The Gibraltar Magazine

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

g

ibraltar the

March 2012 Vol. 17 No. 05 FREE

Gibraltar’s Showman

Ship Shape, Gibraltar Fashion

Waving the Rock’s Footie Flag eGaming - In The Hot Seat: William Hill’s Henry Birch

Rise & Rise of High-End Residential

Cheers to the Rockettes!

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2007

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what’s inside

business & finance 8 9 12 14 16 18 20 22

arts & lifestyle

Don’t Forget Mother’s Day! Cheers to the Rockettes! € Waving Gibraltar’s Footie Flag Seamus Byrne: Gibraltar’s Showman Dick Sharples: Unexpected Connections Sir Paul’s Presidential Role Sitkovetsky Piano Trio Concert Face of Gibraltar - Kids Miss Gibraltar Calendar - March Plain Sailing in Gibraltar Sophie’s Story Warren: On Location & in the Studio

property files 34 35 36

38

Property Directory Shade & Light The Rise & Rise of high-end Residential Home Fashion with Meme

health & beauty 42 43 44

33-39

40-45

Health Directory Get Active for Spring Energy, Joy & Passion

information 62-63 90

City Centre Map Gibraltar Information

eGaming pages 23 24 26 27 28

history & heritage 33 60

64

Why ‘Gibraltar’ Ovenware?

Artist: Gibraltar in Light & Shadow American Journalist’s ‘Slice’ of Gibraltar

regulars 66 Puzzle Page 86-87Around Town

food & drink

76-85

78 Indulge Yourself 80-83 Restaurant & Bar Guide 84 Wine: March Forward

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

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

30 46 48 50 54 56 58 65 67 68 70 72

Business & Finance Guide Seeking Financial Reassurance Finance Column: Ship Shape, Gibraltar Fashion Gibraltarian Takes Top Spot Lyana’s Political Life 5 Tips for a More Productive Work Day € 2012/13 Teleohone Directory Barclays Wealth Gibraltar wins industry awards

Gibraltar: Game On€ In The Hot Seat: William Hill’s Henry Birch eGaming Specialist: Archie Watt 888 Pocket Rockets Ladbrokes team pool together

gibraltar the

March 2012 Vol. 17 No. 05 FREE

Gibraltar’s Showman

Ship Shape, Gibraltar Fashion

Waving the Rock’s Footie Flag eGaming - In The Hot Seat: William Hill’s Henry Birch

Rise & Rise of High-End Residential

Cheers to the Rockettes!

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

Vol. 17 No. 05 March 2012

The Gibraltar Magazine is published monthly by

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business & finance

Seeking financial reassurance

by Ian Le Breton

It is always reassuring to discover that these ramblings of mine are being read — at least by a couple of people. One of my regular correspondents told me that she had read last month’s article on residency and some of the key points to bear in mind when choosing one country over another. Since my article appeared, the result of a survey of British expats conducted by Lloyds TSB International has been published. It appears that 46% of those questioned cited missing the British countryside as their chief regret about moving abroad — although the same study quotes 68% as saying they are happier abroad.

As my friend is considering her own residency plans at the moment, she asked if I could expand on the topic this time. What she wanted to know was how she could be assured that life would be as she expected if and when she took the plunge and moved country. I misheard her and thought she had said “insured” and off I went on one of my tangential monologues. She stopped me just in time and reminded me she was looking for some overall comfort although she realised an important part was to sort out her various insurance policies.

The conversation got me thinking. Actually insurance of one type or another is one of the vital components in setting up home in a new country, be it here in Gibraltar or elsewhere. But so is that overall comfort level — the “assurance” expatriates seek that overall the right decision is being made. As this is the Gibraltar Magazine’s finance column I thought I should restrict myself to some of the more important financial choices to be made when moving abroad — wherever abroad may be — concentrating on insurance in

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

general and a word on pensions.

There are several types of insurance that should be considered when looking at setting up home in a new country, of which private health cover is without doubt the most important. Now winter is in full swing and people are coughing and sneezing all around me, health care is the first insurance issue I wanted to consider. This is an increasingly competitive area and several articles have been published recently in the local

“You’ll soon find out there’s nothing as bad or damaging as salt water,” said my plumber cheerily as I looked at the mess and contemplated the bill

media on the subject.

But in a prosperous place such as Gibraltar, is private health insurance really needed? After all, we have a health authority that provides good general care based on the UK NHS model and a state of the art hospital at St. Bernard’s.

In 2010, my partner needed a few days as an inpatient and we were impressed with both the level of care offered, professionalism of the staff and the facilities available. But as in the UK, publically funded health care has its limitations.

For specialist care, waiting lists can be an issue, together with the need when necessary to obtain treatment elsewhere, maybe in nearby Spain or perhaps in the UK. For incoming expats, the position can be even more serious as it is often the case that their terms of employment only allow for emergency treatment. This leaves the individual at risk of not being able to access important, albeit non-emergency, treatment when it may be required.

There are a number of options available on the market that might cover an incoming new

business & finance resident in their new country. However it is generally true that someone becoming an “expat” is likely to require health cover in other places too. One only need look at our own existence here in Gibraltar. It would be a most badly advised expat resident who did not consider being covered should they happen to cross the border into Spain — or perhaps when they go even further, maybe by driving home to the UK. The sheer common sense of having an international private medical insurance (IPMI) plan becomes self-evident.

The cover available is very wide and will of course need to be considered along with the relevant premium. Issues to consider are not just the overall insured amount but also whether out-patient and chronic conditions are covered together with evacuation and repatriation and so on. As I noted earlier, there has been a spate of articles on this subject locally and not without good reason. In one of them, my colleague Geoff Trew of Sovereign Insurance Services reported that local demand for such IPMI cover is growing. “Gibraltar is attracting increasing numbers of businesses from the UK and the rest of Europe. Their employees expect relocation packages and benefits that include giving them and their families the most comprehensive healthcare insurance protection available in the market,” he said.

But in seeking the same type of assurance you feel in your home country, your car and valuables must also be insured. This is not such a subjective area as health care where one gets to choose the level of cover required. One’s car is either insured or it is not, so price becomes a very important factor. Here in Gibraltar we are well used to the cross border issues — whether one is allowed to drive a “G” registered vehicle, or if one can come into Gibraltar with a Spanish hire car etc. Drive further afield to Portugal or perhaps even Morocco, and choosing the right international insurance becomes that much more important.

Home contents insurance is another area that needs to be considered carefully when moving

abroad — particularly if another language is involved. It surprises me how lackadaisical people can be, especially in regard to holiday homes that might be left for weeks or months unattended. Of course there are no such language difficulties here in Gibraltar and home contents are insured in the same way as Britain.

But there are some things to think about. Until I moved here nearly eight years ago, I had not come across the use of salt water for flushing. A great idea I thought — until my first leak. Water damage however it is caused creates problems but when the water is salty they escalate. “You’ll soon find out there’s nothing as bad or damaging as salt water,” said my plumber cheerily as I looked at the mess and contemplated the bill.

Some policies will cover you for damage caused by the water damage but not the costs involved in finding the trouble. Caveat emptor indeed.

You might be very happy with the cover but it’s worth reading the small print at the outset so you know in advance what to expect should a claim arise.

Lastly and moving away from insurance but still rather ensuring the security of one’s financial future, the question of pension provision must be considered. Given the reduced value of the euro against the British pound in recent years, expats all over Europe have found their spending power significantly reduced through no fault of their own. In recent weeks, the pound has recovered somewhat but the days of

Given the reduced value of the euro against the British pound in recent years, expats all over Europe have found their spending power significantly reduced through no fault of their own

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GBP1/€1.60 are probably long gone (although don’t quote me). Moreover, not a day seems to go by without some new scare story about the latest pension scheme closing and so on. As always, the best thing to do is seek professional advice as soon as possible in order to exploit the options available to an expatriate. The English language press in Spain and Portugal are full of adverts and articles relating to QROPS, where someone leaving the UK may transfer their pension into an overseas version offering significant benefits.

Less well known are QNUPS which relate to assets that have not received UK tax relief. Again this is another product that offers great potential but the area is complex so seek the right advice every time.

I concluded last month’s article with my normal suggestion that potential émigrés should always get the right advice and be careful etc. I went on to say the rewards of an expat life can far outweigh the disadvantages — for people with the right mind set. My lady correspondent who started me off on this article is right to be concerned — she needs that assurance — but things won’t be the same as back home and I think that’s part of the attraction. Provided one is aware areas such as insurance and pensions differ once you’ve gone through passport control, all will be fine. Assurance brings peace of mind and lets you get on with the important bit away from all that finance talk — simply enjoying the new life you have chosen. n

Ian Le Breton

is Managing Director of Sovereign Trust (Gibraltar) Limited.

Tel: +350 200 76173 Email: ilebreton@ SovereignGroup.com

Nicky Guerrero reappointed to Gibraltar Tourist Board The Government has announced the reappointment of Nicky Guerrero to the post of Chief Executive of the Gibraltar Tourist Board.

Mr Guerrero took up his appointment with immediate effect in February, discontinuing his role as Chief Executive Officer of Gibraltar Air Terminal Limited.

The Minister for Tourism, Public Transport and the Port, the Hon Neil Costa said, “This Government is committed to the development of tourism in Gibraltar in an unprecedented way and we are delighted to have Nicky Guerrero taking the lead in this role once again.”

Commenting on his re-appointment, Mr Guerrero said he was very pleased and looked forward to the challenges ahead with the very professional team at the Gibraltar Tourist Board. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

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Barclays’ Corporate Relationship Manager, Nikolai Gafan

Gibraltar: An Essential Port Of Call For The Shipping Industry Gibraltar’s Leading Data and Records Management Specialists

Ship Shape, Gibraltar Fashion...

Over the last six months, we’ve worked on putting together a business plan, and last month we looked at how to raise finance. I’ve listened to what you’ve said and I promise to come back to this subject later in the year.

But now that you have a sound business idea, it’s vital your plan is read and understood. It’s the latter point that is so important to me.

Whilst a banker myself, I have at times been concerned at how some banks in the past seem to have created teams of relationship managers who know so much about their own business area and products, but have little understanding of the key economy sectors, or of the businesses operating within them. But I am pleased to report that a ‘new breed’ of manager has emerged, one who takes a true interest in their sector — an interest which often borders on passion.

Over the next few months, we are going to examine some of the key business sectors in Gibraltar, starting with the shipping industry. I would now like to introduce Corporate Relationship Manager, Nikolai Gafan who is, I believe, a great example of this ‘new breed’ of manager.

“The shipping industry is undoubtedly one of the key pillars of the local economy, both in terms of the revenue it generates and the people it employs, directly or indirectly.

12

It’s a sector which directly influences a considerable number of other industries too. A good example of this is the continued and ever-increasing use of the airport to facilitate ship’s crew ‘swaps,’ arranged by local shipping agents.

Increased passenger numbers not only boosts income for the airport, but other businesses benefit too, from hotels to taxi companies and eateries.

As a Corporate Relationship Manager, I deal with the majority of shipping related business. As such, I’ve a good understanding of, and an interest in, the industry.

My clients include shipping agents, ship chandlers and repairers, brokers, salvage consultants, marine surveyors, operators and bunker agents.

My interest in shipping began at a young age when my grandfather was responsible for mooring the ships and vessels at the port. He had a port-a-cabin which acted as his office, bedroom, kitchen and shelter and he’d be there rain or shine. I loved visiting him there!

He’d sometimes show up at home with some exotic foods like Russian caviar or a whole tuna fish

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

finance column that he would exchange with the crew on the ships that called into Gibraltar.

I was a Sea Scout for over twelve years and lucky enough to go aboard many vessels; from a Royal Navy ship to a frigate and even a minesweeper! Unfortunately, my love for the sea was unrequited as I quickly discovered that I suffer from sea-sickness!

As my sea legs deserted me, a career on dry-land beckoned, but I was still destined to have a connection with the sea! In my current role, I find myself in the fortunate position of looking after the lion’s share of shipping related businesses within the bank, which is brilliant.

I’ve done a lot of reading around shipping and I was fascinated to learn that some relationships between shipping companies and local businesses were forged generations ago-and are still going strong today.

I believe banks should be viewed as partners in the shipping industry, and as such, try wherever possible, to provide adequate support to clients in the areas where the banking and financial system dictates how business is conducted.

“But why is Gibraltar so attractive to the shipping world? I would say it’s because of the top-quality services offered by local agents and provider, twinned with the range of services available, from ship repair to bunkering. Of course, Gibraltar ’s geographic location makes it unique. It is the last stop in Europe and a corridor to many key continents, accessible by land and sea.

But it’s not all been plain sailing for Gibraltar’s shipping industry.

It’s had to adapt to keep up with the rest of the world, which has been done in a timely and effective fashion. For example, in recent times there has been visible expansion with offices opening in other ports in order to increasing business.

The industry has ensured its longevity by making use of unique products and services which just aren’t available to competitors.

Gibraltar’s geographical location, for example, is unrivalled; hence it’s enviable reputation as a jurisdiction well-equipped to deal with ship arrest which still takes place in the

shipping world today.

Another way companies adapt for survival is by investing in more modern vessels in order to tap into other growth areas.

So what other issues are on the horizon for the shipping industry?

Continued Government investment in the Port and its facilities will be high on the agenda of most, if not all local shipping businesses. It would seem that our main rivals across the Bay are making considerable investment in the expansion of port facilities, which poses a very real threat to Gibraltar’s continued growth, particularly in those areas where we continue to be in the lead, for example, in bunkering.

Fortunately, according to Government statistics, the number of ships calling into Gibraltar for bunker, freight or repairs has remained steady over the last 12 months. So it appears there’s not been a significant downturn in the industry generally during that time.

One sector which has seen some loss of business, particularly at other ports, is the cruise liner business. With considerable private investment in new port facilities in the Costa Del Sol on the horizon, and Malaga already being utilised as a major cruise liner ‘hub,’ the industry must remain vigilant to protect its current position, but this will not be possible without further investment in the Port.

I do hope the port remains high on the agenda so that investments are made to ensure it goes from strength to strength. After all, it helped shape Gibraltar’s history, is an integral part of Gibraltar today and, to my mind, is vital for the future.

This sector is so important to me on both a personal and professional level and I’m proud to play my part by providing workable solutions for my clients. It’s a privilege to work with those in the shipping industry, whether they be on land or sea.

Insight from another member of the team next time. n Paul Wharton and Nikolai Gafan are writing in their own capacity and none of the above is intended to express the views or opinions of Barclays Bank PLC.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

13

business update

Argus announces European Management changes:

Gibraltarian takes top post Local insurer Argus has promoted Tyrone Montovio to be General Manager of the Gibraltar operation.

This includes responsibility for West Med, a wholly owned subsidiary of Argus Europe.

Andy Baker, CEO of Argus Europe, said “Given our exciting new strategy to diversify outside Bermuda, Argus Europe will focus on expansion and development of its operations in Gibraltar and Malta, so it gives me great pleasure to announce that the board has promoted Tyrone Montovio to the post of General Manager of Argus Gibraltar.

“Tyrone, who has been with Argus for many years, is a highly qualified professional, with

ACII qualifications to his credit. Along with his local knowledge and experience, it was natural for us to appoint from within the existing team,” Andy added.

Alison Hill, CEO Argus group, explained that “In line with the board’s commitment to shareholders the Argus group is focusing on a Europe centric corporate strategy with diversification outside Bermuda. Strengthening our European management team is vital to ensure

we are well positioned to deliver our medium and short-term objectives. This will enable Andy, our CEO for Europe, to concentrate his efforts on expanding the Maltese and Gibraltar businesses.”

These changes clearly show the increasing importance of the Gibraltar operation to the Argus Group, which, in the light of current economic conditions, is great news for Gibraltar. n

Overseas implications of UK Bribery Act The UK Bribery Act 2010, which came into force last year, impacts individuals and companies based overseas, prosecuting for acts of bribery which have taken place outside, as well as within, the UK. Scott Simmons, Associate at Hassans, will be speaking at seminars to be held in March on the implications of the Act and its reach beyond UK borders to the rest of the world.

Scott, who has previously advised clients in the UK on this subject, will discuss the main terms of the Act, how overseas individuals and companies can be caught by it, and how companies can mitigate the risk of prosecution by implementing policies and procedures designed to bring an end to this age old practice.

Daniel Feetham, MP and former Minister for Justice, will be among those who deliver a keynote address.

If you require further information on implementing a policy within your company or would like to attend the seminars, please get in touch via business@hassans.gi or call Scott on 20079000.

14

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

business update

DHL Express: The Matrix Team Delivers Pictured: The staff of Matrix Logistics Solutions Limited, sole agent for DHL Express in Gibraltar, with their fleet of delivery vans and scooters outside their new premises at Harbours Deck, New Harbours. Matrix Logistics is able to offer the full range of DHL Express services including next day “pre-12” deliveries — which means documents are guaranteed to arrive at their destination the next morning (major US and European destinations). To find out more about the full range of DHL Express products available in Gibraltar telephone Matrix Logistics Solutions Limited on 200 72210 or call in at Unit 36 Harbours Deck, New Harbours, Rosia Road, Gibraltar.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

15

Lyana’s Political Life...

by Sonia Golt

If we look back at politics locally there have been few female Government Ministers. Is it because they have not put themselves forward as candidates; they have not been accepted by the public; or is it a consequence of a traditionally male dominated working environment?

Mary Chiappe, Ana Maria Anes, Marie Montegriffo, are examples of women who bucked the trend in the past, but it is now widely accepted that women are an asset to a local Government. Hurrah then to one woman we have seen in a variety of political roles locally — Lyana Armstrong Emery.

Lyana was born in Nairobi, Kenya, to an English father and Gibraltarian mother who were working there for Cable and Wireless. Even when living away, Lyana has always been very proGibraltar and had a desire to be involved in what was, and is, happening here.

“My grandparents were the Danino family of the Scud Hill butcher’s shop in Gibraltar. Due to my father’s work with Cable & Wireless I was very fortunate to travel extensively. At the age of three my travelling started when we moved to Rio de Janeiro. In fact all my primary and secondary education was done in Catholic

16

Convent Schools in South America and the Caribbean.

“It was during these formative years I realised and later understood about social injustices. In those days, particularly in South America the gap between rich and poor was immense and very noticeable. There was no middle point. I believe this is where my leftist politics and my passion for the defence of human rights, whether for the worker, women or immigrants developed into how I feel and act today.”

Politics was not always Lyana’s chosen vocation and her travelling inspired her to begin work in the

travel industry, in the UK and Gibraltar. However she adds “While at Heathrow I was the Shop Steward for the Union (TGWU) for Passenger Relations Agents. I was also active in the old UK Liberal Party before it merged with the SDP. Here again politics played a part in my life.”

Lyana’s involvment in local politics began when she joined the old GNP and stayed on for a while when it became the Liberal Party of Gibraltar. “I twice stood for election with them before ‘going it alone’ years later as an Independent Liberal/Reform candidate.”

In the 2004 European Elections she secured a place on the Green Party list and, being the only Gibraltarian candidate, helped the party to third place in the elections in Gibraltar

Lyana was the party leader of the now defunct Gibraltar Reform Party — a pro-ecology party with a close association with the Green Party of England and Wales. As her party held no seats in the House of Assembly, she never held the status of official member of the opposition.

She and her party strongly supported Gibraltarian representation in Parliament at Westminster and

What is the Green Party?

The Green Party of England and Wales is one of the oldest Green political parties in the world and has been campaigning for ecological sustainability and social justice for more than 30 years.

The party traces its origins to 1973 when it was simply called People. It became the Ecology Party shortly afterwards and finally changed its name to the Green Party in 1985. www.greenparty.org.uk

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

political lives at the European Parliament. Other campaigning themes of the Reform Party were proportional representation, devolved integration of Gibraltar with the UK, anti-sexism, fair treatment for minorities, greater rights for non-EU residents and a radical restructuring of tax and benefits systems.

In the 2004 European Elections she secured a place on the Green Party list and, being the only Gibraltarian candidate, helped the party to third place in the elections in Gibraltar. “In 2004 Gibraltar was included for the first time in the European Elections” she explains. “In my party we reached an agreement with the Green Party of England and Wales, whose environmental (and other) views I agreed with. This resulted in me standing with them on their electoral ticket that year.

I therefore had the great honour to be the first-ever Gibraltarian to be a candidate in an EU General Election.”

It seems strange then, that at this point Lyana appears to have stepped down from the political arena. She explains “Really, in the general sense I didn’t leave it, I merely switched from the party sphere to the pressure-group one.

In 2005 Lyana became Co-coordinator of Friends of the Earth in Gibraltar — a local part of the international, two million-member confederation of environmentalist pressure groups of the same name which operate in over 70

countries.

“I am proud to say that we, together with other environmental groups, have made a real difference in this crucially important area.”

With all of this political activity under her belt we returned to the original question — why does Lyana think there have been so few women in politics locally?

“I don’t know, really. It’s puzzling because, after all, there are very many prominent women in every other sphere of life — the professions, business, NGOs. Many other areas (including journalism!) have significant female input at all levels. I’d like to see many more women elected politicians too, but I guess that’ll take time.”

Quietly spoken, calm and collected Lyana is an intelligent woman who can and does contribute her experiences, knowledge and effort to the benefit of politics locally.

Apart from everything and anything political, Lyana says she reads “an awful lot”, plays the piano and in recent times has caught the ‘get fit’ bug. She is also an active member of the Rotary Club Gibraltar. n

“

I am proud to say that we... have made a real difference in this crucially important area

”

Who are Friends of the Earth?

Friend of the Earth is the world’s largest grassroots environmental network, uniting 76 national member groups and 5,000 local activist groups on every continent.

With over 2 million members and supporters around the world, compaigning on today’s urgent environmental and social issues. FOE challenges economic and corporate globalisation, and promotes solutions to create environmentally sustainable and socially just societies. www.foei.org

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17

human resources

5 Tips for a more Productive Work Day

by Sarah Espigares, Community Manager at SRGEurope

Is this you? You get to work and jump right into your work. You have your head down all day running from one task to another and back again. You leave at the end of the day feeling like you haven’t accomplished anything. Staying productive at work is a challenge for most, but there are ways to improve your productivity. Here are 5 tips that can help.

1. Consciously eliminate distractions The workplace is full of distractions including the phone, email and even other colleagues.

These are all commonplace at work and you need to work with them, but if you can minimize these distractions as much as possible, you can get more work done efficiently. If possible, find a spare room to work in where you can close the door and not be disturbed. Let your colleagues know that you need no distractions for a while.

Shut off your phone and close down your email.

If your work place allows you to listen to music and you can do so without disturbing your fellow workers, then put something on that will allow you shut out everything else around you and complete the task at hand.

2. Stop Multi-tasking It’s a common misconception that you get more done when you multi-task. You don’t. In fact, the average human loses 10 IQ points when

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multi-tasking. There’s a big possibility that your boss is not necessarily going to allow you to dedicate all your time to one project at one given time so it is necessary to have the ability to work on multiple projects at once, but there are ways that you can minimise multi-tasking on a daily basis. If you are conscious of your daily schedule and make an effort to schedule blocks of time where you focus on one task at a time, you will get them completed. If you are flipping back and forth throughout the day chances are you will leave the office thinking “Oh, no! I forgot to finish that last part.”

3. Schedule time for your email Checking email throughout the day is the number one productivity killer in the work place. Email is necessary for most as it is the main source of communication in today’s work environment. The best way to avoid falling into the habit of becoming a slave to your email is to

set aside several times a day dedicated solely to checking and responding to emails. If you’re waiting for an important email that is stopping you from completing a task, pick up the phone and speak to the person direct. A good rule of thumb is that if you have to respond to an email more than two times, make the phone call and try and get it resolved right away. You’ll save yourself time with a little bit of effort.

4. Take breaks We are not super beings. Humans need to eat, replenish energy and take regular breaks. The brain uses more glucose than any other bodily activity and it is usually depleted after 60 to 90 minutes. This is why you can feel frazzled after a particularly long meeting or a day where you have been staring at your computer for hours without a break. You need to recharge throughout the day. Go for a walk on your lunch break, have a quick snack or switch to another

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

task for a while. If you have flexible working hours throughout the day, take advantage of this. Schedule regular breaks which mean you might leave the office a little later, but you will do so feeling that you accomplished more.

5. Take care of yourself Most people forget this point and don’t think it really matters, but it can be the most important one. The benefits of taking care of yourself outside the work place find their way into the work place.

Exercise creates a constant state of calm in the body which allows for higher cognitive activity and the ability to focus on tasks better and longer. If you suffer from health related issues; such as back problems, this will most definitely affect your ability to sit and complete your work productively. Exercise or visits to a specialist can help the problem.

Starving yourself first thing in the morning followed by a massive, starchy meal midday will make you drowsy. Adopting healthy habits outside of the work place will benefit both at home and at work.

Most working professionals who claim they are not happy in their job often feel it’s because they hate the job. This is not necessarily the case, but more that they have lost that sense of purpose and accomplishment which stems from lack of productivity. Awareness of the issue is the first step. Once you have done that, then making the decision to adopt the changes in fixing the problem can be easy. n

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business update

The CISI is the largest and most widely respected professional body in the investment industry, established in Gibraltar in February 2011.

The CISI’s National Advisory Council in Gibraltar, which organises a number of Continuing Professional Development events for members and non-members.

Exams are available every Friday at Bleak House.

Training for CISI exams is available from Global Advisory Services Limited (www.globaladvisoryservices.net) the CISI’s representative in Gibraltar.

Please contact +350 20046830 for more information.

For more information on the CISI visit our website to find out more about who we are and what we offer. cisi.org/gibraltar

gibraltar@cisi.org

2012/13 Telephone Directory: In Print and Online....

Online Gibyellow.gi is ‘The Directory’ online, and Gibraltar’s premier site for finding what you need, offering business, residential, numerical and category search facilities plus a new and enhanced keyword search. You’ll also find a host of local information.

In 2011 the site received almost half a million individual page views, equating to over 1300 pages being viewed every day. This trend is steadily increasing, and Gibyellow.gi is constantly striving to improve and enhance the online Directory.

In March the site will be enhanced with a brand new look and enhanced search facilities, to ensure you find what you’re looking for. The new site will be optimised for mobile use soon.

way for publication in September 2012. The Directory is found in every home and business in Gibraltar and with over 27,000 copies distributed each year.

For businesses the Gibyellow team will be contacting every business in Gibraltar for requirements this year’s Yellow Pages.

The Yellow Pages is the ONLY place where every local business can be found, from accountants to window manufacturers.

The residential listings for the White Pages are held by your line service provider. Be sure to check they have the correct information for publication in this year’s print directory. Entries can be checked online at gibyellow.gi.

Additions and Amendments The campaign for the printed directory concludes on 15th May 2012, so please get in touch if you In Print The campaign for the 2012/13 have any changes as they may Telephone Directory is under- not be made after this date. n

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

What would you rather be doing? Spending time looking into thousands of investment options – or having time for other things in life? If the latter appeals to you, why not leave your investments to the professionals?

Discretionary Portfolio Management is a tailored investment solution: you put your investments in the hands of experienced professionals at Jyske Bank. Your personality, temperament and goals will determine the way your

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To find out more, visit jyskebank.gi/dpm or speak to an adviser at Jyske Bank.

JYSKE BANK (GIBRALTAR) LTD. • Private Banking 76, Main Street • P.O. Box 143 • Gibraltar Tel. +350 200 59205• Fax +350 200 76782 info@jyskebank.gi • www.jyskebank.gi

Jyske Bank (Gibraltar) Ltd. is licensed by the Financial Services Commission, Licence No. FSC 001 00B. Services and products are not available to everybody, for instance not to residents of the US.

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06-07-2011 11:05:15

community update

AKIN’s Amazing fund raising endeavours Local charity, the Association of Kids in Need, had a fantastic fund raising year last year which will help it to complete its many projects worldwide.

The sale of chocolates which AKIN promoted during late 2011 raised a staggering £7,327.00. The car raffle raised £22,000,.00, the FLIP bingo event in February 2011 raised over £6,500 and the October AKIN bingo raised over £1,500.

When added to the other generous donations received during the year, it means AKIN raised over £38,000 in 2011. Some of the funds raised have already been used to rebuild schools in desperate need and AKIN will continue to invest in more school projects during 2012.

Pictured above is the presentation of the Honda motorcycle

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which was the second prize in the AKIN Sierra Leone grand Christmas raffle took place recently at the Bassadone Motors showroom.

The winner Catherine Valarino is pictured with Peter Caetano, Sales Representative (left), and Jimmy Bruzon the AKIN Sierra Leone Project Coordinator.

More information on the school project can be found in the charity’s website www.akincharity. org. Anyone wishing to support the work of the children’s charity may contact Jimmy Bruzon on Tel: 57631000 or e-mail jimbruzon@ hotmail.com. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

eGaming pages

Gibraltar:

Game On...

As unemployment continues to grow just over the border, the online gaming industry here in Gibraltar continues to provide ample employment locally. According to the latest employment survey, the largest increase in the level of employee jobs was registered in Gaming and Betting, seeing an increase of 4.6% between 2009 and 2010 — a big slice of the population on the Rock.

The industry includes over 20 gaming companies, and employs over 2000 people — over 12% of the work force here in Gibraltar. Keeping online gaming on The Rock is clearly important from this angle alone. But their other strengths include opening up Gibraltar to brand new visitors.

As many of the major players have offices between here, the UK and even Israel, we

This edition: In the Hot Seat: William Hill Online’s Chief Executive Henry Birch p. 24 eGaming Specialist: KPMG’s Archie Watt p. 26 eGaming Culture: Pocket Rockets & Pooling together p. 27 & 28

Next month: In the Hot Seat: Betfred.com’s MD Chris Sheffield eGaming Specialist: Isola’s Stephen Caetano eGaming People: Opportunity Knocks - William Hill Online’s grad scheme employee John Imossi eGaming Culture For information on this section of The Gibraltar Magazine contact Kate Bird on 200 77748 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

see the companies take advantage of the new airport and the hotels, helping local business along the way.

Gibraltar is recognised as one of the key egaming districts in Europe, and after PartGaming acquired Bet and Win (BWIN) last year in a venture worth 1.95bn euro, we see it continuing to progress.

However, as much as e-gaming has contrib-

uted to the dynamic here in Gibraltar, changes in gaming tax could have an impact in the future again. The industry is ever evolving and bringing new and exciting prospects to the Rock, and helps to identify the need for advancing services and technology in a quest to lead the way. The gaming community is a large one, and Gibraltar would be a very different place without it. n

events

eGaming Summit KPMG Gibraltar’s second annual eGaming Summit will be held on Thursday 19th April at the Caleta Hotel and aims to bring together the sector’s major players and service providers to discuss the jurisdiction’s potential in the global marketplace.

Key stakeholders and decision makers will attend, by invitation, to consider and debate how to ensure Gibraltar’s offering to this key industry remains strong in a rapidly changing global marketplace.

Over 120 delegates attended last year’s Summit, from Gibraltar and abroad, with interest expected to be even higher this year.

The annual Gibraltar Summit is now one of a number of similar events run across the globe by KPMG. n

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eGaming feature

In the hot seat

William Hill’s Henry Birch

Henry Birch, William Hill Online’s Chief Executive is a busy man. With a wife and four children, and a hectic schedule between Gibraltar, London and Israel, catching him in his office in Gibraltar was a welcome opportunity. Henry’s background is broad and relevant, he started his career in politics, before moving to Turner Broadcasting (now Time Warner). He then spent several years in Silicon Valley before moving back to the UK in 2001 and getting involved in online gaming. Now, established in his role at William Hill, we sit down with him to talk about how he finds working and living here in Gibraltar.

Can you tell us a bit about the history behind how William Hill ended up migrated to Gibraltar?

We originally moved our gaming business to Gibraltar in 2007. We came here because we viewed Gibraltar as the premier licensing jurisdiction in Europe. In 2009, we then moved our entire online business here. The move was motivated partly by tax savings, but also because of the access to talent and infrastructure that Gibraltar provided. Prior to 2009, we had a team of about 12 people here in Gib, in 2009 we had about 100 people, and now we’re a team of about 300.

What is your own background — have you lived in Gibraltar long?

I was one of the first William Hill people to move over back in 2009 with my three children and pregnant wife! Obviously that was a big move personally, but I joined William Hill in the knowledge that we would be re-locating to Gibraltar.

Do you employ people from Gibraltar as well as re-locating people from outside the

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jurisdiction?

We’ve been really pleasantly surprised at the talent available both amongst Gibraltarians and the wider ex-pat community. We see a lot of people who are more than willing to re-locate here to Gibraltar for the job.

Last year we also put in place a graduate scheme that was open only to Gibraltarians.

This is something we’re very keen to support and we try to hire locally at all levels.

I believe gaming is the largest industry employer in Gibraltar so it’s obviously important.

Like other industries, it is not just the employment and tax revenues that it brings, but also the secondary provision of services such as bandwidth and telecom right down to office cleaning.

Is there a lot of movement of employees between competitors?

There is some, but there is also an unwritten How important do you think the gaming in- rule that companies shouldn’t poach each othdustry is to Gibraltar? ers’ staff directly. We’ll often put out an advert for a job locally, but we try not to specifically target people in competitor companies.

“

Last year we also put in place a graduate scheme that was open only to Gibraltarians.

This is something we’re very keen to support and we try to hire locally at all levels

”

Do you enjoy living here and bringing up your family in Gibraltar?

It’s great for both me and my family. The community and quality of life is fantastic and a five minute bike ride to work beats an hour’s commute on public transport!

What is your favourite thing about Gibraltar?

I love it all except the border queues! n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

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eGaming feature employed by the gaming companies and that’s good for the community. It has become part of the fabric here in Gib. This, added to the economic impact on the sections of society and infrastructure that have benefitted from significant funding from gaming companies, are among the biggest changes I have seen.

What are the benefits of operating in Gibraltar?

Gibraltar previously relied on financial services, but over the last 10 years it has diversified and now the economy benefits from several different sectors.

The gaming industry especially has brought new insights and vision, along with many people from different backgrounds, and I think having a cosmopolitan environment here in Gibraltar is a really good thing.

Do you have relationships with all the gaming companies?

Ask anyone and they will tell you the same — not as many business relationships as we’d like! However we have a genuine and considered appetite for and expertise in gaming, and we are keen to do business with companies who operate in this field.

eGaming Specialist: Archie Watt

A Changing Industry As head of eGaming and IT advisory at KPMG, Archie Watt has a huge amount of experience in the eGaming sector, and has seen changes and developments in Gibraltar over many years. We talk to Archie about his career in IT and his time at KPMG. Archie, you have a wealth of experience in the gaming industry ­— can you give us a bit of background on what your role involves?

Well, my background is audit and IT assurance, and, as online gaming is so heavily reliant upon IT, my job really is to bridge the two together. It’s a case of making sure the front office gaming systems match the back end accounting and management information.

For newer companies it might be that we offer to set up solutions, while the more mature the company the less they need that sort of service, but they may require more on-going support. It’s all about trying to spot issues before they arise and offering solutions and advice to prevent those issues causing problems.

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The gaming industry has really gained momentum in Gibraltar, can you tell us a bit about the changes you’ve seen over the years?

Gaming companies have changed massively, and so has Gibraltar over the same period, as they are becoming a real fixture on the Rock.

It’s no longer ‘morally unacceptable’ to work at a gaming company, whereas before some might have seen it that way. There are a large number of local people in Gibraltar who are

“

How do you find remaining a local business in Gibraltar, but dealing with such a massive International industry?

Well our office is spilt between Gibraltarians and employees from all over the world.

We have a strong dynamic, and so we don’t see such a spilt. Our local members of the team have a real International outlook and they work and travel on a truly global scale.

Gibraltarians are employed in senior positions on merit — we have excellent staff here. The gaming culture will continue to develop and the companies here will have to change and adapt — we’re lucky that we have insight on this from our colleagues around the world.

Do you think we’ll ever see a change in regulation? If so, how will that affect your business?

Europe will continue to regulate, and risk and operational management in Gibraltar will have to change. But that’s an advantage of working with KPMG, we have gaming specialists in all the jurisdictions who are in the know all the time.

Can you tell us a bit about the e-gaming summit and what its objectives are?

This is our 2nd summit in Gibraltar, and there is lots to cover as there have been many changes in the last year. Black Friday took place just after last year’s Summit and since then Denmark has opened up, Spain has deferred its opening for six months, and the US position seemed to develop further in the runup to Christmas — just to name a few. The summit will be looking at all these changes and how the gaming industry will need to adapt to them. n

Our local members of the team have a real International outlook and they work and travel on a truly global scale. We have excellent staff here

”

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

eGaming culture

Team Talent

888 Pocket Rockets bowling stars Not only are the employees at the 888 Group busy in the day, they are also busy with the Gibraltar Ten Pin Bowling Association in their spare time. The bowling team has seen many successes over the seasons — and they continue to show off their achievements.

The bowling team is made up from all walks of life here in Gibraltar, not only employees of Cassava Enterprises (a member of 888 Holdings) but it is also open to the wider community playing two to three matches every month here on the Rock.

In the 2004/05 season, the 888 ‘Pocket Rockets’ started right at the bottom in the ‘C’ League (or third division) and in their first season managed to get promoted as ‘C’ league champions showing they had talent ready to nourish.

Over the last few seasons and in more recent years, the team pushed up into the ‘B’ league, often finishing just below the promoted teams.

This season (2011/2012) they have been so successful, they have now been promoted to the A league and currently lie in 5th position after been knocked out in the quarter finals of the cup — a great achievement.

At the end of each season their hard work is rewarded with an awards evening to give prizes to the team league and cup winners along with various men’s and women’s individual achievements.

Their greatest victory was back in 2005 when the company sponsored the team to take part in a charity competition in Norwich, in the UK. Team member John says “It wasn’t just a fantastic experience, but a great way of meeting new friends.”

There is also an annual team cup competition and regular individual qualifying competitions towards international events which the company like to get involved in. The enthusiasm of this team alone is worthy of a mention — what a great way of enjoying a team night out. n Three of the bowling stars (from left to right): John Geddes, Paul Payne and Patrick Simon

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

The current 888 team members include John Geddes (team captain), Peter McKay, Celia Brennan, Paul Payne, and Patrick Simon.

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eGaming culture

Leanne, Kayleigh and Liam stand proud ready for action

Staff at Ladbrokes have been showing off their skills in and out of the office — and the team members are proving to be real sports as they show off their commitment to pool.

The EBA European Masters is one of the most established and important tournaments in the pool calendar, and in spring last year four of Ladbrokes staff were part of the action.

Fraud Analyst Leanne Acris, Premier Support Agent Kayleigh Raine, IT Operations Analyst Scott Button and CS Agent Liam Golt, proudly represented Gibraltar at the five day

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event in Bridlington in Yorkshire, hosted by the European Blackball Association.

Leanne, who is ladies’ captain of the team was taking part in the event for the eighth time, but it was the first time four players from one company has taken part.

“

We have a small pool community — but there are rarely two players from the same company. Four of us is unheard of!

”

“With a population of just 30,000, we have a small pool community — but there are rarely two players from the same company in the teams of seven ladies and 11 men. Four of us is unheard of!” Having trained together since December 2010, they were well prepared for the team and singles events against England, Wales, Scotland and Southern Ireland and France plus a number of other small nations.

“The results show that is was a tough year and the standard was super high,” Leanne says. “But it was a good week and we all had a really good time, especially cheering on one of our other team mates who managed to make it through to the quarter finals of the individual tournament.” n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

Photo: © Lorne Campbell

Ladbrokes team pool together

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Nominal speeds may be dependent on network conditions and distance from Gibtelecom distribution nodes

Gibtelecom…it just gets better!

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Don’t forget Mother’s Day...

It’s that day again where we take a minute to appreciate our Mums, so don’t forget to take some time to do something special this year so your can Mum relax and enjoy the day.

Sunday 18th March

Mother’s Day, or Mothering Sunday, is a time when children pay respect to their Mothers often giving a gift and a card as a token of their appreciation.

Mothering Sunday is not a fixed day because it is always the middle Sunday in Lent (which lasts from Ash Wednesday to the day before Easter Sunday). This means that Mother’s Day in the UK will fall on different dates each year and sometimes even fall in different months.

Celebrations of mothers and motherhood occur throughout the world; and many of these can be traced back to ancient festivals, like the Roman festival of Hilaria.

Spoil your Mum with some gifts — maybe buy her that special necklace she’s had her eye on, some flowers or a plant or treat her to a salon treatment or choose something with special significance for you.

Finally, what better way to treat your Mum than by taking her out for a delicious family meal? Look at our food and drink section for ideas for a good atmosphere and the best food. n

Flip Students Do It Again for Charity!

The completion of two more Future Leaders in Philanthropy (FLIP) Project fundraising events raised over £8,000 by February 2012. The funds were raised by Kishin Daswani, Zainya Reyes and the Bonita Trust and donated to Women in Need and Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research.

FLIP Project Manager, Jo Abergel, said, ”Once again, the FLIP students have demonstrated how hard work, coupled with lots of support from family and friends, can make a big difference to local charities. Local businesses again came forward offering raffle prizes, vouchers and gifts to help our students raise money for these worthwhile causes, and for this we are immensely grateful.”

Kishin Daswani held a charity five-a-side football tournament in aid of Women in Need. Played in the form of a league, every team

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Performers at the Bingo Night

played each other once to acquire as many points possible. Companies which took part were JBS, Credit Suisse, Khubchands, Natwest and Tradewise Insurance along with the Hindu Temple.

The winning team, Khubchands, were overall winners pipping Natwest to the post by just one point.

Zainya Reyes’s event was a Bingo Night in aid of Leukaemia &

Lymphoma Research at the Central Hall which over 200 people attended. The Senior Citizens Club managed the bingo and Danza Academy provided dancers for entertainment.

The funds raised at both Kishin’s and Zainya’s events is matched by the Bonita Trust resulting in over £8,000 being distributed to these two local charities. n

The FLIP Project is aimed at students from Year 12 and up and is a threeyear project which teaches its participants about charities, how they are run and the challenges they face.

The aim is to create greater social responsibility. FLIP is a joint venture project between The Bonita Trust and Credit Suisse (Gibraltar) Limited and is managed by Jo Abergel. For further information, contact info@ flip.gi.

The funds raised at both Kishin’s and Zainya’s events is matched by the Bonita Trust resulting in over £8,000 being distributed to these two local charities GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

business & finance The survey provides a qualitative and quantitative review of the best services in private banking, by region and by areas of services

Barclays Wealth in Gibraltar Wins Prestigous Industry Awards Barclays Wealth in Gibraltar has scooped two prestigious awards in the 2012 Euromoney Private Banking Survey Awards. The organisation won ‘Best private banking services overall’ in the Gibraltar category and was also named supplier of Gibraltar’s ‘Best Super-Affluent Specific services’.

The awards ceremony took place in London on Thursday, February 16. Barclays Wealth in Gibraltar was represented by Paul Wharton, Head of Corporate Banking and Derek Sene, Head of Personal Banking, who collected the Gibraltar

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award for ‘Best private banking services overall.’

Country Manager, Franco Cassar said he was delighted that the company’s efforts had been recognised at the Euromoney Private Banking Survey Awards which

are a respected benchmark within the global wealth management industry.

“To be recognised for our private banking services is an honour and I am delighted that the team has been acknowledged in this way.

Staff will continue to work closely with clients to offer a bespoke service which enables them to make full use of our offering,” said Mr Cassar.

Speaking after collecting the award, Mr Sene said: “Barclays in Gibraltar has historically been associated with retail banking, given our 123 year history on the Rock, but we are much more than that. Over the last five years Barclays Wealth has invested heavily in developing a segment entirely devoted to servicing our high value client base and this award is a just reward for this investment.”

There was also cause for celebration at Barclays in Guernsey as the organisation came joint first in the ‘Best Relationship Management’ and ‘Best high-net-worth-specific services’ Guernsey categories.

The Euromoney Private Banking Awards recognise private banks that have been the best performing in the world in the past year.

The awards were voted for by more than 1,500 private banking professionals across the globe, with the results taken from the annual Private Banking Survey, conducted

by Euromoney.

The survey provides a qualitative and quantitative review of the best services in private banking, by region and by areas of services.

It is used as an informative guide for high net-worth individuals on the range of professional wealth management service providers that are available. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

property file

Why ‘Gibraltar’ Ovenware?

by Reg Reynolds

As a regular watcher of the BBC television programme Bargain Hunt I have recently been hoping one of the contestants will pick a piece of Gibraltar Ovenware to put up for auction. Alas, this has yet to happen, and as far as I can be sure, I have still only ever seen this special cooking dish in photographs.

Gibraltar Ovenware was produced by the Syracuse China company of Syracuse, New York and was given its name due to its ruggedness and oval shape. Designed to be the industry’s most durable ovenware it went on the market in the late 1970s and was an instant success. Gibraltar Ovenware was promoted for its “Cook ‘n’ Serve” capability and the healthful qualities of oven cooked (baked not fried) meals served straight from the oven.

The Gibraltar dish is basically a large ceramic bowl, advertised that it could go from “freezer to oven to table”. Gibraltar Ovenware was made to resist thermal shock, abrasion, chipping and cracking.

My mother used to cook with a similar device, which she called a “crock pot”.

Who knows, it may have been Gibraltar Ovenware? I never thought to check for a brand name. I do remember it was ceramic, had an oval shape, and with the lid on looked a bit like the Rock.

Gibraltar Ovenware was the

brainchild of the prolific designer George B Jensen, who had gone to work with Syracuse China in 1973.

In all, he produced a dozen patterns and two new shapes for the company. The Gibraltar Ovenware line was the last major shape he produced before his death on 13th December, 1977 aged 61.

Jensen was an internationallyknown designer of glass, china and household products. In an odd co-incidence he was born on Vancouver Island, the same island I call home. Through the years he designed products for some of the world’s largest companies including General Electric, Hamilton Beach, Rosenthal China, Argus Photographic, Ecko Houseware and American Oil. So there is a good chance that at some point in your life you have handled a product of his design. He also designed and built boats for the family business, Jensen Boat Works.

From here on it is my intention to obtain a Gibraltar Ovenware ‘crock pot’ of my own but right now it’s time for Bargain Hunt. n

Bargain Hunt For the uninitiated Bargain Hunt is a game show featuring two teams (Blue and Red) of two players each who search through antique and collectible markets for items to put up for auction. They are given £300 per team and the ‘hunters’ are given one hour to purchase three items.

Each team is guided by an ‘expert’ and whatever money is left over is given to the expert to purchase a fourth item ‘bonus buy’ which they can choose (or not) to gamble on. The team with the most money (or often smallest loss) is the winner. If either team makes a profit they get to keep the money. Bargain Hunt is shown on BBC 1 every weekday (1.15pm in Gibraltar) and the affable host is Tim Wonnacott.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

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S

property update real estate

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

Portman Ltd General Suppliers

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

marine services

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

TARIK

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

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

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

34 34

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

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

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

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2011 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

property file

Feng Shui Fun It’s been said Gibraltar has good Feng Shui as it is surrounded by water. Why not create good Feng Shui in your home too?

Love your bedroom

Be sure your bedroom has feng shui energy that helps your body renew and rejuvenate while you sleep. If your bed is positioned well within the room, and you are using calm colours and materials, as well as good feng shui images, this will create a spacious, more calming effect. Avoid having lots of clutter in your bedroom, especially under your bed or in your wardrobes.

Vergola opening rooves are ideal for Gibraltar’s climate — whatever time of year

Clear the air

Shelter from the storm Vergola opening roofs are designed not just for calm summer days, but also to withstand the severe storms that sometimes batter Gibraltar at this time of year.

The long days and balmy evenings of summer make outdoor living a pleasure; yet with winter most of us ‘batten down the hatches’ in preparation for unpredictable or severe weather that can destroy fragile awnings and terrace roofs.

Yet this means that often we don’t enjoy our roof terraces, balconies and outdoor spaces as much as we could at this time of year.

Yet, with Vergola, originally designed in Australia for its harsh weather conditions, outdoor terraces here in Gibraltar can be left furnished and useable all year round.

Unlike awnings or retractable vinyl roofs, a Vergola is made from robust, interlocking fully adjustable louvres. Each louvre is made of BHP Colorbond steel, coated with an aluminium/ zinc alloy, and then stylishly finished with an oven treated weather-resistant paint. In fact each louvre has a total of seven layers including the core. This makes the Vergola opening roof maintenance free and exceptionally strong. So here in the Mediterranean, the sturdy construc-

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

Does your body get a lot of fresh air?

Indoor pollution is much worse than outdoor, so you need to pay attention to the quality of air in your house. Help your body relieve stress by nourishing it with good, clean air. Open your windows to aerate your home or use air purifiers. If you have a balcony open the doors and let the breeze in. You can also use air purifying plants (any), as well as the use of pure essential oils. Try them all, your body will notice.

tion of a Vergola means that it can easily resist winds year after year.

Many people also ask how Vergolas, being made principally out of metal and with electrical components, cope with being near the sea. Here again, Vergola has lots of experience gained over a generation with coastal installations; making these automatic roofs ideal for Mediterranean coastal areas where salt-water spray is present from time to time.

Be happy in your kitchen

Information & FAQs For more information, consult the Vergola website at www.vergola.es.

There is a wealth of information for home owners, businesses owners as well as architects and designers. In addition to videos and an image library, there is a useful FAQ section too.

If you would like a free onsite consultation, or simply have a question, Vivia Bremer-Goldie can be reached in Gibraltar on gibraltar@vergola.es.

Start your day fresh

Do you feel happy when you enter your kitchen? Of course you’re probably happy with how it looks, but does your body get support from it? Weak or even bad feng shui energy in your kitchen can effect how you feel while cooking and eating. If you want to relieve stress, use proper lighting, keep it simple and do not overload with gadgets. Fresh flowers will help too.

The bathroom is the space where you start the day, as well as the space where you come to wash yourself after the day is over. In feng shui, the bathroom is part of a powerful feng shui trinity — bedroom, kitchen and bathroom — three very important spaces for your well-being and efficient stress release. Make sure it is a bright, airy, and relaxing space.

35

The rise & rise of high-end residential A Russian billionaire has just purchased a New York penthouse apartment for $88 million (£56m). The 627 sq m apartment in Central Park West is the highest value individual property sale in New York’s history. It works out at £88,500 per sq metre which is believed to be a new record on a sq metre basis, although it must be said that no official records are kept on a worldwide basis.

Dmitry Rybolovlev purchased the apartment with panoramic views of New York’s Central Park for his 22-year-old university student daughter, Ekaterina Rybolovleva. (The agency fee on this was a salivating £2m!)

The previous record on a sq metre basis was thought to be 10 Pollock’s Path in Hong Kong, which sold last summer for $102.7m (£65m) and equates to £83,000 per sq m.

The world’s most expensive

36

private dwelling is thought to be in Mumbai, India. Antilla Tower, the home of Mukesh Ambani is 173 metres tall (but only 27 storeys as each storey is double or triple the normal height) and allegedly has 600 staff maintaining it and serving the family. With some 40,000 sq metres of floor space, it is however, still only half the size of Buckingham Palace.

A neo-Georgian house on the so-called Billionaire’s Boulevard in

London is believed to be Britain’s most expensive house having been purchased for £117m by the steel industrialist Lakshmi Mittal.

Mining magnate Rinat Akhmetov, Ukraine’s richest man, purchased two apartments in the highly prestigious One Hyde Park complex in Knightsbridge in London for £136m. This makes Roman Abramovich’s pad in Kensington Palace Gardens, London, at £92m look cheap, although his Villa La

Leopolda, the 10-acre estate he is thought to have purchased from Microsoft mogul Bill Gates for £284m is often described in the media as the world’s most expensive transacted (not valued) house.

According to Chesterton’s Research Brief on the London Residential Market, January 2012, in Mayfair, Belgravia, and Kensington & Chelsea districts, the residential property market is dominated by foreign high net worth individu-

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

property file als, notably from Russia and the Middle East but also increasingly from China and India. Eurozone buyers are also present with Greeks being prominent over the past year. In the ultra-prime segment, approximately 75% of sales are currently accounted for by foreign purchasers which adds to the area’s already multi-national feel. Quality apartments in these up market areas typically range between £20,000 and £50,000 per sq m.

Elsewhere in the low tax jurisdiction world, Monaco fetches £40,000 - £75,000 per sq m, whilst Hong Kong and Switzerland are averaging around £20,000 per sq m in the smarter parts. More in the prime exclusive locations.

So how does all of this compare to our local market?

It makes Gibraltar properties seem rather cheap! Ocean Village trades at an average of £5,000 per sq m, higher for the marina facing penthouses, less for the road facing lower floors whereas King’s Wharf averages £4,400 per sq m. The Island in Queensway Quay exceeds £6,000 per sq m and achieves the highest per sq m rate of any of the developments.

Gibraltar has the location, the legal system, the tolerance of foreign nationals and the tax structure to attract some of the ultra prime market. This is in part, what makes London attractive to foreign wealth. A further important factor and one which is sometimes overlooked is language: English is the language of international business and is widely spoken as a second language worldwide which helps greatly to make Gibraltar more accessible to foreigners.

But Gibraltar does not have the ultra prime property stock to match the other attractions. There has been no new supply of anything for two years and nothing will be brought to the market in 2012.

Buena Vista Park, a mix of villas and townhouses, should start its

High-end apartments command a high price per square metre in other low-tax jurisdictions. Relatively, in Gibraltar you get a lot for your money

completions at the back end of 2013.

Chesterton has been appointed by the developer to market this development internationally, to tap into the higher end residential market which continues to flourish worldwide. We are also working with another developer who should soon launch the best residential property Gibraltar has ever seen, aimed at those who want the best, can afford the best and would not consider relocating to Gibraltar without the best.

Does the influx of the super rich help Gibraltar on a more socioeconomic level given the low taxes

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

the individuals pay? I would argue tar. After all, why choose Monaco, most certainly yes. Mukesh Am- when you could be here on the Rock bani’s home in Mumbai requires at less than half the price? n 600 (tax paying) staff. In Gibraltar there is still import duty on the construction materials, stamp duty Mike Nicholls is a Fellow of the on the property prices, plus home Institute of Chartered Accountants, furnishing stores, garages and a member of the Gibraltar Society many restaurants and bars that of Accountants and a member of crave the higher spending power the Gibraltar Funds and Investment Authority. Mike operates the of these individuals.

Chesterton estate agency in Gibraltar If we can create the right quality (www.chesterton.gi) and owns MN with the right high end design to Associates Limited, a real estate finish each property properly, to investment solutions consultancy. complement the other component See www.mn-associates.gi. parts that we already have, then we can attract further wealth to Gibral-

Does the influx of the super rich help Gibraltar on a more socio-economic level given the low taxes the individuals pay?

I would argue most certainly yes

37

property file

Home Fashion

Meme Fairbank from Denville Designs recently took some time off to attend the Furniture and Interior Trade show in Birmingham, UK, where she got a glimpse of emerging trends for 2012.

The recession has had a big impact on the way people are living their lives and their core values — what is truly important to them, their families and lifestyle — which of course translates into the ambience in which they live.

Although times have changed as more people want sustainable and modern luxury, consumers are still

holding on to classic and timeless pieces in order to feel a sense of comfort and meaning during these difficult times.

“It is also important to highlight that the current generation is one that loves travelling, and taking inspiration from different countries and cultures, especially as the world gets smaller. This is in keep-

Stylish luggage inspired furniture is in, so large leather trunks will be used for storage and to brighten up rooms

38

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

home decor

ing with the look I predict for 2012, which is global fusion — returning to the East-meets-West ideology,” Meme explains.

Old reclaimed wood is coming back — furniture pieces made with reclaimed wood and finished with laquer, shiny metals or glass.

Whatever the texture used for part of the piece of furniture, it will be mixed with the complete opposite texture as part of the finish.

Stylish luggage inspired furniture is in, so large leather trunks will be used for storage and to brighten up rooms.

“With regards to fabrics, Sanderson have come up with a wonderful collection for this season, called Colour for Living. It is a vibrant collection of prints, weaves and embroideries, compiled as seven complete decorating stories, arranged in distinctive palettes, each with its own character,” Meme says.

The 11 fabric designs range in

“

scale and style, from large-scale abstract patterns and beautifully engraved inky florals, to small geometric block prints. Completing the scheme are eight wallpapers, ranging from coordinating to complementary designs, carefully chosen by the studio to feature the palette that suits them best.

Pattern fabrics such as Paisley, brocade and Ikat are making a comeback, and can be used for bed season,” Meme confirms. linen and cushion covers.

“Sculptures are making a comeSlatted blinds and shutters are in for windows, as they look slick, back, with organic formed pieces make it easy to increase and keep being a highlight, as more people out light, and are practical and easy to clean, in comparison to curtains which gather a lot of dust. Candles, another source of lighting, will be used in rooms in clusters, instead of a few lined up candles.

The more candles, the better!

“As far as colours are concerned, splashes of pastel pink, emerald green, Italian suit grey and burnt orange will be the shades of next

look to nature for inspiration. More and more people will also be looking to invest in valuable photography and art for inspiration.”n

As far as colours are concerned, splashes of pastel pink, emerald green, Italian suit grey and burnt orange will be the shades of next season

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

”

39

Dr. Marco Vricella, HC Marbella Hospital

5IF QFSGFDU EFSSJFSF 5IF MBUFTU OFXT PO IPX ZPV DBO BDIJFWF UIBU UPOFE BOE ZPVUIGVM MPPL

*O UIJT BHF PG DFMFCSJUZ XF BSF PGUFO DPOGSPOUFE XJUI JNBHFT PG QFPQMF XIP IBWF SFBMMZ NBJOUBJOFE UIFJS MPPLT EFTQJUF UIF BEWBODJOH ZFBST So now, being 40 years old or more is hardly considered middle age; instead it’s still a time to celebrate a youthful look. Take for example Kylie Minogue; she looks stunning at 43 years old and still boasts that perfect derriere that she showed off in those now famous gold hot pants back in 2000.

silicone gel implant; to the same exceptionally high standards to those Aria Medical Group use in breast surgery, but a buttock implant has a higher cohesivity, making it firmer.

The implant adds shape and volume and also gives a lifting effect that all combine to give you a desirable result. The surgery leaves no visible scaring as the incision is made in the intergluteal fold

caring service in a private, discreet environment.

Other procedures include: + Breast Augmentation + Breast Uplift + Breast Reduction + Tummy Tuck + Liposuction + Facial Injections

The buttock augmentation procedure includes an overnight stay in the luxury HCI Hospital in Marbella and recovery is swift, and most people can restart their active lifestyle within 7 to 10 days.

+ Face Lifts

Well, now thanks to the latest cosmetic surgery techniques, Dr. Marco Vricella is able to offer buttock augmentation here in Spain. Pioneered in Brazil, this proven procedure enables you to have a fuller, shapelier posterior!

For more information and to see if you are suitable for this or any other type of cosmetic surgery, please book a free and private consultation in Gibraltar with Aria Medical Group.

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

Typically, Europeans have less volume and a buttock augmentation is a straightforward way to address this. Dr. Vricella uses a cohesive

5IF /FYU 4UFQ Aria Medical Group offers cosmetic surgery for the discerning client, looking for a personal,

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t 2 t Dr. Marco Vricella is Director of the Aesthetic Surgery unit at HC Marbella Private Hospital.

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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

JOHN W. MILES

HEARING CENTRE

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

Opticians / Optometrists

BSc (Podiatry), M.Ch.S

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

STATE REGISTERED CHIROPODIST

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

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

OSTEOPATHS

• Biomechanical Analysis for Insoles / Orthotics including Children

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

• Wart (Verruca) Clinic • Diabetics

PERSONAL TRAINERS

Tel: 200 77777

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

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

Need somebody to talk to?

Isabella Jimenez BSc (hons) 3/8 Turnbull’s Lane Tel: 54002226 email: jimenez.isabella@gmail.com

Physicians

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

42 what a page turner! www.thegibraltarmagazine.com

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

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

l

health & well-being

Get active for Spring

With Spring around the corner, it’s time to shed any bad health habits you may have picked up over the winter months. Here are five top tips to help you on the way.

1

Get gardening. Not only does it look pretty, but gardening (on the terrace or balcony counts!) burns approximately 250 to 350 calories an hour. Gardening three to four times a week — carrying pots, planting, repotting and pruning — it all qualifies as exercise.

2

Swimming lessons. Sign up for your kids and go along too.

Swimming is known to work most muscles in the body, so what better way to get fit and have fun splashing around while doing it. GASA pool - Tel: 200 79122

3

Become an early bird.

Studies have shown that people who go to bed earlier, are healthier than those who go to bed late. Get up, get outside and enjoy the sunshine for your dose of Vitamin D.

4

Take a walk. Even during your lunch hour. Not only will it give you a chance to stop and take in the scenery, it will also get you away from your desk and make sure you get some daily exercise.

5

If you haven’t already - join a gym! There’s no better way to burn off calories than a quick session down the gym. Create a good play list and listen to your headphones while you work out.

Tel: 200 44242 to join today. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

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lifestyle What is Life Coaching?

Life Coaching is motivational, inspiring, positive, exciting and action driven. Life coaching helps you look at where you are now and where you’d like to be, and helps you bridge the gap. By raising awareness and encouraging you to take responsibility for your life, life coaching can help you rise to your own particular challenge and go further than you ever thought possible. n

“

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined.

As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler

”

Jean Gilhead

Energy, Joy & Passion

~ Henry David Thoreau

Natural intuitive and healer, lifestyle coach, presentation skills trainer and self-taught writer, Jean Gilhead has helped many people make the transition to a lifestyle which fills them with energy, joy and passion. Now Jean is offering her services at Claudia’s Clinic at 58 Main Street, Gibraltar.

Jean started her working life in advertising and design, then studied feng shui with Master William Spear and ran a successful practice in London, harmonising and balancing working and living environments. She also ran a training and image consultancy, advising individuals and companies on all aspects of presentation and public speaking.

At the age of 38 Jean suffered a life-changing accident which left her unable to work or walk for over a year. Nine years later, she left UK to start a new life in Barcelona — a long-held dream — and trained as a life coach. Still happily liv-

44

ing in Spain, she now divides her time between Marbella, Barcelona, London and now Gibraltar.

Jean has written many articles, courses and e-guides, including the feng shui guides: Ignite your Lovelife! and Pump Up your Prosperity!

She has also had a novel, Living in Bright Shadows, piublished.

Her healing journey, combined

with multi-disciplinary skills and experience, has enabled Jean to create systems for others to realise their dreams. She runs courses on structuring personal and business presentations; teaches creative writing; designs feng shui spaces for private and corporate clients; and continues to inspire and motivate people all over the world via her

The team at Claudia’s Clinic is very pleased that Jean has agreed to take time away from her very busy schedule to come to Gibraltar

website.

The team at Claudia’s Clinic is very pleased that Jean has agreed to take time away from her very busy schedule to come to Gibraltar.

Talks, workshops and regular once weekly classes will be starting in April.

Weekend workshops include: Communication Skills and Public Speaking – For personal or corporate groups; Creating Magic With Words – creative writing intensive course; and Self-Empowerment For Women Weekly Classes include: Creating Magic With Words – creative writing classes Jean will also be undertaking private consultations in Life Coaching; Personal Image; and Healing and Personal Activations. n For more information or to reserve a place for any of the above, call Claudia´s Clinic on 200 74040. For more information on Jean Gilhead visit www. bestmoveforward.com.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

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cheers!

Cheers to the Rockettes!

by Elena Scialtiel

They’re the Rockettes, yes they are, and together they’ll go far... yay Gibraltar!

The Gibraltar Cheerleading Association was established just few months ago, but husband-and-wife coaching team Aaron and Georgina Caballero are driven to make it the next big thing in Gibraltar, and the next best thing after dance, for girls and boys alike.

After having fully qualified as tumbling and cheerleading coaches, they tested the market with an introduction course, as part of last

46

summer ’s sports development programme.

It harvested success beyond expectations. So the Rockettes were born last autumn, when the Gibraltar Sport and Leisure Authority officially recognised it as a governing body of sport, and some fifty girls signed up for classes.

Soon after, the Gibraltar Cheerleading Association became a member of the International Federation of

Cheerleading (IFC), the non-profit world governing body of Cheerleading based in Japan.

Now they are campaigning for more boys to join because, contrary to popular belief, cheerleading is a fully-fledged sport where a squad isn’t complete if it isn’t mixed, and boys play an important role in stunts, pyramids, jumps, balances and tumbles which require strength and ‘explosive’ power.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

cheers!

Furthermore, Aaron, avid promoter of dancing amid his peers in the Eighties, is ready to put together and train a team to perform the newest ‘Street Cheer’, a variation on classic cheerleading recently introduced in the UK, with outstanding success for its accessibility and congeniality, especially in communities where break dance, hip hop, rap, funk, crumping, stomping, locking and popping are culturally most influential.

This is likely to find a propitious sowing ground in Gibraltar, where street culture seems to have so many adepts with both genders.

Once again mixed squads are ideal to portray true-to-life cheers that seem improvised there and then in a back alley!

Street Cheer is in fact a little known and grossly misconceived sub-category of cheerleading, officially recognised by the UKCA as a brand new development in the discipline, which uniquely fuses

several dance genres. Athletes spell out their cheers while performing ‘street dance style’ moves, usually geared in hoodies and baggy pants, instead of the trademark mini-dress we are accustomed to by American teen movies.

Which often depict enmity, spite, antagonism and peer pressure, distorted ‘food chain’ and skin-deep beauty values. Nothing farther from reality, Gina explains, because serious sportive cheerleading is a multifaceted, dynamic sport in which the athlete learns to master a wide range of motor and life skills, like balance, flexibility, agility, spatial awareness, rhythm, synchronisation, teamwork and trust.

In addition, it encourages healthy lifestyles and positive energy channelling. Its didactic value was taken on board when it was introduced in the UK GCSE’s syllabus, recognising that it provides the grounds for health and social education for young people, regardless of gender, culture or physical limitations.

It is credited with raising selfesteem, enhancing confidence, concentration, coordination and attention span, enabling quick, essential, effective communication, while establishing friendship and respect, in a fun, safe environment where stark competitiveness is minimised and the accent is stressed on the journey of inner growth rather than the final performance.

Vocals play an important role in this sport — which makes it unique.

In fact, Gina says that judges look for the ‘wow factor’ not only in the routine flow, precision of signature moves, harmony of patterns and visual effects, but especially in the originality, clarity and volume of the various chants, their meaning

They rev up the crowds during home and away matches and tournaments, and fly their colours in style at opening or closing ceremonies

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

and rhyming, and the attitude and facial expression they are delivered with.

The Rockettes are go-getters who under the guidance of visionary and determined Gina, have leapt and bounded, pompoms in hand, from the basic standard arm motions to intricate formation choreographies, and are heading straight to mastering the flights of fancy that are in common perception mostly associated with cheerleading.

They support with their cheers other sports, like rugby and basketball. They rev up the crowds during home and away matches and tournaments, and fly their colours in style at opening or closing ceremonies.

Dance and sport veterans Gina and Aaron did just that last November, when they guest-starred with their freestyle acrobatic showdance piece in the UKCA Street Cheer Championships closing ceremony, and were overwhelmed by the positive vibe oozing from the participants, and the genuine atmosphere of camaraderie between opponents.

The visit served the purpose to liaise and build a strong rapport with representatives from around the UK and the officials from the UKCA, putting the newborn GCA on the map, and at the same time banking the right to fly Gibraltar’s flag at the international events the Rockettes will soon participate in.

Practice takes place every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Victoria Stadium. It focuses on fun, games, creativity and interaction, for the girls to learn without the pressure which too often riddles budding athletes. And of course, it brings out the artist in them, as they design their own T-shirts, craft pompoms and pen cheers to chant at the top of their lungs! n For more information visit www. gibcheerleaders.com or email info@ gibcheerleader.com.

47

sporting heroes

Waving Gibraltar’s footie flag!

GFA v Bury FC

Recognising success, our UEFA Bid and what it could mean for our economy...

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

In the last two months, our national football team has achieved amazingly consistent successes, far exceeding all expectations of the team, the supporters and certainly the visiting opposition. Firstly, a sensational 3-1 win against the England National C team, and latterly a 2-1 victory against UK League 1 Bury FC. Yet, scour the local media and you would be hard pressed to find any column inches regarding these successes. There’s coverage of basketball, rowing, darts and of course chess, yet nothing about the enormous (valiant) efforts which led our team of part-time footballers to so convincingly overturn an English National Side and a team of full time professionals with Championship aspirations!

So just how is it that our team of amateurs, who all hold down full-time jobs (customs officers, MOD employees, lawyers etc) can find the time and the dedication to train week in week out, plus the desire to turn up in all weathers and play any opponent, all without any compensation for doing so?

It’s a shared love of the game and the chance to put on a shirt and represent their country. Roy Chipolina, Captain, says “First and foremost, I get to represent Gibraltar.”

Lee Casciaro, Striker, agrees — “knowing that you play for your country, the honour and pride to wear the Gibraltar badge and make all Gibraltarians proud.”

Manager Allen Bula certainly has the experience and aspirations to lead this band of merry men to far greater heights. When asked his vision for our National side, his immediate response is “To be the first of the smallest UEFA nations, to reach the final group stage of Euro-

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pean National Cup.” Nothing like aiming high!

And Bula’s bold vision is starting to be shared by the team. Aaron Payas, second Captain responds to the same question “To be part of the team that obtained UEFA membership, to play in a Euro or World Cup qualifier”; while Lee Casciaro adds “My dream is for Gibraltar to be in UEFA and be recognised worldwide, for kids in Gibraltar to aspire to a future in the highest levels of world football.”

Okay, the team has recently had help from peak performance guru’s David Elliott and James Appleby, which no doubt assisted in their ongoing success, however, as David is quick to point out, the talent and passion for success already existed.

David, who has served as personal strategic advisor to world class leaders in the business and the sports arenas, including Arsene

“

My dream is for Gibraltar to be in UEFA and be recognised worldwide, for kids in Gibraltar to aspire to a future in the highest levels of world football

”

Wenger, Gerard Houllier and Alex McLeish said “these [GFA] guys have enormous passion, pride and ability that allowed us to facilitate sessions that enabled the team to not only recognise the abilities they already possessed, but to raise their belief that even more was possible, and they could aspire to and reach a next level of performance they weren’t even aware of”.

“Utilising methodologies that Elliott developed working alongside Premier League giants Arsenal and Liverpool, SPL Glasgow Rangers and the England National Squad, that underpin more than 20 major national and international championship final victories, helped us to create a success environment via an attitude enhancement programme that allowed the team to come out against seemingly superior opposition and completely dominate the games and win them convincingly,” Allen Bula says. “The improvement in my players in such a short time has been phenomenal. I have absolutely no doubt whatsoever we will become even better with David and James’ assistance, which will also help us attract the sponsorship required to pay them for their assistance (which to date has been donated free of charge) and to improve our playing surface and training facilities.

“I would certainly recommend the work

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

sporting heroes of David and James, not only to sporting organisations, but to anyone in a leadership role wanting to achieve immediate and measurable improvements in performance and results,” he adds.

Such continued recent successes, in addition to the 3-0 victory over the Faroe Islands last year, can only strengthen Gibraltar’s ongoing bid for UEFA membership.

As recently reported in World Soccer Magazine, UEFA has sat on Gibraltar’s application for membership for more than a decade despite a ruling in Gibraltar’s favour from the Court of Arbitration for sport. Things must soon come to a head, however Bula remains tight lipped about this “There are developments,” he said, “however I am unable to comment at this moment in time.” Interesting…

Acceptance into UEFA would see our national side competing in qualifying rounds of the World Cup and European championships. This means our tiny nation would be seen on the world stage by millions of football fans from whichever nation we were drawn against.

Membership of UEFA will also enable the Gibraltar association to apply for funding from UEFA through its Grassroots Programmes.

Just what would it mean for Gibraltar if we achieve membership of UEFA? Well in the qualification process for the 2014 World Cup, the same Faroe Islands that Gibraltar so confidently dismissed are in the group that includes Sweden, the Republic of Ireland, Austria and Germany! Just imagine for a moment how it would be for Gibraltar if they were to host a team with a following such as Germany has in a qualifier in the future!

Imagine the boost to the local economy if thousands of German fans (or English, French, Italian or Portuguese for that matter) were to arrive to see their beloved football team play ours. Hotel occupancy would rise significantly, local bars and restaurants would be bursting at the seams, our new airport may even see itself coming somewhere near to fulfilling its capacity when they all arrived, and then there is the exposure this would create for our tiny nation globally.

GFA v Bury FC

The truth is that football is one of the most powerful mediums on the planet.

Gibraltar spends a considerable amount of time, money and effort each year promoting itself to the world, yet we may be missing a trick when it comes to harnessing the successes of our national football team. Exposure to UEFA competitions would create the potential of a greater awareness of Gibraltar than all our

We may be missing a trick when it comes to harnessing the successes of our national football team

current marketing efforts put together.

So maybe it’s about time we all start waving the flag in support, recognition and gratitude of our squad of “unsung heroes” who so willingly donate their time and commitment, and refuse to give up their dream of representing their country at the very highest level of World football.

Let’s all get behind our team, support them in their endeavours/bid like our Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, who is a fan of the team and says “We are all very proud of their [the GFA’s] achievements and are behind them 100%.”

Should you see any members of the squad, be sure to make them aware of your support!

Give them a cheer, a pat on the back, a “well done” for their continued successful efforts, for one day we may all be very grateful of their heroic efforts! n

Members of the Gibraltar squad ready for action against England GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

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Seamus Byrne:

Gibraltar’s Showman

by Jolene Gomez

Born in early February 1977, Seamus Byrne grew up in the heart of town, and was bitten by the dance bug at the tender age of three. “My sisters attended Flamenco lessons with Adoracion and Mario at the Catholic Community Centre. My mother used to take me along and that’s when I started showing an interest in dance, and I have not looked back since,” he says smiling.

The showman on stage

Growing up, Seamus was a keen sportsman who enjoyed football, hockey, swimming and basketball. He was a member of the scouts, dabbled in modelling, and of course there was the dancing!

“The Gibraltar Youth Service played an important role in my teenage life. I always attended their events and became a member of the volunteer team as a teenager. I participated in the many events they arranged and was always encouraged to organise, develop and lead youth and community programmes.

During my teenage years I also did some modelling with Golt & Associates and Mount Productions. I competed at various local contests and won several awards. But my passion was dance, and this eventually took up most of my time.”

At school, Mario Arroyo always inspired him to progress in dance drama, and he first represented Gibraltar abroad in 1993 with the Tarik Dance Group at the Nottingham Stage Dance Festival. He returned the following year and secured several medals. This motivated him to dedicate more time to dance and he decided to join Danza Academy.

In 1995 he participated in the Costa Del Sol Festival where he won three gold medals, as

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well as being presented with the award for best male dancer. These achievements led Michael Prescott to ask him to represent Gibraltar at the World Dance Championships. This was the start of a long relationship with both Michael and Deirdre Prescott, both of who entrusted Seamus with many issues pertaining to the Gibraltar National Dance Organisation (GNDO) and the International Dance Organisation (IDO).

Since then, Seamus has been involved with the Gibraltar National Team, giving him the opportunity to travel as a dancer to many countries, such as Serbia, Hungary, Italy, Canada and Germany.

He has recently been appointed President of

In 1995 he participated in the Costa Del Sol Festival where he won three gold medals, as well as being presented with the award for best male dancer

His memorable Martin Luther King Solo

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

s

people file the GNDO, and he has lots of ideas of what he would like to achieve during his presidency, including introducing the National Team to competitions in new dance genres, and perhaps even taking on the daunting task of choreographing for the National Team in the future.

Although he enjoys most dance styles, he prefers modern dance to classical. Through the many festivals, competitions, and workshops he has attended, he has been exposed to many styles, however, the style he enjoys performing the most has to be Disco Dance.

“I first competed at the Disco Dance World Championships in 1995, and as the years went by, my results in this category kept improving until in 1998 I achieved my best result by becoming a semi-finalist, finishing 11th place out of 90 competitors,” he says proudly.

“Although my results were improving, I realised I did not have the level of gymnastics required to get into a final in this category, and I decided to try my luck with Show Dance. I teamed up with Aaron Caballero and through our hard work we managed to secure a place at various finals, culminating with a 3rd position in 2001 at the World Championships in Germany,” he explains.

Seamus has always been a dynamic performer — a showman who captivates the audience with his memorable performances and great stage presence. 2003 proved to be a special year for him as he won the Gibraltar National Dance Championships in September, achieved 3rd place at the European Show Dance Championships in October and came 5th at the World Show Dance Championships in November.

In the late ’90s, Seamus formed Revelations Dance Group, as he felt there were no dance schools in Gibraltar solely for male dancers. For many years, he had to train in classes where the majority of students were girls (most of the time he was the only male dancer in the class).

“Although I had no problems with this, I could understand why it could perhaps put off boys from wanting to dance. Male dancers need to be taught differently to females; body structures and dance moves are different. Performing in classes with girls meant routines were often structured for female dancers and I felt not enough time was dedicated to maximising the potential of the male dancer,” he explains.

With 15 dancers under his tuition, Revela-

His twin daughters -following in their father’s dancing footsteps!

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

At the World Dance Championships in 2004

“

I hope now there are more male teachers in Gibraltar, they will take on the challenge of getting boys interested in dance tions performed extensively in the local dance scene. Sadly, due to general stereotypes at the time — dancing was only for girls — many soon left as they were being bullied in school.

“I hope now there are more male teachers in Gibraltar, they will take on the challenge of getting boys interested in dance, even though at first it may be through styles such as hip-hop and break dance,” Seamus says.

Although he has been inspired by celebrated greats such as Fred Astaire, Rudolf Nureyev,

”

Michael Jackson, Mikhail Baryshnikov and Wayne Sleep, Seamus is indebted to the support of his family and friends, as well as members of the local dance scene. “I am really grateful to Jimmy Gonzalez and Michael Prescott and the many dance teachers in Gibraltar: Anne Marie Gomez, Zuleika Green, Lilian Montero, Yalta Pons and Paulette Finlayson, all from different dance schools. They all contributed in making me the dancer I was then.”

He has worked and performed with most

With Jimmy Gonzalez and Aaron Caballero at the World Dance Championships

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people file dance schools in Gibraltar, including Urban Dance, Danza Academy and Gibraltar Academy of Dance, at local productions, Miss Gibraltar pageants, and major shows abroad, such as performing with Stylos Dance Academy in Los Angeles both in Disneyland and Palm Beach.

Seamus is also the director of MO Productions, an organisation aiming to promote, encourage and supporte the development of theatre dance and culture, at a national and international level.

After teaming up with Alfred Rumbo in 2002, MO Productions has been responsible for many events such as Straits Dance Festival, dance workshops with renowned British choreographer Wayne Sleep, and their most popular event, the Gibraltar Stage Dance Festival. A member of the International Dance Council of UNESCO, and recently affiliated with the Sussex Festival of Song and Dance, the festival is a leading international event for the British Federation of Festivals.

“The Gibraltar dance community certainly is very large, due to the many local dance schools and the social dance clubs that exist. Case studies carried out in the UK, suggest dance is the second most practised activity after football.

Gibraltar is certainly not an exception to this study, and I think it is due to the many hours invested in the art by those leading it today,” Seamus explains.

“I also believe there is a lot of emerging talent, due to the fact dance teachers are more qualified and are producing great work. Also young people have more opportunities today, and are more exposed to dance via TV and social networks. I believe Gibraltar is always recognised and welcomed at dance events all over the world, due to our high standards and great achievements. Although small in population, Gibraltar is big in the dance world,” Seamus says proudly.

Regarding plans for the future, as President of the GNDO, Seamus feels he has been left a legacy which he hopes to fulfil to the best of his ability, and hopefully one day fulfil his personal ambition — to become an IDO VicePresident. Watch this space!

Seamus would like to thank his family for

With Michael Prescott in 2003

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With members of Leit Motif after winning the talent round with Cuban Pete at Manhunt International

“

I believe Gibraltar is always recognised and welcomed at dance events all over the world, due to our high standards and great achievements. Although small in population, Gibraltar is big in the dance world supporting him in his endeavours, and feels extremely blessed in having the wonderful family he has today, especially his wife and twin daughters, who are no doubt taking in their father’s dancing footsteps.

“My family are pillars of support in everything I do and there are not enough words to express how thankful I am to them. I am extremely thankful to my friends, who supported me despite the stereotypes I faced on a daily basis. Special mention must also go to the Gibraltar Government, who for so many

Disco dancing days

”

years have backed up the work I do for our local community. I also need to thank all the sponsors who, year after year, offer financial assistance towards my projects as without them these would not be possible,” Seamus explains.

For anyone wanting to pursue a career in dance, Seamus has a few words of wisdom for aspiring dancers. “To pursue a career in dance requires a lot of passion, dedication and determination. It’s not enough to just attend your weekly dance classes — you have to put in the extra hours and go that extra mile. In this day and age there are many dance students, and competition to secure places at universities and private performance schools will be tough.

They’ll be looking to accept people who stand out, and have the wow factor.

“Unfortunately, other than teaching dance, there are not many opportunities in Gibraltar for those wanting to do more with their talent.

This means those who intend to pursue a career will need to travel abroad, and be willing to stay abroad! This is not easy in a community like Gibraltar where people are so close to their families and to be able to do this I believe you have to love dance more than anything or anyone. I admire people like Nathan Conroy, Ian Payne, Yalta Pons, Adrian Lopez, and others, who all had the courage to leave everything behind to do what they loved to do — dance at a professional level,” he says.

“I would encourage anyone who wants to pursue their dream to make it a reality, but bear in mind it will not be plain sailing at all times and you will have to give it your all. It will all be worth it in the end,” he says smiling. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

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53 53

people profile The vessel dropped anchor overnight in Gibraltar, and Dick vaguely remembers buying a wristwatch via a basket and line from a presumably Spanish vendor who came alongside in a dinghy before they set sail again.

“As a young (and rather un-able Able Seaman) in the British Royal Navy, I was on my way to Malta in HMS Devonshire to serve aboard HMS Brave, a minesweeper in the 19th Flotilla where, a few months after the end of World War Two, I was destined to help clear up the garbage of war which still abounded throughout the Mediterranean.

“To be honest, I wasn’t too happy about my posting, as it suddenly occurred to me that even though the war was over, minesweeping was still one of the most dangerous jobs in the Royal Navy. Thus I wasn’t too displeased to be re-assigned to HMS Camarata, a naval accommodation barracks in the heart of the Maltese

“

Perhaps, I thought, Mr Benedict R. Miles, the editor and publisher of the New Rock Magazine of 27 Hospital Hill, Gibraltar, might like to print the occasional article

by Jolene Gomez

Dick Sharples: Unexpected Connections

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capital of Valetta,” he explains.

It must have been fate, for immediately opposite the barrack gates was a car park, and the car park attendant was a Gibraltarian, who was a keen subscriber to the New Rock Magazine.

Before being called-up for the navy, Dick had been an office boy in an advertising agency, and was an equally keen spare-time wouldbe writer and cartoonist, who had already sold the odd cartoon to the Sunday Times of Malta and the equally odd article to minor British magazines.

“Perhaps, I thought, Mr Benedict R. Miles, the editor and publisher of the New Rock Magazine of 27 Hospital Hill, Gibraltar, might like to print the occasional article and/or drawing

As a young Ordinary Seaman in the British Royal Navy, Dick Sharples was on his way to Malta on HMS Devonshire, when he first saw our majestic Rock. “My first visit to Gibraltar was short and fleeting. I didn’t even have the privilege of going ashore!

But over the years, my connection with Gibraltar continued in unexpected ways,” Dick explains.

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAGAZINE •• MARCH MARCH 2012 2012 GIBRALTAR

people profile from one R.M. Sharples,” Dick thought.

To his surprise, Mr Miles published everything Dick sent him. Although, he muses, it was perhaps because the editor was short of copy to fill his monthly journal, to Dick it was a wonderful opportunity to learn and improve by seeing his name in print for the first time, which was very exciting. No pay, of course, but that was of secondary importance to a young teenager anxious to get his name into print.

Their association continued for many happy months until, finally sailing to Dick’s home town of Manchester to be demobbed, he stopped for a couple of days in Gibraltar and finally had the pleasure of meeting Mr Miles face to face over a cup of tea at, naturally, his house on Hospital Hill, where Dick found Benedict to be as gracious in the flesh as he was in his letters.

“His parting gift was a signed copy of The Gibraltar Year Book, which I still treasure to this day. We continued our association for some months after that, with me being able to call myself the (albeit unpaid) Show Business Columnist for his magazine, which gave me a great deal of street-cred with my peers,” Dick says.

He worked on many issues of the New Rock over the next two years, and went back into advertising in the UK. “I still wrote and drew at night and at the age of 21, sold my first novelette — a western called The Man Who Rode by Night — which wasn’t bad for someone who hadn’t been further West than the Manchester suburb of West Didsbury. What’s more, I got paid for it. A guinea (21 shillings), a thousand words. Riches indeed,” he says smiling.

He eventually ended up in London where he had been told the streets were paved with gold. In the event, he found they were mostly paved with cigarette ends. But at least he was beginning to sell his cartoons. “The editor of one lads-mag magazine (which, by today’s standards, was about as laddish as The Church Times) was the biggest buyer of my drawings and occasional articles and suggested we work together on a script for the newly emerging

“

There is a chapter in which most of the action in this comedy caper story takes place in Gibraltar, and its Strait, so it is possible that in the near future, you might find a film crew checking in to the Rock Hotel British Independent Television channel. We did and sold our first script — a children’s TV drama serial, followed by a domestic sitcom called Joan and Leslie, which ran for three years.

Beginner’s luck. We both went on to write many drama and comedy shows for both ITV and the BBC, such as Hallelujah, Dixon of Dock Green and The Bill to name a few.”

He continued to write for the New Rock from the UK for some time, and it was some years later before he met another genuine Gibraltarian in the (very attractive) shape of a young lady called Carmen Gomez, once Miss Gibraltar, and now a successful actress.

“By now, I was a television scriptwriter and Carmen had been cast in an episode of Farrington of the FO, a situation comedy based in a mythical South American republic. Carmen Gomez was cast as a fiery Spanish-speaking femme fatale. The fact that Carmen spoke flu-

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

”

ent Spanish was a bonus — and she was so convincing and ideal for the part, that we brought her back for another episode, during which we became good friends,” he explains.

Dick’s connection with Gibraltar still continues in peculiar ways, and his recent novel, Getting Even, even has a scene, which takes place here. “There is a chapter in which most of the action in this comedy caper story takes place in Gibraltar, and its Strait, so it is possible that in the near future, you might find a film crew checking in to the Rock Hotel. It’s been optioned (twice) by a leading Hollywood Production Company and I’m hoping that they’ll start filming very soon,” Dick smiles.

Although he is not sure what his next association with Gibraltar will be, perhaps a longdelayed visit to the Rock is in the pipeline, as Dick looks forward to visiting Gibraltar in the near future. n

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people file

HE The Governor, Sir Adrian Johns, swore in the Right Honourable Sir Paul Kennedy as President of the Court of Appeal of Gibraltar at the end of January

Sir Paul’s Presidential Role Sir Paul Kennedy, a former Lord Justice of Appeal, is also the Interception of Communications Commissioner in the UK and the new President of the Gibraltar Court of Appeal.

Sir Paul is married to Virginia Devlin, daughter of the late Baron Devlin, and they have two sons, two daughters and 10 grandchildren.

Sir Paul grew up in Sheffield where his father was medical superintendent of the infectious diseases hospital. He was educated at Birkdale Preparatory School in Sheffield, then Ampleforth College.

Some of the Benedictine monks at Ampleforth helped shape his future career, including the legendary Dom Paul Nevill —who was coming to the end of a lengthy time as headmaster during which he had placed the school on the national educational map — the equally long serving Abbot, Dom Herbert Byrne, and his house master Dom Raphael Williams.

Sir Paul entered the legal profession in the roundabout way things worked in those days. The school staff would suggest A levels without much consultation with either the parents or the pupil. When Sir Paul, coming from a medical family as he did (his uncle was also a doctor), saw he had been put down

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for arts subjects, he realised this put paid to any thoughts of following the family footsteps. He discussed the school’s decision with his father and, to his surprise, was told “excellent decision, do not be tempted to join the medical profession”.

This was 1949, just after the introduction of the National Health Service, which had hugely disenchanted his father even though it resulted in a higher salary. So medicine’s loss was the law’s gain.

Sir Paul took English and French at A level and Dom Paul Nevill suggested a possible career at the bar. While at school Sir Paul took a prominent part in the school debating society and did some acting, both of value to someone considering a legal career.

After school Sir Paul did National Service, was commissioned into

the Royal Irish Fusiliers and served in Korea, Kenya and Armagh in Northern Ireland — two years which he found exhilarating.

At school he was awarded an exhibition at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, but before going up he had second thoughts about reading law instead of medicine. He wrote to the college to see if he could swap, but it was not possible, so he started, with some apprehension, to study a subject he knew nothing about.

After finishing at Cambridge and passing the bar exam he joined Gray’s Inn, where he was awarded the Lord Justice Holker and the James Mould scholarships. The awards came from funds left to Gray’s Inn to help new promising barristers. The only obligation for the recipient was to embark on

He discussed the school’s decision with his father and, to his surprise, was told “excellent decision, do not be tempted to join the medical profession”

practise at the bar. In 1960 he was called to the bar at Gray’s Inn. In those days there was little public funding and it was very difficult to get started, but it so happened that later that year legal aid began, for the first time, to be paid at modest but realistic rates.

Before he was called, Sir Paul had a short unpaid period in a small firm of Sheffield solicitors. It provided experience in how work came in at the High Street end.

He also had two short spells as a judge’s marshal. High Court judges away from London on assize sometimes took a young barrister as a marshal — a sort of social secretary — for a term or half term, and in the profession this was regarded as useful experience. The marshal travelled with the Judge and sat beside him on the bench.

Sir Paul went out first with Mr Justice McNair and then Mr Justice Sachs. Before Mr Justice Sachs at Worcester there was a case which shows how small were the fees in those days. It was a five day capital murder case and, while the jury was out considering its verdict, the

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

people file judge sent for the Clerk of Assize and asked what fee the defence counsel would receive and whether he could give any certificate which would increase the fee? The Clerk of Assize replied that the fee was 15 guineas and the only certificate available had already been given.

Even in 1960, 15 guineas would not have paid for counsel’s lodgings.

The counsel in question was Alan King Hamilton QC who later became the Common Serjeant, the second most senior permanent judge at the Old Bailey.

Sir Paul decided to practise in the North East as, knowing nothing about the profession, he did know the area. His father knew another doctor whose son was barrister and suggested the two sons might meet. That barrister was John Cobb, whose junior practice was one of the best in the North East.

He later took silk and went on the High Court bench.

He took Sir Paul as his pupil and so Sir Paul joined chambers at 11 King’s Bench Walk in London where he remained until he went on the High Court bench in 1983.

The chambers were in London because, until 1954, anyone applying for silk had to practise from capital. A few sets of London chambers therefore housed North East Circuit silks, and 11 King’s Bench Walk was one of them. Chambers were small. When Sir Paul married Virginia in 1965 everyone in the Chambers was invited to the wedding — all eight of them.

Sir Paul was appointed a recorder in 1971, his first taste of judicial office, and remained a recorder until he went on the High Court bench. The commitment was to sit for a total of four weeks a year, usually dealing with criminal cases but sometimes sitting in the county court.

He was appointed a Queen’s Counsel in 1973, and throughout

his time in practise worked mainly in the north east, dealing with criminal and civil cases. A lot of the civil cases were claims for damages for personal injuries, and one regular client was the National Coal Board.

In 1982 he was elected a Bencher of Gray’s Inn. The existing benchers elect those who are to join them.

In practise this honour is given to senior QCs and judges. It is the benchers who run each of the Inns of Court. Not so long ago each Inn was run by a full benchers’ meeting, but now there is a management committee of benchers and the Under Treasurer is a chief executive, who provides continuity.

Each calendar year a new Treasurer takes office. He or she is treated as the senior bencher for that year and is the public face of the Inn. The role involves calling students to the bar, helping with educational role of the Inn, and attending social events. Sir Paul was Treasurer in 2002, a year he greatly enjoyed.

After his appointment to the Queen’s Bench Division of the High Court Bench in 1983 Sir Paul was in London more, but about half of each legal term was spent on circuit, and he was one of the two presiding judges on the North East circuit from 1985 to 1989.

He was knighted on appointment to the bench, and in 1992 he was promoted to the Court of Appeal and made a Privy Councillor.

That meant working full-time in

London, but he retained his home in Yorkshire. From 1997 to 2002 he was Vice President of the Queen’s Bench Division (responsible for judicial deployment) and retired in 2005, but has never entirely ceased being involved in judicial work. He was made an honorary fellow of his Cambridge college in 1998, and given an honorary Ll.D by Sheffield University in 2000.

His connection with Gibraltar was fortuitous. In 2004 he was asked by the then Lord Chief Justice, Lord Woolf of Barnes, to be his representative at the Opening of the Gibraltar legal year. While here he was asked by the President whether he would like to join the Gibraltar Court of Appeal. In 2005 he was offered the appointment and accepted. Then, on 1st November last year, the Governor, on the advice of the Judicial Services Commission, appointed him to succeed Sir Murray Stuart Smith as its President.

In 2006 Prime Minister Blair appointed Sir Paul as Interception of Communications Commissioner for three years, and his appointment was renewed by PM Gordon Brown in 2009. He does not intend to seek re-appointment when his term of office ends later this year.

The commissioner is a judicial auditor, checking that those in the UK who are entitled to permit interception or the gathering of data are exercising their powers properly. Only a small number of agencies (like MI5, MI6 and the Serious Organised Crime Agency)

A number of MPs said the decision in relation to their claims was unfair, and in November 2009 Sir Paul was asked by the House of Commons Members’ Estimates Committee to deal with those who wanted to appeal

Sir Paul Kennedy with his wife Virginia

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

can apply for a warrant to intercept communications such as letters, phone conversations and IT messages — in other words to read or to listen in — and a warrant granting permission has to be signed by a Secretary of State (usually the Home Secretary or the Foreign Secretary).

A larger number of bodies, including all police forces, can lawfully gather data — for example who phoned who, when and where.

Permission is still required but not at such a high level.

The commissioner visits the agencies regularly and looks at the justification for randomly selected warrants. His small team of inspectors performs a similar function in relation to those bodies which can gather data. Each year the commissioner presents a written report to the Prime Minister and, save for restrictions required by national security, the report is published.

In 2009 Sir Thomas Legg was asked to review all of the claims for second homes allowances made

by MPs between 2004 and 2009. A number of MPs said the decision in relation to their claims was unfair, and in November 2009 Sir Paul was asked by the House of Commons Members’ Estimates Committee to deal with those who wanted to appeal. Save for a few late appeals they were dealt with early in 2010.

Sir Paul said: “The Gibraltar legal establishment has been incredibly lucky in having the expertise of Sir Murray Stuart Smith as the President of the Court of Appeal.

He has done a terrific job in moving the process into a shape which I am lucky to have inherited. I hope to keep the system working, as it is very important for the next few years that there is total confidence in the Gibraltar judicial system and that the Court of Appeal represents an outstanding degree of judicial expertise”. n

Sir Paul Kennedy reads to his grandchildren

57

music file

Sitkovetsky Piano Trio concert The Gibraltar Philharmonic Society continues its 2011-2012 season this month with the Sitkovetsky Piano Trio. The concert will place on Tuesday 27th March at 8pm at the Convent Ballroom.

First prizewinner of the International Commerzbank Chamber Music Award 2008 and recipients of the Nordmetall Chamber Music Award at the Mecklenburg Vorpommern Festival 2009, The Sitkovetsky Trio is a collaboration between three young musicians who share a passion for Chamber Music.

Having met and worked together at the Yehudi Menuhin School, they founded the trio in 2007 and have emerged as one of the outstanding trios of today, receiving numerous awards and critical acclaim. They have won the Philharmonia-Martin Chamber Music Award, the Kirckman Society Award, the Tillett Trust, and are supported by the Hattori Foundation, the Fidelio Trust, the Music Benevolent Fund and the Swiss Global Artistic Foundation. They held the Junior Fellowship at the Royal Academy of Music 2007-2008, and from 2008-2010, the trio were recipients of the Golubovich Fellowship and the Richard Cairnes Junior Fellowship for Chamber Music at the Trinity college of Music resulting in many performances and educational worships at the College and across London.

Alexander Sitkovetsky, Violin, was born in Moscow into a family with an established musical tradition. He made his concerto debut at the age of eight and the same year came to study at the Menuhin School. Lord Menuhin was his inspiration throughout his school years and they performed together on several occasions including the Bach Double Concerto, Bartok Duos at St James’ Palace, and when Alexander played the Mendelssohn concerto under Menuhin’s baton.

58

He has gone on to perform with the Netherlands Philharmonic, Royal Philharmonic, English Chamber Orchestra, Academy of St. Martin’s in the Fields, and the BBC Concert Orchestra among many others.

Wu Qian, Piano, was born in Shanghai, where she received her early training before going to the Menuhin School at 13. At 15 she performed Mozart’s concerto in the Queen Elizabeth Hall and again at the Menuhin Festival in Switzerland. She made her debut recital at the South Bank Purcell Room in 2000 and has since played there on several occasions.

Qian has given recitals throughout Europe including the Steinway Halls of Hamburg and New York, where her performance was broadcast throughout Asia. She has appeared in many of the UK’s major venues including the Wigmore, Royal Festival and Bridgewater Halls, and she has made her debut recital in City Hall Hong Kong.

Qian’s debut recording was released in April 2009 on the Dal Segno label to unanimous criti-

The Sitkovetsky Trio

is a collaboration between three young musicians who share a passion for Chamber Music

cal acclaim.

Leonard Elschenbroich, Cello, is a winner of the Leonard Bernstein Award and the Borletti-Buitoni Trust, has received invitations for orchestral performances from Valery Gergiev, Semyon Bychkov, Fabio Luisi, Dmitri Kitajenko, Manfred Honeck and Christoph Eschenbach, and has performed with the Swedish Radio Symphony, Basel Symphony, WDR Symphony, Stavanger Symphony, St. Petersburg Philharmonic, Russian National Philharmonic, and Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He also performed the Brahms Double at the opening of the Schleswig-Holstein Festival with AnneSophie Mutter.

This year Leonard will debut with Stastaskapelle Dresden at the Vienna Musikverein and Birmingham Symphony Hall, with the Nagoya Philharmonic, and with the London Philharmonic at the Royal Festival Hall.

Born 1985 in Frankfurt, Leonard was invited to the Yehudi Menuhin School in London at the age of 11 and performed at the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall and the Wigmore Hall. He plays the ‘Leonard Rose’ Matteo Goffriller Cello, Venice, 1693. n Tickets on sale at £20 each from the House of Sacarello in Irish Town and the Silver Shop at 222 Main Street.

Credit/debit card purchase is also available by phoning the Society on 200 72134. A limited number of tickets are available to senior citizens and students at a reduced price via the John Mackintosh Hall, 308 Main Street.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

arts file

Gibraltar DFAS March Lecture This month’s Gibraltar Decorative & Fine Arts Society lecture will take place at the O’Callaghan Eliott Hotel on 21st March at 7.30pm. Entitled Dreamtime To Machine Time — Australian Aboriginal Art is presented by lecturer, art gallery owner, and champion of Aboriginal and Non Western Art, Rebecca Hossack.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

Rebecca Hossack was born in Melbourne and went to England in the ’80s. She studied at Christies, and owns an art gallery in London.

Between 1993 and 1997 she served as the Australian cultural attaché. She talks about visiting aboriginal people, inviting them to visit her in London and how she took Clifford Possum to meet the Queen at Buckingham Palace.

Aboriginal Art is the oldest continuous artistic tradition in the world and, revitalised by the use of modern medium, has spread across the Australian desert. The aboriginal people’s deep reverence for the land and all that comes from it, is responsible for a renaissance in their pride in their remarkable culture.

In this illustrated lecture, Rebecca traces the genesis of Aboriginal art, including a discussion of the meaning of Dreamtime. She discusses how this tradition, beginning with the visit of a young school teacher to a remote outback community, has brought some of the greatest art of the 20th century to the world’s attention.

She shows examples of paintings from different aboriginal countries and explains the meaning and how to read the symbols and signs. The lecture shows how those paintings are not just magnificent works of art but have also been used in courts of law as documents to prove ownership of areas of land greater than England in size! n For membership of the Gibraltar Decorative and Fine Arts Society contact Claus Olesen on 200 02024 email : claus.olesen@sghambros.com or Ian le Breton on 200 76173 email: ilebreton@SovereignGroup.com.

Visitors welcome (£7.50 at the door). Drinks will be served from 6.30pm before the lecture.

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arts file

Gibraltar in Light & Shadow

by Reg Reynolds

If you were born and lived in a place called Gibraltar Cottage it would be logical to think that one day you would like to see the real thing. James Wilson Morrice did just that, and more, not only did he visit Gibraltar, he painted it.

Morrice was born in Gibraltar Cottage at St. Luc on the outskirts of Montreal, Canada on 10th August, 1865. His parents had emigrated from Scotland and his father was a textile merchant who became wealthy by selling goods to the Union during the American Civil War. Although I am a Canadian and interested in art I have to admit I had never heard of Morrice (old Celtic spelling of Morris) until I came across a book, James Wilson Morrice: Painting in Shadow and Light by Wayne Larsen.

“

Besides his paintings, what I admire most about Morrice is his determination to pursue a life as an artist against the wishes of his domineering parents. His father, David, was a strict Presbyterian from Perthshire and he wanted his son to be a lawyer, or at the very least, enter into the family business.

James was a good student and he developed an interest in drawing at an early age, as was evidenced by his school books in which the text was surrounded by sketches. But bowing to his father’s wishes he attended the University of Toronto for seven years and obtained his law degree from the prestigious Osgoode Hall.

Like many a university student he developed a taste for smoky taverns and took to drinking whisky, but he had no interest in the Bar of the legal world. He confided to a friend: “What prevents me from going to the Ontario Bar is the love I have of paint — the privilege of floating over things.”

On his return to the family mansion in Montreal (Gibraltar Cottage having been left behind some years earlier), James faced up to his father and said forcefully, “I want to be an artist.”

His father, a serious art collector, explained that he understood, and even considered himself to be a bit of an artist, but then exclaimed, “There is no money it!”

James, however, played for time and began sending his paintings off to exhibitions. He was elated when one of them was sold.

Soon after David was visiting with his even wealthier neighbour, the railway industrialist Sir William Cornelius Van Horne, when Van Horne showed Morrice senior a painting he had recently purchased.

In his book Larsen relates the conversation that would transform James’ life: “Where did you get this?” David asked leaning in for a closer look at the watercolour.

“I paid ten dollars for it at Scott’s Gallery,” Van Horne said with an exaggerated air of pride, as if he was talking about one of his Old Masters. “Don’t you recognise it?”

“Of course I do,” snapped David. “You’ve gone and bought a painting by my Son. Why in God’s name?”

“Because it’s good,” Van Horne replied. “I have often said that pictures are inherently good or bad, and it doesn’t matter a damn whether a great man painted the poor one or the unknown man the fine one.”

The proud man was left speechless and then Van Horne added. “The boy needs encouraging. He has talent. Real talent.”

David admitted that James’ dream was to study art in Paris, and now convinced by Van Horne’s words that it was the right thing to do, he financed a trip to France.

James began his studies at the Académie

I have often said that pictures are inherently good or bad, and it doesn’t matter a damn whether a great man painted the poor one or the unknown man the fine one James Wilson Morrice

60

”

~ railway industrialist Sir William Cornelius Van Horne

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

arts file Julian in Paris in 1890 and travelled around Europe socialising with the likes of Monet, Whistler and Gauguin. It was in Venice that he developed his particular talent for using light and shadow. He never returned to live in Canada but visited every year until his father’s death in 1914. It was during one of these visits that he learned that the French modernist Henri Matisse was going to spend the winter of 1911-1912 in Morocco. James cut short his trip, and travelling via Gibraltar, he checked into the Hotel de France in Tangier, where he knew Matisse was staying.

Although their styles were quite different the two soon became friends. They enjoyed each other’s company and spent their evenings in cafés matching each other drink for drink while “discussing everything except their work”.

Larsen explains their goals in his book “Matisse to push the limits of his modern vision and Morrice to search for that delicate balance between, line, colour and form under the blazing Moroccan sun.”

There were frequent trips to Gibraltar and it was during one of these that James sketched the Rock and later completed his painting, simply titled Gibraltar, which today hangs in the Art Gallery of Ontario, located only a few blocks from Osgoode Hall. The law profession’s loss was the art world’s gain.

James Wilson Morrice held regular exhibitions in Paris and continued to travel and paint around Europe and North Africa until his death at Tunis on 23rd January, 1924. n

“

What prevents me from going to the Ontario Bar is the love I have of paint — the privilege of floating overthings

”

~ James Wilson Morrice

A Festival of Music

A festival for musicians of all ages from 5 to 18 or for local adult amateur musicians, Gibraltar Festival for Young Musicians takes place this month.

The categories include brass, woodwind, string, vocal and piano. There is a non-competitive section for local schoolchildren only and for all local school choirs. There are also ocarina, recorder or instrumental ensembles and a competitive section for school choirs.

The adjudication weekend takes place from Friday 16th March to Sunday 18th March 2012 at the Convent Ballroom, with the School Festival Day at Ince’s Hall Theatre on Tuesday 20th March. This will be followed by a Gala Concert on Thursday 22nd March at the Ince’s Hall Theatre, where special encouragement trophies and shields will be presented.

An experienced UK music adjudicator, Mr Anthony Williams, who studied at the Royal Academy of Music with Alexander Kelly and is a member of the British and International Federation of Festivals, will provide positive and impartial feedback to all performers, helping to nurture and develop the children’s talents and he will be awarding certificates, medals and trophies. n For more information e-mail the Gibraltar Festival for Young Musicians on gibfym@hotmail.com or write to: Gibfym, PO Box 1358, Gibraltar, or phone the festival administrator, Cathy Batchelor, on 20076150.

What’s On Calendar March 2012 Wednesday 29th February to 3rd March MO Production 10th Gibraltar Stage Dance Festival at John Mackintosh Hall Theatre from Wednesday to Friday 7pm, Saturday morning 10am, Saturday Gala Night 7.30pm. Tickets at £7 available from On Pointe at Casemates Square.

For info contact MO Production Email: mopro@ gibtelecom.net Wednesday 7th March Miss Gibraltar 2012 Charity Gala at John Mackintosh Hall at 8pm. Tickets are priced £10 and on sale at MH Bland. The show will feature the Miss Gibraltar contestants, their charity presentations, local guest artists and even a few surprises. Don’t miss out!

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

Saturday 10th March Royal Engineer’s Association Parade & March at Casemates Square 11am. Tel: 200 55083.

Saturday 10th March Gibraltar Botanic Gardens Tour meet George Don Gates (at the south end of Grand Parade) 10.30am. No fee but donations welcome. Tel: 200 72639 Email: alameda@wildlife.gib.gi.

Sunday 11th March Royal Engineer’s Association Church Service at King’s Chapel 10.30am. Tel: 200 55083 Wednesday 14th to Saturday 17th March Gibraltar Diamond Jubilee Drama Festival (see

page 66 for more information). Tel: 200 48063 or email: minculture@gibtelecom.net.

Friday 16th - Thursday 22nd March Festival for Young Musicians (see above).

Saturday 24th March Gibraltar Ornithological & Natural History Society outing – Brena de Barbate woodland birds and flowers. 9.30am meet Spanish side of frontier.

For info Tel: Leslie Linares 57363000 Email: plants@gonhs.org Thursday 29th March Investiture by HE the Governor at the Convent 11am.

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

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people file

American Journalist’s ‘Slice’ of Gibraltar

by Reg Reynolds

There have been few journalists outside Gibraltar or the UK who have understood the position Gibraltarians take regarding relationships with Spain, one of the few was the American Charles Hillinger.

Hillinger, who died four years ago, visited Gibraltar in 1977 and wrote a favourable article about the Rock which appeared in the Los Angeles Times under the headline, “Border fray has forced Gibraltar to rough it”. He began the article by describing the travails of a young woman who is informed by shouts through the fence that her mother is dying.

“There was no other way the distraught relatives could get word to the daughter of the dying woman except by shouting the news across the international border.

“The late dictator Francisco Franco had sealed the border eight years ago, cutting telephone, telegraph and all other lines of communication between Spain and Gibraltar.

It has not been open since.

64

“If the daughter could have passed through the international gate, she would have been at her dying mother’s side in 10 minutes, but it took her 10 hours.

“She travelled 74 miles by ship from Europe to Africa and back again to Europe to get less than two miles. The mother died before her daughter arrived.”

In the article Hillinger went on to provide basic information about

“

Gibraltar and its people and, how in a referendum held 10 years previously, the citizens of the Rock had voted 99.7 percent in favour of remaining under British rule.

Among the Gibraltarians quoted

by Hillinger was Abraham Serfaty, then a member of the cabinet: “We are not Spanish, we do not wish to be part of Spain... it is as simple as that.

“What few outsiders understand

There was no other way the distraught relatives could get word to the daughter of the dying woman except by shouting the news across the international border

”

— even many people in England are not aware of our situation — although small in number we are a unique people.

“We are not English, nor are we Spanish. We are a unique people living in this tiny place. We are not as many suspect, transplanted Britishers, military personnel and government officials and their families, here for a short time.”

Hillinger went on to explain that Serfaty could trace his family’s presence on the Rock back to 1730, and that Gibraltarians spoke English and Spanish like no one else in the world.

“English is the official language of ‘The Rock’ but everyone speaks a local idiom, a Gibraltarese that is a blend of Spanish and English.”

Hillinger also spoke with Michael Gonzales: “All of us who have lived here for several generations have Spanish blood flowing through our veins.

The Spanish blood is mixed with British, Irish, Scottish, Welsh, Italian, Jewish and Maltese.”

The article, which was syndicated throughout the United States, concluded with descriptions of the Gibraltar Government, the military presence and the means by which the people obtained food, water and merchandise.

Charles Hillinger was born inEvanston, Illinois on 1st April, 1926.

His first newspaper job was in the circulation department where he managed the ‘paper boy’ carriers and wrote a column dubbed ‘Carrier Pigeon’.

Hillinger served in the US Navy during World War II and joined the Los Angeles Times in 1946. He became best known for his human interest stories gathered while travelling around all of the 50 states.

His Charles Hillinger’s America column was syndicated to more than 600 newspapers. He is said to have worked on the premise that “everybody’s important and interesting”.

One of Hillinger’s most famous columns concerned his encounter with a man named Clint Westcott, who at the time was living homeless in downtown Los Angeles. After the story ran a lawyer contacted Hillinger to say he had been trying to find Westcott for seven years because he had a $20,000 inheritance to give him. Westcott declined the windfall, even though he only had 44 cents in his pocket.

Charles Hillinger is best remembered today for his stories about people from all walks of life, he called them ‘slices of America’, he did a pretty good ‘slice’ on Gibraltar too. Hillinger died on 28th April, 2008, aged 82. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

your photos

Face of Gibraltar: Children’s category A big thank you to everyone who entered our Face of Gibraltar competition!

Here is a selection from the children’s category. Our panel found it almost impossible to pick a favourite, but Gian Del Rio aged 5 stood out to be the most happy smiling face!

Here are 10 of our favourite shots (no particular order): 1. Keane Mark Reyes, 2. Phoebe Noble-Simmons, 3.

Kayla Lily Guzman, 4. Shyla Marie Clarke, 5. Noah Ford, 6. Anna Bryne, 7. Faye Abudarham, 8. Khyanna Rose Lopez, 9. Ella Bryne, 10. Matthew Yeo. (Next month we’ll print our favourites from the women’s photos).

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A very happy face: Gian Del Rio, aged 5

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2 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

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puzzle page

by Alan Gravett

SUDOKU

1

Win a lunch for two at

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2

3

4

5

6

7

8

The Cannon Bar

10 11

12 13

15

16

14

17 18

19

20

21 22 23

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

One entry per person.

Closing date: 20th March 2012 Last month’s winner: Yvonne Nuza 11 Oak Tree Lodge, Montagu Gardens

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

FIRST PRIZE: Lunch for 2 at The Clipper

One entry per person.

Closing date: 20th March 2012 Winner notified in next issue of The Gibraltar Magazine.

Last month’s winner: Ian Petfield 2 Iberis House, West View Park

Across 1) Vivid; computer generated image (7) 8) Professional who checks the accounts of

e.g. a company (7) 9) Theory of untrue beliefs (7) 10) Deferred pay for a retired employee (7) 11) Concur; tally (5) 13) State involving danger (9) 15) Courageous behaviour; exceptional polite

ness to a woman (9) 18) Coffer; upper body (5) 21) Meshed; betrothed (7) 22) Venture to say; suggest as probable (7) 23) One of Japanese warrior class (7) 24) Most simple (7) Down 1) Greek letter (5) 2) Later (5) 3) Author of King Solomon’s Mines (1, 5, 7) 4) College grounds (6) 5) Proof of who people are in most European

countries (8,5) 6) Work hard (6) 7) A planet (6) 12) Festival (4) 14) Prosecutes (4) 15) Lubricant; John Travolta film (6) 16) Vegetable (6) 17) Rare spelling of a stuffed toy (6) 19) Follow (5) 20) Lovers’ meeting (5) Jotting Pad...

LAST MONTH’S ANSWERS: Across: Julius, Caesar, Crossed, Apart, Enema, Emotion, Advertising, Builder, Occur, Octet, Upstart, Gurkha, Wretch. Down: Jockey, Loose, Upstage, Adventurous, Alamo, Station, Rating, Oblong, Drifter, Dutch, Sponsor, Craft, Crutch.

Tel: 200 70047 or 200 73465 email: gibfamanon@yahoo.com

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

arts file

Miss Gibraltar Calendar 2012

March

Melissa did a great job, even though laying on train tracks could seem daunting for some, she still showed her professionalism, and brought the photo to life.

The team would like to thank

“

the staff of San Roque train station for their help, as well as their sponsor for this month, Masbro Insurance, and of course, Gabriella Martinez for the great behind the scenes shots. n

I like the emotion portrayed in the shot, and once the session was complete, felt it was the right one to include in the calendar

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

”

Photo by Gabriella Martinez

This unusual shot with a modern twist features Miss Gibraltar 1994, Melissa Galliano (née Berllaque).

Phtographed by Jayden Fa, with make-up by Deepak Ramchandani, and hair by Nieves from Colours Salon, this photo is extremely striking. The spectacular outfit by Ismael Lopez is an elegant, modern, Spanish influenced design, and makes the shot particularly glamorous.

“I like the emotion portrayed in the shot, and once the session was complete, felt it was the right one to include in the calendar,” Jayden explains.

The team wanted to create the glamour of the 1920s, with a modern feel.

The session took place at the train station, in the picturesque town of San Roque, in nearby Spain. The train line was opened originally at the end of the 19th century, maintaining a certain air of mystery, where time seems to stand still.

“For the make-up, I wanted to go for a classic, glamorous, 1920s look, and I’m really please with the completed look, full of style,” Deepak explains.

Photo by Jayden Fa

The Official Limited Edition Miss Gibraltar Calendar 2012 — Celebrating 50 years of Beauty — month of March, features an original shot from this latest project by Jayden Fa and Deepak Ramchandani.

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Plain Sailing in Gibraltar photo: © DM Parody(http://dotcom.

Sail Making & Sail Repairs on the Rock

For visiting and local yachtsmen the ability to have sails repaired or replaced by a reliable, fast and professional sailmaker is a requirement often searched for yet seldom found. International sailmakers UK Halsey are now pleased to be able to offer this service in Marina Bay Gibraltar, care of their agents Atlantic Charters Racing.

In house they have the ability to make small repairs to all sail types including spinnakers and canvas repairs. All large repairs and modifications are easily and quickly transferred to the main loft in Malaga, where former Snipe World Champion sailmaker Andy Longarela and his team will repair then return your sails to Gibraltar.

Caring for sails is the key to long life and good service. The biggest enemy to all sails is UV damage from the sun, always ensure sail covers cover the complete sail — just leaving the clew protruding from the cover will take years off the life of the sail and result in a premature failure and costly

repairs. If you have the time and opportunity before leaving your boat always wash the sails in fresh water and dry before removing and storing below decks. Wear from spreader ends, stanchions, pulpits and backstays can be prevented by the addition of self-adhesive wear patches which are low cost and easy to apply.

Choice of cloth for cruising sails affects the price and life of your

sail. The three common Dacron (polyester) types are: 1. MT Dacron; standard quality Dacron that is prone to stretching and early UV damage.

2. AP Dacron; this is the best quality, long life Dacron, well worth the extra 30% investment cost.

3. Pentax Cruise laminate; very strong, low-stretch cloth, often used by cruiser racers and radial cut sails for that extra edge.

The biggest enemy to all sails is UV damage from the sun, always ensure sail covers cover the complete sail

y

ACHT SCENE ltar Gibra

Yacht Scene 2012

Order your copy now!

SAILORS’ GUIDE • 2012

68

Reserve your copy of Yacht Scene Sailors’ Guide: £5.00 + p&p (£8.00 total)

Lo c Ti al In de Ta form ari bles atio na n • & Dis • T Ha tan ida l rb ou ce T Atla r P ab s lan les s

Yacht Scene • • Sailors’ Guide 20 2

M

£5.00

All types of sail materials are catered for at Atlantic Charters, from basic Dacron to hi-tech carbon, Kevlar, Mylar, Spectra, Pentex and laminate sails. If you require new sails they will be pleased to discuss your requirements, measure your boat and deliver the sails to you while in Gibraltar or to a destination of your choice.

Canvas repairs and bespoke builds, including a patterning service, are also now available in Marina Bay. n

For further information please contact — email: info@atlanticcharters. co.uk Tel: Spain + 34 664671268

Please send a cheque made payable to Yacht Scene to Yacht Scene Sailors’ Guide, PO Box 555, Gibraltar

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

Gibraltar’s Yacht Scene ’12 Out Now! Calling all sailors and yachtsmen.... Don’t forget to pick up a copy of the Yacht Scene Sailors’ Guide Gibraltar, brand new for 2012 which is now available around town.

Established in 1985 and full of invaluable information for yachties — from where to eat to where to sail to next, the Yacht Scene Sailors’ Guide Gibraltar 2012 is now available for all the up-to-date local sailing information you will need.

The latest edition includes up-to-date Tide Tables and Tidal Atlas, Distance Tables and Marina plans. See the blue pages for nautical information, and the green pages for all updated marina plans for Gibraltar and it’s neighbours. There is also a directory of local

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ACHT SCENE tar l a r b i G

SAI LOR S’ GUI DE • 2012

Charity Race Night...

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Yacht Scene • • Sailors’ Guide 20 2

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A charity Race Night will be held at Bruno’s, Tradewinds, on Saturday 3rd March in aid of McMillan Nursing Gibraltar. A fabulous three course menu is available at just £15.00 per person and there will be a raffle with some really great prizes.

For reservations or further information telephone 200 68444

information for visitors to get the most out of their stay on the Rock.

With so many exciting new developments in Gibraltar this year, including the new port for small boats and the super yacht stampede at Ocean Village, Yacht Scene Sailors’ Guide Gibraltar 2012 shows Gibraltar is becoming more accessible than ever.

Don’t miss it. It is available from bookshops, chandleries and marinas around Gibraltar or by mail order at £8.00 from PO Box 555, Gibraltar. n

St Andrew’s Craft & Collectors Fair on Saturday 31st March from 10am-2pm at St Andrew’s Church, Governor’s Parade.

Entrance £1 As well as familiar faces there are new stallholders, so a good variety of interesting things on offer. Items include hand-painted pieces, hand-crafted jewellery, dolls’ house items and artwork, antique/modern silverware, prints/ pictures, books, stamps and coins, toy soldiers and lots of other stuff!nRefreshments available in the lounge. Proceeds to the Church Restoration Fund.

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

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

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

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music file

Sophie’s Story...

by Frankie Hatton

This month we speak to a woman who, while rapidly gaining some repute as a professional photographer, still maintains her sense of individuality, fun and adventure despite being a mother of four.

Boirn in Gibraltar, Sophie Triay’s father Louis and mother Valerie ensured she enjoyed a happy comfortable childhood. Schooling was at the Loreto Convent and at the age of 11 more nuns appeared on the scene at the Newhall boarding school in the UK where she went on to take her ‘A’ levels.

Before heading to university, she took a gap year in Madrid where she got by teaching English and doing some waitressing. “I soon discovered teaching was not for me — I just didn’t have the patience — but I loved Madrid and made some wonderful friends.”

Eventually she headed to university at Kings College, London to read Hispanic Studies. She chose the subject because she “wanted to study something that interested me as opposed to just doing a vocational course”. When asked about

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the family’s tradition, law, she laughed “Oh no, too many lawyers in the family already!”

The degree course resulted in her meeting her husband-to-be, Jonathan, a Gibraltarian in his final year on the same course, so you could say it was fate. A year of her four year degree was spent in a Spanish-speaking country, so much to her parents’ horror Sophie packed her rucksack and headed off on her own to Chile, supposedly to attend the local university in Santiago.

Based in Chile, she also travelled around Bolivia, Peru and Argentina. “On my travels I met so many interesting people from all over the world — I really had the most amazing experience. I went from the desert in Chile, Machu Pichu in Peru, the jungle in Bolivia to dancing tango in Buenos Aires.

“My year in South America taught me to

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arts file stand on my own two feet. For the first time ever I was on my own. It didn’t matter where one came from, I was just Sophie, meeting new people, making new friends and taking all my own decisions. I could have happily stayed there but I knew I had to come back to the UK to finish my final year.”

She headed back to Kings College and explained why she hadn’t actually managed to make it to the university in Santiago! She must have given an entertaining explanation and a convincing arguement as to why you can learn more about Hispanic culture by travelling than by being in a classroom because she managed to complete her degree and earn a 2:1 no less.

On her return to Gibraltar, she starting working in her father’s law firm, doing general admin, company administration and being, as she termed it, a “general dogsbody”. “I didn´t really have a clear idea of what I wanted to do but I was lucky to be able to find work with my father who turned out to be the most demanding of bosses, but brilliant with it!

“Jonathan and I rekindled our university romance and we married a few years later.” Sophie kept working and in the intervening years she has had four lovely children — Sebastian 15, Luke 13, Mikey 11 and Jules who is 8. She stopped working after the third child because looking after children, keeping house, plus managing building projects and renovation is a whole lot of work in itself.

Eventually the children came to an age where they stayed at school for lunch and she reached that big OMG moment — she hit the big 4-Oh. That was a turning-point in her life.

One of Sophie’s interests has always been photography and as time went on she got into it more and more.

“I began to love portrait photography and once I had more time on my hands I took it up more and more. Often I would take photos of friends’ weddings and present them in an album as a wedding present. It turned out people liked the results but it still didn’t occur to me that I could turn my interest into anything more.

“Then something very unexpected happened.

Through my involvement in a sailing project, I

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started taking action shots of boats and sailing, and some of these were used on our website which led to Yachting World, a well-known sailing magazine, publishing one of my shots.

I was thrilled and finally knew what I wanted to do. I felt it would be possible to make more of my passion for photography and yet still be there for my boys.”

Sophie says she loves the whole concept of creating a photo. “I’m good at directing people and getting them to relax. I find I am sensitive

“

Photographs for me are a way of expressing myself and I love capturing those spontaneous moments. I enjoy the process and I can literally just do my thing

”

to people’s moods, gestures, insecurities about their looks. Happiness can completely transform a face. Photographs for me are a way of expressing myself and I love capturing those spontaneous moments. I enjoy the process and I can literally just do my thing.

Sophie finds it difficult to leave the house without her camera these days. “I recently spent a whole day wandering around London on my own, just taking photos and seeing things which I’d completely missed out on before.” Recently separated from her husband, she quipped “I find my camera is a great companion!”

Sophie talks with relish of her travels and her love of taking a photo. She takes hundreds of photos to capture that one perfect moment, but she admits sometimes the downside is she finds it hard to delete them because for her “there is always something worth seeing in them”.

“I´d love to turn it into a business and think that is the way forward for me. At the moment I use Facebook to showcase my efforts.”

Take a look at the Sophie Triay Events Photography on Facebook for more information. n

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Warren: in the Studio & On Location Gibraltarian Warren Vassallo has been a freelance phtographer since the early ’90s in both commercial and editorial photography. With countless magazine covers to his name and the experience of travelling with a humanitarian aid organisation to the poorest countries in Africa, Warren’s diversity in style has gained him recognition with various publications around southern Europe and Morocco.

Warren, who began taking photographs with an old 110 box camera at a very young age, currently works with the fire and rescue services in Gibraltar and in his free time offers professional studio services at his studio complex called Studio47 in Santa Margarita, Spain.

Offering family and commercial photography, product photography, model and actor portfolios, workshops and studio hire, Studio47 even offers a transit service from the frontier if needed. The studio consists of a reception area/ make-up, short-term stay room with ensuite shower room and wifi services.

There is a 70m2 outside area which consists of a pool surrounded by decking for location shoots. The main studio is 32m2 and fully air conditioned.

Warren says “Studying Professional Photographic Practice at post-graduate level in art school at Central St Martin’s (London College of Printing) in Holborn has developed my visual skills and my capacity to create projects and stories with images.”

Warren creates and delivers eye catching,

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innovative and inspiring image solutions for any client’s needs, his ability to produce photography or to supply images from his growing image bank has been an asset to various companies and design studios both locally and internationally.

With over 10 years’ experience, a postgraduate diploma in professional photography and the advantage of speaking both English and Spanish, Warren is more than ready to tackle and produce stunning and exhilarating images for any deadline.

Wedding packages also available — see www. vassalloimages.com. n

Warren is more than ready to tackle and produce stunning and exhilarating images for any deadline GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

book launch

Blue–Water Empire Blue-Water Empire traces the remarkable experience of the British mastery in the Mediterranean from the Battle of the Nile to El Alamein and the end of empire, exploring the unique and often explosive relationships that shaped the region’s modern history.

For nearly two hundred years the Mediterranean lay at the heart of British power overseas ­— what Winston Churchill called “Britain’s first battlefield.” Here many thousands of Britons spend they lives, their graves now scattered from Gibraltar to Corfu, from Malta to Cyprus. British mastery of the seaways and surrounding shores, symbolised by the possession of fortress colonies, attracted enemies and rivals, but became part of the enduring fabric of many Mediterranean societies.

Robert Holland’s sweeping history tells the story of an extraordinary experience combining the military imposition of British rule with constant enthusiasm of Mediterranean life enduring today, and which has left many legacies in

administration, culture, language, law and architecture. From Nelson’s great victories against the French to El Alamein and the Malta convoys of World War II, the Mediterranean shaped Britain’s fate as much as Britain shaped the future of the Mediterranean.

Blue-Water Empire evokes the conflicts and frequent disillusionment between the British and local societies caught up in often dramatic events, but also their mutual intimacy, hopefulness and resilience under pressure. Above all, it charts the British experience of the Mediterranean, and the Mediterranean experience of the British, in the age of empire.

Blue-Water Empire is published in Allen Lane Hardback, priced £25.00. n

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Robert Holland is one of the world’s leading historians of the Mediterranean and the author of Britain and the Revolt in Cyprus, 195459, and The British and the Hellenes: struggles for mastery in the Eastern Mediterranean, 1850-1960 with Diana Markides. He holds professorial positions at the Centre for Hellenic Studies in King’s College London and the Institute of Commonwealth Studies.

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photo: Warren Vassallo

events

Zachary Vassallo enjoying the new facilities at Europa Point

Getting the Kids Out! The amount of time children spend outside is something to inspire every child, from dance, for adults and children alike) and everything playing, exercising and exploring continues ice-skating, bowling, swimming, walking on in between. Get out there and get your kids to decline at a near-debilitating pace. Despite the Upper Rock (Med Steps is a great work-out fit for life. n the host of new playground facilities around Gibrlatar kids devote, on average, three hours a day less time playing outside than children did two decades ago. Research has revealed that reduced time outdoors is producing a kid-nature separation generation that is contributing to the high rates of childhood obesity and other serious health concerns for our children as well as widespread disinterest and, at times, disrespect for the natural world around them.

Play and consistently connecting a child to the outdoors has been shown to improve achievements in physical, social, emotional, and educational development as well as encourage life-long environmental advocacy yet many children today are spending less time exercising and outdoors and more time tethered to the TV, computer, or engrossed in video games and other electronic traps. With these broader implications of sustained indoor sedentary behaviour coming to light, we need to move the focus of the fix from not only managing a child’s weight but an overall healthy lifestyle that includes daily outdoor engagement — and on the Rock we are lucky to have a host of activites on tap.

Whatever your child’s ability or passion there

A Place to Dance...

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activities

Green fingers at St. Marys The children of St. Mary’s School have been busy again this year as they get ready for the Horticultural flower competition. But it’s not only flowers they are learning to plant — their amazing garden is also home to vegetables, fruits and soon to be butterflies.

The children stand in their garden with the head teacher, Rina and Cathy

Meet the children in Year 3 at St. Mary’s who will be participating in the gardening club this year. They have won the flower competition cup for the last three years, and are now entering the for the fourth year running with the hope of winning again.

The children are planting with the help of Rina Devine and Cathy Martinez, the volunteer garden club teachers who run the after school activity. Normally, the dedicated group would start work on the garden much later in the year, though as the rain as held off it has meant they have been able to get cracking with making it look beautiful before Spring. Last year, not only was the garden full of flowers, it also produced carrots, spring onions, potatoes, and a whole host of other vegetables.

They are also planting seeds for the Milkweed plant to encourage the breeding of the Monarch butterfly — this is the only plant the caterpillars eat and the leaves are already growing.

This little sanctuary is a great way for the children to learn about nature and enjoy the outdoors — and they all love it. n

Learning dance can result in wonderful outcomes, as it enhances selfconfidence, is a great source of exercise, and helps children interact with newly made friends. The best thing about dance is that it makes children feel satisfied, instills confidence, and is a great outlet for self-expression.

Dance is for every child, whatever their need or ability. Not everyone wants to become a professional dancer, and dance as a hobby is practised by millions of children across the globe.

Meeting new people and making new friends gives dance the tag of a social activity too. Other additional benefits of dance are improving poise, posture and grace.

Very few hobbies turn out to be as rewarding as dance. Have a look on at our Clubs and Activities section on page 88 for information on available dance groups. n for some information on GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

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food & drink

Noodles 2 Go!

The home of the noodle box, Fusion Deli, have recently refurbished their premises at 11 Cooperage Lane, and expanded their menu. Chinese, Malaysian or Japanese Udon noodles are available, as well as the tasty Laksa soup. Open for business weekdays for lunch, and also opening very soon on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, with deliveries to your door too. Pop in to see Jennifer, Darrell and their team for some noodles to go! n

Open for morning coffee, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner

Open: 10am - late.

Closed Sundays & Saturday lunch

find us on Irish Town Tel: 200 51738 to reserve a table

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food & drink

More then Just-A-Nibble Bob and Marie of Just-A-Nibble have been telling us all about the new items on their menu. As well as all the old favourites, they now serve spicy chicken wings which are going down a treat and Chicken Kiev which is also proving very popular with all of Just-A-Nibble’s loyal customers and visitors to the ICC. Bob also wanted to let everyone know he is still making his famous pies but with some

interesting twists, such as Chinatown chicken Pie and Vennison Pie (where else can you get homemade treats like this in Gibraltar?!).

Pop in and say hello to Bob, Marie and Dunia at Just-A-Nibble on the 1st floor of the ICC, and while you are there wish them a happy anniversary — Just-A-Nibble will be a teenager in March after 13 years of happy trading. Congratulations! n

Every Saturday NIght - Mr Maph The Soul Man Live Dinner Entertainment Friday 2nd March - Funky Fridays Friday 9th March - Savannah Sessions Friday 16th March - Funky Fridays Friday 23rd March - Savannah Sessions

EVENTS

Fri 30th March - Funky Fridays

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food & drink 100g 100g 2 270g

soft butter brown sugar eggs plain flour

Italian meringue: 2 egg whites 110g caster sugar 55g golden caster sugar

For the brown sugar pastry, beat the butter and the sugar for 5 minutes or until pale. Add the egg one at a time and then the flour. Mix until just combined and then turn onto a lightly floured work surface and knead until well combined. Wrap and set aside in the fridge until later on.

Rinse the rhubarb in a colander and add to a large saucepan. Add the vanilla seeds and the juices. Cook for 12-15 minutes or until the rhubarb is soft and the liquid has reduced.

Pre-heat the oven to 180º Celsius and then on a lightly floured work surface roll out the pastry until 2mm thick. Add the pastry to a non stick pie tin and cut out so the pastry is like a case in each individual pie mould. Cover them each with greaseproof paper and add raw rice as to blind bake the pie cases. Bake for 10 minutes and then remove and cool.

When cooled spoon in the rhubarb mix.

For the Italian meringue combine the sugars with quarter of a cup of water. Cook until the sugar dissolves and then boil until the mix reaches 115º Celsius on a sugar thermometer.

Meanwhile whisk the egg whites with a hand held mixer until soft peaks are formed.

Slowly drizzle the mixture into the egg white mix combining well between each amount.

Spoon the meringue mix on top of the pies and then cook under a grill for 2-3 minutes or until the top starts to go golden. Serve immediately. n

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Steamed Carrot and Apricot Croquettes with Garlic and Lemon Whipped Ricotta

Indulge yourself

by Fifty-Five Chef Scott Casey

Serves 4

650g carrots, roughly chopped 100g day old fresh breadcrumbs 4 dried apricots, finely chopped 4 spring onions, finely chopped 1.5 tsp toasted pine nuts 1/2 tsp dried chilli, or chilli powder 1 small egg, beaten Plain flour for dusting Extra breadcrumbs for crumbing

This month, why not try making these three delicious dishes and show off to your friends and family? Start off with two tasty savoury treats, and finish off by indulging with these sweet little desserts to round off a perfect dinner.

For the whipped ricotta: 250g ricotta 2 tsp salted butter 200g natural yoghurt 1 garlic clove, crushed 1 lemon, zest only

Sexy Little Rhubarb Meringue Pies

Steam the carrot for 20 minutes or until tender enough to process, Transfer to a food processer and blend until smooth with the butter.

Add the rest of the ingredients and process for 10 seconds until combined. If the mix looks a bit wet add some more breadcrumbs. Season

Serves 6

For the filling: 700g rhubarb, cut into 1.5cm pieces

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300g 2 1 1

brown sugar vanilla beans, scraped seeds only orange, juiced lemon, juiced

Brown sugar pastry:

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food & drink

to taste and then shape into nice 2cm by 2cm cylinder shapes. Dust with the flour and then coat with the egg and then roll in the breadcrumbs. Set aside.

For the ricotta simply add all the ingredients into a bowl and whip with a hand whisk. Season to taste. Deep fry the croquettes at 175º Celsius until they float and are crisp and golden on the outside.

Place in the centre of a plate with some dressed rocket and Parmesan salad and drizzle over the whipped ricotta. n

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Veal, Pork and Beef Polpettone, Smokey Prosciutto, Red Wine Beurre Monte Serves 4

50ml olive oil 1 medium brown onion, sliced finely 2 cloves garlic, sliced thinly 2 tsp finely chopped sage, marjoram and

oregano (preferably fresh) 200g each minced beef, pork and veal

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1 egg, lightly beaten 30g fresh breadcrumbs 20g grated Parmesan 8 slice pancetta 300ml good quality red wine 8 slices good quality smoked prosciutto 1 bay leaf 1.5 cups tomato frito Salt and pepper to taste

maining onion and garlic and cook for another minute to soften slightly.

Add the red wine, bay leaf and then the tomato frito. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes or firm to push. Remove once cooked and set aside in a warm place. Reduce the cooking liquid until thick and sticky.

Place 1 polpettone in the centre of a plate, spoon over the cooking liquor, scatter some Heat half of the olive oil in a casserole dish. shaved Parmesan over top and serve with Add half the onion and garlic and cook until some crusty bread. n translucent. Add the herbs and combine well.

Remove from the heat and allow to cool. In a large bowl combine all the minced meats, egg, breadcrumbs and the onion and herb mix. Season to taste.

Divide the mix into four even sized balls and roll to make a cylinder shape. Lay out the prosciutto slices so they overlap slightly and place the rolled meat mix onto the layers. Roll them so the prosciutto wraps completely around the mix. Set aside.

Heat the rest of the olive oil in the casserole dish, add the rolled meat rolls and sear on all sides until they are golden, then add the reChef Scott Casey

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

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

restaurants l Café Solo Grand Casemates Square. Tel: 200 44449 Modern Italian eatery set in the lively Casemates square. Everything from chicory and crispy pancetta salad with walnuts, pears and blue cheese dressing, or king prawn, mozzarella and mango salad to pastas(eg: linguine with serrano ham, king prawns and rocket; smoked salmon and crayfish ravioli with saffron and spinach cream) to salads (eg: Vesuvio spicy beef, cherry tomatoes, roasted peppers and red onions; and Romana chorizo, black pudding, egg and pancetta) and pizzas (eg: Quatto Stagioni topped with mozzarella, ham, chicken, pepperoni and mushroom) and specialities such as salmon fishcakes, beef medallions and duck. Good daily specials menu on blackboard. No smoking inside.

Free WiFi. l Cafe Rojo 54 Irish Town. Tel: 200 51738 Sleek modern comfort in this relaxing little restaurant. Red comfy arm chairs in separate area for a relaxing drink or coffee.

Brunch menu (10am-12pm) includes ciabatta, granary, foccacia sandwiches with fillings such as pear and blue cheese, smoked bacon and brie, cheese and honey roast ham, delicious desserts (chocolate mousse in a must).

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

Open: from 10am. Closed all day Sundays, and Saturday lunch.

Casa Pepe 18 Queensway Quay Marina.

Tel/Fax: 200 46967 Email: casa.pepe.gib@gmail.com Casa Pepe is a delightful bar/ restaurant in the prestigious Queensway Quay Marina. A wonderful location for business meetings, engagements, weddings, anniversaries etc. Specialising in a broad range of raciones (plates to share) with a very comprehensive a la carte menu. Daily specials may include fresh fish caught locally and a selection of Argentinean beef. With a menu including dishes such as Caracoles a la Llauna Snails, Rabo de Toro Oxtail, Carrillada de Cerro Iberico Iberico pork cheeks, large rib steaks from Avila and special to order whole suckling pig.

Open: Monday-Friday: lunch and evening meal, Saturday: evenings only, Sunday: lunch only.

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

Open: 12-8pm. Available for private functions and corporate events — call 200 62828 to book your function or event. where members can enjoy fine dining and impeccable service in luxurious surroundings. Open for lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday also offering a daily Business Lunch menu. Once a month 55 opens for traditional Sunday lunch and holds a variety of culinary themed evenings i.e. Thai/Japanese Fusion.

The main bar offers a full bar snack menu and is the perfect place after a long day at work. On Thursday and Fridays you can relax to the mix of Soul & ’80s music by 55’s resident DJ, take advantage of Happy Hour and enjoy the sushi menu from 6pm. Special occasions or important business clients can be entertained in the Private Dining Room (up to 10 people). Afternoon tea Thursday to Saturday -6pm. For info on membership or to make a reservation for lunch or dinner so you can enjoy the 55 experience contact Louise by phone or email louise@fifty-five.gi

Nunos Italian Restaurant and Terrace Caleta Hotel, Catalan Bay For a reservations Tel: 200 76501 E-mail reservations@caletahotel.gi Overlooking the Mediterranean from Catalan Bay, Nunos’ Spanish chef with Three Star Michellin experience offers a variety of Italian cuisine. The restaurant has now moved from its location on the lower floors and can now be found at the reception level of the hotel.

A quick peak at the menu reveals the chef’s celebrated Salmorejo is on the menu, as are his baby squid burgers (Insalata di Calamari).

From the main dishes you can choose from a variety of fresh fish and meat dishes. Or you could go for the house speciality of fresh, home-made pasta where you can choose from a wide range of options. Open: Monday to Fifty-Five Private Member’s Club Saturday 19.30 to 22.30 and lunchtimes for 267 Main Street Tel: 200 79655 Gibraltar’s premier Private Member’s Club group bookings.

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The Waterfront Queensway Quay Marina Tel: 200 45666 www.gibwaterfront.com The Waterfront, established for over 16 years, is situated on the quayside at Queensway Quay Marina; the epitome of peace and tranquillity. Open seven days a week from 9am until late the restaurant offers everything from a cup of tea or coffee right through to three course meals with Champagne! A comprehensive bar snack menu is available all day from 10.15am; the a la carte menu from midday through to 10.30pm, featuring daily specials. The barbecue grill is open daily from 7pm offering sumptuous steaks, aged in-house, and fabulous fish including dorada and sea bass. A delicious array of desserts and ice creams are also available.

Boasting extensive terraces the restaurant provides the ideal location for summer ‘al fresco’ dining and drinking with stunning sunsets. Also catering for large party bookings including weddings, holy communions, birthdays etc the Waterfront is the ideal venue for any occasion.

informaleating Amin's The Office 30 Parliament Lane. Tel: 200 40932 Sit down, informal and friendly restaurant.

Amin is well known in Gibraltar for his Moroccan, Spanish and international cuisine.

Open early for breakfast at 7am right through the day. Try the Moroccan soups, couscous, lamb tagines and kebabs.

Open: 7.00am to midnight.

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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

Buddies Pasta Casa 15 Cannon Lane. Tel: 200 40627 Italian specials in pleasant ambience. Large selection of starters from garlic bread to calamari. Main courses include spinach caneloni, spaghetti alla carbonara, fusilli al salmone, and peppered steak to name a few.

Tasty desserts and variety of wines.

Open: Monday - Thursday 11am - 5pm, Friday 11am-3pm and 7pm-11pm, Sat 11am4.30pm FusionDeli 11 Cooperage Lane (by BHS) Tel: 200 63940 Established in 2010, FusionDeli serves noodles in a New Yorker noodle box — just like in the movies! FusionDeli specialises in Malaysian, Chinese and Japanese style noodles. Choose from beef, pork, chicken, king prawn or vegetarian, with a choice of sauces ranging from old favourites like sweet and sour, to the unique to FusionDeli fiery spicy, and ultra spicy. Other dishes include Malaysian chicken curry, Malaysian Laksa and Char Siew Barbecue pork, with daily specials such as meat dishes including black pepper, Malaysian Kung pou, the unique Mongolian sauce dishes, and egg fried or plain rice. Sundries include giant prawn crackers, homemade spring rolls, and even more to come soon!

Open: Monday-Friday 11.45am-3pm.

Opening soon Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. Delivery service soon too.

Get Stuffed Marina Bay. Tel: 200 42006 Take-away, sandwich bar and hot food.

Serving all homemade sandwiches, salads, quiches, pasta, pies, muffins, plus hot and cold drinks and smoothies and a different special every day. Outside catering for corporate parties.

Open: 8am - 6pm Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm Sat. Just A Nibble 1st Flr ICC Tel: 200 78052 Full licensed cafe serving English breakfast, vast range of toasties, rolls, and snacks. Meals include, Bob’s famous chicken curry/chilli con carne, and a great new range of pies (from Bob’s chicken and leek to steak and kidney plus a whole range of tasty alternatives) plus all the old favourites; jacket spuds, burgers, hot dogs, fish and chips, and daily specials.

Ideal meeting place.

Open: Monday - Saturday from 9am.

Just Desserts 1st Floor ICC. Tel: 200 48014 Bright and airy, recently redecorated cafe on the first floor of the ICC. All home-made food including daily specials, vegetarian options and desserts. Eat in or take-away. Try their daily roast with everything on or their allday breakfast. Non-smoking restaurant with terrace smoking area. Friendly, cheerful and fully licensed with sensible prices.

Open: 8am - 4.30pm Monday to Friday.

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Smith’s Fish & Chips 295 Main Street. Tel: 200 74254 Traditional well-stablished British fish and chip shop, located on Main Street opposite the Convent, with tables/seating available or take-away wrapped in newspaper. The menu includes old favourites cod, haddock or plaice in batter, Cornish pasties, mushy peas etc. Also curries, omlettes, burgers.

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

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.

Mumbai Curry House Unit 1.0.02 Ground Floor, Block 1 Eurotowers Tel: 200 73711 Home delivery: 50022/33 Good Indian cuisine for eating in or taking away, from snacks such as samosas, bhajias, and pakoras to lamb, chicken and fish dishes with sauces such as korma, tikka masala, bhuna, do piaza... in fact all you would expect from an Indian cuisine take-away.

Large vegetarian selection. Halal food is available, as is outside catering for parties and meetings. Sunday specials include all Mumbai favourites such as Dosa and Choley The Tasty Bite Bhature.

Open: 7 days a week 11am - 3pm, 6pm - 59a Irish Town.

Tel: 200 78220 Fax: 200 74321 late.

Tasty Bite has one of the biggest take-away menus around with home cooked meats, Munchies Cafe 24 Main Street. Tel: 200 43840 Fax: 200 filled baguettes, burgers, chicken, kebabs and everything else you can think of! Try the 42390 A great sandwich bar/cafe offering an quiches, tortillas and jackets spuds with all unusual range of sandwiches on white or kinds of fillings. This little place gets busy granary bread, plus salads, baguettes, soups, with those popping out from the offices for desserts, homemade ice-cream and hot/cold lunch so get there early. drinks. Business lunches, parties and kids Open: Monday - Saturday. parties also catered for (for party and office platters phone or fax order by 5.30pm day before - minimum orders for delivery £12).

Open: Mon - Fri 8.30-7, Sat 9 - 4, Closed Sun. Picadilly Gardens Rosia Road. Tel: 200 75758 Relaxed bar restaurant with cosy garden terrace just across the road from the cable car.

English breakfast, churros, tapas, hamburgers, fresh fish, prawns, squid, clams and a variety of meat dishes. Eat in or take away. Menu of the day only £6. Open: early to late. l Sacarello Coffee Co. 57 Irish Town. Tel: 200 70625 Converted coffee warehouse, ideal for coffee,

Verdi Verdi Unit G10, ICC, Casemates (behind taxis).

Tel: 200 60733 Verdi Verdi offers morning and afternoon coffee as well as all home-made and delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes, fresh homebaked bread and desserts. A wide selection of freshly made sandwiches and baguettes to eat in or take away. Try the light and fluffy homemade pizzas, or the falafels.

Daily specials soups are fabulous and filling. Delicious coffees. Ask for Idan's hot homemade chilli relish — sweet and scrummy. Free WiFi. Open: Mon & Thurs: 7.30am - 6pm, Friday 7.30am - 5pm, Sunday 10am - 3pm. Saturday 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 • MARCH 2012

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

Visit us and step back in history

Casemates Square Tel: 200 72987

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

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

GLMS Music Venue of the Year.

Official Home to Gibraltar Rugby Club Free WiFi

10 Casemates www.lordnelson.gi Tel: 200 50009

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

DAILY SPECIALS Grand Casemates Sq Tel: 20044449

SMITH’S

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

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

restaurant bar guide &

295 MAIN ST Tel: 200 74254

Get Stuffed!

Marina Bay Tel: 200 42006 Take-Away, Sandwiches & Hot Food Different Special EveryDay salads, quiches, pastas, pies, muffins, all home made Open 8am-6pm Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm Sat

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

BUDDIES pasta casa

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

Award winning breakfasts from 7.30am Great meals & snacks all day Evening Steak House menu Med Golf Clubhouse Tottenham Hotspur HQ Parliament Lane Tel: 200 75924 GIBRALTARMAGAZINE MAGAZINE••MARCH MARCH2012 2012 GIBRALTAR

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

Daily Specials • Varied Menu

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

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wine

�arch �orward The days get longer, the clocks go forward and the Easter Bunny is in sight. But the streets do not yet appear to be paved with gold.

The manifestoes of all the political parties promised, at the recent election in Gibraltar, that this would happen by now. So, no matter which party was elected, we ought to be living a carefree life with every provision made for our future. Of course, as we knew even when voting, no matter which party was elected the pavements were unlikely to develop an aurean hue.

Party manifestoes are rather like wine labels. They promise unlimited delight but when you look a little more closely you note that there are all sorts of conditional tenses and get-out clauses.

“This wine may be enjoyed …”, “the new government will seek to ensure …” and so on. No-one actually guarantees enjoyment — not surprisingly.

Such enjoyment can never be guaranteed. As mentioned last month, it seems to be the human condition to complain rather than enjoy. So any change is met with a grumble; any failure by a wine to live up to all the promises on the label is met with a disappointed sigh.

The trouble is that there is so much choice of wine — far greater, in fact, than the choice between

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political parties. If I want a sweet white (although, of course, I don’t) I can go for a Tokay, a Sauternes, something German, or a Beaumes de Venise. All are fairly unpleasant but they are enjoyed by many people. If I want a delicate red I have a choice of Bardolino, Beaujolais, or lighter Bordeaux. Heavy reds start with Cotes du Rhone and can be found from all over the world — the Californian Napa Valley Cabernets are both solid and high in alcohol content, with prices to match. Rosés range from perfectly frightful (think of the Portuguese bottle with the strange shape which I cannot bring myself to name) to acceptable (think Chile). Drier whites include Muscadet (perfect in the right circumstances), Chablis (always a winner) to our local Barbadillo (only drinkable — and delicious — around this region,

for some reason; it is good only for cooking on a cold winter’s day in Northern Europe). And on top of all this, there are sherries and ports to consider and enjoy.

Political parties, on the other hand, offer no real choice except a promise of a better life for all. There is no suggestion that ‘summer hours’ should perhaps be modified in the age of air-conditioned offices; that motorbikes might be made less noisy; that cars should be limited in number; that older ladies should be told to have their money ready before joining the queue at Morrison’s checkout. All these proposals would improve life enormously but they might be a little unpopular with certain sections of the community so no politician dares to propose them. But sweet white wine can co-exist with a fullbodied red without causing anyone

Barbadillo (only drinkable — and delicious — around this region, for some reason; it is good only for cooking on a cold winter’s day in Northern Europe) GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

wine column

any difficulty: would it be too much to suggest that motorbikes should not park so close that it is there is no way one can move the car?

An unfair comparison, of course.

Co-existence requires a certain amount of compromise on both sides and motorbike drivers, like people who stop to have chats in the centre of doorways, have no consciousness that there are other people in the world who might wish to pass by. They cannot therefore make the necessary compromise — and politicians pander to them. Wine, on the other hand, is full of compromises.

Look at the label on the next bottle you buy. Almost certainly there will be the phrase: ‘contains sulphites’. This may — and probably should — be of no particular concern. But the sulphites are an artificial additive to ensure that the wine remains clear and has no unpleasant dregs in the bottom of the bottle. You have no choice, in most wines at the cheaper end of the range, as to whether you want sulphites or not.

To that extent, therefore, there is no greater choice in wine than between political parties. But wine offers so much more enjoyment and a much lesser degree of controversy. “I think you will enjoy this Mountain Creek Merlot (from

Australia £4.79 from Morrison’s)” is a milder remark than: “The Government should spend more on [fill in as required]”. “Have another glass, while we consider the budget deficit” is an invitation no sane person can refuse. The budget deficit will pale into insignificance against (and be resolved with) a further glass of New Zealand Hawkes Bay Sauvignon Blanc (£8.10 from Anglo Hispano). These wines contain sulphites but even so provide the lubrication to keep the engine of politics running.

As we march forward into the glorious sunlit uplands it is worth remembering that even the older lady searching for her money in the checkout queue is deserving of some consideration (occasionally).

Only a glass of wine will enable you to regard her with something approaching equanimity. Try, as we hope for warmer weather and Spring approaches, an Argentinian Malbec (they range from £6.00 to £20 at all suppliers). While the Falklands are a very live issue, the whole problem could be solved if we compromise by continuing to buy and enjoy this deep, fruity and tasty wine. The Argentinians might even stop being silly after a few glasses (and realising that their exports have gone up — a political advantage). n

“Have another glass, while we consider the budget deficit” is an invitation no sane person can refuse....

Contemporary Mediterranean Dining

Grand Casemates Square Tel: 200

44449 for reservations

Saturday Chill Out with DJ Eric from 7pm

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

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

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March begins with leeks and daffodils with the Welsh celebrating St. David’s Day on the 1st, then there will be more than a drop of the black stuff available as the Irish celebrate St Patrick’s Day on the 17th, wearing plenty of green no doubt, while enjoying the many events going on around the Rock in honour of the Emerald Isle.

7th March will be the Miss Gibraltar Charity Gala at the John Mackintosh Hall, organised by Stage One Productions, to boost the Miss Gibraltar Charity Appeal, and in line with the Miss World “Beauty with a Purpose” programme. The show will feature the Miss Gibraltar contestants, their charity presentations, local guest artists and even a few surprises. Tickets are priced £10 and are available from MH Bland.

Everyone is also encouraged to support the Miss Gibraltar Charity Appeal by phoning the Gibtelecom Premium Line, and donating £1 with the fee automatically added to the caller’s phone bill. So call 8980, not only will you be donating to several worthy causes but your name will be entered into a raffle for two Miss Gibraltar VIP tickets and £100 worth of Gibtelecom Products. Win win!

One business on the move last month was Grand Home Care which is now located in the ICC, Unit S3F, Second Floor, Main Street. The telephone number remains the same — contact them on 200 65577.

Congratulations to the Gibraltar Stage Dance Festival, which will be celebrating its 10th birthday this year! The festival is taking place from 1st to 3rd March this year,

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Photos this page: party time at Savannah on Leisure Island Photos by Gold Production Studios (Gibraltar) Ltd

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

Sienna and Lara — pretty in pink

Amin of Amin’s Office on Parliament Lane

with plenty of Gibraltar’s dancing talent taking part.

Childline’s Blue Day is on 23rd March, so why not get involved and wear some blue to the office for a good cause? Check out Childline’s website for more details on how you can become involved.

We were sorry to hear in February about Luis the chef of Cáfe Rojo who had a motorbike accident which put him out of action for a few weeks. Chef Annette (usually seen front of house) held the fort magnificently until he returned part-time at the end of February. Well done Annette and get well soon Luis!

A very special Happy Birthday to Just a Nibble! This little cafe in the ICC is now a budding teenager, celebrating its 13th birthday this March! Congratulations and many happy returns to Bob, Marie and Dunia, the team which has made it all possible.

Elke of the Gibraltar Veterinary Clinic

There are plenty of birthdays in the month of March, with Miguel Peña of Rock Photos on 10th March, and Jonathan Garcia of Isolas sharing a birthday with Lorraine Moberley on the 17th. Sue of Originarta has her birthday on the 7th, and Louise Hall of 55 celebrates hers on the 3rd. CISI committee member Lindsay has his birthday on the 7th and Annette of Café Rojo is another year older on 6th March.

Julie Locke of Café Solo has her birthday on the 23rd, and Nicole Ferro has her birthday a day later on the 24th. Many happy returns to you all and to anyone else celebrating in March.

Remember to move the clocks forward on 11th March, where we will all have to wake up an hour earlier, to enjoy the start of springtime.

Well that’s it for this month, don’t forget you can see the Gibraltar Magazine (this month and achived copies) at www.thegibraltarmagazine.com. You can also download a copy to your iPad or smart phone for viewing on the move, and with Gibtelecom’s new broadband speeds it will soon be lightening fast!

The ladies of L Sacarello stationers

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

The husband and wife team at Sacha’s on Main Street

Taxi drivers chat to a friend

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clubs&activities Arts & Crafts The Arts Centre, Prince Edward’s Rd. Art classes for children (5-6pm Mon, 5-6.30pm Tues, 5-7pm Thurs), adults (Mon - Tues 6.30pm-8pm, Wed 6.30pm-8.30pm, life painting Wed 7pm9pm). Tel: 200 79788.

The Fine Arts Association Gallery 1st Floor above Gibraltar Crystal, Casemates. Open 11am-2pm, 4-6pm Mon - Fri, Sat 11am - 2pm.

Arts & Crafts Gallery (next door) opens Mon - Fri 9.30am - 5pm (summer) -6pm (winter), Sat 9.30am - 3pm.

Exhibition Vin’s Gallery at the Rock, The Rock Hotel. Original paintings, prints, and souvenirs

by Vin Mifsud and her pupils. Monday - Saturday 9.30-11am and 8-10pm.

The Gibraltar Decorative and Fine Arts Society Affiliated to the UK NADFAS organisation meets third Wednesday of the month at 6.30pm at Eliott Hotel - lecturers & experts from the UK to talk on Art etc. Contact: ChairmanClaus Olesen: 200 02024 claus.olesen@sghambros. com. Membership Ian leBreton: 200 76173 ilebreton@SovereignGroup.com Knit and Natter Group: Tuesdays from 11am3pm, at Arts & Crafts Shop, Casemates balconyFree to join and refreshments provided. Tel: 20073865 for more information.

Board Games Chess Club meets in Studio 1, John Mackintosh Hall 8-10.30pm Tues.

The Gibraltar Scrabble Club meet at the Rock Hotel on Mondays at 3pm. For further information please ring Vin at 20073660 or Roy at 20075995. All welcome.

The Subbuteo Club meets Charles Hunt Room, John Mackintosh Hall 7.30 - 11pm.

Dance Adult Dance Classes Wednesday evenings at the Youth Disco Room, Kings Bastion Leisure Centre from 7-8.30pm. Cha-Cha, Salsa and Merengue. Lessons £5 and all proceeds to GibMissionAfrica Charity. Contact Dilip on 200 78714 or dance@trainingtm.net Salsa Gibraltar Salsa classes held Tuesdays at Laguna Social Club, Laguna Estate. Beginners 7-8.30pm, £5 per lesson. Intermediates 8.30-10pm, £6 per lesson (all profits going to the charity Help Us To Help Them). Contact: Mike 54472000 Email: info@salsagibraltar.com website: www.salsagibraltar.com Modern & Latin American Sequence Dancing Mondays Catholic Community Centre 8.30pm (beginners 7.30). Over 15s welcome.

Old & Modern Sequence Dancing sessions at the Catholic Community Centre at 8pm, beginners at 7.30pm, Wednesday.

The DSA Old & Modern Sequence Dancing sessions at Central Hall Fridays 8pm, beginners 7.30pm. Tel: 200 78282 or e-mail manvio@ gibraltar.gi Everybody welcome.

Classical Ballet classes for children 4+, Spanish dance and hip-hop at Liza School of Dance, 3rd floor, Methodist Church, 297/299 Main St. Classes Weds & Fri from 6pm at Chiltern Court (4Cs). Tel: 58111000.

Modern, Contemporary, Lyrical, Flexibility, Hip Hop & Dance Theatre classes held weekly at Urban Dance Studio for Performing Arts, 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

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Don’t be bored... do something fun! self-development Programme available to all young people worldwide equipping them with life skills to make a difference to themselves, their communities and the world. To date over 5 million young people from over 100 countries have been motivated to undertake a variety of voluntary and challenging activities. Contact Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Montagu Bastion, Line Wall Road. Tel: 200 59818 Quizzes 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. Tel: 200 Angela 200 70611 or Sally 200 74661.

Athletics: Gibraltar Amateur Athletics Association holds competitions throughout year for juniors, adults and veterans. Two main clubs (Calpeans 200 71807, Lourdians 200 75180) training sessions at Victoria Stadium.

Badminton: Recreational badminton weekdays at Victoria Stadium (Tel: 200 78409 for allocations). Gibraltar Badminton Association (affiliated to IBA & EBA) has leagues and training for adults and secondary school. Tel: Ivan 200 44045 or Linda 200 74753.

Basketball: Gibraltar Amateur Basketball Association (affiliated FIBA) leagues/ training for minis, passarelle, cadets, seniors and adults at

a variety of levels. Tel: John 200 77253, Randy 200 40727 or Kirsty (minis) 200 49441.

Billiards & Snooker: Gibraltar Billiards and Snooker Association (member IBSA) round leagues and competitions at various venues.

New members welcome. Tel: Eddie 200 72142 or Peter 200 77307.

Boxing: Gibraltar Amateur Boxing Association (member IABA) gym on Rosia Rd. Over 13s welcome to join. Tuition with ex-pro boxer Ernest Victory (200 75513 w, 200 42788 h).

Cheerleading: Gibraltar Rockettes Cheerleading Club. Classes for girls aged 3+. Contact Gina: 58008338.

Canoeing: Gibraltar Canoeing Association. Tel: Nigel 200 52917 or Eugene 58014000.

Cricket: Gibraltar Cricket Association (member ICC) runs leagues/competitions at Europa Point/ Victoria Stadium. Junior/senior training. Tel: 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.

Pilates: Monday & Wednesday 11-12am for beginners, and intermediate classes Monday & Wednesday 9:30-10:45am, at Shotokai Karate Centre. Contact Chantal: 60618882 or 60624275.

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

what a page turner! www.thegibraltarmagazine.com

rink (when not used for roller hockey training).

Tel: Eric 200 70710 (after 5).

Snorkelling & Spear Fishing: Over 14s for snorkelling, over 16s for spear fishing. Tel: Joseph 200 75020.

Squash: Gibraltar Squash Association, Squash Centre, South Pavilion Road (members WSF & ESF). Adult/junior tournaments/coaching. Tel: 200 44922 or 200 73260.

Sub-Aqua: Gibraltar Sub-Aqua Association taster dives for over 14s, tuition from local clubs.

Voluntary sports clubs: Tel: Phil 200 44606, Noah’s Dive Club Tel: Leslie 200 79601, 888s Dive Club Tel: Martin 200 70944. Commercial sports diving schools also available.

Swimming: Gibraltar Amateur Swimming Association (member FINA & LEN) opens its pool for leisure swimming Mon - Fri 7-8.45am, 12- 4pm, 8- 9pm. Junior lessons, squad for committed swimmers, water polo (Rebecca 200 72869).

Table Tennis: Gibraltar Table Tennis Association (members ITTA) training / playing sessions, Victoria Stadium, Tues 6-10pm and Thurs 8-11pm with coaching and league competition. Lizanne 200 45071/54020477 or Eugene 58014000.

Taekwondo: Gibraltar Taekwondo Association classes/gradings Tel: 200 Mari 44142.

Tai Chi: Children’s fun Tai Chi at the Yoga Centre, 33 Town Range, Saturdays 11-12am. Beginners Tuesdays & Thursdays at Kings Bastion Leisure Centre. 6.30-8pm. Adults £5, Children £2, all proceeds to GibMissionAfrica Charity. Contact Dilip on 200 78714 or rocktaichi@traningtm.net Tennis: Gibraltar Tennis Association, Sandpits Tennis Club, excellent junior development programme. Courses for adults, leagues / competitions. Tel: Frank 200 77035.

Ten-Pin Bowling: Ten-Pin Bowling takes place at King’s Bowl in the King’s Bastion Leisure Centre every day. To have a go call 200 77338 to reserve your lane. Gibraltar Ten Pin Bowling (members FIQ & WTBA) leagues, training for juniors and squad. Contact Charly on 56014000 or Paul on 54029749.

Triathlon: Gibraltar Triathlon Union (members ITU) Chris 200 75857 or Harvey 200 55847.

Volleyball: Gibraltar Volleyball Association (members W & EVF) training, leagues, competitions for juniors/seniors. Tony 200 40478 or Elizabeth 58306000.

Yoga: Integral Yoga Centre runs a full programme of classes from Mon-Fri at 33 Town Range. Tel: 200 41389. All welcome.

Theatrical Groups Gibraltar Amateur Drama Association Ince’s Hall Theatre Complex, 310 Main Street E-mail: gibdrama@yahoo.co.uk Tel: 200 42237 www. geocities.com/gibdrama Trafalgar Theatre Group 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 • MARCH 2012

events Support Groups Alcoholics Anonymous meet 7pm Tues & Thurs at Nazareth Hse Tel: 200 73774.

A Step Forward support for single, separated, divorced/widowed people, meet 8pm Mon at St Andrew’s Church.

Mummy and Me Breastfeeding Support Group for mums who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have breastfed to get together for coffee, chat and support.

Partners and older children welcome. Meets first Wednesday of every month at Chilton Court Community Hall at 1.30pm. Enquiries and support 54014517.

Childline Gibraltar confidential phone line for children in need. Freephone 8008 - 7 days a week 6pm - 10pm.

Citizens’ Advice Bureau Open Mon-Fri 9.30-4pm. Tel: 200 40006 Email: info@cab.gi or visit 10 Governor’s Lane. No appointment necessary, no charge. Gibraltar CAB outreach clinics at St Bernard’s Hospital every Tuesday. Advisors available at 1st floor reception, Zone 4, 9am-3pm. Info and advice is free, confidential and impartial.

COPE Support group for people with Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia or Rheumatoid Arthritis. Formed to ease day-to-day challenges of individuals, families and care partner. Meetings at Catholic Community Centre Book Shop at 7.30pm first Thursday of each month. Contact Sue Reyes Tel: 200 51469 Email: copeadsupport@ hotmail.com Dignity At Work Now. Confidential support and advice for those who are being bullied at work. Tel: 57799000 Mon - Thur 8pm-9pm Families Anonymous Support group for relatives and friends who are concerned about the use of drugs or related behavioural problems. Meet alternate Thursdays at 9pm at Nazareth House. For info Tel: 200 70047 or 200 73465.

Gibraltar Cardiac Rehabilitation and Support Group meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 8.30pm at the John Mac Hall, except for July and August.

Gibraltar Dyslexia Support Group 3/8 Serfaty’s Passage Tel: 200 78509 Mobile: 54007924 website: www. gdsg.co.uk Gibraltar Marriage Care. Free relationship counselling, including pre-marriage education (under auspices of Catholic Church, but open to all). Tel: 200 71717.

Gibraltar Society for the Visually Impaired. Tel: 200 50111 (24hr answering service).

Hope. miscarriage support Tel: 200 41817.

Narcotics Anonymous Tel: 200 70720 Overeaters Anonymous support group for compulsive overeating problems. Tel: helpline for meetings info 200 42581.

Parental Support Group, helping parents and grandparents with restrictive access to their children and granchildren. Tel: Richard 200 46536, Jason 200 76618, Dominic 54019602.

Psychological Support Group, PO Box 161, Nazareth House. Meet Tuesdays at 7pm, Fridays 8pm. Tel: 200 51623.

SSAFA Forces Help Gibraltar, is a national charity, to assist serving and ex-Service personnel and their families. Tel: (5)5481. E-mail olivero@sapphirenet.gi With Dignity Gibraltar support for separated, divorced/ widowed or single people. Meet Weds 9pm, Catholic Community Centre, Line Wall Rd. Outings/activities.

Tel: 54007181 or 200 79957.

Women in Need. Voluntary organisation for all victims of domestic violence. Refuge available. Tel: 200 42581 (24 hrs).

Religious Services Baha’i Faith Tel: 200 73287 www.gibnet. com/bahai email:bahai@gibraltar.gi Bethel Christian Fellowship Tel: 200 52002. Queensway. Sunday service 11am.

Church of England Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. Tel: 200 78377. Sung Eucharist, Sunday 10.30am. Sunday School.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day

Cheques for Charity Andrew Kimberly, manager of the Waterfront Restaurant, recently presented a cheque to Childline’s Connie Attwood for £300 from profits of his poetry booklet ‘Pathways’ (still on sale by the way!). (Photo top).

Another cheque presentation for £300 to Frankie from the Wobbles charity was made

by Andrew on behalf of the Waterfront Restaurant from proceeds from the Tombola at the Christmas Market. (Photo bottom).

Yet another cheque presentation, this time to Jonathan Scott from GBC, for £600 was made by Andrew recently — half of which was from the poetry booklet and half from the Tombola and Fun Food at the Christmas Market.

Well done to Andrew and the Waterfront Restaurant for their excellent endeavours for these worthwhile charities.

Med Golf News: The Johnnie Walker Trophy Last month’s Med Golf event was at the testing Valle Romano Golf Club — a relatively new course. Some 40 players enjoyed a on the course, but had to face some very fast greens.

The event was an overdue win for Med Golf regular and veteran Tim Mitchell. Tim won the Johnnie Walker Trophy and two green fees on the San Roque Old Course with a superb winning overall score of 37pts. He also won the top senior and the top team with Russell Blessett, with a combined score of 73pts! Other winners and runner ups on

Saints Suite 21a Don House, 30-38 Main Street. Tel: 200 50433. Sundays 10am.

Church of Scotland St Andrew’s, Governor’s Pde. Tel: 200 77040. Worship & Sunday School 10.30am. Bible Study Tues 7.30pm.

Evangelical Bretheren Assembly, Queensway Quay. Sun 11am, Tues Bible Study 6pm, Thurs Prayer Meeting 6pm.

Hindu Engineer’s Lane Tel: 200 42515.

Jehovah’s Witness 6 Europort Avenue

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

the day were: Russell Blessett with 36pts, Chris Watkins and Jim Dickson with 34pts, Martyn Sells 33pts, Peter Warren 32pts and Joe Sanchez 31pts.

Everyone has some scope for a little improvement and our ‘Rabbit’ prize this month of a golf lesson went to Matryn Brown.

The next Med Golf event is at La Canada on 25th March, and you can enter via the website. For details on the full schedule and the benefits of joining Med Golf visit www.teetimespain.com or contact Johnathan on 56001055 or e-mail jg@medgolf.gi.

Tel: 200 50186.

Jewish 10 Bomb House Lane Tel: 200 72606.

Methodist 297 Main St Tel/Fax 200 40870 email minister@methodist.org.gi Minister: Revd Fidel Patron. Sunday 11am Morning Worship, 8pm Evening Service. Prayer meetings Monday+ Wednesday to Friday 7pm and Tuesdays 8pm. Communion celebrated on 2nd and 4th Sunday mornings of the month, and other special occasions.

Alpha Course: held Thursdays 8pm.

House Groups meet for Christian fellowship, prayer and study on a regular basis Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. Sunday School meets Sunday mornings alongside morning worship.

Roman Catholic Cathedral St Mary the Crowned, 215 Main St Tel: 200 76688.

The Cityline Church 13 Castle St Tel: 200 75755 email: citylinegib@yahoo. com. Meet: Tues 8pm, Sundays 11am.

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information

T

he flora and fauna on the Upper Rock are considered of great conservational value. It’s the perfect place for birdwatchers, as migratory species use Gibraltar as the shortest crossing between Europe and Africa. Botanists will also be interested to see over 600 species of flowering plants, including some unique to Gibraltar. Watch out for colourful lizards, non-venemous Horseshoe Whipsnakes, butterflies and pipistrelle bats. Info on flora and fauna at the Gibraltar Ornithological and Natural History Society’s information centre at Jews Gate.

St. Michael’s Cave: The cave comprises an upper hall with five connecting passages and drops of 40-150ft to a smaller hall.

A further succession of chambers, some at 250ft below the entrance, is reached through narrow holes. The Cathedral Cave is open to visitors and is used as an auditorium for concerts and theatre. The cave was prepared as a hospital in WWII, but never used. A further series of chambers ending in a mini lake is called Lower St. Michael’s Cave and can be visited with a guide.

The Monkeys’ Den: There are around 160 monkeys in the Park and around 30 can be seen at the Monkey’s Den. Often called apes, they are tail-less Barbary macaques and Europe’s only free living monkeys. £500 fine for feeding the monkeys - don’t do it!

The Great Siege Tunnels: Tunnelling in the Rock began during the Great Siege (1779-1783) when France and Spain made an attempt to recapture the Rock while Britain was busy with the American War of Independence. Governor General Elliot offered a reward to anyone who could tell him how to mount a gun on the north face of the Rock. Sgt. Major Ince suggested tunnelling and there are over 30 miles of tunnels inside the Rock with various exhibitions inside.

The Military Heritage Centre: Housed in one of the Rock’s many historic batteries, the Military Heritage Centre displays information on the development of Gibraltar’s military defences through the ages.

A City Under Siege Exhibition: Exhibits depicting the lives of civilian population during the many sieges, are housed in one of the earliest British building on the Rock.

Original graffiti, drawn by duty soldiers to stop themselves falling asleep, is still visible, the earliest dating back to 1726.

The Moorish Castle: actually just part of a Moorish town and castle which was built up during the Moorish occupation of the Iberian Peninsula, spearheaded from Gibraltar in 711AD by Tarik-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.

Emergency Services Emergency calls only: Fire/Ambulance.........................Tel: 190 Police................................. Tel: 199/112 Emergency Number.................Tel: 112 Non-urgent calls: Ambulance Station....... Tel: 200 75728 Police............................. Tel: 200 72500 Emergency Nos: Tel: (5) 5026 / (5) 3598

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Natural History & Heritage Park Walks: Med Steps is a stunning walk with the steep climb at the end rewarded with spectacular views of the Rock and Spain.

Another recommended walk is St Michael’s Cave through to Charles V Wall but walkers should be relatively fit for both. It is also pleasant walking along the upper rock roads. Brochures available free from all Tourist Board offices.

Botanical Gardens: Opened in 1816, the Alameda Botanical Gardens fell into disrepair but are being restored to their former glory. Visitors can enjoy a stroll beneath pines, dragon trees and palms, and see many of Gibraltar’s native plants as well as exotic species. The shop sells environmentally friendly gifts, plants and seeds. Tel: 200 72639/200 74022. Parking.

Nelson’s Anchorage: Rosia Road 9.30am - 5.15pm Monday to Saturday (last entry at 5pm). Closed on Sunday. Admission: £1.00 (free with Nature Reserve ticket. Tickets for the nature reserve can also be bought at this attraction).

Point and other sites of interest. It is the best way to see the Rock’s major features in a short time.

John Mackintosh Hall Tel: 200 75669 Includes cafeteria, theatre, exhibition rooms and library. 308 Main Street 9.30am - 11pm Monday to Friday. Closed weekends.

Bicycle Racks Bicycle parking is provided at the following locations: Europort Road, Casemates Tunnel, Land Port Ditch, Fish Market Road, Commonwealth Car Park, Reclamation Road (by English Steps) + Line Wall Road. Gibibikes is a scheme for public use of bikes taken from stations around the Rock. Visit www.gibibikes.gi for info.

Public Holidays 2012

Gibraltar & United Kingdom *Gibraltar only New Year’s Day Monday 2nd January Commonwealth Day Monday 12th March* Good Friday Friday 6th April Easter Monday Monday 9th April Workers Memorial Day Monday 30th April* May Day Tuesday 1st May Spring Bank Holiday Monday 4th June Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Tuesday 5th June Queen’s Birthday Monday 18th June Late Summer BH Monday 27th August Gib National Day Monday 10th September* Christmas Day Tuesday 25th December Boxing Day Wednesday 26th December

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.

Bus Routes & Timetables

Parson’s Lodge: Rosia Road. Narrow limestone outcrop with a labyrinth of tunnels surmounted by an impressive battery, which has witnessed the development of coast artillery over 300 years. Housed three 18 ton 10-inch rifled muzzle loaders positioned behind a unique sandwich of armour plate/ teak, known as ‘Gibraltar Shields’.

Flat Bastion Magazine Flat Bastion Road, Geological Research Station and Lithology of Gibraltar. To visit contact: F. Gomez Tel. 200 44460, P. Hodkinson Tel. 200 43910.

Shrine of Our Lady of Europe (Museum within premises) Europa Road. 10am-7pm Monday to Friday, 11am-7pm Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays. Closed 1pm - 2pm.

Trafalgar Cemetery: Trafalgar Rd, 9am - 7pm daily (free).

Business Information

Financial Serv. Commission Tel: 200 40283/4 Chamber of Commerce. . . . Tel: 200 78376 Federation Small Business . Tel: 200 47722 Company Registry. . . . . . . . Tel: 200 78193

Useful Numbers

Airport (general info.) . . . . . Tel: 200 73026 Hospital, St Bernards . . . . . Tel: 200 79700 Weather information. . . . . . . . . Tel: 5-3416 Frontier Queue Update. . . . Tel: 200 42777 Gibraltar Museum Tel: 200 74289 18/20 Bomb House Lane open 10am-6pm (Sat. 10am-2pm). Closed on Sunday. Admission: Adults £2/Children under 12 years £1. Exhibitions also at Casemates gallery.

The Gibraltar Magazine is published and produced by Guide Line Promotions Ltd, 1st Floor 113 Main Street, Gibraltar.

Tel/Fax: (+350) 200 77748

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atural History & Heritage Park admission 9.30am to 7pm by tickets (includes entrance to sites - St. Michael’s Cave, Monkey’s Den, Great Siege Tunnels, Military Heritage Centre, ‘A City Under Siege’ Exhibition and Moorish Castle). Facilities closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Adults £10, children 5-12 years: £5, children age under 4 free, vehicles £2. Private vehicles may be restricted at certain times, tours available by taxi/mini bus. Also reached by cable car (leaves Grand Parade 9.30am-5.15pm MonSun. Last cable down: 5.45pm). 50p per person to walk with no entrance tickets.

Registry Office Tel: 200 72289 It is possible to get married on the Rock within 48 hours. A fact taken advantage of by stars such as Sean Connery and John Lennon.

Rock Tours by Taxi Tel: 200 70052 As well as offering normal fares, taxis provide Rock Tours taking in the Upper Rock, Europa

GibiBikes Locations

• Frontier • Victoria Stadium • Waterport Road (Watergardens) • Waterport Road (Waterport Terraces) • Eurotowers • Reclamation Road (Leisure Centre) • Commonwealth Parade Car Park • Rosia Road (Jumpers building) • Rosia Road (Bayview Terraces) • Grand Parade Car Park (Cable Car) • Southport Gates (Ince’s Hall) • Line Wall Road (City Hall) • Line Wall Road (Orange Bastion) • Market Place • Eastern Beach Road (coming soon) • Catalan Bay (viewing platform) • St Joseph’s School • Europa Point • Rosia Parade www.gibibikes.gi

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2012

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