Gibraltar Magazine July 2013

18 # 09 July 2013

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

the gibraltar magazine

g

ibraltar the

July 2013 Vol. 18 # 09 FREE

Boy Band on Fire How Deep is the Green?

What’s Keeping You Awake at Night?

I Joined the Foreign Legion

Scandalous Lovers Escape

Dealing with Bad Attitudes

Blooming Sea Jellies

tax planning • corporate & commercial • FINANCIAL SERVICES • funds • litigation • PROPERTY • trusts

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18 # 09 July 2013

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

the gibraltar magazine

raltar

g

ibraltar the

July 2013 Vol. 18 # 09 FREE

Boy Band on Fire

Scandalous Lovers Escape

How Deep is the Green?

What’s Keeping You Awake at Night?

I Joined the Foreign Legion

Dealing with Bad Attitudes

Blooming Sea Jellies

18 # 09 July 2013

contents Business & Finance 8 Business & Finance Guide 9 How Deep is the Green?

14 Board Members: What

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Cover: Miss Gibraltar 2013 Maroua Kharbouch Photography: Jayden Fa (www.jaydenfa.carbonmade.com) courtesy the Ministry of Culture

The Gibraltar Magazine is published monthly by Guide Line Promotions Ltd PO Box 1124, La Bayuca, 21 Turnbull’s Lane, Gibraltar Tel/Fax: (+350) 200 77748 Email: gibmag@gibraltar.gi Publisher/Editor: Andrea Morton Forde Copyright © 2013 Guide Line Promotions Limited. All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written consent of The Gibraltar Magazine.

www.TheGibraltarMagazine.com Magazine & website archived by the British Library

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22 24

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Keeps You Awake at Night?

Regulation: What’s The Future?

One Career: The Last CBF to Occupy the Mount It’s an Honour!

Human Resources: Dealing with a Bad Attitude Gibraltar Funds Industry Update

Past Revisited 48 Biggles & Gibraltar Bomb 66 Scandalous Lovers Escape

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to Gibraltar A Mansion and Gardens named Gibraltar

Health & Well-being 42 Health Directory 43 Hydrate Yourself!

44 Health & Beauty file

@gibmag

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

18 # 09

Arts & Lifestyle 28 Caught on Film 56 Walk on the Wild Side 58 Headwires: Boy Band

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70

on Fire!

Lazy Diaz: Unchartered MaNiAc Art, Naturally...

Appetite 78 Barbie Burgers 80 Food & Drink Directory 84 Wine Column: Keep Calm

and Drink Wine...

Regulars 68 Puzzle Page 69 People & Pets 74 Images of the Month 76 Photo Call 86 Around Town Information 64 City Centre Map 69 What’s On May 90 Gibraltar Information

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features 50 52-55

I Joined the Foreign Legion Blooming Sea Jellies

Property File 30 32 34 34

38 40

A Plan in Action Should the Rock Harness the Sun? Home Help with Meme GK Chesterton & the Literary Festival Property Directory Ask The Architect

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finance

business

words | Ian Le Breton

How Deep is the Green?

I have attempted in previous articles to ascertain whether the global economy is improving.

Some “green shoots” had certainly been identified by economists but, as I found, it was much harder to determine the depth and extent of the “green-ness”.

In other words, can we say a recovery is really underway or is new growth so fragile that it could vanish at the first blow of the levanter?

Worse, and to borrow an over-used phrase, could it be that the light glimpsed at the end of the tunnel is actually another train bearing down on us from the opposite direction?

As usual, I should remind you that these columns represent my personal opinion rather than those of my employer. This month, that disclaimer is necessarily broader than usual because my opinion is firmly skewed in one direction — that there are “green shoots” to be found and therefore reasons for optimism.

We should also bear firmly in mind that it’s not the same story for everyone. Far too many people — here in Gibraltar or further afield, notably Spain — are dealing with, or living in fear of, unemployment. Personal financial concerns remain the concern of the majority rather than the minority, whether it be paying bills now or worrying about savings in the future.

So where do I detect these green shoots of recovery? Beginning at home, I have always contended that Gibraltar has shown real resilience in facing the recent economic maelstrom. We

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

are extremely fortunate here to have a robust, growing economy based on several, widely diverse, sectors — financial services, tourism, gaming and shipping to name a few.

So to call a recovery here might be misleading. Indeed one might say that Gibraltar is only now seeing the real impact of the financial woes that have affected the rest of Europe in recent years. Everyone is aware of the difficulties in distinct sectors — local banking to cite one

I listened to an economic presentation at one of its recent breakfast events that was so positive about “green shoots” that I was in danger of turning green myself — with jealousy

example — but taken overall, opportunities are already presenting themselves in Gibraltar as we face the realities of a new economic order.

It is pleasing to see new businesses setting up in Gibraltar every month. Some of these represent brand new economic interests whilst others build on existing activities where we have proven experience and can offer highly trained personnel.

A good example of the latter is Hyperion Family Office, a recent addition to the Gibraltar finance scene although the principals are all well-known locally. I listened to an economic presentation at one of its recent breakfast events that was so positive about “green shoots” that I was in danger of turning green myself — with jealousy. But as the speaker was a client director at a global investment firm, you would perhaps expect him to be a “glass half full” type.

I follow several “barometers” in order to gauge how real any recovery might be. Stock markets around the world are very volatile but several of the major indices are at levels not seen for many years. Indeed some, such as the Dow Jones in New York and the DAX in Frankfurt, are at or close to “all time” highs.

business

finance

The trend in recent years has certainly been upwards. Why should this be, at a time of such economic upheaval?

There are several reasons. Firstly, the indices are simply representative of a broader picture.

The UK’s FTSE100, for example, is a snapshot of the top 100 companies measured by their market capitalisation value. As companies fall by the wayside, others replace them so, by definition, the index measures only the top tier firms and some of these are doing very well indeed. There is a great deal of money sitting on the balance sheets of some of these companies just waiting to be used. Couple that with the possibility of increased lending from the banks and it becomes easier to understand the reasons for optimism that are starting to appear.

Staying in the UK — although this is also true in the US and elsewhere — the government may soon be able to recoup some of the money spent on the bank bailouts. The cost of these rescues has been one of the main drags on the budget deficit, so this should lead to a welcome reduction in the previously eye-popping national “overdraft”.

In Europe too, all is not doom and gloom. Although the state of many European economies remains highly volatile, the eurozone has not imploded. Latvia plans to replace its currency with the euro in 2014 and Croatia should have become the EU’s 28th member by the time this column is being read. It is good to see these positive developments at last. Time will tell if such confidence is justified.

There are even encouraging signs in the housing market — where everything went wrong in the first place. There are real reasons for optimism in several countries. In Spain, foreign buyers — in particular Russians — are coming back into the market by acquiring whole blocks of so-called “toxic debt” directly from the banks. Hmm! Buying Spanish property on the cheap hoping to make a quick buck when prices recover? We have heard all this before, but it’s a start.

Unemployment in Europe remains the greatest challenge to a sustained recovery. Recent

figures show an overall rate of 11% unemployed across the EU (the lowest being Austria, which reported 5%, and the highest, Greece, at 27%). We read alarming reports of the situation leading to an entire “lost generation”.

But consider other parts of the world where the impact of the global recession has been muted, or at least less marked, than in Europe.

Over the past year I have written about the successes of the BRICS countries — Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Although beset by different problems, all five are economic powerhouses; they remain priority targets for the Gibraltar government which is targeting them as a source of inward investment. I also pointed out recently that GDP is growing in all 60+ African countries. That is to say there is no “recession” anywhere on that continent — from Algeria to Zimbabwe.

Speaking of Zimbabwe, I read a fascinating article recently by Matthew Parris, former MP and now one of my favourite columnists. In it, he described a recent visit to the country he knew as Rhodesia when growing up there as a boy. He didn’t hide the enormous problems the country faces but in highlighting the benefits of the travel experience there – reasonable prices, incredible safaris and tourist sites far less crowded than, say, Kenya — he got me thinking.

Tourism is one of the fastest growing busi-

Although the state of many European economies remains highly volatile, the eurozone has not imploded. Latvia plans to replace its currency with the euro in 2014 and Croatia should have become the EU’s 28th member by the time this column is being read

ness sectors worldwide. Given cheaper air travel and more choice generally, personally tailored itineraries are easy to arrange, especially online. If a recovery really is underway, people will be looking to travel more.

To return home to Gibraltar in summing up, I don’t speak for the government, or the local Chamber of Commerce — which compiles empirical data as part of its day job — but I see what I see. Look around you. Yes there are difficulties; some companies are reducing their staff complement, or even closing up altogether. But I see encouraging signs too.

Many firms, including Sovereign where I work, are taking on staff regularly as business grows.

The official Gibraltar Gazette keeps publishing new business applications – many of them made by local people. On the tourism front, more visitors will lead to more spending and so it goes on.

That is why I welcome the publicity afforded Gibraltar by a string of TV programmes shortly to air, ranging from documentaries to police dramas. We will also be seeing Michael Portillo and Top Gear mention our home. It all builds on the impression that there is much more to our tiny corner of the Mediterranean than apes on a rock. In fact that may be a good way for all of us to help this effort. Spread the word that we have apes, and a whole lot more. Summer in Europe may be the time when everyone else is on holiday but down here it should be busier than ever for all of us. Enjoy the sun! n

Lions Pride in the Mayor’s Parlour Friends were reunited last month as Ballymena Lions Club travelled from Ireland to the Rock to twin with the Gibraltar Lions Club.

The link between the two clubs dates back to World War II when the civilian population of Gibraltar was evacuated to safety in England, Madeira, the West Indies and Northern Ireland. Hundereds of Gibraltarian families spent time in Ballymena during the war years.

Ballymena and Gibraltar’s Lions Clubs are now twinned to continue the link between the two areas. n

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

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STM Group raises £5,200 for Children’s Charity Following a fantastic turnout of close to 400 participants at the first ever STM Group Fun Run, and the sterling efforts of the STM Group Fun Run Committee, with the support of all the staff, family and friends of the company, STM Group CEO Colin Porter was proud to present a cheque for £5,200 to Justine Picardo of Wobbles Children’s Charity.

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The STM Group Fun Run, held in April, not only raised an incredible sum for the charity, but brought together the community — companies, families, and runners of all ages and abilities — who turned up to pound the pavements on a 5km run around town, or a 10k around the Rock.

Such was the success of the event that plans are already in place for a follow up Fun Run in 2014. Details, including the chosen charity as well as training plans and top tips, will be made available towards the end of this year.

Thanks go to the organisers, sponsors, prize donors, volunteers and everyone who turned up, and who each contributed to the sum raised for Wobbles children’s charity.

Debbie Garcia, Chair and founding trustee from Wobbles, said: “A big thanks to the management and team at STM Group for choosing Wobbles as their charity of choice. We at Wobbles will now be able to fulfill dreams for some children and this will be due to the wonderful efforts of the STM Group.” n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

gibraltar

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the

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The quality of a magazine reflects on the businesses that advertise within it. The Gibraltar Magazine is Gibraltar’s quality magazine — packed with great, readable content. We don’t have pushy sales people, so get in touch if you have a business or strategy to promote in Gibraltar. We will explain your options within your budget and help you with artwork if you need us to. We are passionate about what we do and about our home, Gibraltar.

Chief Rabbi Designate Ephraim Mirvis, Archbishop of Westminster Vincent Nichols, Mayor of Gibraltar Tony Lima, The Emeritus Senior Rabbi of the Spanish and Portuguese Jewish community Rabbi Dr Abraham Levy, Chair of the Council of Christians and Jews Bishop Nigel McCulloch

Gibraltar’s Inter-Faith Model In June the Chief Rabbi Designate Ephraim Mirvis and Archbishop of Westminster Vincent Nichols visited Gibraltar for their first official joint engagement, as part of a multi-faith delegation organised by the Council of Christians and Jews.

The CCJ delegation also included the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Secretary for Interfaith Relations the Rev Dr Toby Howarth, The Emeritus Senior Rabbi of the Spanish and Portuguese Jewish community Rabbi Dr Abraham Levy, Chair of the CCJ Bishop Nigel McCulloch and CCJ Vice Chair Maurice Ostro.

The visit to Gibraltar was organised for the delegation to observe Gibraltar’s exceptional and successful model of inter-faith community relations.

During the trip, the group met with President of the Gibraltar Jewish Community James Levy QC CBE, Chief Minister Fabian Picardo and Governor of Gibraltar Sir Adrian Johns. n

n GET INVOLVED

If you are an artist with an exhibition, or a club or charity with an event coming up, we’d love to hear from you. This is a community magazine and there is no VIP area. Everyone is welcome to contribute so drop a line, send an email or phone us.

n GET IN TOUCH

We’d love to hear from you. Sometimes we get a bit lonely in our office, and we like to get letters, phone calls and emails with your feedback and photos. We might even publish the best so keep them coming. This is your magazine so get involved.

Email: gibmag@gibraltar.gi Tel: 200 77748

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13

business

file

words | Sinead O’Connor, Senior Manager – Advisory, KPMG Isle of Man & Gibraltar

Board Members What’s Keeping You Awake at Night?

words | Sinead O’Connor, Senior Manager, Advisory, KPMG Isle of Man & Gibraltar

Complexity and risk have been standard board agenda items for some time now. Boards are, however, facing increasing challenges in their oversight and governance of these areas as they now have to consider new technologies, social media, increased regulation and enforcement, the globalisation of regulation and, of course, greater expectations from stakeholders concerning transparency.

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To help identify the pressing challenges facing audit committees as well as their boards and organisations, KPMG’s recent Global Audit Committee survey captured the views of 1,800 audit committee members around the world on a range of issues from financial reporting and disclosures through to risk management and audit committee effectiveness.

The survey found that, despite the economic uncertainty and volatility of the past year, most of the respondents expressed confidence in their oversight of the company’s financial reporting and in the accuracy, independence and objectivity of their external audit. Almost one third of respondents did comment, however, on the fact that their understanding of key assumptions underlying management’s material accounting judgements and estimates could be deeper. In our experience, this sentiment is borne out of audit committees sharpening their focus on pressures that may pose risks to financial statement integrity and seeking greater value and insight from the internal and external auditors.

Interestingly, the majority of respondents said that they did not view audit firm rotation or manda-

tory re-tendering of the audit work as a way to improve audit quality.

Recommendations for external auditors included offering more insights and benchmarking on industry specific issues, sharing their views on the quality of the client’s financial management team and helping the audit committee remain abreast of accounting, regulatory and tax developments.

Less than half of the respondents are satisfied that internal audit delivers the value to the company that it should and that the internal audit plan properly focuses on the critical risks to the business.

This should be a key message for those responsible for assessing the effectiveness of this business function.

The audit committee members surveyed are markedly less confident in their oversight of risk. 45 per cent considered that their risk management framework requires substantial work and only one in four thought that the company’s risk management process extends far enough into the horizon. The quality of risk-related information and the inability of management to agree on the critical risks facing an organisation continue to be of concern to survey respondents

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

file

business

Sinead O’Connor

The respondents identified four ‘game changers’ which are raising the stakes on effective risk oversight — digitisation, globalisation, increased regulation and accelerated global enforcement

ness and risk landscape and may point to the need for additional expertise within boards and board committees to ensure appropriate oversight of the risks. Particular comment was passed on the extraterritorial nature of such regulation as the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the UK Bribery Act, and FATCA, and the impact they have had on the board and audit committee’s knowledge needing to be commensurate with global regulatory developments.

It is clear that, with the pace of change and the increasing complexity of issues, boards and their committees need to feel confident that they have the knowledge to effectively challenge information that is being passed to them from the business and their auditors as well as be comfortable that the risks to the business are being appropriately addressed. Through our programme of board training and our non-executive director forums, KPMG Gibraltar is working with clients across the industry to help ensure that good governance and the understanding of key issues can be effectively demonstrated. n

and one in three said that they are not satisfied with the company’s crisis readiness and response plan. Respondents were also concerned that the company’s key governance activities such as risk management, compliance, controls, strategy and board oversight may not be focused on those risks that are of most significance in terms of the company’s brand and reputation.

While risk-related challenges are not new, the respondents identified four ‘game changers’ which are raising the stakes on effective risk oversight — digitisation, globalisation, increased regulation and accelerated global enforcement. The respondents felt that these issues reshape the busi- For further information, see www.kpmg.gi.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

15

finance

update

The Gibraltar Financial Services Commission’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, David Parody, tells us what lies in store for the Financial Services Sector in Gibraltar as far as regulation is concerned

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

update

finance

regulation

what’s the future?

With the present CEO of the Financial Services Commission (FSC) Marcus Killick having recently announced he was stepping down after 10 years in charge, the Gibraltar Magazine asks the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, David Parody, what lies in store for the Financial Services Sector in Gibraltar in so far as regulation is concerned. Having worked, in various roles, for 23 years at the Commission David has a first-hand account of the changes the finance centre has gone through, each time evolving, adapting and developing.

Doom and gloom has prevailed over financial services globally over the last few years.

Major financial institutions have ceased to exist and the markets have taken a beating.

As a result of this international regulators and standard setters have moved to ensure that this does not happen again, and a plethora of new regulations have been issued or about to be issued. With this in mind how well is Gibraltar placed to face these challenges?

I am very bullish about what Gibraltar can do in the years ahead and I feel that the FSC is there to provide the necessary impetus to existing and new financial services providers in a number of growth areas where Gibraltar has a unique selling point.

The days when the main product on offer was the Tax Exempt Company are over, instead we are seeing huge potentials for growth in new products. The bedrock which is the Fiduciary sector is experiencing shrinkage both in the number of players as well as the companies and trusts under management. Yet, we are seeing that these players are showing growing profitability due to the added value service that they are providing. It is no longer the “shelf-company” that generates the income, it is the full management and advisory services that have helped fuel an important part of the sector.

I continue to be astounded by the statistic that one in ten cars in the UK is currently being insured by a Gibraltar insurer. This is a very significant success story which is the insurance sector. The success in attracting a number of high profile names augers well for the future growth of this sector.

The much maligned Solvency II Directive appears to have stalled for the time being but there are some very essential elements in terms of solvency margins, capital and claims reserving which will drive the regulatory approach

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

over the next few years.

Private Banking sees the benefits of small scale operations taking the lead over bigger call-centre type banking. The ability of customer relationship managers to meet face to face with clients is a huge attraction of medium to high net worth customers who may otherwise be shunned from other private banks. I am a strong believer that there exists an important market for a highly automated retail banking operation. this would compete with other banks providing a full range of traditional banking products but one that can only operate profitably with very strong automated processing systems.

My most exciting prospect for growth however lies in the E-money institutions. The ability of using pre-paid cards, mobile telephony and other rapidly developing payment systems

So what drove the huge increase in insurers operating in Gibraltar?

The ability to process an application within six months in Gibraltar rather than the anticipated two to three years in London

is an area in which Gibraltar is fast gaining a strong reputation for.

Earlier I hinted that Gibraltar has a unique selling point, but what would that be?

For many it will be the European market and our access to millions of potential customers through the use of our passporting rights, or the excellent professional service providers that are available locally to advise on any number of products and the availability of highly educated workforce. The more “superficial” benefits for Gibraltar attractiveness would be lifestyle, timezone and climate. But only a few but would offer the regulator as the unique selling point for the establishment of new ventures into the jurisdiction.

So what drove the huge increase in insurers operating in Gibraltar? The ability to process an application within six months in Gibraltar rather than the anticipated two to three years in London. Why is Gibraltar fast becoming a world renowned centre in E-money? Because its experience in regulating the sector and understanding of the products is one of the strongest in the world.

Accessibility, knowledge and speed of the Regulator is what differentiates the Financial Services Commission from its counterparts, both within and outside of the European context. This can be done without compromising international regulatory standards. Protecting the public from suffering financial loss and the reputation of Gibraltar are the primary reasons why we have been entrusted by Government to regulate the sector. In doing so we are also mindful of the need to act as enablers of business. Increasing product choice, through competition and innovation, drives us as much as ensuring that people’s life savings, insurance policies, etc are secure.

In order to act as business enablers, the FSC must staff itself with approachable, competent

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finance

update

and motivated individuals who can understand where risks lie and understand the products being sold better than the person who sells them.

It is not an easy task but the FSC has dedicated itself to a process of continuous improvement and development of its people that has been recognised internationally as being amongst the best. By the time you read this I hope that our recognition as meeting the Gold Standard of Investors in People has come through. There are only 18 organisations outside of the UK who have attained this and we will be second in Gibraltar to have done so.

Over the next few years the industry and the regulator will be faced with an onslaught of new and improved standards. The onus is on the FSC to clearly communicate the requirements and our expectations of how they can be met, but it is also the responsibility of senior management of the firms to give them proper effect. A good relationship between the regulator and regulated is essential for success.

Not only do formal regular meetings take place with trade bodies and other representative groups but ad hoc meetings also take place with individual firms whenever a regulatory matter arises. This must continue to occur as the size of our sector permits us to leverage this accessibility to the fullest extent.

But accessibility is not just between the regulator and the firms it has responsibility for. At the end of the day the FSC is entrusted

by Government to administer a set of Acts and Regulations upon which the regulatory and supervisory framework is based. The ability of industry, the FSC and HM Government of

The recent experience where the FSC, the funds industry and Government worked together to create the Gibraltar Experienced Investor Fund is but one example where a regulatory structure was put into place to create business opportunities Gibraltar to continue to work together in such a collaborative manner also gives us a huge advantage over our competitor jurisdictions.

The recent experience where the FSC, the funds industry and Government worked together to create the Gibraltar Experienced Investor Fund is but one example where a regulatory structure was put into place to create business opportunities.

The commitment to upholding the highest international standards by successive Governments of Gibraltar has placed Gibraltar at the vanguard of jurisdictions whose reputation as a quality financial centre is paying dividends. It is our responsibility as regulators through sensible regulatory practice and senior manager of firms through good governance to uphold these high standards. n

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Nothing Works Like a Dog On a recent photo call to the office of one of Gibraltar’s Chief Operating Officers, I was surprised (and delighted) to see a peach-coloured Shar Pei dog lounging under her desk. The Gibraltar Magazine offices have always been a haven for four-legged friends, as anyone who visits will know, but it set us thinking about dogs in offices and if this was a positive phenomena.

Although dogs in offices may seem the preserve of small companies with manageable logistics, dogs are welcomed at some large companies too, we discovered.

A quick search on Google revealed not only that 20% of US employers allow people to take their dogs to work daily but also that Google’s own offices are dog friendly. If a dog is an important part of an employee’s life, then Google feels it helps keeps their employees happy.

In fact, many workers are so devoted to their pets, they’ll only consider taking jobs where pooch can go too. On the plus side for employers, having your dog in your workplace has been shown to boost morale, increase productivity, and keep workers motivated...

According to one poll 66% of dog owners surveyed would work longer hours if their dog was with them, and 30% would take a 5% pay cut to take along their pooch.

A venture into Amazon’s offices reveals how the policy works in practise. Pooches aren’t running around causing mayhem, instead they are quietly laying by their owners’ sides on a lead, awaiting a break when employees take a stroll outside with their dogs.

Owners will tend to walk further to work with their dogs rather than taking the bus or their cars, they will take exercise at lunchtime, and not feel so guilty if they are delayed leaving the office.

According to a report published in March in the International Journal of Workplace Health Management, employees who take their dog to the office reduce the amount of stress experienced during the day, and improve job satisfaction.

In the study, management professor, Dr Randolph Barker, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Business, monitored the

stress levels of employees at a retailing and manufacturing business with a 14-year history of allowing dogs in the workplace.

76 employees were studied — some who brought their dogs to work, some who didn’t, and some didn’t own dogs at all. The study found that while everyone started the day with low baseline levels of the stress hormone cortisol, those who didn’t take their dogs to work reported drastically higher levels of stress by the end of the working day. Of the groups without dogs, 80% felt dogs in the workplace had no negative effect on productivity.

“

It’s a low-cost wellness intervention, or benefit, that’s available readily to any organisation

”

Barker also noted that the dogs sparked conversations amongst employees, and increasing engagement.

“We think dogs’ presence in the workplace may reduce stress for their owners, increase job satisfaction even for those without pets, and it may increase perceptions of organisational support,” says Barker. “It’s a low-cost wellness intervention, or benefit, that’s available readily to any organisation.”

This should come as no surprise. Dogs have long been recognised for their therapeutic and calming value in rest homes, hospices, shelters, funeral parlours and disaster zones, and there could be a chemical explanation for this. Interaction between dogs and their owners can increase levels of oxytocin, the “feel-good” hormone thought to bond mothers and babies during breast-feeding. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

business update

Chesterton now in Sotogrande Chesterton has established an office in Sotogrande; the popular second home destination for families and sporting enthusiasts. The new office is the latest in a string of recent openings in Europe for the company, demonstrating the continuing demand for European property amongst local and international buyers.

Chesterton in Gibraltar was established in 2008 in Ocean Village, 203 years after the founding business launched in London in 1805 — the same year Nelson was fighting the Battle of Trafalgar just off the coast of Gibraltar. Since then, the Gibraltar business has rapidly become a leading agency and the success of its cross border business led the international division to seek a permanent Sotogrande base.

Partnering with Noll & Partners SL, set up 13 years ago to cater for buyers from Gibraltar, the UK and other European countries, the new office will bring a variety of Spanish properties to Gibraltar and pan-European markets while offering local buyers/sellers access to an international network.

Charles Gubbins and Stephanie Noll are the founding partners of Noll & Partners SL

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

Mike Nicholls, MD of Chesterton in Gibraltar with Charles Gubbins of Noll & Partners SL

“

We have over 300 Sotogrande properties listed on our Gibraltar website

and directors of the new Chesterton office.

Together they have built expert knowledge of the Sotogrande property market as well as a network of contacts across the industry including English speaking lawyers, banks, builders and accountants.

Mike Nicholls, MD of Chesterton in Gibraltar commented: “We identified the need for a suitable partner in Sotogrande a couple of

”

years ago because with both property and tax, there is good cross border business and clients like to deal with the same entity where they can. I am very pleased Chesterton has made this step. We now have over 300 Sotogrande properties listed on our Gibraltar website.”

The new association will operate under the joint names Noll & Partners and Chesterton, and will be located at the Sotogrande Port. n

19

career

profile

As Commander British Forces (CBF) Gibraltar 1997

Major General Simon Pack CB CBE

The Last CBF of the Mount

words | Mike Brufal

It came as no surprise that Commander British Forces Gibraltar 1994-1997 Simon Pack joined the Royal Navy. His paternal grandfather was a senior civil servant within the Admiralty, and his maternal grandfather was a Surgeon Rear Admiral. His father, Captain AJ Pack OBE, served in the RN for 30 years and was a well known naval historian, Director of the Royal Navy Museum 1964-1979, and author of two widely acclaimed books Nelson’s Blood (the second edition of which was launched in Gibraltar in 1995) and The Man Who Burned the White House (a biography of Admiral Sir George Cockburn 1772-1853).

Throughout his boyhood and early teens, Simon yearned to join the Diplomatic Corps, and was disappointed when, at the age of 15, his father suggested joining the RN. Not to be put off, he reminded his father of his susceptibility to seasickness; and was astonished at his father’s compromise: “You can join the Royal Marines instead”!

During his career in the Royal Marines Simon made countless stops in Gibraltar but, from his personal view, the most important was when he met Rosemary-Anne Fuller at a cocktail party on HMS Zulu in 1968. She was staying with her Aunt Joan, a formidable former matron of RN Hospital Gibraltar, who was married to Esmond Ryan then editor of the Gibraltar Chronicle. Romance bloomed, and Simon and ‘Rosianne’ married in 1970. The couple have two children — a son who is a former officer in the Royal Green Jackets and now involved with the commercial property world; and a daughter who runs her

20

own recruitment company.

Simon was educated at Fernden Preparatory School in Surrey, then Hurstpierpoint College where he was a fine squash player, subsequently playing for the Royal Navy. At the age of 15 he attended the Admiralty Interview Board and was awarded a Naval Scholarship. On leaving Hurstpierpoint, he spent a year learning French in Switzerland, before reporting for Royal Marines training at the Commando Training Centre

Simon made countless stops in Gibraltar but, from his personal view, the most important was when he met Rosemary-Anne Fuller at a cocktail party

at Lympstone, Devon in 1962.

Officer cadets who join the Royal Marines, unlike their peers in the RN, Army or RAF, are commissioned on entry, so within a week Simon was given his commission scroll. There followed 18 months of basic RM officer training, a series of courses which were (and still are) acknowledged to be amongst the toughest in the world.

He was then appointed to 40 Commando RM in Sarawak, Malaysia, where he spent almost four years on jungle operations during the Indonesian-Malaysian confrontation. In January 1967 he returned to London to attend a Royal Naval Junior Officers’ Staff Course at Greenwich before joining HMS Zulu later that year as Officer Commanding the Royal Marines Detachment operating in the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean.

In February 1969 he was appointed ADC to the Governor of Queensland, after which he returned to the UK to join 41 Commando RM

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

profile on a six-month emergency tour in Northern Ireland.

Later he deployed to Malta as adjutant of that unit until December 1972. He spent two and a half years at the Army School of Infantry, Warminster as an instructor at the Officers’ Tactics Wing, and in 1976 he attended the Army Staff College at Camberley as a student.

In January 1977 Simon was appointed to the Department of the Commandant General Royal Marines in the Ministry of Defence (MoD) with responsibility for RM exercise policy worldwide, and he was promoted to Major in June 1978. He served as a Company Commander in 42 Commando RM in 1979 As CBF, receiving the Freedom of the City and 1980 during which of Gibraltar on behalf of the Royal Marines time he completed two arctic winter deployments to Norway and anti-illegal immigrant duties on in 1997. the Hong Kong-China border.

He is the only CBF, and Flag Officer GibralHe returned to the MoD in 1980 where he tar, to have served with three Governors (Field was responsible for amphibious warfare policy Marshal Sir John Chapple, Admiral Sir Hugo within the Directorate of Naval Plans. In 1981 White and Sir Richard Luce). he went back to the Army Staff College as LieuSimon also had a NATO role (COMGIBMED) tenant Colonel, this time as a member of the answering to COMNAVSOUTH, an Italian Directing Staff; and, two and a half years later, admiral based in Naples. he returned to the MoD where he was responApart from the operational and administrasible for British defence policy and contingency tive command of the garrison itself, the CBF role planning for sub-Saharan Africa. involved working closely with the MoD, FCO In 1987 Simon was appointed Commanding and the House of Commons Defence CommitOfficer of 45 Commando Group based in Scot- tee on policy matters; and with the Gibraltar land, an 800-strong unit specialising in moun- Government on important local issues such tain and arctic warfare on the northern flank of as the employment of Gibraltarians within the NATO. On completion he was awarded the OBE garrison, and the handing over to GoG parts of and appointed Chief of Staff, HQ Commando Forces in Plymouth as Colonel.

Major General Pack He returned to the MoD (Central Staff) in 1990 at the start of the first Gulf War, as Director was the first Royal Marine Defence Commitments (Overseas) in the rank of Brigadier. He was responsible for British to command the Gibraltar defence policy outside NATO, and for policy Garrison at two-star level oversight of the five major overseas garrisons, including Gibraltar. The majority of his time and the last to occupy the was devoted to preparation for the Gulf War, Whitehall-level policy during the war, and as- Mount as the official residence sisting in the compilation of the lessons learned once the war was over.

Simon was appointed ADC to the Queen in 1993 and awarded the CBE in 1994. He was promoted to Major General and appointed Commander British Forces Gibraltar in July 1994, taking up this appointment on 6th December 1994 and moving into the Mount. He retired from the Royal Marines and the role as Governor in 1997 and was made a Companion of the Bath that year.

Major General Pack was the first Royal Marine to command the Gibraltar Garrison at two-star level (all previous appointments had been held by admirals). He was the third tri-service CBF in Gibraltar (following on from the late Geoffrey Biggs and Jeremy Sanders); and he was last to occupy the Mount as the official residence before it was handed over to the Gibraltar Government With his wife Rosianne, who he met in Gibraltar

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

career

the MoD real estate as the Garrison reduced in size.

He recognised the huge importance of these issues to Gibraltarians generally; and he found the relationships he developed with Chief Ministers, first Joe Bossano and after 16th May 1996 with Peter Caruana, professionally and personally rewarding.

He was especially proud to command the Royal Gibraltar Regiment and, when the anti-smuggling riots of 1997 spilled onto the streets of Gibraltar, he was full of praise for the way the Regiment supported the RGP in their difficult task.

Simon is not a Catholic but his wife is, so their son was sent to the Oratory School and their daughter to St Mary’s, Ascot. He was invited to become the first non-Catholic governor of the Oratory, a position he held for 12 years. During his time as CBF he arranged for the school to send its choir to sing on the Rock, and members of the school CCF flew out for exercises and to enjoy what Gibraltar had to offer. Later, in celebration of the links between the Oratory School and Gibraltar, he held a dinner at the Mount for as many Gibraltarian old boys as he could gather.

Simon speaks highly and very fondly of his long association with the Rock and his time as CBF. He sets great store by the fact it was the Royal Marines who played the major part in capturing the Rock in 1704; and, of the Corps’ many battle honours, it is the name ‘Gibraltar’ which stands alone on the Corps’ regimental colours and cap badge.

While Simon was CBF he received, on behalf of the Royal Marines, the freedom of the City of Gibraltar. It was a magnificent parade with Gibraltarians lining the route as the Marines exercised their new-found privilege of marching through the streets with ‘bayonets fixed, bands playing, and colours flying’.

As he met his wife Rosianne in Gibraltar, coming back with her for their last posting together before retiring to civilian life was very special indeed. During that time, she worked tirelessly in support of local charities and other interests, organised wonderful events at the Mount, and together they made (and still have) many Gibraltarian friends. They regularly return to the Rock and the region.

His transition from military to civilian life passed seamlessly when he was selected as International Teams Director at the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). With no professional cricketing background, it was a controversial appointment; but the board was looking for a person who, first and foremost, had strategic and managerial experience as well as a broad knowledge and love of the game.

While in the role, he was proud of a number of innovations and new practices, including the concept of ‘central contracts’ for England players; but from the outset, it became clear

21

career

profile

It’s An Honour!

At a recent Friends of Gibraltar Heritage event

some sectors of the game, including one cricket correspondent, were unconvinced by the appointment of an ex-military person as an ECB director.

To this day, Simon smiles at the wonderful prose in one of UK’s better-known newspapers soon after he took up his role, pointing out the “zenith of Simon Pack’s cricketing career came as a dogged opening bat in the 2nd XI of a minor British public school”. As Simon admits, the author may have missed the point... but it was true!

On leaving the ECB after three enjoyable years, Simon’s career took a totally different course when he joined Gill Jennings & Every LLP (GJE) as its Partnership Secretary/Chief Operating Officer. GJE is a top-ranked European patent and trade mark attorney firm that helps early-stage ventures, academic institutions, investors and multi-national companies around the world to protect and unlock the value of their brands and innovation.

Simon had no legal expertise, but in this role he brought experience of strategic planning, structural and organisational review, and operational and financial management, enabling the Partners to devote their efforts to their clients.

Simon loved this new environment in the City and enjoyed nine very happy years with the firm. He was particularly pleased to introduce the firm to Gibraltar firm Triay & Triay, and both firms continue a rewarding shared business interest.

Simon formally retired two years ago and, with Rosianne, now spends most of his time pursuing their four great loves — golf, gardening, bridge and grandchildren.

He still follows Gibraltar interests and events on the Rock closely, and continued his involvement with the heritage of Gibraltar (he was awarded the GHT Senior Heritage Award for his support when he was CBF) through the activities of the Friends of Gibraltar in UK, of which he has been a Director since 1998. He has recently handed over his role as Chairman of the Board’s executive committee.

When asked about what Gibraltar means to him now, he replied: “I first saw the Rock as an eight year old when passing through the Strait in the troopship Dilwara on my way to Singapore with my parents. Though I didn’t know it at the time, this was the beginning of a most enjoyable and lifelong association with Gibraltar. It inadvertently became a ‘theme’ in my life — rather like family, or vocation, or love of sport, good food and wine do. Wonderful: and may it long endure.” n

22

12 of Gibraltar’s fine citizens were mentioned in the Queen’s Birthday List this year and with the Governor’s Gibraltar Award.

Each has made a unique and positive contribution to Gibraltar’s community and earned Gibraltar the highest number of awards on the Diplomatic and Overseas list.

Her Majesty the Queen has approved the appointments of: Peter Richard Caruana QC to be a Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG) for services to Gibraltar.

Haim Judah (James) Levy QC to be a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to the economy and the community in Gibraltar.

Felix Alvarez to be an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the advancement of equality and human rights in Gibraltar.

Her Majesty the Queen also approved the following awards: The British Empire Medal (BEM) to: Sonia Patricia Golt (for services to breast cancer awareness in Gibraltar). Leslie Linares (for services to photography and botany in Gibraltar). George Edward Payas (for services to the community in Gibraltar). Michael Joseph Emmanuel Pizzarello (for services to the development of young people in Gibraltar).

Hector John Benedict Romero (for services to promoting sport, particularly athletics in Gibraltar). Maria Isabel (Marisa) Vinales (for

services to families of alcohol and drug abuse victims in Gibraltar).

His Excellency the Governor, Sir Adrian Johns, has awarded the Gibraltar Award (Governor’s Certificate and Badge of Honour) in recognition of exceptional services in Gibraltar to: Mercy Posso (for services to the elderly); Peter J Caetano (for services to charity and sport, particularly boxing); and Francis Kenneth Navas (for services to sport, the community and youth).

Commenting on the list, HE the Governor said: “I offer my warmest congratulations to all those recognised in the Queen’s Birthday List. I understand that on this occasion Gibraltar has received the highest number of awards on the Diplomatic Service and Overseas list for any post world-wide.

“This is a brilliant reflection not only of the number but also the quality of the nominations we were able to submit for consideration by the Honours Committee in London and I hope that Gibraltar’s success in this latest Honours List will inspire nominations from the public for the next round which will take place in the autumn.” n

Peter Caruana stepped

down as Leader of the

Opposition in Gibraltar in

January 2013 following a

long career in public service

including election for four terms as Chief Minister

totalling 15 years. He has made an immense and outstanding contribution to the reputation and prosperity of Gibraltar having driven it forward politically and economically during his tenure through a period of transformational change with diversification of the economy and significant advances and achievements in political and community life for the benefit of Gibraltar.

significant charitable and pro bono work across the community in Gibraltar.

Since founding Gibraltar Gay

Rights (later the Equality Rights

Group) in 2000 Felix

Alvarez has campaigned

to raise awareness of equal-ity

and human rights. During this time important advances have

been made, for example, in the rights of sexual minorities, immigrants, and in the protection of minors. He has built bridges across the community and made a personal contribution to the promotion of equality and human rights in Gibraltar.

A leading member of the

Jewish community, James

Levy is the Senior Partner with

Hassans, which he has

developed into Gibraltar’s

largest law firm and an in ternational player. He has

achieved professional recognition locally and overseas and has made a major contribution to Gibraltar’s economic growth playing a key role, for example, in the development of the jurisdiction in banking, insurance and financial services. Less visible but no less important has been James’s

Drawing on her own experience,

Sonia Golt saw the need for a

support group for sufferers of

breast cancer and so founded

the Bosom Buddies Charitable

Trust to increase awareness of the disease in Gibraltar. Through

a programme of annual events, fund-raising, and through her poetry and publications she has raised the profile of breast cancer and played a major role in the establishment of a screening programme in Gibraltar.

Through her own example and selfless dedication she has inspired many others to fight the disease.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

honours A widely acknowledged expert

on Gibraltar flora and a long

standing member of the

GONHS, Leslie Linares has

made a major contribution to

botany in Gibraltar. He has also been secretary of the

Gibraltar Photographic Society for some 30 years and through his exceptional skill as a teacher has introduced countless beginners to photography. He has helped bring this art form to the front of stage and is associated with the organisation and success of every exhibition and competition held in Gibraltar.

Whether conducting weekly

first aid courses, carrying out

duties at public events, or driving

and caring for patients in transit,

George Payas is the face of

St John and a pillar of the organisation in Gibraltar. Through

his commitment to help others he has given many years of dedicated service to the community, well beyond that expected of a volunteer, encouraging others to join and inspiring those within the organisation.

Achieving his own Gold Award in 1976, Michael Pizzarello has volunteered with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award for over 25 years. Rising through leader and assessor stages he has been the Director for 17 years

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

— responsible for recruiting, training, and development of the Award in Gibraltar. He has inspired leaders and participants and 3000+ young people have benefitted from his help with 150 achieving Gold in the last five years alone.

Hector Romero has been

involved in athletics in Gibraltar

for some 50 years. He has

trained athletes at all levels,

imbuing them with discipline,

confidence, self-esteem and

the pursuit of healthy life styles.

As Head Coach in Gibraltar for nearly 30 years and for 12 Island Games he has been instrumental in Gibraltar’s successes and made a major contribution to sporting development and achievement on the Rock. Hector has been an inspiration to those he has coached.

As a result of her compas sionate interest in and empathy

for families affected by drug or

alcohol abuse, Marisa

Vinales founded Families

Anonymous in Gibraltar in 1992.

For the last two decades she has

dedicated herself to the service of families facing, with personal and moral courage, the challenges presented in dealing with difficult and often harrowing family situations. She has shown extraordinary personal dedication in helping 100s of people in Gibraltar come to terms with the challenges they face.

Peter Caetano has been

involved in boxing in Gibraltar

for nearly 30 years. A coach with

the Gibraltar Amateur Boxing

Association, he is currently

responsible for the 13-17 year age group, inspiring his trainees

with discipline, courage and self-confidence. He also plays a significant role in charitable work through the GABA and on his own account, supporting charities and helping others in need on an individual basis.

Kenneth Navas has been a

role model for 100s of

people in Gibraltar in the 50 years

he has run his gym. Young people

have particularly benefitted

from his mentoring and encouragement, given freely and

with the aim of fulfilling his vision of creating better and healthier life styles. His outstanding and sustained contribution has made a real impact in the community.

Mercy Posso recently stepped

down as Chairperson of the

Friends of Mount Alvernia, a

position she held for nearly half

her 30 years of voluntary work at

the home. She inspired and led the Friends in their support and

fund-raising activities and was instrumental in liaising with the Elderly Care Agency, to ensure the Friends are able to add extras to enhance people’s lives. n

23

HR Issues:

Dealing with a Bad Attitude words | Sylvia Kenna, The HR Dept

“

I have a member of staff who has a ‘bad attitude’. I find myself telling them things over and over again and they still don’t do as I ask. They won’t take on extra tasks and complain all the time about how badly they are treated. Recently I did not pay them for two days off when they said they were sick because they didn’t even contact us or tell us when they would return. I think they are preparing for an Unfair Dismissal Claim”.

24

The fear of an ‘Unfair Dismissal Claim’ is justified by businesses in Gibraltar. With no real cap on awards/damages, something like this could pose a serious risk to the business from a financial view as well as a reputational one.

If you decide to dismiss this employee be warned that there are some cases where dismissal is automatically unfair. Treating people unfairly on the basis of sex, race, religious belief etc. is always something that must be eliminated in the workplace — it is a legal issue covered by discrimination legislation.

Another area to be aware of is when the employee is being stopped from asserting a statutory right such as having time of for dependents, being pregnant, working in excess of the ‘Working Time Regulations’ or being a member of a trade union.

Another danger is if the employee feels the unfairness is so serious it could lead to what is called a ‘fundamental breach of trust and confidence’ — and this could lead to unfair constructive dismissal.

To avoid these dangers, here are some tips: Be honest and ask yourself whether a rea-

sonable person could possibly regard this person’s treatment as unfair. Withholding ‘discretionary’ sick pay may be unfair if in practise you usually pay it, or if you have paid it to somebody else in similar circumstances. If the answer is ‘yes’ — put in place a policy and be consistent by following your policy.

And ask yourself whether the person could show a discriminatory reason for the treatment that they think is unfair, is it because of them asserting some other right, or is it so serious it could lead to a ‘fundamental breach’?

An example of this is asking an Office Manager to take over the duties of the messenger, or reducing somebody’s pay, hours (unless there is an express right to do so in their contract) or holidays. If the answer is ‘yes’, you will probably be facing an Unfair Dismissal Claim.

If you answered both of the questions yes then you need to change the way you manage your employees. If the answer is no then you are most likely to be treating them fairly.

If your employee makes their complaints in writing, then they must be treated as a grievance, and the person is entitled to a meeting

Withholding ‘discretionary’ sick pay may be unfair if in practise you usually pay it, or if you have paid it to somebody else in similar circumstances GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

people file to discuss their concerns, as well as an appeal against any decisions that are made.

Take particular care if this person leaves and complains in a resignation letter. It will constitute a formal grievance, and needs handling as formal grievance.

‘Bad attitude’ is usually regarded as poor conduct, and if it is expressed in terms of refusing reasonable instructions, then they should be warned, and if they do not change their approach it would justify terminating their employment. However you will need to follow a formal disciplinary process if they have been employed by you for more that 52 weeks.

Remember additional tasks are not unheard of and are expected from time to time, so if you are seeing a ‘bad attitude’ to something not being in their job description make sure they are reasonable for this position and temporary.

If the person is consistently not following your policy for absence reporting, this is also poor conduct and could justify warnings (at least one before dismissal, or more if your disciplinary procedure requires more).

If you want to withhold sick pay if someone does not report their absence properly, you really should say so in your policy, and practice this consistently. You could also take time to understand what the reasons are, because sometimes there are valid reasons why people do not report in as required.

If you decide to dismiss this person for these

examples of poor conduct, then remember that as the law stands at the moment, they are entitled to written details of the allegation(s), an invitation to a meeting where they are entitled to a companion, and an appeal against any decision.

It is very important to keep a written record of all conversations, and document how you make any discretionary sick pay decisions.

Make sure these decisions are coordinated so that there is consistency across the company.

Make sure you have policies in place and everyone in your company is aware of them.

Make sure you follow the processes in your policies and that you are consistent in your management of staff. n The HR Dept. provides employment policies and staff handbooks via a subscription service and we can also support your business with advice on employment matters. See www.thehrdept.gi

Make sure you have policies in place and everyone in your company is aware of them. Make sure you follow the processes in your policies

DHL Gibraltar launches Import Express Service This new service involves the collection of documents and other packages (up to approx 100kg) from virtually anywhere in the world and delivery to Gibraltar using the DHL Express service.

DHL Import Express Worldwide gives the power and flexibility to effectively manage your imports. A fixed price; a single point of contact; a door-to-door service including customs clearance for non-document shipments.

Transit times from the UK and other major European locations is exceptionally fast - just one business day (subject to customs clearance for non-document shipments), and from the USA and Far East it can be as quick as two business days. n For pricing and information on this service contact Rosanne Darby or Michelle Rugeroni on Tel: 200 72210 email: rosanne.darby@dhl.com michelle.rugeroni@dhl.com.

Did you know, we have a Gibraltar messenger service too?

We collect, deliver... and wait and return if required.

Save yourself time and money, call us

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

25

Carol Haw and Levi Attias of local law firm Attias & Levy report on the expected impact of the EU Alternative Fund Manager Directive (“Directive”) for Gibraltar and other recent activities relating to funds.

Gibraltar’s Funds Industry Update The Gibraltar Funds & Investment Association (‘GFIA’) held its inaugural annual dinner at the Rock Hotel on 30th May. Honoured guests included HE the Governor Sir Adrian Johns, Chief Minister Fabian Picardo and after dinner speaker Jo Haigh. The Chief Minister announced to an audience packed with representatives from Gibraltar’s funds industry and their guests that the Government will be transposing into Gibraltar law the EU Alternative Fund Managers Directive ahead of the 22nd July 2013 deadline when it should be

26

incorporated into the national laws of all EU Member States.

The Chief Minister congratulated the funds sector on its evergrowing importance to the finance sector which is fully supported

by Government with both funding and staffing via the Finance Centre at Europort. He said he was impressed by the professionalism of the industry. GFIA Chairman James Lasry told guests that the sector now directly and indirectly employs some 400 people in Gibraltar.

The Directive focuses on the investment managers of funds as opposed to funds themselves, distinguishes between European Union and Non-European Union funds and their managers, and seeks to create a level regulatory and supervisory playing field within Europe for funds and managers.

Existing managers have up to one year from 22nd July 2013 to become authorised under the Directive. In Gibraltar the regulatory authority is the Financial Services Commission (‘FSC’).

Once authorised, fund managers will benefit from a pan European passport to manage and market their funds within Europe. There are exceptions for ‘small’ fund managers, that is those who manage assets of less than €100 million. Small managers are subject to a ‘lighter touch’ regulatory regime which requires them to register with and provide key information to the FSC. Most funds currently registered in Gibraltar are the popular ‘Experienced Investor Funds’ (‘EIFs’) designed for experienced or sophisticated investors, many of which will fall below the Directive’s thresholds, those over €100 million will have to apply to the FSC for authorisation within twelve months.

Gibraltar is one of just four EU specialist funds jurisdictions and it is widely expected that as a result implementation of the Directive it will become the focus of greater attention for the establishment of EIFs and as a base for investment fund managers wishing to set up operations within the EU and take advantage of pan European passporting.

The FSC has published on its website ‘AIFMD Information Pages’ which contain plenty of detailed information and guidance on the various aspects of the Directive and includes a very informative FAQs page. The FSC is also holding a presentation to discuss the Directive on 20th June to cover some of its main elements, its effect locally and to answer questions. The presentation is already fully subscribed.

Whilst the industry prepares for the changes the Directive will bring about, other recent developments are also expected to have a positive effect for Gibraltar.

GFIA recently published a Corporate Governance Code written by Joey Garcia, head of GFIA’s Technical Committee with contributions from other members. The FSC endorses

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

funds and supports adoption of the Code by all funds. A very successful seminar on corporate governance for Gibraltar funds organised by GFIA’s Training Committee was held at the Caleta Hotel on 30th May at which the Code was introduced and attendees had the benefit of hearing from both local and international professionals within the funds industry.

In 2012 Regulations governing EIFs were updated and, for the first time, foreign fund administrators who are approved were permitted to act as administrators of Gibraltar EIFs. To be so approved, foreign Administrators must demonstrate sufficient reputation and substance in their home territory. Insofar as ‘substance’ is concerned, it has recently been announced that a foreign administrator will usually automatically meet this criteria if it has assets under administration which exceed €2 billion. It is hoped that the clarification will attract interest from those wishing to establish funds in Gibraltar as a European jurisdiction but retain the services of their existing reputable foreign administrator with whom they may have a long-standing relationship.

Carol and Levi believe that implementation of the Directive, clarifying the substance crite-

It is hoped clarification will attract interest from those wishing to establish funds in Gibraltar as a European jurisdiction but retain the services of their existing reputable foreign administrator with whom they may have a long-standing relationship

update

New Executive Committee for GFIA The Gibraltar Funds & Investments Association (“GFIA”) has elected a new Executive Committee: James Lasry Joanne Sene Moe Cohen Joey Garcia Benjy Cuby Clark Elder Jonathan Tricker Carlos Martins Jordan Ramagge

Hassans International Law Firm Armor Portfolio Management Nexus Fund Administration Isolas Finsbury Trust & Corporate Services KPMG Deloitte Limited SG Hambros Credit Suisse

Joanne Beiso, Head of Funds Supervision at the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission, commented: “I look forward to continuing to work with the GFIA on the opportunities and challenges to the funds and investment industry locally.”

The Association Chairman commented “I am honoured to be appointed Chairman for the second consecutive year. The Association accomplished several significant goals this past year and I am

ria for foreign administrators and adoption of the Code combine to help push Gibraltar to the forefront of minds in funds circles. They happily report that they have recently been approached in relation to the establishment of EIFs and also by managers and administrators

Chairman Secretary Treasurer Chairman of Technical Committee Chairman of Marketing Committee Chairman of Training Committee Deputy Chairman of Technical Committee Deputy Chairman of Training Committee Deputy Chairman of Marketing Committee

pleased to be working with many of the same individuals on this years’ Executive Committee. I look forward to building upon the great work completed last year as well as in previous years. We would like to welcome on board Jonathan Tricker, a new addition this year to the executive team, who we are confident will add a good deal of value to the association and the industry. We would also like to thank our membership for entrusting us to work on their behalf for the good of the Gibraltar funds and investments industry.” n

of funds considering a move to Gibraltar. In summary, both believe that these developments may quickly bring increasing work to Gibraltar for the sector generally as well as an ever increasing workload for our regulator, the FSC. n

The CAB volunteers

Gibraltar CAB: Celebrating Volunteers In June, Volunteers’ Week was a time to reflect on and think about all the hard work volunteers carry out locally and thank them.

For many groups, such as the Gibraltar Citizen’s Advice Bureau, volunteers are a lifeline, and they would not be able to function without the tireless support they receive GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

from volunteers.

By volunteering it is possible to make a real difference to people’s life and put to good use your experiences and expertise. It is also the perfect opportunity to try something new and a chance to develop new talents and skills.

The Gibraltar CAB has volunteers who con-

tribute to outreach services, the Money Advice Clinic, and other specialist services the bureau has set up for the community. n For more information on volunteering opportunities in the community contact Joanna McGrail, Senior Adviser at the Gibraltar Citizens Advice Bureau on 200 40006, email info@cab.gi or visit their website www.cab.gi.

27

film

media

Economic benefits for film locations & tourism

words | Chloe Ramírez

On Global James Bond Day, marking the 50th anniversary of the 007 film franchise, VisitBritain launched its biggest ever film tourism campaign, centered around the release of Skyfall, the 23rd James Bond adventure.

VisitBritain also launched an online Skyfall experience called ‘Agent UK’, designed to engage with the large digital and social media following, that the national tourism agency already enjoys. The campaign is associated with Twitter, Facebook and Google+.

Across the Atlantic, the Ministry of Culture of Colombia issued a law to “promote the country for making films.” Filming Colombia Law provides a number of economic benefits to directors who make films in Colombia such us a reimbursement of 40% of expenditure made ​​in the recruitment of national production, and post-production, and 20% of expenditure on housing, food and transportation, and thus seeks to encourage the local film industry and make Colombia a competitive international market where producers are constantly looking for new locations for the film industry.

Since the 1950s, Gibraltar has been home to many international film productions, for example: The Silent Enemy was filmed on location in Gibraltar in 1958, the 1982 film Tangiers is partly

28

set in Gibraltar, the opening scene of the film The Living Daylights (from the James Bond film series) takes place in Gibraltar, the popular BBC ’90s TV show The Detectives, has an episode set in Gibraltar and features a ride in the cable car, and in the 2011 film The Muppets a shot of the Rock of Gibraltar appears during the “Travel by Map” scene.

Linking Tourism and Cinema is increasing. Tourists are interested to know more about the place where their favourite movie was filmed, so tourism and filming combined have mutual benefits. n

Since the 1950s, Gibraltar has been home to many international productions from The Silent Enemy to Top Gear

Rocking the Small Screen Part of a forthcoming edition of Top Gear, one of the BBC’s most popular programmes, was filmed at Gibraltar’s airport at the beginning of June.

The programme is estimated to have around 350 million viewers per week in 170 different countries. The show is

presented by Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May who all arrived on a lunchtime flight from Heathrow but, in line with the programme-makers’ policy, there was a news blackout until the filming was completed around 2pm.

Earlier in the day, another crew filmed most of Gibraltar’s tourist sites whilst two ‘super cars’ (a McLaren and an Audi) were be-

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

media

ing filmed on the MOD’s North Dispersal with the north face of the Rock as the background.

There was no truth in the rumour that they would be racing each other down the runway!

The filming will form part of a programme in which the super cars drive from Gibraltar through Spain and back to the UK. The making of Top Gear, the world’s most widely watched factual television programme, comes hard on the heels of Michael Portillo’s Great Continental

film

Railway Journeys which was filmed on the Rock in June and episodes of detective series New Tricks, filmed in Gibraltar at the end of 2012, and to be aired on BBC in September this year.

Meanwhile the first of five episodes of the Channel 5 programme, Gibraltar - Britain in the Sun were broadcast in June on Tuesdays.

There is certainly lots of coverage for Gibraltar on British television lately! n

The New Tricks cast in Gibraltar at the end of last year

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

29

property

file

Urban Regeneration for Gibraltar’s Old Town The Gibraltar Heritage Trust welcomed recent announcements by Government of the redevelopment of the old St Bernard’s Hospital into a school and the new impetus given to the urban regeneration of Gibraltar’s old town.

The Sister’s Quarters have been saved from demolition

The hospital buildings have a significant heritage value both historically and visually and the Trust feels the project as proposed will preserve and enhance many features of this beautiful building in the heart of our old town. The Trust has worked with

government towards avoiding the demolition of the Sister’s Quarters at the southern end of the site as originally proposed in the initial schemes.

The Trust maintains the view that the regeneration of these areas will provide new incentives to encourage families and businesses back into the old town and breathe life back into this area.

The potential of linking up these streets with major untapped areas such as the Northern Defences, Grand Battery, and new routes into Casemates is immense in touristic and heritage terms.

“Looking at these projects holistically, together with the long promised revised Heritage Protection Act and Town Planning Act it brings the promise of a new impetus to make use of and celebrate our local architecture, that which is so typically Gibraltarian, in the heart of old Gibraltar.” n

Revised Environmental Action & Management Plan released Government of Gibraltar has published a revised version of the Gibraltar Environmental Action & Management Plan. This document acts as a blueprint for the Government’s environmental policy and reflects the commitments and policy goals of the Government for the coming years.

30

The plan has gone out to consultation with all Government departments and environmental NGO’s to ensure that it encompasses the views of all those who will be working to ensure its delivery.

Notable changes in the new version of the document include specific chapters dedicated to development and planning issues, green buildings and traffic and transport, indicating

the Government’s increased awareness of the importance of these matters for effective environmental management.

The revised plan also contains more tangible goals and timeframes within which these are to be delivered, looking forward as far as 2015. The plan is a live document and consequently will be reviewed and updated as circumstances require. In 2015 progress will be evaluated and

a new plan developed to carry Gibraltar forward to 2020.

The revised EAMP is a more concise and accessible document which Government will use to guide its policy and decision making processes across all areas. n The full version of the revised EAMP is available on the Gibraltar Government website www.gibraltar.gov.gi

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

property

file

The Urban Renewal Programme In June, the government launched an Urban Renewal Programme which aims to regenerate the area from Road to the Lines through to Hospital Ramp and will link with the restoration of the exSt Bernard’s Hospital.

Minister responsible for Urban Renewal, Dr John Cortes, said, “Soon we will have an operational escalator linking the upper town with Engineer’s Lane. This is but an initial phase of a much wider vision in investing in our community. We want to renew the upper town, make it attractive for residents and visitors, and generate new activity in what is a strikingly beautiful, but up to now neglected, part of Gibraltar.”

The Upper Town Urban Renewal Programme is a multifaceted initiative, which aims at addressing community needs and creating quality spaces. Schemes within the programme are the conversion

of the ex-St. Bernard’s Hospital into a first and middle school and the upgrading and improving of streets and ramps which will connect many key historic sites.

As part of the Urban Renewal Programme, historic run-down and empty properties have been put out to tender and will be restored and converted into modern dwellings in accordance with heritage best practice guidelines.

This all forms part of a vision to create a better urban environment. n

Artist’s impressions of the new look sites and (right) how the area looks today

The Upper Town Urban Renewal Programme is a multifaceted initiative, which aims at addressing community needs and creating quality spaces

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

31

Should the Rock Harness the Sun? words | Andy Mortlock, Cocoon

Gibraltar’s unique geographical location means that we receive in excess of 2,750 hours of sunshine on average per year here on the Rock.

Brighton, for example, on the south coast of England receives around only 1,760 hours of sunshine per year.

So what this means is that the residents of Gibraltar are in a very enviable position in that they can take full advantage of renewable energies such as photovoltaic for generating electricity or solar thermal which can be used for heating hot water, whether it is used for taking a shower, heating the swimming pool or for heating a Jacuzzi, if you are lucky enough to have one!

Gone are the days when solar thermal hot water meant that you had to have a large and somewhat ugly water tank sticking out like a sore thumb on your roof. Nowadays there are two main types of panels, evacuated tube and flat plate collectors. Flat plate collectors which we consider here are approximately 80mm thick, and vary in size, but a standard panel is around two square meters.

• Installing solar thermal panels to generate hot water for your home is a great way to do your bit towards reducing CO 2 emissions. It is a well established technology that is cheaper than most to install and gives good returns from Day One and for its whole lifetime — likely to be 25 to 30 years.

• It will contribute to reducing the amount of fossil fuels we

32

•

• •

• •

•

burn here in Gibraltar and therefore the amount of CO2 emitted will be reduced, the obvious benefit here is that the air quality will improve!

It will also contribute towards the current government’s commitment to producing at least 15% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020, as required under the Directive on Promotion of the Use of Energy from Renewable Sources (2009/28/EC).

It’s good for taking control of your energy needs It’s good for making sure you’ve always got the energy you need without relying on others or other countries It’s good for the planet and for our children But really and perhaps as a sound starting point, it’s good for your finances and your pocket!

The average saving per annum of carbon emissions (CO2) for the standard system we discuss here for a family of 3 to 4 people is in excess of 2,000kg

For further information or advice contact Cocoon Renewable Energy Consultants — John Clifford, Director, 54018595 or Andy Mortlock, Technical Director, 54037734 — or email nfo@cocoon.gi

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

Our Plastic Problem...

Every year over six million tonnes of rubbish is dumped into the world’s oceans, 80% of which is plastic. Plastic is responsible for killing an estimated one million sea birds and hundreds of thousands of animals including turtles and whales.

In Gibraltar there has been a lot of talk recently about ‘bags for life’ and Morrisons has introduced a charge for its plastic bags of 2p in an effort to reduce the environmental burden of these ubiquitous bags. Store Manager Gary Chant reports the reduction in bags used has been significant since the beginning of the campaign.

This is good news, because whatever we

A sea turtle swims in a sea of plastic

do to avoid it, our plastic bags can end up in the sea where they can become serial killers.

Plastics sit in a solid knot in the stomach of turtles, for example, causing digestive problems. When turtles then feed on normal foods they ferment, creating a buildup of gas. These turtles are called “floaters” and bob helplessly on the surface. They cannot feed and their metabolism drops. Once the animal dies it decomposes, then releases the plastic back into the environment to kill again. Plastic bags take hundreds of years to decompose (some experts predict the

lifespan of a plastic bag ranges from 500 to 1000 years) so the impact of just one bag can be devastating.

What can you do to help? Use your own bags when you go grocery shopping — take them with you. Avoid produce bags when buying veg — a red pepper doesn’t need to be segregated from two onions to stop them fighting on the way to your fridge! Use paper bags when possible.

Avoid overly or unecessarily packaged items.

When shopping on the high street, ask for no bags if you have bought items you can easily carry without, or will fit into your handbag. You don’t need a bag to leave the shop, you have your receipt. Even with large items, often the package an item comes in, or nothing at all, is just as convenient as putting that package into another bag. Pack your purchases to save bags. Consolidate items into one single bag rather than acquiring a new bag in each shop.

If you cannot avoid getting a plastic bag or packaging from the shop, at least reuse it at the supermarket, then use it as a rubbish bag or torn in half or quarters for cleaning up pet poop. n

Commercial & Industrial LED Lighting Solutions for reduced costs and a better environment.

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

65950 | email: info@pclgib.com | website: www.pclgib.com 33

Home Help

ASK MEME email your interior design questions to meme@denvilledesigns.com or write to her at 62 Engineer Lane, Gibraltar

Is your home in decorating crisis?

Do you need help to tame the interior chaos?

Meme is here to tackle all your decorating, furnishing and style problems.... One room at a time.

Your decorating dilemmas answered

by Meme Fairbank of Denville Designs

Q

I am moving into

the Anchorage and

I want to keep my

home looking modern and don’t want curtains. Will vertical blinds look too much like an office?

Maite, Anchorage No, of course not, unless the furniture is office furniture style. Also vertical blinds have come a long way in the last few years in shape and style, you can even get leather, rattan and wooden verticals so there is something to suit every style.

Q

We have just moved into Queensway Quay and my balcony faces our neighbour’s. How can I block the neighbours out without building any screens?

Can you suggest a removable solution?

Brian, Queensway Quay

I like big pots of bamboo, or similar plants. They work as a great screen and are easy to look after or move. You can also place solar lights in the pots to give a really nice evening effect.

I have bought a

small apartment

at Both Worlds,

what can I do to make it seem more spacious?

Sam, Both Worlds

Q 34

Q

I have just moved to

Gibraltar and at

present I am renting

and may move again. What could I do with my bare walls that won’t cost much money?

Steven, Watergardens If your style is modern or traditional a great low cost idea is to either use existing frames, or buy some from a pound shop, and place different wallpaper or fabric cut-offs in them. It gives a real good effect and is low cost and easy to change.

Keep furnishings to the minimum and declutter. Use simple window dressings to give you more floor space. Also, using larger pieces of furniture is better than lots of small furniture and mirrors are a great way to make an area appear larger.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

home ideas

Q Q

I have a really bad

damp area on one of

my walls, what can

I do?

Caroline, Engineer’s Lane

This a problem with most of the old Gibraltar buildings, and is difficult to deal with as there is no lasting solution.

The best and cheapest way is to have the damp wall lined with plasterboard. The damp eventually comes through the plaster board, but it does help for a few years. The only other option is to take all the plaster off the wall, treat the wall and re-plaster, but the damp can always reoccur in this case as well. Try to keep windows open to ventilate the area as much as possible.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

I am getting

married in

September

and want to buy, rather than renting, some table decorations so I don’t waste my budget. I will have 10 tables of 12. Do you have any ideas that are not too expensive?

Anne, New Harbours I love the idea of white /cream vintage birdcages for wedding table centre pieces.

Put fresh or silk flowers in them and/or fairy lights or candles for the evening. They are great to keep yourself or to give as gifts for the bridesmaids afterwards as they can be used in most homes, indoors or out. Try putting pot plants in them or using them as lights.

35

property

GK Chesterton & the Gibraltar Literary Festival In March 2013, Chesterton was approached by Her Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar to be a foundation sponsor of the first international Literary Festival on the Rock which is taking place from 25th - 27th October 2013. It was a natural fit given the high profile of GK Chesterton, a member of the renowned real estate family, in the literary world.

36

The event, commissioned by Government, is being organised by the organisers of the Sunday Times Oxford Literary Festival and the Blenheim Palace Literary Festival.

Reflecting Gibraltar’s unique history, located between the cultures of Europe and North Africa, and at the crossroads of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, the festival will celebrate these fusions, as well as Gibraltar’s centuries as a British Citadel and as a great staging post for international travel and commerce.

A set of three commemorative stamps were issued by Gibraltar in May to mark the Festival.

More than 70 novelists, authors and writers will be flying into Gibraltar to speak at the Festival from the UK, the USA, India, Morocco, Spain, Italy, Sri Lanka, France and The Netherlands and will be joined by Gibraltar writers.

Kate Aide, Joanne Harris, Peter Snow (remember the electionswingometer?!), Madhur Jeffrey, Ken Hom, Stefanie Powers, Peter Kemp (chief fiction critic for the Sunday Times), Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor are just some of the many literary folkwho have already confirmed their involvement.

Chesterton is pleased to sponsor a special talk on GK Chesterton at this year’s Literary Festival. It will be given by the distinguished literary critic, biographer and novelist, D.J. Taylor. Acclaimed for his biographies of Thackeray and George Orwell (winner of the Whitbread prize), Taylor has written nine novels and four acclaimed works on 20th century British fiction.

He is currently working on a study of major inter-war British novelists.

Gilbert Keith Chesterton, author, wit and social critic was born in London, England on 29th May, 1874. He was a tall man, six foot two inches and stout, weighing nearly 300 pounds. He dressed unconventionally in a wide-brimmed slouch hat and flowing cloak and carried a swordstick. Famous at only 32, with a leonine head and a straggly blonde moustache he was instantly recognisable in public and in caricature. His paternal great grandfather, grandfather and father were engaged in the family business of selling property, which was established in London in 1805 and is now worldwide, including in Gibraltar since 2008.

Chesterton was a prolific writer. He wrote around 80 books, several hundred poems, 200 short stories and 4,000 essays. He later credited the strong influence of the Junior Debating

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

property

Club (of which he was Chairman) on his youthful development. The club met weekly at the home of one of its dozen teenage members and following tea, one of them read a paper which was then debated. Chesterton’s first prose and verse were printed in The Debater and his essays on Milton, Pope, Gray, Cowper, Burns and Wordsworth were of particular merit.

Chesterton never fought shy of defending his beliefs. He achieved public recognition early on as he was one of the few journalists to oppose the Boer War. Chesterton converted to Catholicism in 1922. On the same day he wrote his celebrated poem The Convert.

Chesterton had an active interest in politics. He began by fighting the sale of peerages as a means of secretly raising party funds, and denounced every other form of political corruption. He resigned from the Liberal owned Daily News after making statements regarding the Liberal party leaders which include: “Some of them are very nice gentlemen, some of them are very nasty old gentlemen, and some of them are old without being gentlemen at all” and again, “The best of His Majesty’s Ministers are agnostics, and the worst are devil worshippers”. Most of the government were Church of England men so this comment hit hard.

Chesterton was a champion against corruption and the socio-economic conditions prevalent at the time and formulated his own programme:Distributism. This was in reaction to the law of private ownership whereby a law was introduced, namely ‘the law of enclosure’ which ensured five million acres ceased to be the common property of the poor and became the private property of the rich. In Chesterton’s strong opinion, and he expressed it succinctly, every man ought to be allowed to own “three acres and a cow”.

Gilbert Keith Chesterton had a huge personality, he was exuberant and maintained warm friendships even with people he disagreed with vehemently (George Bernard Shaw and H.G.Wellsfor example). His work schedule was highly pressurised with a constant stream of lecture engagements, far and wide and to almost every type of organisation — religious, social, literary and even political. He was famous, he was in demand and he could never say ‘no’.

He fitted in his writing at odd moments and the newspaper essays almost overran their deadlines. Notoriously absent-minded, he would send his wife telegrams en-route to appointments. A typical one read: “Am in Market Harborough. Where ought I to be?”

GK Chesterton was indeed gifted and he exercised his talents across a wide and varied spectrum. From all accounts, he did so with humility and charity. Indulge in the fantasy GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

Research on GK Chesterton is credited to author and journalist Chryselle Brown

and fiction of Chesterton’s works and consign realism away from the celebrity and back to the ordinary — therein you will discover a realm of magic and wonder.

The focus for the inaugural Festival will be the Garrison Library, founded in 1793 for officers of the Garrison and opened by HRH The Duke of Kent in 1804. Transferred to HM Government of Gibraltar in 2011, the Library’s handsome ballroom has now been restored and will be the Green Room for the Literary Festival. Other Festival venues will include: King’s Chapel; City Hall; St Andrew’s Church; King’s Bastion; the Anglican Cathedral and John Mackintosh Hall.

An event programme and further information on how to obtain tickets for the GK Chesterton talkand all other events will be issued in due course by the organisers.

But for now, I finish this month’s column with just two of my many favourite GK Chesterton quotes:

“

When it comes to life the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude

”

“

There are two ways to get enough. One is to continue to accumulate more and more. The other is to desire less

”

Mike Nicholls is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, a member of the Gibraltar Society of Accountants, a member of the Gibraltar Funds and Investment Association and a board member of the Gibraltar Chamber of Commerce. Mike operates the Chesterton estate agency in Gibraltar and runs a real estate investment solutions consultancy.

37

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home file

Buy cheap frames from a pound shop and fill them with black and white photographs from magazines, your family photos or even newspapers. Arrange them creatively to form a cluster

are your walls

Anyone can create a Mondrian — no, really, they can... give it a go

Blankity Blank?

The walls of your home really are a blank canvas for you to fill with creativity. You don’t need to buy an expensive work of art to fill them. Try these suggestions to get your home looking lovely...

Get creative with shelves — not only do they add storage space but they can make quite a feature. Choose quirky colours and keep the displays simple.

MAN & VAN

IKEAN Tel: 54008299 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

• Removals • Collections • Deliveries • IKEA Runs • Clearances You name it, we move it!

39

Ask the Architect Your structural and design questions answered by Ruth Massias Greenberg of Gamma Concepts www.gamma.gi

ASK RUTH email your architectural questions to ruth@gamma.gi

Looking to make structural changes to your home or office? Need design advice? Want to know what you can and can’t do? Ruth is here to answer your architectural questions

Q

I live in a block of flats and want to replace my windows with double glazing. Do I need planning permission?

That depends! The planning laws in Gibraltar dictate that anything that changes the outward appearance of a building requires planning permission. If you are changing your windows “like for like”, that is to say that you use the same opening mechanism, frame material, thickness and colour, then the chances are you will not require planning permission. If, however, any of these factors change, a planning application is likely to be required. The same follows for any other changes to the outward appearance of buildings, for example, changing the colour of the facade or installing an A.C. unit.

For more information contact the Town Planning Department or to view planning laws in Gibraltar visit: www.gibraltarlaws.gov.gi/full_index.php and click on Town Planning (Building Development Control) Regulations 2001.

On a side note, you should also ensure, that any management companies or owners of the property are informed and happy for the works to proceed.

Alternatively, contact an architect who will be able to advise you on your specific case. n

Q

I am about to open a

new shop and want to redecorate myself. Can

you give me some simple pointers on how to start? ● Do your research — look online and at magazines. Start collecting a series of images which best suit your aims and perhaps create a “mood book”. ● Have clear aims and goals. Try to get a clear idea of what you would like to achieve with the space. Then, prioritise them so that if (or when!) you need to be flexible on some as you go through the process, you can eliminate the items at the bottom of the list. ● Talk to friends who have gone through the process and get pointers. Inevitably mistakes are made so you may as well learn from other people’s ex-

40

periences. ● Draw up, as best you can to scale, what you would like to do with the space. This will make it easier to explain your ideas to others; contractors, or even the people selling you the tiles or wallpaper!

It may be worth considering hiring professional consultants. Even though this does have a cost it may well save time and money in the long run. Consultants are experts and have valuable know-how.

They may also offer a different and imaginative perspective.

Another option is to hire a professional to start you off on the process and give you initial advice, and then complete the project on your own. Don’t cut corners by doing it yourself without the proper checks.

Either way, even if you are

doing a DIY job, ensure you are Planning and Building Control not contravening any regulations (Tel: 200 75483). This is not only by talking your project over with a way of ensuring you keep safe GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

advice but will also save you trouble when trying to sell your property or the lease. If you have carried out any works to the property which should have gone through planning and building control, you will usually be requested to show a certificate of fitness by the buyer’s solicitors. Additionally, carrying out works without permits may affect your insurance when you try to make a claim.

In summary, starting a new venture is a big deal and should be a happy experience, so it is

Q

My child is choosing

A levels and is

thinking of becoming

an architect. What subjects should he choose and what is the process?

Schools of Architecture usually ask for two or three A level subjects including Maths, Art or Physics. Students interested in taking a degree in architecture should contact Schools of Architecture to find out the exact entry requirements, as these do vary and schools may sometimes be flexible depending on other factors.

The process of qualification is not short, but is very rewarding. Firstly, you must undertake a three year Undergraduate Degree programme leading to the award of a Bachelor’s degree with Honours (BA, BSc or B.Arch). This stage is known as ‘Part 1’. After this, there is the first period where you spend at least a year in professional training which means working for an architect’s practice as an architect’s assistant.

Following this a further two years of ‘Advanced Undergraduate’ study is required, known as ‘Part 2’. This normally leads to the award of a Diploma and/or Master’s degree in Architecture.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

building

Carrying out works without permits may affect your insurance when you try to make a claim important you make sure you are properly informed beforehand and your aims are clear in your mind — one thing’s for sure trying ideas out on paper is far less costly than trying them out for real! n

The process of qualification is not short, but is very rewarding Finally, after at least a year in professional training, you must complete an examination in Professional Practice and Management in Architecture — known as ‘Part 3’. This may also carry the award of a Diploma, Certificate or Master’s degree.

Until recently, it was compulsory to do at least half of the professional practice in the UK, so it’s best to check if you want to do part or all of the professional practice in Gibraltar.

Although it is a long process (seven years at least), on the plus side one could argue that time does fly and if you really enjoy it you may as well do it as it is worth having a career you enjoy.

It did take me nine years to qualify, including having one child in between and another was due two weeks after the final exam. I had my maternity bag ready in the car on the drive to the exam and my husband had mapped out all the hospitals on the route but the goal is definitely worthwhile and I don’t regret a minute of it! n

41

health & medical directory

health& fitness Bell Pharmacy

Your Family Chemists

Here to help you by answering all your pharmaceutical questions Consult us at 27 Bell Lane Tel: 200 77289 Fax: 200 42989

McTimoney Chiropractor Gentle holistic treatment for all back or muscular problems and sports injuries Gillian Schirmer MA, DC, MMCA Clinic (Claudia’s), 1st Floor, 58 Main Street Tel: 200 41733 or after hours: 200 40026

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

CHEMISTS

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

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

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

Counselling

Patrick Gabay AQA Adv Dip in Counselling Tel: 200 59955 / 54014124

Health Clubs

Atlantic Suites Health Club & Spa Tel: 200 48147

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

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

PERSONAL TRAINERS

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

Simon Coldwell Complete Fitness Unit G3, Eliott Hotel Tel: 200 51113

Need somebody to talk to?

Isabella Jimenez BSc (hons) Unit 5, 1st Floor, ICC Tel: 54002226 email: jimenez.isabella@gmail.com

Physicians

Dr Norbert V Borge FRCP (London) 7-9 Cornwall’s Lane Tel/Fax: 200 75790 College Clinic, Ground Floor, Regal House, Queensway.

Tel: 200 77777 www.collegeclinic.gi

Primary Care Centre 2nd Flr International Commercial Centre Weekend & Public Holiday Opening Hours (use Irish Town entrance) Saturday: 9am - 11am, 5pm - 6pm Sunday & Public Holidays: 10am - 11am, 5pm - 6pm

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SPECIALISTS

7 days a week 5pm-9pm

College Clinic, Ground Floor, Regal House, Queensway.

Tel: 200 77777 www.collegeclinic.gi

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUly 2013

well-being health

l

Here’s Health

Aloe

Vera Hydrate Yourself!

We all love to lounge in the sun and now the hot weather is here there is plenty of opportunity, but too much of a good thing can have serious repercussions. One of the most common and potentially serious consequences of the heat is dehydration.

Not drinking enough water or sports drink can lead to dehydration and exposure to the sun dries us out even more. When alcohol is consumed, we get further dehydrated. And it doesn’t just mean we feel thirsty.

Untreated, dehydration can lead to shock and may become life-threatening.

Learn to recognise dehydration symptoms early so you can take action before it becomes dangerous. Watch out for: • dizziness • headache • dark urine • inability to urinate • dry mouth and nose • weakness • nausea and vomiting

Especially take care with children, and watch out for these dehydration symptoms • dry mouth and tongue • no tears when crying • no wet nappies for 3+ hours • sunken abdomen, eyes, cheeks • high fever • listlessness or irritability • skin that does not flatten when pinched and released

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

Dehydration is particularly dangerous for children, who can die from it within a matter of days.

Although water is extremely important in preventing dehydration, it does not contain electrolytes. To maintain electrolyte levels, drink fruit juices, soft fruits, or eat vegetables, which contain potassium.

Sports drinks, like Gatorade, can help restore electrolytes. For children, doctors often recommend a special rehydration solution which contains the nutrients they need. n

Most of us look forward to Gibraltar’s lovely summer sun and lazy time spent relaxing in its rays, but every now and then, even the most diligent of us overdoes it and the resulting blistering sunburn not only increases our risk of developing a serious type of skin cancer called malignant melanoma but is painful and prevents us from sleeping.

Skin cancer usually develops from a sunburn received during childhood so it is extra important to protect kids at vulenrable times, but as the Earth’s ozone layer thins, we are all more vulnerable to ultraviolet (UV) rays that cause skin cancer.

Treating a sunburn quickly is important to help reduce the damage and to protect against further damage and there is nothing better than aloe vera gel; it is antibacterial and deeply healing for burns — in part because of aloectin B, which stimulates the immune system. Aloe vera gel is even used in hospitals to treat burn victims. Aloe Vera comes from the aloe vera plant, and the gel may be squeezed directly from its leaves, or you can buy pure aloe vera gel as a product.

What is Water Intoxication?

The opposite problem to dehydration is water intoxication (hyponatremia). This very rare condition comes most commonly from sweating all day and only drinking water. It’s important to get electrolytes in the body as well as water. If you don’t feel like eating on a hot day when you’re sweating a lot, drink sports drinks instead of water. You can also by electrolyte powders to mix with water from chemists and sport shops which is more portable especially when travelling.

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health

& well-being

Daniel Tafur PhD with Claudia Schiel and Stacey Britto of Claudia’s Clinic on Main Street

Master of Implantology & Oral Rehabilitation now at Caludia’s Clinic Claudia’s Clinic on the first floor at 58 Main Street has some exciting new specialists arriving over next month or so.

The first of these specialists

is Daniel Tafur PhD, Master in Implantology and Oral Rehabilitation. Daniel, who was born in Malaga and qualified in Granada, will be working two days a week

at Claudia’s Clinic doing cosmetic work, oral surgery, implants, and periodontics.

Tel: 200 74040 to make an appointment or for more information.

Simple Healthy Tips Inhale for Sharpness!

According to some research, catching a whiff of aromatic herb Rosemary may increase alertness and improve memory. To stay sharp, try smelling fresh rosemary

or inhaling the scent of rosemary essential oil before a test or meeting.

Seem Fishy?

If you suffer from dry eyes, up your seafood intake. Salmon, sardines,

and mackerel contain omega-3 fatty acids, which the body uses to produce tears, among other things.

Research suggests that people who consume higher amounts of these fats are less likely to have dry eyes. Omega-3 is also available in flaxseed oil - perfect for salad days.

Tension Headache?

Bring tension headaches under control by rubbing peppermint oil, Tiger Balm, or white flower oil into your temples. All three remedies contain menthol, which has analgesic properties.

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

well-being &

MAC on Main Street MAC opens its first make-up shop in Gibraltar this month at SM Seruya, 139 Main Street.

Top Gibraltar make-up artist Deepak Ramchandani is the newly appointed manager, and SM Seruya is delighted to bring this brand to the Rock.

This is an ambitious challenge

for Deepak, who says having MAC is “Overwhelmingly exciting and innovative.” As MAC is a world recognised brand he says he is privileged to lead this project and believes there is a big market in for colouring in Gibraltar as it is so multicultural.

His energetic team, Arian

and Daniella, are professionally trained by MAC and will guide women of every age and colouring to achieve the perfect look.

“We have to move with the times as make-up is like fashion — we need to be one step ahead,” he adds. “Giving the ultimate service is important,” he says. “ Our

health

clients deserve the best and the latest in luxury beauty care and colour.” His passion for the brand shines through and he plans to introduce MAC make-up parties, workshops, corporate events, personalised make-overs and students day outs.

Watch this space! n

Vicki Jones, MBACP, BSc (Hons) Psychology, PG Dip Integrative Counselling & Psychotherapy

Vicki Jones is an experienced psychotherapist who has highly successful outcomes working with people suffering with a variety of anxiety disorders including panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder, generalised anxiety disorder, specific phobias and posttraumatic stress disorder. She also treats those suffering from low self-esteem, relationship problems and anger issues.

She offers an individually designed intervention to suit the requirements and specific problems of each person. Please consult Vicki’s website at www.anxietytherapist.co.uk for further information.

Therapy sessions are conducted via Skype in the comfort of your own home. Quote ‘GibMag’ for introductory offer.

As Vicki is based in Gibraltar and central England, face to face counselling sessions are available in those areas.

Please contact Vicki via email: Vicki_jones1@sky.com or leave contact details on Skype vickijones4 to arrange your FREE consultation.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

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Personalised Post Procedure Aftercare in Gibraltar

When choosing a Cosmetic Surgeon, consider the importance of aftercare Aria Medical Group stands out amongst cosmetic surgery providers in Gibraltar.

The company, founded by Chief Surgeon Dr Marco Vricella, has a strong philosophy that focuses on client care, rather than on high pressure sales.

This caring approach is also reflected in Aria’s post procedure service in Gibraltar.

Much is made of post operative aftercare promises by cosmetic surgery providers, but who really keeps their promises in Gibraltar?

Aria Medical Group has a personalised fullyinclusive aftercare programme, included in the price of every cosmetic surgery procedure: U Post procedure home visits in Gibraltar U Follow up consultations at College Clinic in Gibraltar U Scheduled post operative check up consultations after 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year U Additional post operative consultations if required, free of charge U Free revision surgery if required within the first year U 24 hour help line Aria Medical Group’s personalised aftercare is provided by Dr. Marco Vricella and his dedicated team, headed by Damien Moore, Specialist Nurse, and Louise Truelove, Head Patient Co-ordinator.

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Damien is a dedicated, friendly medical professional with a career that has spanned many years. He is a Specialist Nurse, Physiologist and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. He has worked at St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin and at St Thomas’ Hospital Intensive Care and Plastic Surgery Units in London.

Free Consultations If you want to find out more, then Dr. Vricella holds free consultations at College Clinic, Regal House, Gibraltar every 2 weeks – for dates and to book an appointment please call:

“Damien Moore was wonderful from beginning to end. He is an excellent medical professional who patiently and carefully helps you go through the whole procedure making you feel confident and at ease” confirms a female ‘tummy tuck’ client from Gibraltar.

or email: info@ariamedicalgroup.com

Louise is usually the first person clients speak to at Aria Medical Group. Not only is she the driving force behind the smooth management of client consultations, operations & post procedure follow ups but she is always on-hand at each of the free, private consultations in Gibraltar.

“I thoroughly recommend Louise for her excellent patient care” confirms a recent breast augmentation client from Gibraltar.

So, to find out more about the Aria Medical Group aftercare promise and to read more client testimonials online, visit ariamedicalgroup.com

+ 34 951 276 748

www.ariamedicalgroup.com Some of our most popular procedures: + Breast Augmentation + Breast Uplift (Mastopexy) + Breast Reduction + Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) + Liposuction + Buttock Augmentation + Face Lifts + Eyebag Removal (Blepharoplasty) + Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery) + Cosmetic Dentistry

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2013

a , s t

Because You’re Beautiful! + Breast Augmentation + Breast Uplift + Breast Reduction + Tummy Tuck + Buttock Augmentation + Liposuction + Facial Injections + Face Lifts + Eyebag Removal + Rhinoplasty + Cosmetic Dentistry

Book your FREE consultation

(+34) 951 276 748 in English (+34) 671 639 353 in English (+34) 662 936 058 en Español e: info@ariamedicalgroup.com When choosing your surgeon check their credentials.

They should be registered with the UK General Medical Council (GMC), the Spanish CGM and also on the UK Specialist Register of Plastic Surgeons (SRPC).

re F R E E A f t e rc a www.ariamedicalgroup.com 47

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2013

Cosmetic Cosmetic Surgery Surgery

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Gibraltar Gibraltar

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Marbella Marbella

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Madrid Madrid

Biggles & the Gibraltar Bomb words | Reg Reynolds

It took Biggles, the great British flying ace and adventurer, 50 years to make it to Gibraltar and it was a couple of Scandinavians who got him here.

Captain W.E. Johns created James Bigglesworth in the 1930s but it was Swede Jerk Stander (pen name for Boris Persson), who wrote, and Dane Stig Stjernvik, who illustrated, Biggles and the Gibraltar Bomb, which was published in 1984.

The Bomb book, a large comic-style production with a stiff cover, is set in June 1939 and is about a German spy’s attempt to blow up Gibraltar with an atomic bomb.

At the same time as the plot is being put into action, Biggles and his pal Algy are in Cairo on a mission for the British Museum. Thanks to the debonair Algy’s dalliance with an Egyptian woman they are forced to flee. They fly to Spain and wind up in Algeciras where Biggles spots his arch-villain Captain Erich Von Stalhein.

Convinced that Von Stalhein is up to no good Biggles uncovers the plot and through a variety of fights, chases, and a romance (with his former lover Marie Janis) he saves the day.

Considering the title of the book there are few recognisable illustrations of Gibraltar and the section of the Rock depicted on the cover is out of focus behind the figures of Von Stahlein and Biggles and a beautifully drawn Junker JU 52 transport.

The lack of Gibraltar scenes is not surprising considering when I contacted the illustrator, Stig Stjernvik, by e-mail he told me he had not been to Gibraltar when he drew the illustrations. He did add, however, that he has been here since and likes the Rock and its people very much. He said he even considered moving here. In one e-mail Stig wrote: “I must admit I made those Biggles books.

They are not good. I have done better things. I had in those days never been to Gibraltar. Now I have been there several times.”

I also asked Stig if he had ever met Captain Johns.

“No, I have never met W.E. Johns,” replied Stig. “I worked for a Swedish company, Bonnier. They must have got some rights from Johns, since they asked me to do some books.

I would very much like to do more, but I have lost contact to the company. Nevertheless I have done some new pages about Biggles.

They are now in my archive — just waiting for a new publisher.”

Biggles fans, and there are legions, will be hoping Stig finds that publisher.

William Earl Johns was born in Hertford, England on 5th February, 1893 and he grew up to be a war hero and pilot not dissimilar to

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his creation. An early headmaster was a former army Major and Johns’ ambition was to become a soldier, but after leaving school he was stuck in mundane jobs — municipal surveyor and sanitary inspector. In 1913 he joined the Territorial Army, the Kings Own Royal Rifles, a cavalry regiment. When World War I broke out he married Maude Hunt and looked forward to battle envisioning it as an opportunity for “death or glory”. He soon learned there was a lot of death and little glory.

Johns was shipped to Gallipoli aboard SS Olympic, on which he would have certainly passed and quite probably stopped at Gibraltar. He also served in Egypt and Greece with a machine gun corp. After recovering from malaria he transferred to the newly formed Royal Air Force.

In September 1917 he was sent back to

“

I have done some new pages about Biggles.

They are now in my archive — just waiting for a new publisher

”

~ illustrator, Stig Stjernvik

It wasn’t Biggles’ creator W.E. Johns (above) who brought Biggles to Gibraltar — the daring pilot had to wait until 1984 for that honour

England to learn to fly. He survived numerous crashes and in April 1918 was sent to the Western Front to fly bombing missions over Germany. In September 1918 while on a flight to bomb Mannheim he was shot down by German fighters and taken prisoner. He was initially sentenced to death but was reprieved and released after the Armistice.

Johns stayed in the RAF after the war but he left his wife and son. On the advice of her father, a reverend, Maude refused to give him a divorce. Johns continued to provide financial support until her death in 1961.

By 1923 Johns was working as a recruitment officer in Birmingham and met and fell in love with Doris Leigh. They were unable to marry but she adopted the name Doris Johns and they remained together until his death.

Johns left the RAF and became a newspaper correspondent and edited and illustrated books about flying. He created the magazine Popular Flying in 1932 and it was on those pages that Biggles made his first appearance.

Undoubtedly Johns relied heavily on his own experiences in flight, battle and romance in his books. While based in France during the war he had an affair with a beautiful French woman and she appears in the Biggles books as Marie Janis.

The first Biggles book, The Camels are Coming (the Sopwith bi-plane variety) was published in August 1932. For the early Biggles books Johns used the pen name William Earle but later adopted the by-line Capt W. E. Johns. The rank was self-awarded as the highest rank he had ever attained was that of Flying Officer, the equivalent of an army Lieutenant.

Johns wrote 98 Biggles books and was in the midst of writing Biggles Does Some Homework when he stopped to make a cup of tea for himself and Doris. He joined her upstairs, sat down in his armchair and died of a massive heart attack. He was 75. Doris died a year later of Cancer. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

music scene Last year’s inaugural Gibraltar Music Festival was a huge success with international legends Ali Campbell from UB40 and Jessie J joining local bands Atomica 4, Noiz and Jetstream on stage to keep Gibraltar partying on a hot September afternoon and night.

The crowds certainly supported the event and it was a full house for this spectacular end of Summer festival at the Victoria Stadium.

The event is organised by the Government of Gibraltar as part of the Gibraltar National Week celebrations.

The second edition of this now annual event will take place on 7th September and is lining up to be bigger and better than the first.

Watch this space.

Music Festival...

Are you ready for the music event of the Year? As we distribute this magazine, the announcement of which top international acts will be playing at the Gibraltar Music Festival 2013 may have already happened. Go to gibraltarmusicfestival.com to find out who will be centre stage on 7th September!

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

49

�live

�aker

I Joined the Foreign Legion

words | Richard Cartwright

Patrolling in the jungle of French Guyana in South America, serving in the Central African Republic and on the island of Mayotte (off Madagascar in the Indian Ocean), Germany and France... Five years of hard graft in the French Foreign Legion fulfilled — recruit No. 172867 (the number of legionnaires who had signed up, since WW2), Clive Baker describes it as “a thrilling adventure!”

As a child, Clive loved watching 7th Cavalry films and, as he lived near the Convent in Main Street, he often knocked on the Guard Room door to ask for cap badges and other army memorabilia and enjoyed listening to the bugler at sunset. However, Clive was unsuccess-

50

ful when he travelled to the UK to apply to join a British Light Infantry regiment. He returned to the Rock, where he joined the civil service but that career wouldn’t last long.

While on the Rock Clive read a book on the French Foreign Legion by Simon Murray, himself a recruit in the 1960s, titled The Legionnaire.

He had heard of other Gibraltarians who had tried to join the Legion and one in particular who served during WW1. Couple that with his love for army related topics and his mind was made up and so he set off again, ending up in Marseille knocking on a door of one of the French Foreign Legion’s little ‘first contact’ posts scattered around France and open day and night.

Clive recalls, “You are invited in, given a track suit and asked to wait for maybe a day or two until there are eight or ten of you. Then you’re sent to the main HQ in Aubagne for an interview. It’s like a Gestapo grilling to find out who you are and then you’re in!

“You’re shaved to zero — that’s bald — your passport is taken and your clothes are given to the poor, then four months of solid training begin in earnest.”

Commanded by French officers, only about a quarter of Legionnaires are French citizens.

The rest come from any country, regardless of origin, nationality, religion, qualifications, social or professional status, married or single.

The Legion, founded in 1831, offers a new start in life.

Historically the American film industry portrayed the Foreign Legion as having a reputation for cut-throats, crooks, fugitives from justice and men escaping failed romances.

The Legion had asked few questions of its new recruits, but since 2008, that image changed and the Legion now conducts extensive background checks via Interpol. However, after signing your contract you can still choose to serve under a ‘declared identity.’

Clive remembers Poles, Czechs, Russians, South Americans, Spaniards, English and other individuals at the time he joined.

“Yes, these days the Legion is an elite unit of the French armed forces just like the Royal Marines but has traditionally recruited foreigners. There is no racism allowed to go on whatsoever. You treat your fellow Legionnaire as a brother. The Legion becomes your family and there are no civilians in the units. Every task, from clerical, laundry, cooking to refuse collection and disposal is undertaken by the Legionnaires.

“As a basic soldier there are no luxuries; while training we were allowed out once, for a couple of hours. When I became a corporal things were slightly better but it’s hard work and a lot of training. Patrolling the jungle in French Guyana for example was tough. You

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

get seriously attacked by insects and all sorts in the extreme heat!

“I chose to join the Engineer Regiment but we still had to take on infantry duties also.”

Clive says there’s a lot of bonding and camaraderie in the Legion. Traditions and folklore surround the elite force and training not only focuses on traditional military skills but also on its strong espirit de corps and code of honour especially because of the different cultures amongst their number.

“Every task, not just marching, is undertaken singing Legion songs because you’re meant to be happy and work as a team and serve with ‘honour and fidelity.’ Our motto was ‘March or Die’, and training, apart from being very physical, is also very stressful psychologically.

Your life becomes the Legion.”

Legionnaire Baker remembers ‘lights out’ at 10pm and how they’d light up with candles for a couple of hours. “It certainly was tough going. There wasn’t much trouble amongst the men. The thing was to keep to yourself while still being friendly.

“In my five years there I never had any trouble like that. Tempers could flare up sometimes, especially as you were allowed plenty of wine and beer at dinner time but the Legion’s equivalent of the British Army’s Red Caps military police would soon be on you, so it was best to stick to singing!”

When you were punished, as I was a couple of times, you go through ‘La Pellote’ which is being woken up at 5am and made to march round the camp with a haversack full of sand with wires for straps over your shoulders, and singing of course! That would get the rest of the camp in a happy mood as they rose at six!”

Also one of the conditions when serving is that holidays are only allowed in mainland France — that’s why they take your passport — unless you have undergone something called ‘military regularization of situation.’ You were allowed to telephone though.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

Clive says that after three years service a Legionnaire can ask for French nationality status and may also be entitled to a resident permit, if he has a certificate of satisfactory military service. It’s valid for 10 years and is renewable.

By all accounts Clive’s experience serving in the French Foreign Legion for five years (19861991) is a part of his life never to be forgotten,

“

Every task, not just marching, is undertaken singing Legion songs because you’re meant to be happy and work as a team

”

Today Clive works in security at the airport

but he’s back home now — desk-bound, working in security at the air terminal.

He returned to the Rock because he says his friends were all getting married and at 25 he felt it was time for him to make the move.

“With the benefit of hindsight, I think I would’ve liked to have served in the Legion longer, but that’s history now. I will say however, I don’t regret going and the discipline and team work you experience is something that should be implemented in the civilian workplace also. Then everything would work so much better. That instruction and preparation stays with you forever!”

And Clive’s love for all things military continues... “Oh yes, I’m what you might call ‘army barmy.’ I still treasure my toy soldier collections and love watching DVDs of the old American series Combat.” Once a Legionnaire... n

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leisure

skills

into the blue

Blooming Sea Jellies

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

Are jellyfish found worldwide?

Jellyfish are found all over the world, from the surface to the deepest parts of the ocean, and are known to have existed on earth for more than 650 million years. As many species are oceanic, these have wide, often global distributions.

Are jellyfish numbers increasing?

Jellyfish numbers have been on the increase, usually in summer. The warmer water temperatures are probably a factor in this increase, as these are also known to boost reproductive rates. As these creatures tend to move with currents, seasonal changes in these also probably contribute to the appearance of jellyfish off our shores.

In Gibraltar, the two main episodes we had were of Portuguese men-o-war (Physalia physalis) — strictly speaking not a jellyfish but a floating colonial organism of minute individuals called zooids —, and the purple stinger jellyfish (Pelagia noctiluca). Both of these species have been giving problems in the Med recently but the latter had also increased in numbers off places like the coasts of the British Isles, resulting, for example, in the loss of 100,000 salmon at a fish farm in Northern Ireland when a 10-mile square bloom of mauve stingers appeared in 2007, causing £1 million damage.

Why are jellyfish numbers increasing?

These and all the other organisms on the earth have evolved, like we have, over millions of years to exhibit a tremendous variety of forms and ways or surviving. Jellyfish have not changed much at all in over half a million years, which means that they must be doing something right.

The truth is that numbers are probably so high because of what we (humans) are doing to their ecosystems such as reducing populations of their natural predators (things like sea turtles, tuna, sunfish), dumping high levels of fertilizers from agriculture into the sea which raises productivity levels, etc.

Where do our jellyfish come from — do they migrate from area to area?

The vast majority of jellyfish do not ‘migrate’ as such (although some do go up and down on a daily basis in the water column — known as diel vertical migration), but rather tend to move with ocean currents as they are weak swimmers, or in the case of the Portuguese man-o-war, using a ‘sail’ to also capitalise on wind power.

photo: Steve Warren

What do you think of the nets which will be in place to protect areas of each of our beaches this summer?

I know of the proposed nets and it is understandable that measures are being taken to allow beaches to be more safely used, but I suspect that if swarms are large the nets will probably not stop them all so care will still need to be taken.

Also the nets will need careful and constant monitoring and maintenance, especially as the last thing anyone wants is for any other animal, such as a sea turtle, to get caught up in these and perish as a consequence.

Jellyfish really are very interesting creatures, who certainly have no evil design to spoil our summers. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

Left: A swarm or bloom of purple stinger jellyfish in the Strait

photo: Steve Warren

Australian endurance swimmer Chloe McCardel’s attempt in June to become the first person to swim from Cuba to Florida without a protective shark cage was ended not by a shark, but by a jellyfish sting. This event came closely on the heels of our own Environment Minister, John Cortes, announcing that the Gibraltar Government will install purpose-built nets to protect Gibraltar’s beaches from jellyfish this summer. We thought it was a good time to speak to Dr Darren Fa, Deputy Director, Gibraltar Museum to find out more about these fascinating and spectacular sea creatures.

Jellyfish Facts Jellyfish first appeared about 650 million years ago and are found in every ocean.

Some are found in fresh water.

Jellyfish are not fish, so some people prefer the term sea jellies The collective term for jellyfish is a bloom or swarm Jellyfish don’t have a respiratory system — the body is oxygenated by diffusion — and they do not have a brain, instead they have a network of nerves located in the epidermis, called a ‘nerve net’ Jellyfish are dioecious; to reproduce, both males and females release sperm and eggs into the surrounding water, where the eggs are fertilized. Jellyfish larvae (planula) settle on the seabed and grow into something resembling a sea anemone or a coral, called polyps, which may be individual or colonial, and from which baby jellyfish bud off asexually.

Box jellyfish venom is the most deadly in the animal kingdom and has caused over 5,500 recorded deaths since 1954. Each tentacle has about 500,000 sindasites which inject venom into the victim The lion’s mane jellyfish is the largest species of jellyfish — the largest recorded specimen had a bell (body) with a diameter of 2.3m and the tentacles reaching 36.5m.

Right: An individual purple stinger jellyfish

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Diving with the Swarm

photo: Steve Warren

words | Steve Warren

A Sunfish in Gibraltar’s waters. Sunfish eat a variety of food, but mostly gelatinous zooplankton (jellyfish and salps) as well as squid, sponges, crustaceans, and small fish. They are well adapted to eat jellyfish because their thick skin provides armour against the stinging barbs

The Ecological Role of Jellyfish

A Loggerhead Turtle in the Strait. Sadly these turtles suffocate when they try to ingest our waste plastic bags mistaking them for jellyfish

54

photo: Steve Warren

Jellyfish play a very important role in the ocean ecosystem. They prey on planktonic organisms like crustaceans, copepods, and fish larvae. In turn, sea turtles, swordfish and tuna, sharks, sunfish and sea birds feed on jellyfish. In fact, the leatherback turtle survives almost exclusively on jellyfish. Sea turtles, particularly leatherbacks and loggerheads, suffocate when they mistake plastic bags floating in the sea for a jellyfish dinner.

Some species of fish fry hide from predators by using jellyfish tentacles as a shield.

I stood on Cri–Cri’s swim platform and stared down into a morass of purplish stinging jellyfish. Last summer they had been one of Gibraltar’s news stories. The medusa had infested both coastlines here and in Spain and kept the wary out of the water, randomly stinging those who ran their gauntlet. Once again, I had shot my mouth off. Now I had to make good on my boast or suffer the mirth of my friends — one’s far brighter than I who were staying safely aboard the boat. I let go the transom and dropped into the water.

Introduced to Your Gibraltar TV’s founder Chris Bruno, our conversation about diving had turned to jellyfish. It was a news story, but one that was really happening under the water and mostly out of sight. Several seconds before my brain caught up, I’d uttered those stupid words, “I’ll film them underwater for you. No problem...”

As my entry bubbles soared upwards and cleared I realised I’d underestimated the sheer number of jellyfish. They were packed solid from the surface to a depth of about six metres, which is where you can often feel a thermocline — a sharp division between warm surface water and much cooler water below.

The sea off Seven Sisters, the cluster of rocks that break surface between Rosia Bay and the South Mole, was choppy and it jostled both the jellyfish and me. Contact was simply unavoidable.

Unlike jellyfish, some of which are thought to be the only creatures in the animal kingdom with 360 degree vision, I don’t have eyes in the back of my head. Jellyfish are quite mobile, rhythmically contracting their bells to move through the water column. They aren’t powerful swimmers, and can’t fight strong currents, but they can swim towards prey.

Pelagia noctiluca, the species I was diving

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

photo: Steve Warren

with, have light receptors, rather than true eyes. They hunt by moving towards shadow, such as a fish swimming overhead might throw.

Once, off Camp Bay, I’d come across a white jellyfish the size of a beach ball and it followed me around by detecting my silhouette. This single jellyfish had been fun to encounter, easily evaded at the last moment and cooperative as a subject for my cine camera. This was different.

There were now hundreds of jellyfish within my limited range of vision, thousands between me and Cri–Cri. As I raised my camera, jellyfish drifted between it and my face. Others swam under my armpits and around my legs. Each tentacle can deliver thousands of stings, fired pneumatically, to kill zoo plankton, the jellyfishes’ main diet and any small fish unlucky enough to come into contact with them. Humans are definitely not prey, but are not something the jellyfish can distinguish from it. And so they sting people.

I was very keen not to get stung. My wetsuit would protect against the inevitable stings to my body. Washing up gloves would save my hands. But my mouth, cheeks and forehead would be vulnerable as I snorkelled with the swarm. All the best superhero’s wear a mask and so, to cover the gaps between my facemask and wetsuit hood, I pulled on a plastic bag.

Shaun Balban used his fingers to tear holes for my eyes and mouth. Unfortunately, Shaun only got one of the eyeholes in the right place, so I

A curious characteristic of jellyfish is that they become very hard to see when looking upwards. They blend into the sunlight had one lopsided eye through which I could barely see. But incredibly I never got stung.

The rough water made filming difficult.

Stability is all and shaky footage is difficult to watch. To overcome this I would breath hold down about three or four metres, where the water was still thick with jellies and clench my knees around a rock. Even so, I was still buffeted by surge and struggled to get acceptable video.

A curious characteristic of jellyfish is that they become very hard to see when looking upwards. They blend into the sunlight. This made surfacing against the light a bit unnerving.

I spent about 20 minutes with the jellyfish and it was quite an experience. But I was glad to reboard Cri–Cri. This year, if the swarms return, I’ll dive with them again. But this time at night, because, apparently, they glow in the dark... n

Safety Nets Environment Minister John Cortes announced in June the government’s plans to install purposebuilt nets to protect Gibraltar’s beaches from jellyfish this summer.

Areas of sea will protected by surface-to-seabed nets to block jellyfish and keep bathers safe.

Environment Minister John Cortes said most beaches would have at least some areas protected by the booms.

“We cannot guarantee 100% success but it will certainly improve the situation,” he said.

The nets have been purposemade for Gibraltar’s beaches and specific areas have been identified and designated for this purpose. Dr Cortes added that “The nets and areas will be surveyed by the beach lifeguards on a daily basis.”

Anti-Ageing with Jellyfish? The United Nations Food and Agriculture

Organisation, FAO, warned over-fishing in the Mediterranean was boosting jellyfish, which reduce fishing stocks further and it called for jellyfish to be used in food, medicine and cosmetics. The report also said that the discovery of an “immortal jellyfish”, which is capable of reversing its ageing process, held out the promise of developing powerful rejuvenation products for humans.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

55

Lemur

walk on the wild side

words | Elena Scialtiel

It’s not exactly Madagascar, but you still get to ‘move it move it’ with the lemurs at the revamped Alameda Wildlife Conservation Park, where a large rocky habitat has been recreated for these cute strepsirrhini to feel almost at home, and for humans (their primate cousins!) to enjoy their company from an elevated wooden pathway.

photo: Elena Scialtiel

Although they are tipped to become the main attraction of Gibraltar’s very own ‘zoo’, the entire landscaped park is a must-visit spot, because it hosts a wide selection of animals and endangered species.

Most were rescued from ships and illegal trafficking, others were found in curious circumstances, like the plump common pheasant that roamed the gardens at Christmas time, and was invited to join the team before ending up as someone’s festive dinner!

And now, this superb fowl shares his new home with a yellow and blue macaw, whose long glossy turquoise feathers are a true

spectacle. He was a pet, so he can be quite talkative too.

Other roommates are two yellow-crested cockatoos, life partners through the thick and thin of jungle life, after one of them was seriously injured and had to learn to fly again.

A burst of colour can be found in the peafowl den, where, if you’re lucky, you can watch the peacock trying to get lucky with the peahen and thus display his train in its full glory.

Courtship requires lot of energy as the fowl battles the breeze in order to keep his mesmerising eyespots fanned high while the demure female wiggles her crown in ap-

Adopt Don’t Buy

Give a Dog a Home If you are interested in adopting call the GSPCA on 540 19968 or 540 29927

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

conservation wildlife Their residence fulfils a twofold educational purpose: to re-educate them envisaging an eventual release in the wild, and to educate schoolchildren to respect nature and think twice before throwing tantrums for an unsuitable pet steep paths that wind through the park aren’t recommended for prams users, and definitely aren’t wheelchair friendly. But, hey, this is a conservation park and not a zoo, and animals aren’t kept there to entertain the crowds like circus clowns.

Their residence fulfils a twofold educational purpose: to re-educate them envisaging an eventual release in the wild and to educate schoolchildren to respect nature and think twice before throwing tantrums for an unsuitable pet.

After extensive renovation works, the park re-opened last May and was inaugurated by Environment Minister Dr John Cortes, who was the original paladin of this laudable project, when some exotic species were retrieved in dreadful conditions on board of passing ships and seized by customs.

For more information on guests, activities and specific educational projects, visit www.awcp.gi. Tickets £5 for adults, £2.50 for children; yearly pass available.

Blue-and-yellow macaw

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

Cotton-top Tamarin

photo: Elena Scialtiel

preciation.

If the peacock’s neck lapis lazuli blue isn’t your hue, visit the Alexandrine parakeets’ enclosure, where you are greeted by a cheerful ‘hello’ by a bright green bird with a long tail of crimson feathers.

Moving up the evolution ladder, mammals feature in great variety at the AWCP, from the rare cotton-top tamarin, to the friendly pot-bellied pigs whose den is accessible only through a dark bats’ cave, a must for all vampire lovers!

And rabbits, monkeys, terrapins and turtles will surely catch your attention in the narrow passageways, as much as sleepy iguanas, camouflaged on dry branches only for the eagle-eyed to spot.

And sorry, no eagles, but the odd yellowlegged seagull that swoops down for a visit, hoping to partake in feeding time with the feisty otters…

The landscaping and the thick vegetation of local and exotic specimens add to the ‘jungle’ feel, although the stony steps and

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Headwires

Boy Band on Fire!

Headwires, the youngest — and arguably hottest — band in town, have just released their first single, recorded last February with the help of GBC sound technician and drummer Charlie Moore. Elena Scialtiel caught up with the boys in the band to find out more.

Pearl Jam and other grunge/punk/ hard rock icons that seem to be very popular in Gibraltar.

Too Young is classically constructed with energetic hammering riffs and assertive lyrics that will see you bob your head, tap your foot — and either gingerly agree or strongly disagree with the message. Colour on the other hand is a power ballad designed for prom-night slow dancing.

Between waves of teen romance however, spare an ear for the meaningful lyrics, which handle

photos: James Culatto

T

he Headwires single features

two original songs, Colour

and Too Young, and is available on Soundcloud.

Despite describing themselves as ‘three dopey teenagers singing about their feelings’, Headwires boast quite a mature style and are natural-born performers blessed with professionally confident flair, and the precious ability to own a large stage and engage large crowds, like those gathered for

58

their recent National Day, May Day and Runway gigs.

Named after a Foo Fighters song, this preppy threesome was founded back in middle school by guitarist Patrick Murphy and bassist Evan Torrente Galdez. After several auditions and line-up changes, they settled for drummer Daryl Pallas two years ago.

This formation has been going from strength to strength ever since, and gets fans and critics

alike raving about them every time they strum a string. They also won international accolades such as ‘most promising band ‘at the 2012 Sotogrande Battle of the Bands.

Evan is the frontman, lead singer and lyricist, while everyone chips in to compose the music.

Headwires is mostly influenced by local musician Adrian Pisarello, their close friend and mentor, while their favourite chart-topping bands are Kings of Leon, Nirvana,

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

adult themes and are a declaration of independence from peer pressure and bubblegum pop stereotypes.

Gibraltar’s ‘headwired’ summer will kick off at Lord Nelson’s on 5th July, and more gigs will be announced after that.

Their greatest ambition is, believe it or not, to be the first band to play while standing on each other’s shoulders, three in line.

Given Evan’s habit of turning his back to the audience during his bass solos and bounce like Tigger, legs akimbo, an eventual skywards stunt is bound to attract some talent-scout attention.

Headwires doesn’t cater for starry-eyed teenagers only: in all their public appearances they have always proven themselves to go well beyond school-dance material and have become a real showstopper for clubbers of all ages.

Still, they proudly admit that their mothers are their core fans: “They go to everything. Everything.” n

Gibraltar’s ‘headwired’ summer will kick off at Lord Nelson’s on 5th July, and more gigs will be announced after that

photos: James Culatto

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

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fashion

leisure & sport

shopping & gifts

Retail& Activities hair & beauty

HORTICULTURAL CONTRACTORS Tel: 200 43134 Fax: 200 50648 Convent Gardens, Convent Garden Ramp

lessons & tuition GACHE & CO LTD EST. 1830

• Giftware • Jewellery • Sports Trophies • Awards & Engravers

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

newsagents/books

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travel & hotels Health & Beauty Salon

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

Studio47 For information and bookings contact: www.vassalloimages.com Warren Vassallo Mobile 54176000 Spain mobile: 678158755 email: warren@vassalloimages.com

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

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GIBRALTAR GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAGAziNE••JUNE JULY 2013

events

update

Friends on the Rock Members of the Friends of Gibraltar Heritage Society made their annual visit to the

Rock in June. This photo: the Friends with Commander British Forces Commodore John Clink OBE at the Tower. All other photos by Mike Brufal of the Friends’ many events around Gibraltar

Gibraltar Crime Pays for Thomas Mogford Sign of the Cross, released last month and written by Thomas Mogford, is the second book in a crime series based around a Gibraltarian lawyer called Spike Sanguinetti.

The book starts in Gibraltar, where Spike is recovering from the dangerous events of the previous novel, Shadow of the Rock. After attending a friend’s engagement party at All’s Well in Casemates Square, Spike learns some horrific news — his Maltese uncle and aunt are dead, killed after a domestic dispute turned bloody. Spike and his father, Rufus, a retired teacher from the Sacred Heart Middle School, travel to Malta for the funerals, and there Spike discovers all is not as it seems with his relatives’ deaths. Sign of the Cross ends where it started, on the Rock.

“Excitingly, Bloomsbury, who publish the Harry Potter books, have just signed up two more Spike stories,” author Thomas Mogford told the Gibraltar Magazine. “The third, which I am writing at the moment, is set almost entirely in Gib, so if you see someone wandering around town with a notebook, it’s probably me!” n Visit ww.thomasmogford.com for information

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

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muisc

scene

Lazy Daiz: unchartered MaNiAc words | Elena Scialtiel

Since the deejay formerly known as Maniac has changed his stage name to Lazy Daiz and his style from mainstream to deep and chillout, his first mix Below the Surface charted at 32nd (and climbing) on Beatport Top 100 Mixes.

For someone who feels so strongly about the constriction of charts to call off a residency at a local club just because it demanded him less arts and more charts, and to walk away not to compromise on his trademark zeal in scouting independent music, this achievement may perhaps seem inconsistent to practising what he preaches from his pulpit of decks.

Yet, it is a big one indeed for a social scene that tends to flock to venues featuring live cover bands rather than praise the value and originality of his new persona putting Gibraltar on the international map of innovative and reputable deejays.

Those are the ones who aren’t just after making you shake your booty in a sort of dance trance, but who aim at stirring your soul and introducing you to musicians you won’t find in mainstream broadcasting.

In broad daylight, Lazy Daiz is also known as Carl Villarubia, the kid thrown in at the deep end at

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the green age of 16 with an emergency ‘hip replacement’, the day the then resident deejay did not show up at the Tunnel, and Carl was asked to stand in for him on notice shorter than a heartbeat.

“I liked music all right, but had no deejaying experience so I just went with it,” he recalls.

He played along and saved the night: patrons were in awe — and MaNiAc was born.

He became a regular feature in Casemates, and slowly built up repertoire and equipment, learnt the tricks of the trade, and most of all what is hot and what is not on the dance floor; what gets clubbers jumping and what make them dump you altogether.

His style of deejaying doesn’t

include speeches, intros or impromptu rapping: he just slides from track to track seamlessly and effortlessly and, after having perfected his beat-mapping technique, also quite professionally.

“I feel that deejays who speak between tracks are quite annoying. They usually have nothing to say worthy of interrupting the music flow.”

Yet, deejays are pretty much like Victorian children: if they must not be heard, they have to be seen. Carl likes gigging at venues where his booth sits in an elevated position and he can check out whether his audience is enjoying his work, and most of all he can create a connection, although he’d rather decide what

He claims that people are musically indolent and tend to know, listen and appreciate only what they are fed by the media

to play next on his own accord — and he definitely flips out when someone approaches him to make a chart request!

In fact, he claims that people are musically indolent and tend to know, listen and appreciate only what they are fed by the media, without straying from their comfort zone or doing some research in alternative sites.

So, let Lazy Daiz do that for you and just chillax to the sound of his podcasts Hot Deep Sessions, a sophisticated cocktail of smooth Tech-Housey, that easily bridges the generation gap providing a crystal clear soundtrack to any activity, from jogging to entertaining, to just drifting off in an imaginary ebbing of tropical seas.

His ambition is producing, because “a deejay is not a serious deejay if he doesn’t produce his own music.” A step — or a dubstep? — in the right direction was taken when his one-hour long fantasy Summer Sunrise was posted on Beatport.com: despite being way out of the way of my

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

music

scene

‘comfort zone’, it really impressed me, because it is funky but not inyour-face, clever but not cheeky, bold but not cocky.

Hot Deep Sessions are advertised with sleek and sexy montages in summer compilation sleeve style, with catchphrases like ‘what da funk?’ and suggestive photographs that might indeed offend your feminist sensitivity, but surely work as attention grabbers.

In almost ten years of activity, Carl has built up a faithful audience of 20 and 30-somethings, as well as a truly impressive curriculum, with residencies at several hotspots along the Coast, like Moorea in Sotogrande, Templo in La Linea, Sky Lounge in Marbella and Splash Club in Torremolinos, alone or sharing the decks with giants of the trade, like Tocadisco, to mention just one.

This summer, he is expected to fire up Friday and Saturday nights at a new trendy joint in San Roque, where he will regularly open for seasoned professionals, and on our shores — actually on Eastern Beach — he will participate in the summer bash of all summer bashes, date to be announced.

Gibraltar is his favourite scene, and virtually no local club has gone without him treading the dance floor at least once, with his box of tools, from where he picks CDs, because he is quite old-fashioned and still believes that talent is better than technology alone.

“Nowadays, with laptops and controllers, anyone can improvise himself a deejay, and a good one at it, but I stick to my CDs and pick and mix from there. Often I use less popular remixes of famous songs or I just go for what I fancy at the moment. One must be very organised to keep everything tidy and handy to be played at the right time.”

Carl will cut himself some time out for a nip to Ibiza this summer, to watch how it is done like a pro and, who knows, be scouted by some big establishment, since he is travelling with his musical prestidigitator case. Just in case. n ‘Like’ Lazy Daiz on Facebook or email lazy_daiz@hotmail,com.

Gibraltar is his favourite scene, and virtually no local club has gone without him treading the dance floor at least once...

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

63

That Nail Place

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Come and enjoy real Italian meals in Gibraltar’s leading pasta house

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

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

Quality Kitchen Ware Gibraltar’s Best Stocked Cook Shop K5

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Homecooking . our speciality .

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S3 Accountants Durante Carboni Jardim..............X3 ESV Hassan & Co........................ I4 Business/Financial Services AI Couriers..................................K3 Barclays...................................... M4 Jyske Bank.................................. L4 Sovereign Trust...........................N4 ITMS............................................ J9 Business Services Waste Management......................a6 Business Supplies Beacon Press...............................N6 Image Graphics...........................N3 Stitch Design................................P3

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

65

Scandalous Lovers Escaped to Gibraltar

words | Reg Reynolds

Jordan Lawrence Mott Jr. was an alcoholic philanderer but that didn’t stop Frances Hewitt Browne from running off with him causing a scandal that rocked high society in the America of 1912.

Both Lawrence, the name he preferred to use, and Frances were married to others when in June that year they bought passage on a freighter bound from Brooklyn to Gibraltar. The Indradeo didn’t normally take passengers but the likeable and well-heeled Jordan convinced the skipper to take them on board.

The multi-millionaire Mott Sr., owner of J.L. Mott Iron Works, was furious when he found out what his son and heir was up to and he hired the newspaperman Hector Fuller to “...bring them to their senses, bring them back to America”. He paid Fuller, a man

with a reputation for enterprise and ingenuity, $10,000 in advance and promised another $25,000 if he was successful.

Fuller booked passage aboard the speedy ocean liner Lusitania to France. His plan was to then take the train across France and Spain and intercept the couple at Gibraltar. The Indradeo was a slow tramp steamer so Fuller was confident he would arrive on the Rock in plenty of time. He hadn’t reckoned on truculent Spanish workers. When he reached Andalusia he found all the railways of the region were shut down by a strike.

The captain of the Indradeo had listed Lawrence and Frances on the manifest as crew and when the merchantman arrived at Gibraltar he was ordered to offload

the ‘steward and stewardess’. By now fond of the loving couple, the skipper replied that there was no steward or stewardess.

Interestingly it was Frances who had initiated the escape, despite the fact that her husband was a millionaire and that she was a talented singer who had starred on the Broadway stage in a production of The Chocolate Soldiers.

Although he was handsome and charming Lawrence had a drink problem and a reputation for indulging himself. He was only 19 when he ran off with his first wife, the daughter of his Harvard University tutor. They had one child but separated because of his drinking and womanizing. Lawrence had managed to hold down a job as a New York newspaper

Although he was handsome and charming Lawrence had a drink problem and a reputation for indulging himself. He was only 19 when he ran off with his first wife, the daughter of his Harvard University tutor Newspaper clippings from the time of the lovers’ elope

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reporter described as “...dashing to assignments in a French racing car driven by a liveried chauffeur”. He had also written a successful novel titled Jules of the Great Heart.

Lawrence and Frances had first met at a Long Island beach party in 1908 and by 1912 were very much in love. In urging him to flee with her she told him: “You are no longer of any use to yourself or your family. And I am not much use to my husband when my heart belongs to you.

We must go away together and it makes no difference what people say or think.”

Lawrence pointed out that she would be giving up a career on stage. But she said that didn’t matter.

On arrival at Gibraltar Lawrence and Frances were told of what a sensation they were causing and that newspapers around the world were covering the story.

“No one can separate us,” she said when the two were told of the chase by Fuller. “For three years we have loved each other devotedly, although there has been opposition on all sides.

“I am the only steadying influence to come into Lawrence’s life.

Before he met me, he indulged in excesses of all kinds. He would leave home for months at a time.

Since our first meeting he has been a changed man.”

After four days of driving over the difficult roads of the day a desperate Fuller arrived at Gibraltar to find that the Indradeo, with the lovers still aboard, had sailed just two hours earlier.

Fuller knew that the Indradeo was headed for Tokyo via the Suez Canal. A few days later he boarded a liner which was much faster with the idea of overtaking the tramp somewhere in the Mediterranean.

Bad luck befell him again however, as the liner broke down and the Indradeo was through Suez before it could be repaired.

Not to be deterred Fuller sailed

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

events file on to Tokyo to await the inevitable arrival of Lawrence and Frances but they foiled him by disembarking at Hong Kong.

By now Mott Sr., was tired of the whole affair and he ordered Fuller home.

Lawrence and Frances stayed in Hong Kong for a year. He worked at an English language newspaper but continued to drink. She sang at society and charity events. No longer a world-wide sensation the couple then proceeded to Tokyo where they were warmly received thanks to a letter from Lord of the Admiralty Winston Churchill to Admiral Martyn Jerram, Commander-in-Chief, China Station. The letter read: My Dear Admiral Jerram My cousin Lawrence Mott tells me that he is visiting the Orient and I shall commend him to your good offices. I shall be much obliged for anything you can do to make his visit pleasant and constructive.

Yours Sincerely, Winston Churchill

Lawrence’s mother Kathleen Purdy was a first cousin of Churchill’s mother Jenny Jerome.

The letter opened the door to social and official circles and led to Lawrence working in Allied intelligence in WWI. He finished the War a major in the US Army.

One day in 1916 he poured a glass of whiskey in front of his wife and promptly threw it out the window.

“That’s the end of that”.

Frances’ husband obtained a divorce in 1919 and the couple returned to America setting up home on Santa Catalina Island off the coast of California. By now Lawrence’s father had forgiven him and thanked Frances for getting him off the drink.

Lawrence acquired a sport fishing cruiser and worked as a

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

guide and skipper. He also built a radio station from which he and Frances broadcast programs of music and philosophy.

Lawrence’s wife had refused to divorce him but after not seeing him for 15 years she relented and in October 1928 the lovers, proved their decision to run away was the right one by getting married at Merced, California. They remained together until Lawrence died of leukemia aged 50, on 3rd June, 1931.

Before his death Lawrence had become an ardent prohibitionist and was involved in saving wild life. He established a fishing camp at Steamboat Creek in Oregon which is still in operation today. Frances lived out her final years in a California monastery, dying on 8th March, 1955 aged 75. n

One day in 1916 he poured a glass of whiskey in front of his wife and promptly threw it out the window.

“That’s the end of that”

Calling all Treasure Hunters...

Childline’s annual fun Treasure Hunt will take place on 26th July.

This year’s theme is any fancy dress of your choice! Teams of four run around Gibrlatar looking for answers to clues and the first one back to base is declared the winner. It is a great fun event which everyone can join in with and supports a very worthy cause.

Contact Gloria at email: dstimson@gibtelecom.net for more information or to enter your team. Everyone welcome. n

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puzzle page

SUDOKU Just for fun!

by Alan Gravett 1

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8 9 10 11

12 13

15

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21 22 23 24

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

FIRST PRIZE: Lunch for 2 at The Clipper

One entry per person.

Closing date: 18th July 2013 Last month’s winner: John Felice Picton House, Alameda Estate.

LAST MONTH’S ANSWERS: Across: Caliph, Strove, Bandana, Ether, Least, Triplet, Calculation, Termini, Hippo, In one, Cartier, Estate, Snared Down: Cobalt, Linda, Plastic, Trevi, Othello, Errata, Mantelpiece, Airport, Teheran, Stride, Horrid, Inert, Prior

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Across 1. King of Lydia in 6th. century BC

renowned for his wealth (7) 8. Informal farewell (7) 9. Vessel for cooking or travelling at

sea (9) 10. Stoats in their winter coats (7) 11. Comedian ----- Wise; machine which

chooses premium bond winners (5) 13. Poets such as Wordsworth, Shelley

etc. were so called (9) 15. Lobster on a French menu (9) 18. Texan mission where Davy Crockett

and others died in famous battle (5) 21. Staying power (7) 22. Capital of Estonia (7) 23. Territory enclosed within another

territory (7) 24. Vatican chapel the ceiling of which

was painted by Michaelangelo (7) Down 1. Social status (5) 2. Large expanse of sea water (5) 3. Cliff Richard film released in

1963 (6,7) 4. The ------ famous painting of Edvard

Munch; yell hysterically (6) 5. Common name for rubella (6,7) 6. Sultanate on the north coast of

Borneo (6) 7. Animals in a stud (6) 12. 1983 film starring Michael Caine and

Julie Walters Educating ---- (4) 14. Shellfish; person who doesn’t say

very much (4) 15. Surgeon famed for his work on

antiseptics (6) 16. Delicate difference in meaning (6) 17. The ----- informal name for USA;

says (6) 19. Excuse of being elsewhere (5) 20. Big cat; small weight (5)

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

What’s On July 2013 Tuesday 25th June to 12th July Gibraltar Photographic Society Annual Competitive Exhibition at John Mackintosh Hall 10am to 10pm. For info Tel: 57363000 or 56219000

Michelle

Millie

Chico

Saturday 6th July Gibraltar Botanic Gardens Tour meets George Don Gates (at the south end of Grand Parade)10.30am. No fee but donations welcome.

Tel: 20072639 Email: alameda@wildlife.gib.gi Thursday 11th to 17th August Summer Nights every Saturday & Thursday at Casemates Square. Kids activities and live entertainment for all the family. For info contact the Ministry of Culture Tel: 20048063 Email: minculture@gibtelecom.net Friday 12th July Glamour Creations 11th Anniversary Miss Glamour Pageant 2013 at the Alameda Open Air Theatre 9.30pm. Tickets: £15 from Chique Boutique, 6 Ocean Village Promenade. Email: bchiara@hotmail.com Saturday 13th July The Rat Pack at the Alameda Open Air Theatre Tickets: £10 from Nature Shop, Casemates Square. Email: theatre@gibraltargardens.gi Friday 19th July Jersey Boys - The Ultimate Tribute at The Alameda Open Air Theatre. Tickets: £10 from the Nature Shop, Casemates Square. Email: theatre@gibraltargardens.gi for info.

Friday 26th July Broadway Musicals Live in Concert at the Alameda Open Air Theatre. Tickets: £10 available from the Nature Shop, Casemates Square.

Email: theatre@gibraltargardens.gi

Peo p le&Pets This month we interview Michelle of the Lounge, Queensway Quay and her fabulous beagle buddies.

Michelle, Millie & Chico Michelle: Human Millie: Beautiful beagle Chico: Bits of beagle Age Michelle: Old enough!

Millie: 8 Chico: Around 6 Likes Michelle: Handbags & shoes Millie: Food, mam and cuddles in that order Chico: Food, especially McDonalds, but mam shouts at daddy for feeding it to me Hates Michelle: Anyone cruel to animals Millie: Being ignored Chico: Fireworks Saturday 27th July Gibraltar International Regatta. For information and registration contact: the Royal Gibraltar Yacht Club Tel: 20078897 Sunday 28th July The Gibraltar Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) Annual Endurance Swim, Eastern Beach to Catalan Bay. For info Tel: 20072869

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

Sociability Michelle: Very, I have a lot of great friends in Gib Millie: As long as you’re human Chico: Extremely friendly Best Trick Michelle: Making wine disappear Millie: Using my puppy dog eyes to get food

from everyone Chico: Pushing Millie off the bed Favourite Food Michelle: Teppanyaki Millie: Chicken Chico: chicken Interesting Facts Michelle: In my career I have worked all over the world Millie: I am from Newcastle Chico: I once ate a needle and thread!

Usefulness Michelle: I’m very good at organising Millie: I’m a very good alarm clock, I wake my mam up every morning at 6.30 for my dental stick.

Chico: I am brilliant at making people laugh Greatest Achievement Michelle: Opening my own business with my sister Sonia Millie: Figuring out how to open the fridge door Chico: Having a new family who adore me If you weren’t a dog/human you’d be?

Michelle: Millie!

Millie: I’m 99% certain I’m human already Chico: I’d be a clown

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S

�artin �o��alez

Art, Naturally... words | Elena Scialtiel

‘Old Dog – New Tricks’ was the self-explanatory title of the first solo painting exhibition by 59-year old retired English and Art teacher Martin Gonzalez. However, as soon as visitors stepped into the Fine Arts Gallery, they could be excused for feeling they were standing before the artwork of a young and dynamic artist — abreast with international currents, blessed with a keen eye for colour and texture, dainty detail within bold blocks, and a penchant for meaningful abstract.

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ome 40 paintings formed

part of this collection,

priced between £50 and £500, and all inspired by nature, in the widest sense of the word. All feature a surprising variety of styles and a focused approach to composition and subject matters, to show what an accomplished and mature painter Martin is, while being positively receptive to, and proactive with, the most bangon creative climate.

From tranquil landscapes to a true fascination with fish, Martin shows sound knowledge of technique and the finest tricks of the trade, having studied Art in university.

“An artist needs to learn and own the rules of drawing, before affording breaking them,” he explains, adding: “The same way famous flamenco guitarist Paco de Lucia used to say a guitar must be explored for a lifetime, a painter never stops exploring media and colour.”

And so this exhibition, completed over a period of over two years (“The last few weeks having been quite hectic,” he jokes), expresses an evolution in interest for topics as much as media and skills.

I mentioned a fascination with fish earlier, because Martin’s most immediately congenial pictures describe marine life in all its aggressive glory, like the proverbial shoal swimming upstream towards the onlooker, who almost feels drowned and overpowered, despite playing on the cool tones of tropical sea blues.

The sharp-fanged barracuda leaping at you from murky waters in a whirlpool of bubbles was sold within minutes at the well-attended official opening soiree of Martin’s June exhibition. Martin painted it as a bit of divertissement — in fact the warped foreshortening and primal coloration express quite a degree of irony, while in-keeping with the realistic depiction of the fish’s morphological features and accurate rendering of the soft flesh of its mouth where from the deadly fangs spring up. The result is spellbinding, entertaining and photogenic, as it matches well the contemporary idea of minimalist monochrome dotted with splashes of bright pink.

Tragic, expressionist and metaphysic is the tribute to Hemingway’s Old Man and the Sea, in which the huge swordfish bullying its way out of the dark sea in the fore and the human skeleton balancing on a small boat in the background teach us how everything is connected and how inane mankind’s pursuits may be.

From water to sky, Martin boasts his eagle eye in painting eagles: two fighting majestic birds of prey in the scorching midday sun, which is a masterpiece in its own right. They are captured in a clash of Titans, their black and white plumage in stark contrast with the bright greens, reds and yellows of the sky, and the realism of their elaboration makes them stand out as if they were bas-relief on the abstract background.

Martin is at home with landscapes as well, whether figurative, like the small view of Lon-

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

stage

time

A keen photographer, Martin always carries around a camera to snap prospective subject matters which he re-elaborates in original creations through the eye of his mind don under the orange moonlight that turns St. Paul’s Cathedral’s dome and the Gherkin into a surreal tropical mirage, or on the verge of abstract, like the Marina view at sunset, featuring the white masts outlined over sky and sea ablaze with a feast of orange hues.

This one was born by chance, after Martin primed the board and painted it in a melange of reds, without a clear idea where his imagination was taking him. Only later, a picture of the marina formed in his mind and he brought it to life on the canvas with the help of a ... credit card, which traced short assertive horizontal and vertical contours to suggest the outline of the skyscrapers and the yachts, and their reflexion in the calm harbour waters.

On the contrary, other artwork was carefully planned: for instance, his Three Graces (d’après Antonio Canova) implied a long preparation work with plaster, fabric and cement to obtain the thick, raggedy, groovy texture below the uniform coat of bronze paint, and render their plump shapes as much as the flimsy transparencies of their finely plissé peplums.

Other contains ‘live’ elements, like the desiccated rose petals from a Valentine’s Day bouquet resurrected into an eternal flower arrangement thanks to thick coats of pain and varnish; or the poignant Tree of Life, which includes nude silhouettes in the rendering of

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

the gnarled bark, and real leaves glued and scattered in the canopy and the grass.

Even when it is not made obvious with the help of solid objects, texture is paramount in Martin’s work: whether ice, boulders, sea waves or logs, the painstaking research for reproducing cracks, shadows and layers is evidently successful, as well as a balanced taste for geometric accuracy and a consistent sense of three-dimensionality.

Magnified and somehow in-your-face, bark, glaciers and rock formations become absolute protagonists of large pieces that attract attention on the often forgotten but unarguably photogenic beauty of Mother Nature’s own sculptures.

A keen photographer, Martin always carries around a camera to snap prospective subject matters which he re-elaborates in original creations through the eye of his mind.

Before retiring, he had casually participated in local collective exhibitions, but he had never tried his hand at large acrylic paintings, sticking instead to the British gentleman’s national hobby: watercolours in Southern France (never exhibited, but treasured in private collections).

Yet, the rupture with his watercolourist past has proven productive indeed, with five paintings sold on opening night only, and is motivating him to ride down that road and going larger, bolder and better. n

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photo: Jason Dietrich www.jasondietrichphotography.com

Pavilion in the Gibraltar Gardens, Delaware

A Mansion & Garden named “Gibraltar”

words | Reg Reynolds

The wealthy merchant built a mansion to woo fair maid but she spurned his ‘Gibraltar’ and the heartbroken man lived his long life alone.

John Rodney Brinckle of Philadelphia had earned a fortune in the cotton trade and was nearing middle age when he fell in love with a younger woman who worked at a store he owned at Wilmington, Delaware. He courted her but she responded with reluctance. Hoping to bring her around, he purchased 100 acres of land at Wilmington with the idea of building her a home she would be proud of.

By 1844 the mansion was complete. As a cotton trader Brinckle had travelled frequently to Britain and the Mediterranean and consequently stopped at Gibraltar on several occasions.

He named the new home Gibraltar because it was built on a high rocky promontory that resembled the real ‘Rock’. In spite of his efforts the woman of his dreams turned down his proposal of marriage and poor Brinckle settled into a solitary life.

After four years of living solo he invited his brother Reverend Samuel Brinckle, his wife Julia, and their eight children to live with

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him. A few years later John sold the house to Samuel and moved on. Bachelor Brinckle died in 1883 aged 89.

There was a Brinckle living on the Gibraltar estate until 1909 when the mansion and 6.11 acres were sold to Rodney Sharp and his new bride, Isabella, an heiress of the fabulously rich du Pont family. Sharp made numerous additions to the mansion, including a library

The redoubtable Coffin was one of the first women to become a professional landscape architect. Unable to find work with all-male firms she started (in 1905) her own practice

and solarium and in 1916 arranged with Marion Cruger Coffin to design a garden on the acreage.

The redoubtable Coffin was one of the first women to become a professional landscape architect. Unable to find work with all-male firms she started (in 1905) her own practice. Coffin went on to become one of the most sought-after landscape architects in the eastern United States, working on over 130 commissions. Her clientele included some of the wealthiest and most famous families in the country, including the Fricks (industry), the Vanderbilts(shipping, railways), the Huttons (Woolworths), and the du Ponts(chemicals).

Coffin, who would work right up until her death in 1957 aged 80, spent seven years designing Gibraltar Gardens finishing in 1923. For the next 70 years the Sharp family maintained them to the highest standards, employing 17 full-time gardeners. After the death of Rodney Sharp Jr. In 1991, however,

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

the estate was closed and the mansion and gardens were left to deteriorate. Fortunately in 1997 Preservation Delaware campaigned for a major restoration project and the mansions and gardens were returned to their original appearance. The restoration followed Coffin’s original design, including layout, ornamentation and plantings. In 2010 the mansion and gardens were deeded to the Gibraltar Preservation Group and opened to the public. The Cultural Landscape Foundation describes them thus: “Gibraltar is an Italianate Beaux Arts landscape consisting of a series of garden rooms parallel to the mansion, each with a specific character. The combination of strong geometry softened by the profuse planting more characteristic of an informal English landscape, as well as ornamentation by numerous statues, urns, fountains, and exquisite architectural elements such as hand-forged iron gates and railings, make this two-acre Wilmington garden an important example of the Country Place Era. A curving marble staircase descends 33 feet from the upper terrace of the residence, through the Flagstone, Evergreen, and Pool terraces below to the color wheel-inspired Flower Garden. Iron gates introduce the walk from the Flower Garden through the 200-foot long Bald Cypress allée to the Italianate garden pavilion.

The entry drive is flanked by two generous lawns planted with mature hardwoods, pines and flowering shrubs in an English park-like planting style.”

How ironic would John Brinckle, the rejected suitor, find that today the gardens are a favourite spot for wedding photographers. n

Sharp made numerous additions to the mansion, including a library and solarium and in 1916 arranged with Marion Cruger Coffin to design a garden on the acreage

Marion Cruger Coffin

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

The New Jersey Boys

Show Time at the Alameda There are three great shows lined up to set your feet tapping at the beautiful Alameda Open Air Theatre, in the Gibraltar Botanic Gardens, this month.

Saturday 13th July - The Rat Pack This fantastic trio have performed to sold out audiences in Gibraltar before. They are a hit all along the Costa del Sol to and make for a very entertaining evening. They will perform the classic Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr songs made famous as The Rat Pack.

Friday 19th - Jersey Boys This show will bring to life the classic Jersey Boys songs such as Big Boys Bon’t Cry, Sherry and Can’t Take My Eyes Off You. Lightfever Promotions in collaboration with the Alameda Open Air Theatre brings you this great tribute to the music of Frankie

Valli and the Four Seasons. Not to be missed — you’ll be singing the songs for days afterwards.

Friday 26th - Broadway Musicals A celebration of the best songs from everyone’s favourite musicals taken from the stages of the West End in London and Broadway, New York. The concert will feature songs from The Lion King, Guys and Dolls, Fiddler on the Roof, and many more. Also including a special tribute to Les Miserables. This show is again brought to you by Lightfever Promotions and the Open Air Theatre. One for the whole family to enjoy. Tickets for this are selling fast so make sure you get yours.

Songs from the Broadway Musicals

Tickets for all three shows are available from the Nature Shop in Casemates Square priced £10.00 each.

Email: theatre@ gibraltargardens. gi for further information.

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photo finish

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

photo: gibraltarfocus.com

The Eve Appeal’s Fab Quiz held last month at Sacarello’s restaurant was a great

success and raised £ 828.20 for the charity. Raising awareness of gynaecological cancers is central to the Eve Appeal’s vision which is a future where fewer women develop and more women survive these cancers. Awareness of these cancers is low and the Eve Appeal aims to spread the word and save lives and fund vital research. In the UK alone every day 53 women are diagnosed with and 21 die from a gynaecological cancer. Watch out for more events from the Eve Appeal and give them all your support.

AON Helps Stray Dogs

images of the month We loved these two low light shots which really capture different aspects of our Rock, one which is ever changing and the other, a sunset over the Bay of Gibraltar, which has been enjoyed for millennia.

Above: Sunset over the Bay of Gibraltar, photographed by Kevin Beint

A team of young volunteers from Gibraltar, all employees of global insurance company AON Gibraltar, recently visited ADANA (a charity which rehomes abandoned dogs) kennels, in Estepona’s Pedregales Park, to help clear-up weeds in the dogs’ exercise runs.

AON, which promotes Premier League Cup Winners Manchester United, gives all employees one free day a year to help with a charity of their choice.

Stonyhurst Reception Maxime Torrents dels Prats held a reception in honour of Father Michael O’ Halloran S.J., former rector of Stonyhurst College — an Independent Private coeducational Catholic Boarding and Day school in Lancashire, England popular with Gibraltarian families — to mark the start of Stonyhurst week on the Rock. n

Left: Gibraltar from Marina Bay, photographed by Nicky Sanchez

Get involved Gibraltar and you’d like to see it in print, send it to The Gibraltar Magazine — email: gibmag@gibraltar.gi.

We’ll feature our favourite photos each month and you’ll see your name in lights (well ink anyway!).

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

photos: Mike Brufal

If you have a fabulous photo taken in

photo

call

Sweet Things by Fi launch party Sweet Things by Fi — elegant wedding cake and cupcake designs — has now opened at 31 West Place of Arms, 9-11 Corral Road.

Call Fiona on 54036246 to make an appointment to pop into this lovely wedding cake boutique to see what scrumptious and elegant cakes she is designing.

Photo Call...

This page is for you. Send us your pictures of special occasions in Gibraltar and we will try to include them.

You don’t have to be a VIP (everyone is a VIP to us), so snap, snap, snap away and email the photos to gibmag@ gibraltar.gi.

By the way, we also love to get pictures of people reading the Gibraltar Magazine abroad, it makes us proud to see how far they travel (though a little jealous too!). n

Summer’s Here.... Enjoying the summer

sun is one of the great things for kids about living in this fine and pleasant land. Pictured left is Erin Frendo having fun in the playground. Thanks to grandad Frank Johnson for sharing this photo with us.

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

photo call

Girls on Film.... Cafe Solo in Casemates Square has lots of loyal regular customers — here are three lovely ladies enjoying a glass of wine and a chat on a Saturday evening.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

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t s e B e h t d e e s s B e r D

Salad Alchemy

Creating the perfect salad dressing is pure summer alchemy and everyone has their favourites. Beyond the standard extra virgin olive oil and cider vinegar poured over liberally at the table, what really does go into making the perfect dressing?

A good dressing should complement a salad, not overpower it, and although it comes down to personal taste, there are a few tips to remember.

The basic rule is one part vinegar to three parts oil, although this can be altered to taste. Add seasoning to the vinegar before whisking in the oil — that way the seasoning will dissolve or spread evenly throughout the dressing.

It’s really important to combine ingredients properly, and the best way is to put into a beaker or jar with a lid and shake it vigorously. You can keep your salad dressing in the jar in the fridge for up to a week. Bring it up to room temperature and shake it again before using.

Extra-virgin olive oil is the classic choice, but choose it carefully. Olive oils can be anything from strong and fruity to peppery, mild or even bitter. Choose one to complement the ingredients in your salad — to do this

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

food appetite you have to taste it on its own!

Walnut and hazelnut oils can also be combined with mild olive oils to add a nutty flavour to your salad.

Likewise choose your vinegar with care. Cider and wine vinegars are a good basics for salads, but never use malt vinegar, it is just too strong. Balsamic vinegar doesn’t suit every salad, but if you are using lots of tomatoes it will likely be delicious. Try lemon juice in your dressing instead of vinegar, especially when they are cheap and abundant in the shops — they are full of vitamin C as an added bonus.

Flavoured oils are easy to make and a great use for herbs from your terrace, windowsill or garden. Place two fresh, hot red chillies into a bottle of olive oil (make a hole in them first so they sink) and leave for a week or so before using. Chilli oil gives a nice punch to dressings used with feta cheese salads for example, especially if you add crushed garlic cloves to the oil too.

Place sprigs of herbs such as rosemary, tarragon, thyme or basil into either the oil or the vinegar and leave to infuse their flavours through.

For a lemon oil simply remove the zest from unwaxed lemons with a peeler and add to olive oil and leave to infuse — it’s really aromatic.

What else should you add? Try a little bit of wholegrain or Dijon mustards. Try adding honey if a recipe calls for sugar, it will add its own floral flavours. Fresh herbs can also be chopped and added straight from the plant.

However you combine your ingredients, remember to dress your salad at the very last minute to keep it crisp and fresh, and

For a lemon oil simply remove the zest from unwaxed lemons with a peeler and add to olive oil — it’s really aromatic

don’t be afraid to use your hands to toss all the leaves. Salads should be dressed with love.

Our Favourite Classic Caesar 1 free-range egg 1 garlic clove, crushed Juice of ½ lemon 2 tsp Dijon mustard Splash Worcestershire sauce 10 anchovies in olive oil 100ml extra-virgin olive oil 2 sliced cos lettuces 75g ready-made croutons

(or make your own if

you are feeling

dedicated!)

75g Parmesan shavings Whizz together the egg, garlic clove, lemon juice, mustard, Worcestershire sauce and two anchovies in a processor. Season with sea salt and black pepper.

Keep the food processor running while gradually pouring in the olive oil until the dressing becomes thick and glossy.

Mix the lettuce with the remaining ingredients, then drizzle the salad with the dressing and serve.

Yum, yum — delicious and oh so very easy. n

Contemporary Mediterranean Dining

Grand Casemates Square Tel: 200 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

44449 for reservations 79

appetite

e to wher drink eat & the on k Roc

Café Solo Modern Italian eatery set in 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

Cafe Rojo

restaurants

Sleek modern comfort in this relaxing little restaurant. Brunch (10am12pm) includes ciabatta, granary, foccacia sandwiches with fillings such as pear and blue cheese, smoked bacon and brie, cheese and honey roast ham, delicious desserts.

Lunch 12-3pm, dinner 7-10pm; dishes such as Marinated Tuna Steak & Sesame Crust; Roasted Lamb Shoulder; pastas or risottos such as Roast Pumpkin, Mushroom, & Spinach Curry, 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: 10am. Closed Sundays and Saturday lunchtime.

Nunos Italian

Nunos Italian Restaurant, overlooking the Mediterranean, is popular with hotel guests, tourists and local residents. This 2 rosette rated, AA restaurant is renowned for its eclectic interior, intimate atmosphere and fine cuisine. Savour a wide selection of freshly prepared Italian delicacies, including bread, pasta, meat and fish, followed by delicious desserts. In the summer months, the hotel offers alfresco dining for private parties in the Garden Grill. Sitting nestled in the colonial garden you can enjoy a mouth-watering menu of charcoal-grilled meats and freshly prepared salads in candlelit surroundings.

Open: Mon-Sun 1-3pm lunch, 7–11pm dinner

Cafe Rojo 54 Irish Town. Tel: 200 51738

Nunos Italian Restaurant and Terrace Caleta Hotel, Catalan Bay Tel: 200 76501 Email: reservations@caletahotel.gi

Casa Pepe

The Waterfront

A delightful terrace, bar, restaurant on the prestigious Queensway Quay Marina. Wonderful location for business meetings, weddings, anniversaries and other special occasions. Specialising in fresh fish caught locally with daily specials including seabass, dorada, sole, and bream, plus a very comprehensive a la carte menu. Also available are tapas and raciones (double size tapas) to share (or not!) prior to a main course. Mixed paellas also available, as well as fish cooked in rock salt, whole suckling pig and baby lamb to order.

Open: Tues-Sat lunch & evening, Sunday lunch only, closed Mondays.

Right on the quayside at Queensway Quay Marina, this restaurant offers everything from coffee through to 3-course meals with champagne! A bar snack menu is available all day from 10.15am; the a la carte menu from midday to 10.30pm, featuring daily specials. The barbecue grill from 7pm offers sumptuous steaks aged in-house, and fab fish including dorada and sea bass. A delicious array of desserts/ice creams. Extensive terraces provide ideal location for summer dining and drinks with stunning sunsets. Caters for large parties - weddings, holy communions, birthdays etc. Est. over 16 years.

Open: 7 days a week 9am-late

Casa Pepe, 18 Queensway Quay Marina, Tel/Fax: 200 46967 Email: casa.pepe@gmail.com.

Visit: www.gibtour.com/casapepe.

The Waterfront Queensway Quay Marina. Tel: 200 45666 Visit: www.gibwaterfront.com

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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. Daily specials on blackboard. No smoking.

Café Solo Grand Casemates Square. Tel: 200 44449

Solo Bar & Grill

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! Available for private functions and corporate events — call 200 62828 to book your function or event.

Open: 12-8pm.

Solo Bar & Grill Eurotowers Tel: 200 62828

Get Listed!

Do you own a restaurant, café, or bar in Gibraltar?

Get your business listed here

CALL 200 77748 for details GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

food & drink Amin’s Office

Just Desserts

Picadilly Gardens

Sit down, informal and friendly bar with informal eating. 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. Terrace, just off Main Street (turn left at Trafalgar Pharmacy coming from Casemates).

Open: 7am to midnight.

B r i g h t a n d a i r y, recently redecorated cafe on the first floor of the ICC. All homemade food including daily specials, vegetarian options, desserts and small cakes. Eat in or takeaway. Try their daily roast with everything on, or their all-day breakfast. Pensioner’s lunch - 2 course meal for £5.25. Friendly, cheerful and fully licensed.

Open: from 7.30am Monday to Friday

Relaxed bar restaurant located near to the Queen’s Hotel and Cable car, it has a cosy garden terrace, which is great for drinks, tapas and food al fresco.

English breakfast, tapas, hamburgers, fresh fish, paella by pre-order, prawns, squid, clams and a variety of meat dishes. Eat in or takeaway. Open: 6:30am till late.

Amin's The Office 30 Parliament Lane. Tel: 200 40932

Just Desserts 1st Floor ICC. Tel: 200 48014

Piccadilly Gardens Rosia Road, Tel: 20075758

Mumbai Curry House

Sacarello Coffee Co

Get Listed!

Do you own a restaurant, café, or bar in Gibraltar?

Get your business listed here

CALL 200 77748 for details Buddies Pasta Casa 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. Tasty desserts and variety of wines.

Outside seating too.

Open: Monday - Thursday 11am - 5pm, Friday 11am-3pm and 7pm-11pm, Sat 11am-4.30pm Buddies Pasta Casa 15 Cannon Lane. Tel: 200 40627

Get Stuffed Very popular takeaway, sandwich bar and hot food.

Serving all fresh and homemade sandwiches, salads, soups, pasta, pies, cup cakes, plus hot/cold drinks and smoothies and a different special every day. Outside catering for corporate parties.

Open: 8am - 4pm Mon-Fri, 8am-3pm Sat. Get Stuffed Marina Bay. Tel: 200 42006 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

Indian cuisine, eat-in/take-away, from snacks (samosas, bhajias, pakoras) to lamb, chicken and fish dishes such as korma, tikka masala, do piaza. Large vegetarian selection. Halal food. Outside catering for parties/meetings. Sunday Mumbai favourites such as Dosa & Choley Bhature.

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

Mumbai Curry House Unit 1.0.02 Ground Floor, Block 1 Eurotowers Tel: 200 73711 Home delivery: 200 50022/33

Oasis Eatery

Located in Governor’s Parade, just across from the Elliot Hotel, and offers hot/cold drinks plus a delicious homemade selection of baked items such as cakes and quiches, also sandwiches and wraps, bagels and cupcakes. Vegan/vegetarian items. Oasis is on Facebook and Twitter and you can pre-order online which is handy for a quick lunch.

Special orders taken for a range of bakery goods.

Fully licensed for beers and wine. Terrace seating.

Open: 8am to 3pm

Oasis Eatery Govenor’s Parade Tel: 200 65544 www.oasiseatery.com

Pick a Bite Morning coffee and daily lunch specials, one of largest selections of traditional home made food, to eat in or takeaway. All the old favourites — spinach pie, croquettes, quiche, spanish omelette, shepherd’s pie and more. Delicious sandwiches, baguettes, ciabatta melts and wraps, with a variety of fillings. Salads, snacks and soups. Cakes and muffins for those with a sweet tooth. Friendly, cheerful and very reasonal prices. Terrace seating.

Open: Monday to Friday 8am - 3pm.

Pick A Bite 10 Chatham Counterguard Tel: 200 64211

Converted coffee warehouse, great coffee, homemade cakes/ afternoon tea, plus menu and excellent salad bar with quiche selection, specials of the day and dishes such as lasagne, steak and mushroom Guinness pie, hot chicken salad, toasties, club sandwich and baked potatoes. Art exhibitions. Available for parties and functions in the evenings.

Open: 9am-7.30pm Mon-Fri. 9am-3pm Sat Sacarello Coffee Co. 57 Irish Town. Tel: 200 70625

Solo Express Located next to Pizza Hut in Casemates and in Eurotowers, serves a variety of salads/baguettes (white, brown, ciabatta) filled with a deli selection such as roast chicken; smoked salmon & mascapone; ham, cheese and coleslaw; or humous, avocado & roast red pepper. Salads fresh and tasty (Greek, Waldorf, cous cous, tuna pasta etc), great value. Jackets, quiches, coffee plus cakes (flapjacks, muffins) available all day. Eat-in area. Soups in winter.

Solo Express Grnd Flr, ICC, Casemates & Eurotowers

The Tasty Bite Tasty Bite has one of the biggest take-away menus around with home cooked meats, filled baguettes, burgers, chicken and everything else you can think of! Try the quiches, tortillas and jackets spuds with all kinds of fillings. This little place gets busy with those popping out from the offices for lunch so get there early.

Open: Monday - Saturday.

The Tasty Bite 59a Irish Town. Tel: 200 78220 Fax: 200 74321

informal food

directory

e to wher drink & eat the on k Roc

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food & drink

directory informal food

Verdi Verdi All day coffee plus all homemade and delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes, fresh baked bread and desserts.

A selection of bagels (try the smoked salmon and cream cheese) and baguettes to eat in or take away. Try the light homemade pizzas, or the falafels and humous. Daily special soups are fabulous and filling. Ask for Idan's hot homemade chilli relish — sweet and scrummy.

Open: Mon/Thurs: 7.30-6, Fri 7.30-5, Sun 10-3.

Verdi Verdi ICC, Casemates Tel: 200 60733

Get Listed!

Do you own a restaurant, café, or bar in Gibraltar?

Get your business listed here

CALL 200 77748 for details All’s Well

Traditional pub in fashionable Casemates area. Named for the 18th century practise of locking gates to the city at night when the guard called ‘All’s Well’. All’s Well serves Bass beers, wine and spirits plus pub fare. English breakfast all day, hot meals such as pork in mushroom sauce, sausage & mash, cod & chips and steak & ale pie plus a range of salads and jacket potatoes. Large terrace.

Karaoke Mondays and Wednesdays until late. Free tapas on a Friday 7pm.

All’s Well Casemates Square. Tel: 200 72987

bars & pubs

Bridge Bar & Grill

Located on the water’s edge, Ocean Village, just across the bridge from O’Reilly’s.

This bar & grill is a fusion of an American themed menu with Tarifa chill out style. Open for breakfast from 9am serving healthy options, freshly squeezed orange juice and Italian Lavazza coffee. Try the spicy Caribbean rum ribs, southern fried chicken bucket, the popular Texas burger or a selection of tasty salads and homemade desserts. London Pride, San Miguel & Carling beer on draught, live sports.

Bridge Bar & Grill Ocean Village Tel: 200 66446

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Cannon Bar

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.

Cannon Bar

Gibraltar Arms On Main Street opposite the cathedral, enjoy a meal, coffee or a cool beer on the terrace and watch the world go by!

Bar decorated with rare military plaques from regiments and navy ships visiting Gibraltar. Full breakfast menu served from 7am, draught beers on tap include Old Speckled Hen bitter, Murphys Irish stout, Heineken lager and Strongbow cider.

Gibraltar Arms 184 Main Street. Tel: 200 72133

Jury’s Café-Wine Bar

Next to the Law Courts, with a terrace seating area, Jury’s has a selection of Ciabattas, paninis, baguettes and wraps, plus popular sharing dishes, such as Your Honour’s platter. Jacket potatoes, main courses, pasta and some innocent salads too.

For those with a sweet tooth, there are tantalising homemade desserts, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, as well as Lavazza coffees and frappes.

Open: 7am-midnight Mon-Sat, 9am-midnight Sun. Jury’s Café & Wine Bar 275 Main Street. Tel: 200 67898

Lord Nelson

Bar/brasserie in Casemates.

Done out like Nelson’s ship.

Starters & snacks include fresh mussels, blue cheese and rocket bruschetta, potato skins, spicy chicken wings and calamares. Main courses from chilli con carne and chicken & mushroom pie, to crispy duck burrito and fish & chips.

Jackets, burgers and kid’s menu. Live music on stage nightly. Spacious terrace.

Open: 10am till very late.

Lord Nelson Bar Brasserie 10 Casemates Tel: 200 50009 Visit: www.lordnelson.gi

e to wher drink eat & the on k Roc

The Lounge Stylish lounge bar on the quayside at Queensway Quay with very reasonable prices and light bites from 10am until late.

Popular quiz on Sundays (from 7.30pm) and a relaxed friendly atmosphere... always plenty of people / yachties to chat to. Events (matches etc) covered on large screen TV. Great place to chill out.

Open: 10am Mon - Sat until late and from 12pm on Sun (get there early for a seat for the quiz).

The Lounge Queensway Quay Marina Tel: 200 61118

O’Reilly’s Traditional Irish bar with full HD sports coverage and Irish breakfast from 7am (Sunday from 9am). Guinness on draught. Food includes salads, jackets, beef & Guinness 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.

O’Reilly’s Ocean Village. Tel: 200 67888

Star Bar

Gibraltar’s oldest bar, just off Main St. Small cosy and famous for its full English breakfast from 7am (9am on Sunday). A full menu including fish & chips, until 10pm. The home of Star Coffee, draught beers include Heineken, Old Speckled Hen, Murphys and Strongbow cider. Managed by Hunter Twins from Stafford, England, also home to Med Golf & Tottenham Hotspur supporters club.

Star Bar Parliament Lane. Tel: 200 75924 Visit: www.starbargibraltar.com

The Three Owls 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.

The Three Owls Irish Town. Tel: 200 77446 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

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

SMITH’S

U4 FISH & CHIPS HADDOCK W4 PLAICE • COD FRESH FRIED IN CRISPY BATTER

restaurant bar guide &

184 Main Street Tel: 200 72133 open: from 8am (10am on Sun)

295 MAIN ST Tel: 200 74254

Get Stuffed!

Marina Bay Tel: 200 42006 Take-Away, Sandwiches & Hot Food Different Special Every Day salads, soups, pastas, pies, cupcakes, all home made Open 8am-4pm Mon-Fri, 8am-3pm Sat

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

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

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 GIBRALTAR GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAGAZINE •• JULY JULY 2013 2013

83 83

keep calm &

words | Peter Rodney

Carry on. This slogan has appeared (usually under some representation of a crown) all over the place in recent years. It seems to be a reference back to the sentiments of the ‘Blitz spirit’. It has been parodied in various ways, some amusing and some downright... er... rude. But I was amused, on a recent flight on Vueling Airlines, to see that the sickbag carried the injunction: ‘Keep calm and breathe’. Excellent advice for a long life, even on an aeroplane. Presumably they were unaware of the other uses of ‘Keep calm’.

While on the subject of airlines, I am told that on a recent flight to Limerick the air stewardess announced, just before landing: The captain has switched on the signs So stow away bags of all kinds Please make sure your tray Is folded away And your seat back no longer reclines.

So much better than the normal stuffy announcement, but I doubt it will catch on.

The sickbag made me think of the advice always received that a

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wine should be allowed to breathe, after the cork (or screw cap) is removed, before being drunk. Assuming the wine has a cork, you have gone through the ceremony of finding the corkscrew, which has been hidden by the love of your life in the latest reorganisation of the kitchen, and succeeded in removing the cork after some struggle, then the advice is good.

You need to keep calm and breathe on your own, without worrying about the wine (and trying to

control the words which come to your lips about the reorganisation of the kitchen and concomitant disappearance of the corkscrew). If you have just opened a screw cap, which causes no difficulty, why wait? What is the purpose of letting the wine breathe?

It turns out to be the same as decanting the wine. In the days before sulphites, most, if not all, wines had lees — dregs — which were left-overs from the vinification process. Decanting into a carafe, slowly and carefully, would leave these dregs behind. It would also expose the wine to the air, and therefore oxidation. After sitting in a bottle for however many years, the wine needed to have a bit of

oxygen to open up and get rid of the impurities. Those impurities are no longer there because of improvements in the making of wine. So, while you still need to keep calm, modern wine does not normally need to breathe.

I used the phrase ‘open up’ in relation to breathing and removing the cork. Sorry. This is old-time wine-speak and still used by those who wish to impress with their supposed knowledge. When the taster at the table makes some reference to this necessity you are meant to look serious, nod your head sagely, and wait for half an hour before you can take another sip. What tosh – especially as you have to wait before being able to replenish your glass and therefore your blood/alcohol level (which may have sunk to a dangerous low).

It is great fun to catch out experts who may not be quite as expert as they pretend. Both the legal profession and the wine world lend themselves to charlatans. Once you have learned the jargon, you too can talk the talk and walk the walk — and, possibly, earn large sums of money. Having pretensions as a lawyer can cause rather more damage when you are caught out. This is why even bad lawyers

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

wine generally remember to cover their own backs by ‘reserving their rights’ on every possible occasion.

Enquiring what rights the lawyer fears might be lost, if they were not reserved, will usually produce a blank look, a shuffling of papers and a waffle about it all being too difficult for a layman to understand.

A wine expert, when asked about ‘opening up’, will waffle about breathing and giving the

wine time to appreciate being in the open air. If the label says that the wine contains sulphites (and 95% do) then the expert may not be quite the expert he thinks he is — although he may also seek to rely on the concepts being too difficult for the layman to understand.

Whether they should breathe or not, this month’s recommendations are a mixed bag. Many years ago I did the vendange (grape picking) at Chateau Saint Georges in St Emilion (for the princely sum of 30 francs — about £2.75 — a day). The grapes I picked became one of the great vintages of the century and I do not dare open the bottle I got as a souvenir.

However, you can go on to the website and order direct from later vintages. Not cheap (€35 plus per bottle for an ordinary year) but a different experience. It will ruin your taste for Morrison’s claret in the future. But for a special treat it cannot be beaten.

New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc

column

is always good, and Cloudy Bay (£10 or so from Anglo Hispano) has a has a lovely way of

slipping down in the hotter days of summer. My Wines have an Italian Pinot Grigio at £8 which also goes down well ­ — almost unnoticed. This is actually a good thing because so much white wine (at the cheaper end) can be like a chalk scrape on a blackboard, causing an involuntary rictus, that it is a relief to sip and look forward to the next sip. Finally, Wolf Blass Cabernet (on offer at Morrison’s at £5.70), while nowhere near Chateau Saint Georges, does not offend and will allow your bank manager to keep calm. n

r y ou Enjo side y qua ace e t rr

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

85

d n u o r � ow� � Photos - this page and opposite: Fun for all at the fabulous Calentita food festival in Casemates

Photos: This page Visual Variety launch at Sacarello’s restaurant

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

Well here we are in July, with summer now in full swing and everyone has that special summer glow. Events die down for the summer season, but there is still plenty to do in Gibraltar if you want to forgo the beach. The Alameda Open Air Theatre has some great shows lined up (see page 73 for details) and isn’t it just one of the nicest places on the Rock on a warm summer’s evening when the frogs start their chant?

For lovers of the water there are two events to note in your diary. First is the Gibraltar International Regatta on 27th July which takes place in the Bay. Contact the Royal Gibraltar Yacht Club for full details 200 78897. Then there is something we could all aspire to take part in, the Gibraltar Amateur Swimming Association’s Annual Endurance Swim. The swim will take the hardy and strong willed from Eastern Beach to Catalan Bay. It’s a great spectator sport too, so go along and cheer on your favourite!

If on 26th July you see a bunch of seemingly mad people dashing around town in fancy dress asking some very strange questions, the question you should ask yourself is why aren’t you taking part?! Yes, it’s the Childline annual Treasure Hunt and all are welcome to enter for a fun evening raising money for this important children’s charity. Contact Gloria for information by emailing dstimpson@gibtelecom.net.

Just a couple of happy birthdays this month — firstly to new grandmother Jane Mckinnon on 14th, Samantha Latin on 16th, Raju of Marble Arc also on 16th (this is a biggy, take note) and finally to Naomi of Colorworks on 31st.

Have a great summer, however you are spending it!

See you on Main Street.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

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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 6.30pm8pm, Wed 6.30pm-8.30pm, life painting Wed 7pm-9pm). Tel: 200 79788.

The Fine Arts Association Gallery 1st Floor above Gibraltar Crystal, Casemates. Open 11am-2pm, 4-6pm Mon - Fri, Sat 11am - 2pm.

Arts & Crafts Gallery (next door) opens Mon - Fri 9.30am - 5pm (summer) -6pm (winter), Sat 9.30am - 3pm.

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 Knit and Natter Group: Tuesdays from 11am3pm, at Arts & Crafts Shop, Casemates balconyFree to join and refreshments provided. Tel: 20073865 for more information.

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 Bellydance classes. Beginners level on Tuesday from 7-8pm at Danza Academy or 8-9pm at Ocean Village fitness centre. Tel 54005593.

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.

Modern, Contemporary, Lyrical, Flexibility, Hip Hop & Dance Theatre classes weekly at Urban Dance Studio for Performing Arts, 2 Jumpers Bastion. Tel: Yalta (54012212) or Jolene (54015125).

Ballet, Modern Theatre, Jazz, Contemporary & Hip Hop classes held weekly at Danza Academy, 68/2 Prince Edward’s Road. Training from 2.5 years to Adult Advanced. Royal Academy of Dancing and Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing exams taken. Competing opportunity with IDF European & World Championships. Tel: Anne-Marie 54027111 or Zulieka 54003973.

Aerobics, Step, Dancercise & Zumba classes for women of all ages held weekly at Danza Academy, 68/2 Prince Edward]s Road. Contact Anne-Marie 54027111.

Zumba Classes at Urban Dance Centre, Jumpers Bastion, with certified instructor Tyron Walker. Every Mon and Weds 8-9pm. Contact 20063959 or 54012212.

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.

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Don’t be bored... do something fun!

Music 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 for all young people worldwide equipping them with life skills to make a difference to themselves, their communities and the world. Over 5 million young people from 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 The Lounge friendly quiz on Sundays from 8pm right on the quayside at Queensway Quay.

Social Clubs 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.

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 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. 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.

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).

Cheerleading: Gibraltar Cheerleading Association, girls/boys all ages. Chearleading and street cheer/hip hop at Victoria Stadium. Recreational / competitive levels. Contact Gina: 58008338.

Canoeing: Gibraltar Canoeing Association. Tel: Nigel 200 52917 or Eugene 58014000.

Cricket: Gibraltar Cricket, National Governing Body & Associate Member of ICC. Governs men’s, women’s, boys’ & girls’ cricket - league & cup competitions and in-schools coaching. www.gibraltarcricket.com email: info@gibcricket.com Twitter: @Gibraltar_Crick 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.

Gaelic Football Club (Irish sport): males of any age welcome. Get fit, play sport, meet new friends, travel around Spain/Europe and play an exciting and competitve sport. Training every Wednesday in La Linea 7-a-side pitches at 8.30pm. Andalucia League with Seville and Marbella to play matches home and away monthly. Email team@gibraltargaels.com or visit www.gibraltargaels.com.

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/juniors. Tel: Eric 200 74156 Peter 200 72730.

Iaido Gibraltar - teaches the Japanese sword (Katana), classes every week, visit www.iaidogibraltar.com Iwa Dojo, Kendo & Jujitsu, giving classes every week, for kids and adults, visit www. iwadojo.com email: dbocarisa@iwadojo.com Tel: 54529000 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.

Pilates: Monday & Wednesday 11-12am for beginners, and intermediate classes Monday & Wednesday 9:30-10:45am, at Shotokai Karate Centre. Contact Chantal: 60618882.

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 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 An-

what a page turner! www.thegibraltarmagazine.com

glers (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).

Snooker: Members of European Billiards & Snooker Association - facilities at Jumpers Bastion with 3 tables. Professional coaching for juniors/seniors. Organised leagues/tournaments and participation in international competitions.

Tel: Sean Galligan 56262000 or Lee Prickman 54000068, email info@gibraltarsnooker.com Snorkelling & Spear Fishing: Over 14s for snorkelling, over 16s for spear fishing. Tel: Joseph 200 75020.

Squash: Gibraltar Squash Association, 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 Email:gibdrama@yahoo.co.uk Tel: 200 42237 www.geocities.com/gibdrama Trafalgar Theatre Group meets 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 • JULY 2013

community update

Gibraltar Taekwondo Pictured above: The Gibraltar Taekwondo Association held its 11th Junior Kyorugi (Sparring) and 9th Junior Poomsae (Patterns) and its 5th Senior Kyorugi (Sparring) and 7th Senior Poomsae (Patterns) National Championships last month. The event was opened by the Gibraltar Taekwondo National Poomsae Team, when they demonstrated to the public, some of the patterns that they compete with at “Class A” International Competitions. The Team gave a presentation to Masters Edward and Ernest Garcia and Karissa Ruiz, for their commitment, hard work and support given throughout the year. Both Masters Edward and Ernest Garcia are extremely delighted with the outstanding performance of their pupils at the National Championships.

This was followed by the Gibraltar Taekwondo Team participating at the Straits Games held in Ceuta (pictured right). Over 1,200 participants, representing seven cities (Ceuta, Los Barrios, Tarifa, La Linea, Algeciras, San Roque and Gibraltar), participated at the event in a wide variety of sports enjoyed by young athletes.

For further info on Gibraltar Taekwondo, visit www.taekwondo.gi or like them on www.facebook.com/British Taekwondo Gibraltar.

Support Groups Alcoholics Anonymous meet 7pm Tues & Thurs 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-

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

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 ex-Service personnel and their families.

Tel: (5)5481. Email: Susan GIB-CST-JSWPA@mod.uk 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).

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information

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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!

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.

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-ibnZeyad (“Gibraltar” is a corruption of the Arabic words “Jebel Tarik” - Tarik’s mountain). The part we see today, The Tower of Homage, dates back to 1333AD, when Abu’l Hassan recaptured the Rock from Spain.

Natural History & Heritage Park Walks: Med Steps is a stunning walk with the steep climb at the end rewarded with spectacular views of the Rock and Spain. Another recommended walk is St Michael’s Cave through to Charles V Wall but walkers should be relatively fit for both. It

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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 with a labyrinth of 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’.

Flat Bastion Magazine Flat Bastion Road, Geological Research Station and Lithology of Gibraltar. To visit contact: F. Gomez Tel. 200 44460, P. Hodkinson Tel. 200 43910.

Shrine of Our Lady of Europe (Museum within premises) Europa Road. 10am-7pm Monday to Friday, 11am-7pm Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays.

Closed 1pm - 2pm.

Trafalgar Cemetery: Trafalgar Rd, 9am - 7pm daily (free).

Business Information Financial Serv. 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 stars such as Sean Connery and John Lennon.

Rock Tours by Taxi Tel: 200 70052 As well as

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.

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.

Gibibikes is a scheme for public use of bikes taken from stations around the Rock. Visit www.gibibikes.gi for info.

Public Holidays 2013 Gibraltar & United Kingdom New Year’s Day Tuesday 1 January Commonwealth Day Monday 11 March* Good Friday Friday 29 March Easter Monday Monday 1 April Worker’s Memorial Day Friday 26 April* May Day Wednesday 1 May Spring Bank Holiday Monday 27 May Queen’s Birthday Monday 17 June Late Summer Bank Holiday Monday 26 August Gibraltar National Day Tuesday 10 September* Christmas Day Wednesday 25 December Boxing Day Thursday 26 December *Gibraltar only

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 os Emergency N : .............Tel: (5) 5026 / (5) 3598

GibiBikes Locations • Frontier • Victoria Stadium • Waterport Road (Watergardens) • Waterport Road (Waterport Terraces) • Eurotowers • Reclamation Road (Leisure Centre) • Commonwealth Parade Car Park • Rosia Road (Jumpers building) • Rosia Road (Bayview Terraces) • Grand Parade Car Park (Cable Car) • Southport Gates (Ince’s Hall) • Line Wall Road (City Hall) • Line Wall Road (Orange Bastion) • Market Place • Eastern Beach Road (coming soon) • Catalan Bay (viewing platform) • St Joseph’s School • Europa Point • Rosia Parade Visit www.gibibikes.gi to find out more about how you can benefit from GibiBikes

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013

The Gibraltar Magazine is published and produced by Guide Line Promotions Ltd, La Bayuca, 21 Turnbull’s Lane, Gibraltar. Tel/Fax: (+350) 200 77748

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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.

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