Wiltshire Branch Revisit The Rock of Gibraltar

Six couples from our branch and one guest couple (RoyalArtillery) who live in Warminster recently spent a long weekend in Gibraltar. For some it was their fi rst visit, others had been stationed in Gibraltar. The Royal Green Jackets served twice in Gibraltar. The 2nd Battalion in 1975 – 1977, the 3rd Battalion in 1989 - 1991.

On arrival the group were welcomed by brilliant sunshine which carried on throughout the weekend. The new all singing and dancing Gibraltar International Airport looked very impressive compared to the old which was waiting to be demolished. late, however they were on holiday. We were met by Gail Francis who was Miss Gibraltar in 1985, won Miss World that year and is now the Manager of The Gibraltar Tourist Board who along with Andy our driver/guide took us on a four hour guided tour of The Rock of Gibraltar. We visited all the tourist attractions, St Michaels Caves, The Great Siege Tunnels and the Barbary (Rock) Apes which now roam quite freely around the whole of Gibraltar even down to the Main Street Area. Gail also took us into the new Cruise liner terminal and showed us a cruise liner which is currently being converted into a 5* fl oating hotel which when completed will be moored in the new Ocean Village Marina.

A visit to South Barracks which is now a school brought memories fl ooding back as this was where The Rifl e Companies were stationed. The drinking haunts of the Wembley Bar and Edinburgh Arms are still there as if time has stood still.

The people in the group photo are:

Back row. Phil Ashby, Gary Bryne, Andy (tour guide), Bob Holcombe, Dave Richards, Bob Maddocks, Dave Caws, Alan Robinson, Gail Francis (Gibraltar Tourist Board). Front row: Val Ashby, Elaine Holcombe, Dawn Richards, Jan Maddocks, Maggs Caws, Jane Robinson and Chris Byrne.

It was then all aboard a mini-bus with suitcases in a trailer for the short journey to The Bristol Hotel. Check In was swift and painless. A quick unpack and then down to Main Street for light refreshment in The Star Bar followed by a meal in The Horse Shoe pub.

That evening two taxi’s took us to Devils Tower Camp the home of The Gibraltar Regiment where we were met byWO1 Gary Mitchell, Gibraltar Command Warrant Offi cer who hosted welcome drinks and a bite to eat in the WO’s & SR Mess. You cannot beat a good old Military style curry and lasagne.

After a continental breakfast on Friday all were on parade for our Rock Tour. Bob and Jan Maddocks were nearly Show Paraded for being Europa Point the most southerly point in Europe had recently had a facelift, however now that Gibraltar has been accepted into UEFA this will be the site for a 38,000 seater Football stadium.

That evening a reservation had been made at The Waterfront Restaurant on The Ragged Staff Marina to celebrate the 25th Wedding Anniversary of Dave and Maggs Caws and the 30th Wedding Anniversary of Phil and Val Ashby. The setting and location were excellent. Saturday was a day for couples to explore the Rock for themselves. Gary and Chris Bryne, Phil and Val Ashby and Dave Caws tackled The Mediterranean Steps via Lathbury Barracks. The Gurkha Regiment had refurbished The Steps in 2007 and what an excellent job they had done making it easier to climb. Bob and Jan Maddockswent to fi nd their Private hire fl ats which they had lived in as Married Quarters in the Seventies. The remainder Bob and Elaine Holcombe, Alan and Jane Robinson, Dave and Dawn Richards and Maggs Caws stayed in the centre of Gibraltar and visited the new Ocean Village complex.

On Sunday the group met back up with WO1 Gary Mitchell who is one of the Military Tunnel