The Gibraltar Magazine - June 11

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

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ibraltar the

Gentleman Hotelier

June 2011 Vol. 16 No. 08 FREE

Bridge Between Continents

Wildlife’s Swift Justice

Cultural Pursuits

Molly in Bed

Marathon Man with a fine Palate & much more...

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2007

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what’s inside

arts & lifestyle 26 44 46 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 72 76

features Cultural Pursuits Dennis Beiso: Key to the Archives€ Between Textbooks, Pets & Piano

business & finance 8 9 12 14 16 19 20 22 24

Business & Finance Guide Protecting Against Events € Quench Your Thirst with Aqua-Sana A Bridge Between Continents

34 36 37 38

40 69 78

Finding a Job with the Help of Social Media HR Clinic: Your Questions Answered Franco Ostuni: Gentleman Hotelier Saving for Your Children’s Future

property files

history & heritage

Aviation Fund Takes Off

34-39

Property Management: The Key Considerations Property Directory Sleepy Snacks A Good Night’s Sleep

food & drink

80-89

80 New Menu at Solo Grill 82 Recipes 85-88 Restaurant & Bar Guide 89 Wine: Midsummer Madness

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

sport & health 48 49 52 53

48-53

Sports Joint Pain Health & Medical Directory What is a CT scan?

regulars 68 Puzzle Page 90-91Around Town

information

70-71 94

City Centre Map Gibraltar Information

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

28 32 42

Kusuma Rewards Excellence A Passion for Pipes on the Rock Gibraltar Island on the Pacific Rim Finding Beauty within the Wood James Joyce: Molly in Bed Wildlife’s Swift Justice Marathon Man with a Fine Palate Life is in the Wrinkles € In Focus: Photography Winners A Taste for Green Tangerines Miss Gibraltar 2012 A Senior Service

Green, Gravel and Gibraltar Terence Rattigan on his Flight to Gibraltar Saving Monkeys and Mosquitoes€

gibraltar the

June 2011 Vol. 16 No. 08 FREE

The Gibraltar Magazine is published monthly by

Guide Line Promotions Limited

Mailing: PO Box 1124, Gibraltar Office: 17 Turnbull’s Lane, Gibraltar Tel: (+350) 200 77748 Email: gibmag@gibraltar.gi Publisher/editor: Office manager: Studio:

Gentleman Hotelier

Bridge Between Continents

Wildlife’s Swift Justice

Andrea Morton Jolene Gomez Kirsten Openshaw

Cultural Pursuits

Molly in Bed

Marathon Man with a fine Palate & much more...

Photo: It’s time for the beach in Gibraltar

Vol. 16 No. 08 June 2011

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business & finance

Protecting Against Events

by Ian Le Breton

It’s always reassuring to know these articles are read — but there can be a downside. Last month I discussed events and how even the best-laid plans can be derailed by political change, weather or financial shock. A few days after that article appeared, someone stopped me to say that what I had said seemed to make sense, but then went on to ask me how on earth she could protect herself financially from such episodes. We had a good chat that left me with some food for thought.

On reflection, it strikes me that there are indeed ways in which we can ensure we will not always be at the mercy of those — often unpleasant — occurrences called “events”, of which I like to speak so often. After all certainty is a very rare commodity. It was Benjamin Franklin who said: “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes”. And that is just as true now as when he was speaking two centuries ago.

We should first consider what type of “event” we are talking about. It could be a planned event — either on a fixed date in the future or likely to occur within a certain time scale — or it could be the unexpected, “out-of–the-blue” type of happening — a so-called “derailing” event.

Planned events are often “big ticket” items such as a family wedding. One only needs to look back at the marriage of the newly created Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the end of April in London. For me, one of the most telling moments was Prince William’s comment as the bride and her father arrived at the altar — “it’s supposed to be a small family affair.”

Fortunately, most of us won’t ever face paying for a church service for 2,000 guests and a reception for 600!

For most people, planning expenditure for

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

such predictable events is likely to involve a combination of releasing savings, cutting spending elsewhere and, most sensibly, being realistic about what can be done with resources available. In other words, setting a budget, funding that budget and sticking to that budget.

So much for those one-off happenings where the level of expenditure is likely to be more or less known in advance and can be planned for.

But what of the other categories? Events that cannot be guaranteed but are highly likely to

One of the most telling moments was Prince William’s comment as the bride and her father arrived at the altar — “it’s supposed to be a small family affair.” Fortunately, most of us won’t ever face paying for a church service for 2,000 guests and a reception for 600!

occur, or those that emerge out of nowhere.

Financial planning for both is just as vital.

After a marriage has been paid for, children are often the next “big ticket” items that must be considered — not only by parents but also the long-suffering grandparents. In these days of historically low interest rates, it’s difficult to open a small investment or savings account for a child in the hope that years of compound interest will do the rest. It simply isn’t going to happen at present (or I suspect for some years to come) but there are alternatives. In my case, I buy Premium Bonds for my godson who lives in the UK. They are backed by the UK government and offer at least the chance of a tidy tax-free prize — although dreams of him winning the monthly £1 million prize are most probably just that.

Similarly, one can set up longer term investments for future education, particularly at tertiary level. Given the current debate raging in the UK over university tuition fees, funding is likely to become ever more important for students and their families in the years ahead.

Suitable planning, assisted by qualified investment specialists, is highly recommended — and as early as possible to allow any agreed strategy time to achieve its full potential.

business & finance The most difficult category of all is the unknown or at least generally unquantifiable type of happening such as accident, illness, untimely death, redundancy or even fraud — as I call it, an “off-piste” type of event. Financially speaking, what can one do to protect oneself, and one’s family, from sudden changes in circumstances?

Other than savings and investments, of course, there is insurance. A good friend of mine was recently involved with his family in a spectacular road accident. Thankfully, no one was badly hurt and insurance covered the cost of replacing the car, so all is well.

All of us who drive must purchase insurance cover by law so the financial impact of such accidents should always be mitigated. But what about happenings where there is no insurance cover in place? It surprises me how many people venture off on an annual holiday without taking out travel insurance. If, like me, you travel throughout the year on business as well as holidays, an annual travel policy can be surprisingly affordable — and if it’s for a two-week trip away it seems very odd that this most simple coverage should not be considered as important as the old “tickets, money and passport” mantra.

Health cover is not inexpensive but might also be considered. Although we are served very well here in Gibraltar by our own “national” health service, the additional comfort given by private cover, if it is affordable, can be well worth thinking about in the long run, especially if one is not covered by some form of social security.

And for the ultimate protection, some form of life insurance should be discussed with an appropriately qualified professional adviser.

Not just to cover funeral expenses but perhaps to clear the mortgage (banks often insist on this type of cover anyway). For those caught in the inheritance tax net ­— not just UK people but Gibraltarians with property in Spain perhaps — it

may be that the only way to protect one’s family in the event of one’s passing is to take out a life policy that covers the cost of any inheritance tax that may become due. In certain parts of Spain inheritance tax is no longer charged but non-residents in popular second home regions, such as Andalucía, must still pay this tax.

UK expatriates should also look carefully at any domestic private pension schemes when moving away from the UK. For example, moving an existing UK pension to a Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS) will ensure that, in the event of early death, all remaining assets in the scheme are distributed to your named beneficiaries.

At present, the preservation of cash assets’ capital value is the best one can hope for when holding standard bank deposit accounts. It is to be assumed that the lessons learnt in recent years after some banks failed — and so many others came perilously close to doing so — will lead to a safer, more stable banking environment for all. But don’t expect interest rates on savings to rise dramatically any time soon.

Currency hedging is something we can all do. Most of the banks offer a specific euro account simply to “hedge” your bets. In this way, if your euro are worth less one day against sterling, your pounds in the other account will be worth more — and vice versa

Now is a good time to think about the diversification of your investments — no matter how modest. My colleagues at Sovereign Asset Management tell me that the choices available to private investors are more wide ranging and exciting than ever before. Many of us here in Gibraltar need to use both sterling and euro and the exchange rate varies from day-to-day.

Currency hedging is something we can all do.

Most of the banks offer a specific euro account simply to “hedge” your bets. In this way, if your euro are worth less one day against sterling, your pounds in the other account will be worth more — and vice versa.

As always some ready cash or at least space on the credit card should always be left available for those unexpected but often unavoidable events. Experience in recent years shows us that there is generally something lurking around the corner to trip us up. Considering new ways to cushion ourselves against such shocks should be the number one priority so when they do happen — and they will — it is an irritation rather than a calamity.

Finally, remember too that good things happen in equal measure. A sudden windfall may result and that too needs thinking about. But that’s a subject for another day. n

New Chairman for ATCOM Nick Cruz, who served as its Chairman for two years, stepped down, and a new board was voted in for the next 12 month period.

Marc was unanimously elected as the Chairman, Nick became Deputy Chairman, Subash Malkani Treasurer, Mark Bridge Secretary and Desmond Reoch, Kyra Romano-Scott, Andrew Gardner and Nick Pitaluga were elected as board members.

Marc Ellul, Barrister and Notary Public with Ellul & Co, was elected as the Association of Trust and Company Managers (ATCOM)’s new Chairman in mid-May.

10

The outgoing Chairman, Nick Cruz, reported that ATCOM had worked hard during the year on many matters including: the Financial Services Commission (FSC) special levy arising from the cost of the administration of the trusts and companies associated with Marrache & Co; FSC consultative documents on new regulation; the implementation of the new Income Tax Act; the continued review

of the Companies Act and the completion of a Gibraltar Finance Centre Council (GFCC) marketing plan.

Nick also considered ATCOM had achieved a great deal and had made a real difference, particularly regarding the FSC special levy, the Companies Act review (driven by Marc Ellul as Chairman of the GFCC company law reform committee) and the GFCC marketing plan. His view was that there was more work to be done and ATCOM needed to remain vigilant regarding any new financial services regulation and aspects of the guidelines being issued on the new Income Tax Act. New Chairman, Marc Ellul, said he would strive to continue ATCOM’s good work and, in particular, advance completing the

Companies Act reform, dealing with the final aspects of the FSC special levy and engaging with the FSC regarding regulatory matters affecting ATCOM members.

He noted that many of the big issues facing ATCOM affected the finance centre industry as a whole and they were often best dealt with through the GFCC which, in recent years, has proven itself an effective forum. He acknowledged some issues were ATCOM specific and it was appropriate to press ahead as an association on such matters.

ATCOM will be seeking to run regular educational seminars for its members on relevant subjects such as the New Income Tax Act, basic company law for those new to the industry, and other topics considered relevant. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

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Michel, who is originally from Holland, set up the company over two years ago in Gibraltar, a place he now feels is home from home.

Aqua-Sana provides watercoolers which do not require water bottles, providing unlimited water for the office. For those without an available water supply, the company has recently introduced the innovative Aqueduct coolers,

Michel de Kroon and Dyson Parody of Aqua-Sana

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

finance tions, it also features hygienic solutions such as concealed faucets, a sanitization fluid entry point and security against unauthorized entry of foreign particles. Relying on the foundation of Aqua-Sana quality and reliability, the Aqua-Office watercooler also has numerous customer driven design features including an optional UV light, filter storage compartment, and dual function drip tray. Both functional and stylish, this is definitely the water dispenser of the future — available today!

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

Pocket Money...

New notes being introduced in the second phase of the series of Gibraltar banknotes are the £5, £20 and £100. Each has a portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II on the front, plus pattern work representing Gibraltar’s strategic location at the entrance to the Mediterranean. The reverse carries a vignette showing an aspect of Gibraltar through the Ages.

The new £5 banknote, printed in green, depicts the Upper Ward of the Moorish Castle and the Tower of Homage.

The castle rises from the area of what is today Casemates Square to the Tower of Homage, which was rebuilt in the 14th century.

The new orange-yellow £20 banknote reproduces the Battle of Trafalgar. It features the dismasted HMS Victory, the Admiral’s flagship, being towed to Gibraltar after the battle, bearing the body of the dead Admiral.

The £100 Gibraltar note is the first Gibraltar bank note of this denomination and has a mauve colour scheme.

The King’s Bastion is depicted on the reverse. The King’s Bastion stands at the centre of the medieval seawall that protected the old city. It was fortified by General Boyd in 1773 in time for it to play a key role in the defence of Gibraltar during the Great Siege. Gibraltar’s first electricity generating plant was sited in the Bastion. The Generating Station was demolished to give way to today’s leisure centre, a stunning innovative use for a historical military fortification.

A booklet entitled ‘Know Your New Gibraltar Banknotes’ is available at the Ministry of Finance, Treasury Department, 23 John Mackintosh Square.

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profile

Mark Bridge the General Manager and Director of Europa Trust Company Limited in Gibraltar

A Bridge Between Continents Mark Bridge the General Manager and Director of Europa Trust Company Limited in Gibraltar tells The Gibraltar Magazine how he came to Gibraltar from South Africa, and explains the benefits of basing a company in Gibraltar and how a client can be legally tax efficient.

Europa Trust Company Limited, in its 25th year of practise, is an eclectic mix of individuals who understand the importance of tax and financial planning. The company has a dedication to providing individuals, businesses and families with the means to protect and grow their wealth with an aim of the client being fully tax efficient. Having the support of experienced and multilingual staff speaking a total of eight languages, it’s part of a Swiss independently owned group providing tailor made wealth and tax solutions.

Mark Bridge, the General Manager and Director of the Gibraltar office, is originally from Port Elizabeth South Africa. Having qualified and practised as an attorney in South Africa, Mark decided he wanted to travel and started a

14

legal consulting company in London, UK, where he re-qualified as a solicitor of England & Wales.

He did a number of short term contracts for the civil service and was a local government litigation lawyer before spending three years with the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.

The Scheme is set up under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 and is the UK’s compensation fund of last resort for customers of financial services firms authorised by the Financial

“

Services Authority (FSA).

“I heard from a colleague about Gibraltar,” Mark explains of his decision to move from the UK. “I was fed up of living in the dark and cold. I wanted some sunshine and the great outdoors back in my life, with a change of pace.

So, I researched Gibraltar and an opportunity came up.”

Mark joined Europa Trust, as a legal advisor and money laundering reporting officer. In 2009 Mark became the general manager and later a director.

You know I can’t tell you that, but let’s put it this way, I have been flown all over the world and had some interesting experiences

”

Mark enjoys explaining Europa Trust’s services, a trait he has from previously lecturing for the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, in South Africa, “Europa Trust offers what you would understand as a package,” he says. “We can manage the client’s company from Gibraltar even though the company may be based in a different jurisdiction. We provide the client with a registered address, company secretary who deals with annual returns and statutory fillings, as well as assist in setting up a tax efficient structure those who require legitimate privacy, we can provide nominee directors and shareholders”.

With agents scattered all over the world the client does not need to be in Gibraltar to register a company. Mark added, “We

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

business profile manage companies in any jurisdiction with the most common being Gibraltar, British Virgin Islands, Hong Kong, Malta, Cayman Islands, Wyoming, Delaware and the UK. Interestingly, Botswana is also now selling itself as a financial centre.” Which is a bit closer to home for Mark, whose mother’s ancestor, Charles Purdon, planted the first pineapples in South Africa in 1838.

Mark explains that Gibraltar offers the tax benefits of a white list country, which it was elevated to in January 2011 when it made moves to become compliant with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). He adds, “This is a benefit as Gibraltar is seen as a co-operative and responsible financial jurisdiction.”

New fiscal legislation took effect this January, which includes exceptional tax statuses for High Net-Worth Individuals (HNWI) and High Executives Possessing Specialist Skills (HEPSS). Mark said, “The push came from the economic crisis and Gibraltar was keen to get rid of its tax haven stigma. Now all companies are liable to pay tax.”

A new low corporation tax rate of 10% applies across the board on income accrued in or derived

from Gibraltar.

“However, it is a misconceived idea that the client would have to be wealthy to be legally tax efficient. Europa Trust’s services are for any individual who wishes to protect their financial future.”

Mark explained one benefit of Gibraltar’s regime, “Inheritance tax is high in most countries.

Receiving a tax bill at a sensitive time can be very upsetting. One of our services is to help the client

“

structure their assets under their own company, so when the time comes they can pass on the company as a whole without attracting inheritance tax. It can be personalised to the client’s needs.”

The decision where to incorporate depends on the client’s specific requirements and takes into account a number of factors.

Opening a company in Gibraltar gives the client the benefit of an English legal system within the

Gibraltar registration is time efficient and cost effective compared to other jurisdictions, with the benefits of UK rights

”

European Union and political stability. Mark added in praise of his new home, “Gibraltar has great business respect and has a supportive financial regulator.”

The marine industry is prominent in Gibraltar and Europa Trust’s sister company Europa Marine Consultants Limited can register a client’s ship, vessel or yacht plus provide a range of services to seafarers.

Sipping his Rooibos tea Mark said, “It’s a popular service. Gibraltar registration is time efficient and cost effective compared to other jurisdictions, with the benefits of UK rights.”

A key focus of Europa Trust’s services is confidentiality and the team go to great lengths to keep the client’s identity discrete.

We wondered if Mark had dealt with any famous clients? With a smile he said, “You know I can’t tell you that, but let’s put it this way, I have been flown all over the world and had some interesting experiences.” Perhaps we will talk to Mark about that another time. n For more information on Europa Trust’s services and products please visit their website www.europa.gi or email info@europa.gi.

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

15

business & finance

Aviation Fund Takes Off in Gibraltar JAR Aviation Fund PCC Limited hosted a drinks reception in May at Club 55, to celebrate its launch and subsequent initial offering. The fund is an Experienced Investor Fund which will buy, sell and lease aircraft worldwide.

Francis Menassa, COO of Plurimi Capital, investment advisers to the fund, approached Hassans International Law Firm to establish and set up the fund. Hal Gamble and Robert Stevens of Plane Business, the aircraft managers to the fund, also attended the reception.

James Lasry and Anthony Jimenez, both lawyers in Hassans’

16

funds department, are EIF licensed directors for the fund, along with Michael Nicholls who provides a wealth of commercial knowledge.

James Lasry stated “this is yet another success for Gibraltar ’s fund industry to be able to attract investment from the London investment manager community.”

Gibraltar based B&C Limited is the administrator for the fund, and BDO are the fund’s auditors.

JAR Aviation Fund PCC Limited is the first of its kind in Gibraltar and possibly Europe. It has succeeded in raising approximately $30m since its launch and will be expected to raise a further $20m in the following weeks.

Anthony Jimenez, who along with Peter Young of Hassans, acted as Gibraltar counsel to establish the fund, added “It has been a pleasure to work with Plurimi Capital and Plane Business on this project.

It was a challenging fund to set-up with a lot of planning involved.

However, we finally made it and I’m sure it will be a success.” n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

business update

Lima for Mayor

bmibaby: New Air Route to Gibraltar From March 2012 British low cost airline, bmibaby, will operate flights from the UK’s East Midlands Airport to Gibraltar.

Congratulations to Anthony D Lima MBE RD who, it has been announced, will become Deputy Mayor 2011/12 and Mayor for 2012/13. Julio J Alcantara takes over as Mayor from Anthony JP Lombard on 1st August 2011. n

This new route will provide Gibraltar with access to a large catchment area in the UK’s Midlands. Flights from East Midlands Airport will increase available seats from the UK to the Rock by around 13,700 for the summer of 2012.

Minster for Transport, The Hon Joe Holliday said “This is yet another important step in the opening up of services from regional airports in the UK to Gibraltar.

Gibraltar International Airport’s

ability to provide a competitive product in an increasingly tough market has been complemented by the fantastic facilities which will be offered by the new air terminal, both to passengers and operators.”

Currently Monarch, Easyjet and British Airways operate flights from the UK to Gibraltar covering London airports Gatwick, Luton, and Heathrow, plus Liverpool and Manchester airports in the north of England. n

PC Vacancies Applications for entry into the Royal Gibraltar Police at the Police Constable grade are being accepted. Qualifying information and application forms can be obtained from Corporate Development, Police HQ, New Mole House, MondaysFridays from 10am-1pm. Applications must reach New Mole House not later than noon on Friday 10th June 2011. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

bmibaby MD Julian Carr

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Finding a job with the help of Social Media

Someone once said, “Finding a job is a job in itself.�

I’m sure this sentiment will strike a chord with many readers out there. Now, not only is it a job, but it’s a job that’s changing. Creating a resume and applying for vacancies through job boards and newspaper adverts is becoming increasingly less effective. It’s not obsolete, but more and more people are turning to social networks to power their next career move.

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From the employer perspective the recruitment methodology is also changing, with technology playing an increasingly important part in the process. Hiring managers and recruiters are using social media networks more frequently to locate candidates, as evidenced by one well known mobile provider who sourced 76% of its 2010 hires via social network, LinkedIn. Applying for jobs online does work, but it could be your social profile that gets you that interview. Here are a few tips for incorporating social media into your job seeking strategy.

Search for Recruiters instead of jobs...

More often than not, people begin an online job hunt by trawling through search engines to locate specific relevant vacancies.

Unfortunately, there is no guarantee these jobs are still available as they might already have been filled and/or for a variety of other reasons, they might no longer be classed as live jobs. A much more productive approach is to identify relevant recruitment agencies that deal specifically in your field of expertise.

In 2011 a good recruiter will

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

recruitment text by Oliver Medina, Executive Recruitment Manager (Financial Services & Banking), Select Recruitment (Gibraltar) it as an introduction to recruiters and have it direct them to your LinkedIn profile which allows you to show your complete work history. You can even have a copy of your downloadable CV on your LinkedIn profile ready for recruiters to see straight away.

Building a social “footprint”...

offer a fully interactive website experience and highly visible online presence across numerous social networks including LinkedIn and Facebook, to name but two. Using RSS feeds and Twitter for example, switched on recruitment agencies will make it possible for you to automatically receive virtually real time information on specific vacancy types as soon they go “live”.

Utilising technology in this way could potentially give you a head start on the chasing pack.

Follow the recruiters...

If you decide to follow recruiters

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

on Twitter, be sure your Twitter profile highlights your experience.

You can also add your job pitch in your twitter profile ensuring it is the first thing a recruiter sees when they come across your profile.

Twitter also works really well with other social media tools such as LinkedIn. Your profile on Twitter needs to be short, but you can use

Creating an online presence that represents you as an individual is becoming increasingly important.

LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network and has over 100 million members — a number which is increasing every day. For the business professional, not having a personal LinkedIn profile is pretty much inconceivable in 2011 and apart from creating issues around lack of visibility; you are missing out on an excellent opportunity to exchange knowledge, ideas and opportunities with a broad network of like-minded professionals.

Creating a fully formed social footprint doesn’t start and finish with LinkedIn, making use of Facebook, Twitter and other social media channels will attract the attention of skilled recruiters who are using deep search internet techniques to find matching skill sets for a job — and that person might just be you. Don’t just read what others are saying online, join the conversation, showcase your knowledge and get noticed. You could even go a step further and create your own group, forum or blog that will highlight your industry knowledge. Don´t be afraid to

Creating a fully formed social footprint doesn’t start and finish with LinkedIn, making use of Facebook, Twitter and other social media channels will attract the attention of skilled recruiters

put yourself out there, just make sure you’re engaging with relevant, interesting content.

Optimise your LinkedIn profile

Most important is ensuring that your online profile is complete.

Today, nearly every professional recruitment business uses LinkedIn for candidate searches. It´s free to use, easy to setup, a quality search tool and the largest social media network for career minded professionals.

Keywords exhibiting your work experience are essential to ensure that your details show up in appropriate searches. Get a recommendation from a colleague or manager.

This is a great way to get a reference from your current manager instead of having to deal with the awkward situation of sneaking around to get one after you’ve received an offer.

Often hiring managers will have already checked to see who has recommended you online.

Make sure you build your network. You can start with importing your email contacts and go from there. Work hard to make your new connections relevant to your professional experience. Make sure you join LinkedIn groups, ideally those that are related to your area of expertise. If a recruiter is looking for your skill set this is where they are most likely going to search.

These tips can be very helpful in finding a new job. It is still a good idea to use conventional methods of searching as well. Utilise the job sites, but enhance your job prospects with the social media tools at your disposal. If looking for a job truly is a job in itself then it´s in your best interest to make sure it is a job well done. You may also find new skills vital to today’s new economy and a prospective employer. n

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human resources Bullying in the workplace takes many forms, and the bullies themselves may not even be aware of the impact their actions are having

Gibraltar’s HR Clinic:

Employment & Your Rights Real Questions Answered...

Each month Anna Moffatt, HR Consultant to HR GO Gibraltar, takes questions from the general public on HR related issues and gives you the benefit of her experience. This is your chance to raise any questions about employment related issues and receive some free advice from the suitably qualified individual.

I am in a very nice job in a position I really enjoy but there is a lady in our department who is making my life a misery, she bullies me and is always talking down to me I feel like leaving is there anything I can do?

There is always something you can do and nobody should have to tolerate this kind of behaviour, its always very sad to hear these cases.

There are very clear guidelines in Gibraltar now about bullying and harassment, many companies have policies to that effect.

If possible sit down with your line manager or HR Manager and discuss with them and let them know how unhappy she is making you and try to make notes of comments conversation and issues so you have evidence and dates etc.

At least if it is documented in your HR file

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and a big issue develops from it, you can refer you go early. If you have holiday owed to you, back to the notes, and it is obvious you have you can use this against your notice as well. tried to seek help.

Explain to your new employers that you are If after investigation nothing has been done or you feel unhappy you can always apply for a transfer within the company. n Qualified with the Chartered I have been offered another job and they want me to start immediately but I am on a month’s notice can I just leave or will I be in trouble?

If you have passed your probation period and are paid monthly then you are on a month’s notice and as such will be expected to give one month’s notice. If you resign and discuss with your employers they may help you out by letting

Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Anna Moffatt, was heavily involved in the setup of the HR Forum, a body established in Gibraltar to promote awareness of HR procedures and legislation and to allow information sharing. Anna acts as a HR Consultant to HR GO Gibraltar, formerly Corporate Resources Ltd, one of Gibraltar’s longest established recruitment agencies.

If you have employment questions you would like Anna to answer please email in confidence to anna@gibresources.com

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

update bound by a month’s notice and say you would like to work this notice so as not to leave your employer in the lurch. I am sure your new employers will be pleased to see you are so committed and loyal and they then know you would not do it to them. n We have a uniform at work and I am a larger size and therefore cannot fit into the exact uniform. They have asked me to buy a suit in the uniform colours but have said I have to pay. I feel this is unfair as it is still a uniform and everybody else has one given to them. They have said because I can’t fit into a standard uniform they cannot pay for the suit.

A uniform can be provided by a firm and is usually paid for, however if the uniform does not come in the size you need I suppose there is an argument to say you can’t wear it. If however, you are then expected to dress in certain colours it needs to be in your contract. If it is not in your contract then it can be argued. I suppose the suit will be more expensive compared to the cost of the uniform but it still seems a tad unfair.

Speak to HR and get some advice from the labour inspector as I feel you have a case for them paying. n If you have employment questions you would like Anna to answer please email in confidence to anna@gibresources.com

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

Garrison Library to become Government Property The Committee of the Gibraltar Garrison Library will be transferring, free of charge, the Garrison Library buildings and the collections and other contents of the library to the government.

The books and other collections and the furniture, fixtures, fittings of the Garrison Library, and the remaining funds of the Garrison Library Committee will be transferred to and managed by a new Gibraltar Garrison Library Trust, for the benefit of the people of

Gibraltar, chaired by the Minister for Culture and Heritage.

A representative of the Government stated that it intends to restore the buildings and the book collection and make them more accessible to the community as a whole.

The government also intends to refurbish the old Chronicle printers building to house the Government Archives, resulting in a Gibraltar research and reference facility at a single location. n

21

Franco Ostuni at last year’s World Travel Market where the hotel was presented, for the second year, with the Gibraltar’s Leading Hotel Award from the World Travel Organisation

Franco Ostuni: the gentleman hotelier

by Elena Scialtiel

Gibraltar is much more than monkeys, fortifications and shopping, says Caleta Hotel’s general manager Franco Ostuni. And selling it just as such would indeed be selling it short.

In fact, the Rock could be a premium holiday destination, synonymous with safety for young families seeking a tranquil break or holiday in the Mediterranean sunshine, not far away from British culture, with so much to do and see for their kids that a week can be easily whiled away indulging in its unique natural, cultural and historic assets.

To those objecting that Gibraltar offers a modest nightlife compared to nearby resorts, he refutes that we can’t, and won’t, compete with the temples of excess on the coast, but we must bank on quality. Which, in comparison to Gibraltar’s size, is lively indeed, and has steadily grown in the past decade.

Although Gibraltar is competing against much more value-for-money destinations in the Mediterranean which are slashing their prices to brave the credit crunch, the local hotel industry enjoys steady occupancy in summer, and a mixed bag of business and leisure clientele, albeit mostly British, for the rest of the European market seems to shun away from spending more that one night on the Rock.

Franco stresses that Gibraltar must further raise its international profile as a place of pri-

22

mary tourist interest because, while the business centre is subject to the caprices of a fast evolving technological market where fiscal advantages are more valuable than geographical connections, Gibraltar’s heritage and natural beauty is here to stay and to be cherished.

He sees a rosy future for medium and long stay tourism in Gibraltar thanks to the new airport which will undoubtedly be an outreach for new European routes, although he’s sceptical we will feel the benefits in the short term because of the current airlines crisis.

This could also promote Gibraltar as the base for excursions to Spain and not the other way round, and he wishes there were direct ferry

He sees a rosy future for medium and long stay tourism in Gibraltar thanks to the new airport which will undoubtedly be an outreach for new European routes

routes to Morocco, to advertise ourselves as the British portal to Africa.

Mr Ostuni took the helm of the Caleta Hotel in July 1999, when the establishment was going through tough times, staff morale and levels were at an all time low, and the Millennium celebrations were impending.

In a few years, with the help of his team, he steered it through an extensive facelift both in the architecture and in product competitiveness.

Pivoting on niches in the market, he advertised the hotel as a comfortable one-stop conference centre, where work and play could be well balanced thanks to the picturesque surroundings, the beach and swimming pool facilities and the health club, the first of its kind on the Rock, and the most stylish to date, offering laundry service and a handy crèche, run by qualified nursery staff, free of charge for morning users.

While most people assume the elegant Italian restaurant Nuno’s — the first eatery in Gibraltar to be awarded two rosettes from the AA in 2006 — was Franco’s brainchild in honour of his country’s culinary expertise, the idea was developing well before he was hired. It stems from Catalan Bay’s Italian connections, and

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

Nigel Feetham, partner of Hassans and Visiting Professor at Nottingham Law School, Nottingham Trent University, has published a new book, Tax arbitrage – the trawling of the international tax system (Spiramus press, hardcover).

ISBN 978-1907444-43-2

Nigel Feetham international tax system

d 1

Tax arbitrage – the trawling of the international tax system

Leaving behind this top job was a difficult choice, but he and his wife Maria were quite homesick, and toying with the idea of pursuing the Mediterranean sunshine for a while

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

Tax Arbitrage

etham is a partner at g Gibraltar law rm s). He is also a Visiting r at NoĴingham Law NoĴingham Trent ty, and a non-executive of the Gibraltar Financial Commission. He graduated rst Class Honours degree nchester Metropolitan ty, and was awarded s degree in law with on at Manchester Victoria ty. He is the co-author of Protected Cell Companies: o their implementation and in its Second Edition), the reference work on protected panies.

again from a gap in the market at the time.

The restaurant is very popular with Gibraltarians too, as it offers an exquisite atmosphere, two terraces perched on azure waters, and a varied menu of regional cuisine without steeping into stereotype, and features selected ingredients sourced directly from Italian farms.

Coincidentally, Franco had applied in early 1999 for the vacant post of general manager, after having heard a fellow hotelier (who had spent seven years in the local hotel industry) speaking with profound affection about Gibraltar, its potential, its people and its marvellous scenery.

At the time of his move, Franco was the youngest general manager in a 26-strong London hotel chain, which had invested a lot of time andInternational effort tax inarbitrage his progress. has come under intense scrutiny since the global nancial crisis, and is usually portrayed as a form of aggressive tax avoidance.

Franco’s for hotelofindustry started Public commentinterest has often shown littlethe understanding the distinction between tax avoidance and tax evasion, describing the legitimate behaviour of taxpayer from an early age, somewhat following the banks, nancial institutions and multinational businesses in emotive terms and often inaccurately. family tradition, in fact his grandfather and his This book aims to look at tax arbitrage, and demystify its practice. In a world where tax competition rather than tax harmonisation is the predominant norm, brothers were renowned pastry chefs in Apulia, international tax arbitrage is a form of legitimate tax planning. bookparents starts with a review of some of the press coverage (including of andThehis had a restaurant. recent court cases) and also examines campaigns by the Uncut pressure group.

It considers the confusion over the boundary school between ‘legality’ ‘morality’. and So he attended catering in and Brindisi It covers the responses of tax authorities in major western economies to calls for went on to attain a masters in tourism. In those tax reform.

This includes the choices to favour: days, catering • substance or form school included in their curricuworldwide or source taxation lum•• three foreign languages, thus he was soon targeted legislation or general anti-avoidance rules.

It considers the role of jurisdictional competition in tax avoidance arbitrage and fluent in English, German and French. the approach taken by a number of countries (including the UK, Ireland and Netherlands) to scal policy.

Furthermore, students were required to atA review of recent law reports in the UK, Italy, France, New Zealand, Australia, United States and South Africa involving tax arbitrage, helps to explain how tend summer work experience placements in it works, with detailed descriptions from court cases and ow charts of the structured nance arrangements. busy resorts and, unlike his classmates who The appendices include an extract from the OECD Report “Building Transparent Compliance

by Banks” on international arbitrage nancing betted onTaxlocal ventures, he applied for Strastransactions, and the UK “Code of Practice on Taxation for Banks” with guidance bourg atnotes. the age of 15, then opted for Paris and Germany the following years. He stayed there Press Ltd afterSpiramus graduation, until 1990, when his 90000 family 102 Blandford Street > London W1U 8AG asked to return home and help with their Unitedhim Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 20 7224 0080 restaurant.

Email: info@spiramus.com www.spiramus.com 781907 444432 Soon, the travel bug was 9biting again. In January 1991 he negotiated the sale of the family business and in mid-February he was in the UK, with the aim of improving his English and pursuing a career as an hotelier, which took him from food and beverage manager and deputy general manager in diverse venues, and eventually to London, as deputy then general manager of a 375-room hotel.

Leaving behind this top job was a difficult choice, but he and his wife Maria were quite homesick, and toying with the idea of pursuing the Mediterranean sunshine for a while, after a lengthy absence from Italy.

So, Gibraltar became their best of both worlds, because they found here the touch of British style they were accustomed to in London, while being brought a step closer to home by its warm climate and culture.

Yet, there are a couple of things about Gibraltar bothering him, like many Yanitos — the frontier, and the macaques’ joyrides in his realm.

While he says most of his guests find visiting the Rock worth the nuisance of negotiating the frontier, they aren’t amused by the monkeys raiding their rooms — and don’t find it cute at all! n

The trawling of the

author

book launch

Tax Arbitrage The trawling of the international tax system

by Nigel Feetham

• substance or form; • worldwide or source taxation; and • targeted legislation or general anti-avoidance rules.

It considers the role of jurisdictional competition in tax avoidance arbitrage and the approach taken by a number of countries (including the UK, Dublin and Netherlands) to fiscal policy.

The book contains a review of recent law reports in the UK, Italy, France, New Zealand, Australia, United States and South Africa. Grant Jones, London Society of Chartered Accountants “Tax Arbitrage by Professor Feetham is President &the Nottingham University Special a tour de force of great use to both tax practitioner, academic and social commentator.

Law TheProfessor combination of technicalof analysis with a has said about the book: readable style of writing, sets a compass for “Tax an increasing conatedArbitrage moral backdrop. As a by Professor Feetham is a tour practising accountant and lawyer, now often beset de force of great use to both the tax practitioner, with morality tax questions, I am extremely grateful for this compass. As anand academic Isocial know academic commentator. The comthis book will become a cornerstone of debate. As a friend of Nigel Feetham of I am immensely proud bination technical analysis with a readable of this book’s achievement.”

Grant Jones, London Society of style of writing, sets a compass for an increasChartered Accountants President & ing conflated moral backdrop. As a practising Nottingham University Special Professor of Law. accountant and lawyer, now often beset with morality tax questions, I am extremely grateful for this compass. As an academic I know this book will become a cornerstone of debate. As a friend of Nigel Feetham I am immensely proud of this book’s achievement.”

Nigel will shortly be commencing work on a new book with a tentative working title Combining Governance, Compliance and Regulation for Insurers and Regulators: A Practical Guide which is to be co-authored with Robin Amos and will be due for publication in end of 2011. n International tax arbitrage has come under intense scrutiny since the global nancial crisis, and is usually portrayed as a form of aggressive tax avoidance.

Public comment has often shown little understanding of the distinction between tax avoidance and tax evasion, describing the legitimate behaviour of taxpayer banks, nancial institutions and multinational businesses in emotive terms and often inaccurately.

This book aims to look at tax arbitrage, and demystify its practice.

In a world where tax competition rather than tax harmonisation is the predominant norm, international tax arbitrage is a form of legitimate tax planning.

3/18/2011 4:42:14 PM

International tax arbitrage has come under intense scrutiny since the global financial crisis, and is usually portrayed as a form of aggressive tax avoidance. Public comment has often shown little understanding of the distinction between tax avoidance and tax evasion, describing the legitimate behaviour of taxpayer banks, financial institutions and multinational businesses in emotive terms and often inaccurately.

This book aims to look at tax arbitrage, and demystify its practice. In a world where tax competition rather than tax harmonisation is the predominant norm, international tax arbitrage is a form of legitimate tax planning.

The book starts with a review of some of the press coverage (including of recent court cases) and also covers campaigns by the Uncut pressure group. It considers the confusion over the boundary between ‘legality’ and ‘morality’.

It covers the responses of tax authorities in major western economies to calls for tax reform.

This includes the choices to favour:

The author

Chief Minister elected Overseas Bencher Inner Temple Nigel Feetham is a of partner at

jurisdictions.

The Inner Temple is a leading home Gibraltar law rm one of the four “Inns of the Court” that (Hassans).areHe is also governing a Visiting the professional bodies of Barristers in the UK (the others are Professor Middle at NoĴ ingham Temple, Lincolns InnLaw and Grays Inn).

School, NoĴ ingham Trent Professionally the Chief Minister is a member of the Inner Temple. n University, and a non-executive member of the Gibraltar Financial 23 Services Commission. He graduated with a First Class Honours degree from Manchester Metropolitan University, and was awarded

The Chief Minister, Peter Caruana, has been unanimously elected as an Overseas Bencher of the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple.

This is the greatest honour that the Inner Temple can bestow on its overseas members who have attained distinction in legal and public life within their

community update

Savings for your Children’s Future

by Stephen Maloney, Senior Operations Manager, at Newcastle Building Society’s, Main Street, Gibraltar

Recent research has suggested that the cost of raising a child until the age of 21 has now passed the £200k mark. This figure includes costs associated with childcare, schooling and holidays. As well as this, the UK Government has increased University fees. Saving for your children’s future has never, perhaps, been such a hot topic.

So what is the best way to save for our children?

The first thing to think about is what you’re saving for — is it for university tuition fees, a deposit on a house, a first car, school fees (which you might be able to pre-pay at a discounted rate), or just cash to help them with whatever direction their young adulthood takes them?

This will give you an idea about what your saving habits should be.

In terms of saving, the general key point for many is consistency, unless you have a lump sum payment to invest. Even saving little and often will help you build up a pot of cash for your child(ren). For instance, saving £10 per month from when your child is born to when they are 18 years of age will give you around £2,160 (excluding any interest earned).

Great if you want to give them money towards a deposit for an apartment or to purchase a second-hand car or moped for instance. Whereas, if you save £100 per month from birth to 18 years old will give you around £21,600 (excluding any interest earned) — ideal for paying towards university costs.

Research the marketplace: many organisations have special children’s savings accounts — the Newcastle has recently launched its ‘Big Little Saver’. These accounts are designed to encourage parents and guardians to save but are also aimed at helping to educate children about the importance of saving. Many have goodies to give away — such as savings height charts, books, stickers — to help provide motivation and encouragement to children to save.

When you think about what product to save you need to assess the risks you can take and whether or not you need to have access to the

What’s in a Name?

Gibraltar Award for Netball’s Moira

There will be three new road names to remember in Gibraltar in the near future.

At an investiture at the Convent, His Excellency the Governor presented Moira Gomez with the Gibraltar Award. Moira, who is the Commander British Forces, Commodore Tom Karsten’s PA, is better known around town as the hugely-successful President of the Gibraltar Netball Association.

To commemorate the achievements of the late Bishop, Bernard Devlin, Cannon Lane (to the rear of the Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned) will be renamed Bishop Devlin Lane. Bishop Devlin arrived in Gibraltar as a newly ordained priest in 1946. He became Bishop of Gibraltar in 1985 until his retirement in 1998. Bishop Devlin won the hearts of Gibraltarians by his marked simplicity and kindness.

“I was more nervous and excited about collecting my medal from the Governor than I ever have been before a netball match,” said a delighted Moira.

When she took over as president in 1993, Gibraltar had eight netball teams. There are now 30 senior and 16 junior teams, plus a Development Scheme Programme. At the European Netball Tournament, Gibraltar’s Under 17 squad won the silver medal in 2009 and the gold medal in 2010.

A similar honour is to be bestowed on the late Bishop Caruana. The new road between Europort Road and Queensway adjacent to the new Mid Harbour Housing Estate will be named Bishop Caruana Road.

Bishop Caruana was ordained as a priest in 1959. He was appointed Bishop of Gibraltar in 1999 following the retirement of Bishop Devlin.

He was Bishop of Gibraltar until some months before his death in 2010.

Devil’s Tower Road, which is currently being redeveloped as a dual carriageway and undergoing an extensive refurbishment and beautification programme, will be renamed North Front Avenue. The new avenue will become part of the traffic route into and out of Gibraltar. n

24

Moira receives her award from His Excellency the Governor

Thanks to Moira’s dedication and hard work, Gibraltar is now a member of the International Federation of Netball Associations and the Federation of European Netball Associations and, in 2009 she was awarded the Netball Europe Service Award. Well done, Moira! n GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

finance matters money — this can determine the products you go for.

There are many savings options out there, and seeking expert help in identifying the best option for your individual needs may well be the best short-term investment you can make with your time.

The most important thing to remember is that it’s never too early to start saving for your

There are many savings options out there, and seeking expert help in identifying the best option for your individual needs may well be the best short-term investment you can make with your time children’s future, most especially with the likelihood of significant increases in university tuition fees in the future in mind.

And in the meantime, also teach your children and/or grandchildren about money; the value of it and the importance of saving. That sort of education early on in their lives will be invaluable. n For more information on Newcastle Building Society’s child saving product — the Big Little Saver — call 200 41143 or visit www.newcastle.gi.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

The Gibraltar branch of NBS has recently chosen ‘Wobbles’ (a local children’s charity that raises funds to help children with disabilities), and to tie in with the launch of the Big Little Saver it has pledged to donate £2.50 to the charity every time a new account is opened

— up to the first 200 new accounts.

To celebrate the adoption of the new charity, people can call into the Gibraltar branch on 3rd June to meet staff from the society and Wobbles and treat themselves to bucks fizz and cake.

25

student update

Kusuma Rewards Excellence

by Mark Montovio

The Kusuma Excellence Scholarships were set up by the Kusuma Trust in Gibraltar to promote the study of medicine, technology, engineering or business related studies at a leading university. In addition the Trust also offers the opportunity of a Scholarship award for study at an elite university or top institution for very exceptionally gifted artists in the fine arts, including painting and sculpture, the performing arts, including music, dance and drama, and outstanding sportspersons in any sport.

“The Kusuma Excellence Scholarship (Gibraltar) scheme seeks to inspire top students to aim to reach the top of their academic game,” said a trustee of the trust. “Kusuma hopes that its scholars will become ‘Ambassadors of Excellence’ in Gibraltar and inspire their fellow students to aim higher and achieve more. Kusuma has pledged £1,000,000 to the project.”

Scholarships are being awarded for undergraduate as well as postgraduate courses in the UK and the US, whether an MBA at Harvard, a medical degree at Imperial College London, or composition at the Royal Academy of Music, and any award received by an applicant under the scheme is independent of and in addition to any award granted to the applicant under the Gibraltar Government scholarship scheme. Kusuma is keen to sponsor

passion for excellence and they are looking to attract top students.

Before considering whether to apply for a scholarship through Kusuma’s scheme prospective applicants are expected to have a formal offer letter from one of the eligible top universities for the relevant course. Students currently enrolled on an eligible course cannot be considered for a scholarship.

Central to the Kusuma Excellence Scholarship (Gibraltar) scheme is the idea of supporting students who are rounded individuals

and selection is not only based on academic merit. Applicants should also demonstrate they have a strong commitment to self-development and possess good communication skills. They should be keen to succeed, both academically and professionally and should be enthusiastic, energetic, determined and highly motivated. A guiding principle is also that successful applicants will have a strong desire to contribute to Gibraltar’s community. The interviewing panel comprises representatives of the trust plus prominent community

figures of Gibraltar such as Leslie Lester, John Bassadone and Olga Zammitt, who have wide ranging experience in education and business development.

Ilan Williamson, one of the students to benefit from the scheme

Central to the Kusuma Excellence Scholarship (Gibraltar) scheme is the idea of supporting students who are rounded individuals and selection is not only based on academic merit Ilan Williamson

26

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

student update only has words of praise for the support he has received.

“Having already completed my first degree and with my brother simultaneously setting off to begin his university education, the chances of me being able to finance this two-year MSc were looking slim, to say the least. By granting me this bursary, the Kusuma Trust allowed me to take this step further in my education, thus ensuring I would be able to pursue the career of my choice.

“Although interesting and rewarding, my first degree was so broad that I was finding it difficult to see where I would fit in the job market. During my first degree I realised I wanted to pursue a career as an Environmental Health Officer.

However, I realised I would need to obtain the right qualifications.

The Kusuma Trust gave me an opportunity to re-position my life, a chance which not everyone is lucky enough to have. This is why I think the Kusuma Trust is looking to help people in Gibraltar to reach their full potential and achieve their aspirations.”

Amit Melwani who is studying Biomedical Sciences also feels indebted to the trust.

“I am very thankful to the Ku-

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

suma Trust for the scholarship they awarded me, as it highlights all the hard work I have put into my studies and demonstrates the support available to students wishing to secure a place at university. It also shows that the community of Gibraltar is behind its students and prepared to support them in their future studies.

“The grant has allowed me to make the most of my university experience and to manage the costs of living in London which is one of the most expensive cities to study in. Additionally it allows me to manage the costs of food, text books and travel and enables me to enjoy everything London has to offer.”

With more and more students achieving top results each year, the trust wants to reward and support those students striving for excellence and make sure all opportunities available to them are pursued.

As students in Gibraltar are currently taking their A Level exams,

What is the Kusuma Trust

?

The Kusuma Trust Gibraltar was founded in 2007 by Dr Soma Pujari and her husband Anurag Dikshit to organise the family’s ad hoc charitable giving.

Amit Melwani

hoping all will go well and their efforts are rewarded, the trust is waiting to receive as many applications as possible. n For more details and full terms and conditions go to www.kusumatrust. gi. The deadline for application is Thursday 30th June 2011.

With more students achieving top results each year, the trust wants to reward and support those students striving for excellence & make sure all opportunities are pursued

Kusuma Trust Gibraltar was the first of the funding trusts established and initially funded all Kusuma projects apart from the personal donations. This now focuses solely on funding the activities in Gibraltar.

Kusuma Trust UK was recently set up with the aim that all funding of projects for India and other non-Gibraltar projects will be administered from UK which will become Kusuma’s seat for strategic thinking and the centre of the organisation.

Visit www.kusumatrust.gi for more information on the projects and trusts.

Kusuma Trust Gibraltar is a registered charity in Gibraltar (Nº 196).

27

Dr Francisco Oda Angel’s

Cultural Pursuits interview by Mike Brufal

Director of Instituto Cervantes, Gibraltar, Francisco Oda, 40, is amongst the academic and intellectual high fliers of his generation and one of the most famous sons of La Linea de la Conception. Within Spain he is accepted as being a Spaniard who is able to interpret the feelings and wishes of the Gibraltarians rather than those of the mandarins in the Foreign Offices of Spain and the United Kingdom.

Francisco was born in La Linea, received his primary education at the Colegio Publico Andalucia, followed by the Instituto Mar de Poniente. He passed his exams with top honours, was marked out as an outstanding student, and awarded a place at the Complutense University in Madrid.

His somewhat strained finances meant it was necessary to have paid employment while being a full-time student. Always an avid fan of radio he started work aged 16 as an announcer on Radios La Linea and San Roque followed a year later by SER. Such was his success that, when he arrived in Madrid, Spanish national radio (RNE) invited him to be a presenter of music and news. By this time he had become both producer and director. The distinctive timbre of his melodious voice led to him being invited to do voice-overs in foreign films. Today he regrets having to give up his career in radio, and not being able to work for the Gibraltar Broadcasting Corporation during his time on the Rock researching his PhD. In 1989, aged 19, he began a five year sociol-

28

ogy degree course at the Complutense University. At that time Spanish undergraduates did not have to undergo military National Service but instead worked for one year as teachers in the afternoons. His service was spent teaching in a Madrid prison. He also had his third job as a radio journalist so he was kept busy.

In 2006 he married Inmaculada Amores, a fellow Linense and they now have one son.

The thesis for his PhD was The Social Struc-

The distinctive timbre of his melodious voice led to him being invited to do voiceovers in foreign films. Today he regrets having to give up his career in radio...

ture of Gibraltar; the contentious perspectives of the British and Spanish about Gibraltar as seen by the Gibraltarian community. The supervisor of this thesis was the Professor (Catedratico) of Sociology, Dr Octavio Una Juarez one of Spain’s most prominent intellectuals. During the many months of hard study in Gibraltar, Francisco became friends with many Gibraltarians and greatly appreciates the friendship, help and guidance given by local historian, Tito Benady.

A Spanish PhD is divided into two parts — theory which is conducted by viva and then the written dissertation. It also takes many years: in this case from 1995 to 2002.

The thesis was judged outstanding and awarded the top grade. Throughout his undergraduate life he was always the top student in the Sociology Department.

In 2002 Francisco passed the professional exams required to teach at a Spanish university and started as a lecturer in sociology at the University of King Juan Carlos in Madrid. All lecturers (profesors in Spanish) are civil servants for as long as they teach in state universities; this

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

career file means they can move from public university to university and to other state jobs without loss of pension rights and seniority.

A colleague at the King Juan Carlos university was Gibraltarian, Jonathan Teuma, a teacher of English.

During the 15 years as a university teacher, then lecturer, Francisco studied additional subjects and was awarded a Master of Arts in communications and journalism and another MA in international relations. He is also a visiting lecturer at the University of San Diego.

In 1997, of his own volition, he entered a one year postgraduate course at the Diplomatic School, organised by Complutense University.

The Diplomatic School, founded in 1942, is a training centre for members of the diplomatic and consular corps. Today the Diplomatic School faces the never-ending challenge of adapting to the changes taking place on the international scene. Its other principal objective is to train the next generation of diplomats to perform their tasks effectively in the areas of negotiation and representation. It is an elite school and only the brightest secure places.

In June 2002 Francisco published a well received paper titled; A Singular International Area: Border and Culture in the Societies of the Strait of Gibraltar. He has been a Director of the Instituto Transfronterizo del Estrecho de Gibraltar (19992004) and Vice President of the Asociacion de la Prensa del Campo de Gibraltar (2001-2004).

Francisco, as expected, was such an outstanding student that in 2002 the Diplomatic School’s Director, Dr Antonio Cosano, invited him to teach part-time at the school and then in 2004 to be the Director of Studies of International Affairs, where he remained until the end of 2009 when on 1st January 2010 was appointed Director of Instituto Cervantes, Gibraltar. Dr Cosano, during his distinguished career, has been Spanish Ambassador to many countries and is presently Ambassador to Tunisia.

The Instituto Cervantes was established in 1991 and is a government agency modelled on the British Council and the German Goethe Institute. The Instituto is now in 21 countries with 74 centres. The prime objectives are to promote the study and use of Spanish as a second language, to support the methods and activities that help the process of Spanish language education, and to contribute to the advancement of the Spanish and Hispanic American cultures throughout the world.

The administration of the Instituto Cervantes

is divided into three parts: The Board of Trustees (Patronato); the Board of Directors (Consejo de Administracion); the Director, Carmen Caffarel, who is appointed by the Council of Ministers.

The offer for Francisco to be the Director came as a total surprise to him. After it was agreed at Cordoba (2006) that the Instituto would open in Gibraltar, there was an indirect approach to sound out his thoughts on the appointment.

The Director General of the Instituto, Carmen Caffarel, knew him as they had worked together in the University of King Juan Carlos. She was also aware of his academic track record and his thesis on Gibraltar. He accepted the historic position as soon as the tentative approach became a firm offer.

The Instituto opened its doors with no fanfare in April 2011 and the programme will start slowly, then slip into full gear. He has been greatly encouraged by the number of advance requests for Spanish lessons. Any student wishing to take Spanish lessons has to take a test to ascertain the most suitable level of class.

The cost per hour is £5 and there is no subsidy.

Lessons are in small groups although it will be possible to provide individual lessons. There will be classes for various ages, and grades for school children. The courses start at five and ten week intervals and the students will be able to take the official DELE qualification (Diplomas of Spanish as a foreign language).

Francisco was delighted to be able to include Solomon Seruya’s suggestion for a course on the writing of business letters, and courses to bring lawyers, accountants, doctors, financial advisers and other professionals up to the required level of proficiency if business is to be undertaken in Spain.

Above all else he welcomes suggestions from Gibraltarians as to what they would like to see

Francisco was able to include Solomon Seruya’s suggestion for a course on the writing of business letters, and courses to bring lawyers, accountants, doctors, financial advisers and other professionals up to the required level

provided at the Instituto. There will be a weekly showing of a classic Spanish film, poetry readings, classical Spanish dance, tutored wine tastings, lectures, a lending library (which includes DVDs), lectures, seminars, music, newspapers and magazines, exhibitions, internet and other cultural events. The conference room can seat about 75. The programme is not confined to Spanish culture and will include culture from Spanish speaking Latin America.

Francisco concluded by saying: “The programme provided by the Instituto Cervantes is for the benefit of all who live on the Rock especially Gibraltarians. This is a venture into unknown territory as I am the first Director and so have no one to follow. I would like to make it absolutely clear that my mission is academic and cultural and there will never be a political dimension to the Instituto’s mission.

“Moreover I would like to point out that the institute is a cultural and academic place for the Gibraltarians, open for suggestions, proposals and ideas and always willing for the interaction between us. Finally I would like, by the means of this opportunity, to thank the authorities of Gibraltar and its citizens for their support and encouragement.” n

Instituto’s June Events Thursday 2nd 19:00 Conference: Las Fuentes de Insipración en la Obra de Velázquez Monday 6th 12:00 & 19:00 Monday Movies: Azul Oscuro Casi Negro Tuesday 7th 19:00 Wine Tasting: Spanish wines from Bodega Pinna Fidelis Thursday 16th 19:00 Series - Science for Everyone: Máquinas que perciben, sienten y padecen Saturday 18th 1:00 - 14:00 Open Day: A feast of all those who speak Spanish Monday 20th 12:00 & 19:00 Monday Movies: Mar Adentro Thursday 23rd 19:00 Series - Medicinnova La Bioetica: Los Cuidados Paliativos, respuesta ética de la Medicina la la situación terminal Monday 27th - Thursday 30th Iberoamerican week at the Instituto Cervantes Monday 27th 12:00 & 19:00 Monday Movies: El Milagro de Candeal Tuesday 28rd 19:00 Seminar: Iberoamerica at Heart Wednesday 29th 19:00 Seminar: Iberoamerica at Heart Thursday 30th 19:00 Seminar: Iberoamerica at Heart

2nd Floor Cloister Building, 10 Market Lane, Gibraltar Tel: 200 69888 www.cervantes.es Email: cengib@cervantes.es

Zarzuela: Teatro Lirico Andaluz

The popular Teatro Lirico Andaluz will perform La Cancion del Olvido in Gibraltar in June as part of the Spring Festival.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

Boasting a stellar cast and a 24 piece orchestra, artists include baritone Andrés del Pino, considered one of the best baritones in Spain, and Ruth Terán, who is currently performing with Placido Domingo.

Tickets, priced at £5, will be on sale at the Nature Shop in Casemates Square from Monday 9th May, weekdays 124pm. Sale of tickets is limited to 10 per person.

Performances will be held at the John Mackintosh Hall Theatre on the Wednesday 1st and Thursday 2nd June 2011 at 8pm.

This event is being organised by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with Santos Productions. n

29

When I Grow Up

Urban Dance Winners at World Dance Grand Prix Urban Dance won 1st Place for Dance Theatre with Aladdin and 1st Place for Best Original Piece with When I Grow Up at the 25th Edition of the World Dance Grand Prix 2011.

The Barcelona Dance Award is a judged festival and one of the largest and most important amateur dancing events in Europe.

The event is divided into different categories, Classical, Modern, Contemporary, Jazz. Hip Hop, Funky, Folk, Musical Theatre, Dance Theatre, Fusion and all the various interpretations of theatre dance laboratories, with awards for the best groups, talent, choreography and teachers.

This is the first time Gibraltar’s Urban Dance has participated at Barcelona Dance International Festival, held in the Teatro Coliseum in Barcelona, and directors Yalta Pons and Darion Figueredo were delighted with the group’s performance.

Choreographers for Aladdin were Yalta Pons, Jolene Gomez, Darion Figueredo, Aaron Caballero and Gina Morello Caballaro, while Yalta Pons choreographed When I Grow Up. n

Mayor’s Awards Mayor’s Certificate of Vellum Daphne Cano. For actions on 6th June 2007, when she witnessed, confronted and chased a female who was stealing from a local church.

PC Keith Bonfiglio. For prompt action on 2nd August 2009, when he dived into the sea to support Mr Mercieca who was exhausted from swimming after his canoe sunk. Keith kept the victim afloat until a police vessel rescued him.

Inspector Michael Larkham. For actions on 30th July 2006, when he assisted Diana Kruger, a German national, who was in distress and needed urgent assistance.

Mayor’s Silver Award Lifeguard Francis Fortunato. For actions on 8th July 2007 when he dived into the sea, with strong undercurrents and substantial waves, to rescue Ashley and Jade Anes, Kyle Garcia and Paul Elsey, who had encountered difficulties while

30

His Worship the Mayor, Anthony J. P. Lombard, conferred 13 Mayor’s Awards at a special ceremony at the end of May.

swimming in Catalan Bay. Police Sergeant Daniel Wink, PC Keith Cumbo and PC Simon Debono. For prompt and courageous actions on 4th November 2007, when an apartment was on fire at Harbour Views. The Police Officers entered and evacuated the building, including the flat which was alight and rescued Mr Miorin who had collapsed.

Mrs Denise Larkham. For her actions on 30th July 2006, when she dived into the sea to save a recreational diver at Rosia Bay, Diana Kruger, a German national. The victim had separated from the group of divers, due to sudden currents and, subsequently suffered a leg cramp, causing her to surface on her own.

at the time, was unresponsive and choking.

PC Wesley Allen. For prompt action on 10th March 2007 when he rendered life saving first aid to Lester Dyer, who was lying unconscious and bleeding profusely from his face.

PC Christopher Peach, Stephen Perez and Henry Gerada. For actions on 4th November 2007 when they dived into the sea, with strong undercurrents, to rescue two members of a visiting UK Cadet group, who had encountered difficulties while swimming in Eastern Beach.

Any individual, or group of people, may be recommended for a Mayor’s Award. Nominees should have shown through their courage, unselfishness and regard for other people, animals or the environment, to have performed a rescue, in any manner or form, or have Mayor’s Gold Award PC Ivan Viñales. For his action on 18th August contributed to such an act, regardless of danger. Rec2009 when he gave life saving first aid, while on ommendations should be submitted to: The Secretary, duty at Eastern Beach, to toddler Nyle Wink, who, Mayor’s Awards Committee, Mayor’s Parlour, City Hall, John Mackintosh Square, Gibraltar.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

31

Dennis Beiso:

Key to the Archives

by Kirsten Openshaw

Gibraltar’s archives hold pages of great local knowledge and interest. Dennis Beiso is the third Archivist in Gibraltar and he dedicated to bringing our archives into modern times and providing a research facility where you can trace your family tree or snoop around old government documents. The archives are a treasure trove of untold historical stories and the best part is, they’re open to the public.

Dennis Beiso is the third archivist for Gibraltar and has taken the historical archives to a new era.

Walking into the archives is like an adult playground for anyone who is interested in Gibraltar’s history and personal identity, including university students and universities themselves. Rows upon rows of books and records are filled with information and documents dating back to the 16th Century.

Bill Cumming established the archives in 1969 as a direct reaction to political developments in

“

Gibraltar. Chief Ministers were addressing the UN and the Government became aware of the need to document events and the concept of having an archive developed.

Dennis worked in the archives thoughout school on weekends and during summer holidays.

Once he had completed his degree in the UK he returned to Gibraltar as an assistant to Tom Finlayson in 1999 for a few years. Dennis remarked “I was fortunate enough that Tom’s reign was coming to an end, so the position of senior

extract from the Gibraltar

Census

With thanks to Gibraltar being a commercial port and the Napoleonic Wars we have an interesting and almost an undefined culture

32

”

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

community resources

Gibraltar’s oldest archived document from 1577

archivist came to me. Although I was very grateful to Tom for taking me under his wing for so many years.”

Since 2005 Dennis has been senior archivist and intends to modernise the system so it is in compliance with the UK’s cataloguing system. “I am in the process of upgrading and formalising the listings, and translating the cataloguing techniques to Gibraltar.”

A proportion of the documents are already available electronically which is part of the modernisation process as the archives often get requests for information from universities and individuals either by phone or email. Having the information computerised saves time.

The first existing census from 1777, a documentation of all people residing in Gibraltar on census night, is online. Interestingly everyone in Gibraltar on census night must take part in the census, meaning people on cruise ships, in hotels and other visitors get a mention, it is not only for residents of Gibraltar at the time.

“We often get requests from all over the world from people tracking down their family tree or if they know their ancestor was in Gibraltar at the time they can track the information. The census being online also helps with research as people can do it from the comfort of their own homes.” Although the census does fall under the 100year confidentiality rule meaning the public can currently only see census pre 1911.

The concept of Gibraltarian identity is a fascinating one. Den-

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

nis says, “A Gibraltarian’s identity is a unique product of a mixture of different cultures through the years.

“You cannot pin down defining

characteristics of a Gibraltarian.

There is a balance of Hispanic and Anglo Saxon but in history there was an influx of people in the 19th Century, most being Maltese, Italian, Portuguese and Moroccan.

With thanks to Gibraltar being a commercial port and the Napoleonic Wars we have an interesting and almost an undefined culture.”

After chatting to Dennis it is interesting to consider what the characteristics and culture of Gibraltarians will be in years to come, due to the growth of industries like the online gaming in GIbraltar. There are now many more cultures and nationalities mixing on the Rock. In many generations to come Gibraltarians could typically be blond with blue eyes.

“With the help of the census we can, one day, track down the nationalities and people in Gibraltar and the reason for them being here and though what employment,” added Dennis, who obviously has a true passion and love for his job.

The oldest document in the possession of the archives is a Spanish document dated 1577 that was bought from a local collector.

The document is a complaint to the Mayor regarding a commercial transaction which had taken place.

It is interesting to consider what the characteristics and culture of Gibraltarians will be in years to come, due to the growth of industries like online gaming in Gibraltar

It is written in Old Spanish (considering the document is Medieval this is no surprise) but it has been translated into modern Spanish as best possible.

The archives’ documents consist of 80% departmental records from the Gibraltar Government, including societies, the Royal Gibraltar Regiment, sporting associations, the Health Authority and the Methodist Church. It is a central point for all records, and is completely open to the public with a few exceptions. For example correspondence from Convent Place, be it exchanges of correspondence or any documentation, is not open to the public as a rule of thumb for 30 years for reasons of security and confidentiality.

The archives will be moving to the old Chronicle printers building, next to the Garrison Library, soon.

Dennis explains, “Tom did such a great job transforming the place but now it is just too small, causing a space restriction. We need somewhere which is dry, free of humidity and has greater storage space.” Dennis also wants to extend the services of the Achieves for the public further remarked, “I would like to have an outreach programme with mini exhibitions and lectures.” Dennis goes personally to the local college to give a lecture to A-Level students as part of their Liberal Studies programme.

We look forward to visiting Dennis in the archives in their new premises and covering events in the future. n

Dennis Beiso in the archives alongside the many years of Gibraltar Chronicles. These Chronicles will be returning ‘home’ when the archives move to the old Chronicle printers’ building in the near future

33

property issues

Property Management

The Key Considerations Buildings surround us.

Wherever you are in Gibraltar, you cannot avoid them. We live, work, eat and pursue leisure in them. The popular conception, is that we are paying our property managers too much for too little. This month we examine what a property manager does, or more importantly, should be doing.

We asked John McKillop Smith FRICS, FBEng, FBIFM, managing director of Chesterton Property Management, and a chartered building surveyor who last year returned to Gibraltar after over 30 years as a property manager in the UK, what he considers to be the main attributes of a good property manager:

1. Partnership

Spending time researching Management Companies and what they offer could mean your home is worth more in the long term

34

The property manager has a duty to a number of stakeholders, regardless of who appoints him and who pays his bills. The freeholder, the lessor, the tenant and the general public, each have a vested interest in the quality and effectiveness of how a property is being maintained and managed. A good property manager will faciliate a good partnership between the different interested parties, taking into consideration all viewpoints, treating each ‘client’ equally, fairly and professionally.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

property issues

2.

Treat all money spent on service charges as if it is your own

Attention to detail and hands-on professional property management will significantly reduce property running costs; optimal cost, not always the lowest cost! Optimal costing, reduces unpleasant surprises and unexpected repair bills, but also creates a fair and reasonable long-term service charges.

3.

Good systems and effective staff

Firstly, always check that service charge money is held in properly designated “client accounts”; the RICS (the professional institution governing property management) demands this, plus many other client safeguards.

Secondly, ensure you have the right to view scanned copies of bills, or detailed specifications for all cleaning and maintenance contracts.

Check that service contracts are regularly tendered and price checked. Property managers with good systems and effective staff will happily oblige, it keeps us on our toes - which is good for all concerned!

4. Minimise reactive repairs

Bodged and ineffective repairs simply waste money. All too often we see painting over cracks (or damp) expensive scaffolding going up for isolated or unplanned repairs, and quick or temporary fixes. A good property manager will be able to plan and properly specify repairs at a reasonable cost. It’s our job!

5. Introducing the “Planned Maintenance Plan”

A good property manager will plan ahead.

You should insist upon a professionally prepared “Planned Maintenance Plan” and a calculated Reserve Fund for your property. The plan will provide a budget, based upon anticipated long-term costs and calculate a reasonable an-

nual Reserve Fund.

Major repairs can then be completed, at agreed regular intervals, using the Reserve Fund (for example, the cost of refurbishing lifts in 20 years’ time), thus avoiding unexpected hefty surcharges for the residents who happen to be in situ at the time of major repair or refurbishment, or a deficit bestowed upon future occupants.

Fair and consistent service charges will follow the implementation of a Planned Maintenance Plan — lower long-term costs, whilst maintaining a property we can all be proud to own, rent, live/work in, or manage.

8.

Quality Control

Service charge costs must be as low as practicable, allowing for the effective running of an often complex property or estate. Quality control and regular site inspections, by experienced staff, are essential to ascertain when repairs are required and to check completed repairs, prior to payment. These inspections will ensure that Communication A property manager must be able to com- regular maintenance and cleaning is carried municate, to instruct contractors, providing out in accordance with detailed specifications, clear and adequate instructions to ensure ap- whilst ensuring fire safety etc. propriate repairs are carried out promptly and at reasonable cost. He should have the time to respond to all letters, emails and telephone calls Treat your contractors and to action reasonable requests. It is essential that he attends an annual AGM, produces clear with respect accounts and is able to justify the expenditure Contractors are also key partners in providing of your money. best value; a good property manager will ensure that, when work is carried out properly, contractors are paid promptly and treated fairly and consistently, so that they too, become a valued Go Compare! client for their suppliers.

We all compare prices when we shop, service charges should be no exception. A property manager should have the ability to benchmark service charge costs, including their manageParticipation ment fee!

Effective property management is maximised with the full participation of those who pay their service charge bills. Collectively, the stakeholders should create a Residents’ Committee, elected by service charge payers, who meet regularly with their Property Manager and agree general principals of maintenance, repairs and budgets. A good property manager will encourage service charge owners to volunteer to be on the Committee and to work with him/her; returning to my first point - effective property management is a partnership.

Values quickly drop at poorly maintained properties. A good property manager will ensure asset values are maintained or enhanced whilst ensuring the property is a pleasant place to live or work at a reasonable cost. n

6.

9.

7.

10.

We all compare prices when we shop, service charges should be no exception. A property manager should have the ability to benchmark service charge costs, including their management fee!

Jimmy White awards the Chesterton Cup to Alister Knight, at the recent Whirlwind Pool Tournament held in Ocean Village, in aid of Childline, with Dino Martinez, Sales Manager of Chesterton, looking on.

Alister, sponsored by Chesterton, managed to beat Jimmy in front of a hugely supportive audience

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

We must compare apples with apples, as all properties are unique and have differing services provided. However, if we can compare the running costs of a Ferrari against a Mini, a confident and professional property manager is able to demonstrate value-for-money and has no fear of cost comparisons.

Mike Nicholls is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and a member of the Gibraltar Society of Accountants. Mike operates the Chesterton estate agency in Gibraltar (www. chesterton.gi) and owns MN Associates Limited, a local company specialising in Gibraltar property, funding & relocation. See www.mn-associates.gi

35

real estate

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Ibex Insurance The Tower, Marina Bay Tel: 200 44628

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Bridge Solutions PO Box 598 Tel: 57185000 Fax: 200 77041

Eurolinx 21&22 Victoria House, 26 Main St Tel: 200 40240

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

homes & interiors

transport 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)

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36 36

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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

2011 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2010

sleep feature

Sleepy Snacks...

This month we look into how best to get a good night’s sleep, and although you can set the perfect environment to sleep in, what you eat before you go to bed is just as important as selecting a quality mattress.

A late snack can be a good idea, but there are five foods to avoid, as they might prevent you from slipping into peaceful slumber.

Spicy foods in general, as well as tomato sauce and pizza can cause digestive disturbances, which are a common cause of sleep problems. Acidic and spicy foods can cause reflux heartburn and other symptoms that interrupt sleep.

Preserved and smoked meats have high levels of amino acid tyramine, which triggers the brain to release a brain stimulant that makes us feel alert. So stay away from the midnight ham sandwiches.

Energy drinks are high in caffeine and taurine, both boost your adrenaline and prevent you from sleeping well.

Although a cup of hot cocoa before going to bed sounds great, but be careful of chocolate in all its guises. As more and more people are

increasingly sensitive to caffeine, even the little chocolate chips on your evening cookie could prevent you from having sweet dreams.

The all too common alcoholic nightcap, which might relax you after dinner, can come back to haunt you a couple of hours later through dehydration, stopping you from getting into a deep sleep.

There are however, a few snacks which can actually help you drift off quite easily. Cherries, dried and fresh ones, are the only natural food source of melatonin, the chemical which regulates the body’s sleep time.

Bananas are a good source of potassium and magnesium, which are muscle relaxants, and can help you relax into a great sleep.

Foods which are rich in carbohydrates such as toast, trigger insulin production, which induces sleep by speeding up brain chemicals which relax you and send you to sleep.

Bananas are a good source of potassium and magnesium, which are muscle relaxants, and can help you relax into a great sleep

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

Drinking some warm milk, which contains the amino acid L-tryptophan, which turns to 5-HTP and releases relaxing serotonin — is great. It is also high in calcium, which promotes sleep.

Oatmeal, like toast, triggers the release of sleep-inducing brain chemicals, and is rich in melatonin, which many people take as a sleep aid supplement.

So make sure your night time nibbles help you get a decent night’s sleep, and help you wake up refreshed for the next day. n

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sleep feature

The Importance of:

A Good Night’s Sleep A necessity rather than a luxury, sleep affects how we look, perform, and feel on a daily basis, and can have a huge impact on the quality of life we live.

For a few fortunate ones, sleep comes naturally and easily. Some people actively love sleep, and look forward to drifting off into restful slumber. The idea of tossing and turning is unfamiliar, and as soon as their head hits the pillow, they are sleeping like a baby, and wake up refreshed and rested for the day ahead.

There are others, however, to whom a good night’s sleep has become a distant day dream

Love or hate it, you cannot get away from it.

The bottom line is we all need sleep, as we cannot function without it.

C

olours impact our moods

in a number of ways, and

although the walls of your house act as a canvas for self-expression, colours used to decorate rooms can affect the occupant’s moods and feelings. Vibrant colours might be your favourite, but they might not help trigger sleep and relaxation if they coat your walls.

The colour pink is a calming and restful colour associated with love, and can exert a feeling of peacefulness when used in bedrooms.

Although it can appear very girly and sickly sweet, introducing hints of charcoal or black with furniture, paintings and accessories can counteract it.

Green is associated with the natural world, its soothing energy giving us a sense of calm. It can create feelings of peace and serenity, which might make it easier to slow down and lead to restful slumber.

It is also a good colour for stress reduction. It is no coincidence that green is halfway between red and blue, giving this colour a sense of balance and stability. Used elsewhere, however, to much green is thought to make people laid back and complacent, so injecting some red or orange can counteract these feelings.

Any bedroom would also benefit from having soft blue walls — a calming colour which promotes

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— with stress and increasing demands on their time, taking their toll on their time spent counting sheep.

For some, sleep is even viewed as a waste of time! Finding it hard to disconnect for an hour’s lunch, let alone a whole night, they regularly catch up on emails lying in bed, before crashing out with their device still in hand!

A good night’s sleep, night after night, can help achieve good health and well-being, and a well rested person will have high energy levels well into the evening, when other are exhausted. Consistently, having a full night’s

Finding it hard to disconnect for an hour lunch... they regularly catch up on emails lying in bed, before crashing out with their device still in hand!

The Colours Of Dreams

The first thing you see in the morning, and last thing before falling asleep, your bedroom walls have a huge influence on your mood, so choosing the right colour is important. intellectual thought, serenity, and protection — it even prevents nightmares. This colour signals the brain to release soothing sleep hormones, and encourages daydreaming. Although it can look cold and unwelcoming, choosing a warm undertone can prevent this.

Yellow is associated with energy, sunshine, and is a stimulator of

intellect, but this colour is not very restful for a bedroom. It is thought to enhance feelings of emotional distress, and a sense of rushing, and so should be avoided, together with reds and oranges as part of the bedroom décor, as they can be less relaxing than other colours.

Associated with spiritual matters, lilac is probably one of the

Associated with spiritual matters, lilac is probably one of the best colours for the bedroom

best colours for the bedroom, as it is feminine, and promotes a stressfree sanctuary. Its darker tone, purple, is also best for bedrooms, as it stimulates creativity, fertility and joy. It also helps calm anxiety and slow muscle responses.

Generally, neutral colours, such as taupes, beiges and whites, or muted tones and light pastels may be more suitable to help you wind down. So if you are having trouble sleeping, then the colours in your bedroom might make a big difference. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

sleep feature Just as work and other commitments are scheduled in during the day, sleep should be scheduled in the evenings, or even an afternoon nap if possible sleep can increase concentration, focus, and the ability to retain information. Problem solving skills will also improve over time.

Those who are sleep deprived are at greater risk of a number of diseases and health problems, other than feeling drowsy. Irritability, moodiness, social ineptness, and reduced coordination and reaction time are just some of the symptoms of a bad night.

Getting a good night’s sleep doesn’t happen by accident though. Just as work and other commitments are scheduled in during the day, sleep should be scheduled in the evenings, or even an afternoon nap if possible.

To get a good night’s sleep, you need to organise the evening towards the focal point — going to sleep. The key is winding down in the hours prior to sleeping, by avoiding caffeinated drinks and heavy meals in the evening. Ex-

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

ercising late at night also stimulates the brain, and hinders your ability to switch off in order to sleep.

Your brain will also associate certain activities with its surroundings, so a good idea is to disassociate your bedroom from television, reading or using the computer.

The bedroom must be a sanctuary for absolute rest where you unwind and relax. A good quality mattress and bed can also improve the quality of your sleep, support your back, and make the bedroom a place of ultimate comfort and relaxation.

The average person spends one-third of their lives sleeping.

Far from being time wasted, or time which could be spent doing other things, sleep plays a direct role in how full, successful, energetic and fun the other two thirds of our lives can be. Sweet dreams! n

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history on file Not everyone felt that way. Certainly not Dr Hunter, nor the man who had brought the gravel all the way from Gibraltar and presented it to him — William Green.

William Green was Gibraltar’s Chief Engineer. He was in town to promote his latest ideas for improving the Rock’s defences, and thought that while he was about it he might as well bring along some gravel. He gave it (the era of the novelty key ring was as yet unborn) as a gift to Mr Boddington, London agent of the Corps of Royal Engineers. Mr Boddington thanked him politely, saying it was what he had always wanted, and then passed it on, as soon as Green’s back was turned, to Dr Hunter. Dr Hunter found gravel — particularly gravel containing fragments of bone — intensely interesting, and as one of the few men in England who could use a handful of it as the basis for an hour long lecture, put it to admirable use.

Green returned to Gibraltar a happy man.

William Green was, nominally at least, an Irishman; perhaps one of the 40 shades of green for which that country is so widely renowned.

Nominally, because his father, Irish landowner Godfrey Green, had moved to Scotland before William’s birth in order to marry Helen, sister of the famous philosopher and social economist, Adam Smith. Godfrey and Helen settled in Durham, but it was in Aberdeen that young William grew to manhood and received his education (privately, courtesy of his mother’s sisters). A lazy, scurrilous writer, content to pander to the clichés of baseless racial stereotyping in search of a cheap jibe might at this point observe that therein, perhaps, lay the genesis of a man content to give another a handful of gravel as a gift.

Thank Heaven such blinkered Neanderthals are today deservedly extinct or, at least, writing for lesser journals than the Gibraltar Magazine.

On New Year’s Day 1737, still a year shy of entering his teens, William became a cadet gunner and was packed off to the Royal Military Academy at Woolwich. Three centuries ago life was too often short, and young gentlemen lacked the luxury of a gap year and quality time to lie around eating cold pizza in bed and weighing up their options. They needed to set their sights early on a career or, more likely, have their sights so set by their parents. 12-year old William Green was going to be an engineer.

For six years the lad tinkered with things, took them apart and put them back together, learned the difference between a water pump and a teaspoon, and mastered the art of baffling the layman with a torrent of engineer’s jargon, invariably delivered after a sharp, portentous

Green, Gravel & Gibraltar

by Dave Wood

On the night of 17th February 1770, Dr Hunter FRS rose to his feet in the august surroundings of the Royal Society, London, and directed his audience’s attention to the pile of gravel and bone fragments (he called it osseous breccia) before him. Hardly pausing for breath he launched into an impassioned discourse on its origins and significance which left many of the members, well, snoring. Scientific curiosity was all well and good, they thought, but be honest — when you’ve seen one pile of gravel you’ve surely seen them all.

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

history on file intake of breath. No-one does it better than an Aberdonian, and even amongst Aberdonians William Green stood alone.

So proficient did he become in these matters that in 1743, still just 18 years of age, his tutors at Woolwich decided there was no more they could teach him, and he was ready for the world. That world, for him, began in Portsmouth, where he was sent on 12th March.

It was almost two years before the tedium of Portsmouth was replaced by active service. The engineer brigade, of which he formed part, was shipped off to Flanders: not then associated in the public mind with the grim poignancy of its poppy fields, but already the scene of conflict.

Green’s introduction to the lunatic futility of battle came in the village of Fontenoy, where on 11th May 1745 the so-called “pragmatic allies” (i.e. unprincipled opportunists), mainly British and Dutch, fought an almighty scrap with the French (who else?) as part of their protracted and bitter dispute over which of their preferred puppets should accede to the throne of Austria.

Whether or not Green knew the names of or cared one mouldy fig about the opposing candidates, he was a soldier and under contract to fight and, if possible, kill whomsoever his king and country nominated. He did his best, but in the interests of historical accuracy (a quality for which this column is justly renowned), we must report that on this occasion, the French played a blinder and won hands down. Napoleon, of course, just couldn’t stop bragging about it.

It should not be thought that Green was personally responsible for the fiasco. Had he been so he would certainly have been dropped from the team, or even given a free transfer to the enemy, but for the next several years he was involved in battles, large and small, across Europe. It would be tedious to detail them all, except to the dedicated completist for whom an incident involving a French farmer hitting a British soldier with a stick to prevent him from stealing a pig would be classed as a battle and require a suitable name and a listing in his notebook. We are not of that persuasion, so we shall leave the siege of L’Orient and the descent on Quiberon to others and move swiftly to 2nd July 1747 and the Battles of Lauffeld, Lafelt, Maastricht and Val. A pretty crowded day for the troops you may think, but this is misleading. There was, in fact, only one battle that day, but get four military historians in a room and inevitably you end up with four different names for the same event.

The Battle of Val (let’s choose the shortest) was of particular significance to William Green, chiefly because he got himself wounded and taken prisoner. The wound must have been slight, and his

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

capture short-lived because barely a fortnight later, on 13th July, he was present, we are told, at the siege (destined to last three months) of the Dutch border fortress of Bergen-op-Zoom (the perfect title for a Eurovision song!).

This is all very confusing, but history is like that: a roomful of blindfolded, opinionated people shouting at once and none of them willing to listen. In 1747, Bergen-op-Zoom was besieged by the French — successfully as it happens. They wanted it as a prelude to an invasion of the Netherlands. If Green really was present, and not working as a turncoat for the enemy who had so recently captured him, it must have been as one of the besieged. Four plans of the fortress, drawn by Green, survive in the archives of the British Museum, but are suspiciously dated 1751, four years later.

This murky period of Green’s life was over by 1752. He was back from his adventures on the continent, and working on the fortifications of Portsmouth dockyard. In 1750, he worked at Landguard Fort under the direction of the memorably named Justly Watson who, as Lieutenant-Colonel of the Royal Engineers had served in the defence of Gibraltar during the siege of 1727, and whose daughter, Miriam, he was destined to marry on 26th February 1754.

The 1750s were busy and exciting times for William Green. He spent most of that decade in Newfoundland and Canada, doing his part to confound the plans of the old enemy, the French.

On 13th September 1759, a 15-minute affray erupted close to Quebec on a plateau known as the Plains of Abraham. Both commanders — James Wolfe for the British, Louis-Joseph, Marquis de Montcalm for the French — were mortally wounded, which serves them right for playing silly games. Green tried to emulate them, but succeeded only in getting a splinter of shrapnel in his forehead. He felt it was the least he could do.

Green’s achievements in Gibraltar were impressive.

Apart from designing its general hospital, in 1771, he produced plans for the colony’s defences which though expensive were invariably sanctioned by the king

If the irony of two European nations squabbling like two cats in a sack over a parcel of land far from home ever entered his mind, we have no record of it.

What we do know is that when the squabbling ended, he was posted back to England and the quieter, French-free environment of Plymouth, but not for long. Hardly pausing for breath, he found himself sent to Gibraltar as the Rock’s senior engineer. He was to stay for more than two decades.

Green’s achievements in Gibraltar were impressive. Apart from designing its general hospital, in 1771, he produced numerous plans for the colony’s defences which though expensive were invariably sanctioned by the king, often after personal audiences. The plans in his 1770 report, for example, designed to make Gibraltar’s fortress impervious to attack (now to be seen with others of his papers in the British Museum) cost in excess of £50,000.

In August 1777, Governor Sir George Eliott, knowing that Green (now a colonel) had a silver tongue as well as an excellent brain, sent him to London to beg the government and the king for further funding. Naturally this was granted, and he returned in May 1778 with his pockets stuffed with money, and carte blanche to do as he pleased.

He was present in Gibraltar throughout the siege of 1779-1783, and was chiefly responsible for the construction of the subterranean galleries on the north front, including the famous chamber that became known as St George’s Hall.

But it was a sad time for Green. The house in which he and his wife, Miriam, were living, was in direct line of enemy fire, so they moved to a bombproof shelter. Miriam caught pneumonia and was sent to England to recouperate, but never recovered.

The siege ended in February 1783. William Green had been in Gibraltar for 22 years, and was more responsible than most for the fact that it remained in British hands, but his work there was done. He was 58 years old — a far more venerable age in 1783 than it is now — but far from finished. He returned to England where the king and parliament each thanked him personally for his sterling service.

Still vigorous and alert, he worked on the fortifications of Plymouth and Portsmouth, and in June 1786 was given a baronetcy. In November of the same year he was formally entitled Chief Engineer of Great Britain. By 1798 he was a full general, and it wasn’t until 1802, when he was 77, that he finally retired to enjoy a well-earned few final years of rest at his home at Plumstead, in Kent.

He lived on for almost another decade. He died while visiting his daughter Miriam in Canterbury on 10th January 1811. n

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Lawrence Llamas:

Between textbooks, pets & piano

by Jolene Gomez

Lawrence Llamas

Whether it be a budgie, canary or fish, there was always some form of living animal in Lawrence Llamas’ house when growing up. Although he loved his small pets, he always had a passion for dogs, but due to the responsibility of keeping a dog in a small flat, his parents always rejected the idea. After a tragic episode with a Bolivian green parrot, he got his first dog, Cheryl, a Chihuahua.

Nowadays, not only is he the proud owner of 11 Chihuahuas, he is also an avid piano player, a taxman, an international judge at dog competitions, and well on the way to becoming a lawyer!

“Although I love music and have played the piano since I was five years old, my passion for animals made me decide I wanted to further my studies into an animal related subject. So I set off to study Animal Welfare and Management at Northampton University.

Once completed I was not sure what I was going to end up doing so I went off on a course to the London Academy of Grooming to learn how to groom different breeds in order to keep alive various ideas I had at the time, basically a boarding and grooming facility in Gibraltar,” he explains.

However, on returning to Gibraltar, he found it was difficult finding a place to set up a business, so he started grooming dogs from home, while he pondered the idea of setting up a business, or taking up employment, which he eventually did, by joining the civil service, as a taxman!

In his current post as a civil servant, he works very closely with law, which sparked his interested in pursuing a career in law, to benefit his area of work — “Plus my manager pushed me into it” he declares.

Although he works well under pressure, and

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devotes any free time he has to studies, it has been impossible for him to continue studying with two children, both under the age of 17 months!

“I have my final year to complete and then the Bar but everything is on hold till next year as I simply cannot concentrate with so many things going on and have had to prioritise my life around the children. Eventually, however, I would like to practice as a lawyer.”

“

In the meantime his dogs fill his spare time. His first dog came from the renowned local breeder, Josie Requena (his wife’s grandmother), one of the most successful Chihuahua breeders in the world. Seven years ago, she mated one of her champion males with a friend’s from the Canary Islands, and in return for the mating she had the pick of the litter. “My wife fell in love with one of them, and asked her grandmother to pick the one

Skyler was shown successfully and became a champion in no time, eventually we bred two litters from her and kept two puppies, and the story escalates as we currently have 11 dogs at home!

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Shygirl GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

personality profile she liked for us. Skyler, as she was called, was shown successfully and became a champion in no time, eventually we bred two litters from her and kept two puppies, and the story escalates as we currently have 11 dogs at home!”

As a child Lawrence would visit Josie to help out with anything that needed doing, and practice with showing the dogs too. Whenever there was a show to attend, they would take him with them and he would compete against children his age in junior handling competitions, as well as taking out their dogs in the show competition.

“Chihuahuas have become increasingly popular in Gibraltar,” he says, “as I think they are an ideal size to have in a flat and don’t need much maintenance. They are easy to transport and they don’t tie you down as much as bigger breeds. Nevertheless, they are still dogs which need their exercise, love and attention. I only breed Chihuahuas at the moment, but would also love to have bigger breeds later on in life, possibly St. Bernards!”

Over the last five years, the pups have done very well, with their biggest achievement being winning the Toy Group with Shygirl at Crufts in 2008, and being amongst the top seven dogs out of 22,000. More recently, Josie won the Toy Group at a major UK show in Blackpool last June, with a brother to Shygirl called Moses.

“We have some very important shows lined up for 2011. Most of them are in the UK but we will also be going to California, Paris and other top shows in Europe,” Lawrence smiles.

According to Lawrence, dogs simply need to be socialised and bred in a family environment. If a dog has natural attitude, then you simply have to mould him into a show dog.

If a dog has no attitude or courage, then there is very little room for improvement. “50% of a good show dog is temperament and style —without this you can have the most beautiful dog to look at, but will not win in the shows,” he explains.

Although breeding dogs and attending competitions is simply a hobby, and a way to have fun with dogs, there is one aspect of dog showing which he deals with at a professional level,

Proud Lawrence with Shygirl in Crufts 2008

international judging. “I am now qualified to judge 14 different breeds, anywhere in the world. Last December I was invited to judge at the biggest dog show in Helsinki, Finland and later on this year I shall be judging at one of the Swedish summer shows in Gothenburg. I enjoy judging at home or abroad but prefer to show my dogs any day,” Lawrence says. n If you need guidance in purchasing a pedigree puppy, contact the Gibraltar Kennel Club at info@ gkc.gi to obtain advice on suitable breeders. Also, there are always dogs of all sizes and ages desperately looking for homes at the GSPCA.

“

Chihuahuas are easy to transport and they don’t tie you down as much as bigger breeds

”

Looking great

Taking the Long Road Down...

In June Gary Thomson and Harvey Mason (pictured) will ride motorcycles from the UK to Gibraltar to raise money for two charities, CHIEF and Help For Heroes.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

Gary will leave Newcastle upon Tyne on Friday 3rd June, meeting up with Harvey in Accrington that evening. They will then set off together from Accrington on “The Long Road Down” to Gibraltar on the morning of Saturday 4th June.

They will arrive in Gibraltar on Sunday 12th June where they will have a celebratory arrival party at The Lounge, Queensway Quay, Gibraltar — including a barbecue, entertainment and a few well deserved beers!

And they really are taking the long road down! The lads will not be using any main roads during the ride. The total distance for the ride is 2109 miles (over 400 junctions), with planned overnight stops in France, Andora and Spain.

The first charity is CHIEF (Children’s Head Injury Equipment Fund) — a relatively unknown part of the Newcastle Health Care Charity.

The other charity is Help for

Heroes. Harvey met some of the injured lads when they visited Gibraltar a few months back and he wanted to do something for them too.

Their Facebook page is http:// www.facebook.com/pages/LongRoad-Down (search for ‘long road down’). Donations can be made on the page by following the link to the appropriate charity. Michelle at the Lounge also has sponsor forms if people would rather donate in that way. n

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rock music

A Passion for Pipes on the Rock Gibraltar’s Sea Scouts Pipe Band has held strong on tradition and culture. With ever growing popularity and a change of uniform they still hold onto the core values and camaraderie evident thoughout the generations of pipers. Tony Galliano takes us through the years of the Sea Scouts Piping Band and highlights some of their events and travels.

Since it began in 1914 with just five pipers, a bass drummer and three drummers, the Sea Scouts Pipe Band has been developing and growing. Now the band boasts some 30 members with ages ranging from 18 to 68 and a few new members in the pipeline who are receiving tuition.

Gibraltar’s Sea Scouts Pipe Band has the Royal Irish Rangers to thank for its present high standards, as they committed many hours of their spare time to tutoring the pipers and drummers of the band, and particular thanks goes to Pipe Major Albert Price who still visits Gibraltar regularly and recently came over to present the band with his regiment’s new Brigade Music Book.

Joining the Sea Scouts would guarantee any member a chance to travel, but particularly the band members. The band has performed in many festivals and events outside Gibraltar — the band’s first recorded outing to London was in 1920 — and has played at the Blair Atholl International Scout Jamborette in Scotland. It has also played in northern Spain at festivals and yearly for the St Patrick’s Day celebrations held by the Irish community of ex-patriots and the day of All Nations held on the Costa Del Sol. The band even had the pleasure of

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playing at the Manchester United Supporters Club, in Queensway, in the presence of Alex Ferguson.

Sir Alex was said to be impressed by the band when he heard them play. “It was an interesting experience, one we wont forget,” says Pipe Major, Tony Galliano with his trademark smile.

The Sea Scout Pipe Band has also been welcomed to play at the Queen’s Birthday in June prior to the parade — a great honour for any band, although this is not their first royal event as they had the privilege to play at the King’s birth-

“

to the Rock.

Current Pipe Major, Tony Galliano, became a member of the band through the Sea Scouts when he was just 13 in 1964. “Our band has seen many returns of old members who were Sea Scouts at a younger age,” explains Tony of the band’s dynamics.

He emphasises that new recruits are always welcomed and will be trained from scratch; no musical talent is needed although it’s a welcomed benefit, he chuckles. In the past only boys were allowed to join Scouting in general, including the Sea Scouts Pipe Band, but five years ago in line with

The band is still awaiting its first female member to step forward, and one can imagine it would be an interesting addition to the band day celebrations in Morocco.

Playing at such high profile events requires a lot of practise and hard work rehearsing, and the sound of the pipes drifts through the air once a week from the old HMS Rooke, No. 4 Dock, Queensway, often coming as a pleasant surprise to unsuspecting visitors

”

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rock music

by Kirsten Openshaw morant, an accommodation ship stationed in Gibraltar. The new uniform was one similar to a military style jacket and trousers, which was welcomed by the band and the members of the public. The uniform enhanced the appearance of the band and as a result the band had increased requests from festivals and shows. 10 years later the band wanted a more usual pipe band attire and to reduce costs they adopted the Flower of Scotland Tartan they can now be seen parading in.

The Sea Scouts Pipe Band is a non-competitive band with members playing for the love of the instrument. It relies on charitable donations and sponsorship to keep them going. If you would like to experience our amazing pipe band this month, then attend the Celtic Beat event on Saturday 4th June at the Alameda Open Air Theatre.

The band will also be performing the March of the Pipers at Parliament Lobby as well as a march through Main Street ending in a performance in Casemates Square on the same date. Tickets for the evening show are available from Imperial News Agency, 291 Main Street for just £5. n The band is available for private events.

For further info, to hire the band or join the Sea Scouts visit www.gib.gi/ seascout.

The uniform of the Sea Scouts’ Pipe Band has changed several times during it almost century of existence

photo: Cpl Ralph Merry ABIPP RAF

UK regulation, the membership has been opened up to females although they still have to be members of the Sea Scouts first. The band is still awaiting its first female member to step forward, and one can imagine it would be an interesting addition to the band and certainly mix things up a little after over 90 years of being an all male preserve.

Piping and the pipes themselves have gone through many changes over those nine decades, including the introduction of the Gortex bag which needs a lot less maintenance.

“The old traditional bags needed playing regularly or the skin would dry up and need re-seasoning,” Tony remembers. “The new bags are practically maintenance free with no drying and the dampness filters out well.” Traditionally the pipes are made of African black wood imported from Tanzania, with drone reeds now made from plastic, leaving the chanter reed the only cane reed in a modern set.

In 1999 the band changed its uniform from the traditional Sea Scout uniform but retains the Scouts’ traditional white neckerchiefs, the originals of which were cut from bedsheets taken from HMS Cor-

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAGAZINE •• JUNE JUNE 2011 2011 GIBRALTAR

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GIbraltar’s abroad

by Reg Reynolds

River otter on the Broken Island Group

Gibraltar Island on Pacific Rim

The name Gibraltar pops up all over the world and I recently discovered a Gibraltar near my neck of the woods in Canada.

I have a niece who lives in the resort town of Tofino on the extreme west coast of Vancouver Island. Tofino is situated inside Pacific Rim National Park and is famous for its beautiful Long Beach and outdoor recreational pursuits such as surfing, wind surfing, scuba diving, kayaking, hiking and fishing. Tofino is also known for its five-star hotels including the world famous Wikaninnish Inn, where Rudyard Kipling once stayed. The original Wikanninish is now a museum but it also has a restaurant offering ocean views and spectacular sunsets. A luxurious new hotel of the same name has taken its place nearby.

My niece is an outdoor enthusiast (mainly surfing) and she runs a small bed and breakfast for those of her ilk who visit the region year round. It was she who told me of the existence of Gibraltar Island which is one the many islands in what is known as the Broken Group. Gibraltar is one of the largest of the more than 100 islands in the archipelago.

Gibraltar Island was given its name by Captain George Henry Richards, who from 1860 to 1863, aboard the four-gun paddle sloop HMS Hecate and accompanied by the eight-gun sloop HMS Plumper, charted the entire coastline of Vancouver Island *[see note]. Hecate had previously been stationed in the Mediterranean and Richards chose the name Gibraltar when members of his crew exclaimed that this particular island looked just like the original ‘Rock of Gibraltar’. Many of the other geographical features of the region are named for members of the crews of the two ships — Mayne Island named for Lieutenant Richard Mayne of Plumper is one notable example — and it is obvious

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where Hecate Strait got its name. This wide but shallow strait separates the Queen Charlotte Islands (now also known by the Native American name Haida Gwaii) from the British Columbia Mainland. Capt. Richards was also responsible for providing the place names for many of the famous places in British Columbia including, Mount Garibaldi, Coal Harbour, False Creek, Jervis Inlet and the Sunshine Coast.

One of the reasons Capt. Richards was given the mission to survey the region was to help resolve a boundary dispute with the United States relating to the international border which today separates the Canadian Gulf Islands from the US-owned San Juan Islands.

Capt. Richards, who was born in Cornwall

in 1819 and joined the Royal Navy in 1832, was rewarded for his efforts in 1864 by being appointed “Hydrographer to the Admiralty”.

A veteran of service in South America and Australia and the Opium Wars with China, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in June 1866, was knighted in 1877, received the Order of the Bath in 1881 and became an Admiral in 1884. Richards died in Bath, Somerset aged 76.

If any readers ever get the opportunity to visit Gibraltar Island I’m afraid you won’t find the warm waters of the Caribbean or South Pacific (a wet suit will be required for most aquatic pursuits) but you will find beautiful sights, abundant wildlife and plenty of things to do.

Here are some descriptions of the region from several tourist web sites: “This is a favourite area with ocean kayakers, canoers and scuba divers. Take note, this is a wilderness area and you must be experienced in kayaking and canoeing. The reefs, the old shipwrecks and the rich marine life make this an excellent place for scuba diving. The canoeing and kayaking season is from April to October, with July and August being very busy.”

“Kayakers usually begin their explorations at Gibraltar Island and make their way through the chain, stopping at campsites on Gilbert, Clarke, Turret, Willis, and Hand Islands. All these sites are easily reached within a day’s paddle (or less) of each other. Camping is also allowed on Gibraltar Island and Dodd Island.”

“Natural features of this tranquil group of islands include lagoons, sandbars, blowholes, arches and secluded anchorages. Ancient native middens, village fortifications, stone fishtraps and archaeological sites stimulate the imagination of visitors to this traditional territory of the Nuu-chah-nulth people.”

“Expect to see oyster beds and rocks covered in black mussels. Be ready to inspect hundreds of tidal pools. Anglers can fish for spring salmon, coho and cod. River otters, martens, mink and racoons live along the shoreline.

In the ocean waters watch for habour seals, whales, porpoises and six gill sharks. Sea lions like to sun themselves on rocks by Wonwer Island.” n *Note: Vancouver Island is 486 kilometres (280 miles) long has 3,440 kilometres (2,136 miles) of coastline, is the largest island on the West Coast of North America and is the 43rd largest island in the world.

The kayaking on Gibraltar Island is highly recommended

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

fashion

leisure & sport

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shopping & gifts

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

Retail& Activities pets & accessories

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GACHE & CO LTD EST. 1830

• Giftware • Jewellery • Sports Trophies • Awards & Engravers 266 Main St, Gibraltar Tel: 200 75757

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

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• Aromatherapy • Sugar Waxing • Facials • Manicures • Pedicures • Reflexology • Luxury Organic 2hr face & body treatment Open: Mon-Fri 9.30-9 Sat 10-3

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

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sports

Johnnie Walker Invitation Challenge El Paraiso golf course was the venue for the inaugural Johnnie Walker Invitation challenge. The photo shows the winner Andy Cunningham receiving his prize from Denis Lafferty, Managing Director of Saccone and Speed. In close second place was Chris Watkins, and in joint third place Steve Cary and Iqbal Dharamsi. n

Squash Association:

Presentations

Stella Artois B League winners - Wii Not Fit

Stella Artois A League winners - Safety Solutions

The Gibraltar Squash Association recently held a presentation night, to award the winners and runners up of various leagues held throughout the year. The winners of the Stella Artois A League were Safety Solutions, and the B league Wii not Fit. QQM took the Stella Artois Cup, and the Famous Grouse Doubles Challenge was taken by Pat Nerney and Stuart Lambie, AKA Coffin Dodgers.

In the Gibtelecom Closed Tournament, the Main competition was won by Steven Shacaluga, the A competition by Colin Davis, and the Veterans (over 40) by Martin Lawrence.

The B competition was won by Javier G, C competition by Danny Llamas, D competition

by Roger Celecia, Veterans place by Ken Saez, and Vintage (over 50) by Pat Nerney. The Vintage plate was won by Barry Brindle, the Juniors by Thomas Da Silva, and the Juniors plate

by Alex De La Paz. Mr Charles Isola from Anglo Hispano presented the trophies for the Stella Artois and Famous Grouse competition.

Well done to all involved! n

Veterans Place Winner Ken Saez, and Runner up Lester Chipol

Gibtelecom Closed Tournament Main winner Steven Shacaluga and Runner up Christian Navas

Glacis Utd Football U7s travelled to the 5th National Football Tournament in Castellon de la Plana, Valencia, with family and friends over Easter, to come up against some of the best in Spain within the same category. The results spoke for themselves as Glacis achieved a formidable 3rd place, and reached the semi-finals an achievement beyond anyone’s expectations. The team was composed of Jonathan Molina, Daniel Rodriguez, Kye Livingstone, Kyle Lopez, Kivan Ramos, Joey Flores, Kyron Mcgrail, Davan Martin, Richard Felipes, Dylan Borge, Antony Gaiviso and Sam Robles.

48

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

health & well being

Should I use hot or cold on my joint pain?

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

Patients often ask whether it is best to use hot or cold on their ailments, and the answer is that it depends on what the problem is...

Cold therapy, also known as cryotherapy, is best used for conditions where the pain is caused by inflammation which irritates the nerve endings. These include; acute injuries, such as an ankle sprain or muscle tear, chronic problems such as arthritis and tendinitis, and flare-ups of longstanding back, neck and joint pain. To assess whether an area is inflamed, the skin will usually feel warmer or hot over the affected area, it may be pink or red, tender to touch and puffy or swollen. The range of movement in the joint is likely to be limited.

Cold therapy can be applied in the form of reusable gel packs kept in the freezer (which can also be heated in the microwave for hot therapy), crushed ice bags or just as effective, frozen vegetables from your freezer! Peas or sweetcorn are perfect for the job as they can be easily moulded around the area. Always remember to wrap your ice pack or frozen veg in a

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

cloth or tea-towel to prevent ice burns. Ice should be applied every 2-3 hours if possible for around 10 minutes.

Heat therapy, by way of a bath, shower, hot water bottle or a microwaveable heat pack or wheat bag, is best used for relieving muscle tension, chronically tight muscles and muscle spasm. The

After the first 24 hours it can be beneficial to alternate between hot and cold, this is known as ‘contrast bathing’

aim is promote blood supply to help relax the muscles and bring more oxygen and nutrients to the area.

Heat therapy can also be used for acute injuries and flare-ups but not within the first 24 hours following the onset. Heat should be applied every few hours for 10 to 15 minutes for acute injuries and up to half an hour for benign muscular tension.

After the first 24 hours it can be beneficial to alternate between hot and cold, this is known as ‘contrast bathing’.

The cold therapy will continue to calm down inflammation, therefore reducing pain, and the hot therapy will help with any muscle spasm from the reaction to pain and improve blood supply. This should be carried out every few hours by applying heat for 4-5 minutes then cold for 2-3 minutes and the process should be repeated up to seven times always finishing with cold. n

49

60

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE •JANUARY 2011

61

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

health & medical directory 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

Dr Steven J. Crump BSc, DC, MCC ICC F5C 1st Flr, Casemates.

Tel: 200 44226 Gillian Schirmer MA, DC, MMCA McTimoney Chiropractor, Clinic (Claudia’s), 1st Flr, 58 Main St Tel: 200 41733 After hours: 200 40026

Treatment of Back Pain, Neck Pain, Headaches, Limb Pain & Sports Injuries Tel: 200 44226

ICC Suite F5C 1st Floor, Casemates, Gibraltar Member of British Chiropractic Association

Dr Carsten Rudolf Steiner BSc, DC Steiner Chiropractic Clinics, College Clinic, Regal Hse Tel: 200 77777

The Health Store

5 City Mill Lane, Gibraltar. Tel: 20073765

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

Suppliers of Glucosamine, Ginkgo Biloba and all vitamins.

Body Building Products (Creatine etc) Open: 9am - 1pm & 3pm - 6pm

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

For all your Pharmaceutical needs

Louis’ Pharmacy Open: 9 - 7 Monday - Friday, Saturday 10 -1.30pm, Closed Sundays Unit F12, International Commercial Centre, Casemates. Tel: 200 44797

HEARING CENTRE

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

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

OSTEOPATHS

JOHN W. MILES BSc (Podiatry), M.Ch.S

STATE REGISTERED CHIROPODIST Treatment of all Foot Problems • Ingrown Toe-nails including Surgical Removal • Biomechanical Analysis for Insoles / Orthotics including Children • Wart (Verruca) Clinic

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

PERSONAL TRAINERS

Simon Coldwell Complete Fitness Unit G3, Eliott Hotel Tel: 200 51113 Isabella Jimenez BSc (hons) 3/8 Turnbull’s Lane Tel: 54002226 email: jimenez.isabella@gmail.com

Physicians

• Diabetics

Tel: 200 77777

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

Need somebody to talk to?

Dr Norbert V Borge FRCP (London) 7-9 Cornwall’s Lane Tel/Fax: 200 75790 Specialist Medical Centre Unit F7 ICC Casemates Square Tel: 200 49999 Fax: 200 49999 Email: info@smg.gi

Psychologist

7 days a week 6-10pm

64 52 what a page turner! www.thegibraltarmagazine.com

Clinical Psychologist Tel: +34 661 007 261 Email: vivianabot3007@yahoo.es

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

health & wellbeing

l

?

What is a CT Scan

by Dr. Shehzada Javied Malik

Computerised Tomography (CT) is a test that uses X-ray equipment and computer software to create pictures of the inside of your body. CT scans are used to diagnose and monitor many health conditions including cancer. They can also be used to provide views of your body so another procedure or treatment can take place, for example, taking a biopsy (small sample of tissue).

The CT scanner is a ring-shaped machine.

Inside the ring is an X-ray tube that produces a fan-shaped beam of X-rays. The tube rotates around your body as you lay flat, creating individual pictures which represent cross-sections (slices) through your body.

The images from CT are black, white and grey, like plain X-rays, but the computer joins the slices together to give three-dimensional views. This means a CT scan allows doctors to see the height, width and depth of something inside the body.

The images are usually kept in a digital format and shown on a computer screen.

The amount of time you spend in the scanner and the preparations made beforehand vary depending on which part of your body is being scanned and which conditions your doctors are aiming to diagnose. Most machines now use a technology called ‘multislice’ scanning, and can carry out detailed scans in a matter of seconds.

CT scan side-effects, especially the threat of radiation exposure, though never reported to cause much concern among medical experts, has now become a point of consideration before people go for CT scan tests, mostly due to the unprecedented rise in the number of people going for CT scan tests every year.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

CT scans are known to be a low risk, noninvasive and painless procedure with a high efficiency rate. In fact, one of the most common CT scan side effects is an allergic reaction to the intravenous contrast material — a form of iodine based liquid given in the vein which helps in the clear observation of kidneys and blood vessels on the CT scan.

Some other side effects of CT scans include itching, skin rash and hives. These reactions last for some time and can be treated with antihistamines. Some patients have been reported to experience more serious symptoms of allergic reactions. In these reactions, the person may experience severe problems breathing or, in most of the cases, hives appear on the skin. People with kidney or liver problems, and diabetes, are more prone to reaction. Newer intravenous liquids

one of the commonest CT scan side effects is an allergic reaction to the intravenous contrast material

have been developed to counter this problem.

The amount of radiation a person receives from a CT scan is set so the body is exposed to a minimal amount. The side effects of CT scans are more common when the medical experts increase the levels of radiation for a clearer view of the body. Pregnant women are most vulnerable to side effects of radiation as the fetus can be adversely affected. Pregnant women must inform their medical expert before they go for tests and must request safer methods of imaging.

According to the National Cancer Institute, children are more sensitive to radiation and may be treated if they get larger doses of the radiation.

It is to be noted that CT scans have become popular because they are a quick, relatively cheap and painless way to get three dimensional pictures that can help us analyse various diseases. According to a survey nearly 62 million CT scans were done in the US last year as compared to the 3 million mark in 1980. Such wide use of the CT scan has led to rise of CT scan side effects.

According to researchers, people should try to avoid these tests unless it is urgent as successive CT scan tests with a few years interval are known to cause health problems. n

53

One of Alan Villa’s landscapes in wood

Alan Villa:

Finding Beauty within the Wood

by Jolene Gomez

When Alan Villa decided his field hockey days with the Eagles had come to an end, he soon realised he needed to find another hobby to occupy his time. After some encouragement from his wife Jackie, and some time thinking what he could do, he found a piece of wood and started working on it, carefully carving and sanding images into this piece of nature, eventually creating true artwork. “I have always been into DIY stuff around the house, and have now found something I really enjoy doing. I never buy any wood, but instead get pieces which are going to be thrown away, and give it a new life,” Alan explains.

No two of Alan’s relief carvings are the same — each is unique not only in the images he depicts, but also because no two pieces of wood are the same. “I try to keep the wood in its most natural form possible — if there are two pieces stuck together, I keep them that way. I make the most of the structure of the wood, any knots or crevices are kept to embellish the image created,” he explains.

“I don’t consider myself an artist. I just do this for myself and for the enjoyment of taking time and effort to complete an idea. However, I am critical of the final product, and I can spend a month and sometimes longer working at one carving. I’m always perfecting and touching up my work.”

Alan has been working at his carvings for 15 years now, but everything he creates he hands over as gifts to relatives and friends. His carvings are not purely decorative either, he also makes jewel boxes of different shapes and sizes.

The crafting of the carvings is actually therapeutic for Alan, and as it’s purely a hobby he can do it when he pleases without the pressure

54

to produce to deadlines. “I do not want to make a business out of this. I do enjoy giving items as gifts though because the recipients appreciate them, as they are handmade and unique, as opposed to mass produced and purchased. It gives me great satisfaction.”

Inspired by paintings, photographs, and nature around him, he gives a lot of thought to what he wants to do before actually starting.

His self-taught techniques for carving have been perfected along the way, with a vast range of subject matters depicted within the carvings.

“

I don’t consider myself an artist — I just do this for myself and for the enjoyment of taking time and effort to finally complete an idea

”

Alan Villa - bringing beauty to the wood

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

art scene

Collection of Alan Villa’s carvings

“I like to keep an open mind when I start thinking about future projects, and then I find the piece of wood to start on with my chisels, and some sandpaper.”

Chisels of various sizes enable him to give the image the detail it requires. Pine, he says, is the best wood for his type of work, and he uses varnish and wood dyes to enhance his pieces.

Although he is a blacksmith welder by trade, Alan is employed as a full-time senior prison officer, with a year left before he retires. He has always enjoyed the outdoors and the countryside, and this enjoyment is now enhanced by his search for pieces of discarded wood. He is constantly seeking the ones which are just right for his work. “I’ve always thought that wood remains alive, and the fact I use wood

“

Alan uses the grain, knots and blemishes in the wood to enhance his works

I’ve always thought that wood remains alive, and the fact that I use wood which is going to the thrown away, and give it a new purpose, is fulfilling to me

”

which is going to the thrown away, and give it a new purpose, is fulfilling to me,” he explains.

“My largest work to date is a landscape, which took me longer to do than the others, due to its proportions, which were difficult to master in order to create depth.”

Alan’s wife studied art, and he describes her as his critic, “Not only on a personal level, but also a professional one. She is very honest, and I appreciate her honesty as it helps me improve.

I would like to thank my wife for her encouragement, and for pushing me to what has become my hobby, and to my children, Giovanni and Axel, who always praise my work.

“I’m very pleased with my work, and the thought and process behind it, especially when you see the recipient of the gift smiling and valuing what has been given to them,” Alan smiles proudly.

His future aims for the development of his craft include working on creating the human form, and he has many ideas for projects, which will eventually come to life through his wood carvings. n

The Art of Relief Carving Wood relief carving (carving pictures in wood) has been an art since ancient times and is currently seeing a surge in popularity because of its versatility as a medium of artistic expression.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

Relief carving is a sculptural form in which figures are carved in a flat panel of wood. Depending on the degree of projection, reliefs are classified as high or medium relief.

The general process for relief carving involves removing wood so that the carved picture appears to rise out of the wood itself.

Relief carving begins with a, sometimes complex, design idea, usually put onto paper in the form of a master pattern which is then transferred to the wood surface.

Most relief carving is done with hand tools — chisels and gouges — which sometimes require a mallet to drive them through the wood.

Carving tools come in a variety of shapes and sizes, some aimed at the hobbyist, others directed at professional carvers, but most importantly they must be kept sharp. Most relief carving requires the wood be secured so both hands may be on the carving tool.

There are lots of ‘how to’ instructions for relief carving available online if you fancy having a go. n

55

James Joyce & Gibraltar

Molly in Bed

by Charles M Durante

The statue of Molly Bloom in Gibraltar’s Alameda Botanic Gardens

16th June is celebrated every year in Dublin as Bloomsday — the day, back in 1904, when all the action in James Joyce’s novel Ulysses takes place. Though Joyce never visited Gibraltar, he decided to provide the female protagonist of Ulysses, Molly Bloom, with a Gibraltarian background.

Interestingly, Joyce set all his fiction in Dublin, even though he spent most of his adult life in voluntary exile abroad. However, the last episode of Ulysses, usually given the Homeric title, Penelope, is both a stylistic and thematic break from the earlier chapters of the novel.

The two principal male characters, Molly’s husband, Leopold Bloom, and the young disaffected intellectual, Stephen Dedalus, dominate the novel until then. Penelope is a night-time chapter. The long day is over. Leopold Bloom, a latter-day Ulysses, snuggles up in the marital bed after traipsing all day around the streets of Dublin. Molly is now free to indulge her penchant for reminiscence and reverie. It is during her interior monologue, when only the eavesdropping reader is listening, that Gibraltar, her birthplace and the city where she reached sexual maturity, plays such a crucial role.

Critics have attacked Joyce’s presentation of Gibraltar and, especially, his portrayal of Molly as being historically inaccurate and socially inept. But this is an example of critical myopia — Joyce was not a historian or social scientist.

His main concern was fictional narrative and, on the whole, his picture of Gibraltar and of Molly’s character (and they go together because we see Gibraltar exclusively through Molly’s

56

eyes) is credible.

Though Joyce followed a mainly realist tradition in fiction, he felt free to depart from any restrictions that tradition might impose when his narrative drive required it. Moreover, whereas he adhered strictly to an uncompromising realism and objectivity in his depiction of Dublin life, he probably thought a place like Gibraltar — exotic, far away and a melting pot for many cultures and races — could be rendered with a freer hand.

Molly’s Gibraltar is an outpost of the British Empire in its heyday. She is the daughter of the union (the legal status of this union is

The Gibraltarian reminiscences jostle with recollections of the role played by Spain and Spanish things in Molly’s life

never specified) between Major Brian Cooper Tweedy, an Irish military man and a Jewish woman with a Spanish background, Lunita Laredo (a Luna Laredo is buried in the Jewish Cemetery at North Front and I have stood beside her grave). Joyce wanted to give Molly a mixed racial ancestry similar to that of her husband, Leopold, a Jew converted to Catholicism with Hungarian antecedents. The iconic Irish novel of the early 20th century flouts any misconceived racial purity.

As we read Molly’s long, meandering monologue, a variegated, colourful picture of Gibraltar emerges. Her predilection for soldiers is satisfied when she witnesses military parades, both British and Spanish. The Gibraltar of this time, the second half of the 19th century, is very much a garrison town, locals are barely mentioned, and the day is punctuated by references to reveille, the locking and unlocking of the city gates, military exercises, and flirting in the Alameda Gardens arm in arm with a handsome lieutenant. The fusion which would create the Gibraltarian was then in the making.

Molly mentions Jews, Greeks, Genoese and Arabs who still retain their ethnic characteristics.

Jews are described as ‘old long-bearded Jews in their jellibies (djellabas) and levite assembly’ a

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

Gibraltar in fiction picture derived from popular lore. The contrast is with Leopold who has become assimilated to Dublin life, though he is often reminded of his ‘outsider’ status by fellow Dubliners.

The Gibraltarian reminiscences jostle with recollections of the role played by Spain and Spanish things in Molly’s life. Molly cannot understand why the family servant, Mrs Rubio, a Spaniard, resents the presence of the Royal Navy in Gibraltar. Mrs Rubio, ‘wrinkled, vain and with a switch of false hair’, symbolises the historical Spanish stance as regards Gibraltar — uncomprehending and unenlightened. She is also an emblem of the old religion, a Catholicism rooted in the popular superstition of frequent masses and devotion to a black virgin.

A humorous tone enters the monologue with Molly’s mock version of the British seizure of Gibraltar ‘4 drunken sailors took all the rock from them [the Spaniards].” Joyce deliberately reduces the takeover of Gibraltar by a combined Dutch/English force of 1,800 men led by Rooke on 24th July, 1704, to a drunken brawl! Molly also recalls attending a bullfight in La Linea, hearing someone playing the castanets, and she sprinkles her English with the odd Spanish word or phrase: meadero, como esta usted, embarazada.

However inconsequential and illogical Molly’s outpouring may seem, Joyce provided markers to anchor her monologue in some kind of historical reality. The following verifiable events are mentioned: Ulysses S Grant’s visit to Gibraltar in 1878; the birth of the future Alfonso XIII in May, 1886; the siege of Rorke Drift in January 1879 and the engagement around Plevna in the Russo-Turkish War (1877-78).

The Rock’s topography features prominently in Molly’s recollections. She mentions St Michael’s Cave with its ‘icicles’, her way of referring to the stalactites, the Galleries, Ince’s Farm, O’Hara’s Battery, Spyglass, Catalan Bay and the Moorish Castle.

In the Cyclops episode (all the episodes originally carried titles emphasising the Homeric parallels), Molly herself is hailed as ‘Pride of Calpe’s rocky mount... the garden of Alameda knew her step.’

The association of Calypso and Calpe is

just one strand of the mythical web woven by Joyce. Though Molly is primarily seen as the modern, sexually liberated, adulterous version of Homer’s Penelope, she is also the beguiling nymph, Calypso, and she in turn connects Molly with the similarly named Calpe. Calpe was the Greek name for Gibraltar — the word meaning pitcher, bowl, navel. Viewed as the Phoenician adventurers first saw it, from the African coast, against the highlands of Algeciras, Gibraltar and the recess of the sea which it flanks, have the appearance of a cup set in the coastline. The

Ulysses First Edition

In the Cyclops episode, Molly herself is hailed as ‘Pride of Calpe’s rocky mount... the garden of Alameda knew her step’

Irish novelist and poet James Augustine Aloysius Joyce (2nd February 1882 – 13th January 1941) was considered one of the most influential writers in the early 20th century. Joyce is best known for Ulysses (1922) in which Molly Bloom, a Gibratarian, features

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

name Calpe refers primarily to the Bay but it includes the Rock also.

Molly’s understanding of language is mainly oral. She cares little for the rules of literate prose; instead, she expresses herself in genuine demotic speech where the sounds of words, their alliterative music, are more important than grammatical correctness. Thus the name Dedalus reminds her of Gibraltarian names, Delapaz, Delagracia; Fr Villaplana’s rosary leads to the names Rosales and O’Reilley. She also provides a guide to the narrow streets of the old town: Paradise Ramp, Crutchett’s Ramp, Calle de las Siete Revueltas and Bell Lane. She still recalls her dislike of the olives displayed in the local grocer’s shop, Abrines.

As her memories crowd out any awareness of her present position in bed with her husband, she recalls chickens clucking outside a local merchant shop, probably Moroccan, Larby Sharon, ‘vague fellows’ (where the word ‘vague’ shows the influence of the Spanish near-homophone ‘vago’, a layabout) and the Moorish Castle, seemingly still guarded by white- robed Moors (she may be recalling some postcard or illustration in a history book rather than the reality of what she has seen).

Her view of Gibraltar now acquires panoramic proportions: it takes in Ronda, with a delightful vignette of lattice windows and lovers kissing. The visual gives way to the aural with the sound of the castanet; the missed boat at Algeciras and again an English word echoes a Spanish word ‘the watchman going about serene’ (sereno – nightwatchman).

As the emotional pressure increases, memories blend and fuse: the ‘glorious sunsets’, again the Alameda Gardens, the labyrinthine streets she has named earlier, and the last mention of Gibraltar, where wistfully she was a ‘Flower of the mountain’, all this punctuated by the repeated ‘yes’, culminating, by way of ‘the rose in my hair like the Andalusian girls, in the ecstatic moment of love with the final affirmative ‘Yes’. n All quotations from Ulysses are taken from the Penguin edition with introduction and notes by Declan Kiberd.

Molly Bloom is thought to be based on Joyce’s wife Nora (pictured)

57

wildlife

Swift Justice

by Rose Davison

I love the screeching sounds of the swifts as they arrive back in Gibraltar from Africa to start their nesting season. It’s a noise which means the worst of the winter is over and nature is readying us for the warmer weather. The swifts’ high speed aerobatic flying displays as they dart and wheel around buildings is one of our true wildlife delights.

There is a building behind my house in the town centre which used to be a nest site for many pairs of of our sooty-brown swifts.

Standing in my courtyard you could watch the swifts flying up under the eaves to feed their young then dropping back out and swooping, screeching across the sky.

The building has recently been refurbished and now the swifts cannot get under the eaves. It is a consequence of us modernising and improving our buildings. I watched the swifts trying to fly into their old nest sites and falling backwards, only to try again, and again. Swifts are faithful to their mates and their nests.

The building has replaced the roof space site with a few swift

Cruise Ship Schedule

JUNE 2011

DOA

Vessel

ETA ETD

Pass

Capacity From

Wed 01

Ocean Princess

0800 1800

American

680

Thu 02

Melody

1400 1800

Italian

1098

Tue 07

Celebrity Eclipse

0900 1600

American

2850

Southampton

Toulon

Fri 10

Grandeur Of Seas 0700 1800

American

1950

Malaga

Palma

Tue 14

Independence of Seas 0900 1600

Internatl.

3600

Southampton

Toulon

Wed 15

Silver Spirit

0800 1600

American

540

Malaga

Cadiz

Thu 16

Queen Victoria

0900 1430

Internatl.

2000

Tue 21

Silver Spirit

0800 1600

American

540

Cadiz

Malaga

Wed 22

Azamara Journey

1200 1900

American

700

Motril

Cadiz

Thu 23

Braemar

0730 1500

British

977

Dover

Cartagena

Fri 24

Grandeur Of Seas 0700 1800

American

1950

Malaga

Palma

Sat 25

Island Escape

British

1512

Tue 28

Independence of Seas 0900 1600

Internatl.

3600

Tue 28

Queen Elizabeth

1230 1800

British

2092

Wed 29

Oceana

0800 1330

British

1950

0900 1800

Southampton

Total Number of Vessels calling this month = 17 Approximate Number of Passengers calling in this month = 29,189

58

To

Cannes

nest boxes, but it was clear many swift pairs had been displaced.

Perhaps you are thinking So what?

Well the swift is not only a superb flier, even sleeping on

Their diet includes mosquitoes, midges, flies, and flying ants, and a single swift will eat more than 1000 mosquito-sized insects each day the wing, it also feeds on insects which it catches in flight.

Its long, scythe-like wings, short, forked tail and keen eyesight make it one of the most

FLIGHT SCHEDULE

Day

Mon

Flight No. Airline

Arr.

From

Dep.

GIBRALTAR JUNE 2011 Flight No.

To

ZB068 ZB574 BA490 EZY8903 ZB062(a)

● Monarch 11.00 ● Monarch 11.15 ● British Airways 12.00 ● easyJet 14.00 ● Monarch 19.55

Luton 12.00 Manchester 12.00 Heathrow 12.45 Gatwick 14.35 Luton 20.40

ZB069 ZB575 BA491 EZY8904 ZB063(a)

Luton Manchester Heathrow Gatwick Luton

EZY7295 ZB068 BA490 EZY8903

● easyJet 11.10 ● Monarch 11.55 ● British Airways 12.00 ● easyJet 14.00

Liverpool 11.40 Luton 12.40 Heathrow 12.45 Gatwick 14.35

EZY7296 ZB069 BA491 EZY8904

Liverpool Luton Heathrow Gatwick

Wed

ZB574 ZB068 BA490 EZY8903 ZB062(b)

● Monarch 11.00 ● Monarch 11.00 ● British Airways 12.00 ● easyJet 14.00 ● Monarch 19.15

Manchester 11.45 Luton 12.00 Heathrow 12.45 Gatwick 14.35 Luton 20.00

ZB575 ZB069 BA491 EZY8904 ZB063(b)

Manchester Luton Heathrow Gatwick Luton

Thu

Fri

ZB574 ZB068 EZY7295 BA490 EZY8903

● Monarch 10.35 ● Monarch 11.00 ● easyJet 11.10 ● British Airways 12.00 ● easyJet 14.00

Manchester 11.20 Luton 12.00 Liverpool 11.40 Heathrow 12.45 Gatwick 14.35

ZB575 Manchester ZB069 Luton EZY7296 Liverpool BA491 Heathrow EZY8904 Gatwick

ZB574 ZB068 BA490 EZY8903 ZB062

● Monarch 11.00 ● Monarch 12.25 ● British Airways 12.00 ● easyJet 14.00 ● Monarch 18.55

Manchester 11.45 Luton 13.10 Heathrow 12.45 Gatwick 14.35 Luton 19.40

ZB575 Manchester ZB069 Luton BA491 Heathrow EZY8904 Gatwick ZB063 Luton

Sat

BA490 EZY8901 EZY7297 ZB068

● British Airways 12.00 ● easyJet 12.55 ● easyJet 17.30 ● Monarch 10.55

Heathrow 12.45 Gatwick 13.30 Liverpool 18.00 Luton 11.40

BA491 Heathrow EZY8902 Gatwick EZY7298 Liverpool ZB069 Luton

Sun

15.45 EZY8901(d) ● easyJet BA490 ● British Airways 12.00 ZB062 ● Monarch 18.10 EZY8901(c) ● easyJet 11.05 ZB574 ● Monarch 11.20 ZB068 ● Monarch 11.55

Gatwick 16.20 Heathrow 12.45 Luton 18.55 Gatwick 11.40 Manchester 12.20 Luton 12.40

EZY8902(d) Gatwick BA491 Heathrow ZB063 Luton EZY8902(c) Gatwick ZB575 Manchester ZB069 Luton

Tue

(a) Operates on 06 and 27 June only (b) Operates on 01 June only (c) Operates until 19 June (d) Operates on 26 June only

Brian T Richards, Air Travel Consultant info@briantrichards.com www.briantrichards.com GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

wildlife aerodynamic and skilled birds in flight, and a proficient predator of small flying insects. Their diet includes mosquitoes, midges, flies, and flying ants, and a single swift will eat more than a thousand mosquito-sized insects each and every day. Think how many many mosquito bites that represents!

So, as I lay in my bed having just-another-five-minutes the other day, and listened to the swifts swooping and screeching, I wondered how many more bites I would receive this summer as a result of the nice new roof on my neighbour’s house.

For this nesting season, I am a

little too late, but I will be putting up a swift nest box so when the swifts return next year they will have a comfy place from which to hunt flies and mosquitoes.

But my motives are not entirely altruistic, as I hope it will mean I will be able to sleep peacefully awaiting their early morning screeches, instead of hearing the dreaded but familiar night-time Bbbbzzz which will have me standing on my bed with a rolled up newspaper in hand waiting for the little shadow on the wall. n

Helping Swifts to Help Us 1. Leave existing nest places undisturbed.

2. If re-roofing, make new nest access holes to match the old ones exactly.

3. New build? Include internal nest spaces in the plan.

A swift nest box

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

4. If you cannot do “1-3 “ above, fit external nest boxes (see picture). You don’t have to buy these; they can be made easily with instruction freely available on the internet.

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Gibraltar in books

Tony Hernandez Marathon Man with a Fine Palate

by Kirsten Openshaw

A Gibraltarian marathon runner who has many achievements under his belt, as well as a love for all fine things in life, plus a true dedication to running and achieving his goals before his 40th, Tony Hernandez is one of the founders of Gibraltar Wine Appreciation Club, which started as a get-together for friends who all enjoy wine and has blossomed into a large social gathering monthly.

Tony’s idea of challenging himself is running two marathons in one year. “It’s a challenge I have set myself to reach before I’m 40,” he says. That said he already has a string of achievements behind him, including running the Paris Marathon in 2004, New York City Marathon in 2006 and, this year, the Madrid Marathon. “Madrid was a hard run, it was 32ºC and very hilly.” From the event Tony raised £1100 for the Lady Williams’ Centre Thumbs Up campaign in memory of his late friend Coral Gomez Padilla.

His aim for the up coming Loch Ness Marathon in October this year — just before his 40th birthday allowing him to achieve his goal — is to finish it in under four hours.

Tony’s interest in running began at school where he joined the Athletics Running Squad and

“

competed in inter-school relays.

Running is a form of therapy for Tony when he is stressed or angry. “My wife looks at me and knows when I’m going running,” Tony said with a smirk. He isn’t part of any running organisation here in Gibraltar so he trains alone and gets helpful information from other athletes and fitness trainers within the community. He trains regularly with a circuit of short runs on the Rock five days a week including some occasional hill training.

“I love running in the morning whatever the weather. The people are much friendlier in the morning too,” jokes Tony.

Although you and I may find it hard to be motivated so early in the day, Tony is up and out training by 6am followed by the daily school run with his kids and a full day’s work.

One glass a day won’t do anyone any harm right?

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”

New York City Marathon 2006

Tony has seen and experienced many things on his run. “It’s very easy to be motivated when you see people who are unlikely to be in a marathon — older runners and people who are overweight.

If they can do it anyone can.”

To keep the pace up he uses a heart rate monitor to keep a constant rhythm. This helps in his longer training circuits, 30km runs in Spain from Puerta de la Duquesa to San Martin de Tesorillo on Saturdays. “When I stop

halfway to fill up my ‘camelback’ with water there is a shop with the most amazing cakes and I just have to stop myself,” adds Tony. With this in mind you can imagine that his diet is quite critical to his fitness. “I eat healthily generally but three months before the marathon I up my carbs, my pre-marathon breakfast is peanut butter bagel and I sip energy drinks. I heard sweet potato is a good pre-marathon meal, so I will give that a go soon.”

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

“

personality profile art profile

I love running in the morning whatever the weather, the people are much friendlier in the morning too This all said, the last person you would imagine to be the founder of Gibraltar’s Wine Appreciation Club (WAC) would be a healthy marathon runner such as Tony.

“It started with a few friends who enjoy wine meeting once a month, now it has grown to around 40 members in a matter of months.” The popularity of the club has even surprised Tony, not to his disappointment though.

Meeting regularly once a month at a restaurant in Gibraltar, the food is provided by the restaurant and Tony personally selects the wines to compliment the food. Due to the June and July holidays the club is only meeting once in the two months but will make it one to remember with a few different wines thoughout the night to enhance the different flavours of each course.

Tony’s palate is quite famous in Gibraltar; “I often get emails asking what wines to serve with tricky meals. I have yet to be wrong!” A claim to fame which Tony takes much pride in.

The club is a very social event as well as allowing its members to learn more about the wines.

Wine games are played to get a giggle going amongst the members but they are, of course, also very educational. “Blind tasting is always a favourite.”

His knowledge of wine comes from a love of the way the wines are made and how different processes can affect the taste. When working for local wine merchants, Anglo Hispano, he had the opportunity to expand his knowledge as he successfully attained the WSET (Wine and Spirit Education Trust) Higher Certificate.

”

Tony’s favourite wine is a full bodied red Argentinean Malbec.

But how does he balance the love of marathon running with being a wine critic? Surely one conflicts with the other? “Red wine thins the blood, especially Carmenere and Pinot Noir grape varieties.

It is proven that a glass of red is good for you in moderation and helps training,” he insists. Looking at Tony with a raised eyebrow and smiling he responds with a cheeky smile; “One glass a day won’t do anyone any harm right?”

Tony’s love of wine has lead to his dream of one day opening his own wine store in Gibraltar.

“Something with a very personal touch and detail to what the clients want. Where I can combine my passion for wine and customer service in one.”

No one can doubt Tony’s reputation for great knowledge in wines, he has even sold wines to royalty. n If you would like information on the Wine Appreciation Club or advice on wine please contact Tony at chateautony@gmail.com.

Tony finishing the New York City Marathon 2006

Wine Appreciation Club meets monthly at local venues

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

61

art scene In fact, Chris-Anne Alcantara likes to ‘get dirty’ with her work, to feel the paint stain her skin, and to paste with her bare hands materials like tissue paper, cardboard and gesso for her three-dimensional effects. She hardly ever wears gloves, because she likes the energy flowing from her pores to fuse with and infuse the media on the support (either canvas or more often wood boards).

Her work is tactile for the consumer as much as for the producer: her artwork’s boldly layered textures actually tempt onlookers to touch it, stroke it with their fingertips to feel the highs and lows of its genesis.

This is particularly true for the paintings Chris-Anne produced in collaboration with Karl Ullger, another young promise of Gibraltar’s artistic scene. Albeit their styles and pictorial interests are poles apart when working on their own, they manage to merge their creativity beautifully and work as one, crafting pictures where the interlocking of different hands is seamless.

One fine example is the large tableau Sacred Heart, entered in last year’s ‘International’, a foreshortening impression of the church’s nave, with bas-relief quality in the ogival vaulting ribs, in a flurry of brushstrokes in sharply contrasting colours, to instil awe before the divine.

Prior to her debut solo exhibition at Casemates’ Fine Arts Gallery this month, ChrisAnne had a joint one with Karl at Palmones’ Kettal Beer Factory last autumn, where they displayed their more traditional work. However, the main characteristics of her style transpired even from the subject matters she usually brushes aside, like horses and cracked buildings, to concentrate on her true love.

Not shying away from clay portraiture, Chris-Anne is first and foremost a painter, and capturing on flat surface the soul behind a face is her strong suit, if not her mission in art.

Yet, not any portrait of pretty faces and peachy cheeks, the equivalent of airbrushed magazine photos: she loves portraying old people and indulging, sometimes mercilessly, in their every wrinkle and furrow, which tell the story of the struggles they have overcome.

So a deformed face whose eyes twinkle with pride, acceptance, serenity or despair, becomes the road-map to a series of emotions we can read, and empathise with, in the chiaroscuro, the colour layering, and the bold sinuous lines that trace the orography of life on skin, eroded

Chris-Anne Alcantara:

life is in the wrinkles

by Elena Scialtiel

She scooped the outright first prize in the 2004 Spring Art Exhibition when she was just 21, and has landed numerous accolades since: thus Chris-Anne Alcantara is leaving solid fingerprints on Gibraltarian history of art. Literally.

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

arts scene like rocks by rivers.

The more wrinkles, the better the challenge for Chris-Anne, who always respects the old person’s dignity and never slips into grotesque or caricature, but always makes us ‘read between the lines’.

She works with acrylics and pastels, sometimes simply with black pen, a wash of light colour and few highlights. Whether monochrome or colourful, her portraits enjoy striking chiaroscuro effects, with an often aggressive spotlight on one feature to make it jump out from the background shadows, a technique she cherished from baroque artist Diego Velázquez.

This is most successfully achieved in the emotionally charged larger-than-life (size) portrayal of her grandparents, which exploit and explore the boundaries of mixed media with a collage of old photos whirling up the circular frame where their intense faces seem to jut, almost bulge, from, bathed in a

She loves portraying old people and indulging, sometimes mercilessly, in their every wrinkle and furrow, which tell the story of the struggles they have overcome lunar halo, as if they’re bending over to kiss her goodnight like they used to do when she was a child.

These large opuses were crafted with the gridding system, because working freehand on the ‘bigger picture’ isn’t easy, while the grids allow reproducing every detail accurately. They are left on full sight on the finished work, because no work of ChrisAnne’s is ever truly finished, and she likes to stress the work-in-progress quality of it by obvious pencil marks, plenty of dripping and sketchy details in the underworked background, which add focus to the people in the fore, and sometimes to the emphatic draping of their outfits. Like in the Berber series, where realistically expressionist figures stand out of the outlined architecture and the social malaise is suggested by the off-centre composition.

Chris-Anne’s portraits expose her soul as much as the subject matter’s. If the aged and the destitute have attracted her attention during her trips and inspired her to develop a ‘fleeting moment’ photograph into a masterpiece, in her poetic there’s also room for the humorous. See for instance the highly commended The Chronicle Lady, a collage of newspaper snippets transfigured in a masterful portrait, or the abstract interpretation of local maestro Paul Cosquieri cheekily ‘sculpted’ in the North Face of the Rock he loves to depict, using only shades of blue. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

Heritage Trust Painting Competition Winners

The highly successful Gibraltar Heritage Trust’s 22nd Annual Painting Competition this year had the theme Princess Caroline’s and Princess Anne’s Batteries. The standard among the entries was again very high but the judges deliberated and the results in reverse order were: Children’s Section: Highly Commended - Maia Norton, Brielle Lexis Gafan, Christian

Mercieca and Letizia Greco. 3rd Prize Purab Chawla, 2nd Prize Pratik Chawla and 1st Prize Zyra Barcio Junior Section: 3rd Prize Lillian Fa, 2nd Prize Adrian Castellon, 1st Prize Ivan Duarte.

Senior Section: Highly Commended - Michelle Whaanga, Catriona Macniven. 3rd Prize Vin Mifsud, 2nd Prize Lorraine Buhagiar, 1st Prize David Gladstone. n

Rhythmic Gymnasts Do Us Proud Again

The Gibraltar Rhythmic Gymnastics Association held its annual competition on Saturday 21st May, at the Tercentenary Sports Hall. Gymnasts from Spain and UK travelled to Gibraltar for the competition, and competed in the B&A Promesas category, as well as the Copa and higher Level A sections. Our local gymnasts did us proud once again, with plenty of places on the podium, and medals presented by Minister for Sport, the Hon Edwin Reyes.

Well done girls! n

63

art file

This page: Images from the GPS’s colour print competition “Pictures of people taking pictures”, judge Alan Crowe the new MOD photographer.

Clockwise from above: Just In Time Javier Millan 32pts · Reflection Roy McGrail 31pts · War Memorial Rafa Millan 34pts · Shooting Flowers Maurice Hook 32pts · Cameras of Benojan Brian Gordon 31pts · Summer Holidays Karon Yusifredo 32pts · On The Edge David Bartolo 34pts · Beyond Infinity David Bartolo 33pts · Onscreen Stephen Hermida 32pts

Gibraltar Photographic Society

Colour Competitions

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Opposite: Images from the GPS’s colour print competition “Local Wildlife”, judge Ralph Merry, official photographer for the MOD. Clockwise from top: Low Flying Javier Millan 32pts · Iberian Wall Lizard Leslie Linares 32pts · Peacock Soma Pujari 34pts · Airborne Stephen Hermida 32pts · Balance of Nature Maurice Hook 36pts · On the Spot Brian Gordon 35pts · Praying Mantis Roy McGrail 34pts · Baby Monkey Elizabeth Trico 32pts · Grasshopper Rose Zapata 32pts · Please Do Not Feed Me Karon Yusifredo 35pts · Butterfly Luis Pitto 35pts · Llanito Peregrine Tyson Holmes 34pts

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

art file

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

65

a taste for green tangerines

by Sonia Golt

When an author decides on the title of a book those few words can condense many emotions, feelings, and experiences into one short phrase. How anyone can prefer green tangerines to orange ones is difficult to understand, until you read the latest novel, by American author Barbara Brisco, A Taste for Green Tangerines. This best-selling fictional novel is set in the rainforests of South East Asia and its author will be in Gibraltar during June Married to a “nomadic economist,” Barbara’s adult life has been spent in Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, India, Bangladesh, Tunisia, Sri Lanka, Laos and Bhutan as well as in the UK and it has been many years since she lived in New York. “As long as my parents were alive, I tried to go back for a visit once a year but sadly I no longer have that incentive. I love London and it is a very easy place for an ex-New Yorker to regard as home.”

Barbara’s various trips across South East Asia steeped her in the local culture and her novel is therefore set a highly credible and entertaining environment. Launched in 2009 in London in the Foyle’s book shop, it immediately became a best seller. A year or two now since it was published it is still selling like hot cakes at a bakery. It is actually one of three novels, each set in Asia, and

66

she has had many of her short stories published in a book called Bangkok and Beyond.

Barbara had the “great good luck” to be brought up in New York. “A place where children can let their imaginations run wild in the Metropolitan Museum of Art; lose themselves in the magic of the Broadway theatre or dream of distant lands as, from the vantage point of the West Side Drive, they watch the ocean liners lighting up and getting ready to steam across the Atlantic.”

A look back at her childhood yields no heartrending stories of deprivation or abuse. Instead, she grew up with a yummy mummy, a journalist father and, although she says people who knew her would have described her as an ‘only child’, she had two brothers.

The first brother died of pneumonia three

years before Barbara was born but “grew up with me in my imagination, talked to me, played with me and once, in my mother’s imagination at least, brought me back from a serious illness.”

Her other ‘brother’, she explains, was “the most brilliant, most wonderful dog who ever lived and our relationship transcended any species divide.”

As a teenager she went to boarding school in Connecticut and then Switzerland followed

by Harvard University where she did a degree in anthropology specialising in the cultures of the Pacific islands, a choice that served her well when it came to writing A Taste for Green Tangerines. Later she completed a PhD in economics at Cornell University.

Of writing Barbara says there was no ‘eureka’ moment. “Taking off by myself and doing a bit of

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

art in focus scribbling was something I have always enjoyed but my early attempts at writing a novel invariably ran aground on the character of the chief protagonist — always a thinly disguised version of myself. It was only when I created fictional characters — very different from myself and had experiences I had never had — that I was able to carry on past the first chapter. However my stories are set in places I do actually know and I have tried to describe them as accurately as possible.”

At the age of 70 with three novels that needed to be published she did not take ‘no’ from publishers for an answer and A Taste for Green Tangerines was launched exclusively to Foyles in 20090. Her launch was attended by the press including the BBC, the Sunday Times and the Independent.

From the very first chapter, Barbara’s book captivates, the story gives an insight into the life of the Indonesian people and some of their tribes, it talks of the beauty of the rainforest and the effort being made to ensure it is not destroyed. Bethany Parker’s arrival in Borneo explores the limits of friendship and the consequences of love amidst a small band of Europeans, Americans, and Australians working on an eco-tourism project there. As they battle loggers and gold miners, experiment with local medicines, and selectively adopt the ways of a traditional culture, passions are inflamed, long-held values are shattered, and perspectives are altered by the savagery and beauty of their jungle surroundings. When out-of-control fires, a toxic ‘haze’ and the blood-drenched practices of head hunters finally drive them from their leafy ‘Eden’, no one, least of all Bethany, herself, emerges from the steamy isolation unchanged.

“The idea for the book came about very simply. Saving the rainforest from excessive practices of the loggers and the gold miners is a prime topic amongst the people I know in Indonesia so it seemed like a logical thing to write about.

Other elements in the book, traditional medicines, the Dayak-Madurese conflict and the haze that resulted from the massive forest fires also loomed large in my conversations with friends so it was only natural that they found their way into the book. The story is based on personal knowledge but not on personal experiences.

The title refers to traditional green tangerines of Indonesia, which are very fibrous and rather bitter, so liking them is a sign of being very much in tune with the local environment.”

It took her a decade to write her three novels.

Initially she found herself faced with the usual rejections from publishers, but this didn’t stop her, she had arrived at a crossroads and was determined her books were to be published.

She says getting published is a nightmare and, unless you have the skin of a crocodile, don’t even think about trying — a reaction based on years of mailing manuscripts to publishers and, for one reason or another, getting rejection letters ­— sometimes nice ones seeming genuinely sorry her book wasn’t quite their thing; more often standard letters or even postcards that began, ‘Dear author,’ and made no attempt to cushion the blow.

That is when the idea originated of setting up, with her hubby and daughter, a publishing company. People tried to dissuade them from progressing this idea saying they would not succeed, but Barbara decided to prove them wrong, and she did. London’s venerable

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

bookseller Foyles came to their support and it took off like they never expected, successfully and prominently.

“My husband and daughter have been the real heroes of Green Tangerines and if it hadn’t been for their efforts the book would probably never have seen the light of day.

“Without my husband, who was working on a World Bank project that took him to the Indonesian part of Borneo just at the time I was beginning to think about the rainforest as a setting for a novel, the book would never have been written. I went with him and because he had an official reason for being invited into the Dayak villages and longhouses, it gave me a chance to become acquainted with the local people and catch a glimpse of their daily lives in a way that would have been available to few people.

“Without my daughter, the CEO of a branding and marketing company called Seven Brands that operates primarily in emerging markets, the book might have been printed but the chances of its circulation reaching beyond a small group of friends would have been close to zero. Happily my daughter (with the help of the fantastic people in the purchasing and marketing departments at Foyles bookstore in London) knew how to thwart this dire scenario and bring the book to a wider audience.”

In fact, their efforts were so successful that the book came top of the best seller list at Foyles for an entire month after launch, and is now available in bookstores throughout the UK and on-line in some 20 countries from New Zealand to India to Estonia to Norway to the US.

Her childhood yields no heartrending stories of deprivation or abuse. Instead, she grew up with a yummy mummy, a journalist father and, although she says people who knew her would have described her as an ‘only child’, she had two brothers

The good news is that times have actually changed a bit and her suggestion is, after giving the established publishers a try, would-be authors thumb their noses at them and either start their own publishing company or make use of the internet to publish themselves. “There are websites, such as the Author’s Lounge, that will take you through the process.”

How does ‘best selling author’ status affect her current writing? “It isn’t either easier or more difficult,” she states. “Each book starts with a blank page or empty computer screen and takes off, or doesn’t take off, from there. In the latter case it is deleted and has no further claim to existence. If it does take off, it very quickly assumes a life of its own. The characters begin to think, to feel, to talk and to act on their own.

I merely watch what they do; listen to what they have to say; and imagine what they are thinking and feeling. Any characters and events in any previous story are irrelevant.”

Barbara says authors create and live with their characters for a long period of time and then want people read what they have created, share the characters and the story line.

“I do not write for any particular age group so it is very possible for almost anyone to relate to my characters and my storyline.”

Away from writing Barbara has spent her time “Moving house and getting used to the ways of new countries... Nevertheless during the years that we lived in Bangkok and in Jakarta I did some work for the National Museums and in the latter did a bit of research on the peoples of the eastern islands, particularly the Dayaks of Borneo. At the time however, I had no thought of using my findings in a book. Now I’m glad to say my life has calmed down a bit and London is a great place to live. Our lovely daughter lives just a short walk away; I have some great friends; I still love the theatre as well as the restaurants, museums and bookstores that abound in London. I agree with Oscar Wilde that ‘if you’re tired of London, you’re tired of life.’ I even like the much maligned English weather.

After so many years under the tropical sun I thoroughly enjoy the chilly, rainy days.”

The next book, out soon, is Night of the Water Spirits, set primarily in Bangkok. It is the story of Panida, the daughter of an English father and a Thai mother who, on the beautiful, magical night when offerings are made to the water spirits, falls in love with her American cousin.

The clashing traditions and values of the two different cultures tear at Panida’s heart. Passions are ignited, love is betrayed and age old taboos are violated in her search for who she is and where she belongs.

When asked about books she has published she says: “If you are thinking of books that are currently available in the bookstores; then only one. If I’m allowed to count one scheduled to be launched in July and can be pre-ordered from major UK bookstores; then two. If I can throw in the one I’m working on now; then three. If you are feeling madly generous and let me include one that lurks in skeletal form under the shoes on my closet floor; then four.”

However many it is, we are sure Barbara will be able to offer inspiration to Gibraltar’s writers when she arrives in June for her first visit, then returns to give a talk at the Rock Writer’s Club in the autumn, and maybe to judge the club’s second Short Story Competition just before Christmas. n

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puzzle page

SUDOKU Win a lunch for two at

The Cannon Bar

1

2

4

3

6

5

7

9

8

13 10 11

12 13

14

15

16

17

18 19

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

One entry per person.

Closing date: 20th June 2011 Last month’s winner: Odile Peralta, 2B Gardiner’s Road

20

21

22

Send completed crossword to: The Clipper, Irish Town One entry per person.

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

Last month’s winner: Emily Rose, 35 Merlot House, Vineyards

FIRST PRIZE: Lunch for 2 at The Clipper

Across: 7 Accompaniment to Sunday joint (5,8) 8 Property based board game (8) 9 Shakespeare’s River (4) 10 Liverpool’s most famous pop group (7) 12 Fish whose wings are the usual edible parts (5) 14 Malice (5) 16 Obtain (7) 19 Advance (4) 20 Young of an edible waterfowl (8) 22 English King at Agincourt (5,3,5) Down: 1 Unaccompanied; card game; surname of The Man From U.N.C.L.E. (4) 2 One who accompanies (6) 3 Against; on the other side (7) 4 Remains; corsets (5) 5 Set upon (6) 6 Newspaper employee (8) 11 Donated (8) 13 Team game of 11 a side, usually played in summer (7) 15 Period of office (6) 17 Breed of dog (6) 18 Works on a newspapers, but not as a 6! (5) 21 A unit of music; paper money (4)

LAST MONTH’S ANSWERS: Across: Jon Pertwee, Instance, Upon, Hare, Trapeze, William Tell, Warrant, Cole, Skin, Continents, Gummidge.

Down: Jonah, Natural, Edna, Theorems, Equip, Worzel, Whacko, Rango, Midnight, Emin, Emotion, Edges.

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

gibraltar connection

Terence Rattigan & His Flight To Gibraltar

by Reg Reynolds

Terence Rattigan was born 100 years ago, on 9th June 1911, and to commemorate his birth there has been a revival of his plays in London’s West End. One of them, Flare Path, has a Gibraltar connection.

Flare Path, currently playing to rave reviews at Theatre Royal, is directed by Sir Trevor Nunn and stars Sienna Miller and James Purefoy.

Critic Henry Hitchings of the Evening Standard writes: “All the action takes place over a single weekend in autumn 1941, in the lounge of a modest hotel in Lincolnshire. Miller plays Patricia Warren, an elegant actress torn between loyalty to her doting husband Teddy, a pilot, and the obvious allure of her former lover, film star Peter Kyle (Purefoy), who arrives at the hotel intent on winning her back.”

The title refers to the lines of flares laid down GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

by Pathfinder planes to lead bombers to their targets. Rattigan was an Air Gunner/Wireless Officer on bombers during World War II so he was writing with insight. Ironically it was while on a flight out of Gibraltar that a draft of the play came very near to being tossed overboard.

Rattigan qualified as WO/AG in May 1941

and was assigned to Coastal Command. Initially he flew Sunderland flying boats on submarine patrols out over the Atlantic.

He had started work on his new play when in November his squadron was posted to Sierra Leone in northwest Africa.

Biographer Geoffrey Wansell wrote in his book Terence Rattigan (Fourth Estate Limited 1995): “The sky over the English Channel grew greyer and greyer in the short November days of 1941, which meant the Sunderlands were often grounded by bad weather, but this also left Rattigan more time than usual to sit and write. The plot for this new play had been gestating in his mind for six months, and now, within a fortnight, he had the draft of the first act written. Suddenly the situation changed. 95 Squadron were instructed to fly to Freeport in Sierra Leone, via Gibraltar, for further coastal reconnaissance duties, leaving immediately.

The squadron took off in the third week of November.”

While flying over the Bay of Biscay the squadron came under attack from German fighters. No Sunderlands were shot down but several were damaged, Rattigan’s among them. Forced to stay longer than planned at Gibraltar, Rattigan used the time to enjoy the wartime Rock and continue work on the play.

The repaired Sunderland was only few hours into the 15-hour flight to Sierra Leone when it came under attack from a German Heinkel. Taking evasive action and apparently only slightly damaged, the Sunderland continued on its way.

But then, 900 miles from the nearest help, one of the four engines cut out.

Rattigan wrote: “To maintain height we threw overboard everything that was detachable — less the first act of my play which I rescued from my suitcase just as it went over the side, and then, as we were still losing height, we used a fire axe on the aircraft and threw everything over the side that could be hacked off.

“Unexpectedly a beautiful God-sent 30 miles per hour tailwind sprang up, and blew us into Bathurst, Gambia eight hours later with enough petrol for 10 minutes more flying. Without that wind we had had it, in the Air Force phrase.”

In a letter home to his parents Rattigan wrote with nonchalance of the attack, “…put four holes in our tailplane — rather near me incidentally”. But he later admitted to a friend that “I was sh*!ing myself like everyone else.”

Flare Path opened in July 1942. It was poorly received by the critics but embraced by the public. By the autumn of that year it was the most popular play in London.

In his book Wansell wrote: “Flare Path changed the course of Rattigan’s Life. Had it failed he might never have risked writing for the stage again.”

As it happened he would go on to be one of the great playwrights of the 20th century penning such classics as The Winslow Boy, The Deep Blue Sea and Separate Tables. Theatre goers will be forever grateful that the Heinkel pilot was a poor shot. n

Flare Path changed the course of Rattigan’s Life.

Had it failed he might never have risked writing for the stage again 69

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P2

BUDDIES pasta casa

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

R4

CRAFT CLASSES - PHONE FOR INFO

15 Cannon Lane Tel: 200 40627 for reservations

Gibraltar Taxi Association

D8

GUIDED ROCK TOURS 19 Waterport Wharf Main Office Tel: 20070052 Fax: 20076986 Radio service: 20070027

K8

K4

Sacha’s

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

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

Quality Kitchen Ware Gibraltar’s Best Stocked Cook Shop K5

46 Irish Town Tel: 200 75188 Fax: 200 72653

K5

The Takeway with a difference.

Homecooking . our speciality .

Open Monday

M5 to Saturday

Q5

C6 J4 70

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

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

03

SMITH’S

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

295 MAIN ST Tel: 200 74254

Accountants Durante Carboni Jardim..............X3 ESV Hassan & Co........................ I4 Business/Financial Services AI Couriers (DHL)......................K3 Barclays...................................... M4 Jyske Bank.................................. L4 Phoenix Solutions........................ J4 Sovereign Trust...........................N4 STM Fidecs.................................H7 Business Services Global Business Centre................S3 Waste Management......................a6 Business Supplies Beacon Press...............................N6 Image Graphics...........................N3 Stitch Design................................P3

Motoring & Car Sales A. M. Capurro & Sons Ltd ........ N6 Computers & Cableing Image Graphics........................... N3 Newton Systems.........................M5 PC Clinic..................................... U3 Food & Drink Amin’s The Office....................... K5 Buddies Pasta Casa..................... Q4 Cafe Rojo.................................... K5 Café Solo..................................... G3 Casa Pepe.....................................Z6 Final Whistle............................... N3 Get Joost...............................H4, S4 Get Stuffed.................................. A3 House of Sacarello.......................L5 Just-a-Nibble.................................I4 Just Desserts..................................I4

Lord Nelson................................. H2 Picadilly Gardens.......................... b4 Pickwicks Bar...............................R3 Saccone & Speed...........................J4 Smiths Fish and Chips................. V4 Solo Express................................ H4 Star Bar........................................ K5 The Three Roses.......................... Q2 Verdi Verdi................................... N3 Waterfront.................................... Y7 Hair & Beauty Salons Claudia’s Clinic............................ K4 Joya’s Gents Hairdressers............ N2 Renaissance Beauty.......................J4 Roots.............................................T4 Jewellery Sales/Repair Beau Jangles.................................M4 Jewellery Repairs..........................L4

Matthew’s Jewellery......................I3

Steiner Chiropractor.....................K7

Leisure Complete Fitness.......................... R3 Dolphin Safari.............................. A3

Pet Services / Supplies Gibraltar Veterinary Clinic..........H4

Legal Services Hassans.............................................

Isolas.............................................E4

Property Sales / Estate Agents Chesterton........................................

Seekers.........................................L3 Solomon Levy . ...........................U3

Medical / Health Bell Pharmacy.............................. N3 Claudia’s Clinic............................ K4 Dr. Crump, Steven, Chiropractor I4 Health Food Store........................ O4 Louis Pharmacy........................... H4 McTimoney chiropractor..............L4 John Miles - Chiropodist.............. K7 Specialist Medical Clinic...............I4 Sport-On - Sports Therapy........... K3

General Services Art Gallery...................................R4 Balban (electrician)......................H2 Balloqui . ..................................... P4 LP Borge......................................X3 Denville Designs.........................M3 Fashion House Interiors............... P2 Greenarc.......................................X5 Larbi upholstery...........................R3 Queensway Quay Laundrette.......X7

Z6 Seekers........................................L3 Space Interiors.............................I3 Shopping — General Gallery Mosaic...........................M5 Sakata.........................................M4 Shopping — Fashion/Clothing Marble Arc......................................

Recruitment Career Finders.................................

Corporate Resources....................J4 ERS..............................................I4 RecruitGibraltar......................... O6 Quad Consultancy...................... U3 Transport / Marine Services Gib Cargo................................... B8 Tarik Oil..................................... C8

M4

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

71

events

Amanda Galia

Amy Britto

Chantal Canepa

Miss Gibraltar 2011 will take place on 25th June, at the Alameda Open Air Theatre.

Gianna Robba

Jesica Baldachino

Rubaina Pincho

72

10 lovely contestants (pictured) have signed up this year and they will be competing not only for the title of Miss Gibraltar 2011, which comes with a cash prize, but also the chance to participate in Miss World 2011, which will be held in London on 8th November.

One of the highlights of the local entertainment calendar, Santos Productions, in conjunction with the Ministry of Culture, has been organising the event for a number of years now, always providing a spectacular evening of entertainment, and this year promised to be no exception.

With an array of local dance groups participating including Urban Dance, Gibraltar Academy of Dance, and Showdance Company, as well as Santos Productions Academy singers, Michelle Daniels, and two international guest artists from X-Factor, expect nothing less than an evening of top quality acts. And all set in the beautiful setting of the Alameda Open Air Theatre in the Gibraltar Botanic Gardens. n

Naomi Gonzalez

Michelle Gillingwater Pedersen

Natalie Crome

Kirsty Victory GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

events

All Together Now!

Photo © DM Parody (http://dotcom.gi/photos)

In May, a dinner was organised by the management at La Mamela restaurant, Catalan Bay, commemorating Miss Gibraltar through the years. Past Miss Gibraltar’s attended (pictured) and everyone enjoyed a great night out. n

Freedom for Kaiane Ex Miss Gibraltar and Miss World 2009/10, Kaiane Aldorino is to be granted the Honorary Freedom of the City of Gibraltar, and the Gibraltar Medallion of Honour for her extraordinary personal achievement in becoming Miss World and for the enormous pride and global recognition her achievement has represented for Gibraltar as a whole. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

Fashion Show Raises £4,300 The photo above was taken backstage at the recent

Bosom Buddies Spring Fashion Show, and the ladies have every reason to celebrate as the event raised an amazing £4,300 for cancer charities locally. Held at the Convent Ballroom in April, this annual show sees survivors of cancer take to the catwalk. This year the new Bosom Buddies Cancer Trust (Charity 215) will help cancer patients directly so they can enjoy treats during their illness — free facials and make-up sessions at Claudia’s Beauty Clinic, and manicures by Sylvia, providing a day of respite for the patient and a companion. These treats will be paid for by the Trust and are offered to patients undergoing treatment, radiotherapy or chemotherapy. The Trust will also contribute £500 to the Lady William’s Centre for the aromatherapy and massage department where many cancer patients are treated to a much needed massage. n

73

what’s on

What’s On June...

Wednesday 18th May to Friday 10th June GIBRALTAR SPRING FESTIVAL (see opposite page) Wednesday 1st & Thursday 2nd June Santos Productions presents: La Zarzuela-La Canción Del Olvido at John Mackintosh Hall Theatre. Tickets: £5 available from the Nature Shop, Casemate Square. For info Tel 58008448 Thursday 2nd June Gun Salute HM The Queen’s Coronation at the Tower (Berth 41) 12 noon. Tel: 20055083 Email: seedd851@gib.mod.uk Saturday 4th June Ceremonial Guard Mounting at the Convent 12 noon. For info Tel: 20055083 Email: seedd851@ gib.mod.uk The Willie Thompson Key Parade at John Mackintosh Square 12.30pm. Tel: 20055083 Email: seedd851@gib.mod.uk

Saturday 11th June The O’Callaghan Eliott Hotel in conjunction with Chris King Productions presents the ultimate tribute show featuring Dave Springfield as Rod Stewart dinner and show £32 per person 8pm.

Pre-bookings required Tel: 20070500. Overnight stay packages at the hotel also available Gibraltar Botanic Gardens Tour meets George Don Gates (at the south end of Grand Parade) 10.30am. No fee but donations welcome. For info Tel: 20072639 Email: alameda@wildlife.gib. gi Saturday 14th June Gibraltar Ornithological and Natural History Society monthly outing Sierra de las Nieves “Montane birds & flowers” 8am. Meet Spanish side of the frontier. For info Jill Yeoman Tel: 20074944 Email: yeoman@gonhs.org Thursday 16th June

Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th June Cancer Research Relay - 24 hour event in aid of Cancer Research UK at Victoria Stadium.

Starts 11am. Registration and info from Cosmetic Angels, 1st Floor ICC or email: relay@ gibtelecom.net

Tuesday 21st to Friday 24th June LOL Productions presents Surprise Surprise a musical comedy (in Llanito) at John Mackintosh Hall Theatre 8pm. Tickets: £12 from the Nature Shop, Casemates Square. For info Tel: Giselle 20051038, Jessica 56001388, Karen 20044284 Wednesday 22nd to Tuesday 19th July Life & Legacy art exhibition commemorating the life of Gustavo Bacarisa organised by the Ministry of Culture at Casemates Exhibition Galleries.

For further information contact the Ministry of Culture Tel: 20048063 Email: minculture@ gibtelecom.net Friday 24th to Monday 27th June Gibraltar – Morocco Yacht Rally. For information: dekpenn@hotmail.com or nitadona83@yahoo. com Saturday 25th June The Convent Garden Open Day. The day will include activities for children, information on the gardens, music by the Royal Gibraltar Regiment Band, plant stalls and refreshments. Time: 11am to 3pm. Tickets: free for Gibraltar residents, nonresidents £2 adults, £1 for children and senior citizens (numbers limited). Advance tickets available from the Convent reception during office hours from 1st June. All proceeds for charity.

Wednesday 8th June HM The Queen’s Birthday Parade (Rehearsal) at Casemates Square 8pm. For info Tel: 20055083 Email: seedd851@gib.mod.uk Thursday 9th June HM The Queen’s Birthday Parade at Casemates Square 6pm. For info Tel: 20055083 Email: seedd851@gib.mod.uk Friday 10th June Gun Salute HRH the Duke of Edinburgh’s Birthday at the Tower (Berth 41) noon. For info Tel: 20055083 Email: seedd851@gib.mod.uk

top station 7.30pm. Tickets: £8 available from Gibralflora at Waterport, Roca Graphics in Tuckey’s Lane, and MH Blands, Cloister Building.

All proceeds in aid of the GBC Open Day.

Bridal Fayre at Mons Calpe Suite, Cable Car

Santos Productions (in association with the Ministry for Culture) Miss Gibraltar 2011 Beauty Pageant at The Alameda Open Air Theatre 9.30pm. Tickets: £30 available from 8th June For information Tel 58008448 Email: info@ santos-productions.com. 10 contestants will take part in this year’s event (see page 72 for details).

Teams of 8 to 15 members register for a fee of £100 per team. This amount goes towards the total amount raised by the team. Once registered, teams then undertake their own fund raising activities as they wish, up to the date of the Relay.

This Relay is not a competition, neither at the event itself nor in the amount of funds raised, but we would welcome teams to set their own challenges and raise as much as possible.

The Relay will also be a celebration of cancer survivorship. Cancer survivors will be invited to lead the Relay as guests in the first lap of honour and can later take part in a candle ceremony. Sur24 hours. At least one member from each team vivors are living proof of the progress and success of research and the reason why we should must be on the track during the Relay.

Teams are encouraged from all sectors of the continue to support Cancer Research UK. community; friends, families, work colleagues, Forms to register as a Team or join the Relay as sports associations or any others who may wish to make up a team and take part. Businesses are a Survivor will be available at Cosmetic Angels on encouraged to enter this good team building ex- the 1st Floor ICC, or electronically via email: relay@ ercise, while raising funds for a worthy cause. gibtelecom.net

Teams and Cancer Survivors Wanted!

The hugely successful Relay event from 2008 is back again for 2011. Cancer Research Relay will once again be a 24 hour event, to be held at the Victoria Stadium from Saturday 4th to Sunday 5th June 2011 to raise funds for Cancer Research UK. The Relay consists of members of different teams walking around the running track over

74

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

what’s on

Spring Festival

Celtic Beat

Wednesday 25th May to Friday 3rd June Spring Art Exhibition, Casemates Square 10.30am6.30pm *Saturday 10.30am-1.30pm. Free entrance.

Monday 6th Gibraltar Photographic Society Exhibition official opening and prize giving John Mackintosh Hall 7pm.

The spectacular Celtic Beat show will take place at the Alameda Open Air Theatre on Saturday 4th June from 8pm featuring the Gibraltar Sea Scouts Pipe Band, the Banda de Gaites de Corvera D’Asturies and Urban Dance. Tickets priced at just £5.00 are available from Imperial Newsagency, 291 Main Street.

Thursday 26th to Friday 3rd June Something of the Marvellous. An Exhibition by Finlayson Nature Photography, Lower Exhibition Gallery, John Mackintosh Hall 9.30am to 11pm.

Free entrance.

Tuesday 7th to Friday 24th Gibraltar Photographic Society Exhibition 10am10pm, John Mackintosh Hall. Free entrance

Lunar Walk

Wednesday 8th Short Story Competition prize giving 4.30pm John Mackintosh Hall, lecture room. Winning stories will Wednesday 1st & Thursday 2nd ‘La Cancion del Olvido’ Zarzuela 8pm John Mackin- be printed in The Gibraltar Chronicle. tosh Hall Theatre. Tickets £5 from the Nature Shop in Casemates Square from 12 noon to 4pm. Sale of Summer Fiesta a dance performance organised

by Urban Dance 9.30pm Alameda Open Air Thetickets limited to 10 per person. atre. Tickets at £10 on sale at the Nature Shop in Casemates Square.

Friday 3rd ‘The Dragon and the Children’ a talk by Adjudicator for the Royal Photographic Society Mrs Margret Thursday 9th Salisbury organised by the Gibraltar Photographic Society, Wellington Front 7.30pm. Free Entrance

The Lunar Walk will be starting at midnight from Casemates Square on Friday 1st July, to raise awareness of breast cancer and prostate cancer (for the first time this year).

Registration is between 9pm and midnight, with £5 to register. Don’t forget to wear a bra or bikini-top, men included, or wear a pink t-shirt (breast cancer) or underpants over trousers and blue t-shirts (prostate cancer).

Tina Turner Tribute Night

Saturday 4th Book Crossing Day, Lobby of Parliament House 11am - 1pm Sea Scouts / Corvera Band performance at the Lobby of Parliament House 11am – 12 noon. Followed by march from Lobby of Parliament House to Casemates with the Re-enactment Society 12 noon, then a performance at Casemates Square 12.30pm.

Sea Scouts / Corvera Band will then perform at Alameda Open Air Theatre from 8pm. Tickets priced The Beethoven Project, classical concert organ£5 available from Imperial News Agency. ised by the Strings Studio, Ince’s Hall Theatre 8pm.

Tickets priced at £5 available from Beaujangles at Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th 123 Main Street or email: info@thestringstudio.

Cancer Research 24 Hour Relay organised by es. Free entrance for children under 12 years old Cancer Research Gibraltar, Victoria Stadium, 11am. accompanied by an adult.

Registration fee of £100 per team. Further information from relay@gibtelecom.net Festival Finale - Friday 10th ‘Calentita – Tastes from the Melting Pot’ a celebraSunday 5th - Monday 6th tion of Gibraltar’s multi-cultural community. 9pm Sequence Dance Workshops organised by the CCC - 1am Casemates Square.

Sequence Dance, Central Hall. For info contact: Curro and Anna Maria Morro Mobile: 56000222 or 10.30pm spectacular fireworks and laser display Email: morrof@gibtelecom.net at Casemates.

The Tina Turner Tribute Night - a live dinner show will be staged on Saturday 18th June, at the ever popular Savannah, Leisure Island, Ocean Village. Starting at 9:30pm, tickets are priced £30, including a special set menu, and a great live show. For reservations, please phone Tel: 20066666 or visit www.savannah.gi

Dog of the Month I am Lab size, about 2 years old crossbreed. VERY gentle and kind dog I am fine with other dogs and kids etc. I am very trusting of people.

I came into the clinic heavily pregnant which was why I was thrown out onto the street.

29927

“I need a good home!”

If you are interested in adopting me please call the GSPCA on 540 19968 or 540

Note: dogs that have been kennelled for a while may need patience with house training when first in their new home

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

ll I’m s t i g wa i t i n 75

arts file

President of the South District Senior Citizens’ Club Johnny Norton

SDSC: A Senior Service

by Richard Cartwright

If you set your mind to it there’s no reason to be bored come retirement age. Senior Citizens’ clubs are there to help you spend your new found free time contentedly. The South District Senior Citizens’ Club is an example of well organised, twilight years happy times.

It must be pointed out however, that a carefully chosen, energetic and very active committee is a must, if the club is to be run efficiently.

Picking those in the early stages of retirement — the ‘younger’ bunch — is not necessarily a must, but is certainly something to bear in mind; a generous dose of ‘beans’ goes a long way. If you’re full of those, you’re welcome and a job awaits you.

The South District Senior Citizens’ Social Club has been up and running for about 15 years but, it it is in the last five or six it has really come into its own. Hardly a month goes by without there being some activity or other at the club reported in the press.

Running the show is the current president, Johnny Norton. “This club opened its doors during Mr Bossano’s term as Chief Minister.

The older gentlemen in this area used to sit around outside their homes and when the MOD handed over this building it was put to good use by providing a club for the seniors of the South District.”

76

Johnny Norton comes from the teaching profession so he’s well acquainted with running things ship shape to obtain results. Apart from teaching in schools he used to run the Teachers’ Centre and looked after Ince’s Hall for a time.

Always on the go, 72 year old John is still on the supply list and is often called to fill in at our local schools. “...but much of my time is spent at the club. We have loads of members and they

“

We have English breakfast and American breakfast (with burgers and pancakes) mornings — committee members and their wives do the cooking for those

”

keep coming. It’s mainly there to service the residents of the South District (from Southport Gates upwards to Europa Point) but if some bone fide individuals not living in this area show an interest in joining, they certainly would be considered.”

Bingo nights come to mind, but what else do members get up to at the club? “You’d be surprised,” President Johnny smiles. “We have loads of activities going on here. But staying with bingo for a moment, St Joseph’s church books a bingo night here as does Social Services and then we have are own, with a `last house’ at £100 or more. That’s very good for a small club.

What’s also been beneficial to us is the moving of the casino to Ocean Village. That’s meant more bingo players coming to the club instead.

“We have English breakfast and American breakfast (with burgers and pancakes) mornings — committee members and their wives do the cooking for those. We have social evenings where a variety of acts come and perform, from singers to classical music performers and even

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

social scene magicians. There’s all sorts, and food is included on those nights too.

“On other occasions, there are talks of local interest like history, fauna, old Gibraltar photographs and any number of subjects.

Quiz nights, tablita (or ludo) tournaments with tapas included, and Zarzuela evenings. Oh, we mustn’t forget horse racing nights with wooden horses on the club floor.” Wow! It’s probably more toned down at a youngsters’ disco.

I was intrigued and keen to find how they pay their way bearing in mind a cup of tea or coffee and a sandwich will set you back the ever so princely sum of £1.20, so good management of the club’s finances is key.

“The club has a reasonable amount of money invested in government debentures, the Post Office and in a local bank, but we don’t believe in having thousands and thousands of pounds stashed away for a rainy day that may never come. Anyway, we believe in allowing our present members, who, after all, are senior citizens, to enjoy what they can now whilst they’re still fit and able. Thankfully we’re in a position where we’re able to subsidise many of our activities.

“Subscription fees are a mere £10 a year. Then we have a clever way of boosting our funds — though only by small amounts — by holding raffles on activity nights. So, for instance, if we give away £100 on a last house on a bingo night, we get that money back in the raffle and

Kids of Today

the prizes for the raffle are gifts given to us by local businesses!”

It’s no secret the local community is a very charitable one and the president says the club has many donations of different shapes, contents and sizes and some of them on the quiet.

Government assists where it can, in the form of repairs to the building or painting. Local businesses are very generous also. The club is available for hire for small wedding receptions, communions, birthdays and other events at a moderate fee.

All in all, a busy place full of active seniors intent on making the most of what could turn out to be, in some cases, a boring existence in retirement with not much on their daily agenda.

But it doesn’t end there. There’s more which

It’s no secret the local community is a very charitable one and the president says the club has many donations of different shapes, contents and sizes

Mr Norton is eager to share, “I’ve just been on the phone to the Spanish coach company that takes us on our regular trips to Spain. It could be up the road to Fuengirola or as far north as La Coruna. We have a great set up. Parody Tours picks up each member from as close to their home as possible, we’re driven to the frontier and then we jump on the Spanish coach. The same thing happens on our return.” How can you improve on that?

“Yes, it’s a very happy club with a great atmosphere but the most important element is the running of the club and for that I have to thank my committee — in fact they can’t be thanked enough — the thing is, if you’re in the committee, you’re there to make a difference, pull your weight and be part of a team. If you don’t contribute then there’s no point in being there and that’s what we believe should be borne in mind.” Top people form that committee like former top civil servant Maribel Arias, Herbert Vinales, Victor Calderon, Julio Danino, Isabel Yeo, Arturo Sheriff and the president’s wife Sonia.

So if you find the many activities the South District Senior Citizens’ Social Club has to offer too vigorous but you would still like to join, check out their knitting sessions — male or female, they’re not sexist. They tend to be more laid back and relaxed. At the SDSC club, they cater for all! n

Gibraltar’s Four Angels Collect for Charity

Setting a fine example for the older generation, a quartet of Gibraltar’s young people, the ‘Four Angels’, have launched a fundraising campaign for the Gibraltar Branches of Cancer Research UK and the Leukaemia Research Fund. Best friends Grace, Arianne, Sara and Cristina, all age ten, set up stall on Ocean Village’s Promenade and raised over £200, with plenty more to come.

A spokesperson for the Four Angels explains, “Each of these girls’ lives has been touched by cancer in some way, a situation that will ring true with many of us, and they have decided to offer their support by raising money for Cancer Research UK and the Leukaemia Research Fund. This is all their own idea and, as one of the girls said, ‘we all have to make a difference, no matter how young you are, being a child is not an excuse’.”

After school on Friday and during the day Sunday, the Four Angels sold tasty self-made cakes and Cancer Research UK bookmarks and pencils as well as inviting GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

passers-by to purchase a ticket for a special draw held on May 20th.

All monies raised from the efforts of the Four Angels will be matched by kind-hearted Ocean Village, Pizza Express and Chesterton’s real estate. Cheques will be presented to the Gibraltar Branches of Cancer Research UK and the Leukaemia Research Fund on 1st June.

To make a donation contact Sara Faraj on bunnybo1@hotmail.co.uk.

For more information on the Cancer Research UK’s Gibraltar Branch, including their upcoming Relay on 4 to 5 June at Victoria Stadium, visit www.cancerresearchgib.com.

77

history on file

A Vice-Consul’s War-time Duties:

?

Saving Monkeys & Mosquitoes

by Reg Reynolds

In the midst of World War II Winston Churchill famously ordered that the decimated population of Barbary macaques at Gibraltar must be boosted immediately lest the mighty Rock fall from British control. The man consigned to carry out this rather undignified command was British Vice-Consul at Algeciras, Edward Cottrell (later Sir Edward), who at the time, July 1942, was also Chairman of the Gibraltar City Council.

Churchill made many visits to Gibraltar throughout the War and during one brief stopover on a flight to a conference at Marrakesh he learned of the dire situation regarding the Barbary macaques.

As everyone today is aware Churchill’s decision was based on the legend that ‘if the macaques ever left Gibraltar, British rule would end’. Initially Churchill asked Governor of Gibraltar, General Mason-Macfarlane, to sort out the macaque problem.

But Mason-Macfarlane had more pressing problems and put what he considered a rather silly issue to one side. Until he received the following signal from the Prime Minister: “The establishment of the apes on Gibraltar should be 24 and every effort should be made to reach this number as soon as possible and maintain it thereafter.”

Not wanting to deal with the matter himself Mason-Macfarlane called on Cottrell who in turn contacted his friend, Cecil Hope-Gill, the Consul General at Tetuan, in what was then Spanish Morocco.

Cottrell pleaded, “If you get hold of 20 apes and bring them by sea to Algeciras I’ll meet you at the Customs, and Admiral Burrough has promised to send a boat to take you on to the Dockyard.”

Cottrell was based in the luxurious Hotel Reina Cristina in Algeciras and as a reward he invited Hope-Gill to lunch with him there.

Hope-Gill reluctantly declined, “I suppose I’d better see the thing through now; something might easily go wrong.”

And Sod’s Law, things did.

While Cottrell was enjoying a leisurely terrace lunch on what was an extremely hot day, the Admiral phoned to say that the macaques hadn’t arrived and he was afraid they had been kidnapped by the Spanish. Fortunately what actually happened was rather more predictable and mundane — the

boat carrying Hope-Gill and the monkeys had developed engine trouble and was becalmed halfway across the bay.

In his book The War and Colonel Warden (George G. Harrap, 1963), author Gerald Pawle wrote: “Admiral Burrough dispatched a rescue boat with all haste and 20

rather sea-sick monkeys reached the Rock without further misadventure. Mr. Churchill’s orders had been faithfully carried out.

With the ‘Barbary Apes’ once more at full strength Gibraltar’s future was no longer in jeopardy, and the Governor and the Colonial Office could breathe again!”

A baby Barbary macaque

78

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

?

history on file Although Churchill was undoubtedly grateful for Cottrell’s handling of this symbolic measure, the Vice-Consul could take satisfaction in the fact that during the War he participated in much more important military matters, including keeping two Mosquito fighters from falling into enemy hands.

Living in the Reina Cristina as he did Cottrell was in close contact with the German and Italian spies who resided there and also with the leading Spanish authorities, some of whom he befriended.

Pawle wrote in his book that Cottrell, “…found it particularly galling to watch the German visitors guzzling prodigious quantities of the best white bread and English marmalade, and monopolising the most comfortable chairs in the lounge while they pored over the current copies of the Illustrated London News”.

Some of the Spanish also became irritated by the presumptious behaviour of the Germans; one in particular was the Spanish military commander for the area, General Barron.

General Barron had been trained in Germany but over time he came to resent the Germans’ free movement around the Campo, and probably by mid1942 he saw the progress of the war was swinging in favour of the Allies, whatever, when Cottrell was caught in a difficult situation Barron came to his aid.

During a violent storm a barge carrying two Mosquito aircraft broke away and drifted onto the Spanish shore near La Linea. At the time the deHavilland Mosquito fighter was a revolutionary design and unknown to the enemy.

The fighters on the barge were still in parts, having been shipped to Gibraltar to be assembled. It was important to keep them from being examined by enemy agents.

When informed of the situa-

tion, even though it was nearly midnight, Cottrell went straight to Barron: “I will be frank with you,” he said to the General. “These are secret aircraft, and while we have no objection to your own men seeing them we do not want Germans or Italians with technical knowledge to, examine them”.

The General immediately ordered a Spanish guard for the barge and told Cottrell, “If she has vanished by dawn I shall know nothing about her.”

Tugs were sent and by morning the barge was safely back in Gibraltar.

The events of the Barbary macaques and the Mosquito fighters took place in the lead up to Operation Torch, the invasion of North Africa. As shipping was gathering at Gibraltar prior to the invasion General Barron once again came to the assistance of Cottrell and the Allies.

Several large troopships were anchored in full view of the shore and Cottrell received a call from Barron.

“I have been trying to emulate your famous Admiral Lord Nel-

“

I have been trying to emulate your famous Admiral Lord Nelson, but if I was blind in both eyes I could hardly fail to see those ships lying off your coast

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

”

son,” Barron said, “but if I was blind in both eyes I could hardly fail to see those ships lying off your coast. Tell your Admiral to get them away before I have to report their presence to Madrid.”

The ships were moved and the invasion commenced successfully on 8th November, 1942.

Edward Cottrell was Chairman of Gibraltar City Council from 1940 to 1945 and Vice-Consul at Algeciras from 1941 to 1956 when he was promoted to Consul. He was knighted in 1957. n

79

menu change

Solo Grill’s new menu to delight Solo Grill at Europort has changed its menu and added lots of new dishes fresh from the kitchen for summer.

The new menu has summer delights such as fresh Gazpacho Andaluz, and delicious Cajun

langoustine salad, plus the Solo Club Wrap which is filled with turkey, ham, chicken, Swiss cheese, greens, cream cheese, and honey and Dijon sauce! Yum yum to that one...

There are of course the signature hand-made

burgers and sandwiches all served with Solo fries and house slaw, and you can now enjoy daily spacial pasta or pick on from the menu...

We recommend penne with chicken and red pesto (sauteed mushrooms too in that one).

Pop down for something a little different inside or out on the terrace.

Visit www.sologib.com for more information.

Saturday Chill Out with DJ Eric from 7pm

Contemporary Mediterranean Dining

Grand Casemates Square Tel: 200

80

44449 for reservations GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

events

Gibraltar’s Festival of the Seas Nothing unites Gibraltar like a good family-friendly event and Ocean Village’s Festival of the Seas certainly proves that to be true. Huge crowds gathered to take part in a wide variety of activities from a Yacht Rally to a Dragon Boat Race.

Ros Astengo from Ocean Village commented: “The Festival of the Seas has received much praise from participants and spectators and it’s clear that we’ll have to make it an annual event. It’s also fantastic to raise money for the GBC Open Day and Rainbow Ward at St Bernard’s Hospital.”

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

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

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Summer Specials

by Fifty-Five Chef Scott Casey

This month we have a Summer combination, with a great vegetarian pannacotta to start some stickly barbecue pork ribs, and a strawberry and summer berry millefeuille cake to get us all in a summery mood. Enjoy.

Tantalising Wild Mushroom Pannacotta, Peppered Asparagus Spears, Parmesan Shavings

Bring to the boil then simmer for approximately 4 minutes. Season to taste and then set aside to cool.

In a large upright food blender blend the Serves 6 mushroom mix until smooth. Add the powdered Fantastically tasty, awesome for your veg- gelatine. Mix for a further 2 minutes then strain etarian friends and deliciously light, perfect to remove any excess pieces. Set in pannacotta for a summer lunch with a cold glass of Pinot moulds or ceramic moulds overnight.

Grigio.

Trim the asparagus spears and cook in a pot of boiling salted water until soft. Remove and 1 cup double cream toss in a good quality, a small knob of butter, salt 1 cup full cream milk and freshly ground black pepper.

2 tbs salted butter To serve, heat in the microwave for 1 minute, 2 tbs Madeira run a sharp knife around the edge of the pan4 cups mixed wild mushrooms, roughly nacotta moulds and tip the pannacotta out onto

chopped the centre of a large plate. Place a few of the asparagus spears beside the pannacotta. Top 1 golden shallot finely diced with some nice parmesan shavings, drizzle with 1 clove garlic more olive oil and finish with some more freshly 2 tbs finely chopped fresh thyme ground black pepper. n 1 tbs powdered gelatine

can be pre-cooked and frozen, just pull the ribs out the day before you wish to eat them and finish over the barbecue.

3 full racks of pork ribs 1 large brown onion, finely chopped 1 tbs finely chopped garlic

Salt and pepper to taste 2 bunches asparagus Parmesan shavings (or veggie version)

In a large saucepan melt the butter with a small amount of olive oil. SautĂŠ the chopped shallot, garlic, mushrooms and thyme leaves.

Cook over a medium heat for 5 minutes until softened. Add the cream, milk and Madeira.

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Tasty Barbecue Pork Ribs

Serves 4 Amazingly scrumptious and sticky pork ribs best enjoyed around the barbecue washed down with a couple of ice cold beers. The above recipe

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

s

recipes 8 500ml 500ml 100ml 100ml 3 tbs 3 tbs 5 tbs 2 tbs 1 tbs 1 tbs 5 tbs

Kaffir lime leaves good quality smoked bbq sauce ketchup balsamic vinegar orange juice ground cumin ground coriander Worstershire sauce finely chopped fresh thyme leaves smoked paprika chilli flakes honey

In a large saucepan prepare the marinade by cooking the onion and garlic over a medium heat. Then add all the other ingredients and bring to the boil. Turn down the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.

Smother this lovely concoction over the ribs massaging the marinade into the meat and sit in the fridge over night, turning every couple of hours. The next day pre-heat the oven to 200º.

Place the ribs in a baking tray, pour over any excess marinade and cover with aluminium foil.

Bake for approximately 1 – 1.5 hours or until the ribs are nearly coming off the bone.

At this point if you wish, cool and freeze the ribs until another time.

Fire up the barbecue and bring to a medium heat. Chuck the racks of ribs on and cook for approx 5-10 minutes to give a slight charred appearance. This will make them gorgeously smokey in flavour.

Enjoy with an ice cold Corona or four. Finger and then the large halved strawberries. Then licking goodness. n repeat the process to make it look like a sandwich. The final layer on top place the smaller strawberries and mixed berries. Dust with more icing sugar and garnish with a nice large Strawberry and Summer Berry sprig of mint. n

Millefeuille Gateau

Serves 6 Strawberries are fantastic this time of year and are very easy on the wallet also. The above recipe is stunning, easy to prepare and will surely impress your guests.

500g all butter puff pastry 75g icing sugar 600ml double cream 50g caster sugar 50ml Drambuie 2 punnets large strawberries, washed and

halved lengthways 1 punnet small strawberries Half punnet mixed berries

Firstly preheat the oven to 200º.

Then roll out the puff pastry until it is a 1cm thick square. Dust the pastry with some icing sugar. Then cut into 2cm by 2cm lengths or rectangles. Place these onto a well greased baking tray and bake for 10-15 mins or until risen and golden brown. Set aside to cool down.

Next whip the cream, Drambuie and 50 grams of the sugar until it forms soft peaks.

To assemble place a layer of the pastry in the centre of a plate. Top with the Drambuie cream

Modern

Relaxed

Dining

Open: 10am - late Closed Sundays + Saturday lunch

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

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

Irish Town Tel: 200 51738 to reserve

•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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what’s on

It’s Calentita Time Again!

Rounding up the popular Spring Festival, Calentita 2011, organised

by Word Of Mouth in conjunction with the Ministry of Culture, will take place on Friday 10th June 2010, at Casemates Square, starting at 8pm and finishing at 1am.

This food festival is a celebration of the melting pot of Gibraltarian culture. And stalls selling cuisine from all influences that have shaped a modern Gibraltar fill the square.

Within the different tents, your taste buds will be delighted by the return of the favourites, such as Indian, Moroccan, Spanish and Eng-

lish, as well as a few new stalls providing Irish and Scottish delicacies for you to enjoy, and of course, the traditional Calentita itself!

Calentita! is open to everyone, and entry is free of charge. So why not come down and enjoy some tantalising tidbits. For more information, visit www.calentita.gi. n

Calentita 2011 will continue its tradition of bringing together all the different cultures represented on the Rock

Summer Nights Leisure Events Gibraltar Ltd has been awarded the tender for this year’s Summer Nights.

Dynamic brothers Orlando and Chris Yeats head up the company, and are looking forward to organising this popular event in Gibraltar’s social calendar for the first time.

Summer Nights will run for five weeks in July and August, on Tuesdays and Thursdays as has been customary for the past few years.

Tuesday nights will be mainly aimed at the youngsters, with bouncing castles, face paint-

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Orlando and Chris Yeats

ing, stalls and street entertainers, which will be fun for all the family to enjoy.

Thursdays are aimed at the young and not so young, with local entertainment, as well as international acts gracing the stage at Case-

mates Square.

The Yeats brothers are very excited about taking on this project, and aim to bring the public the most innovative and modern performances around. n GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 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

restaurant bar guide & turn to pages 86-89 for full restaurant and bar listings

SMITH’S

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

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

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

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 GIBRALTAR GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAGAZINE •• JUNE JUNE 2010 2011

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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restaurants 14 on the Quay Unit 14, Queensway Quay. Tel: 200 43731 Open for lunch, afternoon tea, cocktails and dinner, 14 on the Quay offers a relaxed atmosphere inside and al fresco dining for every occasion.

The international menu changes on a monthly basis to offer a wide variety of choice each time you visit and you can wind up your evening with a refreshing cocktail as you watch one of the marina’s spectacular sunsets.

Open: 12 midday - late every day, Sundays 12 midday - 4pm. 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.

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,

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tions. Open: Monday to Saturday 19.30 to 22.30 and lunchtimes for group bookings.

Maharaja Indian Restaurants Tuckey’s Lane. Tel: 200 75233 Queensway Quay Marina. Tel: 200 50733 With two restaurants, one in the town centre and another on the quayside of Queensway Quay, the Maharaja restaurants have been a well known name in Gibraltar for nearly 40 years.

Whilst each restaurant offers a slightly different menu, you’ll find traditional Indian cooking in these recently refurbished restaurants with plenty of choice to cater to your taste. The Maharaja offers vegetarian, seafood and meat dishes throughout its range of starters and main dishes, and don’t be scared to ask them to spice up the dishes just to your liking. The extensive wine list covers reds, roses, whites as well as cava and champagne for that special night out.

And if you’re planning a night in, you can use their take-away service.

Carrillada de Cerro Iberico Iberico pork cheeks, Open: Maharaja Tuckey’s Lane: Monday 10amlarge rib steaks from Avila and special to order 4pm, Tues - Sun 10am-4pm & 7pm-midnight Maharaja Queensway Quay: Tues - Sun 12-4pm whole suckling pig.

Open: Monday-Friday: lunch and evening & 7pm-Midnight 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 and where members can enjoy fine dining and style in mind. Offering contemporary European impeccable service in luxurious surroundings. cuisine a wide selection of drinks, cool decor Open for lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday and good music. The venue hosts regular events also offering a daily Business Lunch menu. Once with invited DJs and shows from abroad. a month 55 opens for traditional Sunday lunch Open: Sunday-Thurs midday-midnight, Friday and holds a variety of culinary themed evenings and Saturday midday-5am. i.e. Thai/Japanese Fusion. The main bar offers a full bar snack menu and is the perfect place after Solo Bar & Grill a long day at work. On Thursday and Fridays Eurotowers Tel: 200 62828 you can relax to the mix of Soul & ’80s music Solo Bar and Grill is a stylish and modern eatery by 55’s resident DJ, take advantage of Happy — perfect for business functions or lunches Hour and enjoy the sushi menu from 6pm. — and part of the popular Cafe Solo stable.

Special occasions or important business clients Serving everything from Goats’ Cheese Salad, can be entertained in the Private Dining Room Mediterranean Pâté and Cajun Langoustines to (up to 10 people). Afternoon tea Thursday to Beer Battered John Dory, or Harissa Chicken, Saturday -6pm. For info on membership or to and Chargrilled Sirloin Steak. This is a delightmake a reservation for lunch or dinner so you ful venue in Europort with a cosy mezzanine can enjoy the 55 experience contact Louise by level and terrace seating. Well worth a visit, or two! phone or email louise@fifty-five.gi Open: 12-8pm. Available for private functions and corporate events — call 200 62828 to book Nunos Italian Restaurant and Terrace your function or event.

Caleta Hotel, Catalan Bay For a reservations Tel: 200 76501 The Waterfront E-mail reservations@caletahotel.gi Overlooking the Mediterranean from Catalan Queensway Quay Marina Tel: 200 45666 Bay, Nunos’ Spanish chef with Three Star Website: www.gibwaterfront.com Michellin experience offers a variety of Italian The Waterfront is a very popular long estabcuisine. The restaurant has now moved from lished restaurant located on the quayside at its location on the lower floors and can now be Queensway Quay Marina. Serving drinks, found at the reception level of the hotel. A quick snacks and A La Carte menus. There are differpeak at the menu reveals the chef’s celebrated ent areas for eating; inside the main bar area or Salmorejo is on the menu, as are his baby squid within a large chandelier light covered terrace, burgers (Insalata di Calamari). From the main or formal and informal dining on the water’s dishes you can choose from a variety of fresh edge. A newly extended bar area, featuring the fish and meat dishes. Or you could go for the new Balcony Bar upstairs offers plenty of relaxhouse speciality of fresh, home-made pasta ing, warm, cozy space to enjoy bar snacks and where you can choose from a wide range of op- drinks. The seasonally inspired menu brings

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

you market fresh dishes from the land and the sea. The classic winter warmer dishes are ever popular as the weather changes and dishes that remain firm favourites in Gibraltar are always available. Waterfront also specialises in aged steaks; this in house dry aging process involves wrapping the meat in muslin cloth to draw out the moisture over a period of 21 days, resulting in a more concentrated flavour and fantastically succulent, tender steaks. A wide range of Movenpick ice cream and scrumptious homemade desserts is also available.

Open: 9 till late 7 days a week, year round.

The Water Margin 5 Ocean Village Promenade Tel: 200 73668 Gibraltar’s premier Chinese restaurant serving freshly cooked traditional Chinese dishes in the beautiful Ocean Village marina. Check out the outstanding aromatic crispy duck, the special duck slow cooked with honey and chilli or the freshly caught seabass delicately steamed with ginger and spring onion, popular with families looking for a relaxing night dining. No microwave oven or flavour enhancer (MSG) used in this establishment — it’s all freshly cooked and delicious. Home delivery service.

Open: 7 days a week, evening from 6pm, lunch from 12:30pm

informaleating

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.

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 all-day breakfast. Non-smoking restaurant with terrace smoking area. Friendly, cheerful and fully licensed with sensible prices.

Open: 8am - 4.30pm Monday to Friday.

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, Mumbai Curry House lamb tagines and kebabs.

Unit 1.0.02 Ground Floor, Block 1 Open: 7.00am to midnight.

Eurotowers Tel: 200 73711 Home delivery: 50022/33 Buddies Pasta Casa Good Indian cuisine for eating in or taking 15 Cannon Lane. Tel: 200 40627 Italian specials in pleasant ambience. Large away, from snacks such as samosas, bhajias, and selection of starters from garlic bread to pakoras to lamb, chicken and fish dishes with calamari. Main courses include spinach sauces such as korma, tikka masala, bhuna, do caneloni, spaghetti alla carbonara, fusilli al piaza... in fact all you would expect from an salmone, and peppered steak to name a few. Indian cuisine take-away. Large vegetarian selection. Halal food is available, as is outside Tasty desserts and variety of wines.

Open: Monday - Thursday 11am - 5pm, Friday catering for parties and meetings. Sunday specials include all Mumbai favourites such as 11am-3pm and 7pm-11pm, Sat 11am-4.30pm Dosa and Choley Bhature.

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

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.

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 Just A Nibble or fax order by 5.30pm day before - minium 1st Flr ICC Tel: 200 78052 Full licensed cafe serving English breakfast, orders for delivery £12). vast range of toasties, rolls, and snacks. Meals Open: Mon - Fri 8.30-7, Sat 9 - 4, Closed Sun.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

l Sacarello Coffee Co. 57 Irish Town. Tel: 200 70625 Converted coffee warehouse, ideal for coffee, homemade cakes/afternoon tea, plus menu including excellent salad bar, specials of the day and dishes such as lasagne, steak and mushroom Guinness pie, hot chicken salad, toasties, club sandwich and baked potatoes. Art exhibitions. Available for parties and functions in the evenings.

Open: 9am-7.30pm Mon-Fri. 9am-3pm Sat Smith’s Fish & Chips 295 Main Street. Tel: 200 74254 Traditional British fish and chip shop with tables/seating available or take-away wrapped in newspaper. Menu: Cod, haddock or plaice in batter, Cornish pasties, mushy peas etc. Also curries, omlettes, burgers. Open: 8am-6pm Monday-Friday. Breakfast from 8.

Located: Main Street opposite the Convent.

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.

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!

Open: Monday - Saturday.

Verdi Verdi 44 Cornwall's Lane. Tel: 200 60733 Verdi Verdi offers morning and afternoon coffee as well as all home-made vegetarian and vegan dishes, fish, fresh baked bread and desserts. A wide selection of sandwiches to eat in or take away. Delivery service available. Delicious coffees Open: Mon & Fri: 9am - 3pm, Tues - Thurs: 9am -3pm & 7-10pm, Sun: 6-10pm. Sat 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 • JUNE 2011

wine column

Midsummer madness The evenings are long and balmy. The sun is still trying to reach her zenith and produce the heat of full summer. After the frenzied activity spring, Mother Nature settles down to relax a little; the seductive pale green make-up, the promise of delights yet to be seen, is slowly replaced by a bikini, revealing almost all the previously hidden promise — and all the blemishes. She now soaks up the sun, enjoying it enormously but still needing regular liquid refreshment. Reminds me of someone else…

Strangely, Mother Nature, although brilliant at producing the soil, the vines, the grapes and the water to produce wine, does not seem to appreciate the beauty of what she has wrought. Pour wine on the soil and it will act as a killer.

Spirits (which are not really a product of Nature) and beer (only sort of a product of Nature — especially lager which is in truth brewedand-carbonated water over which a hop may have been waved) will have the same effect. She doesn’t even like her own products such as pure orange juice much better.

How generous of her to leave it all to us — although she does have her revenge if we enjoy too much at a single sitting; or too much too often.

So we must make use of the gifts bestowed as best we can. In summer, it is generally considered that the refreshing drink needs to be a) cold – preferably refrigerated and/ or with ice – and b) white or rosé in colour. Wrong on both counts. A hot cup of tea is much better: why else was it invented in India? (Yes, yes, I know, there is China tea as well and they were first in a way, but China tea is for lager drinkers and does not pack the same oomph.)

Hot drinks apparently act on the body to make it cool down – I don’t understand it either and I presume the reverse is not the case. I have yet to see a recommendation that cold water should be drunk in order to cure a severe case of frostbite. But that is secondary to the main point: hot drinks are refreshing and cold drinks often not.

A spritzer (white wine and fizzy water) satisfies neither the palate nor the necessity for oomph. Rosé is only fit, with some honourable exceptions, for the female equivalents of lager drinkers. Assuming you want more than a cup of good tea, what can be properly enjoyed and still provide the necessary refreshGIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

ment quotient? The answer should be obvious: a glass of cool (not cold) red. Something light and smooth will fit the bill, ideally a Gamay (the Beaujolais grape) or a Viognier (usually blended with others but think of Cotes de Ventoux).

Whatever the chemical and physical reasons, that glass will be much better than the iced-to-the-brim Chardonnay and soda water. Just watch the small beads of sweat — sorry, perspiration — appearing above the upper lip as she (it will be a she) drinks the latter. She will delicately brush it away and breathe deeply. This may be a promise for the future, but this column is about wine and refreshment, not seduction techniques. Having said that, the small glass of red has the advantage that it does not inhibit the performance.

It must be admitted, however, that white — or even rosé — wine has its place. There is nothing better than a Swiss Fendant or Savoyard Apremont when sitting on top of a mountain, regaling all who will listen about the special route you will shortly be taking down the ‘Wall of Death’ black run. Having quietly taken the blue run down the back way, you can regale the assembled company with your derring-do all over again at the bottom of the slope.

A Barbadillo or two, sitting on the beach near Tarifa, will improve the tales of how you managed to escape

But do not let the attractive qualities of these whites blind you to the basics.

They depend, to a very large extent, on surroundings

the sharks while windsurfing last year, and allow you to point out the best launching point for those who are new to the area. As your new friends leave, grateful for the recommendation, you can nip into the wetsuit and the shower and, on their return, commiserate with them about their bad luck with the wind/waves/equipment while you ostentatiously dry your hair during another bottle.

But do not let the attractive qualities of these whites blind you to the basics. They depend, to a very large extent, on surroundings. Barbadillo does not work when on top of a mountain; Apremont and seawater do not mix. It must be remembered that the brain plays an enormous part in the taste buds. When you have paid a large amount of money for a bottle, you are aware of the fact that it ought to taste good. It does.

But how much of the taste is in the expectation?

While summer lasts, there can be no harm in enjoying the cheap and cheerful in the right surroundings: it is the surroundings that create the enjoyment. But remember that one glass of good wine in the hand is worth two on the beach.

You can enjoy whatever your brain is telling you to enjoy during long summer days.

The madness will pass. It is important to remember that good wine remains good, whatever the circumstances.

This month’s recommendation is for both now and for the long evenings which are only a few months away: Laroche Chablis at £17 from Anglo Hispano. Beautiful in summer (untainted by fizzy water) and a reminder for the brain when winter comes. Sipped at lunch, with a cool Beaujolais (about £8 from Morrison’s) at supper, you can remain sane throughout the silly season. n

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A ro u n d To w n .. .

Wow! June already and finally the weather is feeling gooood!

With the warmer weather comes lots of events to get us out in the fresh air. The Spring Festival is still underway with the tempting prospect of Summer Nights in Casemates about to start in July. This month though we have a fabulous Llanito musical comedy staged by LOL Productions and called Surprise Surprise. It’s on at the John Mackinstosh Hall theatre and tickets are available from the Nature Shop.

St Andrew’s Craft & Collectors Fair takes place on Saturday 25th June 10am to 2pm at St Andrew’s Church in Governor’s Parade. There will be lots of stalls and things to buy so pop along and get some goodies.

There are super chillout sounds from DJ Eric at the Lounge on Queensway Quay every Saturday from 7pm throughout the summer so get down there, order up a Mojito and relaxxxxxxxxx....

There are two tribute nights on this month too. There’s a Tina Turner liver dinner show at Savannah on 18th June and a Rod Stewart dinner and show at the Eliott Hotel on Saturday 11th June, so a bit of something for everyone.

Don’t forget that on July 1st there’s the Luna Walk and this year instead of just supporting Breast Cancer Awareness, participants can also show their support for Prostate Cancer Awareness. Registration is between 9pm and midnight and you can walk under the stars wearing a bra or bikini top, or pink T-shirt to support Breast Cancer Awareness, or underpants over your trousers or a blue T-shirt to support Prostate Cancer Awareness. Perhaps there will be a few dedicated souls who

Ladies’ night at Fifty-Five

Forensic Factory fun

Wedding bells for Douglas and Louise on 14th May

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Kings Chapel Singers at the Spectacular Last Night of th Proms in Alameda Open Air Theatre (photo Tessa Imos

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2007 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

Dick and Ann celebrated 50 years of marriage on 20th May

Regulars having fun at Kings Bowl

will wear a bra and underpants!

At a recent quiz night at the Lounge on Queensway Quay (every Sunday evening from 8pm) one bright spark was told to write the answer ‘President Obama’ to one question. His response? ‘What’s his surname?’.... No names mentioned to protect the innocent, eh Chris.

Happy birthdays this month go to Lawrence Llamas and Hassans’ Angela White on 7th, followed

by Sovereign’s Ian Le Breton on 11th. Charlie Yeo celebrates on 12th, two days before MRW’s Steven Marin. Scan Global’s Martin Forde will have a tipple on 27th followed by Ibex’s Jackie Hands. Scott the 55 chef will be in party mode on 28th, STM Fidecs’ Caroline gets a year older on 29th and Velda rounds up the month on 30th.

On Saturday 4th June the Gibraltar Ju-Jitsu Academy will be organising an exhibition of the work carried out so far this year, to raise funds for the victims of Tsunami disaster in Japan. All students of the academy will be taking part, and the morning will end with a small competition. The event will take place at the Leisure Centre, starting at 10am, and entrance is free of charge. Please go along and support this worthy cause in any way you can. We look forward to seeing the pics in next month’s magazine.

So that’s it for this month, and we are already working on our July edition. Don’t the months just fly by?

See you all on Main Street, and don’t forget to pop into our office on Turnbull’s Lane if you want to pick up some extra copies of The Gibraltar Magazine. n

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award participants on an expedition

Coffees at Cafe Solo

ular Last Night of the (photo Tessa Imossi) GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2007 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

Little stars of Glacis United

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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 • JUNE 2011

support

events

Support Groups

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

Thank You to Albert Poggio A lunch was held recently at the Royal Commonwealth Society to thank Albert Poggio for all the hard work undertaken for the past 24 years for the Gibraltarians and Gibraltar.

On 1st April 2011 Albert stood down as Director of Gibraltar House and as the Gibraltar Government’s UK Representative. He was replaced by Civil Servant Peter Canessa.

Albert Poggio has been appointed, on Consultancy

terms, to continue with his political lobbying role for the Gibraltar Government. In this political consultancy capacity he will continue to play a leading role in relations with Parliament, UK MPs, local authorities and political parties.

Commenting on the changes, Chief Minister Peter Caruana said: “As the Gibraltar House operation has got bigger and more significant, it has become necessary and desirable to bring it more under Government Civil Service administration and control.

In the past we have relied entirely on Albert Poggio and arrangements of a commercial and private nature, but, as he himself says, he is getting no younger, and it is now important to operate under a system that enables and ensures succession planning and continuity into the future.

“Albert has done a tremendous job over many decades, culminating in the successful implementation of the project to establish a new Gibraltar House at 150 Strand of which we can all be justifiably proud.

“Some of his most important work has been on the political lobby front, and I am therefore delighted that he will continue in this role”. n

photos: Mike Brufal

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).

Religious Services Baha’i Faith Tel: 200 73287 www.gibnet. com/bahai email:bahai@gibraltar.gi Bethel Christian Fellowship Tel: 200 52002. Queensway. Sunday service 11am.

Church of England Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. Tel: 200 78377. Sung Eucharist, Sunday 10.30am. Sunday School.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Suite 21a Don House, 30-38 Main Street. Tel: 200 50433. Sundays 10am.

Church of Scotland St Andrew’s, Governor’s Pde. Tel: 200 77040. Worship

& Sunday School 10.30am. Bible Study Tues 7.30pm.

Evangelical Bretheren Assembly, Queensway Quay. Sun 11am, Tues Bible Study 6pm, Thurs Prayer Meeting 6pm.

Hindu Engineer’s Lane Tel: 200 42515.

Jehovah’s Witness 6 Europort Avenue Tel: 200 50186.

Jewish 10 Bomb House Lane Tel: 200 72606.

Methodist 297 Main St Tel/Fax 200 40870 email minister@methodist.org.gi Minister: Revd Fidel Patron. Sunday 11am Morning Worship, 8pm Evening Service. Prayer meetings Monday+ Wednesday to Friday

7pm and Tuesdays 8pm. Communion celebrated on 2nd and 4th Sunday mornings of the month, and other special occasions. Alpha Course: held Thursdays 8pm. House Groups meet for Christian fellowship, prayer and study on a regular basis Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. Sunday School meets Sunday mornings alongside morning worship.

Roman Catholic Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned, 215 Main St Tel: 200 76688.

The Cityline Church 13 Castle St Tel: 200 75755 email: citylinegib@yahoo. com. Meet: Tues 8pm, Sundays 11am.

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information

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dmission 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 4 and under free, vehicles £2. Private vehicles may be restricted at certain times, tours available by taxi/mini bus. The Natural History & Heritage Park is 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 to be of great conservational value. It’s a perfect place for birdwatchers, as migratory species use Gibraltar as the shortest crossing between Europe and Africa, but 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 is found at the Gibraltar Ornithological and Natural History Society’s information centre at Jews Gate.

St. Michael’s Cave: The cave comprises an upper hall with five connecting passages and drops of 40-150ft to a smaller hall.

A further succession of chambers, some at 250ft below the entrance, is reached through narrow holes. The Cathedral Cave is open to visitors and is used as an auditorium for concerts and theatre. The cave was prepared as a hospital in WWII, but never used. A further series of chambers ending in a mini lake is called Lower St. Michael’s Cave and can be visited with a guide.

The Monkeys’ Den: There are around 160 monkeys in the Park and around 30 can be seen at the Monkey’s Den. Often called apes, they are tail-less Barbary Macaques and Europe’s only free living monkeys. £500 fine for feeding the monkeys - don’t do it!

The Great Siege Tunnels: Tunnelling in the Rock began during the Great Siege (1779-1783) when France and Spain made an attempt to recapture the Rock while Britain was busy with the American War of Independence. Governor General Elliot offered a reward to any man who could tell him how to mount a gun on the north face of the Rock. It was a Sgt. Major Ince who suggested tunnelling and there are now over 30 miles of tunnels inside the Rock with various exhibitions inside the tunnels.

of the earliest British building on the Rock.

Original graffiti, drawn by duty soldiers to stop themselves falling asleep, is still visible, the earliest dating back to 1726.

The Moorish Castle: actually just part of a Moorish town and castle which was built up during the Moorish occupation of the Iberian Peninsula, spearheaded from Gibraltar in 711AD by Tarik-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.

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 currently 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 of charge with Nature Reserve ticket.

Tickets for the nature reserve can also be bought at this attraction).

Parson’s Lodge: Rosia Road. A narrow limestone outcrop with a labyrinth of underground tunnels surmounted by an impressive battery, which has witnessed the development of coast artillery over 300 years. Once housed three 18 ton 10-inch rifled muzzle loaders positioned behind a

unique sandwich of armour plate and teak, known as ‘Gibraltar Shields’. TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC. Flat Bastion Magazine Flat Bastion Road, Geological Research Station and Lithology of Gibraltar. To visit contact: F. Gomez Tel. 200 44460, P. Hodkinson Tel. 200 43910.

Shrine of Our Lady of Europe (Museum within premises) Europa Road. 10am-7pm Monday to Friday, 11am-7pm Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays. Closed 1pm - 2pm.

Trafalgar Cemetery: Trafalgar Road, open 9am - 7pm daily (admission free).

Business Information

Gibraltar Financial Services Commission ......Tel: 200 40283/4 website: www.fsc.gi 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

General Information

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 of arrival. A fact taken advantage of by stars such as Sean Connery and John Lennon.

Rock Tours by Taxi............Tel: 200 70052 As well as offering normal fares, Gibraltar 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.

Emergency Services Emergency calls only: Fire/Ambulance.......................Tel: 190 Police...............................Tel: 199/112 Emergency Number...............Tel: 112

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 the civilian population during the many sieges, are housed in one

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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Gibraltar Bus Company Routes

Tourist Board.....................Tel: 200 74950 Gibraltar Tourist Board, Duke of Kent House, Cathedral Square, Gibraltar.

UK Tel: 0207 836 0777 giblondon@aol.com 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.

Public Holidays 2011

Gibraltar & United Kingdom New Year’s Day Mon 3rd January (in lieu of Sat 1st January) Commonwealth Day * Mon 14 March Good Friday Fri 22 April Easter Mon 25 April Royal Wedding Fri 29 April May Day Mon 2 May Spring Bank Holiday Mon 30 May Queen’s Birthday * Mon 13 June Late Summer Bank Hol Mon 29 August Gibraltar National Day * Mon 12 September (in lieu of Sat 10 September) Christmas Day Mon 26 December (in lieu of Sun 25 December) Boxing Day Tues 27 December (in lieu of Mon 26 December) *Gibraltar Only Spain Fixed: New Year’s Day 1 January, Epiphany 6 January, St Joseph’s Day 19 March, Labour Day 1 May, St John 24 June, St James 25 July, Assumption Day 15 August, National Day 12 October, All Saints 1 November, Immaculate Conception 8 December, Christmas 25 December Moveable: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Corpus Christi Non-urgent calls: Ambulance Station..........Tel: 200 75728 Police...............................Tel: 200 72500 Gibraltar Services Police: Emergency Nos: ....Tel: (5) 5026 / (5) 3598

The Gibraltar Magazine is published and produced by Guide Line Promotions Ltd, 1st Floor 113 Main Street, Gibraltar.

Tel/Fax: (+350) 200 77748

Natural History & Heritage Park

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2011

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