The Gibraltar Magazine - November 2012

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

gibraltar the

November 2012 Vol. 18 # 01 FREE

The Financial Puzzle

Who Wants to be Anonymous?

Tax? There’s an App for That!

Should I Buy to Let? Monkey Menace Our Sporting Hero The Admiral of Love

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

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ibraltar the

November 2012 Vol. 18 # 01 FREE

contents

Business & Finance 8 Business & Finance Guide 9 The Financial Puzzle 12 Hotel Wins Award 14 Finance: Assessing the The Financial Puzzle

Who Wants to be

Tax? There’s an App for That!

Anonymous?

Should I Buy to Let? Monkey Menace Our Sporting Hero The Admiral of Love

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Cover: Jemma Rocca (see page 64) image by Kevin Gomila

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The Gibraltar Magazine is published monthly by

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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 Office Manager: Jolene Gomez Copyright © 2012 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 @gibmag

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Situation FATCA: Inter-governmental Agreements Events: KPMG’s Office Launch Party HR: The Art of Retention Business Updates Online Payment Community Unites Technology File Technology File: Tax? There’s an App for That!

Movers & Shakers: Captain of the Port Movers & Shakers: Sir Mark Potter revealed

Property File 35 Should I buy to Let 37 Property Directory 38 This Place: Who wants to be

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Anonymous?

Chesertons’ Mike Nicholls at Gibraltar Day 2012 The Art of the Refurb

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

18 # 01

Health & Well-being 48 Moorish Castle Turns Blue

52 53 54 57

for World Diabetes Day Health Directory Here’s Health - Flaxseed A Duty of Care E-Light Technology at Home of Your Beauty

Past Revisited 60 The Admiral of Love 69 Monkey Menace Appetite 76 Thinking Pink 78 Chef’s Recipes:

80 84

Comfort Cuisine Food & Drink Directory Wine Column: O Fabjous Day

Regulars 66 Puzzle Page 86 Around Town: Come into

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features 44 46

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Are you Wordly Wise?

Trevor Norton: Is there a Comedian in the House?

Sporting Heroes: John Shephard

arts & lifestyle 58 59 64 67 73 74 75

Mingle Singles The Convent Christmas Fair Strike the Pose & Face the Music Miss Gibraltar Calendar shot On Yer Bike Images of the Month People & Pets (you’ll love it!)

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My Parlour...

Information 62 City Centre Map 75 What’s On November

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAGAZINE •• NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 2012 2012 GIBRALTAR

finance

business

The Financial Puzzle words | Ian Le Breton

As we approach the middle of the final quarter of 2012, one has to say that the economic outlook is still a gloomy one — even for a born optimist such as myself. In fact as far back as July 2009, my Gibraltar Magazine column article was titled Green Shoots. Had I known three years ago what we all know now, maybe I wouldn’t have been so keen to call time on the crisis, but life seldom turns out quite as we expect, does it? And in the financial world, that has never been truer than today.

But given my “glass is half full, not half empty” sense of optimism, are there any signs of recovery one can point to as 2012 races towards 2013? Firstly, I should acknowledge that for many, including here in Gibraltar, the year could end badly as more jobs losses are announced and companies continue to struggle or even fail altogether. This is especially true across the border in Spain where many Gibraltarians have been left nursing hefty mortgage payments on property worth considerably less than when purchased.

Sad to report, negative equity — once a peculiarly British phenomenon — has become far too common in Spain. The new government is struggling with an ever deepening recession and chronic unemployment. It ends 2012 faced with providing financial aid not just to its heavily indebted banking sector but to the autonomous regions themselves. The second half of the year has been dominated by talk of an EU bailout and we have seen some civil disorder in the streets.

But away from Spain, are there genuine reasons to be hopeful? I suggest that there are — in certain specific areas — and the hope has to be that these early signs will prove to be long last-

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

ing and will manifest themselves in other parts of the economy, leading to an overall change of mood and ultimately recovery.

Consider the situation in the place where it all started to go wrong — the US. There are some real signs of progress and not just anecdotal ones or hyperbole in advance of November’s presidential election. The overall unemployment numbers, whilst still far too high, have recently stabilised. More and more listed companies have been reporting good year-end figures and, as a result, some elements of the stock market are testing levels not seen for several years.

UK government policy is currently focused on reducing the eye-popping deficit while at the same time attempting to stimulate growth and keep inflation under control. It is a very tricky balancing act

All well and good but the US is such a vast economy and is still the only true global superpower in financial terms. What happens across the Atlantic certainly affects us here but we must face the fact that it’s the situation in Europe that should concern us most. It is upon Europe’s recovery, or at least partial recovery, that we all depend.

Of course in Gibraltar we rely on the financial health of two entirely separate economies for our well-being. I touched on the situation in Spain earlier, but let’s now turn to the UK because, for many Gibraltarians, the state of the British economy has a more significant effect on their daily lives. As part of the sterling area, we are dependent on Britain when considering the all-important exchange rate, especially against the euro. Price rises on imported goods such as fuel and, of course, food, are all largely out of our control.

UK government policy is currently focused on reducing the eye-popping deficit while at the same time attempting to stimulate growth and keep inflation under control. It is a very tricky balancing act. The deficit is still huge but is moving on a positive track. Inflation is now line with expectations and whilst GDP,

business

finance

my favourite measure, is still negative (i.e. in recession), it is marginal and in fact the figure was recently revised in the right direction. All this is somewhat academic but the hope is that by stimulating growth, more jobs will be created leading to higher tax receipts and eventually a permanent reduction to the huge deficit.

In the real economy, companies are still laying off staff and stories of this or that high profile corporate failure still appear in the news with gruesome regularity. At the same time however, others are taking on staff. The motor and retail industries are prime examples recently. There are also real signs that banks are starting to lend again, even if very selectively, which is long overdue given the lengths to which the government has gone to persuade or cajole banks to lend — from quantitative easing and maintaining interest rates at very low levels through to threats of punitive action.

It’s in the UK property market that we can see real, tangible, signs of recovery — fragile though any upturn may be. The truth is some property sectors are booming; the smarter areas in central London are still doing as well as ever but most British people don’t live in Knightsbridge or Mayfair. What about the rest of the country?

Several major house building firms have recently announced good year-end figures.

Considering the reasons why, leads us to one of the easiest comparisons one can make between the UK and Spain — one of great interest to us here in Gibraltar. The two countries differ markedly when considering residential property.

Put simply, in the UK there are just not enough houses to go round. Net immigration and constantly increasing demand from the young and first-time buyers mean that this sector is relatively buoyant. Moreover, a number of the house builders are sitting on undeveloped land.

Given the chance of increasing bank lending — both to the developers to build houses and to the individuals who want to buy them, the position is likely to become ever more sustainable. And this leads to other forms of spending such as expenditure on white goods, furniture and so on.

In Spain — and indeed many other countries in Europe — the opposite applies. There is chronic over supply combined with no appetite from the banks to lend to the property market.

Hence demand is drying up. The situation in both countries could hardly be more different but of course Britain is a nation of home owners — certainly there has been a massive jolt in the

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last few years but has the national psyche really be changed for ever? I doubt it.

Some consider it a pity then that the UK government is planning such sweeping changes from next year relating to British residential properties that are owned by offshore companies. Aimed at clamping down on what they see as abuse of favourable tax treatment, increased stamp duty has been announced where property is valued at £2m or more and for the first time capital gains tax will apply to properties owned by such companies. We await final details but anyone in this position should seek advice urgently to see whether they are affected.

These changes may impact negatively on foreign purchasers of UK property who might now think again if the previous fiscal benefits attached to such investment will no longer apply. I suggest though that looking at the wider picture, UK residential property for domestic use

— that is where individuals are UK resident and looking to occupy the property themselves or for letting out to others — could well be one of the lynchpins of the putative economic recovery for which we are all so desperate.

Perhaps I might be allowed to misquote Winston Churchill. Are we seeing the end of the financial crisis? No. Not even the beginning of the end. But we might, just might, be witnessing the end of the beginning — at least in the UK. Let’s hope so for our all sakes But let me end on a cheering note. Next month, the Gibraltar Magazine produces its festive edition. This column will be reporting on a now traditional seasonal visit to the Rock family to see how they are preparing in the run up to Christmas — don’t miss it. n

These changes may impact negatively on foreign purchasers of UK property who might now think again if the previous fiscal benefits attached to such investment will no longer apply

CHARITY MARATHON - The Credit Suisse team took part in the 14 hour AKIN static marathon recently to help raise almost £5,000 for charity. See page 45 for details.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

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n ADVERTISE The quality of a magazine reflects on the businesses that advertise within it. The Gibraltar Magazine is Gibraltar’s quality magazine with some really great features. 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’re nice, and we’d like to meet you.

n GET INVOLVED If you are an artist with an exhibition, 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.

Email: gibmag@gibraltar.gi Tel: 200 77748

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Prestigious Award Won by Caleta Hotel The Caleta Hotel is pleased to announce that for the fourth year running it has been awarded Gibraltar’s Leading Hotel Award from the World Travel Awards Organisation.

Europe’s travel elite walked off with top honours at the ceremony hosted at the new Conrad Algarve Hotel on Saturday 6th October 2012. Lufthansa, Kempinski Hotels and Resort, Villa Padierna, Disneyland Paris and Norwegian Cruise Liners were amongst the brands to emerge victorious at the World Travel Awards European Ceremony 2012. The packed delegation of VIPs, senior tourist figures and international media travelled from 32 nations to attend the event, which was held in partnership with the Conrad Algarve and Tourismo DO Algarve.

Hospitality veteran and founder of Hoar Cross Hall, Stephen Jones MBE, was honoured

with a lifetime achievement award at the ceremony.

It was a great honour for the Caleta Hotel and General Manager Mr Franco Ostuni who collected the award on behalf of the hotel and his team. The award confirmed the continuous investment in product and human resources the hotel has embraced during the last decade and most recently in times of economic austerity.

Improvements to the product have never stopped, as the recent re-opening of two floors

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

shorts

business

Clink is New CBF Commodore John Clink OBE RN has been appointed Commander British Forces Gibraltar with effect from 7th November in succession to Commodore Tom Karsten RN. Commodore Clink currently serves as the Deputy Commander UK Maritime Forces in Portsmouth and recently led the Combined Task Force 150, a multinational coalition naval task force working under the 25 nation coalition of Command Maritime Forces based in Bahrain, combating piracy and other crime at sea in an area encompassing the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean. In 2008-2010 Commodore Clink commanded the aircraft carrier and Fleet Flagship HMS Ark Royal during her return to the carrier strike role. n

Caleta Hotel’s General Manager, Franco Ostuni, receiving the prestigious award from Christ Frost, Senior Vice President, World Travel Awards Organisation

The packed delegation of VIPs, senior tourist figures and international media travelled from 32 nations to attend the event, which was held in partnership with the Conrad Algarve and Tourismo DO Algarve

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

of new bedrooms and suites demonstrates.

Franco Ostuni, General Manager of the Hotel says, “It is a great honour to have been invited to such a prestigious event. This accolade together with the highest hotel AA rating in Gibraltar and the two rosettes that our Nunos Restaurant has proudly achieved and maintained since 2006, is a credit to the company and the Hotel team, of which I have the privilege of leading.” n

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business

finance

Assessing the Situation

Why it’s important to take Exchange Rate Fluctuation into Account In the September edition we looked at the concept of developing long-term plans to ensure, as far as is possible, that your business thrives in the future.

This month, I would like to go back to the importance of protecting yourself and your business against currency fluctuations.

As I have said before, due to the fact that a large percentage of Gibraltar’s business is conducted across borders, the Rock is always going to be affected by fluctuations in exchange rates. In the current environment, it is important to consider how the fluctuations of the

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currencies may have affected your business’ margins.

A great majority of business owners in Gibraltar import goods from around the globe to sell locally and due to the volume of goods which are imported, most business owners are subject to currency exchange

when it comes to paying the invoices for the goods. The currency that you pay the invoice in will depend not only on the sector you are trading in, but also on where the product is coming from. The fact that Gibraltar receives goods from around the world means that major

currencies such as UK sterling, the US Dollar and the Euro are always in demand and are constantly in use.

Traditionally however, many businesses do not have any hedging strategies or policies in place to efficiently manage currency exposures should they occur. They may instead hope to make a profit by increasing the selling price of a product to cover their initial outlay, or rely on profit margins to increase their profit.

This strategy is fine when rates are moving favourably but when currency volatility is high, you could effectively price yourself out of the market if the price of your goods is deemed too expensive.

Your profits could even be eroded or in the worst case scenario, they could be wiped out completely.

There are, however, some basic and competitive financial instruments you can use to help protect your business against unwanted and unprecedented adverse exchange rate movements. I would like to explore these tools using a case study. Let us say, for example, that a business, let’s call it ‘Company A’ needs to pay importers 500 Euro for imported goods in three

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

finance months time, but they need to pay the invoice in sterling. The first option would be for the business to do nothing and, upon receipt of the funds in three months time, merely convert them from Sterling to Euro and pay the importer. This is called spot foreign exchange.

The advantage of this option is that if the Sterling appreciates against the Euro, ‘Company A’ would pay less Sterling. That said, the disadvantage of this is that if the Euro appreciates against the Sterling, the business would pay more Sterling. Not only that, but the business would not have certainty about cost and would be vulnerable to further adverse exchange rate movements.

Option two would be for the owners of ‘Company A’ to enter into a ‘Forward Contract’ with the provider. This is a binding contract whereby both parties agree to buy and or sell a specific asset at an agreed rate at a fixed future date.

This would see the business convert the required Euro into Sterling in

three months time at the rate agreed via the contract.

The main advantage of entering into a ‘Forward Contract’ is that it protects businesses from any adverse movements in the exchange rate. It means budgets can be set in the knowledge that a fixed-rate transaction will take place, regardless of how the markets move in the future.

By the same token the disadvantage of this is of course that this means the rate is now fixed and the business could not then benefit from any favorable movement in the exchange rate should the markets go the other way. Neither can they cancel the contract as it is

“

an obligation to buy/sell currency.

It should be noted however, that this is just one of the hedging tools available to business owners wanting to protect themselves, as best they can, against volatile rate movement. However, option two is the most common and basic method adopted by traders who wish to protect themselves and, at the same time, buy into the most favorable market rate. Of course, everyone has individual needs and ‘insurance packages’ and contracts can often be tailored to reflect client need.

It is similar to when one buys insurance. If you want to protect your ‘pride and joy’ against all

business

eventualities, you opt for fully comprehensive cover, whereas if your car has seen better days, you may only want to pay for the other vehicle in the event of an accident.

And just as you would speak to your insurance broker for advice on the best deal, I would suggest speaking to your banker or accountant about the other options available when it comes to protecting you and your business against market volatility.

So the bottom line is you ignore this protection at your peril! n Paul Wharton is writing in his own capacity.

There are some basic and competitive financial instruments you can use to help protect your business against unwanted and unprecedented adverse exchange rate movements

”

Paul Wharton is Head of Corporate Banking at Barclays Wealth in Gibraltar having arrived on the Rock from the UK six years ago. Paul has over three decades’ experience gained in various roles within Barclays, predominantly in and around London and is passionate about supporting the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) market which he sees as the lifeblood of the Gibraltar economy.

Paul has won several awards for his work in Small Business Enterprise markets and has served on the London Board of the Prince’s Trust.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

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business

finance CISI CPD Event As the ETF market in Europe has grown and matured in recent years the expectations of investors has naturally grown with it, as has interest from relevant European supervisory authorities in how the market is developing.

In this presentation, David Patterson will examine the different ETF structures available to European investors, explaining how ETFs are constructed and pointing out the advantages and disadvantages of the differing models.

He will also discuss the role ETFs play in the current stock market trading environment, securities lending and collateral standards, and finally offer an insight into the future trends in ETF usage and development. n

New Committee for CISI As part of the ongoing development and growth of the Gibraltar branch of CISI

(Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment) there have been a number of changes within the Executive Committee.

Following the resignation of Mark Maloney as President, John Holliwell has been appointed to the position. Additionally there have been new appointees to a number of posts. The Executive Committee is now made up of the following individuals: John Holliwell, Lindsay Adamson, Clark Elder, Paul Tapsell, Tamara Viagas Ozdemir, Amy Ballantine Latin and Nicky Gomez.

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Gibraltar event details: ‘Transparency: ETFs under the microscope’ on 15th November 2012 at O’Callaghan Eliott Hotel, Governor’s Parade, Gibraltar.

Speaker — David Patterson, Head of Wholesale Distribution for db X-trackers ETFs and db-X ETC, Deutsche Bank.

Registration from 9am, seminar from 9.30am - 11.30am. Free to members, £25.00 for non-members.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

ECS is 30!

It is 30 years since ECS International, formerly an Isle of Man based independent firm of Chartered Accountants, established a presence in Gibraltar.

Adrian Collister, who was a partner in the original practice 30 years ago, said “We were looking at a number of jurisdictions in which to set up a second operating office and, despite the closed frontier, Gibraltar was chosen as an emerging financial services centre.” That act of faith has been rewarded and as one of the leading trust and company management firms in Gibraltar ECS has both contributed to and benefitted from Gibraltar’s elevation to an internationally recognised financial services centre.

Their core business is still trust and company management services, together with a long established pension administration division, yacht registration and administration, Category 2 residence arrangements for high net worth individuals and compliance administration.

‘Each and any of these needs are handled on an individual basis,’ the directors stress.

And company promotional material underscores this claim: ‘Our aim is to know our clients on every level and provide a fully comprehensive service. Whether they are just starting out and require assistance with registration and set-up, or are ready to slow down and want stability and reliability from their assets, we are able to help individuals build the structure that best suits them.’

For though it has remained relatively small in in the number of staff it employs, ECS International has always concentrated on the quality of the services it provides to its clients. The expansion of its client base has followed.

Careful in their choice of clients, most new enquiries come on recommendation of existing clients, professional intermediaries or their Isle of Man parent company. ECS pride themselves on their personal touch, “Our clients expect us to administer their assets discreetly and efficiently, knowing that we are compliant with current leg-

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

islation” say Karen Griffin, the newest member of the board.

This has become particularly relevant as the company expands its client base from its core of UK expatriates to the newer wealth of the Middle East, Eastern Europe and beyond.

ECS has been involved with the transfer of pension benefits for individuals leaving the UK to establish residence in a new jurisdiction for the past 30 years. With the introduction of QROPS

in 2006 ECS was one of the first firms to transfer schemes to Gibraltar under the new regulations.

However, like other members of the Gibraltar Association of Pension Fund Administrators, ECS suspended accepting new schemes from the UK while the Gibraltar Government and HMRC negotiated a resolution to the taxation of pension benefits acceptable to both. This has now been agreed in principle and the company is now open to accept new QROPS business.

In addition, with the plans mooted by the Financial Services Commission to broaden the regulation of pension schemes requiring local schemes with 50 or more members (currently 100 or more) to be regulated, ECS are looking to provide more services locally. They have experience in registering and providing on-going compliance for such schemes, having developed the necessary templates and manuals.

As well as being well placed to expand its activities in the field of pensions, Tracey Morgan-Kent believes ECS can expand into a range of maritime-related activities. Their wide international contacts in the sphere of financial services means that they are comfortably poised to play a significant part in multi-jurisdiction yacht registration — and particularly those super-yachts which are being attracted to Gibraltar and the advantages of registry on the Rock.

Crew payrolls for yachts and merchant ships is another growing area in which they already have considerable experience and expertise.

Before registering a commercial or private yacht, many important aspects must be considered and ECS provide assistance based on their clients’ total requirements. Their breadth of experience combines with their extensive network of contacts to make sure things run smoothly, avoiding unwanted surprises.

With the growing opportunities beyond the EU, plans for expansion in the field of pensions, the growing attraction of Gibraltar and the Mediterranean to the owners of super-yachts, the future years for ECS look as bright as the first three decades have been. n

Their 30 years of providing services to pensions schemes, on both domestic and international levels, make them one of the most experienced Pension Trustees in the jurisdiction

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business

compliance The US Department of the Treasury (Treasury) and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have been successful in collaborating with five other countries to create a model approach for establishing automatic information sharing to combat offshore tax evasion.

On 26th July, 2012, the US Government released two versions of a Model Intergovernmental agreement (Model IGA) for foreign governments interested in adopting an alternative FATCA regime set forth in regulations proposed earlier this year. Created by the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom, the model agreement is meant to address the legal impediments to FATCA compliance, to simplify practical implementation, and to reduce the costs of foreign financial institutions (FFIs) operating within their jurisdictions.

KPMG polled attendees at a TaxWatch webcast in August, 2012 about their views on regulatory burdens and what the intergovernmental agreement development may mean for their FATCA readiness planning.

Model agreement approach When asked whether the Model IGA would be clarifying and helpful or adding additional complexity, 41% of non-US-based banks found it helpful. Only about half as many other financial companies and investment managers agreed. The majority of US-based banks and both US-based and non-US-based investment managers were almost equally divided between viewing the new approach as adding complexity and not being able to make a determination either way.

FATCA Inter-governmental Agreements words | Clark Elder

The release of Model Inter-governmental Agreements (IGAs) may sound complex, but this type of agreement could give Gibraltar institutions some flexibility on the application of the FATCA rules.

They may also help Gibraltar institutions in understanding what their responsibilities are and the timeframes for compliance.

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KPMG analysis When looking at these statistics across the board, it is clear that there is currently a state of confusion in the financial industry as a whole. As the Model IGA does not currently align with the proposed rules, it is not clear as to how it will be helpful. Additionally, an FFI may find itself having to comply with diverging and possibly conflicting requirements.

The Model IGA should ultimately provide relief as its terms appear to be more flexible than the terms of the proposed regulations.

Until further guidance is provided, however, financial institutions will be unable to determine the specific impact of the Model IGA. Readiness may prove especially challenging where an institution has operations both within and outside of FATCA partner jurisdictions.

Primary benefit of Model IGA Pending further guidance, it appears that the Model IGA could provide a number of benefits to FATCA partner institutions.

Among other significant changes, the Model IGA delays the time line for account identification, eliminates the withholding requirement on gross proceeds, and apparently relies on self certification rather than a responsible officer. When asked what they perceive to be the biggest advantage of FATCA partner status under a Model IGA, 36% of all financial

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

compliance services companies, 42% of non-US-based financial services companies, and 47% of non-US-based investment managers chose the elimination of withholding on gross proceeds. Only 8% of all financial services companies selected the potential elimination of the responsible officer as the Model IGA’s biggest advantage.

KPMG analysis It is not surprising to see that eliminating withholding on gross proceeds is seen as the primary benefit of the Model IGA. The withholding was generally considered one of the primary teeth of the FATCA legislation, but was also perceived as a costly exercise.

More surprising, however, is that the elimination of a responsible officer rule is not rated higher as an advantage considering the concerns that were expressed by many financial institutions when the guidance and rules were proposed. The proposed responsible officer requirement created internal governance challenges. It is to be expected that by eliminating the responsible officer, the IRS will be putting the responsibility on the institutions.

In practice, financial companies will likely

business

need to designate a responsible officer to help will be on the other overseas territories to see monitor compliance. what IGA is adopted and how implementation effects the whole industry. n Comprehensive compliance strategy FATCA is just one of a number of regula- To discuss the implications of any forthcoming tory burdens being imposed on financial legislative or regulatory changes and requireinstitutions. A larger portion of financial ser- ments, or how KPMG Gibraltar can provide local vices executives identified the need to coordi- support and expertise, please feel free to contact nate all of their regulatory requirements into Clark Elder (Risk & Compliance Advisor) celder@ a complete and comprehensive compliance kpmg.gi strategy, than chose FATCA as their primary concern.

The biggest challenge for financial institutions will be successfully managing and coordinating compliance programmes that aggregate the various new requirements being imposed on the financial industry.

Gibraltar is well positioned as a well regulated finance centre, able to adopt and implement the various regulatory challenges which are fast approaching. FATCA will bring its own challenges, but as Gibraltar has close links with the US through their Tax Information Exchange Agreements (TIEAs), this will surely help to ease the strain.

I’m sure there will be many more interesting developments in this area, and all eyes

FATCA will bring its own challenges, but as Gibraltar has close links with the US through their Tax Information Exchange Agreements (TIEAs), this will surely help to ease the strain

Clark Elder (Risk & Compliance Advisor) KPMG

Micro Business Systems Ltd

The July issue of the Gibraltar Magazine

PO Box 661, Unit 102, New Harbours Walk, provided details on the Financial Services New Harbours, Gibraltar (FSC) creation a Funds Tel: Commission’s (+350) 200 42723 Fax: (+350)of 200 40612 Panel, which was established with the aim of acting as Email: sales@mbs.gi www.mbs.gi

a sounding board and initial point of consultation with the funds industry and for the FSC to discuss supervisory and regulatory issues relating to funds.

Whilst the panel does not replace general Providers of Records Management industry consultation, nor its current relationServices, Systems Solutions since 1989 ship with&the Gibraltar Fund and Investment Association, it does allows the FSC to gain, from Digital Document Scanning a practical perspective, a further understanding Any document size up to A0, netof the implications and perceived difficulties work and standalone access/retrival faced by the funds industry locally in relation to certain regulatory matters.

Document Microfilming Any document up to A0, net- environment and With thesize current market work and standalone increased levelaccess/retrival. of regulation, an open and comLong term retention over 100 years municative relationship between the industry and the FSC&isBarcode of utmost importance, particuFile Colour Coding larly considering the stage of development of Tracking Software Eliminates misplaced financial services sector locally this particular files for ever! and the opportunities and challenges facing it in the coming years. The Funds Panel therefore High Density Filing Systems acts as another vehicle towards achieving this Huge range of filing supplies goal. and consumables Gibraltar’s The FSC will continue to work closely with Leading Data Archival Services theStorage Gibraltar Funds & Investments Association Long term andas secure. and Records to (GFIA) it hasIncludes in the past and it continues retrieval and collection of records.

Management welcome GFIA’s recommendations.

Specialists The FSC received considerable interest from the industry in respect of the Panel and is Mainfor Dealers for level of participation from grateful the high members of the funds sector. The Panel mem-

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

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business

events

KMPG New Offices

Ocean Village, Gibraltar took place in October with a host of high profile guests helping the The official launch of KMPG’s new office team at KPMG to celebrate relocating to their suites at 3B Leisure Island Business Centre, swish ‘offices with a view’. KPMG in Gibral-

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tar employs over 21 professional and support staff across its service lines. Worldwide, KPMG member firms have more than 145,000 people operating in over 152 countries. www.kpmg.gi

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

events

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

business

21

business

recruitment

The Art of Retention Q Ai

words | Leah Carnegie, The HR Dept

I own a business in Gibraltar; due to local competition sometimes I find I lose staff after a short time. I’m not sure why, and it is something I really need to change. What can I do?

When it comes to recruiting a new staff member, most organisations focus heavily on attracting and then selecting the best possible candidate for their team. Once the preferred

candidate has accepted the job offer, everyone breathes a sigh of relief, thinking that the hard part is over — and this is where most organisations fail. Getting the preferred candidate to put pen to paper is only the first hurdle, next comes another and possibly even bigger hurdle — keeping them!

Statistics show one in four people recruited will leave within the first six months, highlighting the need for local companies to have a robust ‘onboarding’ process in place. Contrary to what most organisations may believe and practise, onboarding does not last a day, a week or even a month.

The onboarding process starts before the employee’s first day ‘on the job’ and should last for six months.

Many organisations have inadequate or adhoc onboarding processes which make them susceptible to low employee engagement and high employee turnover, which in Gibraltar can be costly, especially if you relocate individuals from other countries to meet skill set. By developing and successfully executing a robust onboarding process, organisations can benefit from: ● Increased employee engagement ● Reduced turnover costs ● Reaching ROI (Return On Investment) more rapidly ● Successful assimilation of new employees into the organisation’s culture ● A more stable and productive organisation

With employee turnover costs estimated to be anywhere from 50% to 150% of an employee’s annual salary, it is evident that failing to onboard new employees correctly can cost organisations a great deal of time and money.

With employee turnover costs estimated to be from 50-150% of an employee’s annual salary, failing to onboard correctly can cost organisations a great deal of time and money 22

The HR Dept’s 6 Tips for a Robust Onboarding Process Begin onboarding at acceptance of offer A successful onboarding process should begin before the new employee’s first ‘official’ day on the job. New employees can be involved in conversations and meetings before they join the organisation via technology (ie: email or Skype) or face-to-face meetings. This is particularly important for employees joining after a long notice period.

Ensure you are prepared Nothing could be worse for a new employee than turning up on the first day of a new job to find that they’ve been shoved in the corner.

Immediately, the new employee feels unvalued by the organisation.

Creating a good first impression is essential to keeping a new employee engaged; therefore organisations need to ensure that the new employee’s workstation, IT system, equipment and supplies are in place are prepared and up and running prior to their start date. Work permits have been approved and Employment Services contract have been prepared.

Involve several people in the onboarding process Onboarding should not be the sole responsibility of one team member, but a group effort.

Different onboarding tasks should be undertaken by different team members, including administration staff, the new employee’s direct manager, senior management and a buddy or mentor (generally a peer). Each team member should know and understand their role within the onboarding process and should be committed to the process.

Involvement of different levels within the organisation again speeds up the assimilation process, and demonstrates that the organisation is committed to thorough training and development.

Organisations need to resist the urge to bombard the new team member with copious amounts of information on their first day, try to spread it out in digestible pieces.

Assign a buddy / mentor A buddy or mentor should be assigned to a new team member from day one. A buddy should be an experienced team member with strong knowledge of the organisation and role which the new employee will be undertaking.

The buddy system helps to make the on-

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

training

business

boarding of a new employee smoother and quicker, helping the new employee to become more productive at a faster pace. In addition, the buddy system is a good way to transfer knowledge, develop new ideas and also helps to reduce any anxiety the new employee may have when starting the new role.

Touch base regularly As a rule, the employee’s direct manager should be meeting with the new employee at the end of the first day, end of the first week, and end of the first, second, third and sixth months. Ensure you schedule these meetings on the employee’s first day and stick to the programme.

Managers can make these meetings effective by asking meaningful questions to gain insight into the onboarding process. Ask what is working well in the process, what needs attention, and whether the new employee is facing any issues within the company. In addition, managers should provide constructive feedback on how the employee is progressing and develop and review an action plan at each meeting.

DHL Training Locally

Deal with any issues or concerns immediately If the new employee voices any concerns during the onboarding process, organisations need to ensure these are dealt with in an appropriate and timely manner. n

All 17 staff members at DHL Gibraltar successfully completed their UK Department of Transport National Air Cargo Security training in October. The training, carried out by DHL’s UK-based Operations Trainer, John Johnstone, over three days, is fully approved by the UK Department for Transport. Some of the local DHL staff members also took the opportunity to complete their Dangerous Goods Awareness by Air, Road and Sea certificates. Well done to all involved. n

One of the business support services offered by the HR Dept is advice on company onboarding and they can help to design tailor-made programmes. Further information can be found by visiting www.thehrdept.gi

Matrix Logistics Solutions Ltd (sole DHL Gibraltar representative) Unit 36 Harbours Deck, New Harbours, Gibraltar. Tel: 200 72210.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

23

business

updates

QROPS

A Strong Position for Rock’s financial industry

After some three years in legislative limbo, pension fund administrators in Gibraltar have now been given approval by HMRC to include Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) amongst the financial solutions they offer to their clients. Extremely tight reporting rules and regulations surrounding QROPS means that HMRC will only give this green light to jurisdictions which have completely satisfied the scheme’s strict requirements, and this latest approval has therefore put Gibraltar’s financial industry in a very strong position.

World’s Most Attractive Employer For third year, business students rank KPMG #2 in Universum survey In the annual ‘World’s Most Attractive Employer’ Universum survey rankings, over 75,000 business students from the world’s top academic institutions have given KPMG the number two spot for the third year in a row.

identify their “ideal” employer. Responses are gathered at leading academic institutions in the 12 largest economies: Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Russia, Spain, the US and the UK. “Attracting top students into our firms enables us to bring the best talent, expertise and knowledge to our clients.” says Michael Andrew, Chairman of KPMG International.“We are proud that students globally are recognizing our employment offer and have ranked us so highly for the third consecutive year.

What makes the ranking especially meaningful is that it is based on the opinions of those who represent the future of KPMG and our clients.”

David McGarry, Managing Director of KPMG Gibraltar, also commented: “KPMG firms offer fantastic opportunities for our people — to be personally challenged and stretched. They have access to one of the strongest learning and development environments found anywhere, and have the opportunity to work with diverse teams and leading clients all over the world. An accolade of this calibre is testament to the success of that culture and to the hard work and dedication of our employees.” n

“KPMG careers are fascinating, challenging and well rewarded. We are consistently being recognised for our professionalism, innovation, commitment to constant learning and passion for what we do,” says Rachel Campbell, Global Head of People, KPMG International. “KPMG is a great place to build a career and to be recognised by top talent as one of the world’s most attractive employers reassures me that we are building the right type of organisation for tomorrow as well as today.”

Universum, a global talent consultant, develops its global index of the top 50 most attractive employers by asking students pur- Learn more about careers at KPMG and hear from KPMG’s suing business and engineering degrees to own people about their experiences at www.kpmg.gi

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David McGarry, Managing Director of KPMG Gibraltar

Based on the preferences of over 144,000 career seekers, with a business or engineering background, from the world’s 12 greatest economies, Universum releases the global talent attraction index: “The World’s Most Attractive Employers 2012”.

KPMG was placed second in the Business category. Google came first in both the Business and Engineering categories.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

pensions finance And for clients who can now rely on the absolute security of a Gibraltar QROPS, the wait will have been worth it.

A Gibraltar QROPS is fundamentally a pension and investment solution for residents or non-residents with a UK private pension. By transferring a private pension fund to a QROPS, clients can benefit from: ● Tax efficiency — potential for substantial tax reductions when they access their pension ● Inheritance benefits — possibility to pass on the pension fund free from UK death taxes ● Greater control — more say over where the pension fund is invested ● Simplicity — the opportunity to consolidate numerous pensions into one QROPS

Essentially, a QROPS is a tailored solution which allows you to relax and enjoy your retirement, removing any worries regarding your wealth.

The HMRC announcement follows amendments made to the Gibraltar law on local pension schemes in June 2012, and extensive

“

discussions and consultations between the Gibraltar Association of Pension Fund Administrators (GAPFA), the Gibraltarian Government and HMRC. GAPFA, along with the financial institutions of Gibraltar, remains committed to ensuring that the same services and products are available to both residents and non-residents of Gibraltar.

Gibraltar rules on pensions state that both pensions, and pension commencement lump sum payments are restricted to those aged over 55, and that tax on pension payments is 2.5%. At the point of taking income, a minimum 70% of the pension fund must remain for future income, therefore only 30% may be taken as a lump sum, and it is also stated that transfers out of Gibraltar schemes into other jurisdictions may only be permitted if the receiving jurisdiction and scheme adheres to equally strong conditions.

GAPFA is committed to ensuring Gibraltar remains fully compliant and able to offer the highest standard of QROPS provision. n

A Gibraltar QROPS is fundamentally a pension and investment solution for residents or non-residents with a UK private pension

”

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

The STM GIB Pension Transfer Plan STM Group, listed on the London Stock Exchange and employing over 150 people at their offices in Gibraltar, Malta, Jersey and Spain has long been in the business of providing financial solutions and innovative products aimed at expats, High Net Worth Individuals and companies requiring help with international tax planning and cross-border structuring.

And the announcement that Gibraltar QROPS are now HMRC-recognised means that STM can further expand its portfolio of products.

The STM GIB Pension Transfer Plan is available to Gibraltar residents and non-residents and forms part of the STM Group multi-jurisdictional QROPS. A QROPS from STM Group provides you with peace of mind, knowing that should your circumstances change, you can transfer your QROPS free of charge to another STM scheme in another jurisdiction. STM Group also keeps a close eye on HMRC amendments within QROPS regulations and will immediately notify you should any of these changes affect your pension position, and make the necessary arrangements to transfer your pension to a suitable alternative. n

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business

finance file

ice Providers (PSPs), wishing to benefit from Gibraltar’s unique position within Europe.

Key representatives from existing local businesses included: Wave Crest Group (www. wavecrest.gi) , IDT Financial Services (www. idtfinance.com), Transact (www.transactnetwork.com), Payoneer EU (www.payoneereu. com) and Ramparts (www.ramparts.eu).

GEMA are adopting a collaborative approach to further their common goals and to help solve issues within the industry. GEMA also hopes to work more effectively alongside the Government’s regulatory body — the Financial Services Commission (FSC).

Marcus Killick stated “The FSC is supportive of the electronic money industry and is working closely with the industry for an efficient regulatory environment which complements the innovative approach of this sector.”

Already home to a thriving centre of commerce, Gibraltar is starting to be seen by many other global PSPs based in the US, UK and Asia, as a gateway to trade within the European marketplace.

Peter Howitt, Secretary of GEMA and Director of Ramparts, stated that “GEMA represents an exciting landmark in the development of Gibraltar as a respected and supportive business environment for payment innovators.”

Gibraltar’s fast-growing reputation as a leading online payments Daniel Spier, GEMA Chairman and Managing Director of IDT Financial Services said “I am jurisdiction was further endorsed in October with the founding of the delighted to be one of the founding members of Gibraltar Electronic Money Association (GEMA).

GEMA and believe that the collaborative approach of all the members will not just benefit Members of an already thriving online pay- formed the association to champion Gibraltar as the members of GEMA but also Gibraltar as a ments business community in Gibraltar have the location of choice for global Payment Serv- jurisdiction active within our industry.” n

Business leaders in Gibraltar’s online payment community unite to achieve common goals

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

technology

Keeping IT Local

business

IT company Kedhlow (Gibraltar) Ltd has been established on the Rock for three years, during which time Gibraltar-born Gareth Humphreys, and Jonathan Rix have increased the staff to eight, including four engineers, whose combined skills cover the highest industry standards and accreditation.

“We initially formed the company in London, incorporated in Gibraltar, and my time was spent equally between the two,” says Jonathan.

“However, the huge growth in business here means I now spend the majority of my time in Gibraltar. The UK business has largely been absorbed into Gibraltar, but we will keep a presence there, as it is a low cost operation with minimal overheads, and serves some key clients.

During October we also formed a joint venture with RMD Power & Cooling, a prestigious company in the data centre industry, which will enable each party to provide complementary services to key businesses in Gibraltar.’’

The emphasis in Gibraltar has been in developing closer relationships with the large corporate entities in the gaming industry. A number of them are now Kedhlow’s regular clients. However, in the last year the company has also carried out major projects, disk destruction and secure data storage for the legal and insurance sector, the MOD, utility

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

The Kedhlow team (Gareth Humphreys not in photo)

companies, and numerous other businesses.

“The key has been fully understanding what systems a client may have now, what it needs, and how a mutually agreeable, cost effective and robust plan can be implemented and supported,” says Gareth. “It is not simply about selling boxes. We have had a number of contracts with businesses who are keen to allow us to review their entire IT infrastructure and propose more effective solutions. The knowledge and skills of our engineers is second to none. They solve problems, provide 24/7 support, but, as importantly, they can design and implement future-proof solutions.”

Away from the office, Kedhlow has continued

to support various sporting organisations in Gibraltar, and is in its third year of being one of the main sponsors in the increasingly popular Super IVs rugby tournament. “Our team has won the cup for two successive years,” says Jonathan, “and is under orders to do so again this year!” Kedhlow also sponsored the Gibraltar Badminton Association’s Interschools tournament and will consider other opportunities in 2013.

In summary, Gareth says “We are keen to assist businesses here, whatever their size, and if you see one of our engineers in their smart polo tops around town, or are passing the office, say ‘hi’ or pop in for a coffee.” n

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business

technology

finance

Tax? There’s an App for That Hassans International Law Firm has launched its first ever Gibraltar law firm Tax App, an innovation for law firms and unique in Gibraltar.

The Tax App, launched in October, is available to download free from the App Store.

With the advent of mobile technology, growing social media use and in response to client demand, the App was created to provide clients and fellow practitioners alike, key Gibraltar tax facts at their fingertips, when mobile or in the office. In addition, they have included tax calculators for the main taxes to allow users to make informed assessments of clients’ tax or stamp duty liability.

The App encompasses all the 2012 budget measures and

Fund for the Environment

UK Government launches new environment and climate fund for UK’s Overseas Territories.

The new Overseas Territories Environment and Climate Fund, which brings together funds from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and Department for International Development, will disburse around £2 million per year dedicated to environmental and conservation projects in the UK’s Overseas Territories (OTs).

Gibraltar tax facts and will be regularly updated so that users will always have the latest information to hand.

Albert Mena, tax partner at Hassans said “In line with Hassans’ policy on innovation we have been developing the App over a number of months, to make it as user friendly and informative as possible. We are delighted to be embracing the use of technology to provide clients with as much relevant information as possible. If this is well received, we plan to use it as the launchpad for further developments.

Nigel Acris, senior associate at Hassans along with deputy IT operations manager, Mark Millington, have been instrumental in developing the App and have both worked hard at ensuring the App functioned smoothly and efficiently for clients. The launch is the culmination of a team effort which the firm can now build upon and look to explore other avenues in which Hassans law firm Apps can be developed.

Hassans has been leading the charge on social media and now mobile technology and was also the first law firm in Gibraltar to have its own dedicated YouTube channel. You can follow all the news and information from Hassans on Twitter @gibraltarlaw. n

The OTs are home to many species and environments found nowhere else in the world — including an estimated 90% of the biodiversity found within the UK and OTs combined. The unique environmental wealth of the OTs was highlighted in the recent UK Government White Paper on the OTs. In welcoming the new Fund, Foreign Office Minister Mark Simmonds said: “This is an excellent example of how we are meeting our White Paper commitment to provide co-ordinated Government support to the OTs and a signal of how important we consider the environments of the OTs to be. I have high hopes that this Fund will lead to many innovative and creative projects which will result in better sustainable environmental management in the OTs.” Following the announcement on the creation of the new Fund, Dr Tim Stowe, the RSPB’s International Director, said: “This is excellent news for Britain’s albatrosses, iguanas, whales, and elephant seals, and is a welcome announcement alongside the Government’s recently announced action plan for OTs biodiversity.”

The new Fund provides a simpler and more co-ordinated funding mechanism and will support a range of environment and climaterelated issues to ensure long-term sustainable natural resource management in the OTs. The Fund was launched in October to coincide with the 11th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in Hyderabad, India. n Further information on the Fund, from which Gibraltar is eligible to benefit, including details of how to apply, can be found on the Defra website. http://darwin.defra.gov. uk/news/2012-10/darwin-plus/

Albert Mena

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Nigel Acris GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

profile

movers & shakers

Captain of the Port There’s a new Captain of Gibraltar’s Port so we thought it was high time we found out more about this varied role and the man who fits the job description.

As well as being our Captain of the Port since February this year, Captain Roy Henry Stanbrook is Chief Executive of the Gibraltar Port Authority. When Roy accepted his new

30

role Gibrlatar’s Minister for Tourism said “The Government is determined to see growth and development in the various sectors of port operations and will be looking to the Captain to provide the necessary leadership to achieve this.” Since that day in February Captain Roy has ensured things have changed for the better in a variety of ways.

Roy has always loved the sea and as a child felt it was his true calling, to the point that this Mariner says he “ran away to sea as a boy.” Born in Redhill, Surrey he spent his formative years in Crawley, not far from Gatwick Airport.

His education included the Grenwich Royal

“

words | Sonia Golt

Naval College and the Warsash School of Navigation. He then gained additional maritime experience in underwater engineering, education, marine insurance and vessel management. Roy has taught radar, vessel handling, and bridge team management and went on to become a Senior Lecturer.

He spent time at sea with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) after passing his A-levels and gained a Master’s Certificate in 1985.

“I saw action in the Falklands Conflict in 1982 when I was Second Officer of the ill-fated landing ship Sir Galahad. Years later, actually in 1991, I left the RFA to pursue a more peaceful

It sounds terribly romantic and there is a great deal of myth and folklore surrounding the subject of wreck, however the truth is rather more plain!

”

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

movers & shakers career within the more general maritime industry,” he explains. “This started with a period in the subsea cable industry followed by periods in higher education, marine insurance and ship management before I took on the role of Harbour Master for the Port of London Authority.

For the last five years I was responsible for the lower district of the River Thames which encompasses the commercial port.”

So what made Roy up anchor and set sail for the Rock of Gibraltar?

“I have been coming to Gibraltar since the early 1970s when my brother was stationed here with the Royal Navy. Subsequently, I was a frequent visitor while in the RFA spending time in dry dock as well as on routine visits.

The departure of the previous Captain of the Port coincided with a period of my career where I was thinking of moving on from the Port of London Authority. This, combined with my fondness for Gibraltar, made applying for the job a natural choice.”

The job is a varied one and Roy describes it thus: “The job of CEO/Captain of the port is very broad and would happily fill a book if covered in detail. However, the main task is to lead the Port Team in providing a safe and efficient environment for visiting ships and to facilitate port trade.

“The job also encompasses other roles including the Receiver of Wreck and Deputy Admiralty Marshall. The receipt of wreck brings very little to Gibraltar and is mainly a device to ensure that the true owners of ‘wreck’ are identified and reunited with their property.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

Actually the role of Receiver of Wreck is one that is only exercised rarely. It sounds terribly romantic and there is a great deal of myth and folklore surrounding the subject of wreck, however the truth is rather more plain!”

Roy has now been working in Gibraltar over half a year so what are his impressions of the Port facilities?

“The port has great potential but has suffered many years of under investment. Staff are well motivated and provide a good level of service to the customers of the port. There is work to do with compliance with a number modern port management standards, but the culture of Gibraltar is such that change cannot be rushed.

“There are a number of long-standing issues that need addressing to ensure the future prosperity and commercial viability of the port,” he states. “There is a commitment to improve the infrastructure. The external threats to trade are ever present, and we need to maintain continuous review in order to remain competitive.”

On a lighter note, this month Gibraltar will see the arrival of a replica of HMS Pickle which will be berthed at Ocean Village marina.

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profile

“I am very pleased to see HMS Pickle has found a berth here and I think the historic connection with Gib is very important,” Roy enthuses. “I have not had a great deal of involvement in this project, save for early research in trying to find a suitable location,” he says adding that “Senior Rates in the Royal Navy celebrate Pickle Night every year on 5th November (unfortunately overshadowed by other events on the same date in the UK).

Perhaps we can vary tradition here to suit our own requirements?”

All is certainly not work and no play for Roy, and living in such a small community has its advantages and disadvantages, how is he adapting?

“As I mentioned before I have known Gibraltar since the early 1970s and spent a great deal of time here during the ’70s and ’80s. I have received a warm welcome since arriving in February and both myself and my wife have adapted easily to the change in lifestyle. I continue to practise my hobbies here as I enjoy sailing, cooking and music,” he smiles. “The food available in Gibraltar has certainly fired the imagination.” n

There are a number of long-standing issues that need addressing to ensure the future prosperity and commercial viability of the port

”

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legal

movers & shakers

Sir Mark Potter

Sir Mark’s Story words | Mike Brufal

Sir Mark Potter, 75, will be sworn in next March by the Governor as a member of Gibraltar’s Court of Appeal.

Sir Mark’s father was the Founder of the Law Faculty and first Professor of English Law at King’s College, London and author of the then definitive legal text books on English Legal History and Real Property. The family lived near Cambridge, and Sir Mark was educated at the Perse School and then Gonville and Caius College, where he read law.

After school he completed his National Service, was awarded the Stick of Honour at Mons Officer Cadet School, and was commissioned into the 15 Medium Regiment RA. As there was a delay in his embarkation, he was able to join a P (Parachute) course at Aldershot and earn

32

his wings. Subsequently he joined his Regiment in Hong Kong.

At Cambridge he was an above average rugby player, playing several times for the LX Club (University 2nd XV). However, as a local, he also played for the Cambridge City Rugby Club and had the satisfaction of beating the University XV in its first match of the season.

As a member of the College Dramatic Society he took part in several productions and revues with his contemporary David Frost. Mark was also Chairman of the College Debating Society in his final year.

As an impoverished undergraduate he earned money by joining 289

Light Parachute Regiment RHA, a unit in the Territorial Army. For each weekend jump, he was paid the sum of £1 and thereafter 10/- a jump to a maximum of two per weekend. He continued in the TA for several years and, by the end of his service, had jumped over 60 times.

While at Cambridge he met Undine Fay Miller, a student at the Cambridge University Art School, and they married in 1962 after he qualified as a barrister. They flew to Gibraltar to start their honeymoon and so are really looking forward to a return visit in March, some 50 years later.

To augment his income as a fledgling barrister Mark became an assistant supervisor of Legal Studies at Caius, Girton and Queen’s Colleges which involved going up to Cambridge on Fridays and Saturdays to give tutorials in Criminal and Contract law. He enjoyed teaching and so he carried on for seven years before the weight of his practice rendered this impossible.

Sir Mark is now an Honorary Fellow of Gonville and Caius College and of King’s College, London.

As a barrister, Mark followed his father by becoming a member of Gray’s Inn and after a pupillage with Robert Macrindle, joined chambers at Fountain Court in the Temple.

His career began in general common law practice in the Magistrates’ Courts, and the County Courts and progressed to the High Court. As Fountain Court Chambers acquired more commercial work, so did his practice. He had a general common law practice, however, on becoming a QC in 1980, his practice developed in the fields of professional negligence, insurance, banking, agency, international sale and carriage of goods, and commodity disputes.

In the ’80s he made several appearances in the courts of Hong Kong and Singapore.

In 1988 he was appointed a Judge of the High Court of Justice, Queen’s Bench Division (Commercial Court) and knighted. This meant a transfer across the Strand from Fountain Court to the Royal Courts of Justice where he had his court, his Judge’s room and his clerk.

Sir Mark felt the most rewarding aspect of being a judge rather than a barrister was that there was no longer a compulsion to win the case.

A judge was in the business of trying to do justice and ensure the right side succeeded, a welcome change from the strain of being in difficult cases for a difficult clients.

In 1991 he was appointed Presiding Judge on the Northern Circuit which covers Manchester, Liverpool, Preston and Carlisle, spending half his judicial time on that circuit.

At this time it was not usual to appoint a commercial Judge as a Presiding Judge on the basis they lacked experience in criminal law.

However, his appointment marked a change in policy which has since seen many commercial judges so appointed.

After serving as the judge in charge of the Commercial Court (1994-5) Sir Mark was appointed a Lord Justice of Appeal and made a Privy Councillor in 1996. As a Lord Justice he heard both criminal and civil cases across the whole spectrum of appeals.

He was elected Treasurer of Gray’s Inn for the year 2004/05,

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

movers & shakers legal during which time he invited the then Interior Minister and subsequent Prime Minister of France, Dominique de Villepin to become an Honorary Bencher. The Minister came over to receive the honour in person at a magnificent dinner held in Gray’s Inn. In April 2005, Sir Mark became President of the High Court Family Division and Head of Family Justice for England and Wales succeeding Dame Elizabeth Butler-Sloss.

During his five years in office he introduced a number of changes and improvements in procedure and in the organisation and hearing of family cases.

His appointment came as a surprise as he had little experience in family law. However, by the time he retired, his leadership in the family courts over a period of change was widely praised.

He was subsequently appointed President of the new Court of Protection in 2007 responsible for litigation involving the rights and treatment of persons suffering from incapacity.

The Family Division deals with matrimonial and family disputes and, in particular, with questions of maintenance and division of property following divorce and disputes over the custody and care of children. Pre-nuptial and postnuptial agreements are dealt with and today there is a strong presumption that what the parties have originally agreed will be followed.

Nuptial agreements can at any time

be varied by the parties.

One of his cases heard in July 2006 has become extremely topical today in view of the heated debate about same sex marriages. Sir Mark ruled against Celia Kitzinger and Sue Wilkinson, a lesbian couple who had wed in Canada, in the action they brought to have their same-sex partnership recognised as marriage under English law.

Sir Mark held that, in withholding from same-sex partnerships the title and status of marriage, Parliament had not interfered with or failed to recognise the right of same-sex couples to respect for their private or family life; nor had it discriminated against same-sex couples in declining to alter the deep-rooted and almost universal recognition of marriage as a union between a man and a woman. The couple were granted leave to appeal but no appeal was brought.

Another feature of Sir Mark’s presidency was his espousal of the Voice of the Child and his encouragement to family judges to see and listen to young children in the course of contested proceedings affecting them.

In 2009, following a government consultation on increasing transparency in the family courts system, he

presided over the implementation of new rules allowing the press access to family proceedings, hitherto private and confidential, subject to certain restrictions.

Sir Mark has wide knowledge of regulatory matters. He served as Chairman of the Bar Professional Conduct Committee and the Bar Public Affairs Committee where he and Piers Ashworth QC devised and introduced the Bar Mutual Insurance Scheme. From 2000-2005 Sir Mark was Chairman of the Lord Chancellor ’s Consultancy Panel advising the government on reform, regulation and organisation of the legal profession. He was also Judge in charge of Anglo-Pakistani judicial relations 2001-2004.

After his retirement in April 2010 Sir Mark returned to the field of Commercial Law as an arbitrator at Fountain Court Chambers, with appointments in areas such as international share purchase agreements, insurance (including Bermuda form) and energy disputes.

Last year Sir Mark and Dame Janet Gaymer were appointed joint Chairs of a consultation panel to advise on a fundamental Legal Education and Training Review being conducted by the three main legal regulators — the Solicitors Regula-

tion Authority, the Bar Standards Board and the ILEX Professional Standards. It has yet to report.

Sir Mark has for many years been a Trustee of Somerset House and served as Chairman of the Events Committee responsible for bringing the ice rink to Somerset House.

He is also a Trustee of the Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity.

He describes his interests in ‘Who’s Who’ as ‘family and sporting’.

Sir Mark ended the interview saying: “I am very much looking forward to carrying out my appointment in what I hope will hope will be an interesting series of cases. My wife will join me in March to renew our friendship with Gibraltar after so many years.” n

A feature of Sir Mark’s presidency was his espousal of the Voice of the Child and his encouragement to family judges to see and listen to young children in the course of contested proceedings affecting them

Sir Mark and Lady Potter with their two sons (Nicholas, an osteopath, and Charlie, a barrister), daughter-in-law Rebecca, and Lord Woolf of Barnes, the former Lord Chief Justice

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

33

abroad

events

Rocking Mayfair’s Art Scene images & words | Mike Brufal

The Directors of Clarendon Fine Art, in Mayfair’s Dover Street, and the Director of Gibraltar House organised an exhibition in October of new works by artists from Gibraltar.

An open competition was held on the Rock and Rachel Simpkiss, Director of Clarendon Gallery judged which works would go on display.

25 works by 17 artists were brought over for the exhibition. Rachel said it had been a difficult task to select 25 paintings, such was the high standard of work. She hoped this would

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become an annual event. One artist will be selected to be represented by the Gallery. The exhibition was opened by our Chief Minister who said this was a wonderful showcase for the artistic talent on the Rock and showed Gibraltar was not just about monkeys, financial services, gaming and border queues. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

Rental Markets

rentals

property

There is a shortage of 1 and 3+ bedroom apartments on the renatal market

Should I Buy to Let? This month we satisfied our curiosity about the Buy-to-Let market in Gibraltar by putting our questions to Josiane Richardson of Richardsons estate agents.

With the cost of borrowing so low is there still a market for rentals?

Absolutely! Property letting is the most active market at present! Even though the cost of borrowing is low, the reality is that lenders are being more cautious than ever. If someone wants to buy today, they will need a large deposit to cover the loan-to-value element of a home they wish to purchase.

What should I consider before buying to let?

If you are purchasing for investment purposes then all your research should be centered around the best way to finance the purchase. We always carry out worst case and best case cash flow scenarios for our investment clients.

The question I ask myself is; What rent can my client realistically achieve on a good day and on a bad day? Or, what void periods are there likely to be? What other costs do they need to factor in their figures such as service charges,

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

rates, maintenance costs, agents fees, etc. This will give me a net rental figure to work with.

Another important factor is the type of investment plan the client has. i.e. Are they holding on to the property for a while or do they wish to exit in the short term? This will also change figures with regards to the capital growth projections you would assume.

I have a property I would like to let out, what should I do legally to allow me to rent it on the open market?

Each case has to be assessed on the individual’s circumstances. The main point is that you will need to declare the rental income to the tax authorities and possibly inform your mortgage broker and your insurers so that adjustments can be made accordingly against your policies.

In your annual income tax return you are able to deduct expenditure such as rates, service charges, repairs, cost of furnishing, decoration, insurance cost, mortgage interest etc from rental

income.

In Gibraltar most property owners own a leasehold interest. I would also therefore recommend that you read your underlease and ensure you are able to rent your property and there are no restrictions against letting.

Who is responsible for what? Who is responsible for maintaining and repairing the property while it is rented?

For residential property the landlord is normally responsible for the fair wear and tear maintenance including payment of service charges and rates. However, these details will be covered in the tenancy agreement and can be altered if both parties agree during the negotiations.

I have come across many situations where very little attention is given to the terms of the tenancy and I cannot stress enough the importance of ensuring the tenancy agreement covers these issues explicitly to avoid future

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property

rentals

disputes. I spend a lot of time redrafting terms If a tenant doesn’t pay their rent, is it easy for clients to ensure they accurately reflect the to have them removed from the property? wishes of both parties before taking possession In short, no, it is not a simple process. Essenof the property. tially, both landlord and tenant are bound by the terms of the tenancy. If either party defaults on the terms, then one party is able to sue for breach I have heard of landlord’s insurance of contract. So, if a tenant is not paying the rent is this necessary?

Yes! The landlord should insure the building and the lease stipulates this should be paid on against destruction by fire, etc. Our building time each month, then the landlord can begin a surveying department offers property valu- legal process to recover the property. ations for insurance purposes. A valuation is recommended to make sure the building is Why do landlords prefer company rentals?

In the past landlords of pre-war properties covered adequately against loss. Tenants are however responsible in insuring their own con- have preferred company lets for legal reasons, tents. Again, this should be covered explicitly in a person is afforded more protection against eviction than a company, thus allowing the any tenancy agreement. landlord to regain repossession of his property Who is responsible for breakages?

This is an interesting question which, in practise doesn’t have a black and white answer.

Standard agreements will often specify that the tenant should return the property in the same condition as at the start of the tenancy. If this doesn’t happen, then the lease should specify that the deposit can be used against the cost of repairs, loss or breakages.

However, running costs of breakdowns in services like plumbing or electricity are normally the landlord’s responsibility if these result through no fault of the tenant.

Again, all these issues always need to be specified in the tenancy agreement to avoid disputes. Our management department has a lot of experience in these matters and always ensures that independent professional reports and contractors are used for more complicated issues.

What does market levels mean in relation to a rent review?

Rent reviews are uncommon in residential tenancy agreements. In commercial leases a rent review will depend on the terms of the lease and the surveyor’s opinion will be based on a “Market Rent” at review, taking into consideration other terms contained in the lease.

Richardsons often carries out rent reviews for commercial properties in Gibraltar and a typical standard clause, as you suggest in your question, would be that the rent is to be reviewed to “rack rental value” or “open market rental value”. The surveyor has to value the property in line with the market and the other assumptions and disregards contained in the lease.

What services do property managers and rental companies offer to the landlord / tenant? What commission would be charged?

Our company, for example, offers a bespoke service to our management clients. Our services are not set in stone. A full management service for a residential property would typically include rent collection, drafting lease terms, drawing up the inventory, checking the tenant in, doing a dilapidations schedule prior to move in date and checking this at the end of the lease date. Then we would deal with all the tenant’s enquiries, liaising with contractors for repairs, checking progress of works and checking works have been done to a satisfactory standard, carrying out payments on behalf of the landlord, amongst others. Our standard fee for full management is normally 10% of the monthly rent.

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Are there preferred areas in Gibraltar for tenants? Where can I obtain the greatest return on investment in GIbraltar’s current market?

I love this question! It’s the same question ALL my clients ask me!

In short, there are ‘preferred’ areas in Gibraltar where people want to live, but each person always has very individual requirements, so this can vary on a one-to-one basis. Generally speaking though, many people like to be located within walking distance to town, although they still require modern/new accommodation. This means that the Queensway/Kings Wharf and Ocean Village Marina remain very popular amongst investors. However, just because these locations are popular, doesn’t mean you are going to get the best investment yield.

The reason for investing is a key factor to consider when spending money on property.

Property is an illiquid asset to hold and as such you have to take many factors into account when purchasing. You need to ask yourself many questions to ensure you are making the right financial investment decision to suit your individual needs.

Assuming you were taking a short to medium term view, and looking at the current rental market, the reality is that there is high demand for low-value rental properties around the £1,000 per month mark. If you can therefore invest in a property with this rental value and assuming the yield stacks up as well as all other personal circumstances, then I would say this would be a good market to invest in today.

What type of property is easiest to let?

Preferred number of bedrooms, etc?

This is a question that relates to supply and demand and one needs to bear in mind that both these factors can change. Generally speaking, we find there is more supply of two bedroom apartments and a lack of larger three plus bedrooms available for larger families. One bedroom apartments are also lacking in supply and are very easy to let due to the lower rental values they command.

Assuming you were taking a short to medium term view, and looking at the current rental market, the reality is that there is high demand for low-value rental properties

Is there a market for short term rentals in Gibraltar?

There probably is and I know some landlords who market their property via holiday websites to achieve this. You need substantial infrastructure and support to offer this service as it is a very management intensive and costly service to offer in terms of maintenance and cleaning issues and checking people in and out of the property on a frequent basis.

more easily. In fact there is a leading case in Gibraltar where this principle was tested in court and ended successfully in favour of the landlord.

With regard to properties which fall outside the L&T Act, assuming the company has good credentials and if it is fundamentally the ‘tenant’ in the lease, this could be more financially secure for a landlord.

For commercial property the strength of the covenant has huge valuation implications because lease terms are generally longer and underpin the rental income and tenant performance risks.

Is it worth considering commercial property as an alternative to residential property as a buy-to-let?

Definitely. Careful thought has to be given into the type of asset you wish to invest in.

Valuation analysis is a lot more complex than when you are looking at a simple residential flat. The amount of capital needed to invest in good commercial property is also substantially higher than what you need for residential property, so this is an important factor to take into account. Personally, I would put my own money in a new-build office building as this is where good returns have been achieved over the last four years. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

real estate

19/2 Governor’s Parade, Gibraltar Tel: 200 74018

commercial interiors

S

Space Interiors 6 Ellesmere House, City Mill Lane Tel: 200 73992 www.spaceinteriors.gi

TRIES

NTINENTS IES

NENTS

T: + 350 200 400 41 F: + 350 200 440 11 sales@chesterton.gi lettings@chesterton.gi commercial@chesterton.gi

property directory

T: + 350 200 400 41 F: + 350 200 440 11 sales@chesterton.gi lettings@chesterton.gi M.B.E., E.D., J.P., F.R.I.C.S., F.R.S.H. commercial@chesterton.gi

S.LEVY

AUCTIONEER, ESTATE AGENT & VALUER Gibraltar’s Longest Established Estate Agents

For Property Advice, contact us 3 Convent Place Tel: 200 77789 or 200 42818 Fax: 200 42527 Email: slevy@gibraltar.gi

construction

homes & interiors

transport services

GibCargo Ltd Unit 3 North Mole Industrial Park Tel: 200 70787 Email: tom@gibcargo.com

marine services

TARIK

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

Portman Ltd General Suppliers

waste management

Hire & Sale of Portable Cabin Units (Office, Toilet Units etc)

property services

Open Mon-Thurs: 8am-5.30pm Fri 8am-4pm.

Saturdays 10am-1pm (except Bank Holiday weekends)

Unit F17 Europa Business Centre PO Box 476, Gibraltar Tel: 200 73119 Fax: 200 45008 E-mail: portman@gibtelecom.net

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

Environment and Waste Management Service E.W.M.S. Governor’s Cottage Europa Advance Road Gibraltar Tel: 200 44220 Fax: 200 44221 E-mail: ewmsgib@gibtelecom.net

Home Insurance Argus Insurance Regal House, Queensway Tel: 200 79520 www.argus.gi Ibex Insurance Services Ltd 68 Irish Town Tel: 200 44628 Fax: 200 44629 email: business@ibexinsure.com www.ibexinsure.com

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAGAZINE••NOVEMBER NOVEMBER2012 2012 GIBRALTAR

37 37

proporty

this place

?

Who Wants to be Anonymous Anonymity is derived from the Greek word anonymia, meaning “without a name” or “namelessness”.

Sometimes being just a face in the crowd can be a pleasing experience, and one it is difficult to achieve in Gibraltar’s 2.6 square miles.

the weekend — they’ve probably seen the photos on Facebook too.

Now don’t get me wrong — it’s a great feeling to walk into a bar/ restaurant/shop and have to stop several times to chat, air kiss and maybe even exchange business cards. It’s difficult to feel down when you walk along Main Street to frequent stops for greetings, smiles and kisses.

It can feel a bit claustrophobic at times though can’t it? Sometimes it is nice to head into Spain, Morocco, Portugal, or fly to the UK or beyond Everyone here seems to know to find anonymity. It’s liberating you, your mum, your second cous- to walk in a crowded city where in, your dog and where you went on no-one knows your name... except

38

secretly we quite like to be known there too and tend to frequent our favourite hotel or restaurant where the waiter or owner knows us... we like it when the man on the front desk uses our name to greet us.

We just can’t help it. Human beings are by nature Aristotle’s ‘social animals’. Our lives depend on other humans.

“

So where better in the world to live than Gibraltar where we have all the benefits and satisfaction of a strong community and familiar faces with all the freedom of travel our physical location at the tip of Europe grants us.

And when the travelling is done, what a great place to come back to.

Air kisses and hugs all around. n

I always worried someone would notice me, and then when no one did, I felt lonely

”

- Curtis Sittenfeld, Prep

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

property

Rombobros Airbrush Arts

artwork

Airbrush Arts Whether it’s a mural for a new business, or personalised leather or textile surfaces, airbrushing is unique technique which creates a beautiful finish.

At Rombobros Airbrush Arts, Saul and Ezekiel will be able to help you with their second-to-none airbrushing expertise.

Although most people think of airbrushing to personalise helmets, bikes or even cars, this technique can be used on many other surfaces.

Finishing off a mural using air-

brushing has become increasingly popular over the years — bars, restaurants and even nurseries have had a feature wall enhanced.

Domestic appliances and games consoles can also be given a personal touch, as well as most leather and textile surfaces. n For more information, contact Saul or Ezekiel on Tel: 54021956.

Finishing off a mural using airbrushing has become increasingly popular

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

39

business

events

Gibraltar Day in London 2012

words | Mike Nicholls images | Mike Brufal

On 15th October, political leaders, and business professionals from Gibraltar with an eye on inward investment, gathered at the Guildhall in the City of London to showcase Gibraltar to a wide range of actual and potential clients. A huge effort is made by a large number of individuals and organisations to make Gibraltar Day successful. And once again, I believe it was successful.

This year was the 13th successive year the event has been held. It is hard to measure the success of the day in terms of new business generated for Gibraltar. However, the fact the lunch for over 300 people is oversubscribed, that nearly 1,000 attend the Guildhall in the evening, and that private businesses from Gibraltar incur not an inconsiderable sum to attend, suggests the day achieves its objective.

Each delegate from Gibraltar organised their own timetable with their own contacts, to maximise their time in London. In my own case, I was meeting an American colleague face to face for the first time, albeit he is based in Poland and this was our best opportunity to meet. The idea is to launch a Polish Biogas Renewable Energy Experienced Investor Fund using Gibraltar funds’ legislation. Gibraltar Day cemented this relationship and with my client suitably

impressed with his day trip to the City from Poland just for lunch, I am sure this will happen, which will benefit Gibraltar PLC. The Gibraltar lunch event hosted by the Finance Centre started at 12.30pm in the Old Library at the Guildall, a switch away from last year’s venue, Gibson Hall in Bishopsgate. The historic venue, the scale of the event and the compelling speech from the Chief Minister on the strength of the Gibraltar economy and the quality of the regulatory regime of the Finance Centre all contributed to a sense of pride amongst those of us representing Gibraltar. The guests I spoke to were clearly impressed.

Other meetings for me included advancing a European real estate mandate for Chesterton Gibraltar from a private equity firm, exploring further the Hideaways Experienced Investor Fund’s new properties strategy with the London

based team, and liaising with a client on the potential purchase of three small hotels in the UK. With the backdrop of the Guildhall, the credible and robust ambience of the Gibraltar professional circuit in attendance, together with the political speeches, it’s a great event at which to do business.

At 6pm, we were back at the Guildhall, but this time in the Great Hall, for the much larger and more 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 has his own real estate investment solutions consultancy.

With the backdrop of the Guildhall, the credible and robust ambience of the Gibraltar professional circuit in attendance, together with the political speeches, it’s a great event at which to do business

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

events

informal evening event hosted by Gibraltar’s London office. Parts of the Guildhall date back to 1411 and it is a truly impressive building, even more so with the Gibraltar Coat of Arms projected onto its facia for the evening.

The Great Hall itself, is the third largest civic hall in England, where royalty and state visitors have been entertained for many centuries.

The Coronation Lunch to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was held here on 12th June 1953. It has also been the setting for famous state trials, including that of Lady Jane Grey in 1553.

Inside the Guildhall the Gibraltar

community mixed with their own guests, plus representatives from the armed forces, a number of British MPs, clergy, titled gentry and many other ‘friends of Gibraltar’.

The Chief Minister made another confident speech to a welcoming throng of Gibraltar supporters and the feeling of Gibraltar being safe in our politician’s hands was further endorsed with a welcoming speech from City Alderman Ian Luder on behalf of the Lord Mayor of London, and a rousing speech from Mark Simmonds MP, Minister for the Overseas Territories, who repeated the British Government’s official position on

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

Gibraltar. “We will never enter into arrangements under which the people of Gibraltar would pass under the sovereignty of another state against their wishes. Furthermore, we will not enter into any process of sovereignty negotiations with which Gibraltar is not content.” It was what the audience expected and wanted to hear and applause filled the auditorium.

At 8.15pm guests were ushered outside to watch a magnificent performance by the Royal Gibraltar Regiment Band and Corps of Drums and the Drums and Pipes of the London Scottish Regiment.

At 8.45pm, the ceremony and the

business

event itself, ended with the National Anthem.

Having talked and listened nonstop for a number of hours with clients, it was time for some relaxation. Seven of us decamped to Hawksmoor, a nearby City restaurant which served a great dinner.

I am writing this article on the morning after Easyjet flight back to Gibraltar. There are a lot of tired but familiar faces who have just represented Gibraltar in the City of London. It’s another Gibraltar Day finished and others can judge its value for money for the Gibraltar tax payer. I, for one, am a believer. n

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property

interiors

The Art of the Refurb

This month, Meme from Denville Designs explains how refurbishment has become a popular choice nowadays, and the importance of following through designs and refurbishment of an existing property, with an interior designer.

In today’s economic climate, rather than buying a new property, or demolishing an old property and starting again, people are turning to refurbishing their homes and revamping their look.

Some of the beautiful older properties in Gibraltar really benefit from refurbishment, as the quality of the architecture and the construction would be very costly to reproduce nowadays.

Of course, to embark on such a project whether it is for commercial or private use, it is a wise move to work with professionals, as many costly mistakes can be avoided with professional advice.

If the refurbishment is mostly renovation and internal modernisation, then you will need the help of

an interior architect or quantity surveyor. To complete the team, you will need an interior designer.

When you conceive the project you should consider the finished look you require, and convey this to the interior designer, who can only achieve the required result by working with the interior architects from the very beginning.

Colour schemes have to be selected; floor, walls and window furnishings all need to be included in the original plans. Lighting is one of the most important parts of a project, but if often overlooked.

“Many properties can be structurally well designed, but when it comes to lighting, colour scheme, and placing of furniture, the most beautiful property can be ruined

An interior designer has the client’s best interests at heart, and creates living spaces for a specific purpose

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

interiors by badly thought out interiors and finishing touches — the best examples are the rentals on the market today,” explains Meme.

An interior designer has the client’s best interests at heart, and creates living spaces for a specific purpose. This service does not have to be expensive, as a good company who can supply products and furnishings, will not charge for the design work as long as you furnish the property with their in-house products.

To economise in the long-term,

property

buy solid sturdy pieces of furniture, as buying on the cheap only will cause the owner stress when products cease to function properly or fall apart and need to be replaced.

A bed is a prime example, as cheap beds simply do not last very long.

Refurbishment is not something you are likely to tackle without professional advice, however, the most advantageous and economical way to proceed is to get a good team, who you can trust and work with, and who will save you stress and money in the long term. n

Some of the beautiful older properties in Gibraltar really benefit with refurbishment

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

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Are you wordly wi words | Frankie Hatton

As a break from the usual profiles I write — in honesty, my interviewee is being elusive — I searched for something to grab your interest as you flick through the Gibraltar Magazine.

Now as a magazine you would imagine we are experts at the written word, however I picked up a really un-put-downable book in Gatwick airport when flying back to Gibraltar last month all about words and etymology (the root of words) and it really took my interest. So I gave Gibraltar the etymological treatment...

Fabian for instance, our Chief Minister’s name has latin roots in Faba meaning ‘broad bean’ hold off the jokes on the body politic please. It shares its root with Fabius, a Roman ‘clan’ name meaning a grower of beans. The Fabian society is a British socialist Society that has influenced the Labour Party which ties in nicely too. The logical conclusion from the name is if he counts his beans he’d be a ‘bean counter’ which by inference could mean our economy is in safe hands.

The etymology of Peter the previous CM is well documented from the New Testament about Simon the first apostle. Jesus gave him the nickname Peter which stems from Latin Petrus and Greek Petros meaning stone or rock. Hence the biblical quote ‘Upon this Rock I will build my church.’ Peter also appears as a verb meaning ‘cease’ or ‘stop’ which leads us to the phrase to ‘peter out’ which literally

44 44

happened last December.

From Peter to the Rock where we live which has its own etymology coming from from Middle English stan, ston linking nicely with the German stein, Russian stená (“wall”) and ancient Greek stîon (“pebble”) this takes us to Albanian ‘shtëng’ which means hardened or pressed matter which the Rock literally is being millions of years of layered pressed microrganisms. The German word stein these days describes a tankard within which the world’s popular drink Beer is contained. Beer, another reason the Royal Navy and many visitors come to Gibraltar stems from old English ‘ealu’ for ale and the proto indo european root meaning ‘bitter’ another word for beer or intoxication.

Beer also forms the root of another wellknown word ‘bridal’ from the mid-15th century from the old English ‘brydealo’ meaning

‘marriage feast’ literally from ‘bryd ealu’ or ‘bride ale’ another link with Gibraltar as we are a popular wedding destination.

Once married our visitors may decide to stay for their ‘honeymoon’ which comes from around 1540 as ‘hony moone’ an ‘indefinite period of tenderness and pleasure experienced by a newlywed couple’ from honey in reference to the new marriage’s sweetness and moon describing to how long it might last because of the changing aspect of the moon: no sooner full than it begins to wane. Interestingly the German version is flitterwochen, from flitter ‘tinsel’ (very thin strips of shiny metal) and wochen ‘week’ (a turning or succession) hardly even a month of fun. Wedding comes from old English ‘weddung’ a ‘state of being wed’ and ‘wed’ is from to ‘pledge, covenant to do something’ another meaning is to ‘bet’, ‘wager’ which many a parent might think giv-

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAGAZINE •• NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 2012 2012 GIBRALTAR

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Beer also forms the root of another well-known word bridal from the mid-15th century from the old English brydealo meaning ‘marriage feast’ literally from bryd ealu or ‘bride ale’

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAGAZINE •• NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 2012 2012 GIBRALTAR

en their offspring’s choice of mate.

While honeymooning here they may stay at the Caleta Hotel in Catalan Bay. The origin of the name Catalan Bay is as far as I can tell unknown but there are theories.

One suggests that the bay is named after a group of around 350 Catalan (from Catalonia) military men believed to have settled here after having assisted the Anglo-Dutch forces who captured Gibraltar during the War of Spanish Succession on 4th August 1704. Another mentions Catalans being given shelter here during the Peninsular War when the French were camped as close as San Roque. However no evidence actually exists to prove either.

Much however exists for Italian origins including the name La Caleta (meaning ‘small bay or cove’) which considerably pre-dates that of Catalan Bay. The village is mentioned in a Royal Dispatch of 6th March 1634 as being under the jurisdiction of the “Tercio del Mar de Marbella y Estepona” in the Kingdom of Granada. Since it has been called La Caleta for much longer than it has ever been called Catalan Bay it could be that the English mispronounced ‘Caleta’ but even I think that’s a stretch.

Italian, particularly Genoese influence is strong in Catalan Bay apart from the new houses there being part of ‘Little Genoa’ there is also the restaurant La Mamela, the name allegedly comes from the Italian ‘mammella’ meaning a woman’s ‘breast’ who’s old English root means ‘swelling’ and a Germanic root of brust meaning to ‘swell’ or ‘sprout’. All this from a rock on the shore which was given that name from its shape.

However there is one more possible entymological root from the Genoese, that is the name Gianni or Ianni (John) which is a theorised etymological source for the Gibraltarian language of Llanito/Yanito.

A distinct language but taking words and phrases mainly from English but including many influences from Italian, Maltese, Arabic, Hebrew, Spanish and Caló (the Spanish gypsy language).

Those who don’t know enough about it call it Spanglish or ‘Pachuco’ which has its roots in the USA particularly at the border between Mexico and the US and the state of California.

California etymologically is the last Caliphate, but I’m not going there, I’m staying here in Gibraltar more accurately in the Bay of Gibraltar and our waters that in the years gone by were full of ships and sailing vessels — all trading, carrying goods, including fish (topical), sailing far and wide but trading in the waters close around us.

The story goes that these traders and sailors from all points of the globe created a universal language to go about their business removed from their own unique languages but taking from one and adding another.

This language was never written down and neither was it understood but etymologically brings us home and back to the beginning of the article and the politicians who are the descendants of these men because they are the masters of this language now called Gibberish! n

charity

Ricky on the treadmill

Marathon Efforts for Akin The 14 hour marathon held outside Morrisons store in October by the Association for Kids in Need (AKIN) Sierra Leone team was a huge success.

A total of 84 half-hour slots were filled by 80 dedicated participants who each took it in turns to run on the treadmills or spin on the bike provided.

A special mention goes to Jaiden Bartolo who was the youngest treadmill runner at the tender age of six and his brother Kai who helped with the collection buckets. Also at hand to help with the fund-raising were six year old Eddy Vargas and sister Sophie Bruzon, who was the youngest team member at just four years old.

The total raised was an incredible £4,910.00 and part of this money will go towards providing a water well for Kabala Amputee Camp Primary School. Having a clean source of water will transform the lives of the community at Kabala. n For more information on AKIN Sierra Leone contact Jimmy Bruzon on jimbruzon@hotmail. com, Tel: 57631000 after 6pm or visit the project’s Facebook page Akin SierraLeone Jimmy Bruzon or website www.akincharity.org.

Sophie and Eddy helping out

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music file

Let me entertain you — Trevor Norton

Is there a Comedian in the House? words | Elena Scialtiel

Trevor isn’t just about slapstick, he’s a successful playwright (of comedies, coincidentally), a director and producer and an all-round actor who once dipped his toes in crime drama.

Trevor recalls his move away from easy-going entertainment to tread the unchartered (for him) territory of classic noir: “It was a dark murder mystery, and yet as soon as I popped out on stage, laughter erupted in the auditorium, I was so typecast from my previous productions. And while my character was

46

dying of a heart attack, I could still hear the odd giggle here and there about my dramatic demise...”

So, how did it all begin? How did this Royal Gibraltar Regiment retired soldier and Prison Officer with histrionics pulsing through his veins become one of Gibraltar’s

“

Start giggling at the mention of his name: Trevor Norton has fast become one of Gibraltar’s most popular and boisterous comedians, expected to knock your socks off with laughter whenever he sets foot on stage — or in any casual conversation, as a matter of fact.

most appreciated humorists?

“My debut on stage was in There Goes the Bride, where I played an Australian father of the bride and had to keep the accent consistent throughout,” he explains. “Before that I was in Arrow, the musical about Robin Hood co-written by

lyricist William Finlayson and musician Trevor Guilliano. They offered me the part of Friar Tuck.

I replied that I cannot sing even if my life depended on it, but they reassured me I could just speak through my lines, no problem.

So, if you hear the CD, well, the

While my character was dying of a heart attack, I could still hear the odd giggle here and there about my dramatic demise...

”

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

the stage spoken parts cannot be any other than mine...”

Trevor and Trevor (no relation) have been friends since childhood, school and the Sea Scouts. Later, they co-started the Drama Festival and cultivated their passion for drama by participating in a long list of productions, sometimes directing, sometimes acting under the directions of another guru of local amateur theatre, Howard Danino.

Sometimes, shift work makes it hard to attend rehearsals, so they have to share the honour and burden of directing, like recently happened with Calendar Girls, a “very technical comedy” which needed synchronisation and precision.

That’s the down side of venturing into play writing — you cannot know for sure if a script works until you see it staged! And there’s the catch, because every producer must forecast whether a play is commercially viable before jumping head first into auditioning, stage construction, lights and sound.

Hence the choice of any script depends on previous history of full-house performances. Trevor Norton explains: “Gibraltar is very attached to traditional comedy.

We’re very square, for the lack of another word, and shy away from

anything out of that box. Amateur theatre is still consumer-run, as we must meet costs and ultimately sell tickets.”

Both Trevors have the gift of an almost psychic three-dimensional photographic vision and can picture in their mind the scene before it is acted, so they can easily tailor their directions to it. This means they must often coach their actors into visualising the writer’s intentions and make them happen, although they always give scope to the cast for the artistic development of their characters.

Having being buddies for 30 years, they bounce well off each other on and off stage, and like to bet against their ability to make the other burst in incontrollable laughter. While acting together, they expect the unexpected from each other every time they find a novel way to cover up their untimely chuckle before the audience, who, luckily, is usually too busy laughing themselves to notice.

Trevor Norton has written a number of short comedies. Judgement, his first and best original play, he wrote, directed and starred in — speak of one-man-bands!

Then GBC filmed and aired Bull’s-eye, starring himself, Da-

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

vina Camilleri [now Barbara] and Andrew Smith. It was a two-act play about burglars and was well received indeed, contributing to elevating him to the clowningaround local pantheon.

Soap on a Rope lightly tackles homosexuality issues, but Trevor admits this one is too short for publication or staging, as it needs lot of ‘padding’, because “a play doesn’t necessarily have to go from A to B, but it is actually more entertaining when it goes to C and D and E... before eventually reaching B.” Subplots and co-plots are always welcome, as long they don’t get too thick and risk the audience... losing the plot!

Trevor has no drama training, besides the little he learnt in drama class, but he’s always been a keen consumer of TV shows enshrined in our pop culture, like Monty Python, Rowan Atkinson and Not

“

leisure

the 9 O’Clock News.

Their British humour has to be adapted to a Gibraltarian flavour with the addition of a pinch of toilet humour, a dash of sexual innuendo and a liberal serving of politics, but foundations are there for him to elaborate his scripts.

Unfortunately for his eager audience, his playwright endeavours take a back seat to family commitments and day job. His flirting with the limelight in recent times has pushed him to trade his directorial skills with threading the boards.

And if life is nothing but a stage where no dress rehearsal is allowed, at this stage in his life Trevor Norton is finally called to perform in a pantomime, like the true seasoned star he is. Surely it isn’t rocket science guessing what role director Margaret Seed has reserved for him this year... well, a Calamity is truly upon us! n

A play doesn’t necessarily have to go from A to B, but it is actually more entertaining when it goes to C and D and E... before eventually reaching B

”

47

health

events

14th November: World Diabetes Day

Diabetes Awareness Month The Moorish Castle is set to go blue for World Diabetes Day on 14th November 2012.

What is Diabetes?

Caused by genetics, obesity or which starts or is first recognised being overweight, lack of exercise, during pregnancy.

It affects an estimated one in 25 ethnicity and impaired glucose intolerance The body does not use pregnancies worldwide. insulin well and people with Type 2 usually need to take pills or (less often) insulin.

Gestational Diabetes (GDT):

Why is Diabetes Important?

Diabetes is increasing worldwide and is a disease shared by young and old, rich and poor.

Over 360 million people curIt is any glucose intolerance

Diabetes means that your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. Glucose comes from the food you eat, and cells take the glucose and turn it into energy. But having too much glucose in your body is not healthy. There are three main types of diabetes.

Famous People with Diabetes HG Wells - Author - Type 2 Elizabeth Taylor - Actress - Type 1 Aretha Franklin - Soul Singer - Unknown Halle Berry - - Actress - Type 1 Steve Redgrave - Olympic Rower - Type 1

STATS:

Type 1:

In Gibraltar, 2300 people suffer from diabetes.

This is statistically higher than in the UK

Type 1 accounts for 10% of all diabetes worldwide and generally develops during childhood (or less commonly up to 40 years of age).

It is an autoimmune disease; this means that the child’s immune system has destroyed its own insulin producing cells in the pancreas.

Therefore the body produces little or none of its own insulin, a hormone vital to help glucose get from the blood into the cells where it can be used as energy.

People with Type 1 need to take multiple insulin injections every day in order to survive. At present there is no cure.

Type 2:

Type 2 accounts for 90% of all diabetes globally and usually develops in adulthood, although it is increasing in children and adolescents in all countries.

Can Diabetes Be Prevented?

Achieving a healthy body weight and moderate physical activity can help prevent the development of Type 2 diabetes.

To date, there is no proven therapy to prevent or to cure Type 1 diabetes.

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photo: Alexander Horn

This year Gibraltar will join the global diabetes community by taking part in the Blue Light a Monument challenge on 14th November 2012 to highlight and raise awareness of diabetes in Gibraltar. The campaign draws attention to issues of paramount importance to the diabetes world and keeps diabetes firmly in the public spotlight.

Type 2 Diabetes Risk Factors H Obesity and being overweight H Lack of exercise H Previously identified glucose intolerance H Unhealthy diet H Increased age H High blood pressure and high cholesterol

H A family history of diabetes H A history of gestational diabetes H Ethnicity - higher rates reported in Asians, Hispanics, Indigenous peoples (USA, Canada, Australia) and African Americans.

If you think you are at risk – get yourself tested!

rently have diabetes, however, by 2030 the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) estimates that over 550 million worldwide will have the disease.

In Gibraltar, 2300 people suffer from diabetes. This is statistically higher than UK. Diabetes is deadly and debilitating. Every 8 seconds, someone in the world dies from the complications of diabetes.

It is among the top 10 causes of disability: tens of millions of people with diabetes suffer serious conditions including heart disease, stroke, lower limb amputations, diabetic retinopathy (vision loss or blindness caused by diabetic eye disease) and kidney failure.

Diabetes is a major global threat to human security and prosperity.

It impoverishes families and overwhelms health systems.

A large proportion of the four million people who die each year as a result of diabetes are in their most productive years (40-60 years), resulting in a high economic cost to society.

Children die of Type 1 diabetes in low-and middle-income countries because they lack access to life-saving insulin. n Diabetes Gibraltar would like to thank Government of Gibraltar and the Gibraltar Electricity Authority for supporting the charity in taking up the challenge of lighting up the Moorish Castle in Blue.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

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HC Marbella Hospital

5 Steps to Choosing Cosmetic Surgery with Confidence

1. The Surgeon It is crucial that you look to find a surgeon with a consistent track record of excellent results.

Dr Marco Vricella, founder of Aria Medical Group, is not only registered with the General Medical Councils of the UK, Spain and Italy and a member of the Specialist Registry for Plastic Surgeons, but he also has an enviable track record in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery.

It is no secret that there are surgeons operating in Europe that have been struck off national registers for unethical behaviour, incompetence, or the lack of the relevant qualifications - so it is vitally important you choose a fully qualified, registered and experienced surgeon such as Dr. Marco Vricella.

Dr. Vricella has over 15 years experience in both the public and private sector and has many thousands of satisfied clients.

2. The Consultation It is imperative that you have a private consultation; and with a cosmetic surgeon, not a nurse or patient co-ordinator. You should meet the surgeon that will perform your procedure. At Aria Medical Group we believe consultations should be free, so that it is easy to meet your surgeon. We insist that all clients meet Dr. Marco Vricella and have plenty of time to discuss their personal requirements and concerns with him in private so that they are fully informed before making the decision to proceed.

We offer free consultations in Madrid, Marbella and of course in for Gibraltar, so

50

a private consultation can be fitted in with professional or family commitments.

3. The Hospital Consider where you will be having your surgery; is it a private wing of a public hospital; is it a clinic, or a dedicated private hospital?

At Aria Medical Group we believe the best option is to have your procedure in a dedicated private hospital. That is why we are based at The High Care Marbella Hospital (HCI). Here Dr. Marco Vricella is Director of the Cosmetic Surgery Unit. It offers first class care, with full operating and recovery facilities, 24 hour on-site Doctor and Nursing support, as well as private luxury rooms with ensuite bathroom; tasty meals and a beautiful garden and terrace for recuperation.

4. Quality Not only is Dr. Marco Vricella a worldclass surgeon, but you will have an expert anaesthetist, caring, experienced medical staff and a friendly professional coordinator dedicated to you. If you choose to have a buttock augmentation, breast augmentation or for men a pectoral augmentation, be assured that Aria Medical Group only use the best quality FDA (Food & Drug Administration, USA) approved implants.

5. Aftercare – in Gibraltar!

More and more clients now understand the importance of aftercare. We believe that your cosmetic surgery procedure is more than just the final result; it is the also the delivery of care from your initial consultation through to dedicated, personalised aftercare in Gibraltar.

Aria Medical Group’s Specialist Nurse, Damien Moore, offers complete aftercare in Gibraltar.

This includes home visits in Gibraltar for post operative checks in your first week of recuperation. In addition all follow up consultations can be with Dr. Marco Vricella at College Clinic in Gibraltar. There is no need for you to return to the Marbella luxury hospital for your post operative check up.

Also included in the price is any revision surgery in the first year – a compelling service for clients.

The Next Step Dr. Vricella holds free consultations at College Clinic, Regal House, Gibraltar every 2 weeks – for dates and to book an appointment please call :

+ 34 952 895 088 or email: info@ariamedicalgroup.com

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

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

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Book your FREE consultation

(+34) 952 895 088 in English (+34) 662 936 058 en Español E: info@ariamedicalgroup.com

Dr. Marco Vricella is Director of the Aesthetic Surgery unit at HC Marbella Private Hospital.

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)

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

Cosmetic Surgery

www.ariamedicalgroup.com

|

Gibraltar

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Marbella

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Madrid

health & medical directory

health& fitness Bell Pharmacy

McTimoney Chiropractor

Your Family Chemists

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

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

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

Health Clubs

Atlantic Suites Health Club & Spa Tel: 200 48147

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

JOHN W. MILES

HEARING CENTRE

BSc (Podiatry), M.Ch.S

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

STATE REGISTERED CHIROPODIST Treatment of all Foot Problems • Ingrown Toe-nails including Surgical Removal

Opticians / Optometrists

• Biomechanical Analysis for Insoles / Orthotics including Children

Gache & Co Limited 266 Main Street. Tel: 200 75757

• Wart (Verruca) Clinic

L. M. Passano Optometrist 38 Main Street. Tel: 200 76544

• Diabetics

PERSONAL TRAINERS

Tel: 200 77777

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

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

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

Need somebody to talk to?

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 6-10pm

College Clinic, Ground Floor, Regal House, Queensway.

Tel: 200 77777 www.collegeclinic.gi

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

well-being health

l

Here’s Health

images | Tony Evans

Taking the Walk for Life The Gibraltar Branch of Cancer Research UK organised their annual Walk For Life last month, and it was a huge success once again.

An extremely popular sponsored walk for all ages and abilities, the event once again attracted well over 1000 of Gibraltar’s population to take part.

community once again did their very best to support Cancer Research UK. n

Men, women, children and even pets took part in this 5km walk, which started at 11am, after warmups by Gibfit Zumba and Kangoo Jumps, from Casemates, along Main Street, onto Queensway, Europort Avenue, Waterport Road and back to finish at Casemates.

With over £7,500 collected and funds still coming in, the event was declared a huge success as the

Flaxseed

Reduce your cholesterol Flaxseed is high in fiber, omega3 fatty acids and phytochemicals called lignans. Both flaxseed and flaxseed oil have been used to help reduce total blood cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or “bad”) cholesterol levels and, as a result, may help reduce the risk of heart disease.

You can purchase raw flaxseed — whole or ground — and flaxseed oil at health food stores. Whole seeds can be ground in a coffee grinder and then stored in an airtight container for several months.

Refrigerating whole seeds may also extend their freshness.

Although there is no recommended daily intake for omega-3 fatty acids, an established adequate intake is between 1.1 and 1.6 grams a day for adults. One tablespoon of ground flaxseed provides 1.6 grams of omega-3 fatty acids.

Add a tablespoon of ground flaxseed to your breakfast cereal. Add a teaspoon of ground flaxseed to mayonnaise or mustard when making a sandwich. Bake ground flaxseed into muffins, breads and other baked goods. Add a teaspoon of flaxseed oil to salad dressing.

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health

well-being

Rafael Celecia

A Duty of Care words | Richard Cartwright images | Eric Almeida

It’s all very well putting pounds in the slot in support of any given charity then walking away, feeling you’ve done your bit as a caring and upstanding citizen. But it’s even more commendable when you give your free time and spend long hours helping those in need.

Rafael Celecia is always ready to give a helping hand where it is required, especially to help the disabled. “I don’t know... I’ve always been willing to help others in need whenever and in whatever way, without my own interest of any kind.”

Rafael’s own son, Alfred, has Down’s Syndrome and is now 41 years old. It was Rafael’s mum who noticed there was something wrong with Alfred when he was about six months old. After much concern, visits to the doctor and the customary labelling of ‘he’s not normal’ and ‘mentally retarded’ it was eventually established he suffered from Down’s Syndrome.

“And you know what, it never occurred to me to say, why me?

He’s been raised within a loving family and that’s what’s important.

He is happy. He loves swimming

and staying under water because he says he can see better there!”

Rafael has never been far removed from looking after those who need care and a little attention, as he spent 23 years at St Bernard’s Hospital as a hospital porter/attendant. “I remember we sometimes had merchant seaman in the wards and I would always go up and talk to them and see what they needed and cheer them up,” he smiles. “They were in a foreign place and had no one to come and visit them.”

“

Over the years, Rafael also got heavily involved with the Special Olympics helping Annie Risso and the team. Rafael says Annie was always concerned about sticking to the rules and is a hard worker.

About six years ago he returned to the Special Olympics team but is now not so heavily involved.

“I spent nine years with St John’s Ambulance too, taking patients to Malaga and Cadiz as a driver and first-aider.”

Rafael doesn’t really know why he’s contacted to take on this kind

I don’t know... I’ve always been willing to help others in need whenever and in whatever way, without my own interest of any kind

”

Albert and Rafael enjoy some friendly banter at the Eliott Hotel

54

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

well-being health of work, he simply says he likes and wants to help others. Ex-colleagues contact him and he’s there, as was the case with a local gentleman who Rafael looked after for some time.

He’d take him for walks through town to Casemates and Market Place for coffee and churros.

“Yes, this gentleman had worked in the Electricity Department and was fascinated by lights especially at Christmas. You become close and you end up being treated as part of their family. He would tell me family stories and I would help him wash and get dressed. He would sometimes get confused and start arguing and bickering but I would have to give in to him, let him have his say and remain quiet because you can’t convince them otherwise and you have to be considerate.

I used to spend about half a day with him.”

As a carer or an escort you do get remunerated in most cases, but I’m sure many of us would probably prefer to choose some other type of employment to make a living.

Clearly, it is a vocational endeavour that appeals to individuals who are caring and special in some extraordinary sort of way.

“Let me tell you, there are those who have no family members or others close to them who are disabled or ill, who are very willing to give of their free time to help those that are in need. They do it with no personal interest of any kind.”

Rafael recently took a two year break then, a few months ago, received a phone call from friend and Special Olympics Director Annie Risso. “There’s someone who needs an escort, come and see him,” Rafael recalls Annie telling

“

him. “Well I went and here we are five months later!”

Albert Koch is a German national from Hamburg. He’s been in Gibraltar for more than two decades and was a company director running his own business. He was quite a well-known member of the Rotary Club and was its President for a time. He suffered a stroke a little while back and now has Rafael looking after him for much of the day.

“I normally pick him up at about four o’clock and stay with him till about eight. Sometimes I come round early and make him breakfast and we go to Spain, to Lidl shopping, or Sotogrande and then have lunch. Some mornings we may have to go to the hospital. He likes his peace and quiet so doesn’t like to be near noisy children. In the evenings I take him home, prepare his food, set out his clothes and give him his apple juice which he loves.”

Rafael considers Albert a friend now and you’ll often find them chatting at the O’Callaghan Eliott Hotel. Rafael says they quarrel at times in a friendly way. There are other chores Albert’s escort Rafael takes care of like paying bills and other bits and pieces.

Human nature is such that unfortunately it’s not unheard of for carers or escorts to take advantage of those under their care and trust, either financially or otherwise.

What does Raphael think of such individuals?

“That is something that doesn’t even enter my mind. I wouldn’t dream of that,” Rafael quickly responds. “It’s terrible to take advantage of people who are disabled or are not able to look after themselves like we can. That disgusts me!”

Carers, and especially escorts, are special people who go about their daily work looking after others who may not even be family members.

In many cases the people are strangers who they may not even become friends with. In the vast majority

You become close and you end up being treated as part of their family. He would tell me family stories and I would help him wash and get dressed

”

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

of cases they will carry out their responsibilities conscientiously and with kindness. The job offers no celebrity status or fanfares. They are generally humble beings who don’t seek the limelight or publicity.

They are simply individuals who have their heart in the right place…

Just like Rafael. n

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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

266 Main St, Gibraltar Tel: 200 75757

travel & hotels Health & Beauty Salon

Queen’s Hotel Gibraltar

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Tel: 200 73786

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

56 56

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAGAziNE • NOVEMBER 2012

well-being health

E-Light Technology at Home of Your Beauty The staff at the Home of Your Beauty now provide a revolutionary therapy using E-Light Technology, for the treatment of various skin conditions and for hair removal.

Many of us would like to achieve firmer and younger looking skin, which can be achieved with the ELight Technology ­— IPL (intensive pulse light therapy) and RF (radio frequency).

Various skin conditions can be treated,

including sun damaged skin, freckles and brown spots, timelines and wrinkles, and uneven pigmentation. Acne, superficial acne scars, redness and Rosacea can also be treated, and the therapy also promises skin firming and tightening on face, hands and chest.

E-Light Technology can also tackle hair removal, and is considered the future for permanent hair reduction. Gone are the days of repetitive waxing, shaving and depilatory creams, as permanent smooth, hair-free skin can be obtained without the touch of traditional lasers.

The staff of the Home Of Your Beauty will advise you on what individual results you may expect after experiencing E-Light Technology. n Phone for your free consultation on 200 67111 or visit 125/1 Main Street to make an appointment.

GNDO Congratulations to the GNDO on their recent trip to the World Jazz and

Modern Dance Championships, where they reached 5 semi-finals, in solo, duet and group categories. Well done!

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

57

leisure

mingle

Singles of all ages met up recently for a Single Mingle hosted by My Wines wine boutique, Chatham Counterguard.

The event, which was attended by around 65 singles intent on socialising and wine tasting, was a great opportunity to meet new people in a relaxed atmosphere. Watch out for more fun Single Mingles in the near future.

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

charity events

It is expected to be a packed house once again at the Convent Christmas Fair

Bassadone Motors’ very generous donation of a Honda moped for the raffle prize

Saxophone Quartet from the Royal Gibraltar Regiment Band

Christmas is Coming... Sooner than you think!

This year the Convent Christmas Fair will take place on Thursday 29th November from 12 noon until 7pm, allowing those who work and families with school age children to enjoy this fab annual event too.

This year’s fair is planned to be bigger and better than ever! Again visitors will be serenaded by the amazing Saxophone Quartet from the Royal Gibraltar Regiment Band, playing in the Cloister. The fair itself will boast over 40 fun and seasonal stalls, many run by local charities as part of their own fund-raising efforts, with goodies on offer from plants and cards to gifts, crafts and Christmas items to give us all a bit of early festive cheer.

Food and drinks will be served in the King’s Chapel Music Room throughout the afternoon, with a selection of sweet and savoury food and hot and cold beverages on offer. Get well and truly into the Christmas spirit with mince pies and mulled wine, kindly provided by the Red Cross committee, from 5pm.

And if you are still feeling a bit Bah-Humbug,

the children from St Mary’s First School will be singing a selection of Christmas carols and the Round Table will provide a Santa’s Grotto for kids from 2pm-5.30pm — ho, ho, ho!

Another favourite feature of the Christmas Fair is the Motorcycle Raffle, and as in previous years, Bassadone Motors have been very generous in their donation. This year there’s a fabulous Honda Motorcycle up for grabs meaning one lucky winner will be speeding away with an early present from Santa. Tickets will be on sale on the day if you don’t manage to get your hands on one beforehand.

“We are expecting an enthusiastic turnout this year,” states Lady Johns. “Together with the ever popular Motorcycle Raffle, many other sponsors across Gibraltar have been amazingly generous in supporting our fund-raising

efforts for charities and providing many items for the Christmas Raffle. This event would not be the success it is without the support of all our sponsors and to them, we are extremely grateful.”

The lucky charities the Committee have chosen to support this year are the Gibraltar Diamond Jubilee Trust Fund and St John’s Ambulance. “All monies donated to these charities are assured to remain in Gibraltar which is excellent news,” commented Lady Johns.

Admission to the Fair is just £2.00 and children under 12 years are welcome to attend for free.

So go along on Thursday 29th November, get into the festive spirit while supporting your local community and grab yourselves some Christmas goodies and festive cheer! n

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

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leisure

funds file

Augustus John Hervey, 3rd Earl of Bristol, brandishing his sword, painted by Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723–1792)

Augustus Hervey

words | Reg Reynolds

Admiral of Love Augustus Hervey was a bold campaigner in the world of naval warfare and an equally bold and successful campaigner in the boudoirs of his many naval ports of call.

For his own satisfaction the randy Admiral of the Seven Seas recorded his adventures, both sexual and military, in his journals. It was never his intention to have them published but in 1905 they were and readers were astonished to find that Hervey, the 3rd Earl of Bristol and a onetime Member of Parliament, had more than one woman in every port.

Interestingly, although Hervey spent considerable time in Gibraltar, he makes no mention

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of romance on the Rock. It would seem incredible that he wouldn’t have tried it on in Gib considering he had a lover in every other port he visited. Hervey was not averse to making love to married women and he cuckolded many unsuspecting husbands, sometimes when they were in the same house. And there is one hint that he may have had a lover in Gibraltar.

Early in his journals he mentions he has a tailor in Gibraltar named Voll. Then late in the

journals he mentions that in September, 1757, he had paid off his tailoring bill ‘in full’ to the tune of £200 to Mrs. Voll. Two hundred pounds was a huge sum at the time and it has to be suspicious that he paid the money to the wife rather than the tailor himself.

Augustus John Hervey was born 19th May, 1724 the son of the cross-dressing courtier and political writer John Hervey of Ickworth. He joined the Navy at 12 and by 24 was a lieutenant. He married the pretty and witty Elizabeth Chudleigh (four years his senior) on 4th August, 1744. She was a Maid of Honour to Augusta, Princess of Wales with an income of £200 per annum compared to Hervey’s £50. The marriage was kept secret so she could retain her position and her income.

The marriage seems to have been brought on by lust rather than love and the relationship soon turned sour. While Hervey was practising his swordsmanship in the bedrooms of Europe (Lisbon was a favourite place), Elizabeth was behaving a little more than flirtatiously with the noblemen of the King’s Court. All the while she kept her marriage a secret and turned down several offers to wed.

Hervey wrote in his journals that his wife was, “the clog which will not let me remain in England with any satisfaction to myself.”

They had one child, a son who died in infancy.

In 1752 Hervey made his first trip to Gibraltar and almost immediately challenged a fellow sailor to a duel. A few months earlier a clerk at the dockyard in Portsmouth named Blankley, a bit the worse for drink, had verbally abused and threatened to beat up Hervey. The next day Hervey stormed to Blankley’s home to challenge him to a duel but the now sober and frightened clerk escaped out the back door.

On arrival in Gibraltar Hervey discovered that Blankley was now a naval officer stationed here so he confronted him and demanded satisfaction, suggesting a duel on the neutral ground.

The terrified Blankley made a grovelling apology and, on the advice of fellow officers, a somewhat reluctant Hervey accepted it.

When Hervey was at sea he distinguished himself in battle, particularly in the Mediterranean, America and the West Indies, eventually he would attain the rank of Vice-Admiral of the Blue.

Following one of his tours of duty Hervey returned to London to hear rumours of his wife’s scandalous behaviour. On one occasion she attended a stage play in a dress that was described as leaving her ‘nearly naked’. Rivals were disgusted, King George II was said to be delighted. Ignoring his own adulterous ways the hypocritical Hervey denounced his wife and informed her their marriage was officially dissolved.

In 1763 Hervey had an affair with Kitty Hunter, the beautiful daughter of an MP and Lord of the Admiralty. She subsequently gave birth to a boy christened Augustus Hervey Jr. The boy survived to become a handsome and hearty naval officer only to be killed during the Great Siege of Gibraltar. Augustus Jr. was standing beside Lord Mulgrave aboard HMS Courageaux in October 1782 — during the landing of the 25th and 59th regiments — when he was felled by a sniper’s shot.

Following her split from Hervey, Elizabeth took up with, and later married, Evelyn Pier-

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

past imperfect to pass until 1775.

Although she lost her case Elizabeth was spared the Tower and kept her fortune.

She fled in disgrace to Europe where she continued to style herself Duchess of Kingston.

She resided in Paris, Rome, and elsewhere, and died in Paris on 26th August 1788, still legally Countess of Bristol. Before her body was cold, her possessions were being divided up, Evelyn Meadows made off with whatever he could take with him, and her attendants shared her clothing. When the news reached London, it revived

On one occasion she attended a stage play in a dress that was described as leaving her ‘nearly naked’. Rivals were disgusted, King George II was said to be delighted

history

the old interest in her court case.

The Times of London commented drolly, “Bigamy, it seems, is a greater crime than simple fornication or fashionable adultery.”

In 1763 at London, Augustus Hervey, the Casanova of the Royal Navy, met up with the real Casanova (Giacomo), but rather than compare their many amorous conquests the two romantics discussed only politics. Both men had had relationships with the beautiful British courtesan Kitty Fisher.

Augustus Hervey died at St. James, London on 23rd December, 1779 and is buried on the family estate at Ickworth. Casanova died in June, 1798 aged 74.

Of the two legendary lovers, biographer Michael Holmes (Augustus Hervey, A Naval Casanova) considers Augustus the more credible: “He’s bigger than his contemporary Casanova because he had a sense of humour and his stories were verifiably true.”

If only we could speak to the wife of his Gibraltar tailor. n

The Prince’s Lady book launch in November We all like a good book, and we all like a good book to give as a Christmas gift to friends and relatives. So it is a good job Mary Chiappe and Sam Benady have been busy writing again, with the fruits of their combined labour being released just in time for Santa’s sack.

repont, the 2nd Duke of Kingston-upon-Hull.

When the Duke died in 1773, after just four years of marriage, she inherited his wealth but became embroiled in what was deemed the scandal of the age.

The Duke had left Elizabeth all his property on condition she remained a widow. His jealous relatives were outraged and one, a nephew named Evelyn Meadows, had Elizabeth charged with bigamy.

Elizabeth vehemently denied the charge but in 1759 she had made the mistake of having her marriage to Hervey registered and sealed in the parish church at Lainston where they had married. She did this in anticipation of Augustus Hervey taking the title of Earl of Bristol on the death of his older brother but this didn’t come

The book, titled The Prince’s Lady — Bresciano and the Baroness, is an historical novel in Bresciano mystery series and is, of course, set on the Rock.

The launch is scheduled for the Garrison Library on Tuesday 6th November at 7pm and you will be able to buy the books around town after that date. n

comment

The Wood for the Trees?

Let’s face it. We all like a bit of history, It makes us feel connected to the past and able to tackle the future. It makes us feel a part of the grander scheme of things, and can take us to discover some interesting facts about ourselves and who and why we are.

We see from history how attitudes evolve and how attitudes often stay the same... for hundreds of years.

History is the discovery, collection, organisation, and presentation of information

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEmBER 2012

about past events — it can be just the history of a life, or the history of mankind.

The one thing we do learn from history is that we didn’t know much about history when it was happening. The further we get from events, the clearer they become but the more inconsequential detail gets lost.

It’s a bit like life that, isn’t it? Oh how we can all look back on chapters in the history of our lives and see clearly what we could have, should have, would have, done differently. But that’s life. And life is an evolution. The most important thing is to keep learning and keep evolving.

Our own histories might, like Gibraltar’s, be one of battles and victories, losses and loves, pleasures and pain. But what would a good history be without all of those things? n

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

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photo: self-portrait

Strike the pose & face the music!

photo: Kevin Gomila

words | Elena Scialtiel

She might pose as the striking blonde bombshell, but definitely has no blonde moments — 22 year old Jemma Rocca is an ambitious go-getter with an art-itude.

She is determined to make it big in the music industry with her rock-chick punch, soulful voice and passion for golden oldies like Bob Marley, Fleetwood Mac and Led Zeppelin, which she grew up listening to her father singing along to.

Now she’s revving to compose her own songs, rather than doing the usual live-gig pub crawl performing covers to nostalgic fans.

Unfortunately, in Gibraltar there are very few nightclubs that welcome original material, she laments while admitting most are willing to pay good money to tribute artists who get the patrons dancing to evergreen hits. Jemma says the Rock on the Rock Club is one of the few venues that encourages artists to showcase their true style and has built its reputation around being a cradle for up-and-coming bands as well as a talent-scout’s playground.

Jemma was ‘discovered’ by James Culatto, who often accompanies her on guitar. Yet, having been the lead singer once with a full band, she would like to start her own, because she is all about team work and the thrill of brainstorm-

64

ing to compose together.

“You see, when I first rehearsed with that band, they started playing and they just sounded like a recorded backing track they were so well in sync... that was amazing to me and I really love being part of something bigger than my own voice.

“Music connects your world to your fans’ when your songs make them relate to their own feelings and empathise with you, kind of like ‘yeah, I feel like that right now’ — it means you’ve built a relationship with the listener. And that’s when you succeed. Some lyrics may be cheesy but, hey, love is cheesy and makes you say stupid things, so any songwriter will be forgiven for rhyming ‘together’ and ‘forever’ over and over again! Only when I heard my roommate in the shower humming a tune I was working on, I realised how catchy it was...

Unfortunately, my lyrics tend to give my secrets away, and I hate being asked whether they are about an ex-boyfriend, when they were actually inspired by my mother!”

Jemma believes music is a powerful mind-

control tool. When musicians are on stage, they are like preachers in a cathedral and can inflame any mob to feel what the song orders them to feel. That’s why serious songwriters have a huge responsibility on their shoulders because music can move mountains as much as destroying lives in a single chorus.

Jemma had a busy schedule over the summer and is going strong into autumn too, with some headline gigs at Dusk, Ocean Village. Her highlight was without doubt her participation in the National Day Concert which made her Gibraltar’s newest darling in the span of just one song — yes, Gibraltar could use more female singers with attitude!

Before that, she played acoustic gigs virtually everywhere in Gibraltar, including Summer Nights, the Fair’s Family Pavilion and the dolphin sunset cruise, which was an astounding success.

“It was an experience alright!” she says. “My dad and my brother were on bass and guitar while I sang — we really rocked the boat!” And the boat rocked them — “It wasn’t easy singing

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

“

I will never change my body for a job, and I encourage girls to stop worrying about their looks and pick up a skill or cultivate their talent instead, so they can be renowned for it rather just for being a mannequin

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

A quiver in her voice is what worries Jemma the most right before any performance. Unlike her appearances in beauty pageants and on the catwalk, where she can easily disguise her nerves behind a smile, if she starts with a false note, she’s lost the audience for the rest of the concert, if not forever...

65 65

photo: Leo Hayes, Dorcas Hammond Designs, Marbella Fashion Week

and keeping balance and my voice steady on the waves!”

With her extensive modelling and dancing career under her belt, Jemma is an all-round performer, as she sashays on stage with the grace of a nymph and owns it effortlessly.

She made her debut in the limelight in the 2009 Miss Gibraltar beauty pageant. “I was very young and didn’t take it too seriously, but watching Kaiane Aldorino bringing home the Miss World crown was a massive inspiration for re-entering the following year and doing my homework more diligently.”

So when she was elected first princess, she carried her crown with dignity beyond her years.

“I toned down my partying and showed I was a mature young woman worthy of the sash.”

This opened doors for pretty Jemma, launched by the funky team of Figgy Photography in sassy photo-shoots, until she became photographer Leo Hayes’s muse, who also gave her a camera to make her experience how life looks through the lens — and on both sides of it.

Modelling is an art form according to Jemma, who takes it very seriously when she’s asked to express an emotion for the camera. “Being a model is like being a mini-actress,” she explains how she has to go back to a time in her life when she felt the required way and freeze the moment for the portrait, the same way she would do for the lyrics to a new song.

Definitely, Jemma can strike many poses and play very different characters for the camera, to the point you would hardly recognise her freshfaced self in the street. Yet, she can morph into any persona when on the shoot, from vixen to Nikita, from glamour puss to girl next door.

After a successful spell in the modelling world, which included showcasing Dorcas Hammond’s collection at Marbella Fashion Week and London Experiencia, an eye-opener into the big boys’ circuit, and where she was very proud to represent Gibraltar, Jemma learned she must shed several pounds if she wants to make her big break in the fashion world.

“I will never change my body for a job,” she says, “and I encourage girls to stop worrying about their looks and pick up a skill or cultivate their talent instead, so they can be renowned for it rather just for being a mannequin.”

Don’t just sit pretty, but show off your inside gorgeousness, is the motto of this well-spoken young lady who confesses her love story with the guitar is so deep she would rather be a busker in the street than being trapped in an office job — at least in her mid-20s when making ends meet isn’t an object!

In the meantime, she works as a freelance tour guide because, after all, life is a journey — and with her voice illustrating it, a very pleasant one. n

photo: Kevin Gomila

”

puzzle page

SUDOKU Just for fun!

by Alan Gravett 1

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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: 19th November 2012 Last month’s winner: Yvonne Nuza 11 Oak Tree Lodge LAST MONTH’S ANSWERS: Across: Thrash, Albeit, Star, Markdown, Charger, Salty, Dubai, Shrivel, Howitzer, Hock, Livein, Aukido Down: Thatch, Hair, Thumper, Bairn, Abu Dhabi, Nitwit, Utopia, Realised, Ozone, Sharjah, Hake, Encode

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Across 1. Spotted cat (7) 8. Confer a knighthood on (7) 9. Volcano shaped (7) 10. Flowering plant or water dwelling polyp

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residential building (7) 22. Hard graft (7) 23. Informal word for a man who worked

with cattle in the West (7) 24. Pink (!) cat (7) Down 1. Licensed; legal (5) 2. Lynx; little weight (5) 3. Where one lives; borrowing facility (13) 4. Holds up (6) 5. Aggressive questioning (13) 6. Soak up (6) 7. Admire; Paul who rode famously (6) 12. 7 perhaps! Or, fictitiously,

Batman etc. (4) 14. Similar to; be fond of (4) 15. Sheep’s clothing; cheat (6) 16. The better area, like Billy Joel’s girl (6) 17. Part of the foot (6) 19. A metal forger; common British

surname (5) 20. Striped cat (5)

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

photo shoot arts

November Miss Gibraltar Calendar 2012

ate a dark and mysterious look for the November photo, and used the classic smoky eye technique, with Chanel Rouge Noir lipstick which really completed this look.”

Their thanks go to especially to

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

“

Nieves for taking time out of her busy schedule to work on this shoot, and to their sponsor of the month, Fill-A-Skip, and of course, Gabriella Martinez for the great behind the scenes shots. n

We wanted the photo to be cold, dark yet beautiful and mysterious at the same time

”

Photo by Gabriella Martinez

This intriguing shot (left - right clockwise) shows four ex-Miss Gibraltars Tessa Sacramento (Miss Gibraltar 2000), Natalie Monteverde (Miss Gibraltar 2002), Damaris Canepa (Miss Gibraltar 2002) and Abigail Garcia (Miss Gibraltar 1999).

The photo was taken by Jayden Fa, with make-up by Deepak Ramchandani, hair by Nieves from Colors Salon, and art direction by Guy Baglietto.

“We really wanted to portray these ladies as stranded women.

We wanted the photo to be cold, dark yet beautiful and mysterious at the same time. We thought it would be appropriate to include this in November, and used Madonna’s Frozen video as inspiration for the shoot,” explains Jayden.

Both Damaris and Natalie were Miss Gibraltar during 2002, and the team didn’t feel it right to include one and not the other, so they decided to have them both in the photo with the other girls.

“A big thank you to the models on their patience and eagerness to make the photo come out like it did. They had a bit of a trek getting to the location. It was freezing cold, very windy and even raining at times but they were cooperative and true professionals,” he says smiling.

Deepak says “I wanted to cre-

Photo by Jayden Fa

The month of November in the Official Limited Edition Miss Gibraltar Calendar 2012 - Celebrating 50 years of Beauty features this shot from the latest project by Jayden Fa and Deepak Ramchandani.

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events file

Photo above from left to right: Merche Imossi, Caroline Canessa, Margaret Peralta, Michelle Tipping, Maribel Matthews photos: Tessa Imossi

Beautiful Brushstrokes L’Atelier Art Group recently held a painting exhibition at the Fine Arts Gallery, Brushstrokes, which was a huge success. Curated by Ambrose Avellano, the exhibition included works by local artists Lynda Alcantara, Caroline Canessa, Merche Imossi, Jo Isola, Maribel Matthews, Margaret Peralta and Michelle Tipping.

Jagdish Sachanandani

Visit Sacha’s on Main Street...

Celebrating its 10th anniversary next year, Sacha’s shop on Main Street offers the very best in wines, spirits, tobacco and confectionary.

After arriving in Gibraltar over 30 years ago, Jagdish Sachanandani set up his first shop, Phoenix Snacks, on a side street off Main Street, however as Jagdish explains: “I had always wanted to set up a business on Main Street, and the opportunity arose in 2003, so I opened Sacha’s, short for my surname.”

Since then, he has attracted many

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local clients, as well as the hundreds of tourists who visit Gibraltar daily, providing them with genuine products and the most famous brands.

“When I arrived in Gibraltar, I spoke no Spanish, but eventually I learnt Spanish and a bit of Arabic, as Moroccan trade was flourishing at the time in Gibraltar,” he smiles.

Nowadays, tourists come from all over the world as cruise liners bring people from to our shores, and he is able to speak French, Italian and many other languages — just enough to interact and make our visitors feel at home. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

Monkey Menace Gibraltar Monkey ‘Went Ape’ in Kent words | Reg Reynolds

Gibraltar’s famous Barbary Apes (macaque monkeys) are renowned for the mischief they can get up to and I wouldn’t be surprised if some of them carry the genes of an antecedent who proved to be a onemonkey wrecking crew in Kent, England.

Sometime in the 1840s a Royal Engineer stationed at Gibraltar captured a monkey and took it with him as a pet when he was re-mustered to Brompton, Kent. I learned of this event via an article written

by James Mason Hutchings and published in an 1857 edition of his own Hutchings’ Illustrated California Magazine.

Hutchings was born at Towcester, Northamptonshire in 1820 but he journeyed to America to seek his fortune in the California gold rush of 1849. The gold didn’t pan out as hoped, but Hutchings became a successful publisher, tour operator and naturalist. He organised tours to Yosemite and campaigned to have it made a national park. He is known today as the ‘Father of Yosemite’.

Before leaving for America Hutchings made the acquaintance of the aforementioned Sapper who regaled him with the tale of the crazed monkey.

As cunning as the Gibraltar monkeys are, this one seems to have been cleverer than most. Unfortunately the monkey, a male, had an extraordinary dislike of women, boys, dogs and pigs and he terrorized them all.

When boys got together to play marbles he would wait until they were intent on their game and then throw stones at them from a hiding place. On one occasion he was seen by a boy with a Newfoundland dog (a large breed of Labrador) and boy

and dog gave chase. The monkey ran to a house jumped up to the door, banging the knocker with one hand and ringing the bell with the other. When the homeowner, a robust, older woman, opened the door she was frightened near to death as the hairy beast leapt onto her shoulders.

Residents and soldiers of Brompton laughed or shrugged off the monkey’s high jinks until one day he went a step too far. When a woman selling fruit at a market stall turned to make change, the monkey stole her weights and scales and a basket of cherries. Making his way to a high window he proceeded to rain the cherries, weights and scales down on the regiment making their way to morning parade. The Colonel in charge did his best to avoid the onslaught but a 2-pound weight caught him on the nose, breaking it and causing blood to pour.

For punishment the soldier and his monkey were shipped off to Chatham Dockyard but there they fared no better. The monkey once grabbed a cat on a window sill and proceeded to lather it with a blacking brush. He stole workmen’s tools and hid them in the ‘Clock of the Yard’. The workmen suspected each other of thievery until the

truth came out when the clock stopped working and the monkey’s cache was discovered.

The Sapper tried locking the monkey up but he broke his chains so often and became such a pest that it was finally agreed to have him shot. The same fate that may face his descendents in Gibraltar today. n

The monkey once grabbed a cat on a window sill and proceeded to lather it with a blacking brush

GIBRALTAR GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAGAZINE •• NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 2012 2012

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sporting hero

John Shephard:

A Lifetime in Sports

With over 30 different sports in Gibraltar, to give coverage to all of them is a daunting task, one that has been mastered by John Shephard during his 40-years-plus involvement with sports on the Rock.

From photographer to sports editor and work on television, no sport is too big or small for John to cover, earning him the prestigious and well deserved GBC Lifetime Achievement Award.

“It is important to give exposure to all sports in Gibraltar, even though it’s getting very difficult to find space for them all. Football, darts, angling, snooker, cricket, netball — every sport has got its own fraternity, and wants to be in the press. I try to give everybody a fair crack of the whip,” he explains.

Starting with a blank sheet on a daily basis, John feels the added responsibility of his job, as “most people open the Gibraltar Chronicle from the back page”, which of course includes the sports. “I fill it with what is most relevant on that day — and it’s got to be colourful, striking and engaging. People want to see something bright and interesting on the sports page, and

John in the 1960s

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“

It is important to give exposure to all sports in Gibraltar, even though it’s getting very difficult to find space for them all

”

you have to hit them with the first paragraph to keep them reading. A good headline, photo and first paragraph and you’ve got them,” he grins.

John arrived in Gibraltar with the Royal Air Force in 1966 — just in time for the World Cup Final at Wembley. After spending two or three years in the unbelievably hot island of Malta, where he was stationed at RAF Luqa, but spent most of his time at Marsaxlokk Bay (the Caleta of Malta), he was then stationed at High Wycombe (Bomber), and offered another posting overseas. “I was offered various places, but was attracted to come back to the Mediterranean at North Front (Gibraltar). I arrived in June, and was ready to enjoy the warm Mediterranean again at Eastern Beach, where I dived into the unbelievably cold water — never again,” he says smiling.

After his sergeant Bob Collyer invited him to Glacis Football Club on that first night, John became familiar with other sports enthusiasts in Gibraltar. “Glacis Casino was the club everybody went to, and from day one I became a Glacis man — that was my indoctrination into local

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

John Shephard at the GBC Lifetime Achievement Award Presentation with Sports Report presenters Richard Lavagna and John Shephard jnr

profile

John Shephard at the GBC Lifetime Achievement Award Presentation with Sports Report presenters Richard Lavagna and John Shephard jnr

football. They were champs for nine seasons,” John says with his trademark enthusiasm.

As the Gibraltar Regiment was quite small, sports tournaments involved the Army, Navy and Air Force. There was an enormous input from all over the world, which made sport blossom, and the phenomenal competitors made it exciting. “When they invented Tag Rugby in Gibraltar, all service men wanted to play. Once you have played rugby, it becomes your life.

Sunday afternoons at Devil’s Tower Camp were the highlight of the week.”

During his three years in the Services, he went to every sports club and photographed their events . “I was persona grata everywhere I went and also started doing weddings, as there were very few photographers at that time.”

Although the service personnel were reduced — “bye 224 squadron” (Draw Down) — John was fortunate to be the Corporal photographer who was kept in Gibraltar. When the frontier closed, this left many vacant jobs, and no photographers available for the different press publications, so overnight he set up Shephard Photos, in 1969.

“I took this opportunity and worked at the Gibraltar Evening Post, as a photographer and sports reporter (basketball) with Joe Garcia. I was an active partner in Med News with Frank Woods and Doreen Godwin (stringing for the UK press, PA and ITV) where we had the John Lennon wedding and others. I joined Tich Olivero at the Chronicle, and pretty much everywhere really — I even had a weekly programme on BFBS. There was a lot of work available at the time, and I kept busy.”

At the time, the centre of sport in Gibraltar was the Bat and Ball on Main Street, whose owner, Geoff Dunn, also ran the GBC Sports Scene programme, together with Tich Olivero (hockey) and Martin Halliday (football). “I was employed to talk about the basketball scene, and gradually did more and more as different sports started forming. We shared £3.00 a programme, and then spent £10 at the Bat and Ball after the show,” he recalls with a grin.

Press Pack

sporting hero

profile

John and his two sons at a football tournament in Wales

“

After a career in sport in Gibraltar, it is very difficult to mention one person’s achievements. I have seen so many special moments for sport in Gibraltar

The Bat and Ball attracted local sports enthusiasts and visiting international celebrities such as Sir Alf Ramsey, Sir Francis Chichester, and Geoffrey Boycott, who would inevitably end up being interviewed on the Sports Scene programme.

After meeting his wife, Nicolette (WRAF), they married and set up home on Devil’s Tower Road. A renowned chef, known especially for her famous apple pies, she ran restaurants while John ran a photographic business.

”

“My wife was very sporty, playing hockey for the RAF men’s hockey team, as there was no female hockey played at the time. My sons take after her, and have represented Gibraltar internationally with cricket. Stephen, a prison officer in the UK, competes at a high level around Oxfordshire.”

John Shephard Jnr has taken in his father’s footsteps, and works for GBC as a sports journalist. From a young age, John Jnr would be seen sitting behind the goals, while his father took photos of the match. “John Jnr does a fantastic job, and has totally embraced the electronic age, far better than I have. When I see him working so professionally, at local and international events, I am filled with pride. I am my sons’ biggest fan — both of them,” he smiles.

John Jnr was tremendously infused with the world of sports journalism when, as a treat for his 16th birthday, Pepe Fabre invited him to accompany his dad to XIII Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh. “We were in the press room, and saw [Gibraltarian] Johnny Chappory warming up for the 800m semi-final. Firstly we couldn’t believe it. We ran up six flights of stairs into the Meadowbank Stadium. Luckily there was a false start and we were able to view the entire

John with his wife, Nicolette

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profile

sporting hero

race from the press section. Johnny was a very gifted, natural runner who worked extremely hard, and to see him lead the first lap was an incredible experience. Many photographs appeared of him in the press.

“After a career in sport in Gibraltar, it is very difficult to mention one person’s achievements.

I have seen so many special moments for sport in Gibraltar such as watching Nathan Conroy thrill the crowds with a famous judo throw, in the Godshill Hall, at the Isle of Wight Island Games in 1993. Who can fail to have tears in their eyes when they watch Amanda Carreras perform at a tennis match? We witnessed her triple Gold back in the Isle of Wight last summer. To be in the world ranking just proves her commitment and talent. No one can fail to be absolutely amazed at the ability and skill of footballer Lee Casciaro, when he thrills us with his pace for Lincoln and Gibraltar at the Stadium. It is an absolute joy to watch him play, with the speed and pace of a professional. I have never seen anything like it,” he says.

“Every sport in Gibraltar has got people who have dedicated their lives to sport, and it has been my privilege to know them — Charlie Flower and Hector Romero in Athletics, John Goncalves in Basketball, Moira Gomez and her netballers, Sally Holmes and her gymnasts and many others — I could go on for days. Of course, special mention must go to Freddie ‘No Problem’ Chappory, who made our 1995 ‘Sunshine’ Island Games possible, promoting Gibraltar and its sporting associations to the fullest. I was thrilled to work with our Special Athletes John chats to Sir Alex Ferguson

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With Titch Olivero and Martin Halliday, during Martin’s visit to Gibraltar

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Every sport in Gibraltar has got people who have dedicated their lives to sport, and it has been my privilege to know them

”

for several years as one of Annie Risso’s team of coaches and accompanied them to Special Olympics World Winter and Summer Games.

They gave me more than I gave them.”

Earlier this year, John was presented with the GBC Sports Awards Lifetime Achievement, for his contribution to sport in Gibraltar. Although

a member of the annual selection panel and with his nearest and dearest sworn to secrecy, he was presented the award, much to his surprise!

“When GBC’s Paul Grant and Jonathan Scott started talking about the recipient of the award, I looked around and realised I was the only one who had been around in 1966, so I knew it was me,” he says with a chuckle.

“They read out everything I had done during my sporting life on the Rock, and I was totally overwhelmed when it was presented to me.

Every sport I have gone to watch — table tennis, gymnastics, football, basketball and netball especially, I have found very exciting, and still do. I write down what I see and feel during the event, and must have been doing something right — although, as a journalist, I can be universally ‘misunderstood’, apparently I’m also universally loved. I’m proud to have received my trophy from the one and only Pepe Fabre.

“The response I got with regards to my award was overwhelming. The generosity and kind wishes from the people of Gibraltar goes into the thousands — in fact I am still congratulated when I walk down the street by people I don’t know. I realise that 40 years dedicated to the profession have not been in vain,” he says smiling. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

sports

gifts

Tomasz at the shop

Pedal Power at the Cycle Centre The Cycle Centre on Devil’s Tower Road really is a ‘one-stop shop’ for all your cycling needs. From safety gear for younger cyclists to a good range of accessories, tools and clothing for more experienced ones, there is also an extensive, varied range of bikes in stock — and many more available to order — to suit everyone from beginners and experts.

Director Robin Batchelor, a keen cyclist himself, decided that Gibraltar was lacking a good cycle shop, and so he launched the Cycle Centre.

The shop aims not only to sell cycles but to provide an excellent sales and after sales service to all of Gibraltar’s cyclists and wouldbe cyclists.

At present, the shop has a good selection of brands to choose from, including Giant Bikes, which are the world’s largest bike manufacturer, plus the American giant GT. They also supply many other British and American bike brands, and an extensive range of parts and accessories from the likes of Shimano and SRAM. The shop’s resident bike mechanic, Tomasz, is on hand to give advice on the best bike for you or your child, and help with any on-going repairs or servicing requirements.

With Christmas around the corner, there is one item which still

remains top of many children’s wish lists — a new bicycle. Over the last few years, cycling has become so popular that the most soughtafter models of bikes sell out very quickly, especially in the run up to Christmas, so ordering early will avoid disappointment. No matter what your budget, the Cycle Centre will find the right bike for you — and to help with budgeting, deposits can be taken.

A bicycle is not only a great present for kids, but also for adults who want to start the New Year the right way — as well as getting into shape, you will have fun with all the family with this great outdoor activity. Commuting to work by bike has become very fashionable, not only because of the health benefits, but also because it can seriously reduce the amount of pollution that is damaging the environment. n For more information, visit the Cycle Centre at 15c Devil’s Tower Road, Tel: 200 63562 or email info@cyclecentre.gi.

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photo finish

Clive’s a Winner!

images of the month

Each month The Gibraltar Magazine will be featuring your photos on our “Images of the Month” page. This month we selected a military theme with these great shots from two men who are very talented behind the lens.

WO1 Clive Smith, who is based in Gibraltar, won first prize in the amateur section of the annual Army Photographic Competition.

The winning photograph of an army swimmer (top left) saw him beat off all entries for the Amateur Sport/Adventure Training category.

To capture the amazing image WO1 Smith got into the pool with the swimmer so he could capture a crystal clear shot at water level.

WO1 Smith travelled to London for a prize giving ceremony in October, held at the Imperial War Museum London, which holds an archive of Army photographs from the Second World War to the present day.

WO1 Smith is a keen amateur photographer and spends much of his free time capturing life in and around Gibraltar. “I am very humbled and honoured to win this distinguished accolade in the photographic world and have to thank my close friends Richie and Katie for inspiring me to enter.” n

WO1 Clive Smith

Photographer on Tour © DM Parody 2012 (http://dotcom.gi/photos)

We loved this photo (left) taken in October by David M Parody on Exercise Jebel Sahara — a joint military exercise with the Royal Gibraltar Regiment and the 2nd Parachute Battalion of the Royal Moroccan armed forces. The exercise is held near Marrakech every two years. The photo captures the moment an Improvised Explosive Device explodes and a casualty goes down. n Shot using a Nikon D3, 1/500 sec @ f11

using ISO400, a 24-120mm lens at 29mm

Get involved

If you have a fabulous photo taken in 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 photo each month and you’ll see your name in lights (well ink anyway!).

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

What’s On

November 2012 Tuesday 30th October - Friday 9th November John Culatto painting exhibition, Lower Exhibition Room, John Mack Hall 9.30am10.30pm. Free.

Wednesday 31st - Saturday 10th November International Art Exhibition at the Gustavo Bacarisas Gallery, Casemates. Entrance free.

(10.30am-6.30pm, Saturday 10.30am-1.30pm).

Sunday 4th November Gibraltar Classic Vehicle Association gathering Ocean Village 11am-2pm.

Tuesday 6th November Book Launch – ‘The Prince’s Lady – Bresciano and the Baroness’ by Mary Chaippe and Sam Benady at the Gibraltar Garrison Library 7pm.

Wednesday 7th November Poetry Competition prize giving 4.30pm at the Gibraltar Garrison Library.

Wednesday 7th & Thursday 8th November Zarzuela – ‘Agua, Azucarillo y Aguardiente’ John Mackintosh Hall Theatre 8pm. Tickets £5 from John Mack Hall ticket office 10am-2pm.

Friday 9th November World Show Dance Championships presentation by Gibraltar National Dance Organisation 7.30pm at the Tercentenary Sports Hall. Entrance free.

Saturday 10th November Gibraltar Botanic Gardens Tou, meet George Don Gates (south end of Grand Parade) 10.30am.

Sunday 11th November Armistice Day, Parliament House 11am Remembrance Sunday, Cross of Sacrifice 12noon.

Wednesday 14th - Friday 23rd November Paco Neira painting exhibition, Lower Exhibition Room, John Mack Hall 9.30am-10.30pm. Free.

Wednesday 14th November Psychic demonstration by Tony Stockwell (Psychic Medium) at the Mount 9pm. Tel: 54012494 Gun Salute, HRH The Prince of Wales’s Birthday at The Tower (Berth 41) Grand Battery 12noon Saturday 17th November GONHS outing – wild mushrooms in the Alcomocales oak forest (date may change subject to rain). Meet Gibraltar side of frontier 8am. Tel: 20072639 Monday 19th - Saturday 24th November Cross Stitch Exhibition, Fine Arts Gallery, Casemates. Entrance free. For info Tel: 20052126 Monday 19th - Wednesday 21st November Hercules by Santos Productions 7.30pm at the John Mackintosh Hall Theatre. Tickets £10 from Nature Shop, Casemates. Tel: 58008448.

Wednesday 21st November Art Lecture – Jewellery is an Art 1960 – 2012 organised by the Gibraltar Decorative and Fine Arts Society 7.30pm at the O’Callaghan Eliott Hotel. For info Tel: Claus Olesen on 20002024 Thursday 22nd - Friday 23rd November Bayside 40th Anniversary Show presented by Bayside School at Bayside Drama Studio 8pm.

Email: jfelice@baysideschoolgibraltar.gi GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

Peo p le&Pets In our new series we interview people and their pets for your pleasure....

Yvette & Cory

Sociability Yvette: Social butterfly Cory: Not with cats

Yvette: Female of the species Cory: Labrador

Best Trick Yvette: I can do Swan Lake very well Cory: Jumping on the counter of Mama Lulu’s for ice-cream

Age Yvette: 22(ish) Cory: 1 year Likes Yvette: Tia Maria, music, dogs and spiritual awareness Cory: Lady labradors, GSOH, long walks in the park Hates Yvette: Pettiness Cory: Cats, smelly people Favourite food Yvette: Torta de Acelga (spinach pie) Cory: Chicken with rice, cats (if I could catch them)

Interesting Facts Yvette: Still learning to play the drums Cory: I have a blue patch on my tongue Usefulness Yvette: Useful multi-tasker Cory: Good draft excluder Greatest Achievement Yvette: My family Cory: Reaching seemingly unobtainable corners of my anatomy If you weren’t a dog/human you’d be?

Yvette: A Rottweiller Cory: A gigolo

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appetite

events

Thinking Pink!

The Annual Pink Party held at the Royal Gibraltar Yacht Club’s new premises in Coaling Island in October.

160 people were treated to a scrumptious buffet dinner and delicious deserts. There was also a fantastic raffle with over 50 prizes donated by very generous local establishments who are always eager to support Breast Cancer Support Gibraltar and lastly DJ Jona entertained with an ’80s disco that had everyone dancing till the early hours.

A HUGE thank you from the girls in the committee Mercy, Marie, Michelle, Diane, Lizanne, Suzette and Audrey to everyone who helped make it such a success. n

Pictured above: Mr & Mrs Underhill — just married — celebrating at Cafe Rojo.

Right: are you a restaurant, bar or office owner with a novel use for all those old ashtrays which are no longer in use? Annette at Cafe Rojo has turned hers into lovely flower displays for the tables, using a bit of green oasis and a lot of creativity.

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

events appetite

Candlelit Mass

Breast Cancer Support’s annual Candlelit Mass will be held on Saturday 24th November at 5pm at the Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned, Main Street. Everyone is welcome to go along and join in.

This year the Gibraltar National Choir has kindly agreed to sing some hymns to get everyone in the Christmas mood. We hope to see you there. n

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C omfort Cuisine words | Scott Casey

As the nights draw in and the morning become darker we start to search for warm and comforting recipies to give us that warm feeling inside. This month Fifty-Five Chef Scott Casey shares three delicious dishes guaranteed to make you smile.

Warm roast Cauliflower, Chickpea and Quinoa Salad Serves 4

350g cauliflower, cut into small florets 1 clove garlic, crushed Finely grated zest and juice of 2 lemons 100ml extra virgin olive oil 400g tinned chickpeas 200g quinoa 1.5 cup coarsely chopped flat leaf parsley 1.5 cup coarsely chopped mint 1tbs sherry vinegar 100g Greek feta 3 spring onions, finely sliced

Preheat the oven to 225°C. Combine the cauliflower, garlic, half the lemon zest and 1 tablespoon of the oil in a bowl. Season to taste and roast until golden and tender (15-20mins) Pat the chickpeas dry with absorbent paper, then combine with the remaining lemon rind and 1 tablespoon of olive oil, season to taste and then cook in the oven until golden (15-20 minutes).

Meanwhile place the quinoa and 375ml of cold salted water in a saucepan, simmer over a medium heat until all the water has been absorbed (12-15 mins) drain thoroughly and tip

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onto a tray to cool slightly.

Combine the parsley, mint, spring onion, sherry vinegar, lemon juice and remaining oil in a bowl. Then add the cauliflower, chickpeas and quinoa and season to taste.

Serve a nice pile in the centre of a large plate, then crumble the feta cheese over and around.

Serve. n

Chocolate & Banana French Toast with Salted Caramel Serves 6 50g 50g 180ml 120g 120g 12 3 4 100ml 100g

almonds caster sugar pouring cream dark chocolate, roughly chopped milk chocolate, roughly chopped thick slices of brioche bananas thinly sliced eggs full cream milk salted butter, roughly chopped

Salted Caramel: 200g caster sugar 60g salted butter 125ml pouring cream

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Roast the almonds on a baking tray, shaking occasionally, until golden brown. Transfer to an oiled tray and set aside.

Stir sugar with 60ml of cold water in a small pan until the sugar has dissolved, bring to the boil and cook until it becomes a dark caramel.

Pour over the almonds and set aside for 15-20 minutes until set and hard. Then transfer the almonds into a food processer and blend until it becomes a fine powder.

Bring the cream to the boil in a saucepan over a medium high heat, add the chocolate, remove from the heat and whisk until all the chocolate has melted. Stir in the almond mixture, then refrigerate until firm.

For the salted caramel, stir the sugar with 60ml of cold water until the sugar has dissolved over a medium heat, bring to the boil and cook until a golden caramel. Add the butter and then the cream (be careful as it will spit a bit), then add 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook until all well combined, then set aside.

Spread half of the brioche slices with the chocolate mixture, then top with the sliced banana. Sandwich with the remaining brioche slices and set aside.

Whisk the eggs with the milk in a bowl to combine, then transfer to a tray. Stand the

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

recipes appetite sandwiches in the egg mixture, turning once until soaked (1-2 minutes) then shake off the excess.

Heat half the butter in a large non-stick frying pan over a medium heat until foaming, add the sandwiches and cook, turning once until golden brown. Put these onto a baking tray and pop in the oven for 2 minutes. Remove, drizzle with the salted caramel and serve. n

Beer Battered Whiting, Fat Chips, Chipotle Mayonnaise Serves 4 4

6

Sebago potatoes, cut into 2cm batons, soaked in cold water for 5 mins and rinsed to remove excess starch whiting fillets, cut in half lengthways

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

Beer batter: 35g plain flour 400ml Corona beer Chipotle mayonnaise: 200g mayonnaise 3 canned chipotle chillies,

finely chopped Juice of 1 lime 1/4 cup finely chopped coriander For deep frying: vegetable oil.

Drain the potatoes and pat dry with absorbent paper. Pre-heat the deep frying oil to 140°C, then deep fry the chips until tender and set aside for later.

For the beer batter sieve the flour into a bowl, then add the beer to create a smooth not

too thick batter whisking well to remove any lumps.

For the chipotle mayonnaise, simply combine all the ingredients, check the seasoning and set aside.

Heat the deep frying oil to 180°C. Coat the whiting fillets in plain flour then dip into the batter to completely coat them. Carefully place these into the hot oil, dragging back and forward for 5 seconds so the fish doesn’t sink to the bottom of the fryer and stick. Cook for 2 minutes, then drain on absorbent paper.

Meanwhile cook the chips until golden and crispy on the outside. Just before they are ready pop the fish back in for 30 seconds.

Remove everything now and drain well once again. Season with sea salt, serve on a large plate with some of the chipotle mayonnaise and some lemon and lime wedges. n

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appetite

Savannah Lounge

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

Cafe Rojo 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.

Cafe Rojo 54 Irish Town. Tel: 200 51738

restaurants

Casa Pepe

with walnuts, pears and blue cheese dressing, or king prawn, mozzarella and mango salad to pastas(eg: linguine with serrano ham, king prawns and rocket; smoked salmon and crayfish ravioli with saffron and spinach cream) to salads (eg: Vesuvio spicy beef, cherry tomatoes, roasted peppers and red onions; and Romana chorizo, black pudding, egg and pancetta) and pizzas (eg: Quatto Stagioni topped with mozzarella, ham, chicken, pepperoni and mushroom) and specialities such as salmon fishcakes, beef medallions and duck. Daily specials on blackboard. No smoking.

Café Solo Grand Casemates Square. Tel: 200 44449

Fifty-Five Premier Private Member’s Club where members enjoy fine dining and impeccable service in luxurious surroundings. Open lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday also offering a daily Business Lunch menu.

Once a month 55 opens for traditional Sunday lunch and holds a variety of culinary themed evenings i.e. Thai Fusion. The main bar offers full snack menu — the perfect place after a long day at work. Thursday and Fridays you can relax to a mix of Soul & ’80s music by resident DJ, take advantage of Happy Hour and enjoy sushi menu from 6pm. Special occasions or business clients can be entertained in the Private Dining Room (10 people). Afternoon tea Thurs to Sat 6pm. For info or to reserve contact Louise.

Fifty-Five Private Member’s Club 267 Main Street Tel: 200 79655 Visit: www.fifty-five.gi

Nunos Italian

Aimed at Gibraltar’s dining and night-life scene, Savannah has been created with fun and style in mind. Offering contemporary European cuisine a wide selection of drinks, cool decor and good music.

The venue hosts regular live events with invited DJs and shows from abroad.

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

Savannah Lounge 27 Heart Island, Ocean Village Tel: 200 66666 Visit: www.savannah.gi

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

The Waterfront

A delightful terrace bar/ restaurant in the prestigious Queensway Quay Marina. Wonderful location for business meetings, weddings, anniversaries etc.

Specialising in a broad range of raciones (plates to share) with a very comprehensive a la carte menu.

Daily specials may include fresh fish caught locally and a selection of Argentinean beef. With a menu including dishes such as Caracoles a la Llauna Snails, Rabo de Toro Oxtail, Carrillada de Cerro Iberico Iberico pork cheeks, large rib steaks from Avila and special to order whole suckling pig.

Open: Mon-Fri: lunch & evening, Sat: evenings only, Sun: lunch only.

Overlooking the Mediterranean from Catalan Bay, Nunos’ Spanish chef with Three Star Michellin experience offers a variety of Italian cuisine. The restaurant can be found at the reception level of the hotel, where a quick peak at the menu reveals the chef’s celebrated Salmorejo is on the menu, as are his baby squid burgers (Insalata di Calamari). From the main dishes you can choose from a variety of fresh fish and meat dishes. Or you could go for the house speciality of fresh, home-made pasta where you can choose from a wide range of options.

Open: Mon-Sat 7.30pm-10.30pm (lunchtimes for group bookings).

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.gib@gmail.com

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

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

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

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.

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

Bean & Gone

Friendly little café with an extensive menu from oven-baked jackets and baguettes, to home-made pasta and burgers. Great selection of low-carb / Weight Watchers choices, plus a tempting cakes and snacks. Relaxed, cosy atmosphere. Ingredients local and organic where possible, desserts made with soya (diary-free). Lots veggie options.

Deliveries (minimum order £20).

Open: Mon - Fri 7.30am - 3pm, Sat 9am - 2pm.

Bean & Gone Café 20 Engineers Lane Tel: 200 65334 Visit: www.BeanandGoneCafe.com

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

Just a Nibble Full licensed cafe on first floor of the ICC, serves English breakfast, a vast range of toasties, rolls and snacks. Meals include Bob’s famous chicken curry and chilli con carne, and a great new range of pies (from chicken & leek to steak & kidney, and even venison) plus all the old favourites; jacket spuds, burgers, hot dogs, fish and chips, and daily specials. Ideal meeting place.

Open: Mon - Sat from 9am.

Just A Nibble 1st Floor ICC, Casemates Tel: 200 78052 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

food & drink

directory Just Desserts

e to wher drink eat & the on k Roc

Picadilly Gardens

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, churros, tapas, hamburgers, fresh fish, prawns, squid, clams and a variety of meat dishes. Eat in or take away. Menu of the day only £6. Open: early to late.

Just Desserts 1st Floor ICC. Tel: 200 48014

Picadilly Gardens Rosia Road. Tel: 200 75758

Mumbai Curry House 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

Sacarello Coffee Co 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

Sain’t Café Bar

Bright and attractive café bar serving hot/cold drinks, breakfasts, lunches, homemade desserts and tapas with wine.

Well presented food includes tuna ciabatta, steak & onion baguette, club sandwich, smoked salmon bagel and vegetarian choices (served with parsnip crisps). Delicious salads such as Niçoise, Caesar, caprese and couscous. No smoking inside. Patio.

Open: Mon-Fri 7.30am-7.30pm. Afternoon tea 4-6, happy hours 4-6.

Sain’t Café Bar Grand Ocean Plaza, Ocean Village Tel: 20065758

Smith’s Fish & Chips Traditional well-established British fish and chip shop, located on Main Street opposite the Convent, with tables/seating available or take-away wrapped in newspaper. The menu includes old favourites cod, haddock or plaice in batter, Cornish pasties, mushy peas etc. Also curries, omlettes, burgers.

Open: 8am-6pm Mon-Fri. Breakfast served from 8am.

Smith’s Fish & Chips 295 Main Street. Tel: 200 74254

informal food

Amin’s Office

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food & drink

directory informal food

Solo Express

The Tasty Bite

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

Get your business listed here

CALL 200 77748 for details Verdi Verdi

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.

Tasty Bite has one of the biggest take-away menus around with home cooked meats, filled baguettes, burgers, chicken, kebabs and everything else you can think of! Try the 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.

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.

Solo Express Grnd Flr, ICC, Casemates & Eurotowers

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

Verdi Verdi ICC, Casemates Tel: 200 60733

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

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. Quiz night on Tuesdays, get there early as it is definitely the place to be on a normally quiet Gibraltar Tuesday.

Cannon Bar 27 Cannon Lane. Tel: 200 77288

Gibraltar Arms

bars & pubs

e to wher drink & eat the on k Roc

Get Listed!

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

The Lounge

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.

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).

Gibraltar Arms 184 Main Street. Tel: 200 72133

The Lounge Queensway Quay Marina Tel: 200 61118

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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 • NOVEMBER 2012

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

184 Main Street Tel: 200 72133 open: from 8am (10am on Sun)

restaurant bar guide &

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

Award winning breakfasts from 7.30am Great meals & snacks all day Evening Steak House menu Med Golf Clubhouse Tottenham Hotspur HQ Parliament Lane Tel: 200 75924 GIBRALTARMAGAZINE MAGAZINE••NOVEMBER NOVEMBER2012 2012 GIBRALTAR

BUDDIES pasta casa

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

Just A Nibble Licensed Cafeteria Let the ‘A’ Team serve you up a snack or a meal.

Daily Specials • Varied Menu

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

83 83

O Fabjous Day words | Peter Rodney

Lewis Carroll would be credited with bringing as many new words into the language as Shakespeare if Carroll’s words had caught on into regular use. As it is, we are left with ‘chortle’, ‘burble’ and not much else. And even ‘burble’ seems to have changed its original meaning. When the Jabberwock, with eyes aflame, burbled as it came whiffling through the tulgey wood I suspect the sound was somewhat more frightening than that of an old gentleman mumbling into his beer glass.

Frabjous is a word that we ought to make more use of. Every now and then, no other word will do.

There are echoes of ‘fabulous’ and ‘joyous’ and it is quicker to say and write than putting the latter two together.

The esteemed editor of this magazine, known to me only as ‘er upstairs, occasionally suggests in a kind but firm way (the same tone she uses when speaking to her dogs) that this column, since it has ‘Wine’ in the title, might contain a little more on that subject. Like her dogs, I am ever eager to please.

We are very lucky in Gibraltar to have a choice of good wine merchants. At the more specialised end of the scale Saccone and Speed, Anglo Hispano and Charlie at Stag Bros have a wide range, usually towards the upper end, at not unreasonable prices. More generally Morrison’s have an enormous selection at the mid range (with some more expensive). Marks and Spencer, ever reliable, have a

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smallish selection of entirely decent wines. Other retailers have a varying amount.

A new entrant, My Wines, now graces the scene. This is frabjous news. It is not because the others are not and were not providing a good choice and service — they are and were. It is just that a greater choice is now available, and a large part of the stock of My Wines was not previously to be found in Gibraltar. Tony Hernandez and Glenn Saunders have done us all a favour.

It is also possible to taste their selections of the day or the week — and even buy a bottle at retail price and drink it there and then in relative comfort at their premises in Chatham Counterguard (to the side of Ocean Heights).

As mentioned earlier, Shakespeare invented numerous words which are now in common use in the English language. He also invented numerous insults which, sadly, have fallen into disuse.

They include (from MacBeth) “The devil damn thee black, thou cream-

As winter approaches it would be well worth getting some of these to save on any prospective heating bills. While not at the cheaper end, they justify the few extra quid

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

wine faced loon” and “Hellhound”.

My Wines has seen fit to include in their stock an item known as chocolate wine. The less said of this concoction the better; except that Shakespeare, as always, did have the right words in respect of those who seek to sell such stuff. I am told that people have actually been known to buy it and that a well-known local hotel will shortly be offering it on their list. Clearly there are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in my philosophy.

This aberration apart, My Wines have some interesting South African offerings from new vineyards hewn, it seems, out of rock. Where the earth came from is not entirely clear, but it produces some tasty stuff. The Springfield Estates brand has a number of varietals. The Chardonnay (at £11.85) will give any Chablis a run for its money. It has all the steel and sharpness of a Burgundian and none of the cloying over-oakiness of the Australians. The reds are deep, dark and full of oomph at a very reasonable £11.50. As winter approaches it would be well worth getting some of these to save on any prospective heating bills. While not at the cheaper end, they justify the few extra quid. They are still cheaper than more illustrious names and well worth the relatively small additional outlay.

‘The Arrogant Frog’ is a new name to me — except within the family when discussing a number of our French acquaintances. But in a brilliant coup a French winemaker has appropriated this name for various varietals from the Herault in the South of France. He has done it, presumably,

column

While not a great wine (and it does not pretend to be), it has more to it than some clarets and yet is without the heaviness of Rhone wines despite the high alcohol content at 14% with an eye to the Anglo-Saxon market. The whites (a Viognier and a Semillon) are perfectly acceptable at about £6.00 but nothing very special. The reds are a different story. There are virtually all sorts of grapes from the ubiquitous cabernet to an unusual mourveche. I have yet to try them all but took the ‘Reserve’, at £6.20, on Tony’s recommendation. Terrific. While not a great wine (and it does not pretend to be), it has more to it than some clarets and yet is without the heaviness of Rhone wines despite the high alcohol content at 14%.

The reverse of the label reveals that it is bottled by ‘The Humble Winemaker’. The man obviously has a sense of humour as well as the capacity to make good wine.

Were it not for selling… (I cannot bring myself to repeat it) My Wines might deserve Shakespearean as well as Carrollian compliments.

The Sweet Princes have introduced us to a Brave New World. The more choice we get, especially at prices we can afford for everyday drinking, the more we will buy — and that means everyone benefits. n Note to ‘er upstairs: Is this an improvement? Can I have a biscuit? Please?

Contemporary Mediterranean Dining

Grand Casemates Square Tel: 200

44449 for reservations

ctor X-Fa wn Sho TV on Live

Editor’s Note: No, you may have a glass of chocolate wine though.

GIBRALTAR GIBRALTARMAGAZINE MAGAZINE••NOVEMBER NOVEMBER2012 2012

85

Photos: Mayor’s reception for small businesses

The days are getting shorter, sandals and flipflops have been put away until next summer, and jackets and cardigans have made an appearance once again — yes, November is well and truly upon us. Christmas goods are already in the shops and the Christmas Fair at the Convent on is on Thursday 29th November. Just where has 2012 disappeared? We are already working on features for our first edition of 2013, and December is not even under our belts yet!

But before all of that festive fun, art enthusiasts can savour the delights on show at the international art exhibition at Gustavo Bacarisas Gallery, Casemates Vaults. The exhibition is on until 9th November and is open from 10.30am to 6.30pm Mondays to Fridays, and on Saturdays 10.30am to 1.30pm. Entrance is free so there is no excuse for not adding a little culture to your day.

Talking of culture, the even popular Zarzuela is back with Agua, Azucarillo y Aguardiente, on 7th and 8th November from 8pm. Tickets are on sale at the John Mackintosh Hall Ticket Office from 10am to 2pm, and are a snip at just £5.

Sticking with the performing arts, the Gibraltar National Dance Organisation will be presenting their pieces for the World Show Dance Championships at the Tercentenary Sports Hall, on Friday 9th November. Entrance is free, so go along and support your national dance team! The more applause the better.

For those who prefer the peace of nature and the tweet of the birds, there is a mushroom hunting trip into the woodlands in nearby Spain with the

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

This photo and above: fundraising at the Lounge, Queensway Quay on National Day

Gibraltar Ornithological and Natural History Society on 17th November. If you fancy going along on this one, you will be made most welcome and should be on the Gibraltar side of the frontier at 8am for an early start.

Happy birthday to Sarah of Cafe Rojo who gets another year older on 30th.

Other birthdays this month include Chique Boutique’s Debra Pott on 4th (check out her great fold up wellies in stock now!), Dave Wood on November 5th, and Michelle Stafford of the Lounge on Queensway Quay on 8th. Angela Sargent of Upon This Rock magazine celebrates on 16th, as does little James Vinet who will be 5, Yalta of Urban Dance gets a year older on the 23rd, and finally Tessa Imossi will stay as youthful as ever on 29th November. Many happy returns to you all.

Hercules – a production of the popular Disney classic, will be staged by Santos Productions from 19th-21st November, at 7.30pm. Perfect for the whole family to enjoy, go along to the John Mackintosh Hall Theatre for a really great night out (to avoid disappointment on the night, get your tickets priced at £10 from the Nature Shop in advance).

For all our male readers, remember November is the time to show off your ‘tache, and raise awareness of prostate cancer and other male cancer initiatives, as the much anticipated Movember begins. This annual, monthlong event involving the growing of moustaches was extremely popular last year amongst our readers, so if you have a picture of your new fantastic and fuzzy moustaches, with friends or work colleagues, please email them in and we will publish the best!

Well that’s it for this month. Have a great November and brace yourselves for all the festive cheer which is coming your way in December.

Ho ho ho!

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

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clubs&activities

Don’t be bored... do something fun!

Arts & Crafts The Arts Centre, Prince Edward’s Rd. Art classes for children (5-6pm Mon, 5-6.30pm Tues, 5-7pm Thurs), adults (Mon - Tues 6.30pm-8pm, Wed 6.30pm-8.30pm, life painting Wed 7pm9pm). Tel: 200 79788.

The Fine Arts Association Gallery 1st Floor above Gibraltar Crystal, Casemates. Open 11am-2pm, 4-6pm Mon - Fri, Sat 11am - 2pm.

Arts & Crafts Gallery (next door) opens Mon - Fri 9.30am - 5pm (summer) -6pm (winter), Sat 9.30am - 3pm.

Exhibition Vin’s Gallery at the Rock, The Rock Hotel. Original paintings, prints, and souvenirs

by Vin Mifsud and her pupils. Monday - Saturday 9.30-11am and 8-10pm.

The Gibraltar Decorative and Fine Arts Society Affiliated to the UK NADFAS organisation meets third Wednesday of the month at 6.30pm at Eliott Hotel - lecturers & experts from the UK to talk on Art etc. Contact: ChairmanClaus Olesen: 200 02024 claus.olesen@sghambros. com. Membership Ian leBreton: 200 76173 ilebreton@SovereignGroup.com Knit and Natter Group: Tuesdays from 11am3pm, at Arts & Crafts Shop, Casemates balconyFree to join and refreshments provided. Tel: 20073865 for more information.

Morrison’s car park from 10am. New members welcome. Tel: 200 44643.

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.

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.

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.

Classical Ballet classes for children 4+, Spanish dance and hip-hop at Liza School of Dance, 3rd floor, Methodist Church, 297/299 Main St. Classes Weds & Fri from 6pm at Chiltern Court (4Cs). Tel: 58111000.

Modern, Contemporary, Lyrical, Flexibility, Hip Hop & Dance Theatre classes held 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 examinations taken. Ample competing opportunities aboard IDF European & World Championships. Contact 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.

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,

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Music The Gibraltar National Choir and Gibraltar Junior National Choir rehearse on Tuesday & Thursday 7.30 - 9pm at the Holy Trinity Cathedral.

New singers always welcome. Tel: 54831000.

St Andrew’s Music Academy Musical Monsters Club, workshops. Group musical activities for kids 3-7 years. Singing, rhythmic games etc. Tel: 200 42690 email: samagib@hotmail.com Outdoor Activities The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is an exciting self-development Programme available to all young people worldwide equipping them with life skills to make a difference to themselves, their communities and the world. To date over 5 million young people from over 100 countries have been motivated to undertake a variety of voluntary and challenging activities. Contact Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Montagu Bastion, Line Wall Road. Tel: 200 59818 Quizzes The Lounge friendly quiz on Sundays from 8pm right on the quayside at Queensway Quay.

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.

Billiards & Snooker: Gibraltar Billiards and Snooker Association (member IBSA) round leagues and competitions at various venues.

New members welcome. Tel: Eddie 200 72142 or Peter 200 77307.

Boxing: Gibraltar Amateur Boxing Association (member IABA) gym on Rosia Rd. Over 13s welcome to join. Tuition with ex-pro boxer Ernest Victory (200 75513 w, 200 42788 h).

Cheerleading: Gibraltar Cheerleading Association, girls/boys of all ages. Chearleading and street cheer/hip hop classes at Victoria Stadium.

Recreational and competitive levels. Contact Gina: 58008338.

Canoeing: Gibraltar Canoeing Association. Tel: Nigel 200 52917 or Eugene 58014000.

Cricket: Gibraltar Cricket Association (member ICC) runs leagues/competitions at Europa Point/Victoria Stadium. Junior/senior training.

Tel: Mark 56000460.

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.

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 more information contact Sally Tel: 200 74661.

Rugby: Gibraltar Rugby Football Union training sessions for Colts (14+), seniors and veterans.

Play in Andalusia 1st Division Oct - April. Tel: James 200 72185 Sailing: Gibraltar Yachting Association junior/ senior competitive programme (April - Oct) Tel: RGYC 200 48847.

Sea Angling: Gibraltar Federation of Sea Anglers (members FIPS-M & CIPS) Superb

what a page turner! www.thegibraltarmagazine.com

calendar of events with four clubs participating.

Tel: Mario 200 72622 or Charlie 200 74337.

Shooting: Gibraltar Shooting Federation (over 14s). Rifle, Europa Point range (Joe 200 74973); clay pigeon, East Side (Harry 200 74354); Pistol, near Royal Naval Hospital (Fidel 200 71990).

Skating: Gibraltar Skating and Xtreme Sports Association. State of art ramps for Xtreme/aggressive roller blading /skate boarding. Leisure skating facilities provided within excellent rink (when not used for roller hockey training). Tel: Eric 200 70710 (after 5).

Snorkelling & Spear Fishing: Over 14s for snorkelling, over 16s for spear fishing. Tel: Joseph 200 75020.

Squash: Gibraltar Squash Association, Squash Centre, South Pavilion Road (members WSF & ESF). Adult/junior tournaments/coaching. Tel: 200 44922 or 200 73260.

Sub-Aqua: Gibraltar Sub-Aqua Association taster dives for over 14s, tuition from local clubs.

Voluntary sports clubs: Tel: Phil 200 44606, Noah’s Dive Club Tel: Leslie 200 79601, 888s Dive Club Tel: Martin 200 70944. Commercial sports diving schools also available.

Swimming: Gibraltar Amateur Swimming Association (member FINA & LEN) opens its pool for leisure swimming Mon - Fri 7-8.45am, 12- 4pm, 8- 9pm. Junior lessons, squad for committed swimmers, water polo (Rebecca 200 72869).

Table Tennis: Gibraltar Table Tennis Association (members ITTA) training / playing sessions, Victoria Stadium, Tues 6-10pm and Thurs 8-11pm with coaching and league competition. Lizanne 200 45071/54020477 or Eugene 58014000.

Taekwondo: Gibraltar Taekwondo Association classes/gradings Tel: 200 Mari 44142.

Tai Chi: Children’s fun Tai Chi at the Yoga Centre, 33 Town Range, Saturdays 11-12am. Beginners Tuesdays & Thursdays at Kings Bastion Leisure Centre. 6.30-8pm. Adults £5, Children £2, all proceeds to GibMissionAfrica Charity. Contact Dilip on 200 78714 or rocktaichi@traningtm.net Tennis: Gibraltar Tennis Association, Sandpits Tennis Club, excellent junior development programme. Courses for adults, leagues / competitions. Tel: Frank 200 77035.

Ten-Pin Bowling: Ten-Pin Bowling takes place at King’s Bowl in the King’s Bastion Leisure Centre every day. To have a go call 200 77338 to reserve your lane. Gibraltar Ten Pin Bowling (members FIQ & WTBA) leagues, training for juniors and squad. Contact Charly on 56014000 or Paul on 54029749.

Triathlon: Gibraltar Triathlon Union (members ITU) Chris 200 75857 or Harvey 200 55847.

Volleyball: Gibraltar Volleyball Association (members W & EVF) training, leagues, competitions for juniors/seniors. Tony 200 40478 or Elizabeth 58306000.

Yoga: Integral Yoga Centre runs a full programme of classes from Mon-Fri at 33 Town Range. Tel: 200 41389. All welcome.

Theatrical Groups Gibraltar Amateur Drama Association Ince’s Hall Theatre Complex, 310 Main Street E-mail: gibdrama@yahoo.co.uk Tel: 200 42237 www. geocities.com/gibdrama Trafalgar Theatre Group m e e t s 2 n d We d o f month, Garrison Library 8pm. All welcome.

Theatrix: Contact Trevor and Iris on Tel: 54006176 or email theatrixgib@ yahoo.co.uk

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

sports file 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-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. E-mail olivero@sapphirenet.gi With Dignity Gibraltar support for separated, divorced/ widowed or single people. Meet Weds 9pm, Catholic Community Centre, Line Wall Rd. Outings/activities.

Tel: 54007181 or 200 79957.

Women in Need. Voluntary organisation for all victims of domestic violence. Refuge available. Tel: 200 42581 (24 hrs).

Religious Services Baha’i Faith Tel: 200 73287 www.gibnet. com/bahai email:bahai@gibraltar.gi Bethel Christian Fellowship Tel: 200 52002. Queensway. Sunday service 11am.

Church of England Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. Tel: 200 78377. Sung Eucharist, Sunday 10.30am. Sunday School.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day

The Barclays Trophy – Youngster takes the title!

Med Golf members met in October for their monthly outing, this time to the spectacular Dehesa Montenmedio Golf Club, only a short drive from Gibraltar on the Costa de la Luz.

Franco Cassar, his colleagues and guests from Barclays Gibraltar took part alongside Med Golf members for the Barclays Trophy.

The event was won with a great score of 36 points by first time winner and youngest Med Golf member Javier Hunter (12), who also won best team with his dad John with a combined Stableford score of 63 points, very well done Javi.

Med Golf’s next event is at Estepona on 11th November. Visit www.medgolfgroup.com or contact Paul at paul@medgolfsecure.com. n

Gibraltar’s Gaelic Football Club is looking to attract males of any age to participate in this Irish

sport. “We have people from all nations of varying ages (18 to 40) and we want more people to come and get involved.” The aim of playing is to get fit, meet new friends, travel around Spain and Europe and play an exciting and competitve sport. Training is every Wednesday at La Linea’s 7-a-side pitches at 8.30pm. The team is now starting an Andalucia League with Seville and Marbella and will play matches home and away each month. For info email team@gibraltargaels.com or visit www.gibraltargaels.com. n

Saints Suite 21a Don House, 30-38 Main Street. Tel: 200 50433. Sundays 10am.

Church of Scotland St Andrew’s, Governor’s Pde. Tel: 200 77040. Worship & Sunday School 10.30am. Bible Study Tues 7.30pm.

Evangelical Bretheren Assembly, Queensway Quay. Sun 11am, Tues Bible Study 6pm, Thurs Prayer Meeting 6pm.

Hindu Engineer’s Lane Tel: 200 42515.

Jehovah’s Witness 6 Europort Avenue

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2012

leisure

Pictured (left): winners of the Chesterton Golf Box Classic 2012 – with Mike Nicholls of Chesterton.

Chestertons estate agents organised the first ever Golf Tournament to be held on Gibraltar soil.

Taking advantage of the new golf simulators at the Golf Box, 48 guests enjoyed a Texas Scramble competition, with drinks and tapas served throughout. n

Tel: 200 50186.

Jewish 10 Bomb House Lane Tel: 200 72606.

Methodist 297 Main St Tel/Fax 200 40870 email minister@methodist.org.gi Minister: Revd Fidel Patron. Sunday 11am Morning Worship, 8pm Evening Service. Prayer meetings Monday+ Wednesday to Friday 7pm and Tuesdays 8pm. Communion celebrated on 2nd and 4th Sunday mornings of the month, and other special occasions.

Alpha Course: held Thursdays 8pm.

House Groups meet for Christian fellowship, prayer and study on a regular basis Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. Sunday School meets Sunday mornings alongside morning worship.

Roman Catholic Cathedral St Mary the Crowned, 215 Main St Tel: 200 76688.

The Cityline Church 13 Castle St Tel: 200 75755 email: citylinegib@yahoo. com. Meet: Tues 8pm, Sundays 11am.

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atural History & Heritage Park admission 9.30am to 7pm by tickets (includes entrance to sites - St. Michael’s Cave, Monkey’s Den, Great Siege Tunnels, Military Heritage Centre, ‘A City Under Siege’ Exhibition and Moorish Castle). Facilities closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Adults £10, children 5-12 years: £5, children age under 4 free, vehicles £2. Private vehicles may be restricted at certain times, tours available by taxi/ mini bus. Also reached by cable car (leaves Grand Parade 9.30am-5.15pm Mon-Sun. Last cable down: 5.45pm). 50p per person to walk with no entrance tickets.

T

he flora and fauna on the Upper Rock are 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.

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 Rock Tours by Taxi Tel: 200 70052 As well as offering normal fares, taxis provide Rock Tours taking in the Upper Rock, Europa Point and other sites of interest. It is the best way to see the Rock’s major features in a short time.

NEW BUS ROUTES 2012

St. Michael’s Cave: Comprises an upper hall with five connecting passages and drops of 40-150ft to a smaller hall.

Further chambers, some at 250ft below the entrance, are reached through narrow holes. Cathedral Cave is open to visitors and used 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.

Monkeys: There are around 160 monkeys on the Rock and around 30 can be seen at the Monkey’s Den. Often called apes, they are Barbary macaques and Europe’s only free living monkeys. £500 fine for feeding them - don’t do it!

The Great Siege Tunnels: Tunnelling 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 now 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 shows info on Gibraltar’s military defences through the ages.

A City Under Siege Exhibition: Exhibits depict the lives of civilian population during the many sieges, housed in one of the earliest British building on the Rock. Original graffiti, by duty soldiers, dates back to 1726.

The Moorish Castle: actually just part of a Moorish town and castle which was built during the Moorish occupation of the Iberian Peninsula, spearheaded from Gibraltar in 711AD by Tarik-ibn-Zeyad (“Gibraltar” is a corruption of the Arabic words “Jebel Tarik” - Tarik’s mountain). The 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 walk is St Michael’s Cave through to Charles V Wall but walkers should be relatively fit for both. Brochures available free from all Tourist Board offices.

The Gibraltar Magazine is published and produced by Guide Line Promotions Ltd, La Bayuca, 21 Turnbull’s Lane, Gibraltar. Tel/Fax: (+350) 200 77748

Botanical Gardens: Opened in 1816, visitors can enjoy a stroll beneath pines, dragon trees and palms, and see many of Gibraltar’s native plants as well as exotic species. 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).

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