Gibraltar Magazine August 2011

dining guide • business & finance • sport & leisure • property • history • community

g

ibraltar the

August 2011 Vol. 16 No. 10 FREE

Lemons or Lemonade?

Birds of Mixed fortune Programming with Passion

Miriam’s Spirit of Bohemia

A Politician & a Gentleman

...

Europe is Green with envy

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2007

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what’s inside

arts & lifestyle 42 44 58 62 66 72 74 76 78

features Evolving Education Paula’s Programming with Passion € Autobiography of a Colonial Doctor

business & finance 8 9 12 14 16 18 20 22

Business & Finance Guide Why establish a company in Gib?

32 38 40 60

Seminar Success Team Building & Cycling to Work Recruitment: Lemons or Lemonade?

HR Clinic: Your Questions Answered Colleene Wink: Property Partner €

health & beauty 46 48 52 53 55

history & heritage

Awards galore

46-57

Hearts race to Gib What is Core Stability?

Health & Medical Directory Truth about Skin Cancer Living with MS

food & drink

79-89

79 The Perfect Tinto de Verano 82 Recipes 84-87 Restaurant & Bar Guide 88 The New iGrape

property files 34 36 37

34-37

Europe Green with Envy Property Directory Living Arrangements

regulars 68 Puzzle Page 90-91Around Town

information 64-65 94

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

City Centre Map Gibraltar Information

dining guide • business & finance • sport & leisure • property • history • community

24 28 70

Life & Legacy Miriam’s Spirit of Bohemia Birds of Mixed Fortunes € Calpe Press: all things Gibraltar Live to Ride, Ride to Live Ocean Village discounts for all A Culture-Savvy Gibraltarian Abroad Music for the Masses Rock the Rock Festival Burgess’ Vision of Gibraltar A Politician and a Gentleman The Original Music Man € For the Good of the Regiment

gibraltar the

August 2011 Vol. 16 No. 10 FREE

Lemons or Lemonade?

Birds of Mixed fortune Programming with Passion

Miriam’s Spirit of Bohemia

A Politician & a Gentleman

Europe is Green with envy

...

Photo: Leo Hayes - Catalan Bay before the sunbathers arrive

Vol. 16 No. 10 August 2011

The Gibraltar Magazine is published monthly by

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business & finance

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Why establish your business in Gibraltar

by Ian Le Breton

In recent articles I and other contributors to The Gibraltar Magazine have written about Gibraltar companies and, in particular, the new 10% corporate tax rate that came into force at the beginning of this year. This will apply to all Gibraltar companies and be charged on the accrued and derived basis.

But if we move our focus away from the corporate and tax elements, are there real grounds for asserting that Gibraltar is an attractive place to establish a business or is it just marketing hype? Certainly the latest Budget statement in July painted a very rosy picture but bear in mind that a general election is just around the corner!

It would be too easy to start talking about the Mediterranean climate and lifestyle that we enjoy on the Rock, but what are the other factors that might influence decision makers and persuade international investors to come here to Gibraltar rather than any one of the competing jurisdictions across Europe or further afield?

First of all, despite being a full member of the European Union, there is no VAT in Gibral-

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

tar. How can that be? When Gibraltar joined rol, alcohol and tobacco are also cheaper here what was then the EEC in 1973 alongside the — which explains why our border is so rigorUK, we didn’t sign up to the Customs Union. ously patrolled.

Hence there is no VAT, and, incidentally, petBut there are circumstances when you may need to register your company for VAT; indeed registration is a requirement if you are trading in EU countries where you are supplying goods.

This is relatively easily to arrange and, although it is possible to register for VAT in more than one country, in most cases, a single registration in one place will be sufficient. Put another way, a Gibraltar-based business need not be disadvantaged by the lack of VAT and, indeed, can turn it to its advantage.

Then there are the costs of employing staff.

As I have written before, Gibraltar benefits greatly from being able to offer a well-educated,

Although it is possible to register for VAT in more than one country, in most cases, a single registration in one place will be sufficient

business & finance bi-lingual and, generally, hard working labour force. And as employment costs are relatively lower in Gibraltar than in many in competing jurisdictions, salary and associated employment costs can be more efficient.

Moreover, we also benefit from a wider catchment area by being attached to Spain so that workers can cross the border to Gibraltar on a daily basis from the neighbouring area — and some travel a considerable distance of 50km or more to do so. This is simply not possible for our island competitors.

My personal opinion is that we can, and should, benefit from these advantages and business should continue to grow as a result. But don’t take my word for it. When taking over at the beginning of June as President of the Gibraltar Society of Accountants, Freddie White used his inaugural speech to highlight that Gibraltar now has a very good story to tell.

Regular readers of this column will know I have been saying this for some time but it should not be forgotten it has taken no less than 15 years, and a great deal of difficult political and diplomatic negotiation, for the corporate tax issue to be resolved. As a Jerseyman I know all too well that the equivalent type of company in both of the Channel Islands — and when it comes to it the Isle of Man too — now has some real competition on its hands from this new Gibraltar product. It will be down to our staff at Sovereign and all our colleagues in the other corporate service providers, accountants, law firms and banks to go out into the wider world and spread that message.

Just as importantly, we must not be complacent. Yes, we have a good story to tell but good news as they say doesn’t sell newspapers. International commentators will always seek out the more negative areas in any jurisdiction. It will be up to the practitioners in Gibraltar, in conjunction with the government under the auspices of the Gibraltar Finance Centre, to ensure our reputation is maintained and enhanced.

We do have a challenge, for sure. Gibraltar is not necessarily the jurisdiction most Europeans will think of first, there are many others and not just the British Crown Dependencies but Luxem-

bourg, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Monaco and the rest. We are, of course, a lot smaller in terms of our geographic size but we can compete at many different levels with all of these places.

So let us accept that Gibraltar is competitive, but is anyone actually coming here? The answer isn’t hard to find. Look at the now full Leisure Island Business Centre at Ocean Village and other business premises such as Waterport Place and the longer established office suites such as those at Europort. Nor should we forget the older office space in Main Street. There is a growing demand for quality space and I welcome the proposed World Trade Centre development.

All in all, there are a whole host of financial reasons why considering Gibraltar as a good place to set up shop makes very good commercial sense. My good pal Chad Thomson at Quay Financials, the investment manager and broker dealer, agrees. He says that the firm benefits from both the high regulatory standards to be found here and also the practical implementation of that regulation on a day-to-day basis.

He stresses the ability to “passport” his firm’s services to other EU countries from a Gibraltar base. This can also be done in other regulated industries such as banking and insurance. This is an option not available to territories that do not form part of the EU such as the Channel Islands

Luckily of course, most people are very much attracted to the overall package of sea, town, countryside and Mediterranean living to be found in Gibraltar

or the Isle of Man. In the interests of balance, I should mention that not all in the garden is rosy. The global financial crisis has certainly had some impact on Gibraltar, but the recent Gibraltar Budget revealed a GDP growth rate for the last 12 months of 6.5%. I realise one cannot compare our relatively small economy with our large European counterparts, but that rate of growth is very impressive under the circumstances.

One disadvantage we suffer is summer hours.

I know that it’s a very long standing tradition in Gibraltar but in 2011 it is difficult to explain to our business partners across the rest of Europe that many government offices (and some private sector ones too) in Gibraltar are closed in the afternoon throughout the summer. Mind you it’s a brave politician who’ll grasp that nettle.

Luckily I am not in politics — people who know me would probably say that was a very good thing too. But as with other issues locally, we simply work round it.

And finally, we should not ignore those climate and lifestyle reasons I so quickly dismissed at the beginning. The commercial advantages are all well and good but, if people aren’t attracted to the lifestyle that can be found in this part of the world, it’s going to be an uphill struggle from the off. Luckily of course, most people are very much attracted to the overall package of sea, town, countryside and Mediterranean living to be found in Gibraltar and the wider region. Put together, we have an unbeatable package that we should be exploiting at every opportunity. n

New Director at PricewaterhouseCoopers Gibraltar The Partners of PricewaterhouseCoopers Gibraltar last month announced the promotion of Kristian Menez to Director of PricewaterhouseCoopers Limited, the audit and outsource services practice of the Gibraltar firm.

Kristian joined the Gibraltar firm in October 2003 after training and qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in the United Kingdom.

Colin Vaughan, Senior Partner of the PwC Gibraltar said he was very pleased and proud to welcome Kristian onto the Board of Directors, after having mentored and evidenced his rapid progression within the firm, at close hand.

Colin Vaughan, Kristian Menez and Barry Pillans

10

Barry Pillans, Assurance Leader, said that Kristian is extremely hard working, likeable and highly technical, and brings many other attributes to a team of over 110 highly qualified professionals. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

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business moves

Paul Holmes, CEO of the Sabre Awards with Lasse Høgfedt, head of Jyskebank.tv at the award ceremony in Prague

Jyskebank.tv wins International Award Jyskebank.tv has been honoured with the Sabre Award — one of the most prestigious PR and communications awards in Europe.

“It’s big! There’s the Oscars, the Golden Palm in Cannes and the Sabre Award. It may not be as well known as the first two but it’s an international prize which means a lot. It’s the finest communications prize — and we should be very proud,” said Brian Woodward. He is the anchorperson for The Woodward Report, a jyskebank.tv English online magazine which was awarded a Certificate of Excellence.

Sabre Awards is the world’s largest and most sought-after public relations awards competition, which recognises campaigns which have superior achievement in branding and reputation. This year the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) leg of the Sabre Awards took place in Prague on 18th May. “We work assiduously everyday to make sure that Jyskebank. tv is Denmark’s most innovate online TV station. Being in Prague and receiving this big European prize is a huge pat on the back,” stated Lasse Høgfeldt, Head of jyskebank.tv. n Learn more about their win on www.en.jyskebank.tv.

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

business news

Another success for TwopointZero Taking the award for Best Financial Management, which was supported by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, TwopointZero was one of the five companies to win awards at the Young Enterprise competition in London, out of the 12 competing.

Gibrlatar’s TwopointZero was selected to compete in the National Finals of the Young Enterprise competition, which was held at the Savoy Hotel, London. The competition took place over three days from 11th to 13th July, with various interviews and judging panels, and a gala dinner in the Savoy Hotel attended by guests from Boeing, BP and Coca-Cola, where TwopointZero carried out a presentation to a packed house.

“We are very happy that we won this award, which shows what Young Enterprise can achieve, and I hope this is supported and continued, so that Gibraltar can take part in forthcoming years,” says TwopointZero’s Managing Director, James Victor.

The Financial Management award, is given to the company who shows best financial control. The company’s turnover of around £16,000, was a major success according to the judges, and TwopointZero would like to thank all companies locally and internationally who supported them, as well members of the public who contributed to their success.

TwopointZero would also like to thank the Gaggero Foundation for sponsoring Young Enterprise in Gibraltar, which allowed TwopointZero to be part of the scheme, and Link Teachers Analise Benitez and Chris Gomila, and Business Advisor Jose Camacho for on-going support over the past year.n

Pictured: A representative of Lincoln Football Club, one of Gibraltar’s premier football teams which last season equalled the nine consecutive Annual Premier Title wins achieved by Glacis Football Club, receives a cheque for the sum of £950 in sponsorship from Charles Polson of Security Express

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

13

events

The Next Generation Data Centre Seminar ITMS Ltd and Pillar Data Systems held a free business seminar in the Gala Casino in July entitled The Next Generation Data Centre — technology Infrastructure for business growth.

The seminar which answered questions such as What role does the Cloud play? and How do you manage capacity and performance? was endorsed by the Chamber of Commerce and leading business figures attended.

The event included breakfast and talks

by ITMS and Pillar data Systems including ‘Developing business and IT in Gibraltar’, ‘The Modern Data Centre and its Challenges’, and ‘Building a Resilient, Scalable Storage Architecture. The event ended with a questions and answers session and coffees/snacks. n For details on the subjects covered in the seminar or related advice contact Rachel Debenham on racheld@itmslts.net

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

work’s out

Year of the Volunteer 2011 is European year of the volunteer 2011 and the Gibraltar Citizens Advice Bureau (GCAB) would like to inspire volunteers. The purpose of this year is help organisations to create conditions which are conducive to the development of volunteering across Europe.

For many local, voluntary and community without the tireless support they receive from groups, volunteers are their lifeblood, and in their volunteers. Volunteers can sometimes be some cases simply wouldn’t be able to function such a source of inspirations to clients and ser-

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

vice users that they in turn may decide to “give something back” to the organisation, possibly by becoming volunteers themselves.

By volunteering you can make a real difference to people’s lives, help your local community and use your experiences in a productive way. It is also an opportunity to try something new, develop new talents and skills to inspire others to help people.

Successful volunteering is about matching the right person to the right role, so whoever you are, whatever your skills, there is something out there for you.

So join the rest of Europe in celebrating the fantastic contribution that millions of volunteers make to the vibrant fabric of their communities.

The Citizens Advice says a very big “Thank you”, to all local volunteers and pay tribute to all those who selflessly contribute to the wellbeing of the community, while inspiring others to get involved too.

Commenting on the iniative, the Minister with responsibility for Community Affairs, the Hon JJ Netto stated: “Gibraltar has always been gifted in having within our society a considerable amount of selfless individuals who have given an enormous amount of time and effort to help other, less fortunate members of our communities. However, in this humanitarian quest there will always be the need for others to join in the efforts already in place.” n If you want more information on volunteering opportunities in the community, contact the Gibraltar Citizens Advice Bureau at 20040006 or info@cab.gi or visit our website www.cab.gi

15

business update

Team Building at Barclays The Barclays Wealth Intermediaries team successfully concluded their team building away day recently.

The team, led by Carlos Garcia, Head of Intermediaries, kicked off the day’s activity at the office where discussions and planning focused on a number of areas including how best to serve clients and planning the future.

After an intense day of work it was off to the yacht club for some tuition at the sailing academy to

conquer the high seas!

Carlos said; “The day was an amazing success. Everyone that participated thoroughly enjoyed the day although we were left feeling exhausted both physically and mentally. The team would have liked stronger winds however, it didn’t stop us from capsizingtwice!” n

Get on your Urban Smart Bike!

Works are already underway installing docking stations around Gibraltar for Urban Smart Bikes and the scheme is scheduled to launch in early September.

Initially the scheme will have 130 bicycles at the disposal of the public and will operate daily from 7am to 10pm.

Only three simple steps are necessary to ensure the user access to care-free, individual transport: Register Users will be able to register via a dedicated website or by calling in person at the registration office.

This office will be located at the Gibraltar Bus Company’s depot at Winston Churchill Avenue as this company will be running this scheme on behalf of the Government. A user card will then be issued which is necessary to remove the bike from its docking station.

Each user will be asked to provide credit card details on

16

registration. These details are held as security for the bike so, in the unlikely event the bike is not returned, a punitive fee can be deducted from the card.

There will be an annual subscription fee of £24. This will entitle the user to one hour’s free bicycle use per day. If this hour is exceeded then a charge will apply.

Listed below is a schedule of fees

for information.

Ride Swipe your card at an Urban Smart Bike station and it will release a bike for you to ride.

Return When you have reached your destination, return your bike to any Urban Smart Bike station. The

As soon as the bike is removed, the clock automatically starts and will continue until the bike is returned to another docking module

bike is automatically locked and ready for the next user.

Each docking station consists of ‘docking modules’ which lock the bicycles in place, ready for use, as well as the interactive information column that identifies the user.

The station is user friendly and offers various ways to access the bikes, while focusing on simplicity and speed. Simply swipe your SmartCard over the reader and a LCD screen will tell you the number of the docking module from which to remove your bike. As soon as the bike is removed, the clock automatically starts and will continue until the bike is returned to another docking module. Any usage fees payable will then be debited from the user’s account.

In order to guarantee smooth

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

urban scene

A similar Urban Bike scheme operates in London to promote a healthier lifestyle

and problem free management, the service team will offer assistance during the hours the bike are available.

The software operating the docking station also diagnoses bikes with problems and alerts the maintenance crews, who respond accordingly.

The software at each docking station will enable the operators

Where are the Docking Stations?

There will be docking stations at the following sites; Frontier, Winston Churchill Avenue, Victoria Stadium, Waterport Road, Europort, Reclamation Road, Commonwealth car park, Rosia Road, Bayview Terraces, Grand Parade, Referendum Gates, Line Wall Road, Orange Bastion, Market Place, Eastern Beach, Catalan Bay, St. Joseph’s School, Europa Point and Rosia Parade. n

to know at a glance the number of bikes docked at each docking station. During peak usage times redistribution vehicles will be used to ensure an even distribution of bikes across Gibraltar to meet demand. The vehicles are automatically alerted to pick up bikes from fuller docking stations and replenish the stations with a lower amount of bikes. n

What will I be Charged?

Access period fee charge per user: annual £24. Duration charge per cycle: Less than 60 minutes - free. Less than 90 minutes £2. Less than 120 minutes (2 hours) £5. Less than 150 minutes £8. Less than 180 minutes (3 hours) £10. Less than 360 minutes (6 hours) £20.Less than 1,440 minutes (24 hours) £30. Late Return Charge £150.

Non-Return Charge £500. Damage Charge up to a maximum charge of £500. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

17

recruitment

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Lemons or L handling rejection

Many readers can attest to the thrill of winning that new job. It´s a great feeling, but with the triumphs come the pitfalls. Rejection is simply a part of life and job hunting is no exception to the rule. With our inherent need for acceptance it is fair to say nobody enjoys rejection and it’s hard not to take it personally, but when it comes to interviewing for a job sometimes rejection is not such a bad thing.

What some people fail to see is that rejection can actually be turned from a negative to a positive.

First off it needs to be said that sometimes nothing went wrong.

They simply went with another candidate. You were missing one specific skill or area of experience that they found in someone else.

Perhaps they did not feel you were the perfect fit for their current team. Accept it and move on.

If every job was a perfect match for you then you would only ever have one interview in your life. If you feel this is not the case then perhaps take a harder look at your

interview style and see where there might be room for improvement.

Rejection is part of the learning process and it may sound a bit clichĂŠ, but we learn from our mistakes. Mistakes are often looked at in a negative light initially, but in hindsight can often be seen as a gift. We as a species are lucky in that we are able to assess a situation and break the cycle.

The next time you have an interview and receive a response of rejection go back through the interview in your head and see what might have been contributing factors to the final results. Be honest with yourself as you are the one to lose out if you’re not willing to dig deep and confront the real issues. This takes a certain amount of self awareness and comes easier with practise and time.

If you choose to continue on without assessing areas of improvement then this can lead to

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an endless loop of frustration and negativity. You need to embrace the problems in order to progress forward.

It is a good idea to get into the habit of asking yourself a few simple questions right after an interview: • How did that interview go? • What areas can I improve on? • Were there any glaring issues that arose I need to work on?

A good recruitment consultant can help you with this. It is not uncommon for a consultant to follow up right after an interview and ask these same questions, even before there is any feedback from the interviewer. Try answering these questions as an exercise next time and then see what the results are from the other side’s perspective. See if you both agree on some points. This is a good indication you are on the right track and able to see real areas of improvement which will help you to make the changes you want in order to progress.

Sometimes issues leading to rejection are not always easy to see or don’t necessarily stare you in the face. There are a few things you can do to help pinpoint them.

Enlist the help of a professional.

A good recruitment consultant always asks for feedback from those interviewing their candidates. Be sure to follow up for this feedback.

Rejection is part of the learning process and it may sound a bit clichĂŠ, but we learn from our mistakes

18

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

recruitment

r Lemonade?

by Oliver Medina, Executive Recruitment Manager (Financial Services & Banking), Select Recruitment (Gibraltar) If it’s not positive, don’t take it personally.

If you show a genuine interest in improving your approach for the next interview then your consultant will be happy to help you by offering constructive criticism.

They will have interviewed you initially before putting you forward for any positions, so they can offer their own personal feedback and see if it is in line with that from your job interview.

If your initial reaction is to argue, stop yourself. Accept the feedback

for what it is, take it away and process it. Often you might not see the feedback as relevant right away, but after thinking it through it makes more sense. In the end it might be you still don’t feel the crit-

icism was fair or relevant. This is okay. Interviewers are not perfect themselves at the end of the day, but an argumentative stance will not yield any positive results even if you are right and will only close

If you show a genuine interest in improving your approach for the next interview then your consultant will be happy to help you

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

the channels of communication.

Psychologists define rejection as an act of exclusion and state that the normal reaction to this is one of emotional pain. The irony is that we all experience rejection at some point in our lives whether it be in our personal or professional lives which ultimately includes everyone in the “rejection club”.

A person’s true grit is reflected not in how often they encounter rejection, but how they use it to their advantage. Which do you prefer?

Lemons or Lemonade? n

19

human resources

Gibraltar’s HR Clinic

Employment & Your Rights

Real Questions Answered Each month Anna Moffatt, HR Consultant to HR GO Gibraltar, takes questions from the general public on HR related issues and gives the benefit of her experience. This is your chance to raise any questions about employment related issues and receive some free advice from a suitably qualified individual.

human resources Bullying in the workplace takes many forms, and the bullies themselves may not even be aware of the impact their actions are having

I have a staff member who is behaving badly and very demanding, I have tried to speak to her but it falls on deaf ears. Shall I get HR to handle it for me? Can I take her down the disciplinary route?

It depends on how long he/she has been with you, what you term as behaving badly i.e. work or socially, and what sort of staff handGibraltar’s HR Clinic: book or contract you have in place. I always say if you have rules, staff need to abide by them, if you don’t it is hard to discipline as you have no measures. If his/her behaviour is affecting his/her work then you need to get HR involved and step back. Let them handle it for you. It’s what we are there Each month Anna Moffatt, HR Consultant to HR GO Gibraltar, takes questions from for. then

Employment & Your Rights

Real Questions Answered...

general public on HR related issues and gives you the benefit of her experience. This is your chance to raise any questions about employment related issues and receive some free advice I have been invited for an interview at from the suitably qualified individual.

I am in a very nice job in a position I really enjoy but there is a lady in our department who is making my life a misery, she bullies me and is always talking down to me I feel like leaving is there anything I can do?

a large bank in Gibraltar, I know this is not strictly an HR problem or issue but I wanted some advice. you go early.

If you have holiday owed to you,

and a big issue develops from it, you can refer back to the notes, and it is obvious you have you can use this against your notice as well. tried to seek help.

Explain to your new employers that you are If after investigation nothing has been done or you feel unhappy you can always apply for a transfer within the company. n Qualified with the Chartered

Qualified with the Chartered Institute of Personnel HR GO Gibraltar, formerly Corporate Resources LTD, one and Development (CIPD), Anna wassomething heavily youofcan Gibraltar’s ThereMoffat, is always do and longest established recruitment agencies.

I have been offered another job and they nobody should ahave involved in the set up of the HR Forum, bodyto tolerate this kind of be- want me to start immediately but I am on its always very sad to hear cases. established in Gibraltar tohaviour, help promote awareness If these you are an employee or employer and have a month’s notice can I just leave or will I There are very clear guidelines in Gibraltar now of HR procedures and legislation and to allow employment questions you would like Anna to answer be in trouble? about bullying and harassment, many compainformation sharing. Anna acts as policies a HR Consultant to please email in confidence to anna@gibresources.com. nies have to that effect.

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If possible sit down with your line manager or HR Manager and discuss with them and let them know how unhappy she is making you and try to make notes of comments conversation and issues so you have evidence and dates etc.

At least if it is documented in your HR file

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If you have passed your probation period and are paid monthly then you are on a month’s notice and as such will be expected to give one month’s notice. If you resign and discuss with your employers they may help you out by letting

Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Anna Moffatt, was heavily involved in the setup of the HR Forum, a body HR GO’s HRestablished Consultant, Anna in Gibraltar to promote Moffatt, is here to answer your awareness of HR procedures employment questions and legislation and to allow information sharing. Anna acts as a HR Consultant to HR GO Gibraltar, formerly Corporate Resources Ltd, one of Gibraltar’s longest established recruitment agencies.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

If you have employment questions you would like Anna to answer please email in confidence to anna@gibresources.com

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

human resources Can you tell me if I should wear a suit, some people have told me suits are old fashioned and as it’s hot here people dress down. I am not convinced especially with it being a bank, but I don’t want to look silly.

Also what should I take as preparation as they always tend to ask if ‘you have any questions’ and I never know what to say?

My advice is: in an interview situation, no matter which the company it is, you should always wear a suit. The first impression of you is made within 20 seconds of you entering the room so if you look smart and are well turned out with tidy hair etc then first impressions stick and they will be impressed. It may be the case that certain firms dress down, but still in an interview dress to impress and go as over the top as you like, most offices are air conditioned so the heat is not a problem.

With respect to preparation, Google the company and find out exactly what they do. Even if they are a bank, find out where they are based and how many offices and what they specialise in. Then prepare some questions about how long they have been established where they see their next branch/territory opening and why and what they expect from new employees as far as progression is concerned. Always be aware of strengths and weaknesses too as they may ask you! n

As a small business owner I have recently had a person working for me who was constantly lying to me and now some money has gone missing.

I keep trying to speak to this chap but he just denies everything and won’t sit long enough for me to really get to the bottom of it. I would like to keep him on but feel I am at the end of my tether and really just want him out. We handle money every day as it is our business and he has to count money constantly so I am always worried. Could I sack him over this and can I ask him to pay back any monies he has taken?

Providing he has been with you over a year, you are perfectly at liberty to speak to this person about his/her attitude to you with respect to missing money and untruths. If you have proof of a lie, or proof that money has not been given to you, then you have every right to challenge him. If you get nowhere, put it in writing and give him time to get back to you with an explanation, that way there is no getting out of it. If you are worried and feel there is something going on move him/her onto another job and keep watch over him/her. If you can prove anything you are within your rights to sack him/her for gross misconduct. Make sure there can be no mistake though as you could find yourself in court for unfair dismissal. n

Should you still wear a suit to an interview?

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HR GO Gibraltar Ambientjobs & Corporate Resources are rebranding.

4 specialised recruitment services, each headed by sector specialist individuals, will continue to provide exceptional, professional results.

technology recruitment

online gaming recruitment

To find out more about our suite of recruitment services, call James Appleby on 200 52474 www.hrgogibraltar.gi

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

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Photos: John J Wood

career file The law is something that has always sparked Colleene’s interest and following good results at both GCSEs and A Levels she decided she wanted to pursue a legal career.

“Given that mum has worked at Hassans since I was seven years old, I have always been surrounded by the legal profession,” she explains.

Born and raised in Gibraltar by her mum with the help of her maternal grandparents, Colleene has one brother, Wayne, and describes her family as very close.

“As children we lived in Laguna Estate with our mum and grandparents then moved to our own home in what used to be known as the ‘prefabs’ down by the NOP car park. As a single parent, mum worked hard to provide us with everything we needed and we were never short of the essentials,” Colleene explains with pride. “Luxuries such as holidays were just that... luxuries! So when mum was able to take us to the UK or away to Spain for a long weekend we always really appreciated it.”

As a young mother herself now, Colleene feels it is important to teach children it is not always possible to have everything you want when you want it. “In today’s society it seems that regardless of whether we can afford it, it is more important to keep up with the Jones’!” she adds with dismay.

Eventually, after waiting for a government rental flat for well over 10 years, Colleene’s mum took the massive decision to purchase a flat in the new Harbour Views development, and this is where Colleene spent her teenage years before going to university.

In 1997 Colleene left Gibraltar to begin her law degree at the University of Wales, Cardiff where she spent four “brilliant” years.

“I remember the day my mother and brother helped me settle into my halls of residence and then said goodbye to me. I cried my eyes out.

It was the first time I had been away from my family for so long.”

Colleene found the first few months at university difficult and she understands how some people can be homesick, however she says “My advice to those going away to study is always the same, it might be hard and you might miss your family but you must stick it out because eventually you will meet great new friends and will have the best experience you could imagine and anyway, those three or four years will just fly by!”

After successfully completing the Bar Vocational Course she was called to the Bar in

Colleene Wink

Property Partner Hassans International Law Firm Partner, Colleene Wink, is a woman on a mission. A young mother who is balancing family life with a sparkling legal career in Hassans’ Property Department (and enjoying both), Colleene is one of the new breed of Gibraltarian women who hopes to make a lasting difference to Gibraltar’s past and future.

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

career file England and Wales and Gibraltar in 2001.

She joined the property department at Hassans in August 2001 so next month she will be celebrating 10 years’ practising law as a conveyancer.

Colleene regularly contributes to local and international property publications and is the editor of the Hassans property newsletter which provides insight into the conveyancing process and highlights issues on leases, contracts, mortgages and landlord and tenant matters.

“To be honest if you’d told me that I would be practising as a property lawyer whilst I was studying, I would have thought you were mad,” she chuckles, “as I had always aspired to be a prosecutor. However, whilst I was studying I had already secured a contract with Hassans and just before returning to Gibraltar I learned I would be working in the property department and I loved my job straight away!”

There are currently four practitioners and three support staff within the department and they all have a great professional and social relationship, which makes it a very enjoyable working environment.

As part of her job Colleene deals with a variety of people and institutions, from those just starting out and getting their foot on the property ladder to those who have a wide portfolio of properties as investments. She also work closely with major lending institutions and developers, both local and international.

“Recently I have advised the developer in relation to the Eastside project, provided advise to lending institutions with regard to Government’s sale of Government properties, dealt with a vast number of purchases at the new low cost housing developments, dealt with the acquisition and development of the property known as St Peter’s Close, provided advise in relation to commercial leases, mortgages, rent reviews and all other property related matters,” she explains.

“Some of my clients, especially those buying their first property, have absolutely no idea how the process works and are nervous when they come to meet me, expecting to find the stereotypical suited lawyer talking in a language they don’t understand. However, I pride myself in making the process as easy and stress free for the client as possible,” Colleene emphasises. A breath of fresh air to those

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

embarking on the process, whether seasoned inverstors or first-timers, Colleene thinks it is very important that the client leaves her office with a full understanding of the documentation they are signing, and knows that she is at the end of the phone or email should they have any queries at any stage of the transaction.

2009 was a big year for Colleene, both professionally and in her personal life. In July 2009 she was invited to join the partnership at Hassans as a salaried partner and in September 2009, after six years together she married

“

To be honest if you’d told me that I would be practising as a property lawyer whilst I was studying, I would have thought you were mad, she chuckles

”

her fiance, Daniel. “It was a wonderful day although you wouldn’t have thought it would be if you’d looked out of your window in the morning!” she laughs. “It was absolutely pouring it down, the rain was torrential!” However, by the time she left her mum’s house to make her way to the church the sun came out and started drying the pavement so her beautiful long wedding dress didn’t get drenched.

“The weather held out for us until we’d had our photos and the reception which was an absolute Godsend.”

Though Colleene describes her wedding and their five weeks honeymoon in the US and Canada as being “like a dream and part of my best memories so far,” her best day by far, she says, must be “the birth of our first child last November. Evan William Wink was born on 24th November 2010 and I have enjoyed spending the last seven months just being mummy.”

Colleene returned to work at the beginning of July, just in time for the start of the new financial year. She is now busy juggling a busy and demanding legal career with motherhood and she says she is just loving it!

As regards to the future, from a professional point of view, she simply looks forward to meeting a variety of different people and helping them through their property transactions by offering clear, sound advice.

“I would also like to get involved in charity work, especially work relating to Gibraltar’s heritage as I think it is important to protect our heritage and teach our children about our diverse and interesting history,” she says with conviction.

Colleene has also recently become more involved in politics — an area for which she is gaining a real interest. “I feel that whilst there is a lot which has been done for the betterment of Gibraltar, there is still a lot more that can be done and I hope in years to come I can help to make a difference.”

And from a family perspective? “I look forward to watching my son grow up and hopefully adding to my family in years to come,” she smiles.

We are sure we will be hearing a lot more from this dynamic individual in the future. n Colleene Wink can be contacted at Hassans International Lawyers on Tel: 200 79000 or E-mail: colleene.wink@hassans.gi for all property matters.

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Young teacher Julio Alcantara with his class — Class 4D Bishop Fitzgerald School 1959

Evolving Education Julio Alcantara, 72, is the new Mayor of Gibraltar as of 29th July. A former teacher who ended his career as Director of Education, he has been involved in a plethora of social activities throughout his life. Married to Paddy (nee Gomez) with two sons, he was awarded the MBE for services to education and the community in 2010.

Though born on the Rock on 25th October 1939, he has no recollections of Gibraltar before leaving at the start of the wartime Evacuation, when his mother took him and his family to Fez where they stayed in the Portuguese Consul’s house, until Force H shelled the French fleet in the port of Mers-el-Kebir which resulted in all the evacuees in French Morocco being rushed back briefly to Gibraltar. The next leg was on SS Balph, a cargo ship which ended up in the Welsh port of Milford Haven trying to avoid U-boats. A cousin, born during the voyage, was named Alfred Balph after the Captain and the ship.

In Milford Haven, his mother, sister and eight other Gibraltarian mothers were mistaken for missing inmates from the local mental institution and taken into care. Julio was left in the charge of his brother who, not knowing where their mother had gone, joined the train taking evacuees to London where they were sent to 100 Lancaster Gate.

The women convinced the authorities they were not inmates and were sent by train to

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London. His mother arrived in the capital two weeks later not knowing what had happened to her children or where they were staying, but, by using the Gibraltarian network, she soon located them.

His memories of the war years appear like video clips without a beginning or end but, from all accounts, extremely accurate.

Whenever there was an air raid warning, seemingly every day, the inhabitants of Lancaster Gate

His mother, sister and eight other Gibraltarian mothers were mistaken for missing inmates from the local mental institution and taken into care GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

career profile

interview by Mike Brufal would decamp to Lancaster Gate Underground Station. One day the family was stopped by an officious ticket inspector who denied them entrance without a ticket. In future all Gibraltarians made sure they had a supply of platform tickets, then available for the Tube. When Prime Minister Winston Churchill got to hear of this (it applied to all seeking refuge, not just Gibraltarian families) a directive was issued instructing London Underground to allow people to use the underground as shelter without tickets.

A link to this time happened decades later when, at a dinner at the Governor’s residence, the Convent, the conversation turned to the war years and he told the Governor’s wife, Lady Betty Terry, that on one bombing raid his family rushed to the Tube leaving him behind.

He remained looking out of the window at the wonderful ‘fireworks’ (incendiary bombs) which destroyed the opposite side of the street. Who lived in one of these houses? None other than Betty. Fortunately she had taken shelter and on the family’s return to the smouldering ruin was sent to a farm in Yorkshire where she met and married Peter Terry who was to become Governor of Gibraltar 1985-1989.

Julio returned to Gibraltar in 1944, age five, and entered St Michael’s school where he was taught

by Miss Mitzi. Pupils and staff were moved to Hospital Ramp followed by time at Castle Road, previously an army school, which still functions as an educational establishment, the oldest on the Rock. Rare Gibraltarian graduate teacher Francis Silva taught there, he recalls. Olga Vallejo was his teacher until he moved to Sacred Heart School with Brother Fearon as headmaster and Mr Scaniglia as form teacher.

One day the class was told to come in early the next day for tests. It turned out to be the 11 plus.

No preparation and it was never mentioned this was the entrance exam for the Gibraltar Grammar School. Julio was summoned and told he’d passed the exam, but he’d never heard of the Grammar School and so had no idea what he had passed into.

Brother Foley was headmaster with Brothers D’Arcy, Finnegan, Power, Kieran, Beatty, Taylor, and Baylor as teachers. He remembers Mr Hermida taught art and was the only civilian teacher.

Julio, with the benefit of hindsight and years’ experience as a teacher/Director of Education, thinks in those years, after the return of the evacuees, it was a miracle children were educated to any level. There were no proper school buildings and few qualified teachers. There was a serious social divide following the 11+ ; those who passed went to grammar school, the rest to secondary moderns and the Technical School, which was staffed by MoD dockyard lecturers, more used to teaching apprentices than 11 year old boys. Only two students, always boys, always from the grammar school, went on to higher education each year.

When the time came for A levels, the Director of Education made a rare visit to the school’s sixth form from the ‘Olympian heights’ of his office.

Eight pupils awaited and he dramatically asked: “How many of you wish to go on to university?”

They all replied “Yes” to which he said “Well I am afraid, as there is only one Government scholarship, only one of you will make it.”

So, at 16, Julio left school, much to his father’s annoyance, and applied for a job. In his subconscious he’d decided his vocation was to teach and he would bide his time until he could start

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

Gibraltar Educators: two Ministers, three Directors

on the bottom rung of the ladder as a teacher’s assistant. A job materialised at RAF, New Camp and at the same time he put in an application to train as a teacher. No vacancies.

He worked hard and became friendly with his manager, a squadron leader. One Friday in 1957 the squadron leader told him the good news was a letter was on its way saying on Monday he was to start at Bishop Fitzgerald School as a student teacher. The bad news was he was expected to give a month’s notice. As he had been such a good worker it was agreed a back-dated letter of resignation, somehow mislaid on its travels, would be accepted.

On arrival at the school, with not one hour of training, he was told to report to class IC (sevenyear-old boys) and so, for a princely salary of £11 a month, he found himself teaching. After a year as a student teacher, if the superiors considered him worthy of entering the profession, then he would qualify for a teacher’s scholarship the following year. So at the start of year three Julio thought he was off to train to be a teacher — paid for by government but not part of the single scholarship scheme — but all was not what it appeared.

Walking up Main Street he was stopped by Olga Giraldi who said “Mr Alcantara, there is a letter on its way to you which will make you very happy.” And so he danced all the way home but

deflation followed when the letter arrived starting starkly “I regret that..” This made his father rush to the Department of Education to find out what was going on.

It transpired all three student teachers at Bishop Fitzgerald School had been given government funding (three instead of two because it was election year). The Head Teacher at another school protested that neither of her two student teachers had been given a scholarship and it was patently unfair. The authorities deliberated and decided, as Julio was the youngest he could wait a year and gave his scholarship to a student from the other school. After further protests from his father, the government reluctantly conceded defeat and awarded him a fourth scholarship.

Following three happy years at Strawberry Hill and Loughborough he returned to the Rock in 1961 and joined the staff at St. Jago’s where Octavio Requena was headmaster.

Whether by design or coincidence most teachers who disagreed with government policy were sent there. A bad decision. When the school was opened there was one lavatory for all the pupils and teachers; the roof leaked badly and when it rained teachers in the staff room used umbrellas to keep rain off their heads and papers. Things were so bad Julio had to paint a blackboard on the wall. Getting a desk was a lottery as there were two more boys than desks, so the last two through the door sat on the window sill. This didn’t happen at the grammar school, and if the Christian Brothers were short of teachers replacements would be sent from St Jago’s or Lourdes schools. If there was a shortage of text books, those from the secondary modern schools would be sent.

In Short: JULIO ALCANTARA MBE Field Marshall Chapple at Education department 1995 ­— in picture Vincent Latin JP

Ironically it was this move, indirectly caused by Brother Foley, that lead to him being made the first Gibraltarian Director of Education

Closely involved with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, he was President of the Young Christian Workers, Vice-President of the Gibraltar Teachers’ Association, Chairman of the Gibraltar Scouts Association for 20 years, current Chairman of the Housing Allocation Committee, a member of the Police Complaints Board, Vice-Chair of the Millennium Committee with Bernard Linares, and a founder trustee of the Association for Kids In Need (AKIN) a charitable trust dedicated to stamping out the suffering of underprivileged children around the world. He is a practising Catholic studying for a diploma in New Testament Studies at the Maryvale Institute in Birmingham.

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career profile

Scouts Freedom of City: CM the Hon Peter Caruana, Alfred Reoch Commissioner, Julio Alcantara, His Excellency Fulton

This combined to make Julio and colleagues very angry and determined to see the introduction of a comprehensive system. At the start of their campaign the teachers held an open day at St Jago’s — an unknown concept on the Rock. The parents came, saw and were horrified.

Protests followed, the teachers were threatened, but improvements were made. Lavatories were built, the roof mended, books and teaching aids arrived. The Gibraltar Teachers’ Association (GTA) came into existence and Julio served as Vice-Chairman for 11 years. The association — committee members included Dennis Matthews and Humbert Hernandez — became powerful and the first strike post-1939 took place in 1966.

Despite the threat of an injunction this turned out to be a watershed.

At the time most teachers were unqualified and it was the association’s aim to make every teacher a qualified professional. This meant the government had to send more Gibraltarians to university and the corollary was these graduates returned to the Rock with expectations for higher salaries and new career prospects. Slowly teachers’ salaries crept closer to the UK. At this time Gibraltarian females began to emerge from the system; in the past no Gibraltarian girls were given scholarships. One of the first to go though the system was Elizabeth Bruzon.

Then there were the religious problems of the 1970s. Prior to 1974, if a Gibraltarian applied to be a teacher they were vetted by their religious head — the Catholics by the Bishop, the Anglicans by the Dean, and Jews by the Jewish Community.

Few aspiring teachers, let alone the public, knew anything about this vetting procedure. Schools were divided by religions; the majority deemed to be Catholic schools, while St Christopher’s and St George’s were Gibraltar Government schools for Anglicans and non-Catholics, and the Hebrew School. Most of the Anglican pupils were children of service personnel and the MoD paid the Gibraltar Government for these educational services. Catholic teachers could not apply to work in the Anglican schools and Protestant teachers could not apply to work in the Catholic or Jewish schools.

Eventually the MoD decided to stop sending their pupils to the Anglican schools and built its own schools. This was completed in the late ’70s and the two schools assumed the names St Christopher’s and St George’s. The position was then reversed and the Gibraltar government paid

26

the MoD to teach Anglican civilian children.

The MoD declined to employ the Anglican Gibraltarian teachers in its schools as staff was brought from UK. These fine teachers could not be employed in the Catholic schools and so, through no fault of their own, found themselves in limbo. Eventually the government employed them in the Catholic schools but, although the Bishop agreed with this decision he insisted they could never be promoted. This provoked another conflict with the GTA. Despite a raft of promises, all of which were broken, this strange agreement remained in place although civilian Anglican teachers were eventually employed at the service schools.

This lead to anomalies such as Anglican teach-

Catholic teachers could not apply to work in the Anglican schools and Protestant teachers could not apply to work in the Catholic or Jewish schools ers becoming a head teacher and deputy soon after leaving college while it took Julio, and his generation, over 12 years to be given their first promotion. The GTA demanded change and formed a working party to draft the Education Ordinance, which became the Education Act of 1974 and remains unchanged.

What a difference this made to education in Gibraltar; for example, John Chincotta, a Catholic, became the head of the Jewish school. Dennis Matthews, an Anglican became Deputy at St. Mary’s. It was also the start of the comprehensive system.

In 1972 Julio moved from St Jago’s to Bayside comprehensive and was head of the first intake at the school. As was the norm, he taught everything from history to religion and was eventually appointed Head of Lower School, under Brother John Hopkins and Joe Romero.

He says it was an incredible experience to be at the birth of a new educational system. The staff virtually slept in the school, working what seemed to be 28 hour days. But the team was rewarded with the best ever O level results in Gibraltar’s educational history.

Although Brother John Hopkins started the Bayside comprehensive some Christian Brothers, led by Brother Foley and local eminent figures, fought to reverse the decision and reinstate the grammar school. From 1972-’76 Julio fought a battle with Brother Foley which he lost when he was transferred to the Teachers’ Centre. This was a new concept where, instead of primary schools looking at individual resourcing of services such as photocopying and educational videos, everything was handled through this centre. It also supplied in-house training for staff with, for example, Father David Constant (now Bishop) visiting to give a religious instruction course.

In 1977 Alan Johns, Director of Education, told Julio he was wasting his management skills in this job and he was moved to central administration. Ironically it was this move, indirectly caused

by Brother Foley, that lead to him being made the first Gibraltarian Director of Education.

Strangely his first pre-occupation was to convince the community a Gibraltarian could actually run the educational system and run it well. He vividly remembers one prominent Gibraltarian saying: “Personally I congratulate you on your promotion but I think it is a disaster for Gibraltar to have a Gibraltarian director.” We now have our third local Director!

An early accomplishment was the introduction of GCSE examinations. This was followed by the Gibraltar national curriculum, computerisation of all schools and the creation of the Further Education College, distinct from the Dockyard Apprentice College. A senior civil servant told him: “This college is going to be a waste of time and a huge white elephant.” Many decades later it is still going strong.

There remained the inherited problem of unqualified teachers, so together with Leslie Lester he designed a course which provided them with a modicum of status, increased pay and the opportunity to attend college and qualify as a teacher.

The blatant smuggling by the fast launches in the ’80s and ’90s was a fraught period. Julio felt the growing number of school-age smugglers was destroying the ethos of the educational system and everything the schools were striving to achieve. There were cases of pupils offering teachers large sums of money to do their homework to give them time to load the launches. In Julio’s opinion everything was utterly wrong.

These boys earned £1,000 for a couple of hours

with Cardinal Cardijn - founder of Young Christian Workers - 1965 at World Congress in Bangkok GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

career profile work and so had no interest in school life. It became virtually impossible to motivate these boys to study for examinations. Fortunately the majority of Gibraltarians decided enough was enough and there followed a riot (1995) and demonstrations which forced the Government to take action to stop the activity which was doing such harm to Gibraltar’s international reputation and more importantly, its youth.

Julio thinks the educational system on the Rock today is in need of an overhaul especially in the area of social cohesion. Today’s social problems need to be tackled, especially in the schools. It is for the community to decide how these problems are dealt with and then give the head teachers the necessary tools to deal with these growing problems, he says. He feels the comprehensive system has served Gibraltar well but there is one area needing attention and it is one he failed to provide an answer for — how to get the best out of the non-achievers; pupils who do not make the grades to get to university?

Julio wishes Instituto Cervantes every success in teaching Spanish language. He lost one battle when he was unable to professionalise the teaching of Spanish at primary level, because there’s a local presumption all Gibraltarians know Spanish and there is no need to teach it. It is also assumed any teacher can automatically teach Spanish. He wanted to start the teaching at infant school with the reading of Spanish fairytales. This was vetoed by his political masters. Having been granted the incredible gift of entry into two of the world’s major cultures — British and Spanish — he has never understood why we insist on throwing away one of them.

He is also a great supporter of the continuing

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

Strangely his first pre-occupation was to convince the community a Gibraltarian could actually run the educational system and run it well

teaching of Gibraltar’s history in the curriculum.

But, the Education Department needs to be resourced by local historians, and that does not mean money. Our history needs to be made readily available to young students in their language, he adds. Creative skills need to be helped and pointed in that direction.

The new Mayor concluded; “The Mayoralty provides a wonderful opportunity to formally express appreciation and thanks to a whole host of incredibly committed citizens who together form the very soul of this beautiful community which is Gibraltar.” n

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

challenge

Paula’s Programming with Passion

by Frankie Hatton

As the James Brown song ends; “This is a man's world, But it would be nothing, nothing without a woman...” I’m sure we’ve all listened to those lyrics and whether you are a man or woman you probably don’t think much more other than it’s a good song. For some people, however, this holds more truth than others. GBC’s Paula Latin is a woman who is most definitely in one of Gibraltar’s most male dominated fields, but it’s a field that perhaps would be nothing without her perspective.

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a variety of programmes, transmitting in both English and Spanish.

“The odd thing is I never spoke Spanish at home,” says Paula. “My parents felt it was imperative we spoke good English. As a consequence when we started learning Spanish at school, I was disastrous, often providing

Paula is acutely aware of how male dominated Gibraltar’s businesses and society can be, as her career allows her an insight into all walks of life

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

“There have been many times over the past 12 years where I’ve sat in a boardroom, or been on a location shoot and looked around and I’ve been the only woman amongst seven or eight male colleagues,” she says. “In fact, it’s usually the norm.”

Paula is acutely aware of how male dominated Gibraltar’s businesses and society can be, as her career allows her an insight into all walks of life. Yes there are women in business, I’ve talked to them for the Gibraltar Magazine.

There are women in politics (just one Minister at the moment but a few waiting in the wings for the next election). For Paula it is one aspect of life here she feels should be addressed, sooner rather than later.

Born and raised here, educated via Bishop Fitzgerald and Westside, Paula Latin was involved from an early age in creativity and media. Her father ran her great-grandfather’s butchering business Albert Latin Ltd. Her mother, for 20 years, could be heard on GBC radio (Radio Gibraltar for the pernickety) on

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

profile my parents with a good laugh! It wasn’t until I spent a year living in Valencia, as part of my university course, that I truly began to learn the language. Immersion I think is often the secret to languages and at one point I even used to dream and think in Spanish.”

Her degree was a Joint Honours in Media & Spanish specialising in Television Production.

Yet it seems her love of television started at a very early age. There are those who will recall Paula’s first dip into television at the age of six or seven with her sister Anna and a group of other young children, in which they presented and introduced a series of shows during Christmas, under the watchful eye of Richard Cartwright.

An early Chatterbox maybe?

“It was exciting and really good fun. We had to pretend we’d already had our presents from Father Christmas as it was all pre-recorded.” On a subconscious level, it was another piece of her jigsaw in place.

As a teenager she began with Strait Vision presenting a Youth Programme. “I loved this show because the four presenters; myself, my sister Anna, Jonathan Zammit and Owen Smith were encouraged to get involved and submit ideas. It was a fantastic opportunity from which I gained invaluable experience, although I do cringe when I look back and remember the stuff we got up to... and how we looked!”

She also dipped into radio in her teens when the Island Games were in Gibraltar — she was one of the voices of the games village radio.

She wouldn’t say what the number 1 was at the time!

“I really couldn’t wait for university. I was ready to leave Gibraltar and embrace independence. I felt I needed more, more of everything — stimulation, new surroundings, new people.

I desperately wanted to experience life.”

Like many she ended up in Leeds University at the Trinity & All Saints College. She worked hard yet played hard and admits she made the most of her four years away.

After university her intention was to take some years out and travel, before finding work in the UK, yet circumstances and intelligence dictated she get back to Gibraltar first and clear her student loans. She moved back home and applied for a job at GBC. “I started in 1999 as an Audio Visual Assistant working in the Production Department, where I worked days, nights and weekends too! Unfortunately I’m still technically an AV for although I’ve been working as a Producer/Director for

close on 11 years, I still haven’t been given the permanent position... or the money,” she says.

“I’m incredibly forthright and honest, and I have a great sense of social justice; I always feel compelled to speak out, and my straight talking doesn’t always work in my favour, not that it’s ever stopped me.”

So what is it like at GBC these days? Paula

“

I’m incredibly forthright and honest, and I have a great sense of social justice... my straight talking doesn’t always work in my favour

”

has knowledge both through her work and as a union representative. “Honestly? It’s depressing. There hasn’t been any investment made in equipment, staff or the infrastructure for years.

It’s verging on miraculous that we’re still on air. Morale is low and what is a challenging and demanding job at the best of times becomes a complete uphill struggle. Which of course has an adverse effect on creativity and motivation, and ultimately, which is unforgivable, on the end product — what our viewers get to see, and most importantly deserve.

“There are talented people working at GBC who are passionate about what they do and are desperate for change. Without the correct investment (and I’m not just talking financial) it’ll be difficult to bring this about. However let’s not forget television is an extremely expensive business, which evolves constantly, technologically and in approach, sadly we’ve been unable to keep up. We can’t even buy spare parts for our equipment any more!

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29

“Hopefully [the Government announced some money being released for GBC the day we spoke] the funds promised us by Government will come soon and our CEO will be able to sort out the existing staff issues, employ more people, buy new equipment and create a long term, sustainable plan which will allow for growth, development and longevity.

“A few of us visited the BBC’s One Show. The difference is phenomenal — in their working practises, ethos, budgets and technical support.

But it was rewarding to see first hand that we are capable of doing what they do, and very often whilst doing a multitude of other tasks!”

Paula explained that she is very often the camera operator, interviewer, researcher, writer, graphics designer, editor, vision mixer, boom operator, presenter, director and producer.

Understandably Gibraltar cannot afford the 12 people, or more, the BBC would have in that situation but it demonstrates the gulf between the reality of life at GBC and the comments heard when talking to people about GBC. Which shows is Paula most proud of?

“Recent ones like Chatterbox I love doing. I find the views expressed by children are always honest, usually amusing and when they’re given the opportunity to chat freely they will often surprise. To date, I believe my best piece of work is the documentary Learning From Auschwitz. I was honoured to be part of the group that travelled

30

there, and grateful for the friendships made and the experiences shared.

“The opportunity to create thought provoking and inspirational programmes excites me, yet I must admit, I also love filming on location getting my hands dirty and facing a new challenge, which is why I’ve enjoyed working with the Royal Gibraltar Regiment immensely. I’ve travelled to Marrakesh and the Gambia with them, where I was treated as one of the boys, attached to a platoon and slept in the desert, under millions of stars.

“One of my career highlights was undoubtedly hanging out of a helicopter window with a camera, a pilot clutching onto my combats,

“

One of my career highlights was undoubtedly hanging out of a helicopter window with a camera, a pilot clutching onto my combats

”

in search of the ultimate shot! What a buzz! I also enjoyed producing a documentary on Alzheimers & Dementia (The Pillars of Hercules Challenge), a project in which I was able to combine my desire to educate, whilst enjoying a physical challenge; climbing Jebel Musa, and sailing across the Strait.

“I commit to something fully, building strong, close relationships with the people I work with.

The bigger the project, the more intense, nerve racking or adrenalin-inducing the better.”

Going back to the original point on women, does Paula see it as a problem?

“I enjoy working with men, although I would love to see more women in the industry. But what really saddens me is that today, in our progressive society, of which we are all so proud, women are still earning less than men, top positions are normally filled by men, and facilities which would allow women to pursue their careers and still be mothers are not commonplace e.g. crèche facilities, job-sharing etc.

There have been improvements but it’s still not enough.”

As I sat there listening to her, for once I wished it was live TV and everyone else could hear the passion in her voice and I thought if she has a say in the future of GBC then it’s going to change for the better. I wonder what odds I’ll get for a woman, namely Paula, in charge within the next 10 years? n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

31

rock connections

Burgess’ Vision of Gibraltar

It is well known that Anthony Burgess, author of A Clockwork Orange, was stationed at Gibraltar in the final years of World War II. At the time Burgess considered himself an educator and a composer but his experiences in Gibraltar inspired him to become a writer and his first novel, A Vision of Battlements, was the result.

Although Burgess wrote Battlements in 1949 he didn’t have it published until 1965. In the book’s introduction he explains the reason for the delay: “When I wrote it I had no intention of setting myself up as a novelist. My profession was that of a training college lecturer in speech and drama, and my ambition was to be known as a composer of serious music *[see note].”

Burgess goes on to explain 1948-49 was a busy time for him musically but: “When the Easter vacation of 1949 arrived, I was empty of music but itching to create. And so I wrote this novel.”

I managed to obtain a copy of Battlements, (not easy these days), expecting to find a humorous tale of Burgess’ military life on the Rock. I had read his autobiography Little Wilson and Big God and found much of what he wrote about his time in Gibraltar quite funny, particularly his sardonic take on his superiors and officialdom in general. Typical was his comment on gongs — MBE “My Bloody Efforts” as opposed to OBE “Others’ Bloody Efforts”.

Battlements is patently autobiographical with Burgess’ role played by “my composer-hero” Sgt. Richard Ennis of the AVCC (Army Vocational and Cultural Corps) Burgess’ euphemism

32

for the real Army Educational Corp of which he was a member. Ennis’ main protagonists are his immediate superior Major Muir and Muir’s Aide-de-camp Warrant Officer Gregg. Several of Burgess’ descriptive scenes had me thinking of Captain Blackadder’s sly mocking of General Melchett and Captain Darling in the brilliant television series Blackadder Goes Forth.

When Ennis is ordered to see Major Muir due to concerns regarding his cohabiting with a certain young widow living in Irish Town.

Burgess describes the scene thus: “Gregg: ‘The Major wants to see you.’

Ennis: ‘I want to see the Major’ Gregg shambled into the inner office. There was a rumble of talk within, then Gregg reap-

Ennis is ordered to see Major Muir due to concerns regarding his cohabiting with a certain young widow living in Irish Town

peared, holding the door open. Ennis closed his mouth tight, filling the space between teeth and lips with air; then forced his air out vulgarly in a shrill brace of whistles. He marched in, halted, thrust out his right arm in fascist greeting, then brought his hand trembling to his brow in an orthodox salute. Major Muir pretended to be immersed in an ACI (Army Council Instruction).”

At this point Major Muir bawls out Ennis for giving a five-minute lecture — instead of the required 40-minutes — in order to skive off and tryst with the tiny, dark-haired beauty Concepcion. He orders Ennis to stop seeing the woman.

“With respect, sir, you can’t give me that sort of order.”

“Can’t I, by Christ? By Christ, you’ll see whether I can or I can’t. I’ll put the whole bloody Rock out of bounds to you, by God I will. You’ll soldier, by God Almighty you will, and if you won’t soldier with me, well, then, there’s other places.”

That is the general tone of the book. Ennis is unhappy on the Rock where his futile job is to instruct uninterested soldiers on how to prepare for life after war. Instead of teaching he spends his time malingering, driving Major Muir to

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

rock connections

by Reg Reynolds distraction and romancing the sad Concepcion who becomes pregnant.

Ennis, who has a wife back home in England, offers to pay for a backstreet abortion but Concepcion, whose husband was killed fighting for the Republicans in the Spanish Civil War, elects to marry a fat, much older man.

The book is quite sad really, yet I enjoyed it, particularly the illustrations by Edward Pagram and Burgess’ many vivid descriptions of Gibraltar and its war-time ambience, or lack there-of: ● So she taught him Spanish — the real Castilian, not the Calpe mush. ● Ennis sat in a small teashop on City Mill Lane, reading and re-reading. ● He had now reached the end of Main Street, the Casemates. On the square there was a rehearsal in progress for the Ceremony of the Keys. ● In half an hour he had to teach Elementary Mathematics in a hut on Windmill Hill. ● There they waited, simian, distrustful, the hardest men on the whole Rock to handle.

They would strike against route-marches, crown their NCO’s with half-bricks, steal lavishly from the cargoes they unloaded. ● Whole town smelt of coffee grounds and sea-water soap. ● Sitting room smelling of dust and garlic. ● That was the time of the mass return of the evacuees from Tangier, the Canaries, Northern Ireland and (incredible choice of a zone of safety) London.

Battlements reflects Burgess’ dim view of

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

Gibraltar and his experiences there. Biographer Roger Lewis wrote that Burgess found the Rock “Far from being a model colony where one sat shaded by palm trees to read or take tea, but crammed with bored soldiers drinking themselves silly, disease, bed bugs and the scrofulous Barbary apes, flourishing by order of Churchill.”

In his introduction to Battlements Burgess wrote that one reason for writing the book was to “…see if I could clear my head of the dead weight of Gibraltar. I had lived with it so long that it still lay in my skull, a chronic migraine: a work of fiction seemed the best way of breaking it up, pulverizing it, sweeping it away.”

Apparently writing the book didn’t clear his head so Burgess returned to Gibraltar: “I have had to tame the Rock, an emblem of waste and loneliness, by other means — by revisiting in middle age and finding it very much shrunken. My wife went with me, and that helped to put the Rock in its place” Not exactly a catharsis but what can you expect from the man who wrote:

“

I have had to tame the Rock, an emblem of waste and loneliness, by other means — by revisiting in middle age

”

“Life is a wretched grey Saturday, but it has to be lived through.”

Burgess, who was born John Burgess Wilson at Manchester on 25th February, 1917, died in hospital at London on 22nd November, 1993.

*Note: At Gibraltar in 1945 Burgess won the Governor’s Poetry Prize for his composition of a march. He would go on to compose symphonies and operas and music for films, television and Broadway.

33

property issues

Europe Green With Envy “From a European perspective we should be green with envy. What Gibraltar is showing us is that small is beautiful. Small economies are often doing noticeably better than big economies.”

A direct quote from Professor Albrecht Ritschl from the London School of Economics commenting upon last month’s Gibraltar budget.

On Monday 4th July 2011, in his sixteenth consecutive budget and his last before a general election, the Chief Minister was able to announce record employment levels, a reduction in tax rates, a growing

34

economy and a budget surplus at near record levels.

The Chamber of Commerce described it as “a positive budget for business” and “good news for Gib Inc”. The Gibraltar Federa-

tion of Small Businesses noted the “positive figures for our economy, particularly when set against the financial woes of other economies beyond our shores”. Unite the Union also supported the budget

with few negatives, commenting that any political or economic observer with a minimum level of seriousness would agree with it wholeheartedly. The opposition focussed on the increasing net debt

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

property issues levels as a result of, in their opinion, excess expenditure on public services and capital expenditure.

So how is Gibraltar’s economy faring, how does this compare internationally and what does it mean for the Gibraltar property market?

Gibraltar’s economy The most common measure of the economic health of a country is the Gross Domestic Product (“GDP”). The GDP is the monetary value of all the goods and services produced within a country’s border in a specific time period (usually annual). It includes government and private sector spending plus the value of exports less the value of imports.

In the year to March 2011, Gibraltar’s GDP was £954m a growth of 6.5% over the prior year. GDP is expected to reach £1bn in the year to March 2012, further growth of 5%. Compare this to £433m in the year ending March 2001 and this suggests the economy has more than doubled in monetary size in the last ten years.

The number of jobs in the economy as at October 2010 was 20,975, a record high. 10 years ago, there were 13,381 employee jobs, a 57% increase.

The government surplus during the year to March 2011 was £31m and capital expenditure was £158m.

Net government debt, a measure of all the government’s financial liabilities less all of its financial assets, was however, £217m, a record high.

Gibraltar’s economy compared According to the CIA World Factbook, GDP growth of 6.5% would be 32nd best growth rate in the world across the world’s 217 countries listed in the Factbook.

Looking at Eurostat, the European Unions’ official statistical record, only Turkey of the 27 EU countries recorded, has a growth rate higher than that of Gibraltar’s. Indeed, Gibraltar’s growth rate of 6.5% is nearly four times that of the EU’s average of 1.8%.

GDP per capita, which is the value of the economy per head of population is c £32,400 in Gibraltar (here I use the 2009 population statistics). According to the International Monetary Funds’ database

of forecast GDP per capital across the United Nations countries (excluding a handful of countries where reliability of data is limited, the main one being China), this sum would rank Gibraltar 5th in the world, behind Qatar, Luxembourg, Singapore and Norway.

This database consists of forecasts which constantly change so there will be movements as each country updates its forecast and records its actual figure. It should be noted that Gibraltar also benefits from border workers who contribute to the economy but are not counted in the population. Regardless, this is still an impressive result for Gibraltar.

In terms of debt levels, Gibraltar’s net debt is 23% of its current GDP. According to the International Monetary Fund, the average rate in the G7 is 74%, the Euro Area 64%, the UK 70%, and the average across the world’s “Advanced Economies” (IMF defined term) is 64%. Indeed, on the day of writing this article Italy has approved austerity measures to address its debt which is 120% of its GDP. Hence 23% seems quite healthy although Professor Albrecht Ritschl still warns that “it’s probably not a bad idea to reduce debt, although you seem to be so far from the danger zone that quite clearly it’s not a primary concern”.

The number of jobs in the economy as at October 2010 was 20,975, a record high. 10 years ago, there were 13,381 employee jobs, a 57% increase buyers at a lower property cost than there were an election looming after in the UK and this surprises many a every budget! n buy-to-let investor. And the lower threshold of £200,000 before any stamp duty is payable could have been increased to assist those local buyers struggling to get on the housing ladder.

However, the continued attraction of Gibraltar to outsiders, and the lack of supply of any new residential or large scale quality office space, will continue to add upward pressure to prices. Furthermore, in the UK, it has just been announced that residential rental rates have increased for the fifth month in a Mike Nicholls is a Fellow of the row due to the shortage of housing Institute of Chartered Accountants and the difficulty in obtaining mortand a member of the Gibraltar Society gages. Sounds familiar? Expect the of Accountants. Mike operates the same to happen in Gibraltar.

Chesterton estate agency in Gibraltar (www.chesterton.gi) and owns MN For us, though, in the property Associates Limited, a local company and relocation business selling Gispecialising in Gibraltar property, braltar to the rest of the world, the funding & relocation. See www.mnbudget was most welcome. If only associates.gi

Gibraltar property market Selling ‘Gibraltar plc’ is an enjoyable profession. For those of us engaged at the front line of promoting the virtues of Gibraltar’s economy and fiscal benefits, the budget added further sales impetus. With corporation tax remaining at 10% probably for the foreseeable future and the highest effective rate of personal tax reduced to just below 25%, relocation by individuals or companies to Gibraltar can be an attractive proposition.

Being able to quote Gibraltar’s economic performance in comparable terms to the rest of Europe and the world, is the icing on the cake.

But will the budget have any new and direct impact on the property market? Probably not. Ideally, I would have liked to have seen stamp duty rates reduce, or thresholds increase. Currently our 3.5% stamp duty rate impacts property

Being able to quote Gibraltar’s economic performance in comparable terms to the rest of Europe and the world, is the icing on the cake...

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

35

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

room dressing

Living Room Arrangements Living rooms or lounges serve different purposes for different people. In some homes, they are the main gathering area for family, while in others they’re more of a formal showroom, used only when company comes over.

Either way, there are certain issues that always come up when trying to arrange living room furniture. Lots of items tend to go in the living room, so it’s important to arrange everything in a well-proportioned and balanced way. It is vital to establish a focal point in the room, such as a fireplace, window or even a television, and arrange the furniture around it.

Furniture should be used to create conversation areas, where people are comfortable talking to each other without straining their necks or shouting. With particularly large rooms, it would be an idea to create more than one conversation area.

There should be enough room for people to walk around furniture, so they can easily get from one side of the room to another. Having all the furniture close together will create a more intimate setting, so furniture should be pulled away from walls (see photo).

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

It is important to establish a focal point in the room, such as a fireplace, window or even a television, and arrange the furniture around it When it comes to living room furniture, size matters, and sofas and chairs are big-ticket items, so it is important they suit the space. It is important to measure the space before buying anything — sketching out the room on a piece of paper and using the appropriate measurement, could give a better indication of what works best visually.

Rugs are also a great way of defining seating areas, but remember all furniture needs to comfortably sit on the carpet.

Coffee tables are practical pieces that are often found in the centre of conversation areas.

People sitting around them should be able

to lean over to put down or pick up a drink without having to get up from their seat. At the same time be sure to leave enough legroom between seats and tables.

Once the furniture is in place think about where to place the accessories. No doubt you will have some window treatments and a television, and perhaps some artwork. When you are hanging art, remember it should be at eye level, and make sure the piece isn’t too large or small for the space available. Always give just as much thought to placing living room accessories, as you do the furniture. You spend a lot of time in this room so make practical. n

37

past uncovered

James

Bland Burges

A Politician & a Gentleman

by Dave Wood

2nd April 1796. An expectant hush falls over the first night audience packed into London’s famous Drury Lane Theatre.

They are there for the premiere performance of Vortigern, a lost but newly rediscovered work by none other than William Shakespeare.

38

Within an hour they are hooting their derision. Vortigern, it is clear, resembles the work of Shakespeare only insofar as a Sumo wrestler resembles a pixie. It was the clumsiest of forgeries written, it transpired, by an accomplished career forger named William Henry Ireland. It fooled no-one.

Well, almost no-one. Like the Hitler diaries and the “autobiography” of Howard Hughes centuries later, the manuscript did dupe a few who should have known better. Prominent among the seduced (indeed, he wrote an admiring prologue to garnish the play’s publication) was Gibraltarian-born James Bland Burges.

Nailing his colours so openly to the Vortigern mast was a risky option because Burges had his own reputation as a writer and poet to lose.

His birth in Gibraltar, on 8th June 1752, was down to the fact his professional soldier father, George Burges, was here on deployment with his regiment. His mother, the Hon. Anne Wichnoure Somerville was the only daughter of James, 10th Lord Somerville, for whom the new baby was named.

He was not destined for a life of grim, backbreaking toil. Little is known of his earliest years, but then, little needs to be known. He never had to wonder where his next meal was coming from, so it is futile for hungry historians to scratch their own heads on his behalf.

His education was first entrusted to a distinguished family member, the Reverend Dr Thomas Somerville, a noted academic and author best known for The History of the Reign of Queen Anne. He also spent a couple of years studying at the University of Edinburgh.

There followed a spell at Westminster School, which lasted until Christmas 1769, after which he moved seamlessly to Oxford. Four years later, in 1773, exhausted by the constant conjugation of Latin verbs and in desperate need of a break, he went on The Grand Tour — idling his way aimlessly around Europe and, no doubt, sowing a few wild oats along the way.

Having got that out of his system he returned home, studied law, and was called to the bar around Easter of 1777.

1777 was a memorable year for the 25-year old James. As well as successfully completing his legal studies, he married. On 19th June he took as his wife the Hon. Elizabeth Noel, second daughter of Edward Viscount Wentworth. The course of his life, it must have seemed to him, was set. He was tall, he was handsome, he had education, wealth, a career, and now a lovely young wife with whom he would start a family. Sadly, it was not to be. Just two years later, Elizabeth died without bearing him a child.

Tragic, yes, but in the 18th century, when life expectancy was not what it is today, and when many a disease now considered a mere inconvenience was all too often fatal, not an uncommon one. Shortly before Christmas 1780 he took a second wife, Anne. She, too, was of noble lineage. Her father, Lieutenant-Colonel Lewis Charles Montelieu, also bore the title of Baron of St Hypolite. The barony seems to have originated in 1557 when a certain Guillaume de Montolieu got his hands on some French estates which bestowed upon him the right to ennoble himself and his heirs. It is very obscure, and no doubt involved much skulduggery and backstabbing, as these things invariably do, but by 1780 it was all ancient history and his heirs were

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

past uncovered tediously respectable.

James’ second marriage, from the dynastybuilding point of view, was much more successful. Anne lived until 1810, and produced 10 children. Meanwhile, James had embarked on his parallel career as an author. In 1778 he wrote the stirring, Heroic Epistle from Serjeant Bradshaw, in the Shades, to John Dunning, Esq — still available today, along with a surprising number of his other works, in contemporary editions from Amazon.com.

Also available for download, insolvency fans take note, are his celebrated 1783 works, Considerations on the Law of Insolvency, with a Proposal for Reform and A Letter to the Earl of Effingham on his Lately Proposed Act of Insolvency.

We need not ask in which area of the law James Bland Burges specialised.

But red hot as he was on the finer points of insolvency or, as a cynic might say, the art of not paying one’s debts while continuing to serve an acceptable claret, Burges considered himself unfulfilled. Consequently, when his friend, William Pitt (known as “the younger” since he was not as old as his dad) suggested he give it all up and go into politics, he took little persuading.

He was elected MP for the Cornish constituency of Helston in 1787, and again in 1790. In 1789 he achieved what must surely have been a boyhood dream by being appointed an Undersecretary of State (there were several) at the Foreign Office.

He had given up law as a profession, but retained a lively interest in legal matters. He published the ground-breaking Address to the Country Gentlemen of England on County Courts, in which he wrote that the justice meted out there was “of a very peculiar nature”, effectively ruining both plaintiff and defendant due to the ludicrously excessive costs involved. Nine times out of 10, he said, one party ended up in prison, while the other had to flee the country. Then, as now, only the lawyers left court laughing.

In addition he penned the passionate polemic, Letters on the Spanish Aggression at Nootka. Nootka, for the handful of readers not cognizant of the unseemly squabble that erupted around it in the late 18th Century, was a strait in the Canadian province of British Columbia, separating Vancouver Island from Nootka Island. It was important as a trade route and so, inevitably in that age of imperialist expansion, various European nations, including Britain and Spain,

The drums and trumpets join’d their

cheering sound,

daring quest,

around,

And, proudly conscious of their The lordly chargers, as they scour’d Neighing, their arch’d necks rear’d, and shook the dusty ground.

Lines from Richard I by James Bland Burges

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

argued over who had the right to say they owned it. The only thing they agreed upon was its original inhabitants, the Nuu-Chah-Nulth people, weren’t in the frame.

Then he did something rather more interesting. In collaboration with another Under Secretary of State, and with the backing of William Pitt, he founded The Sun newspaper.

Sadly, this does not give us license to illustrate this article with a couple of eye-catching Page 3 girls, because this particular Sun has no connection with today’s newspaper. If it has a contemporary counterpart, it is probably the satirical magazine, Private Eye, but whereas that publication treats politicians of all parties as fair game, Burges’ Sun aimed its arrows exclusively at members of the opposition. A favourite column, The Casuist, which lampooned its victims in verse, was written by James Bland Burges, but that was not his only contribution.

As well as stories and poems, he wrote a series of letters (using the pseudonym ‘Alfred’) setting out his political views on various European governments. These were published in book form in 1792.

On 31st October 1795, the contribution to public life of James Bland Burges was recognised

Inevitably, various European nations, including Britain and Spain, argued over who had the right to say they owned it. The only thing they agreed on was its original inhabitants weren’t in the frame by the award of a baronetcy; that of Burville, Berkshire. The local peasantry sang and danced their way through a long, delirious night which ended in a punch-up when warring factions begged to differ on exactly who their new master was, and how they should pronounce his name.

A baronetcy not being considered sufficient reward for the star columnist of Pitt’s popular paper, he was also made Knight Marshall of the King’s Household. The English love titles, even when they’re patently ridiculous.

Freed from the daily drudgery of the law, Burges devoted himself to writing. No more dry-as-dust treatises on insolvency — now he could rip off his mask and reveal himself as a full-blooded romantic. In 1796, around the time he had a rush of blood to the head and wrote his ill-advised preface to Ireland’s spurious Vortigern, he published a poem called The Birth and Triumph of Love, inspired by a series of engravings, The Birth and Triumph of Cupid, published

by Mr P W Tompkins of Bond Street.

Encouraged by its success, he then devoted a couple of years (1799-1800) to writing an epic poem chronicling the life of Richard 1st. It was published in two volumes in 1801, but before its publication, Burges had a few copies privately printed and sent to some of his closest literary friends for comment. Whether he was genuinely uncertain of its merits, or simply knew it was good and was out to impress them we shall never know — possibly a little bit of both.

Now he was in full flow, producing poems, stories, and a play, Riches, or The Wife and Brother, was produced with rather more success than Vortigern, at Drury Lane. In 1810, he even composed a comic opera, Tricks Upon Travellers, but that seems never to have been produced.

On 8th September 1812, at the age of 60, he married for the third time. His new wife was Lady Margaret, the daughter of the Earl of Balcarras and widow of one Alexander Fordyce.

Alas, a couple of years later, on 1st December 1814, she too predeceased him.

In 1821, with the requisite royal assent, he summarily changed his name from Bland Burges to Lamb, and adapted his coat of arms accordingly. The tone of his writing also changed. No more poems on the pleasures of love, no more plays, and certainly no more attempts at comic opera. Instead he turned exclusively to matters of religion and confined his writing to matters theological. The trend had actually started at least two years before his change of name, for in 1819 he had published a heartfelt essay called Reasons for a New Translation of the Holy Scriptures.

This is currently unavailable from Amazon, so readers anxious to learn what those reasons were will have to conduct their search among antiquarian booksellers.

Sir James Bland Burges, latterly Sir James Lamb, died on 13th October 1824. An anonymous obituary, published in the January 1825 edition of The Gentleman’s Magazine, said of him: “His manners displayed dignity without pride. He was conscious of his own talents and attainments, but always ready to respect those of others. In the private relations of life he was kind, affectionate, and hospitable; an admirer of music, and a performer. It is singular that, even when in public life, no pen was ever employed personally against him. His own pen was never instigated by personal pique, but simply inspired by an ardent desire to aid the general welfare.”

There are worse ambitions than that. n

39

Joseph on Piano

Joseph Noguera:

The original music man

by Karim Corby

Music has always been an illustrator of a nation’s culture, from the New Orleans Jazz scene, to Woody Guthrie’s blues, borne from the great depression. Music in Gibraltar is no different; borrowing from our diverse cultural background has produced unique sounds and similarly unique international artists, notably Breed 77’s fusion of modern rock and flamenco music. In the wake of Gibraltar’s burgeoning music scene, it seems every club is hosting live local acts, featuring everything from seasoned musicians to new garage bands.

There is no doubt that since breaking the international market, Gibraltar has enjoyed a good relationship with music, and it would not take too long to come up with a name of a famous musician that hails from our little peninsula. But can you think of anyone from before Breed hit the UK market? Or before Taxi was called Melon Diesel? Even before Albert Hammond wowed the US with It Never Rains in Southern California? This is where we come to the star of today’s show, so dust off your fedora and cummerbund and take in a show with the musician Joseph Noguera.

Joseph was born on 18th August 1909, and lived through the tumultuous era of World War II and the Evacuation of Gibraltar. Lauded as a

They performed in assembly halls around Gibraltar to entertain the returning evacuees, some of whom didn’t reach home until 1951

musically gifted individual, he began as a percussionist, focusing on classical music; he soon learned to play a variety of instruments and was eventually composing his own works as well as directing bands in Gibraltar. It is clear that he saw much adversity to inspire him, as only the brutality of a world war can do. It is hard to deny this correlation when some of the most striking works of poetry and literature came about during the First World War. As World War I was an inspiration for the written word, World War II came about during a significant era for music, being the first major global conflict to take place in the age of electronically mass distributed music. By 1940 96% of American households had radio. Similarly, during Nazi rule radio ownership in Germany rose from 4 to 16 million households. As the major powers entered war, millions of citizens had home radio devices that did not exist in the First World War. This era is also important because sound was introduced to cinema and musicals became very popular. It can be said that the age of music was approaching its zenith, and Joseph Noguera was the epicentre of this in Gibraltar.

His best known performances were part of the Theatre Royal’s variety shows, and he

Playbill from one of Joseph’s Theatre Royal performances

40

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

talented past certainly had variety. He appeared as a composer, conductor, director or even as one of the performing artists on a number of instruments, as well as delving into various styles of music, from classical and chamber music, to jazz as well as the modern band set-ups where he would perform on a drum kit. He played as early as the ’30s in the variety shows, Zarzuelas and Villa-Diegos and it was the start of an expansion into more serious performances.

Looking at one of his later Theatre Royal shows, the one that stands out the most is the composition Himno de Paz which he created with Leopoldo Sanguinetti. The song was recorded in the mid ’50s and was the first performance with a Gibraltarian lead, tenor Mario Segui whose beautiful rendition of the song is still played today.

The evacuation of Gibraltar during WWII saw Joseph sent to London. A tense prospect considering the near constant threat of German bombing, but as a musician in one of the foremost metropolitan, cultural and economic centres, it proved to be a blessing in disguise and he took every opportunity to get involved in the music scene. He joined the Performing Rights Society in Westminster, the Songwriter’s Guild in Charing Cross Road, as well as perJoseph performing with the Gibraltar forming and composing for a variety of bands Symphony Orchestra in St Michael’s Cave and music groups, he became highly regarded

by British songwriters. On his return to Gibraltar in the mid ’40s he reunited the Tarik Music Band, a group he had been active in since the three years after the first music festival. Joseph ’30s. They performed in assembly halls around also worked closely with Sir Joshua Hassan in Gibraltar to entertain the returning evacuees, some of whom didn’t reach home until 1951.

He was known for his work in the community, particularly his association with the late Bishop Caruana. Their collaboration was instrumental in the creation of the Gibraltar song festival, performed in December of 1965 under Joseph’s direction. The event was intended as a one-off show to raise funds to build a Community Centre but the terrific response lead to the festival becoming an annual event. It also fostered a close personal and professional association with Bishop Caruana, an avid supporter of the arts who ensured the building of the Catholic Community Centre, constructed

Joseph Noguera’s contributions to music in Gibraltar earned him many honours, from the friendship of high ranked music aficionados in Gibraltar, to the continued vitality of the Song festival

directing and performing for the scout band and he composed a symphony to commemorate Edward Rapallo’s appointment as Bishop of Gibraltar in 1973.

Joseph Noguera’s contributions to music in Gibraltar earned him many honours, from the friendship of high ranked music aficionados in Gibraltar, to the continued vitality of the Song Festival. He was awarded an MBE in February 1972 and posthumously honoured in 2005 with the opening of Joseph Noguera house in Edinburgh estate, including a plaque detailing some of his achievements in the music industry. Although the theatre where his career began no longer stands, many parts of Gibraltar bear the hallmarks of his presence and dedication to his craft. n

1972 MBE recipients at the Convent Joseph second from left

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

41

events

Cruise Ship Schedule

AUGUST 2011

DOA

Vessel

ETA ETD

Pass

Capacity From

Mon 01

Azura

0800 1400

British

3076

Tue 02

Celebrity Eclipse

0900 1600

American

2850

Wed 03

Oceana

0800 1330

British

1950

Fri 05

Grandeur Of Seas 0700 1800

American

1950

Sat 06

Island Escape

0900 1800

British

1512

Crystal Serenity

1300 1700

American

1080

Tue 09

Independence of Seas 0900 1600

Internatl.

3600

Aurora

1230 1800

British

1975

Ventura

0800 1400

British

3100

Azura

1000 1700

British

3076

Thu 11

Queen Elizabeth

1400 1800

British

2092

Mon 15

Queen Victoria

1230 1800

Internatl.

2000

Wed 17

Grand Princess

0700 1600

American

2600

Fri 19

Grandeur Of Seas 0700 1800

American

1950

Malaga

Palma

Mon 22

Braemar

1300 1800

British

977

Toulon

Portimao

Tue 23

Wind Spirit

0800 1600

American

148

Cadiz

Independence of Seas 0900 1600

Internatl.

3600

Southampton

Wed 10

Southampton

Malaga

Southampton

Oceana

1230 1800

British

1950

Thu 25

Aurora

1230 1800

British

1975

Fri 26

Kristina Katarina

0800 1900

Finnish

380

Ventura

1230 1800

British

3100

Wed 31

Ventura

0800 1400

British

3100

Grand Princess

0900 1700

American

2600

To

Toulon

Palma

Toulon

Ibiza Cannes

Total Number of Vessels calling this month = 23 Approximate Number of Passengers calling in this month = 50,641

42

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

events

Life & Legacy

photos: Mike Brufal

Guests at the opening of July’s Gustavo Bacarisa exhibition “Life & Legacy” in Casemates. Bacarisa (1873–1971) was born in Gibraltar and died in Seville, Spain. His work is characterised by the rich use of colour which was appreciated by those who took the opportunity to visit the superb exhibition.

Bacarisa studied in Paris and worked in Argentina until 1916 when he relocated to Seville until the Spanish civil war when he moved to Madeira, returning in 1937 to Gibraltar. At the end of World War II, he settled down in Seville where he died in 1971 aged 98. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

43

art file

Miriam Parody-Porro:

Spirit of Bohemia Bubbly and friendly Miriam Parody-Porro, is a regular at local and international art competitions. With the biggest mural in Gibraltar to her name, she has been involved in the arts from a young age, and the artistic vein has run in her family for three generations.

“My father was a painter, my grandfather would do murals and cathedral ceilings, and my great grandfather would paint with gold leaf on carriages, so it’s fair to say that art has been in my family’s blood for a while now,” she smiles fondly.

When trying to describe Miriam’s style, it is very difficult to classify her in one genre or technique, as she likes to dabble with many styles and resources, and her works are very different to each other. Her local landscapes are detailed, her still-life’s are vivid, and her portraits are exquisite. “Realism is what people mainly prefer generally, but when painting something for myself, it might be more modern or abstract. Art is my therapy, and has helped me through tough situations,” Miriam explains.

Art was always present in the Parody household, with her mother teaching embroidery, and her dad with his art, woodwork or sculpture. “I was born in an artistic ambience, and was always influenced by everything around me. My dad’s style was very similar to mine, and I learned a lot from his work,” Miriam explains.

In school, her favourite art teacher, called Mrs Gladstone, would let her ideas run free in

The mural at the old Casino

44

The Orange Pickers

art class. She was the first teacher who actually taught her about art, and was a big influence on her as an artist. Autodidactic Miriam, however, learned most of what she knew from reading art books later in her life, as her parents did not allow her to go to university. “It was unheard of at the time for a young lady to go abroad to study — especially art! I always held this against my parents, but it was revealed to me a few years later by an adjudicator that this was actually a good thing. He said I had not missed out on anything!”

She did complete a correspondence course from Open College of Art, as well as attend courses in Spain, and eight years ago she accomplished her life long dream of going to an art school in Florence. “It was a fantastic time.

“

The thought that one of my paintings will transcend my time, and appear in an attic 200 years from now, and that someone will appreciate my work is fulfilling

”

I managed to attend both the sculpture and painting course, and was named the workaholic by my colleagues, as I would get up at the crack of dawn to paint the valleys and poppy fields in the surrounding areas.

“By the end of the course, most people had two or three paintings. I had 25 different ones,” Miriam smiles. “I would need two lives

Miriam at the Gallery

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

rock authors

by Jolene Gomez to accomplish everything I have ever wanted to learn about, as I’ve always been using every spare minute to learn and develop my art. I would usually paint whilst my daughters were asleep as it was the only time left to do so. I would prefer going without sleeping, than not being able to paint at all.”

She was commissioned to produce the largest mural in Gibraltar to date, at the old Casino, on Europa Road. A gigantic 62 square metres, this piece took her three months to complete.

Unfortunately, it was illegal to advertise the gaming room openly, and Miriam did not get much recognition at the time. “I dedicated this piece to my great grandfather, who was evacuated to London, and killed on Westminster Bridge whilst painting a month before I was born in 1953, and also to my grandfather and father, as they loved painting murals too.”

Miriam has also been involved in painting backdrops and sceneries for local theatre groups, and has dabbled in stage make-up, sculpture, woodwork and other art forms, which she loves. She also has two books filled with her own poetry, and four songs which she composed, and although none have been published, who knows if this form of expression will take off for her in the near future!

She regularly enters open exhibitions and competitions, and most of her paintings are commissions. Her favourite artists are the impressionists, such as Van Gogh, although this is not a style she likes to replicate, and she loves the work of Michaelangelo, and Joaquim Sorolla.

Preferring to paint in situ, there is nothing more enjoyable for her than painting whilst on holiday in Thailand, or sitting in Catalan Bay finishing off a painting, or Heritage day here, when everyone goes out painting together.

“My advice for aspiring artists is to carry on doing what they love. Every artist needs their recognition, however, the thought that one of my paintings will transcend my time, and appear in an attic 200 years from now, and that someone will appreciate my work, is fulfilling,” she explains.

“I think the art scene in Gibraltar is very prominent, and our mix of culture enriches our local artists in a way which is peculiar to the

Put Your Shoe On

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

207 Main Street

“

I was born in an artistic ambience, and was always influenced by everything around me

”

rest of the world. Our artists are very good, and the work produced here is of a high standard. From the older generations like myself, to the younger students out of university, the work is just extraordinary.”

Miriam considers herself a perfectionist, and will work at a painting non-stop, sometimes even through the night, to finish it. Although she admits she should be more disciplined with regards to her time schedule, she cannot help herself. Sometimes she won’t leave the house for days, or will get up in the middle of the night to work — her bohemian spirit does not allow her to stop creating. Nowadays, the only thing keeping her from her palette is her duty as grandmother! n For more information, please contact Miriam on miriart@gibtelecom.net or tel: 54028728

Moroccan Archway

Our Little Airport

45

the great outdoors

Photo: Clock2Rock team of cyclists Inset: Jane Kennet

British Hearts Race to Gibraltar

by Kirsten Openshaw

Jane Kennet is the mastermind behind the British Heart Foundation Clock2Rock London to Gibraltar cycle ride and she and the team will be ending their two week trip in Gibraltar on National Day. The journey will take the team through France and Spain and they have literally put their hearts into this fund raising event.

Jane Kennet and a team of cyclist will set off from London on 26th August, arriving in Gibraltar on 10th September, the last stop of their Clock2Rock fund raising ride for the British Heart Foundation (BHF). The BHF does vital pioneering research in prevention of heart disease and provides support and care for anyone living with heart disease.

Rob Cox, part of the BHF events team, talked to Jane about the idea of a Clock2Rock (Big Ben to Gibraltar) ride in 2009 after they both participated in the London to Paris ride. Years later Jane contacted the BHF, with the idea of making it a reality. “My father underwent some emergency surgery under the care of Mr Varty at Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge. I became aware that some of Mr Varty’s previous research was sponsored by the BHF and without his skills my father would not have survived,” explained Jane.

The ride will start from the very famous clock, Big Ben in London, from where they will ride to Portsmouth and catch an overnight

46

ferry to France. Once through France they will head in the direction of Madrid, pass through Andalusia and head straight to the Rock of Gibraltar. The 1500 miles should hopefully take the cyclists two weeks, if there are no complications. Five other cyclists will join Jane, all of various ages, occupations and fitness — the youngest is Matthew Beven aged 18. Oscar Green, Chris Vaughan, Jeff Cleminson, Paul Beven and Gary Edmondson will join the team for a few days.

The team came up with very inventive ways to raise money for the BHF, starting with pub quizzes, Easter egg hunts, wine and cheese tasting and fire station car washes with the firemen. “We went to a summer ball and the band auctioned off singing Mustang Sally

“

with them. No one wanted to sing so they paid to nominate other people. We made an amazing £650 from people being reluctant to sing. Paul had to do it in the end!” added Jane. Monthly fund raising committee meetings and at least one event a month have motivated the team to reach their target of £12,000. “We are hoping all the money will go to the BHF and not be spent on the logistics and planning of the ride,” added Jane.

They have all been training for the event; “We have each had to fit in our own training miles and most of us did this by commuting to work by bike. I rode to Paris last weekend and next week I am off to ride to Lands End,” remarked Jane.

On the route they will be staying in small hotels. “We want to get close to the locals and support

It’s a significant enough event to hopefully make people feel it’s a worthy cause to donate and help us achieve our goal

”

their economies,” Jane informed.

“As riders we are all paying our own costs. None of the fund raising will be spent on our personal accommodation.”

They have been organising the route since January and are very excited to be ending the trip in Gibraltar. “It’s a little piece of Britain and it’s a significant enough event to hopefully make people feel it’s a worthy cause to donate and help us achieve our goal. National Day is a day to wear red and white, so what better day to represent the BHF and celebrate the end of the ride with a party and our new found friends in Gibraltar.”

TheClock2Rock team will be updating their blog every day so you can follow their journey on www.clock-2-rock.blogspot.com.

Jane and her team will appreciate any donations, either on the www. justgiving.com/clock2rock or by writing a cheque to the British Heart Foundation. “It would be lovely to think that we have linked London to Gibraltar by fund raising too,” said Jane. “If you see us please come say hello.” n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

fashion

leisure & sport

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newsagents/books

Archive editions of The Gibraltar Magazine now available online at www.thegibraltarmagazine.com

GIBRALTAR GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAGAziNE • • AUGUST AUGUST 2011 2011

47 47

?

health & fitness

What does ‘Core Stability’ actually mean

by Joma Ormrod (BOst.), Registered Osteopath, Atlantic Suites Health Spa

Many of us have heard the buzz words ‘core stability’ mentioned before and that having strong core muscles is good for your lower back but what exactly are these core muscles and why are they so important for low back health?

The ‘core’ muscles, transversus abdominus, external and internal obliques, quadratus lumborum and the diaphragm, are like your body’s own corset, supporting you from within, and sit underneath the ‘six-pack’ muscles.

You may be surprised to find out that the diaphragm is part of the core stability muscle complex but, as well as being the main muscle used for breathing, it also provides support for your internal organs that sit within the abdominal cavity and is used when lifting and moving.

When you lift something or move from one position to another, these core muscles are tensed first compressing around the internal organs and providing a stable foundation for lifting and moving. These muscles are also required for the simple action of maintaining an upright posture when sitting, standing, walking and running, and without this stability the lower back is not supported from the inside making it vulnerable to injury, low back pain, poor posture and fatigue of the back muscles.

Although these muscles

people are usually okay when lifting heavier objects as they pre-tense their core muscles providing a stable foundation 48

should be automatically used in movement, not everyone ‘engages’ these muscles properly or has the strength in them to support the body.

Patients often come into the clinic with low back pain after doing simple tasks like putting their socks on or picking keys up from a low side-table which seems silly but because they haven’t tensed their core muscles properly, the back goes into spasm as a protective mechanism.

This is a natural bodily response however it will cause a lot of discomfort!

This is why people are usually okay when lifting heavier objects as they pre-tense their core muscles providing a stable foundation.

If you suffer with back pain when sitting at work all day, or your job involves a lot of standing then weaker core muscles will start to get tired which then results in back pain. In this case it is important that you perform regular core exercises to build up strength and reduce fatigue, therefore preventing further injury.

Pilates style exercises are very good for building up strength of the core muscles and you can start with the simple beginners’ exercises and work your way up to the more advanced techniques. Most gyms will have pilates classes and the instructor will make sure you are performing the exercise properly.

You don’t have to be a gym member to do core stability exercises.

Most of the exercises can be done in your own home provided you have enough space and there are many books and DVDs giving guidance on these exercises. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

health & well being

Aphrodite Opens The official launch of Aphrodite Beauty took place at the salon on the Ocean Village Promenade in mid-July. The contemporary and attractive salon offers all kinds of beauty treatments from microdermobrasion and mesotherapy facials to Shellac manicures and pedicures, lash extensions, and a range of unisex treatments. Appointments are not always necessary at the is friendly salon, but if you want to book yourself in call 200 62422 for some serious pampering. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

49

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PASSANO OPTICIANS LTD

Louis’ Pharmacy Unit F12, International Commercial Centre, Casemates.

Tel: 200 44797

British Registered Optometrists

Chiropodists

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

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

ChiropraCtors STEINER CHIROPRACTIC CLINICS

Chiropractic Health Clinic

Dr Carsten Rudolf Steiner BSc DC

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

Member of the British Chiropractic Association

Back to better health with Chiropractic for headaches, dizziness, neck and lower back pain, sciatica, osteoathritis and sports injuries.

College Clinic, Regal Hse. Tel: 200 77777

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

Tel: 200 44226 Gillian Schirmer MA, DC, MMCA McTimoney Chiropractor, Clinic (Claudia’s), 1st Flr, 58 Main St Tel: 200 41733 After hours: 200 40026

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

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

Dr Carsten Rudolf Steiner BSc, DC Steiner Chiropractic Clinics, College Clinic, Regal Hse Tel: 200 77777

The Health Store

5 City Mill Lane, Gibraltar. Tel: 20073765

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

Suppliers of Glucosamine, Ginkgo Biloba and all vitamins.

Body Building Products (Creatine etc) Open: 9am - 1pm & 3pm - 6pm

Now at Unit F5, 1st Floor, ICC Isabella Jimenez, Sports Therapist (BSc Hons) Tel: 54002226 Email: sportongib@gmail.com

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

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

Tel: 200 77777

College Clinic, Regal House, Queensway TEL: 54029587 FOR HOME VISITS

Primary Care Centre

HEARING CENTRE

Oigamas Hearing Centre Unit S3h 2nd Floor, ICC Casemates Square Tel: 200 63644 Email: info@oigamas.com

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

OSTEOPATHS Joma Ormrod (BOst.) (female) Atlantic Suites Health Club & Spa Europort Tel: 200 48147 www.atlanticosteopathy.com

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

2nd Flr International Commercial Centre Weekend & Public Holiday Opening Hours (use Irish Town entrance)

Physicians

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

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

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

Need somebody to talk to?

Psychologist

7 days a week 6-10pm

52 what a page turner! www.thegibraltarmagazine.com

Clinical Psychologist Tel: +34 661 007 261 Email: vivianabot3007@yahoo.es

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

health & well-being

l

The Truth About Skin Cancer

by Dr. Shehzda Javied Malik

What causes it, who gets it and how you can prevent it...

Cancer develops when DNA, the molecule found in cells that encodes genetic information, becomes damaged and the body cannot repair the damage.

These damaged cells begin to grow and divide uncontrollably.

When this occurs in the skin, skin cancer develops.

As the damaged cells multiply, they form a tumour. Since skin cancer generally develops in the epidermis, the outermost layers of skin, a tumor is usually clearly visible. This makes most skin cancers detectable in the early stages.

and the environment you live in. However, both the total amount of sun received over the years, and overexposure resulting in sunburn can cause skin cancer. Most people receive 80% of their lifetime exposure to the sun by 18 years of age. The message to parents from this is to protect your children.

Tanning is your skin’s response to UV light.

Types of Skin Cancer Three types of skin cancer account for nearly It is a protective reaction to prevent further 100% of all diagnosed cases. Each of these three injury to your skin from the sun. However, it cancers begins in a different type of cell within does not prevent skin cancer. the skin, and each cancer is named for the type of cell in which it begins. Skin cancers are divided into one of two classes — nonmelanoma skin cancers and melanoma. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer.

What Causes Skin Cancer?

Sunburn and Sunlight Very simply, sunburn and ultraviolet (UV) light can damage your skin, and this damage can lead to skin cancer. There are of course other determining factors, including your heredity

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

The level of UV light today is higher than it was 50 or 100 years ago, due to a reduction of ozone in the earth’s atmosphere

Remember, skin cancer is very slow to develop. The sunburn you receive this week may take 20 years or more to become skin cancer.

Heredity If there is a history of skin cancer in your family, you are probably at a higher risk. People with fair skin, with a northern European heritage appear to be most susceptible.

Environment The level of UV light today is higher than it was 50 or 100 years ago due to a reduction of ozone in the earth’s atmosphere (the Ozone Hole). Ozone serves as a filter to screen out and reduce the amount of UV light that we are exposed to. With less atmospheric ozone, a higher level of UV light reaches the earth’s surface.

Other influencing factors include elevation, latitude, and cloud cover. Ultra Violet light is stronger as elevation increases. The thinner atmosphere at higher altitudes cannot filter UV as effectively as it can at sea level.

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Damage caused now can lead to skin cancer developing in 20 years time

Skin Cancer at a Glance...

• There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma (the nonmelanoma skin cancers), and melanoma.

• Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in humans.

• Ultraviolet light, which is in sunlight, is the main cause of skin cancer.

• The most common warning sign of skin cancer is a change in the appearance of the skin, such as a new growth or a sore that will not heal. Unexplained changes in the appearance of the skin lasting longer than two weeks should be evaluated by a doctor.

• Nonmelanoma skin cancer is generally curable. The cure rate for nonmelanoma skin cancer could be 100% if lesions were brought to a doctor’s attention before they had a chance to spread.

• Treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancer depends on the type and location of the skin cancer, the risk of scarring, as well as the age and health of the patient. Methods used include curettage and desiccation, surgical excision, cryosurgery, radiation, and Mohs micrographic surgery.

• Avoiding sun exposure in susceptible individuals is the best way to lower the risk for all types of skin cancer. Regular surveillance of susceptible individuals, by self-examination and regular physical examination, is also a good idea for people at higher risk. People who have had any form of skin cancer should have regular medical checkups.

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The rays of the sun are also strongest near the equator, as you might guess. But even in Antarctica, Chile, and New Zealand, the UV level is much higher than normal, especially in the springtime, due to the ozone hole in the southern hemisphere.

sure to the sun is unhealthy, the fact remains that most do not protect their skin from the sun’s harmful rays. As a result, more than one million nonmelanoma skin cancers are diagnosed each year, and approximately one person dies from melanoma every hour.

Who Gets Skin Cancer?

Prevention and Early Detection Key Sun protection can significantly decrease a person’s risk of developing skin cancer. Sun protection practices include staying out of the sun between 10am and 4pm when the rays are strongest, applying a broad-spectrum (offers UVA and UVB protection) sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher year-round to all exposed skin, and wearing protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses when outdoors.

Since skin cancer is so prevalent today, dermatologists also recommend that everyone learn how to recognise the signs of skin cancer, use this knowledge to perform regular examinations of their skin, and see a dermatologist annually (more frequently if at high risk) for an exam.

Skin cancer is highly curable with early detection and proper treatment. n

Skin cancer develops in people of all colours, from the palest to the darkest. However, skin cancer is most likely to occur in those who have fair skin, light-coloured eyes, blonde or red hair, a tendency to burn or freckle when exposed to the sun, and a history of sun exposure. Anyone with a family history of skin cancer also has an increased risk of developing skin cancer.

In dark-skinned individuals, melanoma most often develops on non-sun-exposed areas, such as the foot, underneath nails, and on the mucous membranes of the mouth, nasal passages, or genitals. Those with fair skin can also have melanoma develop in these areas.

Skin Cancer Rates Rising While we all now recognise that overexpo-

Remember, skin cancer is very slow to develop.

The sunburn you receive this week may take 20 years or more to become skin cancer

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

Melanie Bosano:

Fighting & Funding for MS

by Karim Corby

Melanie Bosano, pictured outside her clothing shop on Irish Town, has been working for MS causes since she was diagnosed with the condition in 2005

At first glance, you would imagine Melanie Bosano to be one of the luckiest people around town, a successful entrepreneur who is building a retail clothing business around a product she is passionate about. Melanie feels she is sharing something that she loves with the public, and enjoys the independence that comes with being her own boss. However, her proudest achievement isn’t the level of personal and professional freedom she enjoys, her true devotion is raising awareness for Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Melanie was diagnosed with the condition in 2005 and has since been working to raise awareness of MS. She began with small contributions, joining charities, collecting donations and earning sponsorships. As time went on she took a more hands-on role, organising two concerts at Rock on the Rock Club, hosting a stall for the Calentita night and even taking part in a sponsored group walk across the Great Wall of China. Most recently she helped organise sponsorship for a group participating in the Bloukrans Bridge bungee jump in South

Africa; the highest bungee jump in the world, at over 700 feet.

When asked what she learned from the events she states “It’s hard work. You’re managing all these little problems, but when you see people enjoying something you took part in organising, you can’t help but feel good.”

Of course, raising money is only a small part of the equation, it helps fund the cause and further research, but increasing awareness and education is also key. Putting together a good show under the banner of MS gives people a

Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic condition affecting between two and 150 per 100,000 people. First described in 1868 by JeanMartin Charcot, MS interferes with the communication between nerve cells in the brain and spinal chord.

The body’s immune system attacks and damages the insulation for the nerves; disrupting the electrical signals sent by the brain and causing a number of neurological and physical symptoms.

Western Medicine is good in many ways, it saves lives. I don’t want people losing confidence with their doctors, ultimatley I just want them asking about all possibilities, not taking anything as a given

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

“

”

positive association with the otherwise grim subject.

In Melanie’s opinion those who need the most education are sufferers from MS as well as those who treat it; it is up to the patient to know what treatment they’re receiving and what options are available, she says. “Western medicine is good in many ways, it saves lives, I don’t want people losing confidence with their doctors. Ultimately I just want them asking about all possibilities, not taking anything as a given.” At the same time, those who treat the disease do not have an adequate support system in place she adds.

She recalls her initial diagnosis; “When they spoke to me it wasn’t a case of ‘if’ I get worse, it was ‘when’.” Doctors have to be frank as a matter of course and though they were equipped to assist medicinally, there was little to no support beyond it. She cites the specialist MS nurses, adopted in UK, who give psychological support along with the medical advice; something she believes is missing in Gibraltar.

Research into the condition is ongoing, and though a number of treatments exist, there is

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health & well being no known cure; due to little being known about the causes of MS. Most doctors agree the condition occurs as a result of some combination of genetic, environmental and infectious factors, it is at this point where nearly all agreement ends. There are countless treatments, but over 60% of patients will discontinue use; partly because treatments are a stopgap, not a cure, and mainly because of the side effects associated with the medications. The injection is known to cause rashes and bruising, muscle spasms, aches, weakness, nausea, blurred vision, headaches and flu like symptoms. When you consider it is a weekly treatment for the rest of one’s life, it is no surprise patients eventually turn to alternatives.

Melanie recently joined these ranks; having

One alternative MS treatment involves being stung by a live bee once a week!

been on a course of weekly injections, she has now begun a treatment of Low Dose Naltrexone or LDN. The FDA approved Naltrexone in 1984 in a 50mg dose to help heroin or opium addicts by blocking the effect of such drugs. In 1985, Bernard Bihari, MD, a physician in New York, discovered the effects of a much smaller dose on the immune system. The group with multiple sclerosis, of whom there were 400 in Dr. Bihari’s practice, maintained their regular LDN therapy and less than 1% of these patients

“

It’s hard work, you’re managing all these little problems, but when you see people enjoying something you took part in organising, you can’t help but feel good

”

ever experienced a fresh attack of MS. The results are promising, but as it involves off-label use of an FDA approved drug, it falls under the banner of alternative treatment and is up to the individual to decide and seek medical advice on the subject. Many resources exist to better educate you on the advantages and disadvantages of any medication.

Melanie would like to urge interested persons to do their research. “Just as you shouldn’t take a doctor’s word as the only option, don’t think you know better because you heard about the latest wonder-drug; take an interest and try to

The first steps on the Great Wall of China

balance it with your doctor’s opinion.” n To learn more about alternative MS therapies, including LDN these books and websites are an excellent starting point: Managing Multiple Sclerosis Naturally – Judy Graham, Up a Creek with a Paddle – Mary Bradley, www.ldninfo.org, www. ldndatabase.com, www.mssociety.org.uk

Miss Gibraltar Following in her mother’s footsteps, Michelle Gillingwater Pedersen, became Miss Gibraltar 2011 at a spectacular show held in the beautiful setting of the Alameda Open Air Theatre last month when 10 gorgeous girls strutted their stuff on stage. Jessica Baldachino walked away as 1st Princess and 2nd Princess was Chantal Canepa.

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

Michelle will now go on to represent Gibraltar at the prestigious Miss World show which will take place in London, UK, on 8th November 2011. We are sure Michelle will do us proud.

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

health & well being

Beauty Onboard A ladies’ pamper night was held on board luxury 48m Motor Yacht Sirius in Marina Bay in mid-July.

Spa treatments were provided by Atlantic Suites Spa. MY Sirius is available for charter contact louise@fifty-five. gi for info pack.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

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Photo: Paul Acolina/GONHS

Lesser Kestrel chicks

Birds of Mixed Fortunes

GONHS publishes survey results

The Gibraltar Ornithological & Natural History Society reports mixed results in its annual census of nesting birds of prey on the Rock.

Photo: Javier Rodriguez Pinero/GONHS

Four species are now surveyed annually by the GONHS Bird of Prey unit, led by Vincent Robba.

These are the Peregrine Falcon, the Common Kestrel, the Lesser Kestrel and the Little Owl, with observations on Tawny Owls and Eagle Owls also being taken into account.

The Peregrines managed to raise twice as many young (14) as last year (7), although numbers are still down on 2009’s 20 and 23 in 2006. Disturbance is probably a contributing factor. Worryingly, these 14 young were raised by only six pairs. One pair has disappeared altogether. This pair occupied an

eyrie in the area of Mediterranean Steps and was absent for the first time since the annual surveys began in 1974.

Lesser Kestrels raised 31 young to fledging, but only 13 nests produced young, the smallest number since 2004. Several nests have been taken over by feral pigeons.

Lesser Kestrels raised 31 young to fledging, but only 13 nests produced young

Common Kestrel

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

Peregrine Falcon

Another concern is that a number of young were found dead at the base of their nesting cliffs on the North Face, apparently predated by cats. GONHS is keen that the plight of these globally threatened birds is addressed. GONHS has long identified these problems and prepared a Species Action Plan within its Gibraltar Biodiversity Action Plan published in 2006, but no measures have yet been implemented by Government.

Common Kestrels raised a minimum of 30 young, from a minimum of nine occupied nests, two fewer than last year.

Eight Little Owl nest sites were identified, the same number as in

Photo: Paul Acolina/GONHS

Photo: Javier Rodriguez Pinero/GONHS

wonderful art wildlife profile

2010. Eagle Owl nests were not located, but there was some evidence of the presence of the species in its usual locations. However, the presence of Tawny Owls has greatly reduced, with no contacts in the latter part of the nesting season in the South District or the Botanic Gardens. A concern is that the liberal use of rat poison may have caused casualties in this species through secondary poisoning.

Birds of prey continue to nest on the Rock with no assistance. We are lucky that they have survived, but the annual censuses detect problems in some cases which need to be tackled if they are to continue to live here. n

Lesser Kestrel adult arriving with food

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

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History file On 7th April, 1927 Lieutenant Duffield entered the Gibraltar orderly room of the 2nd Battalion of the East Surrey Regiment and fired two shots at Colonel James Stephen Fitzgerald.

At the sound of gunfire other officers rushed into the room but Colonel Fitzgerald was already dead.

As Duffield was placed under arrest he wailed, “I have made a mess of things. I missed with the first shot and hit with the second which was meant for myself.”

The trial of Austin Duffield became the sensation of Gibraltar that year. The defense plea of insanity was denied. Indeed when Duffield spoke to the court it became evident that, although the bullying of his commanding officer had driven him to murder, he was quite sane when he made the decision to kill.

“Since our arrival at Gibraltar,” Duffield told the jury, “the commanding officer had given up all ideas of soldiering and it is better that one man should die than a whole regiment be ruined.

“I killed him for the good of the regiment.”

With that statement the jury had no option but to return a verdict of guilty of murder in the first degree. Despite a recommendation for mercy Duffield was sentenced to death.

Col. Fitzgerald was 48 and the married father of a daughter at the time of his death. He had earned his commission with the Royal Irish Regiment in 1900 and served as adjutant from

“

the commanding officer had given up all ideas of soldiering and it is better that one man should die than a whole regiment be ruined

”

General Monro proved to be one of the more popular Governors in Gibraltar’s history

For the Good of the Regiment

Austin Duffield loved his regiment. He loved it so much that he killed his commanding officer.

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April 1906 to September 1909. He later attended Staff College and fought in France in World War I. But at Mons in August 1914 he was wounded and captured. He remained a prisoner of war until the Armistice in November 1918. These experiences undoubtedly scarred his mind and may have made him unfit to command but in April 1922 Fitzgerald was attached to the East Surrey Regiment and in 1924 was, fatefully as it turned out, appointed commander of the 2nd Battalion.

Poor old Fitzgerald was obviously not well liked on the Rock for no sooner had Duffield been sentenced to death than a petition was got up pleading for commutation.

The Governor of Gibraltar at the time was General Sir Charles Monro, who was also the commanding officer of the West Surrey Regiment *[see note]. For two months the people of Gibraltar continued to circulate and sign the petition and then in early July word spread that a decision was about to be announced.

On 12th July, 1927 a large crowd gathered outside the exchange building and cheered loudly when a notice was posted that Duffield’s sentence had been commuted to life imprisonment.

The crowd then marched to the Governor’s residence to express their thanks.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

art file

A Time to Shine!

For two months the people of Gibraltar continued to circulate and sign the petition and then in early July word spread that a decision was about to be announced General Monro proved to be one of the more popular Governors in Gibraltar’s history, so much so, when his five-year term came to an end in 1928 another petition was circulated, this time requesting that he be kept on. The extension was denied, however, and Sir Charles ended his days as a Trustee of the Imperial War Museum. Born at sea in 1860 he died in London in 1929 aged 69.

I have been unable to discover the ultimate fate of Austin Duffield. Did he end his days a forlorn prisoner in the Moorish Castle? I did learn that Fitzgerald’s widow Geraldine CollisClarke re-married in 1931 to Admiral Sir Sydney Fremantle and died in 1974 aged 91. n * Note: In 1959 the East and West Surrey Regiments were amalgamated to form the Queen’s Royal Surrey Regiment. In further amalgamations in 1966 and 1992 the Royal Surreys became part of the Queen’s Royal Regiment and latterly the Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

Do your kids dream of being the next Cher Lloyd? Are they dancing around the house all day, wanting to become the next Michael Flatley? Do they amaze you with their wonderful magic tricks? Now is the time for the whole world to embrace their talent, as they have the chance to take on the Summer Nights stage, at the Junior X-Factor talent competition.

Children under the age of 17 will have the opportunity to shine in Casemates Square, on 2nd August, from 8.30-11.30pm, with some fantastic prizes to be won, which have been sponsored by Gibtelecom.

Leisure Events are looking for individu-

als to showcase their talent, and impress the judges with any type of talent! Be it singing, dancing, acrobatics, magic tricks — the list is endless. So if you feel you are up for a night of fun entertainment, pop round to Casemates for some fantastic Summer Nights. n

Be it singing, dancing, acrobatics, magic tricks — the list is endless

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Crime Art Literature Poetry Essay Dr Jennifer Ballantine Perera

Calpe Press: publisher of all things Gibraltarian Just over one year after its establishment, Calpe Press is opening its premises at Fountain Ramp, off the Piazza, to showcase its publications in a stylish contemporary environment.

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So far, Calpe Press has only one book on catalogue, the detective novel The Murder in Whirligig Lane, co-written by paediatrician/ historian Sam Benady and teacher/columnist Mary Chiappe, two big shots of the local literary scene. But go-getter director, academic and regular contributor to journals Dr Jennifer Ballantine Perera, has even bigger shots in the pipeline: thanks to the Bonita Trust’s sponsorship, imminent is the launch of A Lifetime in Art, a hardback full-colour illustrated book about and by Mario Finlayson, one of Gibraltar’s finest artists, featuring his memoirs and a retrospective on his artwork.

In winter, it will be the turn of John Restano’s legal compendium, appealing not only to those ‘in the know’ but, thanks to its compelling prose, historical notes and anecdotes, to anyone with an interest in the development of Gibraltar’s judicial system.

These titles will undoubtedly become their flagship abroad, and will serve to promote Gibraltar’s contemporary art worldwide.

Jennifer works closely with the Ministry of Culture for heritage publications, and as a historian herself and editor of the Gibraltar Heritage Journal, she welcomes the submission of historical treatises, especially when tinged with social issues. However, Calpe Press is very interested in publishing fiction — and if heritage is the background of some upbeat narrative, even better!

That’s why she picked The Murder in Whirligig Lane as her firstborn: it epitomises the kind of literature she’s keen to be associated with, because it is dynamic, fresh, entertaining but not “fluffy”, featuring a good balance between history and fiction in its twisted plot, compelling enough to be read in few sittings, pleasantly written, technically accurate, literary and yet commercial.

Jennifer returned first to Gibraltar in 2004 as part of a research project on its non-military history for Lancaster University, and settled here for good in 2007, after a 12-year absence, during which she graduated with a PhD on Postcolonial Studies with focus on Cuba, where she spent some time in 2002.

“I’ve always felt there was an absence of Gibraltarian literature,” she explains. “That is not to say none has ever been produced, but very little has seen the light of day. I’d always asked myself why. Is it that we are not equipped with the tools, linguistic or otherwise? And then there are all these other issues to do with language, the literary tradition and history which any author has to deal with before setting out to write, but which become all the more complicated in a society like Gibraltar, with colonial heritage.”

So she set up Calpe Press to respond to the lack of home-grown publishers on the Rock, a possible logistic reason why much of the thriving Gibraltarian literature is not competitively surfacing on the global market because of the challenges authors encounter when trying to ‘plug’ their work abroad.

And judging by the amount of manuscripts she was inundated with as soon as the news of her enterprise hit the headlines, Gibraltar’s literature is varied and abundant indeed!

Although fiction was most common, Jennifer was pleased to learn that poetry is still very much in fashion, and of such high standard

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

literature it is simply a shame to leave it gathering dust with the excuse it is just a spur-of-the-moment expression of personal emotions for private consumption.

She would also consider theatre works, knowing that there are a number of talented playwrights on the Rock who concoct original material for one production and then just shelf it for good; and children’s stories, to make the junior market aware of how rich their literary heritage is.

Much of the material submitted so far confidently exploits the many avenues of bilingualism, a very central aspect of Gibraltar’s cultural and linguistic expression, and Jennifer would have no objection to publishing local writings produced either in Gibraltarian vernacular or in Spanish altogether.

The essential criterion when looking at potential submissions is they must bear a connection with Gibraltar, either in the subject or because the author is Gibraltar-based. For works of fiction, she’s hunting for fine storytellers who can speak to her heart, and hopefully to everyone else’s.

If selected after careful assessing by Jennifer and her independent consultants, the authors will be spared the ordeal — and the financial burden — of self-publishing. Calpe Press offers step-by-step editorial services, professional layout, cover art, print runs and promotional campaigns.

To endorse the wider variety of local culture, Calpe Press has a cookery surprise in the oven, focusing on its folkloric and historical ramifications. n

Father Danny Celebrates 25 Years Father Danny Hernandez celebrated 25 years since being ordained as a priest in the presence of colleagues, family and friends. A reception was held at the Mount, to commemorate this special day, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Congratulations Fr. Danny! n

Judging by the amount of manuscripts she was inundated with as soon as the news of her enterprise hit the headlines, Gibraltar’s literature is varied and abundant indeed!

Sunset celebrations

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

photos: Mike Brufal

Information on how to submit manuscripts can be found on the website www.calpepress.com.

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

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Pet Services / Supplies Gibraltar Veterinary Clinic..........H4

Legal Services Hassans.............................................

Isolas.............................................E4

Property Sales / Estate Agents Chesterton........................................

Seekers.........................................L3 Solomon Levy . ...........................U3

Medical / Health Bell Pharmacy.............................. N3 Claudia’s Clinic............................ K4 Dr. Crump, Steven, Chiropractor I4 Health Food Store........................ O4 Louis Pharmacy........................... H4 McTimoney chiropractor..............L4 John Miles - Chiropodist.............. K7 Specialist Medical Clinic...............I4 Sport-On - Sports Therapy........... K3

General Services Art Gallery...................................R4 Balban (electrician)......................H2 Balloqui . ..................................... P4 LP Borge......................................X3 Denville Designs.........................M3 Fashion House Interiors............... P2 Greenarc.......................................X5 Larbi upholstery...........................R3 Queensway Quay Laundrette.......X7

Z6 Seekers........................................L3 Space Interiors.............................I3 Shopping — General Gallery Mosaic...........................M5 Sakata.........................................M4 Shopping — Fashion/Clothing Marble Arc......................................

Recruitment Career Finders.................................

Corporate Resources....................J4 ERS..............................................I4 RecruitGibraltar......................... O6 Quad Consultancy...................... U3 Transport / Marine Services Gib Cargo................................... B8 Tarik Oil..................................... C8

M4

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

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

Live to Ride & Ride to Live

by Kirsten Openshaw

Gibraltar’s Harley Davidson Club is hosting their sixth international rally in Casemates Square on 6th August. It’s not all about leathers, tattoos and ripped jeans though, they hold a “We have no bones to pick with any individual or club” attitude and Derek Moreno is a perfect representative for the club.

The Harley Davidson Club (HDC) sixth annual rally, one of the largest in the Iberian peninsular, is being held on 6th August with a possible excess of 1000 bikes from all over Europe filling Casemates Square. The day starts at 12.30pm with an exhibition of the motorbikes, followed by live entertainment and a ride out around the Rock. Being able to ride around the Rock is particularly special for the HDC members, as the Dudley Ward Tunnel through the Rock has reopened after many years of restricted access. The ride out will end at the club’s premises with live music, a raffle and food, anybody wanting to attend is welcome, biker or not.

The Gibraltar Magazine caught up with Derek Moreno, who is part of the HDC committee.

Sitting in a suit and tie he looks very respectable, well mannered and educated and it is hard to imagine Derek as the stereotype biker. With no sign of a bike and leathers in close proximity or any visible tattoos, once the conversation got going it was easy to see Derek’s passion for

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the open road and Harleys.

In 2006 a group of local Harley Davidson enthusiast, Jonny Fa, Derek Ghio, Tyron Ghio, Derek Moreno and David Parody created the HDC committee with the purpose of hosting the very first Harley Davidson Rally on the Rock as well as an online club where all likeminded bikers could join and be kept abreast of events as well as arrange to attend rallies, ride outs etc. Membership was therefore managed through the site for the first four years of the club’s existence. In late 2010 they secured and moved into premises, transforming the club from virtual to brick and mortar organization, although still keeping the website open for applications and membership information.

“Making the club real instead of being vir-

“

tual makes it easier to select and filter out prospective members as well as bringing members together and fostering a real sense of belonging to the club. All the members now are of similar mindset which makes for a better atmosphere all round. We can choose who we want our club to be associated with,” added Derek. There is a three-month probation for prospective members who have to own a motorbike, although not necessarily a Harley Davidson. “We won’t accept people with scooters or racers, there are others clubs for that, but as long as you have a bike with similar characteristics to a Harley it is acceptable.” When asked if there is an initiation process, Derek replied with a raised eyebrow and a smirk, “Such information cannot be divulged!”

When I told my wife I wanted a Harley Davidson she asked for a new kitchen. She said my number plate should read ‘Mid Life Crisis’

”

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

The HDC do ride outs for, and support, several charities locally and have recently chosen Prostate Cancer as its charity of choice though happy to support others where possible. “We have previously supported breast cancer, downs syndrome and as of this year we are all in support of prostate cancer, we help where and when we can.” Derek added, “Paula Ingram, a potential lady club member, has recently done a trip from the UK to Gibraltar in aid of breast cancer. We are very proud of her.”

The HDC members meet most Saturdays to have a ride out; “We often ride out from Gibraltar to Seville, Ronda, Malaga or even Morocco, with the intention of visiting Harley Davidson dealerships and other Harley Davidson Clubs or merely enjoying the ride. All ride outs end at the club with a cold beer or three (non-alcoholic of course) and a laugh,” says Derek.

HDC members also enter international rallies.

“Every year some of our members ride to Austria and or the St Tropez Rally, to name a couple. We are currently organising a ride out to Portugal, Faro which normally attracts around 20,000 bikers,” said Derek.

Derek’s bike is a 2003 Harley Davidson 100th Anniversary Springer in black and silver.

“When I told my wife I wanted a Harley she insisted that I deserved it and should have one, she then decorated the entire house and still reminds me whenever she wants anything how much I spent on the bike. She said my number plate should read ‘Mid Life Crisis’ too, which it does! My wife has cost me more than the Harley, but it was worth it” Derek remarked, slightly distraught. “My first bike was a red Honda CV125 when I was 17 years old. It’s in the genes, my father still rides at 83 years old and my son has bought his first Harley wannabe,” Derek added. “I love riding in mountain areas, they are more scenic. The coast is not what it used to be with new developments and riding on the motorway is a necessity not something I enjoy. Harleys are not made for

Derek Moreno on his 2003 limited edition Harley Davison

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

Even more bikes are expected for this year’s rally

“

Being able to ride around the Rock is particularly special for the HDC members, as the Dudley Ward Tunnel through the Rock has reopened after many years of restricted access. The ride out will end at the club’s premises going fast it’s about the love of the road and respect for the bike.” When asked why Harley Davidsons and not any other well known bike, with a last giggle, Derek said, “There are only two types of bikers, those that own Harleys

”

and those that wish they did.” n For more information about the rally please visit the HDC website www.harleydavidsongibraltar.com or pop down to the club at unit 1:04 Retrenchment Block, Lathbury Barracks.

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

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

events

67

puzzle page

by Alan Gravett

SUDOKU

Across: 1. Sirocco or Chinook, for example (4) 3. Month of Halloween and Guy Fawkes’ day (8) 9. One who makes the metal parts of a horse’s harness (7) 10. Planet; one of the 1d) sisters (5) 11. Picture (5) 12. Moon; one of the 1d) sisters (6) 14. One who grinds crops into flour (6) 16. Eastern market (6) 18. Type of antelope (6) 21. Terms of a task; send (5) 24. Monarch’s area of dominion (5) 25. Rugby Union back (3,4) 26. Dilemma (8) 27. Where a 140 works (4)

Win a lunch for two at

The Cannon Bar

Send completed suduko to: The Cannon Bar, 27 Cannon Lane, Gibraltar.

One entry per person.

Closing date: 20th August 2011 Last month’s winner: Val Austin, Hospital Ramp

Send completed crossword to: The Clipper, Irish Town, Gibraltar.

FIRST PRIZE: Lunch for 2 at The Clipper

One entry per person.

Closing date: 20th August 2011 Winner notified in next issue of The Gibraltar Magazine.

Last month’s winner: Iris Caetano, 2 Electra Flats, Skud Hill

Down: 1. Film star Robin --------- (8) 2. Girl’s name; title of Bellini opera (5) 4. Female giant (6) 5. Young of a slippery fish (5) 6. Old western TV series; sudden fortune (7) 7. Metal damage caused by the weather (4) 8. French physicist after whom a unit of electric current is named (6) 13. Happy to receive (8) 15. South American dance (7) 17. A (usually) dry creek (6) 19. Pointed gun at; intended (5) 20. To that distance (2,3) 22. Holiday city in Florida (5)

Jotting Pad ...

LAST MONTH’S ANSWERS: Across: Soft, Zanzibar, Austria, Bruno, Laden, Uranus, Nested, Totted, Emigre, Trait, Title, Revenue, Starkers, Mess. Down: Stalone, Fused, Grange, Ababus, Zabra, Bouquet, Root, Sumatra, Greek, Terror, Octave, Annie, Editress.

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

gibraltar update

Calendar Of Events August 2011 Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays Summer Nights at O’Reillys or Savannahs, Leisure Island, Ocean Village. For further information contact Ocean Village Tel 20040048

Old Gibraltar Beer

Tuesday 19th July to 18th August Summer Nights every Tuesday & Thursday.

Kids activities and live entertainment for all the family at Casemates Square. For further information contact the Ministry of Culture Tel: 20048063 Email: minculture@gibtelecom.net Saturday 6th August Harley Davison Bike Rally at Casemates Square from 12.00 noon Rock the Rock Festival - Simple Minds & Alan Parsons, Taxi & Noiz. Promoters BR – Music International, at Bayside Sports Centre, Multiuse Games Area. Tickets £46.00 available from the Music Corner 2, 114/116 Main Street. For further information Tel: 00 34 951 082066 Monday 15th to Sunday 21st August O’Reilly’s Music Festival at Ocean Village Leisure Island. For further information Tel: 20040048

by Reg Reynolds

Last month I was watching a baseball game in my friend’s ‘man cave’, which is a veritable treasure trove of antiques and collectibles. Between innings I was admiring his beer can collection when to my surprise I spotted, among the more than 400 empties, a can of Old Gibraltar Beer.

After the game I went to the Internet to see where the beer was made and was disappointed to find that rather than being a product of Gibraltar this Old Gibraltar Beer was brewed and sold in California by the Maier Brewing Company of Los Angeles.

Saturday 20th to 28th August Gibraltar Fair at Commonwealth Parade (USOC). For further information contact the Ministry of Culture Tel: 20048063 or email: minculture@gibtelecom.net

Rock Masters Launch The Rock Masters golf tournament launch took place last month at King’s Bowl, Leisure Centre.

The tournament will take place from 16th-20th November, with £30,000 guaranteed prize fund.

More details from www.rockmasters.eu.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

Maier Brewing was founded in Philadelphia in 1874 and operated until 1920 when it was closed down due to the Volstead Act, which brought prohibition to the United States. When prohibition was repealed in 1933 the company re-opened and moved its headquarters to California.

Old Gibraltar Beer and Old Gibraltar Extra Dry were manufactured from 1956 to 1961.

An advertisement in a California newspaper showed that in 1961 a pack of six, 12-ounce cans of Old Gibraltar could be purchased for as little as the .79 cents American.

Today an empty Old Gibraltar is advertised for sale on e-Bay for $9.75. That is fairly high end in the beer can collector’s market

as my above mentioned friend paid only $70 for a varied collection of 200 cans.

Old Gibraltar was one of more than 70 brands of beer made by Maier Brewery in its 87-year history (closed in 1974).

Other brand names with British Empire connotations included Imperial Beer, Bulldog Ale, Bulldog Malt, Regal Bock and Royal Beer. The only brand, besides Old Gibraltar, named after an actual place was Santa Fe Beer.

Unfortunately Old Gibraltar isn’t around today to help us beer drinkers quench our thirst in the dog days of summer but there is Bushy’s Gibraltar Barbary Beer. True Bushy’s Gibraltar is brewed on the Isle of Man but it is made from real Gibraltar hops grown in the Alameda Gardens.

I suggest you pour yourself an ice-cold one and drink it from one of those sturdy Gibraltar glasses...

Bottoms up!

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events

Autobiography of a Colonial

Doctor

by Sonia Golt

It is fascinating hearing childhood stories of important moments during World War II from a Gibraltarian who has written not one book, but a trilogy of books on the subject, and seven in total. The first An autobiography of a Colonial Doctor is soon to be published. The author is retired doctor, Cecil Isola, a man who studied at Stonyhurst in Lancashire and Trinity College in Dublin and who was born on his grandfather’s racecourse.

“Not many babies are born in the centre of a racecourse, and fewer of them miss 29th February as their birth date, by a short head. I was born on 1st March 1928 at our racecourse at Campamento.”

Cecil’s grandfather introduced horseracing to southern Spain, and his father was Albert Isola, who was the only candidate to be elected on the first count in Gibraltar’s First Legislative Council, such was his popularity.

“The political decision as to whether I was born British and Gibraltarian had already been legislated a few years earlier at my father’s insistence, so my birth in Spain was of no nationality consequence as both my parents were British,” Cecil explains.

His surname, Isola, originates in Genoa, and

there were many other families in Gibraltar who also originated from Italy. In Catalan Bay in the 1930s people spoke Italian most of the time. In the first chapter of his book he explains what Gibraltar was like in those days: “Gibraltar, in the first quarter of 20th Century, was not only a fortress and a social hub, but also an important staging post for world travel.

Liners calling here daily served India, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, the East Asian Dutch Possessions, South Africa and all Africa, North and South America, Western Europe, and a host of other places.

“Social events were common, and racing at Campamento and Gibraltar was held on a regular basis. The Calpe Hunt was also in full swing and the Spanish authorities were accom-

modating to our Governor. The Empire reigned supreme and Gibraltar was the social nexus for southern Spain.”

The book is full of photos of those days — both fascinating and historically valuable — and overall the book is a great read and a treasure trove of historical facts and events.

Cecil wrote the book about eight years ago “as I wanted to put forth the viewpoint of the Gibraltarian. I go back all the way to 1900.”

The book explains great historical events in our home town and its environment and tells how Cecil, as a child and years after, perceived what surrounded him in those early years of his life.

Cecil’s own story develops when he decided that instead of being a jockey (he never even rode a horse!) he will go into medicine. “My interest began at the age of nine and by 12 I was determined to be a doctor even though intellectually I was quite lazy. Still I set medicine as my goal and luckily for me I succeeded. I must say I was lucky to come from a privileged family which made things slightly easier.”

Once Cecil’s family was allocated a residence in Secretary’s Lane they moved across the border.

“Our colonial house adjoined the Brigadier’s house and his stables. On our southern side lay the senior military officers’ stables, with their homes opposite ours. Sticky flypaper ensured the death of hundreds of horse flies daily. Yet

North Front Racecourse (now the airstrip)

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

book launch despite this scourge, I cannot recall a case of food poisoning ever occurring at home; such were our staff’s good practices. The side effects of our equine neighbours were also put to good use.

Their nitrogenous waste made our garden the best in town. My mother won most of the major prizes at the flower shows. Okay, there was no electricity upon our arrival at Secretary’s Lane but when it finally came it was a blessing. We did not have water either; it had to be brought in buckets by donkeys.”

Cecil recalls going to see a play called the Rose and Ring at the Methodist building, in early 1940 which was to become significant years later.

“16 years later I married the Ring and the Rose.

This is why in the cover of the book I have two flags, the British and the Irish held by a ring and a rose. My wife was Irish and she was called Rose, and Queen Elizabeth I gave her family the Ring, and they changed their name from Rose to Ringrose!”

Cecil says as soon as he saw her at the Tennis Club he knew she was the woman he would marry, even though she initially told him to get lost! He persisted and won.

“I have written the book for two reasons, for Gibraltar and for Ireland,” he says, and he especially wanted it published before the Queen’s visit to Ireland in May this year. “I will be sending my first book to the Queen and one to the President of Ireland. I believe the Queen would like to see the sitting arrangements of the last days of the Empire when my cousin sat beside Mountbatten. I am really not writing about me but about what was happening around me at the time.”

The book has many anecdotes of the military and civilians, like being expected to get off the pavement when an officer was coming, even if you were a woman! It is interesting to see how we have evolved positively over the years.

Cecil’s father Albert was an avid writer of articles, and he says “I recall reading one many years later where, due to the Governor specifying that all children had to go to school or they would be penalised, he showed empathy for the children and wrote saying, ‘How can they go to school when they have no shoes to wear and no money to pay for the shoes?’ Things like these are what I have selected to use in the book.”

Cecil’s niece, who works for a television station in Dublin as a journalist, edited the work. “She put red lines where she thought I should change things,” he chuckles. “I felt like a schoolboy again, but thanks to her the book was re-written and therefore ready for publishing.

Arriving for the opening of the legislature: Adelaide and Albert Isola (elected) with Ena and Charles Gaggero

“I tried many publishers, both locally and in UK, I also tried self-publishing companies and in the end it is Author House who is publishing the book for me. In August my university Trinity College celebrates its anniversary and they decided to also publish the book on the internet, for my peers to read as well!”

So how does Cecil view Gibraltar today?

“Well looking back, when the army had it you could eat on the streets, as they were washed three times a day then, but due to the salt water damaging cars the cleaning was abolished later and then Gibraltar went through a period of dirt.

“At the time of Joe Bossano he lifted it up a little, and there is no question that Peter Caruana, whether you like him or not, has done a lot for Gibraltar and improved the Rock to what it is today.” n

Cecil’s own story develops when he decided that instead of being a jockey (he never even rode a horse!) he will go into medicine

Paddy Imossi in the Officers’ Stables, Secretary’s Lane

North Front Racecourse. Patron, Vice-Patron and Stewards, Civilian Racing Club, Gibraltar (1935-36). AA Danino, LJImossi, JJ Russo OBE JP, LtCol JCA Dowse MC, Eng Capt Annual Fancy Dress Party 1931 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

PD Fulford RN, IR Massias, AR Isola JP, AC Carrara CMG KCJP, Brig the Hon WT Brooks, HE the Governor (Patron), Marquis of Marzales MRH (Vice-Patron), J Bañasco, PG Russo.

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what’s on Ros Astengo from the Ocean Village marketing team explains, “Over time we found great demand for a loyalty card scheme from both our customers and commercial partners; we have listened and the scheme goes live this summer. The new Premier Card is a great way to reward our customers with special offers and promotions that will grow and change throughout the year. And the good news is that customers can use the card as often as they like.”

The Premier Card is available in two formats — a durable credit card-style version with no expiry date for local residents and a paper coupon ‘day’ version for tourists and visiting yacht crews. The former can be picked up at any of the resort’s many shops, bars

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

With almost every establishment in Ocean Village participating, there’s a fantastic array of promotions to pick from and restaurants displaying the card sticker or poster and you will automatically be entered into a free prize draw that could win £500’s worth of Ocean Village Vouchers with the winner announced at the end of the year. Tourist day passes can be picked up at Gibraltar’s key tourist information points such as at the cruise ship and bus terminals and the Gibraltar Tourist Offices at the frontier and in Casemates Square. Marina users will also get their own Premier Card which will entitle them to additional discounts from the Hire-U-Shop and Sheppard’s Chandlery.

With almost every establishment in Ocean Village participating, there’s a fantastic array of promotions to pick from. How about 50% off temporary day, weekend or weekly memberships at the Ocean

Ocean Village Premier Cards Launched — Discounts for all Just in case you needed any more incentive to spend your time sampling the delights of Gibraltar’s Ocean Village, the mixed-use resort has now launched its very own Premier Card. Offering fantastic discounts and privileges, the Ocean Village Premier Card will transform the way you spend your leisure time.

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

marina promotion Village Health Club? Or perhaps you’ll take advantage of 10% off any treatment at B Beautiful from a massage to a pedicure. Whilst rubbing shoulders with lady luck on the slot machines at the Gala Casino, Premier Card holders can wet the whistle with free tea and coffee from 10am to 5pm meanwhile day trippers will get 10% off excursions with Dolphin Safari — or a massive 20% for residents.

Those with a passion for fashion get a generous £10 voucher if spending over £25 at Esprit, Aftershock is chopping 10% off and Signature will slash a huge 20% off Armani Jeans, Versace, Emporio Armani, Replay and DKNY. For guilt-free drinking and dining, the Ocean Village Premier Card is a must-have. Savannah Lounge, Laziz and Pizza Express are all offering 10% off your total bill. Ipanema will discount 5% for residents, 10% for day trippers, Celebrity will chop 10% off the special £7.95 set lunch menu whilst Harley’s has opted for a 12% reduction for all. KFC is joining in with two free soft drinks with every bucket meal. New tapas bar, Taps, will offer 10% off when they open in just a few weeks.

The offers continue at CTS Communications, Petit Café, conve-

nience store Ocean Village Express, Aphrodite Beauty, Janice Hair & Beauty, O’Reilly’s Irish Pub, Café Fresco, Liiwi Drinks and the Ocean Village Pharmacy. For brides to be, new bridal shop All Things Nice along the promenade will throw in a complimentary bottle of champagne with each wedding dress purchased.

To keep abreast of the latest Premier Card benefits keep an eye on Facebook group Ocean Village Gibraltar — The Official Site and follow OceanVillageGib on Twitter. All promotions and discounts are subject to change and cannot be used in conjunction with other offers. n For further information on the Ocean Village Premier Card and how to get one visit www.oceanvillage.gi

The Premier Card is available in two formats — a durable credit card-style version with no expiry date for local residents and a paper coupon ‘day’ version for tourists

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

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Photo: Pedro Guzman

From Gibraltar to the Dominican Republic, one feels at home away from home: everyone speaks Spanish and many also speak English there, rice and beans are ever-present on the menu, nature is luxuriant and the weather is great.

Ilana Benady:

A Culture-Savvy Gibraltarian Abroad

by Elena Scialtiel

74

However, dos and don’ts may differ substantially from Europe, because of a thriving varied local culture with diverse influences from Africa, the rest of Latin America and even the Middle East, over those absorbed from the West.

Ilana Benady, a Gibraltarian abroad for the best part of 20 years, and a Dominican resident since 1999, recently penned an essential guide to Dominican customs, written in tandem with Ginnie Bedggood, a British expat who sadly passed away shortly before its launch.

Published by Kuperard in the Culture Smart Guides series (www.culturesmartguides.com), this is not your usual tourist guide with hotel and restaurant listings and instant phraseology, but an ethnologic handbook on how to immerse oneself in the ambience and avoid faux-pas, designed for business travellers, expats and anyone wishing to weave a long lasting relationship with the country and its people.

Of course it is illuminating for those interested in an informative, entertaining and useful human geography lesson about this faraway land.

And perhaps it will entice you into visiting as an educated guest, to appreciate and make the most of the roads less travelled, and everything else not featured on beach resort brochures.

The guide is quite comprehensive and it touches upon climate, history, values, traditions, family life, friendship, pastimes, safety, business, etiquette and body language.

A more practical handbook by the pair, for prospective expatriates and new residents, is soon due for publication by Bookshaker with the title Expat FAQ: Moving to and Living in the Dominican Republic.

Ginnie and Ilana had to adhere to a standard format when compiling the chapters, but were free to research topics the way they found most congenial, and split the work load accordingly to their background of middle-aged retired British expat the first, and younger working woman, fully immersed in local lifestyle the second.

In fact, our Ilana, daughter of paediatrician and historian Sam, married Dominican photographer Pedro Guzmán in 1999, and they lived in the capital Santo Domingo for a while, before moving to the quieter tourist area of Punta Cana to raise their son Lucas, now 11.

It wasn’t romance that took her across the Pond to this fast-emerging economy which she describes as a tropical paradise, populated by nice and friendly people, despite being crippled with disparity, poverty and superstition which often prevent the poorer people from upgrading their quality of life.

It was in fact the sheer love for this same people and the stunning sceneries which she says had a ‘special effect’ on her, to the point she has almost become dependent and addicted to it

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

— at the risk of sounding corny, she adds.

Ilana has a special bond with Latin America where she has travelled and worked for years as an Oxfam envoy reporting on the progress of its charity projects, before settling in the Caribbean.

And reporting was her first love, when she picked politics and anthropology in university targeted to pursuing a career in journalism, but then realised she wasn’t cut out for the competitive newshound world. Introduced by a friend to Oxfam shortly after moving to Oxford, she managed to merge her two passions, writing and charity work, in a humanitarian profession involving extensive travelling, which is definitely a plus for a young, bright and adventurous person.

Ilana and her family return every summer to Gibraltar, where the climate is not as humid as in the Dominican Republic, whose winters are dry and mild. Clever way to enjoy summer all year round, one might cheer them on!

Anyway, it’s too hot to sunbathe there, and tans are regarded as not cool!

Fairer skins are a sign of distinction: most Dominicans are a blend of European and African, but they always highlight their palest shade of brown, and marvel at stubborn tourists enduring the blistering rays for that not-so-healthy glow!

Warm weather means warm people who enjoy their loud get-togethers with plenty of succulent food, washed down by alcoholic drinks, either the universal ice-cold beer or rum, or even mabí, a fermented non-alcoholic beverage that dates back to pre-Columbian times, made with tree bark, roots or pineapple rind.

It is customary for guests to leave as soon as the dinner is over so, to keep the party going for longer, the main meal is usually served after several generous drinking rounds, when everyone is quite tipsy — or already under the table.

Don’t spoil your appetite in a drunken stupor if you’re invited to one, because every traditional dish is nothing but delish, from savoury to sweet, in a combination of flavours which might taste daring to most westerners.

Like the traditional Easter delicacy habichuelas con dulce made of beans cooked with milk and coconut and spiced with cinnamon, or in contrast the rich festive stew sancocho, boasting seven different types of meat as the star ingredients!

Okay, not the best dish for a staunch vegetarian like Ilana, but nevertheless included as

Ilana Benady on a beach in Dominican Republic - well, someone’s got to do it!

It is customary for guests to leave as soon as the dinner is over so, to keep the party going for longer, the main meal is usually served after several generous drinking rounds, when everyone is quite tipsy — or already under the table

a staple recipe in her Aunt Clara’s Dominican Cookbook and the Dominican Cooking website (www.dominicancooking.com), both brainchilds of amateur but accomplished cook and food photographer Clara Gonzalez, for which Ilana provided the cultural context.

This became an instant hit, selling thousands of copies on Amazon, where it is still available, thanks to appealing pictures in the ‘coffee table’ edition, and the affordable price in the plain one, designed to be kept handy on a kitchen shelf.

So what’s next for this freelance translator, so integrated in the Dominican ways to wax lyrical about mashed plantain for breakfast and crispy cassava bread?

Perhaps something about Haiti, the poorer relation across the border where she worked, during the early years of her residence, on the island of Hispaniola?

Watch this space. n

Bedtime stories for son Luke?

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

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events er in his life, and the rave scene didn’t really hit Spain until 1992. “This is when I started going to rave parties on the Costa del Sol, and most of Gibraltar’s youth could be seen at these parties on a weekend. These were good times, and probably the last of the cutting edge cultures,” he explains.

Eventually, he left Gibraltar to study in Wales, and regularly visited friends from Gibraltar who were in London at the time, mainly the members of Breed 77 and One Minute Silence. He would attend raves and concerts, and after being stung by the London bug, he moved there in late ’97, which heralded his beginnings in the underground scene, where he started doing small parties in London with his friends.

“My platform for me as a DJ was an event, in a small Euston pub called Chichime. I was playing vinyl and very tense, but I learned to mix out to a crowd from the word go. I was thrown in at the deep end but don’t regret it, as I gained experience straight away. As the night became popular so did my DJ Kristian pseudo, which allowed me to play all over the UK and worldwide.”

Through his career, Kristian has performed in over 20 countries, and travelled around the world to share a line-up with Finley Quaye, Sasha, Utah Saints, Judge Jules, members of The Beastie Boys, Plump DJs, Freestylers, Freq Nasty and many more. From his years as a pro DJ, what impacted him the most was playing in Brazil to 34,000 people, and doing his first gig

DJ Kristian Viñales:

music for the masses

by Jolene Gomez

“ Photo by Harry Hagley

I was thrown in at the deep end but don’t regret it, as I gained experience straight away. As the night became popular so did my DJ Kristian pseudo

Focused on the beats

Starting as a DJ in a small Euston pub, Kristian Viñales’ career soon took off as DJ Kristian, gaining a reputation worldwide, and playing alongside some of the most celebrated artists of electronic music today.

Growing up in ’70s and early ’80s Gibraltar, Kristian spent most of his time playing around the Sandpits and Gasworks area, playing football against the barracks (now St Joseph’s School), and even managing steal a few of the soldiers’ badges! “Children at that time were encouraged to play outdoors, and although the Spectrum and Atari consoles had just been released, it wouldn’t pin us indoors for more than a few hours a week,” Kristian smiles.

With the arrival of satellite television in Gibraltar, viewers soon came across the phenom-

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enon which was MTV, offering a vast range of music for the youth of Gibraltar to listen to, from all genres. “Video clips also appeared on GBC, and I particularly remember Mama

by Genesis, Don’t Go by Yazoo, and Gary Numan’s We are Glass. I would also listen to the radio quite a bit, especially the Top 40 charts which I would try to record on tape by precisely pressing the Play and Record button at the same time,” Kristian laughs.

Although Kristian was an avid music fan, there was not a DJ culture in Gibraltar until lat-

”

in Japan — a country he describes as almost in another Galaxy, and an eye-opener to visit.

Within the Psychedelic Trance scene, Kristian is a versatile performer, using FXS tricks and cross-fading, which is not typical in this genre. Every now and again, he likes to dabble in techno, tec house, and using dashes of underground breaks and electro.

“As an artist, my major influences are Juno Reactor, X Dream and Domestic to mention a few, as well as The Prodigy, Georgio Moroder and Vangelis. Listening to bands with synthesizer sounds like Rush, Pink Floyd, early Marillion, Simple Minds, Sisters of Mercy and Depeche Mode did help with my musical influences later on.”

Expressing his admiration for the pioneers of the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s and early ’90s, Kristian states these were the true innovators in all genres of music, and pioneers have almost ceased to exist.

“Nowadays the music industry, especially the charts, is at the worst it’s ever been, with regards to creativity and pushing boundaries.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

events

Dejavoo at Boom Festival, Portugal

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

“

It’s been proven that the tap water in Gibraltar has special qualities, and makes Gibraltareans stand out around the world, in all forms of the arts, including DJing up and coming Penique, Jeremy James, Rag and Lima. Then there is a flourishing Breaks and Dubstep scene, with Lethalness heading the pack, along with Cut Freqz, Nixon and Frank-E. Cut the Crap has been organising the most cutting edge events locally, as well as Elite Productions.”

If you are eager to get behind the decks, here

”

is some advice from DJ Kristian: “To make it, talent is 50-60 % of it unfortunately. The rest involves politics, as is the case with everything else. Don’t let this bring you down and always believe in your product.

Also, put your ego in your cupboard, lock it, and throw away the key,” DJ Kristian says with a smile. n

Photo by Nathan Mifsud

In my opinion, X-Factor and some reality TV shows are drying it all up and making music a disposable product. It’s all about the looks and aesthetics, and to push stuff out there like cheap microwave meals to sell in mass,” Kristian states.

Kristian’s biggest achievement is to have played all over the world, and be interview by the prestigious DJ Mag and i-DJ Mags on various occasions. “I’m particularly proud of having played in Boom Festival in Portugal, and at the Millennium Dome also — those have been definite highlights.” He is now working towards his 5th compilation with Belgium label Dacru, in collaboration with an Israeli label.

After meeting Francesco Mura at a Chichime event, they formed Dejavoo, and started producing Psychedelic trance music, with hints of techno. Gaining a reputation for their powerful kick and base production and their “phat” sounds, their professional relationship grew from strength to strength and their debut album, Future Shock, gave them a global name in the electronic music scene. They are now working on their third album, and summer is full of great festivals all over Europe for Dejavoo and Kristian — with Ireland, Austria, Germany, UK, Portugal, France, Belgium, Holland, Greece and Gibraltar on the agenda.

With regards to the Gibraltar electronic music scene, Kristian states that a DJ culture has exploded all of sudden in recent years. “It’s been proven that the tap water in Gibraltar has special qualities, and makes Gibraltarians stand out around the world, in all forms of the arts, including DJing,” he smiles. “I must say it makes me proud to see such an evolution in electronic music, especially with an underground quality.

“Mifi, Jestin and Groovy South are pushing boundaries with techno and house, as well as

DJ Kristian at Hey Teacher event

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history on file

Simple Minds

Rock The Rock Festival

Music enthusiasts are in for a treat this August, with a mixture of local and international acts preparing to rock your evening at the Bayside Sports Centre Multiuse Games Area. Organised by BR Music International, this event brings not one, but four exciting acts for your listening pleasure.

Alan Parsons Project

again.

Supporting the event are local band the Noiz, who are no strangers to the music scene despite their young age. Regularly gigging in venues throughout the summer, and past performers at the National Day Rock Concert, they will no doubt perform some favourite covers from Coldplay, the Kooks and Foo Fighters, as well as some original tracks from their anticipated first album, Reality Life. n Rock The Rock Festival will take place on Saturday 6th August, at the Bayside Sports Centre Multiuse Games Area, from 8pm. Tickets are available from Vijay and Music Corner, priced £46 general standing, and VIP Platinum tickets at the front of the stage with free bar £150. The hotline and for VIP reservations is +34 951 082 366. For more information, please check out the website for the event: www.rocktherockfestival.com

With over 40 million albums under their belt, and classic tracks such as Don’t You (Forget About Me), Belfast Child, and football anthem Alive nd Kicking, Simple Minds is an act not to be missed

The Noiz

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Taxi

Photo by Mark Galliano

Headlining the event is Simple Minds, performers who need no introduction. With over 40 million albums under their belt, and classic tracks such as Don’t You (Forget About Me), Belfast Child, and football anthem Alive and Kicking, this is an act not to be missed.

The Alan Parsons Project will no doubt be a treat for progressive rock fans, bringing their unique sound to this jam-packed festival. After meeting Eric Woolfson, Alan Parsons formed the Alan Parsons Project, and a string of hit albums soon followed such as Tales Of Mystery And Imagination, I Robot and Pyramid.

Local favourites Taxi will also be gracing the stage, bringing their classic tracks for all to enjoy. After being nominated for a Latin Grammy last year, this group has gone from strength to strength and have a wide fan-base, and are no doubt looking forward to performing at home

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

food & drink

The Perfect Tinto de Verano

Translating as the “red wine of summer”, this is a popular favourite during these months. Perfect to sip relaxing beside the pool, a chiringuito on the beach, or even over dinner, it is essentially a wine spritzer of sorts made from equal parts red wine and lemonade. Here’s how to create your perfect tinto de verano.

Ingredients: 1 bottle of red wine 1/2 litre of lemonade Lots of ice Garnish with a twist of lemon Mint leaves to garnish A few shots of a spirit such as rum, or sometimes vermouth or Cointreau are optional.

Method: Pour the wine and lemonade into a pitcher and throw in lots of ice.

If you feel like a stronger drink, add a shot of rum, or a vermouth such as martini. Pour into tall glasses and garnish with a twist of lemon, or even a sprig of mint leaves. The wine should be full bodied, but does not need to be expensive — a nice tempranillo will do. The lemonade used should not be too sweet or taste strongly of lemon, as it will take away the true element of the tinto de verano. Enjoy! n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

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events

Having a Wine....

A barbecue and wine tasting was held at Latino’s on the Beach by the Gibraltar Wine Appreciation Club last month. A great time was had by all and events are planned on an ongoing basis.

If you would like information on the Wine Appreciation Club or advice on wine, please contact Club founder Tony Hernandez at chateautony@gmail.com n

There will be a charity quiz night at the Ship, Marina Bay on Thursday 18th August.

Everyone is welcome to join in.

the Ship 18th August

The quiz is being organised by Fiona Parnell on behalf of her friend Helen Jones, who wants to raise funds in memory of her late husband, Alan Jones, who died suddenly in August 2010.

Alan was an ex Royal Marine and all proceeds from the quiz night will go to the military charity ‘Help For Heroes’.

The date 18th August was chosen as, poignantly, it is the anniversary of Alan’s death. The event is expected to be well attended by friends, colleagues and the general public.

To raise funds there will be a charge for quiz teams to enter and a raffle will be held. Help make sure the evening is a huge success by going along and joining a team or entering your own.

For further information or to enter a team contact Fiona on mobile: 540 08288 or Helen Jones on mobile: 606 12342

Savannah’s August Events Every Weds - Play Party Nights Every Thurs - Savannah Summer Nights with Sarah Howard Every Fri - DJ Rookie

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Sat 6 August - Plump DJs Sat 13 August - Salvaje FM Party Sat 20 August - Tom Jones Tribute Night Sat 28 August - Bank Holiday Party

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

H ev appy ery H ev our 5 p 25 m en co % of -8pm ing m f

k ea days s t S s y ra ne rida eak o rse d We ish Fing st in couceive l a re F & a sizz sh m on & glass

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•VIP Bar •Restaurant •Private Dining Room Casa Pepe pecial Non-Member? August S

y-Friday Fifty-Five is open Monda for lunchtimes and evenings along to non-members to come bience sample the cuisine and am rant and bar of Gibraltar’s finest restau only. for the month of August

Reservations only

limited *number of visits strictly cessary before membership is ne

Open 11.30am - late lunch, bar snacks and fine dining Open Saturdays for Rugby & Football Monthly members events, individual, couples & corporate memberships.

Contact Louise at 200 79655 or louise@fifty-five.gi make your reservation now

3

e er Ord & hav s s a tap Pimm s a u on

Open: Mon-Sat 11am-late 18 Queensway Quay Marina Tel/Fax: 200 46967

This Month’s Culinary Themed Evening is Moroccan Thursday 25th August Three-Courses GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2011

£35.00 pp

Full Menu on our Facebook page Fifty-Five Private Members Club

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Something forS ummer

by Fifty-Five Chef Scott Casey

Vietnamese Wok Tossed Tiger Prawns, Sun dried & Vine Tomato Salsa, Sauce Matylda Serves 6

1 medium red onion finely diced 6 tbs good quality olive oil 6 tbs finely shredded flat leaf parsley 500ml tomato frito Salt and pepper to taste

4kg tiger prawns, heads removed and devTo prepare the marinade either mix all the eined from the inside out, keeping outer shell ingredients in a food processer for 3-4 minin tact utes or add them all to a pestle and mortar and grind into a smooth paste. Add to the For the marinade: prawns, toss to coat well and set aside in the 4 tbs minced fresh garlic fridge, preferably over night.

2 tbs smoked paprika For the tomato salsa simply combine all the 8 tbs spring onions, finely sliced ingredients in a bowl, check seasoning and 2 tbs cracked black pepper set aside until ready to use.

1 tbsf ground cumin Heat a large non stick wok and add the tiger 1 tbs ground coriander prawns. Cover with a lid and steam/fry for 1 6 kaffir lime leaves finely sliced min, removing lid and tossing regularly for 5 2 tbs dried chilli or chilli powder minutes. Once the prawns are almost cooked 1/2 cup finely shredded coriander add the tomato salsa and toss to coat. Reduce 1 stalk lemongrass finely sliced the heat and simmer for a further 2 minutes.

2 tbs minced fresh ginger The extra marinade and juices of the tomato 2 tbs mixed dried herbs salsa will combine and thicken to produce the sauce Matylda.

For the sundried and vine tomato salsa: Serve with loads of crusty bread to mop all 6 tbs finely chopped sundried tomatoes the sauce and get ready for a party in your 6 tbs finely diced vine tomatoes mouth. n

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Eye Fillet of Argentinean Beef Tartar, Seeded Mustard Toasts, Poached Quails Eggs Serves 4

For the tartar: 300g best quality Argentinean beef, all excess sinew and fat removed, diced as finely as possible 3 tbs 1 3 tbs 2 tbs 1 tsp

cornichons or dill pickles, finely diced small red onion, finely diced capers, rinsed and finely chopped parsley, finely chopped horseradish sauce

For the seeded mustard toasts: 1 French baguette, sliced half a

centimetre thick on a slight angle 4 tbs good quality French seeded mustard 1 tbs extra virgin olive oil 8 fresh quails eggs Vinegar for poaching

Simply combine all the tartar ingredients and mix well. Check seasoning and add more

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • July 2011

recipes Mango & Yoghurt Parfait, Passion Fruit & Pineapple Salad, Palm Sugar Caramel Serves 6 1 100g 85g 80g 80g 3

small mango, roughly chopped Greek style yoghurt full fat cream mascarpone caster sugar egg yolks

For the salad: Half a medium pineapple, finely diced Pulp or 4 passion fruit 2 tbs finely shredded mint

salt or pepper depending on your taste. To poach the quails eggs, bring 500ml of water to the boil with 100ml of vinegar. Reduce heat and stir the water clockwise to make a whirlpool effect. Gently crack the eggs into the water and remove from the heat. Poach for no more than 1-2 minutes so the yolk inside the egg is still raw.

To make the toasts, mix the mustard and oil together, brush the baguette slices both sides with the mustard mix and toast in the oven for 4 minutes or until golden.

To assemble, pack the tartar into circular moulds, top with the poached quails eggs, stack the toast alongside and enjoy. n

the sugar syrup and continue to mix until the mixture is at room temperature. Fold in the mango mixture and set in a loaf tin lined with plastic wrap. Freeze for 4-5 hours.

For the palm sugar caramel mix the palm sugar with 80ml of water in a small saucepan, bring to a boil and add Malibu. Simmer gently until thick and a caramel consistency (2025mins). Set aside to cool.

For the salad simple mix all ingredients and set aside. To serve dip the loaf tin in boiling water to release the parfait. Place a nice thick slice in the centre of a plate. Top with the salad and then drizzle with the caramel. n

For the palm sugar caramel: 150g palm sugar 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped

(you can substitute with 1 tbs of

vanilla essence) 80ml Malibu coconut rum

Process the mango in a food processer until smooth, then pass through a fine sieve into a bowl to yield 200grams. Add the yoghurt, mix well and refrigerate until required.

Whisk the cream and mascarpone in a bowl until the mix forms soft peaks, refrigerate until required Stir caster sugar and 60ml of the caster sugar in a small saucepan over a medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Bring to the boil and cook until the mixture reaches 121 degrees Celsius (about 6-8 minutes) Meanwhile, whisk the egg yolks in a hand held mixer on a low speed. Gradually add

Chef Scott Casey

Modern

Relaxed

Dining

Open: 10am - late Closed Sundays + Saturday lunch

Open for morning coffee, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

Irish Town Tel: 200 51738 to reserve

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cool decor and good music. The venue hosts regular events with invited DJs and shows from abroad.

Open: Sunday-Thurs midday-midnight, Friday and Saturday midday-5am.

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 Roast Pumpkin, Mushroom, & Spinach Curry; Marinated Tuna Steak & Sesame Crust; Roasted Lamb Shoulder; pasta dishes such as Langoustine, Lime & Coconut; Pear, Walnut & Blue Cheese; and Creamy Mixed Seafood; and salads such as Warm Goats’ Cheese, Fresh Spinach & Chargrilled Aubergine; and Roast Duck, Chorizo & Pancetta Salad.

Open: from 10am. Closed all day Sundays, and Saturday lunch.

Solo Bar & Grill Eurotowers Tel: 200 62828 Solo Bar and Grill is a stylish and modern eatery — perfect for business functions or lunches — and part of the popular Cafe Solo stable. Serving everything from Goats’ Cheese Salad, Mediterranean Pâté and Cajun Langoustines to Beer Battered John Dory, or Harissa Chicken, and Chargrilled Sirloin Steak. This is a delightful venue in Europort with a cosy mezzanine level and terrace seating. Well worth a visit, or two!

Open: 12-8pm. Available for private functions and corporate events — call 200 62828 to book your function or event.

ings. Open for lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday also offering a daily Business Lunch menu. Once a month 55 opens for traditional Sunday lunch and holds a variety of culinary themed evenings i.e. Thai/Japanese Fusion.

The main bar offers a full bar snack menu and is the perfect place after a long day at work.

On Thursday and Fridays you can relax to the mix of Soul & ’80s music by 55’s resident DJ, take advantage of Happy Hour and enjoy the sushi menu from 6pm. Special occasions or important business clients can be entertained in the Private Dining Room (up to 10 people).

Afternoon tea Thursday to Saturday -6pm. For info on membership or to make a reservation for lunch or dinner so you can enjoy the 55 experience contact Louise by phone or email louise@fifty-five.gi Nunos Italian Restaurant and Terrace Caleta Hotel, Catalan Bay For a reservations Tel: 200 76501 E-mail reservations@caletahotel.gi Overlooking the Mediterranean from Catalan Bay, Nunos’ Spanish chef with Three Star Michellin experience offers a variety of Italian cuisine. The restaurant has now moved from its location on the lower floors and can now be found at the reception level of the hotel.

A quick peak at the menu reveals the chef’s celebrated Salmorejo is on the menu, as are his baby squid burgers (Insalata di Calamari).

From the main dishes you can choose from a variety of fresh fish and meat dishes. Or you could go for the house speciality of fresh, home-made pasta where you can choose from a wide range of options. Open: Monday to Saturday 19.30 to 22.30 and lunchtimes for group bookings.

Casa Pepe 18 Queensway Quay Marina.

Tel/Fax: 200 46967 Email: casa.pepe.gib@gmail.com Casa Pepe is a delightful bar/ restaurant in the prestigious Queensway Quay Marina. A wonderful location for business meetings, engagements, weddings, anniversaries etc.

Specialising in a broad range of raciones (plates to share) with a very comprehensive a la carte menu. Daily specials may include fresh fish caught locally and a selection of Argentinean beef. With a menu including dishes such as Caracoles a la Llauna Snails, Rabo de Toro Oxtail, Carrillada de Cerro Iberico Iberico pork cheeks, large rib steaks from Avila and special to order whole suckling pig.

Open: Monday-Friday: lunch and evening meal, Saturday: evenings only, Sunday: lunch Savannah Lounge only.

27 Heart Island, Ocean Village Tel: 200 66666 www.savannah.gi Fifty-Five Private Member’s Club Aimed at Gibraltar’s dining and night-life 267 Main Street Tel: 200 79655 Gibraltar’s premier Private Member’s Club scene, Savannah has been created with fun where members can enjoy fine dining and and style in mind. Offering contemporary impeccable service in luxurious surround- European cuisine a wide selection of drinks,

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The Waterfront Queensway Quay Marina Tel: 200 45666 www.gibwaterfront.com The Waterfront, established for over 16 years, is situated on the quayside at Queensway Quay Marina; the epitome of peace and tranquillity.

Open seven days a week from 9am until late the restaurant offers everything from a cup of tea or coffee right through to three course meals with Champagne! A comprehensive bar snack menu is available all day from 10.15am; the a la carte menu from midday through to 10.30pm, featuring daily specials.

The barbecue grill is open daily from 7pm offering sumptuous steaks, aged in-house, and fabulous fish including dorada and sea bass.

A delicious array of desserts and ice creams are also available. Boasting extensive terraces the restaurant provides the ideal location for summer ‘al fresco’ dining and drinking with stunning sunsets. Also catering for large party bookings including weddings, holy communions, birthdays etc the Waterfront is the ideal venue for any occasion.

informaleating Amin's The Office 30 Parliament Lane. Tel: 200 40932 Sit down, informal and friendly restaurant.

Amin is well known in Gibraltar for his Moroccan, Spanish and international cuisine.

Open early for breakfast at 7am right through the day. Try the Moroccan soups, couscous, lamb tagines and kebabs.

Open: 7.00am to midnight.

Buddies Pasta Casa 15 Cannon Lane. Tel: 200 40627 Italian specials in pleasant ambience. Large selection of starters from garlic bread to calamari. Main courses include spinach caneloni, spaghetti alla carbonara, fusilli al salmone, and peppered steak to name a few.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

Tasty desserts and variety of wines.

Open: Monday - Thursday 11am - 5pm, Friday 11am-3pm and 7pm-11pm, Sat 11am-4.30pm

Solo Express Grnd Flr, International Commercial Centre & Eurotowers Solo Express, located right next to Pizza Hut in Casemates and in Eurotowers, 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. Free Wifi.

FusionDeli NEW LISTING! 11 Cooperage Lane (by BHS) Tel: 200 63940 FusionDeli is a great little takeaway which specialises in delicious and freshly cooked Malaysian food plus some old farvourites.

It is innovative, tasty and affordable and all served in the iconic noodle box. Breakfast of giant toast, bagels or croissant. Lunches of Malaysian curries, noodles with various sauces and veg, chicken, beef or prawns. Old favs of salads, egg fried rice, wanton chips, and chippy curry sauce. Plus a variety of wraps, pitta breads and baps (with curry, barbecue pork or chicken, or beef steak). And don't forget the cakes and pudding plus coffees and soft drinks. Well worth a visit.

Open: 11am-4.30pm 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 ICC Tel: 200 78052 Full licensed cafe serving English breakfast, vast range of toasties, rolls, and 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 and chips, and daily specials. Ideal meeting place.

Open: Monday - Saturday from 9am.

Just Desserts 1st Floor ICC. Tel: 200 48014 Bright and airy, recently redecorated cafe on the first floor of the ICC. All home-made food including daily specials, vegetarian options and desserts. Eat in or take-away. Try their daily roast with everything on or their allday breakfast. Non-smoking restaurant with terrace smoking area. Friendly, cheerful and fully licensed with sensible prices.

Open: 8am - 4.30pm Monday to Friday.

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 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.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

Sunday specials include all Mumbai favourites such as Dosa and Choley Bhature.

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

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 - minimum orders for delivery £12).

Open: Mon - Fri 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.

The Studio Cafe NEW LISTING! John Mackintosh Hall.

Tel: 200 65222 This delightful cafe, opened by Colin and Chantal in the John Mackintosh Hall, is cool and trendy and the perfect spot to enjoy coffees, teas, frappés, shakes, smoothies and the Studio signature hot chocolate! There is plenty of tasty food on the menu from baguettes, paninis and wraps to jacket potatoes (with filling like sweet chilli chicken, Thai beef curry and tuna mayo), quiches, soups, pies and salads. Try the Cornish pasties, or empanadas (beef, chicken or veggie). The sweets include scones and flapjacks for those after a snack, to cheesecake, bakewell tart and apple pie for those in the mood for a more hearty dish.

Full menu available to eat in or take-away and catering available for events at the John Mack Hall, or even packed lunches for the beach.

Open: Monday - Friday 10am - 7pm.

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! Try the l Sacarello Coffee Co. quiches, tortillas and jackets spuds with all 57 Irish Town. Tel: 200 70625 kinds of fillings. This little place gets busy with Converted coffee warehouse, ideal for coffee, those popping out from the offices for lunch homemade cakes/afternoon tea, plus menu so get there early. including excellent salad bar, specials of the Open: Monday - Saturday. day and dishes such as lasagne, steak and mushroom Guinness pie, hot chicken salad, Verdi Verdi toasties, club sandwich and baked potatoes. 44 Cornwall's Lane.

Art exhibitions. Available for parties and Tel: 200 60733 functions in the evenings.

Verdi Verdi offers morning and afternoon coffee Open: 9am-7.30pm Mon-Fri. 9am-3pm Sat as well as all home-made vegetarian and vegan dishes, fish, fresh baked bread and desserts.

Smith’s Fish & Chips A wide selection of freshly made sandwiches 295 Main Street. Tel: 200 74254 to eat in or take away. Try the light and fluffy Traditional well-stablished British fish and homemade pizzas, or the falafel feast. Daily chip shop, located on Main Street opposite specials always on the board (the soups are the Convent, with tables/seating available or fabulous and filling). Delicious coffees. Ask for take-away wrapped in newspaper. The menu Idan's hot homemade chilli relish — sweet and includes old favourites cod, haddock or plaice scrummy. Delivery service available. in batter, Cornish pasties, mushy peas etc. Also Open: Mon & Fri: 9am - 3pm, Tues - Thurs: curries, omlettes, burgers.

9am -3pm & 7-10pm, Sunday 6-10pm, Saturday Open: 8am-6pm Mon-Fri. Breakfast from 8. closed.

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bars&pubs All’s Well Grand Casemates Square. Tel: 200 72987 Traditional pub in fashionable Casemates area.

Named for the 18th century practice of locking the Gates to the city at night when the guard announced ‘All’s Well’ before handing the keys to the watch. All’s Well serves Bass beers, wine and spirits plus pub fare. English breakfast served all day, hot meals such as pork in mushroom sauce, sausage & mash, cod and chips and steak & ale pie are complemented by a range of salads and filled jacket potatoes. Large terrace.

Karaoke every Monday and Wednesday until late. Free tapas on a Friday 7pm.

Cannon Bar 27 Cannon Lane. Tel: 200 77288 Jane is still there and still packed out with tourists and regulars! Word has it that she nearly managed to escape, but wasn’t allowed to. The famous fish and chips, the odd French speciality, there’s always something happening in the Cannon! Located between Marks & Spencer and the Cathedral just off Main Street.

Quiz night on Tuesdays, get there early as it is definitely the place to be on a normally quiet Gibraltar Tuesday.

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 Starter s& 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, The Final Whistle burgers and children’s menu. Credit cards ac4, Cornwall’s Parade Friendly sports bar with six screens. If it’s live, cepted. Live music Venue of the Year, with live it’s on, and often more than one game on at a music on stage every night. Free Wifi. Open: time for full sports coverage. Fun atmosphere from 10am till very late. with special offers during premier matches. All The Lounge sports fans welcome.

Queensway Quay Marina Tel: 200 61118 Open 10am until late, 7 days a week.

Stylish lounge bar right on the quayside at Queensway Quay with very reasonably priced The Gibraltar Arms drinks and light bites from 10am until late.

184 Main St. Tel: 200 72133 Free WiFi, popular quizzes on Sundays (from www.gibraltararms.gi Good food served all day at this typical pub 7.30pm) and a relaxed friendly atmosphere... right on Main Street. Everything from all day always plenty of people / yachties to chat to. breakfast to Irish fillet steak roll, burritos, and Events (matches etc) covered on large screen the popular fresh local mussels. Draught lager, TV. Great place to chill out. Open: 10am from bitter, cider and Murphys plus free WiFi. Ter- Monday to Saturday until late and from 12pm race seating right on Main Street to watch the on Sundays (get there early if you want a seat world go by. Open: from 8am (10am Sundays) for the quiz). until late.

O’Reilly’s Leisure Island, Ocean Village. Tel: 200 67888 Lord Nelson Bar Brasserie Traditional Irish bar with full HD sports cover10 Casemates Tel: 200 50009 age and Irish breakfast from 7am (Sunday from www.lordnelson.gi 9am). Guinness on draught. Food includes salE-mail: reservations@lordnelson.gi

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ads, 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.

Savannah Lounge 27 Heart Island, Ocean Village Tel: 200 66666 Aimed at Gibraltar ’s dining and night-life scene, Savannah has been created with fun and style in mind. Offering contemporary European cuisine a wide selection of drinks, cool decor and good music. The venue hosts regular events with invited DJs and shows from abroad (see ad for details).

Open: Sunday-Thurs midday-midnight, Friday and Saturday midday-5am.

The Star Bar Parliament Lane. Tel: 200 75924 Reputedly the oldest bar in Gib, this small cosy bar opens early for breakfast (English or toast & cereal). Lunch/evening menu includes fillet steak, fish and chips and salads. Home of Med Golf and Tottenham Hotspur FC supporters club. Outside seating.

Open: from 7am every day. Located: first right off Main St (walking from N to S).

The Three Owls Irish Town. Tel: 200 77446 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, bar — open from 10.30am daily. First floor ‘Hoots’ bar, two match pool tables, poker machines, dartboard, bar, open from 5pm daily.

Second Floor the ‘Nest’ — American pool table, poker machine, card table, bar — open from 7pm daily and also at weekends for the Rugby Union matches. If you are looking for a sociable game of pool or darts this is the place to be.

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: from 11am - midnight Sunday - Thursday, 10am - 1am Friday, and from 11am - 1am Saturdays.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

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

Visit us and step back in history

Casemates Square Tel: 200 72987

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

10 Casemates www.lordnelson.gi Tel: 200 50009

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

DAILY SPECIALS Grand Casemates Sq Tel: 20044449

restaurant bar guide &

SMITH’S

U4 FISH & CHIPS HADDOCK W4 PLAICE • COD FRESH FRIED IN CRISPY BATTER

295 MAIN ST Tel: 200 74254

Get Stuffed!

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

184 Main Street Tel: 200 72133 open: from 8am (10am on Sun)

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

BUDDIES pasta casa

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

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 GIBRALTARMAGAZINE MAGAZINE••AUGUST AUGUST2011 2011 GIBRALTAR

now also in Casemates

Just A Nibble Licensed Cafeteria Let the ‘A’ Team serve you up a snack or a meal.

Daily Specials • Varied Menu

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

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Take advice from the internet and ‘experts’, but in the end wine is down to personal taste

The new iGrape...

“We have just installed a new computer system to allow us to deal with you more quickly. This means you may have to wait a little longer for a customer services representative to see you.” This magnificent self-contradictory statement, spotted recently in a local financial services institution, just about sums up the problem of and with computers. Incidentally, the ‘customer services representative’, when she finally appeared, could not see what was wrong with the statement — which may also explain some of the problems the banks are suffering.

In order to avoid a large queue at a newspaper shop — especially at an airport — you simply approach the cash desk, plonk down the correct amount of money and walk away.

“Excuse me,” will come a plaintive cry from the cashier, “I need to scan that.” “You don’t need to,” you reply over your shoulder as you continue walking to the accompaniment of ever more anguished squeals of dismay. The queue, and the inconvenience for the customer of queuing, has been caused by the supposed necessity to scan the item: a necessity imposed by the shop owner largely to prevent mistakes by (and even dishonesty in) its own cashiers and for stock control. The computer system has actually slowed things down.

I am no Luddite and am fully aware of the enormous advantages brought by information

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technology. But it is the uses to which IT is put which mystify me. Why does a Gibraltar ID card need, for a population of some 30,000 (5 digits), to carry two separate numbers, both of

Why does a Gibraltar ID card need, for a population of some 30,000 (5 digits), to carry two separate numbers, both of which are some 17 digits long?

which are some 17 digits long? There are shiny screens, blinking happily, behind the clerk in the government department who is laboriously writing in manuscript into a large ledger/diary your appointment for, say, a motor vehicle test and then equally laboriously writing out (with a carbon copy) your receipt. The computer appears to be there purely for the purposes of later entering the details which have already been recorded in manuscript. Or perhaps it is just there for playing games in a (doubtless rare) idle moment.

I can buy my aeroplane ticket and print out my boarding pass from my computer. I have access to more information than I really want (although a lot of it is very useful and available to me immediately, provided I make careful use of my own brain’s reasonably sophisticated

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

wine column filtering system). But a computer can never tell me what wine is good and what is bad. It can tell me, sometimes at inordinate length, what other people think of a particular wine.

It can give me details of price and I can have it delivered to my door without moving from my desk. Someone in Bill Gates’ empire is probably writing a program — or has written one already — for 20 questions about my likes and dislikes which will be translated into recommendations for ten wines at various prices. The computer will choose them for me.

This is rather like the US law student who fed in to a computer all information about all the US Supreme Court Justices in order to predict their judgment in a particular case. On being given prior information about their prospective judgments, some of the Justices bowed to the inevitable and duly followed what the computer had predicted, because computers must be right. Others objected to this mechanical method of telling them what they ought to do and so deliberately reached the opposite conclusion. The computer program could not cope with this human reaction and the law student retired to decent obscurity (he is probably writing the wine program for Bill Gates even now).

The moral is that computers should be used as an adjunct to, and not a substitute for, knowledge and intelligence. The programmer may assume that a Chateauneuf-du-Pape must be a claret because of the name; he may make a couple of mistaken extra keystrokes to describe a Muscat as a Muscadet. Once this is posted on the internet it becomes Gospel. The believers

This does not make the recommendations by others any less valid. It means, merely, that your taste is not the same as theirs

will believe it. In the same way, a car driver who relies on Satnav, instead of a map, to tell him where to go will often end up on a dirt track in the middle of nowhere. Again, this is not to say that all such aids are, of themselves, wrong; it is just that they need to be treated with caution and, perhaps, checked against another source of information.

This all affects wine. Before buying, by all means be guided towards what you might like by the tastes of others as recorded on numerous websites. Take note of the language used: the more flowery and impenetrable it is, the less likely the wine to taste good. Inspect the vintage charts (which tend to disagree with each other) as to the best years. Make your own list of what might appeal to you. Taste (if possible) before buying — Anglo-Hispano organise regular tastings and there are various wine clubs; many Spanish bodegas will permit a taste of selected bottles. You will have put on your list the possibilities you are recommended in order of supposed preference. I guarantee you will find the third or fourth on your list is more to your palate than the first choices.

This does not make the recommendations by others any less valid. It means, merely, that your taste is not the same as theirs. Only you know what tickles your fancy. Try a Malbec (grape — all sorts of bottles) from Argentina (about £6.00 upwards from everywhere).

Superb for the price and I love it. You will probably wonder what on earth I see in it.

But at least I warned you that it is a matter for your taste — and I am a human being, not a machine. n

Saturday Chill Out with DJ Eric from 7pm

Contemporary Mediterranean Dining

Grand Casemates Square Tel: 200 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

44449 for reservations 89

A ro u n d To w n .. .

August is here, the eighth month of the year and hasn’t it just flown past so far? Lots of people are on holiday in August so the whole of Gibraltar seems to slow down a notch and everyone who is able heads to the beach to catch a few rays.

The good news is that evenings come alive this month and especially so this year as not only do we have the Casemates Summer Nights, for kids and adults, with loads of entertainment on Tuesday and Thursdays as usual until 18th August, there is also Wednesday, Thursdays, Friday and Saturdays full of fun at Leisure Island. The venues, Savannah and O’Reilly’s are promising to put on lots of live entertainment and it’s a great place to chill and relax in the relative cool after the sun sets. And just to get everyone really excited O’Reilly’s is hosting a Music Festival from Monday 15th to Sunday 21st August.

To kick the month off the Rock the Rock Festival featuring Simple Minds, Alan Parsons, Taxi and Noiz will take place at the Bayside Sports Centre. Wow! What a lot of entertainment to fill our evenings.

If your offspring are more into entertaining than entertainment then you could enter them for the Junior X-Factor which will take to the stage at Summer Nights on 2nd August... There is bound to be some talent on show that night!

Gareth Alvarez and Nikki Bolus married in July (photo: Leo Hayes)

For daytime entertainment of a more mechanical nature, go to Casemates to see all the amazing machines gathered for the annual Harley Davison Bike Rally from 12 noon.

These pics: Getting ready for the off at the Luna Walk

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2007 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

..

Down at Queensway Quay, the Lounge has just been awarded “The perfect pour” by Heineken’s expert who visited all Heineken establishments in Gibraltar! Well done to everyone at The Lounge and to Lewis Stagnetto & co for doing a great job!

Congratulations to Gareth Alvarez and Nikki Bolus who got married at the Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned on Main Street in July (see beautiful picture, left, by Leo Hayes).

Happiness of another sort with congratulations going to Fabian and Genevieve Vinet on the birth of their little girl Sophie in July. Another baby girl brought a bundle of joy to Martin and Katrina Graffione in July and has been named Alba. Big congratulations to you all!

Happy birthday this month to Mrs Sausage Dog, Liz Gonzalez, on 3rd, glass blower Paul Alexander on 9th, Cafe Solo’s Rachel Victory on 10th, Caroline Olivero on 19th, and to Mark Montovio who celebrates on 22nd.

To end August we have the fair at Commonwealth Parade from Saturday 20th to 28th August so kids and big kids take note... there will be lots of fun rides and entertainment plus the usual marquees. A great finale to the last of the Summer months.

See you in September when all talk will be of National Week!

The Students will be back to school or university, and we’ll start to see the Christmas decorations in the shops!

Have a good August one and all.

This page: Savannah’s spectacular Summer Festival event at Leisure Island Ocean Village GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2007 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

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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 7pm9pm). 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.

Exhibition Vin’s Gallery at the Rock, The Rock Hotel. Original paintings, prints, and souvenirs

by Vin Mifsud and her pupils. Monday - Saturday 9.30-11am and 8-10pm.

The Gibraltar Decorative and Fine Arts Society Affiliated to the UK NADFAS organisation meets third Wednesday of the month at 6.30pm at Eliott Hotel - lecturers & experts from the UK to talk on Art etc. Contact: ChairmanClaus Olesen: 200 02024 claus.olesen@sghambros. com. Membership Ian leBreton: 200 76173 ilebreton@SovereignGroup.com Board Games Chess Club meets in Studio 1, John Mackintosh Hall 8-10.30pm Tues.

The Gibraltar Scrabble Club meet at the Rock Hotel on Mondays at 3pm. For further information please ring Vin at 20073660 or Roy at 20075995. All welcome.

The Subbuteo Club meets Charles Hunt Room, John Mackintosh Hall 7.30 - 11pm.

Dance Adult Dance Classes Wednesday evenings at the Youth Disco Room, Kings Bastion Leisure Centre from 7-8.30pm. Cha-Cha, Salsa and Merengue. Lessons £5 and all proceeds to GibMissionAfrica Charity. Contact Dilip on 200 78714 or dance@trainingtm.net Salsa Gibraltar Salsa classes held Tuesdays at Laguna Social Club, Laguna Estate. Beginners 7-8.30pm, £5 per lesson. Intermediates 8.30-10pm, £6 per lesson (all profits going to the charity Help Us To Help Them). Contact: Mike 54472000 Email: info@salsagibraltar.com website: www.salsagibraltar.com Modern & Latin American Sequence Dancing Mondays Catholic Community Centre 8.30pm (beginners 7.30). Over 15s welcome.

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.

Modern, Contemporary, Hip Hop & Flexibility classes held weekly at Urban Dance Studio for Performing Arts, No. 2 Jumpers Bastion. Contact Yalta (54012212) or Jolene (54015125).

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 National Choir and Gibraltar Junior National Choir rehearse on Tuesday & Thursday 7.30 - 9pm at the Holy Trinity Cathedral.

New singers always welcome. Tel: 54831000.

St Andrew’s Music Academy Musical Monsters Club, workshops. Group musical activities for kids 3-7 years. Singing, rhythmic games etc. Tel: 200 42690 email: samagib@hotmail.com Outdoor Activities 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,

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Don’t be bored... do something fun! 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, Montagu Bastion, Line Wall Road. Tel: 200 59818 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 Lounge friendly quizzes take place on Sundays from 8pm right on the quayside at Queensway Quay.

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.

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.

Gibraltar Philosophical Society devoted to intellectually stimulating debate. Frequent lectures and seminars on a range of topics. Contact 54008426 (after 6pm) or email gibphilosophy@ live.co.uk for further information.

The Gibraltar Photographic Society meets on Mon at 7.30pm, 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.

Creative Writers Group meet every Tuesday at the Eliott Hotel bar at 8pm. The workshop is run

by Carla, Tel: 54006696 and is aimed at learning to write fiction and non-fiction, for pleasure or publication. Each session is £5.00.

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 welcome. Tel: Bill 54010681 or Dion 56619000. Website: www.clubwebsite. co.uk/ArsenalGibraltarSC/.

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 October-May. 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: 200 41795 or 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. For more information contact Sally Tel: 200 74661.

Rugby: Gibraltar Rugby Football Union training sessions for Colts (14+), seniors and veterans.

Play in Andalusia 1st Division Oct - April. Tel: James 200 72185 Sailing: Gibraltar Yachting Association junior/ senior competitive programme (April - Oct) Tel: RGYC 200 48847.

Sea Angling: Gibraltar Federation of Sea Anglers (members FIPS-M & CIPS) Superb calendar of events with four clubs participating. Tel: Mario 200 72622 or Charlie 200 74337.

Shooting: Gibraltar Shooting Federation (over 14s). Rifle, Europa Point range (Joe 200 74973); clay pigeon, East Side (Harry 200 74354); Pistol, near Royal Naval Hospital (Fidel 200 71990).

Skating: Gibraltar Skating and Xtreme Sports Association. State of art ramps for Xtreme/aggressive roller blading /skate boarding. Leisure skating facilities provided within excellent rink (when not used for roller hockey training). Tel: Eric 200 70710 (after 5).

Snorkelling & Spear Fishing: Over 14s for snorkelling, over 16s for spear fishing.

Tel: Joseph 200 75020.

Squash: Gibraltar Squash Association,

what a page turner! www.thegibraltarmagazine.com

Squash Centre, 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.

Tai Chi: Children’s fun Tai Chi at the Yoga Centre, 33 Town Range, Saturdays 11-12am. Beginners Tuesdays & Thursdays at Kings Bastion Leisure Centre. 6.30-8pm. Adults £5, Children £2, all proceeds to GibMissionAfrica Charity. Contact Dilip on 200 78714 or rocktaichi@traningtm.net Tennis: Gibraltar Tennis Association, Sandpits Tennis Club, excellent junior development programme. Courses for adults, leagues / competitions. Tel: Frank 200 77035.

Ten-Pin Bowling: Ten-Pin Bowling takes place at King’s Bowl in the King’s Bastion Leisure Centre every day. To have a go call 200 77338 to reserve your lane. Gibraltar Ten Pin Bowling (members FIQ & WTBA) leagues, training for juniors and squad. 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

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

support

events

Support Groups Alcoholics Anonymous meet 7pm Tues & Thurs, 11am Saturdays at Nazareth Hse Tel: 200 73774.

A Step Forward support for single, separated, divorced/widowed people, meet 8pm Mon at St Andrew’s Church.

Mummy and Me Breastfeeding Support Group for mums who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have breastfed to get together for coffee, chat and support.

Partners and older children welcome.

Meets first Wednesday of every month at Chilton Court Community Hall at 1.30pm.

Enquiries and support 54014517.

Childline Gibraltar confidential phone line for children in need. Freephone 8008 - 7 days a week 6pm - 10pm.

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. Meet alternate Thursdays at 9pm at Nazareth House. For info 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 for compulsive overeating problems. Tel: helpline for meetings info 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. Meet 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 for separated, divorced/widowed or single people. Meet Weds 9pm, Catholic Community Centre, Line Wall Rd. Outings/activities. Tel: 54007181 or 200 79957.

Women in Need. Voluntary organisation for all victims of domestic violence. Refuge available. Tel: 200 42581 (24 hrs).

Main competition winners

Gibraltar Squash Association

Open Tournament Results The Gibraltar Squash Association recently held the most important event in its sporting calender, the Open Tournament. The finals were a great success, with a number of professional players coming from overseas to participate at the local competition.

The main tournament was won

by Ben Ford, a professional who is a regular competitor at Gibraltar’s events. In the A competition, Sam Hodgekins was the winner, with Anthony Brindle as runner up, and the B competition winner was Steve Shacaluga, and Mark Tewkesbury as runner up. The C competition winner was Colin Davis, with Carl Gomez runner up, and in the D competition Javier

Guerrero won, with Darren Torres runner up. The E competition was won by Kenneth Saez, and runner up Victor Soiza.

The Veteran’s Main was taken

by Malcolm Head, with Martin Lawrence as runner up, and the Veteren’s Plate was taken by Lester Chipol, with Pat Nerney as runner up. Pat also came runner up in the Vintage section, which was won by Bill McCubbin.

The competition included a Racketball category (like squash, except played with a bigger ball which travels slower and bounces more) won by Joe Duo, with Fidelio Bonfante as runner up.

The Association would like to thank its sponsors; Beck, Tradewise Insurance and Specialist Medical Clinic, and anyone who helped make this tournament a great success. n

PADDLE TENNIS A group of young players from Gibraltar attended a training and selection process, organised by the UK Padel Federation at the Estepona Indoor Padel Club last month. An elite squad of British young players was selected to participate in the forthcoming World Junior Padel Championships to be held in Melilla, North Africa, from 16th -23rd October 2011. Gibraltar players Ivan Gomez (back row Second from the right) and Dylan Casciaro (back row fourth from the right) will go on to represent the UK in the Under 18 category at this event.

Religious Services Baha’i Faith Tel: 200 73287 www.gibnet. com/bahai email:bahai@gibraltar.gi Bethel Christian Fellowship Tel: 200 52002. Queensway. Sunday service 11am.

Church of England Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. Tel: 200 78377. Sung Eucharist, Sunday 10.30am. Sunday School.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Suite 21a Don House, 30-38 Main Street. Tel: 200 50433. Sundays 10am.

Church of Scotland St Andrew’s, Governor’s Pde. Tel: 200 77040. Worship

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

& Sunday School 10.30am. Bible Study Tues 7.30pm.

Evangelical Bretheren Assembly, Queensway Quay. Sun 11am, Tues Bible Study 6pm, Thurs Prayer Meeting 6pm.

Hindu Engineer’s Lane Tel: 200 42515.

Jehovah’s Witness 6 Europort Avenue Tel: 200 50186.

Jewish 10 Bomb House Lane Tel: 200 72606.

Methodist 297 Main St Tel/Fax 200 40870 email minister@methodist.org.gi Minister: Revd Fidel Patron. Sunday 11am Morning Worship, 8pm Evening Service. Prayer meetings Monday+ Wednesday to Friday

7pm and Tuesdays 8pm. Communion celebrated on 2nd and 4th Sunday mornings of the month, and other special occasions. Alpha Course: held Thursdays 8pm. House Groups meet for Christian fellowship, prayer and study on a regular basis Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. Sunday School meets Sunday mornings alongside morning worship.

Roman Catholic Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned, 215 Main St Tel: 200 76688.

The Cityline Church 13 Castle St Tel: 200 75755 email: citylinegib@yahoo. com. Meet: Tues 8pm, Sundays 11am.

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information

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atural History & Heritage Park admission 9.30am to 7pm by tickets (includes entrance to sites - 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 £10, children 5-12 years: £5, children age under 4 free, vehicles £2. Private vehicles may be restricted at certain times, tours available by taxi/ mini bus. Also reached by cable car (leaves Grand Parade 9.30am-5.15pm Mon-Sun. Last cable down: 5.45pm). 50p per person to walk with no entrance tickets.

T

he flora and fauna on the Upper Rock are considered of great conservational value. It’s the perfect place for birdwatchers, as migratory species use Gibraltar as the shortest crossing between Europe and Africa. 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 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!

with a labyrinth of underground tunnels surmounted by an impressive battery, which has witnessed the development of coast artillery over 300 years. Housed three 18 ton 10-inch rifled muzzle loaders positioned behind a unique sandwich of armour plate/teak, known as ‘Gibraltar Shields’.

stars such as Sean Connery and John Lennon.

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.

The Natural History & Heritage Park

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 Rd, 9am - 7pm daily (free).

Business Information

Financial Services Commission Tel: 200 40283/4 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 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. Exhibitions also at Casemates gallery.

Registry Office Tel: 200 72289 It is possible to get married on the Rock within 48 hours. A fact taken advantage of by

Rock Tours by Taxi Tel: 200 70052 As well as offering normal fares, 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.

John Mackintosh Hall Tel: 200 75669 Includes 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.

Remaining Public Holidays 2011

Gibraltar & United Kingdom Late Summer Bank Hol Mon 29 August Gibraltar National Day * Mon 12 September Christmas Day Mon 26 December Boxing Day Tues 27 December

Emergency Services Emergency calls only: Fire/Ambulance.................................................. Tel: 190 Police........................................................... Tel: 199/112 Emergency Number.......................................... Tel: 112 Non-urgent calls: Ambulance Station................................. Tel: 200 75728 Police....................................................... Tel: 200 72500

Bus Routes & Timetables

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 anyone who could tell him how to mount a gun on the north face of the Rock. Sgt. Major Ince suggested tunnelling and there are over 30 miles of tunnels inside the Rock with various exhibitions inside.

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 civilian population during the many sieges, are housed in one 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.

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 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 with Nature Reserve ticket. Tickets for the nature reserve can also be bought at this attraction).

Parson’s Lodge: Rosia Road. Narrow limestone outcrop

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

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The Gibraltar Magazine is published and produced by Guide Line Promotions Ltd, 1st Floor 113 Main Street, Gibraltar.

Tel/Fax: (+350) 200 77748

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.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

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