The Gibraltar Magazine - November 2015

Page 29

business The magnificent Guildhall

The crowd grows as the evening continues

curred on the Rock since last year’s lunch. This year, he focused around new developments very soon to pop up across the peninsula, including Mid-Town, the Blue Water complex on the east side, the World Trade Center and the just announced Rooke site, which has been snapped up by London based developer ‘London and Regional Properties’. Mr. Picardo told the press that the site would be a ‘mixed use development’ including a small school and central headquarters for the fire service and the police. He also touched on the recent launches of both the Gibraltar International Bank and the University of Gibraltar.

Gibraltarians, friends of Gibraltar, worldly ambassadors, UK parliamentarians, local parliamentarians, top military men, former Gibraltar Governors, local industry leaders in finance and tourism and Gibraltarian students studying in the area was incredible to experience. The towering arched ceiling of the Guildhall Great Hall dotted with stone gargoyles and sculptures drenched in historical context is a remarkable venue, fit to mark the strengthening links between the ever prosperous London and Gibraltar. It is even more impressive dimly lit against the gloomy evening darkness outside and filled with upbeat music provided by the Band of the Corps of Royal Engineers. Over the duration of the evening, the hall fills to capacity with familiar faces. I share small talk with former Governor Sir Adrian Johns and his wife Suzie, who continue to support the Rock in every capacity. I meet another former Governor, Sir John Chapple who also held the post of Chief of the General Staff of the Royal Army from 1988 to 1992. The ambience is one of old friends reuniting, ‘I can’t believe it’s been a year,’ Sir Adrian exclaims greeting the Commander of British Forces Commodore Ian McGhie and his wife. CEO of Gibtelecom Tim Bristow ushers me over and offers me a brilliant photo opportunity of three former Governors exchanging pleasantries. Over the course of the evening I run into Gibraltar’s own Momy Levy who has never missed a Gibraltar “So far, we’ve Day to date. The room continues been able to ensure that to fill ahead of speeches from the Chief Minister, Alderman the next and Sheriff Charles Bowman, Governor on behalf of the Lord Mayor, of Gibraltar Minister for Europe for HM is a former Government David Lidington,

military personnel.”

Reunion of friends The day continues, after a brief post lunch siesta, with the main event; the evening reception at Guildhall. Three years ago, when I was significantly younger and more impressionable, the function, which is attended by a thousand highly regarded GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2015

The Chelsea Pensioners never miss a Gib Day 29


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