The Gibraltar Magazine February 2012

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

g

ibraltar the

Stretch Your Mind & Your Body

Carmen’s Life in the Spotlight Raising Finance

Gemma Means Business

eGaming Summit

Mitch’s Magic Hands

Making Your Wedding Rock

& much more

February 2012 Vol. 17 No. 04 FREE

WE ARE MOVING As from Monday 30th January 2012 DHL will operate from Unit 36 Harbours Deck, New Harbours, Gibraltar* Please note our NEW numbers

Tel: 200 72210 Fax: 200 78874 Email: GIBSN@dhl.com

Details of our NEW in-town drop-off point to be announced soon. *Sole DHL Gibraltar representative: Matrix Logistics Solutions Ltd

WHEREVER YOU ARE, WE BRING YOU AN EXCEPTIONAL BANKING SERVICE You can’t be everywhere at once, and neither can we. But we aim to give you the same high level of personal service that your clients expect from you. As a financial intermediary operating in the international community, we take your specialist needs very seriously. Bank with Barclays, and you will have a dedicated relationship manager bringing you world-class investment and banking solutions.

Your relationship manager will be experienced in your field, and supported by a team who can link you to the global resources of Barclays Capital and the Barclays Group. We can help you to make international decisions from a local perspective.

For more information, call +350 200 41222* or visit barclayswealth.com *Calls divert to our Servicing Centre in IOM. Lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except on the 25th December.

Local rate applied. Calls may be recorded for training and security purposes.

Barclays Wealth is the wealth management division of Barclays and operates through Barclays Bank PLC and its subsidiaries.

Barclays Bank PLC is registered in England and authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registered No. 1026167. Registered Office: 1 Churchill Place, London E14 5HP. Barclays Bank PLC is authorised by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission to conduct banking and investment business in Gibraltar.

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wedding feature 32 33 34 36 38 39

arts & lifestyle

54 56 58 60 67 68 70

Carmen Gomez: Life in the Spotlight Guy Olivero: A Passion for Flamenco, Nature and Lorca A Treasure Trove at Momy’s Taxi! For Mr Montegriffo Interview with Author Polly Noble Team Talk from Isobel Calendar Girls € Events File Mitch Jansen’s Magic Hands

property files 26 27 28 29 30

Property Directory Property Plus+ at Hassans High Street or Main Street?

Pension Changes Afoot Wallpaper Trends

health & beauty 42 43 44

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Health Directory Chiropractic verses drugs Stretch Your Mind & Body

information 62-63 90

City Centre Map Gibraltar Information

business & finance 8 9 12 14 16 18 20 22

history & heritage 64 72

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The Archbishop’s Poem BBC Presenter Surprised Gibraltar Gibraltar Stowaway was Dutch Eccentric

regulars 66 Puzzle Page 86-87Around Town

food & drink

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78 Valentine’s Delights 80-83 Restaurant & Bar Guide 84 Wine: An Extra Day’s Work

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

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

46 50

Wedding Trivia € Diamonds are Forever Khaima Khaima Khaima Chameleon A Day in the Life of a Wedding Planner Make Your Wedding Rock A White (Teeth) Wedding

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Business & Finance Guide Financial Impact of Residency Abroad Finance Column: Raising Finance Gemma Means Business 2012 eGaming Summit Playing at Work FATCA: It’s Getting Closer Roaring Sales for Jaguar €

ibraltar the

February 2012 Vol. 17 No. 04 FREE

Stretch Your Mind & Your Body

Carmen’s Life in the Spotlight

Raising Finance

Gemma Means Business

eGaming Summit

Mitch’s Magic Hands

Making Your Wedding Rock

& much more

Photo: A beautiful Monarch butterfly

Vol. 17 No. 04 February 2012

The Gibraltar Magazine is published monthly by

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAGAZINE •• FEBRUARY FEBRUARY 2012 2012 GIBRALTAR

photo: Ocean Village by Mr Segui

business & finance

The financial impact of considering residency abroad

by Ian Le Breton

It may seem that I have written nothing but doom and gloom stories — the state of the global economy or the crisis in the eurozone — during the past few months. And we have all seen government announcements across many of the industrialised countries about increased rates of personal taxation or savage cuts in public spending.

As just one example, our neighbours in Spain are going to have to get used to a top income tax rate of 55% — one of the highest in Europe.

And it’s not much better in the UK — we are told that the highest income tax rate of 50% is likely to stay until at least 2015 and a recent study showed that up to a third of the population has, at one point or another, considered leaving the country.

Whilst accurate information is difficult to obtain, it was estimated in 2010 that some 200 million people were living as expatriates around the world. Of course for most people, leaving their home country is just not economically or politically viable but, for those who are in a position to do so, the financial impact of any such move is likely to be the most critical factor in any final decision.

In my day job — when not penning magazine articles, that is — I have to deal with these issues on a regular basis; in recent months it is noteworthy how much more frequently I am being asked for advice and practical help. So for readers who

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

might be considering Gibraltar as one of the places where they could live, what suggestions could I make from a financial perspective? And indeed, what are the alternatives?

It’s no secret that I am an avid supporter of Gibraltar and of course I moved here myself more than seven years ago. So how does Gibraltar compare to other jurisdictions around the world seeking to attract new residents? It’s not all about tax and the other financial implications

We have seen an increasing number of predominantly younger people moving abroad for work reasons. And once the initial break with a home country is made, it is so much easier to remain abroad

of moving of course, but that’s the area where most people require advice.

Most people probably daydream about just “upping sticks” and moving somewhere else.

After all, the grass is always greener. But how practical is it and what must be taken into consideration? As always, the answers will depend on the personal circumstances of the individual concerned, as well as what they are trying to achieve.

In recent years, we have seen an increasing number of predominantly younger people moving abroad for work reasons. And once the initial break with a home country is made, it is so much easier to remain abroad. We all know people who have made the “expat life” a permanent feature of their existence. Indeed having left my home island of Jersey over 25 years ago and lived in several countries since, I am a prime example — although if my boss is reading this, I should emphasise that I am very settled here in Gibraltar!

But there are also many people who are not

business & finance just considering their next career move. They could be retired and looking for a different lifestyle or, having enjoyed commercial success in their home country, they may be seeking new challenges, markets and horizons. There is clear evidence that more people in their 40s and 50s are now looking at where they want to live in a different way and it is generally people in this demographic that I am called upon most often to assist.

What is driving this and how do I advise such people when they start making enquiries?

Without doubt, TV and other media play their part. The 24-hour news culture tends to focus on the negative aspects of social and economic landscape, while at the same time programme makers churn out endless programmes on travel and overseas property. All of this whets the appetite of the northern European who may well be seduced by images of 365 day-a-year sunshine, sangria and a low tax existence. Add to that the seemingly inexorable rise of low cost flying, especially here in Europe, and one can easily believe that moving abroad is easy.

Everyone else seems to be doing it, so why not take the plunge?

The fact is that uprooting one’s life and moving abroad is just not for everyone and the reality is often very different from the media images.

It’s one thing for the super rich who can simply globetrot from one of their homes to another as the mood suits, but for most of us a serious reality check is normally to be prescribed.

But when it becomes more serious and someone really wants to take the idea forward, what should they consider? It’s tempting to say that the tax rate is so high in one’s home country that they are being “forced” to move overseas but there is much, much more to it than that — family, work, assets, income, healthcare, pensions, language, culture, living costs, banking and legal systems, and the ever present currency risks,

will all need to be carefully considered.

European law permits EU citizens to live in any one of the 27 countries that make up the Union. With a combined population far greater than the US, Europeans tend to forget that despite the EU’s problems we do all enjoy these rights — unparalleled in the rest of the world — to live in any of the diverse nation states that make up our continent. But in fiscal terms, there is often little to choose between them so other factors must come into consideration.

Instead, let us consider a couple of countries that actively encourage inward immigration by using specific residency rules. In Gibraltar high net worth residents — defined as those with assets of at least £2 million — can apply for a special “Category 2” status. In addition those with special skills not commonly available may also live here under the HEPSS rules, again where taxation is capped.

Other countries in Europe offer alternative solutions including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Malta’s residency rules were tightened up during 2011 but remain attractive.

It is possible but becoming more difficult to take up residency in Switzerland, whilst property prices in Monaco put that principality out of

The 24-hour news culture tends to focus on the negative aspects of social and economic landscape, while at the same time programme makers churn out endless programmes on travel and overseas property

reach of most ordinary folk. Both in Europe and further afield, there are many other places one might consider.

For example, tempting alternatives exist in the Caribbean. St. Kitts & Nevis offers citizenship with a passport to incoming residents who invest a minimum amount into the economy.

Depending on personal circumstances this can be extremely useful. Moving across oceans rather than within Europe won’t suit everyone, but such opportunities exist across the world.

Readers will expect me to conclude that there is nowhere better to live than Gibraltar. I happen to think that might be true, especially for British expatriates. After all we have the sun, familiar legal and banking systems, a common language and, compared to other European countries, very low taxes (or none at all) on succession, capital gains etc — and there’s no VAT. But the Rock may not be for everyone and there are many alternatives available, as I have set out above.

As always though, it’s the overall picture that counts and professional advice should be sought at the outset. Although the rewards can be outstanding, moving to a new life overseas can also be extremely challenging and potential émigrés should always proceed with caution.

However, given the current state of the world this might very well be the time to consider taking the plunge. n

Isolas announces 1st Gibraltar Ship Arrest Symposium The first of its kind in the jurisdiction, the 1st Gibraltar Ship Arrest Symposium on 9th February 2012 will focus on ship arrest activity internationally as well as in Gibraltar, debt recovery and injunctive relief as well as ship arrest in Spain, a topic which will be covered by a guest speaker, Dr Felipe Arizon. The symposium is targeted not only at the local shipping industry but also international shipping companies and aims to provide delegates with a more comprehensive understanding of the legal options available in the event of a dispute with clients and contractors alike.

Christian Hernandez, Partner in charge of shipping at Isolas, commented “It’s important for local and international players to understand the options available when there is a breakdown in commercial relationships and/or breaches of contractual obligations. It is for this reason and the international reach of maritime activity here in Gibraltar, that Isolas felt this was an ideal opportunity to introduce a discussion of the options available in Spain as, inevitably, the need may arise to pursue a vessel abroad, particularly in Spain.” Mr Hernandez was pleased that Dr Arizon had graciously accepted the invitation to

10

speak at the event.

Dr. Arizon is the head of the shipping and trade team at Arizon Abogados SLP. Felipe frequently acts before Spanish Courts; High Courts; Appeal Courts, and Supreme Courts. He has been a Visiting Scholar at the University of Tulane-New Orleans, US Dr. Arizon acts as well before many international and domestic arbitration forums including ICC, Gafta, Fosfa, CAP and RSA. He is regular contributor to various international and Spanish publications in the field of commercial law, carriage of goods, insurance and arrest of ships. He is a regular contributor to the Lloyd’s List of London as well as to many other publications.

The discussion on practical aspects of ship arrest internationally and in Gibraltar will be led

by Christian Hernandez while Elliott Phillips, a litigation partner, will be talking about debt recovery generally and injunctive relief. n Isolas will contact local business leaders with more information about the event, registration and the subjects to be covered. If you wish to be included, contact Christian Hernandez at christian.hernandez@isolas.gi for information.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

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Raising Finance With your business plan in place, the end goal is almost in sight. Now is the time to think about finance and to work out how to raise the cash to turn your business idea into reality.

You will no doubt have realised by now that times have changed; gone are the days of ‘easy finance’ and it can be more difficult for small business owners to secure the necessary financing and to achieve that essential ‘yes’ from the bank manager. However, it is still possible and I will come back to that later.

I can really appreciate the frustration when people say to me it feels that when times are good, finance is easy to obtain and when times are bad, it feels almost as if financial institutions have shut up shop. Furthermore, it’s ironic that the financial crisis and subsequent economic turmoil was created in part by too much borrowing and too much spending elsewhere and we are now paying the price.

Sometimes this can be difficult to stomach sitting down here in Gibraltar.

The basic problem is quite sim-

ple: some banks just don’t have enough capital to comfortably back the loans that they have written, so if these loans go bad they won’t have enough capital to cover the losses. That is why you are constantly hearing in the news that banks need to raise more capital or to reduce their lending by cutting back on new loans.

In addition, we are seeing further regulation fuelled by political pressure, which is having a big effect on capital requirements and this looks set to continue.

Then in complete contrast, you have Europe’s biggest companies sitting on a huge cashpile, and I was flabbergasted to read last week that according to Moody’s, a sample of European companies held $872bn cash in the middle of 2011, surely something is just not right?

Anyway, back to Gibraltar and that business plan you have written; let’s have a look at what a

The basic problem is quite simple: some banks just don’t have enough capital to comfortably back the loans that they have written, so if these loans go bad they won’t have enough capital to cover the losses 12

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

finance column lender will be looking to see. I make no excuses for repeating a couple of things we have covered over the last few months, as these are important things to mention again.

I have to start off with stating the obvious; the bank will need to feel confident your plans will succeed and they won’t lose their money.

Be open and honest and provide as much information as you can. It is in your best interest to do a true assessment of your proposal.

Equity investors, such as business angels and venture capitalists, provide cash in return for a share in your business. They make a profit by selling their stake at a later date, so they are looking for businesses that are likely to grow quickly, increasing the value of their stake rapidly. We are not here today to discuss this way of raising funding although don’t dismiss this route completely. However, in my experience, these deals are hard to negotiate as the business owner can be reluctant to give up capital or agree on the value of the business...

How many times have we seen this situation on Dragons’ Den? Banks base their decision to provide funding on your business’s ability to repay a loan with interest, within an agreed period of time.

To minimise the chances of a loan defaulting, they will look closely at the credit-worthiness of your proposal. So, the lender will look for you to back up any forecasts you provide with as much hard information as possible, supporting the assumptions you’ve made. For example, if you’re predicting that a market will grow, driving up your own sales and profits, explain why and have the information to hand.

If you have an existing relationship and track record with a bank, then approach them first, even if you haven’t borrowed from them in the past for a business purpose.

The fact you have been successfully repaying that car loan or mortgage will be a tick in the right box.

Business banking is largely about relationships, so if you don’t have a banking relationship, then choose a bank with an understanding of the industry or business you’re in.

A big one for a lender is your ‘owner commitment’ and I am not just talking about all the hard work and time you have invested into the business or idea; this is all about how much money you and your fellow directors or business partners have invested to date.

This will show you have both a stake in the success of the business and something to lose if the worst happens and it fails. This will also apply to a business that may have been trading for some time and requires new finance, perhaps to provide working capital at a time when sales have gone down, so your lender may want to see you are also putting more money in.

Make sure you make it very clear how the bank may get its money back should things go wrong; this sits right up there with everything else we have discussed. I know it’s the last thing you may wish to discuss, but a lender likes to have this conversation on day one.

This can include personal guarantees for bank finance to limited companies, under which an individual agrees to honour certain repayment obligations should the business fail. These personal guarantees can also be formally supported by your personal assets to show the real value your guarantee brings.

You could also use the business assets as security against a business loan. These can include property and sales.

I would like to say good luck, however I am a great believer that we make our own luck in this world, so just go out and do it. n Paul Wharton is writing this in his own capacity and none of the above is intended to express the views or opinions of Barclays Bank PLC.

Banks base their decision to provide funding on your business’s ability to repay a loan with interest, within an agreed period of time

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

13

Determined, focused, constructively ambitious and most of all fun, young commercial lawyer Gemma Arias is the events organiser at the Gibraltar Federation of Small Businesses, as well as one of the lawyers on the board, offering legal assistance to start-up businesses.

She has been involved with the Federation for some three years, since the ‘Marie Lou Guerrero era’: Gemma helps wannabe entrepreneurs get themselves started and maximise their business potential.

She informs start-up businesses of the subsidies available, in order to transform their passion and talent into a successful and profitable venture that benefits not only them, but the whole of Gibraltar plc.

Evolving in her career from a high-flying and demanding stint in the City of London to her homecoming four years ago, she has moved from the nitty-gritty one trains in university for to more complex and significant assignments

She loves her job, so handling the long hours and the commitment required isn’t hard for her. But most of all she enjoys working with, and for, Gibraltarians

Gemma Means Business...

by Elena Scialtiel

Although she officially carries the title of Secretary, the wee administrative responsibilities which this role suggests don’t do any justice to Gemma Arias’childhood dream to go out there and save the world!

14

where she’s always learning something new.

And she loves her job, so handling the long hours and the commitment required isn’t hard for her. But most of all she enjoys working with, and for, Gibraltarians.

Being a people’s person, Gemma is in her element when it comes to networking and organising events, big and small, light-hearted or more serious, from the annual black-tie dinner to landing special gigs like the pre-election leaders’ debate last November.

And she does it with grace and poise, as if it was second nature for her. After all, she was the Oxford Law Society’s treasurer in her university years, where almost any cash surplus was ‘invested’ in parties.

Yet, don’t expect much nonsense from this softly-spoken lady with her feet firmly on the ground when it comes to budgeting and demanding people honour their commitments and deadlines, since she has, on her own admission, a very bad temper and can be assertive beyond both her years and the pretty

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

business community smile on her face!

She takes meeting new people very seriously and most of all promoting and selling Gibraltar as a jurisdiction abroad. She believes the Rock should be more widely used as a conference venue as it would cater very well for this industry.

She’s already got her next project in mind — preparing for the European Small Business Alliance’s board meetings which are to be held in Gibraltar this month. The venue for the meetings is hopefully to be the Mons Calpe Suite (at the top of the Rock), where the delegates will have a unique opportunity to appreciate Gibraltar’s natural beauty and potential.

This event also helps the local business community to keep abreast of European Developments which, sooner or later will be heading Gibraltar’s way. It will allow Gibraltar to connect with issues and breakthroughs in Europe which the GFSB can learn from.

Gemma’s next ‘big challenge’ will be the annual dinner in May, where the audience must be kept interested by a tradition-friendly format spruced up by welcome surprises. The guest speaker seems to be a secret better kept than the bridal gown at a white wedding, and he or she must be relevant, inspiring, unexpected, and of course teach a lesson to local businesses without coming across as patronising.

Last year, for example, to stray from the politician cliché, she invited a self-made tycoon who owns a franchise of gyms worldwide,

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

who literally started from the bottom rung and hit jackpot after several falls which didn’t prevent him from trying again. This was inspirational to the business community which often faces hardships and setbacks — failure hadn’t discouraged him and success hadn’t meant he has rested on his laurels.

As a young woman, Gemma sometimes has to work harder to prove herself, but she has hardly ever been patronised in a men’s world of ‘suits’, although she has occasionally encountered the odd ‘sexist dino’ refusing to deal professionally with a woman.

As much as she tries to portray herself as ‘neutral’, she believes it is pivotal to play one’s essence and individuality to one’s advantage — whether you are young or mature, male or female — and make the most of who you are!

If you are capable of doing your job effectively,

She believes the Rock should be more widely used as a conference venue as it would cater very well for this industry

your appearance or gender shouldn’t be an obstacle however.

In her line of work, Gemma values the advice that experienced professionals can pass on — the innovative go-getter must not grow too opinionated to dismiss their wiser words, when in they can complement each other invaluably.

She feels strongly about giving scope to professionals to manage their career with flexible hours and juggle it around their personal life with neither being sacrificed. She is a firm fan of equal opportunities in maternity/paternity leave, as both parents have the right and duty to spend quality time with their children and find ways to work ‘afterhours’ — if they still have the concentration for it!

Indeed, it isn’t all work and no play for Gemma who is a keen traveller and spent the second half of 2004, right after her graduation, backpacking in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, living off the land (and often sleeping on it!) and quite often sharing the catch of the day with the natives, before returning home for Christmas just days before the tsunami disaster struck.

The call of the wild cannot be ignored for too long. She is already diving around Gibraltar’s rich underwater environment in preparation for her big adventure on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef next summer.

And who knows? Perhaps the jolly guest speaker at one of the gala dinners in years to come will be herself… We look forward to it. n

15

eGaming

2012 KPMG eGaming Summit KPMG Gibraltar has announced it is holding a second eGaming Summit, with the aim of once again bringing the sector’s major players and service providers together to discuss the jurisdiction’s potential in the global marketplace.

The second annual KPMG eGaming Summit will be held on Thursday 19th April at the Caleta Hotel. 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, both from Gibraltar and abroad, with interest expected to be even higher this year. Mike Harvey, Director of KPMG Gibraltar, commented on the 2012 event: “The eGaming sector has continued to show solid growth globally, despite economic uncertainty in the Euro zone and elsewhere. It is essential that Gibraltar remains at the forefront for the licensing and operation of these highly successful business-

16

es, which is why we are running this summit again. It represents an opportunity to bring together all of the major stakeholders, both government and private, and to pool knowledge and understanding of the issues that might develop in the year to come.”

The morning session will look at the external factors that will have an impact on the gaming community in Gibraltar, including key developments in the US, UK and elsewhere in Europe. In

“

the afternoon improvements in the ways in which gaming companies provide services, can reduce costs and maximise the customer experience, will be considered.

As a global firm, KPMG has positioned itself as a major supporter of the eGaming industry, with a large number of in-house specialists to support the industry.

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

The last year has been another breathtaking one for the gaming sector here in Gibraltar

”

~ Archie Watt, KPMG’s eGaming Specialist

Archie Watt, KPMG’s eGaming specialist, commented on the state of the sector and issues likely to be covered at the summit: “The last year has been another breathtaking one for the gaming sector here in Gibraltar. Almost immediately after our last event the DoJ seized the domains of PokerStars, Full Tilt and Absolute Poker, and more recently they have made further pronouncements regarding the Wire Act — the Summit will provide a valuable opportunity to debate the practical impacts of that development. I am also looking forward to hearing directly from UK officials on how they see their new regulations working and also from operators on how they are likely to react. This is really shaping up to be a fascinating day.” n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

events

Isolas Celebrates a Special Kind of Loyalty Yolanda Harnamji recently completed her 43rd year of employment at Isolas and despite celebrating her 80th birthday in January continues in full employment.

To commemorate both milestones and her tremendous dedication and loyalty to the firm, Isolas held a reception in her honour at their offices. Peter Isola, Senior Partner, said a few words about Yolanda.

Yolanda started out at the offices of Isola & Isola, as it was then known, in Bell Lane, where she soon became an indispensable part of the team. She was responsible for the maintenance and upkeep

Yolanda with Peter and

Peter Isola, Yolanda Harnamji, Rosie Isola and Albert Isola

of all registers, for dealing with the Companies, Land and Yacht Registry, as well the Supreme Court, apostille, etc.

Mr Isola praised her outstanding service and said “in fact, on my return to Gibraltar, it was Yolanda who showed me the ropes and taught me about administrative issues such as the establishment of a company, apostille, trade licensing, Gibraltar Gazette and many other matters. It is a source of great pride for the firm and the family that Yolanda is still with us

Yolanda started out at the offices of Isola & Isola, as it was then known, in Bell Lane

at Isolas and we hope that she will continue to work for us for as long as she chooses. I am sure my father [the late Peter J Isola, whose wife Rosie, also attended the reception] will be looking down on us and enjoying the occasion as much as we all are.”

Rosie Isola was on hand to present the gifts to Yolanda. Isolas closed its offices early to allow the staff to attend the reception, and congratulates Yolanda on her 80th birthday and thanks her for her continued and unwavering loyalty.

Long may it continue! n

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17

human resources

Playing at Work Games in the workplace may sound like a silly idea, but more companies are doing it and there is even a word for it; “Gamification”. Since 2010 when it gained popularity with marketers, gamification has begun bridging the gap between the real world and the games world. Games has been an ever growing industry for the last decade, but introducing them into the work day? Is it such a good idea?

What is Gamification?

Gamification is defined as “the use of game design techniques and mechanics to solve problems and engage audiences” . Basically it is the act of turning regular, every day chores or tasks into a game. The goal of gamification is

18

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

human resources

by Sarah Espigares, Community Manager at SRGEurope to engage your audience, such as employees, in order to complete a job that might otherwise not be appealing to complete. It can also be used to boost productivity. Gamification takes advantage of the competitive nature of humans and their inherent attraction to games and works in conjunction with the “incentive theory” which states that if we receive a reward for an action, we are likely to repeat this action to earn more rewards thus making the action a habit through regular repetition.

What’s Gamification in a business setting?

Gamification for business is also known as enterprise gamification and it is growing in popularity with the aim of increasing staff productivity, creating a positive work environment and providing useful and applicable job training. Badgeville, a company that specialises in online behaviour platforms and one of top companies specialising in gamification, are now creating gaming platforms specific to the workplace. Companies such as IBM, Samsung and Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Ltd are using it.

Enterprise gamification works along the principle that if you can make an employee’s job more fun with the use of game techniques, you can motivate your staff to complete necessary tasks that might not otherwise be appealing.

The idea is that it leads to higher productivity in staff and an improvement in quality and performance.

Technology research company, Gartner, predicts that 70% of Tech firms will be implementing gamification into their business by 2014. The industry of gamification is seeing phenomenal

growth only paralleled by that of the social media industry.

Professionals such as project managers have seen the largest use of gamification so far since the second half of 2010, but other areas such as Sales, Customer Service and Product Management are benefitting from the frameworks that gamification seeks to create.

How can you incorporate gamification into your business?

The premise around enterprise gamification is to create a game based around work activities.

Some of the techniques used in implementing gamification into daily work routines are points, badges and leaderboards.

A points system is a great way of tracking employee performance and progress, but they can also be used as a motivation technique.

Humans are drawn to collecting or attaining things whether it be an actual object, level or social recognition. Points make that achievement visible both to themselves and their colleagues. Including levels and benefits when these levels are achieved can add more intrigue to the challenge.

Badges serve the same purpose in that a physical badge is presented to employees when

they achieve a goal which can also be followed through with additional prizes, recognition or even a promotion. The concern lies in that if badges are overdone and become too easy to achieve then they may lose their value. The goal needs to be one that requires a serious effort on behalf of the employee, but is still attainable.

Leaderboards can also be implemented alongside a points system, badges or on their own. They are a great way to measure different aspects of a job such as team contribution, support of colleagues and feedback received and given. The large benefit of leaderboards is that they promote recognition for a job well done on a social level. There is one potential downfall in using a leaderboard in that there are winners and losers when it becomes social, and not everyone wants to work in an environment where they feel they are part of a competition. There is a balance between motivating staff and creating a stressful and non-constructive environment which needs to be considered.

Games have been around for centuries and have become a massive industry and past time.

Is it any surprise they are finding their way into the office? You can expect to see a lot of companies implementing gamification into their place of work and potentially with great results. n

Enterprise gamification works along the principle that if you can make an employee’s job more fun with the use of game techniques, you can motivate your staff to complete necessary tasks that might not otherwise be appealing

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19

compliance

FATCA: it’s getting closer

by Clark Elder, KPMG Limited

Although the Regulations which underpin the US Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) are still pending finalisation, the effective date of the Act draws ever closer. By 1st July 2013, affected institutions need to have their client on-boarding procedures ready to ensure they are collecting the relevant information to be able to identify US account holders. They also need to have decided whether they are going to participate in compliance with the Act and have entered into an agreement with the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

It would appear, however, that the delays to the Regulations and continuing debate as to the legality and practicality of FATCA for countries around the world are leading to potentially affected financial institutions delaying consideration of the Act and its implications.

By way of background, FATCA is US legislation which is aimed at preventing US persons from avoiding their tax liabilities by investing through offshore accounts or entities, which enables them to remain outside of the current US tax system. The core principle of the new regime is to require a foreign (non-US) financial institution (FFI) to enter into an agreement with the IRS which will mandate the FFI to understand whether there are US persons directly or indirectly associated with its accounts. Where there are, the FFI must disclose the US account holders to the IRS on an annual basis.

FFIs are considered to be those institutions which accept deposits, those who hold financial assets on behalf of others and those who invest in or trade securities. This definition will, therefore, capture banks, investment funds, custodian accounts, life assurance contracts and certain trust arrangements.

An FFI which decides to enter into such an agreement is called a participating FFI (PFFI) so the first decision potentially affected institutions need to take is whether they are going to participate in compliance with the Act. If the decision is taken not to participate, the institution

20

is termed a non-participating FFI (NPFFI) and the NPFFI will be subject to a 30% withholding tax on certain withholdable payments.

Where the decision to become a PFFI is taken, the first key date is 1st July 2013 by which client take-on systems and procedures must be ready to collect and record indications that the account holder is a US person. This is also the date where the PFFI will be able to apply to enter into an FFI agreement with the IRS. It is understood that the FFI will be able to apply online and will consequently receive an FFI identification number.

Compliance is not, however, only about new customers. There is a considerable amount of work to be done in relation to existing customers as well. Accounts under US $50,000 can be discounted from any retrospective review for US indicia (the term that the Act uses for indicators such as US nationality or a US address).

Accounts between US $50,000 and US $500,000 have to be subject to an electronic search to

The impact of the Act will be very wide ranging and potentially affected institutions need to begin to consider its implications now

find US indicia. Private banking accounts over US $50,000 need, however, to be also subject to what is termed as ‘a diligent file review’ which means that a paper based file review will have to be undertaken. The diligent file review will also be required for accounts over US $500,000.

The term account is obviously very banking focused and one of the currently outstanding issues is how these monetary amounts will translate to such things as fund holdings or life assurance contracts.

Where the electronic search or the diligent file review identify that there may be US indicia, the FFI will need to contact the account holder to determine whether the account holder is in fact a US person. If the account holder fails to reply, the account holder will be deemed as ‘recalcitrant’ and the FFI may need to apply a 30% withholding tax to payments that it makes to the account holder.

This high-level summary of FATCA shows that the impact of the Act will be very wide ranging and potentially affected institutions need to begin to consider its implications now in order that there is sufficient time to take the necessary steps to be in compliance by 1st July 2013. By 2014, the Chief Compliance Officer of a PFFI will need to make certain certifications to the IRS and this is also the timeframe for when the imposition of withholding tax will apply.

With FATCA being added to the tsunami of proposed regulation changes on the horizon, a Risk and Compliance function has to react quickly in understanding the impact of all regulatory change and its impact on the business and on compliance monitoring activities. A trusted advisor can be critical in cutting through the complexity of the various regulatory pressures and with this in mind, KPMG Gibraltar have decided to expand their risk & compliance advisory presence. n

Clark Elder joins KPMG with a wealth of local and UK expertise in risk and regulatory compliance.

After working for a major retail bank and several insurance companies in the UK, Clark moved to Gibraltar to gain experience in European and offshore regulation. He previously worked with an independent compliance consultancy firm in Gibraltar, where he gained a great understanding of Gibraltar’s business approach to compliance regulations and also a better understanding of the Regulator.

To discuss the implications of FATCA or any other legislative or regulatory requirements, Clark can be contacted on the main office number 200 48600 or by email celder@kpmg.gi

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

Simply Confident.

Confidence doesn’t just happen. It’s built on experience. The fact that you’ve seen it all and know what it takes. It’s this kind of confidence that puts Phil Mickelson atop the leaderboard. And leads KPMG to provide clear, actionable advice to our clients around the world.

It’s that simple.

Hear Phil tell how confidence can change your game at phil.kpmg.com

© 2012 KPMG Limited, a Gibraltar limited company, number 99874, is the Gibraltar member of KPMG International Cooperative “KPMG International”, a Swiss entity. All rights reserved. The KPMG name, logo and “cutting through complexity” are registered trademarks or trademarks of KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”). 120106

120106AD PM Gibraltar Con.indd 1

1/18/12 2:08 PM 120106AD PM Gibraltar Con.indd The Gibraltar Magazine; Issue Date: 2/1/12; 4C, Bleed Trim: 210mm x 297mm; Bleed: 5mm; Live: 184.6mm x 271.6mm Prepared by: KPMG Creative Services

Stephen Guillem - Sales Manager for AM Capurro & Sons, Franchised Importer of Jaguar cars

Roaring Sales for Jaguar...

Car importer AM Capurro & Sons was established in Gibraltar in 1876 — 46 years before the Jaguar brand was founded as the Swallow Sidecar Company by Sir William Lyons in 1922... Now in 2012 AM Capurro & Sons has become Franchised Importer of this luxury car brand, and sales are, well, roaring! We spoke to Sales Manager, Stephen Guillem about the brand and about markets in Gibraltar in general.

AM Capurro & Sons has been the official Land Rover Importer since 1948, but recently became a Franchised Importer of Jaguar vehicles. What does the Jaguar brand add to your already impressive range of luxury vehicles?

Having predominantly been a supplier of luxury SUVs, there is no question that Jaguar cars will complement our existing product offering to our customers. Until recently, we simply haven’t had a luxury saloon to offer clients — extremely frustrating to lose potential business to the competition, especially so when some of these customers have been very loyal to us over the years.

Thankfully things are now set to change and we are all buzzing with excitement! I say this for two main reasons. First of all, we have had a very positive response from the market to the current product line-up and secondly because Jaguar Land Rover will be launching a range of truly amazing cars and SUVs over the next six years.

Owner, Tata Motors Group, is investing heav-

22

ily in both brands and this will translate into Having said this, there is no question that great products for all to enjoy. Range Rover some markets present better sales opportuniEvoque is certainly a taste of things to come... ties for us than others. These opportunities are All I can say is watch this space! often dictated by economic conditions, customer buying habits, language, speed of supply and exchange rates.

You are able to supply and deliver any Jaguar model on a tax-free basis. Which What is the advantage of being located in jurisdictions do the majority of your Gibraltar from this point of view? orders come from. Is the local market an important aspect of your sales or are most Many customers out there make the associacars exported from Gibraltar, to where? tion between Gibraltar and Britain, if to that we There is no question that our home market add the fact that we are also widely recognised is our number one priority. It is critical that for being a VAT-free jurisdiction, these two we consolidate the brand locally and enjoy a ingredients bode very well when a customer healthy market share. Without this solid foun- considers where to next purchase their Jaguar dation, our Tax Free Sales business could not or Land Rover from. logically follow.

So there is no question that Gibraltar is very Our current sales of Jaguar cars to private important, however, there are also several other individuals within the EU are very much in their factors that influence the purchasing habits infancy; however, if we take our Land Rover of our EU-based clients which represent clear exports as an example, we supply vehicles advantages to them. literally all over Europe. I genuinely believe One must never forget that the EU is a single there is no country within the EU that we have market and at Capurro we go about our businot sold cars to! ness very much with that focus in mind. It

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

business & finance may sound incredible but there are many much bigger Jaguar Land Rover markets out there that have yet to catch onto this. Ultimately, a customer is free to purchase his/her vehicle wherever they desire, we simply have to make ourselves visible to them and make sure we are at least a consideration for them.

In addition to offering vehicles direct from your stock, as an Official Importer you can factory-build vehicles to unique specifications, what sort of requests do your customers make?

Correct. This is one of the major benefits of being an importer and not a dealer. Because we deal directly with the factory, our clients can literally ‘spec’ their own vehicles up. In other words, they can choose exactly what combinations they want instead of having to purchase an “off the shelf” vehicle so to speak, who’s pre-agreed specification has been dictated by a National Distributor.

These are the sales I most enjoy doing. Inevitably you tend to spend a lot of time toing and froing discussing specifications, combinations, colours etc... however this is where you have the opportunity to interact and strike a real relationship with the customer. Every customer is different so specifications tend to vary from the ultra conservative to the “I want bling all over”!

I must admit it is very satisfying to be able to successfully steer a client through the process and eventually deliver a vehicle which is truly customer-specific and fit for purpose.

overall premium product/service offering to the customer both in Gibraltar and abroad.

You must not forget that we are also dealers for Mitsubishi Motors — this brand has an amazing heritage and portfolio of products so there is no question that this side of the business will also keep us very busy.

I am confident that if we concentrate on our existing brands, our business will continue to grow and prosper.

Do you see AM Capurro taking on more brands in the future?

Never say never but at the moment we have plenty to concentrate on!

Our main focus will be to continue to develop our existing Jaguar Land Rover brands and

What do local clients look for in a car? Are there any specific requirements peculiar to the local market? As Sales Manager since 1997 have you seen the local / global market change?

Customers globally are very savvy nowadays.

The Jaguar pedigree Jaguar Cars Ltd, known as Jaguar, is a British luxury car manufacturer, headquartered in Coventry, UK. It is part of the Jaguar Land Rover business.

Jaguar was founded as the Swallow Sidecar Company by Sir William Lyons in 1922, originally making motorcycle sidecars before developing passenger cars. The name was changed to Jaguar after WWII to avoid the unfavourable connotations of the SS initials.

Following a merger with the British Motor

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

Corporation in 1968, subsequently Leyland, then British Leyland, Jaguar was listed on the London Stock Exchange in 1984, and became a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index until it was acquired by Ford in 1989.

Recently Jaguar has manufactured cars for the UK Prime Minister. The company also holds royal warrants from HM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH Prince Charles.

Jaguar cars today are designed in Jaguar Land Rover’s engineering centres at the Whitley plant in Coventry and their Gaydon site in Warwickshire, and manufactured in Jaguar’s plant near Birmingham. n

Thanks to the internet, a very high percentage of clients will have thoroughly researched their options prior to visiting the dealerships or ordering online. They will typically possess keen product and pricing knowledge so it is now more vital than ever to know what you are selling inside out, otherwise you will come across like a real plonker!

I fondly remember the days when customers would stand next to a car and kick the tyre walls and say “buen coche este” (”good car this”) — sadly these actions are a thing of the past as customers are very well read on the product and have plenty more to say about the car. We found this terribly amusing!

If we focus on the Gib market, there has definitely been a very noticeable change in the specifications of our vehicles over the years.

From an SUV perspective, there has been a significant shift from petrol to diesel and also a very noticeable change from manual to automatic gearboxes. The old perception of diesel driven vehicles with automatic gearboxes as being gutless and boring has been blown out of the water.

If I were to put you in the hot seat of a Jaguar XF 3.0L V6 diesel with 245 bhp you would know exactly what I am talking about. You would never have thought in a million years that a diesel engine could be so silent and deliver such power and quality of drive. If you fancy yourself as bit of a Louis Hamilton try out the paddleshift and then tell me the auto gearbox is boring!

In terms of specifics, locals tend to love rear privacy glass. A huge proportion of customers ask for this feature. Must admit that esthetically it looks good on most vehicles and as a family man I can vouch that over the summer it makes a real difference for those sitting in the back.

Apart from the obvious, definite must call features for Gibraltar are: front and rear parking sensors, powerfold mirrors and a good set of alloys! n AM Capurro & Sons, 20 Line Wall Road, Gibraltar.

Tel: 200 75149 Email: sales@capurro.gi Visit www.capurro.gi

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business & finance 2012 EDITIONS OUT NOW! The YEAR BOOKS are available from bookshops and stationers in Gibraltar

2012 Gibraltar Year Books Launched

Year Book - Financial Services £20

dowloadable online from www.theyearbooks.gi

Year Book - Maritime Services £15

dowloadable online from www.theyearbooks.gi Mail order copies — add £5 for postage from The Year Books, PO Box 55, Gibraltar.

Tel: 200

24

79385

The Year Books (Financial Service and Maritime Service editions) provide signposts to applicable Gibraltar legislation as well as articles from local experts. They are a handy guide to taxation, financial, social and other commercial services. They indicate those government departments required to be notified, consulted or registered with by those wishing to practise a trade or profession or seek employment in Gibraltar.

They also list professional and service providers of all kinds ancillary to obtaining domestic or commercial real estate or developing it with due regard to planning and environmental requirements.

For communicating in today’s world there are sections on availability of electronic infrastructures and conducting internet business.

While much of this information may be obtained through extended search, it is gathered together in easily readable format to save the enquirer time and money.

Unique among internationally recognised and approved Finance Centres, Gibraltar is also part of the European Union and therefore

provides access to banking, insurance and financial services through 27 EU Countries. It is also a Class A Shipping Registry. With its absence of VAT it provides considerable advantages for the economic operation of commercial transactions and back office activities. It is these advantages together with the fact there is a sophisticated English/ Spanish speaking workforce, compatible time zone with the northern hemisphere and good climate and lifestyle that make Gibraltar a centre worthy of consideration by multi-nationals as well as start-up enterprises. Above all there is access to English legal practices and UK style courts.

The Year Books are available from bookshops and stationers in Gibraltar. Year Book - Financial Services £20, Year Book - Maritime Services £15. Dowloadable online from www.theyearbooks.gi. Mail order copies — add £5 for postage from The Year Books, PO Box 55, Gibraltar. Tel: 200 79385. n The editor and publisher of the Ye a r B o o k s , D r D M S l o m a , formerly produced for 25 years the Gibraltar Financial and Maritime Services Handbooks which the Year Books replace.

For a comparison of Gibraltar with other jurisdictions Dr Sloma also provides online information at www. internationalfinancecentres.com.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

property file

Leeds Building Society: Lending to Gibraltar’s locals Leeds Building Society has been in Gibraltar since 2002 and will celebrate their 10th anniversary in 2012. As the 5th-largest mutual building society in the UK, Leeds has maintained exceptional financial results and strong credit ratings, despite the unsettled economic climate.

To Buy properties, so there are a variety of ways in which we can help local residents achieve their goal of owning their own home.”

Simon Murphy, Operations Manager, commented “although our products are important, what’s more important is our service, which is critical to our success. It’s one thing to have the best deal, but if you can’t meet customers’ expectations, then that ‘best deal’ suddenly loses its lustre.” He continues; “our staff experience, people skills and commitment to our customers is what sets us apart.”

What types of mortgages are available?

Fixed rate mortgages give certainty and peace of mind for the period of the deal. Variable rates give flexibility in terms of overpayments but the rates can rise or fall depending on bank rates. As everyone’s circumstances are different, it’s always best to speak to our trained advisers to discuss your situation and make an informed decision on what’s best for you. Pop in or call us on 00350 200 50602.

He added “in 2011, Leeds Building Society’s Gibraltar branch helped over 90 families to purchase their dream home. The chances are we could help you too. We’re able to provide mortgages for government-backed housing schemes such as Waterport and Cumberland. Plus, in 2012 we will continue to offer mortgages on Shared Ownership and Post-War Right

Leeds Building Society Mortgage Adviser Carmen Ruiz answers some mortgage FAQs:

How much can I afford to borrow?

Again, everyone’s circumstances are different and it’s important that you can afford your mortgage. Generally, if you take your gross salary and deduct all your commitments, we can lend up to 4.5x the remaining salary. We can lend up to 85% of the property’s value, but we’ll happily talk through all the options with you.

How long does it take to set a mortgage up? We can tell you whether we can help and how much a mortgage will cost in just 5 minutes. Arranging the loan and releasing the money typically takes around 4-8 weeks and depends on the circumstances.

If you’re considering a mortgage and need some guidance on the deals available, simply contact Carmen at the Leeds Building Society (Gibraltar) branch on 00350 200 50602, or visit the branch at First Floor, Heritage House, 235 Main Street, Gibraltar.

Looking to buy your dream home in 2012?

Look no further - with a great range of mortgages and friendly, local service, Leeds Building Society’s Gibraltar branch is the perfect place to help you purchase your perfect home.

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE. CHANGES IN THE EXCHANGE RATE MAY INCREASE THE STERLING EQUIVALENT OF YOUR DEBT. Mortgages are subject to eligibility, status and financial standing.

Applicants must be aged 18 years or over. Mortgages for properties in Gibraltar are not regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

First Floor, Heritage House, 235 Main Street, Gibraltar

(00350) 200 50 602 leedsbuildingsociety.com/gibraltar Leeds Building Society is authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Services Authority and our registration number is 164992. You can check this on the FSA Register by visiting the FSA website at www.fsa.gov.uk or by contacting the FSA on (0044) 2077 414100. The Society is authorised to conduct business in Gibraltar by the Financial Services Commission.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

25

S

property update real estate

TRIES

NTINENTS IES

NENTS

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

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

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

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

S.LEVY

Gibraltar’s Longest Established Estate Agents

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

For Property Advice, contact us 3 Convent Place Tel: 200 77789 or 200 42818 Fax: 200 42527 Email: slevy@gibraltar.gi

property directory construction

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

transport services

homes & interiors

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

Portman Ltd General Suppliers

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

marine services

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

TARIK

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

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

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

26 26

• 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 • FEBRUARY 2012

property file

“

Help Me Raise £5,000 For Alzheimer’s Research & I’ll Shave My Head at Summit of Kilimanjaro!

”

On 17th February 2012 Eddie Lucas, Director of local builders’ merchants Interbuild, is travelling to Tanzania to climb Africa’s highest mountain Kilimanjaro.

Eddie says “I am not a super-fit person and I am putting in quite a few hours a week to get myself into some sort of shape for the five day ascent to the 5,985m summit.

“I was not planning to do this for any charity but in the end I consider my effort should be put to a worthy cause so I have decided to attempt to raise £5,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK to hopefully help future generations (including you and I) avoid this dreaded incapacitating disease.” Eddie is financing the trip himself so all money raised goes directly to the charity.

Eddie will not just climb Kilimanjaro though, in a twist to the

fund-raising he has pledged to shave his head at the summit! “I guarantee you the photo of the bald me will make it all worthwhile,” he says to anyone considering donating funds. “Please donate soon to boost my morale!”

Let’s see if we can exceed Eddie’s target for this important cause. n Here’s how: You can send a cheque, payable to Alzheimer’s Research UK, to Eddie Lucas, Garden Flat, Victoria Residency, Brympton, Gibraltar. Or you can make a bank transfer to Nat West 60-60-60, account 02156784.

Or use Just Giving www.justgiving. com/Eddie-Lucas.

Africa’s highest mountain Kilimanjaro

Property Plus+ at Hassans Hassans International Law Firm has re-branded the conveyancing aspect of its Gibraltar property department, following extensive research and client feedback.

Hassans sees the re-brand to Property Plus+ as a clear vision of providing quality, tailored services to local individual, investor and corporate sections of the property market. Gibraltar’s residential property market continues to grow due to owner occupation, tax relief on mortgage interest payments and increasing numbers of individuals and companies relocating to Gibraltar.

The re-brand focuses on the continued provision of excellent client service from start to finish, and beyond the initial sale or purchase. The team will look to strengthen the service with the launch of a property information

pack, available from reception, for all prospective purchasers, as well as a post-completion info pack.

Colleene Wink, partner within the Property Plus+ team, comments, “With an enviable background in operational excellence, the property department are consistently ranked No 1 in the legal directories. We felt it was time to demonstrate that to the local market. This does not mean an increase in our fees; indeed, research suggests we are very competitively placed. However, one area we can and do excel in is client care and the launch of our new service is a confirmation and enhancement of this service”. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

27

photo: Kevin Fitzmaurice Brown

High Street or Main Street?

I’m writing this article on the day Peacocks, the clothing retailer finally entered administration.

They follow the demise of Jane Norman, Barratt’s Shoe Shops, La Senza, Oddbins, Millets, Past Times and other well-known UK brands in recent times.

After years of growth, high street retailers have found the last 10 years or so to be the most difficult of trading environments. Many retailers have had their margins squeezed, since they have been unable to raise prices due to the cheaper prices presented by the ecommerce retails in particular. Meanwhile, retailers have had to deal with increased rents, business rates, increases in the cost of raw materials and the introduction of the minimum wage. Furthermore, many retailers could see their occupancy costs rise further during 2012.

The fact that the high street has seen retail brands come and go, often just reflects the changing customer needs. This forms a ‘natural order’ of churn and replenishment/refreshment of the high street offer, informed by and responsive to the market.

However, as well as the natural replacement of redundant retail propositions over the last 10 years, specialist retailers, many independently owned, have been affected by the success of the ‘product aggregators’, as exemplified by growth over the same period of the major grocery chains and online by Amazon and others. Some retailers, such as the entertainment brands, have perished (eg Our Price, Virgin and perhaps soon HMV) as the digital delivery of their product has superseded the sales of the physical product. Apple’s iTunes has damaged music and film outlets just as Amazon’s Kindle

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is now impacting booksellers. In essence, some business models are now outdated and are no longer viable in their historic form.

According to IMRG, the UK’s industry association for e-retailing, online sales are growing globally at 25% per annum and in the UK at 16% per annum, with the top five e-tailers in the UK (by number of visits) being Amazon UK, Argos, Tesco, Play.com and Next. Top male purchases are films and music whilst the top female purchases are clothes and sporting goods.

The traditional high street is not safe from their online predators.

Much of the above has been quoted (often word for word) from a report commissioned by the UK government entitled Understanding

Could some of the issues facing UK retailers, which the UK government is seeking to address, impact us in Gibraltar? ‘Gibraltar PLC’ may need to look after Main Street, as it is a driver of local economic performance

High Street Performance, prepared by Genecon LLP and Partners and published in December 2011 and relating solely to the UK. Now replace Main Street for High Street.

Could some of the issues facing UK retailers, which the UK government is seeking to address, impact us in Gibraltar? ‘Gibraltar PLC’ may need to look after Main Street, as it is a driver of local economic performance and it can also reflect local and wider economic health and well-being. n

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

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

property file

Ex-pats beware, UK pension changes afoot It is not uncommon for properties to be purchased by Gibraltar based clients’ own pension funds, whether locally here in Gibraltar, or in the UK and even further afield.

The rules and regulations on using pension result of abuses inherent within some sectors funds for property (and other) investments are of the advice market (internationally), the UK complex and ever-changing. However, as a HMRC has been forced to look closely at the

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

rules which allow ex-patscertain freedom of movement of their UK pension rights.

Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pensions Schemes (QROPS) provide ex-pats with a number of tax efficient options for their accumulated pensions in the UK after they have moved abroad. The benefits of QROPS to exUK residents have been well documented for some time.

A lesser known benefit is that under existing rules, after establishing a QROPS as a non-resident, an ex-pat could avoid making a declaration to the HMRC on what their fund was doing once five years of non-residency had expired.

Proposed new draft legislation is changing this to ten years as well as creating a stricter regime generally.

What all this actually means is that the location of the jurisdiction where the QROPS is to be based will become an essential part of any planning process, if the legislation proceeds from draft to statute.

Gibraltar has never been officially recognised by the HMRC as an acceptable QROPS provider, so the only change to people coming to Gibraltar wanting QROPS, is that they must look elsewhere and consider the jurisdiction carefully.

The consultation period coincides with the end of the UK tax year in April 2012, so in most cases it would be unwise to commence a pension transfer now until the rules are confirmed.

Ex-pats are now turning to alternatives such as Qualifying Non UK Pension Schemes (QNUPS) for the flexibility that they seek in retirement.

QNUPS can be used by UK residents and non residents alike to boost their retirement income, whilst not having the investment restrictions that a QROPS experiences.

Neil Byrne, a tax consultant with Smith Williamson Tax LLP who sits on the Advisory Board of The Family Office (Europe) based in Gibraltar, says that all is not doom and gloom in the expatriate and pensions world, “there are options that open up the residential property market for UK pension funds. It is simply a case of keeping informed and using non-aggressive pension planning.” n Tim Richardson is the Managing Director of The Family Office (Europe), a strategic tax planning company based in Gibraltar (www.tfoeurope.net).

Tim has been involved in high net worth tax and financial planning for the last 22 years.

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property file

Wallpaper Trends

With 2012 already upon us, perhaps one of our new years resolutions is to invest more money into our interior décor.

With a few new trends already set for 2012, wallpapering your room in this year can make a big difference in how your home looks and feels.

From classic to contemporary and sophisticated to playful, wallpaper is back in a big way for 2012.

The sky is the limit with regards to

the various trends and combinations to look out for this year.

In these modern times, wallpaper is all about making a statement — a statement that’s no longer reserved for our smallest rooms. Wallpaper is not just for bedrooms, as we see it in lounges, on the wall behind the television,

This year brings a few trends of its own with regards to wallpaper, such as textures, natural, metallic, stripes, and a touch of the past

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

Botanicals, such as flowers are extremely popular, as well as oversized silhouettes surrounded by flowers, bamboo shoots, and larger than life leaves and even boring kitchens can become quite striking using wallpaper.

This year brings a few directions with regards wallpaper, such as textures, natural, metallic, stripes, and a touch of the past.

One trend is natural wallpaper, which relates to animals, forests, trees and flowers. Botanicals, such as flowers are extremely popular, as well as oversized silhouettes surrounded by flowers, bamboo shoots, and larger than life leaves.

Stripes are also a hot trend, both in bold or softly elegant tones.

Grey is a prominent colour this year, which can be juxtaposed with contemporary hues such as orange, turquoise, mustard green and salsa red.

Textured wallpaper has been around for a few years now, and is still in style for this year, with flock papers very much in fashion.

Flocking is a process by which small fibres are applied to an ad-

hesive-coated surface, making the paper look and feel like velvet.

Another echo of the past is paintable wallpapers, which represent the return to the mid century housing, as well as a ’70s vibe.

A roaring success of olden days, these uncoloured, embossed wallpapers have once again surged in popularity.

Undoubtedly metallic wallpapers add decadence to an interior’s colour scheme, with colour accents in glam golds, coppers, rich bronzes, and glittery silver.

When light falls on these lovely papers, they bring the room to shimmering life.

However, simplicity in home decor is still popular, and includes abstracts, geometrical, plain colour, or simple cuts. So if you fancy a change in your home, try some of these wallpaper trends, and add some colour, nature, stripes, texture, metallic, or simplicity to your walls. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

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Weddings:

Top Trivia

by Kate Bird

Ever wondered why the bride has something blue? Did you ever think tissue paper was a strange thing to put in a wedding invite? Do you know how long the longest wedding dress train is? We answer all the wedding trivia you’ll ever need to know by exploring some of the top traditions and superstitions from across the globe.

As the New Year is now in full swing and the wedding season draws closer, romance is in the air. And with Valentines Day this month, it’s hard not to think about the possibility of love, whether a new relationship or wedding bells (and of course congratulations to all those recently married couples!)

As I recently became engaged, I am taking note of all wedding suggestions, traditions and superstitions in the run up to the big day and there are certainly plenty of them. Did you know according to English folklore Saturday is the unluckiest day to get married? And this is the most popular day that weddings take place! And time isn’t an issue here in Gibraltar, with the right documents you can tie the knot with just 24 hours notice!

Around the world, our idea of tradition and ceremony changes with time. The Ancient Greeks and Romans thought the veil protected the bride from evil spirits — and brides have worn them ever since. Even the tiers on a wedding cake were originally designed that way for a reason. If the bride and groom could manage a kiss over the top of the tallest tier, it was said to be lucky in marriage. Today we still see many tiered wedding cakes.

As much as traditions still play a huge part in ceremonies today, we must not forget the slightly more wacky weddings and the people who dare to challenge the norm. One thrill seeking couple found an alternative way of getting married at more than 160 feet in the air, by bungee jumping off the end of the aisle, with their guests watching them from above. And why not? Marriage should be your celebration — no matter how you choose to do it. ❤

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Did you know? Wedding trivia we love ❤ •

Prince Charles and Lady Diana kicked off their honeymoon from the Rock of Gibraltar in July 1981

• ❤

74% of brides get a diamond engagement ring and 60% are involved in the selection process. Only 3% pick the ring!

❤ •

The longest wedding dress train was a whopping 515 feet and was made in Germany.

• ❤

Originally, the tissue paper that is put in an invitation envelope was meant to be there to blot the ink. Now, it is there for decoration.

❤ •

The most vows ever taken were said between Richard and Carole Noble from New York City - said 55 times, and at least once in all 50 states.

❤ •

A pearl engagement ring is said to be bad luck because its shape looks like a teardrop.

❤ •

According to Hindu tradition, rain on your wedding day is considered good luck.

• ❤

Something ‘old’ on your wedding day is to symbolise continuity with the past.

❤ •

‘Stag’ parties were first held by ancient Spartan soldiers, who said goodbye to their single days with a huge party.

❤ •

Valentine’s Day and New Year’s Day are the two busiest days in Las Vegas.

• ❤

The longest marriage in Britain was 82 years!

• ❤

The biggest wedding reception ever was in Dubai costing £22 million held in a purpose built stadium.

❤ •

The ‘something blue’ in the bridal outfit symbolises purity, fidelity, and love.

• ❤

In Holland, a pine tree is planted outside the newlyweds’ home as a symbol of fertility and luck.

❤ •

Peas are thrown at the newlyweds at Czech weddings instead of rice.

• ❤

The longest engagement was between a Mexican couple — for 67 years!

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

Diamonds are forever...

Wedding feature

Diamonds are precious, so if you’re planning on buying one, it’s always best to make sure you’re getting the right advice. Vikram Budhrani of Essardas Group explains what to look out for.

What makes Gibraltar special for buying diamonds?

Gibraltar has established itself as a great shopping destination throughout the Mediterranean because of the large variety of items available in a concise location. Gibraltar is also a VAT free environment. Clients who are potentially shopping for diamonds do see a strong difference in price as well as many different varieties of jewellery in comparison to the rest of Europe.

mond you may wish to purchase — it’s very important to make sure you get a full certificate signed off by a qualified gemologist (don’t be afraid to ask for credentials!) stating these details. Jewellers are also starting to sell treated diamonds as natural diamonds so always make sure all details are fully disclosed on the certificate before you purchase.

chase. Buying an expensive piece of jewellery is something that needs to be done right.

This policy clearly works as our local based clients have grown and we have great feedback on our service. ❤

Do you find Gibraltar clients purchase their engagement rings around certain occasions such as Valentine’s Day or Christmas?

Clients based in Gibraltar used to do this, however times have changed and we now find that they tend to purchase around dates that are more personal to them and their relationship, for example; the anniversary of their first date out.

What is the most expensive piece of jewellery you’ve come across?

I have been fortunate enough to come across many pieces of jewellery of extremely high value. The most recent would be the Mikimoto gold coloured pearl and fancy intense yellow and white diamond necklace created for the Qatar Royal Family valued at £5 million and a What do you think is the most important beautiful 29ct fancy intense yellow pear shape aspect to being a jeweller on Main Street? loose diamond valued at £7.5 million.

Our philosophy is to always treat a client as we would like to be treated if we walked into What is the key piece of advice to anyone a store therefore, always treat a client with rebuying their engagement ring? spect and make sure you provide them with a Always ask for the full characteristics (the product and service that will make them think four Cs — Carat, Colour, Clarity, Cut) of a dia- of your company for their next potential pur-

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

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Wedding feature

Khaima Khaima Khaima Chameleon!

A wedding venue as versatile as you want it to be, and the Khaima at The Rock Hotel is so special, it transforms into a venue which you will remember for a lifetime.

Marquees have an unmatched atmosphere – a space apart from normal life, embodying the special and unique atmosphere of the event.

They are a talking point for invited guests, who may never have experienced anything like it.

Since its inception last spring the Khaima (Arabic for marquee) at the Rock Hotel has already been the chosen venue for a number of high profile events from weddings (for which the Khaima is unsurpassed in Gibraltar) to corporate dinners, conferences, wine tastings and themed evenings.

The Khaima has a sumptuous interior in

beautiful green, red and gold and is set adjacent to the pool side at the Rock within newly landscaped and elegantly lit grounds. Conversely, it is possible to change the ambience by adding a white lining for those who may prefer a traditional backdrop. That said, the rich colours of the Khaima interior coupled with the warm Marrakech hues of the surrounding pool area and the fact that Gibraltar is geographically a stone’s throw from Morocco make for a truly fabulous occasion.

Just imagine yourself on your loved one’s arm walking though the red carpeted and lantern lit entrance way prior to entering this magical venue, then after a superb wedding meal, then seeing your guests dancing al fresco until the early hours by the candle-lit pool surrounds and bar. These memories that will last a life time.

The Rock Hotel is famous for its food, and with a dedicated kitchen the quality of food served in the Khaima is no exception. The hotel can cater for numbers in the region of 200 for a formal sitting down event and the Khaima numbers can go up to 300 for a less formal cocktail party style of function in an air-conditioned environment. Menus vary from the traditional to the eclectic, and chef Alfred Rodriguez is as flexible as he is talented and more than happy to sit with the prospective bride and groom to discuss food and food styles as well as that all important budget.

The Khaima at The Rock Hotel set up in full swing

“

Just imagine yourself on your loved one’s arm, walking through the red carpeted and lantern lit entrance

”

The Khaima can be hired as an independent venue so third parties are welcome to talk to the hotel about ways in which they can work together to use this amazing location. With a kitchen that also is available to rent, The Rock welcomes visiting chefs and event organisers as well as party and wedding planners to discuss partnership possibilities — perfect for your big day!

The Rock Hotel has a logistical transportation solution and in conjunction with its sister company Bland Travel can offer the ideal transport service from a pre-determined meeting point or from a variety of bespoke pick up points in and around Gibraltar.

Naturally, whilst the Rock is rightly proud of the Khaima let us not forget the fact that the hotel’s restaurant, with its amazing views across the bay makes a first class venue for a wedding celebration for up to 150 guests and the hotel’s Wisteria Room lends itself to a more intimate gathering of 40 guests.

The hotel has a variety of locations, including the Khaima, that are licensed to host a Civil Marriage Ceremony. In fact, the Rock offers a one-stop shop for any couple planning their nuptials. It has often been called an ‘oasis in a busy world’ and with the introduction of the Khaima and surrounding location those words have never been more true.

A picture, they say, paints a thousand words — but a moving picture... well, that’s even better! Just go to the Rock Hotel website at www. rockhotelgibraltar.com and click on the Khaima logo. This will take you to a number of streaming video images of the Khaima in all its splendid glory. The scene is a summer wedding and the Khaima looks…well you decide! ❤ The team at the Rock are Toby Tobelem, Nina Pereira and with a dedicated eye on the Khaima, Alex Martin. Visit the Rock’s website or email the Khaima’s dedicated email address — khaima@rockhotel. gi to request a full Khaima ‘pack’. In addition, the hotel’s full wedding brochure can be downloaded as a pdf from the website.

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

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Wedding feature

a day in the life of... A Wedding Planner Emily Brown, Managing Director of Iberian Events is a very busy women. Organising weddings involves attention to detail, meeting clients, suppliers, photographers, cake makers, and florists — while remaining calm at all times. We ask Emily for her perspective on the big day...

What is the first thing you should think about when starting to plan the big day?

Really it’s about the end product — what the day is all about. I know that might sound a little obvious, but some for some people it’s about a gathering of friends and family therefore the attention focuses mainly around the entertainment and keeping everyone amused and happy. For some people it’s more about the ceremony and a show of their love and appreciation which tends to be a more formal affair, and for others it’s just a good excuse for a knees-up and then the focus is more about a short ceremony without formalities with great food and an endless open bar.

So, you should really decide on this before choosing a venue and a planner as this will influence your choices dramatically.

Do you have any funny /experiences you could share with us?

Oh yes as long as my arm, but the two that stand out the most (for good and bad reasons) one was the bride who refused to leave her hotel room because the flower for her hair was the wrong size. Even after swapping it with a flower from one of the bridesmaids bouquets it still took us almost an hour to get her up the isle (bridezilla with a capital B!) One of the best was a bride of mine announcing at the end of the speeches that she was pregnant, the groom didn’t know and they had been trying for years so there wasn’t a dry eye in the house which was lovely.

What are the do’s and don’t?

Do remember that it’s YOUR day no one else’s and although it’s great to try and keep everyone happy, it’s really about what makes you happy. Try not to let overbearing friends or family run away with the day.

Don’t become a bride or groomzilla — if something doesn’t go exactly according to plan on the day don’t cry and make a big drama over it, accept it and then get on with enjoying the rest of the day, you only get one chance!

Don’t become a bride or groomzilla — if something doesn’t go according to plan, don’t cry and make a big drama — you only get one chance!

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“

”

What is the biggest wedding budget you’ve ever worked with? €95,000, but that was a three day affair with all the trimmings (can’t say who or where unfortunately, confidentiality agreements!)

Is there a wedding that stands out in your mind? If so, why?

Yes we did two weddings for the daughters of a Baronesses two years apart, we loved both of them, full of celebrities and beautiful people in an array of designer outfits dancing away until 7am. They were really nice people, completely in love, with great family and friends. It was like working on the set of a Martini advert both times.

Is there something that people always forget?

Yes. Strap marks before the wedding day! I don’t know how many times we say it, but it’s often the bridesmaids that turn up with white lines on their shoulders and a strapless dress!

Luckily our make-up ladies are used to dealing with it and normally can cover them up at the last minute!

For the Grooms, it’s nearly always the speech (sometimes it’s the best man that has forgotten it, but it’s normally the groom blaming the best man!!) which means a last minute dash back to

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

Wedding feature the house or hotel room to retrieve it.

Where is your favourite spot to get married?

In Gibraltar it’s the Alameda Gardens. We have been organising events and weddings there for years and it always looks amazing and has a very romantic feel to it! The hire prices are very reasonable and we can bring in our own catering and bar which helps couples keep better control of the budget as they have more flexibility with us.

What makes Gibraltar a special place to get married in?

I think in general it’s the ambiance of having a small community and great suppliers, it has a real personal touch to it. Our clients are always on first name terms with the florist and the photographers for example, which makes the whole process more relaxed and special.

If there is one piece of advice you could give to couples planning their big day, what would it be?

Be clear from the word go about what you want from your day. Making the smaller decisions at the beginning of the process will make for less stress towards the day itself. It’s really worth taking the time to look on-line and through magazines to work out what style and theme you want the day to project.

If you have a good planner then they will be able to show you past weddings and give you advice and tips based on personal experience that should help you create a memorable day and tick all the right boxes! ❤

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

It’s a leap year!

Did you know? Tradition means it’s the ladies turn to get down on one knee this year...

A tradition of marriage proposal was introduced many centuries ago which meant women were allowed to propose to men during a leap year. This privilege of proposing was even restricted to a leap day in some areas.

The Leap day has been previously known as ‘Bachelors’ Day’, which is where this idea originally came from. And ladies, it’s a win win situation, as if the man refused the marriage proposal, according to tradition, he was expected to pay a penalty, such as handing over his money.

The tradition’s origin stemmed from an old Irish tale that saw St Bridget striking a deal with St Patrick to allow women to propose to men every four years. This old custom was made likely to balance the traditional roles of men and women in a similar way to how the leap day balances the calendar.

It was also considered to be unlucky for someone to be born on a leap day in Scotland and for couples to marry on a leap year, including on a leap day, in Greece. ❤

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Wedding feature

Make your wedding Rock Gibraltar has a great deal to offer to help make a wedding perfect, and Rock Brides professional wedding planning services are experts in doing just that. This year, they promote Gibraltar at The National Wedding Show in London.

Rock Brides believes that Gibraltar is the perfect wedding destination and next month they will be exhibiting at The National Wedding Show in London to promote all that Gibraltar has to offer.

Gibraltar is a hidden gem when it comes to weddings, and they will be showing potential couples the range of attractions the destination has to offer.

Gibraltar’s beautiful Mediterranean weather allows over 300 days of sunshine every year and visitors enjoy seeing its amazing history and breath-taking scenic views across two different continents.

A marriage in Gibraltar is legally recognised worldwide and

with English being widely spoken and flights only 2.5 hours from the UK, Gibraltar is a fantastic choice in which to spend the day of your dreams.

Rock Brides will be delivering the essential knowledge and experience to help plan and create every couple’s perfect day by tailoring their individual personalities, styles and ideas at the show this month.

There is such a great variety of locations for a beautiful wedding in Gibraltar such as the Alameda Gardens, The Rock Hotel, and The Caletta Hotel, and with spectacular views from The Rock, who wouldn’t want to come over from the UK and celebrate their big day. ❤

For further information on the national wedding show or Rock brides please get in touch with Amy McToldridge on mobile 54030257 or check out the website www.rockbrides.com

Claudia’s top make-up tips Claudia, of Claudia’s Clinic gives us her dos and don’ts on how to look beautiful on the big day.

1

Bridal make-up should always be applied carefully, thin layers of foundations and smooth textures, nothing greasy or pore clogging. Best are oil free foundations, mousses or possibly just concealers with a coloured moisturiser. Creating a perfect complexion for a bride is most definitely the first make-up step. The bride must look fresh and glowing.

2

Blusher must be applied evenly and in the correct areas.

Blusher is not only used to ‘put colour in your cheeks’, it is used by professionals to correct the shape or hide protruding areas. So use your blusher wisely

3

Colours are very important.

Choose pastel colours, pale colours, natural earthy tones. If the season’s fashion colours are bold, you can always tone them down by adding

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a lighter shade. Remember to wear something white or beige while applying make-up, as this will keep the application toned down.

Colour from what we wear bounces back onto our face, so if you wear something black, your make-up can be much bolder, therefore the white or cream of wedding dresses needs a paler palette. Wearing bright colours is a common mistake made by a lot of brides.

4

Lipstick— here you can go a little bolder. But remember it wears off very quickly, and that is why many brides in photos look like they are not wearing any. So try to apply a good base that will keep lipstick on for longer or use a long lasting lipstick. If you cannot do any of those, then give your lipstick to your bridesmaid, who should check before the photo shoot that lipstick is visible and fresh.

5

Shine in photos never looks nice, as the skin looks greasy.

So a good translucent powder is essential. Very fine powders do not give that powdery look either, they simply keep skin matt looking, which is what you want.

6

Eyebrows are one of the key features in the face. Don’t forget them— you need to start months in advance to get them into a perfect shape. Have them shaped 1 or 2 days before the wedding. If you have not achieved perfect eyebrows, it is easy to fill them in and shape them with a good eyebrow pencil or an eyebrow shadowing kit. But don’t over do it. ❤

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

Wedding feature

A white (teeth) wedding!

Everyone wants to look their best on their wedding day, and having white teeth is just one way of giving your photos an extra shine. Now, this service is available on our doorstep here in Gibraltar, at Ocean Village.

Whitening on Wheels is principally a cosmetic procedure that removes stains and gives your teeth the appearance of a whiter and brighter smile.

And now it’s here in Gibraltar, exclusive to Aphrodite Beauty in Ocean Village.

This teeth whitening procedure seems very simple and straightforward, and has been developed in such a way that the vast majority of customers will experience no sensitivity.

SpaWhite, the WhiteScience product that is used in the treatment, has been established in America for the last seven years and in the UK for the last two, and is still the number one teeth whitening product in the US. It helps to prevent the effects of day to day life, including eating pigmented food, or having the

odd glass of red wine, as well as normal aging. Lauren Du Plooy of Whitening on Wheels Marbella, talks highly of the service; “Most customers will see an improvement of 4 to 12 shades. It is designed to be very safe and effective without causing any harm to healthy enamel.”

The treatment only lasts 30 minutes, which seems more than worth it considering the results can last up to a year. Lauren also mentions “This treatment has been used in many salons and hotels over the world including Caesars Palace.”

In most cases, the SpaWhite treatment is said to last even more than one year with good dental hygiene and dietary habits, and most people can qualify for it. ❤ To find out more, contact Lauren Du Plooy on mobile: 54001121

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

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Dr. Marco Vricella, HC Marbella Hospital

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5IF 4VSHFPO Gibraltar residents have a number of options for cosmetic surgery, including local private clinics, private surgeons and hospitals in Spain and beyond.

Therefore it is crucial that you look to find a surgeon with a consistent track record of excellent results. Dr Marco Vricella, founder of Aria Medical Group, is not only registered with the Gibraltar Medical Board, and the General Medical Councils of Spain, the UK and Italy, but he also has an envious track record in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery.

5IF $POTVMUBUJPO JO (JCSBMUBS College Clinic, the private medical practice based at Regal House, Gibraltar, is the venue for Aria Medical Group’s private consultations. All clients meet Dr. Marco Vricella and have plenty of time to discuss their requirements and concerns with him in private and become fully informed before making the decision to proceed. This is very convenient for Gibraltar residents, as a consultation can be fitted in with professional or domestic commitments.

Dr. Vricella has over 15 years experience in both the public and private sector and has many thousands of satisfied clients.

For Gibraltarians and residents of the Costa del Sol, Marbella offers the perfect location for cosmetic surgery; close to home and family; yet discreet and private, so you can have a procedure without sharing the news with neighbours or colleagues at work.

Referrals and recommendations are undoubtedly one of the best ways to choose a surgeon, and you can read case studies and testimonials from former clients and even talk to other customers of Aria Medical Group that have had the same procedure you are thinking about.

5IF )PTQJUBM The High Care Marbella Hospital (HCI) is where Dr. Marco Vricella is Director of the Cosmetic Surgery Unit.It offers first class care, private luxury rooms with ensuite bathroom; tasty meals and a beautiful garden and terrace for recuperation.

5IF "GUFSDBSF JO (JCSBMUBS Dr. Marco Vricella and his Specialist Nurse, Damien Moore, offer complete aftercare in Gibraltar, including home visits for post operative checks. In addition, included in the price is any revision surgery in the first year – a compelling service for residents of Gibraltar.

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

+ 34 952 895 088

info@ariamedicalgroup.com

XXX BSJBNFEJDBMHSPVQ DPN Dr. Marco Vricella and Aria Medical Group have never used Poly Implant Prostheses (PIP) breast implants. Aria Medical Group is committed to excellence and uses high quality cohesive silicone gel implants from ‘McGhan’ (Allergan) and ‘Silimed’. Please feel free to contact Aria Medical Group if you have any questions.

Because you’re beautiful!

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health & medical directory

health& fitness Bell Pharmacy

McTimoney Chiropractor

Your Family Chemists

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

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

CHEMISTS

Bell Pharmacy 27 Bell Lane Tel: 200 77289 Fax: 200 42989

PASSANO OPTICIANS LTD

Louis’ Pharmacy Unit F12, International Commercial Centre, Casemates.

Tel: 200 44797

British Registered Optometrists

Chiropodists

38 Main St Tel: 200 76544 Fax: 200 76541 Email: passano@sapphirenet.gi

John W Miles BSc (Podiatry), MChS College Clinic, Regal House Tel: 200 77777

ChiropraCtors STEINER CHIROPRACTIC CLINICS

Chiropractic Health Clinic

Dr Carsten Rudolf Steiner BSc DC

Dr Steven J. Crump B.Sc, DC, MCC Open: Mon - Fri 9.30am - 6.30pm

Member of the British Chiropractic Association

Back to better health with Chiropractic for headaches, dizziness, neck and lower back pain, sciatica, osteoathritis and sports injuries.

College Clinic, Regal Hse. Tel: 200 77777

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 • FEBRUARY 2012

health & well-being

l

Chiropractor Dr Steven Crump

For Neck Pain, Chiropractic & Exercise Are Better Than Drugs A recent study of neck pain treatment reported in the New York Times and published in the Annals of Internal Medicine concluded that chiropractic treatment and exercise are better than drugs for neck pain!

This large study of 272 patients,

by Dr Bronfort at the Minnesota medical University (USA), took three months and included a follow up one year later. The patients were divided into two groups half treated with chiropractic and the rest with painkillers.

After three months of treatment 57% of those treated by chiropractors had a 75% reduction in pain compared to only a 38% reduction in those taking tablets. In addition to their limited pain relief, the report stated, these patients were becoming reliant on the tablets leading to long-term systemic side effects like gastrointestinal problems.

The neck pain in the study can be caused by poor posture, work habits, old bumps and falls. Whiplash and type injuries are also common causes where the head and neck are thrown back and forth very quickly. In moderate or mild accidents the symptoms may only appear months later. The nerves that exit the spine can be stretched

and pinched causing headaches, numbness, coldness or “pins and needles” in the face, chest, arms, wrists or hands. They can also result in anxiety, insomnia, low back and neck pain, ear ringing, dizziness, hearing loss, eye pain, blurred vision, sensitivity to light and other symptoms.

If you, a friend or family member is suffering from any of the symptoms above and are not sure if it is due to a trapped nerve. We have an offer for the month of February that includes: A full Chiropractic, Orthopaedic and Neurological exam, (including a private consultation and an electromyography nerve scan) for £20 (normal fee £35) on presentation of the attached voucher. n For information or to make an appointment at the Chiropractic Health Clinic call 200 44226. The clinic is located on the 1st floor of the International Commercial Centre (ICC), Casemates Square. Open Monday to Friday 8.30am until 5.30pm.

In addition to their limited pain relief, the report stated, these patients were becoming reliant on the tablets leading to long-term systemic side effects

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

43

sports file

Stretch your body... and your mind Catherine Rubio has travelled all over the world; from Brazil to Barcelona, Seattle to Switzerland, on a journey to learn about what she likes to do best — Yoga. Now, a Personal Trainer at Atlantic Suites Health Club, she tells us all about how Yoga changed her life.

Catherine really is an inspiration — and a bright one at that. Originally from France, she studied Economics at Business School, and left to become a consultant where she started to travel around the world. She has seen many places, covering Europe and North and South America, and during this time she became interested in many other things outside her profession — including philosophy. She also started to feel that consulting may not be her calling; “I wasn’t fulfilled in what I was doing — I started to feel like a robot,” says Catherine. “While I did my internship, I went travelling around Brazil and met people practising yoga. Then when I went to Australia I started to understand Ashtanga Yoga.”

Ashtanga Yoga is a method that involves

44

synchronising your breath with a progressive series of postures resulting in a strong body and a calm mind. It improves endurance and helps develop muscle tone.

Catherine was really interested in the idea

“

I wasn’t fulfilled in what I was doing ­— I started to feel like a robot. I wanted to do something that I really believed in

”

of something being physically demanding; “You develop a certain technique of breathing, and do push ups between each posture — it also brings serenity.” She went on to continue consulting at the same time in Barcelona and then after two years gave up, so she could concentrate on what she loved. “I wanted to do something that I really believed in,” she continued Catherine trained as a teacher, and began to teach in Madrid. She also did a course in personal training as it soon became obvious that people needed advice on different areas.

“People wanted to lose weight for example, so I did Pilates, yoga, weight loss and pregnancy programmes,” says Catherine. “New methods are coming to Gibraltar from the big

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

health & well-being cities — it seems people need Yoga.”

Catherine runs many workshops at the Atlantic Suites Health Club, including Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, Yoga Flow ­ — helping to explore your flexibility, strength and concentration. She also runs a Pilates workshop designed to strengthen your core and reshape your arms and bum.

The benefits of of all these workshops are 10 fold. They help to improve flexibility, de-

“

Catherine practising Yoga showing off her flexibility

Gibraltar gave me the opportunity to do something that I really wanted

”

velop muscle tone. Yoga can restore postural alignment and stress and back pain relief. It can also help you sleep, improve circulation and help digestion.

It’s safe to say Catherine looks like she enjoys her role. “Gibraltar gave me the opportunity to do what I really wanted,” says Catherine. Her work is certainly appreciated here. n Catherine’s workshops are available at the Atlantic Suites Health Club and Spa and start from £100 for members for 10 sessions.

Catherine Rubio at Atlantic Suites

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

45

talent in focus

A photo of Carmen Gomez on stage from Evening Standard

Carmen Gomez

by Mike Brufal

Life in the Spotlight Carmen Gomez is one of the most multi-talented Gibraltarians of her generation and today leads a quiet life in semi-retirement. In her time she has been Miss Gibraltar 1970, singer, writer, artist, composer, guitarist, restaurateur, politician, fashion model and actress. In fact, she has accomplished so much in her life it is difficult to know where to begin.

Carmen was educated at St Mary’s School where she made her first subconscious venture into public service when in 1960 as head girl she organised a collection for the Agadir disaster in Morocco. The next year she recorded the Christmas Eve message for Gibraltar broadcast on the BBC radio programme Children’s Hour. The 11 plus examination was passed and

46

she entered the Loreto Convent School and by 1965 was captain of the ‘Blue Stars’ basketball team and a member of Gibraltar Basket Ball Association (GABBA). Her talent for singing was recognised when she sang On the Horizon in the 1966 Gibraltar Song Festival.

The next year she was awarded a Gibraltar Government bursary to study in the UK but

she went before the Head of the Board of Education with her request to study and teach Drama — her request was denied and she was refused the bursary. Her entry a year later into the world of entertainment came with an job on local radio which led to being appointed the presenter of Romper Room by the head rep of Talbot TV, at the fledgling Gibraltar Television station, and then as a bi-lingual presenter on Radio Gibraltar.

Elected Miss Gibraltar in 1970 she represented Gibraltar in that year’s Miss World competition. All did not go smoothly during the Miss World competition. Upon arrival all the contestants were told by Julia Morley (still running the competition 31 years later) that no one would be given special press coverage.

Carmen shared a room with Miss Israel and for political reasons many photographers kept coming to the door of their room to persuade Miss Israel to pose for photographs. This upset Carmen and she complained to the formidable Mrs Morley who resolved the matter by taking Miss Israel out of the room.

Amazingly when Jon Joe Gomes, manager of the Gibraltar Tourist office in London, came to call on her he was refused admission as was her brother Robert.

It turned out to be an exciting Miss World as feminists publicly protested and threw ink bombs at the compere, Bob Hope, while he was on stage at the Royal Albert Hall.

On her return to the Rock, Miss Gibraltar was interviewed on GBC and provided a summary of events that had upset her, in a desire that no future Miss Gibrlatar would suffer a similar fate. The next day a senior Gibraltar Tourist Office executive telephoned, said she had been a naughty girl and put the phone down. GBC sent Peter Plant to investigate and when interviewed live from London on the news by Clive Golt, he confirmed everything said by Carmen was correct. Perhaps as a result Carmen’s photograph never appeared in GTO publicity. That year she was honoured by the Commander in chief of the troops Brigadier Birbeck and the Governor, by having a newborn monkey named after her.

1959 saw her make her debut as an actress appearing as Herod’s wife in a St Mary’s Junior School production. In the same year she was the Virgin Mary in the St Bernard’s Catholic Social Club’s float in the Cavalcade procession. In 1964 she was the first recipient of the trophy for best actor in the Drama Festival’s junior section. Then followed a series of roles in drama festivals in Group 56 and St Joseph Drama Group productions until 1972 when she decided to seek fame and fortune in London.

Carmen arrived in London with no contacts at possible agents or managers and so had to find work to survive. She started with the British Airways Travel division as a ground hostess at the West London air terminal.

Naturally as a former Miss World contestant she was much in demand for promotional photographs and a front cover shot in the British Airways magazine resulted in coverage in the national and travel press. 1977 saw a breakthrough when photographs of her were on the front page of Anthony Bailey and Patrick Litchfield’s 6th edition of their Ritz newspaper.

Work in television was found when she

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

talent in focus went to see a BBC producer, Keith Williams, who she’d met on the Rock. While in his office a director came in, looked at her and said “I am looking for a face just like yours,” and so she landed a part in Barlow at Large and made her entry into the London acting world.

In the ’80s, while Carmen was signing in a West End hotel, she met a Greek-American entrepreneur, fell in love and became engaged.

A couple of years later tragedy struck when the love of her life was killed in a helicopter crash. At that point in her life she desperately needed an outlet for the anger that was raging inside her and so she took on a physically challenging course at Convent Garden Fitness Centre and simultaneously was awarded a diploma from the School of Swedish Massage and the Guild of Professional Massage Practitioners having completed a course in anatomy, physiology and massage. A course of aerobics classes began which proved very popularl.

The following year she was the official interpreter (English/Spanish) for the 1984 Miss World competition held at the Royal Albert Hall presented by Judith Chalmers and Peter Marshall. She also made use of her vocal talent by being appointed lead singer for the Chris Incledon band which toured in the provinces specialising in playing for the armed forces.

Always searching for an opportunity to develop another talent, Carmen wrote and illustrated a children’s book The Happy Musician, which sold out its print run in 1985.

Also during the ’80s and with Gibraltar’s interests always at heart, she lobbied Sir Bernard Braine MP and later Albert McQuarrie at the House of Commons. Together with her sister, Yvonne and others, she appeared on a front line protest in Whitehall opposite Downing Street, holding a huge placard which asked for Gibraltar’s right to self-determination. She became an ardent member of the letter-writCarmen Gomez — ting lobbying group, organised by Bob Peliza, Miss Gibraltar 1970 and in 1997 attended a Dependent Territories meeting at Westminster to support his talk on Gibraltar. On her return to Gibraltar in 2000 she became and active member of the Gibraltar Socialist Party, was elected a member of the executive committee and gave a party political broadcast on GBC. four years later she retired from active political life.

In 1994, Joe Bossano opened her joint painting exhibition with her sister Yvonne at the John Mackintosh Hall, and such was its success that the next year her oil paintings were exhibited at the Edith Grove Gallery in Chelsea together with the sculptures of Anthony Renouf and the water colours and drawings of Derry MacDiarmid. This exhibition received excellent reviews in the London press.

Miss Gibraltar 1970 After her return to the Rock her sister, gets a grand send Yvonne, opened Yvey’s Cafe Theatre, the first off to the Miss in Gibraltar, and Carmen helped with the runWorld pageant ning of the restaurant and the musical shows.

Ruth Madoc wasa frequent customer of theirs amongst others. In 2000 she released Why do I dance alone? a CD of 10 songs inspired by the As if these varied activities were not numbers she wrote for her Carmen Miranda show turned into ballads. The CD was dedi- enough, Carmen was engaging in a parallel cated to the memory of her parents and her career on the stage and in television. brother William, the legendary guitarist and musician. she sang one of the songs for GBC’s Stage Career This started in 1973 when, together with charity Open Day.

A couple of years later tragedy struck when the love of her life was killed in a helicopter crash

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

Juan Peirano, she presented Ritmo 37 on Latin America’s BBC World Service. Four years later she appeared in Bird in the Hand a comedy

by Bruce Montague and then Song and Mime where she sang and played the guitar.

The big break came in 1989 when she was of-

47

talent in focus

Carmen with Terry Wogan, Anna Forde, and Robert Powell Carmen sings with Airforce – a 12 piece band with a Glen Miller type sound

Carmen with Engelbert Humperdinck in 1970

fered a starring role in the West End hit musical, Buddy; the Buddy Holly Story and remained in the show for three years. She is probably the only Gibraltarian to have her name in lights and on posters outside a West End theatre; in this case the Victoria Palace. As if that was not enough she was a prominent singer in the best selling official Buddy album.

During 1991, Carmen, not content to rest on her laurels of being a key member of a West End musical, returned to acting roles in the lunchtime productions at the King’s Head Theare, ISlington, or Jane Martin’s Playing With and Overtones written by Alice Gerstenberg. The latter is probably the earliest example of a play that dramatises the unconcious on stage.

From 1991 to 1996 she acted in Eurovision

by Tim Luscombe and then The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende (this was the world premiere and she played both Ferula and Transito Soto).

Carmen’s pièce de résistance came with her own production which she both wrote and composed numbers for — An Evening with Carmen Miranda staged at the West End’s showcase Jermyn Street Theatre which played to packed audiences for its week run.

Television Incredibly, Carmen was enjoying a parallel career on television and, over a 20 year span, acted in many plays with frequent appearances in the soaps, including Z Cars, The Darkwater Hall Mystery, Inspector Morse, Dr Who, Put on Cunning (Ruth Rendell mystery), About Face,

48

Scarlet and Black (a mini series), Murder in the Family and Dalziel & Pascoe.

During these years she did not forget the Rock and was the interviewer in a series of six interviews for Straight Vision and then in 2001 starred in 13 programmes for GBC Television called Carmen amongst Friends ­ — her last star to be interviewed was the legendary Sir John Mills.

The most personal television appearance was to play Carmen Proetta, in Channel 4’s reconstruction of the IRA inquest.

During her illustrious and varied career as an actress Carmen has earned some wonderful reviews. Here are a trio to whet the appetite.

Don Quixote “Carmen Gomez, as the Duchess among others, proves herself a flamboyant and talented comedy actress”. The Stage Marks “Convincingly played by Carmen Gomez...

Carmen’s most personal television appearance was to play Carmen Proetta, in Channel 4’s reconstruction of the IRA inquest

[who] delivers the sharpest and most vivid snapshot of the afternoon”. Michael Quinn The House of the Spirits “Very strong central performance from stunning Carmen Gomez”.

Carmen considers the local dramatic and art world as vibrant and healthy. “No-one can dispute that anything to do with the arts is necessary for a community’s survival. I am also delighted that Fabian Picardo is getting more young Gibraltarians involved in local politics which eventually will lead them to greater participation and appreciation of all aspects of Gibraltar’s affairs — and so with Janet Howitt for having taken up the gauntlet on enviromental affairs and involving the younger generation too.” n

BBC Worldwide Service

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

events

~CALENDAR OF EVENTS~

February 2012

23rd January-Thursday 2nd February 10th Gibraltar International Chess Festival at the Caleta Hotel. For info contact Caleta Hotel Tel: 20076501 email sales@caletahotel.gi Sunday 5th February The Gibraltar Classic Vehicle Association will be displaying Classic Vehicles. Venue: Casemates Square. Time: approx. 11am-2pm. For further info email: howard@gibraltar.gi Monday 13th to 24th February Art Competition for Young Artists. For further information contact Ministry of Culture Tel: 20048063 Email: minculture@gibtelecom.net Friday 24th February Glamour Creations 7th Annual Dream Girl Beauty Pageant for girls between the ages of 10-14 years at John Mackintosh Hall Theatre 8.30pm. Tickets: £15 available from the Nature Shop, Casemates Square. Tel: 54000377 Wednesday 29th February to 3rd March MO Production 10th Gibraltar Stage Dance Festival at John Mackintosh Hall Theatre, Wednesday to Friday 7pm, Saturday morning 10am, Saturday Gala Night 7.30pm. Tickets £7 available from On Pointe at Casemates Square from 20th February. For further info contact MO Production Email: mopro@gibtelecom.net

Mummy & Me Here are some mummies and their little ones from the Mummy and Me Breast-

feeding Support Group, who meet on the first Wednesday of the month at Chilton Court Community Hall, at 1.30pm.

Other meetings and locations are arranged via their Facebook group. For more information, check out the Mummy and Me Facebook group, or contact Tamsin Suarez directly on Tel: 54014517, or email breastfeedinggib@ymail.com.

Photo: The Kusuma Trust is main sponsor of the 10th Gibraltar Stage Dance Festival (starts 29th February at John Mackintosh Hall). Pictured are past winners Jade Federico 2003 & 2004, Genyka Celecia 2006, Dulcie Edwards 2009, Nicola Dewar 2010 and Janice Felices 2011, with Seamus Byrne and a Kusuma Trust trustee

Congratulations to Seamus Byrne who

has been appointed President of the Gibraltar National Dance Organisation. Seamus was Vice President of the GNDO committee since 1996, and National Team Captain on many occasions. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

49

Guy Olivero:

A Passion for Flamenco, Nature and Lorca Most people in Gibraltar know who Guy Olivero is, as he is one of the most popular Gibraltarians on the Rock. A successful businessman, with a likeable nature and flamboyant manner, he has become one of our most beloved personalities, and in this interview he talks about his love of flamenco, nature and his recent discovery, Lorca.

The ever popular Guy Olivero

Following his father’s love of flamenco, Guy owns an immense collection of gramophone records.

A member of the Casino Calpe private club for more than 30 years, the charismatic Guy would usually entertain his fellow members

with a fandango or solea, much to his friends’ dismay, as he admits he cannot sing to save his life!

Six years ago Guy decided to prepare a song by Pepe Pinto, to once again entertain his friends at the tablita night organised for

that evening. “The song was Rosa Linares, and it started with a poem before moving onto the song. I rehearsed it, and told my friends I had a surprise for them that evening. After I finished the song, my good friend Jorge Desoisa from Gibmaroc, told me he would like me to repeat the poem, and after enduring my horrible singing for over 30 years, perhaps it was time for me to leaving my singing days behind, and concentrate on reciting poetry,” Guy laughs.

From that day, Guy dedicated himself to reciting the lyrics of rancheras, coplas and flamenco songs to name a few.

Even though it was something he discovered through sheer coincidence, it soon took over his life, and even got him a few television appearances on Spanish television.

“I was sought after by well-

“

known presenter Jesus Quintero, who came looking for me at the Horseshoe Bar one afternoon. I have appeared several times on his programme, which is something I always enjoy,” Guys says smiling.

Ater this, Guy took the plunge and decided to prepare Antologia, a compilation of some of his favourite poetry, with original music by local composer Denis Valerga, recited by the man himself.

“Antologia was the start of my life poetically, and I was invited to lots of galas to perform — in Cordoba, Malaga, Jimena and locally too, all done free of charge,” Guy explains.

Last January, however, a peculiar thing happened. Guy was sitting at his Square Cafe, with a friend, Eric Ellul, who asked him if he had ever read Lorca. “I said ‘no’, and that Lorca wasn’t really my style. All I knew about him

Antologia was the start of my life poetically, and I was invited to lots of galas to perform, in Cordoba, Malaga, Jimena and locally too, all done free of charge 50

”

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

people file

by Jolene Gomez

A few of his exotic birds

was factual stuff which most people know — that he was born in Granada in Fuentevaqueros, and died age 38 as a victim of the Spanish Civil War,” Guy explains.

“The next day, Eric brought me a book called Poemas del Cante Jondo & El Romancero Gitano, and to be frank, I didn’t think I would like it.

But I came home from work, and flicked through some poems — La Guitarra, El paso de la seguidilla, La solea... I realised these poems were on flamenco which I love! As I passed each page, onto La Casada Infiel and Muerto de Amor, I got more and more into the poems, and loved every verse I read. I then saw Lorca’s photo, and was overcome with sadness, to think he had died so young and so unfairly. I said out loud, ‘Federico

“

I came home from work and flicked through some poems — La Guitarra, El paso de la seguidilla, La solea… I realised these poems were on flamenco which I love!

Garcia Lorca, shed some light on my path, so that this humble Gibraltarian can recite your profound and beautiful verses’. I was totally inspired by his work, and started studying and learning all his poems, which I did in 10 months.”

Guy describes his recently discovered relationship with Lorca as heartfelt and intense, and reading Lorca’s work and poems has

In the garden GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

”

helped him understand and feel the pain of the poet. He would now like to share this gift which has been offered, with everyone, so they can enjoy it as much as he does.

He has been asked to perform at the Instituto Cervantes, a place he feels is important for Gibraltar on a cultural level.

“Everything that is cultural is

good for people to embrace, and the fact we have the possibility to learn Spanish at the Instituto Cervantes is a positive thing, far removed from politics. Nowadays, children do not speak Spanish, and it is a shame because we are losing a little bit of our history, which makes us unique and Llanitos. English must be spoken in Gibraltar, but Llanito is our roots and what gives us our identity as a people.”

When the Instituto organised a homage to Lorca, Guy was asked to put together a recital of over 20 poems. Although this was a challenge, Guy delivered a memorable recital with his usual charm, heartfelt performance, and showing great respect for the words he was uttering. With no prompter

A natural paradise

51

people file or notes, he breathed life into Lorca’s poetry, accompanied by his daughter Lindsay, who is an accomplished flamenco dancer herself, as well as Phillip Valerga on guitar.

“It was a very special event, to be performing with my daughter, and as a Gibraltarian, to be asked to recite Lorca, was a huge thing for me,” he explains.

Guy has even been invited to schools in Spain to recite Lorca, and was given a standing ovation at every school he visited.

The teachers were amazed at how more than 500 pupils were enthusiastic about Lorca, and how Guy had managed to connect with the audience.

“Lorca’s poetry contains many complicated metaphors, and very deep and rich subject matter. I try

“

Lorca’s poetry contains many complicated metaphors... I try to make his poetry transparent, and accessible to everyone

”

Surrounded by nature

to make his poetry transparent, and accessible to everyone who is listening, through my expressions and movements when I perform. I like to connect with the listeners, and make other people love Lorca as much as I do.”

Guy is often prompted to recite poetry, even when walking down the street. “I recite to people down the street, to my staff, to everyone!

It is one of the things I enjoy doing the most, as it always brings a smile to the person’s face.”

Another pastime of Guy’s is his garden and cultivating his plants, including species from all over the world, in one of Gibraltar’s largest and most exotic gardens.

“Plants are my passion, alongside flamenco and poetry. Nature surrounds my home, and I have learned everything necessary in order to be the perfect gardener, and have a deep understanding of each plant. I cherish my plants, and if Van Gogh would have seen my garden, he wouldn’t have cut

his ear off, for he would be totally inspired by my collection,” he smiles.

He describes his ecological garden as “Mother Nature in all its splendour, colour and beauty,” and a project he has created with his own bare hands. From the stone work, to planting, and the cages containing an array of birds ­— peacocks, parrots and budgies to name a few — Guy is a one man band in the creation of this natural paradise. n

The Beaver Scouts donating toiletries & gift items for the project

Helping the Needy in Gibraltar Late last year local resident Robert Dickson decided to help the less fortunate members of our community....

Robert contacted Mgr. Charles Azzopardi at St. Theresa’ s church, who suggested collecting toiletries and other gift items in order to put together hampers for the needy at Nazareth House.

By tapping into the Internet’s social networking sites, Robert launched his campaign and soon gathered a group of friends and volunteers who, over the intervening weeks, gave up their time (and in some cases money) to amass a huge

52

volume of goods to give away.

Just before Christmas, Robert and friends handed over the goods to Mgr. Azzopardi who in turn made hampers of goodies for the needy at Nazareth House.

On 6th January 2012, the volunteers at Nazareth House received a thank you gift for all their hard work. They really are the heroes of this project.

If you would like to help at Nazareth House, contact Fr. Charlie at St. Theresa’s Church. n

Robert & Fr Charlie

The soup kitchen at Nazareth House attendees and volunteers

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

fashion

54 City Mill Lane Tel/Fax: 200 45966 Email: sandra4stichdesign@yahoo.com

leisure & sport

Retail& Activities

shopping & gifts

Sacha’s

hair & beauty

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

lessons & tuition

DUTY FREE WINES, SPIRITS & TOBACCO

GACHE & CO LTD

open 7 days 79 Main Street

EST. 1830

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

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

Health & Beauty Salon

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

photography

Don House Arcade Tel: 20077311

Queen’s Hotel Gibraltar Excellent Prices • Centrally Located • Easy Access • Parking • Bar • Restaurant

Tel: (+350) 20074000 Fax: 20040030

Tel: 200 73786

newsagents/books

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

GIBRALTAR GIBRALTAR MAGAziNE MAGAZINE •• FEBRUARY FEBRUARY 2012 2012

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people profile

Treasure Trove at Momy’s

by Kate Bird

Former Mayor of Gibraltar Solomon (Momy) Levy MBE is many things — an undeniably recognisable face around town, and estate agent and auctioneer, a true advocate of Gibraltar, and a huge Arsenal FC fan... But his office over looking the Convent is almost as interesting as the man himself — home to a thousand treasures which tell a story of his colourful life and career.

Walking into Solomon Levy’s office is a pretty incredible experience. On arriving in the entrance hallway and meeting the man himself, it was clear from the offset that he is very proud of his collection of treasures which run along the walls. With one side of the entrance dedicated to Winston Churchill and the other to Lord Nelson, his love of these historical greats became obvious — he owns at least £20,000 worth of prints. Among these framed

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Momy Levy holds up his MBE with pride

recognisable faces are relatives of Momy’s who he talks about fondly as he walks through the memorabilia up the stairs.

“I’m a billionaire,” says Mr. Levy whilst proudly grabbing pictures of his family. “My grandchildren are my fortune,” he adds with a smile. And with a beautiful wife, five children and 22 Grandchildren, he is certainly a devoted family man.

Continuing through the rooms he stops at a

picture of a man in a red sports car. “I bought that for £600 in 1960,” he remarks. “It was my password.” And it certainly was — it was him sat in the front seat with a dashing young woman sat next to him.

Another lady he appears to have spent a lot of time with is Her Majesty the Queen. He recalls stories of how he (on several occasions) met her at Buckingham Palace — and shows a photograph of the special occasion when he

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

people profile

Mr. Levy sits at his desk surrounded by his life’s work and treasures

received his MBE. His 18 years’ service in the Gibraltar Regiment is reflected on continuing into Mr. Levy’s office, with certificates, medals and trophies dotted about everywhere. He also has models of soldiers, and collections in glass boxes and carefully placed on cabinets.

“I had a collection when I was a boy and I sold them all when I went to boarding school for some extra money,” says Momy. “I promised myself when I could I would get the collection back.” He also expresses his love for Laurel and Hardy and shows off his amazing collection of figures and memorabilia.

As we continue, it’s obvious that travel has played a big part in his life, and framed caricatures of himself, drawn up in many parts of the world including Israel, London and Spain, are hung over the walls.

Amongst the worldly collection in Mr. Levy’s office, there is a very new flat screen TV next to his chair — an almost quirky addition to his jam packed space. “I watch Prime Minister’s Question Time every Wednesday,” he mentions.

He also loves Jeremy Paxman. “I wrote to him a year ago and told him he was the treasure of the BBC.” The last room to be explored reveals another surprising fact about Mr. Levy. He remains a dedicated Arsenal fan! He confirms this by showing off a signed shirt, and several framed pictures of team.

Possibly the most interesting man in Gibraltar? Mr. Levy, it was a pleasure spending time with you. n

“

I had collections when I was a boy, and I sold them all when I went to boarding school for some extra money. I promised myself when I could, I would get the collections back

”

Calling all men!

?

Are you the Face of Gibraltar

Thanks to everyone who has entered our Face of Gibraltar competition so far. However, the men are still much shier than the girls — so come on guys, young or old, you can enter too!

Send us your photo and you’ll get the chance to see your, or your loved one’s, face in the magazine with winners announced in March 2012.

Our panel will select one winner from several categories — men, women, children and babies.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

To enter, email a photo (head shot only) with your name, age, and address to info@thegibraltarmagazine.com or post it to The Gibraltar Magazine, PO Box 1124, Gibraltar. Entries must be received by 10/02/12. We look forward to seeing more of your pictures! n

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events

Christian Montegriffo waits for a fare

TAXI! for Mr Montegriffo Taxi drivers worldwide are of varying personalities, temperament and charm... The chatty, the sombre, the caring and the jovial and sometimes the indifferent. I, like many I’m sure, have experienced this in London, New York, Tunisia, Scandinavia, Spain, in Gibraltar and just about everywhere!

We have a little over 100 taxis in Gibraltar and their drivers, like those from other countries, often have a tough job plying their trade.

Cruise liner passengers and other visitors arrive in large numbers during the holiday periods but there are also plenty of ‘downtime periods’ during the 12 months of the year. “Even during the good times, we have to provide for a City Service for Gibraltar’s residents. We have a roster and every six weeks about 30 of us have to spend a week doing just that and therefore missing out on the more lucrative Rock Tours, but the service has to be provided, which is only fair.”

Those are the words of wisdom of 43-yearold taxi driver for the past 22 years, Christian Montegriffo, whose family has been in the taxi trade for many years.

“Yes, my brother is a taxi driver also, but I took over my father’s licence which he’d bought in the mid-’80s for £30,000 by drawing on his savings and borrowing the rest.

“I was working in the Government’s Housing Department at the time but I was part-timing as a driver for some extra cash and to help my dad and my brother out in the evenings and at night.

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I used to hop from one vehicle to the other, but I enjoyed working at night despite having to put up with drunken and sometimes abusive and violent servicemen during those years.

“During that time — I was 21 up to 24 — in a way, I had the best years of my life. I was young, with money in my pocket and I had a great time. Then, when my dad retired I took over his licence and left my Government job.

“Really, the taxi trade was quite good during those years when the frontier had re-opened and the military still had a noticeable presence on the

“

I’d like to see us have something similar about what makes Gibraltar tick — the finance centre, our economy, our politics and parliament and so forth, because we get asked a lot of questions about these things

”

Rock. Visits by the navy’s warships were much more frequent also,” Christian recalls, “but we didn’t have the cruise ship passenger numbers and frontier visitors we have now.”

The drivers on the taxi stands along Main Street try to encourage visitors to take the trip, but, I observe them courteously explaining about the sites and what the fare would be, without overwhelming the potential clients and not trying to pressurise them into submission!

“Well we try, and if the tourists prefer to take a cable car trip up the Rock there’s nothing we can do. We explain that they have to do quite a bit of walking if they take that route once they’re up there in order to visit the sites but of course, it’s up to them.”

The taxi tour takes about one-and-a-half hours and costs £22 or 25 euro per person. Customers are driven first to either Europa Point or the Pillars of Hercules for the Strait and Africa view, then St Michael’s Cave, Top of the Rock for a stop on the crest and the monkeys — the Rock Apes have a feeding point there and are often around — the Great Siege Tunnels and magnificent views towards the North and, if they’re not travelling in one of our taxis with

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

tourist trade

by Richard Cartwright video and commentary with a choice of about 14 languages, they get a great chat about the Rock, all along the route.

“Many people may not know this but we have to study a booklet on Gib’s history which we’re then questioned on by our tourist people and that’s something I agree with. I would like to see us go further and have something similar about what makes Gibraltar tick — the finance centre, our economy, our politics and parliament and so forth, because we get asked a lot of questions about these things by people who are interested.

Of course, we sometimes get the usual issues and arguments about Gibraltar’s status from our friends across the way and others but you’d be surprised how their opinions change by the end of the 90 minute tour and things have been explained to them properly.”

Christian says you have to be 21 years old to work in the taxi trade — something else I didn’t know! Some of the vehicles have ‘second drivers’ who will work the car in the evening or at night for a few hours and that little extra income helps to go towards repairs and bills.

I challenged Christian on the issue of it being difficult sometimes to find a taxi which is operating the City Service or at the airport. “Well there are a number that are permanently on the radio service and they could be busy. Often they are on their way but are stuck in traffic somewhere. At the airport there are those parked by the exit to the frontier if there are none at the airport itself.”

And as regards criticism from those that claim that a taxi driver’s lot is a cushy one and are always grumpy and complaining, Christian says, “I can tell you that we do work hard and do long hours in order to make it worthwhile. I can only accept that from miners and construction workers who really work hard. I can’t accept being told that by those in many

professions all around us. They have no right to say that. As regards never being happy and that we complain a lot, well, there’s all sorts in all professions but generally we’re not a bad lot and we’re not as unreasonable as some make us out to be.” He adds, “We do a worthwhile job in the community. Most of us go about our work in a decent way and 85-90% of our passengers go away very happy and absolutely gratified.”

From what I’ve experienced, I know this taxi driver lives up to and earns the title of ‘Gibraltar Ambassador.’ Christian also has private, ‘premier league’ finance centre clients who hold him in high esteem and with whom, on occasions, he’s required to travel abroad.

“Through my 22 years in the taxi business, I’ve also become quite fluent in Italian and French and I can manage a bit of German too. Oh yes!

I can say ‘don’t touch the monkeys’ in Hebrew and Polish!” Tenor, Jose Carreras, who went on a Rock tour with Christian, understood the message perfectly well in Spanish of course!

So what would taxi driver Christian Montegriffo like to see implemented to better the Taxi Drivers’ lot?

“For a start there should be a more equitable sharing of the tourist trade cake,” Christian says.

“

I’ve become quite fluent in Italian and French and I can manage a bit of German too.

Oh yes! I can say ‘don’t touch the monkeys’ in Hebrew and Polish!

”

~Taxi Driver Christian Montegriffo

Jonathan Scott & Catherine Walsh

“There are areas that need looking at, in the port and on the Upper Rock etc. The traffic situation on the Rock has improved lately but there’s still a little more work to be done and I’m all for a stricter dress code too. I think that’s needed and would help to improve our image.”

That said, I get the impression Christian is a happy driver who doesn’t have much time for hobbies — I hear his son Kriss is into boxing, so when not touring the Rock, he’s busy setting up a club for many of the boxing enthusiasts here...

It’s been 22 years introducing visitors to what, Christian says, is our most loved Rock feature — monkeys, monkeys, monkeys! Well roll on the next 22 summers... I think we can safely predict the famous Rock ‘apes’ will still be there! n

Christian’s dad with his taxi

A Marathon for AKIN On 19th February 2012 GBC presenter, Jonathan Scott, and his wife Catherine Walsh will be running the Seville Marathon to raise money for local charity the Association of Kids In Need (AKIN).

AKIN started seven years ago as a small Gibraltar-based charity and has grown to have projects in Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Sierra Leone and Nepal. AKIN’s work focuses on underprivileged children around the world tackling important issues like hunger, poverty, disease, illiteracy and abuse.

“A few of our friends have recently run marathons and that planted the thought in our minds,” explains Jonathan. “With the help of the internet, we identified the Seville Marathon as our challenge of choice and downloaded a training plan to get us there.

“In all honesty, we started training with the mindset that we could always drop out if we felt we couldn’t hack it. But as time went on and we told more and

more people what we were doing, we realised that there was no turning back!,” he chuckles. “So we thought we’d do some fundraising to make the challenge more worthwhile and hopefully spur us on to finish the race. AKIN seemed like an excellent choice given that they are a local charity, carry out very specific projects and are open and transparent about where the money is going. With over £1,000 already collected, we’ve been amazed by people’s generosity so far.” n If you’d like to sponsor Catherine and Jonathan’s marathon attempt visit Just Giving www.justgiving.com/Cathand-Jon-marathon or send a cheque, payable to AKIN, to PO Box 1420, Gibraltar or hand it to Catherine or Jonathan as they jog past!

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

The Association for Kids in Need (AKIN) Sierra Leone school project grand car raffle was held in December at the Rock Motors showroom in Queensway.

Tickets for the raffle where available from July and all 6,000 tickets were sold. The incredible sum of £22,000 was raised and the funds are destined for rebuilding schools in Sierra Leone during 2012.

Miss Gibraltar 2011, Michelle Gillingwater Pedersen picked the 18 winners and Michael Mauro was the lucky winner of the top prize which was a brand new Renault Clio. n

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true lives She is a qualified Life Coach whose expertise in the field of nutrition come from her training at ‘The Institute of Integrative Nutrition’ as well as her own experience and the lessons she has learned along the way. As a two-time cancer survivor Polly has learned how to support and nourish her body in order to feel and look as healthy and as happy as possible.

Polly was a city girl living in London living life to the full to the extend that she herself explains she was drinking too much, eating the wrong foods and burning the candle at both ends.

“I considered myself to be fairly healthy as I consumed the occasional vegetable which always had a token green veggie thrown in for good measure. Little did I know that that really wasn’t enough!”

Polly became an author due to her cancer diagnosis because life throws things at you and you have to cope with them in different ways and Polly has done so with her writing.

What was your reaction to being told you had cancer?

“My first diagnosis came as a bolt out of the blue. Bang. You have cervical cancer. Aged 24.

Gulp. I had been feeling incredibly tired and I had put on a few pounds but I put that down to my partying and the fact that I had maybe not been looking after myself as well I should have been. In the weeks leading up to the moment the oncologist confirmed my worst nightmare, I had been preparing myself for bad news. I was upset but almost immediately, I wiped my eyes and said, “Ok, what now. How do we get rid of it?” We embarked on conventional treatment and from there on in, I focused my attention on getting well. After my second diagnosis in February 2010, I decided I wanted to heal myself naturally using alternative methods and began what I call a “healing journey” to kick-start my body’s healing mechanism which I am still doing and feel great about!”

Local Cancer Survivor Sonia Golt talks to

Author Polly Noble Polly is an author, inspirational speaker and holistic health coach. Through the lessons learned from her own dance with cancer, Polly undoubtedly inspires people to take back the reins on their health and happiness by transitioning towards a cleaner greener diet while improving their lifestyles so they can live a life they love.

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You have written a book about these experiences in the hope of helping others, including those in Gibraltar, in the same situation. Tell us how the book came about.

“I have written this book with my two co-authors. We were introduced through our mutual life coach, who on knowing we all wanted to write a book about our experiences to help others, suggested we do it together. My life coach Suzy Greaves has been a fabulous help as has my best friend and classical singer Katherine Jenkins who wrote the foreword for the book.

We began writing in July 2010 and we held our official launch on 29th November 2011 which you can watch a clip - http://pollynoble.com/ polly-noble-in-the-media” How does your book help others?

“The Cancer Journey - Positive Steps to Help Yourself Heal, is the book I wish I had had when I was first diagnosed. There is a lot of stuff that doctors and no-one else tells you when you get cancer so the three of us thought we would take the reader right through from diagnosis to diet to what friends and family can do to help, to what you can do to reduce side-effects so as to deal with the emotions of getting cancer. All the information and advice in the book is from three real people with real experiences and of

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

true lives course I wouldn’t be able to share what I have in this book if I didn’t practise what I preach, everyday.”

I have read the book and it really does cover a lot of ground and has great resources to help you dive deeper into what you can do to help yourself heal. It is the go-to handbook for anyone with a diagnosis and has been classified by the Telegraph as ‘an excellent book to read’.

In what other ways has your diagnosis helped you to do new things?

“I work as a Holistic Health coach and raw food coach helping others to take back the reins on their health and happiness. I run raw food classes, retreats, workshops and online programmes which I love to do.”

Polly is passionate about helping individuals to find the health and happiness in their lives and is constantly working on finding new ways to inspire, educate and empower them so they can face all challenges — a way to healing quicker by being positive in your life and dealing with your illness in the best possible way.

Are you planning to publish more books, if so what will they be about?

“My next book is going to be more of a diet and lifestyle book catered to everyone, not just those with illness. I want to promote living a healthy lifestyle so that prevention can become the cure. I think after I’ve been away meditating on a mountain for six months this year there may also be a book about that too! In terms of when they’ll be out will depend on when I start writing them! I’m keen to make sure I don’t put myself under stress because that’s not conducive to my healing but in the next year I hope to have it ready.”

When diagnosed with cancer it changes the way you see life. How did it change you personally?

“People say cancer is a gift. I think it’s a pretty rubbish gift and not one I would choose to give to anyone. However it has been a huge catalyst for change and my life is without a doubt much more purposeful and joy-filled, despite the fact that I live with cancer.”

Unfortunately this illness can happen to anyone, no matter what age or race. In Gibraltar we have many of these diagnoses daily, we all tend to know friends or family who’s had or has cancer. I asked Polly to give me a saying that may help people to transform their lives a bit from now on: “Learn to think less negatively. Take time for yourself. Stay present and don’t delay your happiness until you have x, y and z because the only time is NOW, the present.”

Wise words from a survivor. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEbrUARY 2012

Sonia Golt and Polly Noble exchange books

Stay present and don’t delay your happiness until you have x, y and z because the only time is NOW, the present

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people file

Isobel Ellul Hammond MBE

Team Talk from Isobel

by Frankie Hatton

I’ve been trying to interview Isobel Ellul Hammond for some time now. Partly because of her media work, mainly because of her charity work, subsequently due to her political work and fortuitously now after her nod from Her Majesty in the New Year Honours List.

To say she has been busy over the last few years is an understatement — she was always on our radar — more recently because of last December’s election. Here is a a chance beyond the electioneering for me and you to get to know her better.

Isobel Ellul Hammond was born in, Hampstead, London when it was swinging. She is no doubt a Gibraltarian and the birth came about because of her parents living there to work. Her father was working in the Magistrates Court in Gibraltar when a judge, deciding the man had some potential, guided him towards a legal ca-

60

reer. Taking the advice on board he upped sticks, wife and all and moved to London where in between working as a taxi driver to earn money he also studied law.

At that time there was no automatic right to further education so her dad had to attend private tuition. It is detailed learning but naturally expensive. Gibraltar had few lawyers then so this could be a golden road paved with effort.

Her mother worked to supplement their income both as a hairdresser and at Harrods as a shop assistant.

“I lived there until I was seven years old,”

said Isobel. “I remember going to school in the area, rather posh now, and even taking elocution lessons which is why to this day my accent is like it is.” Very useful for a career in broadcasting later on. “We used to come home to my Grandmother’s in Humphries every year for holidays and eventually we moved back for good. My grandparents paid for me to attend the Loreto Convent where I was known, because of that accent, as the ‘English One’ (la del pish!).

Among the adults I had other names mainly due to my father being only one of 10 lawyers in Gibraltar. I was known as Eric Ellul’s daughter or sometimes because of my grandfather La Nieta de Vincente el Peluquero.”

One of the biggest influences on culture at that time was Margaret Thatcher — the first woman Prime Minister of Britain. She made Isobel and others of her generation realise there were no limits in terms of their lives, and Isobel decided as she went through school she wanted to be a Civil Engineer. Still a time before free-for-all university she had to obtain her 12 points and successfully managed a place at Bath University. Physics, the subject a bane to many came into play.

No matter how hard she worked the subject did not come easily and she decided to take a year out. Working during the day, she went to night school and studied ‘A’ level Sociology, a subject which, she began to realise, interested her greatly. “I decided once the ‘A’ level was done to go back to Bath Uni and study for a degree in Sociology. In a sentence I suppose it is the ‘study of the development of society and how it works’.

“University also opened a new world of media for me as I became editor of the university magazine. After graduating I took a print journalism course in London and came back to Gibraltar where I started some freelance work with GBC. I then went back to London to work for a production company for a year and applied to the BBC graduate scheme along with 2000 others. I was fortunate to get through three interviews but in the end they advised me to get some experience away from the UK for a year and to reapply. I came back to Gibraltar.”

She started work for Straightvision Productions which made programmes for GBC and while here met her husband, Trevor. Clank clank splosh! Went the sound of the anchor on the good ship Isobel Ellul, subsequently to be Mrs Isobel Ellul Hammond.

After regular GBC news reading Isobel decided to take a post-graduate degree to become a teacher and worked for two years in a secondary school, until her children (two boys) came along. She then spent time as a supply teacher which gave her the freedom to look after her children, meet them from school and attend appointments. At around the same time she became involved in the Heritage Trust, being offered the chairmanship which she refused twice, the second time because at the age of 37 she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Over the next 18 months she went through the kind of unknowing only those who experience it can understand. She had an operation which saved her life and since that time she still nervously awaits the results of the regular check ups — so far the results remain good.

Post-op Isobel had other issues; unable to face the camera anymore she stopped doing Viewpoint and the news on GBC. She turned

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

people file

Isobel with other Gibraltar Breast Cancer Support fund-raisers

her experience inward and through an affinity with others who had suffered the same illness she decided to start the Gibraltar Breast Cancer Support charity. Heading to UK for a meeting she asked the UK charity to allow a franchise, which was constitutionally impossible, however they afforded her all the help she needed and they could give.

“We needed the Breast Cancer Care in Gibraltar,” she said. “There was minimal help or screening at the time so we began campaigning in 2007. We launched the calendar and charity first and since then we’ve held our Lunar Walks annually as well as many other things.

“In 2007 I also became a board member for the GHA because of my background, two years later I sat in on the then Chief Minister’s think tank.” This in itself broadened Isobel’s knowledge and perhaps laid the foundations in Peter Caruana’s mind for his future request that she join the GSD line-up.

What made her get into politics? “Well by now in constant contact with members of the GSD and public through the GHA I became involved loosely. In March of 2010 Peter Caruana asked me if I was interested in a career in politics.

Thinking back it is where my Sociology degree always pointed me.

“I have been involved in charity since I was a child from helping my dad on flag days and

What is an MBE?

visiting centres for the Handicapped Society, to charity carol singing at school, running the tuck shop and being a representative for International Youth Year in 1985. At university we founded Nightline, a support service for students through the night, I was editor of the magazine Spike, as well as being involved in many charity flag days. As an adult I did everything from President of the Parents’ Association, Trustee of the Heritage Trust, Clean Up the World, GHA Board and several others, not least Breast Cancer Support, the list is not endless but it is long, hard work and very enjoyable.

“The achievements we have made with Breast Cancer Care alone have been incredible raising more than £300K and lobbying the Bonita

“

The achievements we have made with Breast Cancer Care alone have been incredible raising more than £300K

”

The New Years Honours List states simply under the list for MBEs: “Mrs Isobel Marie EllulHammond. Formerly Charity Worker. For services to the community in Gibraltar.”

MBE stands for Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry established in 1917 by King George V, comprising five classes in civil and military divisions: Knight or Dame Grand Cross; Knight or Dame Commander; Commander; Officer; and Member.

The British monarch (Queen Elizabeth II) is Sovereign of the Order, and appoints all other members of the Order. Appointments are made, by convention and on the advice of the governments of the UK and some Commonwealth realms.

The Order is limited to 300 Knights and Dames Grand Cross, 845 Knights and Dames Commander, and 8960 Commanders. There are no limits applied to the total number of members of the fourth and fifth classes, but no more than 858 Officers and 1464 Members may be appointed per year.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

Trust to buy Gibraltar a €350K mammography unit along with many other gifts of aid both practical, financial and ongoing, too numerous to mention. So when I was asked, I genuinely believed it was the next step for me to help our community. I took about a year to decide and in honesty I asked my husband what he thought because without his belief and support I would not have done it. With incredible foresight he asked me would I still be interested even if we ended up in opposition. My answer was ‘yes’ and he said I should go for it.”

And what now, being in opposition?

“Well personally for me it is healthy, a great way of gaining Parliamentary experience and enjoying learning the processes involved.

Crucially I can continue in opposition without putting my family second and spend time with the kids — a perfect balance.”

What about four years time, what are you hoping for?

“I’m hoping for more women in politics and more support both for and from women in general. The public need to see women being more effective particularly in politics before they vote for them in greater numbers.”

In the New Year Honours List Isobel was awarded an MBE like her father. How does she feel about that?

“It is an incredible honour and I am thrilled, not only of the recognition for the charity, but that it is honouring not me in isolation but the whole team and committee which has worked so hard since 2007. It is a cliché but never more true now when I say I wouldn’t have been given it without them all. The thing is, I’ll never know who put my name forward, which I understand, but I am so thankful they appreciate what we do enough to put a pen to paper.”

In a sense Isobel, or at least her family, has come full circle. During his days as a lawyer her father Eric spent a lot of time in opposition to Sir Joshua Hassan in the courtroom. Now it is Isobel who sits in opposition to Fabian Picardo, the latest in a line of lawyers-cum-Chief Ministers. Could she take the family one step further and be Gibraltar’s first female Chief Minister?

No surprises, she wouldn’t be drawn on that one just yet. n

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Renaissance Beauty.......................J4 Roots.............................................T4 Leisure Complete Fitness.......................... R3 Dolphin Safari.............................. A3 Ocean Village Gym . ................... C4 Atlantic Suites Gym & Spa...........J9 Legal Services Hassans.............................................

Isolas.............................................E4 Medical / Health Bell Pharmacy.............................. N3 Claudia’s Clinic............................ K4 Dr. Crump, Steven, Chiropractor I4 Health Food Store........................ O4 Louis Pharmacy........................... H4 McTimoney chiropractor..............L4

John Miles - Chiropodist..............K7 Specialist Medical Clinic.............. I4 Sport-On - Sports Therapy...........K3 Steiner Chiropractor.....................K7 Pet Services / Supplies Gibraltar Veterinary Clinic..........H4 Property Sales / Estate Agents Chesterton........................................

Find-a-Property............................ P2 Seekers.........................................L3 Solomon Levy . ...........................U3 General Services Art Gallery...................................R4 Balban (electrician)......................H2 Balloqui . ..................................... P4 LP Borge......................................X3 Denville Designs.........................M3

Z6 Fashion House Interiors..............P2 Greenarc..................................... X5 Larbi upholstery......................... R3 Queensway Quay Laundrette..... X7 Seekers........................................L3 Space Interiors.............................I3 Shopping — General Retribution Clothing ...................J5 Sakata.........................................M4 Shopping — Fashion/Clothing Marble Arc......................................

Recruitment RecruitGibraltar......................... O6 Quad Consultancy...................... U3 Transport / Marine Services Gib Cargo................................... B8 Tarik Oil..................................... C8

P3

P2

CRAFT CLASSES - PHONE FOR INFO

K3 I3

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

63

history file

Richard Chenevix Trench

Archbishop’s Poem Inspired by the Rock

by Reg Reynolds

Richard Chenevix Trench was so moved on his first sighting of Gibraltar that he was inspired to compose a passionate poem about the mighty Rock.

My poetic talents are nil so I have no opinion on whether Trench’s sonnet is good, bad or indifferent but he was certainly a respected poet in his day, particularly among the religious sector.

A reviewer of one his collections wrote: “It may not be known to everyone that Richard Chenevix Trench is a poet as well as a divine; that he is the truest and one of the best of the poets of our day; that he has cultivated the music no less than the graver studies of the theologian and professor of divinity.

“In England, he is also recognised as a poet worthy to rank with the Herberts, the Hebers, the Kebles *[see note], and others of the

clergy, who have given utterances to strains of poesy as charming and soothing as they are instructive and elevating.”

The Christian Remembrancer magazine wrote of Trench, “We put him at the head of our present religious poets.”

The reason Trench was so pleased to see Gibraltar was because he had spent several months travelling throughout Spain and was relieved to have the company of like-minded folk who spoke the same language.

The year was 1830 and Trench was a callow 23-year-old who had had a comfortable upbringing and was undoubtedly shocked by some of what he saw in a Spain which was still recovering from the Peninsular Wars and was riven by civil strife which would lead to the first Carlist War four years later.

Trench was born on 9th September in Dublin and attended Harrow and later Cambridge where he England we love thee better than we know graduated from Trinity College in And this I learned after wanderings long 1829. His first collection, The Story of Justin Martyr and Other Poems ’Mid people of another stock and tongue, (Gibraltar included) was published and favourably received in 1835.

I heard again thy martial music blow, He went on to publish many And saw thy gallant children to and fro more collections and demonstrated his love of the English language Pace, keeping ward at one of those huge gates, with a book, The Study of Words, in 1851. The latter was followed by Which, like twin giants, watch the Herculean straits: English Past and Present (1855) and When first I came in sight of the brave show, A Select Glossary of English Words (1859).

It made my very heart within me dance,

Gibraltar

To think that thou thy proud foot shouldst advance Forward so far into the mighty sea; Joy was it and exultation to behold Thine ancient standard’s rich emblazonry, A glorious picture by the wind unrolled.

64

In 1857 Trench gave a talk to the Philological Society, “On some deficiencies in our English Dictionaries” and this is said to have inspired the creation of the Oxford New English Dictionary.

In January 1864 Trench was made Archbishop of Dublin. In the beginning his appointment was unpopular but he proved to be ‘liberal, genial and dignified’ and in time he came to be appreciated. He died in London on 28th March 1886. n * Note: George Herbert (The Altar), Reginald Heber (Lord of mercy and of might) and John Keble (Blest are the pure in heart) were all Anglican priests.

Trench was a callow 23-year-old... undoubtedly shocked by some of what he saw in a Spain which was still recovering from the Peninsular Wars and was riven by civil strife GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

arts file

15th February

GDFAS Ancient Persia Lecture Gibraltar Decorative & Fine Arts Society lecture entitled The Magnificence of Ancient Persia - The Art of Isfahan, Shiraz and ancient Persepolis by Christopher Bradley will take place on 15th February 2012.

Subject to invasions from both East and West, the arts of Persia are a blend of styles from Egypt, Greece and India, perhaps the most widespread Persian product being the game of chess, a word and concept originally from Sanskrit and India, followed by the proliferation of rugs such as kilims, decorated with natural flora and fauna.

In the 17th century, Persian Islamic Art reached unparalleled heights, especially at Isfahan, and in the 18th century, France introduced Europe to the existence of intelligent life in Persia, an otherwise alien nation, with the publication of Les Lettres Persanes.

In modern times it is easy to forget that only 50 years ago Iran was not famed for Ayatollahs and oil, but rather the stately pleasure domes of Omar Khayyam’s Rubaiyat, Persian gardens and the basreliefs of palaces in Persepolis and the Louvre. A world heritage store

of artistic treasure.

Author, lecturer and expert in the history and culture of the Middle East and North Africa, in the past Christopher Bradley has travelled extensively through these areas and led groups as an adventure tour leader. As a film producer and cameraman he made documentaries for the BBC, National Geographic TV and Channel 4. Christopher returns after his well-received lecture in 2009.

This fully-illustrated lecture will be given on Wednesday, 15th February at 7.30pm at the O’Callaghan Eliott Hotel after a drinks reception at 6.30pm. Visitors are welcome and pay £7.50 at the door. n For membership or other details of the Gibraltar Decorative & Fine Arts Society, affiliated to NADFAS in the UK, contact Ian Le Breton on 200 76173 email ilebreton@sovereigngroup.com or Claus Olesen on 200 02024 email: claus.olesen@sghambros.com

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

65

puzzle page

by Alan Gravett

SUDOKU

1

Win a lunch for two at

9

The Cannon Bar

2

4

3

5

6

8 10

11

12

13

14

15

16 18

22

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

One entry per person.

Closing date: 20th February 2012 Last month’s winner: M L Olivera, Benzimra’s Alley

7

17 19

20

21

Down 1) Horse rider (6) 2) Untied; promiscuous (5) 3) Overshadow; outperform dramatically (7) 5) Mission in Texas where Davy Crockett died (5) 6) eg: Victoria in London or Atocha in Madrid (7) 7) Assessment; grading (6) 8) Daring; enterprising (11) 14) One of no fixed abode (7) 15) Person or company who finances a sports or

other event (7) 16) Four-sided figure (6) 17) Support for person with walking difficulties (6) 19) Citizen of the Netherlands (5) 21) Slyness; boat; profession requiring skill (5)

23

24

25

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

Across 1) & 4) Roman general and writer who invaded

England (6,6) 9) Traversed; betrayed (7) 10) Separate (5) 11) Colon cleansing procedure (5) 12) Feeling (7) 13) Publicity for a product (11) 18) One who constructs (7) 20) Happen (5) 22) Group of 8 singers (5) 23) Person showing off sudden wealth or status (7) 24) Person from Nepal or India, associated

especially with British army (6) 25) Person of humble, unfortunate status (6)

FIRST PRIZE: Lunch for 2 at The Clipper

One entry per person.

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

Last month’s winner: Ferdinand Monteverde, 410 Portland House

Jotting Pad ...

LAST MONTH’S ANSWERS: Across: Haggis, Broker, Towrope, Getup, Harpo, Catcher, RobertBurns, Adipose, Uncle, Loins, Thehead, Ninety, Jester. Down: Hitthe, Gower, Isotop, Right, Kitchen, Report, Peacetreaty, Nailon, Opinion, Onset, Ukulele, Cleft, Bender.

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

66

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBrUARY 2012

arts file

Miss Gibraltar Calendar 2012: February

Larissa did an exceptional job, showing true professionalism, and the team was extremely happy with the results.

They would like to thank Priscilla Sacramento, the manage-

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

“

ment and staff of Room 101 in Puerto Banus, as well as their sponsor for this month, Itsomi (Blue Sotogrande), and of course, Gabriella Martinez for the great behind the scenes shots. n

I’m very inspired by retro feels and I really wanted to do a burlesque inspired look within the calendar

”

Photo by Gabriella Martinez

In this spectacular photo with a retro feel is Miss Gibraltar 2010, Larissa Dalli, with photography

by Jayden Fa, make-up by Deepak Ramchandani and art direction by Guy Baglietto.

The hat was designed by Gibraltar’s very own Priscilla Sacramento, who kindly contributed the item to be used in the shoot.

The photos were taken at Room 101 in Puerto Banus, an elegant and stylish bar which provided an excellent location for the type of ambience Jayden wanted to create.

“I’m very inspired by retro feels and I really wanted to do a burlesque inspired look within the calendar. I found this really retro bar in Puerto Banus, and I thought it was the perfect location to have the shoot,” Jayden explains.

“I used tungsten lighting instead of standard studio lights to create a rich, smokey and sultry feel for the photo, and I’m really pleased with the final result.”

For Deepak this was probably one of his favourite looks to create. “I created a classic, glamorous look, which was in keeping with the theme of burlesque, with very dramatic and striking make-up. As an artist is it very important to take the concept, and make the make-up look your own,” he explains.

Photo by Jayden Fa

For the month of February, we have this great shot from the latest project by Jayden Fa and Deepak Ramchandani, the Official Limited Edition Miss Gibraltar Calendar 2012 - Celebrating 50 Years of Beauty.

67

events

photos: Mike Brufal

Chief Minister’s Party for the Media

68

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

events

Gib DFAS lecture

photos: Mike Brufal

The Gibraltar DFAS’s well attended January lecture entitled Paintings inspired by music – and music inspired by paintings

by Peter Medhurst took place on 18th January at the O’Callaghan Eliott Hotel and was sponsored by KPMG. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

69

music file

mitch jansen’s MAGIC HANDS

by Sonia Golt

Mitch Jansen’s business card states Musician, Masseur — magic hands indeed. When I met him he was playing the trumpet at the Thursday evening Jazz Night at the Eliott Hotel so I took the opportunity to ask him about his life and his music.

Mitch was born in the Netherlands, as the seventh son, of seven brothers. His parents came from Java in Indonesia and he has travelled around the world settling in nearby Spain from where he frequently visits Gibraltar, especially when there’s an opportunity to express his talents.

Mitch came from a musical family and, like all his brothers, had the privilege of choosing an instrument he wished to learn how to play. On top of studying this instrument the brothers attended a music and ballet school in the evenings after normal school hours. “Because we were all very musically minded my parents wanted us to take these extra lessons so we could have a back up in the future,” he explains.

“As far back as I can recall we were always surrounded by music at home. The influence was great so I got interested in music from a very early age and even without realising it!

There was not a day that passed in my childhood that I did not hear music at home either from the radio, a player or from one of my brothers practising an instrument, sometimes the vibrations were pretty loud as more than one of my brothers took to their favourite instrument. The variety of instruments we played between us was impressive. So you can well imagine living in this type of musical environment, music was and is my passion.”

Singing was part and parcel of the studies at classical school, and the brothers had a

70

home choir sometimes with records playing as background music or sometimes just doing the harmony with their own voices. “We sounded pretty good most of the time. Luckily for all of us my father survived the Burma track while he was a Japanese prisoner of war to later join

“

the Dutch army after World War II — he was a great disciplinarian, so luckily he never treated us like the Jackson 5.”

At the age of 10, Mitch began playing the trumpet, which came easily to him. “The more I played, the easier it seemed,” he states.

There was not a day that passed in my childhood that I did not hear music at home either from the radio, a player or from one of my brothers practising an instrument

”

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

music file “They say practise makes perfect, so after a lot of practise I joined and became part of a brass orchestra.” He played with them for over 10 years, later joining a philharmonic orchestra for another two years.

“I recall that after finishing a nine-year classical education I should have had another year to prepare to enter the conservatorium, but this was not meant to be due to circumstances that stopped me from actually being accepted. But fortunately that same year various bands approached me to become their lead-trumpeter and sometimes even to sing in some acts,” he explains.

“I enjoy music so much that I forget everything else and have dedicated my time to the world of music playing in a variety of venues and places... trying out all sorts of music styles from pop music, to classic works by Bach and everything in between!” Oddly he adds “Probably the only type I did not choose at the time was traditional jazz, I was somehow roped into this later in life! I actually rolled into it and lucky for me became one of the better jazz-trumpetplayers in the Netherlands... this all happened in the late 1980s.”

With various Jazz-bands Mitch won the Philip Morris Award, the Breda Jazz-Concours and a series of other awards which led to live-studio programmes on television in the Netherlands.

This was followed by concerts, many festivals and other shows not only with Jazz bands but also with Jazz-Funk and Funk-Rock bands in many places around the world including Belgium, France, Germany, Czechoslovakia, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Spain, UK, North Africa, USA, and now Gibraltar.

Mitch arrived in Spain in 2005 and heard about the famous jam sessions in the Eliott Hotel; “I decided to come over and check it out for myself. As I had got acquainted with mainstream jazz a while back, this was the right venue for me and ever since then I have been joining the jazz players here. We all love this type of music and it is therefore gratifying to see that I can share my biggest passion with other musicians and with those who come to listen to this type of music because they too love it!”

Mitch plays the Flugelhorn and, although not yet in public shows, he also plays the chromatic harmonica. As a solo artist he says he has been very lucky to be roped in by a number of people to play at their weddings, for special birthday parties, shows or other events. “I love it, so I play as often as I can…”

Aside from his passion for music he loves to get involved in sports including rugby and golf. “Fitness and body-building was part of my life for 30 years and I have also worked as a personal trainer for over 25 years and put a few competitors on stage in Holland which led to them winning the first prize. This is why I also have the word ‘masseur’ on my business card — as due to winning this prize I decided

“

to study and become a sports masseur. I also took up studying shiatsu and foot-reflexology.

Another hobby I enjoy is Indonesian cooking, and by the look on the faces of those who try my food they seem to enjoy it!” n Jazz sessions take place every Thursday evening in the ground floor bar at the Eliott Hotel, Governor’s Parade. Entrance free.

I enjoy music so much that I forget everything else and have dedicated my time to the world of music playing in a variety of places... trying out all sorts of music styles

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!)

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

71

1946 photograph of Patricia Bath (right), hostess of the weekly BBC television magazine programme Picture Page, with Joan Gilbert, Editor of Picture Page

Vivien Leigh, John Gielgud and Tony Hancock are just three of the many stars who entertained the troops in Gibraltar during World War II.

by Reg Reynolds

BBC Presenter surprised Gibraltar Most of the entertainers came to sing, dance, act and tell jokes on the Rock under the auspices of ENSA (Entertainments National Service Association) but one exception who risked her life to come on her own volition was the hugely popular BBC television and radio presenter Joan Gilbert.

It was February, 1943, when the 36-year-old Gilbert braved the Luftwaffe (the famous actor Leslie Howard was killed when his plane was shot down in June the same year) to fly into Gibraltar, much to the surprise and delight of her many fans.

Gilbert had made her name in the early days of BBC television by hosting the popular televi-

72

sion programme Picture Page. When the BBC was forced to close down at the outbreak of war she was given a variety of jobs in wartime radio. She presented a number of the most popular radio programmes for the forces including Calling Gibraltar (also called Hello Gibraltar).

The Gibraltar Chronicle heralded the arrival of Gilbert, calling her the ‘First Lady’ and ‘The best known voice on the Rock’.

“I want to see the troops as they are,” she told the Chronicle, “and to find out what all those jokes ‘in the Rock’ really mean.”

Calling Gibraltar had been a smash hit from its very first broadcast which prompted a telegram signed by 80 police representing all ranks

on the Rock saying how much they enjoyed her show. So on arrival Gilbert was enthusiastically greeted by the soldiers, sailors, airmen and civilians, who had by then been listening to her warm and welcoming voice for two years.

At the time radio was one of the few sources of entertainment for enlisted men, many of whom worried that their wives and sweethearts had forgotten them. This prompted Calling Gibraltar producers to have loved ones send personal messages over the airwaves.

One high ranking officer praised these messages as being very good for morale: “Every man who received a message is a better man for ages afterwards, and spreads

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

history file

content to his fellows in a very definite and traceable manner.”

The remainder of the programme was devoted to popular music and it was reported that the Gibraltar Garrison favoured female singers Vera Lynn and Anne Shelton (crooner Bing Crosby being a male exception) along with the dance-band music of Geraldo and his Gaucho Tango Orchestra.

Although Geraldo’s music was South American he was born in London and his real name was Gerald Walcan Bright.

It had been Governor Lt. General Sir Noel Mason-Macfarlane who had first suggested Gilbert visit the Rock when he met her on a visit to the BBC studios. But it was the editors of The Rock magazine, Padre Gladstone and Reg Cudlipp, who organised the actual tour.

Gilbert was taken to see tunnelling works in progress, visited the Governor’s Cottage, various gun batteries and outposts and the Irishman’s Society where she was made ‘Honorary President’. She also attended a dance at the Colonial Hospital.

When Gibraltar Calling was broadcast she joined soldiers to listen to the programme being presented by her substitute Olive Groves. “We envy you at Gibraltar,” announced Groves.

Gibraltarians must have smiled at the irony of this message as so many of them had been evacuated from safe, warm Gibraltar with its

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

bright lights and fresh fruit and vegetables to dark, dangerous London with is blackouts, bombings and ration books.

After returning to London and resuming her broadcasts Gilbert told her Gibraltar listeners, “I thought I knew you all as well as I could but to really get to know you I had to connect.”

Joan Gilbert was born in Cambridge on 11th August, 1906. She was just 17 when her father (following a round of golf with a BBC executive) got her a job at the BBC as a typist-secretary.

She quickly elevated to the status of personal assistant to producer WH Hanson (In Town Tonight).

When, in 1936, Cecil Madden began editing a new television programme called Picture Page he offered Gilbert a job as a roving reporter, her task being to seek out newsworthy personalities on a weekly basis.

When Gibraltar Calling was broadcast she joined soldiers to listen to the programme being presented by her substitute Olive Groves. “We envy you at Gibraltar,” announced Groves

After the war Gilbert was offered the job as editor of Picture Page (Madden having moved on to production) and when no suitable presenter was found she was asked to host the programme. She proved to be a natural and the hour-long show was one of the first television programmes to win major acclaim. It was estimated that by 1950 Gilbert had found more than 1,500 personalities for the programme.

By 1951 Picture Page had become the longest running TV programme in the world but there were problems. While many loved Picture Page others saw nothing in it. Gilbert’s appeal was not universal. In 1952 Television Annual magazine reported that she had “an irrepressible, almost irresponsible vivacity which goes on winning her legions of admirers of both sexes” but also wrote that she was “…amusing, worried, chirpy, erratic and unpredictable. And still the viewing families argue about her.”

Picture Page was cancelled in 1952 and in the summer of 1953 Gilbert left the BBC to freelance.

She worked sporadically after that and in the late ’50s her career faded to black. She died on 29th January, 1991.

There can’t be many forces personnel remaining who were stationed at Gibraltar in the winter of 1943 but it’s good bet they will recall with fondness the surprise visit of the gutsy Joan Gilbert. n

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events

The 3 Kings Ride Again The Three Kings Cavalcade was as spectacular as ever this year as it processed down Main Street to the cheering crowds on 5th January. Well done to all those who took part in any way — a great event. n

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

history file

Gibraltar Stowaway was Dutch Eccentric

by Reg Reynolds

With the regular crew numbering nearly 1,000, and a couple of hundred young midshipmen added to the mixture, it was probably relatively easy to go unnoticed aboard a giant battleship like USS Texas.

That is precisely what Arend Van Westerholt managed to do in the summer of 1924.

Or at least the young Dutchman claimed he went unnoticed.

It wasn’t until the Texas berthed at Norfolk, Virginia that Westerholt was discovered in a boiler room. He was arrested and ordered to be deported but on the day he was to sail back to Holland the US Navy ordered an inquiry to discover how he had survived on board for two weeks, apparently without anyone being the wiser.

The Texas had been sailing the Atlantic and Mediterranean on a training cruise for cadets from the US Naval Academy. Gibraltar was among the ports of call and Westerholt claimed it was there he snuck aboard the Texas. He said he survived by sleeping in a boiler room and eating chocolate he had

purchased before boarding.

Immigration officials listed Westerholt’s age as 24 and reported he was a nobleman, the son of a baron, and that he wanted to join the US Navy. He was definitely well connected because the Dutch Consul was quick to come to his assistance and posted a $500 bond for bail. It was also reported that Westerholt had been wired $1,000 from his father and he had gone shopping with the Consul.

Newspapers speculated that Westerholt may have been smuggled aboard the Texas by some of the midshipmen. It seems quite plausible. The young Dutchman meets, drinks with and befriends some equally young midshipmen who as a prank smuggle him aboard the battleship.

I could find no newspaper reports of Westerholt’s fate but the most likely scenario would be that after the inquiry he was deported to Holland. There is no record of any midshipmen being punished for aiding and abetting the stowaway.

Through investigation on the internet I believe the stowaway of the newspaper reports was Arend Baron Van Westerholt of Hackfort. The Baron, who was born on 23rd October, 1898 and died on 9th October, 1970, would have been about the right age (25) at the time of the stowaway incident and his biography shows he was sufficiently eccentric to attempt such a thing.

When his father died in 1934 Westerholt inherited the large family estate, Hackfort, and maintained it in as natural manner as possible.

He was known to locals as a very stubborn man. He never allowed electricity on the estate.

His obituary records that on his death not only was Hackfort still deprived of electricity but also gas and piped water. “I with a kerosene lamp was born and would also die,” was a favourite comment from the Baron who, not surprisingly, never married.

The boiler room of USS Texas was probably luxury compared to life at Hackfort. n

“I with a kerosene lamp was born and would also die,” was a favourite comment from the Baron who, not surprisingly, never married

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

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food & drink

Cafe Rojo keeps customers happy Cafe Rojo, the cosy and comfortable little restaurant on Irish Town with the personal touch, is now in its sixth year of trading and its popularity remains as strong as ever.

Host Annette and chef Luis keep the menu fresh and tempting by changing it every 3-4 months and it contains something to please everyone from delicious duck and salmon, steak and tuna, to pastas, salads and risottos with an unusual twist.

And there are specials daily which include freshly caught fish, soups and mains. Vegetarians will be more than happy with the varied selction and the food is always consistently good.

The restaurant is open for morning coffee from 10am right through lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Popular with local business people, Cafe Rojo closes on Sundays and Saturday lunchtimes but can get very very busy at lunch and dinner so make sure you reserve your table in advance (tel: 200 51738).

Host Annette, Chef Luis and staff memeber Sarah always service with a smile

Cafe Rojo is also a popular place for intimate parties and celebrations of all types, enhanced by the friendly atmosphere and dedicated staff. Well worth a visit any time of day. 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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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

food & drink

the Soul Man Sings

Mr Maph...

There is live music from the amazing Mr Maph live every Saturday Night while you dine at Savannah, Leisure Island, Ocean Village. Expect classics from Stevie Wonder, Lionel Ritche and many more Motown favourites. To book a table Tel: Savannah 200 66666 or email info@savannah.gi n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

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food & drink

Valentine’s Delights

by Fifty-Five Chef Scott Casey

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, this month’s recipes are nice and easy so you can woo your loved ones with a romantic meal for two. However, if you prefer to let someone else do the cooking — why not let Scott cook them for you at Fifty-Five?

Crispy Skin 5 Spiced Duck Breast Serves 2 2

2 tbs 1 tsp 1 1/2 1

100g

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Duck breast, trimmed, and the fat scored in a criss cross fashion 5 spice powder ground cinnamon bok choi cabbage, shredded finely Chinese cabbage, shredded finely small pack of tender stem broccoli, cut in half mange tout, cut into half centimetre strips on the angle

1/2

1/2 1 clove 100ml

100ml 1 tsp 1 tsp 200g

3cm

5 tbs 2 tbs

red pepper, cut into thin strips, seeds removed red onion, cut thinly garlic, minced Ketchup Manis (Indonesian soy sauce) Thai sweet chilli sauce sesame oil water golden shallots, peeled and sliced finely fresh ginger, peeled and grated as finely as possible palm sugar cold water

Pre-heat the oven to 220 degrees. Trim the duck breasts of any excess fat and place into a bowl. Add the 5 spice powder and ground cinnamon. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.

Mix well to combine and coat well. Place in the fridge to marinate overnight if time or a couple of hours.

Next prepare the vegetables. Mix together well in a separate bowl.

For the jam, add all the ingredients to a pan and bring to the boil. Turn down to a simmer for 15 minutes, just be careful and check regularly. Remove and blend until smooth. Set aside.

To assemble heat a non-stick pan with a little vegetable oil until smoking point. Add the duck breasts skin side down first and cook until the skin is slightly coloured (not black) and then turn over and cook for another minute.

Remove and place on a baking tray skin side down and roast for about 10-12 minutes, or until the breast is firm to touch. Remove from the oven and rest in a warm place for at least 3 minutes.

Meanwhile heat another pan with the sesame oil until just starting to smoke and throw in all the vegetables. Stir fry quickly for 2 minutes, turning regularly. Add the ketchup manis, water and sweet chilli sauce and toss well to combine. Cook for another 3-4 minutes or until the sauce thickens.

Place a nice pile in the centre of a warmed plate. Slice the duck breast on a 45 degree angle and fan this over top of the vegetables, remembering to make it look sexy. Place a nice dollop of the jam on top of the duck and serve. n

Crab Crusted Sea bream Fillet, Sweet corn and chive mash, asparagus, shaved fennel and watercress salad Serves 2 2 x 180g sea bream fillets 100g white crab meat 1 egg white 50g grated parmesan 2 tbs finely chopped chives 1 tsp cream

Salt and pepper 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into

2cm chunks 4 tbs sweetcorn kernels 1 tbs finely chopped chives

salt and pepper 1 small bunch asparagus, trimmed and

blanched in boiling salted water

until al dente, then plunged into ice

water 50ml white wine 1 juice, small lemon 1 tbs cream 200g salted butter, cut into half centimetre

cubes 1/2 bulb fennel, shaved squeeze lemon juice 1/2 handful watercress 1 tbs red onion 1/2 tbs olive oil

salt and pepper

Pre-heat the oven to 180ºC. Place the pota-

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • February 2012

food & drink

toes in a pot and cover with cold well salted water. Bring to the boil and then simmer until tender enough to mash. Strain and mash with a potato ricer.

Heat some cream and a nice chunk of salted butter until just boiling and the butter has melted. Add to the mashed potato and mix well until smooth and creamy. Add the sweetcorn and chopped chives. Check seasoning and set aside.

For the crust simply combine all the ingredients and mix well. Check seasoning and then set aside.

To make the sauce combine the wine and lemon juice in a small pan. Bring to the boil and simmer for 3 minutes. Then add the cream and simmer for another 3 minutes. Then while on the heat slowly add the butter, whisking until the butter has melted into the mix and it is a nice sauce consistency. Set aside in a warm place.

Heat a large non-stick frying pan with a little vegetable oil, add the fish fillets skin side down first and fry for 1 minute. Turnover and cook for a further 30 seconds. Remove and place on a non-stick baking tray. Spoon over the crab crust and smear across the fillet evenly. Bake for 5 minutes with the asparagus or until the fish fillet is cooked.

Meanwhile, to assemble heat the mash in the microwave. Place a nice spoonful in the centre of a heated plate. Top this with the asparagus,

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

then the crusted fish fillet. Mix the fennel, red onion, watercress, lemon juice and olive oil well and place a nice little bit on top of the fish.

Drizzle the sauce around the edge of the plate and away you go. n

White Chocolate & Rose Scented Panna Cotta with Chocolate dipped Strawberries Serves 2 500ml 150ml 25g 100g

4 4

250g 1 small

and add the gelatine sheets. Once again whisk well to combine then strain the mix into a jug.

Pour the mix into panna cotta moulds and set in the fridge for 4-5 hours before serving.

For the chocolate dipped strawberries, dip them into the melted chocolate and cover about ž of the way up the strawberry. Place these onto a sheet of baking paper and set in the fridge.

To assemble turn out the panna cotta onto a plate. Arrange the strawberries (in a heart shape) around the panna cotta and dust with some icing sugar. n

cream full cream milk caster sugar white chocolate, broken up into small cubes tbs rose water gelatine sheets, soaked in warm water for 5-8 minutes and then squeezed dry dark and milk chocolate melted punnet of strawberries, washed

In a large heavy based pan add the cream, milk, sugar and rose water. Bring to the boil and then simmer. Slowly add the white chocolate and whisk in until it has melted into the cream and milk mix. Remove from the heat

Chef Scott Casey

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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.

Fifty-Five Private Member’s Club 267 Main Street Tel: 200 79655

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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.

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 Gibraltar’s premier Private Member’s Club to book your function or event. where members can enjoy fine dining and impeccable service in luxurious surroundThe Waterfront ings. Open for lunch and dinner Monday to Queensway Quay Marina Saturday also offering a daily Business Lunch Tel: 200 45666 menu. Once a month 55 opens for traditional www.gibwaterfront.com Sunday lunch and holds a variety of culinary The Waterfront, established for over 16 years, themed evenings i.e. Thai/Japanese Fusion. is situated on the quayside at Queensway The main bar offers a full bar snack menu Quay Marina; the epitome of peace and and is the perfect place after a long day at tranquillity. Open seven days a week from work. On Thursday and Fridays you can 9am until late the restaurant offers everything relax to the mix of Soul & ’80s music by 55’s from a cup of tea or coffee right through resident DJ, take advantage of Happy Hour to three course meals with Champagne! A and enjoy the sushi menu from 6pm. Special comprehensive bar snack menu is available occasions or important business clients can all day from 10.15am; the a la carte menu be entertained in the Private Dining Room from midday through to 10.30pm, featuring (up to 10 people). Afternoon tea Thursday to daily specials. The barbecue grill is open Saturday -6pm. For info on membership or to daily from 7pm offering sumptuous steaks, make a reservation for lunch or dinner so you aged in-house, and fabulous fish including can enjoy the 55 experience contact Louise by dorada and sea bass. A delicious array of phone or email louise@fifty-five.gi desserts and ice creams are also available.

Boasting extensive terraces the restaurant Nunos Italian Restaurant and Terrace provides the ideal location for summer ‘al Caleta Hotel, Catalan Bay fresco’ dining and drinking with stunning For a reservations Tel: 200 76501 sunsets. Also catering for large party bookE-mail reservations@caletahotel.gi ings including weddings, holy communions, Overlooking the Mediterranean from Catalan birthdays etc the Waterfront is the ideal venue Bay, Nunos’ Spanish chef with Three Star for any occasion.

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. informaleating 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). Amin's The Office From the main dishes you can choose from a 30 Parliament Lane. Tel: 200 40932 variety of fresh fish and meat dishes. Or you Sit down, informal and friendly restaurant. could go for the house speciality of fresh, Amin is well known in Gibraltar for his home-made pasta where you can choose from Moroccan, Spanish and international cuisine. a wide range of options. Open: Monday to Open early for breakfast at 7am right through Saturday 19.30 to 22.30 and lunchtimes for the day. Try the Moroccan soups, couscous, lamb tagines and kebabs. group bookings.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

Open: 7.00am to midnight.

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 FusionDeli is a great little takeaway which specialises in delicious and freshly cooked Malaysian food plus some old farvourites.

It is innovative, tasty and affordable and all served in the iconic noodle box. Breakfast of giant toast, bagels or croissant. Lunches of Malaysian curries, noodles with various sauces and veg, chicken, beef or prawns. Old favs of salads, egg fried rice, wanton chips, and chippy curry sauce. Plus a variety of wraps, pitta breads and baps (with curry, barbecue pork or chicken, or beef steak).

And don't forget the cakes and pudding plus coffees and soft drinks. Well worth a visit.

Open: 11am-4.30pm Get Stuffed Marina Bay. Tel: 200 42006 Take-away, sandwich bar and hot food.

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

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

Ideal meeting place.

Open: Monday - Saturday from 9am.

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

Open: 8am - 4.30pm Monday to Friday.

Mumbai Curry House Unit 1.0.02 Ground Floor, Block 1

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

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.

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 • FEBRUARY 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••FEBRUARY FEBRUARY2012 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 column

Sometimes there just isn’t anything to complain about...

an extra day’s work Since it is a leap year, we all have to do an extra day’s work this month for (if paid yearly or monthly) no extra pay. This may be tempered by getting a day rent-free or an extra day’s insurance but that does not really make up for it. On the other hand, we all get an extra day off because of the Queen’s Jubilee — and, now, to remember all those injured at work — so I suppose there are swings and roundabouts.

But it is notable that my first thought was to complain.

As a child I was always being told to count my blessings, remember the starving in Africa, be grateful for small mercies, retain stiffness in the upper lip and so on.

I have not noticed that the world’s problems have diminished greatly as a result of these exhortations.

A psychologist would probably say that the only tangible result has been to make me emotionally repressed and suffering from all sorts of guilt syndromes. Nevertheless, when faced with any change to the normal routine, my first thought — and that of most humans — is to complain.

Why should this be? In Gibral-

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tar we are lucky enough, in the main, to enjoy a high standard of living, minimal unemployment, reasonable housing and so on.

The public finances may not be quite as rosy as we thought but even the new government does not suggest that they are in as parlous a state as, say, in Greece.

The amount of cars clogging the roads seems to indicate that most

people have money to waste on unnecessary trinkets. And the sun shines — although we all complain bitterly when it doesn’t. What are we complaining about? What is wrong with us?

Greed, sloth and envy are to blame. I do not want to appear all pious. In the same way as the devil has all the best tunes, any one person demonstrating all seven of

We are all liable to commit the seven deadly sins. The three I mention above just seem to occur more often

the virtues must be most appalling to live with. Imagine being immediately forgiven every time you make a mistake. Imagine never spending money imprudently.

Imagine a life of temperance...

But I digress. We are all liable to commit the seven deadly sins. The three I mention above just seem to occur more often.

How does one cure this problem? Easily: the world always looks better through a wine glass.

By this I do not mean to suggest that we should all develop wine glass goggles so that every problem is solved, every lady is beautiful and every gentleman

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

wine column handsome (until the following morning). Rather, I propose that one glass (or possibly two) of a decent drop relieves tension and stress, provides a warm glow in the interior, and allows one to view the rest of fallible humanity with a more equable eye. Throughout history we read of arguments settled and friendships made over a shared bottle. Lemonade does not have the same effect.

The quality of the bottle is fairly important. While many a snobbish Roman would declare, in a self-satisfied manner, that he was invited that evening to dine with the Borgias, there were not many who boasted that they had dined last night with the Borgias. So, whether or not there are additions to the bottle, for the full effect of benignity to operate the wine should not be reminiscent of vinegar. Try a Barolo (£6.49, reduced from £8.49 at Morrison’s). This is a light — Roman — wine which accompanies all foods well but does not insist on being noticed. It will provide an immediate softening of any hard feelings; even Lucrezia might have enjoyed it.

There remains the problem of envy. Bankers various, politicians of all hues, and anyone higher up the job ladder is generally a source of contempt — as in ‘I could do a much better job if they would

give me the chance’. Once again, the glass will help. A petit Chablis (£7.00 from Anglo Hispano) will remind you that, not being a banker or a politician, you are not held in contempt by your fellows.

Even your boss may appear to have a few redeeming features (after the second glass). If ­— and this is not a recommendation — you go as far as a third glass you may find that the world is generally a pleasant place. Even bankers may be justified in existing.

Complaint, as I have mentioned, seems to be a natural part of the human condition. But another natural product can help to dissipate this disagreeable part of our nature and improve the lot of humanity. It is worth a try.

Any complaints about this column should be directed to the editor, known to me as ‘er upstairs.

Doubtless any reader considers that he or she could write it better, recommend other wines, and not waste the time of the readers.

While you contemplate the furious remarks you will be making in your letter to ‘er upstairs, I recommend opening a bottle of Calvet claret (£6.50 from Morrison’s).

This will assist you in finding the mots justes. After composing the letter, read over it. You may be surprised to find that it is complimentary. n

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 • FEBRUARY 2012

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ers

essful ice-skat

Gibraltar ’s succ

February is, of course, the month for lurrrrvvv... especially this year, as not only do we have Valentine’s Day on 14th but also it is a Leap Year so women everywhere can do the proposing! If your man is being sluggish in the committment stakes, get down on one knee and do the asking girls... (See our wedding feature pages 32-39 for inspiration).

photo: David Rodriguez

If romance is not on your mind, pop along to the Gibraltar Classic Vehicle Association’s classic vehicle display at Casemates on Sunday 5th February from 11am - 2pm. If you are young and in a more creative mood enter the Young Artists competition in the middle of the month. Email: minculture@ gibtelecom.net for details. If you are feeling more culturally minded there is a talk as part the Gibraltar Museum Spring Lecture Series on Thursday 9th February at 8.30pm at the John Mackintosh Hall (free of charge) by Dr Darren Fa of the Gibraltar Museum entitled Pristine Nature or Cultural Landscape? And on 15th Feb it is the GibDFAS Ancient Persia lecture at the Eliott Hotel. So there is no excuse for not exercising your grey matter even if your New Year’s resolution to work-out at the gym has already fallen by the wayside!

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This page and opposite: the amazing Cavalcade 2012

photo: Louise Hall

photo: David Rodriguez

Sporting Heroes This month GBC presenter Jonathan Scott and wife Catherine will run the Seville Marathon for AKIN children’s charity (see page 57) and Eddie Lucas will climb Kilimanjaro and shave his head at the top (see page 27) to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research... What fun charity event could

New Year celebrations at 55 (this photo and right)

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

you do to raise money for a worthwhile cause? We’d like to hear from you if you have a mad, amusing or fun event to raise funds for something deserving like Eddie, Jonathan and Catherine.

Ice, Ice, Babies...

On Saturday 21st January, eight of Jenni’s Academy’s top ice-skaters entered the first official NISA British Competitive Test held in Gibraltar at the King’s Bastion Ice Rink (NISA International Judge, Noel Grimshaw, was flown in to adjudicate). All eight passed with flying colours — well done girls! (See photo above.) The next step for the team is to compete at Blackpool Ice Festival in April. Jenni says anyone interested in learning to skate should contact her by email jennichampagne@hotmail.co.uk or turn up at the rink on Sundays at 10.15am or Wednesday at 6.30pm for a trial lesson or info. All ages and levels welcome!

Celebration Time...

Many happy returns this month to the lovely Carmen Gomez on 6th February (see article page 46). Writer for this magazine, Reg Reynolds, celebrates on 1st February, while Ruth of Verdi Verdi will look not a day older on Valentine’s Day, Rob Parker of Beacon Information Systems celebrates the day after, and our very own Chief Minister Fabian Picardo adds another notch to his belt on 18th February, the Duke of Edinburgh Award’s Michael Pizzarello gets a year older on 21st February, while youth worker Charlene Figueras celebrates on the Leap Day 29th February. Congratulations to them all and to everyone else who has their special day this month. Belated happy birthday to Yolanda of Isolas who celebrated her 80th birthday last month, and she is still looking youthful and working away after 43 years at the firm! See pics page 17.

Big congratulations to Amanda (of Hassans) and Scott Simmons on the birth of their gorgeous baby girl Philipa Goff Simmons who weighed in at 7lbs 7.5oz.

photo: Louise Hall

Well that’s it for this month, next month Spring will be, well springing... whatever happened to the winter! See you on Main Street...

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2012

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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 • FEBRUARY 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

The Sea Scouts drum section with Champion of Champions, Jim Kilpatrick

Champion Drummer visits Sea Scouts Pipe Band In January world record drummer Jim Kilpatrick visited the Gibraltar Sea Scouts Pipe Band and gave a master class to the band’s drum section.

An expert drummer, Jim Kilpatrick has won the World Drum Corps Championships 18 times (11 in a row from 1988-1998), the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association World Solo Drumming Championships 16 times and is the current holder of the Champion of Champions title, a title he’s won three times.

Principle Percussion instructor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and examiner to the Scottish Qualifications Authority, Jim is regularly invited to teach in schools and colleges all over the world.

Med Golf News Med Golf returned to

Estepona for the first of two visits during 2012.

The players enjoyed a great day out with very fast greens. The event was an overdue win for Med Golf regular Steve Cary who won the Lord Nelson Trophy and two green fees on San Roque, Old Course with a score of 39pts.

There are 3 handicap categories and winner of Category 1 (0-12 handicap) was John Hunter 34pts, runner up Rory Leader 30pts. Winner of category 2 (13-21 handicap) was Louis Calvente with 31pts, runner up David Liu 25pts.

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 • FEBRUARY 2012

At the Sea Scouts HQ he gave a talk on getting the most out of the drums (which included snare, tenor and bass drums).

Jim is also an endorser for Pearl Music Worldwide and recently the Sea Scout’s band acquired the top of the range Pearl FFX Pipe Band Series snare drum. It was therefore a great opportunity to get advice from a renowned expert.

The talk was followed, to the delight of the local drum section, with a demonstration of drum playing skills. n

Winner 3rd category (22-36 handicap) was Iqbal Dharamsi 34pts, runner up Geoff Slade 32pts.

Top team went to Javi and John Hunter with an 65 pts. 3 nearest the pins were, Geoff Slade, Peter Warren and Dave Pinniger. Best gross on par 3s was Joe Sanchez. Peter Warren won longest drive. Best senior was Denny To. ‘Rabbit’ prize of a golf lesson went to Malcolm Hunter.

Med Golf has a Facebook page contaning photos and video from competition day. For schedule visit www.teetimespain.com or Tel: Johnathan 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 • FEBRUARY 2012

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