GIbraltar Magazine - March 2013

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

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March 2013 Vol. 18 # 05 FREE

The Gentle Art of Finance

Three Weddings: Home or Away?

eGaming & Taxation

Paco’s Passion Friday Night Angels

A Venue with a View

Café Art From Russia With Love

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2007

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Hassans – International Lawyers www.gibraltarlaw.com 57/63 Line Wall Road, PO Box 199, Gibraltar · Tel (+350) 200 79000 · Fax (+350) 200 71966 · Email business@hassans.gi

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

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ibraltar the

March 2013 Vol. 18 # 05 FREE

Business & Finance 8 Business & Finance Guide 9 The Gentle Art of Finance 14 Women in Business Report 16 Nicki Walker: A Study in

The Gentle Art of Finance

Three Weddings: Home or Away?

A Venue with a View

From Russia With Love

eGaming & Taxation

Café Art

Paco’s Passion Friday Night Angels

contents 19

18 # 05 March 2013

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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 © 2013 Guide Line Promotions Limited. All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written consent of The Gibraltar Magazine.

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

Progress eGaming: Gross Profits verses turnover tax Anti-Bribery & Corruption Risk Is it Good to Contract Out? Careers: The Counter Offer

Property File 27 Property Directory 30 Spring in the Property Air? Arts & Lifestyle 48 Give Your Mum a Hug 64 Life’s a Stage & the

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Fringe Fantastic Leslie Gaduzo: Portrait or Landscape?

Face Painting & Body Art Festival Image of the Month People & Pets (you’ll love it!)

18 # 05

Health & Well-being 40 Dr Vricella’s Form &

42 43 44

Function Health Directory Here’s Health - Hayfever A Solution for Sciatica?

Past Revisited 28 Blunt’s Gibraltar Poem 50 Golden Skies, From

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Russia with Love Gibraltar’s Girl Power Pages from the Past

Appetite 74 Cafe Art 76 Visit Piccadilly Gardens 78 Spring Plated 80 Food & Drink Directory 84 Wine Column: Energy Regulars 66 Puzzle Page 86 Around Town:

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features - weddings 32 34 36 37

The Wedding Gift List Three Weddings - Home or Away?

Fit for a Bride A Venue with a View

People 46

Take One: Career -

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The Street Pastors: Friday

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Paco’s Passion

Leanne Delaney Night Angels

Information 62 City Centre Map 73 What’s On March 90 Gibraltar Information

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAGAZINE •• MARCH MARCH 2013 2013 GIBRALTAR

finance

The Gentle Art of Finance

business

words | Ian Le Breton

I am generally office bound at work, but occasionally I am let out for a day or two! In February, I represented the Sovereign Art Foundation at ARCOmadrid, which is one of Europe’s most important art fairs. The event was well attended by buyers and collectors from around the world, and it was a hugely rewarding experience for an amateur art enthusiast like me.

The fair took place just after Picasso’s Femme assise près d’une fenêtre sold for £28.6m at Sotheby’s in London, where a further 18 sale lots raised more than £1m. The pieces at ARCOmadrid may not have been in quite the same league as those executed by Málaga’s favourite son, but I was struck by the ‘full’ prices being demanded. It set me thinking as to why the art market should be thriving even at a time of financial stress.

In Gibraltar we enjoy a very well-established art scene and can boast an impressive number of first class artists. Several art groups — including Gibraltar DFAS with which I am associated — cater to the ever-growing public interest. Despite the downturn, I know several local collectors who continue to acquire art, much of it locally produced. Whilst it’s true that many artists around the world live from hand to mouth, it’s also clear that, here in Gibraltar at least, there is a living to be had from art.

Whilst the economic crisis has affected millions of people globally, there remains a great deal of cash available — if you know where

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

to look for it. Much of this is corporate money, stashed on balance sheets around the world, but rich people — many of whom buy art — are still rich. Some have seen their wealth seriously eroded in recent years but others continue to do very well. Art offers a potentially attractive investment for a proportion of that wealth.

Interest earned on traditional bank deposits remains pitifully low — and some say this is likely to be the case for years to come. Equities are volatile — although several world ‘bourses’ or stock markets have notched up impressive gains in recent months. When you ponder the

What about ordinary people like me who are interested in art but don’t have millions at their disposal. Is there scope for us too to combine that interest with investing?

possible choices available to a wealthy investor, it becomes rather easier to see why art might make an attractive alternative investment.

In a Gibraltar Magazine column a couple of years ago, I set out a few reasons why one might consider entering the art market as an investment. For the wealthy, successful entrepreneur, a lot of what I said then still holds true today — maybe it always has done so. But what about ordinary people like me who are interested in art but don’t have millions at their disposal. Is there scope for us too to combine that interest with investing?

There are some obvious areas to consider at the outset: the artist; the subject; the medium; the cost (not be confused with value); and the extent to which you have market knowledge and a discerning eye. All this may lead you to seek the advice of an art professional. Collecting should be fun but if you are also intending it as an investment, caution should be exercised.

So how do I go about it myself? My budget is limited so the question I ask before adding to my modest collection is always the same. Can I

business

finance

imagine having the piece hanging on my wall for many years to come? A year ago, I was passing the rather excellent Gibraltar Art Gallery and there was a piece in the window that simply had my name on it (not literally of course) or, to be more accurate, my partner’s name. Sure enough, after a couple of days’ deliberation we decided we just had to have it and soon another picture was hanging on our walls. So why did we do it?

Was it because it might be worth considerably more in years to come? No. We bought it because we liked the piece and, as the Gibraltarian artist who painted it knows very well, we have since come to love it.

That’s not to say that amateurs cannot be lucky. Two decades ago at a Fuengirola rastro (or street market), I bought a piece from a struggling artist who has since gone on to find critical acclaim and commercial success. The piece that I purchased for hardly any money — my weekly grocery bill cost more — is today worth the price of a small car. But am I likely to sell it? No fear.

It’s part of the family now. Although it could be described as a ‘marmite’ work — you either love it or hate it — everyone who visits us comments on it and we can’t imagine being without it.

So when acquiring art perhaps the first consideration should be “why”? If it’s to enjoy and hang on the wall, then forget the idea of selling it for a quick profit. If on the other hand, one imagines that a particular artist is going to sell very well in the future then acquiring one or more pieces early on in their career is likely to be a good move.

The second consideration should be where to put it. Storage might be the only option but I would always say “on display” for people to

enjoy. And if not just for you and any visitors to your house, then you could consider reaching a wider audience in a gallery or on loan to a private or public collection. The latter may of course also help to enhance the provenance and value of the work as well as the reputation of the artist, however you should be careful to ensure that your ownership is watertight before undertaking such a move. Insurance is equally important. Protection from fire or any other catastrophic event is of course necessary, but so is the security risk.

There are also ways to get involved in the art market without necessarily buying the pieces themselves. In the same way that one can get invest in the gold market without purchasing “physical” metal, there are several specialist funds that invest in art. An individual investor is in fact buying into the fund which is itself undertaking the art purchase. I have even come across funds that allow investors to temporarily ‘borrow’ pieces from the fund. It’s obviously not the same as owning the piece outright but, like car clubs, it may give you an opportunity to enjoy something that would usually be beyond your budget and which you can change when the mood takes you.

So is art a sensible investment to consider in uncertain times? As regular readers will know

I can only express my personal opinion. Under the right circumstances, art is well worth considering as an alternative asset class, particularly for large investment portfolios. Exposure to the art market may also provide useful diversification.

As an art enthusiast, I’ve always felt that art can teach you so much about the world – a bit like the stamp collecting of my childhood.

Owning a piece — any piece — can be a joy in itself. Acquire something you like; if the value increases over time, so much the better. If you are like me you will simply grow to love the pieces and never want to part with them, so the investment side becomes less critical.

A wealthy Hong Kong-based friend is a passionate collector. Even with more than one home, he has run out of space to house his collection. Once I asked, “why not dispose of some pieces?” His withering look by way of reply taught me that even sophisticated connoisseurs get to love their art. There is something out there for everyone on the art scene; I encourage you to take a closer look. n

There are also ways to get involved in the art market without necessarily buying the pieces themselves

ISOLAS - CityWealth Gibraltar Law firm of Year The Citywealth International Financial Centre Awards were established to highlight the excellence of the advisors and managers in the private wealth sector in the major international financial centres.

These awards were judged by an international panel of highly respected practitioners from all sectors with experience of working with advisors in all the jurisdictions covered. The winners are those judged to have excelled in achievement, innovation, expertise and service.

The winners were announced at a dinner on 24th January 2013 at the London Landmark Hotel, hosted by the Rt Hon Michael Portillo.

The award was presented to ISOLAS by Daniel Martineau, Executive Chairman of Summit Trust International.

On collecting the award, Peter Isola, Senior Partner at the firm, expressed his delight at the award and explained how ”awards are all about team work and serve to remind us of the importance of investing time and resource in getting the message out that Gibraltar is open for business, and more importantly that we are good at what we do. The award recognises this effort from members of the ISOLAS team and the need to continue to make people aware of the products and services that Gibraltar has to offer. In this respect I am pleased to note the significant efforts of the Minister for Financial Services, Hon. Gilbert Licudi as well as the recent appointments of Paul Astengo and Mike Ashton as two additional Finance Centre representatives who are tasked with promoting Gibraltar’s insurance and private client offering abroad. I have no doubt that these further resources will reap positive benefits for Gibraltar PLC.” n

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

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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.

NatWest senior appointment to lead bank in Gibraltar

Email: gibmag@gibraltar.gi Tel: 200 77748

NatWest in Gibraltar has appointed David Bruce as its new Regional Director.

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David has more than 20 years’ experience in the corporate banking sector with NatWest’s parent organisation, RBS Group in the UK, and most recently at RBS International. His previous post was Senior Relationship Director at RBS International in Guernsey where his clients included large private equity funds in the financial institutions sector.

Before moving to Guernsey, David spent several years in the Large Corporate sector at RBS’s corporate office in Yorkshire.

Graeme Smith, Director of Corporate Banking, RBS International added: “His wide ranging banking experience and particularly his close working relationship with corporate firms including financial institution clients, makes David the ideal candidate to take the helm in Gibraltar.”

David Bruce commented: “I am delighted to have been appointed as Regional Director, notably in the 25th year of the Bank’s presence in Gibraltar. I am looking forward to developing our business in Gibraltar and working with the bank’s long established, experienced teams in delivering high quality client service to both local resident customers and the corporate sector.”

David is married with four children and his family is in the course of relocating to Gibraltar. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

finance

business

Finance Centre Department exhibits at FONDS 13 in Zurich Gilbert Licudi QC, Minister with responsibility for Financial Services attended the FONDS 13 conference and exhibition in Zurich in February, in support of the Gibraltar Funds and Investments Association (GFIA) who, together with the Finance Centre Department, exhibited at the conference. Six individual member firms of GFIA supported the joint initiative.

This conference on funds and asset management built upon the Invest 12 funds forum in Geneva last year and Gibraltar presented its case as a domicile for funds and for the establishment of asset management operations — within the European Union and within relevant upcoming EU legislation such as the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFM) which is due to be transposed by

member states by July 2013.

Speaking at the event, Mr Licudi emphasised Gibraltar’s EU status and our access to the single market.

He also stressed “Gibraltar is well on course for th transposition of AIFM and we are determined to hone our funds product range still further so as to become even more attractive for Swiss asset managers to consider using Gibraltar in various ways.”

Swiss asset managers are under pressure because of an increase in the degree of regulation they will be experiencing. Gibraltar’s regulatory regime is no less strict but it affords rights to passport throughout Europe; a benefit the Swiss regime doesn’t have.

James Tipping, Finance Centre Director, attended the conference and held meetings with fund managers who wished to know more about Gibraltar. n

CIMCO’s G20 Absolute Return Fund shortlisted for “Best Global Macro Fund” Gibraltar based CIMCO Partners is proud to announce that its G20 Absolute Return Fund, which has returned a total of 89.8% from its launch in January, 2009 through to 31st January 2013, has been recently shortlisted for the “Best Global Macro Fund”.

S&P Capital IQ in partnership with New Legacy Group will present the first annual “Global Emerging Manager Awards” where the winners for each award will be announced and presented on 18th March, 2013 at the Waldorf Astoria in

New York City.

This is of significance to both CIMCO Partners and Gibraltar, as the nomination by the US based selection panel is not only related to performance but to those funds which have distinguished themselves among their peers in the areas of best practice processes, business building and fund performance.

As such this reflects positively on CIMCO Partners, its Gibraltar service providers, Grant Thornton, Credit Suisse, Deloittes, Hassans and on Gibraltar as a Finance Centre.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

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business

finance

Paul Wharton with Gigi Sene

Women in Business Report Aspiring female entrepreneurs can achieve business success, increase their personal wealth and have a wider impact on the economy through better opportunities and greater access to information, funding and support, a new report from Barclays has revealed.

Whilst we are now seeing more professional women in senior roles in Gibraltar I think that it is fair to say that we still don’t see enough women running their own businesses.

I took this opportunity to speak with Gigi Sene at The Beacon Press, to see how the findings of the report — Unlocking the Female Economy: The Path to Entrepreneurial Success published by Barclays Wealth & Investment — ties in with her experiences and her approach to business.

Gigi started up her own business in 1986 and has seen the business grow “organically” as she describes it.

Starting out in a small office space with a desk, chair and telephone, she began importing Gibraltar souvenirs from the Far

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East, before she got in touch with a printer in England and commissioned work for them.

She delved into the stationery business after requests from clients, and found a niche in the market for herself. Gigi’s brother, Alfred Vasquez, joined the business 12 years ago and the expansions continued. The business now comprises a retail shop, an office, three warehouses, three vans and 15 members of staff.

Gigi said: “It has not been plain sailing and it is very hard work, but I can say I am pretty satisfied now that I have a well run and well

organised business.

“The growth has been slow and steady, and I say it has grown organically because I have only expanded when I’ve needed to rather than because I could.

“Over the years we have had to learn how to cope with competition and had to find a niche in the market — our motto is quality and service.”

The year ahead looks to be an exciting year for Gigi, Alfred and staff at The Beacon Press as they are looking to expand on the office furniture side of things, as well as launch a new fully interactive

The report reveals that women and men have different attitudes towards risk taking and financial decision making

website so that clients can purchase online.

Returning to the research report, it states that women may be better rewarded in a more entrepreneurial environment, which is more market driven, rather than having to negotiate pay in a traditional job.

The report reveals that women and men have different attitudes towards risk taking and financial decision making and that women are less likely than their male counterparts to pursue high risk strategies in their investments. The report goes on to say that an aversion to risk may mean that female business owners miss opportunities or lose out to competitors.

Another part of the report that I found interesting was in relation to failure and setbacks in business endeavours. The report describes

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

finance a fundamental difference in the attitude of men and women towards failure. As many entrepreneurs know, embracing and learning from failure can be a vital learning tool when setting up a new venture.

However this research shows female business owners tend to value past failures less than their male counterparts.

So maybe the winning formula for success in business is to have an equal balance of men and women, just a thought.

Having read the report, Gigi tends to agree with the bulk of the findings.

Gigi tells me: “I agree with most of what is said, however I must add I have personally learnt from my mistakes going forward as I feel this is an important quality for a successful business.

“I think women in enterprise will take a more cautious approach.

Women definitely have a role to play in business but equally there is a different mindset from the way a man runs a business, in my opinion.”

In addition to the many well established businesses owned and run by women in Gibraltar, there are more businesses cropping up, many which stem from hobbies,

such as the craft businesses advertised on Facebook.

Marta Hertmanowska, local Business Manager at Barclays in Gibraltar, who works closely with small and medium businesses here, has seen her clients expand to those industries.

She said: “Women are turning their passions into profitable business ventures. I am being approached by more and more women launching their own companies, and you can see that they are passionate about their business ideas.

“Although the majority of my clients are men, I am increasingly finding that women play an integral role in the business.

“When it comes to female entrepreneurs, I have noticed they are keen to embrace change and

business

understand their limitations within the business, and tend to have more of a central role.”

In order to provide better support for female entrepreneurs, the report calls for a toolkit to be developed to help them. Access to information, finance and networking opportunities are outlined as key tools required to increase the chances of success, with budding female entrepreneurs urged to explore a wider net of new and innovative funding methods, such as angel investors, as well as taking advantage of networks and business mentors.

Gigi, a member of the Gibraltar Business Network and the Gibraltar Federation for Small Businesses, has found both associations have helped her to network and liaise with other business owners in Gibraltar.

Keeping in mind that women have significant purchasing power and often manage the household financial spending decisions, it is good to see women taking control of their personal finances as well as starting their own businesses.

Echoing the thoughts of BarbaraAnn King, who heads the female client focus at Barclays Wealth & Investment Management and contributed to the report, the failure to provide the necessary tools, information and support to women in business could mean that thousands of great business ideas may never become a reality.

There is a real opportunity here for women in particular to contribute to the economy, but more needs to be done to ensure they are provided with the necessary toolkit for success. n

In addition to the many well established businesses owned and run by women in Gibraltar, there are more businesses cropping up, many which stem from hobbies

Paul Wharton is writing in his own capacity and none of the above is intended to express the views or opinions of Barclays Bank PLC.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

Paul Wharton is Head of Corporate Banking at Barclays Wealth & Investment Management 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.

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legal

careers

Nicki Walker

A Study in Progress Last month Hassans law firm announced that long-time employee, Nicki Walker, had become the first Legal Executive to go through the gruelling study needed to become a qualified UK Solicitor. Quite a feat whien you consider that Nicki was working full-time at Hassans throughout her study. We spoke to Nicki about her inspirational dedication to progressing her career.

Can you give us a little background on yourself? How did you come to Gibraltar how did you join Hassans all those years ago?

I came to Gibraltar aged 13 for about a year (changed secondary schools four times so God only knows how I passed all my exams but I did!) and returned aged 16, at which time I started work as a hotel receptionist (at the Bristol Hotel).

I had various different jobs after that includ-

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ing working in the offices at Marks & Spencer and Safeways and I even worked in a travel agency.

I left Gibraltar a couple of times... worked for a season in Menorca as a holiday rep and in the UK at a hospital (fracture and orthopaedic clinic). I then went back-packing one summer to Corfu and worked first as a nanny and then did bar work.

At the end of the summer I returned to Gibraltar and wondered what on earth I was going to do with my life. I had heard about a legal

secretarial course that being was run at John Mackintosh Hall and thought it sounded like a “good idea” and signed up.

In the meantime I got a job at NatWest, first as a switchboard operator and then as a secretary.

But before long I was getting the “job itch” again and applied for and was offered a job as a legal secretary at Hassans. That was 23 years ago.

After a few years “job itch” kicked in again, I felt like I could do more and that’s when I enrolled for the Legal Executive course at the College. Six long years later I qualified. However,

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

careers after two years I again felt there was more that I wanted to do and achieve in life. I approached Hassans and asked whether they would be willing to sponsor me to qualify as a solicitor and, thankfully, they said yes!

As the first and only Legal Executive in Gibraltar to have qualified as a UK Solicitor you must be immensely proud Nicki. How long have you been studying for this qualification and how many hours a week have you dedicated to it?

It has taken me four years to qualify as a solicitor (whilst working full-time). I did a Graduate Diploma in Law through Nottingham Trent University which entailed travelling to Nottingham eight times over the two year period to attend weekend courses there.

I then undertook the Legal Practice Course through the College of Law at Bloomsbury in London which took two years, with 29 trips to London in that time! I travelled once or twice a month, leaving on a Friday, attending the course on Saturday and Sunday and flying back on Monday morning (at stupid o clock!).

I then undertook the Professional Skills Course (PSC) (core subjects only) last November at the College of Law in Moorgate (11 days).

As a Legal Executive I am exempted from undertaking the two year training contract usually required to qualify as a solicitor and also exempted from undertaking the elective subjects of the PSC. I spent approximately 20 hours per week studying, mainly on the weekends as my job is

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

legal

very demanding and sometimes evenings were out of the question, plus I was very tired after working all day. I studied on bank holidays, Jewish holidays and even took annual leave to study.

I don’t think I had one day where I didn’t open a book or write some notes and it was certainly always on my mind!

Do you think this route offers a genuine alternative to university for those in a similar situation to yourself?

What do you think is the key to your dedication and ability to hold down a full time role while studying for so many years?

Tell us about Nicki outside work, have you found time for hobbies during your studying?

Yes it does indeed. I didn’t have the opportunity to go to university, it was far too expensive, as it is today of course, but back then, grants were not available.

I love the gym and try to go at least four I am very organised, focused and when I say times a week. As well as working out in the I will do something I never give up. gym, I like doing various classes to mix it up a bit such as spinning, aerobics and pilates. It What format did your course take and is keeps me sane, healthy and is a great way to it possible for others in Gibraltar to follow socialis. I’ve met many of my very good friends your lead? through the gym.

It’s just as well I do love the gym because I The courses that I attended were held on also like eating and I certainly made the most of any free time during the many trips to London weekends. Absolutely, others can follow. by doing a culinary tour and trying out as many different restaurants as possible.

I don’t think I had one day where I didn’t open a book or write some notes and it was certainly always on my mind!

And for the future, now you have finished studying for the time being, what is the next step/ambition, in your career and personal life?

No more exams that’s for sure, I just want to progress in my career and, outside of work, enjoy life and catch up on lost time! n

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update

insurance

Managing Director Geoff Trew welcomes Alan Montegriffo outside the Ocean Village office

Alan Montegriffo joins Sovereign Insurance Services Gibraltar-based Sovereign Insurance Services has marked the beginning of the New Year by expanding its business in Ocean Village. The company has acquired the general insurance book of Eurolinx Limited and as a result, well-known local insurance personality Alan Montegriffo has joined the expanding team.

Commenting on the acquisition, Sovereign Insurance Services Managing Director Geoff Trew said that although organic growth was positive, the Eurolinx general insurance book would allow the business to grow exponentially over the coming year. He added that the company is delighted that Mr Montegriffo is joining the team. Neil Entwistle has also recently joined the company, and he will concentrate on working with the Sovereign Group offices world-wide to generate international insurance business opportunities for their Gibraltar, London and international insurance markets.

Sovereign Insurance Services is a subsidiary of the Sovereign Group whose global Head Office is located in Main Street. Now boasting a total staff of almost 80 locally, Sovereign has offices in a further 23 locations worldwide.

Group Finance Director Gerry Kelly, himself based in Gibraltar, welcomed the acquisition adding that Sovereign Group remains interested in any further suitable opportunities, both locally and abroad. He commented that two further deals were being considered at present.

Sovereign Insurance Services is a fully licensed insurance broking intermediary and is based at new state of the art premises at Ocean Village’s Promenade. They arrange all types of Insurance cover for both personal and corporate clients worldwide where coverages include such specialist lines as healthcare, construction, corporate liability, contingency and kidnap & ransom. Benefitting from their location at the Ocean Village marina, a full range of marine and aviation based insurance services are also available. n

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

gaming

business

Words | Sue Rossiter, Director of Policy and Projects, Remote Gambling Association & Simon Trussler, Director, Economics & Regulation, KPMG LLP

The merits of a gross profits tax on online betting compared to a turnover tax There have been efforts in recent years, by governments and regulators in numerous jurisdictions, to better understand the merits of taxes levied on stakes compared to taxes on gross gaming revenues (i.e. stakes multiplied by one minus the prize payout ratio) or gross profits.

Reports commissioned from KPMG by the Remote Gambling Association consider this issue from an economic standpoint. It finds strong evidence that a switch to a gross profits tax on online gambling could boost stakes, recover consumers who have been betting with competing offshore operators subject to more favourable taxation regimes, increase the tax base and, depending on the tax rate, potentially increase tax revenues.

Turnover taxes inflate prices and reduce the tax base For the customer, the price of any gambling activity is the percentage amount he must expect on average to lose. The expected loss of the customer is the inverse of the price payout ratio — the proportion of stake money that is returned to the gambler in prizes.

The higher the prize payout ratio, the lower the expected cost to the customer of making a bet.

The key difference between a tax on stakes — which is common-

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

ly called a ‘turnover tax’ — and a gross profits tax is that that a turnover tax will tend to lead to a reduction in the prize payout ratio (that is, an increase in price). A tax

on gross profits will usually not.

The logic behind this finding is relatively simple (although is supported by detailed economic analysis in the KPMG report).

eGaming News KPMG are to hold the third annual eGaming Summit in Gibraltar on Thursday 11th April 2013 at the Caleta Hotel, where once again they will bring the sector’s major stakeholders and service providers together to discuss the jurisdiction’s potential in the global marketplace and wider trends for the eGaming Industry as a whole. For more information on this event, please contact Abby Kimber abbykimber@kpmg.gi.

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business

gaming

A broader tax base under a gross profits tax leads to higher tax revenues The KPMG economic analysis goes on to show that a gross profits tax is always capable of raising more tax revenues from individual firms than a turnover tax and that it can be expected that there will be at least as many active firms under a gross profits tax as under a turnover tax regime.

It follows from these two propositions that it should always be possible to raise more tax revenues from a gross profits tax than from a turnover tax.

This should not be surprising.

The consequence of a turnover tax leading to higher prices and lower stakes than a tax on gross profits is that the taxable base is higher under a gross profits tax regime. The KPMG analysis confirms that this larger tax base can be expected to result in higher total tax revenues as a result.

evidence of their willingness and ability to do so is well recorded.

The risk of customers switching to offshore providers is minimal with a gross profits tax unless the respective rates are so different that it impacts on pricing and competitiveness more generally. This is because there is no incentive for gambling providers to increase their prices when a gross profits tax is imposed.

Because a turnover tax will result in higher prices, there is the incentive for gamblers to seek better odds by gambling with offshore providers who are subject to a markedly lower tax burden and can, as a consequence, offer better odds. The higher the turnover tax, the greater this switching will be.

As technology continues to improve, becomes cheaper, and is more accepted as a part of day-today life, an increasing proportion of the betting population in any jurisdiction will have internet access, adopt broadband, and own mobile internet devices.

This steadily rising internet penetration will make it easier and easier for an increasing number of people to bet online. And this will, in turn, make it easier for an ever larger proportion of customers to switch to offshore gambling providers in the face of any (tax driven) price increase for betting.

Some measures are available to governments to prevent this but the evidence is that they can have only a limited effect.

This will, given any cross-border price differentials driven by turnover taxes, further erode the taxable base and drive an ever greater wedge between potential tax revenues from a turnover and gross profits tax.

The availability of offshore providers drives a bigger wedge between turnover and gross profits taxes Until relatively recently, there was little risk of gamblers switching to alternative providers paying less tax and, as a consequence, offering lower prices. However, the advent of the internet has changed all that. If customers do not find the products and prices they require in the locally regulated online market they are able to access alternate products from operators in the offshore market. The

The right rate will depend on specific market conditions The optimal gross profits tax rate will inevitably vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction depending on the specific factors in each market.

This reflects variations across countries in the ability and willingness of customers to switch to duty-avoiding alternatives, how strongly duty-avoiding gambling is policed, the penalty (if any) when people are caught breaking the law, and so on.

It is, therefore, not surprising that many countries have not only

for total stakes to be the same with and without the tax. The only difference is that a gross profits tax apportions the profits that accrue between gambling operators and the government, whilst without the tax the gambling operators keep all of the tax.

There is, of course, a limit to how high a gross profits tax rate can be set. It needs to leave enough of a margin for firms to cover their fixed costs and for them to be able to compete effectively with operators based in other (lower tax) jurisdictions. If it does not, firms will exit the market, supply will be restricted, sales will fall and prices will increase (to allow the remaining firms to cover their fixed costs).

Simon Trussler, Director, Economics & Regulation, KPMG LLP

The burden of a turnover tax, a tax on stakes, is on the company.

For every Euro bet placed, the gambling provider has to hand over a certain number of cents to the tax authority. In that sense, it is no different to any other marginal cost of providing the service.

And like any other cost, the company has to recover them and achieve a margin to make a suitable contribution to its fixed costs.

What this means is that one would always expect price to be higher with a turnover tax than without the tax.

But the prize-payout ratio might not increase by the full amount of the tax. This is because usually when a company’s costs rise, it seeks to balance two things. First, it tries to preserve margins by increasing prices (in this case, reducing the prize-payout ratio). But higher prices generally results in lower sales. So, the second part of the balancing act is to absorb some of the tax in the form of lower margins in bid to maintain sales volumes (in this case, stakes) and market share.

One of the key relationships in striking this balance is how responsive sales are to price changes. In economic terminology, this is known as the ‘price elasticity of demand’. The higher the price elasticity of demand for gambling the more likely it is that any in-

20

crease in the price of gambling that results from the imposition of a turnover tax will lead to a reduction in sales.

The result is that we can expect a turnover tax to be borne in part by the gambling operator and in part by the firm’s remaining customers.

Therefore, when a turnover tax is introduced, a gambling provider will, as with any cost, try to recoup it by putting up prices i.e. worse odds or finding some other way to pass on at least some of the cost to the customer. Higher prices mean lower sales. And the more sensitive sales are to prices — the higher the price elasticity of demand for gambling — the more sales will be damaged by the imposition of any turnover tax.

Gross profits tax should leave prices and sales untouched In contrast, a gross profits tax does not in any way change the gambling operator’s profit maximising decision. The operator will set the same odds as in the absence of the tax in order to maximise its profits. But after the operator has set prices to maximise total profits, the government appropriates some of it by levying the tax.

The result is that one would always expect the prize-payout ratio to be the same with a gross profits tax as without it and consequently

It follows from these two propositions that it should always be possible to raise more tax revenues from a gross profits tax than from a turnover tax GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

gaming adopted gross profits taxes on online gambling, but different countries have set different rates.

For example, Denmark established a licensed regime for online gambling with a 20 per cent gross profits tax and Spain introduced a 25 per cent gross profits tax as part of their reform of online gambling.

It is too early to assess whether these rates are the right ones, but the key point is that they have accepted the principle that GPT is better than a turnover tax.

Greece, on the other hand, changed a recent proposal to implement a 5 per cent turnover tax to, instead, introduce a 30 per cent gross profits tax. It should be noted in this case, however, that although the gross profit tax regime has been welcomed by operators, both analysts and operators have severe reservations about the viability of the 30 per cent rate.

The Hungarian government has proposed a gross profits tax of 20 per cent for licensed operators. However, alongside the tax

business

proposals, the government is also proposing that operators pay a concession fee of HUF 100 million (£300,000) for each type of game they offer in order to gain a five year licence. The RGA’s members have stated publicly that this combination of the proposed tax rate with the market entry fee will make Hungary unattractive and is likely to deter many operators from entering the market.

France has bucked this trend.

In 2010, it imposed a 7.5 per cent (plus an additional 1 per cent sports levy) turnover tax on online sports betting. As a result, French gamblers continued to bet offshore and revenue was less than expected by the authorities. In late 2011, the French regulator, ARJEL, recommended that the turnover tax be replaced with a gross profits tax to maximize the level of online sports betting within the locally regulated market. This is yet to be implemented and throughout 2012, sports based betting has continued to decline. n

Because a turnover tax will result in higher prices, there is the incentive for gamblers to seek better odds by gambling with offshore providers

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

Sue Rossiter, Director of Policy and Projects, Remote Gambling Association

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business

update

Anti-Bribery & Corruption Risk:

where do the risks lie? words | Clark Elder, Risk & Compliance, KPMG

The regulatory landscape has changed regarding the way governments are viewing bribery and corruption.

Enforcement of global anti-corruption measures remains at an all-time high, and organisations worldwide continue to face hurdles when addressing compliance and trying to change cultural norms in the markets that they operate in.

In 2010, the UK enacted its Bribery Act, which signalled a new frontier in the war against corruption. It is said to be the toughest anti-corruption law in the world. We continue to see proactive enforcement sweeps by the Ministry of Justice and the Serious Fraud Office.

With this heightened attention to bribery and corruption, companies need to understand the regulatory framework wherever they operate, especially when they consider evolving business initiatives in emerging markets. This has proven true, with the recent press releases on doing business in Indonesia. British companies are facing bribery demands in Indonesia, notably Rolls-Royce, which is currently under investigation by the Serious Fraud Office as reported

by The Times.

Closer to home, the enactment of the Gibraltar Crimes Act 2011 (commencement 23 Nov 2012) now makes it an offence under Part 24 of the

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Act to, give or receive a bribe, bribing a foreign public official and commercial organisations failing to prevent bribery.

For most of us mitigating the risks against the three offenses mentioned, would be relevantly straight forward, but when it comes to commercial organisations preventing bribery, what

Companies should design a third party Intermediary management strategy for accepting and managing their intermediaries in a consistent manner

should be the top priorities?

Anti-bribery and Corruption Priorities Multi-Jurisdictional companies should prioritise and focus on three key areas. Firstly, they should start by assessing their bribery and corruption risks to ensure they are implementing the most appropriate mitigation strategy. They should then align their compliance program with these risks.

Secondly, as companies reach into new markets, they may have to rely on third party intermediaries. Companies should design a third party Intermediary management strategy for accepting and managing their intermediaries in a consistent manner. In the US 90% of all cases brought under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) involved third party intermediaries.

And thirdly, a company needs to ensure it has the right technology and resources to be able to manage the big data challenges that are

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

update inherent in anti-bribery and corruption. Recent common trends in companies of all sizes have been the continuing emergence and growth of compliance and internal audit departments. Using technological solutions can greatly increase the effectiveness of compliance procedures and the company’s ability to manage risk.

Knowing your Intermediaries When it comes to identifying who your third party intermediaries are, the FCPA has provisions which cover virtually any agent of the company but the UK Bribery Act (UKBA) goes further and includes any person associated with the company. But some intermediaries are not so obvious, such travel agents, joint venture partners and even lawyers and accountants.

In today’s global market, it is sometimes essential to have intermediaries to assist in penetrating local markets, navigate local regulations and facilitate sales and distribution. Many countries even require it under law. The real challenge that companies are facing is how to assess and mitigate the risks that their intermediaries can create.

Mitigating risks created by your intermediaries starts before your accept them as your agent and importantly it continues throughout the life of the business relationship. Conducting riskbased due diligence can identify red flags before problems arise. Self-reported information from the intermediary should also be seriously evaluated and challenged via confirmation through corporate intelligence or other sources.

Companies must ensuring their agreements

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

include language that clearly states that the intermediary will comply with applicable anti-bribery and Corruption (ABC) laws, allow companies to inspect books and records to monitor compliance and termination rights if the intermediary violates these regulations.

Finally, it is critical for global companies to continue to monitor their intermediaries throughout the business relationship and to conduct diligence procedures to make sure that the ABC policies are being followed. It is not enough for companies to have good policies in place if they do not routinely assess compliance with them. Monitoring is an essential part of an adequate compliance programme.

business

We help clients transform their organisation no matter what their primary challenges or objectives — from improving performance, to optimising risk, to restructuring their operations or seizing new opportunities. n To discuss the creation of an effective ABC program or how KPMG Gibraltar can provide local support and expertise, please feel free to contact Clark Elder (Risk & Compliance Advisor) celder@kpmg.gi

Advisory Assistance KPMG is recognised as one of the leading professional services firms with vast business advisory experience both at regional and global level. KPMG can provide deep insights and expert opinions that help organisations to navigate the complexities of today’s changing marketplace.

It is not enough for companies to have good policies in place if they do not routinely assess compliance with them

Clark Elder, Risk & Compliance, KPMG Gibraltar

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business

HR issues

Is it good to contract out? words | Leah Carnegie, HR Dept

Q

I have a company in Gibraltar and business is growing; the problem is there is just too much business and not enough employees to get everything done. Unfortunately, the company is not in a position to hire new staff right now.

However, we do not want to lose any important customers. What should we do?

When facing a dilemma of whether to outsource some task, a project, a business process, or a role within an organisation, one of the first questions that comes to mind is what are the pros and cons of outsourcing?

Outsourcing services implies you will be getting the best services. Offering quality services that lead to customer satisfaction and that in turn lead to more sales which in turn increase the profits. Therefore your business will run efficiently. When the customers are satisfied, they will give you a positive feedback which will increase your credibility.

As you focus on the core activities of your growing company, you will also need to deal with your non-core functions efficiently. Outsourcing work is a tried-and-tested model and is recognised as a long term competitive strategy for success. Outsourcing helps you get the focus back on your core business and control costs at the same time. If you find yourself asking the following questions then outsourcing is for you: ● Are we working at optimum costs? ● Are my resources being utilised effectively? ● Are my current resources capable of supporting new technology? ● Is there a quicker, more effective method to

24

handle processes? ● Does my team have the operational expertise to do the task assigned?

There are a few pros and cons to outsourcing; however the pros outweigh the cons. Thus it is beneficial to outsource certain services to other companies. When you hear the word outsourcing, the first thing that comes to mind is how you can save costs. This is the first and the widely known merit of outsourcing. There are a few other pros and they include the following;

The Pros of Outsourcing

to hire the expertise they need. If work is being performed by someone who is an independent contractor, the company simply pays the amount agreed in the contract. No payroll tax or other deductions are taken, which means payment processing is streamlined. Another way outsourcing saves businesses money is that the employer does not have to provide benefits to outsourced workers. Benefit plans are paid for by employers as a way to attract and keep quality workers, but they are expensive. If some work can be outsourced, it cuts down on this expense, which means the business can operate more profitably

Saves Money Cost savings could be the biggest Gives Employers Flexibility When a business reason why businesses choose to look outside chooses to outsource some job responsibilities, the company has the flexibility to buy services only during the times they are needed. Contracts can be written to hire a contractor for a specific time, for a specific project only, or on as as-needed basis. The employer pays only for work performed, as opposed to paying a salary to an employee on a regular basis.

Outsourcing work is a tried-and-tested model and is recognised as a long term competitive strategy for success

Provides access to a Larger Pool of Workers During times when the job market is tight, outsourcing means companies have access to a

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

careers

business

The company simply pays the amount agreed in the contract.

No payroll tax or other deductions are taken, which means payment processing is streamlined larger pool of workers. If the business is open to having some functions performed off site, the organisation is not limited to considering local talent only.

Makes Compliance Easier An outsourcing company will also know all the ins and outs of their field. This will save time and trouble avoiding legal pitfalls.

Frees up Internal Resources Internal resources could be put to effective use for other purposes, another primary benefits of outsourcing.

The Cons of Outsourcing Risk of exposing confidential data When an organisation outsources, it involves a risk of exposing confidential company information to a third-party.

Synchronising the deliverables In case you do not choose the right business partner for outsourcing, some of the common problem areas include; stretched delivery time frames and sub-standard quality output. At times it is easier to regulate these factors inside an organisation than with an outsourced partner.

Lack of customer focus An outsourced vendor may be catering to the expertise-needs of multiple organisations at a time. In such situations vendors may lack complete focus on your organisation’s tasks and projects Some of the more common services that can be outsourced: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Human resource related services Information technology Customer support services Healthcare services Financial services Engineering services Design services Data entry services Research & analysis services Creative services

In a nutshell, the pros outweigh the cons hence outsourcing is advisable to companies which need to focus more on their core business. So delegate your non-core tasks to third parties. n One of the business support services offered by The HR Dept. is HR outsourcing. For useful free resources go to www.thehrdept.gi

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

The counter offer: what should you do

?

words | SRG Europe

Perhaps this has happened to you? You get a new job and when you go to give your notice to your current employer, they give you a counter offer. What do you do? While having your employer counter offer might be flattering is it necessarily the right decision to stay where you are?

Why do companies counter offer?

Looking into the motivations of why companies counter offer can help in making that final decision.

There are usually two main reasons that a company will counter offer.

A company will often realise the value of your contribution to the business or that you have a very specialised skills set that they know will be difficult to find and when presented with the possibility of losing you they will counter offer. If this is genuinely the case then it might still work out, but you have to factor in your needs as well. With this in

mind you need to ask yourself if this is the best decision for your career. While a pay rise and a promotion might sound great at the time, are you going to be on the path you want to be on in a year’s time. It might be that your current employer just can’t offer that.

The other main reason companies counter offer is out of desperation. You’ve put them in a tough spot and they can’t afford to lose anyone.

Usually when this happens nothing will change and you have to be careful because it can end up causing you more problems in the future.

Why accepting a counter offer may not be

25

business

careers

a good idea First off, accepting a counter offer very rarely works out in the end. People inevitably end up moving on to somewhere else. There are a few reasons that might better explain why that happens.

Accepting a counter offer can mark you as a risk to the company for the future. If the company is forced to make redundancies in the future you may find yourself first in line based on the knowledge that you were looking to leave before.

Keep in mind that the extra money in a counter offer doesn’t just appear from nowhere.

Companies need to rationalise expenditures and your higher wage may be taken into account at your next performance evaluation thus affecting any additional raise you might get.

With this in mind you might find that you see your responsibilities and workload increase in order to rationalise the pay rise.

Most importantly a counter offer can affect your work relations. If it gets out that you have been given a higher wage, this could very possibly resentment amongst colleagues and have an overall affect on office moral.

Companies need to be careful when considering the possibility of counter offering. You may find that other employees threaten to leave after they find out it worked with another employee.

whether it is expected or not is to evaluate it on its merit and not find yourself rationalising the higher pay.

People also tend to feel bad when they give their notice and having a counter offer put in front of you can make it even more difficult. The most important thing to remember is that you know what you want to get out of your career.

Even if you have been happily in your job for years once you’ve made the decision that it is

time to move on, you see things differently. If your current employer can’t give you what you need anymore then more than likely you have to move on. You shouldn’t feel bad about that.

At the end of it all, the decision is yours.

Know your goals, assess the best path for you and follow through. It sounds easy enough, but there are always bumps along the way. How you choose to handle those bumps are what will carves out your career. n

Is it a good idea to use an employment offer to coax a counter offer from your current employer?

The short answer is no.

Using another offer of employment can be viewed as a kind of ransom which your current company might not appreciate if they are desperate to keep you at the time. They may fold now, but then take the opportunity to replace you when they can afford to do so.

This course of action can also have the adverse affect of altering your employer/employee relationship forever ultimately resulting in a dysfunctional work relationship. You might find that leaving is inevitable, but without the new opportunity that you had before.

The key to dealing with a counter offer

Insurance Guide Achieves Recognition Book by Nigel Feetham, partner at Hassans International Law Firm, A Guide to Insurance: Combining Governance, Compliance and Regulation which was published in January 2012 and includes a contributory chapter by Robin Amos on Own Risk and Solvency Assessment, is achieving recognition.

The locally authored book now forms part of the recommended reading list of the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) course Insurance Corporate Management (990, 2013 syllabus). The CII is the world’s leading professional organisation for insurance and financial services, based in London.

Nigel Feetham said, “The international regulatory landscape is changing, with regulators

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around the world having increased expectations as far as governance is concerned. Indeed, it is no longer customary to speak of market standards of governance when looking at the standards which should be aimed at, but of raising standards on the basis that prevailing standards are not as high as they should be. The book’s publication in January 2012 was timely in this regard and underpins that changing landscape.”

An extended second edition is planned for release in 2014. n Mr Feetham is Visiting Professor of Nottingham Law School, Nottingham Trent University. He is also coauthor of “Protected Cell Companies: a guide to their implementation and use” — the leading reference work on protected cell companies.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

Yacht Scene 2013

Order your copy now!

Order Yacht Scene Sailors’ Guide: £5.00 + p&p (£8.00 total)

Please send a cheque made payable to Yacht Scene to

Yacht Scene Sailors’ Guide, PO Box 555, Gibraltar

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

27

histpry

files

Detail from Lady Alice Mary Kerr’s Portrait of Wilfrid Scawen Blunt, c.1870

words | Reg Reynolds

Blunt’s Gibraltar Poem Wilfrid Scawen Blunt, poet, traveller and diplomat, was often critical of British imperialism, particularly in the Middle East and Ireland, but during an extended holiday on the Rock he was inspired to pen a most patriotic sonnet Gibraltar. was recovering from an operation. ing in the surThe couple owned three Arabian rounding counhorses and they brought them tryside.

In her book, along so that they could go ridA Pilgrimage of Passion: The Life of Wilfrid Scawen Blunt, Elizabeth Longford quotes Gibraltar Lady Anne as declaring: “I do Seven weeks of sea, and twice seven days of storm t h i n k t h e re i s Upon the huge Atlantic, and once more nothing in the world like a good We ride into still water and the calm gallop.”

Of a sweet evening, screen’d by either shore Longford also writes that for Of Spain and Barbary. Our toils are o’er, Lady Anne: “The Gibraltar holiOur exile is accomplish’d. Once again day was a splendid whirl of theatWe look on Europe, mistress as of yore ricals, hunting and steeplechases.

She stuck the play-bills and race Of the fair earth and of the hearts of men. cards into her diary” and made Ay, this is the famed rock which Hercules little notations such as “Marabout And Goth and Moor bequeath’d us. At this door - W.S. Blunt up. Yellowboy - Lady England stands sentry. God! to hear the shrill Anne Blunt up”.

But it seems, W.S. Blunt, an adSweet treble of her fifes upon the breeze, mitted serial philanderer, mountAnd at the summons of the rock gun’s roar ed more than Marabout. While in To see her red coats marching from the hill!

Gibraltar he met and flirted with a

22-year-old Mrs Thurlow, 14 years his junior, and they became lovers, “by accident more than romance” he claimed. On one occasion he took Mrs. Thurlow to Seville Cathedral where he was chastised by the beadle (lay official) for having his arm around her waist. He excused himself by claiming that she was his fiancée.

The affair with Mrs Thurlow eventually faded away, and although W.S. would stray frequently, he and Lady Anne stayed together and travelled extensively through Spain, Algeria, Egypt, the Syrian Desert and India. They purchased pure-blooded Arabian horses and in 1878 co-founded Crabbet Arabian Stud (still in operation today), on their grand estate (18 in-house servants alone) in Sussex. Later they purchased a 32-acre property, Sheykh Obed, near Cairo for their horse breeding operation in Egypt.

In 1882 W.S. championed the cause of Egyptian nationalism, which led him to being banned from entering Egypt for four years.

Generally he opposed British imperialism as a matter of philosophy, and his support for Irish causes led to his imprisonment in 1888. W.S. believed in Home Rule for Ireland but he didn’t decide to get personally involved until 9th September, 1887 when police fired on a crowd at Mitchelstown, County Cork, killing two people.

“I have so often resolved to wait for the first blood,” he declared,

Blunt’s holiday in Gibraltar, which lasted from January to April 1877, was intended as a treat for his wife Lady Anne Blunt, who

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Today 90% of all Arabian horses in the world have Crabbet bloodline. Inset: Basilisk, one of the founding horses of the bloodline

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

files “and now it has been shed”.

W.S. and several of his Home Rule Union colleagues crossed over to Ireland and toured the country giving inflammatory speeches. He was arrested and served two months in prison in brutal conditions.

Considering these events it is not surprising that Gibraltar was to be Blunt’s only ‘imperial’ sonnet.

In his book Dante Gabriel Rossetti and the Late Victorian Sonnet Sequence John Holmes reviews Gibraltar. He explains how in the poem “Blunt’s perspective on Britain’s role in the world is unequivocally positive.” Holmes remarks at Blunt’s “rush of pride” at seeing the marching red coats and hearing the military band. He adds his belief that the use of ‘mistress’ suggests ‘regal benevolence’ and ‘sentry’ as ‘protection’.

The great and admired dame of high society, Lady Desborough, chose Gibraltar as her “most beloved” verse.

W.S. Blunt was born 17th August, 1840 at Petworth House, Sussex. He was raised a Catholic

history

and educated at Twyford School, Stonyhurst, and at St. Mary’s College, Oscott. He served in the Diplomatic Service from 1858 to 1869 and besides poetry wrote political essays and polemics.

In 1869 he married Lady Anne Noel, the daughter of the Earl of Lovelace and granddaughter of Lord Byron. During the marriage Lady Anne suffered several miscarriages and the couple had only one surviving child — Judith, born on 6th February, 1873. She would go on to marry the Earl of Lytton and become Judith Anne Dorothea Blunt-Lytton, 16th Baroness Wentworth.

Lady Anne continued to co-run Crabbet until she and W.S. separated in 1906. Following a series of acrimonious legal wrangles Judith took control of Crabbet in (1920) and continued to run the stud farm until her death in 1957. Today 90% of all Arabian horses in the world have Crabbet bloodlines.

Lady Anne died in 1917 at Sheykh Obed, aged 80. W.S. died at Crabbet on 10th September, 1922. n

W.S. and several of his Home Rule Union colleagues crossed over to Ireland and toured the country giving inflammatory speeches. He was arrested and served two months in prison in brutal conditions

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

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property

file

Spring in the Property Air There is a hint of Spring in the air when it comes to the residential property market both in the UK and Gibraltar. Various UK bodies have recently published property related data, most of which signals the start of growth in the property market and hence perhaps now is a good to buy. Gibraltar usually follows the UK, albeit in Gibraltar we rely on anecdotal data.

According to the Council of Mortgage Lend- Repossessions fell from 37,300 in 2011 to 33,900 ers (CML), a UK body of banks, building societ- in 2012 — the lowest annual figure since 2007. ies and other lenders who together undertake The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, around 95% of all residential mortgage lending in their most recent UK housing survey pubin the UK, almost 140,000 buy-to-let mortgages were advanced in 2012, the highest level since 2008. Gross buy-to-let lending reached £16.4bn over the year, up 19% on 2011. CML director general Paul Smee commented “Buy-to-let is benefiting from strong tenant demand, which is likely to continue. The overall outlook for the buy-to-let sector is positive”.

Furthermore, the CML also reported a fall in the number of properties taken into possession by first-charge residential mortgage lenders.

Repossessions fell from 37,300 in 2011 to 33,900 in 2012 — the lowest annual figure since 2007

30

lished in February, said that the number of newly agreed sales is rising, with a net balance of 15% of their members stating that levels of residential property sales are up. RICS reports that transactions have now risen for four consecutive months. RICS director, Peter King, commented last month that “Along with other signs, this suggests that the very worst may be over for the market.”

According to the Office of National Statistics, house prices in the UK increased by 3.3% in the year to December 2012. The rise in property prices is up 2.2% from a 12 month window through to November 2012 last year. The yearon-year housing price increase reflected growth

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

file of 3.4% in England, 2.4% in Wales and 3.1% in Scotland, which were offset by a decline of 5.7% in Northern Ireland.

According to the Centre for Economic Business Research’s quarterly “ Housing Prospects” report published last month, house price growth in London between 2013 and 2018 is forecast to be 31 per cent. The CEBR forecasts that during the same period, house prices will rise by 25 per cent and 26 per cent in the South East and East of England, respectively. Growth in other regions is forecast to be lower but still positive.

Interestingly, the first public flotation on the London Stock Exchange this year was last month when UK housebuilder, Crest Nicholson, successfully returned to a full listing for the first time since 2007 (when it was taken private due to the financial crisis). The UK house building sector is in a buoyant mood.

Here in Gibraltar, demand has continued for additional properties at, we believe, the same rate as prior years yet there are no new open market residential apartment schemes being built, or even in the pipeline.

During the period 2006 – 2010 there were some 1,000 new apartments released into the Gibraltar open property market. Except for a handful of 3 and 4 bedroom apartments, the entirety of this new stock has now been sold

and occupied.

New companies are still moving into or being established in Gibraltar, predominantly (but not exclusively) in the gaming (including ancillary services to the gaming industry) and financial services sector. The main residential demand is for lower cost properties, simply because most companies are structured with a few senior management, more middle management and the majority of lower paid staff. Many employees cannot afford more than, say, £1,000 pcm rent, or £200,000 to buy. Most incoming employees will not buy immediately as their jobs do not necessarily have longevity or certainty and being new to Gibraltar, they often want to adopt a wait and see approach. Hence they tend to rent.

At Chesterton, we continue to face high demand for rental properties at the lower end of

The main residential demand is for lower cost properties, simply because most companies are structured with a few senior management, more middle management and the majority of lower paid staff

property

the price spectrum. However, as there has not been any reduction in rents at this end of the market as far we can tell over the last few years (probably the opposite), tenants have traditionally looked to Spain for accommodation which is much cheaper.

The incoming tenant’s preference is increasingly Gibraltar. We believe that this is partly because of the greater trust in the legal, tax and administrative framework of Gibraltar over Spain, as well as the lifestyle benefits. Put simply, tenants would prefer not to register as a resident in Spain as it is deemed too difficult or too expensive to comply with the obligations that such residence necessitates. Hence even current Gibraltar employees living in Spain are looking at opportunities to move into Gibraltar.

Stock levels are reducing in the rental sector in Gibraltar and this means greater returns for buy to let landlords, and an increase in the number of landlords as vendors decide to rent not sell.

Rental prices are hardening, and this normally precipitates property price growth, starting at the lower end of the price spectrum, and then moving up the value chain.

Is the above data firm evidence that a property recovery is on its way? No, because this is selected data. But hindsight may suggest that now was the time to buy. n

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

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

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property

interiors

The Wedding Gift List

You’ve got the venue, the guests and the caterers sorted, now it’s time to work on the wedding list — the perfect way to make it easier for guests to choose a useful and wanted gift.

A wedding list is a couple’s primary way of requesting gifts they need for their life together.

Even if the couple already has a home, they can still ask for items they would never purchase for themselves. But what items should be included?

Firstly consider the different rooms of the home one by one as this will help you to evaluate what is really needed.

The kitchen is probably the most common room in the home for which couples ask for items on their wedding lists. There are so many different appliances and accessories needed when preparing foods and beverages that the options are endless. Couples who are just starting out may request china, silverware, cookware and linens, such as dish towels and wash cloths.

Others may want to ask for appliances such as a coffeemaker, blender, toaster, hand mixer and food processor.

Couples who already live together probably have a reliable stock of dishwasher-safe, everyday crockery, but perhaps would like something a little smarter for special occasions. Choosing a new set of bone china is an investment for life, and while it’s probably not something to use daily, it is the chance to own something special.

Cutlery is also a good choice. There are canteens of cutlery for every possible occasion,

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from fine dining to barbecues and summer parties. Stainless steel designs look great in any setting, but something a little more distinctive and quirky would spruce up the table.

To round off newly found sophistication, crystal glasses are also an option. These can

be tradition and contemporary, with a range of fashionable options available. Alternatively, look out for coloured glassware, which can make a real statement when combined with white linens and china.

Bathrooms require a lot of different items

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

interiors for them to be fully functional. Wedding lists are a prime opportunity for couples to stock these rooms. Again, if already living together, mixtures of tastes and styles brought from your former lives often culminate in the bathroom, with odd towels mixed with modern mirrors and old-fashioned soap dishes. Luxurious items for the bathroom make welcome wedding gifts, such as Egyptian cotton towels, teak or bamboo bath mats, which will turn an ordinary bathroom into a comfortable spa refuge.

Many people add bedroom items to their wedding registries. Even if they already own a bedding set, they could use an upgrade or nicer items for their room. Sheets with a high thread count tend to make the list, as the higher the count, the more luxurious it feels to sleep on them. Other common bedroom accessories added to a wedding list include pillows, shams, blankets, lamps and bedspreads.

If you’re lucky enough to have a garden, trees, plants, garden furniture and accessories make great gifts. Choosing a set of lanterns, a hammock or patio set, all make great ideas too, creating an oasis outdoors.

Most modern couples enjoy having guests over often, which means they will need items for entertaining in the living area of the home.

Decorative accessories for the living room that are also list-appropriate include lamps, clocks, candles, wine racks, prints and mirrors. The right decor helps a couple turn their house into a home. Take these gifts a step further by purchasing pieces that are both decorative and useful, such as a decorative bowl which can hold fresh fruit and looks beautiful, or storage

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

property

Even if they already own a bedding set, they could perhaps use an upgrade or nicer items for their room trunks to hold family heirlooms and add to the atmosphere of traditional decor.

One shop in Gibraltar which offers a recommended Wedding List service is Denville’s, who create lists for you after a consultation.

The lists are sent to every guest and family

member, and are available online for guests to view on a personalized page. As and when the gifts are purchased, they are removed from the page. They also have a gift card option. For more information, contact Denville’s on 200 44012. n

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love &

romance

Pick a Palace.... it’s your wedding, and the venue is limited only by your budget and your imagination

3 Weddings...

home or away?

This time last year I and two girl friends were planning our weddings.

Though we range in ages from our 20s to 40s (26, 34 and 48) it was the first (and hopefully, only) wedding for us all. We are all familiar with the large traditional events here with upwards of 200 guests, but each of us found common ground in wanting a smaller, more intimate occasion.

34

For two of us the weddings were in Gibraltar, but the youngest decided to marry in palatial grandeur a flight away. The weddings in Gibraltar were quite different too. One wedding took place in a church with a Christian traditional ceremony conducted with the humour and solemnity of Rev. David Hoare, the other was a secular event in the Alameda Botanic Gardens Theatre conducted by Michael Cumming, the Registrar.

“Getting married in the beautiful setting of the theatre of the Alameda Gardens on a glorious day in June with a saxophonist playing was fabulous, but finding a caterer to do a threecourse sit down reception for 70 at the same venue was very difficult as they had to be able to work without a kitchen on site. Plus you have to find a company to provide the seating, tables, cutlery, lighting... the list is endless.

“I believe it was worth all the effort in the end, and we could have taken the easier route of tasking an events organiser with everything — something I would strongly advise anyone without a lot of time and/or determination to consider! Also it would have been simpler in retrospect to use one of the venues set up for receptions on the Rock such as one of the hotels or the stunning Top of the Rock. It is all down to personal taste. I loved the frog chorus after dark!”

The bride who opted for a traditional church service chose a local restaurant as a venue for the drinks and reception for 50 people but provided her own table centres, party poppers, disposable cameras etc to add a personal touch. Fiona of Sweet Things by Fi created the spectacular cake and the restaurant had a special licence to allow it to open a little later so a DJ could get everyone dancing.

Booking your favourite restaurant locally in this way is a great idea as you are likely to know the staff and feel comfortable with the service and food, as well as being familiar with the layout and decor you have to work with.

The only thing which limits you is the seating capacity if you are determined to have a sit down meal, so consider a barbecue or buffet — or it is back to the hotels or larger venues set up for such occasions.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

love &

romance

This photo and below: at one with nature in the Alameda Botanic Gardens open air theatre

Despite the single splendid venue for reception and wedding of bride number three, getting married abroad created its own problems and it can be difficult to arrange details like the flowers, a hairdresser etc without actually being there.

“Obviously I didn’t get chance to view flowers beforehand, I just sent pictures and hoped for the best. I wasn’t able to go for make-up or hair trials either and, on the day, the hairdresser I had booked couldn’t curl my hair with the appliances they had so I had to go to a different hairdresser at the last minute. We didn’t have a chance to go through the service or anything, and arranging all the paperwork was a nightmare as we got married there on the day so needed everything to be spot on by the time I arrived. It meant a lot of email correspondence with the registry.”

This bride also worried about the guests. “I stressed about everyone getting there. Also I hoped everyone would have a great time so that concerned me, as I obviously knew people were spending a lot of money to come over!”

The verdict from the bride on choosing a

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

Pull up a pew, the small and intimate King’s Chapel in Gibraltar

wedding abroad?

“The best bit was that the guests experienced a wedding unlike that of the ones in Gibraltar — knowing that none of the guests had seen this venue before was extra special. It also meant the guests who were invited and the ones who came were our closest friends and family, it was more of an intimate wedding with 80 guests which is what we wanted (although the guest list did start off being restricted to 50!),” she smiles.

Ironically, this and similar reasons are just why so many couples choose to travel to Gibraltar to get hitched each year.

In the end, everything went well for three very different Gibraltar weddings, and each bride said they wouldn’t change a thing. n Do you and your friends have interesting or unusual Gibraltar wedding stories? Let us know about them - gibmag@gibraltar.gi.

Have it your way... at one of our local restaurants

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romance

valentine’s

A bride attends a final fitting at the bridal shop

Fit for a Bride If there is one day of her life that a woman wants to looks especially fabulous it is her wedding day. On that one day she is the centre of attention and the photographs taken will last forever.

Yoga is a great exercise for brides as it teaches balance and breathing, while improving core strength and flexibility. You will need all of these things on the big day — not only will your wedding day be one of the happiest occa-

36

sions of your life, it will also be quite a marathon for most brides. It’s a long, tiring day, at the end of which you will be expected to get up and dance! Make sure you are prepared.

You may want to talk to a personal trainer and sign up for some weekly sessions at the gym to improve your overall physique — especially if you have chosen a dress style with exposed shoulders and arms.

Getting rid of that extra flab is also a benefit of training, and while it isn’t recommended that a bride diets like a jockey in preparation for the big day, eating healthily to improve your skin condition and overall glow, will almost certainly have the added benefit shifting

the excess.

Remember you are likely to lose a little additional weight in the last week or so before the big day simply due to stress, so don’t overdo any diets or you will just look tired and drawn for your nuptials.

If you are having a summer wedding, watch out for strap marks left by sun exposure. Not only will sun exposure make your skin look dry and aged, there is also no such thing as a healthy tan. The general advice is to stay out of the sun and go for a light professional selftanning cream or spray instead, that way you have control over the finished effect.

In short, go for health rather than quick fixes, and start action up to a year before the date.

Make sure you feel fabulous and look great on your wedding day, and it may have the knockon effect of making you want to keep up the healthy lifestyle long into your married life. n Tel: 200 44242 for an appointment with a personal trainer or yoga teacher and get started now.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

The Venue with a View If it is the wow factor you are looking for on your wedding day then the Mons Calpe Suite is the only venue for you. Perched 412m at the very Top of the Rock, the Mons Calpe Suite is the most spectacular and unique venue in Gibraltar.

Located within the Cable Car Top Station complex (transport via the Cable Car), the exclusive Mons Calpe Suite offers 220° views over the Rock and surrounding area.

The Mons Calpe Suite’s experienced and helpful team (Gino Bossino, Top Station Manager, is an active member of the Savoy Society & HBS Executive Education Association) can help arrange all the details for your perfect Gibraltar wedding. The team’s professionalism, commitment to excellence and eye for detail is apparent in their enthusiastic approach to arranging each and every event.

Gino works closely with top local chef Vicky Bishop and together they offer either informal canapés, buffet assortment or an a la carte superior dining menu together with a list of fine wines. However, if you have something specific in mind the team are more than happy to compose your perfect menu.

In addition the team offers a variety of extra services such as helping with accommodation and flights for visiting guests, flower arrangements, bridal hair and make-up, wedding cakes and photography. Honeymoon packages can also be arranged through MH Bland Travel Services.

Viewing can be arranged by contacting Gino or David on 200 72735 or by emailing events@monscalpesuite.com.

You will find a virtual tour of the Mons Calpe Suite on their website: www.monscalpesuite.com

Funky Fclaacretd marriage a

church de sacred Before the uples often sought co hill or t, a such as sacramen re to wed, tu dly a se n o in p p s place the earth su re e h w , p cliffto heavens. meets the

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAGAZINE •• MARCH MARCH 2013 2013 GIBRALTAR

37

The Perfect Wedding Look Looking great for the Big Day is important for every bride and groom. Couples naturally want their special day to be as beautiful as possible, from the venue and flowers to the custom cake.

Over recent years Aria Medical Group has seen an increase in brides planning their weddings with pre Big Day cosmetic surgery.

Where once couples might opt to have nonsurgical treatments such as teeth whitening and anti-wrinkle fillers, couples are now looking to have cosmetic surgery to change a feature that has always bothered them.

‘A Bride’s wedding day is the most magical day of her life’, confirms Dr Marco Vricella.

He continues, ‘all eyes are on her, so it’s understandable that for many brides, as well as their bridesmaids and their mothers, this happy event is the motivation to have a cosmetic surgery procedure. The most popular procedures are without doubt, breast surgery and liposuction; together with tummy tucks and face lifts and eye bag removal for the Mothers of the Bride and Groom.’

The media has dubbed this modern phenomenon as ‘Bridalplasty’; where brides

38

want to look their best for the day, and in the wedding photos that they will cherish for a lifetime.

Aria Medical Group believes that the most important consideration is careful planning.

Couples should have a consultation with a surgeon to make sure that firstly, they are suitable for their preferred procedure, and secondly to confirm that their expectations are realistic.

We explore the growing trend for pre-wedding cosmetic surgery.

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

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

www.ariamedicalgroup.com

The decision to have surgery is important and adequate recovery time should also be planned to ensure that brides and their grooms look their best for the Big Day.

Some of our most popular procedures:

Dr. Marco Vricella explains, ‘Planning is important so that there is plenty of time for recovery and to make sure that any swelling or bruising is long gone before the special day.

We recommend procedures are performed at least 6 months before the wedding. Also, in addition to the popular breast augmentation and liposuction procedures, there are new procedures becoming popular. These include buttock augmentation, giving more volume, a better shape along with a lifting effect to the buttocks so brides fit their dresses perfectly.’

+ Breast Reduction

+ Breast Augmentation + Breast Uplift (Mastopexy)

+ Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) + Liposuction + Face Lifts + Eyebag Removal (Blepharoplasty) + Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery) + Weight-loss Surgery / Gastric Band + Cosmetic Dentistry

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

Because you’re beautiful! + Breast Augmentation

+ Facial Injections

+ Breast Uplift

+ Face Lifts

+ Breast Reduction

+ Eyebag Removal

+ Tummy Tuck

+ Rhinoplasty

+ Buttock Augmentation

+ Gastric Surgery

+ Liposuction

+ Cosmetic Dentistry

a , r

Cosmetic surgery procedures for Brides To Be

Book your FREE consultation

(+34) 952 895 088 in English (+34) 662 936 058 en Español e: info@ariamedicalgroup.com When choosing your surgeon check their credentials. They should be

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

www.ariamedicalgroup.com 39

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

Cosmetic Surgery

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

|

Gibraltar

|

Marbella

|

Madrid

health

& well-being

Dr Marco Vricella with Louise Truelove, Head Patient Co-ordinator, Aria Medical Group

Dr Vricella’s Form & Function When cosmetic surgeon Dr Marco Vricella is in Gibraltar’s College Clinic he is a busy man, but he managed to spare a few minutes from his packed schedule to answer some of our questions about cosmetic surgery, and what we want here in Gibraltar.

Dr Vricella, could you tell us a little about your background and how you became interested in cosmetic surgery?

Specialist dealing with over 2000 cases a year.

In addition, I’m passionate about beauty and creativity and I believe a strong sense of aesthetics is important to deliver outstanding results in My professional surgical career has shown cosmetic surgery. me the exceptional and positive impact that plastic and reconstructive surgery can have You hold free consultations every two on people’s lives. This really consolidated my weeks at College Clinic in Gibraltar, do you passion for cosmetic surgery, where my skills find that by the time people visit you they can significantly contribute to the happiness are already committed to having surgery? of patients; they go on to live life with greater confidence.

No, not really – of course some patients will I was in medical school for 12 years, to qualify have wanted a procedure performed for many as a doctor and surgeon. During my last two years of study I developed my skills in post traumatic plastic surgery as well as surgery correcting major congenital physical defects.

I later completed a year’s residency in a large New York Children’s Hospital and went on to work for 4 years as an Aesthetic Reconstructive

“

years and are now in a position to go ahead, but a lot of our patients come along to the consultation to find out about each procedure and to get answers to all of their questions.

All of our consultations are free and patients are under no pressure at all to go ahead with surgery. We want our patients to proceed when they are both physically and psychologically ready to.

Are all your clients interested in the aesthetic aspects of the surgery or do you also do reconstructive surgery?

I’m passionate about beauty and creativity and I believe a strong sense of aesthetics is important to deliver outstanding results in cosmetic surgery

40

”

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

well-being & It’s true to say that all our clients are interested in the aesthetic result of their surgery whether for reconstructive or cosmetic reasons. Clients want the best results possible irrespective of why the surgery is necessary, for example, the reconstruction of a breast following mastectomy or the repair of a nose following fracture.

What percentage of your clients at the clinic comes from Gibraltar?

Aftercare seems to be the most common difference amongst cosmetic surgery companies; could you tell us a little about your aftercare service and what a client could expect?

health

and patients are then seen by me at College Clinic at two weeks, four weeks, three months, six months and a year post surgery. We can be contacted 24 hours a day if a client requires help or advice. n

At Aria we believe that aftercare is as important as the surgery itself. Damien Moore, To book a free consultation in Gibraltar’s College our Specialist Nurse, visits all patients at their Clinic, Regal House, telephone 00 34 952 895 088 homes in Gibraltar one week post-operatively, or email info@ariamedicalgroup.com

My team and I are proud that Aria Medical Group has an excellent reputation in Gibraltar.

The vast majority of our patients are referred from friends and relatives who have already had surgery with us.

We are committed to providing the best possible service to patients before, during and after surgery, which is one of the reasons why so many Gibraltarians interested in cosmetic surgery come to us.

What is the most common procedure for people in Gibraltar?

The most common procedure, not only in Gibraltar, but the world over, is breast augmentation, although in Gibraltar this is closely followed by breast uplift and/or reduction surgery. For breast augmentation surgery we only use FDA (Food & Drug Administration, USA) approved implants to give our patients the best possible results and peace of mind.

In addition face lift surgery is very popular; techniques now are far more sophisticated and both men and women can have surgery with very natural results.

Do you view cosmetic surgery as a life changing experience?

Absolutely! Patients who, for example, have very small breasts and are self-conscious to the point where they won’t take their clothes off in front of their partners or in a changing room; others who need a breast reduction have endured years of back and neck pain, and unable to find bras that fit; some patients have been teased relentlessly because of their nose, or ears that stick out and after surgery they find renewed confidence in themselves. So yes, each patient and procedure is different but the effect it has on each individual is often life-changing.

Ambulance Donation An ambulance was recently donated by the Government of Gibraltar to the Red Crescent in the city of Chefchaouen, Morocco.

The donation came about as a result of a request for assistance by the Provincial Committee of the Red Crescent in Chefchaouen. The ambulance was handed

over to the Red Crescent’s representative in Gibraltar, Mr M’Hammad Moujaouil.

Chefchaouen is situated in the Rif Mountains with a population of just over 35,000 people and is the capital of the province of Chefchaouen.

The Gibraltar Government is considering further ways to assist the Health Services in this region with the possibility of further donations of decommissioned medical equipment as these become available.

The ambulance is the first of three ambulances that have now been decommissioned by the Gibraltar Health Authority as part of its on-going plan to replace its present ambulance fleet. The Gibraltar Health Authority is expecting delivery of five new ambulances in August 2013. n

• Fresh Organic Fruit & Vegetables • Organic Toothpaste & Bamboo Toothbrushes • Moon Cups • Organic Wines Unit 27 Watergardens, Block 3, 02 Waterport Wharf, Gibraltar Tel: 200 60023 email: theorganichive@gmail.com GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

& much, much more 41

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 40026

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

Need somebody to talk to?

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

Physicians

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

Tel: 200 77777 www.collegeclinic.gi

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

42 42

SPECIALISTS

7 days a week 5pm-9pm

College Clinic, Ground Floor, Regal House, Queensway.

Tel: 200 77777 www.collegeclinic.gi

GIBRALTAR GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAGAZINE •• MARCH MARCH 2013 2013

well-being health

l

Here’s Health

Love Those Crow’s Feet!

(They make you more attractive) The good news is, research has shown that people are considered more attractive and clever if their eyes wrinkle around the corners when they smile.

A group of men and women were asked about their impressions of a set of photographs, when crow’s feet were present the smile was judged to be more authentic, intense, spontaneous and to convey more amusement.

The people in the crow’s feet photographs were also considered more intelligent and more attractive, and slightly more dominant, reports the Journal of Nonverbal Behaviour.

The surprise finding, however, was that a smile which reached the eyes didn’t lead the subject to be

judged as more trustworthy.

The researchers at the University of Louvain in Belgium emphasised that the study focused on crow’s feet that appear when someone smiles.

Susanne Quadflieg, who carried out the study, said: “Hardly any other emotional expression has attracted as much scientific interest concerning its genuine expression than smiling.”

So don’t worry about what is often seen as an unwelcome sign of ageing, embrace those crow’s feet, people will love your for them! n

Beating Hayfever, Naturally Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine and can be found in citrus fruit.

Also present are bioflavonoids, which have powerful anti-allergy effects. You can take a supplement of 1,000mg a day.

Chillies Red peppers and chilli peppers contain an active component called capsaicin. When eaten, this component helps reduce congestion brought on by hay fever, alleviating symptoms.

Carotenoids act as powerful antioxidants to help reduce inflammation in your airways and improve your immune system. A good source of carotenoids are carrots, apricots, pumpkin, sweet potato and spinach.

Chamomile tea is an antioxidant and antihistamine, which also contains flavonoids and acts as an anti-inflammatory. (Also, use the teabag as an eye compress when cool.)

Garlic can help boost your immune system, while acting as a decongestant. It’s also anti-inflammatory and a good source of quercetin, a natural antihistamine. Try taking garlic capsules.

Honey is said to cure hay fever because the bee pollen in honey can desensitise your body to other pollens.

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Gibraltar, Minister Cortes had the opportunity to congratulate the Special Olympics team who were returning to Gibraltar after success in South Korea.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

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community

update

Girls with a New Vision words | Sofia Bengtsson Cerne Managing Director New Vision (Young Enterprise)

We are a group of six determined and hard-working students of Westside School, taking part in the Young Enterprise Company Programme...

This is a competition which has only been running in Gibraltar for a few years but has proven to be a great success.

It consists of several groups of school students starting up a company, then designing, marketing and selling a product that they have devised and manufactured that satisfies a relevant need in today’s commercial market in Gibraltar.

The competition takes place over several months, and during this time the companies develop and start selling their products.

A launch, where the different

groups introduced their idea to the public, was held on 5th December in Rock Hotel. Towards the end of the school year, in June, the finals will be held.

The finals involve each group

The competition takes place over several months, and during this time the companies develop and start selling their products

setting up a stand to promote their idea, delivering a presentation to experienced judges and writing up a report of the company’s progress throughout the months the competition has taken place. The judges then base their decision on those different components, together with how well the company has performed.

Our company, named New Vision (Young Enterprise Ltd), is developing a website displaying discounts and deals from different retailers, restaurants and hairdressers in Gibraltar, www. giboffers.com.

Solution for Sciatica

by Chiropractic Health Clinic

Having back pain can affect your life on a daily basis, but when the pain starts in your buttocks and runs down your leg, it can affect everything you want to do.

You might not be able to work, play sports, carry the children or grandchildren or even sit in the car for a short drive. Maybe you can’t even remember the last time you had a good night’s sleep and woke feeling rested.

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

community

update

The website is updated weekly to allow the companies to change their offers, and the public to get new opportunities to save money every week.

Our innovative idea was inspired by our familiarity with the shops in Gibraltar and the international success of similar websites.

At New Vision (Young Enterprise), we are focused on providing companies with an opportunity to share their discounts and deals with the public as well as promoting their products/services to expand on the local retail market.

Our website is dedicated to the needs of Gibraltar’s retail community, delivering access to an expanding customer base who are seeking to get maximum buying power from their disposable income. n To find out more about the Young Enterprise Company Programme, visit www. young-enterprise.org.uk

New Vision (Young Enterprise) girls

If you have any of the following symptoms, perhaps you have a condition called sciatica: sharp pains in the back of your leg, lower back pain, herniated or bulging discs, numbness or soreness in legs, shooting hip or thigh pain, muscle spasms, sprains and strains.

Sciatica is usually caused by the compression of the sciatic nerve, often by disc herniation.

Nothing is worse than feeling physically and mentally drained

from the pain of this condition, wondering if it will ever go away, and being unable to get on with life because of your discomfort.

Back pain and sciatica are very common complaints, and can be eased or eliminated with gentle treatment.

For more information on effective Chiropractic treatment for sciatica, contact Dr Crump at the Chiropractic Health Clinic on 200 44610. n

Sciatica is usually caused by the compression of the sciatic nerve

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

45

take one

career

�eanne �elane�

Return to the Rock words | Richard Cartwright

Moving away from the Rock, whether to go to university or to explore a bigger world away from the perceived ‘be-all-and-end-all’ some of us may think Gibraltar is, does wonders for personal development in a hundred ways. Slowly but surely the Rock is producing home grown professionals to run Gibraltar PLC. “Something I realised was so important and useful is our bilingualism which we often take for granted,” says recently appointed Sales & Marketing Executive at the Rock Hotel, Leanne Delaney. “It’s a big plus and important to sound ‘native’ in both languages and many of us in Gibraltar have that ability.” Before moving back to the Rock, Leanne spent seven years at the San Roque Club and worked in the UK and Dublin.

“Sales and PR work is what I’ve been involved in for much of my working life and settling back home and taking on this job at the Rock is a fantastic challenge. There are great plans for the refurbishment of the hotel taking place over

46

the next few months and I feel privileged to be involved and working towards what will be a new lease of life for the Rock Hotel.”

Leanne’s life could have taken a different route if her love for sport had driven her further down that road. Her parents were very much part of the basketball fraternity on the Rock so she threw herself right into it too.

“I never had the desire to go onto the stage or do drama (I was interested in ballet but never took it up) and sport took a real hold. I attended the Island Games in the Faroe Islands representing Gib. I used to play tennis and table tennis, basketball, volleyball and badminton

and I love rugby too! I remember missing an important pub crawl with friends once because of my involvement in sport and studying for my A Levels!”

So then, off to Coventry University for further studies. Not sports journalism, which was one possibility, but Communication Studies and Film Making. “I was interested in journalism — not necessarily front of camera but more on the production side. While at uni, I took advantage of the fact many of my fellow students were quite laid back and lethargic about the projects we were given so I took the lead which helped my development and experience.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

career “Later I applied for hundreds of jobs and I received one reply. I ended up as a receptionist and runner in a production company and realised that to get on further up the ladder more ‘unconventional means’ were asked of you by male bosses!”

Leanne’s dad, Brian, is Irish so Dublin was another of her overseas experiences. There, she stayed with family and set off in search of a relevant position but again she experienced more of the same when attempting to enter the production world of film, television and advertising.

Having been offered a similar job to the previous one (at Windmill Lanes, where U2 had once recorded) she turned the offer down and worked for an Estate Agent instead. “And that’s where my interest in sales was born. I went into it and did well. It was a firm called Hamilton, Osborne and King, later to be taken over by Savills.”

Having achieved her degree in Communication Studies, Leanne could also have considered becoming one of our radio and TV personalities. She’d had a work placement in BBC Birmingham and as Head of Radio at GBC then, I thought Leanne would be a good addition to the team... she auditioned but said she wanted to spread her wings a little and leave Gib for a while. GBC’s loss, I thought!

It’s been pretty much sales all the way ever since and back to her love for sport also. “Yes whilst at the San Roque Club my main task was involvement in the Golf Club. Apart from orga-

nising a number of shows booking tribute acts, like Bjorn Again and The Bootleg Beatles my main job was to build on the golfing side of the club. It was felt the golf pro business was lacking and I travelled all over Europe and attended trade fairs promoting and selling the club,” she explains. “That’s hard work which involves booking interview appointments before attending the fairs as well as being present at the stand to see to enquiries. It was a pleasant lifestyle and I enjoyed my time there and was happy.”

Even though Leanne was happy in San Roque, after giving birth to her son Connor the frontier issue was becoming tedious as she was living in Gibraltar. The exciting Rock Hotel offer came her way, she went for it and she says she is loving it.

“We are now working on a centralised point

“

There’s a full refurbishment programme getting underway soon. It’s a challenge, but we have charming staff and the hotel will experience a new lease of life

”

take one

from where all sales come under one department. I find Gibraltar these days buzzing.

There’s this business thing in the air which I felt was missing in the immediate hinterland.

“There’s a full refurbishment programme getting underway soon. It’s a challenge, but we have charming staff and the hotel will experience a new lease of life.”

The news is bedrooms, an extra floor, communal areas, bars and restaurants (there’s to be a Skybar on the top floor), conference and banqueting facilities — all being refurbished or added to.

“The intention is to change the dynamic of the hotel and include jam sessions, live music and add to the local scene a little more. We’re also mindful of the corporate business and MICE market (Meetings Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions) and hope to make inroads there.

Gibraltar has always been resilient and we somehow always do well no matter what they throw at us.”

At the hotel it’s all go now and come September or a little later perhaps, Gibraltar’s most prestigious hotel will sit handsomely on the hill as it always did but will open up and convey a more attractive, welcoming and convivial atmosphere to all who enter and Leanne is determined to work hard towards that.

So let’s fast forward... It’s a starlit October night... the bay is shimmering... the view from the Skybar is captivating and mine’s a gin and tonic please. n

Childine’s Blue Week – 12th-15th March

Into the Blue...

Get out your blue items of clothing and create a sea of blue on Gibraltar’s streets on Friday 15th March as part of Childline Gibraltar’s Blue Week (12th-15th March 2013, straight after the Commonwealth Day Bank Holiday), to raise awareness and funds for this important charity.

There will be lots of activities over the four days, including an Awareness Day on Wednesday 13th March and the Blue Day on Friday 15th March, where local schoolchildren and companies’ employees will be encouraged to wear blue and donate £1 to Childline.

Childline has a team which will visit your company to tell you more about the work we do and how you can become involved.

Now in its 7th year, Childline Gibraltar provides much needed services to the children and young people of Gibraltar including a free telephone Helpline Service opened every day of the year from 5pm until 9pm.

If you are worried about a child please call freephone 8008 to speak confidentially to one of the charity’s highly trained volunteers.

An Appropriate Adult Service is also available 24 hours a day — volunteers work closely with the RGP, providing support

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

and assistance to juveniles who have been detained by the police and who do not have an adult who can attend on their behalf.

An Educational and Awareness Programme where our volunteers and managers work closely with schools and other youth and community groups promoting better understanding about self-care and personal needs.

Childline Gibraltar’s services are completely funded through private and corporate donations and its mission is simple: to end cruelty to children in Gibraltar. Please help them as we all have a responsibility to protect the children in our community. n If you would like more details or to receive a fundraising pack please contact email info@childline.gi or call 200 43503 and leave your details.

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events

mother’s day

Give Your Mum a Hug! On Sunday 10th March mummies all over Gibraltar will be receiving flowers, kisses, homemade or glamorous cards, and being taken out to lunch by their nearest and dearest. Yes, they have toiled, they have sacrificed and now it is Mothering Sunday and a time to celebrate your mum.

Being a mother is sure to have brought your own mother trials and joys in similar measures, so we asked some of Gibraltar’s mothers (old and new) what the best (and worst!) bits of being a mother are?

Lulu replied “My children are my best achievement in life... There is no worst bit.” For Geeta the best bit was definitely “the cuddles” and worst was “lack of sleep!”

Colleene says there are lots of best bits “but seeing your baby’s smile and getting a random kiss, hug and ‘wonchi’ (Eskimo kiss to everyone else) followed by the words ‘love you mummy’ is the best. The worst is sleepless nights when you are not feeling well either.”

For Ruth “the best thing (only because mine are still young, as I am sure this may change) is they have complete and utter faith and trust in me, that I will protect them.

I also love when they do something nice or caring unprompted, that just fills me with pride (mushy, no?) and I just want to shout ‘People, look! I made this!’ Worst thing is the guilt and self-blame for every little hiccup.”

Julie says the best is “watching them grow up into well adjusted individuals, knowing that although they’re your child, they are also your friend and companion, and being so very proud of their achievements!” And the worst? “Tidying up their bedrooms, being a constant taxi driver at the drop of a hat and feeling so helpless when they are upset or hurt by someone!”

Sonia, mother of two boys, one a teenager, says “The best part is the pride you feel with their first of everything — the first time you meet them, your first cuddle, their first smile, their first words, first steps. All the milestones that let you

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know they’re doing okay. Worst?

Sleepless nights! When you see them hurt or in pain, it’s far worse than if it’s happening to you. The withdrawal of their adoration for you when they hit their teenage years!”

Rosie adds that “The best is the pure love in their little eyes when you look at them! How their smile could melt you even on your worst of days, and knowing that you could create something so amazing and perfect! The worst is the helpless feeling when they are sick or injured.”

Vicki, mother of grown up twins, says “the worst bit was having twins gang up on me from the age of 4 months. Having a hyperactive dog to accompany them and them all running off in different directions into the street when anyone came to the door. The best bit was when they had just had a bath and smelled gorgeous and all cosy in

“

their pajamas. I would read them a story and they both would give me a hug and kiss goodnight. Ahhhhhhh.”

So the verdict is in. Give your mum a hug on Mother’s Day — it’s one of the best bits about being a mum. n

The best part is the pride you feel with their first of everything... All the milestones that let you know they’re doing okay

”

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAGAZINE •• MARCH MARCH 2013 2013 GIBRALTAR

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arts

American Shipping off the Rock of Gibraltar by Ivan Aivazovsky, 1873

Golden Skies, From Russia with Love words | Reg Reynolds

While browsing the internet I came across a beautiful painting of Gibraltar by an artist I had never heard of.

Ivan Konstantinovich Aivazovsky painted the bright, almost golden, picture titled American Shipping Off the Rock of Gibraltar in 1873 on what appears to have been brilliant sunny morning.

Gibraltar is not shown in any detail but does shine like the “bright topaz” as described in a poem by John Keats.

I have since learned that Aivazovsky is considered one of the greatest seascape artists of all time. Judging from this painting, which is somewhat reminiscent of Turner, I can see why.

Aivazovsky was born in Feodosiya, Crimea into a poor Armenian family on 29th July, 1817.

His parents’ family name was Aivazian and some of his works bear the signature Hovhannes Aivazian.

Displaying supreme talent at an early age he won a scholarship to the Simferopol Gym-

50

nasium (now St. Petersburg Academy of Arts).

He graduated with a gold medal and went on to paint a series of landscapes of Crimean coastal towns. But he is more celebrated for his seascapes and because of the excellence of these he received a long-standing commission from the Russian Navy.

Between 1845 and 1890, at the invitations of

Aivazovsky is celebrated for his seascapes and because of the excellence of these he received a long-standing commission from the Russian Navy

various sultans, Aivazovsky made eight trips to Istanbul. There he acted as court painter and produced portraits of a succession of Ottoman leaders. Thirty of these are currently on display at the Ottoman Imperial Palace and various museums around Turkey.

Aivazovsky was the most prolific Russian painter of his time producing more than 6,000 works. With his earnings he opened an art school and gallery in his home town of Feodosiya. He also supplied with town with water from his estate and built a museum. Aivazovsky died on 5th May, 1900.

As the reputation of this masterful ArmenianRussian continues to grow his paintings sell in the millions, with one having been auctioned for $3,200,000. But due to his fame he is also said to be the most forged of all Russian painters. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

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The Street Pastors: Friday Night Angels words | Elena Scialtiel

As they celebrate the first anniversary of their inception in Gibraltar, the Street Pastors are still a quiet presence on our streets, known virtually only to those who live the wee hours, but are quickly building up a reputation as intrepid troopers on night watch.

Everyone loves a great night out, but after the party the Street Pastors are there to help

52

Perhaps they raised their profile with a flag day last February, when this ‘God Squad’ collected some cash to help fund their Friday night forays in Casemates, Ocean Village and other hotspots, where they stand and watch over youngsters having safe fun, and sometimes give out bottles of water to the dehydrated, and flipflops to girls caught in a stilettos’ pickle.

It may seem trivial, but a stranger offering you flip-flops when you’re trying to tipsily balance on your high heels to avoid walking barefoot on broken glass is regarded almost as a life saver, and young people do appreciate it.

The issue of broken glass is one of the Street Pastors’ concerns, and they actually spend a lot of time picking it up and disposing of it safely, because it is dangerous not only if you step on it, but it may be used as a weapon in a scuffle.

Street Pastors don’t presume to replace the Police in patrolling the nightlife, but they work in cooperation with them, and if trouble brews out of control they don’t meddle: the leader calls his or her team back and they let the Police step in.

But they do provide a precious service that isn’t the Police joband the tax payers wouldn’t expect them to invest their resources on — they listen, care and offer practical help, for instance escorting home someone who had one drink too many, or is afraid to walk alone, or just sitting with upset youngsters and letting them vent their troubles.

Sometimes the Police or the nightclub bouncers themselves alert the Street Pastors about a potentially problematic situation, because, before it gets out of hand, they are deemed

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

street scene the right guys and gals to lend a hand with their hands-on approach. When the going gets tough, the Street Pastors’ expert intervention often proves pivotal in defusing the tension, and differences can be worked out instead of fought off.

One of the Commissioner’s concerns, when Methodist Church Minister Fidel Patron approached him with his idea of mustering a group of volunteers to reach out to clubbers, was ithat their hi-vis presence in Casemates could aggravate tensions and get them involved in frays while trying to extinguish them, and even worse, they could get seriously hurt.

But Rev Patron assured him that in the entire Street Pastors’ history in the UK, where they deal with crises far greater than here, such episodes had been recorded only twice, and allegedly there was an underlining issue going on between the Pastor and the attacker. So Fidel is pleased and proud to say that one year on, they are widely respected and looked up to by kids and parents alike, who thank them for any help big and small.

The idea of importing Ascension Trust’s brainchild Street Pastors to Gibraltar came out of the meeting of two ideas. Pastor John Baw of Living Waters Church was touched by the tales of love and salvation a friend of his from Inverness told him. At the same time, Fidel Patron, who had been attending local nightlife hotspots and become concerned about what he was witnessing there, had heard about Street Pastors and approached the Commissioner of Police and Chief Minister, in order to get their support in starting a branch in Gibraltar.

The initiative was welcomed by a dozen of enthusiast volunteers who happily pledge their Friday nights awake virtually to sunrise.

Although Gibraltar is blessed with a much higher degree of safety, streets at night can still be dangerous for a variety of reasons beyond the young people’s control — they often mean well, but are overwhelmed by their own inexperience and are happy to rely on an empathetic adult who acts and does not preach.

The Street Pastors meet in Casemates and get geared up with their uniform jackets, caps and backpacks. Food establishments keep them warm with coffee throughout their long nights, especially wintry and rainy ones. They stick around and survey the scene, approachable when approached, discreet when clean fun is in the air.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

Street Pastors meet in Casemates and get geared up with jackets, caps and backpacks. Food establishments keep them warm with coffee throughout their long nights These volunteers however are no amateurs: to become a Street Pastor they need to undergo strict checks and Police vetting and be recommended by a priest, minister, vicar or pastor as reliable person of good character within the Christian faith.

To earn their stripes, they attend a 12-session course in conjunction with Social Services, the Care Agency, the RGP and other social institutions, on top of lectures delivered by Ascension Trust representatives.

One might object that this is a proselytising venture to get youngsters to drop the alcopop

and swap partying for praying. They assure it isn’t — it’s their way to reach out to their fellow humans because they believe in their potential.

And they candidly explain this to young people, who often discuss with them spiritual concepts that at home or at school they have no time or room for.

So remember, next time you behave like street sheep, watch out for the Street Pastor watching over you. n To donate or join the Street Pastors, check their Facebook page or contact gibraltar@streetpastors.org.

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past

uncovered

B Team Top Row – Lillian Ramagge, Iris Caetano, Inma Casciaro, Christine Nuñez and Flor Sene Bottom Row – Nati Rowbottom, Janet Llufrio and Fina Wahnon

Gibraltar’s Girl Power We were visited at our offices by a lovely lady who brought in these great pictures of the Gibraltar Housewives Association women, and the teams that played Netball during the early ’70s.

These sporty ladies had a netball league going more than 40 years ago — with teams from the Dockyard, Services, Ministry of Defence (then called the War Department) and Civil Service.

The Gibraltar Housewives had three teams, Team A (who were the champions), Team B and Team C. The nuns at the Loreto Convent would let them play there, as well as at the NOP. Eddie

Hammond was their coach, and would train them at the John Mackintosh Hall gym. All the players had children of their own, and would usually take them along to the training sessions, or they would not have been able to play.

With the frontier closed, the women of Gibraltar got together to help at those businesses that were without workers by working for free.

C Team: L-R Marie Bensusan, Ofelia Azopardi, Sonia, Evelyn Correa, Viola Abudharham, Gloria Mackingtosh, Mariola Summerfield

54

They would sell potatoes and vegetables in the public market, as well as do a variety of jobs, and fought for rights of women in Gibraltar.

The Gibraltar Housewives Association was the beginnings of today’s Gibraltar Women’s Association.

This month, a plaque will be unveiled in Casemates, commemorating World Women’s Day, and as a tribute to the women of Gibraltar.

Members of the Gibraltar Housewives Association, still keep fit by playing petanque, tennis and other sports. We would like to thank the lady (who didn’t want her name mentioned) for bringing in these lovely photos. n

A Team: Top row – Monty Larcombe, Rose Bosano, Margaret Sheriff, Anita Cavilla Bottom row – Lina Costa, Pili Gillingwater, Esperanza Flower, Nita Aguis

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

creatives arts

Angela, who resides in London, is an experienced professional dancer, accomplished teacher and adjudicator. She trained at Bird College with further professional development at The Centre of Performing Arts. She worked as a dancer and choreographer (in the UK and overseas), before taking up freelance teaching work for Sylvia Young, Pineapple Studios, and Patricia Hammond Theatre School, amongst others.

She founded, and is Principal of, the Westminster School of Performing Arts, a part-time school offering a comprehensive range of subjects to pupils from 3 to 19 years. Pupils from the school have appeared in popular TV programmes such as The Bill and Eastenders, as well as commercials. In addition her pupils have appeared in West End productions, and choreographed many shows and cabarets spots. She is qualified in, and teaches, all forms of dance, and is a dance adjudicator for the British and International Federation of Festivals.

M.O. Productions’ Director Seamus Byrne said, “M.O. Productions is delighted to bring over to Gibraltar a highly qualified and experienced individual in the world of dance. We are confident that Angela Whittle will contribute towards the development of our young performers and raise our local standards.” n The 11th Gibraltar Stage Dance Festival will be held between 3rd - 5th April at the John Mackintosh Hall Theatre. For further information please contact e-mail: mopro@gibtelecom.net.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

Lecture: Glass Wednesday, 20th March 7.30pm at the O’Callaghan Eliott Hotel (welcome drink at 6.30pm)

A lecture entitled Glass will be given

by Charles Hajdamach — one of the top authorities on glass in Britain — in March as part of the GibDFAS series.

Charles is the former Director of Broadfield House Glass Museum (1974-2003), a Fellow of the Society of Glass Technology, a member of the Arts Advisory Board at the National Glass Centre, Sunderland, as well as President of the Glass Association.

Charles lectures internationally to glass museums and collector societies. He has authored several books on the subject, contributed to others and to magazines. Charles is making a welcome return to Gibraltar after several visits over the years.

��orious ����� Sandwiched between two World Wars, Art Deco evokes the glamour of Hollywood, the Jazz Age, cocktail parties, and oceangoing liners all set against the misery of unemployment following the Wall Street Crash and the Great Depression.

French and Swedish glass designers influenced glass factories across Britain, Czechoslovakia, Belgium and Germany, and, like their European counterparts, British glass makers celebrated the Machine Age with emphatic geometric lines and vibrant colour schemes.

The Chihuly Lounge of The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore where guests can appreciate the magnificent Sunrise glass installation by Dale Chihuly.

M.O. Productions has announced that the International Adjudicator for the 11th edition of the Gibraltar Stage Dance Festival is Angela Whittle.

Glass sculpture by David Patchen comprising hundreds of murrine (patterned tiles of glass) and zanfirico cane (rods of woven colours

International Adjudicator for Dance Festival

The Gibraltar Decorative & Fine Arts Society GibDFAS

55

Reg’s

pages from history

Victoria Cross Winner Born in Gibraltar words | Reg Reynolds

This month marks the 60th anniversary of the death of the only Victoria Cross winner to have been born in Gibraltar.

Wallace Duffield Wright was born on the Rock on 20th September, 1875, the son of a shipping merchant. He received his officers commission aged 21 and was awarded the most prestigious of Britain’s military honours for his actions during the Kano-Sokoto Expedition in West Africa. The citation for the award reads: “On 24th March, 1903, Lieutenant Wright with only one officer and 44 men took up a position in the path of the advancing enemy, and sustained the determined charges of 1,000 horse and 2,000 foot for two hours, and when the enemy, after heavy losses, fell back in good order, Lieutenant Wright continued to follow them till they were in full retreat.

The personal example of this officer, as well as his skilful leadership, contributed largely

56

to the brilliant success of this affair. He in no way infringed his orders by his daring initiative, as, though warned of the possibility of meeting large bodies of the enemy, he had purposely been left a free hand.”

At the time Wright was 27 years old, and a lieutenant in the 1st Battalion, The Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regiment and serving with Northern Nigeria Regiment. The KanoSokoto Expedition was undertaken to bring under control resisting tribes in northwest Nigeria. Today Kano and Sokoto are states in the north of the country.

In his book Nigeria Under British Rule, Sir William Nevill Montgomerie Geary writes: “...the expedition against Kano was organised with stores and carriers, and on 29th January 1903 the force of 723 rank and file,

with 24 British officers and 12 British NCOs, 4 guns and 4 maxims, set forth from Zaria to march on Kano.

“Alieu the Imir of Kano had left Kano on 2nd January 1903 and gone to Sokoto but had left orders that Kano and all the walled towns between Kano and Zaria should resist the expedition and ordered that anyone surrendering should be put to death.”

Although there was some brave resistance the expedition managed to take Kano (3rd February) and Sokoto (21st March) with only a handful killed and three dozen wounded.

But then the Nigerians had some rifles but no answer for the British cannon and machine guns. General Kemball, the officer in charge of the expedition pointed out in his dispatches that “...few of the enemy were expert in such rifles as they possessed,” but added that they were dangerous at close quarters because they were “formidable swordsmen”.

King Edward VII decorated Wright with the Victoria Cross at Buckingham Palace in November 1903.

Wright was an experienced and hardened soldier by the time of the Kano-Sokoto, Expedition. He had been commissioned in December 1896 and had served with the Malakand Field Force and the Tirah Expeditionary Force *[see note]. He was made a Lieutenant in September 1898 and a Captain in January 1903. He was a Colonel by World War I and fought on the Western Front with the Queen’s Own Cameron. Wright retired as a Brigadier General in 1940 but then served with the Home Guard through World War II. He was also an MP for a time and from 1932 to 1950 was proud to be a member of His Majesty’s Body Guard of Honourable Corps of Gentleman-at-Arms.

Wallace Duffield Wright, VC, DSO, CMG died at Westways Farm, Cobham, Surrey, on 25th March 1953, aged 78. n *Note: The Malakand Field Force fought in the Northwest Frontier (now Pakistan) in 1897.

Winston Churchill also took part in the fighting and he wrote a book about the campaign. The Story of the Malakand Field Force: An Episode of Frontier War was his first published non-fiction book. The Tirah Expeditionary Force was a war fought in a mountainous region of India in 1897-98.

“

He in no way infringed his orders by his daring initiative, as, though warned of the possibility of meeting large bodies of the enemy, he had purposely been left a free hand

”

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

events charity

Minister of Culture with Event Director Alan Hardy at the launch of the Rock Run 2014 in February

Are you Up For It? Rock Run 2014 Launch The Royal Marines will commemorate the 350th Anniversary of the Corps’ Foundation on 28th October 2014. To mark the occasion, the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund (RMCTF) has set a target of raising £6 million by October 2014 to help Royal Marines who have been wounded or injured in Afghanistan and other hazardous operations.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

Former Royal Marine Alan Hardy of Exeter aims to raise over £500,000 towards the RMCTF target by recruiting 350 fundraisers — one for each year of the Marine Corps’ history — to take on the famous Rock Run. On Saturday 25th October 2014, these intrepid volunteers will run the 2.7 miles from Casemates Square along Main Street to the 1,400 foot summit of the Rock of Gibraltar.

The Rock Run tradition is well-known to

Royal Marine and Royal Navy personnel who have spent time in Gibraltar over the past 50 years. Each time a Royal Navy ships puts into port at Gibraltar, the ship’s company including Royal Marines on board, take part in a run to the top of the Rock. The individual record for the 2.7 miles run is 17 minutes 29 second, held by a crew member of HMS Glasgow, and the fastest team record is held by the Royal Marine Barracks in Poole, Dorset.

The Rock Run event will take place during the weekend 24th-27th October 2014. It will include a reception hosted by His Excellency for the top fundraisers and culminate in an awards ceremony on Sunday evening. The event has the approval of His Excellency the Governor as well as Gibraltar’s Chief Minister, the Minister of Culture, the Ministry for Tourism and Commander British Forces. All give full support to the Royal Marines who have been awarded Freedom of Gibraltar and who carry only one main battle honour on their colours — Gibraltar.

“Join with me in giving every support to this challenge to help ensure the success of the Rock Run in raising funds for the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund,” says Event Director Alan Hardy.

There is also an opportunity for anyone entering from Gibraltar to raise funds for the Gibraltar Diamond Jubilee Trust Fund. n For more information telephone Alan Hardy tel: +44 1392272842, email: alan@gibrockrun.co.uk or visit www.gibrockrun.co.uk.

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

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAGAziNE • MARCH 2013

time events

The Watch Clinic The Watch Clinic is open for business on Bell Lane, and it is where trained technicians with state of the art equipment now provide the highest standards of repair and maintenance for your watches.

Founded by Vinod Khiani, a local businessman with many years’ experience in the sale of luxury watches, the shop offers a professional and value-for-money service.

The shop and workshop is located just off Main Street opposite the Post Office — easy to find and

the ideal place to have your watch battery replaced, a full service carried out on the movement or just a valet (clean and polish) to refresh the appearance of your favourite timepiece.

The vast majority of work is done on site, and many jobs can be carried out on the same day. All work

performed, and parts replaced, are guaranteed for a 12 month period.

The shop also stocks Hirsch watch straps — the manufacturer of straps for the majority of Swiss watch brands.

“All quality watches nowadays need to be resealed after opening their case. Resealing is not just

about water resistance — it is about protection of the movement, in order to delay service intervals and prolong the life of the watch,” explains Vinod.

Vinod and his team look forward to serving the community with second-to-none watch repairs. Pop in to see them on Bell Lane. n

Night & Day On 20th March 2013 night and day will be nearly exactly the same length – 12 hours. This is the reason this day is called the “equinox”, derived from Latin, meaning “equal night”.

There are two Equinoxes each year — the Spring (or Vernal) Equinox which we look forward to as the heralding of Spring, and the Autumn (or Autumnal) Equinox (this year 22nd September).

The Vernal Equinox marks the start of spring and has long been celebrated as a time of rebirth and coincides with many cultural events, religious observances and customs, including Easter.

The Vernal Equinox occurs the moment the sun crosses the celestial equator (the imaginary line in the sky above the Earth’s equator) from south to north. This happens either on March 19th, 20th or 21st every year. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

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write on

profile

This month, we talk to writer Paco Oliva, on his latest publication, Imaginary Death of a European Poet / Poemario Gris Dorado 20092012 and some of the books he feels passionate about.

Paco’s Passion Growing up in Gibraltar, Paco Oliva had a placid childhood in a very different Gibraltar to today’s. Within a caring family environment, his childhood was conditioned by the frontier closure ­ — a traumatic event particularly for those who, like himself, had family on the other side of the fence.

Paco has been a voracious reader throughout his life, discovering Orwell and Huxley as a youngster, and later on Dostoievsky was quite a thrill.

“The political idealism of youth perhaps does not allow you to fully appreciate the significance of their works, but as the blindfold of innocence slips away the full force of the dystopian vision depicted in these books hits you with full force.

They were literary giants with prophetic qualities who showed us that the threat of totalitarianism is never far away.

“Conrad is probably largely responsible for my love affair with the English Language,” he adds. “I remember reading and re-reading a

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paragraph from The Secret Agent for weeks and deriving a tremendous sense of pleasure every time. It is a love affair that continues, and a passion that grows and accompanies me in my daily life.

“Dostoevsky is more of an adult read. He is the master when it comes to creating complex characters; a literary genius and a powerful

“

Identity cannot be a monolithic concept; it is all about affinity and sensitivity and these are qualities that exist outside of a political straitjacket

”

thinker on multiple levels at the same time.

“Voltaire’s Candide and Camus’ The Outsider are definitely recommended texts. What makes them stand out to me is their insight — the manner in which they can dissect the human condition and expose it in all its rawness.

“All of these are great authors that merit constant revisiting, constant re-reading. There are always things to be discovered and learned from them,” he states.

Paco’s first book, Frontiers of Doubt (2004), is a critique of nationalism, the ambiguities of a concept such as self-determination, and it looks at issues of Gibraltarian identity. It also advocated political negotiation with Spain at a time when it was not a widely accepted concept.

“Identity cannot be a monolithic concept; it is all about affinity and sensitivity and these are qualities that exist outside of a political straitjacket. My Gibraltarianess is an open Anglo-Spanish duality, there may be others but mine is just as legitimate. These issues which

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

profile the book examined in depth, are regrettably still very topical.

“I wrote the book out of a sense of responsibility because I felt I was ideally placed to do so due to my personal background. My mother was Spanish as were three out of my four grandparents. She taught me from an early age that Spain was not just reduced to General Franco’s dictatorship who she despised. She taught me to be rational and always felt proud of who she was even in the difficult years of the frontier closure, when others around her were openly reneging of everything they were. That is a crucial distinction I want to pass on to my children,” he explains.

Paco’s next publication was his first foray into modern fiction. The Night Gibraltar Disappeared and Other Stories, is a collection of short stories published by the Ministry of Culture in 2008.

“It is a genre that comes quite naturally to me. The stories are very diverse; most of them are dark, magical, urban tales that unfold with Gibraltar as the backdrop. There are several real life situations that are subverted by the sudden eruption of extraordinary often inexplicable occurrences,” he says smiling.

Including a tribute to Luis Buñuel (who he describes as one of the greatest film directors of all time) Paco borrowed the central concept of El Angel Exterminador for one of the stories, and combined it with the Tejero 23F coup d’état in Spain. Provocatively, the action takes place in Gibraltar’s parliament.

“I love the blackness of his humour, his intelligent, disarming, subversive imagination.

He was also an atheist, but profoundly knowledgeable of religion and in his way respectful of the Roman Catholic tradition. I share that outlook. Faith is a gift which unfortunately I have not been endowed with, but I admire Roman Catholics. I dislike the new inquisition that some prominent atheists are directing against them and I like to consider myself a friend of the Church,” explains Paco.

Poetry is something Paco began writing in 2009 and, after winning a couple of prizes in the Ministry’s of Culture’s poetry competition, he was encouraged to continue, and eventually publishing his latest book, Imaginary Death of a European Poet.

“I return to poetry whenever I reach a point of stagnation in my other literary pursuits, and I need to detach myself from the work, take a breather and return to it invigorated. Writing poetry gives me the oxygen that I need.

“Everything inspires me to write poetry — life itself, reality, and the things that happen around me. A writer always has that sensor on. I also analyse feelings and when these run out I invent them and analyse them. Feelings are the raw materials that the writer needs — the primary building blocks for the craft,” he explains.

His latest book came about during one of these periods — it deals with themes such as the brevity and precariousness of existence, the finality of death and the permanent futile pursuit for an antidote to human anguish. The poems reflect the full range of complex emotions, real and imagined, which are in constant fluctuation between opposing poles, alternately driving the beautiful and the repellent, the noble and the destructive.

The book, which is illustrated by local artist

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

write on

“

I think it is absolutely vital in order to retain our cultural and linguistic duality, to write in Spanish. Unfortunately the Spanish language is suffering a dramatic, steady erosion in recent years

”

Karl Ullger, is currently on sale in all local bookshops. It includes a bonus volume of poetry in Spanish, Poemario Gris Dorado 2009-2012.

“I think it is absolutely vital, in order to retain our cultural and linguistic duality, to write in Spanish. Unfortunately the Spanish language is suffering a dramatic, steady erosion in recent years. The new generations of Gibraltarians no longer speak Spanish as we did in my own youth. I have denounced this in the past and will continue to do so: Gibraltar is suffering a silent, cultural tragedy with the loss of the Spanish language that is happening beneath our very noses.

Concerned families have already realised this and are sending their children to the Instituto Cervantes but most people are not even aware of this or do not even care. Perhaps for them it is not important. If we don’t act decisively, the Spanish language will be wiped out in a few generations,” he says.

His work has recently been mentioned at a literary conference in Italy, which discussed the works of Gibraltarian writers.

Although he has worked as a journalist for 30 years, Paco would like to be remembered as

a writer of fiction, rather than a member of the local media.

“Writing fiction is about unlimited power and freedom, and the exercise of that unlimited power. It is something that does not exist in journalism or in real life where you have to comply with a set of rules and constraints. As a writer of fiction, there are no limits, you can control, manipulate everything from start to finish. A writer asks himself what can I do with this unlimited power? The answer lies in the books that he or she writes,” he concludes.

With regards to future literary work, Paco is already working on a new collection of short stories and a novel, which are both at a moderately advanced stage.

“I intend to keep writing books over the next few decades. I cannot imagine myself doing anything else,” he says with a smile. n

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63

Life’s a Stage

Gibraltar will be alive with drama this month when 11 plays are presented at the Gibraltar Culture & Heritage Agency’s 2013 Gibraltar Drama Festival, between Tuesday 12th and Saturday 16th.

Tuesday 12th March 2013 8pm - Bayside Drama Studio 1. Bayside & Westside Drama Group presents: Going Underground a drama by Christopher Morgan 2. Bayside & Westside Drama Group presents: Flavius a drama by Julian Felice Wednesday 13th March 2013 8pm - Ince’s Hall Theatre 1. Santos Productions Juniors presents: Live: It’s Fairy Tale News by J.M. Wolf 2. Group 2000 presents: Zoo Story a drama by Edward Albee 3. Group 2000 presents: Dear Diva a comedy by Jan Harris Thursday 14th March 2013 8pm - Ince’s Hall Theatre 1. Rock Theatre Group presents: Macbeth: To Kill A King a drama by William Shakespeare 2. Santos Productions presents: Too Fast a comedy drama by

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2013 Gibraltar Drama Festival

Flavia and Ezio Tangini

Douglas Maxwell 3. Santos Productions presents: The C Word a drama by Christian Santos Friday 15th March 2013 8pm - Ince’s Hall Theatre 1. Santos Productions Juniors presents: The Lion and The Mouse by Julie Meighan 2. Trafalgar Theatre Group presents: The Diary of Adam and Eve a comedy drama by Mark Bucci 3. Stage One presents: Stay Behind Cave a drama by James Neish Saturday 16th March 2013 8pm - Ince’s Hall Theatre GALA NIGHT – Final presentation of three plays selected by the Adjudicator to provide a balanced evening’s entertainment, followed by the awards ceremony by the Minister for Culture, the Hon Steven Linares.

Fringe Fantastic The first ever Gibraltar Fringe will take place between Thursday 20th and Sunday 23rd June 2013 at the Alameda Open Air Theatre.

Preparations are going well for this exciting new addition to the local cultural scene, and the full programme will be out in the first week of March when people will be able to buy tickets.

The Alameda Open Air Theatre is currently being prepared for another busy season — the festival tech team is working on light and sound design, and the organisers are in contact with the international and local artists who will perform at the four day festival.

Artist wise as teasers before the release of the full programme there will be a workshop for kids with Paperman Lorenzo in the gardens, as well as performance by

him at Casemates. A Butoh Dance workshop with internationally known Flavia Ghisalerti will also take place, as well as a beautiful performance in the Alameda Open Air Theatre of Beings by Flavia and Ezio Tangini.

Local talent will feature in the Gib Fringe too, and a concert by Gibraltar’s own Metro Motel at the Theatre is sure to drawn quite and audience. n Interested in Sponsorship?

The Gib Fringe is still looking for extra sponsors to support the event. Visit www.gibfringe.com for information and help turn this exciting new venture into a vibrant

Tickets for the festival will be on sale on weekdays at the John Mackintosh Hall as from Monday 25th February 2013 between 10am and 7pm. During performance days, tickets will be on sale at the venue between 6.30pm and 8pm.

Tickets are priced as follows: Performance Gala Night Season Ticket

£5.00 £10.00 £ 20.00

For further information contact 200 48063 or email: culture.info@ culture.gov.gi Metro Motel GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

performance arts

Paperman Lorenzo

annual event. n Are you artistic?

The Gib Fringe needs a logo.

Anything goes as long as it includes flora, fauna and performing arts.

All information is on the www. gibfringe.com website. The closing date for entries is 10th March 2013 so get creating. n What is a Fringe Festival?

The origins of fringe festivals date back to 1947, when eight theatre groups turned up uninvited to perform at newly formed Edinburgh International Festival where they just went ahead and staged their shows anyway.

Year on year more and more performers followed their example and in 1958 the Festival Fringe Society

was created in response to the success of this growing trend. Since these humble beginnings Fringe Festivals have spread and every year thousands of performers take to a multitude of stages all over the world.

From big names in entertainment to unknown artists looking to build their careers, fringe festivals cater for everyone and include theatre, comedy, dance, physical theatre, musicals, operas, music, exhibitions and events. n

From big names in entertainment to unknown artists looking to build their careers, fringe festivals cater for everyone GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCh 2013

Adopt Don’t Buy The GSPCA has many lovely dogs looking for homes.

Before you buy a dog please visit us and give a dog a home.

Give a Dog a Home If you are interested in adopting call the GSPCA on 540 19968 or 540 29927 Note: dogs that have been kennelled for a while may need patience with house training when first in their new home (as do puppies from pet shops!)

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puzzle page

by Alan Gravett

SUDOKU Just for fun!

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Jotting Pad

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

FIRST PRIZE: Lunch for 2 at The Clipper

One entry per person.

Closing date: 19th March 2013 Last month’s winner: Audrey Reading 6605 Almond Court LAST MONTH’S ANSWERS: Across: Mutable, Realise, Dear Sir, Atacama, Lingo, Roadmaker, Earthling, Abbey, Illwill, Indiana, Epsilon, Glisten Down: Model, Exited, Oota, Train, Relish, Bosworthfield, Errata, Idling, Mahatma Gandhi, Hijack, Blast, Erne, Repair, Yearn

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Across 1. Act with decorum and good manners (6) 4. Vessel; special work skill (5) 7. Nationality of a native Berliner perhaps (6) 8. Cling to; stick (6) 9. Fashion designer who created of The New

Look (4) 10. Island part of Tanzania (8) 12. Surname of an English singer and a 7

composer (11) 17. Original method of delivering the ball in

cricket, still legal but rarely seen (8) 19. Those who perform a play, for example (4) 20. Raid (4) 21. Uninteresting (6) 22. Lie; tale (6) 23. Consisting of flowers; descriptive of the

Furry dance from Helston (6) Down 1. Stain or other imperfection (7) 2. 21. perhaps; routine (7) 3. South American country (9) 4. Spanish port (5) 5. Sharp tongued; bitter (7) 6. An unproven idea or explanation (6) 11. Poser with no clothes on (4, 5) 13. Experience (7) 14. Descriptive of a devastating weapon (7) 15. Type of small falcon (7) 16. Tossing game often played on deck (6) 18. Prepared (5)

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

getting crafty arts

Blankets of Love...

Ann Swain and Penny Feeney, representing Knit Gibraltar, took over 30 fabulous blankets and shawls to Mount Alvernia last month. The items, made by members of Knit Gibraltar and the Laguna Estate knitters, were presented to a delighted Carmen Maskill, Elderley Care Manager. Some will be given to the residents, particularly those without family support, and some will go to the Friends of Mount Alvernia for bingo and raffle prizes.

Over the past year Knit Gibraltar has made a number of donations of knitted items for charitable causes, including baby clothing and cot blankets for the Mother Theresa mission in Tangiers, hats for chemotherapy patients, more hats for the Mission to Seamen, and blankets for the Vine Trust hospital ship, as well as running a successful raffle of handmade goods which raised over ÂŁ1,100 for local charities AKIN and Gibraltar Cancer Relief.

Knit Gibraltar invites knitters and crocheters of all abilities to join them for advice, support and lively conversation. Meetings are held at the Arts and Crafts Centre in Upper Casemates Barracks on Tuesdays, 11am to 3pm, and Thursdays, 5.30pm to 8pm. There is no charge, and tea and coffee are available. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

Penny Feeney, Ann Swain and Carmen Maskill

words | Arts & Crafts member Penny Feeney

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Portrait or landscape? words | Elena Scialtiel

Understated artist who comfortably sticks to pastel colours and quiet subject matters, and yet can speak volumes, or exploits classic Impressionist technique and still makes an impression, Leslie Gaduzo is one of the regulars on the Gibraltar’s fine arts circuit, particularly of the iconic Thursday evening life drawing sessions.

An architect by profession, Leslie enjoys drawing portraits — and he excels at it, to the point that most of you may connect his name to one of the best portraits of the late Gustavo Bacarisa, or perhaps will soon know him for being one of former mayor Tony Lombard’s official portraitists (see top right, opposite page).

I asked Leslie why he is so fond of portraiture, when going for façades and high-rising sky-

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scrapers should come natural to him instead.

“Well, exactly because portraiture is not as mechanical,” he answers, “and probably it is the antidote to my ‘geometric’ life. Portraits are challenging, whimsical and artistic, not just because of the many different faces who pose for me, but especially because of the countless expressions one face can offer.”

Leslie’s representation of one of the most

painted models in Gibraltar, Andrew Planet, is being submitted this month to the National Portrait Gallery in London, where a handsome prize awaits the winner and a collective exhibition will reward the top 50 entries out of thousands shipped every year from around the world.

Likeness isn’t necessarily the only goal portraitists should set for their work: “I like to paint Andrew, because his expression is very intense,

Gibraltar MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

creatives

art file

deeply sad while conveying a wide range of emotions,” Leslie explains. “Life drawing is usually about the entire body, and I usually sketch the full figure, but my attention always shifts and gravitates around the face.”

He tries to capture as much detail as possible: — shadows, lines, imperfections and primarily the overall mood that transpires in the sitting.

He would love to set up his first solo exhibition eventually, but time and room for painting are limited in his busy life, although he always makes time for the weekly two hours of life drawing, a social rather than artistic entry in his diary, because it’s an excuse for hanging out with old friends and making new ones.

“I’ve got stacks and stacks of them, and albums full of sketches from so many years of attendance,” he says, “but not all of them are exhibition worthy — most is just exercise.”

However, Leslie doesn’t forsake his architectural roots and a large slice of his work is dedicated to cityscapes. “I don’t enjoy natural landscapes as much as cityscapes, urban envi-

He always makes time for the weekly two hours of life drawing, a social rather than artistic entry in his diary, because it’s an excuse for hanging out with old friends and making new ones ronments where human intervention manipulates the volumes to create the negative space of the street,” he says.

His cityscapes in fact bear a strong and often warped sense of perspective, carefully and technically constructed to abide by physical laws, and then transformed from polished but cold artist’s impression for the next luxury development or futuristic transport node into fine artwork — thanks to gentle touches like dripping, chiaroscuro or the surreal predominance of one colour, to bestow on the subject the look of an old photograph faded by overexposure to direct sunlight.

Leslie enjoys a fascination for train stations, and the sense of vertigo their domed roofs, their rectilinear platforms and sleek trains cause on the passenger, mirroring well the contemporary subject matter with his clean contemporary style of drawing it.

The impeccable and seemingly effortless management of space, featuring one or two vanishing points, like his Madrid Atocha Station (above), exhibited at the Clarendon Gallery last year, together with the almost tactile rendition of building materials like steel, wrought iron, glass and brick, surely lets transpire Leslie’s

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

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art file

creatives architectural background, but also express the sense of solitude and transiency of any life spent travelling on the fast tracks or awaiting one’s personal high-speed train.

More traditional are his views of Gibraltar, where the accent lies on green shutters, balconies and sunny walls. Mediterranean atmospheres that whisk up watercolourist memories, although Leslie’s favourite medium remains oils: “They are malleable and stay true to their shade when dry, unlike acrylics.”

Leslie is a relative newcomer to colour painting, after a lifetime spent sketching in pencil and later charcoal under the watchful eye of Mario Finlayson: “It was almost like I was afraid of colour, until Ambrose Avellano, Paul Cosquieri, Christian Hook and Peter Parody, taught me to experiment with it.”

And so, more recently, he started playing

Leslie is a relative newcomer to colour painting, after a lifetime spent sketching in pencil and later charcoal under the watchful eye of Mario Finlayson

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

creatives

arts

We love to hear about new happenings on Gibraltar’s creative scene and in April we will see something quite spectacular in the form of a Face & Body Painting Festival. Billed as Gibraltar’s 1st International, this festival is set to add a new dimension to the Rock’s already vibrant creative events.

around with virtual painting on his tablet, exploiting the true-to-life reproduction of different brushstrokes a specific app affords. Like CAD has revolutionised architecture (so much that nowadays you don’t see drawing boards in the average architect practice, but almost exclusively large computer screens) artists must anticipate the possibility that one day they won’t be drawing on paper or canvas, but on digital support. Pictures may not hang in galleries, one next to the other statically, but will keep on looping on giant screens.

On the topic of art consumption and conservation, Leslie laments there is no public modern and contemporary art gallery in Gibraltar where local painting and sculpture could be preserved and exhibited, as a token of our rich history and social evolution.

There is plenty of talent in Gibraltar, but most artwork gets hardly viewed by more than a handful of adepts and aficionados, and seldom receives the exposure it deserves with tourists or in international galleries.

Social media are a novel way to share work and get feedback within a close circle of friends; however viewers rely exclusively on the quality of the photo uploaded, and cannot evaluate size and texture. And most lamentably, they cannot appreciate local art in its true colours. n Like Leslie Gaduzo Artworks page on Facebook for updates or commissions.

�ace �Body �ainting �estival

Friday 12th– Monday 15thApril Friday 12th April Pre-Competition workshop: 10am-4pm at John Mackintosh Hall.

001 BOY DESIGN FACE PAINT with Pashur (at CanvasAlive) & Jay Bautista Boys will be lining up for these designs geared to grab their attention! You will learn an impressive selection of designs. Each design will be shown in easily broken down steps.

Demos Include:Transformer, Dragon, Shark, Zombie, Flaming Soccer Ball, Spider, Monster Face, Tiger Face, Beast Face, Tribal Design, Skull Face Cost: £120. Contact Hamish Dalmedo (DA000980@hotmail.com or 54015139).

Pre-competition live demo by Liliana Sepulveda Hopman Saturday 13th - Sunday 14th April Competition Theme: “I am rocking it in Gibraltar, steady as a rock”; “A weekend of rock at the rock”. The theme is open to your personal interpretation of the above statement, with any type of painting allowed, e.g. airbrush; hand drawn; stencils; etc.

Competition day one (Saturday 13th): 9am-4pm at Central Hall.

Post competition workshop by Liliana Sepulveda Hopman 4pm - 9pm at Central Hall After party: 9pm until late (venue TBC) Competition day two (Sunday 14th): 9am-4pm at Central Hall.

Photos/Awards/prizes: Prizes for 1 , 2 , and 3rd places for three categories.

4-5.30pm Central Hall. st

Monday 15th April Post-Competition workshop: 10am-4pm at John Mackintosh Hall.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

nd

002 GIRL DESIGN FACE PAINT WORKSHOP with Pashur (at CanvasAlive) & Jay Bautista Many amazing and practical girl designs, you will be shown how to add glitter to designs to take them to extraordinary heights! Each design will be shown in easily broken down steps.

Demos Include: Elegant Peacock Lines, Glitter Butterfly, Glitter Necklace, Sparkling Fairies, Wicked Rose, Valentine (Heart Eye Design), Small Butterfly Eyes (Pashur’s #1 selling designs), Fairy Mask, Mermaid Mask, Princess Mask, Butterfly Mask, Fantasy Eye Design Cost: £120. Contact Hamish Dalmedo (DA000980@hotmail.com or 54015139).

Things to bring to workshops: Face paints, #3, #4 and #5 round brush, #10 filbert brush, sponges, water cup, baby wipes, towel, camera, extra card & extra camera batteries or charger, pen & paper, practice head (not a requirement) www.canvasalive.com

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photo finish

image of the month We couldn’t resist this image of Gibraltar on the horizon in this shot taken from the Spanish coast. Taken by Zorro, it has such great perspective.

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!).

Miss Gibraltar 2013 is Recruiting!

The Gibraltar Culture and Heritage Agency is inviting applications from potential contestants to sign up to the 2013 Miss Gibraltar Pageant.

The pageant will be held on 8th June 2013 at the John Mackintosh Hall Theatre and is being produced by Stage One Productions.

Candidates must be aged between 17 (on 8th June 2013) and 24 years old (on 31st December 2013).

The winner of the Pageant will represent Gibraltar at the Miss World Finals, to be held in September 2013, in Indonesia.

Recruitment opened on Monday 18th February 2013 and entry forms are currently available from the Culture Agency at 310 Main Street. The

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closing date for entries is 5pm on Friday 8th March 2013.

For further information contact the Miss Gibraltar Office on telephone 20048063 or e-mail: culture. info@culture.gov.gi Prizes are: Miss Gibraltar

1st Princess

2nd Princess

£2,000 cash £3,500 clothing allowance Participation: Miss World 2013 £1,000 cash £500 clothing allowance £500 cash £500 clothing allowance

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

Caroline

What’s On

March

Sunday 3rd March The Gibraltar Classic Vehicle Association — Classic Vehicle Display at Casemates Square from 10am to 2pm. For further information contact Tel: 20074657 Email: howard@ gibraltar.gi or visit www.Gibraltarclassiccar.com

Branco

Saturday 9th March Gibraltar Botanic Gardens Tour — meet at George Don Gates (at the south end of Grand Parade) at 10.30 am. No fee but donations are welcome. For further information contact Tel: 20072639 Email: alameda@wildlife.gib.gi Tuesday 12th to 16th March Gibraltar International Drama Festival at Ince’ Hall Theatre. (See page 64 for more information).

Peo p le&Pets Just to prove we are not doggie biased at the Gibraltar Magazine, this month we interview a fluffy feline and his person.

Caroline & Branco Saturday 16th March Gibraltar Ornithological & Natural History Society monthly outing – Trees around the Alameda & South District. Tree species, characteristics and health, with tree climbing demonstration. Meet at George Don Gates, Grand Parade 9.30am. For further information contact Keith Bensusan or Joe Hammerton Tel: 54001111 Email: kbensusan@gonhs.org Friday 15th - Sunday 17th March St Patrick’s weekend. Local pubs and bar will be serving up Guinness for this traditional Irish celebration. (The Irish bar O’Reilly’s is always a favourite spot).

Saturday 23rd March St Andrew’s Craft & Collectors Fair from 10am to 2pm. Entrance £1. Gifts and cards for every occasion. Hand-crafted, vintage and antique items. Coins, books, stamps, glassware, soldiers, silverware, jewellery, toys and dolls house items etc. Sample a choice of home-made sandwiches and cakes in the lounge. Stalls available at £10 to include table and cloth. For more information call 54023166.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

looking as me that is

Caroline: Natural blonde Branco: Persian aristocrat

Best Trick Caroline: That would be telling ;) Branco: Climbing to the top of the curtains and diving onto the sofa

Age Caroline: 26 Branco: 6 months

Favourite food Caroline: Indian cuisine Branco: Chicken

Likes Caroline: Shopping, keeping fit, socialising with friends, chocolate and wine Branco: Drinking from the tap, cuddles and being brushed

Interesting Facts Caroline: I got married in a palace in Malta and have a twin brother named Mark.

Branco: We are smarter than you think, always remember that.

Hates Caroline: Cockroaches and cruelty to animals Branco: Baths, I always look like a drowned rat after, and they never understand how long it takes to get dry!

Usefulness Caroline: I have many different uses, it depends on the context!

Branco: Mainly I just sit and look pretty

Sociability Caroline: l like to socialise and go for dinner with friends, and I love all animals Branco: I love it when people come to visit me, especially Simone, she spends lots of time playing with me unlike my owners! I would like a brother or sister to play with though, as long as they aren’t as good

Greatest Achievement Caroline: Attaining my degree Branco: I once climbed the Christmas tree and knocked off every single bauble!

If you weren’t a dog/human you’d be?

Caroline: A cat, it’s definitely a cat’s life!

Branco: Human, at least then I would understand why I’m not allowed to scratch the sofa. What’s the big deal!?

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é f a �

� r �

What could be better than coffee and culture and great food? We are lucky in Gibraltar to boast two great venues which serve up a liberal helping of all three. Cafe Solo in Casemates Square and Sacarello’s Cafe & Restaurant in Irish Town both fill their walls with art, their plates with scrumptious food, and their coffee cups with the delicious dark stuff.

�acarello’s Sacarello’s Coffee Company & Restaurant hosts regular art exhibitions for local and international artists, however pieces from the wonderful Sacarello collection are on display when there is no visiting exhibition, as will be the case during March.

Back in 1992 while a restaurant was being

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planned for the back of Sacarello’s Coffee Shop, the architect John Langdon remarked that the original features of this old Gibraltar warehouse, with its archways and varying levels, would lend itself very naturally to exhibiting art.

The art collection began with the purchase of three drawings from a Jacobo Azagury exhibition, and the collection grew from there.

Since 1992, Sacarello’s has hosted regular art exhibitions by local and international artists, and invariably Patrick Sacarello would end up

buying a painting or two, as a result he started purchasing art from other locally held exhibitions too.

It was then on a trip to Peru that he became aware of the majesty of the landscapes and colours which awakened his artistic senses and his own eye for art developed. His art collecting subsequently extended to international works, which he has enjoyed sharing with the patrons of Sacarello’s.

The Sacarello Collection now includes over 75 works of art purchased over the years by Patrick on

The art collection began with the purchase of three drawings from a Jacobo Azagury exhibition, and the collection grew from there

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

his annual travels to Latin America and Europe.

Sacarello’s has by accident become a popular local art gallery where the works on display are constantly changing. n For more information, please visit their website, www.sacarellosgibraltar.com Open: 9am - 7.30pm Monday to Friday and 9am - 3pm on Saturdays.

Cafe Solo

Cafe Solo in Casemates Square — contemporary Mediterranean dining — has warm-grey limestone walls which are the perfect backdrop for modern works of art.

The exhibition changes in a three monthly cycle and most of the paintings on show are for sale.

Alistair Locke, proprietor of Cafe Solo, explained “We have such a wealth of great talent surrounding us, and we thought it would be a fabulous idea to use our walls to exhibit their works — paintings and photographs. It keeps Cafe Solo vibrant, interesting and alive, while giving our creative talent a place to showcase their works to people who would perhaps not visit an art gallery.”

Cafe Solo’s exhibitor for March

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2013

is Stephanie Aarons, a painter and printmaker living near to the white village of Casares, Andalucia, Spain.

Stephanie, who has exhibited worldwide, is inspired by the rugged beauty of the landscape, the kaleidoscope of colours and the intensity of light in this part of the world.

She is interested in working with

“

surface texture, veils of colour and the contrast of subtlety and strength. Her works which appear on Cafe Solo’s walls are largely abstract or loosely representational, but always clearly rooted in the beauty she sees all around her. n Open: from morning coffee straight through to full evening meals.

We have such a wealth of great talent surrounding us, and we thought it would be a fabulous idea to use our walls to exhibit their works

”

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foodie

file

Visit the Piccadilly Gardens The Piccadilly Garden Bar Restaurant was established over 30 years ago by Aloma Chipolina, and this thriving business has been in the family for generations.

Aloma’s daughter and her husband, Luanne and Paul Estella, are the current owners, and have been in the business for many years.

“The Piccadilly started off as a tiny kiosk, and slowly expanded to become what it is today,” explains Paul.

This homely and cosy restaurant, decorated with music memorabilia is certainly a trip down memory lane. Family members who were

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in local bands of the ’60s adorn the walls of the Piccadilly’s bar and restaurant.

From 6.30am, the friendly staff are ready to serve you a variety of coffees and teas, as well as toasties or even the Full English if you are up for it.

Sitting next to the cosy log fire in the winter months, there are many dishes to be enjoyed for lunch or dinner, including a variety of start-

ers (the prawns with Moroccan spices are highly recommended), the popular soup of the day, burgers and toasties, salads and pastas, omelettes, jackets, paninis, and a great kids’ menu too for the little ones. There is also a wide selection of tapas, changing on a daily basis.

A spectacular display of fish fresh of the day, is eye-catching for any lover of fish cuisine. Tuna, sword-

fish, squid, red mullet, mussels, scallops, king prawns and many more varieties of fish and shellfish are available.

“We receive many special requests for various Piccadilly bar classics, such as our famous potato salad, chorizo in brandy sauce, peppered steak, kidneys in sherry sauce, tripe and the many weekend specials we have on offer,” says Luanne. Paul adds that “We will be having something new going on in March, called Mad Wednesdays, when we will have some of our favourite dishes on special offer, as you will only be paying for a half portion but getting a full one instead (only on Wednesdays from

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

file foodie

During the summer months, the Piccadilly’s spacious terrace area surrounded by greenery is the place to be 7pm - 11pm). Our spinach tortillas, potato salad, John Dory and squid to name a few, will all be available under the Mad Wednesdays promotion.”

During the summer months, their spacious terrace area surrounded by greenery is the place to be. A barbecue is also set up in the summer for their popular pinchitos.

The lovely staff at the Piccadilly Garden Bar Restaurant greets customers with a warm and friendly hello, and offer exceptional service.

Whether you want to eat a relaxing meal or have a quick coffee, Piccadilly Garden Bar Restaurant offers it all for a reasonable price.

Pop in and say hello to Paul, Luanne and the rest of the team. n

Right At Home...

Just opened and right in the centre of town, At Home is the new place to grab your breakfast or lunch and is open from 8am – 4pm.

With Lavazza coffee, English breakfast and even some churros on the menu, At Home has something for everyone.

This friendly establishment has a vast selection of pies, salads, homemade daily specials, selection of fish and chips, and a variety of rolls and wraps, such

as Africano, Serranito and much more to tempt the tastebuds.

You can eat in, take away or have your food delivered right to you.

Pop into At Home at 16 City Mill Lane (turn off Main Street at Mothercare) or telephone 54012502 to place your order. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

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Asparagus & Goat’s Cheese Frittata 20g butter 1 large brown onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 8 eggs 80ml pure cream 40g chopped fresh herbs (such as

parsley, basil and dill) 100g finely grated Parmesan cheese (or

vegetarian alternative) 2 bunches asparagus, cut into 4cm lengths 60g goat’s cheese, crumbled Mixed salad leaves Fresh dill, to serve

Melt butter in a heavy-based frying pan over medium-low heat. Add onion and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes or until onion is golden.

Whisk eggs, cream, chopped herbs and 1/2 Parmesan in a jug. Add salt and ground black pepper to taste.

Preheat grill on medium-high.

Add asparagus to pan, stirring, for 5 to 6 minutes or until bright green and tender. Pour egg mixture into pan. Reduce heat to low. Sprinkle with goat’s cheese and remaining Parmesan.

Cook until almost set.

Place pan under grill until golden. Stand for few minutes. Loosen with a spatula and slide onto a plate. Top with dill. Serve with salad leaves. n

All your preparations are ready to woo your lover on V-Day, you’ve invited them for a fabulous meal and you want to make sure the evening ends in success. What are the best foods to serve to get the object of your desire in the mood for love? Read on and find out the best aphrodisiacs to serve to send Cupid’s arrows flying.

Spring Plated

As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer it’s time to forget the winter comfort food and start making deliciously light and tasty dishes from the fresh ingredients on offer. We tried these three recipe ideas and gave them all a big thumbs up for springtime dining. The Frittata, especially, is great as a starter or a meal in itself.

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Sea Bass with Tequila & Lime Serves 4

5 tbs tequila 100ml Grand Marnier 175ml lime juice 1 tsp salt 3 large garlic cloves, peeled 4 tbs olive oil 800g sea bass fillets 3 medium tomatoes, diced 1 medium salad onion, chopped 1 small green chilli, seeded and minced bunch chopped fresh coriander 1 pinch brown sugar 1 tbs pine nuts salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste 1 tbs olive oil

In a shallow baking dish, stir together the tequila, Grand Marnier, lime, salt, garlic and olive oil. Add fish fillets and turn to coat evenly.

Cover, and refrigerate for 30 mins, turning fillets once.

Preheat the grill on high (this recipe is also ideal for barbecues).

In a bowl, toss the tomatoes, onion, chilli, coriander, and sugar. Season with salt. Set aside.

Remove fillets from marinade, and pat dry.

Brush the fillets with oil, and season with ground black pepper.

Boil remaining marinade in a small saucepan with the pine nuts for a few minutes. Remove the garlic cloves and set aside.

Grill the fish for four minutes per side, or until

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

food appetite easily flaked with a fork. Transfer fillets to a serving dish and drizzle with the marinade. Spoon salsa into a serving dish to share. n

Crêpes Suzette Who can resist this French classic, light, delicious and boozy!

Make or buy ready-made crêpes (you will need about 15) For the sauce 150ml orange juice 1 medium orange, grated zest only 1 small lemon, grated rind and juice 1 tbs brown sugar 3 tbs Grand Marnier or Cointreau 50g butter (unsalted) extra Grand Marnier, for flaming (if you want to have a go!)

Mix all the ingredients, except the butter, in a bowl. Melt the butter in a large frying pan, pour in the sauce and allow it to heat gently. Place the first crêpe in the pan until warm then fold it in half and then in half again to form a triangle.

Slide this to the edge of the pan, then add the next crêpe. Continue until they’re all re-heated, folded and well soaked with the sauce. Serve as they are or with vanilla ice-cream. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

Keep your dishes light and simple for superb spring meals which are sure to delight dinner guests or the whole family

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appetite

e to wher drink eat & the on k Roc

Café Solo Modern Italian eatery set in lively Casemates square. Everything from chicory and crispy pancetta salad with walnuts, pears and blue cheese dressing, or king prawn, mozzarella and mango salad to pastas(eg: linguine with serrano ham, king prawns and rocket; smoked salmon and crayfish ravioli with saffron and spinach cream) to salads (eg: Vesuvio spicy beef, cherry tomatoes, roasted peppers and red onions; and Romana

Cafe Rojo

restaurants

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

Lunch 12-3pm, dinner 7-10pm; dishes such as Marinated Tuna Steak & Sesame Crust; Roasted Lamb Shoulder; pastas or risottos such as Roast Pumpkin, Mushroom, & Spinach Curry, Langoustine, Lime & Coconut; Pear, Walnut & Blue Cheese; and Creamy Mixed Seafood; and salads such as Warm Goats’ Cheese, Fresh Spinach & Chargrilled Aubergine; and Roast Duck, Chorizo & Pancetta Salad.

Open: 10am. Closed Sundays and Saturday lunchtime.

Nunos Italian

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).

Cafe Rojo 54 Irish Town. Tel: 200 51738

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

Casa Pepe

The Waterfront

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

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

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

Open: 7 days a week 9am-late

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

Visit: www.gibtour.com/casapepe.

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

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chorizo, black pudding, egg and pancetta) and pizzas (eg: Quatto Stagioni topped with mozzarella, ham, chicken, pepperoni and mushroom) and specialities such as salmon fishcakes, beef medallions and duck. Daily specials on blackboard. No smoking.

Café Solo Grand Casemates Square. Tel: 200 44449

Solo Bar & Grill

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

Open: 12-8pm.

Solo Bar & Grill Eurotowers Tel: 200 62828

Get Listed!

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

Get your business listed here

CALL 200 77748 for details GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

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

At Home

Great Lavazza coffee, sandwiches, English breakfast, traditional breakfast and the ever popular churros, available at this cosy eatery located in the centre of Main Street. Just up from the Piazza, on City Mill Lane, this friendly establishment has pies, salads, homemade daily specials, selection of fish and chips, and a variety of rolls and wraps, such as Africano, Serranito and much more. As well as dining and bar area, and takeaway service, there is a delivery service, available from midday. Open: Mon-Fri 8am-4pm.

At Home 16 City Mill Lane. Tel: 54012502

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 8.30am - 4pm 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 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

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

Just Desserts 1st Floor ICC. Tel: 200 48014

Piccadilly Gardens Rosia Road, Tel: 20075758

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

Solo Express Grnd Flr, ICC, Casemates & Eurotowers

The Tasty Bite Tasty Bite has one of the biggest take-away menus around with home cooked meats, filled baguettes, burgers, chicken, 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.

informal food

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

Verdi Verdi

Bridge Bar & Grill

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

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

Bridge Bar & Grill Ocean Village Tel: 200 66446

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

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.

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.

Verdi Verdi ICC, Casemates Tel: 200 60733

Gibraltar Arms 184 Main Street. Tel: 200 72133

All’s Well

bars & pubs

e to wher drink & eat the on k Roc

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

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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 Stylish lounge bar on the quayside at Queensway Quay with very reasonable prices and light bites from 10am until late.

Popular quiz on Sundays (from 7.30pm) and a relaxed friendly atmosphere... always plenty of people / yachties to chat to. Events (matches etc) covered on large screen TV. Great place to chill out.

Open: 10am Mon - Sat until late and from 12pm on Sun (get there early for a seat for the quiz).

The Lounge Queensway Quay Marina Tel: 200 61118

O’Reilly’s Traditional Irish bar with full HD sports coverage and Irish breakfast from 7am (Sunday from 9am). Guinness on draught. Food includes salads, jackets, beef & Guinness pie, Molly’s mussels, drunken swine, Boxty dishes (potato pancake wrapped around delicioius fillings), sandwiches, rolls, Kildare chicken and much much more. And just like in Ireland there’s no smoking inside, so a great atmosphere for all.

O’Reilly’s Ocean Village. Tel: 200 67888

Star Bar

Gibraltar’s oldest bar, just off Main St. Small cosy and famous for its full English breakfast from 7am (9am on Sunday). A full menu including fish & chips, until 10pm. The home of Star Coffee, draught beers include Heineken, Old Speckled Hen, Murphys and Strongbow cider. Managed by Hunter Twins from Stafford, England, also home to Med Golf & Tottenham Hotspur supporters club.

Star Bar Parliament Lane. Tel: 200 75924 Visit: www.starbargibraltar.com

The Three Owls The Three Owls is a traditional bar serving best of English beers.

Three separate bars/floors: ground floor — big screen TV, pool table, poker machines, bar — open from 10.30am daily. First floor ‘Hoots’ bar, two match pool tables, poker machines, dartboard, bar, open from 5pm daily. Second Floor the ‘Nest’ — American pool table, poker machine, card table, bar — open from 7pm daily and also at weekends for the Rugby Union matches. If you are looking for a sociable game of pool or darts this is the place to be.

The Three Owls Irish Town. Tel: 200 77446 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

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

Visit us and step back in history

Casemates Square Tel: 200 72987

Full menu served inside or on our terrace including British Fish & Chips, Jackets, Salads, Burritos, Homemade Pizzas, our special Fresh Local Mussels and much more.

Visit us and buy yourself a souvenir, T-shirts, beer glasses, lighters etc Live music every evening, join our Jam Sessions on Wednesday or Sunday.

GLMS Music Venue of the Year.

Official Home to Gibraltar Rugby Club Free WiFi

10 Casemates www.lordnelson.gi Tel: 200 50009

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

DAILY SPECIALS Grand Casemates Sq Tel: 20044449

SMITH’S

U4 FISH & CHIPS HADDOCK W4 PLAICE • COD FRESH FRIED IN CRISPY BATTER

restaurant bar guide &

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

295 MAIN ST Tel: 200 74254

Get Stuffed!

Marina Bay Tel: 200 42006 Take-Away, Sandwiches & Hot Food Different Special Every Day salads, soups, pastas, pies, cupcakes, all home made Open 8am-4pm Mon-Fri, 8am-3pm Sat

Indian Cuisine to Eat In or Take Away Unit 1.0.02 Grnd Flr, Block 1 Eurotowers Tel: 200 73711

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

BUDDIES pasta casa

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

Award winning breakfasts from 7.30am Great meals & snacks all day Evening Steak House menu Med Golf Clubhouse Tottenham Hotspur HQ Parliament Lane Tel: 200 75924 GIBRALTARMAGAZINE MAGAZINE••MARCH MARCH2013 2013 GIBRALTAR

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E�ergy words | Peter Rodney

Programmes about science seem to be proliferating on all TV channels. Ranging from engineering marvels to the secret of life, they are overtaking cookery as the subject of the day — although that may be my wishful thinking. Brian Cox is everywhere so things can only get better.

One point made in a recent programme surprised me. Energy does not disappear from the universe; it simply takes a different, usually more dissipated, form. So the sun’s energy comes to us on earth and we transform it in various ways, whether by growing crops or driving our cars.

Driving the car creates movement, noise and heat — all different forms of energy. Somehow and somewhere that energy

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steep flight of stairs tire me out? young ladies in my youth? It Can I get back from wherever would be useful now. it has gone some of the energy The amount of energy that goes I expended vainly chasing after into making a bottle of wine must be sizeable. First the vines have to be planted and grow. Presumthe energy that provides that First the vines have to be planted and grow. ably process comes from the earth which has potential energy stored Presumably the energy that provides that inside. Then the grapes take in process comes from the earth which has the sun’s rays directly in order to ripen, as well as continuing to potential energy stored inside gain energy from the roots. After

stays around. At this point I got lost. If the energy stays around, why does my petrol tank need filling? Why does walking up a

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

wine that there is picking, vinifying, bottling, transporting and selling, all of which takes a considerable amount of human (and machine) effort.

Drinking a bottle also requires work. First there is carrying it back from the shop. The bottle seems to add much more cumulative weight to the other items in the shopping bag than is justified – the sum is more than the parts.

More than one bottle increases the problem exponentially. The choice of which bottle to have with supper arises, causing mental strain. There follows the ceremony of finding the corkscrew which (I know I speak for many) one’s beloved wife has put somewhere else. When it is eventually discovered in, say, the sock draw (‘Well, you shouldn’t have left it out while I was bringing the washing in’), removing the cork may need the muscles of a Tarzan especially if it is a tight-fitting plastic one.

All this energy having been expended, it is time to sit back and swallow. At this point, some of the energy flows back.

Some recent research indicates that a glass of red wine contains more fattening properties in terms of calories than a pint of beer. If so, a beer belly should be renamed a wine waistline; but since the study was commissioned by the beer industry it may be necessary to treat the claims a little sceptically. In any event, the intake of a glass of wine provides a replacement of some of the energy lost, a warming of the interior and a feeling of general benevolence.

It is fair to say that there are some wines which do not produce this result. It is a source of amazement to me that some cafes and restaurants produce a house wine of unparalleled nastiness. It may be cheap (there is usually a reason for that) but it is possible to find a cheap wine that does not produce the same reaction as a chalk squeaking on a blackboard — the anguished rictus of the lips with a rising of the gorge and tears in the eyes.

The proprietor of the establishment can only get away with serving such unpleasantness because no-one complains. If it is an out of the way place which one is unlikely to visit again then, I suppose, there is no point in complaining. But there are places in Gibraltar which continue to produce unacceptable vinegar passed off as a glass of house wine at a cost of £3 or so. That must provide a return of at least £15 — probably more — on the one bottle. Of course, restaurants and pubs must make a profit. But that profit should be as a result of pleasing the customer, not a cynical disregard. Did someone say ‘horsemeat’?

The only way to stop this practice is by using up more energy.

But a concerted effort by all will only require about a joule each.

Point out to the proprietor that his wine is unacceptable and you will not be returning until he bucks his ideas up. You will complain in respect of the food — why not the glass of wine? If we all act together we can improve standards.

Things can only get better if we suggest a Barbadillo, a basic claret, an ordinary Rioja, instead of the industrial ‘table wine’ currently produced at these places.

Eheu fugaces, Postume, Postume, labuntur anni.

I need to remind myself not to expend too much energy getting excited about these matters and that time will pass anyway, with or without me. Wine at the cheaper end is a constant source of interest and anything around the £6 mark can be splendid or awful.

A recent wine-tasting of Italians (wines, that is) at My Wines showed that of the various on offer, the cheaper were preferred ­— a £5.50 Pinot Grigio over a £12 Campanile; a £6.50 Chianti over a £13 Uso. This was unusual and may reflect our unfamiliarity with Italians — but it shows that you can find good stuff at the cheaper end. The difficulty is that it takes time and effort — energy — to do so. n

column

Contemporary Mediterranean Dining

Grand Casemates Square Tel: 200

44449 for reservations

ctor X-Fa wn Sho TV on Live

I need to remind myself not to expend too much energy getting excited about these matters and that time will pass anyway, with or without me. Wine at the cheaper end is a constant source of interest and anything around the £6 mark can be splendid or awful GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

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Akin Raffle Winners

Lilian Pincho (Winner) Francis Viales (Sales Manager, Rock Motors) Jimmy Bruzon (AKIN)

The Association for Kids In Need (AKIN) Sierra Leone car raffle draw took place at the Rock Motors showroom last month. Jimmy Bruzon from AKIN Sierra Leone said “We wish to thank everyone who helped with the sale of the tickets, everyone who bought tickets and all the sponsors. We have raised £27,000 for our school projects. Thank you Gibraltar for your generosity, you have made a huge difference to the lives of many poor children.”

Are you ready to spring into Spring? At last we reach the month that heralds the end of the winter weather and things will start to heat up from here.

March begins with leeks and daffodils with Gibraltar’s Welsh contingent celebrating St. David’s Day on the 1st.

Mother’s Day this year is on 10th March, a day to celebrate with our nearest and dearest, with lunches and dinners at some of Gibraltar’s finest dining establishments.

Following last year’s Mother’s Day Mission success, BabySTEPPs are on a new mission to make the run up to Mother’s Day this year an even better one. They welcome all families to join them on their Fun Day at Boyds, Kings Bastion Leisure Centre on Saturday 2nd March. Break away from routine and go along to join them for a fun-filled afternoon. For more information email them on info@ babystepps.com.

Don’t forget there will be classic vehicles in Casemates Square on 3rd March from 10am - 2pm — great fun for all you motor and nostalgia hounds.

Masters Edward and Ernest Garcia with the Gibraltar Team on receipt of their invitation to join the National Poomsae Squad 2013

The Gibraltar Taekwondo National Team went to the UK in February for their first training session as part of the British Taekwondo National Poomsae Squad. The event was held at the Rushcliffe Arena Sports Centre in Nottingham. Training includes a fitness test and body-composition analysis. An Olympic Nutritionist (Mrs Debra Tranter) visited the event to talk to the squad. The Team would like to take this opportunity to thank HSE Consulting Limited, Sovereign Trust (Gibraltar) Limited and the Gibraltar Taekwondo Association, for their kind sponsorship. For any further information please visit www.facebook.com/BritishTaekwondoGibraltar, our website www.taekwondo.gi or email: tkdgarcia@hotmail.co.uk or tel: 200 44142.

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There will be more than a drop of the black stuff available as the Irish celebrate St Patrick’s Day on the 17th, wearing plenty of green no doubt and some silly hats, while enjoying the many events going on around the Rock in honour of the Emerald Isle.

O’Reilly’s Irish Bar is always packed for this weekend and there is a great atmosphere on the Leisure Island at Ocean Village, as well as around town.

Gibraltar’s Blue Week is from 12th – 15th March (just after the Commonwealth Bank Holiday) with Childline’s Blue Day on 15th March, so why not get involved and wear some blue to the office for a good cause?

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

Check out Childline’s website for more details on how you can help.

There are plenty of birthdays in the month of March, TV and Radio Personality Christian Santos on 9th March, the same day as Kevin Golt of Motorama, with Miguel Peña of Rock Photos on 10th March, and Jonathan Garcia of Isolas shares a birthday with Lorraine Moberley on the 17th. Paul Wharton of Barclays celebrates a biggie on 12th March. Sue of Originarta has her birthday on the 7th, her hubbie David celebrates on 27th, and Louise celebrates hers on the 3rd. CISI committee member Lindsay has his birthday on the 7th and Annette of Café Rojo is another year older on 6th March. Vikram Budhrani’s gets a year older on 15th, Rebecca Faller celebrates on 20th, Julie of Café Solo has her birthday on the 23rd, and Nicole Ferro celebrates a day later on the 24th. Robert Vasquez and Lyanna Armstrong-Emery round off the month’s celebrations with their special days on 30th March. Many happy returns to you all and to anyone else celebrating an event in March.

Blaz Godec Dance Workshops Over 104 dancers took part in the Dance Workshops at the Tercentenary Sports Hall organised by the Gibraltar National Dance Organisation. Famous dancer, former World Champion and outstanding International Dance Organisation choreographer Blaz Godec carried out the workshops.

GNDO President Seamus Byrne said, “It was wonderful to see so many young people from different dancing and sporting backgrounds participating, supporting and helping each other in such a high calibre dance education event.”

The workshops were based on various dance styles from modern, contemporary and jazz. The dancers were able to perform in front of the many spectators composed of teachers, family and friends.

The mornings will be getting lighter and the days longer from 20th March Dance schools, centres and associations that supported the event were Art In Movement, Gibraltar Academy of Dance, Gibraltar Rhythmic Gymnastics Association, Mediterranean Dance School, Show onwards. Remember to move the Dance Company and Transitions Dance Academy. clocks forward on 31st March, when we will all have to wake up an hour earlier, to enjoy the start of springtime.

Pictured below: Winners and of the Art Competition for Young Artists organised by the We are sure we will hear tales of those who forgot to alter the Gibraltar Culture & Heritage Agency was held at the John Mackintosh Hall in February, with judges, prize givers and organisers. The Minister for Culture, the Hon Steven Linares clocks, and we are sure you don’t want to be one of the ones to presented the awards to the talented winners. 49 artists submitted a total of 72 works. get an honourable mention in next months edition!

That’s it for the March edition, we are now working on our April edition — start planning your pranks now. See you on Main Street!

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

Local artist, Ermelinda Duarte carried out the judging. The Prize winners were: 1st - The Ministry of Culture Prize - £1000 Claire Olivero for No. 51 - ‘Movement’; 2nd - The Aquagib Prize - £500 Anna Imossi for No. 30 - ‘Untitled’; The Alwani Foundation Award - School Years 9 to11- £500 Aouatif Ghabraoui for No. 23 - ‘Distortion 1’; The Alwani Foundation Award - School Years 12 to 13 - £500 Gabriella Martinez for No. 44 - ‘Awkward’

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clubs&activities Arts & Crafts The Arts Centre, Prince Edward’s Rd. Art classes for children (5-6pm Mon, 5-6.30pm Tues, 5-7pm Thurs), adults (Mon - Tues 6.30pm-8pm, Wed 6.30pm-8.30pm, life painting Wed 7pm9pm). Tel: 200 79788.

The Fine Arts Association Gallery 1st Floor above Gibraltar Crystal, Casemates. Open 11am-2pm, 4-6pm Mon - Fri, Sat 11am - 2pm.

Arts & Crafts Gallery (next door) opens Mon - Fri 9.30am - 5pm (summer) -6pm (winter), Sat 9.30am - 3pm.

Exhibition Vin’s Gallery at the Rock, The Rock Hotel. Original paintings, prints, and souvenirs

by Vin Mifsud and her pupils. Monday - Saturday 9.30-11am and 8-10pm.

The Gibraltar Decorative and Fine Arts Society Affiliated to the UK NADFAS organisation meets third Wednesday of the month at 6.30pm at Eliott Hotel - lecturers & experts from the UK to talk on Art etc. Contact: ChairmanClaus Olesen: 200 02024 claus.olesen@sghambros. com. Membership Ian leBreton: 200 76173 ilebreton@SovereignGroup.com Knit and Natter Group: Tuesdays from 11am3pm, at Arts & Crafts Shop, Casemates balconyFree to join and refreshments provided. Tel: 20073865 for more information.

Board Games Chess Club meets in Studio 1, John Mackintosh Hall 8-10.30pm Tues.

The Gibraltar Scrabble Club meet at the Rock Hotel on Mondays at 3pm. For further information please ring Vin at 20073660 or Roy at 20075995. All welcome.

The Subbuteo Club meets Charles Hunt Room, John Mackintosh Hall 7.30 - 11pm.

Dance Adult Dance Classes Wednesday evenings at the Youth Disco Room, Kings Bastion Leisure Centre from 7-8.30pm. Cha-Cha, Salsa and Merengue. Lessons £5 and all proceeds to GibMissionAfrica Charity. Contact Dilip on 200 78714 or dance@trainingtm.net Bellydance classes. Beginners level on Tuesday from 7-8pm at Danza Academy or 8-9pm at Ocean Village fitness centre. Tel 54005593.

Salsa Gibraltar Salsa classes held Tuesdays at Laguna Social Club, Laguna Estate. Beginners 7-8.30pm, £5 per lesson. Intermediates 8.30-10pm, £6 per lesson (all profits going to the charity Help Us To Help Them). Contact: Mike 54472000 Email: info@salsagibraltar.com website: www.salsagibraltar.com Modern & Latin American Sequence Dancing Mondays Catholic Community Centre 8.30pm (beginners 7.30). Over 15s welcome.

Old & Modern Sequence Dancing sessions at the Catholic Community Centre at 8pm, beginners at 7.30pm, Wednesday.

The DSA Old & Modern Sequence Dancing sessions at Central Hall Fridays 8pm, beginners 7.30pm. Tel: 200 78282 or e-mail manvio@ gibraltar.gi Everybody welcome.

Modern, Contemporary, Lyrical, Flexibility, Hip Hop & Dance Theatre classes 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.

Zumba Classes at Urban Dance Centre, Jumpers Bastion, with certified instructor Tyron Walker. Every Mon and Weds 8-9pm. Contact 20063959 or 54012212.

History & Heritage The Gibraltar Heritage Trust Main Guard, 13 John Mackintosh Sq. Tel: 200 42844.

The Gibraltar Classic Vehicle Association Dedicated to preservation of Rock’s transport/motoring heritage. Assists members in restoration / maintenance of classic vehicles.

Members/vehicles meet 1st Sunday of month, Morrison’s car park from 10am. New members

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Don’t be bored... do something fun! welcome. Tel: 200 44643.

Music The Gibraltar National Choir and Gibraltar Junior National Choir rehearse on Tuesday & Thursday 7.30 - 9pm at the Holy Trinity Cathedral.

New singers always welcome. Tel: 54831000.

St Andrew’s Music Academy Musical Monsters Club, workshops. Group musical activities for kids 3-7 years. Singing, rhythmic games etc. Tel: 200 42690 email: samagib@hotmail.com Outdoor Activities The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is an exciting self-development Programme available to all young people worldwide equipping them with life skills to make a difference to themselves, 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.

Social Clubs Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (Gibraltar Province) meets RAOB Club, Jumpers Bastion on these days: Provincial Grand Lodge, 1st Monday/month, 8pm. Executive Meeting, last Mon/month 7pm. Knights Chapter, 2nd Mon/month 7.30pm. Examining Council, 3rd Mon/month 7pm. William Tilley 2371, Thurs 8pm. Buena Vista 9975, Weds (fortnightly) 7pm.

Por Favor 9444, Weds (fortnightly) 7pm. Farewell 10001, Tues 8.30pm. Goldacre 10475 (social) last Fri/month 8pm.

Special Interest Clubs & Societies Gibraltar Horticultural Society meets 1st Thurs of month 6pm, John Mac Hall. Spring Flower Show, slide shows, flower arrangement demos, outings to garden centres, annual Alameda Gardens tour. All welcome.

Gibraltar Philosophical Society devoted to intellectually stimulating debate. Frequent lectures and seminars on a range of topics. Contact 54008426 (after 6pm) or email gibphilosophy@ live.co.uk for further information.

Gibraltar Photographic Society meets on Mon at 7.30pm, Wellington Front. Basic courses, competitions etc.

Harley Davidson Owners’ Club www.hdcgib. com UN Association of Gibraltar PO Box 599, 22a Main Street. Tel: 200 52108.

Creative Writers Group meet every Tuesday at the Eliott Hotel bar at 8pm. The workshop is run

by Carla, Tel: 54006696 and is aimed at learning to write fiction and non-fiction, for pleasure or publication. Each session is £5.00.

Sports Supporters Clubs Tottenham Hotspur Supporters Club meet at the Star Bar, Parliament Lane, when Spurs games are televised - call prior to matches to check the game is televised. Great food for a lunch if the KO is early or an early supper if the game is later. For info call Mario on 56280000.

Gibraltar Arsenal Supporters Club meet on match days at the Casino Calpe (Ground Floor).

Gooners of all ages welcome. Tel: Bill 54010681 or Dion 56619000. Website: www.clubwebsite. co.uk/ArsenalGibraltarSC/.

Gibraltar Hammers meet on match days at the Victoria Stadium Bar, Bayside Road. All league games are shown live. All West Ham supporters and their families are welcome. For details visit www.gibraltarhammers.com or e-mail gibraltarhammers@hotmail.com Sports & Fitness Artistic Gymnastics: Gibraltar Artistic Gymnastics Association. Tel: 200 Angela 200 70611 or Sally 200 74661.

Athletics: Gibraltar Amateur Athletics Association holds competitions throughout year for juniors, adults and veterans. Two main clubs (Calpeans 200 71807, Lourdians 200 75180) training sessions at Victoria Stadium.

Badminton: Recreational badminton weekdays at Victoria Stadium (Tel: 200 78409 for allocations). Gibraltar Badminton Association (affiliated to IBA & EBA) has leagues and training for adults and secondary school. Tel: Ivan 200 44045

or Linda 200 74753.

Basketball: Gibraltar Amateur Basketball Association (affiliated FIBA) leagues/ training for minis, passarelle, cadets, seniors and adults at a variety of levels. Tel: John 200 77253, Randy 200 40727 or Kirsty (minis) 200 49441.

Boxing: Gibraltar Amateur Boxing Association (member IABA) gym on Rosia Rd. Over 13s welcome to join. Tuition with ex-pro boxer Ernest Victory (200 75513 w, 200 42788 h).

Cheerleading: Gibraltar Cheerleading Association, girls/boys 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, National Governing Body & Associate Member of ICC. Governs Men’s, Women’s, Boys & Girls Cricket organising league & cup competitions and in-schools coaching. www.gibraltarcricket.com email: info@ gibcricket.com Twitter: @Gibraltar_Crick Cycling: Gibraltar Cycling Association various cycling tours. Tel: Uriel 200 79359.

Darts: Gibraltar Darts Association (member WDF) mens/ladies/youth leagues/competitions.

Tel: Darren 54027171 “Secretary”, Dyson “Youth Rep” 54024149, Justin “President” 54022622 Email: info@gibraltardarts.com Football: Gibraltar Football Association leagues/competitions for all ages October-May. Futsal in summer, Victoria Stadium. Tel: 200 42941 www.gfa.gi. Senior Tel: Albert 200 41515, Junior Tel: Richard 58654000, Women’s Tel: Brian 200 52299. Recreational football for over 35s Tel: Richard 200 70320.

Gaelic Football Club (Irish sport): males of any age welcome. Get fit, play sport, meet new friends, travel around Spain/Europe and play an exciting and competitve sport. Training every Wednesday in La Linea 7-a-side pitches at 8.30pm. Andalucia League with Seville and Marbella to play matches home and away monthly.

Email team@gibraltargaels.com or visit www. gibraltargaels.com.

Golf: Med Golf tournaments held monthly. Tel: 200 79575 for tournament venues/dates. Gibraltar Golf Union has competitions through year, EGU handicaps. Tel: Bernie 200 78844.

Hockey: Gibraltar Hockey Association (members FIH & EHF) high standard competitions/training for adults/juniors. Tel: Eric 200 74156 Peter 200 72730.

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 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);

what a page turner! www.thegibraltarmagazine.com

clay pigeon, East Side (Harry 200 74354); Pistol, near Royal Naval Hospital (Fidel 200 71990).

Skating: Gibraltar Skating and Xtreme Sports Association. State of art ramps for Xtreme/aggressive roller blading /skate boarding. Leisure skating facilities provided within excellent rink (when not used for roller hockey training). Tel: Eric 200 70710 (after 5).

Snooker: Members of European Billiards & Snooker Association. Own Snooker facilities at Jumpers Bastion with three tables. Professional coaching for Juniors/Seniors. Organised leagues/tournaments and participation in accredited International Competitions. Contact Sean Galligan 56262000 or Lee Prickman 54000068, email info@gibraltarsnooker.com Snorkelling & Spear Fishing: Over 14s for snorkelling, over 16s for spear fishing. Tel: Joseph 200 75020.

Squash: Gibraltar Squash Association, Squash Centre, South Pavilion Road (members WSF & ESF). Adult/junior tournaments/coaching. Tel: 200 44922 or 200 73260.

Sub-Aqua: Gibraltar Sub-Aqua Association taster dives for over 14s, tuition from local clubs.

Voluntary sports clubs: Tel: Phil 200 44606, Noah’s Dive Club Tel: Leslie 200 79601, 888s Dive Club Tel: Martin 200 70944. Commercial sports diving schools also available.

Swimming: Gibraltar Amateur Swimming Association (member FINA & LEN) opens its pool for leisure swimming Mon - Fri 7-8.45am, 12- 4pm, 8- 9pm. Junior lessons, squad for committed swimmers, water polo (Rebecca 200 72869).

Table Tennis: Gibraltar Table Tennis Association (members ITTA) training / playing sessions, Victoria Stadium, Tues 6-10pm and Thurs 8-11pm with coaching and league competition. Lizanne 200 45071/54020477 or Eugene 58014000.

Taekwondo: Gibraltar Taekwondo Association classes/gradings Tel: 200 Mari 44142.

Tai Chi: Children’s fun Tai Chi at the Yoga Centre, 33 Town Range, Saturdays 11-12am. Beginners Tuesdays & Thursdays at Kings Bastion Leisure Centre. 6.30-8pm. Adults £5, Children £2, all proceeds to GibMissionAfrica Charity. Contact Dilip on 200 78714 or rocktaichi@traningtm.net Tennis: Gibraltar Tennis Association, Sandpits Tennis Club, excellent junior development programme. Courses for adults, leagues / competitions. Tel: Frank 200 77035.

Ten-Pin Bowling: Ten-Pin Bowling takes place at King’s Bowl in the King’s Bastion Leisure Centre every day. To have a go call 200 77338 to reserve your lane. Gibraltar Ten Pin Bowling (members FIQ & WTBA) leagues, training for juniors and squad. Contact Charly on 56014000 or Paul on 54029749.

Triathlon: Gibraltar Triathlon Union (members ITU) Chris 200 75857 or Harvey 200 55847.

Volleyball: Gibraltar Volleyball Association (members W & EVF) training, leagues, competitions for juniors/seniors. Tony 200 40478 or Elizabeth 58306000.

Yoga: Integral Yoga Centre runs a full programme of classes from Mon-Fri at 33 Town Range. Tel: 200 41389. All welcome.

Theatrical Groups Gibraltar Amateur Drama Association Ince’s Hall Theatre Complex, 310 Main Street E-mail: gibdrama@yahoo.co.uk Tel: 200 42237 www.geocities. com/gibdrama Trafalgar Theatre Group meets 2nd Wed of month, Garrison Library 8pm. All welcome.

Theatrix: Contact Trevor and Iris on Tel: 54006176 or email theatrixgib@ yahoo.co.uk

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

events

Hassans Paddle Tennis

Vasquez (Vasquez Consulting) and William Cid De La Paz (Finsbury Trust) beating tough opponents, Albert Agius (Hassans) and Brian Hill Jnr (Hills Properties).

leisure

Managing Partner, Javier Chincotta said: “This was a great initiative by one of our associates to get our lawyers and clients under one roof, have some

fun and provide a much needed opportunity to network. We are glad we secured a good turnout and we are glad that everyone enjoyed themselves.” n

It’s been an astonishing first season for the rookie Gibraltar team and winning the league is an outstanding achievement for any team.

For those interested in playing Gaelic football, training takes place every week. All are welcome — all nationalities, from beginners to seasoned pros. n

Hassans International Law firm hosted its inaugural Paddle Tennis Networking Tournament last month. The event took place at the Club de Pádel La Dormilona in San Roque and was attended by around 50 players of all experience and abilities.

There was a first round of games to decide which teams would enter one of two tournaments: a main tournament and a plate tournament.

After the first round, the winning teams all went through to the main tournament and the teams all entered the plate tournament.

Dickie Azopardi, Partner and head of the Conveyancing department at Hassans, presented the medals and prizes to the finalists. The main tournament was won by Chris Allan (Hassans) and Sean Maloney (Lloyds TSB), who secured their victory over the runners up, Dickie Azopardi and Dayle Rowbottom (Credit Suisse).

The plate tournament also proved to be very enjoyable with Alfredo

Gaelic Football Success The Gibraltar Gaels continued their march to a first ever Gaelic football league title with a hard earned victory away to Seville. It left them top of the Andalucian League with one home game remaining against Marbella at the end of February when we went to press.

Support Groups Alcoholics Anonymous meet 7pm Tues & Thurs at Nazareth Hse Tel: 200 73774.

A Step Forward support for single, separated, divorced/ widowed people, meet 8pm Mon at St Andrew’s Church.

Mummy and Me Breastfeeding Support Group for mums who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have breastfed to get together for coffee, chat and support. Partners and older children welcome. Meets first Wednesday of every month at Chilton Court Community Hall at 1.30pm. Enquiries and support 54014517.

Childline Gibraltar confidential phone line for children in need. Freephone 8008 - 7 days a week 6pm - 10pm.

Citizens’ Advice Bureau Open Mon-Fri 9.30-4pm. Tel: 200 40006 Email: info@cab.gi or visit 10 Governor’s Lane. No appointment necessary, no charge. Gibraltar CAB outreach clinics at St Bernard’s Hospital every Tuesday. Advisors available at 1st floor reception, Zone 4, 9am-3pm. Info and advice is free, confidential and impartial.

COPE Support group for people with Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia or Rheumatoid Arthritis. Formed to ease day-

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

The team would love more support from the local community and they’d welcome any interested people to come watch them play.

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).

For information email secretary@ gibraltargaels.com or visit gibraltargaels.com

Hope. miscarriage support Tel: 200 41817.

Narcotics Anonymous Tel: 200 70720 Overeaters Anonymous support group for compulsive overeating problems. Tel: helpline for meetings info 200 42581.

Parental Support Group, helping parents and grandparents with restrictive access to their children and granchildren. Tel: Richard 200 46536, Jason 200 76618, Dominic 54019602.

Psychological Support Group, PO Box 161, Nazareth House. Meet Tuesdays at 7pm, Fridays 8pm. Tel: 200 51623.

SSAFA Forces Help Gibraltar, is a national charity, to assist serving and ex-Service personnel and their families. Tel: (5)5481. Email: Susan GIB-CST-JSWPA@mod.uk With Dignity Gibraltar support for separated, divorced/ widowed or single people. Meet Weds 9pm, Catholic Community Centre, Line Wall Rd. Outings/activities. Tel: 54007181 or 200 79957.

Women in Need. Voluntary organisation for all victims of domestic violence. Refuge available. Tel: 200 42581 (24 hrs).

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information

T

he flora and fauna on the Upper Rock are considered of great conservational value. It’s the perfect place for birdwatchers, as migratory species use Gibraltar as the shortest crossing between Europe and Africa. Botanists will also be interested to see over 600 species of flowering plants, including some unique to Gibraltar. Watch out for colourful lizards, non-venemous Horseshoe Whipsnakes, butterflies and pipistrelle bats. Info on flora and fauna at the Gibraltar Ornithological and Natural History Society’s information centre at Jews Gate.

St. Michael’s Cave: The cave comprises an upper hall with five connecting passages and drops of 40-150ft to a smaller hall. A further succession of chambers, some at 250ft below the entrance, is reached through narrow holes. The Cathedral Cave is open to visitors and is used as an auditorium for concerts and theatre. The cave was prepared as a hospital in WWII, but never used.

A further series of chambers ending in a mini lake is called Lower St. Michael’s Cave and can be visited with a guide.

The Monkeys’ Den: There are around 160 monkeys in the Park and around 30 can be seen at the Monkey’s Den. Often called apes, they are tail-less Barbary macaques and Europe’s only free living monkeys. £500 fine for feeding the monkeys - don’t do it!

The Great Siege Tunnels: Tunnelling in the Rock began during the Great Siege (1779-1783) when France and Spain made an attempt to recapture the Rock while Britain was busy with the American War of Independence. Governor General Elliot offered a reward to anyone who could tell him how to mount a gun on the north face of the Rock. Sgt. Major Ince suggested tunnelling and there are over 30 miles of tunnels inside the Rock with various exhibitions inside.

The Military Heritage Centre: Housed in one of the Rock’s many historic batteries, the Military Heritage Centre displays information on the development of Gibraltar’s military defences through the ages.

A City Under Siege Exhibition: Exhibits depicting the lives of civilian population during the many sieges, are housed in one of the earliest British building on the Rock. Original graffiti, drawn by duty soldiers to stop themselves falling asleep, is still visible, the earliest dating back to 1726.

The Moorish Castle: actually just part of a Moorish town and castle which was built up during the Moorish occupation of the Iberian Peninsula, spearheaded from Gibraltar in 711AD by Tarik-ibnZeyad (“Gibraltar” is a corruption of the Arabic words “Jebel Tarik” - Tarik’s mountain). The part we see today, The Tower of Homage, dates back to 1333AD, when Abu’l Hassan recaptured the Rock from Spain.

Natural History & Heritage Park Walks: Med Steps is a stunning walk with the steep climb at the end rewarded with spectacular views of the Rock and Spain. Another recommended walk is St Michael’s Cave through to Charles V Wall but walkers should be relatively fit for both. It

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is also pleasant walking along the upper rock roads. Brochures available free from all Tourist Board offices.

Botanical Gardens: Opened in 1816, the Alameda Botanical Gardens fell into disrepair but are being restored to their former glory. Visitors can enjoy a stroll beneath pines, dragon trees and palms, and see many of Gibraltar’s native plants as well as exotic species. The shop sells environmentally friendly gifts, plants and seeds. Tel: 200 72639/200 74022. Parking.

Nelson’s Anchorage: Rosia Road 9.30am - 5.15pm Monday to Saturday (last entry at 5pm). Closed on Sunday. Admission: £1.00 (free with Nature Reserve ticket. Tickets for the nature reserve can also be bought at this attraction).

Parson’s Lodge: Rosia Road. Narrow limestone outcrop with a labyrinth of tunnels surmounted by an impressive battery, which has witnessed the development of coast artillery over 300 years.

Housed three 18 ton 10-inch rifled muzzle loaders positioned behind a unique sandwich of armour plate/teak, known as ‘Gibraltar Shields’.

Flat Bastion Magazine Flat Bastion Road, Geological Research Station and Lithology of Gibraltar. To visit contact: F. Gomez Tel. 200 44460, P. Hodkinson Tel. 200 43910.

Shrine of Our Lady of Europe (Museum within premises) Europa Road. 10am-7pm Monday to Friday, 11am-7pm Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays.

Closed 1pm - 2pm.

Trafalgar Cemetery: Trafalgar Rd, 9am - 7pm daily (free).

Business Information Financial Serv. Commission Tel: 200 40283/4 Chamber of Commerce Tel: 200 78376 Federation Small Business Tel: 200 47722 Company Registry . . . . . . . . . . . Tel: 200 78193 Useful Numbers Airport (general info.). . . . . . . . . Tel: 200 73026 Hospital, St Bernards. . . . . . . . . Tel: 200 79700 Weather information. . . . . . . . . . . . . Tel: 5-3416 Frontier Queue Update Tel: 200 42777 Gibraltar Museum Tel: 200 74289 18/20 Bomb House Lane open 10am-6pm (Sat. 10am-2pm).

Closed on Sunday. Admission: Adults £2/Children under 12 years £1. Exhibitions also at Casemates gallery.

Registry Office Tel: 200 72289 It is possible to get married on the Rock within 48 hours. A fact taken advantage of by stars such as Sean Connery and John Lennon.

Rock Tours by Taxi Tel: 200 70052 As well as

History Alive Every Saturday morning the

Rock’s past is brought alive by a troop of soldiers in 18th century period uniform. The soldiers march from Bomb House Lane at 12 noon to Casemates. At Casemates they carry out a “Ceremony of the Keys” and then march back up Main Street to the Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned.

offering normal fares, taxis provide Rock Tours taking in the Upper Rock, Europa Point and other sites of interest. It is the best way to see the Rock’s major features in a short time.

John Mackintosh Hall Tel: 200 75669 Includes cafeteria, theatre, exhibition rooms and library.

308 Main Street 9.30am - 11pm Monday to Friday. Closed weekends.

Bicycle Racks Bicycle parking is provided at the following locations: Europort Road, Casemates Tunnel, Land Port Ditch, Fish Market Road, Commonwealth Car Park, Reclamation Road (by English Steps) + Line Wall Road.

Gibibikes is a scheme for public use of bikes taken from stations around the Rock. Visit www.gibibikes.gi for info.

Public Holidays 2013 Gibraltar & United Kingdom New Year’s Day Tuesday 1 January Commonwealth Day Monday 11 March* Good Friday Friday 29 March Easter Monday Monday 1 April Worker’s Memorial Day Friday 26 April* May Day Wednesday 1 May Spring Bank Holiday Monday 27 May Queen’s Birthday Monday 17 June Late Summer Bank Holiday Monday 26 August Gibraltar National Day Tuesday 10 September* Christmas Day Wednesday 25 December Boxing Day Thursday 26 December *Gibraltar only

Emergency Services

Emergency calls only: Fire/Ambulance................................... Tel: 190 Police............................................ Tel: 199/112 Emergency Number Tel: 112 Non-urgent calls: Ambulance Station Tel: 200 75728 Police........................................ Tel: 200 72500 os Emergency N : .............Tel: (5) 5026 / (5) 3598

GibiBikes Locations • Frontier • Victoria Stadium • Waterport Road (Watergardens) • Waterport Road (Waterport Terraces) • Eurotowers • Reclamation Road (Leisure Centre) • Commonwealth Parade Car Park • Rosia Road (Jumpers building) • Rosia Road (Bayview Terraces) • Grand Parade Car Park (Cable Car) • Southport Gates (Ince’s Hall) • Line Wall Road (City Hall) • Line Wall Road (Orange Bastion) • Market Place • Eastern Beach Road (coming soon) • Catalan Bay (viewing platform) • St Joseph’s School • Europa Point • Rosia Parade Visit www.gibibikes.gi to find out more about how you can benefit from GibiBikes

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2013

The Gibraltar Magazine is published and produced by Guide Line Promotions Ltd, La Bayuca, 21 Turnbull’s Lane, Gibraltar. Tel/Fax: (+350) 200 77748

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atural History & Heritage Park admission 9.30am to 7pm by tickets (includes entrance to sites - St. Michael’s Cave, Monkey’s Den, Great Siege Tunnels, Military Heritage Centre, ‘A City Under Siege’ Exhibition and Moorish Castle). Facilities closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Adults £10, children 5-12 years: £5, children age under 4 free, vehicles £2.

Private vehicles may be restricted at certain times, tours available by taxi/mini bus. Also reached by cable car (leaves Grand Parade 9.30am-5.15pm Mon-Sun. Last cable down: 5.45pm). 50p per person to walk with no entrance tickets.

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