 from everywhere (and less in Spain). A staple. Note to her upstairs – Since this list does not contain the usual guff beloved of wine writers then add the following wherever you like: • A fruity blend of grapes harvested exclusively from the southern, drier, slopes which add a sunburst of taste to the rich tannins. • There are hints of tea-leaves in this robust offering with the wonderful blackberry and ripe fruit aftertaste. • Grapefruit and lemongrass with the slightest touch of steel. • A wine of great dignity with velvet, fruit and herbs. • The Merlot/Grenache/Carignan (delete/add as appropriate) grape brings a certain luscious plumpness to this elegant wine. • Thin and insipid, with vinegary undertones and a pretentious label. (Hang on, that last one is not usually seen in wine columns. Best not to use it.) End of note to her upstairs.

86 86

We shall now travel to the broad sunlit uplands in order to contemplate truth and beauty. ………. I enjoyed that peaceful moment of contemplation. I trust you also found happiness in it. Such moments can be improved even further by the pulling of a cork (or the unscrewing of a cap — see last month). In summer, a refreshing glass of white allows you to consider the skyline of cranes and evergrowing buildings and even find some pleasure there. After all, there is employment and money provided, in these difficult times, and future shade from the sun when the buildings are finally completed. And (despite the best attempts at Ocean Village to prove the opposite) when the buildings are finally completed they will look more attractive than they do as concrete shells. The wine will help foster that possible illusion. Try the Marks & Spencer House White. Nothing special but at under £3.00 it creates a feeling of general benevolence; it is not quite so sharp as Barbadillo and the cranes tend to recede, shimmering gently, into the haze. They have even been known to disappear after the second bottle but this is not a recommended course of action since they reappear, even starker and more horrid, the next morning. Beauty can be found anywhere, especially with a glass to hand. Consider a recentlyborn baby. To you and me this a loud noise at one end and no sense of responsibility at the other. Ignore it (as far as possible) and enjoy the unbounded pleasure the parents find in the ghastly thing. The glass should, of course, contain champagne: a recent discovery was Marquis de Vauzelle (Anglo Hispano at just under £20 — full of tender lemon and straw with delicate bubbles and so on which means that it tastes good and fizzes). This will enhance the smiles of the happy couple and help to smother the noises of the Winston Churchill look-alike in the background. Beware of cheaper fizz (especially Cava of any description) and if the beauty budget does not stretch to champagne, or at least a Cremant de Loire, then consider a nicelychilled Manzanilla (about £5 from everywhere). We do not make enough of what is in our immediate neighbourhood; we should. If you do not have a Grecian Urn to hand, then enjoy the glass which is in your hand and discover the same joys as Keats. With summer here, what could be better?

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

restaurant &bar guide turn to pages 88-90 for full restaurant and bar listings

Tel: 20077446

Traditional English Pub with the best of English beers

Ground Floor Bar open from 10.30 daily Pool Table • TV • Machines First Floor ’Hoots’ open from 1pm 2 Pool Tables • Darts • Machines 2nd Floor ‘The Nest’ open from 5pm American Pool • Card Table

Get Stuffed!

Marina Bay Tel: 200 42006 Take-Away, Sandwiches & Hot Food Different Special EveryDay salads, quiches, pastas, pies, muffins, all home made Open 8am-6pm Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm Sat

Indian Cuisine to Eat In or Take Away Unit 1.0.02 Grnd Flr, Block 1 Eurotowers Tel: 200 73711

Wembley Bar 10 South Barrack Ramp. Tel: 200 78004 • Hot & cold bar snacks • Function room

BUDDIES pasta casa

Come and enjoy real Italian meals in Gibraltar’s leading pasta house 15 Cannon Lane Tel: 200 40627 for reservations

SMITH’S

open: from 8.30am

Liverpool Bar

FRESHLY BAKED

bread, brioche, rolls, bagels, croissants, cakes

AMAR’S BAKERY & COFFEE SHOP

open 7 days a week 10-late

UK BEERS FUll English Breakfast + much more

1a Convent Place (opp. the Convent) Tel: 200 73516 Wide variety of ready-made food now available for take-away or sitdown All food is Kosher

Avenida España No 4 (400m from the Frontier) Tel: 00 34 956767770

HOME DELIVERY

FISH & CHIPS

Open

HADDOCK PLAICE • COD FRESH FRIED IN CRISPY BATTER

days a week

295 MAIN ST Tel: 200 74254

Glacis Estate

Tel: 200 71992

Wines, Spirits, Tobacco, Beers & Soft Drinks Distributors Est. 1839

35 Devil’s Tower Road, Gibraltar. Telephone: (350) 200 74600 Telefax: (350) 200 77031 e-mail: mail@sacspeed.gi A Member of The Saccone & Speed (Gibraltar) Group of Companies GIBRALTAR GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAGAZINE •• JULY JULY 2009 2009

87 87

across the world. Try one of these dishes from the wide selection: starters include Buffalo Mozzarella, Plum Tomato, Grilled Chilli & Landcress Salad, Basil Oil & Balsamic; Crab & Coriander Spring Roll, String Hopper Noodle Salad, Cucumber & Chilli Salsa; Steamed Mussels flavoured with ginger, Lemon Grass, Chilli & Coconut Milk; try main courses such as Grilled Salmon Darne, Crisp Pancetta, Thai Spiced Lentils, Cool Mint Yoghurt Dressing; Confit of Lamb Shoulder Shank, Warm Couscous Salad, Chickpea & Coriander Salsa, Onion & Sultana Chutney; or Open Ravioli of Slow Roast Squash, Basil & Ricotta, Roast Garlic Cream Sauce. Everything made on the premises using only the best, fresh ingredients. Two separate dining rooms - smoking and non smoking. Menu changed seasonally, daily specials. Open 7 days a week. Closed Saturday lunchtimes.

restaurants l The Boatyard Queensway Quay. Tel: 200 50540 Stylish relaxed dining right on the quayside at Queensway Quay. Enjoy a cocktail or a pre-dinner drink in the lounge out onthe quayside. The menu includes dishes such as Cumin Crusted Rack of New Zealand Lamb; Grilled Prime 300g Argentinean Rump Steak; Crispy Skinned Confit French Duck Leg; Fresh Local Seafood Spaghetti; and Wild Mushroom, Gorgonzola & Baby Spinach Risotto. Open: Tues-Fri lunch & dinner, Sat lunch snacks only, closed Sundays. l Café Solo Grand Casemates Square. Tel: 200 44449 Modern Italian eatery set in the lively Casemates square. Everything from chicory and crispy pancetta salad with walnuts, pears and blue cheese dressing, or king prawn, mozzarella and mango salad to pastas(eg: linguine with serrano ham, king prawns and rocket; smoked salmon and crayfish ravioli with saffron and spinach cream) to salads (eg: Vesuvio spicy beef, cherry tomatoes, roasted peppers and red onions; and Romana chorizo, black pudding, egg and pancetta) and pizzas (eg: Quatto Stagioni topped with mozzarella, ham, chicken, pepperoni and mushroom) and specialities such as salmon fishcakes, beef medallions and duck. Good daily specials menu on blackboard. No smoking inside. Free WiFi. l Cafe Rojo 54 Irish Town. Tel: 200 51738 Sleek modern comfort in this relaxing little restaurant. Red comfy arm chairs in separate area for a relaxing drink or coffee. Brunch menu (10am-12pm) includes ciabatta, granary, foccacia sandwiches with fillings such as pear and blue cheese, smoked bacon and brie, cheese and honey roast ham, delicious desserts (chocolate mousse in a must). Lunch 12 - 3pm and dinner 7-10pm includes Roast Pumpkin, Mushroom, & Spinach Curry; Marinated Tuna Steak & Sesame Crust; Roasted Lamb Shoulder; pasta dishes such as Langoustine, Lime & Coconut; Pear, Walnut & Blue Cheese; and Creamy Mixed Seafood; and salads such as Warm Goats’ Cheese, Fresh Spinach & Chargrilled Aubergine; and Roast Duck, Chorizo & Pancetta Salad. Open: from 10am. Closed all day Sundays, and Saturday lunch. Casa Pepe 18 Queensway Quay Marina. Tel/Fax: 200 46967 Email: casa.pepe.gib@gmail.com Situated right on the water front at Queensway Quay, Casa Pepe has a comprehensive a la carte menu which includes dishes such as melon & Serrano ham, stuffed piquillo peppers and filled mushrooms to start, followed by a choice of salads, rice and noodles and fish, poultry and meat dishes which include King Prawns Macarena (cooked with fresh ginger, tomatoes, mangos and bananas served with basmati rice, fried bread and bananas), Medallions of monkfish cooked with white wine and lobster sauce, duck breast Armanac-style (with Cognac, mushrooms and pine nuts), Medallions of pork loin cooked with Serrano ham and dry Jerez sherry, and fillet steak Malagueña cooked in creamy garlic mushrooms and sweet sherry sauce topped with prawns. Wide range of tapas/raciones also available. Open: Monday to Saturday 11am till late. El Cottage 1Y & Z, Casemates Square. Tel: 200 41611 You’ll find this cosy tapas bar tucked in the shade between the two pedestrian tunnels leading onto Casemates square. Large, shady terraced seating and a menu made up from local and Spanish tapas. No need to order as service is “pincho” style with different varieties of tapas brought round the tables. Just choose what takes your fancy as they come round and what you eat will be added to your tab. Private functions catered for. Open: 9.30 - 5pm, Friday ‘till 1.30am. Closed Sundays

l 14 on the Quay Unit 14, Queensway Quay Tel: 200 43731 The latest addition to the beautiful Queensway Quay marina, 14 on the Quay is open for lunch, afternoon tea, cocktails and dinner. The fine dining includes lobsters fresh from the tank, and the setting with its spectacular sunsets is perfect. Open: 12.30 - 11pm (last orders 10.45pm) Nunos Italian Restaurant and Terrace Caleta Hotel, Catalan Bay For a reservations Tel: 200 76501 E-mail reservations@caletahotel.gi Nunos Italian restaurant and terrace at the Caleta Hotel, overlooks the Mediterranean and is extremely popular with both hotel guests and the local market. Their new Spanish chef with three star Michellin experience will always be offering something interesting and different on the menu. Recognised for its eclectic interior, atmosphere and cuisine. Bread, pasta and desserts from the a la carte menu are all home-made and contribute to create a genuine and exciting dining experience. The Mexican Grill and Bar Unit 2B The Tower, Marina Bay Tel: 200 46668 The Mexican Grill and Bar serves all the favourite Mexican dishes from Nachos, Quesadillas and Chimichangas (rolled flour tortilla with spicy chicken, chilli beef or vegetables, deep fried, served with Mexican rice and salad and guacamole, salsa or sour cream), to Burritos (like Chimichangas but oven baked), El Gringos Chilli con Carne, or Cheese Holy Mole Enchiladas. Don’t forget Big Eat Homemade Burgers (5 to choose from) and from the grill barbecue combos, steaks and chicken. Salads and sides to order. Decorated is warm Mexican colours with comfortable seating in the nosmoking, air-conditioned interior or outside on the patio, great for a fun night out. Available for private bookings and children’s parties. Open: lunch and dinner 12 noon to late Savannah Lounge 27 Heart Island, Ocean Village Tel: 200 66666 www.savanna.gi Aimed at Gibraltar’s dining and night-life scene, Savannah has been created with fun and style in mind. Offering contemporary European cuisine a wide selection of drinks, cool decor and good music. The venue hosts regular events with invited DJs and shows from abroad. Open: Sunday-Thurs midday-midnight, Friday and Saturday midday-5am. Thyme Restaurant 5 Cornwall’s Lane. Tel: 200 49199 Email: thymegib@hotmail.com Long established modern restaurant and wine bar. Serves refreshing cocktails and a wide range of New World and European wines in a cool and lively atmosphere. Now serving informal lunches from a selection of their popular dishes, with choices of light salads, Italian pasta dishes or full three course meals. During the summer months contact Steve to design your own barbecue party menu. Formal dining on the first floor serving bistro cuisine with a menu serving dishes from

The Waterfront Queensway Quay Marina Tel: 200 45666 The Waterfront is a very popular restaurant located right on the quayside at Queensway Quay Marina. There are different areas for drinks, the main restaurant (with mezanine level seating), a large covered terrace with chandeliers and a quayside open terrace. The food is served in hearty portions and includes starters of grilled goat’s cheese, crab with lemon mayonnaise, moules mariniere, and prawn and lobster salad. There is a barbecue in the summer month and grills which include 8oz fillet steaks. Favourites are pan fried chicken with wild mushrooms and Madeira sauce, beef and ale pie with a puff pastry lid, and whole lamb shoulder. Fish dishes from grilled swordfish to salmon and crayfish ravioli, and vegetarian dishes such as mushroom stroganoff, and vegetable wellington sit alongside the menu from the Orient which includes Madras chicken or vegetables, chicken tikka masala, and crispy duck with pancakes and cucumber. Open: 7 days a week from 9am to late. The Water Margin 5 Ocean Village Promenade, Tel: 200 73668 Gibraltar’s premier Chinese restaurant serving freshly cooked traditional Chinese dishes in the beautiful Ocean Village marina. Check out the outstanding aromatic crispy duck, the special duck slow cooked with honey and chilli or the freshly caught seabass delicately steamed with ginger and spring onion, popular with families looking for a relaxing night dining. No microwave oven or flavour enhancer (MSG) used in this establishment. Home delivery service. Open: 7 days a week, evening from 6pm, lunch from 12:30pm

informaleating Al Baraka Take-away Queensway Quay. Tel: 200 46993 Take-away and restaurant. Tasty Middle Eastern food including falafels and kebabs plus Indian specialities. Large covered terrace to the side of Queensway Quay with marina views. Open: 7 days a week from 10am to 12 midnight. Amar’s Bakery & Coffee Shop 1a Convent Place (opp. The Convent). Tel: 200 73516 Amar’s Coffee Shop and Bakery is just opposite the Convent, where it serves up a wide range of light lunch options. There’s jacket potatoes, fish & chips, pasta dishes with different sauces, burekas, pizzas, quiche, sandwiches, bagels, various salads and tortilla. All the food is made on the premises and the menu is fully Kosher. Amin's The Office 30 Parliament Lane. Tel: 200 40932 Sit down, informal and friendly restaurant. Amin is well known in Gibraltar for his Moroccan, Spanish and international cuisine. Open early for breakfast at 7am right through the day. Try the Moroccan soups, couscous, lamb tagines and kebabs. Open: 7.00am to midnight. Buddies Pasta Casa 15 Cannon Lane. Tel: 200 40627 Tasty Italian specials in pleasant ambience. Large selection of starters from garlic bread to calamari.

l = full menus online at www.thegibraltarmagazine.com 88

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

orders for delivery £12). Open: Monday - Friday 8.30-7, Sat 9 - 4, Closed Sun.

Main courses include spinnach caneloni, spaghetti alla carbonara, fusilli al salmone, and peppered steak to name a few. Tasty desserts and variety of wines. Open: Monday - Thursday 11am - 5pm, Friday 11am3pm and 7pm-11pm, Saturday 11am-4.30pm

Pasty Bar 16 City Mill Lane Tel: 54013320 An interesting mix between a take-away or sit-down cafe and bar in the evenings, The Pasty Bar offers a wide range of foods from English breakfast, pies and pasties, fish and chips and much more. In the evenings you can enjoy live football in their bar area too. Open: Mon-Thurs 10am-11pm, Friday 10am-midnight, Saturday 12pm-midnight, Sundays 12pm-11pm

Garcia’s Take-Away Glacis Estate. Tel: 200 71992 Open 7 days a week this good take-away also does home deliveries of tasty fish and chips, hamburgers, kebabs, donner kebabs and much much more. Make sure you have their number handy for a night in without the hassle of cooking! Get Joost 248 Main Street & Casemates. Tel/Fax: 200 76699 Smoothies are vitamin packed super-food and increasingly popular for the health concious. Get Joost makes delicious fresh fruit juices and smoothies made from natural ingredients which are a meal in a cup. The top five smoothies they sell are wild strawberry; breakie on the run; energy blast; raspberry ice; and tropical surrender. Tel/Fax: 200 76699 for delivery. Open: 8-7 Monday -Friday, 10-7 Saturday, 10-6 Sunday. Casemates. Everything from sandwiches and panini, to soups, fish, salads, and mixed platters with pork Get Stuffed and chicken options. Maillo will also cook for summer Marina Bay. Tel: 200 42006 picnics, and they make some great desserts. Take-away, sandwich bar and hot food. Serving all Open: Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm homemade sandwiches, salads, quiches, pasta, pies, muffins, plus hot and cold drinks and smoothies and Marrakech Restaurant a different special every day. Outside catering for Governor's Parade. Tel: 200 75196, 56000281 corporate parties. Moroccan restaurant with large terrace close to Open: 8am - 6pm Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm Sat. the Elliot Hotel. Try the delicious specials such as Moroccan Harira soup, festival of Moroccan salads, Just A Nibble large range of tagines and couscous. Ask the waiter for 1st Flr International Commercial Ctr. Tel: 200 78052 their daily selection of delicious desserts. Full licensed cafe serving English breakfast, vast range Open: 11-3pm, 7pm-late of toasties, rolls, and other snacks. Meals include, Bob’s famous chicken curry/chilli con carne, and a great new Mumbai Curry House range of pies (from Bob’s chicken and leek to steak and Unit 1.0.02 Ground Floor, Block 1 Eurotowers kidney plus a whole range of tasty alternatives) plus all Tel: 200 73711 Home delivery: 50022/33 the old favourites; jacket spuds, burgers, hot dogs, fish Good Indian cuisine for eating in or taking away, and chips, and daily specials. Ideal meeting place. from snacks such as samosas, bhajias, and pakoras Open: Monday - Saturday from 9am. to lamb, chicken and fish dishes with sauces such as korma, tikka masala, bhuna, do piaza... in fact all Just Desserts you would expect from an Indian cuisine take-away. 1st Floor ICC. Tel: 200 48014 Large vegetarian selection. Halal food is available, as Bright and airy, recently redecorated cafe on the first is outside catering for parties and meetings. Sunday floor of the ICC. All home-made food including daily specials include all Mumbai favourites such as Dosa specials, vegetarian options and desserts. Eat in or take- and Choley Bhature. away. Try their daily roast with everything on or their Open: 7 days a week 11am to 3pm, 6pm until late. all-day breakfast. Non-smoking restaurant with terrace smoking area. Friendly, cheerful and fully licensed with Mumtaz Indian Cuisine Take-away sensible prices. 20 Cornwall’s Lane Tel: 200 4457 Open: 8am - 4.30pm Monday to Friday. Good Indian take-away service serving all the favourites from masala naan and spinach bhajia to lamb Khan’s Indian Cuisine biryani, chicken tikka masala, king prawn korma and Unit 7-8, Watergardens. Tel: 200 50015 tandoori chicken kebab roll. Sauces and vegetarian Eat-in or take-away at this traditional Indian eatery. dishes plus speciality dishes each Sunday (all dishes Everything from onion bhajia and green pepperpakora reasonably priced). to chicken tikka, tandoori king prawns, Khan’s special Open: 7 days a week 11-3, 6-late. fish curry, chicken jalfrezi, lamb rogan josh, naan bread, rices, vegetable dishes and everything in between! Munchies Cafe Many new dishes added to the menu, plus specialities 24 Main Street. Tel: 200 43840 Fax: 200 42390 every Sunday. A great sandwich bar/cafe offering an unusual range of sandwiches on white or granary bread, plus salads, Maillo Take Away baguettes, soups, desserts, homemade ice-cream and Unit F5A 1st Floor ICC Tel: 54002598 hot/cold drinks. Business lunches, parties and kids Homemade Spanish food is available at this cafe and parties also catered for (for party and office platters take away in the International Commercial Centre near phone or fax order by 5.30pm day before - minium

Picadilly Gardens Rosia Road. Tel: 200 75758 Relaxed bar restaurant with cosy garden terrace just across the road from the cable car. English breakfast, churros, tapas, hamburgers, fresh fish, prawns, squid, clams and a variety of meat dishes. Eat in or take away. Menu of the day only £6. Open: early to late. Roy's Cod Plaice Casemate's Square. Tel: 200 76662 Established for over 20 years, this is a traditional British fish and chip shop. Friendly and informal eat-in (inside or on the large terrace). Take-away service plus delivery available through Sr. Delivery on (0034) 956 09 59 44. Open: 7 days a week until 10pm, Sundays until 4pm. Sacarello Coffee Co. 57 Irish Town. Tel: 200 70625 Converted coffee warehouse, ideal for coffee, homemade cakes/afternoon tea, plus menu including excellent salad bar, specials of the day and dishes such as lasagne, steak and mushroom Guinness pie, hot chicken salad, toasties, club sandwich and baked potatoes. Art exhibitions. Available for parties and functions in the evenings. Open: 9am-7.30pm Mon-Fri. 9am-3pm Saturdays Smith’s Fish & Chips 295 Main Street. Tel: 200 74254 Traditional British fish and chip shop with tables/seating available or take-away wrapped in newspaper. Menu: Cod, haddock or plaice in batter, Cornish pasties, mushy peas etc. Also curries, omlettes, burgers. Open: 8am-6pm Monday-Friday. Breakfast from 8. Located: Main Street opposite the Convent. Solo Express Ground Floor, International Commercial Centre Solo Express, located right next to Pizza Hut, serves a good variety of salads and baguettes (white, brown & ciabatta) filled with a wide deli selection of things such as roast chicken; smoked salmon & mascapone; ham, cheese and coleslaw; or hummous, avocado and roasted red pepper. The salads are fresh and tasty and include Greek, Waldorf, cous cous, tuna pasta, etc and are great value. Jacket potatoes, quiches, tea, coffee etc plus cakes (such as flapjacks and muffins) are also available throughout the day. Eat-in available. Soups in winter months. Free Wifi. Square Cafe Grand Casemates Square, Tel: 200 41100 The Square Cafe has a large covered terrace in the corner of Casemates Square where the speciality is churros, papitas and coffee from 8.30 am onwards, and a full selection of snacks and meals throughout the day. WIFI available. Open: 8.30am-5pm

57 Irish Town, Gibraltar Tel: 200 70652

Just A Nibble Licensed Cafeteria Let the ‘A’ Team serve you up a snack or a meal. Daily Specials • Varied Menu

Open from 9am First Floor ICC, Main Street THE PLACE TO MEET

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

Visit us and step back in history

10 Casemates www.lordnelson.gi Tel: 200 50009

tion of drinks, cool decor and good music. The venue hosts regular events with invited DJs and shows from abroad. Open: Sunday-Thurs midday-midnight, Friday and Saturday midday-5am.

The Tasty Bite 59a Irish Town. Tel: 200 78220 Fax: 200 74321 Tasty Bite has one of the biggest take-away menus around with home cooked meats, filled baguettes, burgers, chicken, kebabs and everything else you can think of! Open: Monday - Saturday.

The Star Bar Parliament Lane. Tel: 200 75924 Reputedly the oldest bar in Gib, this small cosy bar opens early for breakfast (English or toast & cereal). Lunch/ evening menu includes fillet steak, fish and chips and salads. Home of Med Golf and Tottenham Hotspur FC supporters club. Outside seating. Open: from 7am every day. Located: first right off Main St (walking from N to S).

bars&pubs All Sports Bar 4 Cornwall’s Lane Tel: 200 59997 This pub is geared up to televised sporting events when top sports are on TV, and when they are not there is always someone around to talk sports with. It’s not just for football fans either, and not just for one team — hung around the bar are flags from all the major teams and supporters of the smaller sides are also made very welcome. Gaming machines. Terrace seating available. Open: 11am-midnight Sun-Thurs, 11am -1am Fri/Sat. All’s Well Grand Casemates Square. Tel: 200 72987 Traditional pub in fashionable Casemates area. Named for the 18th century practice of locking the Gates to the city at night when the guard announced ‘All’s Well’ before handing the keys to the watch. All’s Well serves Bass beers, wine and spirits plus pub fare. English breakfast served all day, hot meals such as pork in mushroom sauce, sausage & mash, cod and chips and steak & ale pie are complemented by a range of salads and filled jacket potatoes. Large terrace. Karaoke every Monday and Wednesday until late. Free tapas on a Friday 7pm. Cannon Bar 27 Cannon Lane. Tel: 200 77288 Jane is still there and still packed out with tourists and regulars! Word has it that she nearly managed to escape, but wasn’t allowed to. The famous fish and chips, the odd French speciality, there’s always something happening in the Cannon! Located between Marks & Spencer and the Cathedral just off Main Street. Quiz night on Tuesdays, get there early as it is definitely the place to be on a normally quiet Gibraltar Tuesday. The Gibraltar Arms 184 Main St. Tel: 200 72133 www.gibraltararms.gi Good food served all day at this typical pub right on Main Street. Everything from all day breakfast to Irish fillet steak roll, burritos, and the popular fresh local mussels. Draught lager, bitter, cider and Murphys plus free WiFi. Terrace seating right on Main Street to watch the world go by. Open: from 8am (10am Sundays) until late. The Horseshoe 193 Main Street. Tel: 200 77444 Right in the centre of town, the Horseshoe is a popular, busy bar. Good menu from full English breakfast, to burgers/mixed grills. Curry and chilli specials on Sunday. Open: 9am to late, Sunday 10am - late. Facilities: Main Street terrace. London Bar 76/78 Governor's Street Tel: 200 77172 Located between the Garrison Library and the Elliot Hotel, the London Bar offers British beers, dart board, pool table and Sky TV in a pub atmosphere. Pub grub such as breakfasts, pies and fishi and chips. Open: Mon-Fri 8am-midnight, Sat 9am-midnight, Sun 10am- midnight. Lord Nelson Bar Brasserie 10 Casemates Sq. Tel: 200 50009 www.lordnelson.gi E-mail: reservations@lordnelson.gi

Attractive bar/brasserie in historic Casemates building. Done out to represent Nelson’s ship with cloud and sky ceiling crossed with beams and sails. Spacious terrace Menu: Starter & snacks include fresh local mussels, blue cheese and rocket bruschetta, Lordy’s potato skins, spicy chicken wings and calamares. Main courses cover a range from chilli con carne and chicken and mushroom pie, to crispy aromatic duck burrito and British fish and chips. Try one of the salads or Nelson’s platters. Jacket potatoes, burgers and children’s menu. Credit cards accepted. Live music Venue of the Year, with live music on stage every night. Free Wifi. Open: from 10am till very late. O’Reilly’s Leisure Island, Ocean Village. Tel: 200 67888 Traditional Irish bar with full HD sports coverage and Irish breakfast from 7am (Sunday from 9am). Guinness on draught. Food includes salads, jackets, beef and Guinness ale pie, Molly’s mussels, drunken swine, Boxty dishes (potato pancake wrapped around delicioius fillings), sandwiches, rolls, Kildare chicken and much much more. And just like in Ireland there’s no smoking inside, so a great atmosphere for all. Pickwicks Governor’s Parade. Tel: 200 76488 Run by well-known friendly face, Mandy, this small pub with a large terrace is situated in Governor’s Parade away from the traffic and safe for all the family. Good food available including the best freshly made sandwiches and jacket potatoes, salads and burgers. Open: Mon - Fri from 9.30am Location: turn off Main St at Marks & Spencer, go up steps to Governor’s Parade (opposite the Elliot Hotel). The Pig and Whistle Unit 18, Watergardens. Tel: 200 76167 A comfortable pleasant little pub with pool table and terrace on the quayside. Big screen television for all sporting events. Open: 10-midnight (Fri-Sat 11-1am) Royal Calpe 176 Main Street, Gibraltar Tel: 200 75890 Email: royalcalpe@gibtelecom.net Named after Gibraltar’s Royal Calpe Hunt, the pub is situated opposite the Cathedral on Main Street. It boasts Gibraltar’s only beer garden and conservatory for a relaxing atmosphere al fresco to get away from it all or for that private function and barbecues in the summer. Good food from traditional pub fare to salads is available throughout the day. Wide selection of draught beer and cider. Savannah Lounge 27 Heart Island, Ocean Village Tel: 200 66666 Aimed at Gibraltar’s dining and night-life scene, Savannah has been created with fun and style in mind. Offering contemporary European cuisine a wide selec-

Trafalgar Sports Bar 1A Rosia Road Tel: 200 45370 Situated just past the south end of Main Street through Southport Gates, the Trafalgar Sports Bar offers a traditional British pub environment enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. Serving a hot buffet Monday to Saturday and a roast carvery on Sundays they also serve many other dishes such as spare ribs, currys or lasagna. The establishment also has three large 62” screens where they cover all major sporting events. Open: 9am-1am Monday to Saturday, Sunday 9ammidnight The Three Owls Irish Town The Three Owls is a traditional bar serving best of English beers. Three separate bars/floors: ground floor — big screen TV, pool table, poker machines, games machines, bar — open from 10.30am daily. First floor ‘Hoots’ — 2 match pool tables, poker machines, darts board, games machine, bar — open from 1pm daily. Second Floor ‘Nest’ — American pool table, poker machine, games machine, card table, bar — open from 5pm daily. The Three Roses Governor’s Street. Tel: 200 51614 Now under the management of Peter and Ian, previously of the Coach & Horses, this bar is fully air-conditioned with 3 plasma TVs and pool table. Happy hours MonFri 5-6pm. Home of the Esteporkers Golf Society. Open: 7 days. Mon-Sat from 11am, Sun from midday. Wembley Bar 10 South Barrack Ramp. Tel: 200 78004 Popular bar for hot and cold bar snacks, function room, in south district. Fridays 10am for breakfast. Air conditioned. The home of the Real Madrid Supporter’s Club. Open: 11am - midnight Sunday - Thursday, 10am - 1am Friday, 11am - 1am Saturdays.

acrosstheborder The Dog & Duck Next to Plaza de Constitucion, La Linea Tel: 00 34 956173453 Little pub on the square serving British beers at great prices. Pleasant sun terrace and all live sporting events shown. Open: 3pm-late Mon - Fri, 1pm - late Sat & Sun. Located: 400m straight across from frontier (next to Taste Indian Restaurant). Liverpool Bar 4 Avenida España. Tel: 00 34 956767770 UK beers served in this little pub along with full English breakfast and Sunday lunch for €5.50, plus much more in a friendly atmosphere. Open: 7 days a week 10am - late Located: 400m straight across from frontier.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

culinary talent entertainment

casemates comes alive The third Calentita! festival held towards the end of June was a huge success and heralds the beginning of summer nights in Casemates from the 21st July to 13th August. Crowds gathered to watch the carnival dancing which kicked off the event in the early evening. This year, the event boasted more stalls and more variety too, with food offerings from across the globe — American right through to Nepalese, and don’t forget the all Gibraltarian Calentita too. Casemates was the scene of the Miss Gibraltar parade later that evening followed by a spectacular show with laser lights, fireworks and live music. If you missed Calentita! you can enjoy the party atmosphere of Summer Nights at Casemates Square 8.30pm to 11.30pm every Tuesday and Thursday from 21st July with activities and entertainments for children up to 10pm followed by live musical entertainment for adults. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

A ro u n d To w n .. .

a light-he arte d look at Gibralta r soc iety

Having fun at Savannah

Well summer is here and after months of complaining about the cold everyone is now saying “Que calor!” and it isn’t even August yet! There is so much happening in July on the Rock from Summer Nights in Casemates for kids and adults to live music in Ocean Village until the small hours and musicals in the Open Air Theatre, there really is something for everyone to enjoy... and there are a few suggestions for something a bit more adventurous on the pages of this month’s mag, from sailing to 4x4 offroading.... so get out there and enjoy our wonderful summer. The Plain Fax Some people are ever generous. One such soul is Annette of Cafe Rojo who, as well as sending us lovely pics for our social pages each month, is giving in other ways too. For example, when she found out we had run out of printer paper at The Gibraltar Magazine office (oops) she faxed us some across. After several blank pages of curly fax paper had churned from our machine, we had to call her to tell her to STOP! There’s just no pleasing some folk is there. On the subject of Cafe Rojo, Annette and Luis are off on their holidays from Saturday 18th July and will reopen on 3rd August, so if you need to book for a special event, do it now! Congratulations Due Congratulations this month to Chantal de Barr and Kolyn Hoskins who get married on 4th July... already married are Louiseanne Martinez and Nicholas Payas, and Dale Carter and Jade Bercelo who tied the knot in June... Jade and Dale’s limo broke down on the way to having the photographs done, but it all worked out fine in the end.... ahhh ain’t love grand! Talking of luuurv, Stuart of Just Recruitment insisted we mention his 2nd Anniverary in July... congratulations Stuart and Katy! Congrats of a different sort to Peter Laverick of Victor Chandler whose lovely wife Kate delivered a bouncing baby boy, Jamie, on May 3rd. Also, happy birthday to Velda

Keeping cool on the terrace

Ibex girls at Celebrity

92 92

Glass of wine anyone!

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2007 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

nyone!

Fun Girls Three at the Faces Fun Day Meeting Spider Man at the Faces Fun Day

Gerard and Michelle keep everyone entertained at the Faces Fun Day

for 30th June (better a wee bit late than never!), Gina Maskill for 9th July, Raju Purswani of Red for 16th July, and to Naomi Quigley of Colorworks for 31st July — many happy returns to them. Congratulations to Prem Mahtani of Prestige for scooping the Photographer of the Year prize last month... Well done Prem! And finally, well done also to Bea and the team of Esprit and Lindsey and the Aftershock team who raised an amazing £3,000 for the Lady Williams Centre from their spectacular fashion show at Ocean Village in June. Just goes to show how great entertainment can also help the community in other ways. Lights Out! Our own Jonathan Bull was at a conference recently taking pictures and generally lurking at the back in the manner of photographers when he leaned against the wall (and light switches) plunging the whole event into darkness. Luckily everyone saw the amusing side, so thanks to EasyPay for that.

Michelle and Christine

Summer Barbecue for Cats If you are not doing anything on Saturday 4th July pop around to the Garrison Library for the Cat Welfare Society’s summer barbecue. Just £10.00 gets you all food and drinks (veggie options available) and there will be live music on the terrace — you can’t beat that for value! (Tickets from the Silver Shop on Main Street). Water Babies Don’t forget it’s the Gibraltar International Regatta on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th July, and the endurance swim from Eastern Beach to Catalan Bay on Sunday 12th July... just in case you fancied a little dabble in the water one weekend. Well that’s it for this month (and what an event filled month it is). See you on Main Street (or on the beach!) in August. The jacket exchange!

Louis Triay at Celebrity

Sophie and David Deardon

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2007 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

Keith and Pauline onboard the Empire

93 93

clubs&activities

Don’t be bored... do something fun!

Arts & Crafts The Arts Centre, Prince Edward’s Rd. Art classes for children (5-6pm Mon, 5-6.30pm Tues, 5-7pm Thurs), adults (Mon - Tues 6.30pm-8pm, Wed 6.30pm-8.30pm, life painting Wed 7pm-9pm). Tel: 200 79788. The Fine Arts Association Gallery 1st Floor above Gibraltar Crystal, Casemates. Open 11am-2pm, 4-6pm Mon - Fri, Sat 11am - 2pm. Arts & Crafts Gallery (next door) opens Mon - Fri 9.30am - 5pm (summer) -6pm (winter), Sat 9.30am - 3pm. The Poetry Society meets on 20th of each month. Tel: Audrey Batty on 200 44355 .

take a variety of voluntary and challenging activities. Contact Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Montagu Bastion, Line Wall Road, Gibraltar Tel: 200 59818 Reg. Charity No: 61

Board Games Chess Club meets in Studio 1, John Mackintosh Hall 8-10.30pm Tues. The Gibraltar Scrabble Club meet John Mackintosh Hall Mondays. Bank holidays changed to Thursday same week. 7pm-11pm All welcome. Tel: 200 73660 or 200 75995. The Subbuteo Club meets Charles Hunt Room, John Mackintosh Hall 7.30 - 11pm.

Social Clubs Scots on the Rock: Any Scots visiting the Rock can contact Charles Polson (Tel: 200 78142) for assistance or information. Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (Gibraltar Province) meets RAOB Club, Jumpers Bastion on these days: Provincial Grand Lodge, 1st Monday/month, 8pm. Executive Meeting, last Mon/month 7pm. Knights Chapter, 2nd Mon/month 7.30pm. Examining Council, 3rd Mon/month 7pm. William Tilley 2371, Thurs 8pm. Buena Vista 9975, Weds (fortnightly) 7pm. Por Favor 9444, Weds (fortnightly) 7pm. Farewell 10001, Tues 8.30pm. Goldacre 10475 (social) last Fri/month 8pm.

Dance Modern & Latin American Sequence Dancing Mondays Catholic Community Centre 8.30pm (beginners 7.30). Over 15s welcome. www.gibnynex.gi/inst/cccseqdance/ Old & Modern Sequence Dancing sessions at the Catholic Community Centre at 8pm, beginners at 7.30pm, Wednesday. The DSA Old & Modern Sequence Dancing sessions at Central Hall Fridays 8pm, beginners 7.30pm. Tel: 200 78282 or e-mail manvio@gibraltar.gi Everybody welcome. Senior Citizens Teatime Dances at The Youth Centre, Line Wall Rd on Mondays 2 - 5.30pm. All senior citizens welcome for coffee, tea and biscuits. Entrance free. Classical Ballet classes for children 4+, Spanish dance and hip-hop at Liza School of Dance, 3rd floor, Methodist Church, 297/299 Main St. Classes Weds & Fri from 6pm at Chiltern Court (4Cs). Tel: 58111000. Hip Hop classes for adults Mondays 6.15pm to 7.15pm, Hip Hop classes for boys and girls Tuesdays 4.15pm to 5.15 - Urban Dance, Jumpers Dance Studio The Gibraltar Pointes Dance School - R.A.D ballet, I.S.T.D modern and tap, jazz and contempory dance. Unit 19F Europa Business Centre. Contact Cheryll or Sabina at Studio: 200 45145, Home: 200 51187/ 200 46400. History & Heritage The Gibraltar Heritage Trust Main Guard, 13 John Mackintosh Sq. Tel: 200 42844. The Gibraltar Classic Vehicle Association Dedicated to preservation of Rock’s transport/motoring heritage. Assists members in restoration / maintenance of classic vehicles. Members/vehicles meet 1st Sunday of month, Morrison’s car park from 10am. New members welcome. Tel: 200 44643. Music The Gibraltar Music Centre Trust Complete spectrum of instrument learning strings drums etc. Theory lessons- Five days a week 4pm-9pm. Tel: 200 75558 for details. The Gibraltar National Choir and Gibraltar Junior National Choir rehearse on Monday & Thursday 7.30 - 9pm. New singers of all ages welcome. Tel: Lili 200 40035, 54006727 St Andrew ’s Music Academy Musical Monsters Club, musical workshops. Group musical activities for kids 3-7 years. Singing, rhythmic games etc. Tel: 200 42690 email: samagib@hotmail.com Outdoor Activities The Calpe Ramblers This group walks on last Sunday each month, except July and August. Meeting place is the Spanish side of the frontier 8am just to the right of and opposite the Aduana vehicle exit. For any information contact co-ordinators Ray Murphy 200 71956 or John Murphy 200 74645. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is an exciting self-development Programme available to all young people worldwide equipping them with life skills to make a difference to themselves, their communities and the world. To date over 5 million young people from over 100 countries have been motivated to under-

Quizzes Cannon Bar quizzes are held on Tuesdays starting with a warm up, then two other quizzes, including a theme quiz. Starts at 8.30pm, all welcome and prizes are given. Free entrance but a donation to charity is requested. Tapas served after the quiz. The Tunnel in Casemates has a pub quiz and entertainment on Sunday nights.

Special Interest Clubs & Societies Gibraltar Horticultural Society meets 1st Thurs of month 6pm, John Mac Hall. Spring Flower Show, slide shows, flower arrangement demos, outings to garden centres, annual Alameda Gardens tour. All welcome. The Gibraltar Photographic Society meets on Mon at around 8pm, Wellington Front. Basic courses, competitions etc. Harley Davidson Owners’ Club www. hdcgib.com UN Association of Gibraltar PO Box 599, 22a Main Street. Tel: 200 52108. Sports Supporters Clubs The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters Club meet at the Star Bar, Parliament Lane, when Spurs games are televised - call prior to matches to check the game is televised. Great food for a lunch if the KO is early or an early supper if the game is later. For info call Mario on 56280000. Gibraltar Arsenal Supporters Club meet on match days at the Casino Calpe (Ground Floor). Gooners of all ages are welcome. Tel: Bill 54010681 or Dion 56619000. Websites: ClubWebsite.co.uk/ArsenalGibraltarSC or GibGooners.com Gibraltar Hammers meet on match days at the Victoria Stadium Bar, Bayside Road. All league games are shown live. All West Ham supporters and their families are welcome. For details visit www.gibraltarhammers.com or e-mail gibraltarhammers@hotmail.com Sports & Fitness Artistic Gymnastics: Gibraltar Artistic Gymnastics Association club for beginners, juniors and squad at Bayside School in evenings. Tel: 200 Angela 200 70611 or Sally 200 74661. Athletics: Gibraltar Amateur Athletics Association holds competitions throughout year for juniors, adults and veterans. Two main clubs (Calpeans 200 71807, Lourdians 200 75180) training sessions at Victoria Stadium. Badminton: Recreational badminton weekdays at Victoria Stadium (Tel: 200 78409 for allocations). Gibraltar Badminton Association (affiliated to IBA & EBA) has leagues and training for adults and secondary school. Tel: Ivan 200 44045 or Linda 200 74753. Basketball: Gibraltar Amateur Basketball Association (affiliated FIBA) leagues/ training for minis, passarelle, cadets, seniors and adults at a variety of levels. Tel: John 200 77253, Randy 200 40727 or Kirsty (minis) 200 49441. Billiards & Snooker: Gibraltar Billiards and Snooker Association (member IBSA) round leagues and competitions at various venues. New members welcome. Tel: Eddie 200 72142 or Peter 200 77307. Boxing: Gibraltar Amateur Boxing Association (member IABA) gym on Rosia Rd. Over 13s welcome to join. Tuition with ex-pro boxer Ernest Victory (200 75513 w, 200 42788 h). Canoeing: Gibraltar Canoeing Association.

Tel: Nigel 200 52917 or Eugene 58014000. Cricket: Gibraltar Cricket Association (member ICC) runs leagues/competitions at Europa Point/Victoria Stadium. Junior/senior training. Tel: Tom 200 79461 or Adrian 200 44281. Cycling: Gibraltar Cycling Association various cycling tours. Tel: Uriel 200 79359. Darts: Gibraltar Darts Association (member WDF) mens/ladies/youth leagues/competitions.Tel: Darren 54027171 “Secretary”, Dyson “Youth Rep” 54024149, Justin “President” 54022622 Email: info@gibraltardarts.com Football: Gibraltar Football Association - leagues/competitions for all ages OctoberMay. Futsal in summer, Victoria Stadium. Tel: 200 42941 www.gfa.gi. Senior Tel: Albert 200 41515, Junior Tel: Richard 58654000, Women’s Tel: Brian 200 52299. Recreational football for over 35s Tel: Richard 200 70320. Golf: Med Golf tournaments held monthly. Tel: 200 79575 for tournament venues/dates. Gibraltar Golf Union has competitions through year, EGU handicaps. Tel: Bernie 200 78844. Hockey: Gibraltar Hockey Association (members FIH & EHF) high standard competitions/ training for adults and juniors. Tel: Eric 200 74156 or Peter 200 72730. Judo: Gibraltar Judo Association UKMAF recognised instructors for all ages and levels at Budokai Martial Arts Centre, Wellington Front. Tel: Charlie 200 73116 or Peter 200 73225. Ju-jitsu: Gibraltar Ju-jitsu Academy training and grading for juniors/seniors held during evening at 4 North Jumpers Bastion (Rosia Rd). Tel: Tony 200 79855 or club 200 47259. Karate-do Shotokai: Gibraltar Karate-do Shotokai Association sessions for junior/seniors, gradings and demos at Karate Clubhouse, 41H Town Range Tel: Andrew 200 48908. Motorboat Racing: Gibraltar Motorboat Racing Association Tel: Wayne 200 75211. Netball: Gibraltar Netball Association (affiliated FENA & IFNA) competitions through year, senior / junior leagues. Tel: Moira 200 41795 or Suzette 200 41874. Petanque: Gibraltar Petanque Association plays at Giralda Gardens, Smith Dorrien Ave. New members welcome. Tel: 200 70929. Pool: Gibraltar Pool Association (member EUKPF) home and away league played on Thurs through season. Tel: Linda 200 74753. Rhythmic Gymnastics: Gibraltar Rhythmic Gymnastics Association runs sessions for 4 years of age and upwards weekday evenings. Tel: Christine 200 74661 or 54015533. Rugby: Gibraltar Rugby Football Union training sessions for Colts (14+), seniors and veterans. Play in Andalusia 1st Division Oct - April. Tel: James 200 72185 Sailing: Gibraltar Yachting Association junior/ senior competitive programme (April - Oct) Tel: RGYC 200 48847. Sea Angling: Gibraltar Federation of Sea Anglers (members FIPS-M & CIPS) Superb calendar of events with four clubs participating. Tel: Mario 200 72622 or Charlie 200 74337. Shooting: Gibraltar Shooting Federation (over 14s). Rifle, Europa Point range (Joe 200 74973); clay pigeon, East Side (Harry 200 74354); Pistol, near Royal Naval Hospital (Fidel 200 71990). Skating: Gibraltar Skating and Xtreme Sports Association. State of art ramps for Xtreme/aggressive roller blading /skate boarding. Leisure skating facilities provided within excellent rink (when not used for roller hockey training). Tel: Eric 200 70710 (after 5). Snorkelling & Spear Fishing: Over 14s for s n o r ke l l i n g, over 16s for spear fishing. Tel: Joseph 200 75020. Squash: Gibraltar Squash Association, Squash Centre, S o u t h Pa v i l i o n

94 what a page turner! www.thegibraltarmagazine.com

Road (members WSF & ESF). Adult/junior tournaments/coaching. Tel: 200 44922 or 200 73260. Sub-Aqua: Gibraltar Sub-Aqua Association taster dives for over 14s, tuition from local clubs. Voluntary sports clubs: Tel: Phil 200 44606, Noah’s Dive Club Tel: Leslie 200 79601, 888s Dive Club Tel: Martin 200 70944. Commercial sports diving schools also available. Swimming: Gibraltar Amateur Swimming Association (member FINA & LEN) opens its pool for leisure swimming Mon - Fri 7-8.45am, 12- 4pm, 8- 9pm. Junior lessons, squad for committed swimmers, water polo (Rebecca 200 72869). Table Tennis: Gibraltar Table Tennis Association (members ITTA) training / playing sessions, Victoria Stadium, Tues 6-10pm and Thurs 8-11pm with coaching and league competition. Lizanne 200 45071/54020477 or Eugene 58014000. Taekwondo: Gibraltar Taekwondo Association classes/gradings Tel: 200 Mari 44142. Tennis: Gibraltar Tennis Association, Sandpits Tennis Club, excellent junior development programme. Courses for adults, leagues / competitions. Tel: Frank 200 77035. Ten-Pin Bowling: Gibraltar Ten Pin Bowling (members FIQ & WTBA) leagues, training for juniors and squad. PO Box 1287. Contact Charly on 56014000 or Paul on 54029749. Triathlon: Gibraltar Triathlon Union (members ITU) Chris 200 75857 or Harvey 200 55847. Volleyball: Gibraltar Volleyball Association (members W & EVF) training, leagues, competitions for juniors/seniors. Tony 200 40478 or Elizabeth 58306000. Yoga: Integral Yoga Centre runs a full programme of classes from Mon-Fri at 33 Town Range. Tel: 200 41389. All welcome. Theatrical Groups Gibraltar Amateur Drama Association Ince’s Hall Theatre Complex, 310 Main Street E-mail: gibdrama@yahoo.co.uk Tel: 200 42237 www. geocities.com/gibdrama Trafalgar Theatre Group meet 2nd Wed of month, Garrison Library 8pm. All welcome. Theatrix: Contact Trevor and Iris on Tel: 54006176 or email theatrixgib@yahoo.co.uk Clubs, Associations, should submit details to The Gibraltar Magazine gibmag@gibraltar.gi

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

support

events

Support Groups/ Associations Alcoholics Anonymous meet 7pm Tues and Thurs at Nazareth Hse Tel: 200 73774. A Step Forward support group for single, separated, divorced or widowed people. Meet 8pm Mondays at St Andrew’s Church. Childline Gibraltar confidential phone line for children in need. Freephone 8008 - 7 days a week 7pm - 11pm. Citizens’ Advice Bureau Open Mon-Fri 9.30-4pm. Tel: 200 40006 Email: info@ cab.gi or visit 10 Governor’s Lane. No appointment necessary, no charge. Gibraltar CAB outreach clinics at St Bernard’s Hospital every Tuesday. Advisors available at 1st floor reception, Zone 4, 9am-3pm. Info and advice is free, confidential and impartial. COPE Support group for people with Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia or Rheumatoid Arthritis. Formed to ease day-to-day challenges of individuals, families and care partner. Meetings at Catholic Community Centre Book Shop at 7.30pm first Thursday of each month. Contact Sue Reyes Tel: 200 51469 Email: copeadsupport@hotmail.com Dignity At Work Now. Confidential support and advice for those who are being bullied at work. Tel: 57799000 Mon - Thur 8pm-9pm Families Anonymous Support group for relatives and friends who are concerned about the use of drugs or related behavioural problems. Meetings are held alternate Thursdays at 9pm at Nazareth House. For more details Tel: 200 70047 or 200 73465. Gibraltar Cardiac Rehabilitation and Support Group meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 8.30pm at the John Mac Hall, except for July and August. Gibraltar Dyslexia Support Group 3/8 Serfaty’s Passage Tel: 200 78509 Mobile: 54007924 website: www.gdsg.co.uk Gibraltar Marriage Care. Free relationship counselling, including pre-marriage education (under auspices of Catholic Church, but open to all). Tel: 200 71717. Gibraltar Society for the Visually Impaired. Tel: 200 50111 (24hr answering service). Hope. miscarriage support Tel: 200 41817. Narcotics Anonymous Tel: 200 70720 Overeaters Anonymous support group of those with compulsive overeating problem. Tel: helpline for details of meetings 200 42581. Parental Support Group, helping parents and grandparents with restrictive access to their children and granchildren. Tel: Richard 200 46536, Jason 200 76618, Dominic 54019602. Psychological Support Group, PO Box 161, Nazareth House. Weekly Meetings Tuesdays at 7pm, Fridays 8pm. Tel: 200 51623. SSAFA Forces Help Gibraltar, is a national charity, to assist serving and exService personnel and their families. Tel: (5)5481. E-mail olivero@sapphirenet.gi With Dignity Gibraltar support group for separated, divorced, widowed or unattached people. Meetings Weds 9pm, Catholic Community Centre, Line Wall Rd. Outings/activities. Tel: Flor 54007181 or Marie 200 79957. Women in Need. Voluntary organisation for all victims of domestic violence. Refuge available. Tel: 200 42581 (24 hours).

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2009

A DECADE OF TAEKWONDO Last month, the Gibraltar Taekwondo Association celebrated its 10th Anniversary. The GTA has gone from strength to strength during the past 10 years, thanks to the help of the British Taekwondo Control Board and particularly to the hard work and commitment of Edward and Ernest Garcia, who have been practicing Taekwondo for the past 25 years. The GTA congratulated Jake Pocock who achieved his 1st Poom and Edward and Ernest Garcia who achieved their 5th Dan. Upon achieving their 5th Dan, the Garcia twins have attained the title of “Master”, which carries with it a certain amount of prestige and responsibility in the eyes of both the public and the Taekwondo community. Well done to all at the GTA.

Nathan Stagno: International Hockey Umpire The Gibraltar Hockey Association’s Umpire, Nathan Stagno, has been appointed by the International Hockey Federation to be one of the neutral umpires at the Men’s Africa Cup of Nations to be held in Accra, Ghana, from 10th to 18th July 2009. This high-level competition appointment is a great honour for Nathan, and Gibraltar hockey as a whole, and clearly demonstrates the rising standards of Gibraltar sport and the contribution Gibraltar is making within the world of sport.

MED GOLF NEWS The latest Med Golf competition took place at the super Almenara Golf Club, where players battled through hard golfing conditions of wind and rain. It was a successful day for Denny To who won the Gala Casino Trophy and a pro shop voucher for 130 euros with a winning score of 39 points. Winner of the 1st category (0-12 handicap) was Matt Charlsworth with 35 points and runner up was Peter Warren with 28 points. Winner of the 2nd category (13-21 handicap) was Douglas Casciaro with 35 points and runner up was Louis Calvente with 34 points. Winner of the 3rd category (22-36 handicap) was Alan Sene with 36 points and runner up was Mark Edwards with 27 points. Visit www.teetimespain.com for details of competitions etc

MARTIN CORRY VISIT Over a 100 children from local schools took part in a rugby festival last month at Victoria Stadium when Martin Corry ex England and Leicester captain and world cup winner visited Gibraltar. Paul Bush from, Lloyds TSB Bank Gibraltar Ltd, who had co-ordinated this event in conjunction with local schools and the Gibraltar Dragons, could see first hand what pleasure and a great boost he had given to local rugby, even more so when a lot of ex rugby players turned up to see Martin too.

Religious Services Baha’i Faith Tel: 200 73287 www.gibtel. com/bahai email:bahai@gibraltar.gi Bethel Christian Fellowship Tel: 200 52002. Queensway. Sunday service 11am. Church of England Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. Tel: 200 78377. Sung Eucharist, Sunday 10.30am. Sunday School. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Suite 21a Don House, 30-38 Main Street. Tel: 200 50433. Sundays 10am. Church of Scotland St Andrew’s, Governor’s Pde. Tel: 200 77040. Worship

& Sunday School 10.30am. Bible Study Tues 7.30pm. Evangelical Bretheren Assembly, Queensway Quay. Sun 11am, Tues Bible Study 6pm, Thurs Prayer Meeting 6pm. Hindu Engineer’s Lane Tel: 200 42515. Jehovah’s Witness 6 Europort Avenue Tel: 200 50186. Jewish 10 Bomb House Lane Tel: 200 72606. Methodist 297 Main St Tel/Fax 200 40870 email minister@methodist.org.gi Minister: Revd Fidel Patron. Sunday 11am Morning Worship, 8pm Evening Service. Prayer meetings Monday+ Wednesday to Friday

7pm and Tuesdays 8pm. Communion celebrated on 2nd and 4th Sunday mornings of the month, and other special occasions. Alpha Course: held Thursdays 8pm. House Groups meet for Christian fellowship, prayer and study on a regular basis Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. Sunday School meets Sunday mornings alongside morning worship. Roman Catholic Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned, 215 Main St Tel: 200 76688. The Cityline Church 13 Castle St Tel: 200 75755 email: citylinegib@yahoo. com. Meet: Tues 8pm, Sundays 11am.

what a page turner! www.thegibraltarmagazine.com 95

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE •June JULY2004 2009

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What a page turner! www. thegibraltar magazine.com GIBRALTAR Magazine 97

information

dmission 9.30am to 7pm by tickets (includes entrance to sites within the Park - St. Michael’s Cave, Monkey’s Den, Great Siege Tunnels, Military Heritage Centre, ‘A City Under Siege’ Exhibition and Moorish Castle). (Facilities closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.) Adults £7/ Children 5-12 years: £4, Children age 4 and under free, vehicles £1.50. Private vehicles may be restricted at certain times and it’s advisable to take a Rock Tour by taxi/mini bus. The Natural History & Heritage Park is also reached by cable car (leaves Grand Parade 9.30am-5.15pm Mon-Sun. Last cable down: 5.45pm).

he flora and fauna on the Upper Rock are considered to be of great conservational value. It’s a perfect place for birdwatchers, as migratory species use Gibraltar as the shortest crossing between Europe and Africa, but botanists will also be interested to see over 600 species of flowering plants, including some unique to Gibraltar. Watch out for colourful lizards, non-venemous Horseshoe Whipsnakes, butterflies and pipistrelle bats. Info on flora and fauna is found at the Gibraltar Ornithological and Natural History Society’s information centre at Jews Gate. St. Michael’s Cave: The cave comprises an upper hall with five connecting passages and drops of 40-150ft to a smaller hall. A further succession of chambers, some at 250ft below the entrance, is reached through narrow holes. The Cathedral Cave is open to visitors and is used as an auditorium for concerts and theatre. The cave was prepared as a hospital in WWII, but never used. A further series of chambers ending in a mini lake is called Lower St. Michael’s Cave and can be visited with a guide. The Monkeys’ Den: There are around 160 monkeys in the Park and around 30 can be seen at the Monkey’s Den. Often called apes, they are tail-less Barbary Macaques and Europe’s only free living monkeys. £500 fine for feeding the monkeys - don’t do it! The Great Siege Tunnels: Tunnelling in the Rock began during the Great Siege (1779-1783) when France and Spain made an attempt to recapture the Rock while Britain was busy with the American War of Independence. Governor General Elliot offered a reward to any man who could tell him how to mount a gun on the north face of the Rock. It was a Sgt. Major Ince who suggested tunnelling and there are now over 30 miles of tunnels inside the Rock with various exhibitions inside the tunnels.

of the earliest British building on the Rock. Original graffiti, drawn by duty soldiers to stop themselves falling asleep, is still visible, the earliest dating back to 1726. The Moorish Castle: actually just part of a Moorish town and castle which was built up during the Moorish occupation of the Iberian Peninsula, spearheaded from Gibraltar in 711AD by Tarik-ibn-Zeyad (“Gibraltar” is a corruption of the Arabic words “Jebel Tarik” - Tarik’s mountain). The part we see today, The Tower of Homage, dates back to 1333AD, when Abu’l Hassan recaptured the Rock from Spain. Natural History & Heritage Park Walks: Med Steps is a stunning walk with the steep climb at the end rewarded with spectacular views of the Rock and Spain. Another recommended walk is St Michael’s Cave through to Charles V Wall but walkers should be relatively fit for both. It is also pleasant walking along the upper rock roads. Brochures available free from all Tourist Board offices. Botanical Gardens: Opened in 1816, the Alameda Botanical Gardens fell into disrepair but are currently being restored to their former glory. Visitors can enjoy a stroll beneath pines, dragon trees and palms, and see many of Gibraltar’s native plants as well as exotic species. The shop sells environmentally friendly gifts, plants and seeds. Tel: 200 72639/200 74022. Parking. Nelson’s Anchorage: Rosia Road 9.30am - 5.15pm Monday to Saturday (last entry at 5pm). Closed on Sunday. Admission: £1.00 (free of charge with Nature Reserve ticket. Tickets for the nature reserve can also be bought at this attraction). Parson’s Lodge: Rosia Road. A narrow limestone outcrop with a labyrinth of underground tunnels surmounted by an impressive battery, which has witnessed the development of coast artillery over 300 years. Once housed three 18 ton 10-inch rifled muzzle loaders positioned behind a

unique sandwich of armour plate and teak, known as ‘Gibraltar Shields’. TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC. Flat Bastion Magazine Flat Bastion Road, Geological Research Station and Lithology of Gibraltar. To visit contact: F. Gomez Tel. 200 44460, P. Hodkinson Tel. 200 43910. Shrine of Our Lady of Europe (Museum within premises) Europa Road. 10am-7pm Monday to Friday, 11am-7pm Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays. Closed 1pm - 2pm. Trafalgar Cemetery: Trafalgar Road, open 9am - 7pm daily (admission free).

Business Information

Gibraltar Financial Services Commission ......Tel: 200 40283/4 website: www.fsc.gi Chamber of Commerce.......Tel: 200 78376 Federation Small Business.Tel: 200 47722 Company Registry...............Tel: 200 78193

Useful Numbers

Airport (general info.)..........Tel: 200 73026 Hospital, St Bernards..........Tel: 200 79700 Weather information.................Tel: 5-3416 Frontier Queue Update.......Tel: 200 42777

General Information

Gibraltar Museum.............Tel: 200 74289 18/20 Bomb House Lane Open 10am - 6pm (Sat. 10am - 2pm). Closed on Sunday. Admission: Adults £2/Children under 12 years £1. Special exhibitions also held at museum premises in Casemates gallery. Registry Office...................Tel: 200 72289 It is possible to get married on the Rock within 48 hours of arrival. A fact taken advantage of by stars such as Sean Connery and John Lennon. Rock Tours by Taxi............Tel: 200 70052 As well as offering normal fares, Gibraltar

Emergency Services Emergency calls only: Fire/Ambulance.......................Tel: 190 Police...............................Tel: 199/112 Emergency Number...............Tel: 112

The Military Heritage Centre: Housed in one of the Rock’s many historic batteries, the Military Heritage Centre displays information on the development of Gibraltar’s military defences through the ages. A City Under Siege Exhibition: Exhibits depicting the lives of the civilian population during the many sieges, are housed in one

History Alive

Every Saturday morning the Rock’s past is brought alive by a troop of soldiers in 18th century period uniform. The soldiers march from Bomb House Lane at 12 noon to Casemates. At Casemates they carry out a “Ceremony of the Keys” and then march back up Main Street to the Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned.

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Gibraltar Bus Company Routes

taxis provide Rock Tours taking in the Upper Rock, Europa Point and other sites of interest. It is the best way to see the Rock’s major features in a short time. Tourist Board.....................Tel: 200 74950 Gibraltar Tourist Board, Duke of Kent House, Cathedral Square, Gibraltar. UK Tel: 0207 836 0777 giblondon@aol.com John Mackintosh Hall.......Tel: 200 75669 Centre of Gib’s cultural life, includes a cafeteria, theatre, exhibition rooms and library. 308 Main Street 9.30am - 11pm Monday to Friday. Closed weekends. Bicycle Racks Bicycle parking is provided at the following locations: Europort Road, Casemates Tunnel, Land Port Ditch, Fish Market Road, Commonwealth Car Park, Reclamation Road (by English Steps) + Line Wall Road.

Public Holidays 2009

New Year’s Day 1 January Commonwealth Day 9 March Good Friday 10 April Easter Monday 13 April May Day 4 May Spring Bank Holiday 25 May Queen’s Birthday 15 June Late Summer Bank Holiday 31 August Gibraltar National Day 10 September Christmas Day 25 December Boxing Day 26 December Spain Fixed: New Year’s Day 1 January, Epiphany 6 January, St Joseph’s Day 19 March, Labour Day 1 May, St John 24 June, St James 25 July, Assumption Day 15 August, National Day 12 October, All Saints 1 November, Immaculate Conception 8 December, Christmas 25 December Moveable: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Corpus Christi Non-urgent calls: Ambulance Station..........Tel: 200 75728 Police...............................Tel: 200 72500 Gibraltar Services Police: Emergency Nos: ....Tel: (5) 5026 / (5) 3598

The Gibraltar Magazine is published and produced by Guide Line Promotions Ltd, 1st Floor 113 Main Street, Gibraltar. Tel/Fax: (+350) 77748

Natural History & Heritage Park

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • July JULY2004 2009

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