The Gibraltar Magazine April 2009

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

g

ibraltar magazine the

April 2009

Vol.14 No. 06 FREE

Dancing with Dolphins The Art of Investment

Gibraltar: The Safe Haven

A Fairy’s Tale A Market for Property?

Carrying on Cruising...

Scales of Justice and much more...

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

gibraltar the

April 2009

Vol.14 No. 06 FREE

magazine

Dancing with Dolphins The Art of Investment

Gibraltar: The Safe Haven

A Fairy’s Tale A Market for Property?

Carrying on Cruising...

Scales of Justice and much more...

Bottlenose Dolphin (see article page 46) Volume 14 Number 06 • April 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 Editor: Andrea Morton 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

features 32 Interview: Scales of Justice 40 A Gibraltarian’s Story: J Jurado 42 A Fairy’s Tale € 58 Baby: The times of her life 70 Wheeler’s “Engaging” World music & arts 44 Jim Whitty at Farrington 52 Paparazzo: Juan Carlos € 76 Shivers Down the Spine...

78 Music: The Rock in song 79 Harp & Trumpet: Charity concert leisure & activites 18 Childline’s Blue Day 34 Bridging the Gap between Continents 36 Calling the Shots 50 Leisure & Tuition 51 Paintball Pirates 62 Shopping & Beauty 64 Birds in Cages € 66 A Sailor’s Market / Boat Show Events 73 What’s On April regulars 70 Gibraltar’s Wild Flowers € 74 Puzzle Page 92 Around Town information 68-69 City Centre Map 98 Gibraltar Information

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

business & finance 8 Business & Finance Guide 9 The Art of Investment 12 Personal Pension Plans:

14 16 20 22 26 30

8-30

Do you have a choice? € Great News: I lost my job!

Gibraltar: The safe haven New Appointments Academy for Chief Executives to open Interview: Carrying on cruising Business Focus: The service providers

property 24 A Market for Property? € 38 Advice & Price: D&H Ceramics history & heritage 48 The Man from Massachusetts€ 54 Columbus & a Coconut health & beauty 56 Health & Medical Directory 57 Mental Health Conference 63 Rebirth at Renaissance 75 Fitness with Bells On € food & drink 82-91 Wining & Dining on the Rock 82 Hey Presto it’s Pasta € 86 Wine Column 87-90 Restaurant & Bar Guide 91 14 on the Quay

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business & finance profile finance

In 2007, a record high for the sale of graffiti artist Banksy’s work was set when ‘Space Girl & Bird’ fetched £288,000 at Bonhams of London — journalist Max Foster coined the phrase, “the Banksy Effect”, to illlustrate how interest in other street artists was growing off the back of Banksy’s success

theart investment

by Ian le Breton

It is always pleasing when someone stops me in Main Street after they have read one of my columns. Last month, I was told “interest rates are at all time lows, currencies are all over the place, and shares too volatile to consider.

It’s a lottery isn’t it Ian? — or even an art trying to decide what to do.”

That last comment got me thinking. This month I thought I might change tack a little.

Let’s consider one of the alternative asset classes — art itself. Not just for the multi-millionaire, but also for the ordinary man or woman in the street who may have just a few hundred pounds to invest.

As always this is a personal column and it reflects just my own views. I am not an investment advisor. I’m not an art expert either, although art is one of my main passions outside work. I have a tiny collection but I hope to build it up in the future. What follows are just some reflections on art in general and ways we could look at building a small collection from right here — in Gibraltar itself.

Before turning to the more realistic side, let’s look at the global picture — it’s always good to dream in the millions. As I write the sale by auction of Yves St Laurent’s magnificent art collection has just been held at Christie’s. Breaking many records, the sale has been a tremendous success, bringing huge benefits to the charity that will receive much of the net proceeds.

For the wealthy there is a wide range of investments available. Normally by way of sale or auction, but also through specialised art-based

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

funds. Most of the large private banks have art experts who can advise their high roller clients on the best type of art to buy and other issues such as insurance, storage and so on.

Of course the global crisis has affected the art world along with everything else. But a full programme of world class auctions is still planned for this year. It remains to be seen how badly damaged the high end art market will be as a result but, as I have written previously, there are still people around with substantial available funds.

For those of us who are not multi-million-

One aspect of the art market where it differs from cash or the stock market is its relative illiquidity. There is no guarantee that any piece of art will find a willing buyer when you need to sell

aires is art a suitable alternative to other more traditional asset classes? I guess the answer, as always, depends on the individual concerned.

One aspect of the art market where it differs from cash or the stock market is its relative illiquidity. There is no guarantee that any piece of art will find a willing buyer when you need to sell. Buying works of art is not going to be recommended by investment managers to everyone.

But we are living in extraordinary times. Due to rock bottom interest rates, cash deposits are simply not going to generate a meaningful return for most people. Investing in the stock market is not for the faint-hearted and speculating on currency movements is also extremely risky. If you have a little spare cash perhaps now might be the time to consider buying some modest pieces of art — probably for the enjoyment the art itself will give you — but it may make sense as a long term investment too.

Like me you may be an impulse buyer. If you can take more time though, a little research could well pay dividends. How well known is the artist? Can you find any articles about them on the internet perhaps? Can you find out what prices their works have made at auction? Can

finance the gallery provide impartial advice? Ultimately though the decision will be yours. Beauty, as they say, is in the eye of the beholder.

We are extremely fortunate living where we do from an artistic standpoint. Our 1,400-foot high rock has inspired artists for generations.

Couple that with magnificent seascapes in all weathers, rugged terrain in neighbouring Spain, and the views across the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco. It is easy to see how both local and visiting artists have found all the inspiration they need and we are blessed in Gibraltar by any number of world class artists.

Moreover there is a dynamic art scene in Gibraltar with an art show of some form going on most of the year. The excellent facilities at Casemates are a good case in point and I recommend anyone who has not been to an exhibition in the first floor gallery to do so next time round. Ocean Village has also seen the opening of a new, excellent facility – the Farrington Contemporary gallery. A visit there to one of their revolving exhibitions should certainly give you some ideas.

If traditional pictures and sculpture are not your thing, you might want to consider a hand blown piece of Gibraltar Crystal. One of the few manufacturing operations left in Gibraltar, I can recommend their showroom, friendly staff — and product. Some years ago I bought a unique signed vase to mark a special occasion.

It was comparatively expensive but is a truly beautiful piece that has given much pleasure. I imagine it is probably worth more than I paid for it. But here’s the problem — I would never want to sell it.

And that is the only piece of advice I want to give. Buying art — even very modestly priced

examples — can be very rewarding. Most people would only ever consider buying something they would like in their home. Hopefully then they fall in love with the piece and it will give years of pleasure to them and to visitors. Selling the artwork then becomes less likely — but it’s certainly reassuring to think the value might have increased in the meantime.

That has certainly been our experience with the Sovereign Art Foundation, a registered charity set up by Sovereign chairman Howard Bilton in 2003. Through its annual art competitions in Asia and Europe, the Foundation has helped to develop the careers of hundreds of artists in both regions and, just as importantly, raised large sums for charitable artistic causes.

All the works shortlisted as finalists for these competitions are auctioned off at the prize giving ceremonies, and many successful bidders have seen the value of their acquisitions rise considerably as the profiles of the artists have risen. Everyone wins and I invite you to check out the website (www.SovereignArtFoundation.

Selling the artwork then becomes less likely — but it’s certainly reassuring to think the value might have increased in the meantime

u Ian Le Breton is Managing Director of Sovereign Trust (Gibraltar) Limited.

Tel: +350 200 76173 email: ilebreton@ SovereignGroup.com com) for more information.

So with the world in turmoil otherwise, why not have a think about art? As I have tried to show above, Gibraltar can be a great place to start. Having an original artwork at home can bring great pleasure. It’s also sure to cheer you up in these otherwise difficult economic times.

Happy collecting! n

Retail Fixed Market Reviews:

Gibtelecom Tariff Rebalancing & Price Cap Controls As part of the first round of retail fixed market reviews in the electronic communications industry, the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority (GRA) has published a Decision Notice on Tariff Rebalancing and Price Cap controls on Gibtelecom.

The communications regulatory framework, which is contained in the Communications Act and implements a series of EU Directives, requires the GRA to analyse the state of competition within the electronic communications markets in Gibraltar. When markets are not effectively competitive, the GRA must consider appropriate regulatory obligations on any operator which has Significant Market Power (SMP).

The GRA has designated Gibtelecom as having SMP and, for the first time in Gibraltar, has imposed a price cap control on Gibtelecom in the following markets: 1. Retail access to the public telephone network at a fixed location 2. Retail national publicly available telephony services from a fixed location

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3. Retail international publicly available telephony services from a fixed location.

The Authority will apply a retail price control in the form of Index of Retail Prices, IRP-3 to a Specific Set of services offered by Gibtelecom in the retail markets above. The retail price control shall apply on 1st May 2009 and end 30th April 2012.

In addition, two sub-caps shall apply to the monthly line rental charges and these sub-caps will constrain price increases each applicable year for residential line rental and business

line rental.

Together with these price caps, Gibtelecom will be allowed to rebalance the retail tariffs in respect of line rentals and introduce per second billing for local telephony calls. This will provide a net long-term benefit to almost all residential and business customers.

The Decision Notice is available on the GRA’s website, www.gra.gi or alternatively if you require further information please contact Mr Stewart Brittenden - Electronic Communications Regulatory Manager.

This will provide a net long-term benefit to almost all residential and business customers GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

pensions

by David Erhardt, Director, STM Fidecs Life, Health & Pensions Ltd

Personal Pension Plans:

Do You Have a Choice?

Personal Pension schemes in Gibraltar are like buses — you wait a long time for one to come along and then they all arrive at the same time!

No sooner has the first personal scheme come on the market it is quickly followed by others.

There is now a choice but, like buses, they are not all the same. They may look similar but they are different vehicles travelling on different routes to get to their very different destinations.

A pension scheme can be seen as a vehicle which follows a funding route to reach the final objective — producing the required level of income in retirement.

The vehicle is a structure used to hold the pension scheme assets — this is designed by the trustees to provide safe transit to retirement no matter which route is chosen. This must be capable of accepting any investment and must be flexible enough to quickly turn or ride over any bumps in the road ahead.

A “one size fits all” philosophy will leave passengers having to walk to their final destination, whereas a bespoke scheme will deliver you to the door.

The Trustees and Administrators will guide you along the route and help to adapt the

vehicle’s performance to the road ahead — you should be able to speed up (contribute more) or slow down (stop contributions), drive aggressively whilst you are young (invest in equities) or put the brakes on when you are older (move into cash).

The pension scheme should be responsive enough to change to the conditions it finds along the way; currently bank guarantees are very important. To achieve the desired results the vehicle needs to be fuelled enough to make it there — simply putting in a tank-full of petrol

Choose a pension scheme that has been designed for the job, not one that has been made to fit an investment already available

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a month is not sufficient. The destination should be established at the outset and the distance measured with enough fuel provided for the journey.

In the same way, a small monthly contribution into a pension scheme will not automatically give you the comfort you are seeking in old age.

Choosing the right vehicle is very important to ensure you are able to travel along the route that you have set — leaving the choice to someone else may lead you on a magical mystery tour with the destination unknown.

Choose a pension scheme that has been designed for the job, not one that has been made to fit an investment already available. Or you may find that there is only one possible selection, which may suit initially, but as those who have invested in timeshares have discovered, circumstances can change.

Pension trustees and administrators are experts in designing and running pension schemes — they do not give investment advice, that is

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

pensions the role of the investment manager — neither party should do both jobs, any more than a pilot should serve you a coffee during a flight.

Also ensure that your pension scheme can accept all your previous pension savings or you may find that you are being charged numerous administration fees and still have to coordinate payments yourself in retirement or even worse, a fund may be forgotten about completely.

A range of pension schemes is good but make sure you have opportunities within your chosen pension scheme especially in the following areas: 1. Option of what to invest in 2. Choice of who to invest with 3. Opportunity of transferring other schemes in 4. Flexibility of how much to contribute and when Make sure it is a new generation personal pension scheme and not just an old model with a new coat of paint. Look out for an intelligent personal pension scheme and don’t miss the bus — but remember it is never too late to change buses for a new destination. n

Also ensure that your pension scheme can accept all your previous pension savings or you may find that you are being charged numerous administration fees

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

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business

GREAT NEWS: I Lost My Job!

by Selwyn Figueras Associate & Business Development Manager, Isolas

Talk of jobs being lost, particularly in the banking sector, in Gibraltar has been rife for the last couple of weeks and although it is expected that these job losses might be limited, it’s of little consequence to those anxiously waiting to learn whether they’ll be losing theirs. The prospect of losing gainful employment is a difficult one to stomach, particularly where your responsibilities include a family. Things being as they are, finding a new job might take some time but, hard though it may be to see, there can be an upside to being made to have some time off work.

Being made redundant can, believe it or not, be turned into an opportunity. Redundancy payments tend to be such that employees have a few months’ pay in hand and little more to do with their time than to focus on finding another job. How about turning all that extra time into a little bit of extra cash? Much as most people will find it hard to spin news of redundancy into a positive thing, a period of a few months may be just the opportunity a budding entrepreneur may have been looking for to dedicate to setting up a new business.

What are you into? What are you passionate about? Is there something about a service provided locally which you know you could do better? Is there a gap in the market for a service or product you’ve come across elsewhere which can’t be found in Gibraltar and which, had you not been employed full time, you could have imported? Business opportunities come along in the oddest of circumstances and they’re often staring you in the face for some time before they actually become obvious. It often takes a particular event, even a random chat with a man on the street, for that bulb in your head to come alive. And when it does, I assure you, you won’t sleep for days!

I keep harping on about it and I’ve certainly written about it in the past, but finding your business a home on the internet or even running an internet-only business makes absolute sense when you’re looking to keep your costs and your investment to an absolute minimum. Go online

14

and spend some of those hours wasted on chat and gaming investigating online businesses.

Visit the online shops, forums and affiliate websites relevant to the things you love the most and you might be surprised to come across an opportunity or two just waiting to be seized. Think about who you are and what you can offer. Most of us are sufficiently bilingual that we might be able to offer some kind of intermediary service for the large and growing community of Brits in Spain. Don’t limit yourself to what you can do here, let your imagination fly you right over the border and wherever it may take you.

If you’re going to start a business, there’ll be many issues you need to think about but first, have a clear image of what it is the business is setting out to achieve. Try and draw up a simple business plan as it’ll prove indispensable to keep

seize control, bleak though the prospect may seem, and turn the unavoidable difficulties of a crisis which was out of your hands around, and make it work for you

you on track and be particularly useful if you need to approach a bank for a business loan.

Don’t be afraid to think big but keep your feet planted firmly on the ground. If you need some finance, you’ll need to consider bringing a friend or family member on board to share the cost.

Alternatively, you might be able to attract investment from a third party, independent investor.

Either or both of these options can be a minefield to be carefully navigated. A decision to share or sell part of your idea cannot be taken lightly and you’ll need to think about taking steps to protect yourself as much as possible. Whatever you do, it could be the most exciting, if unexpected, project you’ve ever taken on.

Still finding it hard to be upbeat? Lance Armstrong, the cancer survivor and seven-time winner of cycling’s Tour de France, journeyed through hell and back and endured an ordeal too many people in Gibraltar are all too familiar with. Reading about what drove him through the tough times there’s a regular mention of his mother’s influence and her favourite expression, one which pulled Armstrong through the toughest of physical challenges and which can no doubt help anyone in a difficult situation to rise to the challenge and face it head on. “Make every negative into a positive,” seize control, bleak though the prospect may seem, and turn the unavoidable difficulties of a crisis which was out of your hands around, and make it work for you. No use just sitting there worrying, is there? n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • April 2009

isolas-silverlining-gibmag

5/2/09

13:47

Page 1

www.gibraltarlawyers.com

In times like these it’s easy to miss the silver lining.

If you’re struggling to see it and need some help finding a new direction, ISOLAS can help bring the big picture into focus For further information contact: ISBU@isolas.gi Portland House Glacis Road PO Box 204 Gibraltar Tel +350 200 78363 www.gibraltarlawyers.com

finance

Gibraltar

the Safe Haven The recent threats from the United States and United Kingdom to clamp down upon tax havens and those that hide assets and income (including capital gains) in them, has led many to re-assess their choices in selecting where to base their economic activity, residence or capital.

Gibraltar has suffered somewhat from four issues: 1. Is Gibraltar safe from being absorbed into Spain?

2. How come in many media forums, Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Liechtenstein, Swit zerland, Andorra, Cayman Islands, British Virgin Islands, Belize and even Sark are mentioned, but Gibraltar is often left out?

3. Has the European Savings Directive killed off the advantages of off-shore bank ac counts?

4. Has the EU Commission’s challenge to Gibraltar’s tax-exempt companies, made establishing a tax base, or retaining one here, a non-starter?

Well, the Cordoba Agreement between the governments of Spain, the United Kingdom and Gibraltar put an end to any behind-closed-doors deal between Spain and UK to change anything unless Gibraltar agrees, and any agreed deal is not even conceivable for a generation or two, and indeed proposals cannot even be discussed without Gibraltar’s knowledge. A more important factor is the obvious self-interest of Spain to remain on good terms with the UK, as its economy becomes more inter-twined with Britain’s through recent mergers and acquisitions.

Gibraltar simply is not immediately on the tip of many commentators’ tongues when they are thinking of tax havens since, traditionally, that

16

conjured up pictures of islands just off the UK’s coast or exotic, affluent sun spots or far flung obscure islands very far away from Europe. And it has only been in recent years that Gibraltar has shaken off the image of its former naval and military base with its armies of manual workers serving it and the resultant massive proportion of its population in public housing estates, into a sophisticated and glamorous city with numerous luxury homes for the well healed outsiders (as well as for prosperous locals now almost entirely white-collar and/or professional).

Whilst tax on savings has always been payable in the countries claiming the right to tax the bank account holders, irrespective of the location of the bank, the EU Savings Directive ensures that interest paid is reported to those countries. However, since Gibraltar does not

It has only been in recent years that Gibraltar has shaken off the image of its former naval and military base with its armies of manual workers... into a sophisticated and glamorous city

now tax its residents bank interest in the first place, establishing residence here has become even more attractive.

The recent decision of the European Court that, whilst Gibraltar is within the EU by dint of the UK’s membership, it is a separate tax jurisdiction and free to set its own taxes, levels and exemptions (and, of course, it remains excluded from its Customs Union, VAT Territory and Common Agricultural Policy provisions). Gibraltar did have to concede that it could not tax its own local businesses tax, whilst exempting those based here — but owned by outsiders and engaged in activity outside, so a new common rate applicable to all is being introduced shortly of a mere 10%. This carries far more credibility compared with those territories continuing to exempt such companies, particularly if combined with secrecy and risk through ineffective regulation of the parties in those territories who manage the affairs of outside owners.

Those looking at current issues will see that the question of Gibraltar’s unusual economy, based as it now is on international financial services (which includes management of such companies) and sales of tobacco, fuel and alcohol which are also at lower tax levels, has been raised again by Spain and is on the agenda for discussion at the third ministerial round of tripartite talks in Gibraltar. Spain sees diversion of economic activity to Gibraltar from Spain by Spaniards and other Spanish residents. What they call an artificial economy is no more un-

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

finance competitive than the near total world output of manufactured goods coming from a very small number of countries because of very much cheaper production costs, and increasingly the out-sourcing of services (including financial ones) to India, amongst others. The real artificial transactions are the continued sale of top-brand items with European, particularly UK, Italian, French and German names, at high mark-ups from the prices now paid to source them from the third world. What may emerge is better transparency of activities involving Spanish residents so that Spain does not suffer, in much the same way France does not allow French residents to use Monaco to avoid tax.

Another attempt at a Spanish siege is the continuing battle is over who owns the waters around Gibraltar, since no mention was made of them in the treaties that ceded (and later confirmed) Gibraltar as British, not Spanish.

A similar try-on by the Irish in the ’70s over a similar omission in the peace treaty between the UK and Irish in 1920 that retained six counties for the UK, but mentioned nothing about the waters, got the Irish exited in case oil was found near the Giant’s Causeway! International law prevailed and the challenge was dropped.

Gibraltar is also safe from crime compared with even other perceived safe places. This is partly due to its small size and single exit point and lack of an unemployed under class (despite the abnormally high acquittal rate of the few alleged local criminals by local juries), but also a hands-on relatively large Royal Gibraltar Police Force (without the need for help from Community Support Officers), who can

be seen day and night on the ground. More The property market may have slipped back of concern, is the planned further reduction from dizzy advertised prices in anticipation of of the Gibraltar Services Police, themselves an continued growth, but it is unlikely to result in amalgamation of the three services police, to a free fall like elsewhere. n civilian guard which may not be sufficient to counter the threat from terrorism and perhaps, on reflection, amalgamation with the RGP and retention of full-grade staffing, may have been a better option.

Gibraltar is a properly governed territory with a well-regulated financial services industry with massive investment in well–educated personnel drawn largely from locals who will not be here today, gone tomorrow. Ownership of property is safe, as all is granted by the Crown (even freeholds) and there is not the same risk that has occurred in Spain and Cyprus of ownership disputes, nor compulsory transfer of land or orders to demolish.

Anyone thinking of actual residence here should bear in mind the reduced stress levels likely to result in a longer life expectancy and the absence of necessary conversion of currency from sterling.

Gibraltar is a properly governed territory with a well-regulated financial services industry with massive investment in well–educated personnel

PAUL de BERESFORD is a UK-qualified tax practitioner who specializes in residence, domicile, relocation and company & trust structures and was previously at the largest law firm in Gibraltar and before that, a partner of a Top-20 City firm in London. He can be contacted by appointment at his Main Street offices on +350 200 400 93 or +350 54004414 or from UK on 020 8144 1249 or by email to beresford@gibtelecom.net

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 • APRIL 2009

17

fun for charity

Norwich & Peterborough Estate Agents and Petfre get involved

blue day Childline’s Blue Day held on the 13th of last month raised lots of money towards the charity’s dedicated work, helping Gibraltar’s youth.

STM Fidecs gets the blues

The teams from Tommy Hilfiger and Sundial

Hassans staff support the cause

To coincide with the day, the charity also launched their new website — www.childline.gi which aims to increase awareness in Gibraltar of child abuse, and offers training courses for volunteers who wish to get involved.

The Blue Day Appeal is now in its second year, and businesses and members of the public around Gibraltar took part to help make the day a great success.

The charity’s vision is for a society in which all children are loved, valued and able to fulfill their potential. In other words, a society that will not tolerate child abuse — whether sexual, physical, emotional, or neglect. As such, their core values are based on the UN Convention on the rights of the child.

Apart from hosting a hotline where children can call confidentially to talk about their problems, Childline is active within schools and other areas. For example, their “Appropriate Adult Scheme” means they are present when a child under 16 is being questioned by police and there is no other adult

available, or willing to be present.

Their role is to help the young person understand the process, and to observe that processes are followed correctly. They do not provide legal advice, and the scheme is run in conjunction with the Royal Gibraltar Police.

They also are involved with various youth groups, giving talks and information to the young people of Gibraltar. If you’d like Childline to visit your Youth Group or would like more information on how you can get involved, check out the website or contact them (200 43503) for more information. n

The Castle Group

St Mary’s School

18 18

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new appointments

Gibraltar Asset Management:

GAM’s Nick Cully Raises £s for Charity be driving a motorised rickshaw approximately 4,000km from Shillong (in north-east India), through Nepal, to Goa in the south west over a two week period.

“We will have no support crew, no knowledge of the local language or any mechanical skills worth speaking of, so it could be interesting,” Nick says. “We have set up a website to log our travels which has links to donate money if people wish (www.rickshawrun.com/shillongwaytogoa).”

The site also contains information on the three charities they are supporting — Frank Water Projects, SOS Children’s Villages and Magic Bus. So far they have raised a total of £2,621.70 towards their target of £4,000. Every penny raised goes directly to the charities concerned as all travel, entry visas and accommodation costs are being paid for by Nick and Andrew.

The website explains that Nick is “looking forward to munching curry, the 50 degree heat and tigers. Nick likes tigers. He hopes the experience will improve his mechanical skills (currently he has none) and put hairs on his chest (currently his chest is quite bare).”

Visit the website to support the cause! n

Nick Cully recently joined Gibraltar Asset Management at 1 Irish Place having moved from Killik & Co in London. He has been working as a stockbroker for nearly three years having graduated from university with a degree in European Law. Outside work Nick says he During April Nick, together enjoys skiing and sailing and is with childhood friend Andrew looking forward to the Mediter- Dolleymore who works as a charranean summer. tered accountant in London, will

CHARLES GOMEZ& COMPANY

“We will have no support crew, no knowledge of the local language or any mechanical skills worth speaking of, so it could be interesting”

Marrache & Co recruit senior lawyer Stephen Makin joined international law firm Marrache & Co at the end of 2008 and is now working in both the Gibraltar and London offices.

Stephen qualified as a solicitor in 1984 working in private practice specialising in commercial law. In early 1990 he joined the Norwich & Peterborough Building Society and was promoted to the role of Chief Solicitor and Head of Legal Services in 1994. In that role he was responsible for the Society’s financial services and commercial legal matters and has acquired specialist knowledge in the law relating to building societies, mortgages, financial services, retail banking, data protection and consumer credit.

Stephen was also responsible for advising the Society in relation to the opening of what became a highly successful branch of the Society in Gibraltar and the establishment of its representative office and mortgage lending service in Spain, a first for a UK building society. Stephen was also a member of the Building Society’s Association Legal Advisory Panel and the Council of Mortgage Lenders Legal Panel.

Recently Stephen has worked with the Financial Services Authority in London.

Stephen is an author and editor of a number of leading legal textbooks which include Goods Consumer Credit Law and Practice and Butterworths Financial Regulation Service. n

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C l e a r S imple Legal Advice 20

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

business

by Ray Jardine • www.chiefexecutive.com

Branch of the Academy for Chief Executives to open in Gibraltar The role of a CEO is both demanding and highly complex and often there are few places to go to for impartial advice. One would be naive to think that people inside the business give unbiased answers always, so who can the CEO turn to for answers to those tough questions and validation of their ideas?

Running a business is tough work, making the key decisions, getting clear and consistent advice about strategy, defining and communicating company direction. I wonder how many Chief Executives have not asked themselves questions like “am I the right person for the job?” “Do I know all that I need to know?”

“What should I do next?”

This is especially so now in the midst of the credit crunch, banking crisis, recession... take your pick. How may CEOs were in senior positions during the last full blown recession of the early ’80s? I would guess few if any. That means this is new territory for the vast majority of senior business leaders.

Paraphrasing Einstein, the kind of thinking

22

that got us here, won’t get us out of trouble! So where can business leaders get inspiration and learning? There have been a lot of programmes on TV recently celebrating the life of Charles Darwin. My favourite quote of his is “It is not the strongest of the species that survive, or the

Those companies who can change quickest and demonstrate the most agility will survive & thrive

most intelligent, but the ones most responsive to change.” Drawing from that it becomes clear those companies who can change quickest and demonstrate the most agility will survive and thrive. But generally we feel safe with what we know, the comfort zone. All learning is outside the comfort zone however, so in order for a CEO to be ahead of the game and up to speed they need to be able to learn in a risk free environment where they can be challenged and supported.

Well that’s a good idea; we can send our CEOs, business leaders and entrepreneurs on courses. I have noticed over the years two significant issues with that idea. First when did you see a CEO go on a three day course?

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

business Many cannot find the time to keep up to date with reading what they should, let alone go on a course. Secondly many business leaders feel very comfortable getting their employees go on courses but feel a little guilty about attending learning events themselves! To be fair, courses by their nature are generic, they are not necessarily focussed on the learner’s business environment, sector or current challenges.

So what is the solution to this? In the UK there are various business clubs in most large towns. These tend to be aimed predominately at networking and even if there is a speaker they don’t deal with the specific needs of the CEO in a confidential environment. There are other associations that focus on the company but not many that focus on the business leader who heads the company.

So there are problems that business leaders face, heightened in the downturn, and not many resources on hand to help. Many of these problem existed 13 years ago when Brian Chernett created the Academy for Chief Executives in London.

The Academy now has over 40 branches in the UK. Some branches are for the ultimate decision makers, generally CEOs or owner managers, other branches are aimed at business leaders who could be Sales, Marketing or Finance Directors and other new branches are aimed at the specific needs of entrepreneurs. I had the opportunity to interview several members of this organisation and a few branch chairmen recently.

Academy branches meet once per month for

a day. The morning is given over to a session by an expert speaker who has been vetted by the Academy and brings current thinking for the 10 to 15 CEOs present drawn from non-competing businesses.

In the afternoon the CEOs raise their own issues with their colleagues. This is effectively the board you could never afford, with an agenda that would never get to a board room.

Anything can be raised. This takes the place of old-style Non-Executive Directors (NEDs), who, until changes in legislation, could provide the CEO with the arm round the shoulder and some patent advice. Sadly compliance with corporate governance rules has made this role difficult now.

Interestingly when I interviewed some members of the Academy they all said that the speakers brought them to the group, but what

Many business leaders feel very comfortable getting their employees go on courses but feel a little guilty about attending learning events themselves!

is really helpful is the afternoon session.

One aspect of membership is that every January the group takes off for a two day retreat, a step back from the business where the CEOs can reflect and create business and personal objectives for the coming year.

A significant measure of the Academy’s success is the fact over 80% of participants renew their memberships every year. I asked the members why they come back: • They felt isolated in their role.

• They needed people to talk to who did not have any vested interest in their business.

• They needed a supportive but challenging environment to explore ideas without feeling exposed.

• They needed first hand access to practical models and concrete examples of how others deal with similar dilemmas.

• They needed to raise their aspirations about what they can have, what they can do and who they can be.

I asked an Academy Chairman what the reasons were people did not join what seemed to me to be a great solution to a difficult problem. The answer was time and cost. However the members I spoke to told me that the time invested had paid off many times over and the cost was insignificant when compared to the gains.

In the very near future a branch of the Academy will open in Gibraltar. CEOs and MDs will be invited to join an organisation that clearly meets the business learning needs of our senior business leaders. n

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

23

property

by Christopher Bruno, Just Consulting

The years of buying and selling off plan to make a ‘quick buck’ are gone for now

A Market for Property?

2009 is now well underway, and this year we will see the completion of the Anchorage, Ocean Village’s second phase and Genista House. With all these new developments having been purchased, sold and re-purchased long before the ‘credit-crunch’ developed into the world’s worst recession ever, will we see completions falling through as banks tighten their lending criteria.

Although the property market has remained very solid, there is a false micro-market within Gibraltar’s resilient economy. The years of buying and selling off plan to make a ‘quick buck’ are gone for now. The biggest threat to property prices here in Gibraltar is the lack of available lending and finances to complete on over 300 newly built properties. Developers know this is a problem.

But is there a silver lining to this dark cloud that lurks over us? Well yes and no. For those who can’t complete, they will be forced to choose the only option available, selling below cost. This is now being seen in Gibraltar and various parties are prepared to lose something to ensure they don’t lose everything.

Prospective purchasers, who have the money or the financing in place will be happy to know that there are these deals around.

Properties available for sale at 10-20% less than they sold for originally, off plan, years ago. Does this mean that market is crashing? No. This scenario is different to seeing a property market collapsing or falling. If we look at the local market and compare it to the UK we can see some enormous differences. The average property price in the UK has lost ap-

24

proximately £100 per day over the last year.

That has taken the average house price down by approximately 16%.

Gibraltar on the other hand, other than some new developments, has not taken a hit. The popular estates such as Montagu Gardens, Harbour Views and Vineyards for example are still at the same price as they were a year ago.

More importantly they are still selling for these prices. There are definitely less sales this year than last, but that said, after a slow start to the year things are definitely picking up.

As part of our group, Just Recruitment is, as

What does this mean?

Well, more people living here in Gibraltar, and an increased demand on property, especially now the pound is so weak against the euro and so the incentive to live in Spain ‘cheaply’ is no longer there

the name suggests, involved in recruitment, especially within the online gaming sector. As such we know for a fact that there are several companies moving over to the Rock, and existing companies that are looking to expand.

What does this mean? Well, more people living here in Gibraltar, and an increased demand on property, especially now the pound is so weak against the euro and so the incentive to live in Spain ‘cheaply’ is no longer there.

The Government’s new developments of affordable housing are also proof that the demand for housing and the amount of potential purchasers is very high. So what has happened in the market place? A simple lack of focus on what was needed in Gibraltar has resulted in there being a number of ‘luxury apartments’ that will not complete, and at the same time, there will be a large number of purchasers on the waiting list for affordable apartments and only a limited number available.

Maybe this year we will see the coming together of ideas that will be beneficial to the average purchaser in Gibraltar. Perhaps we will see new mixed developments on the horizon set to help people from all walks in life. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

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interview

by Frankie Hatton

George Gaggero of MH Bland

carrying on cruising...

The world is in recession. The news is full of bank losses here and struggles there. There is however an industry, that no matter what state the world, the Brit (and for Brit read Gibraltarian as well) still invests the time and effort to make sure they use. Every year they want a holiday. Holidays or more precisely tourism is exactly what Gibraltar can deliver according to this month’s profile George Gaggero.

MH Bland is not quite the business it was when established by Marcus Henry Bland in 1810, it has developed alongside Gibraltar almost as if the two were historically intertwined.

The Gaggero family have steered this particular ship and in George’s words it is not just a family business.

“MH Bland operates like an extended family.

There are people young and old that have their lives invested in our business. As my father once said to me, ‘You are only as good as the staff that work with you’. Note the, ‘with you’ not ‘for you’. It is an ethic I think we can be proud of.”

George Gaggero was born in Gibraltar in September 1965. He had the same upbringing as some, though admittedly many would think he and his siblings were born with the silver spoon.

“I accept people will think that and to a point we had a fortunate upbringing. However we were still expected to make our own way in the world and only through work would we succeed.”

26

At the age of eight George was given the choice of going to the Christian Brothers’ School for a year or going directly to Moor Park School in Ludlow, Shropshire. He chose Shropshire.

“Why would a child at the age of 8 do that?”

I asked.

“I can’t really explain that,” he answered. “I just knew my own mind and off I went.” In

“It was a bit like Gibraltar.

The same stone in our city walls was there too; the same way of doing things and that atmosphere I thought unique to Gibraltar”

fairness his brother John was already there and some friends he knew were too.

At the age of 12 he moved to Stratton on the Foss and a Monastery School in Somerset, not too far from Bath.

“School was fine,” he said. “I loved Rugby even though when I started I had no clue how to play it. I remember playing in Gibraltar on the concrete but we couldn’t tackle — it was too dangerous — so we played ‘tag’ rugby. At school with grass it was fantastic. I was in my element and it was the same in later years with the Gibraltar Rugby Club which had its ground on the polo pitches of Sotogrande. We had to have tetanus jabs incase we caught something from the horses that used the same soil,” he added.

As far as schooling went George openly admits to not being an academic.

“When it came to University for me there was no point. I wasn’t going to get anywhere. My grades weren’t good enough and even though before giving up I tried Law, I knew it wasn’t for me, but I can say I gave an academic career

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

elections

European Parliament Elections The European Parliament Elections are being held across the EU between 4th and 7th June 2009.

736 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) will be elected by proportional representation to represent some 500 million Europeans, making these the biggest trans-national elections in history.

Approximately three quarters of the MEPs will be elected on Sunday 7th June, but because traditional polling days vary from country to country according to local custom, the other quarter will be elected in the preceding days — the UK and Gibraltar Polling Day will be Thursday 4th June.

Gibraltar is included within the UK’s South West Region which is managed by the Regional Returning Officer Paul Morris. Melvyn Farrell, the Clerk to the Gibraltar Parliament, will be the Local Returning Officer for Gibraltar.

The formal Notice of Election will be pub-

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

lished on 28th April and people/political parties who wish to stand for Election must submit nomination papers to the Regional Returning Officer by 7th May 2009.

It is an easy process to stand for Election and Paul Morris and members of his team would be delighted to explain the process to any people who might be interested in standing as a Candidate.

Paul and his team can be contacted on Tel: +44(0)1202 633081 Fax: +44(0)1202 633094 or e-mail p.morris@poole.gov.uk.

It is an easy process to stand for Election and Paul Morris and his team would be delighted to explain the process to anyone interested in standing

29

business focus

by Brian McCann

The service providers — Andrew Ferrer with Marie Carmen Baker and Annette Button of Call Shop

The Service Providers “Visiting Royal Navy ships use us a lot; and cruise passengers — and crews – also keep us busy,” said Andrew of CallShop.

I was surprised to see how many people were using the various facilities at CallShop when I looked in on a Monday morning, especially as it isn’t in a prominent position.

Just a couple of doors up from the Angry Friar, opposite the Convent, the CallShop has a small entrance that opens into a world of communications.

Primarily, the shop provides cheap rate phone calls, mainly for visitors but also for a significant number of local people — who all have their own phones at home; so I asked owner Andrew Ferrer how this could be. He explained (in between providing quick friendly replies to customers’ queries) that a lot of people don’t like to get big monthly phone bills, so they use their home phone for local calls only; if they want to call abroad they pop out to the CallShop and ring from there. The costs per minute range from 12p for mainland Europe and Australia, and 15p for much of South America and China.

UK fixed phones are 20p, as is Morocco, whilst India costs only 18p a minute. Calls to mobiles have a higher rate, but nothing costs

30

more than 35p a minute.

Andrew, a former leading light in the battle to retain Gibraltar’s old street market, thoroughly enjoys running his CallShop business, and delights in giving an excellent service, mostly involving rapid responses to customer queries.

“You won’t get this level of service anywhere in Gibraltar, or even abroad,” he told me “When I’m on holiday I check out other phone shops and internet cafés to see what sort of service they offer. I have found that we are open for the longest hours in Gibraltar, and quite probably the cheapest.”

Internet access is also available at CallShop, with the seven phone booths supplemented by plenty of handheld phones and ten computers as well as a WiFi area for wireless laptop connection. In the internet section, Andrew also

makes sure he gives a quality support service.

“We do go the extra mile,” he said, the ‘we’ referring to himself and his assistants Marie Carmen Baker and Annette Button. “Marie Carmen is a very clever lady who has a doctorate in Psychology and Natural Sciences, whilst Annette has recently written a book, Singer, Sailor, the time of my life XXX,” Andrew said with some pride, adding, “We are always ready to help people with internet access, especially those who aren’t too familiar with how it works.” In fact Andrew, Marie Carmen and Annette are happy to type out emails as well as send them for people who have no experience, all at no extra charge. “30 to 40 per cent of computer users who come here have very little computer literacy and need assistance in various degrees,”

Andrew is always looking at ways to add more facilities, and in this he has often been guided by customers’ comments and suggestions

said Andrew.

A small group of Philippine sailors were at the computers and on the phones while I was there; and Andrew told me that when cruise passengers come in, the English tend to go for the phones whilst the Americans start emailing, even though the phone rates are much the same. Andrew, a Gibraltarian who grew up in London from the age of nine, explained that it’s not just the costs that are taken into consideration: time zones have a big influence too — when it’s daytime here it’s still night or very early morning in other parts of the world. The cosmopolitan mix of customers is reflected in the fact that computer keyboards are available in various alphabets — the standard European, of course, but also others such as Chinese and Hebrew, for instance.

Computer time is basically £1 for 20 minutes, or £2.50 for an hour; or you can pay £10 which gives you a total of 5 hours on-line, to be taken as and when you wish — so you could, for example, have 15 sessions of 20 minutes for that price.

Another of the many services provided is mobile phone hire. This is popular with tourists, who pay a deposit and take the Gibraltar phone away with them, to use as and when they wish. The rental and call charges are deducted when they return the handset.

There are plenty of other services too, such as economical email and fax sending and receiving, text message sending, scanning (and then emailing or copied to disk or flash drive) and photocopying; and that’s without mentioning the Western Union money transfer service, whereby cash can be send to or from Gibraltar in a matter of minutes.

In fact, Andrew is always looking at ways to add more facilities, and in this he has often been guided by customers’ comments and suggestions. This includes keeping all of the software right up to date, something he does himself automatically but he also takes note when a client tells him about some new super programme that would help his business.

The shop, as mentioned, is just past the Angry Friar bar on Main Street. The hours reflect the dedication to service — open every day of the year except Christmas, Easter and Gibraltar National Day from 9.30am to 9pm. Dollars and euros are accepted but change has to be given in pounds sterling. n The shop’s own phone numbers are (+350) 200 49645; fax 200 49639, mobile 54012494 or email callshop@ gibtelecom.net

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2009

31

interview Justice is a word which encompasses fairness, honesty, impartiality, integrity and legality amongst other meanings. It is what we all wish for in life, to be treated fairly. Within the courts and the legal profession, justice is paramount and thanks to rules and legislations, justice is what establishes a community’s way of life. This month Sonia Golt talks to the Minister for Justice, the Honorable Daniel Feetham, about his career and his undertakings within the very first Ministry for Justice in Gibraltar.

“I went to Reading University where I did a history degree, and when I finished I was still not focused as to what I wanted to do after I left university. I then came back to Gibraltar and was lucky enough to be able to obtain a Mackintosh Trust loan to do law.”

Daniel’s father, Michael, had always been keen for Daniel to do law, but Daniel felt it was not for him. His younger brother Nigel had by then spent a year studying law at Manchester University and with both father and brother persuading him he was soon off to Manchester to take up his law degree and then to London to do the Bar exams.

“Nigel did a Masters at Manchester so we both did our Bar exams in London at the same time,” he explains. Both the Feetham brothers are members of the honourable Society of Grays Inn of which the President of the Court of Appeal, Sir Murray Stuart Smith, and several other Gibraltar Court of Appeal judges, are benchers.

On a more personal note, the Honourable Daniel Feetham became a keen supporter of Manchester United Football Club!

Daniel’s involvement in politics is a revelation. As a young boy at home he was influenced by his father’s political career and politics was an every day subject — Daniel lived it and loved it.

“During my younger years I was very active in politics and followed my father around with Joe Bossano,” he recalls. “Remember that my father was a Trade Unionist during the 1970s.

He was also one of the prime movers in the struggle for parity, and a founder member of the GSLP.” At just 13 years of age Daniel was already helping his father, who he speaks very proudly off, by handing out leaflets for the 1980 General Election. “It was very difficult to disassociate myself from politics as it was around me continuously. It felt natural to get involved in politics!”

His political interest made him join the Student’s Union at university and he became the

Scales of Justice 32

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

business & finance profile interview Vice-President of Childs Hall, the largest hall of residence at Reading University, and later was a member of the UK Labour Party.

Daniel became a Gibraltar Minister as a member of the Gibraltar Social Democrats in the 2007 elections at the age of 40 — a decent age for a politician as dedicated as Daniel. He says standing for election was not a decision he took easily or lightly, and he had to give up his partnership in one of Gibraltar’s leading law firms to undertake a Ministerial career, even though his family was not in favour.

“I thought about it very careful and discussed it with my family. I thought of the contributions I might be able to make to the community. My family, particularly my wife, understood that.

People talk about ministerial salaries but for a professional person who might be earning far more in business or the private sector, that is not a consideration.

“What it has done for me is to give me a sense of not wanting to waste time. This is not a retirement job. It would be a personal disaster if I do not deliver over this term. Otherwise, what is the point? I am giving up my best years of professional life to do this job because I want my time to be worthwhile in how I deliver for people. I have an excellent opportunity to leave the Justice System in a far better position than it was when I became Justice Minister.

“I am also conscious that people have deposited their trust in me, both in the 2007 Elections, and prior to this in 2003. The latter has a very special place for me because I was leading my own Party [Gibraltar Labour Party] and people were backing me as a relatively unknown candidate, so my desire to demonstrate to them that they were not wrong to deposit their trust in me is very strong, even if they did not do so in 2007. I am here to make a difference and that is what makes everything worthwhile. The day I feel that I cannot make a difference, is the day I will take a step back from politics.”

Asked whether he would see his career out in politics, he replied “I am 41 now and I would not want to be involved at this level when I am in my mid 50s. That does not mean I will not be involved. I hope that the discussions being held by the recently set up committee on parliamentary reform will come up with proposals that will allow backbenchers. Our political system should give senior politicians the opportunity to continue to contribute at a different level.

Take my very good friend Maurice Xiberras.

He would not want to become a Government Minister at the age of 67 but may (I have not

asked him) not mind being a backbencher supporting the Government but also holding it to account on some issues. Similarly, the system should allow young people the opportunity to mature into a political role without requiring them to become Government Ministers from the outset. I believe there should be a system of backbenchers, part time and full time Ministers.

People can be promoted and demoted on the basis of merit and good candidates should be given the opportunity to become MPs to serve their constituents even if they do not want to be Government Ministers.”

Knowing that the Criminal Justice System is not the same as UK I wanted to know what the differences are.

“There are many differences, but it is only right that there should be. What we have to deliver is a modern justice system whilst recognizing that Gibraltar has its own unique way of doing things. Our way may not be the UK way and it is neither worse nor better. We take from the United Kingdom system (or should I say the Anglo-Welsh system) when it suits us but we should depart from it when it is not appropriate for Gibraltar in terms of the Crimes Acts, for instance. I will draw upon 40 UK statutes and some from the Commonwealth. I have just approved, in principle, some amendments to certain parts of our Family Law that has drawn upon Australian Legislation. I will certainly not try and reinvent the wheel and we can learn from other jurisdictions outside Gibraltar.”

Although we are in a democracy it is still compulsory to take up Jury Service and I was keen to find out why this is the case.

“Well it’s a good question. Jury Service is one of the fundamental civic duties of our citizens.

You may recall that I proposed a voluntary Jury Service in my consultation papers and the feed-

I am giving up my best years of professional life to do this job because I want my time to be worthwhile in how I deliver for people. I have an excellent opportunity to leave the Justice System in a far better position than it was when I became Justice Minister

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back I received is that about half of those who responded to the consultation process would support the idea. On the other hand, the Bar Council does not support it.

“For something as fundamental as reform of our Jury Service you need to carry a substantial majority of people and pay particular regard to those involved in the justice system such as the Bar Council. However, we certainly need to make sure that the burden service is spread out amongst as many people as possible. If it is to be a civic duty then let it be the civic duty of everyone. Obviously if any reforms do not tackle the fundamental problems I identified in my consultation papers then we will have to re-examine it in the future.”

Legal Assistance is taken on by most lawyers in Gibraltar. The problem is that the payment of these fees is delayed — although this might not be a problem for bigger law firms it is crucial for smaller law firms which need the cash flow and cannot wait years to get paid. Why is this happening?

“Legal Assistance is managed and administered by the Registrar; she is also the controlling officer for the Supreme Court and has an important administrative roll quite apart from her roll as a judge. I think it is not right for one person to be a judge, an administrator and manage Legal Assistance. It is not a good effective system. The Bar Council does agree with me on this matter.

“The Government wants to introduce substantial reform into this area and one of the things we want to do is to have a Legal Aid and Assistance Board that will hopefully speed up this process and ensure that there are proper controls in place. I am very conscious about delays to smaller firms in payments. Bigger firms can cope with the cash flow problems but it impacts more severely on smaller firms. The Registrar and I have spoken about this and she is trying to make a difference. Let me tell you however, because it is a coincidence you should ask me about this today, that the Legal Aid Board in England just recouped some money paid to me on account of fees in 1994 because the solicitors had not presented their final bill of costs! Unbelievably I still have cases outstanding even after all these years of having left the Bar in England. But yes I agree.”

On leaving the Minister’s office at 6 Convent Place, I felt reassured by his words and input to the local Justice System. Above all, it seems like ‘the truth and nothing but the truth’ is what will lead us in the right direction. n

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www.gasim.gi 33

community

Bridging the Gap between Continents New Gibraltar registered charity, RifCom (The Rif Community Foundation), is the inspiration of a small group of individuals from Gibraltar and Spain who shared a dream to improve lives in their neighbouring communities just across the Strait of Gibraltar in the Morocco’s Rif Mountains.

After embarking on corporate challenge treks into the heart of the Rif Mountains in Northern Morocco for the past two years and having witnessed first-hand the poverty which many of the locals endure on a daily basis, this small group of individuals shared a vision to make a positive contribution to communities so geographically close, yet so far apart in every other sense.

Although some parts and people of Morocco are wealthy, there are many more who are extremely poor and that’s particularly evident in the heart of the Rif. Those who’ve been there will know how incredible it is that somewhere within sight of our shining offices and comfy sofas can be so deprived of education, health care, clean water, electric lights and the ability of children to play and be carefree rather than work in the fields. It’s shocking to discover that many women and babies are still dying in childbirth due to a complete lack of the most basic facilities.

This isn’t happening everywhere in Morocco, far from it, but it IS happening in the Rif. RifCom aims to make a positive contribution to this developing world community by creating and enhancing sources of income in the Rif region that can be sustained by the local community. RifCom also aims to develop Rif community projects which address education, health, language, culture, conservation, entrepreneurship, innovation and the environment.

The establishment of an education and sup-

port community centre in the heart of the Rif is a priority of the charity and will facilitate those educational programmes and projects, as well as provide a centre for rural tourism and ‘challenge’ events. To form a model for the development of future sustainable community support centres across the Rif is the long term plan of the charity.

It’s early days for RifCom and there is much they need to do, not least to raise the funds required to start building the first Centre, but they have already gained support from incredibly varied, enthusiastic sources not only from Gibraltar but the UK and Morocco too, including other global charities.

The June 2009 Community Challenge Event in the Rif Mountains will provide the people of Gibraltar with an opportunity to share an extraordinary, five day, life-enhancing experience while making an important difference to the lives of their neighbours living across the Strait.

If you’d like to find out more about RifCom, the June Challenge Event or just how to make a donation or become a Friend of RifCom, visit www.rifcom.org or email: info@rifcom.org. The RifCom team are always keen to hear from other organisations and individuals presently undertaking charitable works in the Rif, to exchange ideas, information and perhaps even join forces in making a positive difference. n

The June 2009 Community Challenge Event in the Rif Mountains will provide the people of Gibraltar with an opportunity to share an extraordinary, five day, life-enhancing experience 34

Miss Gibraltar 2009 The first contestant has signed up for this year’s Miss Gibraltar contest which will take place on Saturday 27th June at the Alameda Open Air Theatre.

The winner will receive a cash prize of £3,500 and will represent Gibraltar at Miss World.

Full Name: Jemma Rocca Age: 18 Occupation: Receptionist Colour of Hair: Brown Colour of Eyes: Blue/Grey Hobbies & Interests: Reading, drawing, writing music, singing and playing guitar Ambition (academic/professional): To go to University to study nursing and progressing into the medical field.

What’s your perfect day?: Performing songs I have written, for the people I love the most on a beautiful sunny day with no Levanter!

What do you like most about Gibraltar?: The multi-cultural society, the history and beautiful views from the Rock and of course the wonderful warm people.

What do you like least about Gibraltar?: The Levanter Why have you entered the pageant?: I have entered the pageant to have an amazing experience and prove to myself, and other girls, that we are all beautiful and can achieve anything we want in life if we set our mind and heart to it.

Why would you like to be Miss Gibraltar?: Becoming Miss Gibraltar would be the best thing that has happened to me. I would feel very proud to represent Gibraltar in Miss World and feel it would be my responsibility to prove that beauty is not only skin deep, it is what is inside that counts. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

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humour

Calling the Shots

by Marcus Killick

I know of a number of individuals in Gibraltar who regularly make the trek to the UK to watch the skilled but sadly distant heroes of their respective football teams. Their loyalty may be to different clubs, Chelsea for one of our leading bankers, Manchester United for, seemingly, most of the Government, but, almost to a man, it is to Premiership clubs. Not me, not anymore.

Last Saturday I made the trip with my youngest son to the Recreation Ground, the hallowed home of Aldershot Town Football Club (imaginatively nicknamed “the Shots”). The Shots are a comparatively new club, before 1992 the local club was Aldershot, which folded in that year. The Shots finally put the town back in the football big time with the likes of Grimsby and Accrington Stanley when they got promoted into League 2 (or 4th Division in old money) in 2008.

For those whose experience of the game does not extend to a cup of Bovril by the touchline on a windswept March day (90p and worth every penny). There are, I admit a few differences between the Premiership and League 2.

The average salary of a League 2 player is about £50,000 a year. In other words the entire team including reserves collectively gets about the same as the average Premiership player.

Not for the Shots is there sponsorship by some nationalised insurance company, they have EBB, known by all as the UK’s leading independent paper supplier. The ground, unencumbered by television cameras, boasts a capacity of 7,100.

Although, on the day we went we were able to spread out a little as only 3,000 had made the effort, including about 400 away fans from distant Luton Town.

Luton, once best known as the favourite club of Eric Morecombe, currently languishes at the

36

bottom of the table, with the horrors of the Blue Square Premier League beckoning. They actually had won more games than the Shots but started the season with a 30 point deduction, the biggest in football league history, giving them an immensely difficult task in trying to avoid relegation for the third season in a row.

20 of these points related to the club’s inability to agree a Company Voluntary Agreement to exit administration. The Football League kindly pointed out that this was the third time in 10 years that Luton had been in such a position.

Clearly the recession started early in Luton.

Given both the Shots and Luton have had

At the “Rec” the banqueting facilities, or trailer as it is sometimes referred to, is next to the pitch so you, or indeed a peckish defender, can grab a bite without missing a second of the game

their financial difficulties (as indeed has much of League 2) one might have thought that the receivership arms of PWC or Deloittes might have gone for a bit of sponsorship, if only to say thanks for the business. Just a thought.

Anyway, for those of you preferring the luxury of watching the game from the director’s box at Stamford Bridge, when was the last time a Chelsea player managed to kick a ball out of their stadium? Aldershot did it TWICE in the same game, once onto the road, once onto the railway line. Admittedly this had more to do with the somewhat incomplete wire fence surrounding the stadium, rather than ferocious shooting skills, but I believe my point is made.

Sponsoring the match ball might prove a little expensive though.

The game, which Aldershot won 2-1, had both pride and passion. I was initially very impressed to notice that the home team was led out by the shortest captain I had ever seen. I remarked on this to my son, who having starred at me with ill-disguised amazement for a second, then replied “dad, I think you will find that is their mascot”.

For those in the stands at White Hart Lane how long did you have to queue to get a drink?

At the “Rec” the banqueting facilities, or trailer as it is sometimes referred to, is next to the pitch so you, or indeed a peckish defender, can grab a bite without missing a second of the game.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

Indeed you can actually stand to watch the game, the terraces, long ago banned from the Premiership are still present in League 2. We spent the second half there, leaving the family stand for the raw fever and passion that only standing at a game can bring.

Perhaps the best differences are the announcements. I doubt whether the Old Trafford tannoy has ever come across with “The coach for the next away game will be leaving at 8am next Saturday morning. The cost is £30 each, but given the distance we need at least 25 people and currently we are well short”. Or “We need volunteers to help redecorate the bar; you need to bring your own paint”.

The programme for the game contained an offer of a free season ticket for anyone who could persuade their boss to sponsor a pitch side advert. Judging by the adverts on display at the game, the offer appears to have been taken up on mass by every plumbing and heating firm in Hampshire. Either that or Aldershot is curiously blessed with radiator fitters.

And so the Shots will be heading north for their next away game at Darlington. Sadly I will not be joining the coach at 8am for the journey.

I just hope they find the 25 brave souls for the trip. Failing that there is always a chance of a lift in the manager’s car. n To get involved with your local teams or lend your support at matches visit www.sportgib.com for results and fixtures (all sports in Gibraltar are featured, not just football). The standard may not be quite Premiership, but the matches can be just as enjoyable.

HDC Buddies Members of Harley Davidson Club-Gibraltar supported last month’s buddy walk by turning up with their Harley Davidson motorcycles on the Saturday and asking for a £1 donation in return for a photograph on one of their motorbikes. The event was also supported by the Motorcycle Club of Gibraltar, and was a huge success. n

Photos © DM Parody (http://dotcom.gi/photos)

community

Friday 26th June 2009 5Km walk starts at midnight, from Casemates to an Eastern Beach party

www.breastcancergib.org

£5 registration on the night at Casemates Square from 9pm

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

37

home improvements

By Brian McCann

Jason Ratcliffe, of D&H Ceramics Ltd. — always ready to help

D&H Ceramics:

Advice & Price “We have a full truck of tiles every couple of weeks, so there is never a long wait for any that might not be in stock,” said Jason Ratcliffe of D&H Ceramics Ltd.

And that’s just the 500 varieties of floor and wall tiles — when you consider the enormous range of goods at the 30m2 showroom as well as its store at the back, its paint shop and the heavy-goods builders’ merchant yard (and customer parking), many of the lorries heading down Devil’s Tower Road are likely to be on their way to D&H. Jason is a director of the company, along with his father Dennis who founded the company in June 1981 with partner Henry Wilkie. So Dennis and Henry became D&H. In 1981 the frontier was still kept firmly closed by Spain, and the new company brought its first load of tiles in by ship. Some goods still come by sea but the majority are transported overland, mostly from Britain and Spain. The British products are usually the Armitage Shanks bathrooms and Crown paints, D&H now being the sole suppliers of those paints in Gibraltar.

The first premises were sited in a former toilet paper factory, close to their present address in Devil’s Tower Road. Then the company built its own new complex, which included the Sunrise Motel although that part of the business has

38

been sold to another group.

Whilst D&H now sell almost everything to do with home improvements, they are still famous for their range of quality tiles from Spanish firms such as Tau and Saloni, both of whom supply excellent materials which start from about £8 per square metre, whilst the most upmarket tiles, Porcelanic, can cost up to £25 a square metre.

“Whereas normal tiles just have one side coloured, patterned and glazed, Porcelanic are the same right through, often in granite or marble,” said Jason. “They are about 8mm thick, are incredibly strong; and can come with vari-

The policy at D&H is to be available, knowledgeable and helpful but without any pressure or feeling of obligation

ous finishes such as matt, shiny, non-slip, brick, wood or other effects. These are becoming the most stylish name in ceramics.”

Other types of flooring provided by the showroom include natural wood and laminated wood, with the latter starting at approximately £11 a square metre. This is from the famous flooring company Quick-Step, which can be found in just about every country on earth.

In spite of the recession, Jason is confident about the foreseeable future: “There is so much going on in our business; we’re selling to private individuals and to builders,” he said. “For instance, there are about 600 low-cost homes coming out, and they all need tiles, flooring and bathroom fittings — so we expect to stay busy throughout next year at least and realistically into the year after that.

“Many of the Waterport Terraces buyers are getting a lot of what they need from us and they appreciate our layout and our service. We have knowledgeable staff on hand, including Avellino Baldachino, sales manager; Andrew Vallecillo, sales advisor; and Albert Martín, painting and decorating specialist.”

The policy at D&H is to be available, knowledgeable and helpful but without any pressure or feeling of obligation. “We give advice and we give the price,” said Jason; “and that’s usually enough.”

Bathrooms are big business at D&H — along with tiles they were the first lines imported by them 28 years ago. Nowadays their main quality suppliers are Armitage Shanks from Britain and Roca from Spain.

Roca has been the star of Spanish bathrooms for many decades, even back in the days when other Spanish sanitary fittings were a joke — yet Roca’s quality even caught on with the UK market, where such standards are high, and has maintained its appeal there ever since.

Armitage Shanks is Britain’s household name in bathroom and sanitary fittings, a position it has enjoyed ever since it was founded in 1850.

Showers are also a strong point at D&H. “We supply Roman Showers,” said Jason. “They are a brilliant company, both for the quality of their showers and for their excellent service, which are by far the best. They have an enormous range of showers, and all spare parts are available very quickly.”

In the same building, opening directly onto Devil’s Tower Road, the paint shop Splash of Colour is, as already mentioned, the only local stockist of Crown paints, which it sells alongside that other prestigious make, McPherson, as well as a big choice of wallpapers.

The heavy goods department will be well known to builders and Do-it-Yourselfers, and includes everything for gravity main drainage runs — from pipes to British manhole covers in plastic and cast iron — and all the basic construction elements such as bricks, cement and plaster, for example.

Cars and vans can drive straight into the yard without any difficulty where they will be loaded by the friendly store staff.

There is a lot to D&H Ceramics and Splash of Colour: if you’re moving home or doing up your existing one, it’s well worth having a look at their showroom: they are opposite Bassadone Motors at 60 Devil’s Tower Road (Tel: 200 70100), and are open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, with Splash of Colour also opening on Saturdays from 10am to 1pm. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

a fairy’s tale 

When world-renowned fairy artist, Myrea Pettit, chose Gibraltar as the destination for her wedding it was always going to be a magical occasion...

42

Many couples dream of a fairy-tale wedding, and although Gibraltar is well known for its ‘quick hitch’ ceremonies for outsiders travelling through, the registrar’s office is keen to not promote ‘Las Vegas style’ weddings which take the seriousness out of the occasion.

That doesn’t mean that you can’t create a theme around your big day, being original and creative in your approach. Myrea Pettit, the famous fairy artist from Cornwall, could be an inspiration to us all judging from her approach to her big day.

A big Beatles fan, Myrea and her husband-tobe David chose Gibraltar in 2007, only partially for the link with John and Yoko’s wedding on the Rock.

The couple’s lives have always revolved around fairies and they were keen to find the perfect fairy-tale setting for their big day. They even styled their outfits for the occasion with stunning fairy wings for bride and briesmaids, crafted by Tammy Henderson of Enchanted Costumes in the USA from an exclusive design.

They had never visited Gibraltar before, but David’s intuition made him choose our botanical gardens as the perfect fairy-tale setting to fit in with his fairy-artist bride. The delightful surrounding of the Dell would give them and their close family an experience in keeping with everything magical they believe in a natural setting befitting of the world of fairies.

“There is no question that there is a connection between Gibraltar and fairies, and in particular the Botanical Gardens and the Dell,” Myrea elaborated. “With their natural beauty you can imagine fairies are all around you, in the water features, the pond, with the frogs, dragonflies and amongst the beautiful flowers.”

All Myrea’s life, her inspiration for painting fairies has come through her closeness to nature — quiet moments in the garden, particularly at dawn or dusk. She has a particular interest in animals and has spend many years watching them in their natural habitats and studying them closely.

“When I paint animals, they have to be anatomically correct, and if I decide that characters need to be clothed then their garments need to be immaculate in detail which reflects the period they are set in,” she explained. “I’ve been working on The Dodo’s Last Ball, a painting which I have kept coming back to over the last four years, which reflects just this.”

Her fairies are traditional (or so she’s told) and Myrea doesn’t really know the difference.

“They are what I see and believe — diminutive, small and delicate is how I would describe them. They are probably influenced by my early childhood and appreciation of the work of Cecily Mary Barker, Margaret Tarrant, Arthur GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

“With their natural beauty you can imagine fairies are all around you, in the water features, the pond, with the frogs, dragonflies and amongst the beautiful flowers.”



Rackham, John Bauer and most certainly Ann Mari Sjogren, a Swedish artist whose book A Day in Fairyland published in 1947 is one I adored. I even discovered she was still alive and is indeed now 91. I took some time to visit and study with her in Sweden — that was my fairy tale come true.”

Myrea’s work is mainly confined to the UK, but she has travelled to Europe studying art and architecture in museums from Amsterdam and Paris to Barcelona and Bilbao, to name a few. In 2003 she visited Ecuador’s Quito and the High Andes taking in volcanos, the Galapagos Islands and the virgin Amazon jungle for a week.

“It has left me with a profound sense of responsibility to enlighten the world to the devastation of pollution, overfishing, deforestation and to protect endangered species through my art and my work for the environment.”

Myrea sells her work in stores and online at www.fairiesworld.com and also takes on commissions. She has produced a book entitled 500 Fairy Motifs which features her work and that of 42 other artist friends.

“It never ceases to amaze me the individual interpretation of the word ‘fairy’ and the diverse array of different images that one word conjures up,” she told us.

Her work in progress is a new book Drawing Art Fairies, which will instruct her readers on how to draw her traditional type of fairy. The book will be published together with a CD and will assist the drawing using computer technology. n h www.fairiesworld.com

GIBRALTAR GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAGAZINE •• APRIL APRIL 2009 2009

43 43

art scene

Jim Whitty

at farrington contemporary

This month’s featured artist at Farrington Contemporary will be Jim Whitty.

Born in Gloucester in 1970, he spent many of his formative years in Nigeria, Malawi and Greece, punctuated with regular visits to a remote cottage on the west coast of the Isle of Skye.

“I think that the open spaces that I spent my youth in have instilled in me a sense of escapism, that finds an outlet in some of my work. I have always loved messing around in and on water in all its shapes and forms, and it provides another theme for much of my work.

Its ever-changing life enhancing qualities are a never ending source of wonder to me,” he comments.

Educated in art and design and a graduate

of Glasgow School of Art with a BA Honours in Fine Art, Jim has held a host of exhibitions, won many prizes for his work and taken on commissions including a mural for HMS President, London and to redesign the look of the Fitzcoraldo, a touring theatre ship — a project which he took on along side artist Marti Cottis back in 2001.

See Jim’s work at Farrington Contemporary, Ocean Village from 14th April. n

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

special occasion at Shoe

Whether planning your wedding or other special occasion, shoes are the last thing you want to be worrying about. Shoe at 178 Main Street have brought in a new range of wedding attire to complement the already beautiful selection they’ve become famous for in Gibraltar.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

Sourced from the UK’s market leader for bridal footwear, you can now find an incredibly comfortable and stylish selection from the Belle and Benjamin Adams’ ranges at Shoe.

“Both brands produce exquisite silk bridal shoes with a high regard for quality as well as comfort with exciting and beautiful designs,” Di of Shoe told us. “Benjamin Adams’ range incorporates delicate Swarovski crystals, giving an extra touch of elegance”.

But that is not the only perk, both brands can be hand coloured to compliment the unique colour of your gown to complete your outfit.

If you are spending money on a good pair of shoes, wouldn’t it be nice if you could choose to change the colour? Again, Shoe can have them re-coloured into darker shades to ensure that you can wear your shoes again and again.

The order system is pretty efficient too. Pop into the shop and try on the shoes you like. The girls at shoe will order you a new pair

for your special day. Delivery is a week to ten days for ivory silk and if you’d like them coloured you’ll need to allow 21 to 28 days to be safe.

The Belle range starts from as little as £86 and the top of the range will take you up to £218 including custom dye - and there are many models in between to suit your budget. They also have a matching range of handbags which can also be re coloured to coordinate with your shoes.

So, whether you’re the bride, guest, or just looking for something different for that special occasion, Shoe might just have the right balance of comfort, price and style.

Call them on 200 48480 to find out more. n

Both brands produce exquisite silk bridal shoes with a high regard for quality as well as comfort with exciting and beautiful designs

45

art scene

by Brian McCann

Dancingwith Dolphins Kim Ekman was born in Sweden and from the age of four her dream has been to work with dolphins.

She eventually swam with dolphins in 1995 and has been involved in this line of work ever since.

She left Sweden with her partner and children, in search of a better quality of life and slowly moved down south to Gibraltar, starting off in Mallorca where her dream first came true.

“My first chance to work with dolphins was in Mallorca at the Marineland Dolphinarium. I am a certified Dive Master and belong to the Professional Association of Diving Instructors which is the most complete education system in the dive industry today. The qualification allows you to supervise dive activities and assist instructors with student divers but at that time however I spoke no Spanish at all and more than once my application was refused.

I was determined and knew that if I focussed on my goal, I would get there in the end and finally, I was accepted!’

At the dolphinarium Kim learned a lot about dolphins, sea lions and seals. “These animals are amazing and interacting with them is very special but the most important lesson I came to learn was that dolphins belong in the sea and not with people in a pool. My experience at Marineland caused a change in my life. I started to study the impact dolphins had on people with disabilities after they had met the dolphins in the wild and I saw that the results were generally amazing. My goal then became to make a difference in the lives of other people and, at the same time, follow my heart’s desire to work with wild dolphins.”

Kim eventually set up an organisation to be

46

“Scientists all over the world have tried to find out how the dolphins heal humans... but have not been able to provide any logical explanation”

able to offer people the opportunity to meet the dolphins. “I set up CWide (www.c-wide.net), arranging trips around the globe for wonderful encounters with these amazing creatures and decided to mainly focus on two destinations: Hawaii and the Bahamas.

“Over the years I have had the opportunity to experience the fantastic healing and unconditional help these amazing creatures communicate, particularly to people with physical or learning disabilities. In the best case scenario these meetings can be life changing.

“I am convinced that nobody leaves an encounter with a wild dolphin untouched. I am also sure that meeting dolphins in their own environment can teach us respect for nature and at the same time develop trusting relationships between people.

“Scientists all over the world have tried to find out how the dolphins heal humans in the way they do but have not been able to provide any logical explanation. However, the scientists have had to admit that they do in a way that is almost miraculous.

“You may read about cases where, after personal contact with wild dolphins, autistic children have suddenly developed new abilities such as speech and improved physical coordina-

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

other lives

by Mark Montovio tion. Watching this happen is a truly wonderful experience. People who have swum with dolphins have felt extremely calm.

“Dolphins have a capacity to unlock emotions that have been bottled up for a long time. They emit sounds with frequencies of between 1,000 and 80,000 MHz but we are only able to hear frequencies between 1,000 and 20,000 Hz. At 20,000 Hz our brain is induced to release endorphins, the joy hormones of our body.”

By 2006 Kim was in Gibraltar and started attending the yoga group led by Nalanie Chellaram and began meeting like-minded people.

“Yoga, the Science of the Mind, is essential for my stability. Without my meditation and other yoga practices, I would be all over the place. I have been going to Nalanie’s talks or Satsangs every Tuesday since then and each day I get recharged and learn more about myself and how to achieve peace of mind.

“I did the International Raja Yoga teacher training last year with Nalanie as my mentor.

She is the greatest teacher I have ever met! I also met Les Roberts from AKIN there and we have become good friends. We are both interested in helping children in need and his big heart and devotion is such an inspiration.

“For quite a long time now, I have wanted to provide support to people who may benefit from close encounters with wild dolphins. The trips are unfortunately rather expensive, as we have to travel to distant destinations to meet them, as a result of which many people who truly need this experience have missed the opportunity.

I hope that together we can make 2009 a year of service and help as many individuals as we possibly can.” n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

“

Over the years I have had the opportunity to experience the fantastic healing and unconditional help these amazing creatures communicate”

47

history file

by Dave Wood

Henry M. Field:

“

the man from massachusetts

The common tour in Spain does not include Gibraltar. Indeed it is not a part of Spain, for, though connected with the Spanish Peninsula, it belongs to England; and to one who likes to preserve a unity in his memories of a country and people, this modern fortress, with its English garrison, is not “in color” with the old picturesque kingdom of the Goths and the Moors.

The words could have been written anytime, by anyone, in the last 300 years. But there are clues. A certain quaintness in the language tells us that they have some age, and the use of “color” instead of “colour” betrays the writer as an American.

In fact, these are the opening lines of Gibraltar, by Henry M. Field, published 120 years ago, in 1889.

Henry Martyn Field was born in Stockbridge, Massachusetts on 3rd April 1822, one of ten children of the Reverend David Dudley Field and his aptly named wife, Submit (née Dickinson), who he married on Halloween 1803. Four of their sons were destined for distinction. David Jr became a lawyer, politician and prominent law reformer; Cyrus made a fortune as a merchant, railroad man, and layer of the first transatlantic telegraph cable; Stephen rose to become a US Supreme Court Justice; and Henry followed his father into the church and wrote books. Stop sniggering at the back — writing is an honourable profession.

Henry probably caught the writing bug from his father, who was a prolific scribbler himself. Among his more notable works were his

well received Warning Against Drunkenness: A Sermon Preached In The City of Middletown, June 20, 1816, The Day of the Execution of Peter Lung, For the Murder of His Wife and his gripping 1814 debut, A History of the Towns of Haddam and East-Haddam.

Writing the history of the town you live in may be seen as the mark of a man who longed to see the world but lacked the time, energy and wherewithal to do so after recklessly fathering ten children.

Too late he saw the wisdom of the Lungian alternative of embracing the bottle and the bludgeon. If David Dudley Field was indeed a frustrated armchair traveller, Henry may well have been the son who most faithfully fulfilled his secret dream.

Nevertheless, brother Cyrus seems to have been the first to spread his wings and fly. In 1858 he was in Plymouth, Devon, preparing for his great transatlantic cable-lay-

He never met anyone he didn’t like. If he had held out his hand and been rewarded with a punch in the face he would have interpreted it as a quirky traditional greeting

Charcoal Seller in Gibraltar at the end of the 19th century

48

ing expedition. Henry and his wife also travelled to Europe that year, but unlike his brother, who was far too busy, Henry kept a diary.

Writing was not a new departure.

He was already a published author, having produced The Irish Confederates, and the Rebellion of 1798 in 1851, and since 1854 he had been editor and proprietor of a Presbyterian magazine The Evangelist, but on this trip to Europe he found his true metier.

The Fields docked in Falmouth in the summer of 1858, and with Cyrus and his team still in Plymouth waiting to set sail, hurried there to wish him bon voyage.

They met at the Royal Hotel and dined regally with the directors of the cable company. All of this was faithfully committed to Henry’s diary, which became the basis for his book, Summer Pictures: From Copenhagen to Venice (1859).

If you can make a reputation and a living from writing travel books,

”

you’ve got it made. Who has not, as a child, laboured on that perennial post-vacation schoolroom task, What I Did On My Holidays? The unimaginative dullards — roughly 99.9% of us — considered the writing of the essay a tiresome bore, scribbling a few desultory words and hoping they would pass muster. It was a rare genius who realised he had been handed the passport to Paradise. Why hoard money like a miser all year to pay for two weeks of freedom, when you could pay for the whole enterprise by telling the world about it in print?

Summer Pictures: From Copenhagen to Venice was well received. For the critic of the North American Review, Henry Field was “a keen and kindly observer, and a charming writer” who wrote “lovingly of the people of every nation on his route”. So fulsome was the praise that, if he did not pseudonymously write it himself, it must have brought a blush to his cheeks.

There was no turning back. Have a holiday, write in all down in a keen, kindly and loving way, collect royalties, have another holiday, return to Square One and start again.

If this wasn’t money for jam, may the preserve never leave the jar.

Vegetable Seller in Gibraltar town centre

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

history file

View from the Old Mole, 1889 — the first view vistors arriving by sea had of Gibraltar

Nevertheless, it was another 20 years before Henry really hit his stride. The adventures of brother Cyrus provided him with a potboiler in 1866 — History of the Atlantic Telegraph — but the breakthrough came in 1876, when he travelled once again to Europe and came up with From the Lakes of Killarney to the Golden Horn. Thousands of people who would never see Killarney, and thought the Golden Horn was an indelicate euphemism, loved the book and demanded more.

Henry was on a roll. In 1877 he journeyed triumphantly From Egypt to Japan, and reprised the theme in 1883 with On The Desert: With Review of Events in Egypt. He was Among The Holy Hills in 1884, and soaking up the sun in The Greek Islands and Turkey After The War in 1885. He took a bit of a breather in 1886, but it didn’t stop him writing about it in Blood Thicker Than Water: A Few Days Among Our Southern Brethren. Hardly enough for a man with itchy feet and a tireless pen. In 1888 he sampled Old and New Spain, and finally, in 1889, he arrived in Gibraltar.

Henry’s trademark, as we have learned, was friendliness.

His watchwords were “kindly”, “charming” and “loving”, and he never met anyone he didn’t like.

If he had held out his hand and been rewarded with a punch in the face he would have interpreted it as a quirky traditional greeting.

But when he set foot in Gibraltar his natural tendency to shun the cutting observation was helped by the fact that almost immediately he spotted a familiar name.

Most of us, given the choice of where we would prefer to be “trapped” for the night, would probably opt for the safety of a fortress, but Henry didn’t like it His closest companion on his journey through Spain had remained in Cadiz, and though he was relieved to be somewhere he could speak English without being stared at, he was feeling abandoned and lonely. Then he learned that a certain Mr De Sauty was currently in Gibraltar as manager of the Eastern Telegraph Company, and his mind rolled back 30 years.

His brother’s first attempt to lay the transatlantic telegraph cable had ended in failure, but during the heroic efforts to complete the project, De Sauty had been the operator in Newfoundland who’s invariable signing off line, “All right – De Sauty” had become a byword, and was even immortalised in a poem.

At last Henry had a chance to meet him. This, above everything, put him at ease and made him feel at home. After visiting the offices of the Eastern Telegraph Company, he made his way to the American Consul where he learned, to his astonishment, that apart from that representative and his family, he was the only American on the Rock.

The consul, by the way, was the remarkable Horatio J Sprague, who deserves an article of his own.

In those days, Gibraltar was like a giant shop. During the day it bustled with activity, as Spaniards

came over the border to sell their produce in the market. But towards evening they would pack up and make their way home. At precisely 5:30 the firing of a gun would be the signal for the gates to be closed.

Any stragglers caught on the wrong side would have no option but to settle down in some accommodating corner for the night. Many would simply sleep in the street.

Henry Field was claustrophobic.

Gibraltar was not a cupboard, but with the gates closed, he admitted to feeling uneasy. He was trapped in a fortress with no immediate means of escape. Most of us, given the choice of where we would prefer to be “trapped” for the night, would probably opt for the safety of a fortress, but Henry didn’t like it.

At 9:30, the gun was fired again, to tell the soldiers it was time to return to barracks. Until that hour they had wandered the town like an undisciplined rabble but, on hearing the gun, they stood to attention, dropped their beers to the tavern floor, and marched quietly to their beds.

With the soldiers tucked up with their cuddly toys and snoring the blissful snores of the innocent, Gibraltar, says Henry, became “as tranquil as a New England village”.

He stepped onto the balcony of his room at the Royal Hotel, and found

the stillness “almost unnatural”.

Even stranger when we learn this was New Year’s Eve. By midnight he was asleep in bed, and the next sound he heard was the firing of the morning gun to announce the dawn of a new day and a new year.

It was 1st January 1887, and Henry celebrated by making his way up the winding path to the top of the Rock to take in the view.

He was most impressed, so we may assume the winter of 1886/7 was a damn sight better than the past one. He even speaks of “the sunshine of Africa” resting in the clefts of the rocks.

In his book, Henry Field writes extensively about Gibraltar’s fortifications, flora, fauna, and history.

But he was a people man, and it is in his writing about the people he meets, talks and dines with that he is at his most interesting. Gibraltar is currently out of print, but some mild internet surfing should uncover several vintage copies for sale at reasonable prices.

In his 70s, Henry’s taste for travel, or his physical endurance for it, weakened. In 1893, perhaps wrapping himself in a warm blanket of nostalgia, he repeated The Story of the Atlantic Telegraph. Or maybe he was simply honouring his brother. Cyrus had died on 12th July 1892.

More nostalgic still, Henry took to thinking of his father. In 1898 he published The Life of David Dudley Field. It was to be his last significant work. He had come full circle, and died where he was born, in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, on 29th December 1906. n

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

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

49

recreation

s e t a r i p

paintball

Gibraltar finally has its first Paintball Team. The team, named The Rock Pirates, comprises seven Gibraltarian players who are currently competing in the Malaga Paintball Liga de Bosque — a league which is mostly played in woods in Malaga, Estepona and Mijas.

Steven Pardo, the Gibraltar team captain, has been playing paintball for some years now, however this is the first time he has joined a league, and competed for a title.

Steven says “This will be a new and exciting experience, both for me and my team and we hope to achieve a good position in the league by the end of the season. The Rock Pirates are hoping to develop Paintball in Gibraltar as it is getting more popular by the day all around the world.”

The league, which includes a total of ten teams from Granada, Gibraltar, Mijas, Malaga, Estepona and Marbella, is played in a ‘scenario field’ of approximately 100m2, with each game held at a different venue.

Matches are played with two teams of five players on each side and a maximum of three reserves — reserves can join the game every five minutes as long as there are only five player on the field at any time — plus four referees. Each player can carry up to three guns, grenades,

Some of the competition venues include some extremely realistic scenery

Take cover — the assault is on

walkie-talkies, and as many paint balls as they can manage. The aim of the game is to eliminate more than three players from the opposing team before the 15 minute half time horn. There is then a 15 minute break before teams change side for the second half. The team with most ‘kills’ after 30 minutes of play wins.

If you would like to get involved with Paint Balling or would like further information on Gibraltar’s team contact the Rock Pirates Paintball Team by email: rockpirates@hotmail.co.uk

Each player is allowed to carry up to three guns, grenades, walkie-talkies, and as many paint balls as they can manage

Other locations take you into countryside battle fields GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009 2009

51 51

history

by Reg Reynolds

Christopher Columbus was only a few days from home nearing the Spanish coast when his ship the Santa Maria was caught up in a terrific storm. Fearing that no one would ever learn of his ‘discovery’ of the New World he threw a message into the sea.

Vintage engraving of Christopher Columbus (1451 - 1504)

Columbus, a Coconut & a Gibraltar Book Seller 54

The message was dated 14th February, 1493 and it was addressed to Columbus’ sponsors Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand of Spain.

Despite the violent tossing of the ship Columbus’ was able to write a full account of his expedition on a piece of parchment. A witness of the event, a crewman named de Las Casas, related to his son Bartolome, who would accompany Columbus on his three successive voyages, how the “Admiral wrapped his parchment in a large piece of waxed cloth, hermetically sealed the package, fastened securely in a large wooden cask” and duly committed the cask to the waves.

Columbus hoped that if the Santa Maria did go down with all hands the cask would be washed ashore and the news of his great achievement would be known to the world.

Fortunately the storm let up on the 15th, by the 16th the Santa Maria was safely in its home port of Palos and Columbus was subsequently able to report in person to Isabella and Ferdinand.

Nothing was heard of the parchment again until nearly 400 years later when it turned up in Gibraltar.

In 1852 an American brig out of Boston named the Chieftain was caught in a heavy blow off the coast of Morocco. The captain ordered a ‘drag’ to be cast in order to better ballast his ship. When the storm had passed and the drag was hauled in it brought with it what was described as a ‘coffer of cedar wood’.

The coffer was opened and was found to contain a hollow coconut containing a document written on parchment. The captain was unable to read the Gothic script so when the

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

history Chieftain reached Gibraltar he took it to a local book seller. The book seller (name not known) offered the captain a very handsome price of $100 for the parchment. The Yankee captain declined to sell but did manage to get the message translated. He was astonished when told that it was Columbus’ personal hand-written story of his miraculous voyage to the West Indies 360 years before.

A noted biographer of Columbus, John Boyd Thacher dismisses the story of the Chieftain and the Gibraltar book seller as nonsense but there is no doubt that Columbus wrote the message and threw the cask into the sea because he recorded the event in his own Personal Journal of the First Voyage of Columbus.

February 14th, 1493: “This night the wind increased, and the waves were terrible, rising against each other, and so shaking and straining the vessel that she could make no headway, and was in danger of being stove in”.

It is apparent from the journal that Columbus and his men were preparing to die. “… each sailor made a special vow; for no one expected to escape, holding themselves for lost, owing to the fearful weather from which they were suffering. The want of ballast increased the danger of the ship, which had become light, owing to the consumption of the provisions and water.”

When the weather had settled Columbus was able to write out how he had prepared the cask; “And I straightway had a large cask brought

The discovery of land (1492) circa 1882 — Frank E. Wright

The “Admiral wrapped his parchment in a large piece of waxed cloth, hermetically sealed the package, fastened securely in a large wooden cask” and duly committed the cask to the waves.

and having wrapped the writing in a waxed cloth and put it into a kind of tart or cake of wax I placed it in the barrel which, stoutly hooped, I then threw into the sea. All believed that it was some act of devotion.”

So we know that story of the cask is true.

What about the Chieftain and the Gibraltar book seller? I believe that also to be true. Why would anyone bother to invent such a story? Which means that somewhere, possibly in Boston or even Gibraltar there is a fortune lying forgotten or unknown in an old sock drawer. n

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55

health & medical directory

health& fitness Bell Pharmacy

CHEMISTS Bell Pharmacy 27 Bell Lane Tel: 200 77289 Fax: 200 42989 Louis’ Pharmacy Unit F12, International Commercial Centre, Casemates.

Tel: 200 44797

McTimoney Chiropractor

Your Family Chemists

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

STEINER CHIROPRACTIC CLINICS

Chiropractic Health Clinic

Dr Carsten Rudolf Steiner BSc DC

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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

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 40026

Here to help you by answering all your pharmaceutical questions

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

ChiropraCtors Dr Steven J. Crump BSc, DC, MCC ICC F5C 1st Flr, Casemates.

Tel: 200 44226

PASSANO OPTICIANS LTD

Gillian Schirmer MA, DC, MMCA McTimoney Chiropractor, Clinic (Claudia’s), 1st Flr, 58 Main St Tel: 200 41733 After hours: 200 40026

British Registered Optometrists

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

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For all your Pharmaceutical needs

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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

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

Physicians 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

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56 what a page turner! www.thegibraltarmagazine.com

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

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2008 2009

health

Mental Health Conference

The JM Memorial Foundation, in conjunction with the Psychological Support Group, is organising a two-day seminar on Mental Health. The first day will focus on understanding and working with issues related to individuals who self-harm and the second will look at ways of reframing mental illness by deconstructing concepts and finding other ways of working with mental distress.

Many young people self harm as an attempt to deal with very strong feelings within them.

The rush and the sense of feeling better the activity often brings about is short-lived, which is why the intensity and frequency of the self harm increases if the young person is unable to release their feelings in any other way. Self harm is a symptom, rather than the core problem, underlying emotional or psychological trauma and a result of multiple triggers which can often include daily stressors like feeling isolated, academic pressure, low self-esteem, poor body image, family arguments, bereavement and parental divorce. Statistics in the UK show that 10% of young people aged 15-16 self harm and this can continue throughout adulthood. The real figure is probably higher due to the fact that many cases remain unreported and not all young people receive support.

The seminars will be led by Dr Mike Smith The seminars will take place on Thursday 21st (RMN, BSc, MA, PhD), who is a mental health and Friday 22nd May and both days are open professional with 26 years international exto professionals working in the field of general and mental health. Social and welfare workers, teachers, youth workers, and others, working with people in a caring or supportive capacity, will also find the training days very useful.

perience and a special interest and breadth of knowledge in the areas of self-harm and voice hearing, and Marion Aslan a qualified teacher in the learning disabilities sector and executive director of EleMental, the International Centre for Principles and Values of Recovery and Thriving.

In 2007, Mike and Marion published The THRIVE Approach to mental wellness and this fresh concept is currently challenging psychiatric services in the UK to re-evaluate recovery and what lies beyond. Many of Mike’s articles have been published in nursing magazines and journals worldwide and he has authored a number of other books, including “Working with Self Harm”, and “First Aid in Psychosis”.

Marion has co-authored a further four books, and is developing innovative approaches to working with episodes of psychosis.

Further information and registration forms can be downloaded from www.jm-foundation.org or by email: conference@jm-foundation.org.

The real figure is probably higher due to the fact that many cases remain unreported and not all young people receive support

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

what a page turner! www.thegibraltarmagazine.com 57

The family at Catalan Bay circa 1914 — Baby is the little girl at the front, her father is in the background and the maid is standing

‘Baby’: The Times of Her Life Elizabeth Harriet Pizarro Malin was born at 81 Governor’s Street, Gibraltar, on 20th December 1911, the seventh child of William and Enriqueta Malin. As the youngest she became affectionately known as ‘Baby’, a nickname which has remained with her to this day although she is now the only surviving sibling. In her 98th year she looks back and considers the many changes that have been made to life on her beloved Rock.

Her grandfather, John Malin, took his discharge from the army in Gibraltar in 1846 and before the end of that year married Mary Ann Woods. Their third surviving child, William, born in 1855, was Baby’s father. In 1895 William married Enriqueta Corrao who had been born in Argentina, the daughter of a Sicilian sailor Caetano Corrao and a Gibraltarian mother Bianca Cerisola.

The family grew and grew and ‘Baby’, the youngest child, had one brother and five sisters. The family’s genes tend to result in long lives — Vicky died aged 100 and nine months, Blanche died at 98 and eleven months, Mary and Elvira both at 88 whilst Helen was the exception and died aged 58. Her brother John joined the Civil Service and ended his distinguished career as Gibraltar’s Town Clerk. Alas he died young at 74. Baby’s mother, Enriqueta, however, had died in 1917 aged only 51.

Beanland Malin was a stationers and printer which although long since gone from 76 Main Street is still remembered with affection by those over 60. It remains an important chapter in the history of one of the most famous shopping streets in southern Iberia.

Baby’s father had started a small printing business after working for several years for the Gibraltar Chronicle. Abraham Beanland had a small business in Cannon Lane which was, after his death, merged into a company later known as Beanland Malin. William, or WJ as he was known, had bought the business from Abraham’s widow.

Abraham’s brother had a son, Charles, so WJ, gave him a job as the office boy, saw his

58

Baby — evacuated to Madeira

It is a credit to Gibraltar that 90 years ago Gibraltarian girls were well educated and able to work towards a Cambridge University diploma

potential and sent him on a course to England.

Charles was later given a present of 25% of the business.

For decades her father would be asked, as he was the driving force behind the business, why was it not known as Malin Beanland? The answer to the question was simply that Beanland Malin is easier to say and is alphabetical.

The original premises were outside the entrance to Gavino’s Court (opposite Thyme restaurant) and later moved to a shop which became Gonzales sports shop, opposite what is now the Gibraltar Confectionary Shop. After the First World War, Beanland Malin moved to 76 Main Street when the building was bought by the firm.

In the 1990s a decision was taken to wind up Beanland Malin and the premises were sold to Galliano’s Bank and in turn when Jyske Bank bought out the Gibraltarian bank the freehold was included in the sale. This was followed by extensive building works when the bank was given a major refurbishment. Baby, mindful of Beanland Malin’s place in history, kept many of the wooden printing letters and also part of a small press, perhaps used to print military passes for use during the two World Wars. She also has some of the old and now hugely collectable Gibraltar Directories.

Baby was educated at the Loreto Convent in Convent Place and as well as academic subjects was taught to cook and do needlework. It is a credit to Gibraltar that 90 years ago Gibraltarian girls were well educated and able to work towards a Cambridge University diploma. Baby’s father did not wish her to go abroad for further

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

life story

by Mike Brufal

Above and left: Gibraltar Cricket Club and the club house situated at North Front (Baby is doing up her shin pads) Right: With tennis racquet in 1928

education; at that time very few Gibraltarian girls did. Instead she would have liked to have become the secretary at Beanland Malin. This would have allowed her to follow the example of some of her friends who had started small jobs to earn a little money.

Her father would not allow it. She admits that he was a quiet but a strict disciplinarian who did not allow her much personal freedom. Nearly a century ago that was par for the course and today she bears no resentment to the somewhat firm regime.

Strangely, her father did not object to her treading the boards as an amateur actress and she progressed from school plays to performing frequently on the stage of the Theatre Royal. This does not mean that otherwise she lazed around doing nothing as she undertook many voluntary jobs and also worked for several charities for many decades. In particular she has been involved with the Society for the Blind since the age of 18.

In the 1930s Spanish maids still came in daily to perform what were then regarded as menial jobs and so Gibraltarian women were confined to ‘genteel’ occupations such as teaching, nursing and secretarial work. This reluctance by fathers and husbands to allow their womenfolk to work carried on until General Franco closed the frontier in 1969. Girls found it difficult to obtain permission and finance to travel abroad

for training.

Just before the outbreak of the Second World War she worked as a volunteer nurse at the Military Hospital. Then at the beginning of the war she enlisted in the army in a St John’s nursing detachment and for three glorious weeks accepted paid employment at the princely sum of 17/6d per week — it turned out this was to be the only time she ever worked for money.

All too soon she had to leave the army as women were not permitted to remain in Gibraltar. After the false start to Casablanca, she was evacuated to Madeira with the family and there

During the evacuation she won medals for her swimming and high diving — at an earlier stage she had been awarded a gold medal for all round excellence

Civil Defence Volunteers Corps Parade at the Naval Ground in Gib (taken on 22nd June 1939)

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

she volunteered to work as a VAD (Voluntary Aid Detachment).

During the evacuation she won medals for her swimming and high diving — at an earlier stage she had been awarded a gold medal for all round excellence.

Baby also worked as a volunteer nurse and was involved in organising variety shows the proceeds of which were donated to a charity looking after ship-wrecked sailors. Parties for these ship-wrecked sailors were organised and she is delighted to recall that at one of them, the ship wrecked sailor, Maurice Featherstone, met the young Irene Torres — they fell in love and eventually married.

Baby married a Gibraltarian in Funchal and the timing was so impeccable that her daughter, Wilma Barbara, was the first baby to be born on the Rock after the Second World War. When she first saw her daughter, Baby repeated ‘You’ll be (my life)’ and henceforth she has been known as Ubi. Baby left Madeira early to ensure her baby was born in Gibraltar but the regulations were that women were not allowed to live on the Rock so she stayed with her sister in Algeciras and when the birth was believed imminent obtained permission to come over and stay in the hospital.

Her sister, to accompany her to the hospital, made herself sick in order to be admitted as well and was with her at the time of the birth.

Some of the shipwrecked seamen that landed in Madeira.

This photo was taken at the British Hospital in Funchal, Madeira and Baby is the 4th nurse from the right

59

life story Baby has vivid memories of Gibraltar during the First World War. A Moor from Tangier would come to the house every Friday and would sell her mother 100 eggs and six chickens — well it was large family. The water vendor came with water in a barrel for drinking, although there was running water in the house for bathing and laundry. There was also a variety of visiting tradesmen, such as the knife and scissor sharpener, the coal man (who heaved the coal directly into the basement) and in many ways the most important of all, the calentita man.

Each morning and evening would see the Governor’s cows were driven up Main Street for milking. This was the only fresh cow’s milk on the Rock. At that time goats were also driven across from Spain and milked to order on the doorstep. Although there was a well stocked fish market, a colourful collection of fish was brought to the houses by fishermen. In those days no one foresaw Main Street developing into a shopping paradise.

Originally the only tennis courts available for civilians to play on were at Landport. Eventually the Landport Club closed due to military requirements and a few of the Gibraltarian members, especially the young women, were able to join the military tennis club at Sandpits.

This provided an opportunity for them to meet young officers from the garrison and other English people. Baby later played on the new courts at the Naval Officers’ Pavilion. She was a natural tennis player and from the age of 17 began to win tournaments.

Her first tennis trophy celebrated a mixed doubles title win, partnered by Raphael Massias.

In 1925 the first winner of the cup, donated by Galliano’s Bank, was Pepita Murto. Baby won it in 1929. The last winner in 1939 was Laura Cosqueri. Laura died recently and her brother decided to give the trophy to any surviving winners listed on the side of the cup. Baby was the only living champion so she was given the cup which now takes pride of place on her mantlepiece.

Her last game of tennis was at Sandpits when she played Yvonne Vasquez (she was then aged 80!). She also played hockey and cricket and remembers her last innings ended with her being given ‘Not Out’.

Baby remembers the Bedenham disaster of 1951 as she was ironing when she heard a huge

Baby with the mixed doubles cup

60

Baby with her surf board

Her greatest treat is to be taken to Zoomarine in the Algarve where, as the oldest person to swim with the dolphins, she appears on their pictorial wall of fame... she knows the name of each dolphin

explosion and had to pick herself up from the terrace. Strangely the outside panes of glass survived but all the windows of the inside light well were shattered. There is a memory of lorries roaring up Main Street taking the wounded to hospital. The occupants of the building took cover downstairs as it was thought that there might be another explosion.

Baby and Ubi moved to Switzerland for a decade (1953-63). She continued to play tennis, representing and winning for her Canton.

Baby is a staunch Gibraltarian member of the Church of England and to this day is involved with the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. Indeed she is the longest attending member of the Cathedral congregation.

It was only the second break of her leg that prevented her from being there to welcome the Abbot of Downside when he recently led the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and also the installation of the new Dean. She used to help with the Cathedral’s flower arranging and was an active member of the Corona Society.

Her greatest treat is to be taken to Zoomarine in the Algarve where, as the oldest person to swim with the dolphins, she appears on their pictorial wall of fame. She has been seven times and so she knows the name of each dolphin. Her first visit was to celebrate her 90th birthday.

Baby, although admitting that much in Gibraltar is better in the 21st Century, perhaps only remembers the best aspects of the past. She considers life to have been more romantic then; she has fond memories of the Victoria Gardens, the Race Course and its splendid tea rooms.

Today she does not enjoy the many high rise buildings which she finds oppressive. On the other hand she accepts that overall the standard of living is considerably higher, the beautification of the town has been a huge success and relations with the Spanish Government are perhaps better.

Baby is proud to have been a Gibraltarian who has lived on the Rock for over 80 years of her long life. She has never wished to live anywhere else in the world and has a fond affection for her home, the Rock of Gibraltar. n

Since she first swam with dolphins at age 90, Baby has been a regular visitor to Zoomarine on the Algarve to swim with these beautiful creatures who she now knows by name

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

Shrine of Our Lady of Europe:

A Spirituality of its Own

One would certainly hope that after 700 years, the Shrine of Our Lady of Europe should have discovered its “raison d’etre”. Furthermore, within that time-span, one would expect a solid and developed spirituality! Yet this progression cannot be measured in pounds, shillings and pence; neither will any metric system quantify results. A spiritual gain can only be borne by those who experience it, by those who live it or by those who swear by it. Their lives become a testament of that same ethos. The Shrine’s spiritual song is one that ascends towards God as Mary’s song of praise in the “Magnificat” (Mt. 1:46-55).

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

God when He chose her as Our Saviour’s Mother and our own. There is then no room for feeling orphaned or rejected when it comes to our relationship with God. The Shrine has to become home for you and me.

At this juncture, we could spend a little time in

recognising the many grand feats that have been lived and performed by our forefathers throughout 700 years. Indeed, we are now reaping the fruits of their efforts. This also deserves another recognition... Our Lady of Europe was always with them! u

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advertorial

photos: JJ Wood

The foundation of the Shrine’s Spirituality is the proclamation: “...My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour...” (v. 46). These simple but awesome words from Scripture are the point-of-reference for all the Shrine’s activities and events. In a way, we want to imitate the Blessed Virgin Mary by glorifying God and ultimately bringing forth life: the life of Jesus, Our Saviour.

The first step towards the Shrine is prayer. This is no ordinary, run-of-the-mill prayer. Its depth resonates the deep cries and yearnings of many generations of Gibraltarians who implored Our Lady’s intercession. Yes, in many occasions under the most precarious and austere circumstances.

The fact that we enjoy a thriving community today speaks of how the trust placed on Our Lady of Europe was not that farfetched! This prayer, as requested by the See of Peter, is now extended towards the whole of Europe.

The key that opens the Shrine’s doors to the outside world is: “Life”. This is the same life that changed the course of human history over two thousand years ago. It is amazing how the small and possibly insignificant things in life can have the greatest impact. Yet it also requires a response of trust and commitment on our part. Those things which are less apparent or palpable can provide the greatest and biggest joys. The Shrine building itself testifies this message.

This Spirituality, by its very nature, fosters qualities of silence, discretion and gratuitous selfgiving. They are also the parameters of all liturgy and apostolate. Hence, self-advertising is not a top priority for the Shrine. Parading good works would be an anachronism to all that has been previously mentioned! All labours are then “silently” united with Mary’s Magnificat.

If this life-style appears appealing it is because it reflects the personality and traits of Our Blessed Mother. This must have been crystal clear to

beauty Peri, a former teacher, had a wealth of experience in the beauty business before moving to Gibraltar. This included running her own salon as well as teaching in two beauty colleges and doing in-salon training for a number of companies all over the UK. All this experience helps explain why Renaissance has become a by-word for professionalism and excellence amongst its well established clientele. Peri attributes the secret of her success to one thing: “I am happy to treat every client personally because that way I know my own high standards are always being met.”

Anyone who hasn’t visited the salon for a while will notice an immediate difference: the window design has been completely renewed and modernised by Colorworks, with a fresh new logo designed by Cliff Cardona at Image Graphics, and the interior is more welcoming and comfortable with a subtle use of colours and fabrics aimed at enhancing the feel good factor provided by the wide variety of treatments on offer.

These include relaxation treatments such as the luxury Dr. Hauschka face and body treatments, aromatherapy, reflexology, manicures, pedicures, bodywraps, Indian head massage and a whole lot more.

Peri says: “Although we live in the age of the credit crunch, in many ways people are more in need of pampering than ever before and my clients are keener than ever to both look good and feel good. This is why I describe my salon Peri Martin of Renaissance Health & Beauty Salon as being “a haven of well-being.”

Renaissance, located centrally but privately in Don House Arcade, next to the Bread Bin, has always had an annual get together, as the majority of Peri’s clients all seem to know each other. But this year the event at Café Solo was the biggest Renaissance Beauty Salon located in Don House Arcade recently yet with nearly 100 women turning up. celebrated its ninth year of pampering in Gibraltar with a fund raising Peri explained: “This is the second year we have held the event at Café Solo and Alistair evening at Café Solo in aid of Breast Cancer Support Group. and his staff put a package together which The salon was established by Peri Martin in achieve balance at all levels. The rhythmitised meant the ticket price was a very reasonable £20 2000 and has recently been completely refur- products use only pure and safe ingredients, per head. In addition the fact that we added a bished. A new colour scheme, new fabrics and which is so reassuring for those people trying to charitable cause to the evening really brought out the generosity for which Gibraltar society is decor from Denville Designs, and the creation avoid harsh chemicals and harmful toxins. so well known — and justifiably so.” of a more relaxing and comfortable salon A prize draw resulted in over 30 separate environment were all coordinated by Rachel prizes being on offer and contributors included Victory, a client of Peri’s with a real flair for Dr Hauschka, Gibtelecom, Denville Designs, interior design.

Shoe, La Senza, Aimee Jay, Monsoon, the Silver Renaissance is Gibraltar’s longest established Shop, and many, many more. The event raised and most experienced Dr. Hauschka salon. For £595 for Breast Cancer Support, Gibraltar and the uninitiated, Dr. Hauschka is one of Europe’s everyone agreed it had been a most enjoyable leading companies in organic and biodynamic and successful evening. We can now look ahead health and beauty care. Their uniquely rhythmito Renaissance’s 10th birthday party in a year’s cal treatments, both for the face and the body, time! n gently create a sense of well-being and help to

Rebirth at Renaissance

Anyone who hasn’t visited the salon for a while will notice an immediate difference... colours and fabrics enhancing the feel good factor provided by the treatments on offer

See pages 92-93 for more party pictures

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

63

Birds in Cages

Are you the proud owner of some pretty Tweeties, vocalising like operatic heroes whenever you’re around to praise them and reward them with a seedy treat?

Are you the proud pet owner who considers canaries, parakeets, budgies, lovebirds, finches and doves fully-fledged family members — like kitties and puppies?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of the above, of thoroughbreds for extensive and intensive then you aren’t GBBA material at all! Being a exhibiting purposes. bird breeder is well beyond a simple hobby or Still awaiting a governmental grant for suitfancy, miles apart from just having a feathery able premises to set up a club where they can friend — it takes space, time, dedication and money beyond the everyday ability of average pet owners. In other words, you have to be dedicated to it!

Gibraltar Bird Breeders Association’s president and secretary Louis Spiteri and Peter Sardeña consider it a true vocation, if not an addiction, which they pursue for the prestige of participating in international shows, breeding perfection and often bettering nature with homegrown mutations and hybrids.

Accredited with the International Ornithological Association and affiliated to the UK fraternity, the former Gibraltar Caged Birds Society upgraded to its actual name to highlight the purpose of their existence: a Darwinian élite

Coached virtually from hatching by listening and imitating the best birdsong from a tutor, whether live or recorded, these X-Factor wannabes chirp and shrill before a strict judging panel

display their trophies and meet for briefings and brainstorming, the 35-year old GBBA can count on some 35 committed members who have harvested top prizes in European and worldwide shows and made Gibraltar proud to represent the UK in high-profile pageants nothing short of the Miss World or Manhunt International of the Passeriformes or Psittaciformes.

Each breeder focuses on one or few categories and species — canaries, finches, budgies, lovebirds, parakeet, doves — and on either the bird type or the plumage colour. Some categories are more attractive, popular and easier to breed than others, whether because of aesthetic or practical reasons.

It is usually about the looks and the extravagant genetic alterations, but there also competitions for singing birds. Coached virtually from hatching by listening and imitating the best birdsong from a tutor, whether live or recorded,

Fife Fancy Canary

Trumpeter Finch

Some of Gibraltar’s show winners (yes the one with the Beatles’ haircut really does exist!)

Gloster Corona Canary

64 what a page turner! www.thegibraltarmagazine.com

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

hobbies

by Elena Scialtiel these X-Factor wannabes chirp and shrill before a strict judging panel, and the winner literally wins a record contract for copyrighted CDs, sold to others in the same business.

Bird breeders usually have large aviaries or entire bedrooms converted in ‘birdrooms’: hence it is a passion that must be shared by all two-legged (both feathered and haired) family members, since it can become quite crowded, noisy and smelly, let alone demanding.

Forget about devising pet names fitting to their colour, fluffiness or attitude (there’s no way a serious breeder can remember Trillo from Amarillo): they are registered with a unique number!

In fact, breeders ring all their chicks when they are about one week old with permanent ‘anklets’ issued and approved by the Confederación Ornitológica Mundial, carrying information about the year of birth, the code of the breeder and the single bird’s identification number, individual passport which allows them to be to traced back to the breeder, for any purpose, including the prevention of spreading avian flu.

They are paired in cages according to precise genetic criteria, which allow the breeder to forecast the outcome of the clutch in terms of adult plumage and shape, although some chance factor always rests in Mother Nature input.

Bird breeders are also amateur geneticists who study the evolution of interbreeding, crossbreeding, hybrids, to allow only the pick of the crop to go forth and multiply, and ‘marriages’ are somehow arranged between birds of similar pedigree. Chicks are regrouped as potential champions or potential pets as soon as they moult into adult plumage.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

It’s a very selective process which skims a few specimens out of hundreds of birds born in a single aviary, and breeders cannot afford emotional attachment to anyone other than the pampered champion It’s a very selective process which skims a few specimens out of hundreds of birds born in a single aviary, and breeders cannot afford emotional attachment to anyone other than the pampered champion who will go on to sire other champions.

The aviary is engineered to simulate the ideal natural conditions of sunlight and temperature, to stimulate the birds’ gathering, nesting and

breeding instincts.

A lot of technology is involved in recreating the ideal habitat, with thermostats and lightings brightening and dimming gradually like sunrise and sunset, mocking the length of the perfect spring day that enthuses birdies to start their family; special cages, seeds, berries, vitamins, tonics and supplements must be purchased from abroad and added to their seed mix or water, to keep princes and princesses happy and healthy, and enhance their fertility.

New varieties are created by sapient crossbreeding, which is unsuccessful more often than not and hence requires lot of patience and perseverance — but once it works, breeders find themselves with true jewels, as happened to the Dutchman who managed to bezel the red pigmentation genes from the Cardenalito de Venezuela (Red Siskin) into canary DNA. In the wild, these red siskins gain their colour through a special diet, which must be maintained in captivity to keep the colour dominant.

Bird breeding is a real mania in countries like Spain, Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands. An international show can easily host some 30,000 birds and a champion can be sold for £500!

At the moment, things are quiet for it is breeding season until the end of summer, when the chicks moult and don their definitive plumage.

In winter things get hot for the GBBA, busy with regional and national shows, until they reach the worldwide top notch. They are already gearing up for the January 2010 big bash in Oporto, where Gibraltar is once again tipped to toast its plumed chirruping citizens. Bottoms up and chirp-chirp, everyone! n

what a page turner! www.thegibraltarmagazine.com 65

water sports

a Sailor’s Market

“That one should like Gibraltar would go without saying. How could one help loving so hospitable a place?” With these words Captain Joshua Slocum describes the Rock in his classic book Sailing Alone Around the World, first published in 1900. Slocum dropped anchor at Gibraltar on 4th August 1895 after crossing the Atlantic from Boston at the start of his epic solo circumnavigation of the globe.

His book is a classic boys’ own adventure and I remember reading it as a young lad.

It seems however that Slocum encountered the same problems at Gibraltar, more than a century ago, that many modern yachtsmen find today — namely a shortage of berths. In 1895 Slocum was a hero for having crossed the Atlantic single-handed and the naval authorities generously provided a berth for him at the Naval Dockyard.

Today tired yachtsmen arriving or departing across the Atlantic, and there are many, are likely to find difficulty in finding a berth. This is a sad when one considers the benefits to Gibraltar of a vibrant yachting sector.

I would like to date the start of the yachting industry in Gibraltar to the arrival of Joshua Slocum in 1895 but that would be fanciful. It was really started by the entrepreneurial Hector Capurro who in 1960 created Sheppard’s Marina. Built on sunken barges and hard work, Sheppard Marina quickly gained a reputation for hospitality and professional yacht repair that would not have been unfamiliar to Joshua Slocum. Yachts entering or leaving the Mediterranean made a stop at Gibraltar de rigueur. There are many reasons for this — language,

66

jurisdiction, the availability of professional yacht repair skills and the ability to buy and sell a yacht in a friendly place made Gibraltar the place to come to.

For the next three decades yachting prospered and word of Gibraltar’s friendliness and expertise was spread far and wide by visiting yachtsmen. The availability of berths grew quickly, first with the opening of the Marina Bay and then Queensway Quay marinas.

At its peak Gibraltar had 500 berths for yachts of all sizes. Sadly the closure of Sheppard Marina four years ago led to a loss of up to a third of all marina berths. Now visiting yachtsmen can no longer count on an automatic welcome. The restricted space available for yacht

repair activities has also seen a decline in the yachting sector. Yachts no longer automatically come to Gibraltar for repairs. Indeed many have to go from Gibraltar to Spain for repairs. Yachting is an invisible contributor to Gibraltar’s economy, with yachtsmen contributing to tourism in more ways than daytrippers ever can.

At the centre of this activity is Gibraltar as a yacht brokerage centre.

Brokers are the estate agents of the floating world. Changes in the way yachts are bought and sold, namely the use of the Internet, has seen the arrival of a new generation of yacht brokers in Gibraltar, such as BoatshedGibraltar.com, able to give boats massive marketing exposure, attracting buyers from across the

The yacht sellers need a bank and investment advice. Buyers need a marine survey, registration documents, a berth, maintenance; they may want new equipment, fuel, provisions and maybe training...

world to come to Gibraltar to complete the transaction in a safe, low cost and sunny environment.

Within the yachting ecosystem there are many important participants.

The yacht sellers need a bank and investment advice. Buyers need a marine survey, registration documents, a berth, maintenance; they may want new equipment, fuel, provisions and maybe training. They may also need or want legal support. Buyers need accommodation on the Rock when they come to inspect or take delivery of their vessels.

Sail Training Schools are thriving in Gibraltar. Where else in the Med can you combine tidal conditions to meet RYA standards with winter sunshine?

All of these activities create work, value and income so the next time you hear that someone wants to buy or sell a boat tell them Gibraltar is a great place to do it.

Although the internet creates a worldwide niche opportunity for Gibraltar the yachts being bought and sold on-line exist in the physical world and need to be moored somewhere. The more berths Gi-

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

water sports

braltar can provide the stronger the yachting ecosystem becomes, generating wealth for everyone.

Not every boat needs a berth in a marina. Gibraltar has a grand harbour and so a lower cost system of pile or floating moorings here could allow marina berths to be reserved for occupied boats, with empty boats (for sale or between occupation) moored on these floating or pile moorings.

When I compare the size of Portsmouth harbour with Gibraltar I see Portsmouth crammed full of moorings despite the much higher civilian and naval activity within that harbour.

The Eastside marina project seems to be mired in political controversy and funding will not be

easy in a credit crunched world. We cannot wait the years it will take to move such a large project forward.

We have just got to do better now if we want Gibraltar to once again be the stop de rigueur for all yachtsmen entering or leaving the Med. The future looks promising with the arrival of the First Gibraltar International Boat Show (GIBS) in 2009. This is a good start. Combine that with some reasonably priced moorings and Gibraltar could once again become THE place to keep, buy or sell a yacht with huge benefits for the whole of Gibraltar.

Joshua Slocum would approve! n • text by John Alcantara, BoatshedGibraltar.com, International Yacht Brokers Tel: + 350 58009999

THE 2009 GIBRALTAR INTERNATIONAL BOATSHOW

Yacht Terminal (Opposite Marina Bay)

Gibraltar

Opening Hours: 7 days a week 0800 - 2000 (closes 1800 winter)

Telephone 200 48232 Fax 200 48227

For all your Fuel and Lubricant requirements

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2008

The first Gibraltar International Boat Show will take place at Ocean Village, Gibraltar from Thursday 9th to Sunday 12th April 2009. The show will take place in the new marina and Leisure Island area of Ocean Village, and is set to become a must see event for either old, new or aspiring boat lovers throughout Southern Spain, Gibraltar and Morocco. Access to the event will be free of charge, to ensure that the first show is a success for visitors and exhibitors, and the show will be filled with exciting activities to make the day out in Gibraltar a special one.

Some of the attractions will include: Armed Forces displays — a daily show will be provided by the armed forces, giving an idea of what it’s like to be part of the force in Gibraltar.

Learning Zone — if you want to learn how to canoe or sail your own dinghy, or even start diving, instructors will be on

hand in our Learning Zone to help you conquer the basics.

Fractional Ownership— a number of boats will be on show, which are available to buy as a part share.

Show Auction — ‘distressed owned’, ‘finance reclaimed’ or ‘need to sell’ vessels will be included in the show Auction.

Seminars — Subjects from the reasons to register your boat in Gibraltar to fractional ownership structures for yachts, will be covered in a number of daily seminars.

“The Match in Gibraltar”— featuring a team of celebrities from UK TV, music and sport, playing against a combined Gibraltar team, this charity football match is set to be a sell-out on the Sunday.

Plus there will be live broadcasts from TV and radio stations... and even a nautical wedding!

Find out more at the website www.gibraltarboatshow.com

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Gibraltar Taxi Association

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

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Quality Kitchen Ware Gibraltar’s Best Stocked Cook Shop K5

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profile

by Richard Cartwright

Wheeler’s “Engaging” World

“I’m bored because there’s nothing to do.” This is a whinge or moan many of us declare regularly. Young and old, we often claim there’s not very much to do on the Rock. Robert Wheeler is in total disagreement — he is totally ‘engaged’ 24/7. And by that, I don’t mean he’s about to be married and is busy making those vital last minute preparations for a life of compromise and possible bliss!

“Absolutely not, being married and having kids brings too many of those compromises and complications that I can well do without,” he says. Robert came close to getting married twice, but is glad he stayed single and is more than happy to remain so.

Who is Robert Wheeler? His only fame to claim comes about in an indirect manner. If you own a copy of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s marriage certificate, you will note that the signature of the man who married them in Gibraltar is of another Wheeler — Cecil, Robert’s father, who was the Registrar at the time (the late ’60s).

No, 68 year old Robert Wheeler is a quiet, humble, unpretentious chap — about which he remarks, “Be careful, still waters run deep” — who goes about his business in an inconspicuous manner.

“Well that’s who I am. I’m interested in all things nature. That’s my life in the main.”

Robert is a member of the Gibraltar Ornithilogical and Naural History Society and gets involved in pretty much everything that’s going on in that quarter.

“I would like to think that I’m one of a core

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group of about 20 activists who usually turn up for most events. I have very good eyesight and excellent hearing and am often relied upon when we’re out bird watching. I love the wildlife, trees and birds, walking and listening... the lot.”

Robert was a Grammar School boy but was not interested in school work, much to his father’s annoyance.

“He constantly told me that I was more

Since a child he’s been interested in wildlife and photography. You’ll always see him walking along wearing his cap, with his rucksack. His camera and tripod are with him too

capable and could do better, but I just wasn’t interested and got out as soon as I could when I was 15 or 16.”

Electrical engineering is what Robert was really interested in and after working in Gibraltar’s dockyard for about 13 years, he moved on to the private sector where he remained until retirement.

“After serving my apprenticeship under the watchful eye of Horacio Danino, I became a refrigeration engineer which I really enjoyed.

I retired in 2005, but I still continue to dabble in electronics. At home, I have a good set up around my computer and I built my own speakers. I’m now in the process of copying all my vinyl records onto the computer. I’ve finished copying my ’50s and ’60s records and I’m now concentrating on my mother’s collections of Spanish and South American records and all the classical bits and pieces.”

Robert has always been ready to tackle any challenge of the sort that involves ‘fiddly fragments.’

“Yes, I once took a grandfather clock to pieces and put it together again in working order.”

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

profile There clearly are no signs of getting bored in Robert’s schedule. Since a child he’s been interested in wildlife and photography. You’ll always see him walking along wearing his cap, with his rucksack. His camera and tripod are with him too.

“Unusual cloud formations, birds, sunsets, landscapes and anything to do with nature you might miss forever, if you don’t have a camera at hand to take a good picture,” he says of his subjects.

Have you ever heard of ‘mycology’? Robert is into that too. It’s the study of fungi or mushrooms and he’s seen them all, red, brown and a rare white one of which there are only a handful.

“I saw that one here in Gib and told a Spanish colleague who showed me a book with only four or five others on record. I found that fascinating.”

During the bird migration period Robert is even busier. He’s up at the crack of dawn and off to the bird watching station or vantage points around the Rock with colleagues to seek out all of those passers-by in transit to record their identity and numbers. The outdoors is obviously a favourite feature of Robert’s life and having no strings attached gives him that freedom to come and go as he pleases.

“I’m a free spirit and I like it that way,” he emphasises.

He’ll pop off to a wildlife conference abroad or simply stay at home chatting to some distant fellow Radio Ham enthusiast about this and that, and the way of life and trends in that particular corner of the world.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

These days he’s been spending a lot of time at the Garrison Library researching for anyone interested in anything to do with Gibraltar.

“I started on Gib’s history between 1920 and 1940 because of the stories my father used to tell me. I started checking those out and now I put in a little time during the late morning and early afternoon to research details which students or individuals, from abroad mainly, may want information on. At the moment I’m going through George Palau’s book to see if I can find what a particular person is looking for. I enjoy doing this very much.”

Robert sips his green tea or mint tea, which is what he likes when he’s at work at the library.

“You might say I have, too many irons in the fire but that’s how I like it and it all keeps me busy, very busy.”

I wondered what Mr Wheeler did for relaxation. I mean, relaxing relaxation.

Watching TV?

“Unusual cloud formations, birds, sunsets, landscapes and anything to do with nature you might miss forever, if you don’t have a camera at hand to take a good picture,” he says of his subjects

“Nope! I don’t own one.”

Are you a fan of radio then?

“No, not really. I get the news, for instance, online but the news gets you down. If there is something I want to watch, which would probably be a nature or wildlife programme, I can watch that on my computer. I have a great sound system so I have it all in place and set up to watch anything.”

Alright, so he’s got it all sewn up but he doesn’t seem to get involved in very much of the group type of activity. What about loneliness?

The answer was a simple and straightforward one. “I’ve got no time to feel lonely.” I can’t argue with that one.

He is computer bound when at home with his music and photographs which take up a lot of his time. If not, he’s out walking enjoying nature or at the Garrison Library researching and if none of the above, you’ll find him watching birds, of the feathered kind, or some other related activity.

The moral of the story is, if you’re bored, you needn’t be. There’s plenty to do to keep you occupied.

Robert Wheeler finds enough to do to fill the daytime hours and probably enough to take him into the night also. He doesn’t have a family which means, those of us who do have a spouse and kids, shouldn’t have much trouble in filling the few hours that are left to find some hobby, pastime or other activity to keep us entertained.

If you’re single and you’ve nothing to do and are bored to tears, get into gear and imitate Robert. n

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1st FLOOR 1

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Stairs to Ground Floor

onthesquare

Gibraltar Museum (special exhibition rooms)

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

NOW OFFERING DAILY SPECIALS Grand Casemates Sq Tel: 20044449

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Casemates Gates

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

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Square 29

Tourist Office 15th Jan

The Gibraltar Philharmonic Society Berlin Philharmonic Solist Series

(See pages 87-90 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)!

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33 Visit us and step back in history

Line Wall Road

32 International Commercial Centre

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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

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PS

Fruit & Veg, Fish & Meat

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SHO

Public Market

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Casemates Tunnel

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

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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

RESTAURANTE

El Patio

Basque & Continental Cuisine Speciality Fish

now also in Casemates

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11 Casemates Square Tel: 200 70822

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

GIBRALTARMAGAZINE MAGAZINE••MARCH APRIL 2009 GIBRALTAR 2009

WHAT’S ON

APRIL Tuesday 31st March to 2nd April Santos Production “Cinderella” at Ince’s Hall Theatre 7.30pm. Tickets: £10 available from The Nature Shop.

Thursday 9th to 12th April Gibraltar International Boat Show. For further info contact Tel: 20040048 Thursday 16th April Gibraltar Museum Lecture by Alex Menez ‘Slime: a look at land snails and slugs and their evolution’ at John Mackintosh Hall Theatre 8.30pm. For further information Tel: 200 74289.

Entrance free.

Saturday 18th April Swing Kings as a tribute to The Rat Pack. Variety Show at Caleta Hotel 7pm. Tickets: £35.00 includes hot & cold candle-lit buffet and wine. Tickets available from Gib Sun Club – City Mill Lane Tel: 20070954 Gibraltar Botanic Garden Tour - meet George Don Gates (at the south end of Grand Parade) 10.30am. No fee but donations welcome. For further information Tel: 200 72639 Email: alameda@wildlife.gib.gi GOHNS-Outing - La Almoraima woodland birds and flowers. Meet 8am

Spanish side of the frontier. For further information contact Jill Yeoman 200 74944 E-mail: yeoman@gonhs.org Tuesday 21st April Gun Salute - The Queen’s Birthday- at The Tower (Berth 41) 12 noon. For further information contact 200 55083 Friday 24th April Glamour Creations 4th Annual Dream Girl at John Mackintosh Hall Theatre 8.30pm. Tickets £15. For further information Tel: 54000377 Saturday 25th April RG Presentation of Colours and Freedom March at Casemates Square/ Main Street. For further information Tel: 200 55083 Sunday 27th April Calpe Rambles meet the Spanish Side of the Frontier just to the right of the Aduana vehicle exit at 8am. For further information please contact Ray 200 71956 or John Tel: 200 74645 Thursday 30th April Gibraltar Museum Lecture by Carl Viagas ‘The evolution of Gibraltar’s architecture’ at John Mackintosh Hall Theatre 8.30pm. For further information Tel: 200 74289. Entrance free.

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 On Thursday 30th April there will be a Gibraltar Museum lecture by Carl Viagas entitled ‘The evolution of Gibraltar’s architecture’

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

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puzzle page

SUDOKU No prize for this one — you’ll be doing it for the glory!

by Alan Gravett 2

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Down 1) The majority (4) 2) Author of Treasure Island (9) 3) Takes money for work done (5) LAST MONTH’S ANSWERS: Across: John McCain, Sated, Oceania, Reboard, Astra, Hurdle, 4) Idiot (7) Tobago, Album, Arizona, Indiana, Amiga, No Drinking 5) A piece of jewellery worn on a lug (7) Down: October, Nadia, Cloudy, Ages Ago, Nonet, Barak Obama, 7) Largest city in Nebraska (5) Sarah Palin, Lampard, Aeolian, Hawaii, Biden, Izak.

8) & 21 down) London location of 16

statue (10, 7) 9) End of a railway line; tending to end (8) Jotting Pad ...

14) Initial part of a boxing fight (5,5) 16) Hero of J M Barrie who never

grows up (5,3) 18) Several thousand years (9) 20) More red (7) 21) see 8 23) Piece of information (5) 25) Cringe (5) 26) Organs of vision (4)

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BRAIN TEASER Three friends book into a hotel and are sharing a room. The room costs £30 and they pay £10 each.

The following morning, the Manager realises he’s made an error and the price should actually have been £25, so he sends the bell boy with five £1 coins to refund the money.

The bell boy, unsure how to split the £5 between the three men, decides to give each £1 and keep the other two coins for himself.

So, each man has paid £9 for the room which totals £27. Plus the £2 the bell boy kept equals £29.

What happened to the other £1?

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Across 1) 6’s assistant (6,4) 6) Piratic opponent of 16 (4) 10) Guide; male ox (5) 11) Items of china etc. (9) 12) Male clothes (8) 13) Florida resort (5) 15) Weak (7) 17) Beer drinking vessel indicating

quantity (4,3) 19) Member of national governing body (7) 21) Astronomer who supported view that the

sun was centre of our universe (7) 22) Jockey; proviso (5) 24) Led; ordered (8) 27) Granulated to a very small degree (5,4) 28) 16’s female friend (5) 29) Moist (4) 30) Meeting of 4 streets; old soap (10)

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

Tommy Gains Prestigious Cricket Award

Simon at Completefitness

Fitness with Bells On Do you want a short-cut to a leaner, stronger body?

Kettlebells could be the answer!

Simon at Completefitness has introduced Kettlebell training, a technique that can complement existing training programmes or be used as an individual Kettlebell-specific workout.

A kettlebell is a traditional Russian training tool used since the turn of the last century to develop full body conditioning and fitness, the goal being the development of a body that´s strong yet lean and athletic.

The Kettlebell programme targets the specific needs of each individual and is suitable for anyone looking for optimal results in minimal time.

The benefits of Kettlebell training are numerous and diverse including: • Full body conditioning, the body learns to work as an integrated unit .

• Increased resistance to injury.

• Work multiple energy systems simultaneously, aerobic and anaerobic systems.

• Improved mobility and range of motion.

• Increased strength without increased mass.

• Enhanced performance in athletic sports AND everyday functioning.

• Big results despite less time in the gym.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

What is unique about Kettlebell is that it will give you the results you want, no matter what your goals. Whether you want to reduce fat, become lean, increase flexibility or increase strength, Kettlebell could well be the programme for you.

In short, it’s an amazing hand-held gym that will increase your physical fitness, regardless of your starting point.

Simon is a member of IKFF (International Kettlebell Fitness Federation www.ikff.com), founded by Steve Cotter, the most sought-after Kettlebell teacher in the world, and was personally coached by Steve to achieve the Kettlebell certification.

Kettlebell training could be the answer to your fitness problems, give it a try! Hollywood celebs, the Russian and American military and Liverpool and Chelsea football clubs did! n For more information on Kettlebell classes, contact Simon on 200 51113 or simon@completefitnessgibraltar.com .

Tom Finlayson MBE has been awarded the prestigious 2008 Lifetime Service Award by the International Cricket Council (ICC) Europe in recognition of his services to Cricket in Gibraltar.

ICC Europe said in their official statement: “Tom Finlayson has for many years been the ambassador for Gibraltar Cricket and for the game as a whole. His unwavering dedication to the sport can only be described as an inspiration to many. We congratulate Tom on his well deserved honour and can only assume that this award will inspire him to devote more time and energy to the game he loves.”

The ‘Pepsi ICC Development Programme Annual Awards’, which were first awarded in 2002, promote excellence in cricket development and recognise exceptional performance and service to the game in the ICC’s 94 Associate and Affiliate Member countries. The Gibraltar Cricket Association is an Associate Member of the ICC and Tom Finlayson held the post of local Secretary for 18 years before becoming Chairman, an appointment he maintains to this day.

On behalf of all Sport Lovers in Gibraltar the Minister for Sports and Leisure, Edwin Reyes, sent a congratulatory message to Tom Finlayson on his receiving such an esteemed award.

The Lifetime Service Award will be officially presented to Tom Finlayson during the European President’s Day to be held at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Friday 8th May 2009. n

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stage

by Elena Scialtiel

Isabella & Elery

Andrew Dark

shivers down the spine the Garrison Library

It was a dark and stormy night… then it was light. Gaslight.

Isabella Valenzuela

Victorian chiller Gaslight is to be staged in Gibraltar for the first time, with the bloodcurdling added bonuses of an aptly named director, and a mood-brooding setting 76

A cult elsewhere, the Victorian chiller Gaslight is to be staged in Gibraltar for the first time, with the bloodcurdling added bonuses of an aptly named director, and the mood-brooding Garrison Library settings.

Taking up the challenge of Peter Hamilton’s ‘chestnut’, made famous by Ingrid Bergman and Charles Boyer, after having played uninterruptedly in Broadway as Angel Street from 1941 to 1944, is actor-director Andrew Dark — the eerily-named ideal to direct a handful of excellent actors in a gripping tale of black humour, shock and anticipation that is to be the Trafalgar Theatre Group’s entry into the prestigious annual competitive Royal Navy Drama Festival.

It isn’t a whodunit, for the audience is kept one step ahead of the characters, yet it deviously spirals through the mind. Secretive and domineering, Mr. Manningham seems to be wilfully driving his frail, captive, neurotic wife (Isabella Valenzuela Blazewicz) insane over the suspicion he’s having an affair with their saucy young maid Nancy (Alex Louise), and over some jewels — allegedly stolen after a grisly murder — which retired Sergeant Rough (Andrew Rodriguez) is searching for.

Mr. Manningham is played by British Forces Colonel Julian Lyne-Pirkis, in a role miles apart from the pompous butler he carried off so well in the January pantomime Red Riding Hood when he stepped in to cover for David Hoare, who for personal reasons had to give up his participation in Gaslight as well.

Newcomer to the Trafalgar Theatre Group,

the lovely Alex, is a 17-year old student with the ambition of pursuing a career in Psychodrama, which is not (as one may mistakenly be led to believe from her debut performance) being typecast in psychotic roles, but the branch of psychology that counsels those patients in need of a dramatis persona to vent their emotions.

The other maid, more mature and sympathetic to Mrs. Manningham, is played by Eleri Surrey, a veteran of the TTG, who scooped the Best Supporting Actress award in the unforgettable production of The Importance of Being Earnest, entered in this same festival few years ago.

Such a plot cannot be set in any other era than the late Victorian, with all the ingredients of epochal murder and mystery, from language to wardrobe and furniture. Costumes will be handmade by Margaret Seed, while real period furnishings will be kindly loaned by the antique store in Irish Town, to complement the Garrison Library’s somewhat spooky atmosphere.

Seasoned producer of over 70 plays internationally, and founder of New York’s Black Cat theatre, Andrew Dark (nom de plume candidly confessing his sinister side) is back on his ancestral Rock after a life of wanderings on either side of the Pond, to pursue his passion for alternative drama.

Passion and not livelihood because, not to compromise on quality, he often shunned lucrative mainstream productions, and never made significant enough amounts of money to afford him giving up his ‘day job’!

Not procrastinating over his return to the local thespian scene, he joined Joe Gomez’s GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

Anouilh Players and the TTG, which he produced and starred with on a few occasions, the latest being his role as clumsy henchman in the abovementioned pantomime.

He relishes the renaissance of theatre Gibraltar is enjoying, and praises all those involved in staging live shows — in his opinion a completely separate art form from movies. Performers, whether actors in a play or singers in a musical, are doing it live before the audience, after having committed to memory pages and pages of lines, with no safety net of cinematographic re-takes, only the hope they will be able to patch up any bloopers without interrupting the rolling action, dealing with stage frights and the many hazards of amateur theatre.

So it becomes a labour of love, with the aim of carrying on the craft two-fold — inspiring young people to switch the telly off to queue up for the thrill of watching actors in the flesh, confident that no re-run will be exactly the same, as well as encouraging those interested in acting to audition for the forthcoming producColonel Julian Lyne-Pirkis as the murderous hubbie tions which are part of a busy calendar.

Andrew Dark isn’t too obsessed with the Gaslight is running from 22nd to 24th April. competition when directing this play, because Tickets priced £8 from the Garrison Library. it would be an error to focus only on impressing the panel of adjudicators, sidelining the value of making it enjoyable for theatregoers. And the actors are enthused by have fun rehearsing and delivering fresh energy every day, without the pressure of winning at all costs.

Given the excellent track record little Gibraltar has in the Royal Navy Drama Festival, we may expect some coveted accolades to top up the standing ovation Gaslight is tipped to get every evening! n

He relishes the renaissance of theatre Gibraltar is enjoying, and praises all those involved in staging live shows — in his opinion a completely separate art form from movies

Office Refurbishments & Fitting Out

Elery Surrey

Home Renovations & Refurbishments

SOLUTIONS

PO Box 598 Tel: 57185000 Fax: 77041

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

77

music

by Reg Reynolds

Ira and George Gershwin

The Rock in Song

One of the first social functions performed by new American president Barack Obama was to present the Gershwin Prize to Stevie Wonder.

The 58-year-old blind blues singer is the second winner (the first was Paul Simon) of the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song which was inaugurated in 2007. It is awarded to honour “a songwriter, interpreter, or singer/songwriter whose career reflects lifetime achievement in promoting the genre of song as a vehicle of artistic expression and cultural understanding.”

The Gershwin brothers, Ira and George, have a connection to Gibraltar in that they used the name in one of the great stanzas of one of the greatest love songs of all time Love is Here to Stay: In time the Rockies may crumble Gibraltar may tumble They’re only made of clay but Our love is here to stay The song was written for the movie Goldwyn Follies (released 1938) starring Adolphe Menjou, The Ritz Brothers, ventriloquist Edgar Bergen and his dummy Charlie McCarthy. Love is Here to Stay was the last song in which the brothers collaborated as George died of a brain tumour before the film was finished.

The brothers did not enjoy working for the movie mogul Samuel Goldwyn after whom the film was titled but the money was too good to turn down. They had just finished writing songs

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for the Fred Astaire film A Damsel in Distress (Nice Work If You Can Get It, Things Are Looking Up) and were hoping for some time off before starting on Goldwyn Follies but instead were forced to go straight to work.

In his book George Gershwin: A New Biography (Praeger 2003) William G.Hyland writes: “The Goldwyn Follies was going to be a lavish production lasting three hours, and including an extraordinary amount of Hollywood stars, but with a continuous plot. Samuel Goldwyn was one of the very first accomplished producers of films. He was successful because he chose quality people, such as directors, actors and writers, to make his movies. Goldwyn was a very stubborn and sometimes rude man. George often referred to him sarcastically as the ‘Great Goldwyn’ and would refer to the Follies as the ‘super, stupendous, colossal moving picture extravaganza’. Included in the cast of the film were ventriloquists, comedians, opera singers, and choreographer George Balanchine, who was to provide a ballet from Gershwin’s Swing Symphony, which was yet to be composed” The brothers had to work quickly on the songs in order to give George time to compose the symphony. They were under extreme pressure and George’s health began to deteriorate. He lost his coordination and could no longer play the piano. George underwent physical examina-

tions but the doctors could find no explanation and put his problems down to stress. But early in July 1937 George suffered convulsions and lapsed into a coma. A brain tumour was diagnosed and emergency surgery performed but George died on 11th July, 1937 aged 38.

Ira (6th December, 1896) and George (26th September, 1898) were born in Brooklyn, New York to Russian immigrant parents. They embarked on musical careers when they were still in their teens and came together as a team in 1924. They were soon the hottest songwriting team on Broadway and went on to write more than a dozen Broadway shows, featuring songs such as I Got Rhythm, Embraceable You, The Man I Love and Strike Up The Band, and the opera Porgy and Bess.

Although Ira suffered deep depression following George’s death he continued songwriting as a form of therapy and worked with other composer’s, including with Jerome Kern, Long Ago and Far Away. He died on 17th August, 1893.

In Goldwyn Follies, Love is Here to Stay is sung

by Kenny Baker, described as a boyishly good looking singer/actor who first gained notice as the featured singer on the hugely popular Jack Benny radio show. The song has since been covered by many great singers including Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald and Diana Ross and is currently a hit for a Brighton-based group called Chungking.

The movie, however, was a flop and became known as Goldwyn’s folly. It is included in a list of the worst 50 films of all time but the score was nominated for an Academy Award and Ira’s lyrics, including Gibraltar may tumble, are considered among his best ever. n It’s very clear Our love is here to stay Not for a year But ever and a day The radio And the telephone And the movies that we know May just be passing fancies And in time may go But oh my dear Our love is here to stay Together we’re Going a long, long way In time the Rockies may crumble Gibraltar may tumble They’re only made of clay but Our love is here to stay The radio And the telephone And the movies that we know May just be passing fancies And in time may go But oh my dear Our love is here to stay Together we’re Going a long, long way In time the Rockies may crumble Gibraltar may tumble They’re only made of clay but Our love is here to Our love is here to Our love is here to stay

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

music

Harp & Trumpet

a Concert for Charity

A concert in aid of Cancer Relief will take place at the Convent Ballroom on Thursday 16th April at 8.30pm.

Featuring Isobel White, harp, and Kitt Garner, trumpet, playing music by Henry Purcall, J S Bach, Toru Takemitsu, Gabriel Faure, Jesus Guridi and Rimsky Korsakov.

Tickets cost £15.00 and are available from Sacarello’s Coffee Shop and Solomon Levy’s Estate Agent.

Isobel White began learning the harp at the age of eight and studied at the Royal Northern College of Music Junior Department, Chetham’s School of Music, and the Royal Academy of Music. Isobel is a keen chamber musician, and since graduating she has performed Mozart’s Flute and Harp Concerto in Cambridge and Winchester and is currently pursuing performance opportunities with trumpet and harp, clarinet and harp, and a harp duo.

Isobel has a passion for teaching and at present works at the Purcell School, Bedford High School for Girls, Bedford School and Northampton Music Service.

Originally from a brass band background, Kitt Garner studied trumpet at Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester before embarking on studies at the Royal Northern College of Music and the Royal Academy of Music. He is an International Trumpet Guild Prize-winner and has performed concertos with the RNCM Chamber Orchestra, Joven Orchestra Italia, and Chetham’s Wind Orchestra.

Recent professional work has included dates with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and BBC Philharmonic Orchestras. Kitt currently divides his time between playing and teaching. n

Polar Bears Raise Cash for Charity Michael Dalmedo and his wife raised an incredible £1,345.00 for the Neuroblastoma Charity when they participated in a Polar Bear Swim. The cheque for the money raised was presented by the couple to representatives of the charity, Shirley Callaghan and Marilyn Richardson, at the Caleta Hotel.

Well done to the Dalmedos for supporting such a worthy cause!

• Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid cancer in childhood and the most common cancer in infancy. Close to 50 percent of neuroblastoma cases occur in children younger than two years old.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

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&

poisonous: The Apple of Sodom

poisonous Wild Flowers of Gibraltar

text and photos by Leslie Linares ARPS

Many plants have useful properties. Many, especially those of the mint family, find their use in the kitchen. Others have medicinal properties and have been used in the cure of many diseases. Yet others produce toxins that are dangerous for humans. Some are poisonous if taken in large quantities and medicinal in low doses, etc.

Two families that are well known for their poisonous plants are the Solanaceae (the nightshade, tomato or potato family) and the Euphorbiaceae (the spurge family).

Spurges can be identified by the milky white sap exuded by the stems and leaves when broken. This sap is a skin irritant and should be avoided. There are 12 species found on the Rock, and one of the most beautiful is the warty spurge (Euphorbia squamigera). This is found on

poisonous: Warty Spurg

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the upper and the southern parts of the Rock. It is a small shrub up to 70cm tall, with lime-green floral bracts. The flowers are tiny, but they produce spherical fruits up to 1 cm across, which are covered with warts.

Also a member of the spurge family is the castor oil plant (Ricinus communis). This is not a common plant on the Rock, but a good stand can be found in the area of Sandpits. Plants can be up to 4 me-

tres tall, with large palmate leaves up to 60cm across. The flowers form elongated clusters with the reddish female flowers above and the yellowish male flowers below. The plant is a native of the tropics, and is highly poisonous but the refined oil produced from the fruit is the familiar castor oil. Construction work in the area of Sandpits will no doubt threaten the species locally.

The nightshade family is represented locally by nine species.

Perhaps the most common and widespread throughout the Rock is the orange nightshade (Solanum alatum). This is a small plant, rarely exceeding 50cm in height.

The white flowers are around 1 cm across, and they produce small orange tomato-like berries around 7mm in diameter. The whole plant is poisonous. This plant is hairless, while the almost identical hairy nightshade (Solanum villosum) has softly hairy leaves and stems.

poisonous: Thorn Apple

A more formidable member of the nightshade family is the apple of Sodom (Solanum sodomeum).

This is a spreading and very spiny shrub from 40-150cm tall. The violet flowers are 2-3cm across and have projecting yellow anthers. The fruit is a berry up to 3 cm across, at first green with pale markings, then turning yellow. The whole plant is poisonous. These plants are East Side and Windmill Hill Flats. The plant is a native of Africa.

Another very poisonous plant is the thorn apple (Datura stramonium). This is a very rare plant, occasionally found as a weed in cultivated plots. The plant can be up to 1 metre tall, but usually less.

The white, funnel-shaped flowers are around 10cm long. The fruit is in the form of an oval capsule up to 4cm long, covered with spines. This

Spurges can be identified by the milky white sap exuded by the stems and leaves when broken.

This sap is a skin irritant and should be avoided GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2009

&

medicinal

medicinal: St John’s wort

natural history

An infusion made from the flowers of the St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) has been used to treat ailments such as depression, and menstrual and intestinal disorders medicinal: Borage

plant is a native of America.

The white henbane (Hyoscyamus albus) is not a common plant locally.

It generally grows on old walls and waste ground in built-up areas along the lower parts of the Rock.

The plant is covered with glandular hairs, giving it a grey-green appearance. The stems are from 20 to 80cm long. The flowers are around 2cm long, cream or pale yellow, with a

dark purple throat. The fruit is a berry up to 8mm long, which turns black when ripe. The whole plant is poisonous.

On the non-poisonous side, there is the St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum). This is a very rare plant locally. It is only found on Bruce’s Farm firebreak, but as this has not been cleared for years and is becoming very overgrown,

poisonous: White Henbane

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2009

these plants, which grow in open areas, are rapidly disappearing.

The plants are 20-100cm tall, and the yellow flowers 2 to 3cm across.

The leaves have tiny translucent dots all over their surface. An infusion made from the flowers has been used to treat ailments such as depression, and menstrual and intestinal disorders.

The borage (Borago officinalis)

poisonous: Castor Oil Plant

has also been used in the past as a medicinal herb. An infusion made from the plant was used as a treatment for rheumatic conditions. The young fresh leaves and the flowers are used in salads. It is not a common plant locally, generally found on disturbed and waste ground throughout Gibraltar. It is a roughhairy plant up to 80cm tall, with blue flowers 2-3cm across. n

poisonous: Orange Nightshade

81

Spring Making Egg Pasta To make 8 servings of stuffed pasta or 4-6 if you’re doing noodles, all you need is: 500g of fine wheat flour (sifted) 4 large eggs water as needed First make a mound of flour on a smooth work surface, preferably wood. Make a well in the center. Break the eggs into a bowl, lightly beat to mix, and pour into the center of the flour. Gradually pull the flour from the sides into the eggs until you form a dough, adding sprinkles of water as needed for a smooth but fairly stiff dough.

Knead the dough thoroughly, working vigorously, until it’s smooth and even. About 8 minutes should do it. Cover with damp towel and let sit 15 to 30 minutes.

Cut small sections of dough, lightly flour, and roll out using a pasta machine or long, narrow pasta rolling pin (available at kitchenware stores). Keep remaining dough covered as each piece is rolled out. Roll very thin for stuffed pasta, a little thicker for noodles. and your egg pasta is ready to use.

To cut into strips, use a cutting roller machine or lightly flour a sheet of dough, roll lightly and cut it crosswise. Spread on lightly floured towels until dry enough to gather and coil into nest shapes without sticking together.

You can cook your pasta immediately or dry it for about 24 hours and store in a dry cupboard for future use.

Filled Pasta Drop several spoons of filling onto one half of a sheet of paper-thin pasta keeping them 3 to 5 cm apart. Fold over the other half and seal the edges round each mound either with your fingers or a small glass. Cut the individual packets, either with crimping scissors or a knife, into squares and brush with egg. If you’re preparing ravioli in advance you can dust with cornmeal to prevent them from sticking together.

Cook in plenty of boiling water for 10-15 minutes. Ravioli will float to the surface when ready, so be careful not to put put too many in the saucepan.

Drain, top with a pasta sauce or pesto, shaved parmesan, add garnish and serve.

hey presto

it’s pasta!

Egg pasta to most of us, it can sound like quite a daunting challenge to make at home, especially as it’s easy enough to pick up of the supermarket shelf. But there’s something appealing about homemade pasta or those who enjoy just pottering in the kitchen and nothing quite tastes the same as the real thing.

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Fillings Stuffing your fresh pasta is just as easy, and feel free to experiment. One of the easiest we’ve come across is Ricotta Cheese.

Mix 135g of cheese with 1 egg in a bowl with a little salt and pepper to season. Chill in the fridge for a few minutes to firm it up.

You can easily vary the recipe by using a different cheese, or adding minced parsley or other herbs to your taste.

Meat fillings take a little more time, but are well worth while too.

Lightly fry half a large onion, finely diced, in butter with a drop of olive oil. Add 250g minced beef or half beef, half pork and toss until evenly coloured throughout. Add a finely chopped or crushed clove of garlic, salt and pepper to taste.

Remove from the heat and spoon off the juices.

Stir in an egg, a little minced parsley and two tablespoons of Parmesan cheese. Check taste and add salt if needed. Don’t forget that while you’re cooking the meat you can add herbs or spices to your own liking, but don’t go over the top — choose one or two which work together

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

Easter eggs! rather than throwing everything you’ve got in the pan!

Sauces For a simple sauce, heat a dash of olive oil in a pan and add a clove of chopped of crushed garlic. Fry until it’s just turning brown and add a half glass of white wine. Cook until the sauce is reduced by half and then add the freshly squeezed juice of two large lemons and a chopped tomato. Cook for a couple of minutes more and it’s ready to pour over your pasta.

A creamier variation can be achieved by lightly frying a diced onion in a little olive oil and again add a half glass of white wine. Boil for a couple of minutes to reduce. Blend the mixture with 100g of double cream, add seasoning to taste.

Return to the pan and heat gently without boiling. Add 50g of minced parsley, give it another minute or two and it’s ready to serve. n

RECIPES

To cut into strips, use a cutting roller machine or lightly flour a sheet of dough, roll lightly and cut it crosswise. Spread on lightly floured towels until dry enough to gather and coil into nest shapes without sticking together

Homemade pasta can be cut into any shapes, not just the traditional ones, and filled with anything you fancy — let your imagination run wild

THE NEW ROYAL CALPE

2 EVENING MEALS

£7.95

Modern

Relaxed

176 Main Street, Gibraltar Tel: 200 75890 royalcalpe@gibtelecom.net

Dining

www.thegibraltarmagazine.com

read it online!

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

Open: 10am - late Closed Sundays + Saturday lunch

Irish Town Tel: 200 51738 to reserve

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food & drink

Event: St Patrick’s Night

photographer: Jane McKinnon-Johnson

Venue: O’Reilly’s Ocean Village

Pickwicks on Governor’s Parade (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

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

wine column (sort of)

My friend Margot In January I revealed the contents of a thank-you letter sent to me by my Godson, Nigel, currently incarcerated in St Custard’s school.

When I visited him there recently, I found myself chatting to one of the assistant masters who introduced himself as ‘A J Wentworth BA – Hons of course’. He gathered that I had an interest in wine and kindly sent me this extract from his diary, with the comment: ‘This should scotch some of the more ridiculous stories which are circulating’.

‘18 September. I arrived at Bordeaux airport after a difficult time with an airline called ‘easy jet’. What a misnomer. I pointed out to the young lady who made the safety announcement on departure that she should not refer to a landing on water as this would of course be impossible — like swimming on dry land. She did not seem to appreciate what I was trying to say and made a rather offensive remark which I need not repeat here. I was ignored for the rest of the flight — actually no bad thing since it appeared that the cup of tea to which I had been looking forward had to be paid for.

Times have certainly changed since I last took an aeroplane.

On arrival, I realised that I had inadvertently left behind the address of Margot and Jeremy Leadbetter, the old friends who had kindly invited me to stay for a week. Normally, I would be teaching at this time of year but the unfortunate incident with Hopgood II and the compasses (about which there has been much silly tittle-tattle) means that I have an unexpected holiday while investigations are made. It will all die down, but the Headmaster thought it might be best if I removed myself from the scene for a while ‘for the good of the school’. Naturally, my ears are not deaf to such an appeal as the school must come before any personal considerations. Be that as it may, I was now in a strange country with no very clear idea of how to find my destination; Margot had simply instructed me to get a taxi to the address.

Hoping, therefore, that they might be well enough known in the neighbourhood I approached a taxi driver and enquired whether he knew Margot and Jeremy. He looked blank, as so many of these foreigners do when you ask them a perfectly plain question, and gabbled something in reply in which I caught ‘Chateau’ and ‘Margot’. This encouraged me so I nodded and said ‘Si’. I got in and he chatted cheerfully to me as we bowled along, with my saying ‘Si’ every now and then which seemed to keep him happy. We eventually arrived at a most impressive residence in neo-classical style; I mused that Jeremy must have done very well for himself.

A uniformed butler of sorts appeared, en-

86

quired whether I was ‘Monsieur Wintvot’ and opened the car door just as I was retrieving the French francs from my left hand waistcoat pocket so that they all fell to the ground. As we picked them up, the butler spoke to the taxi driver who promptly drove away. I protested that I needed to pay him but the butler refused me saying, in rather accented English, that he had arranged matters and that my money was worthless. I bridled at this, pointing out that although it may not have been much to his masters it was still a considerable amount to me and that I did not expect a servant to make that sort of remark. He then explained that the French have changed their currency, but he would ensure that all would be well. I wondered about this and put it down to the turbulent history of France, merely indicating that I was glad to be able to live in a peaceful and stable country where the pound could be relied on and remain of value. He did not comment.

He told me that this was indeed the home of Margot and I was expected to lunch after a brief tour of the ‘domain’, as he put it. I enquired where Margot was but he just smiled and waved his arm in an expansive gesture before showing me into a beautiful room where another gentleman was waiting in front of a table with glasses and a bottle of wine. He poured (rather a small amount) into a glass and handed it to me despite my protestations that it was still too early. He poured his own glass, sniffed it, took a small sip – and then spat it out (!) into a small bowl on the floor which I had not previously noticed.

Well, even if it was a bit early, I am not one to waste a pleasant drop so I swallowed mine (it was extraordinarily good) and, perhaps rather impertinently, held out my glass for more. He

I had clearly been expected to spit out the wine but for the life of me I cannot see why

smiled, gently took my glass away, and asked me to follow him.

In my eagerness not to make any more mistakes (I had clearly been expected to spit out the wine but for the life of me I cannot see why) I made straight after him, while still looking at my magnificent surroundings. Unfortunately, I did not notice the bowl on the floor and tripped over it. In an attempt to keep my footing I made a grab for the table on which stood the wine and some more glasses; this was a rather flimsy piece of furniture which did not withstand my weight and so we all fell to the floor together on to, I could not help noticing, a fine Persian rug which cushioned my fall.

He helped me up and I noticed that my rather fine fawn twill trousers had received some wine stains. I felt that I could not see Margot and Jeremy in such a state and asked him what to do.

He replied, somewhat curtly, that he suspected Margot had more important matters to worry about and I advised him that perhaps the first thing would be to replace the — now broken — flimsy table with something more solid. He agreed that such a course would be advisable, especially if I was staying for lunch. I did not see the relevance of this but let it pass. We now went, he assured me, to see Margot.’

At this point the extract from the diary ceases but Mr Wentworth has assured me that ‘as ill luck would have it’ the remaining pages had been sent to an acquaintance in Wales who wanted to know about Fermat’s last theorem.

I did not enquire further as to how this mistake arose. But further extracts should arrive soon... n GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

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 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 salads of coconut coated langostines (deep fried in a coconut batter, sweet chilli and ginger dressing); and warm goats cheese & fresh spinach with sautéed mushrooms, croutons, basil & balsamic dressing; pasta dishes such as langostine pil pil; sautéed chorizo, chicken and langostines; and fresh salmon & spinach; and main courses including chargrilled fillet steak; wrapped chicken; lamb shoulder; and fresh salmon fillet with sesame crust.

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.

Laziz Sail 2.2 Ocean Village Marina. Tel: 200 40971 www.lazizrestaurant.com Laziz is a plush Indian cuisine restaurant right on the waterfront at Ocean Village (in fact it’s built over the water). This tastefully fitted out restaurant has two menus — evolved and traditional. Each dish is beautifully served and presented, and you will find lots of unusual and delicious dishes to choose from — a real pleasure for the taste buds. Seating is in comfortable booths or on tables at the waterside (the restaurant’s big glazed windows open right up in the summer for an outdoor feel).

Open: daily 11-midnight. Kitchen open: 12-3, 6-11.

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. Recognised for its eclectic interior, atmosphere and cuisine. Bread, pasta and desserts from the a la carte menu are all homemade 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 Restaurante El Patio with comfortable seating in the no-smoking interior or 11 Casemates Square Tel: 200 70822 Tucked in the corner of Casemates Square this classic outside on the enclosed and heated patio, great for a fish restaurant specialises in fresh fish and Basque and fun night out.

Continental cuisines. Relaxed dining at the front next Open: lunch and dinner 12 noon to late to the square, formal dining room to the rear - try the fresh caught specials, paellas and rice dishes, sea bass Thyme Restaurant A la Vasca or a la Bilbaina, swordfish pil-pil or turbot 5 Cornwall’s Lane. Tel: 200 49199 Email: thymegib@hotmail.com thermidor.

Open: 1pm - 4pm, 8.30pm - 11pm Closed all day Open for 5 years, this modern wine bar serves refreshing cocktails and a wide range of New World and European Sunday (plus Saturdays during August). wines in a cool lively atmosphere, and on the 1st floor above is the restaurant serving bistro cuisine with a menu 14 on the Quay featuring dishes from all over the world. Try one of these Unit 14, Queensway Quay Tel: 200 43731 The latest addition to the beautiful Queensway Quay dishes from the wide selection: starters include Buffalo marina, 14 on the Quay is open for lunch, afternoon tea, Mozzarella, Plum Tomato, Grilled Chilli & Landcress cocktails and dinner. The fine dining includes lobsters Salad, Basil Oil & Balsamic; Crab & Coriander Spring fresh from the tank, and the setting with its spectacular Roll, String Hopper Noodle Salad, Cucumber & Chilli Salsa; Steamed Mussels flavoured with ginger, Lemon sunsets is perfect.

Grass, Chilli & Coconut Milk; try main courses such Open: 12.30 - 11pm (last orders 10.45pm) as Grilled Salmon Darne, Crisp Pancetta, Thai Spiced

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.

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. Bakery serves breads and bagels etc.

Open: Monday to Friday from 8.30am.

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.

The Barbary Ape Boyd Street (near Cable Car) Tel: 200 44380 A restaurant situated right near the Cable Car is the ideal place to have lunch with perfect view of the Rock.

With local delicacies such as albondigas, calamares, and boquerones offered as raciones or tapas; and various options for main courses such as fish & chips, steak, burgers, sandwiches and salads, there is something for everyone on this menu including good Moroccan specialities.

Buddies Pasta Casa 15 Cannon Lane. Tel: 200 40627 Tasty Italian specials in pleasant ambience. Large selection of starters from garlic bread to calamari.

Main courses include spinnach caneloni, spaghetti alla carbonara, fusilli al salmone, and peppered steak to name a few. Tasty desserts and variety of wines.

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

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

snacks such as samosas, bhajias, and pakoras to lamb, chicken and fish dishes with sauces such as korma, tikka masala, bhuna, do piaza... in fact all you would expect from an Indian cuisine take-away. Large vegetarian selection. Halal food is available, as is outside catering for parties and meetings. Sunday specials include all Mumbai favourites such as Dosa and Choley Bhature.

Open: 7 days a week 11am to 3pm, 6pm until late.

Open: Monday - Thursday 11am - 5pm, Friday 11am3pm and 7pm-11pm, Saturday 11am-4.30pm Bush Tucker 34/36 Parliament Lane. Tel: 200 75001 Original South African food. Home made burgers, wide range of breakfast options, Grandma's Bobotie, chicken Vinkies. Try their rack of lamb with ‘monkey gland’ sauce at their evening grill from 7pm onwards Wednesday to Saturday.

Open: 8am 'til late Fresh 5 Waterport Plaza (Public Market) Tel: 200 52611 By day Fresh is a sandwich bar serving all sort of delicious food from made-to-order sandwiches and hot and cold drinks to baguettes, wraps, salads, toasties and soups. Open early for coffees and toast. By night, (from 4.30pm) Fresh transforms into a cosy lounge bar with free tapas on a Friday from 5pm-7pm and happy hours daily from 7-9pm. Decorated for relaxation, this is a pleasant place to enjoy a drink and some conversation.

As if this isn’t enough Fresh offers outside catering for private parties, at home, or at the office, and you can book Fresh for private parties in the evenings.

Open: 8am-midnight Mon - Thurs, 8am-1am Fridays, 9am-1am Saturdays, closed Sundays.

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.

Get Stuffed Marina Bay. Tel: 200 42006 Take-away, sandwich bar and hot food. Serving all homemade sandwiches, salads, quiches, pasta, pies, muffins, plus hot and cold drinks and smoothies and a different special every day. Outside catering for corporate parties.

Open: 8am - 6pm Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm Sat. Just A Nibble 1st Flr International Commercial Ctr. Tel: 200 78052 Full licensed cafe serving English breakfast, vast range of toasties, rolls, and other snacks. Meals include, Bob’s famous chicken curry/chilli con carne, and a great new range of pies (from Bob’s chicken and leek to steak and kidney plus a whole range of tasty alternatives) plus all the old favourites; jacket spuds, burgers, hot dogs, fish

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

Mumtaz Indian Cuisine Take-away 20 Cornwall’s Lane Tel: 200 4457 Good Indian take-away service serving all the favourites from masala naan and spinach bhajia to lamb biryani, chicken tikka masala, king prawn korma and tandoori chicken kebab roll. Sauces and vegetarian dishes plus speciality dishes each Sunday (all dishes reasonably priced).

Open: 7 days a week 11-3, 6-late.

and chips, and daily specials. Ideal meeting place.

Open: Monday - Saturday from 9am.

Just Desserts 1st Floor ICC Tel: 200 48014 Comfortable bright, airy cafe serving vegetarian and nonvegetarian cuisine from breakfast and lunch to afternoon tea. Homemade desserts a speciality. Eat-in or takeaway at sensible prices. Outside catering.

Open: 8am - 4.30pm Monday to Friday.

Khan’s Indian Cuisine Unit 7-8, Watergardens. Tel: 200 50015 Eat-in or take-away at this traditional Indian eatery.

Everything from onion bhajia and green pepperpakora to chicken tikka, tandoori king prawns, Khan’s special fish curry, chicken jalfrezi, lamb rogan josh, naan bread, rices, vegetable dishes and everything in between!

Many new dishes added to the menu, plus specialities every Sunday.

Maillo Take Away Unit F5A 1st Floor ICC Tel: 54002598 Homemade Spanish food is available at this cafe and take away in the International Commercial Centre near Casemates. Everything from sandwiches and panini, to soups, fish, salads, and mixed platters with pork and chicken options. Maillo will also cook for summer picnics, and they make some great desserts.

Open: Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm Marrakech Restaurant Governor's Parade. Tel: 200 75196, 56000281 Moroccan restaurant with large terrace close to the Elliot Hotel. Try the delicious specials such as Moroccan Harira soup, festival of Moroccan salads, large range of tagines and couscous. Ask the waiter for their daily selection of delicious desserts.

Open: 11-3pm, 7pm-late Mumbai Curry House Unit 1.0.02 Ground Floor, Block 1 Eurotowers Tel: 200 73711 Home delivery: 50022/33 Good Indian cuisine for eating in or taking away, from

Munchies Cafe 24 Main Street. Tel: 200 43840 Fax: 200 42390 A great sandwich bar/cafe offering an unusual range of sandwiches on white or granary bread, plus salads, baguettes, soups, desserts, homemade ice-cream and hot/cold drinks. Business lunches, parties and kids parties also catered for (for party and office platters phone or fax order by 5.30pm day before - minium orders for delivery £12).

Open: Monday - Friday 8.30-7, Sat 9 - 4, Closed Sun. 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.

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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 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.

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.

The Cannon Bar 27 Cannon Lane. Tel: 200 77288 Jane is still at the Cannon Bar — over 20 years now! Fish and chips voted the best in Gib by Lonely Planet. Terrace just off Main Street. Located between Marks & Spencer and the Cathedral.

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.

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) The Quarter Deck Unit 26, Block 2 Watergardens Tel: 200 44520 Located opposite Kentucky Fried Chicken, Ocean Village, the Quarterdeck is a busy little pub with terrace seating and food served all day. Breakfasts start at just £2.70 and a hearty Sunday lunch (£4.95) is served from 1.30pm.

Seating outside overlooking Ocean Village.

Open: 9am to late.

Royal Calpe 176 Main Street, Gibraltar Tel: 200 75890 Email: royalcalpe@gibtelecom.net

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

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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. Good food from traditional pub fare to salads is available throughout the day. Wide selection of draught beer and cider.

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.

Facilities: Outside seating.

Open: from 7am every day.

Located: first right off Main St (walking from N to S).

The Trafalgar Sports Bar 1A Rosia Road. Tel: 200 45376 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. Roast carvery available throughout the week between 12 and 4pm. Call them for bookings.

Open: 7 days a week.

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 Mon-Fri 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.

The Quarter Deck Kitchen open all day Breakfast from £2.70 Sunday Lunch served from 1.30pm £4.95 open 9am till late opp. Ocean Village, Watergardens Tel: 200 44520

Liverpool Bar open 7 days a week 10-late

UK BEERS FUll English Breakfast + much more Avenida España No 4 (400m from the Frontier) Tel: 00 34 956767770

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

food&drink

Game On at 14 on the Quay Chef Mike of 14 on the Quay restaurant has been making some changes to his menus.

And the menu does seem to be going a little wild as he mixes the traditional with the exotic.

The first thing you’ll notice on the menu is the mixed game terrine, made up of wild boar, venison and quail served with a delicious apricot chutney. You’ll find many of his well known starters too, such as grilled asparagus salad, spicy steamed mussels and Tung Po pork, meaning you can keep your options and palate open to nearly any flavour you wish.

If you went for one of the tamer starters, you can go wild on your main dish with roast loin of wild boar together with bubble & squeak, winter puree and apple sauce and for a very reasonable price.

“We’ve brought the boar in specially from the UK and as far as we’re aware, 14 on the Quay is the only restaurant in Gibraltar offering it on the menu. It’s a good opportunity for our clientele to try something a little bit different and it ties in well at this time of year as a seasonal dish too,” Mike commented.

Again, on the mains menu there’s a wide selection to choose from.

From 14’s fish pie, saddle of lamb, grilled Argentinian sirloin of beef and couple of vegetarian options such as Spidini a la Verdura or brochette of king prawns with exotic fruits and Thai salad.

In fact, 14’s theme of variety is obvious right through the menu, and you’ll find it hard to discover another restaurant offering such a diversity of dishes with origins across the globe.

You’ll be glad to hear there’s nothing wild about the deserts, unless you’re mad about rhubarb which Mike serves with orange custard. You could also go for the warm baked chocolate pudding or vanilla crème brulée diced with lemon and pistachio biscotti if you want to move away from traditional British flavours.

However, as the days get longer and the afternoon’s warmer, Mike will be introducing lighter items to the menu. The restaurant has been working for some time on offering live lobsters to choose from their tank.

“It’s a process which requires time and patience to set up as it’s quite tricky to get the water conditions correct to be able to keep them out of their natural environment,” Mike told us.

He’ll also be adding lighter pasta dishes and scallops in lemon risotto to bring some fresh flavours to the table, but the wild boar will still be available throughout the summer, although most likely as a cold platter rather than a heavy roast.

Come May, the quayside at Queensway Quay becomes a relaxing spot to sit outside listening to the creaks and moans of the yachts pulling on their anchors. There’s nothing quite like whiling away a lazy afternoon with a cup of tea and slice of cake. Yes, 14’s afternoon teas are becoming a bit of an institution, so why not take a stroll down and watch the yachts in true British style. n

If you went for one of the tamer starters, you can go wild on your main dish

There is a new exciting menu at 14 on the Quay

class Catering with a touch of Breakfasts • Lunch Afternoon Tea (£1.99) Vegetarian & Non-Vegetarian Menus Homemade Desserts Eat-in or Take-away SENSIBLE PRICES

Outside Catering Service Open: 8am - 4.30pm Monday - Friday

Tel: 200 48014 1st Floor ICC

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

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A ro u n d To w n .. .

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

April so soon? Don’t let the 1st of the month catch you unawares or you may be featured in next month’s column as a victim of some prank or wind up, as it is, of course, April Fool’s Day. Eloise of Just Recruitment says she doesn’t ‘celebrate’ April Fool’s Day... but I’m not sure any of us do intentionally, it’s something thrust upon us when we aren’t looking! At least this year we can recover over the Easter bank holidays and console ourselves with all those delicious chocolate eggs which the Easter bunny will be hiding all over the place.

Boys night out at the Royal Calpe — strictly no canapes and cocktails

The Black Stuff Flows...

Irish eyes were certainly smiling in the middle of March... not only was it St Patrick’s night but the new Irish bar, O’Reilly’s opened at Ocean Village too (see pics left and page 84). Congratulations to John and Andy on a successful launch of a great little pub. (By the way did you know Guinness has less calories than lager? So take note all you portly fellows...)

Congratulations Due Special birthdays this month for Maria of PriceWaterhouseCoopers, clarinet player Chris (ret’d), and Terry of Access Scaffolding who reaches the big four-zero... and he doesn’t look a day over 45! It’s Claudia of Claudia’s Clinic’s birthday at the end of the month too.

Congratulations also to Peri of Renaissance on her new look salon in Don House Arcade — a little haven of tranquility just off Main Street — and for the fabulous party she threw for all her girlies at Cafe Solo last month (see pictures).

Marathon Men... and Women By the time you read this the Ibex Insurance team will have run the Malaga half-marathon (29th March) and raised lots of dosh for Oxfam International through their efforts (well done chaps!).

Of course it’s the London Marathon on 26th April and Our Hero Andrew Tucker will be lacing up his trainers once more to see if he can beat last year’s time. The rumour on the street has it that, as he was beaten by a rhinocerous last year, he may well be donning a foam suit as he thinks it gave last year’s entrant some sort of super hero stamina! Keep an eye out for him at the start and cheer him on.

Another person who may need super powers is Nick Cully of Gibraltar Asset Management who will be driving a motorised rickshaw from Shilong, through Nepal, to Goa in April. He’s brave or mad or both, but he’s doing it for

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This p night Rena Salon GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2007 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

Prestige Boys

three excellent charities, along with his mate Andrew, and we hope they exceed their £4,000 target — they deserve it!

New Faces Eloy at EMP Jewellery Repairs has a lovely new assistant, Corinne, who is helping him out and learning the trade. Window cleaner Stephen (who does Norwich and Peterborough amongst other places) has also taken on another window cleaner he’s so busy keeping the town spick and span.

What recession?

Royalty It isn’t very often we get a royal visit to Gibraltar, so we thought it was worth a mention. Yes that’s right Les and Marg were over from Wales last month.

Another little fellow who thinks he’s royalty is Bagel the Yorkshire terrier, who belongs to Lulu of the Fashion House. Lulu says they are now calling him King of the World as that’s how he behaves... I suspect that the little rascal has been encourged in his meglomania by Lulu and her family’s constant doating!

After Midnight?

Craig Thomas has now reached Barista standards with his new home coffee machine and we suspect he may soon be able to stay up after 10pm with all that caffiene surging through his veins.

Culture Vultures Isobel (lovely daughter of Dr and Helen White) will be forming a duo with Kit Garner on 16th April at the Convent Ballroom for a fabulous harp and trumpet concert... one not to be missed even if you don’t normally attend such events. But if you prefer something a bit more spine tingling there’s a thriller (Gaslight) on at the Garrison Library from 22nd to 24th April.

Certainly plenty to keep us entertained in Gibraltar this month! See you around town.

This page and left: Ladies’ night at Cafe Solo - the Renaissance Health & Beauty Salon’s charity party GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2007 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

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clubs&activities 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 .

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.

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 undertake a variety of voluntary and challenging activities. Contact Duke of Edinburgh’s Award,

Don’t be bored... do something fun!

Montagu Bastion, Line Wall Road, Gibraltar Tel: 200 59818 Reg. Charity No: 61 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.

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.

Tuesday Ladies’ Club meets 8pm, Queensway Club first Tuesday of month. For women who enjoy making new friends. Non-profit making, proceeds donated to charity. Tel: Anne 200 43869, or Margaret 200 70816.

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).

Te l : E r i c 2 0 0 70710 (after 5).

Snorkelling & Spear Fishing: Over 14s for snorkelling, over 16s for spear fishing. Tel: Joseph 200 75020.

Squash: Gibraltar Squash Association, Squash Centre,

94 what a page turner! www.thegibraltarmagazine.com

South Pavilion 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 • APRIL 2009

support 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 • APRIL 2009

events

Princess Royal visits Gibraltar HRH Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, made a successful three day visit to Gibraltar in March.

Her Royal Highness toured the King’s Bastion leisure complex and Government of Gibraltar’s new development of lowcost housing before calling in at a school for children with special needs.

This was HRH’s third visit to the Rock — the first was in 1954 accompanying her mother Queen Elizabeth II on Her Majesty’s one visit to date. The princess visited again in 2004 to mark the 300th anniversary of Gibraltar being British.

On leaving Gibraltar, the Princess waved from the steps of Bae 146 of No 32 (The Royal) Squadron (right) before flying back to the UK. n

Med Golf News: Out on the Old Course

The Med Golf Cruz & Co competition took place on the Atalaya Golf Old Course on during February, when 50 players enjoyed the sunny and dry conditions, perfect for golf.

John McHale won the Cruz and Co Trophy and a pro shop voucher for 130 euros with a winning overall score of 35 points.

Winner of the 1st category (0- 12 handicap) was Chris Warren with 32 points and runner up was Mike Cowburn also with 32 points.

Winner of the 2nd category (13- 21 handicap) was Dave Pinniger with 34 points and runner up was Paul Appleyard with 32 points. Winner of the 3rd category (22 - 36 handicap) was Claudio D’Ascenzi with

Religious Services Bahia Tel: 200 43637 for meetings.

Bethel Christian Fellowship Tel: 200 52002. 47 Queensway. Sunday service at 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

35 points and runner up was Tim Mitchell with 31 points.

The senior division was also won

by Claudio D’Ascenzi and best gross score went to Dan Kenyon who played the course in 81 shots.

The campaign for the 2008/09 “Player of the Year” award, sponsored by Estepona Golf Club, is well under way and with the top ten members at the end of July receiving invitations to the Med Golf Masters at Valderrama in late summer 2009, competition is

fierce now after 7 events. The top ten in order are Joe Sanchez, Tim Rickson, George Desoisa, Soeren Valbro, John Dale, Alan Sene, Nicky Sanchez, Louis Calvente, Douglas Casciaro, Chris Warren.

Next tournament at Arcos Gardens club, Sunday 12th April. n

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 Street Gibraltar Tel/Fax 200 40870 email minister@methodist.org. gi Minister: Revd Fidel Patron. Sunday 11am Morning Worship, 8pm Evening Service. Prayer meetings Monday and 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.

Tee times can be booked by ringing Johnathan Goodson on Spain (0034) 639741886 or by e-mail at jg@medgolf. gi Full details are on the Med Golf web site www.teetimespain.com

what a page turner! www.thegibraltarmagazine.com 95

property directory

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96 GIBRALTAR Magazine

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Electrical • Security • Fire Alarms from a blown fuse to a re-wire

SALES / RENTALS PROPERTY SPAIN MANAGEMENT & Maintenance Furniture Packages

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Tel: 200 79732 Fax: 200 40415 Unit No. 28 The New Harbours

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Sheet Metal Works Ventilation Ductwork Stainless Steel Cabinets, Canopies Shelves etc Tel: 200 79732 Fax: 40415 COLD-AIRE ENGINEERING Unit No. 28 The New Harbours

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Manufacturers & Suppliers of HIGH PRESSURE HOSES AND ACCESSORIES Visit us at 43 Harbours Deck, New Harbours, Gibraltar Call us on 200 50337 email: shop@jjhire.com or see our website: www.jjhire.com

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009 June 2004

property directory constructionservices

marineservices

HAYMILLS

Haymills (Gibraltar) Ltd Now at 94 Harbours Walk New Harbours Tel: 200 40690 Fax: 200 74797 Email: tony.harris@haymills.com Website: www.haymills.com

• General Surfacing • Building • Building Renovations • Demolition • Painting & Decorating • Roadworks • Civil Engineering • Asphalt/Aggregate supplier • Comprehensive Plant Holding For prompt & competitively priced tenders contact AMCO P.O. Box 382 Tel: 200 40840 Fax: 200 40841

Portman Ltd General Suppliers

Hire & Sale of Portable Cabin Units (Office, Toilet Units etc) Unit F17 Europa Business Centre PO Box 476, Gibraltar Tel: 200 73119 Fax: 200 45008 E-mail: portman@gibtelecom.net

CIAP (CONSTRUCTION) LTD BUILDERS MERCHANTS GIBRALTAR 325a Main St. Tel: 200 40787 Fax: 200 40799

19/2 Governor’s Parade, Gibraltar Tel: 200 74018

Curtain Makers Home Interiors Fabrics Bedding Bring your own fabric or choose from our range The Fashion House Ltd 85 Governor’s Street. Tel: 200 52938 E-mail: thefashionhouse@gibtelecom.net Fax: 200 52988

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

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WINDOWS

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Now on sale at Gibraltar Bookshops

AUTOELECTRICAL SERVICES Unit 25 Rear of Block 5, Watergardens.

Tel: 200 47000 Mobile: 58850000

Don’t miss May 2009’s Property & Interiors Issue of The Gibraltar Magazine

• Electrical Contractors • Security & Fire Alarm Systems • Repairs to Electrical Machinery & Equipment

THE GIBRALTAR MARITIME SERVICES HANDBOOK 2008 edition

marineservices

• Electrical Contractors • Security & Fire Alarm Systems • Repairs to Electrical Machinery & Equipment

wastemanagement Environment and Waste Management Service

Mechanical & Electrical Engineering Services Domestic + Industrial • Electrical • Mechanical • Plumbing • Air-Conditioning 94 Harbour’s Walk, New Harbours Tel: 200 48774 Fax: 200 45249

June 2004 MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009 GIBRALTAR

Furnishing Fabrics, Wallpapers, Furniture, Wood Floorings, Carpets & Rugs 4 King’s Yard Lane Tel: 200 74445 Fax: 200 76353

E.W.M.S. R25B, Ragged Staff Wharf, Queensway Quay, PO Box 4, Gibraltar Tel: 200 44220 Fax: 200 44221 E-mail: ewmsgib@gibtelecom.net

GIBRALTAR Magazine 97

information

A

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).

T

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.

98 gibraltarmagazine 98

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 • APRIL 2009 July 2004

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