The Gibraltar Magazine September 2011

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

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ibraltar the

Jargon Busting...

The Future’s Bright

Kristel’s Stone to Skin

A Dancer Out at Sea

Creative Gib.

Ana’s the Belle of the Ball

September 2011 Vol. 16 No. 11 FREE

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what’s inside

arts & lifestyle 20 22 28 42 56 60 62 66 72 78

features Major Bob & the Story of Our Regiment Kristel’s Art: Stone to Skin € The Belle of the Ball Gibraltar’s Voice of the Morning

business & finance 8 9 12 14 16 18

Business & Finance Guide Jargon Busting after a hot summer

Corporate Governance since the Crisis The Changing Face of Recruitment

32-39

Just Paint?

Hideaways Concept Property Directory Back to School Decor

health & beauty 48 49 52 53 54

40 58 70

Gib Oil: The Future’s Bright €

property files 32 34 36 38

history & heritage

Finance Column: Having a Plan

48-55

Slipped Discs Flawless Nails Health & Medical Directory Hearing Loss in Children Back Pain & Migraines in their Place

food & drink

80-89

80 José’s Call to the Bar 82 Recipes 84-87 Restaurant & Bar Guide 88 The Right Stuff

regulars

68 Puzzle Page 90-91Around Town

information 64-65 94

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

City Centre Map Gibraltar Information

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

24 44 74 76

Fly to Manchester - for FREE! The Results are in...€ National Day 2011 Images of a Dozen Years: Ilka Garcia Jonathan Teuma’s Travels & Poetry Slams Rowing’s Golden Girls A Dancer Out at Sea Bryan Ritchie: Out of Africa € Creative Gib Who is Mr Darcy?

A Vagabond in Gibraltar Rock & the Real Rock € An Author’s Tale

gibraltar the

September 2011 Vol. 16 No. 11 FREE

Jargon Busting...

The Future’s Bright

Kristel’s Stone to Skin

A Dancer Out at Sea

Creative Gib.

Ana’s the Belle of the Ball

Photo: One of Gibraltar’s distinctive red telephone boxes

Vol. 16 No. 11 September 2011

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAGAZINE •• SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 2011 2011 GIBRALTAR

business & finance

Jargon busting: after a long summer

by Ian Le Breton

Oh dear, September is here and that means it’s back to work for many Gibraltarians after the lazy, if not necessarily crazy, days of summer. We can look forward to National Day but the main holidays are over for another year. How was the summer for you? Let me tell you about mine.

Reading the financial press every day, I became ever more disturbed as the summer went on. It may surprise readers to learn that this wasn’t because of the generally woeful economic news — although it was pretty dreadful across the board. No, I was more concerned to read countless articles containing words which seem to have no other purpose than to sow seeds of confusion among the readership.

I am referring to that scourge of the modern age — jargon. In many articles I read this summer, it was just unadulterated balderdash and blether, and I am convinced there exist out there a whole bunch of finance professionals who simply thrive on jargon. The cynic inside me (surely not?) would say this means they can charge more for their opinions and advice.

Some of the recent stuff I have read in the financial press would confuse anyone. Has Greece defaulted, or not? Who cares? And why? And what on earth is meant by increasing the US debt ceiling? Have they gone in for DIY over there or

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEpTEMBER 2011

what? I thought the readership of The Gibraltar Magazine deserve better than that, so here are a few answers to some of the burning world economic issues of the day. You are entering a jargon busting zone — for a bit anyway.

Firstly, we all depend on the strength of the general economy. So let’s remind ourselves what is meant by gross domestic product — or GDP. And the difference between “growth” and “recession” — for there is not much difference

The latest EU discussions concerning Greece and its second bailout in as many years had two main objectives

between these two concepts even though we love the first and have learned to steer well clear of the second if at all possible.

Gross domestic product (GDP) is the total market value of all goods and services produced within a country in a given period.

The standard of living is often referred to as GDP per capita (i.e. per person) and is often considered a good measure of one country’s performance measure against another — bearing in mind that no two countries have exactly same number of residents.

Typically GDP figures for a country are published every three months, i.e. every quarter. If the reported figure is positive — and they are always measured as a percentage — then the country is said to be growing. Naturally, the reverse is true if the figure is negative when the overall economy is said to be contracting.

Technically speaking, a recession is said to occur if the figures in two successive quarters — that is a six-month period — are contracting.

business & finance It can be a very fine line but the consequences can be far reaching.

Another bit of jargon we have heard far too much about this summer has been all this talk of possible “sovereign default” — especially by Greece. So has that country defaulted or not?

And what are the implications for the rest of Europe and indeed the wider global economy?

Simply put, a sovereign default is the term used to describe the inability of a country (a “sovereign state”) to repay its debts in full. One could add “or on time” which amounts to pretty much the same thing. And there’s the rub. The latest EU discussions concerning Greece and its second bailout in as many years had two main objectives. Firstly, the EU sought desperately to avoid the impression that Greece had defaulted and, secondly, it was trying to defuse the seemingly inexorable market pressure on other troubled EU economies that might follow suit.

The already-bailed-out Ireland and Portugal were the main two preoccupations, but then further worries re-surfaced about the much larger economies of Italy and Spain.

“Too big to fail” is an overused expression but for many reasons that phrase is true of the larger countries. The consequences of a default by one of these would be catastrophic — let us not even imagine the affect any default by Spain would have on our small economy here in Gibraltar.

Let us simply hope this hypothetical question remains just that — a theory and no more.

As I write this, an even more worrying scenario appears to have been averted, but only just. A default by the largest economy of them all — the United States. Again, the problem is that the US has simply run out of money. The talk all along was of an increased debt ceiling.

So what is one of those, then?

A debt ceiling is basically an overdraft limit.

In the case of the United States, the maximum total overall debt is fixed by law. In the same way all of us know the majority of our outgoings in advance, the country’s finance chiefs were aware that on Tuesday, 2nd August, the debt would

have surpassed the limit of US$14.3tn. After much debate and not a little grandstanding by several politicians, it was agreed to increase this limit by US$2.4tn — but with swingeing cuts to government spending in order to reduce the deficit.

The eagle-eyed will have noticed that tiny abbreviation — “tn”. Surely that’s a misprint. I mean “bn” for billion, right? Wrong: “tn” is short for trillion or 1,000 billion. So the new debt limit will be — wait for it — US$16,700,000,000,000.

More jargon and something worth explaining.

When I was a kid doing my maths homework, a billion was a million millions and a trillion was a billion billions. Ludicrous numbers that I never expected to use in real life. Since then, the world has adopted the US version where a billion is a mere 1,000 million and a trillion is 1,000 times that. Sounds a lot more reasonable, doesn’t it? Until you read the debt figure above written there in all its horror — with 12 zeros. It doesn’t really matter what we call it. The figure is astounding.

Finally I wanted to look at one last bit of jargon — credit ratings — and why they are so important. A credit rating measures the credit worthiness of a debt issuer. This could be a company but during the summer we have heard more about the ratings of specific countries — put simply, the chances of the debt issuers’ default. Credit ratings are determined by specialist agencies and recently we have seen

The problem is that the US has simply run out of money.

The talk all along was of an increased debt ceiling.

So what is one of those, then?

a succession of downgrades of European debt.

The steepest declines have been in places such as Greece, but even Spain has not been immune.

Despite the massive increase in the US debt discussed earlier, its credit rating has not been downgraded — yet.

Credit ratings are used by bond purchasers to determine the likelihood that the government concerned will actually pay its bond obligations.

If not of course, the bond purchaser might lose some of his investment — the so called “haircut”. This is why ratings are so important. Any downgrading can severely affect sentiment and the whole merry-go-round starts all over again.

I have always admired the Plain English Campaign which has worked tirelessly for over 30 years to rid Britain of gobbledegook and confusing information that could be misunderstood.

I think there is a good case for financiers to adopt the same approach. The danger of course is that the general public will make a startling discovery. Rather like the story of the Emperor’s clothes, perhaps some finance “professionals” and journalists in particular might be found severely wanting once the veneer of their jargon was removed.

So here is my clarion call: “Plain business speak please!” With a little more of that, we might all understand better the extent of the world global crisis we are living through. And we might be less willing to tolerate the messes that our financial institutions and governments get us into. n

it’s OUR responsibility Clean Up the World is a community-based, environmental campaign aimed at inspiring and empowering communities around the globe to clean up, fix up and conserve their environment. Gibraltar will take part in Clean Up the World’s flagship annual event on the third weekend in September (17th September this year) for the 7th year running along with communities around the globe.

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) assists Clean Up the World to promote the campaign and encourages participation through its networks. An estimated 35 million volunteers from 120 countries now take part in the event, making it one of the largest community-based environmental campaigns in the world.

The theme for this year’s Campaign is: “Our Planet, our Place, Our Responsibility”.

Organisers of the event locally, the Environmental Safety Group, says it has seen a growing Government commitment to address

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widespread littered areas, or hotspots, by increasing investment and resources. This has resulted in many of the usual areas being in a better state than previous years and so this year’s focus will shift slightly to tackle new areas and different projects. “Our volunteers will be checking out old and new sites over the next few weeks as plans firm up for the 17th September day of action,” the ESG says.

A joint poster campaign between the ESG and Gibraltar’s Ministry of the Environment promotes the positive aims and achievements of this annual campaign supported locally by a large

number of volunteers from a cross section of the community. Over 25 teams were signed up by mid-August with more expected to take part.

Please contact the ESG for posters, information or to register as an individual or as a team: email: esg@gibtelecom.net Tel: 200 48996 (9.30am-1.30pm) or 54960000 (after 1.30pm).

Everyone is welcome.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

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Having a Plan Why a Business Plan is key to success

by Paul Wharton, Head of Corporate Banking, Barclays Wealth

Whether you’re just starting a business or are running an established operation it’s vital that you have a business plan to outline the direction that the business will take in the future and the steps required to achieve success.

Over the coming months I will be taking you, step by step through some of the key areas that should be included within a business plan.

To me, a business plan is the document that brings together your research and ideas into a structured format. Going through this process and organising your thoughts in this way will help you evaluate if your business will be commercially viable. The plan doesn’t need to be complicated, in fact some of the best small business plans I have seen have been succinct and focused and just 1-2 pages long.

If you are hoping to use your business plan to convince an investor or lender to support your business, it is crucial to understand their objectives and address these in the document. You need to be clear

12

about how you meet their particular lending or investment criteria and I will be giving you some tips and help in this area.

Over the years I have seen many start-ups fail because of a lack of planning. I recall some years ago sitting in my office in central London when one of our local business men came in to see me after a trip the Far East; he immediately proceeded to tell me that whilst on holiday he had purchased, with his own cash, a large quantity of home decor items from a wholesaler, enough to fill two containers, and intended to sell these through a shop that he would rent in an affluent area of West London.

As I am sure you will have guessed, it all went horribly wrong; the shop that he had in mind could

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

finance column only be secured with a large cash premium paid in advance, at least half of the stock failed to comply with UK health and safety requirements, and to cap it all his soft furnishing range was being sold by a major high street retailer at a fraction of the cost he paid for locally.

After six months he was forced to bite the bullet and sold the stock for scrap value losing his initial

After six months he was forced to bite the bullet and sold the stock for scrap value losing his initial investment in full investment in full.

With planning, this outcome could have been avoided. He should have spent time writing a business plan to cover key areas such as: Operational requirements What do you need to do to turn your operational plans into action?

In other words, how will you make everything happen in your business, such as premises, equipment, staff, suppliers, compliance, licensing and insurance?

Marketing How are you going to reach your target market to generate awareness and drive business? What is your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) and how does this differentiate from your competitors?

Finance Just how much money is needed on day one? What will be required moving forward and what are the sources of finance available?

I will cover these points and other key areas in greater detail over the coming months. In the meantime get your research, ideas and plans down on paper and start planning your future‌ n

Paul Wharton is Head of Corporate Banking at Barclays Wealth in Gibraltar having arrived on the Rock from the UK five years ago. Paul has over three decades of 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 the Small Business Enterprise markets and has served on the London Board of the Princess Trust.

Hideaways Mike Balfour, chairman of Hideaways, and Mike Nicholls,

managing director of Chesterton, sign their agreement granting Chesterton exclusive rights to promote Hideaways throughout Gibraltar (see feature, page 34).

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

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Harry Murphy, Director of Gib Oil

Gib Oil:

The Future’s Bright “I am more excited about the future now than I have been in the past 15 years,” states Harry Murphy, Director of

the newly rebranded Gib Oil. Harry, a passionate Shell employee for three decades, is thrilled with the sell off by Shell of their local operation to Fortune 500 company, World Fuel Service Corporation, an organisation dedicated to investing in Gibraltar and the team employed here.

The transfer was effective from 1st December 2010, and a six months rebranding period was given by Shell. The name Gib Oil was chosen because it is more identifiable locally and “So far there has been a very positive feedback to the rebranding from our customers, both local and international,” Harry confirms. “We have gone to great pains to ensure the customer sees no change in the service and quality provided,” Harry emphasises,

14

“in fact, in many cases, the service has been enhanced,” he adds.

World Fuel Services is a global leader in fuel logistics, specialising in the marketing, sale and distribution of aviation, marine and land fuel products and services via a network of offices in 42 countries worldwide. Based in Miami, Florida, World Fuel Services is also noted as a global supplier to the US military.

Previously the corporation traded fuel in Gi-

braltar, however the Gib Oil acquisition now allows World Fuel to physically sell into the Gibraltar market, which is the third largest in the world.

Gib Oil retains its links with Shell by being the authorised distributor of Shell lubricants on the Rock. Shell is a global group of energy and petrochemicals companies with around 93,000 employees in more than 90 countries and territories. The sell off of the Gibraltar

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

business moves operation forms part of Shell’s strategic planning, which sees the company investing heavily in exploration and production, and in emerging markets such as China and India. This has meant the Gibraltar operation’s growth and expansion over the past years has been sidelined, and while remaining profitable, Shell was happy to sell off those bits of its business which did not fit with this overall grand plan.

“Shell had a conservative policy towards growth and concentrated its assets in big markets, so Gibraltar seemed to just slip through the cracks,” Harry confirms. “In contrast new owner, World Fuel Services, sees Gibraltar as an interesting place with significant growth prospects for Gib Oil.” Harry is now very optimistic for the future expansion of the local operation, and already in the first six months half a dozen projects have been sanctioned. These include the upgrading of the yacht terminals at North Mole and the Marina, the rebranding of the retail fuel stations at Winston Churchill Avenue and Line Wall Road, and the employment of five additional staff members.

“We have gone through what has been a traumatic experience for everyone,” Harry explained at his offices on North Mole. “It seemed like the end of the world when I was summoned by Shell to the UK to discuss the selling off of the local operation.”

A period of uncertainty followed, during which the break-up of the operation was one possibility mooted. During the negotiations

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

Harry was adamant that the Gib operation was more than just bricks and mortar, and any potential buyer should have an interest in the people and their relationships locally too. In fact this premise ended up forming part of the

“

New owner, World Fuel Services, sees Gibraltar as an interesting place with significant growth prospects for Gib Oil

”

conditions of sale.

“We have ended up with the best possible outcome for everyone,” smiles Harry, “and Gib Oil as an entity is now able to build on the relationships established over the past 88 years. For example, we have supplied fuel to the Gibraltar government for the past eight decades and never once have we let them down. Despite there being more lucrative market sectors we could have supplied to during period of low stock, we have a relationship and a commitment to our clients which transcends issues of pure profit.” An ethos which World Fuel Services is keen to continue fostering locally.

The transition from Shell to World Fuel Services Corp has been a smooth process and Harry says the staff are extremely happy.

“The first seven months have been extremely positive and the staff are now comfortable and confident with the new set-up.” In fact, all staff, including the management team of Harry, Michael Cornelio (Engineering and HSSE), Mark Smith (Distribution and Operations) and Fiona Mascarenhas (Finance), have been retained and Harry sees no reason why, after Shell’s 88 years in Gibraltar, the dynamic new company, as authorised distributor for Shell Lubricants, cannot enjoy another 88 years plus here under the protective umbrella of World Fuel Services.

Here’s to a successful future for Gib Oil. n To find out more about Gib Oil visit the website www.giboil.com or email: info@giboil.com

15

business & finance

Corporate Governance Since the Financial Crisis

by Imogen Wood and Bethan Hampson Jones Gibraltar Financial Services Commission

The events of the financial crisis exposed material shortcomings in the governance and risk management of some regulated firms. Although poor governance was only one of many factors contributing to the crisis, it has widely been acknowledged to have been an important one. This article investigates what corporate governance actually is, what its failures were during the financial crisis and a brief overview of the action that is currently being undertaken in order to safeguard the financial industry and hopefully prevent another crisis in the future.

Corporate governance has many definitions but they all pertain to the overall direction and control over a company for the benefit of shareholders. Corporate governance covers a number of aspects about the running and management of an organisation and the governance is to benefit shareholders, employees, investors, suppliers, customers and the community, but with the board of directors as the central focus, and fundamentally accountable. Managing risk is of utmost importance for the Board of Directors and principles of effective corporate governance relate directly to the role the board play.

Reports, reviews and information circulating globally indicate that the following weaknesses played an important role in the development of the crisis: • Risk management • Remuneration • Board practice; and • The exercise of shareholder rights.

Risk Management According to the OECD perhaps one of the greatest shocks from the financial crisis has been the widespread failure of risk management. The failure of risk management occurred at both financial and non-financial companies. In many cases the risk was not managed on an enterprise basis and not adjusted to corporate strategy. Risk

16

managers were often divorced from management and regarded as a hindrance rather than an essential part of company strategy. Risk managers lacked status within companies, making it very difficult to enforce policy.

There are companies who have performed well, establishing what is considered within the industry good practice; however risk management failed in too many instances in financial companies. In many cases, and most importantly, boards were ignorant of the risk facing the company. The risks within the financial sector can also be classified in many different ways, such as strategic, market, reputational, compliance, operational and credit, but a particular weakness has been liquidity risk, as many firms rely on the marketability of securities for

One of the major problems that occurred during the financial crisis was the dominance of the CEO, which stifled objectivity

liquidity needs.

Remuneration There has also been substantial concern surrounding remuneration and incentive systems and whether they lead to excessive short term management actions and to “rewards for failure”. It would appear that incentive systems have encouraged and favoured risk taking with the size of the bonuses often unlimited at the bank and shareholder’s expense. In addition the financial crisis has raised questions about aspects of the compensation issues especially within banks. Primarily in the US and Europe, executives have had large equity positions in their companies, in theory this means that they should have faced significant downside risks, restricting their risk appetites. However due to the large compensation and short term bonus structure, which more than offsets any expected loss on their equity holdings, this has not been of concern to them.

Board Practice The quality and experience of the board and individual members of the board is essential. According to the OECD, one of the major problems that occurred during the financial crisis was the dominance of the CEO, which stifled objectivity. Boards tended to be reactive rather than

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

business & finance proactive, which meant that there was less of a profound change of behaviour towards an outcome advocated by their Principles. The quality of board members was also of serious concern especially within the banking industry and the issue of over viewing competency was also very difficult. It was often thought that members of the boards lacked banking and financial experience, and it was estimated that at eight US major financial institutions, two thirds of the directors had no banking experience.

The role of Chairman is also considered of utmost importance on any board but the financial crisis disclosed that a good chair can make all the difference to the success of a company.

Many problems arose during the crisis surrounding the Chairman. These included not communicating thoroughly enough, especially with shareholders and not facilitating the contribution of non-executive directors. Chairs often lacked experience and leadership, two qualities vital in a financial crisis. The time commitment of board Chairman also had much to answer for during the crisis. The experience of the financial crisis also confirmed the importance of resources and that a deficiency of adequate supervisory staff resources needs to be addresses.

Shareholder Rights Shareholder rights have seen substantial strengthening over the recent decades which means attention has turned to the effectiveness of shareholders in demanding accountability from the boards of investee companies. Especially during the run up to the financial crisis, the effectiveness of shareholders has faced

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

some scrutiny. Whilst more recently shareholders have had more to say and have registered higher levels of dissent and input on executive compensation, their monitoring to date has been deficient in relation to what is required. Some claim that if boards have not functioned well in overseeing risk management and remuneration systems, surely it is the shareholder at the end of the day that is at fault? There is continuing research as to what more the shareholders could have done during the recession, but many will claim that shareholders were largely inactive.

Conclusion It has been widely recognised that both financial institutions and regulators, before the crisis, underestimated the importance of governance.

There was an urgent need to re-examine the adequacy and success of corporate governance principles. This has lead to substantial activity and increased emphasis on effective governance, both in the EU and internationally. As a result

It has been widely recognised that both financial institutions and regulators, before the crisis, underestimated the importance of governance

there are a number of recommendations and best practices emerging in the four key areas identified as most immediately linked to the financial crisis.

Despite there being recommendations and best practice initiatives developing globally it is clear that their aims are aligned in order to enhance good corporate governance practices within the finance industry in the hope of eliminating the chance of increasing and future financial turmoil, but also in providing principles attaining to long term success.

Broadly speaking, financial institutions will be required to pay close attention in the areas of the board, directors and the chairman, specifically focusing on the recruitment and competency of these individuals combined with an emphasis on the need for structured and strategic governance. Risk management, remuneration procedures and shareholder relations have also been high on the agenda for change as it is these areas that were considered to have been very weak and partly responsible for the financial crisis.

As suggested by the developments proposed at EU level, there needs to be a more “comply or explain� framework approach in the corporate governance arena. This flexibility will allow firms to adapt corporate governance principles to their specific situation and ensure internal controls that determine the balance between risk and remuneration are commensurate to their organisation, in turn making the industry far more accountable and transparent, delivering a sense of reassurance to the public and hopefully, in time, rebuilding lost trust. n

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Changing face of recruitment...

Most people can remember their first real job and how they got it. If you are over a certain age, it probably involved an hour at the local printers

waiting for your CVs to print before running off to every office building in a 10 mile radius.

The days of pounding the pavement are long gone and the millennial generation are now here. They are savvy and connected. With the online world becoming larger by the second, the top professional talent can now be found there. And the best part is that they see the jobs first without even searching.

Facebook It seems that you need to be living on a deserted island in the middle of the South Pacific to not know what Facebook is these days.

Aside from the rare holdout, the majority of our friends have an account, although few are aware of the job finding capabilities of Facebook. Most of us use it to look at friends photos, for a quick chat or maybe to plant some trees on our virtual farm, but did you know you can keep track of job opportunities?

Joining groups and liking pages gives you access to a wealth of status updates and if you pick the right ones this means immediate job leads. Instead of searching for

18

hours, there they are, right in your status feed.

Some Facebook users go a step further and become active by posting in groups or on pages. It never hurts to let people know what you are looking for and best of all it’s free.

LinkedIn LinkedIn has now surpassed all as the top professional networking tool. Every day more and more people are using it both as a virtual job centre as well as an online resume.

Being on LinkedIn can be as beneficial as attending 20 different networking events in a day, shaking everyone’s hand and collecting hundreds of business cards.

While Twitter and Facebook are often preferred by the younger generation who are looking for some quality work experience, Linkedin is often a better option for the seasoned professional who might not want it out there that they are looking. As most experienced professionals are already

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • sEPTEMBER 2011

recruitment

by Oliver Medina, Executive Recruitment Manager (Financial Services & Banking), Select Recruitment (Gibraltar) Twitter Twitter is proving more and more effective for those looking for new opportunities. The great thing about Twitter is that it works like a little ticker tape where it keeps churning out tidbits of information and news throughout the day. The more followers you have the longer the ticker tape. For job seekers using Twitter the best success has been for those who choose who they follow strategically (using keywords such as #jobs or #recruitment is a good start) but also check their feed regularly.

Many recruitment professionals tweet a job before they have time to set up a job posting and put it onto the job boards, so for those who check their tweets regularly they are the first to see it. A quick tweet or email back can get the whole process started. on LinkedIn, it is a safe way to see what is going on out there in the job market and let others know of you.

LinkedIn ultimately gives its users permission to have their CV online without raising the suspicions of employers

Online CV Most people have their CV updated and ready for posting, but to where? To job postings of course.

But what about posting your CV online? There are hundreds of online sites, forums and groups that allow you to do this. LinkedIn

allows you to add it to your profile as a Word or PDF document. Some even go a step further and post it on their own blog. One major benefit in doing this is it allows the recruiters to come to you instead of you going to them, but in a world that is moving more and more online the biggest benefit is that it lets people know you are not being left behind.

Google+ It is still relatively new, currently in the beta stage, and not available to everyone, but Google+ is already getting rave reviews, promising to be a leading online networking tool.

One expected benefit of Google+ is that it is great for grouping information and contacts. This means that when you are connected to recruitment professionals they will only send you information that you are going to want to see. So where

Twitter and Facebook falter a bit with their lengthy feeds, Google+ will be taking that job search one step further.

Today’s modern recruitment consultant uses all of the above networking technologies, so it’s still a good idea to register and meet face to face with them.

A good consultant will be an excellent judge of character and strategically focused on knowing current employment market conditions in their specialist sectors.

However, consultants usually work on several positions at one time and meet quite a few candidates each day. Make sure you connect and follow their online movements and it can pay dividends to all parties.

With the consultant’s daily insight and your individual efforts, the job opportunity of a lifetime is sure not to be overlooked. n

It allows the recruiters to come to you instead of you going to them, but in a world that is moving more and more online the biggest benefit is that it lets people know you are not being left behind

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19

weekend away

Manchester: Shop Till You Drop!

advertorial promotion

Few places can match Manchester’s incredible retail experience. Anything is possible from browsing white label records and vintage clothing in the Northern Quarter, to personal shoppers and designer labels at Harvey Nichols. One of the great advantages of Manchester is its size — you can walk everywhere. If your legs start to feel the strain, Metrolink trams and free Metroshuttle buses have the city covered.

Begin with the Arndale Centre and Market Street, here you’ll find over 200 shops, then on to Exchange Square and New Cathedral Street where you’ll find Selfridges for brands such as Jimmy Choo, Alexander McQueen, Kurt Geiger, Rock & Republic and across the street the super chic Harvey Nichols including designers such as Prada and Stella McCartney. Just a stone’s throw away is the beautifully stylish Triangle one of Manchester’s premier shopping centres, situated in the old Corn Exchange building. Feeling a little peckish? Then pop into The Titchy Coffee Company or Zinc Bar & Grill for a spot of light lunch.

The area situated along Deansgate/King Street/Bridge Street is a stretch of designer heaven and a must for the label conscious shopper. The world’s top designers gather here to bring the very best in designer fashion. Deansgate is one of Manchester’s busiest streets and is heaving with shops, bars and restaurants, including House of Fraser. At the top end of King Street you’ll find exclusive outlets such as Vivienne Westwood, Armani, Mulberry, DKNY and Agent Provocateur. Swing left off King Street

on to Bridge Street and you’ll find independent boutiques selling designer clothes where Linda Evangelista, and the Beckhams have been seen shopping. Raymond Blanc’s award winning restaurant located on Chapel Walks, is the perfect place to rest those designer shopping bags.

For those looking for something a little different then the Northern Quarter is a must. Affleck’s Palace and the Manchester Craft & Design Centre are the main focus of this area where you’ll find everything from stores displaying the work of talented young fashion designers to old vinyl shops, second hand stores, hair salons, clairvoyants and cafes. Also, the famous Rag’s to Bitches

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to manchester All you have to do is answer the following question correctly: Q: What is the name of Manchester United’s football stadium?

Send your answer, name and address to: Manchester Competition, PO Box 1124, 17 Turnbull’s Lane, Gibraltar (one entry per person)

Draw made on 20th September 2011, winner announced in the October 2011 edition of The Gibraltar Magazine

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3 flights a week

The winner will be the first entry drawn at random after the closing date of 20th September 2011 The winner must be aged 16 years or over The prize is non-transferrable and there is no cash alternative Flights are subject to limited availability and may not be available on all dates on all flights during this period The prize is valid for travel before 1 September 2012 The prize is one pair of return flights with Monarch from Gibraltar to Manchester Airport taxes are included in the prize Flight extras are not included in the prize (flight extras include, but are not limited to, pre-allocated seats and the carriage of hold/checked-in baggage)

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

events Well known local diver Ian Gadd, and his team of expert divers, will be relay diving in aid of the Gibraltar Hearing Impaired and Tinnitus Association and the Bosom Buddies Cancer Trust.

Manchester is a vibrant city with excellent museums, shopping, exhibitions, events, live entertainment, bars and restaurants. A great place for a weekend away

is a must see classic Manchester gem located on Tib Street. If you’re feet need a rest after a after a hard days shopping then sit back and unwind in one of the areas many café bars.

And if you still haven’t had enough, then hop on the Metro Link to Stretford and catch the shuttlebus to the Trafford Centre, which offers late night shopping (until 10pm) Mon – Sat and is open 12-6pm on a Sunday. Here you’ll find whatever-the-weather shopping, high street names mixed with a selection of designer clothes outlets.

Manchester city centre also has a variety of museums, galleries, exhibitions and historic buildings. Visit www.visitmanchester.com for more information and calendar of events. n Monarch Airlines operates five flights a week to and from Manchester on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.

The team will take turns carrying out the 24 hours underwater meaning a diver will be in the water at all times, supported by a team on the surface.

Members of the public, children and adults, will be encouraged to use the equipment for “try dives” with one of the experienced divers, while helping with donations towards these two local charities.

24 hour Charity Dive The pier at Camp Bay will be the launch point for a 24 hour charity SCUBA dive from midday on Saturday 17th September.

Anyone wishing to attend is welcome, there is no entrance fee but there will be a series of activities to raise money, including lucky dips for children and adults, hot dogs and other snacks.

The event is being organised

by Tyrone Payas, a committee member of the Gibraltar Hearing Impaired and Tinnitus Association with help from Sonia Golt of the Bosom Buddies Cancer Trust, and members of both charities. n

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21

career file

the results are in...

It’s been another bumper year for Gibraltar’s A Level students, with scenes of jublilation as they received their results on 19th August.

Many will be off to the UK to join their chosen university’s degree course this month, and we wish them all the best with their studies.

Pictured: students from Bayside and Westside secondary schools in a celebratory mood. n

22

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

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General Sir Charles Keightley inspecting a Gibraltar Defence Force guard of honour

Major Robert Randall MBE

by Mike Brufal

The Story of our Regiment

Major Bob Randall is one of the best known and popular septuagenarians on the Rock.

He spent his career in the Royal Gibraltar Regiment — a career which follows the changes in Gibraltar since the Second World War in all aspects of life, from housing, education, medical services, beautification of the public areas, the bus service, the creation of wealth, the availability of scholarships, and most importantly parity of wages.

Like most Gibraltarian babies at that time Bob was born at home, on 4th October 1934, in Pitman’s Alley (later the family moved to 95 Main Street). Early memories include listening to the music played in the bandstand at Alameda Gardens, watching horse racing at North Front, the columns of mules pulling a convoy of carts up Main Street and the regular visits by ships of the Mediterranean and Home Fleets. With friends he would observe fights between sailors, then crawl around looking for coins which fell during the fight.

When Word War II started, he and his family — his mother, his two sisters, a couple of aunts and uncles — were evacuated to Casablanca, then a short stay in Gibraltar, ending up in the Gresham Hotel, London. Bob recalls, during the Blitz, Our Lady of Europe watched over the Randalls when both the Gresham Hotel and the Royal Stuart Hotel took direct hits, while the family sheltered in the hotels’ cellars. All their possession were lost and he remembers emerging onto the street with debris still falling and will never forget the smell of burning. Before the second direct hit, the family decided they didn’t want to go down to the cellars “as lightning was unlikely to strike twice”.

Suddenly, his sister came running into the room and said an old man wearing a hat and using a

24

walking stick had asked her to tell the family to go to the cellar immediately. She had no idea who the man was but the family decided he must be the dead grandfather who always wore a hat and used a stick and they ran down to the cellar and were saved! After that they were moved to the Broadwalk Hotel near Hyde Park.

Bob spoke little English when he arrived in London, but he quickly learned the language at St Mathias’ School. He remembers friendly and not-so-friendly fights with London children who would call Gibraltarians ‘Colonials’ to provoke a reaction.

The family returned to Gibraltar in 1944. Another equally memorable experience was the appearance of bananas which had previously been

Humphreys was building flats in Governor’s Meadow, but in those days health and safety were not considered and there were many injuries and even deaths

rationed. Throughout the war he had dreamed of eating bananas and here they were, unlimited.

Back at 95 Main Street, living conditions were tough and the entire family lived in one subdivided room. The younger Randalls slept on makeshift beds comprising eight chairs and planks of wood with a mattress made of hay. He remembers going to the market every fortnight to buy fresh hay to change the mattress. Life was hard and, as it was impossible to find an oven, his mother used a large biscuit tin as a substitute.

Excellent teaching at St Mathias and Sacred Heart schools meant he had no difficulty passing the ‘11+’ and joined the grammar school at Plata Villa where he was taught by Brothers Doherty, Fearon, Shearon and Taylor with Brother Foley as headmaster. Alas family circumstances forced him to leave school at 14 to aid the family income by working. His uncle, Willy Randall, was manager at SM Seruya store and employed him as an odd job boy until he moved to the building firm, Humphreys, as office boy-come-messenger.

Humphreys was building blocks of flats in Governor’s Meadow, but in those days health and safety were not considered and there were many injuries and even deaths. Bob used to help out with the first aid and this rudimentary knowledge came in useful in decades ahead.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

career profile

Family Bob (pictured with wife Jeanette)

collecting his MBE from the Palace. Bob married Jeanette Rocca in 1960 and they have three sons and 10 grandchildren, five boys and five girls. Jeanette really was the girl next door, as they first met when they lived in flats in Picton House. Bob and Jeanette are active members of the Community Centre Modern Sequence Dance Club and the Gibraltar Petanque Association.

Bob shakes hands with the Duke of York in Gibraltar in 1993

After three years he took a job at Barclays DCS, but as he had no qualifications he joined as messenger rather than clerk and spent four years working from Irish Town.

Now aged 20 he was determined to get out of the rut of being a messenger and joined Francis Motors as a clerk. Soon after he found employment in the REME (Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers) Chambers as a storeman.

Trade unionism was in its infancy in Gibraltar and fellow employee, Jose Netto, introduced him to the trade union movement. They worked hard with their colleagues to get across the benefits of joining the Transport and General Workers Union and ended up as the first Shop Stewards in REME Chambers.

The TGWU, founded in 1922, became a big player in the improvement of working conditions on the Rock and eventually in local politics. Everything within the chambers was controlled by the military who did not take kindly to a fledgling branch of the TGWU, and it was a hard fight for every step towards decent working conditions for Gibraltarian workers.

With hindsight, 1954 was the best year for Bob to do his National Service in the Gibraltar Defence Force (GDF) as it was the year Her Majesty the Queen visited the Rock. Bob was a member of the Guard of Honour at North Front and lined the royal route on a number of occasions. He fell in love with army life and was promoted to Lance Bombardier but did not join up immediately.

His job at REME Chambers awaited him and he returned to take up the cudgels on behalf of his fellow workers.

Following a chance meeting with Captain Robert Peliza, he signed up in September 1956 as an assistant instructor dealing with the annual National Service intake and sometimes regular intakes. National Service was a compulsory six months but in some years there were so many young men that there were two intakes of fourand-a-half months. The unspoken objective of the GDF was to build the instructional staff so seconded instructors from the resident battalion were no longer needed.

On 30th August 1958 the permanent cadre and the reserve of the GDF was formed into the

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

Gibraltar Regiment. The regiment had a dual role as an infantry battalion with four rifle companies, and an artillery troop manning 9.2 inch coastal guns and air defence. This organisation remained in force until 1971. With the departure of the last gunner unit in 1958 the regiment was issued four 25 pounder guns and took over the firing of Royal Gun Salutes.

1954 was the best year for Robert to do his National Service in the Gibraltar Defence Force (GDF) as it was the year Her Majesty the Queen visited the Rock

In 1959 Bob was appointed Sergeant, and in 1960, his fiance Jeanette agreed to postpone the wedding date from 28th to 29th April so her husband-to-be, could take part in the parade to mark the change of cap badge from the GDF to the Gibraltar Regiment. In 1999 the regiment was granted the ‘Royal’ title becoming the Royal Gibraltar Regiment.

Thoughout his career, Bob took every opportunity to attend courses in the UK. Perhaps the most exciting and rewarding, he says, was the drill course at Pirbright where his instructor was legendary Coldstream Guards Drill Sergeant Ernie Bascomb. He passed out as a qualified drill sergeant and enjoyed his time training National Service intakes who spent the first six weeks learning drill, drill and more drill, which made the recruits subconsciously respond to discipline.

After six weeks, recruits were moved to the artillery or infantry side of the regiment. Those few who were judged ‘square pegs in round holes’

Sport

Bob, a keen sportsman with football his main sport, was selected for both the Gibraltar Regiment and Army football teams. He also managed to combine the Army Referees Association and the Gibraltar Referees Association into one body and for six years was president of the Gibraltar Junior Football Association. He is a qualified football and boxing referee. He started out refereeing the resident battalion’s boxing bouts, which sometimes ran to 40 fights a week, then helped the fledgling Gibraltar Amateur Boxing Association, run by Pepe Soames, Joe Holliday and Commissioner of Police Abrahams. He continues to offer his services to the Gibraltar Amateur Boxing Association as a judge in boxing tournaments. Bob is interested in fishing and was chairman of the Combined Services Fishing Club. He was also a founder member of the Gibraltar Cycling Club.

25

career profile A memorable incident as Chief Clerk involved Colonel Arthur Ferrary’s huge ancient grenade plucked from the seabed and placed in a position of honour near his office. The general offices were located on the ground floor, there was a small courtyard and steps to the offices of the Commanding Officer, the Adjutant and the Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM). Senior clerk Corporal Sanchez, a heavy pipe smoker, worked on the ground floor and every time he was called upstairs he would tap out his pipe against the grenade with the hot tobacco disappearing inside.

This went on for several months.

One day, while Bob was in his ground floor office, Corporal Sanchez was called upstairs and as usual tapped his pipe against the grenade.

This time, as the red hot tobacco mixed with the ancient cordite, a huge plume of smoke came out of the grenade, shortly flowed by a flames.

Everyone in the offices was convinced it was an IRA letter bomb, as there had been a spate of them in Northern Ireland. The Colonel, the RSM and others jumped to safety. Only Bob realised what had happened and calmly found

Bob with Chelsea Pensioners

were transferred to the cookhouse.

One exciting mission in the regiment occurred in the early 1960s when the UN passed a Resolution stating Gibraltar should be decolonised. It was thought offensive action against Gibraltar may follow from Spain. As a precaution military units were deployed to defensive positions around the Rock. Sergeant Randall, with a party of seven armed soldiers, took up a0 post at the lighthouse for several days. They were tasked with the vigilance of the Strait in case an armada was sent to invade. Fortunately it never happened.

Bob’s only route to promotion was to leave the instructor class and so in 1972 he was appointed Chief Clerk and then waited for those above to retire.

WO1 Robert Randall became the first Gibraltarian Regimental Sergeant Major, a rank he had aspired to when he joined the Gibraltar Defence Force

a fire extinguisher and placed its nozzle into the top of the grenade averting danger, though soot blackened the whole office block.

In 1974 establishment quotas changed and he was promoted to Warrant Officer 2. Up until this time all RSMs had been seconded from British battalions and so WO1 Robert Randall became the first Gibraltarian RSM, a rank he had aspired to when he joined the GDF. During his time as RSM, at the request of Commissioner Pepe Morello, Bob prepared a Gibraltar Police contingent for the force’s 150th Anniversary Parade, a very successful parade, inspection and march up Main Street. Such was his prowess as RSM he was also asked to train members of the RAF Convent guard to mount their first Changing of the Guard.

He recalls the incident involving a soldier in the Queen’s Regiment who had a letter published in the Gibraltar Chronicle, criticising Gibraltar and Gibraltarians. This created tension between the services and the population and between the resident battalion and the Gibraltar Regiment. It got so bad that the Governor and the Brigadier had to take action to lower the pressure. It was decided that, at the Colour Parade after the presentation of Colours to the Gibraltar Regiment, the Guard to the Colour should be members of the Gibraltar Regiment and the other three Guards from the Queen’s Regiment. The RSM in charge of the parade would be supplied by the Gibraltar Regiment. It turned out to be an excellent parade which also resolved the problem.

Bob served as RSM for six years, until Major Luis Orfila retired in 1981, when Bob was commissioned and became Quarter Master. Life

Cruise Ship Schedule

SEPTEMBER 2011

DOA

Vessel

Pass

Capacity From

Fri 02

Grandeur Of Seas 0700 1800

ETA ETD

American

1950

Malaga

Palma

Tue 06

Independence of Seas 0900 1600

Internatl.

3600

Southampton

Toulon

Thu 08

Ocean Princess

0800 1700

American

680

Sat 10

Europa

0800 1330

German

408

Mon 12

Disney Magic

0600 1800

American

2400

Mon 12

Ventura

0800 1400

British

3100

Tue 13

Celebrity Constellation 0700 1200

American

1900

Wed 14

Grand Princess

0900 1700

American

2600

Fri 16

Grandeur Of Seas 0700 1800

American

1950

Sat 17

Island Escape

0900 1800

British

1512

Sat 17

MSC Orchestra

1900 2359

Italian

2550

Wed 21

Prinsendam

0700 1300

American

758

Thu 22

MSC Opera

1300 1800

Italian

1600

Fri 23

Silver Cloud

0800 1900

American

296

Fri 23

Saga Ruby

1200 2100

British

665

Sat 24

Azura

0800 1400

British

3076

Vigo

Malaga

To

Palermo

Palma

Sun 25

Ocean Countess

1300 2200

British

840

Casablanca

Malaga

Sun 25

Athena

1500 2000

British

600

Funchal

Mahon

Mon 26

MSC Orchestra

1430 1900

Italian

2550

Wed 28

Oceana

0800 1330

British

1950

Fri 30

Grandeur Of Seas 0700 1800

American

1950

Malaga

Fri 30

Saga Pearl II

British

500

0700 1430

Palma

Total Number of Vessels calling this month = 23 Approximate Number of Passengers calling in this month = 39,035

26

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

career profile changed dramatically — for 22 years he was a member of the Sergeants’ Mess and overnight he moved to the Officers’ Mess. Not many rankers ever moved into the Officers’ Mess, however he was accepted by his fellow officers and ended up the oldest member of the mess.

The feeling among senior regiment members was, slowly, the MOD was coming to appreciate the value of the battalion even though it was badly equipped. As QM, Bob admits to having to beg and borrow pieces of equipment, such as belts for a parade, from the QM of the resident battalion. But when Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher went to war to recover the Falkland Islands everything changed virtually overnight.

Apparently, Thatcher was advised that the garrison might be attacked by Spanish troops as the Spanish government supported the Argentine government. Overnight a huge flow of supplies was sent to the Gibraltar Regiment — so much that Bob, as QM, didn’t have enough space to store it but, being resourceful, he found secure space and nothing was pilfered.

For several years after that war, units returning from the Falklands had two weeks rest and relaxation on the Rock before going home. Bob ensured visiting officers were introduced to Gibraltar Regiment officers and allowed to use the mess as if it were their own.

Major Randall was awarded the Jubilee medal in 1977 to mark the Queen’s Silver Jubilee. He retired from military service in 1986 and a few months later, on recommendation from Brigadier Hume, was awarded the military MBE, presented at Buckingham Palace by the Queen. This was the proudest moment of his life and the highlight

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

Marshal of the RAF Sir John Grandy talking to Sgt Bob Randall

of his military career. However, he was even prouder when his son, Mark, was appointed to command the Royal Gibraltar Regiment.

Through his career Bob served under seven Colonels — Norton, Gareze, Porral, Ferrary, Collado, Britto and Guerrero.

Since retirement Bob has worked as a bookkeeper and still works for a few long-standing clients. Bob organises reunions of ex-members of the regiment who served at Buena Vista Barracks, who meet at the Gibraltar Regiment Association’s premises and re-live days gone by.

Bob concludes with these words about the

Royal Gibraltar Regiment: “I feel very proud of the regiment of today and the standards of professionalism it has attained. The road to becoming a properly established and equipped unit has been long, hard, and on occasions, unpleasant. It is due to the quality and tenacity of the Gibraltarian soldier throughout the last century, that the regiment continues to exist and perform to such a high standard. We have always given our best and excelled, even when we were not treated on equal terms. The important factor, though, is that we continue to demonstrate our loyalty and patriotism to Queen and country.” n

27

events

National Day 2011 Saturday 10th September Programme 11am Children’s Fancy Dress, Main Street by Parliament 11am Street Party, John Mackintosh Square 11am-2pm GBC Radio Road Show, John Mackintosh Square 12.50pm St Joseph’s Middle School Choir, John Mackintosh Square 12.55pm Mayor’s Address, John Mackintosh Square. Medallion of Honour announcement.

Reading of the Declaration. Release of balloons 1.15pm onwards Live Popular Music, Rock Bastion Restaurant, Kings’ Bastion Leisure Centre 1.15-7pm Fun for Kids, Casemates Square 1.15pm onwards Family fun activities: King’s Bastion Leisure Centre: Bowling, Ice Skating & more 1.15pm onwards Live Music and DJs, Boyd’s Terrace. Strictly over 18s. King’s Bastion Leisure Centre 1.15pm onwards Live DJs, Youth Terrace.

For 12 to 17 year olds. King’s Bastion Leisure Centre 1.30-7.30pm Live Music, Rock on the Rock Club 2.30-7pm Rock Solid, Governor’s Parade 7.30pm Mass of Thanksgiving, Shrine of Our Lady of Europe 8.30pm till late Break Beat Disco, Rock on the Rock Club 10.30pm Firework Display, Detached Mole

28

Where to go on the day Kicking off from 12pm until late the Lounge at Queensway Quay has two singers performing through into the evening, one who regularly performs in Banus/Marbella and one from Gibraltar (although a Geordie) called Stephen Richardson. There will be fun and games planned with the proceeds going to Childline Gibraltar. Barbecue and special themed National Day cocktails. It is recommended to book tables as quite a few were already taken when we went to press. Also at Queensway Quay, the Waterfront restaurant will present a sepcial menu for lunch and evening, service as normal. Best to book in advance as this is a busy restaurant. Along the quayside is Casa Pepe restaurant which will be opening for lunch until 4pm and dinner as from 7pm.

In town Amin’s Office Bar on Irish Town/ Parliament Lane will be open all day. Cafe Solo in Casemates will be open with a special menu which can be viewed online. The Cannon Bar on Cannon Lane is open all day while Sacarello’s restaurant on Irish Town/Tuckey’s Lane is open for lunch.

National Day Mayhem at King’s Bowl. Starting at 10am right up to 11.30pm, there will be Cosmic Bowling all day, lucky dips, lucky strings, hook-a-duck and many prizes to be won. Red Pin night will take place in the evening, including many drinks offers for the adults, and for the kids there will be tuck shop sweets, mini bowling competitions, and a

special appearance by Mr Skittle who will be available for photos. Don’t miss out on all the fun at King’s Bowl!

O’Reilly’s, Gibraltar Arms and Star Bar will be open for breakfast at 7am, followed by Lord Nelson at 9am. Normal menus and prices will be available all day. Lord Nelson will be showing the England v Argentina in the Rugby World Cup at 10.30am. This will be followed by an ’80s Classics Disco from 4-8pm and National Day Karaoke from 8pm. Happy Hour is 11-1am! In O’Reilly’s, there will be a family fun day on from 12pm, as well as Harmony Street playing from 4-8pm followed by Mark Alexander and his band from 8pm. Tables can be booked for Lord Nelson and O’Reilly’s but the Star Bar and the Gibraltar Arms are first come first served.

The Picadilly Bar, near the Queen’s Hotel is open from 6am all the way through to 6pm and is a great venue with its lovely terrace.

All of these places will be busy on National Day and where possible it is best to reserve a table to avoid being disappointed.

Over at Ocean Village the fun continues all day with a bouncy castle, clown with giveaway balloons, face painting, tattoo stall, mini makeovers, treasure hunt, colouring competition and prizes. For further information Tel: 20040048. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

events

Gibraltar’s NATIONAL WEEK 2011

Wednesday 31st August 9pm National Week Classical Concert, St Michael’s Cave. ‘Mozart: Symphony No40: ‘Beethoven: Violin Concerto Op61:’ Arranged on behalf of the Ministry of Culture by the Gibraltar Philharmonic Society. Tickets at £20 on sale from Sacarello’s Coffee Shop, Irish Town.

Tickets £10 for Senior Citizens and Students available from the Silver Shop, 222 Main Street, and the John Mackintosh Hall reception. Bus shuttle available as from 8pm at Elliot’s Way and Public Market Friday 2nd to Wednesday 7th (No performance on Sunday 4th) ‘Gibbovision’ a Santos Productions’ Llanito Comedy by Christian Santos and Richard Mor staged at John Mackintosh Hall from 8pm. Tickets priced at £12 are on sale at the Nature Shop in Casemates Square.

Friday 2nd 7pm - midnight GBZ Beer Fest, Bayside Sports Centre Complex. Around 30 beers available to try. Local band “Area 52” will be providing live music for the event.

Tickets priced at £20 are on sale at Lewis

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

photo: Sarah Merkell

National Week is a fun filled extra long week of celebrations around Gibraltar, culminating in the big day on Saturday 10th September 2011. You will find something for everyone in the programme of events from a Beer Fest to a Classical Concert.

Salsa Dance classes are held on Tuesday evenings at Laguna Estate Social Club, hosted by the Koala Dance Factory. The amateur dancers gave an exhibition of “La Rueda” and a Bachata routine, choreographed by Jose Luis Benítez Peña, at Summer Nights last month.

Pictured: back row: Jose Luis Benítez Peña, Mark Ablitt, Mike Da Silva, Alister Fa, Gian Finlayson.

Front row: Inmaculada Escuadra, Olga Maria Sanchez Padron, Christine Loddo, Taryn Avellano, Julie Nixon Stagnetto Ltd, 41 Main Street.

Saturday 3rd 11am - 1.30pm Book Crossing Day, Cathedral St Mary the Crowned

Monday 5th - Friday 9th 9.30am - 11pm Modern art exhibition by John Fisher in aid of the Gibraltar Club House Project, at Upper Exhibition Gallery, John Mackintosh Hall. Entrance free.

Monday 5th 7pm Gibraltar Photographic Society National Week Exhibition official opening and prize giving Lower Exhibition Gallery, John Mackintosh Hall.

Tuesday 6th to Friday 16th 10am – 9pm (10am – 6pm on Friday 16th September) Gibraltar Photographic Society National Week Exhibition John Mackintosh Hall, Lower Exhibition Gallery.

Entrance free.

Wednesday 7th to Friday 23rd 12 noon – 7pm Tribute to Bacarisas, Gibraltar Art Gallery, 5 Cannon Lane.

Entrance free.

Friday 9th 9.30pm - 1.30am Rock Concert, Waterport Coach Park. Free entrance. Arranged on behalf of the Ministry of Culture by Events Unlimited.

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events

BDO Football Team: (top left to right) Paul Jackson, Alistair Hammerton, Chris Woodthorpe, Kieran Storan (bottom left to right) Carl Cox, Jason Goodhind, Christian Summerfield

BDO’s Gaming Football Tournament

BDO Gibraltar, held an inaugural gaming football tournament at Victoria Stadium recently with the exciting prospect of this becoming an annual event. Competing in the tournament was Bwin.Party, 888, Gamesys, Betclic/Expekt and BDO. All participants got involved in the friendly, competitive, atmosphere with a cheering sideline of spectators. 888 took first place and the trophy was happily handed over by the hosts of the tournament, BDO. The tournament took place on a typical hot summer’s day, which ended in social drinks and food for all players. n

A chance for the teams to relax and socialise

RifCom’s Youth Footie in Morocco In the summer over 100 kids from deprived backgrounds delighted in the first ever RifCom (a Gibraltar charity), two day Youth Football Tournament in the scenic town of Chefchaouen, in the heart of the Rif Mountains of Morocco.

Teams of under 10s and under 12s from Chefchaouen and surrounding villages took part, along with a team from Gibraltar (only just beaten in the Under 10s final!).

The tournament was a first for all the participants. RifCom provided each child with

30

their own football kit, including footwear for those in need, and presented a medal, certificate and gift ‘goodie’ bag to all those who played with special trophies awarded to the winning team, runners-up, and ‘plate’ winners.

It was an exciting and special event for all the participating children who had never played footie on anything more than rough ground before, and most from rural villages had never seen the “big town” before, despite living less than an hour’s drive away.

One young boy was reported saying “it is like being in a dream”.

The RifCom trustees and team gave special thanks to RifCom Sports Liaison Officer Tom Cawthorn of SG Private Banking Hambros, who made the whole thing possible, to Abdelilah, Anass and RifCom’s friends in Morocco whose support was invaluable, and to valued sponsors. n Information on Gibraltar registered charity RifCom and its work can be found at www.rifcom.org or by contacting info@rifcom.org.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

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interior style

The Perfect Pot of Paint Crown Trade’s new technically advanced paint colour matching and mixing package, promises to make bespoke paint tinting more accessible, accurate and attractive than ever before.

Whether your inspiration is a piece of fabric, a work of art, or even a photograph, you can now have your favourite colour in a can of paint, thanks to the state-of-the-art digital matching equipment from Crown Trade.

No matter how strident it is, no matter how subtle, no matter how enlivening or subduing, your colour of preference can be created in a matter of minutes. Not even a close match, but the perfect match.

Crown Trade equipment accurately mixes paint to virtually any sample provided.

Crown Trade’s colour collection provides the

There are times when you know exactly the colour you want your walls to be, but after searching through what seems to be hundreds of colour swatches and cards, you just cannot to find the exact match. Well D&H Ceramics on Devil’s Tower Road can help... closest possible colour match by formulating a bespoke colour recipe, unlike other systems which just give you a match to their nearest standard colour.

The characteristics of the sample are scientifically measured, using an advanced colour-

zone spectrophotometer, to give you ultimate colour precision. Others may come close, but close sometimes isn’t enough! n For more information, contact D&H Ceramics, 60 Devil’s Tower Road. Tel: 20070100, email: ceramics@gibtelecom.net

Whether your inspiration is a piece of fabric, a work of art, or even a photograph, you can now have your favourite colour in a can of paint

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

events

more than just paint!

Although it had been left for too long, the re-painting of the steps on Devil’s Gap Road was organised last month, and has revived a landmark in our history.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

It is amazing to see how a few cans of paint, can spark an interest and bring a community together. A sense of national pride was restored, especially among the younger generation, who did not experience the initial painting of the steps 44 years ago.

The steps were painted in 1967, as part of the first sovereignty referendum in Gibraltar, however, due to the recent works on the steps, the paint was no longer visible.

Young residents of the area suggested repainting the steps, and through word-of-mouth and social networks, the event grew into a huge success, with around 50 people of all ages and all walks of life, turning up and getting their brushes, to bring the huge Union Jack back to its former glory.

The paint was kindly donated by the Paint Shop, the food provided by the Catania family who live on the steps, and there was even some live music to entertain the volunteers, who enjoyed an afternoon, splashing on some red, white, and blue.

All in all, a lovely get together through art and sentiment. Well done to the organisers and all involved! n

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property issues

London, near Hyde Park

The Hideaways Club Concept Many people dream about owning that elusive and beautiful home in a faraway place or owning a stunning apartment in one of the world’s most exciting cities. The Hideaways Club, which recently became the largest Experienced Investor Fund in Gibraltar measured by the number of investors, offers that dream.

Formed in 2007 in Gibraltar, The Hideaways Club is a global property company specialising in the ownership and management of a collection of international properties via investment funds.

The idea is that instead of committing a significant financial outlay to a property purchase, thereby taking on the risk of unforeseen issues arising from property ownership and the likelihood of boredom from visiting the same place every year, The Hideaways Club offers to provide the reality without all the attendant hassles and costs of sole ownership.

The first fund, the ‘Classic Collection,’ is the largest club of its kind in the world. With a minimum investment of £132,500, investors own a share of, and can utilise for holidays, a portfolio of luxury villas throughout Europe, Africa, and South East Asia.

Earlier this summer, the company launched its second fund, the

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‘City Collection’. This fund offers the same ownership and usage concept as the first fund, except it has a minimum investment of £65,000 (subject to certain qualification criteria) and invests in two and three bedroom apartments in some of the most vibrant and glamorous cities around the world. Already with 35 investors and 15 apartments to its name, including New York, London, Paris, Venice, Miami and Istanbul, additional cities are to be added to the portfolio including Moscow, Rio de Janeiro, Bangkok and Sydney.

We recently caught up with Mike Balfour, the founder and former Chairman of the health club chain Fitness First and now Chairman

and co-founder of The Hideaways Club, and Mike Nicholls, a Hideaways Club board member and operator of Chesterton Estate Agents in Gibraltar, and took the opportunity to ask them a few questions: Mike B: You started what is now the largest health club chain in the world, Fitness First. What led you to become involved with something as diversified as The Hideaways Club?

My family always liked the idea of owning a property abroad but didn’t want the hassle of property maintenance or having to spend the first three days of our holiday sorting out random property issues.

My family always liked the idea of owning a property abroad but didn’t want the hassle of property maintenance

We also wanted somewhere to go where we knew the quality would be top notch. We looked at a few American holiday club concepts but what I didn’t like about them was that they were similar to the old time share schemes, where consumers received usage and not ownership. If the value of the property increased, then I wanted a part of that.

We also wanted more options of where we could holiday and the real bonus of a private concierge service to take care of all bookings and potential problems. So in 2007 we rewrote the business model and launched The Hideaways Club which enables our members to own the properties.

Mike N: How did you become involved with The Hideaways Club?

I have been involved in property investment for a long time now, and as well as my Chesterton business, run MN Associates, a consultancy

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

property issues firm specialising in property, relocation issues and funding advice. I met Mike on one of his many visits to Gibraltar and he explained the concept of The Hideaways Club to me and asked if I would be interested in becoming involved. I was very impressed with both the business model and the success the company had achieved to date so I readily accepted the invitation to join the board of directors of the Classic Collection and more recently, the City Collection.

Mike B: Describe a typical mem-

ber.

CEOs, directors, lawyers, accountants, bankers, sport stars, families, retirees... People who have been successful in their own right who don’t want the hassle of sole ownership of a property abroad but want the experience of a great villa or apartment holiday in new destinations.

Santisook, Phuket - Thailand

Mike N: Timeshare has had its fair

share of bad press – how is The Hideaways Club different?

Every Hideaways investor (or member as we call them), owns a pro rata share of the global property portfolio owned by each fund. This is a property investment fund with the ability to enjoy some great holidays at the very high quality, well equipped properties.

Mike B: What does the future hold

for the Club?

We will close the Classic Collection fund when we have 100 properties and 600 members, and the City Collection fund when we have with 120 apartments and 1,200 members. The vision is that we will ultimately have a variety of funds to enable investment in a range of different types of properties. We are already seeing people buying a half share in the Classic fund and a half share in the City fund giving them access to, and ownership of, a wide portfolio of property across

La Retraite near Nice, France

Chalet Soleil, Chamonix, France

the world. In financial terms, I believe that Hideaways has the potential to be just as big as Fitness First.

individuals here who have sufficient wealth and desire to invest in property in this way, enabling usage of some great properties in some idyllic surroundings. It is a Mike N: Do you see a market very attractive alternative to sole for The Hideaways Club in and ownership of property abroad.

Plus having the concierge service around Gibraltar?

Very much so. There are many ensures instant holidaying upon

Enablng usage of some great properties in some idyllic surroundings... it is a very attractive alternative to sole ownership of property abroad

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

arrival, with all needs catered for.

The properties are fantastically presented and equipped. I can personally recommend the villa in Majorca and the chalet in Chamonix and look forward to visiting our villa near Nice later in the year. My own challenge is to visit all of our properties, currently 47, a number which grows monthly as we attract new investors. So perhaps I’ll never achieve it. n For information on Hideaways, contact Chesterton, 20 Ocean Village Promenade, Gibraltar, or call on 200 40041

35

S

real estate

TRIES

NTINENTS IES

NENTS

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

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

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

Gibraltar Art Gallery 14 Cannon Lane Tel: 200 73898 Email: artgallery@gibtelecom.net

S.LEVY

For Property Advice, Contact Us

Seekers Ltd Property Solutions 10 Engineer Lane Tel: 200 44955 info@seekerspropertysolutions.com www.furnituresolutions.gi

3 Convent Place Tel: 200 77789 or 200 42818 Fax: 200 42527 Email: slevy@gibraltar.gi

property directory construction

commercial interiors Bridge Solutions PO Box 598 Tel: 57185000 Fax: 200 77041 Space Interiors 6 Ellesmere House, City Mill Lane Tel: 200 73992 www.spaceinteriors.gi

transport services

homes & interiors

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

Portman Ltd General Suppliers

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

marine services

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

TARIK

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

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

waste management home insurance Eurolinx 21&22 Victoria House, 26 Main St Tel: 200 40240 Ibex Insurance The Tower, Marina Bay Tel: 200 44628

36 36

• General Surfacing • Building • Building Renovations • Demolition • Painting & Decorating • Roadworks • Civil Engineering • Asphalt/Aggregate supplier • Comprehensive Plant Holding For prompt & competitively priced tenders contact AMCO P.O. Box 382 Tel: 200 40840 Fax: 200 40841

Curtain Makers Home Interiors Fabrics Bedding Bring your own fabric or choose from our range The Fashion House Ltd 85 Governor’s Street. Tel: 200 52938 E-mail: thefashionhouse@gibtelecom.net Fax: 200 52988

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

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011

room dressing

Winter Warmers The simplest way to keep a fresh look for your house all year round, is to change its décor in accordance with each season.

Of course, this doesn’t mean you will have to re-paint your walls four times a year (unless you want to) or spend fortunes on changing upholstery or even furniture. Seasonal home décor is about subtle changes presenting your regular items under a different light.

The main rule of any seasonal home décor is that it should be in harmony with nature’s changing appearances. A major part of the process is bringing the outside in, while adjusting the overall mood and ambience according to the season or special occasion. Although there are many variations, some guidelines remain good for any seasonal home décor.

In general, cooler months call for thicker fabrics and warm, solid colours, as winter is the time when you like feeling cosy on the sofa, and making your home cold-proof. Lighter tones can be replaced with darker tones and tints. Woollen rugs and carpets can be draped over the floor replacing cotton summer mats.

Other decorative items, which can be used in this season, are iron, brass and copper an-

tiques.

Make the environment cosy and warm with aromatic fragrances, which can be achieved in the form of candles. Add other sources of light such as extra table lights, recessed and floor lights to make your home graceful and kindled with warm lighting.

Winter winds often bring drafts, so insulate your windows and hang heavy curtains to keep the heat in. Coming in a selection of colours, heavyweight velvet curtains come in a selection of colours, and have cotton lining for protection against sun damage.

Have at least two sets of throws and decorative pillows — wool and other fluffy materials are good for cozying in cold months, as well as selecting a few bed sets to match the ever changing look of your seasonal home décor.

Pay attention to little details like picture frames, plates and pottery, and other decorative accessories around the house. Remove or change ones that don’t match the current season or occasion; you don’t want your Christ-

The main rule of any seasonal home décor is that it should be in harmony with nature’s changing appearances

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

mas decorations to clash with those of St. Valentine’s. Once summer is over, remove summer silk flower arrangements and keep them till the next warm season.

Be consistent in stylising your décor; mixing everything together will make your home look cluttered and unattractive. That way your home will always be welcoming whatever the season. n

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past uncovered

Back to School Décor With kids going back to school, perhaps it is the time to renovate their rooms. Although this can seem a daunting task, using a little imagination and creativity, you and you child can create a bedroom with which they will love and cherish.

Just as adult decorating decisions are often triggered by a life change, such as a new baby or a major social event, your child may want to celebrate a personal milestone with a new bedroom. Do your own homework and you’ll be ready for this adventure whenever it arrives.

At the critical stage in the process of designing, communication is a key factor. Have you child bring their ideas to the table, and listen to their thoughts, ideas, suggestions and take notes. By compromising, you can make sure the needs and requests of your child

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are met, along with your own practical objectives. Redecorating a room can actually become a fun project for you and your child, and you may learn a lot about their developing tastes and ideas!

Firstly you need to define the functions of each area of the room. Most children’s bedrooms

serve multi-functions — a place for studying, sleeping, reading, watching TV, entertaining friends — overall a private place where they can relax and be themselves.

Discuss the items you’ll need to incorporate into the room, which will satisfy all of these individual functions.

When the kids go back to school after the long hot summer, it’s a great opportunity to give their bedrooms a new personality

Choosing furniture designed to be multi-functional is also important, as a dresser can serve as a computer docking station, a bed can create extra storage possibilities, seating for guests, or even a place to do homework with a desk underneath.

Another important factor is the organisation of the room, as clutter is sometimes a staple in a kid’s room. Having a place for everything will give the room a cleaner feel, and create a happier, stressfree environment.

Colourful rugs are the best alternative to liven up flooring in

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

home interiors bedrooms. Choose funky and functional rugs which can easily be cleaned, and you can also use a couple of small rugs instead of larger one for a different look and easier cleaning.

To a child, their room is their sanctuary, so allow their personality to shine by utilising their own interests and belongings as much as possible, such as photos, collages, books and other items.

Lighting imparts a magical look to the bedroom, and is extremely important. With form and function in mind, a table lamp for homework will be needed, overhead lighting for daily tasks, and even a little ambient lighting such as lava lamps, funky chandeliers, or themed lighting that fits in with their personality, hobbies or interests.

When painting the bedroom, always keep in mind the taste of your boy or girl. You can give them an idea about the different hues of colours with a colour display card, and ask them to choose their favourite colours for their bedroom.

Most kids will go for vibrant colours — girls will tend to go for

green, pink, purple, turquoise, orange and white. Colours for boys tend to be green, navy, sky blue, grey, brown and red. Though each child is an individual and tastes change.

Depending on the gender of your child, window treatments can be as simple or extravagant as the décor suggests. Taking privacy into consideration you will need blinds or curtains, but throwing in a coordinated fabric selection which continues throughout the bedding and other soft furnishings will soften the room, and add a touch of glamour, comfort and a unified look.

The final touches to a room can define the personality behind your child, and they will of course have an opinion as to which additional components they would like, such as posters, photos, wall décor etc.

Also, whether girls or boys, they will enjoy a partial or full length mirror, so make sure you have one in there.

Always strive to provide unique decorating ideas, for a welcoming bedroom, which your children will be proud of and enjoy spending time in. n

To a child, their room is their sanctuary, so allow their personality to shine by utilising their own belongings as much as possible

Choose multi-functional furniture and a scheme which will grow with your child

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

39

travel-log

George Dibbern A Vagabond in Gibraltar

by Reg Reynolds

“To live life to its fullest, not to anchor but to go on, that is the liberation and the freedom the sea gives.” The words of George Dibbern, a self-described ‘vagabond’ who fulfilled those sentiments about as well as a human-being can. This German-born philosopher sailed his 32-foot ketch, Te Rapunga (Maori for ‘philosophy’), around the globe before and after World War II. Describing himself as a citizen of the world, Dibbern’s mission was to spread a message of peace and brotherly love. When the Nazis took control in Germany he refused to fly the obligatory Swastika flag and instead made one of his own unique design. He also discarded his German passport and made a new one containing this declaration: I, George Dibbern, through long years in different countries and sincere friendship with many people in many lands feel my place to be outside of nationality, a citizen of the world and a friend of all peoples.

I recognise the divine origin of all nations and therefore their value in being as they are, respect their laws, and feel my existence solely as a bridge of good fellowship between them.

This is why, on my own ship I fly my own flag, why I have my own passport and so place myself without other protection under the goodwill of the world.

Dibbern was born at Kiel, Germany on 26th March, 1889. He took an interest in boating from

40

an early age and in 1907 went to sea as a ship’s apprentice. He jumped ship in Sidney, Australia travelled to New Zealand and then back to Germany. He returned to New Zealand but when World War I broke out in 1914, as a German national, his movements were restricted. He lived with the Maori until suffering full internment in 1918 and deportation in 1919.

Returning home to Kiel Dibbern became

John asks Dibbern if they have money and Dibbern jokingly replies, Yes, money enough to last us all our days provided we die over the weekend

“

”

involved in the boat-building business and purchased the Te Rapunga which was purposely built for him by his wife’s cousin Gunther Neimeyer.

Dibbern, now with three children, sold cars and bought a farm but none of his business ventures panned out and by 1930 the family had relocated to Berlin where he sold some short stories about his experiences in New Zealand. By this time Dibbern had determined to return to his spiritual home with the Maori and then send for his family to join him. But first he had to make some money and he sailed for the Mediterranean where the Te Rapunga would carry paying passengers from port to port. He was accompanied by his nephew and first mate Günter Schramm, and two friends as crew, Albrecht von Fritsch and his sister Dorothée. It was on this trip that Te Rapunga would weigh anchor at Gibraltar. In his book Quest Dibbern wrote: “The dawn is blushing as we sail straight into the Naval Harbour of the Rock, to be met by a naval boat, and asked if we have permission to enter, ‘No. Do we need a special permit for it?’

“Instead of abusing us, they are very friendly and tell us to go round the pier to where the lighters lie. Already, they have even brought out some of our mail, which has been sent to the captain of the port. Never have we been treated so well as here, where we least expect it.”

The German consul greeted Dibbern and joined him and his crew for tea and even took them by car on a tour of Gibraltar.

Dibbern wrote: “We have been in Coruna for two weeks, we have been in Vigo for two weeks, and we have been in Oporto for a month; we have been in Lisbon and Cadiz. This is the first time a German Consul has come on board... and he is British.”

From Gibraltar Te Rapunga sailed through the Mediterranean ferrying passengers between many ports including Ibiza, Barcelona, Naples and Vienna. In late December she returned to Gibraltar and again Dibbern and crew were warmly welcomed.

This time they are met by a police launch: “ ‘Hello boys,’ comes a greeting from the police boat which has drawn alongside. ‘Are you satisfied with your anchorage?’ ‘Not particularly,’ I answer. ‘But I suppose there is no better place in this poor port. Give us your line. Come on board, and have a cup of tea’.”

One of the policemen is a Scotsman named John who proves very friendly and helpful.

John asks Dibbern if they have money and Dibbern jokingly replies, “Yes, money enough to last us all our days provided we die over the weekend.”

The police visit Te Rapunga nearly ever day bringing with them tea, cocoa, marmalade and cigarettes. Dibbern and John, a former mechanic, engage in philosophical discussions. Dibbern asks John why he joined the police. Couldn’t he have made more money as a mechanic?

“Money isn’t satisfying — in the end. I have to go where I feel of use — where I can do some good. You see, I have seen the other side also.”

Dibbern agrees and says prophetically, “Perhaps my sailing may at last be useful to someone, and... the road to anywhere may lead

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

artist abroad to somewhere, someday.”

During the stay at Gibraltar Dibbern spent much of his time in the Alameda Gardens sitting “under the big bougainvillea to write and think.”

Just before Christmas the Rock is hit by a severe gale and first mate Schramm is the only one aboard Te Rapunga. Dibbern can only watch anxiously from shore. “...with lightning and thunder, and during the flashes I can see the Te Rapunga amidst some lighters as I pace anxiously up and down the quay like a nervous old fowl worrying about its little duckling. Finally the only thing to do is go into a hotel and sleep there.”

Fortunately the storm abated on Christmas Eve and Dibbern and the rest of the crew are able to board. As Schramm tells his harrowing story Doe (Dorothee von Fritsch) “...lays out her presents, lights the candles on the tree, and by their glow we have our peaceful Christmas Eve”.

At the beginning of the New Year Te Rapunga sets sail: “At last we say farewell to Gibraltar, John, to show us one more act of friendship, insists on towing us out. As we glide past the pier a few of our friends throw roses into the boat.

“There it stands, the mountain, impudent, arrogant as Europe itself... Still, amongst it all, friends with warm hearts.”

From Gibraltar the Te Rapunga sailed across the Atlantic, through the Panama Canal, via Hawaii and Samoa, before arriving in Auckland, New Zealand in 1934. For the next seven years Dibbern sailed around the Pacific visiting such places as San Francisco and Vancouver. In 1941 Te Rapunga arrived at Napier, New Zealand only to be seized by the authorities. Dibbern was interned until after the end of World War II. For the remainder of his life Dibbern continued to sail Te Rapunga and spread his message.

The author Henry Miller (Tropic of Cancer) so admired the book Quest * [see note] that, although he never actually met Dibbern, he helped support his family still living back in Germany.

Dibbern died of a heart attack at Auckland on 12th June, 1962 aged 73. Te Rapunga remains in Auckland. n * Note: Quest was first published in 1941 and reprinted in 2008 by Erika Grundman (RockRead Press). Erika also wrote Dark Sun: Te Rapunga and the Quest of George Dibbern.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

Cosqui Rocks in Hong Kong Gibraltarian artist Paul Cosquieri (Cosqui) will be exhibiting eight of his well known “Rock Paintings” in Hong Kong as part of the launch of travel concept store from the French fashion brand, agnès b. agnès b. has over 220 stores worldwide, offering a selection of apparel and accessories. With her passion for art and culture, music, photography and travel, agnès b. has opened a cinema, art galleries, flower shops, cafes, restaurants and travel concept stores.

The travel concept store is called agnès b. La Maison Sur L’eau (meaning ‘a house travelling on water’) and includes an exhibition featuring a city or a country agnès likes. Exhibitions last for

four months during which time, products inspired by the area are exhibited together with a variety of travel accessories and selected items from agnès b.’s Voyage collection.

The exhibition featuring Andalucía and Gibraltar will be held from 22nd August 2011 and Paul Cosquieri has been selected as the artist from the region. The exhibition hosts eight large format Cosqui Rock paintings from his Between The Rock and a Hard Place collection. n

41

events

Lower Lisbon

Pinar Del Rey

Ilka Garcia

Images of a Dozen Years Ilka Garcia is staging an exhibition of her paintings, entitled Twelve Years of Images, at Sacarello’s, 57 Irish Town, from Wednesday 14th September to Saturday 8th October. Ilka has always been an avid artist. However, she has not always been able to make time for her art until relatively recently.

First there were her university studies, at Westfield College in London, a constituent college of London University (and since amalgamated with Queen Mary College), where Ilka took a languages degree and graduated with good honours. Then came a period of employment

42

which included Government service, and working as a freelance court interpreter in the Gibraltar Law Courts. The biggest challenge, outside her art, then came in the shape of bringing up a young family of three lively children.

Throughout, art was an important part of

Ilka’s life that had to wait until the time could be found to pursue her love and interest in exploring different media. This has allowed her to develop and grow as an artist.

There are several aspects to Ilka’s work that are striking. There is the luminosity of the paint-

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

art file ings; there is the vividness of the palette; and above all, there is the distinctive style that has been growing and maturing over the years.

Ilka loves the outdoors, and this is obvious from her many landscapes. She loves to capture the mood of a subject. Ilka’s works are not exact representations of what she sees. If a viewer wants an exact representation, there is scope for a photographer to provide it. Ilka goes deeper than that, and bares something of her soul and mind in her work. This is what adds immense value to her paintings. She will look at a subject, fix the image in her mind, and then interpret what she sees in her own particular, distinctive manner.

The sky and the sea, leitmotifs to which Ilka returns time and again, take on a different appearance from one painting to the next. They are ever-changing, yet there is a constant: they are deep and inscrutable. Buildings take on a dynamic life, set in the context in which Ilka paints them. For example, Duke of Kent House on Cathedral Square is interpreted in no less than three ways in her paintings. It is a building that dominates the Square, seen from Holy Trinity Cathedral, framed by the pseudo-Moorish arches. It is a Mediterranean mansion, with a facade that reflects the warmth of the sun. It is an intimate building.

Trees populate Ilka’s landscapes, sometimes incorporating swirls, other times in circular shapes. They are a hallmark of Ilka’s style. A number of Gibraltar trees are the basis for a series of watercolours, including the Bella Sombra, the Umbrella Pine, and the Egyptian Palm.

The scale of the paintings varies enormously, from large landscapes such as the View of Lower Lisbon or the Gibraltar Garrison Library; dramatic portraits such as the mother and child in The Beloved; to intimate, delicate coloured pencil interpretations of the landscape in the hinterland in Spain or the striking view painted in acrylics of Pinar del Rey. Ilka finds inspiration in unexpected quarters.

Whether it is a memorable face, a feature in a landscape, or a whole landscape, her paintings

Duke of Kent House II GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

Ilka finds inspiration in unexpected quarters.

Whether it is a memorable face, a feature in a landscape, or a whole landscape, her paintings exude energy The Beloved

exude energy, confidence and a joie de vivre.

Over the 12 years covered by the exhibition, Ilka has been experimenting with different media. The works on show at Sacarello’s contains 32 works done in oil pastels, coloured pencils, water colours, acrylics and oil. From the intimate to the large scale; from a placid, peaceful minia-

ture to a dramatic view; from a wistful portrait to an interpretation of nature, the paintings as a collection represent the breadth and depth of Ilka as an accomplished artist.

After years of exhibiting works in group exhibitions, the present show is Ilka’s first solo exhibition. It will clearly be the first of many. n

Spanish Palm

43

art file

Kristel’s Art:

by Charles Durante

Stone to Skin

Kristel Sayers will be holding her debut exhibition ‘Stone to Skin’ on 27th September in the Sacred Heart Church, Gibraltar.

44

Needless to say, Kristel has been painting from an early age. After a fallow period during her university years, she recently took up painting in earnest and the result of this renewed commitment is the collection of paintings which viewers will see in the exhibition.

I was privileged to meet Kristel and talk to her about her life in art. After gaining a clutch of A-Levels at Westside School, she undertook a Fine Arts course at Nottingham Trent University where she became aware fine arts meant a great deal more than what had up till then been her consuming passion: painting. She, therefore, spent three years exploring the many other aspects of art: performance art, installation art, and slide photography. Armed with a First Class Honours degree, Kristel moved to Newcastle (Northumbria University) to qualify as a teacher, acquiring a PGCE and then returning to Gibraltar to work in our schools.

Kristel’s mature phase as an artist began with her travels in Europe. She visited the art centres of Italy, Paris and Turkey. During her two visits to Paris, she absorbed the spirit of the great art galleries, at the same time becoming acquainted with Rodin’s sculptures. This experience was deepened during a six-month stay in Barcelona, where she imbibed the cultural ambience of that avant-garde, vibrant city. This exposure to the many aspects of art life in Barcelona provided the inspiration for her first paintings since her A-Level days.

If one were to pinpoint a specific reference for her work it would be her documenting of Baroque art, especially sculpture, in Rome, Florence and Venice. Gazing at Bernini’s sculptures was epiphanic: the embodiment of expressive emotion in Bernini’s figures struck a chord in Kristel’s artistic sensibility and she now sought a way of rendering the cold marble forms into the warm medium of paint. This endeavour to translate a statue into a painting is the defining characteristic of Kristel’s art at this stage in her career. It is also what viewers will enjoy when they gaze at her intriguing canvases.

When I quizzed Kristel about her idiosyncratic choice of subject matter and technique, she enthusiastically said she was committed to the task of transforming the inert stone or marble of sculpture into the fleshy tones and colours of paint. The word ‘incarnation’ came into our conversation and she agreed that the concept incarnation refers to her endeavour to make present, in both form and colour, the human/divine continuum which has been expressed sculpturally by famous High Renaissance masters. The art of incarnation translates a theological insight into the lines and forms of painting. A striking aspect of Kristel’s art is the soberness of her depiction of the human form usually engaged in prayer and meditation — she also renders the human form in attitudes of pain and suffering.

Kristel focuses on technique: the specific rendering of what is cold and inert into the semblance of human flesh. The eyes of her figures, when open, are filled with luminosity – light imagery has traditionally been employed to point to the divine. When closed, or half-closed, the eyes seem to draw the spectator into the inner world of the figure depicted. The lack of visual contact with the spectator renders the figure inviolable, withdrawn, as if immersed in a private experience which is incommunicable.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

rock authors

by Jolene Gomez

Kristel does not shy away from incorporating a well-worn Catholic iconography so that interpretation of her work is not a guessing game and there is no room for the whimsical musings which often mar the appreciation of more experimental art.

A word which comes readily to mind when looking at her paintings is tenebrism: large areas of dark colours illuminated by a shaft of light.

The surrounding darkness takes on a symbolic value and a reference to John of the Cross with his dark night of the soul would not be amiss.

Kristel’s art dispenses with landscapes; bright colours are exiled from her palette – it’s the kind of art which concentrates intensely on the human figure, both robed and nude, enigmatic figures which emerge from the dim background; they seem to have acquired shape from the amorphous darkness which envelops them. There are no frills in Kristel’s paintings: her brush has focused on portraying the human face, the most expressive part of our body, to convey the innermost feelings and thoughts of her figures.

An example of Kristel’s work is her painting based on Bernini’s Teresa of Avila. We are presented with a face undergoing a mystical rapture. Kristel has omitted Bernini’s smiling seraph with his flaming dart; similarly, she has left out any distracting drapery, providing only the indispensable wimple. The ecstasy seems self-generated, welling up from some deep recess in the woman’s being. The result is a portrait of Teresa which uses the face as the main vector for transmitting her mystical

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

Gazing at Bernini’s sculptures was epiphanic: the embodiment of expressive emotion in Bernini’s figures struck a chord in Kristel’s artistic sensibility

experience.

Artists jealously guard the secret of their own painting process, but Kristel was most generous when describing how she covered her canvas

45

art focus with one of her haunting figures. She starts by daubing her canvas with black paint. Then, dispensing with any preliminary sketches, she applies her paints working from a point where most of the light in the painting will be concentrated. From this luminous point the figure will acquire form and bulk.

Exhibiting paintings in a church is innovative and challenging. Kristel, however, remains unfazed by the unusual choice of venue. “It’s the most appropriate setting for my paintings because of the aesthetic beauty of a church interior,’ ’ she remarks. She quickly adds that the originals are usually found in churches anyway and she wanted to provide those who haven’t ventured far from Gibraltar with the experience of viewing the original masterpieces reflected in her canvases.

In a secular age a young artist who paints what are ostensibly religious figures (her pictures include St Francis in meditation, the Crucifixion and St Sebastian), will not be able to avoid the awkward question: why the preoccupation with religious themes? Kristel is clear-eyed about this aspect of her work. She does not consider herself a religious painter; instead, she is interested in exploring an idea, the concept of translating stone into paint; it so happens that her choice of figures belongs to a phase in Western art when religion permeated society and the Church was the great patron of art. She recognises, though, that some people will respond more readily to the religious dimension.

Significantly, the size of Kristel’s paintings is truly monumental. Few artists embark on paintings of this size, preferring to work in a clearly circumscribed space. However, the immense scale of the paintings in the exhibition faithfully conveys the impression of the actual size of the original sculptures.

The challenge for Kristel has been: how to render the rounded, three-dimensional reality of a sculpture into the flat, two-dimensional surface of a canvas? The pitfall is clear: the painted surface can easily lose bulk, depth and perspective. Kristel’s success lies in providing her figures with the so-called tactile values praised by Berenson. You could be forgiven for thinking some of her figures could walk out of the canvas!

Kristel would like to thank Bishop Heskett for kindly allowing her to exhibit her paintings in the churches of his diocese. She is especially indebted to Fr Jonathan, parish priest of Sacred Heart Church, for supporting her venture from the start and for providing the beautiful setting of his church for the first phase of her exhibition. n

Exhibiting paintings in a church is innovative and challenging.

Kristel, however, remains unfazed by the unusual choice of venue 46

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

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47 47

health & fitness

?

Why can’t you just put a slipped disc back in place

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

Countless times I have had patients come into the clinic with a history of a ‘slipped disc’ which they hope I can just ‘crack back into place’.

I can understand why patients would think this because if something has been described as having slipped out of place then surely it must be possible for it to be put back into place. If only it were that easy!

The words ‘slipped disc’ are often used to help explain to patients in simple terms that they have injury to the disc and that part of the disc is not where it should be. You may have heard more technical terms such as ‘prolapse’, ‘herniation’ and ‘protrusion’ to describe what has happened to the disc but these are synonymous and refer to the same condition.

When this occurs, the jelly-like substance that sits in the middle of the disc pushes its way through a weakening in the surrounding fibrous tissue until it is eventually forced outside of the disc. If the protrusion of this jelly substance is big enough it can press on the nerve causing pain, pins and needles, numbness and muscle weakness into the extremities. The most common areas for this to occur are the lumbar spine (lower back) and the cervical spine (neck).

The weakening of the disc tissue usually happens over time due to poor posture, weak ‘core’ muscles, bad lifting technique or from repetitive movements in manual work or sport, and then it only takes something simple like bending down to put your socks on, or even a sneeze,

that will push it through the outer part of the disc.

Fortunately, over 80% of patients who suffer acute nerve pain into the arm or leg from a disc prolapse will usually improve within 6-8 weeks of conservative management, which includes pain relief medication, relative rest and physical therapy.

Of the 20% with persistent pain at six weeks, about a quarter will improve in the following 2-3 months. The remainder will benefit from further specialist consultation to discuss other treatment options.

Surgery should only be considered after a reasonable period of conservative treatment in patients with persistent symptoms which are interfering with their work or lifestyle.

So, unfortunately discs can’t be put back into place, but in the majority of patients the jelly substance which has worked its way outside of the disc will dehydrate and shrink which takes the pressure off the nerve. This will make the whole disc smaller and it will reduce in height making the joints between each vertebra closer together, therefore, treatment is encouraged towards decompressing the area and reducing stress through the affected disc and taking the strain off the joints to prevent any further problems.

Osteopaths are trained to provide conservative treatment and management of disc problems and will give advice on how to modify your work and lifestyle to aid recovery and address any factors that may have ultimately led to the disc injury. We can also prescribe exercises and stretches to strengthen muscles in the affected area, and improve flexibility and mobility which allows the patient to help manage the problem themselves in between check-up treatment sessions every couple of months or so. n

Surgery should only be considered after a reasonable period of conservative treatment 48

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPteMBER 2011

health & well being

Beauty therapists Stacey Britto and Grace Zammit

flawless nails at

Claudia’s Clinic

Claudia’s Clinic is now offering the endless benefits and mirror-like finish of gel nail polish. Gel nail polish is becoming a common sight in salons worldwide and Caudia’s offers its flawless finish as well as a non-chip guarantee and a highly professional standard.

The polish is resilient and keeps its mirror finish for up to two weeks when it can be removed in just 10 minutes. The polish is odourless, natural feeling, thin, flexible and non-lifting. In fact, Claudia gives a guarantee to touch up your nails for free within the first week if they chip or lift.

Gel nail polish dries instantly meaning you can get back to life’s daily chores immediately without

the risk of any smudges.

At Claudia’s Clinic there are four nail polish colours for you to choose from including a French manicure.

The lovely beauty therapists Stacey Britto and Grace Zammit will make the experience professional and enjoyable. n To book an appointment call Claudia’s Clinic 20074040 or pop into the clinic at 58 Main Street, 1st Floor.

Grace Zammit applying gel nail polish

The techniqueof applying gel nail polish has been perfected at Claudia’s Clinic for the past two months. The nail polish is an enhancement of your natural nails, with the added benefits of flawless colour, convenience and durability. Like any quality polish the gel nail polish application process features a base coat, colour coat and topcoat, applied in combination with a UV lamp.

UV light is used as part of the application

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

49

Dr. Marco Vricella, HC Marbella Hospital

:PVOHFS MPPLJOH FZFT eXJUI #MFQIBSPQMBTUZ FZFMJE

DPTNFUJD TVSHFSZ GSPN %S .BSDP 7SJDFMMB

This natural aging process can make us look more tired and older than we feel; affecting self esteem.

Blepharoplasty is the term used to describe eyelid surgery. The procedure can either address just the upper eyelids, usually for example to lift drooping lids or wrinkles; or the lower lids, where it can be effective in reducing puffiness and ‘eye bags’; or both together. Blepharoplasty usually takes between 45 minutes and 1 and 1/2 hours, depending on the extent of the surgery.

The procedure is increasingly popular worldwide and men in particular are finding it makes them look and feel much

60

younger and contributes considerably to their overall wellbeing. “The procedure was conducted without delay, on time and painlessly. I was in and out of the delightful HC hospital in Marbella within half a day which suited me perfectly� confirms a recent male client from Gibraltar.

He continues, “A week later the stitches were removed and the results were staggeringly good and I was very pleased.

Two months on there are no obvious signs of surgery at all there are no bags under my eyes. The results speak for themselves and I had not realised until now how the bags under my eyes had sub-consciously affected my confidence.�

The procedure can make you appear more alert and give you a more youthful look; and these results will last for years.

To be totally informed about Blepharoplasty, book a free consultation with Dr. Marco

Vricella in Gibraltar, Marbella or Madrid.

He will discuss the options, medical considerations, and the potential outcome of the procedure and confirm if you are suitable for surgery. + Breast Augmentation + Breast Uplift + Breast Reduction + Tummy Tuck + Liposuction + Facial Injections + Face Lifts + Eyebag Removal + Rhinoplasty 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

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE •JANUARY 2011

FREE Consultations | Gibraltar |

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61

Madrid

health & medical directory

health& fitness Bell Pharmacy

McTimoney Chiropractor

Your Family Chemists

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

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

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 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

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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

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

Suppliers of Glucosamine, Ginkgo Biloba and all vitamins.

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Primary Care Centre

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

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

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

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

health & well-being

l

by Eugenio Mendieta & Carmen Vazquez, Oiga + Hearing Centre

Early Detection: Hearing Loss in Children Hearing loss in childhood, if not identified early, can have a devastating effect on language acquisition, communication development, confidence and social skills, and affects both the child who has it, the child’s family and society in general. It could hinder school performance, limit future job prospects, and affect how the child interacts socially.

The recommendations of international organisations on universal screening for hearing loss in newborns has been reinforced in recent years by technological advances, especially in the area of screening. Currently available screening techniques are simple, easy to use and effective.

These are automated Otoacoustic Emissions test (OAE), and the automated Auditory Brainstem Response Test (ABR).

The OAE test involves placing a small ear piece into a baby’s outer ear which produces gentle

sounds. The ‘echo’ responses are then measured by a computer and indicate if a baby has a healthy middle and inner ear (cochlea).

The test is performed in the first few weeks of life. It is non-invasive and takes only a few minutes to produce the results.

The ABR measures the brain’s activity in response to sounds and involves placing three small sensors on the baby’s head and neck and headphones on the baby’s ears. A series of clicking sounds are then played and a computer records the brain’s response.

Temporary Hearing Loss: What is glue ear?

Glue ear (also known as otitis media with effusion) is a build up of sticky fluid in the middle ear space of one or both ears.

The fluid is often quite thin and runny but it may become thicker, like glue. Because the fluid stops the eardrum moving freely, it can lead to a more serious hearing problem.

About four in every five children have at least one mild bout of glue ear in early childhood.

Although it is extremely rare for the condition to cause lasting damage to the ear, glue ear can influence

educational, behavioural and general development, sometimes with longer-term effects lasting several years. It is therefore important that parents and teachers of children affected understand the condition and the steps that they can take to minimise its impact.

Let the teacher know that your child may not always hear instructions. But beware — sometimes children can take advantage of this.

The teacher can help by moving the child to the front of the class and as far away as possible from background noise.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

If a baby is identified with a permanent hearing loss, the baby may then be fitted with hearing aids such as headphones created specifically for babies or if the hearing loss is profound and cannot be helped in this way, they may be a potential candidate for cochlear implants.

The first step before fitting cochlear implants, is using a hearing aid for six months and then, depending on the result obtained, decide on the implant. A hearing aid can stimulate immediately and without surgery, and may

even alter the pathways, which means the hearing impairment can improve.

Thanks to these early prevention programmes, there are less cases of people who are both deaf and mute, and a hearing-impaired person can progress in all aspects of life — psychological, intellectually and emotionally. The only exception is that a hearing aid is needed, in the same way a visually impaired person needs glasses.

Hearing loss can also occur in childhood as a result of ear infections or meningitis. n

53

Dr Steven Crump:

by Kirsten Openshaw

Back Pain & Migraines in their Place No matter what our age or level of fitness and health, we all have aches and pains that visits to the doctor and prescription pills are not helping. Chiropractor Steven Crump explains how he views the body working as a unit with the basis of all pains linked to the nervous system in the spine.

Dr Steven Crump has been a practising chiropractor since 1996 having graduated from the Anglo European Chiropractic College after a five-year full-time degree.

He worked in two busy chiropractors near Newmarket, UK for two years where he treated high profile athletes and jockeys.

In search of a higher quality of life, Steven moved to Gibraltar in 1999 and opened his own successful practice — the Chiropractic Health Clinic.

Steven is dedicated to helping and has a distinct passion for his chiropractic work which began after seeing a chiropractor help his father with an acute back problem.

“With regular ‘maintenance’ check-ups my father is able to do

54

building work, play tennis and golf at the age of 77, giving him a better quality of life,” says Steven.

The majority of Steven’s patients come to him with headaches or migraines and common back pain. Steven explains, “Chiropractors work on your nervous system that controls and regulates your whole body. Poor posture at the desk, simple bumps and falls, car accidents and whiplash are a common cause of trapped

“

nerves.”

Chiropractors focus on the correction of ‘vertebral subluxations’ in the spine. The term subluxation is used by chiropractors to depict the altered position of the vertebra in your spine. Once the subluxation is located the chiropractor can manipulate your spine accordingly to correct the abnormality. When the subluxation is corrected you will have an increased range of motion and the nerve irritability will be reduced,

You can only feel 10% of your nerve when 90% of your nerve runs the functions of muscles and glands so by treating the trapped nerve the body can fully function again

”

which will result in less pain and overall better body function and health.

Chiropractic treatments often involve safe, specific, spinal manipulation based on the scientific fact the nervous system controls all the organs, tissues and cells via your brain and spinal cord.

Steven commented, “You can only feel 10% of your nerve when 90% of your nerve runs the functions of muscles and glands so by treating the trapped nerve the body can then fully function again.”

Apart from spinal manipulation chiropractors may use other forms of technology and treatment to help them, ultrasound is commonly used, as well as the basics of heat and ice.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

health & medical Simply put, chiropractic works on the basis that adjustment helps the joints move better and strengthens them at the same time by mechanically stretching them. It stimulates the nervous system and kick starts a healing response.

Steven explains, “By manipulation you widen the blood vessels allowing the chemical irritants to be flushed away. This allows the healing process to begin. The saying ‘no pain, no gain’ is quiet apt in the chiropractic world.”

Cardiovascular and strengthening exercise, combined with chiropractic care, are important in the management of lower back pain. A lifestyle change is part of chiropractic treatment as it treats the body as a whole rather than treating a specific point. A change in diet and daily exercise will aid the benefits of chiropractic manipulation.

Many health issues we all suffer from can be treated by a chiropractor. Daily problems like sinus issues and numbness in limbs, can be helped by chiropractic treatments. Chiropractors look at the body as a machine with the ‘engine’ being the spine and all the nerves connected to it.

If a joint is misaligned or damaged it can cause inflammation of the nerve, which cause subsequent medical problems.

Steven comments, “For ex-

ample, pressure on a nerve connected to the intestine could be the root cause of some digestive problems. Chiropractic manipulation at the point where the nerves emerge from the spinal cord through the vertebra could remedy such a disorder.”

Chiropractic treatment can help all ages from infancy to the elderly as well as athletes. Steven explained, “Difficult deliveries, for example with forceps can distort babies’ delicate necks. They cannot complain of a headache but can cry all the time. The UK government has done studies on colic and found that chiropractic treatment was an effective way to reduce colic in babies.”

Usually after two to three weeks of treatment, Steven says the painful symptoms will ease, but it is important to keep up with maintenance check-ups or it will simply be a temporary relief.

“We specialise in rehabilitation and correctly maintaining your spinal health and keeping the problem at bay. Rehabilitation could take a few months and this involves daily specific exercises and other treatment if your neck curve has been put out.”n To book an appointment or a brief consultation go to the Chiropractic Health Clinic, Suite F5C, 1st Floor, ICC, Casemates or call him on 200 44226.

Dr Steven Crump GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

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health & well being

Jonathan Teuma:

Travels and Poetry Slams

Under the pseudonym Yanito, Jonathan is a regular performer at Poetry Slams

It is perhaps for this reason that his transition into the world of printed stories was a tad rougher than he might have hoped. “I remember being bored to death by those bland ‘Peter and Jane’ books they gave us in primary school. However I eventually developed an interest in the world of literature and it has given me countless hours of enjoyment since, with Salman Rushdie’s Midnight’s Children and Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s Cien Años de Soledad at the top of my list. I admit to enjoying the odd detective novel once in a while also.”

At school it was his teacher, Adelaide McClaren, to whom he is eternally grateful, for making learning fun. Mr. Bonavia and Mr. Garcia gave life to books at Bayside and, eventually, Jonathan decided to study English Literature and Race & Culture at Middlesex University, which he thoroughly enjoyed.

A few years later, he headed for Nottingham, and undertook an MA in Creative Writing, focusing particularly on script writing and fiction. This is probably the most enjoyable course he has done, as not only did he learn a lot about writing itself, but also how to be more demanding and self critical with his own crea-

“

From a young age, Jonathan Teuma thoroughly enjoyed bedtime stories, told by his parents and grandparents. “It was there that I subconsciously became enthused with how an atmosphere could be created by the mere use of words. I loved how my own emotions could be led from tranquility to tension and then on to laughter or relief through the simple twists and turns set in each story and also how the narrator’s tone of voice accentuated this effect,” Jonathan explains. tive work. Specialising in fiction and screen writing, he learned how to read and make the most of the constructive criticism one receives when exposing works to others.

Jonathan could be seen spending most of the summer months working at Dr Giraldi Home — which provides residential care for adults with learning disabilities — a job he eventually did for two years. “I was introduced quite by accident to the home by Nyree and Matthew Turnock, and although it was hard work, it was gratifying. It is also amazing how people with all sorts of conditions can give you a fresh outlook on life. These people, at whom many look at with pity, can teach us a lot about being observant, having patience and not taking ourselves too seriously. The lessons afforded me by the users of the Giraldi Home are ones which will remain with me for a very long time. Making a positive influence on some of the residents, and helping to improve problematic behaviour so they can start enjoying life was extremely gratifying.”

Soon bitten by the travel bug, he was in Angola for a period of six months, working within an AIDS Awareness programme in the prov-

ince of Cabinda, which is wedged between the two Congos and the Atlantic Ocean. Prior to that he spent eight months training and fundraising in the UK. “It’s funny because, despite all of this preparation, it was not until I was standing in front of about 10 or 12 Cabindan office workers, all of whom were in their 40s and 50s, I realised that telling people what to do with their sex lives is not an easy thing to do. Particularly if you’re half their age and have just got off a plane from the other side of the planet. In that first session I decided to allow my colleague to Visiting ‘nephews’ in Mozambique

I remember being bored to death by those bland ‘Peter and Jane’ books they gave us in primary school. However I eventually developed an interest in the world of literature and it has given me countless hours of enjoyment since 56

”

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

learning curve

continue after my brief intervention,” Jonathan smiles.

“Of course, whenever one goes on these trips, what one takes from them is infinitely greater that what one could hope to offer. The kindness and generosity which I found amongst the people of Cabinda was extraordinary. People who make their homes in wooden shacks and would gladly invite you to lunch, even though that could mean missing dinner. People who lift great, shining smiles to the face of adversity and somehow find much more to smile about than the sullen faces of European affluence.

Children who dance in the street and don’t worry about fashion or computer games, and are appreciative and grateful for an education, if they can get it. Indeed there is a lot we can learn, if we only look closer to our neighbours in the south.”

Jonathan also backpacked through South America, with his friend Stefan Rodriguez, and although the plan was to do a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) course in Mexico, and then teach English in Brazil, they carried on travelling, and came back later than expected. “South America in general is fascinating, and I enjoyed every minute of it.

After this I moved to Madrid and now teach English at the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos. This is a public university, with a flexible language centre, and I prepare students for TEFL and TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) examinations.”

Nowadays, during his free time, Jonathan is also into ‘Poetry Slam’. Starting in 1980s’ Chicago, Marc Smith — a construction worker who was against academic elitism and wanted to make poetry accessible — decided to create this phenomenon, which is now practised around the world, and makes poetry fun and entertaining.

Jonathan explains what Peotry Slam is: “For a contest or joust, you need to read an origi-

“

Photo by Natalia Acín

by Jolene Gomez

Performing at a Poetry Slam in Madrid

nal poem, in a maximum of three minutes. All you have is your voice, and a piece of paper — no music or props allowed. The judges have boards with marks from one to ten, and the top three get to read their poem again. The crowd chooses the winner by applause. It is not a one-on-one attack, but just a way to expose your work and have fun at the same time.”

He has also been involved in taking Poetry Slam to schools in Jaen, and carrying out workshops with the children, together with the American National Poetry Slam champions.

“It was a magnificent thing of introducing poetry to children, and making it educational and exciting for them. I would love to bring a project like this to Gibraltar in the near fu-

ture.”

Some of his work has also been included in an anthology of poetry, called Poesia En Escena, which includes a mixture of English, Spanish and Llanito. “My colleagues find this incredibly unique, and I managed to include six poems in the book. They like and appreciate what I do, and this is extremely fulfilling.”

When he’s not busy with his poetry, he attends singing lessons, is part of a choir, and has even embarked on stand up comedy. “I enjoy keeping busy, and am always looking for new things to do.

“I would like to thank my grandparents, parents and family for always supporting me in my endeavours,” Jonathan says smiling. n

For a contest or joust, you need to read an original poem, in a maximum of three minutes. All you have is your voice, and a piece of paper — no music or props allowed

On the way to El Mirador, Guatemala

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

”

At lost Mayan city, El Mirador, Guatemala, after three days trekking through the jungle

57

famous rock

by Reg Reynolds

Rock Hudson

Rock & Real Rock It has often been claimed that Rock Hudson took his acting name from the Rock of Gibraltar and the Hudson River, but what’s the truth?

Hudson was born Roy Scherer Jr., but when he was eight years old his mother married Wallace Fitzgerald so his name was Roy Fitzgerald when his first agent, Henry Willson, suggested a name change.

In a newspaper interview Hudson explained how Willson came up with his new name: “Henry thought he knew what was best for me. I remember he said, ‘We have to change your name’. Why, I asked, I don’t want one of those silly names.”

In his book, The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson, Robert Hofler explains how Willson famously gave ‘silly’ names to dozens of his ‘pretty boy’ clients — Tab Hunter

58

(Arthur Gilien), Troy Donahue (Merle Johnson), Rory Calhoun (Francis McCown), Guy Madison (Robert Moseley) to name just a few.

When Willson told Roy Fitzgerald that his name was too long to look good on a marquee the aspiring actor responded, “What about Geraldine Fitzgerald is that

too long?”

Hudson said in the interview that Willson hit him first with Hudson and then offered some ‘macho, cockamamie names’ like Dirk and Lance.

“Finally he said what about Rock? That clicked. Yeah, I said that sounds pretty good it’s not too far from Roy and no one else has it.”

Willson famously gave ‘silly’ names to dozens of his ‘pretty boy’ clients

Another version has it that Hudson got his name from an early lover named Ken Hodges. The story goes that a group of young men were hanging around drinking gin in a Malibu beach apartment when Hodges suggested the six-foot-five Roy Fitzgerald should take the first name Rock as a sign of strength.

The name Hudson they plucked at random from the Long Beach phone book.

This latter version is the one considered to be correct by the Dictionary of Pseudonyms.

So it would seem Gibraltar didn’t play a part in the naming of Rock Hudson and that he and his agent later invented the story about the Rock of Gibraltar and the Hudson River because it made good copy.

One thing that is certain is that when Hudson decided to break away from the studio system and form his own production company he named it Gibraltar.

Hudson split with Universal Studios in February 1960 following the huge box-office success of Pillow Talk in which he co-starred with Doris Day. At the time Hudson was being paid a substantial $3,000 a week but because of his box-office appeal (he was the top male star) Universal was able to loan him out to rival studios for hundreds of thousands of dollars.

One newspaper wag wrote of the deal, “This summer Rock is embarking on his first participation deal with his own company Gibraltar Productions — get it, Rock of Gibraltar.”

But did Rock Hudson ever visit the Rock he claimed to be named after? I have searched the various biographies and have yet to find any mention that the movie star ever visited Gibraltar. However, last month I came across an old newspaper article which would indicate he did make it onto the Rock at least once.

In 1960 Broadway gossip columnist Louis Sobel snidely commented in his New York Cavalcade column about seeing Hudson at a famous New York restaurant: “Rock Hudson dined at the Forum recently. He pulled out a chip of rock and claimed he had chipped it off the Rock of Gibraltar.

He keeps it as a good luck charm because his film company is named Gibraltar. Oh come now if he goes in for tokens of that sort why doesn’t he carry a vial of water from the Hudson River.”

The most likely occasion for Hudson to visit Gibraltar would be 1956 when he was spotted at a hotel on the Costa Brava by Karen Brown, author of the travel book Karen Brown’s Spain. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

challenge art profile The Relentless Soap Box Derby....

have you got what it takes?

Fuelled only by creativity and fun (gravity does the rest) homemade cars will be lining up on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th October at Keightly Road and Keightly Way Tunnel (9am4am) to take part in the Relentless Soap Box Derby.

Soap Box Racing has been gracing the streets of America this summer, from LA to New York... and now Relentless will be hosting the Gibraltar Soap Box Derby!

The Relentless team needs you to be ready for 8th October... so get building! (Maximum five people per team).

Here’s a brief outline, but for further information and full entry requirements visit www.motortrader.gi: This unique non-motorised racing event challenges both experienced racers and first-timers alike to design and build outrageous, human-powered soapbox dream machines and compete against the clock in a downhill race.

So, gather your friends, colleagues, brothers, sisters, and get building!

The Soap Box Derby will include Street Luge and Street Skate Festival, open races, events by build type and driver age, inter-company race challenges, schools projects, celebrity judges and much more.

The road will be closed to traffic for the event and a specially designed course with straw bales and plastic crash barriers will be installed. At the end is the winners’ podium, show circle, pits and paddock and hospitality area.

Fear not for those not brave enough to take the challenge, there will a vast selection of other entertainment including extreme sports demonstrations from some of Europe’s hottest athletes, beer tents, chill out lounges, live music, VIP pit lanes, restaurants, DJ battles and much much more...

Get ready... n

design and build outrageous, human-powered soapbox dream machines and compete against the clock in a downhill race

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

59

Georgia and Katie

Georgia & Katie:

by Karim Corby

Rowing’s Golden Girls

women were allowed to participate. Well after fellow athletes in similar sports such as swimming, athletics, cycling, and canoeing.

When asked what drew them to rowing, both girls gave the same answer; they had both joined in their early teens to be among friends and because their families were involved in rowing in some way. In Katie’s words “It’s good to win, but people compete because they enjoy the sport, not just for the sake of winning.” I was struck by their modesty — they claimed that even they were surprised by the win. “We did hope we’d win something,” says Georgia, “but it wasn’t until we hit the 1000 metre mark, we noticed how far ahead we’d got and saw our chance to win, up until then our goal was just to keep up.”

Of course, expected or not, it comes as a boon to the club, which this year celebrates its 135th anniversary, as well as to Gibraltar. With the Med and Calpe clubs as the only participants from outside the British Isles competing in the smallest number, it has earned the community some recognition — not only for Georgia and Katie’s success, every member performed admirably. Christian Segovia took a bronze in the junior singles event, and Katie’s own sister Emma Dudley with her partner Michelle Baglietto took fourth place in the doubles, almost clearing a bronze by a single second.

It is said there is no reward without sacrifice, and the girls’ success is compounded by the fact that they were both in the throes of their Advanced Subsidiary examinations, managing to attend class and study while performing at least 10 rounds of training per week at 7am and 7pm. Further, the competition itself is fraught with its own unique challenges; with the currents and the weather playing a part in who wins and loses.

Georgia and Katie’s event was scheduled on Sunday which was marked by a downpour.

Georgia attests that the rain began the moment the race got started, and got progressively worse the longer they went in, though Katie was quick to point out that rain reduces wind so opinions are divided as to whether they triumphed over adversity or if mother nature gave them a helping hand.

Katie is no stranger to the British Championships, having participated a number of times, including at last year’s event, which took place in Strathclyde Country Park. She also had a split second miss in one of the earlier contests, though she says “it showed me what I was ca-

Rowing has evolved over centuries from a means of propelling ancient Roman warships, to a popular hobby and spectator sport.

Today around 55,000 people in the UK participate in rowing at least once a week. More than 300 British Rowing events and activities take place each year and it’s not all about the racing, recreational rowing is just as popular as competitive rowing.

Annually, the British Rowing Championship showcases the best of British rowing as a kick-off to the summer season; the competition includes clubs, amateurs and enthusiasts from all over the United Kingdom. Gibraltar’s own Mediterranean and Calpe rowing clubs feature in the events and this time, they returned home with something to talk about. 17 year

60

old Georgia Head and Katie Dudley, representing the Calpe Rowing Club, claimed the gold medal in the Junior Women’s Pairs event.

For most of its history, rowing has been a male dominated sport. Although its roots in the modern Olympics can be traced back to the original 1896 games in Athens, it was not until the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal that

The Calpe Squad

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

sports stars pable of and gave me a goal for the next time.”

On the other hand, this was a first-time experience for Georgia, who was more struck by the atmosphere. “It didn’t feel like a competition, more like a trip with friends, all doing something we enjoyed.” Being her first time, did she feel prepared for the challenge? Smiling she states “As prepared as I could be. We trained hard, and when we couldn’t row, we’d run to keep our training going.” Katie added “Dealing with school and training sounds tough, but the pressure makes you better at managing your time.”

To the girls, obtaining the gold confirms their hard work and sacrifice was worth it.

While many students were happy to be at the tail-end of their examinations, praying for two months of freedom and a stint at the nearest beach, Georgia and Katie spent their time decidedly further offshore and though they look forward to defending their medal at the next year’s British Championship (A-Level exams permitting) they’re currently much more excited about taking a well deserved break.

Keep an eye on these young athletes, and again, a hearty congratulation to all the Gibraltarian participants from both the Med and Calpe rowing clubs. n

“

Georgia and Katie receive their medals and championship plaque

It didn’t feel like a competition, more like a trip with friends, all doing something we enjoyed

”

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

Rowing in Nottingham’s Holme Pierrepont

61

their diversity as dancers. There is a strong emphasis on ballet and jazz at the school, although many others styles are also introduced throughout the year.

Being mostly practical, he didn’t get too much homework to finish off — definitely a bonus during his student years! However, he did dance for eight hours a day, five days a week — and those were just the basic classes!

“We also had to fit in the extra time for show rehearsals, and it was normal for me to start at 9am and get home after 10pm. It was hard, but you soon get used to that lifestyle in this business. Any dancer can tell you that once you have performed on stage, there is no going

“

I think every performer, whatever the art form, has that responsibility that tells them not to sit on any laurels, and always strive to better themselves as dancers and people

”

Christopher getting ready to perform

Christopher Shoesmith:

Dancer out at Sea

by Jolene Gomez

From Gibraltar we flock in hundreds to spend a week or two relaxing on luxury cruises around the world. Many of you must have wondered what it is like to work on a cruise ship as you sit back and sip a cocktail on the deck, well our very own Christopher Shoesmith gives us an insight into what it’s like working as a dancer, and travelling the world, on board Carnival Cruises.

Christopher has been dancing for most of his life, but it wasn’t until he was 15 that he really started to apply himself, and do as many classes as he could. “At 17, I decided I wanted to pursue dance professionally. I had never thought of dance as something I could do for a living, but after a bit of research, I applied to the Northern Ballet School in Manchester, and enrolled into the National Diploma in Dance course.”

A fan of Bob Fosse and Russell Maliphant, Christopher describes himself as a “jazzerina”

62

— “I love jazz, but would feel lost without my strong ballet background. I also love tap, which is a style which hasn’t really developed in Gibraltar, and once I learned it in the UK I fell in love,” he explains.

The three-year course is aimed at a more varied and practical study of dance, and performances are spread out in the academic year — full classical ballet at Christmas, a musical variety show in the spring, and a graduation show which includes elements of ballet, jazz, contemporary, and other styles, showing

back. It’s addictive, and you just want more time on there.”

As with most dance schools, there is friendly competition, as every term there are only a certain amount of lead roles to cast, and dancers want to get top marks in all assessments. “In my opinion, dancers should always be pushing themselves, and getting better, and not trying to out do their classmates. I think every performer, whatever the art form, has that responsibility that tells them not to sit on any laurels, and always strive to better themselves as dancers and people,” Christopher says.

“After completing my diploma, I auditioned for a few shows in the UK and around Europe, but sadly with the economy being what it was, a lot of shows simply had to close,” he explains.

“I did some work for ITV’s Britannia High, produced by Arlene Phillips, before I auditioned to work as a cruise liner entertainer. The stigma that often follows is incorrect, as the shows on ships are huge — often larger than land-based shows. Working for the largest cruise line in the world, Carnival, gives me a choice in ships, itineraries, shows and styles.”

Preparation for cruise liner shows comes hard for the dancers and entertainers involved, as during cast change, they have to learn all the shows for each ship. “The contract I’m on at the moment, means I had six weeks to learn a four hour long production, plus short welcome-on-board shows. A typical working day is eight hours long, learning the choreography, counts, spacing and lyrics. Although tiring, it helps bond the cast together,” Christopher explains.

After the cast change, dancers have two shows a night, for five nights a week, plus rehearsals. One of his biggest achievements was doing the adage at the show on his last ship.

Being the lead role, it involved a great duet with one of his fellow dancers, which he thoroughly enjoyed.

There are also a few duties around the ship,

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

It’s showtime!

like teaching dance classes which are always fun. “I not only get to follow my passion, but I also get to travel and see the world. Being a night-time worker allows me to spend my days visiting ports of call, so there is plenty of time for fun.”

Christopher has mostly been sailing around the Caribbean and Bahamas, stopping at Florida, Baltimore, Nassau, Freeport, Key West, Bermuda, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Grand Turk and Half Moon Cay, visiting beautiful places and attractions — beaches, dolphins, diving and even Aztec ruins.

Productions on the cruise are usually 45-60 minutes long. With about 20 different shows for Carnival cruises alone, ranging from country to old school jazz to hip hop, there is definitely something for everyone.

With regards to plans for the future, Christopher plans to continue working on a cruise for another year, before marrying his sweetheart, Chloe Loddo. After this, he might audition for work in the UK, or carry on working on a cruise, as he is not ready to start teaching or choreographing just yet. At the moment, he enjoys being on stage too much to consider giving it up, and would love to perform in Gibraltar as well in the near future.

“Gibraltar certainly has a wide ranging dance community, with various styles being taught, and a lot of talent. Dance has certainly come a long way in Gibraltar, however, I feel more consolidation training needs to be done, in order to get the student to learn different styles from various schools, and become versatile dancer, as opposed to sticking to the house style of each school.

“Anyone who wants to pursue a career in dance should look to going abroad as although the standard locally is very high, there is no full time professional dance course, which gives you the polish and expertise required for the professional world,” Christopher explains.

Christopher would like to thank his famGIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

“

I not only get to follow my passion, but I also get to travel and see the world. Being a night time worker allows me to spend my days visiting ports of call, so there is plenty of time for fun

”

ily, and teachers Anne-Marie Gomez, Zuleika Green and Paulette Finlayson, as well as his dance teachers in the UK, specifically David Needham and Eric Carpenter.

Life as a dancer is fun, but it is not a job for everyone. It is hard being away from loved

ones, more so if you are living on a boat for more than seven months at a time.

“I would encourage people to try it, as long as they are ready for a lot of work and rejection, but it is all worth it once you are where you want to be,” he smiles. n

Christopher gracing the stage

63

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65

Bryan Ritchie:

Out of Africa

by Karim Corby

Zimbabwe Lion Sanctuary

Photos provided by Bryan Ritchie

Do you dream of ‘getting away from it all’? Abandoning the routine that develops over years living in a small town. It’s likely you take the same route to work, sit at the same desk, go to the same place for your lunch break, have the same polite conversation and, quite possibly dream of being somewhere else, be it weeks on a white sand beach, or months exploring a dense jungle. But how many wouldbe adventurers actually have their dream come true?

For some people it does, and Bryan Ritchie is living proof. For all intents and purposes, Bryan is your average Gibraltarian; holding down a steady job, working in the IT industry, his greatest adventures taking place in the land of Azeroth on his World of Warcraft account.

Yet on Tuesday 10th August 2010 he packed his life into a backpack and set off for a year’s adventure, travelling through South Africa, Thailand and Cambodia. What prompted this abrupt shift?

“Adventure!” Bryan was looking for something as different as possible from the norm and developing countries like Africa offered the exotic, not only in its ecology and geography, but also through the more esoteric social and political perspectives; it was ‘different’ in every sense of the word.

Most people believe that an excursion like this is best left for the experienced backpacker and the more unfamiliar the location, the less

“

Anyone looking to explore should get as far away from their comfort zone as possible Bryan assembling the pride

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”

prepared you are for whatever pitfalls may be present. Though the people who employ this rationale would be surprised to know that this was Bryan’s first time travelling in this manner, and he is now a full-fledged convert; claiming that back-packing is not a speciality of some small group of well-travelled individuals.

“You see people from all walks of life, the most unlikely people in the most unlikely of places.

It’s something everyone can and should try,” he adds. “Anyone looking to explore should get as far away from their comfort zone as possible. You’ll experience more, and most importantly, you’ll learn more.”

Bryan did not depart with a calculated list of places, dates, times and whatever tourist spots he wanted to visit. He had a bag packed, a plane ticket and an intention to live on the smallest possible allowance over the year, using public transport and coaches to get around the countries. That is not to say there was no planning whatsoever; several resources exist to better execute a trip, google maps being among the most popular, as well as blogabond.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

adventures

Bryan on the beach in Durban, South Africa

com which organises travel web-logs (or blogs) which, as well as being a travel journal, can include interactive maps, itineraries and location-specific photos which can be attached to the map.

Bryan also got in touch with African Impact (www.africanimpact.com) a volunteer group who arranged a number of jobsand provided an opportunity to do some good in a country that needed the help. This also gave him a set of travel goals rather then a strict plan, better facilitating exploration and preventing him from just settling into the first place he liked.

He taught some English and maths at primary schools in Malawi, he volunteered at a lion sanctuary and an orphanage in Victoria Falls and visited a bird of prey and cheetah conservation programme near Cape Town.

Many of the facilities did not have the resources of the western world and classrooms for example were far less formal and standardised. A teacher could have up to 50 students from ages 10 to 21 sharing the same class.

Animal sanctuary work was more straightforward, but came with its own set of challenges and when you’re toe-to-toe with an adult lion, you learn quickly.

Of course there were many non-volunteer activities undertaken including white-water rafting in Jinja at the source of the Nile, gorilla tracking in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and biking across cleared minefields in Cambodia to name but a few.

There were also opportunities for a little education — he enrolled in a PADI open water diving course in Malawi and rounded it off with Rescue Diver training in Ko Tao Island,

Diving just off Ko Tao Island GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

Ta Prohm Temple, Cambodia

where he also learned Thai Boxing, known as Muay Thai.

In all, Bryan attained a unique experience on a daily allowance most would consider to be pocket change. Though he left in order to experience different cultures and explore something new, looking on the time retrospectively, he finds what struck him wasn’t the differenc-

“

My idea of normality has changed, having met people with so little, who have a joy in life which is missing from the developed world

”

es, but the number of similarities.

On his return to Gibraltar he was asked what it feels like returning to normality? He replied: “My idea of normality has changed, having met people with so little, who have a joy in life which is missing from the developed world.

They do more with less and frankly, though I’m happy to be home and grateful for everything that I have, I’m also saddened by how much we waste.

“I didn’t feel like a visitor, at first the experience is jarring, you don’t know what to expect, but in reality, the only adjustment was getting used to everyday things being unavailable.

Setting that aside, I was always made to feel at home and I’m beginning to believe that the poorest places offer the warmest welcome.” n For a more detailed read of Bryan’s excursion, visit his blog www.walkabouttime.blogspot.com which chronicles his entire trip from Africa to Thailand; including his route, places to stay, where to find transport, and, some very entertaining stories.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: one of the 700 remaining mountain gorillas

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puzzle page

by Alan Gravett

SUDOKU

Across: 1. Precious stone; girls name (4) 3. Title of Franz Ferdinand whose assassination sparked off World War 1 (8) 9. Strangulation (7) 10. Breathing organs in fish (5) 11. State if self-rule (12) 13. Lengthen (6) 15. Sports arenas (6) 17. Underground (12) 20. Girls Name (5) 21. (Of a look) with suspicion (7) 22. Impeded (8) 23. Osculate; US rock group (4)

Win a lunch for two at

The Cannon Bar

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

One entry per person.

Closing date: 20th September 2011 Last month’s winner: Yvonne Luza, 11 Oak Tree Lodge

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

FIRST PRIZE: Lunch for 2 at The Clipper

One entry per person.

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

Last month’s winner: Leopold Sanguinetti 8 Demaya’s Ramp

Down: 1. Part of telephone; one appointed to deal with

an insolvency (8) 2. Ponder moodily; a group of fowl offspring (5) 4. One standing in for a monarch (6) 5. Exam score of best pupil (7,5) 6. (Of shoes) prepared to remove; (of a drink) with

no secret additives! (7) 7. Bridge partner, perhaps; point of the

compass (4) 8. Put a comma in the wrong place, perhaps (12) 12. Dentist in the film M*A*S*H; not hurting (8) 14. Invisible export; practice of people on

holiday (7) 16. Film starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton- John (6) 18. Boredom (5) 19. Number or dash of mixed ingredients (4)

Jotting Pad ...

LAST MONTH’S ANSWERS: Across: Wind, November, Lorimer, Venus, Image, Serena, Miller, Bazaar, Impala, Remit, Realm, Flyhalf, Quandary, Mill.

Down: Williams, Norma, Ampere, Ogress, Elver, Bonanza, Rust, Lambada, Arroyo, Grateful, Iraq, Aimed, Asfar, Miami

68

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

David Rodriquez - Defeat, Exhaustion, Passion - HC Beginners’ Portfolio

photo focus

Sal Fox - The Hedgehog - HC Beginners’ Prints

Gibraltar Photographic Society Competitiion

Mark Attard - Tarifa Sunset - 2nd Beginners’ Prints

Amanda Brunton - Blue Eyes, HC Beginners’ Prints - Rainbow Smoke, HC Beginners’ Prints - Green Pot in the Rain, HC Beginners’ Prints

Stewart Brittenden - Smartie Drops, 1st Beginners’ Prints - Shades of Morocco, HC Beginners’ Prints

Sonia McKay - Cats 1, 2, 3 - 2nd Beginners’ Portfolio

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

Ulrika Orsing - Helsingborg 1, 2, 3 - 1st Beginners’ Prints Portfolio

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literature Ibáñez is now neglected, if not entirely forgotten, so let us take a few moments to explore just who he was and what he achieved.

First a few obligatory facts and figures. He was born in Valencia on 29th January 1867, the son of a store owner, Gaspar Blasco Teruel, and his wife Ramona Ibañéz Martinez. From 1885 to 1889, he studied law at the University of Valencia, but though he received his degree, he was far too busy chasing women and engaging in populist politics to practice much as a lawyer.

During that period he also published his first book, Fantasias, Leyendas y Tradiciones. A natural rebel and robust opponent of authority in all its forms, he got himself thrown into jail at the age of 18 for writing an anti-government poem.

We are immediately confronted by one of life’s eternal paradoxes: that of the brutal authoritarian regime, the iron-fisted dictatorship, that is in reality so fragile and unsure of itself it feels threatened by a few idealistic words scribbled in the heat of a testosterone rush by a pimply adolescent.

Undeterred by this first of many spells in prison, the young Vicente founded a militantly Republican newspaper, El Pueblo, which ruffled so many feathers that he was the subject of at least one assassination attempt. He was shot, but was spared death when the bullet struck the clasp of his belt. To be fair, he was by this time already as notorious for his steamy love affairs as for his rabble-rousing politics, so whether the shot was fired by a political opponent or an outraged husband is open to question.

Already, I think, my readership — at least, the red-blooded male contingent — is beginning to warm to this man.

Sometime around 1890 he produced a novel, The Black Spider. No doubt he thought it was terrific at the time, and made himself a terrible bore by foisting scores of unsolicited signed copies onto his family and friends. Later (and what writer has not felt the sting of the same emotion), he decided it was actually a piece of embarrassSpanish writer Vicente ingly immature juvenilia, and vigorously denied Blasco Ibáñez (1867-1928) he had written it at all. It was futile. The book, despite his best efforts, remained stubbornly a part of his oeuvre, being republished with his name boldly emblazoned on the cover after his death. Publishers have no souls.

In 1891, the 24-year old Vicente married. Her name was Maria, and she was the daughter of a romantic poet named Rafael Blasco y Moreno.

Maria was to bear him two sons, Mario and Julio César, who are central to our story, and to whom we shall return in due course.

Vicente Blasco Ibañéz had hit his stride.

His pen was never idle. Short stories, novels At first, and even for those gifted with the power of second and polemics poured from it like water from sight, Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, Spanish author and, when he had a mountain spring. He was married, but no hitch of that kind would slow his a little spare time on his hands, film director, seems to have no technical tireless pursuit of female conquests, and his political star was continuing to rise. In 1895, he claim to feature in the pages of the Gibraltar Magazine. Yes, entered the Spanish parliament, the Cortes, as the story of his life is an interesting one, even more interesting a Republican deputy, and remained there for many years. In 1903 he created, within the party, in many ways than those told in his novels, but he was a his own Blasquist faction, which found itself at Valencian, not a Llanito. He was not born here, he did odds with just about everybody, particularly the “Solianist” group headed by Rodrigo Soliano. not die here, so what is he doing here?

Our man was never truly content unless he was arguing with somebody. Heated debate, not Well, he did pay at least one visit to the Rock, became the direct inspiration for one of his most necessarily falling short of physical violence, but even that would be nothing much to write evocative stories, Luna Benamor. But we are get- was as necessary to Vicente Blasco Ibañéz as are home about were it not for the fact that his visit ting ahead of ourselves. Even in his native Spain, eucalyptus leaves to a koala.

Vicente Blasco Ibáñez

An Author’s Tale

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

literature

by Dave Wood The first two decades of the 20th century were his most prolific periods as a writer, and they produced the two works for which he is most remembered, probably because each of them was immortalised (silently) in films starring the doomed-to-die-young matinee idol, Rudolph Valentino. Los Cuatro Jinetes del Apocalipsis (The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse — written in 1916) was the biggest cinema hit of 1921, easily outgrossing Charlie Chaplin’s famous film, The Kid, and Sangre y Arena (Blood and Sand — written 1908), about a man who, against the wishes of his widowed mother, finds fame as a matador, followed a year later. Both novels were to be re-filmed after the coming of the talkies, but the silent Valentino versions remain the most memorable.

All very interesting, but still no Gibraltar connection. For that we return to the subject of his two sons by Maria. Sometime around the turn of the century, Vicente decided the ideal place for them to receive their education was at the Colegio Inglés in Gibraltar. To finalise the arrangements he travelled to the Rock with the boys in 1904, and met with a Jewish businessman, Salomón Cohen, in whose trust the boys were ultimately placed. During his long talks with Cohen, Vicente developed the idea for a story which was subsequently published as Luna Benamor. The title character, Luna, is the young daughter of a Moroccan Jew operating a tapestry exporting business in Rabat. Luna is living in Gibraltar with her grandfather, a local moneylender. Also sharing the home are her uncle, his wife, and their two daughters.

Enter stage left Luis Aguirre of the Spanish Foreign Service — young, handsome, eminently eligible, and about to set sail for Australia to assume the role of Spanish consul. He and Luna fall in love, and that’s when the trouble starts. Luna’s relatives, without exception, are outraged. She cannot possibly contemplate marrying outside the faith. In any case, she was betrothed by proxy in childhood to a successful Jewish businessman from Buenos Aires.

Pay attention at the back, I will write this only once. Luna befriends Khiamull, an ailing Indian bazaar stall-keeper who has somehow made his way to Gibraltar from Madras. She pours out her sorrows. Now, if the nascent Hollywood film industry had chosen to immortalise Luna Benamor for the silver screen, as it did Los Cuatro

Jinetes del Apocalipsis and Sangre y Arena, Khiamull would undoubtedly have been portrayed as a wise and kindly old soul who told Luna she must follow her heart, and the movie would have ended with she and the handsome Luis embracing in the sunset as they set off together for a new life in the land of waltzing Matilda and the kangaroo.

But Luna Benamor was never filmed, so we are stuck with Blasco Ibañéz’ own ending. Convinced by the crusty old Indian gee-gaw seller that their religious differences, and her family’s hostility, are insurmountable — views which, in that curiously illogical way we humans see these things, are reinforced by Khiamull’s entirely predictable death at this dramatically significant point — Luna tearfully tells Luis that their love can never be, and, with a heavy heart, he sails off to Australia alone.

We apologise to our readers for any distress.

Leaving the melancholy narrative temporarily aside, Gibraltarian readers of the novella will find much to interest them in the author’s vivid portrayal of the local scenery — something in which he always excelled. Blasco Ibañéz vibrantly captures the sounds, sights and smells of turn of the century Gibraltar as brilliantly as is possible in the printed word, and the story is worth reading for that alone. His depiction of the complexities of Gibraltar’s social life at the beginning of 20th century, with its various close-knit but almost hermetically sealed and fiercely distinct ethnic groups living side-byside but with an omnipresent undercurrent of simmering mutual suspicion is particularly fascinating. The focus of the story is chiefly the lives, rituals and traditions of Gibraltar’s Sep-

Blasco Ibañéz vibrantly captures the sounds, sights and smells of turn of the century Gibraltar as brilliantly as is possible in the printed word, and the story is worth reading for that alone

hardic Jewish community, for whom it remains of particular interest.

In Luna Benamor, Vicente Blasco Ibañéz produced a rare and valuable snapshot of Gibraltar’s social history which has been sadly overlooked.

The story was written shortly after his visit. It had certainly been committed to paper by 1905, but its publishing history is confused. According to one of Vicente’s biographers, JL León Roca, it first appeared in print in an obscure Latin American magazine, but that appearance has been difficult to confirm. Its first authenticated appearance did not come until 1909, when it was included in a collection of stories and sketches published in Spain.

Ibañéz was a restless soul, always on the move, although given his lifelong penchant for forbidden amour and the dangerous liaison, this may have been inspired by an understandable desire to stay a step or two ahead of the regiment of outraged husbands out to slap him across the face with a glove and demand satisfaction.

Whatever the reason, in 1920 he slipped furtively out of Spain and relocated first to Mexico, and subsequently the USA. Soon even those two countries became too hot to hold him and by 1927 he was living in France in the town of Menton. It cannot have been mere coincidence that the French then, as now, held a radically different view of a man’s right (it is difficult to find the correct English word to describe it) to keep a mistress as well as wife.

In spite of his ceaseless travelling and his passionate affairs, Ibañéz never stopped writing, and almost inevitably his exquisite vignette of life among the Sephardic Jews of Gibraltar became virtually forgotten. He was known for his two big hits — Los Cuatro Jinetes del Apocalipsis and Sangre y Arena — and the body of work loosely known as his Valencian novels.

The rest, including Luna Benamor, were less read and far less well-known, except among true aficionados.

In Menton, beginning in 1922, Blasco Ibañéz (now married to his second wife, Elena) built a large house which he called Fontana Rosa, which became a meeting place for writers and intellectuals, including Jean Cocteau. Sadly, he did not live long enough to enjoy it. He died there peacefully in his bed on 6th January 1928. n

A tweet-up was held at Cafe Rojo in Irish Town in

mid-August, which was attended by some of Gibraltar’s most prolific tweeps. Organised by Work IT (@ workITgib), Tweetups have become a monthly gathering giving ‘followers’ and ‘followed’ a chance to meet face-to-face and exchange ideas, or simply put a face to a handle.

The most experienced tweep at the gathering with over 800 followers, Becki Macias (@pegasusangel) of Cafe Rojo, talked about her experience on Twitter and the opportunities and friendships which have developed for her over the past two years.

The Gibraltar Magazine (@gibmag) will tweet details of the next tweet-up. It is free to attend and everyone is welcome, experienced or new to the benefits of social media. n

Some of the tweeps who attended the tweet-up at Cafe Rojo in August GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEptEMBER 2011

@gibmag 71

© Stefano Blanca-Sciacaluga

The aim of the directory is to create awareness of the local talent beyond the already established artists, especially the young artists for whom this project was originally created for.

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© Mark Galliano

of artists of all ages,” says Stefano.

Stefano originally got the idea from seeing other directories of photographers online, and thought it would be essential to keep things simple, at the same time respecting the work of the artists, and their chosen platform to display their work.

Artists are required to provide a link to an online portfolio of their work, such as Flickr, Tumblr or DeviantArt for example, and there is no preference for any kind of style in particular.

Currently there are only four categories included, however, others may be added if there is interest, and this directory is still a growing project.

So if you feel you would like to be included in this exciting project, please send an email to creativegibraltar@gmail.com, including the name of the artist, which category they would like to be included in, and a link to their online portfolio. n

© Patrizia Imossi

“I thought this was a good idea, as I noticed local artists, especially younger ones, do not get the recognition they deserve for what they do. I think this lack of recognition locally can sometimes be a bit discouraging and could make people give up completely on what they do,” explains creator, Stefano Blanca Sciacaluga.

The aim of the directory (http://creativegibraltar.tumblr.com) is to create awareness of local talent beyond the already established artists, especially the young artists for whom this project was originally created.

Eligible candidates for inclusion in the directory are artists who take their work seriously, are prepared to learn from others, and those who want to expose their work.

“It is also a good place for people to be able to find artists easily, so if for instance somebody needs a photographer for anything, they can look at everybody’s work and perhaps find what they are looking for. I’m hoping this directory will eventually form a tight community

© Christopher Tavares

With the aim of promoting local young talent, Creative Gibraltar is a directory of artists in the fields of Photography, Art, Design & Web Design and Fashion.

© Kayleigh Buttigieg

art file

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

art file

For the Love of Art Gib DFAS’ new season of lectures runs from 19th October until 16th May 2012. Lectures are held on the third Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm at the O’Callaghan Eliott Hotel. Here are the dates for your diary: 19th October 2011: Men behaving badly - Rogues on and off the canvas by John Iddon (Tate Britain & Tate Modern) 16th November 2011: Architects as Designers Furniture, Ceramics, Metalwork from Frank Lloyd Wright to Norman Foster by Marina Vaizey, Arts Council; Financial & Sunday Times Art Critic.

14th December 2011: Monet & the Impressionists - the Joy and the Torment by Douglas Skeggs,

lecturer, writer and TV presenter.

18th January 2012: Paintings inspired by Music — and Music inspired by Paintings (lecturerecital) by Peter Medhurst, R.C.M & Mozarteum (Saltzburg).

15th February 2012: The Magnificence of Ancient Persia — the art of Isfahan, Shriaz and ancient Persepolis by Christopher Bradley, Film Producer, BBC cameraman & documentary maker.

View of Toledo c.1597 - El Greco

21st March 2012: Dreamtime to Machine Time - Australian Aboriginal Art by Rebecca Hossack, Australian Cultural Attache (London); art gallery owner.

18th April 2012: El Greco & Toledo by Sian Helen Walters, Lecturer, National Gallery and Surrey University.

16th May 2012: Gustav Klimt: Fin de Siecle sensualist by Eric Shanes, lecturer, author & exChairman of the Turner Society. n

Madame Monet & Child, 1875 - Claude Monet

Aboriginal art

by Narrabri Nakamarra

For info contact Claus Olesen 200 02024 (email: claus.olesen@sghambros.com) or Ian le Breton 200 76173 (ilebreton@SovereignGroup.com)

Dog of the Month RUPERT is about 7 years old and a cross breed.

He has been neutered and is good with other dogs but likes to chase cats. He is very quiet and well behaved. He has been in kennels now for over a year and is beginning to show signs of depression.

He needs a foster or forever home as soon as possible.

Rupert has never enjoyed family life as was tied up and left outside for his entire life until his rescue in 2010.

“I need a good home!”

If you are interested in adopting me 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

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEptEMBER 2011

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Ana Maria Morro

The Belle of the Ball...

by Elena Scialtiel

Not many can pride themselves on living to dance without the constrictions of making a living out of it. When Ana Maria Morro is asked about her dancing career, her eyes shine to the beacon of an otherwise uneventful life, spent in the paternal house, as a daughter until June 1979, and wife and mother of two thence.

She lives and breathes it almost full-time, family commitments permitting: she was teaching cha-cha-cha two days before giving birth to her first child, and back on the dance floor in a fortnight — just because in those times hospitals didn’t discharge new mothers for a week!

Ana Maria and her husband Curro have been living ‘in sequence’ since 1975, when they took over the Catholic Community Centre (CCC) Sequence Dance Club from Joe and Wendy Bonici, who founded it in 1971 as a splinter from the military DSA. They met when they were both members of the Calpe Royal Club, but their romance sparked

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at the CCC, which was also the venue and the dinner-dance. theme for their literally traffic-stopping wedCurro was in fact one of the Sequence Dance ding, that she describes with pride like the first Club’s founder members. Ana Maria, still a one in Gibraltar held in the format of a sit-down teenager, joined two years later, and was picked for the junior team to participate in shows with Patrick Mifsud, her dance partner at the time.

Curro moved briefly to London for work, and there he took private lessons in old time dancing, to become a qualified teacher in Old Time Technique, in order to eventually take over Gibraltar’s school.

When he officially did in May 1975, after bidding goodbye to the Bonicis (who moved abroad), the club had steadily grown from the

She was teaching cha-cha-cha two days before giving birth to her first child, and back on the dance floor in a fortnight

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

dancing days initial 12 couples. Now being attended by young people, the Morros committed to learn Latin and Ballroom during summer to introduce it when lessons resumed in autumn.

The club has aged gracefully since, with a bunch of faithfuls following Curro and Ana Maria’s steps every week, and the occasional injection of new blood, until peaking at some 170 members in 2007, when the venue was moved to the Central Hall, thanks to the Ministry of Culture.

Ana Maria and Curro did it, and still do it, for the sheer love of it. They don’t charge anything, besides an annual membership fee of £16 per person, and the weekly £2 ‘compulsory’ raffle ticket, which goes in the kitty towards extra expenses, like inviting international stars, or organising big balls and fancy dress parties. Their committee is hardworking and very creative, and spends the months prior to a big event planning, purchasing, crafting and hanging decorations.

For the club’s 40th anniversary this year, they brought over world ballroom champions Warren and Kristi Boyce and their eight-year old son Glenn with his partner Sylvia Hedges — themselves UK junior champions — for a spectacular gala dinner.

The end of season ball happened courtesy of Dance My Way Group from London who gave a breathtaking samba performance by a team of exotic beauties whose vivid oversized feathers tickled the members to the rhythm of whistles and drums.

The club welcomes new members, young people included, and it doesn’t focus on strict discipline targeted to competition, but on the relaxing and social aspect of ballroom. The usual format comprises a three hours’ weekly session, split by an interval for refreshments, during which a new dance is taught every month, and the familiar ones are practised again, in eightminute slots each.

And so the club has collected a repertoire of 60-65 different dances over the years, which are supplied monthly by the Brockbank Lane Sequence Dance Script Service. Sometimes Ana Maria has to ‘kill’, as she describes it, or less technically, retire some of them, because they become quite a handful to remember.

Every step has a name of course, and it helps being familiar with them, whether for notation of written instructions, or when they are called out during a teaching session.

Anyone can learn how to dance, Ana Maria assures me. How quickly, however, depends

“

What’s On September Friday 2nd September The O’Callaghan Eliott Hotel in conjunction with Chris King Productions presents the ultimate tribute show featuring The Rat Pack.

Dinner and show £32 per person, 8pm.

Bookings required on Tel 20070500 Saturday 3rd September Charity Cardboard Race starts 10.30am at Casemates Square for judging, moving to Ocean Village at 11.30am approx. Kids’ race start at 12 noon, adults’ race start at 12.30pm approx. Additional entertainment: bouncy castle, music, face painting Captain Jack Sparrow, treasure hunt and colouring competition. Proceeds to GBC Open Day and Downs Syndrome Support Group. For info contact Ocean Village Tel: 20040048

Sequence dancers Ana Maria with husband Curro

on one’s musical ear. It will take long time for anyone to make it second nature and be able to glide around without counting the steps. On the other hand, variations on one type of dance are easy to spot when you watch the average sequence of bars which repeats itself five or six times in a tune.

Speaking of tunes, don’t expect them to be stuck in a rut of passé golden oldies. Ana Maria enjoys dancing to the vocals of Christina Aguilera, Luis Miguel, Santana and Chenoa just to quote some, with Albert Hammond one of her favourites, for good old patriotism.

The dress code is smart casual, yet Ana Maria recommends wearing ample skirts for the ladies which afford a more ethereal visual impact and allow admiration of the footwork.

“Dancing is the one place where a strong definition of the different roles between man and woman is meant to be adhered to — the man leads and the woman floats gracefully around him,” she explains.

Unless they’re planning a themed fancy dress party, they go formal all the way for public appearances — men wear tux and women wear sophisticated evening wear. Ankle-length skirts are advised against, because they can get caught in someone’s heels, or may cause tripping.

The password for this club is ‘fun’, and sessions will restart after the summer break on 9th September, for their pre-National Day red-andwhite dance, featuring homemade Gibraltarian nibbles.

And after? Talent-scouting for a younger couple to take over the helm and give it a facelift and... getting geared up for the 50th anniversary! n Contact Ana Marie on Tel: 200 77905

The different roles between man and woman are meant to be adhered to — the man leads and the woman floats gracefully around him

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

”

Sunday 4th September Battle of Britain Remembrance Service at King’s Chapel 10.30am. For info Tel: 20055083 Wednesday 7th September Ceremony of the Keys (rehearsal) at Casemates Square 8pm. For info Tel: 20055083 Thursday 8th September Ceremony of the Keys at Casemates Square 7pm. For info Tel: 20055083 Saturday 10th September Gibraltar National Day (see page 28).

Saturday 17th September Gibraltar Ornithological and Natural History Society Bat Night 8.30pm at the Alameda Gardens, Open Air Theatre. For info contact Albert Yome Tel: 20078333. Email: bats@ gonhs.org The Environmental Safety Group “Clean Up the World”. To join and support the events or for info contact ESG Tel: 20041791 or log on to www.esg-gib.net Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th September Gibraltar Kennel Club – International Dog Show at Tercentenary Sports Hall, Bayside Road. Tel: 20041791 Email: info@gkc.gi www.gkc.gi Friday 23rd September Cancer Relief Gibraltar & Macmillan Caner Research — World’s Biggest Coffee Morning at Monkey Capers, C Block, Europa & The Convent 8.45am - 12 noon. For info contact Jennifer Sheehy Tel: 20062441 Saturday 24th September Gibraltar Botanic Gardens Tour. Meet George Don Gates (at the south end of Grand Parade) 10.30am. No fee but donations welcome. Tel: 20072639 Email: alameda@wildlife.gib.gi The Down’s Syndrome Support Group 3rd Annual Buddy Walk at Casemates Square.

For info contact Annette Zammit Tel: 58008801

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Three photos by Jonathan Scott: Isabelle Ramos; above left: Anna Sofia Ramos, and above, Ana Scott Miles

Jonathan Scott:

Jonathan on honeymoon in Italy

Radio Gibraltar Staff

Gibraltar’s Voice of the Morning

by Kirsten Openshaw

Jonathan Scott is far more than the friendly voice you hear coming out of the little black box in the mornings. His knowledge of music matches his love for sport and his passion for photography. Jonathan is a bit avant-garde with a unique flair in his personality which explains his ever-expanding career in Gibraltar Broadcasting Corporation (GBC).

We all wake up differently; some of us cannot function before the first morning coffee or three, while others eat their muesli and fruit at leisure putting the rest of us to shame. Regardless of what type of morning person you are most of us have one thing in common; listening to the radio while we get ready. In Gibraltar the sound of Jonathan Scott’s voice on Radio Gibraltar’s Breakfast Show fills the airwaves.

Having joined GBC in 2005 as a freelance presenter, Jonathan is now the voice of breakfast and a regular presence on our TV screens. Along with Paul Grant, he recently presented Miss Gibraltar 2011. “The show’s a bit of

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a cultural phenomenon, so it was an honour to present Miss Gibraltar with Paul. I really enjoyed it!

It was a great show, wasn’t it?”

Jonathan commented with enthusiasm. He has a good rapport with Paul, having successfully produced and presented Sports Report with him for a number of years.

The duo is credited with having injected new life into GBC’s sports coverage but despite all the posi-

“

tive feedback they both resigned from the programme at the beginning of 2011. “Morale is low at GBC and it can be difficult to get stuff done properly. We urgently need the investment the Government has promised; investment in equipment and in people.”

Jonathan studied at Loughborough University, graduating with a degree in Psychology in 2004.

“I always knew I wanted to

I’ve recently developed a keen interest in photography. It’s a form of reporting things in my life that will help me remember them in the future

”

work with people rather than behind a desk and thought this would be a good platform to work from,” says Jonathan. Upon returning to Gibraltar he did some volunteering for the Environmental Safety Group (ESG).

“I’ve always had an active interest in environmental matters and have recently completed a Masters in Environment, Politics and Society with the Open University.”

It’s through this volunteering that Jonathan met his wife Catherine, who now works as an Energy Conservation Officer for Government.

His volunteer work was a stepping-stone to his flourishing broadcasting career. Jonathan

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

career file

Jonathan at work

auditioned for GBC and got a job presenting on Sunday evenings.

This snowballed into weekday afternoons, mornings and finally the breakfast show.

He lists his trip to Aland to cover the 2009 Island Games as one of his career highlights. “It was always daylight and there was a lot of sport to cover for a team of four. We had to co-ordinate all the time... More generally at GBC, we all have to lend a helping hand as required. When the fire broke out at the North Mole, for example, we all chipped in and no questions were asked,” Jonathan added.

Jonathan has a growing artistic

flair: “I’ve recently developed a keen interest in photography. It’s a form of reporting things in my life that will help me remember them in the future.” He continues, “My best friends bought us a camera as a wedding present and I haven’t put it down since. Catherine and I love good food and wine so Italy was the perfect location

“

to honeymoon and we took lots of pictures. I’m also very lucky to have three beautiful nieces, so I’m never short of a photo opportunity!”

With a keen interest in sport and his first love being tennis, Jonathan says he would jump at the chance to interview Roger Federer or Rafa Nadal. “They en-

Despite the early starts Jonathan really enjoys his work. “I find it very rewarding, particularly when listeners call or write in

”

Charity Wobbles into 2nd Year...

capsulate success with class,” he remarked.

In recent years, Jonathan has represented Gibraltar internationally on the hockey pitch. These days you’re more likely to find him decked out in Lycra heading into nearby Spain, cycling regularly with other enthusiasts including his father-in-law Mick, who Jonathan says is “a legend”.

Recently Jonathan has taken up a spot of gardening. “It’s more like pottering about on the terrace really but I’m enjoying it and my plants are still alive. Well the current crop is,” he chuckles. “It’s amazing how well they do when you water them regularly!”

In the early morning Jonathan is on air entertaining people in the border queue and on the school run. “We try to play music that as many people as possible will like; latest hits and classic songs.” Despite the early starts Jonathan really enjoys his work. “I find it very rewarding, particularly when listeners call or write in to share a small bit of their lives with me.”

Being a DJ must mean Jonathan has a distinct love of music, right?

“When I relax at home I mostly read and watch TV. I very rarely listen to music but I have been given some good recommendations recently, like Mumford and Sons.” With a smile Jonathan continues, “Do you remember Roxette? Joyride was my second CD. My first ever was a Guns and Roses album!” n ‘Breakfast with Jonathan Scott’ is live on Radio Gibraltar from 7 till 10am, helping you to get your day off to a good start.

performance so far, as well as aspirations for next year.

Arcom IT donated two football shirts for auction signed by Real Madrid and Barcelona teams from the 2010/11 season. The dinner raised over Last month, at the Waterfront restaurant, Wob£3000 which was doubled by the Bonita Trust setbles celebrated its first full year by holding a ting Wobbles off to a good start in its second year charity dinner in conjunction with FLIP (Future of helping Gibraltar’s less fortunate children.

Leaders in Philanthropy). His Excellency the Governor and Lady Johns (Patron of Wob- For many children, quality of life is related to their bles) attended along with other notable guests. level of disability following an injury. With the Auctioneer and Master of Ceremonies, Frankie public’s help Wobbles’ goal is to find new ways Hatton, gave guests a run-down of the charity’s to make their lives better. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

77

Mr Darcy on stage

Who is Mr Darcy?

by Kirsten Openshaw

Christian Hook and Nolan Frendo have released their debut album Mr Darcy, Uncommon Sense.

The Gibraltarian duo have masterminded an album that reflects sun-kissed afternoons and Christian’s in-depth lyrics puts words to everyday life experiences.

Mr Darcy, Uncommon Sense includes their first single Stars which has been played all around the Rock. The duo recorded the album locally in Biffy Studios.

Their sound has been described as ‘power pop’ with commercial melodies similar to The Script and The Police with a touch of Incubus.

They have a relaxed sound that reflects pure emotion; Christian has put words and a sense of freedom to all issues in life and Nolan’s voice frames Christian’s musical artwork. The pair is a perfect match.

“After one or two recording sessions we had the song, Nolan’s timing is amazing. I would record the music and phone up

78

Nolan, play the song to him on the phone, if he liked it we would record the lyrics and it was done,” comments Christian.

The lyrics have a unique twist to them much like the album title, Uncommon Sense. “The songs are about relationships but not with the usual, ‘I love you’ and ‘I miss you’ lyrics. They can be related to friendships and general platonic relationships you have in day to day life,” Christian continues.

“

“Uncommon sense relates to the lyrics. How often nowadays do we act or react how we know we should? What is common sense any more?”

Christian is very passionate about his music and wanted the right image to be projected to the public. “I wanted the band name to reflect the music. Mr Darcy is taken from the book Pride and Prejudice; it is an intellectual book and an iconic piece of literature.

Uncommon sense relates to the lyrics. How often now days do we act or react how we know we should?

What is common sense anymore?

”

I see my lyrics in the same way.

I wanted to step away from the cliché rock persona and sound.

Something as simple as a band name or album cover can do this,” added Christian.

You can hear Mr Darcy playing at Celebrity Wine Bar terrace on 2nd September 2011 and at the National Day coach park concert on 9th September 2011.

The album is available on Amazon.com and iTunes or buy the hard copy from Music Corner, on Main Street.

Alternatively you can ask Nolan or Christian personally or add yourself to their Facebook page where gig dates will be updated and they will be happy to get an album to you. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

music scene

Rapper from the Rock SpitShine (G. Bentata), a producer and rapper from the Rock of Gibraltar now living in Toronto, Canada, has just released his debut rap album Let There Be Light.

gibraltar

cade,” Cognition Studios states, adding that “As everyone knows, everything good takes time.”

Described as a hard-working individual with a great sound, SpitShine’s album Let There Be Light also features Canadian rapper theMedicis, and UK RnB singer Laurence0802.

The album is now available on iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby, Bandcamp, and other online retailers.

For those who prefer to try before you buy, the entire album can be previewed at www.cognitionstudios.net. n

the

March 2011 Vol. 16 No. 05 FREE

A Palette of Perfection Who Will Fund Gibraltar’s Growth?

Rock’s Political Prisoners

Love in a Hot Climate

Archived issues of The Gibraltar Magazine are available online at www.thegibraltarmagazine.com

Keeping Up with Selwyn Figueras

and much more...

gibraltar

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

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

Recorded at Cognition Studios, the independent release (July 2011) is made up of 17 “hard-hitting, yet mellow and melodic hip hop beats, seamlessly laced with SpitShine’s unique rap style.”

Each song is produced and performed by SpitShine and he takes the listener on a journey with him through many moods and places through his lyrics and music.

“Saturating the mind with intense imagery and emotion, the album presents the listener with unheard rhymes and music that were marinating for over a de-

the

June 2011 Vol. 16 No. 08 FREE

for the latest updates... @gibmag

Gentleman Hotelier

Bridge Between Continents

Wildlife’s Swift Justice

Cultural Pursuits

Molly in Bed

a fine Marathon Man with more...

Palate & much

www.facebook.com/gibmag

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

79

photo: Eric Almeida

events

Head barman José Ponce (right)

José’s Call to the Bar

by Richard Cartwright

From where I stand — or sit — it seems pretty vocational when performed correctly. Being a waiter or waitress doesn’t come easy for many people. In the past, when job hunting, for Gibraltarians it’s always been the Civil Service, a bank or the Dockyard. Even today the service industry, whether in the hotel, restaurant or bar trade, is not employment we tend to gravitate towards!

I am aware of a handful of local individuals who have taken up this type of employment but I think you can count them on one hand. Come summer however, students and others will take the job on to earn extra cash to spend over the sunny months. Expats too, will take advantage of the job opportunities thrown up by the busy tourism trade on the Rock, sometimes until enough is saved to move elsewhere around the globe. Many Eastern Europeans are seen these days serving in our bars and restaurants.

But across the way in Spain, it’s pretty much a way of life for many and the type of employment that has, in some cases, been ‘handed down’ through generations. Some may go to catering and hospitality schools to become qualified professionals but many others have just taken to the job and slowly become ‘professionals’ in the sense it’s become a career and a way of life, so much so, that they go about

80

the day’s restaurant or bar chores with a lot of customer concern.

Like many of us, I frequent a number of bars and eateries around town and have noticed those who, despite long, hot, summer days and nights or dreary winter evenings and awkward customers, treat their job with a great deal of unwavering Tender Loving Care.

Some may go to catering and hospitality schools to become qualified professionals but many others have just taken to the job and slowly

José Ponce Oncola is one such person. He is the Head Barman at the Verandah Bar in the O’Callaghan Eliott Hotel in Governor’s Parade.

He’s from La Linea and has long-time links with Gibraltar.

He says with a smile, “In my younger days, I used to go crazy for the pink sticks of Rock they used to sell here and I still see the odd shop that sells them... I loved them!”

But going back further, José’s granddad worked for Saccone & Speed and his dad used to drive those blue and yellow buses that plied their trade between Market Place and La Linea a few decades ago.

These days its 50 year old José who is the Gibraltar link and is a perfect example of what carrying out a job with confidence, credibility and dignity means, without having to act in an overly deferential manner.

José’s dad managed to scrape together enough

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

food & drink funds to send him to the Salestianos School in La Linea which was a private establishment. He later went onto college and taught English at a primary school in the neighbouring town.

At 21 he received his call-up papers to undertake his military service but on completion of his 12 month stint in the military he never returned to school work.

“I didn’t go back to teaching so I looked for work elsewhere and eventually came into Gib and worked for the British construction company ARC as an interpreter between the English managers and Spanish workers. That was around 1984. I spent two years there and then this kind of work, bar work, came my way.”

José worked at Bianca’s restaurant at Marina Bay for a year and met the then owner Bill White who offered him the job at what was then White’s Hotel, now O’ Callaghan Eliott, which Bill also owned. “In those days we had the Lobby Bar which was situated where Richard’s Salon and adjoining offices are now,” José remembers.

Although, with hindsight, José could have perhaps gone on to catering school and become a qualified professional, he does feel he’s ‘professionalized’ himself along the way with the help of his mentors of those early years in White’s Hotel; in particular two Moroccan barmen who’d leared their trade in the much acclaimed Minza Hotel in Tangier.

“Oh yes, they were fantastic and taught me all that was important in this job — Laroussi and Chabili were great. They were both good in different ways; Laroussi was more of a serious

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

fellow but knew his job well and Chabili taught me more of the human nature side of how to serve and treat clients and perhaps what’s more important about the professional aspects of the job. It was from him that I picked up the little things that are important about being a barman, who is conscientious about his career choice, and which eventually become second nature.”

If José’s in a bad mood or is troubled by some personal or family matter in never shows. José Ponce is always pleasant, courteous — no untidy table or out of place chair is too unimportant to put right. He’s always nippy about the place and on top of it all, it always comes across as effortless pleasure to him.

In 2005 he was made Head Barman giving him the added responsibility of looking after things like stock, breakages, staff shifts and leave, and the general upkeep of running the Verandah Bar. In his spare time he likes reading, music, art and geography. “Yes I like all of that and also spending time with my wife, Tania and

If José’s in a bad mood or is troubled by some personal or family matter in never shows. José Ponce is always pleasant and courteous

daughter Estrella. Although catering and hotel work are usually quite demanding in terms of long hours and weekends, we are quite lucky here in that we work five days a week and shifts are relatively straight forward and not over demanding.”

In the last quarter of a century, José has seen many changes and served many famous and noteworthy individuals — local and from abroad!

“I remember Sean Connery and other celebrities, the families and others connected to the IRA shootings on the Rock, the Tireless submarine crews who invited some of us on board, the Danes who were here when Europort was being built, and many others who used to come into the bar. Those were great times. The clientele has changed over the years but the job is still worth doing well.

“There has also, always been a large number of Gibraltarians and local residents who’ve frequented the bar and they too, have become good clients and friends.”

The rest of the team who help run the Verandah Bar include, Francisco, Miguel, Pepe, Costas and, the exception to the norm, a Gibraltarian, John, who has worked ast the Savoy Hotel in London and will be retiring next year. They are all equally committed to their job too.

So the message is, maybe by and large we locals will never take to this profession in a serious way, but for those who might, aiming for José Ponce’s standards and perhaps making him their virtual mentor would be a great step in the right direction. n

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East meets West

by Fifty-Five Chef Scott Casey

East meets West in in this month’s selection of recipes. Rich Muscat poached pears finish off a meal of kingfish carpaccio salad drizzled with lemon and thyme olive oil, and a main course of sweet and tender pork belly, with aromatic spiced apples.

Chocolate Ganache Tartlets with Muscat Poached Pears Serves 8

For the Chocolate Ganache: 330ml pouring cream 250g good quality dark chocolate 30ml Muscat For the Pate Sacre Pastry: 200g plain flour 60g icing sugar 120g chilled unsalted butter, finely diced

into cubes 2 egg yolks (1 for an egg wash) For the Muscat poached pears: 400ml top quality Muscat 450g caster sugar 2 cinnamon quills 1 orange zest and juice 6 small pears peeled, inner core

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removed, cut in half from top to bottom

To make the pastry, process the icing sugar, flour and a pinch of salt in a food processor to combine. Add the butter and a teaspoon of ice cold water and continue to process until the mixture resembles fine bread crumbs. Add the egg yolk and process for a minute, then tip the contents onto a clean worktop and knead to combine with the heel of your hand.

Form into a round disc, wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours.

For the pears bring the Muscat, sugar, zest, juice and cinnamon to the boil with 600ml of water. Add the pears and place a piece of baking paper on top. Weigh this down with a suitably sized plate so the pears are completely submerged. Simmer for 20 mins or until just tender (al dente). Remove 500ml of poaching liquor and simmer to reduce to

nice thick syrup (about 15-20 mins). Let the pears cool in the remaining poaching liquor.

Preheat the oven to 180º Celsius and divide the pastry into 8 even balls. On a lightly floured surface roll into circles 2mm thick.

Place these into individual tartlet moulds (preferably non-stick Teflon ones). Trim the excess pastry from around the top, line with baking paper and fill with uncooked rice or chickpeas to blind bake for 15 mins or until golden, remove the baking paper with the rice or chickpeas and brush with egg wash, bake for a further 5 mins and once cooked cool on a wire rack.

Next bring the cream and Muscat to the boil and slowly whisk in the chocolate until fully melted. Cool in the fridge until thick.

To assemble spoon the chocolate ganache into the tartlet moulds, slice the pear into a nice fan and spoon over the Muscat syrup. n GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

recipes Carpaccio of Kingfish, Citrus with Shaved Radish Salad, Lemon & Thyme Olive Oil Serves 4 400g

freshest possible kingfish/swordfish

For the salad 100g radish, shaved or sliced finely 1 red onion, finely sliced 2 limes and lemons zest and juice 2 stalks of celery, finely sliced Half bulb fennel finely sliced For olive oil 1 red chilli, de-seeded and sliced finely Half bunch fresh thyme 500 ml olive oil 5 tbs each of lemon and lime juice

To infuse the olive oil simply place ingredients into a pot and simmer for 1 hour, remove from heat and cool (this is best done at least a week prior to using).

Ask your fishmonger to slice the Kingfish or swordfish into 2mm slices. Then, between two pieces of cling film, place each slice and with a rolling pin roll out until wafer thin, almost translucent. Set aside.

For the salad simply combine all ingredients and toss in a bowl with two tablespoons of the citrus olive oil.

To assemble fan the fish slices in a circular fashion in centre of plate. Place or scatter radish and citrus salad over the fish and drizzle with the dressing. Finish with some sea salt flakes and freshly cracked black pepper n

Place the pork belly in a large pan and cover with cold water, bring to the boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 mins. Remove, drain and cool.

For the stock combine ingredients, bring to Serves 6 the boil and simmer to infuse all the flavors.

Add the pork belly and simmer for 1 hour or 600g pork belly, cut into 2.5cm cubes until tender. Remove and set aside.

220g brown sugar Chinese coleslaw simply combines all in3 limes squeezed for juice gredients in a large bowl.

2 tbs fish sauce For the Sichuan apples toss the them in Braising stock: the Sichuan salt and pan fry for 5 mins until 650m Shaoxing wine (available at Ramsons) 375ml Tamari (also available from Ramsons) slightly caramelised and al dente. Set aside to cool. Remove pork and pat dry on some ab220g brown sugar sorbent paper towel. Combine 250ml of water 6 garlic cloves, roughly chopped with the caster sugar and simmer until sugar 90g ginger 4 spring onions, finely chopped is dissolved. Add the pork belly and simmer 5 star anise until caramelized (About 15minutes). Remove 2 cinnamon quills and toss with the limejuice and fish sauce. To 3 pieces orange rind serve place a nice pile of the pork belly on 1 tsp sesame oil a plate, place some of the Chinese coleslaw Chinese Coleslaw: alongside and top with the apples n

Caramelised Pork Belly with Chinese Coleslaw & Sichuan Spiced Apples

1 small carrot, sliced thinly lengthways 1 small red onion, thinly sliced 125ml rice wine vinegar 50g brown sugar Half cup finely shredded whit Chinese cabbage 3 spring onions, finely sliced lengthways Half cup fresh coriander, Half cup fresh dill Helf cup fresh mint Sichuan peppered apples: 1 tbs Sichuan pepper 30g sea salt flakes 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, inner

core removed and cut into wedges

Chef Scott Casey

Modern

Relaxed

Dining

Open: 10am - late Closed Sundays + Saturday lunch

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

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

Irish Town Tel: 200 51738 to reserve

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

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

restaurants l Café Solo Grand Casemates Square. Tel: 200 44449 Modern Italian eatery set in the lively Casemates square. Everything from chicory and crispy pancetta salad with walnuts, pears and blue cheese dressing, or king prawn, mozzarella and mango salad to pastas(eg: linguine with serrano ham, king prawns and rocket; smoked salmon and crayfish ravioli with saffron and spinach cream) to salads (eg: Vesuvio spicy beef, cherry tomatoes, roasted peppers and red onions; and Romana chorizo, black pudding, egg and pancetta) and pizzas (eg: Quatto Stagioni topped with mozzarella, ham, chicken, pepperoni and mushroom) and specialities such as salmon fishcakes, beef medallions and duck. Good daily specials menu on blackboard. No smoking inside. Free WiFi. l Cafe Rojo 54 Irish Town. Tel: 200 51738 Sleek modern comfort in this relaxing little restaurant. Red comfy arm chairs in separate area for a relaxing drink or coffee. Brunch menu (10am-12pm) includes ciabatta, granary, foccacia sandwiches with fillings such as pear and blue cheese, smoked bacon and brie, cheese and honey roast ham, delicious desserts (chocolate mousse in a must). Lunch 12 - 3pm and dinner 7-10pm includes Roast Pumpkin, Mushroom, & Spinach Curry; Marinated Tuna Steak & Sesame Crust; Roasted Lamb Shoulder; pasta dishes such as Langoustine, Lime & Coconut; Pear, Walnut & Blue Cheese; and Creamy Mixed Seafood; and salads such as Warm Goats’ Cheese, Fresh Spinach & Chargrilled Aubergine; and Roast Duck, Chorizo & Pancetta Salad.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Casa Pepe 18 Queensway Quay Marina.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Open: 7.00am to midnight.

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

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

Tasty desserts and variety of wines.

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

Solo Express Grnd Flr, International Commercial Centre & Eurotowers Solo Express, located right next to Pizza Hut in Casemates and in Eurotowers, serves a good variety of salads and baguettes (white, brown & ciabatta) filled with a wide deli selection of things such as roast chicken; smoked salmon & mascapone; ham, cheese and coleslaw; or hummous, avocado and roasted red pepper.

The salads are fresh and tasty and include Greek, Waldorf, cous cous, tuna pasta, etc and are great value. Jacket potatoes, quiches, tea, coffee etc plus cakes (such as flapjacks and muffins) are also available throughout the day.

Eat-in available. Soups in winter. Free Wifi.

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

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

Open: 11am-4.30pm Get Stuffed Marina Bay. Tel: 200 42006 Take-away, sandwich bar and hot food.

Serving all homemade sandwiches, salads, quiches, pasta, pies, muffins, plus hot and cold drinks and smoothies and a different special every day. Outside catering for corporate parties.

Open: 8am - 6pm Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm Sat. Just A Nibble 1st Flr ICC Tel: 200 78052 Full licensed cafe serving English breakfast, vast range of toasties, rolls, and snacks. Meals include, Bob’s famous chicken curry/chilli con carne, and a great new range of pies (from Bob’s chicken and leek to steak and kidney plus a whole range of tasty alternatives) plus all the old favourites; jacket spuds, burgers, hot dogs, fish and chips, and daily specials. Ideal meeting place.

Open: Monday - Saturday from 9am.

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

Open: 8am - 4.30pm Monday to Friday.

Mumbai Curry House Unit 1.0.02 Ground Floor, Block 1 Eurotowers Tel: 200 73711 Home delivery: 50022/33 Good Indian cuisine for eating in or taking away, from snacks such as samosas, bhajias, and pakoras to lamb, chicken and fish dishes with sauces such as korma, tikka masala, bhuna, do piaza... in fact all you would expect from an Indian cuisine take-away. Large vegetarian selection. Halal food is available, as is outside catering for parties and meetings.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

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

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

Munchies Cafe 24 Main Street. Tel: 200 43840 Fax: 200 42390 A great sandwich bar/cafe offering an unusual range of sandwiches on white or granary bread, plus salads, baguettes, soups, desserts, homemade ice-cream and hot/cold drinks.

Business lunches, parties and kids parties also catered for (for party and office platters phone or fax order by 5.30pm day before - minimum orders for delivery £12).

Open: Mon - Fri 8.30-7, Sat 9 - 4, Closed Sun. Picadilly Gardens Rosia Road. Tel: 200 75758 Relaxed bar restaurant with cosy garden terrace just across the road from the cable car.

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

The Studio Cafe John Mackintosh Hall.

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

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

Open: Monday - Friday 10am - 7pm.

The Tasty Bite 59a Irish Town.

Tel: 200 78220 Fax: 200 74321 Tasty Bite has one of the biggest take-away menus around with home cooked meats, filled baguettes, burgers, chicken, kebabs and everything else you can think of! Try the l Sacarello Coffee Co. quiches, tortillas and jackets spuds with all 57 Irish Town. Tel: 200 70625 kinds of fillings. This little place gets busy with Converted coffee warehouse, ideal for coffee, those popping out from the offices for lunch homemade cakes/afternoon tea, plus menu so get there early. including excellent salad bar, specials of the Open: Monday - Saturday. day and dishes such as lasagne, steak and mushroom Guinness pie, hot chicken salad, Verdi Verdi toasties, club sandwich and baked potatoes. 44 Cornwall's Lane.

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

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

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

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

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bars&pubs All’s Well Grand Casemates Square. Tel: 200 72987 Traditional pub in fashionable Casemates area.

Named for the 18th century practice of locking the Gates to the city at night when the guard announced ‘All’s Well’ before handing the keys to the watch. All’s Well serves Bass beers, wine and spirits plus pub fare. English breakfast served all day, hot meals such as pork in mushroom sauce, sausage & mash, cod and chips and steak & ale pie are complemented by a range of salads and filled jacket potatoes. Large terrace.

Karaoke every Monday and Wednesday until late. Free tapas on a Friday 7pm.

Cannon Bar 27 Cannon Lane. Tel: 200 77288 Jane is still there and still packed out with tourists and regulars! Word has it that she nearly managed to escape, but wasn’t allowed to. The famous fish and chips, the odd French speciality, there’s always something happening in the Cannon! Located between Marks & Spencer and the Cathedral just off Main Street.

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

Attractive bar/brasserie in historic Casemates building. Done out to represent Nelson’s ship with cloud and sky ceiling crossed with beams and sails. Spacious terrace Starter s& snacks include fresh local mussels, blue cheese and rocket bruschetta, Lordy’s potato skins, spicy chicken wings and calamares. Main courses cover a range from chilli con carne and chicken and mushroom pie, to crispy aromatic duck burrito and British fish and chips. Try one of the salads or Nelson’s platters. Jacket potatoes, The Final Whistle burgers and children’s menu. Credit cards ac4, Cornwall’s Parade Friendly sports bar with six screens. If it’s live, cepted. Live music Venue of the Year, with live it’s on, and often more than one game on at a music on stage every night. Free Wifi. Open: time for full sports coverage. Fun atmosphere from 10am till very late. with special offers during premier matches. All The Lounge sports fans welcome.

Queensway Quay Marina Tel: 200 61118 Open 10am until late, 7 days a week.

Stylish lounge bar right on the quayside at Queensway Quay with very reasonably priced The Gibraltar Arms drinks and light bites from 10am until late.

184 Main St. Tel: 200 72133 Free WiFi, popular quizzes on Sundays (from www.gibraltararms.gi Good food served all day at this typical pub 7.30pm) and a relaxed friendly atmosphere... right on Main Street. Everything from all day always plenty of people / yachties to chat to. breakfast to Irish fillet steak roll, burritos, and Events (matches etc) covered on large screen the popular fresh local mussels. Draught lager, TV. Great place to chill out. Open: 10am from bitter, cider and Murphys plus free WiFi. Ter- Monday to Saturday until late and from 12pm race seating right on Main Street to watch the on Sundays (get there early if you want a seat world go by. Open: from 8am (10am Sundays) for the quiz). until late.

O’Reilly’s Leisure Island, Ocean Village. Tel: 200 67888 Lord Nelson Bar Brasserie Traditional Irish bar with full HD sports cover10 Casemates Tel: 200 50009 age and Irish breakfast from 7am (Sunday from www.lordnelson.gi 9am). Guinness on draught. Food includes salE-mail: reservations@lordnelson.gi

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ads, jackets, beef and Guinness ale pie, Molly’s mussels, drunken swine, Boxty dishes (potato pancake wrapped around delicioius fillings), sandwiches, rolls, Kildare chicken and much much more. And just like in Ireland there’s no smoking inside, so a great atmosphere for all.

Savannah Lounge 27 Heart Island, Ocean Village Tel: 200 66666 Aimed at Gibraltar ’s dining and night-life scene, Savannah has been created with fun and style in mind. Offering contemporary European cuisine a wide selection of drinks, cool decor and good music. The venue hosts regular events with invited DJs and shows from abroad (see ad for details).

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

The Star Bar Parliament Lane. Tel: 200 75924 Reputedly the oldest bar in Gib, this small cosy bar opens early for breakfast (English or toast & cereal). Lunch/evening menu includes fillet steak, fish and chips and salads. Home of Med Golf and Tottenham Hotspur FC supporters club. Outside seating.

Open: from 7am every day. Located: first right off Main St (walking from N to S).

The Three Owls Irish Town. Tel: 200 77446 The Three Owls is a traditional bar serving best of English beers. Three separate bars/floors: ground floor — big screen TV, pool table, poker machines, bar — open from 10.30am daily. First floor ‘Hoots’ bar, two match pool tables, poker machines, dartboard, bar, open from 5pm daily.

Second Floor the ‘Nest’ — American pool table, poker machine, card table, bar — open from 7pm daily and also at weekends for the Rugby Union matches. If you are looking for a sociable game of pool or darts this is the place to be.

Wembley Bar 10 South Barrack Ramp. Tel: 200 78004 Popular bar for hot and cold bar snacks, function room, in south district. Fridays 10am for breakfast. Air conditioned. The home of the Real Madrid Supporter’s Club.

Open: from 11am - midnight Sunday - Thursday, 10am - 1am Friday, and from 11am - 1am Saturdays.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

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

Visit us and step back in history

Casemates Square Tel: 200 72987

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

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

GLMS Music Venue of the Year.

Official Home to Gibraltar Rugby Club Free WiFi

10 Casemates www.lordnelson.gi Tel: 200 50009

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

DAILY SPECIALS Grand Casemates Sq Tel: 20044449

SMITH’S

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

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

restaurant bar guide &

295 MAIN ST Tel: 200 74254

Get Stuffed!

Marina Bay Tel: 200 42006 Take-Away, Sandwiches & Hot Food Different Special EveryDay salads, quiches, pastas, pies, muffins, all home made Open 8am-6pm Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm Sat

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

BUDDIES pasta casa

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

Award winning breakfasts from 7.30am Great meals & snacks all day Evening Steak House menu Med Golf Clubhouse Tottenham Hotspur HQ Parliament Lane Tel: 200 75924 GIBRALTARMAGAZINE MAGAZINE••SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER2011 2011 GIBRALTAR

now also in Casemates

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

Daily Specials • Varied Menu

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

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wine column

The Right Stuff There are rumblings of discontent that, in the UK, the huge majority of those in leading positions in the ‘establishment’ — politicians, judges, senior civil servants, captains of industry — are white, middle class and educated at Oxbridge. They are not (particularly in the case of politicians and judges) therefore representative of the population as a whole. The fact that the chosen leaders have been to one of the top five universities in the world is not a cause for self-congratulation but instead of selfflagellation. This attitude mystified a French friend who pointed out that it is impossible to reach a position of power in France without having attended one of the Hautes Ecoles.

•VIP Bar •Restaurant •Private Dining Room

The perfect place to escape or impress

Open 11.30am - late lunch, bar snacks and fine dining Monthly members events, individual, couples & corporate memberships. Contact Louise at 200 79655 or louise@fifty-five.gi

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The question how to ensure only the best candidates obtain a place at Oxbridge is a separate one. Nobody suggests the ‘public’ schools should have a monopoly.

They do not do so and, indeed, it is amusing to hear the excuses of middle-class fee-paying parents who bewail (at length) that neither Dominic nor Sophie have made it to Oxbridge because, of course, ‘it is impossible nowadays for even the brightest child’ if he or she has been to a fee-paying school. Quite how any student actually gets in at all is a mystery given the supposed bias against whatever background a prospective student has.

The whole process of selection for a top university is in fact the same as for wine.

First, results of examinations are inspected. These examinations may be — in the case of wine — previous knowledge, research by reading expert columns such as this, price bracket and so on. Then comes the ‘personal statement’. This is a relatively recent weirdness in university entrance, although wine labels have been around for a long time.

Either reveals a great deal about the contents of the person (or the wine).

It may be full of boastful statements about its excellence in all matters and, therefore, reminiscent of those ghastly children who appear on The Apprentice and are duly fired

by Lorshugger. Their exaggerated claims should be examined carefully and, in all probability, they will be rejected. A more considered and gentle approach, emphasising basic qualities of reliability and rounded character, is more likely to be successful.

Next comes the interview — or tasting. This reveals the true nature.

Naturally, one member of the panel may prefer one candidate; others will take a different view. But a consensus will usually emerge at to which are the best on offer.

At this point the analogy breaks down. Once the wine is opened and drunk, it is no more. The student, on the other hand, may or may not go on to achieve greatness.

Who knows what might have happened to the wine if it had been left to mature a little longer? There is no way of knowing — except by

If it is better, you will kick yourself for opening the other bottle earlier; if it is worse you will kick yourself for wasting money and cellar space GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

wine column buying another bottle of the same wine and leaving it for a year or so.

But that will only lead to regrets: if it is better, you will kick yourself for opening the other bottle earlier; if it is worse you will kick yourself for wasting money and cellar space.

The fact remains that great wines, like great universities, are to be treasured. (And judging by the prices, even in a recession, of the grands crus they certainly deserve considerable care.)

That is not to say that other, less renowned, wines are to be disregarded. Any wine, like (nearly) any university degree, is the result of careful study and a large amount of work and effort. It is just that some, by virtue of situation, tradition, experience and quality, are better than others — and this is a matter for rejoicing, not mourning.

Claret is always considered as the equivalent of Oxbridge even if some bottles, like some colleges, display more refinement. However, I regret that things are not what they were.

As noted above, the grands crus are beyond reach of the average pocket even if bought en primeur.

The Russian oligarchs, the Chinese industrialists, and oil wealth have combined to make a case cost the equivalent of a trophy wife.

Even so, those of us who could afford neither used to be able to rely on a respectable bottle known

as ‘Ordinary’, priced at about £4.00.

There still is such a bottle. But it has become very ordinary indeed.

Over the years I have become attached to — and regularly recommended — it as an every day staple.

I can do so no more.

Whether this is a result of standards slipping, global warming, or any of the other thousand natural shocks that wine is heir to, I do not know. But it has become thin, even occasionally a little sour, and it should be crossed off the list.

I regret this necessity and am searching for an equivalent which will still provide a reasonably respectable degree of enjoyment at an affordable price.

There are the Australians various, but they can be a little overenthusiastic. Eschew California.

Argentine Malbec is good but does not have the quality of slipping down almost unnoticed. I am left with Corbières. Still French, a bit south of Bordeaux and previously suffering from the little brother syndrome, it has slowly improved and should not be more than £5. It does mean paying a little bit more but if refusal to buy ordinary claret brings the makers of that once esteemed brand to their senses, the small extra expense will have been worth it.

Even Oxbridge has room for improvement. n

Contemporary Mediterranean Dining

Grand Casemates Square Tel: 200

44449 for reservations

Saturday Chill Out with DJ Eric from 7pm

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

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A ro u n d To w n .. .

September is here and what a month it is set to be. We have the whole National Week celebrations, hot on the heels of the fair at the end of August. The fair marks the end of the summer and all our students get ready to return to their universities or, for some, the excitement and trepidation of moving to the UK and starting their new lives away from school and away from home. But before all that they get to celebrate National Day with family and friends on the Rock.

National Day this year is as action packed as ever with something for everyone to enjoy (see full list of events on page 28) from live music at various venues to fireworks, street parties and children’s fancy dress. Don’t forget to fill up your car at one of the Gib Oil petrol station to receive your free National Day T-shirt or face-painting kit. However you choose to celebrate, there is one thing to be certain of — wear red and white, and have a great day.

Birthdays this month include Andrew Dark on 6th, Michelle Tavares on 21st, Urban Dance’s Jolene Gomez on 22nd, Denville Designs’ Jane Hart and Naomi of Phoenix Face Painting on 23rd, Isobel EllulHammond celebrates on 25th, Corey Alman rounds up the month with his day on 30th. Congratulations to them all and to everyone who celebrates this month.

There is plenty of opportunity for the creative and daring among you to get a team together and get ready to compete in home made boats and cars! You have until October to build your very own super car (fuelled by gravity and will-power) — design as outrageous as you like — to compete in the Relentless Soap Box Derby on 8th and 9th of the month. But before that you can take to the waters around Ocean Village to prove that the simple things in life are often the best. The annual Cardboard Boat Race organised by the William Tilley Lodge has traditionally been one of Ocean Village’s biggest

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The Lounge, Queensway Quay, winning quiz team (with friends)!

Photos this page and opposite: all the fun of the fair!

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2007 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

crowd-pulling events. This year’s contest, on Saturday 3rd September, will once again see dozens of brave mariners negotiate a tough 1,000m course each hoping to avoid a soggy sinking feeling along the way. Ros Astengo from race sponsors Ocean Village, comments, “We’ve had plenty of enquiries about the Cardboard Boat Race for some months now so we’re anticipating a fantastic turnout.”

What a truly fun event, and for a great cause as money raised proceeds goes to the GBC Open Day and Down’s Syndrome Support Group.

On Saturday 17th September it’s the annual Clean Up The World event, when teams of volunteers don glove and overalls and get to work cleaning up some of Gib’s ‘hotspots’. Not only is this a tremendous community event, mirrored around the world, but it is also great fun, so give 200 48996 (9.30am - 1pm) a call and register — teams and individuals very welcome indeed.

For the art lovers among you, there are some truly stunning exhibition happening this month. The incredibly talented Kristel Sayers will be exhibiting at the Sacred Heart Church on 27th September, and there is an opportunity to view the striking art of Ilka Garcia at Sacarello’s restaurant from 14th September to 8th October.... A great excuse for a cup of coffee and a cake on a quiet afternoon!

Well that’s it for this month, and as we bid farewell to summer for another year it only remains to wish all our students the very best with their studies wherever they may be heading. And if you feel like heading off on a shopping trip, then enter our fabulous competition on page 21 to win two free return flights with Monarch Airlines to that vibrant city, Manchester, in the UK. Someone’s got to win, and it may well be YOU!

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2007 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

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clubs&activities Arts & Crafts The Arts Centre, Prince Edward’s Rd. Art classes for children (5-6pm Mon, 5-6.30pm Tues, 5-7pm Thurs), adults (Mon - Tues 6.30pm-8pm, Wed 6.30pm-8.30pm, life painting Wed 7pm9pm). Tel: 200 79788.

The Fine Arts Association Gallery 1st Floor above Gibraltar Crystal, Casemates. Open 11am-2pm, 4-6pm Mon - Fri, Sat 11am - 2pm.

Arts & Crafts Gallery (next door) opens Mon - Fri 9.30am - 5pm (summer) -6pm (winter), Sat 9.30am - 3pm.

Exhibition Vin’s Gallery at the Rock, The Rock Hotel. Original paintings, prints, and souvenirs

by Vin Mifsud and her pupils. Monday - Saturday 9.30-11am and 8-10pm.

The Gibraltar Decorative and Fine Arts Society Affiliated to the UK NADFAS organisation meets third Wednesday of the month at 6.30pm at Eliott Hotel - lecturers & experts from the UK to talk on Art etc. Contact: ChairmanClaus Olesen: 200 02024 claus.olesen@sghambros. com. Membership Ian leBreton: 200 76173 ilebreton@SovereignGroup.com Board Games Chess Club meets in Studio 1, John Mackintosh Hall 8-10.30pm Tues.

The Gibraltar Scrabble Club meet at the Rock Hotel on Mondays at 3pm. For further information please ring Vin at 20073660 or Roy at 20075995. All welcome.

The Subbuteo Club meets Charles Hunt Room, John Mackintosh Hall 7.30 - 11pm.

Dance Adult Dance Classes Wednesday evenings at the Youth Disco Room, Kings Bastion Leisure Centre from 7-8.30pm. Cha-Cha, Salsa and Merengue. Lessons £5 and all proceeds to GibMissionAfrica Charity. Contact Dilip on 200 78714 or dance@trainingtm.net Salsa Gibraltar Salsa classes held Tuesdays at Laguna Social Club, Laguna Estate. Beginners 7-8.30pm, £5 per lesson. Intermediates 8.30-10pm, £6 per lesson (all profits going to the charity Help Us To Help Them). Contact: Mike 54472000 Email: info@salsagibraltar.com website: www.salsagibraltar.com Modern & Latin American Sequence Dancing Mondays Catholic Community Centre 8.30pm (beginners 7.30). Over 15s welcome.

Old & Modern Sequence Dancing sessions at the Catholic Community Centre at 8pm, beginners at 7.30pm, Wednesday.

The DSA Old & Modern Sequence Dancing sessions at Central Hall Fridays 8pm, beginners 7.30pm. Tel: 200 78282 or e-mail manvio@ gibraltar.gi Everybody welcome.

Senior Citizens Teatime Dances at The Youth Centre, Line Wall Rd on Mondays 2 - 5.30pm.

All senior citizens welcome for coffee, tea and biscuits. Entrance free.

Classical Ballet classes for children 4+, Spanish dance and hip-hop at Liza School of Dance, 3rd floor, Methodist Church, 297/299 Main St. Classes Weds & Fri from 6pm at Chiltern Court (4Cs). Tel: 58111000.

Modern, Contemporary, Hip Hop & Flexibility classes held weekly at Urban Dance Studio for Performing Arts, No. 2 Jumpers Bastion. Contact Yalta (54012212) or Jolene (54015125).

History & Heritage The Gibraltar Heritage Trust Main Guard, 13 John Mackintosh Sq. Tel: 200 42844.

The Gibraltar Classic Vehicle Association Dedicated to preservation of Rock’s transport/motoring heritage. Assists members in restoration / maintenance of classic vehicles.

Members/vehicles meet 1st Sunday of month, Morrison’s car park from 10am. New members welcome. Tel: 200 44643.

Music The Gibraltar National Choir and Gibraltar Junior National Choir rehearse on Tuesday & Thursday 7.30 - 9pm at the Holy Trinity Cathedral.

New singers always welcome. Tel: 54831000.

St Andrew’s Music Academy Musical Monsters Club, workshops. Group musical activities for kids 3-7 years. Singing, rhythmic games etc. Tel: 200 42690 email: samagib@hotmail.com Outdoor Activities The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is an exciting self-development Programme available to all young people worldwide equipping them with life skills to make a difference to themselves,

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Don’t be bored... do something fun! their communities and the world. To date over 5 million young people from over 100 countries have been motivated to undertake a variety of voluntary and challenging activities. Contact Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Montagu Bastion, Line Wall Road. Tel: 200 59818 Quizzes Cannon Bar quizzes are held on Tuesdays starting with a warm up, then two other quizzes, including a theme quiz. Starts at 8.30pm, all welcome and prizes are given. Free entrance but a donation to charity is requested. Tapas served after the quiz.

The Lounge friendly quizzes take place on Sundays from 8pm right on the quayside at Queensway Quay.

Social Clubs Scots on the Rock: Any Scots visiting the Rock can contact Charles Polson (Tel: 200 78142) for assistance or information.

Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (Gibraltar Province) meets RAOB Club, Jumpers Bastion on these days: Provincial Grand Lodge, 1st Monday/month, 8pm. Executive Meeting, last Mon/month 7pm. Knights Chapter, 2nd Mon/month 7.30pm. Examining Council, 3rd Mon/month 7pm. William Tilley 2371, Thurs 8pm. Buena Vista 9975, Weds (fortnightly) 7pm. Por Favor 9444, Weds (fortnightly) 7pm.

Farewell 10001, Tues 8.30pm. Goldacre 10475 (social) last Fri/month 8pm.

Special Interest Clubs & Societies Gibraltar Horticultural Society meets 1st Thurs of month 6pm, John Mac Hall. Spring Flower Show, slide shows, flower arrangement demos, outings to garden centres, annual Alameda Gardens tour. All welcome.

Gibraltar Philosophical Society devoted to intellectually stimulating debate. Frequent lectures and seminars on a range of topics. Contact 54008426 (after 6pm) or email gibphilosophy@ live.co.uk for further information.

The Gibraltar Photographic Society meets on Mon at 7.30pm, Wellington Front. Basic courses, competitions etc.

Harley Davidson Owners’ Club www.hdcgib. com UN Association of Gibraltar PO Box 599, 22a Main Street. Tel: 200 52108.

Creative Writers Group meet every Tuesday at the Eliott Hotel bar at 8pm. The workshop is run

by Carla, Tel: 54006696 and is aimed at learning to write fiction and non-fiction, for pleasure or publication. Each session is £5.00.

Sports Supporters Clubs The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters Club meet at the Star Bar, Parliament Lane, when Spurs games are televised - call prior to matches to check the game is televised. Great food for a lunch if the KO is early or an early supper if the game is later. For info call Mario on 56280000.

Gibraltar Arsenal Supporters Club meet on match days at the Casino Calpe (Ground Floor).

Gooners of all ages welcome. Tel: Bill 54010681 or Dion 56619000. Website: www.clubwebsite. co.uk/ArsenalGibraltarSC/.

Gibraltar Hammers meet on match days at the Victoria Stadium Bar, Bayside Road. All league games are shown live. All West Ham supporters and their families are welcome. For details visit www.gibraltarhammers.com or e-mail gibraltarhammers@hotmail.com Sports & Fitness Artistic Gymnastics: Gibraltar Artistic Gymnastics Association club for beginners, juniors and squad at Bayside School in evenings. Tel: 200 Angela 200 70611 or Sally 200 74661.

Athletics: Gibraltar Amateur Athletics Association holds competitions throughout year for juniors, adults and veterans. Two main clubs (Calpeans 200 71807, Lourdians 200 75180) training sessions at Victoria Stadium.

Badminton: Recreational badminton weekdays at Victoria Stadium (Tel: 200 78409 for allocations). Gibraltar Badminton Association (affiliated to IBA & EBA) has leagues and training for adults and secondary school. Tel: Ivan 200 44045 or Linda 200 74753.

Basketball: Gibraltar Amateur Basketball Association (affiliated FIBA) leagues/ training for minis, passarelle, cadets, seniors and adults at a variety of levels. Tel: John 200 77253, Randy 200 40727 or Kirsty (minis) 200 49441.

Billiards & Snooker: Gibraltar Billiards and

Snooker Association (member IBSA) round leagues and competitions at various venues.

New members welcome. Tel: Eddie 200 72142 or Peter 200 77307.

Boxing: Gibraltar Amateur Boxing Association (member IABA) gym on Rosia Rd. Over 13s welcome to join. Tuition with ex-pro boxer Ernest Victory (200 75513 w, 200 42788 h).

Canoeing: Gibraltar Canoeing Association. Tel: Nigel 200 52917 or Eugene 58014000.

Cricket: Gibraltar Cricket Association (member ICC) runs leagues/competitions at Europa Point/ Victoria Stadium. Junior/senior training. Tel: Tom 200 79461 or Adrian 200 44281.

Cycling: Gibraltar Cycling Association various cycling tours. Tel: Uriel 200 79359.

Darts: Gibraltar Darts Association (member WDF) mens/ladies/youth leagues/competitions.

Tel: Darren 54027171 “Secretary”, Dyson “Youth Rep” 54024149, Justin “President” 54022622 Email: info@gibraltardarts.com Football: Gibraltar Football Association leagues/competitions for all ages October-May. Futsal in summer, Victoria Stadium. Tel: 200 42941 www.gfa.gi. Senior Tel: Albert 200 41515, Junior Tel: Richard 58654000, Women’s Tel: Brian 200 52299. Recreational football for over 35s Tel: Richard 200 70320.

Golf: Med Golf tournaments held monthly. Tel: 200 79575 for tournament venues/dates. Gibraltar Golf Union has competitions through year, EGU handicaps. Tel: Bernie 200 78844.

Hockey: Gibraltar Hockey Association (members FIH & EHF) high standard competitions/training for adults and juniors. Tel: Eric 200 74156 or Peter 200 72730.

Judo: Gibraltar Judo Association UKMAF recognised instructors for all ages and levels at Budokai Martial Arts Centre, Wellington Front.

Tel: Charlie 200 73116 or Peter 200 73225.

Ju-jitsu: Gibraltar Ju-jitsu Academy training and grading for juniors/seniors held during evening at 4 North Jumpers Bastion (Rosia Rd). Tel: Tony 200 79855 or club 200 47259.

Karate-do Shotokai: Gibraltar Karate-do Shotokai Association sessions for junior/seniors, gradings and demos at Karate Clubhouse, 41H Town Range Tel: Andrew 200 48908.

Motorboat Racing: Gibraltar Motorboat Racing Association Tel: Wayne 200 75211.

Netball: Gibraltar Netball Association (affiliated FENA & IFNA) competitions through year, senior / junior leagues. Tel: 200 41795 or 200 41874.

Petanque: Gibraltar Petanque Association plays at Giralda Gardens, Smith Dorrien Ave. New members welcome. Tel: 200 70929.

Pool: Gibraltar Pool Association (member EUKPF) home and away league played on Thurs through season. Tel: Linda 200 74753.

Rhythmic Gymnastics: Gibraltar Rhythmic Gymnastics Association runs sessions for 4 years of age and upwards, weekday evenings. For more information contact Sally Tel: 200 74661.

Rugby: Gibraltar Rugby Football Union training sessions for Colts (14+), seniors and veterans.

Play in Andalusia 1st Division Oct - April. Tel: James 200 72185 Sailing: Gibraltar Yachting Association junior/ senior competitive programme (April - Oct) Tel: RGYC 200 48847.

Sea Angling: Gibraltar Federation of Sea Anglers (members FIPS-M & CIPS) Superb calendar of events with four clubs participating. Tel: Mario 200 72622 or Charlie 200 74337.

Shooting: Gibraltar Shooting Federation (over 14s). Rifle, Europa Point range (Joe 200 74973); clay pigeon, East Side (Harry 200 74354); Pistol, near Royal Naval Hospital (Fidel 200 71990).

Skating: Gibraltar Skating and Xtreme Sports Association. State of art ramps for Xtreme/aggressive roller blading /skate boarding. Leisure skating facilities provided within excellent rink (when not used for roller hockey training). Tel: Eric 200 70710 (after 5).

Snorkelling & Spear Fishing: Over 14s for snorkelling, over 16s for spear fishing.

Tel: Joseph 200 75020.

Squash: Gibraltar Squash Association,

what a page turner! www.thegibraltarmagazine.com

Squash Centre, South Pavilion Road (members WSF & ESF). Adult/junior tournaments/coaching.

Tel: 200 44922 or 200 73260.

Sub-Aqua: Gibraltar Sub-Aqua Association taster dives for over 14s, tuition from local clubs.

Voluntary sports clubs: Tel: Phil 200 44606, Noah’s Dive Club Tel: Leslie 200 79601, 888s Dive Club Tel: Martin 200 70944. Commercial sports diving schools also available.

Swimming: Gibraltar Amateur Swimming Association (member FINA & LEN) opens its pool for leisure swimming Mon - Fri 7-8.45am, 12- 4pm, 8- 9pm. Junior lessons, squad for committed swimmers, water polo (Rebecca 200 72869).

Table Tennis: Gibraltar Table Tennis Association (members ITTA) training / playing sessions, Victoria Stadium, Tues 6-10pm and Thurs 8-11pm with coaching and league competition. Lizanne 200 45071/54020477 or Eugene 58014000.

Taekwondo: Gibraltar Taekwondo Association classes/gradings Tel: 200 Mari 44142.

Tai Chi: Children’s fun Tai Chi at the Yoga Centre, 33 Town Range, Saturdays 11-12am. Beginners Tuesdays & Thursdays at Kings Bastion Leisure Centre. 6.30-8pm. Adults £5, Children £2, all proceeds to GibMissionAfrica Charity. Contact Dilip on 200 78714 or rocktaichi@traningtm.net Tennis: Gibraltar Tennis Association, Sandpits Tennis Club, excellent junior development programme. Courses for adults, leagues / competitions. Tel: Frank 200 77035.

Ten-Pin Bowling: Ten-Pin Bowling takes place at King’s Bowl in the King’s Bastion Leisure Centre every day. To have a go call 200 77338 to reserve your lane. Gibraltar Ten Pin Bowling (members FIQ & WTBA) leagues, training for juniors and squad. Contact Charly on 56014000 or Paul on 54029749.

Triathlon: Gibraltar Triathlon Union (members ITU) Chris 200 75857 or Harvey 200 55847.

Volleyball: Gibraltar Volleyball Association (members W & EVF) training, leagues, competitions for juniors/seniors. Tony 200 40478 or Elizabeth 58306000.

Yoga: Integral Yoga Centre runs a full programme of classes from Mon-Fri at 33 Town Range. Tel: 200 41389. All welcome.

Theatrical Groups Gibraltar Amateur Drama Association Ince’s Hall Theatre Complex, 310 Main Street E-mail: gibdrama@yahoo.co.uk Tel: 200 42237 www. geocities.com/gibdrama Trafalgar Theatre Group meet 2nd Wed of month, Garrison Library 8pm. All welcome.

Theatrix: Contact Trevor and Iris on Tel: 54006176 or email theatrixgib@yahoo.co.uk

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

support

events

Support Groups Alcoholics Anonymous meet 7pm Tues & Thurs, 11am Saturdays at Nazareth Hse Tel: 200 73774.

A Step Forward support for single, separated, divorced/widowed people, meet 8pm Mon at St Andrew’s Church.

Mummy and Me Breastfeeding Support Group for mums who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have breastfed to get together for coffee, chat and support.

Partners and older children welcome.

Meets first Wednesday of every month at Chilton Court Community Hall at 1.30pm.

Enquiries and support 54014517.

Childline Gibraltar confidential phone line for children in need. Freephone 8008 - 7 days a week 6pm - 10pm.

Citizens’ Advice Bureau Open Mon-Fri 9.30-4pm. Tel: 200 40006 Email: info@ cab.gi or visit 10 Governor’s Lane. No appointment necessary, no charge.

Gibraltar CAB outreach clinics at St Bernard’s Hospital every Tuesday. Advisors available at 1st floor reception, Zone 4, 9am-3pm. Info and advice is free, confidential and impartial.

COPE Support group for people with Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia or Rheumatoid Arthritis. Formed to ease day-to-day challenges of individuals, families and care partner. Meetings at Catholic Community Centre Book Shop at 7.30pm first Thursday of each month.

Contact Sue Reyes Tel: 200 51469 Email: copeadsupport@hotmail.com Dignity At Work Now. Confidential support and advice for those who are being bullied at work. Tel: 57799000 Mon - Thur 8pm-9pm Families Anonymous Support group for relatives and friends who are concerned about the use of drugs or related behavioural problems. Meet alternate Thursdays at 9pm at Nazareth House. For info Tel: 200 70047 or 200 73465.

Gibraltar Cardiac Rehabilitation and Support Group meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 8.30pm at the John Mac Hall, except for July and August.

Gibraltar Dyslexia Support Group 3/8 Serfaty’s Passage Tel: 200 78509 Mobile: 54007924 website: www.gdsg.co.uk Gibraltar Marriage Care. Free relationship counselling, including pre-marriage education (under auspices of Catholic Church, but open to all). Tel: 200 71717.

Gibraltar Society for the Visually Impaired. Tel: 200 50111 (24hr answering service).

Hope. miscarriage support Tel: 200 41817.

Narcotics Anonymous Tel: 200 70720 Overeaters Anonymous support group for compulsive overeating problems. Tel: helpline for meetings info 200 42581.

Parental Support Group, helping parents and grandparents with restrictive access to their children and granchildren.

Tel: Richard 200 46536, Jason 200 76618, Dominic 54019602.

Psychological Support Group, PO Box 161, Nazareth House. Meet Tuesdays at 7pm, Fridays 8pm. Tel: 200 51623.

SSAFA Forces Help Gibraltar, is a national charity, to assist serving and exService personnel and their families. Tel: (5)5481. E-mail olivero@sapphirenet.gi With Dignity Gibraltar support for separated, divorced/widowed or single people. Meet Weds 9pm, Catholic Community Centre, Line Wall Rd. Outings/activities. Tel: 54007181 or 200 79957.

Women in Need. Voluntary organisation for all victims of domestic violence. Refuge available. Tel: 200 42581 (24 hrs).

The Latest Med Golf News The final qualifying competition of the 2010 – 2011 season, the Halsbury Travel Trophy, took place at Estepona Golf. The players enjoyed perfect golfing conditions which resulted in high scores.

It was a successful day for Ann Hillerton who won the Halsbury Travel Trophy and a pro shop voucher for 100 euro with a superb winning overall score of 41 points.

Winner of the 1st category (0-12 handicap) was Chris Warren 37pts, who was top senior player. Runner up in the 1st category was Matt Charlesworth 36 pts.

Winner of 2nd category (13-21 handicap) was Keith Johnson 36pts, runner up Steve Cary with 32pts.

Winner of 3rd category (2236 handicap) was Jim Dickson 30pts, runner up Soren Valbro with 30pts.

Best team prize on the day went to Ann Hillerton and Dave Pinniger with combined 77 Stableford pts.

Other prize winners were, for

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

nearest the pins Richard BellYoung, Chris Warren, Mike Cowburn and Dave Pinniger. Best gross score on the par 3s was Steve Munns. Longest drive went to Dave Pinniger The best gross score was Chris Warren who played the course in just 76 shots.

Finishing top of the rankings and therefore Med Golf Player of the Year was Dave Pinniger, winning a year’s membership at Estepona Golf sponsored by course owners Rory and Amanda Leader.

Here are the top 10 players from the rankings to play in the Events.gi Med Golf Masters at Finca Cortesin on Saturday 3rd September.

1 Dave Pinniger, 2 Matt Charlesworth, 3 Peter Warren, 4 Steve Cary,

5 Ann Hillerton, 6 Chris Warren, 7 Chris Purkiss, 8 Mike Cowburn, 9 Soren Valbro, 10 Jeff Richarson Missed out? You can still pay & play in the Masters, but for the Corporate Trophy, contact Johnathan for info.

For full schedule www.teetimespain. com or contact Johnathan Goodson on mobile 56001055 or by e-mail at jg@ medgolf.gi

Rock Golf Update...

Rock Golf’s Estepona meeting, sponsored by O’Reillys Irish Pub, was a great success.

Never an easy course — fairways uncertain, but greens as good as they get anywhere, quick and accurate, receiving a good shot, if you have one of those in your bag.

It was a day, making concentration difficult, and two litres of water necessary.

It was also a day without many of our usual stars— August creates that problem —which should have have made it easier for our higher handicap warriors. Good scoring even as the strong wind began to make itself known, The winners’ scores were excellent despite the hot conditions. Nearest the Pins: Kevin Jones, Dougie Young, Trevor Hiatt, Division 3

Winner Dougie Young 34 pts, Division 2 Winner Terry Breedon 34 pts, Division 1 Winner Ray Llufrio 33pts, Overall Winner George Pusey 34 pts and on a countback. With a score of 39pts best guest was Tony Duxbury Well done everyone - including Estepona’s Andrew Butler for his work with big Dougie — ask Dougie what he thinks about seeing a golf pro!

Everyone finished tired and ready for the best Peter the chef could offer, an excellent barbecue, great company, and many a sad tale of lost balls.

Go to www.rockgolf.gi to see what the club is up to, check your handicaps and register your place for the next excellent day out with Rock Golf. n

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information

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atural History & Heritage Park admission 9.30am to 7pm by tickets (includes entrance to sites - St. Michael’s Cave, Monkey’s Den, Great Siege Tunnels, Military Heritage Centre, ‘A City Under Siege’ Exhibition and Moorish Castle). Facilities closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Adults £10, children 5-12 years: £5, children age under 4 free, vehicles £2. Private vehicles may be restricted at certain times, tours available by taxi/ mini bus. Also reached by cable car (leaves Grand Parade 9.30am-5.15pm Mon-Sun. Last cable down: 5.45pm). 50p per person to walk with no entrance tickets.

T

he flora and fauna on the Upper Rock are considered of great conservational value. It’s the perfect place for birdwatchers, as migratory species use Gibraltar as the shortest crossing between Europe and Africa. Botanists will also be interested to see over 600 species of flowering plants, including some unique to Gibraltar.

Watch out for colourful lizards, non-venemous Horseshoe Whipsnakes, butterflies and pipistrelle bats. Info on flora and fauna at the Gibraltar Ornithological and Natural History Society’s information centre at Jews Gate.

St. Michael’s Cave: The cave comprises an upper hall with five connecting passages and drops of 40-150ft to a smaller hall. A further succession of chambers, some at 250ft below the entrance, is reached through narrow holes. The Cathedral Cave is open to visitors and is used as an auditorium for concerts and theatre. The cave was prepared as a hospital in WWII, but never used. A further series of chambers ending in a mini lake is called Lower St. Michael’s Cave and can be visited with a guide.

The Monkeys’ Den: There are around 160 monkeys in the Park and around 30 can be seen at the Monkey’s Den. Often called apes, they are tail-less Barbary macaques and Europe’s only free living monkeys. £500 fine for feeding the monkeys - don’t do it!

with a labyrinth of underground tunnels surmounted by an impressive battery, which has witnessed the development of coast artillery over 300 years. Housed three 18 ton 10-inch rifled muzzle loaders positioned behind a unique sandwich of armour plate/teak, known as ‘Gibraltar Shields’.

stars such as Sean Connery and John Lennon.

Flat Bastion Magazine Flat Bastion Road, Geological Research Station and Lithology of Gibraltar. To visit contact: F. Gomez Tel. 200 44460, P. Hodkinson Tel. 200 43910.

The Natural History & Heritage Park

Shrine of Our Lady of Europe (Museum within premises) Europa Road. 10am-7pm Monday to Friday, 11am-7pm Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays. Closed 1pm - 2pm.

Trafalgar Cemetery: Trafalgar Rd, 9am - 7pm daily (free).

Business Information

Financial Services Commission Tel: 200 40283/4 Chamber of Commerce. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tel: 200 78376 Federation Small Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tel: 200 47722 Company Registry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tel: 200 78193

Useful Numbers

Airport (general info.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tel: 200 73026 Hospital, St Bernards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tel: 200 79700 Weather information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tel: 5-3416 Frontier Queue Update. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tel: 200 42777 Gibraltar Museum Tel: 200 74289 18/20 Bomb House Lane open 10am-6pm (Sat. 10am-2pm). Closed on Sunday.

Admission: Adults £2/Children under 12 years £1. Exhibitions also at Casemates gallery.

Registry Office Tel: 200 72289 It is possible to get married on the Rock within 48 hours. A fact taken advantage of by

Rock Tours by Taxi Tel: 200 70052 As well as offering normal fares, taxis provide Rock Tours taking in the Upper Rock, Europa Point and other sites of interest. It is the best way to see the Rock’s major features in a short time.

John Mackintosh Hall Tel: 200 75669 Includes cafeteria, theatre, exhibition rooms and library. 308 Main Street 9.30am - 11pm Monday to Friday. Closed weekends.

Bicycle Racks Bicycle parking is provided at the following locations: Europort Road, Casemates Tunnel, Land Port Ditch, Fish Market Road, Commonwealth Car Park, Reclamation Road (by English Steps) + Line Wall Road.

Remaining Public Holidays 2011

Gibraltar & United Kingdom Late Summer Bank Hol Mon 29 August Gibraltar National Day * Mon 12 September Christmas Day Mon 26 December Boxing Day Tues 27 December

Emergency Services Emergency calls only: Fire/Ambulance.................................................. Tel: 190 Police........................................................... Tel: 199/112 Emergency Number.......................................... Tel: 112 Non-urgent calls: Ambulance Station................................. Tel: 200 75728 Police....................................................... Tel: 200 72500

Bus Routes & Timetables

The Great Siege Tunnels: Tunnelling in the Rock began during the Great Siege (1779-1783) when France and Spain made an attempt to recapture the Rock while Britain was busy with the American War of Independence. Governor General Elliot offered a reward to anyone who could tell him how to mount a gun on the north face of the Rock. Sgt. Major Ince suggested tunnelling and there are over 30 miles of tunnels inside the Rock with various exhibitions inside.

The Military Heritage Centre: Housed in one of the Rock’s many historic batteries, the Military Heritage Centre displays information on the development of Gibraltar’s military defences through the ages.

A City Under Siege Exhibition: Exhibits depicting the lives of civilian population during the many sieges, are housed in one of the earliest British building on the Rock. Original graffiti, drawn by duty soldiers to stop themselves falling asleep, is still visible, the earliest dating back to 1726.

Natural History & Heritage Park Walks: Med Steps is a stunning walk with the steep climb at the end rewarded with spectacular views of the Rock and Spain. Another recommended walk is St Michael’s Cave through to Charles V Wall but walkers should be relatively fit for both. It is also pleasant walking along the upper rock roads. Brochures available free from all Tourist Board offices.

Botanical Gardens: Opened in 1816, the Alameda Botanical Gardens fell into disrepair but are being restored to their former glory. Visitors can enjoy a stroll beneath pines, dragon trees and palms, and see many of Gibraltar’s native plants as well as exotic species. The shop sells environmentally friendly gifts, plants and seeds. Tel: 200 72639/200 74022. Parking.

Nelson’s Anchorage: Rosia Road 9.30am - 5.15pm Monday to Saturday (last entry at 5pm). Closed on Sunday. Admission: £1.00 (free with Nature Reserve ticket. Tickets for the nature reserve can also be bought at this attraction).

Parson’s Lodge: Rosia Road. Narrow limestone outcrop

History Alive Every Saturday morning the Rock’s past is brought alive by a troop of soldiers in 18th century period uniform. The soldiers march from Bomb House Lane at 12 noon to Casemates. At Casemates they carry out a “Ceremony of the Keys” and then march back up Main Street to the Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned.

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The Gibraltar Magazine is published and produced by Guide Line Promotions Ltd, 1st Floor 113 Main Street, Gibraltar.

Tel/Fax: (+350) 200 77748

The Moorish Castle: actually just part of a Moorish town and castle which was built up during the Moorish occupation of the Iberian Peninsula, spearheaded from Gibraltar in 711AD by Tarik-ibn-Zeyad (“Gibraltar” is a corruption of the Arabic words “Jebel Tarik” - Tarik’s mountain). The part we see today, The Tower of Homage, dates back to 1333AD, when Abu’l Hassan recaptured the Rock from Spain.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER 2011

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