The Gibraltar Magazine, February 2009

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

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

gibraltar the

magazine

features

February 2009 Vol. 14 No. 04 FREE

What Exactly is Gibraltar’s Status?

A Heritage Visionary...

2009February.indd 1

Slap in Face leaves 400 Dead

Come Fly with Me

What Exactly is Gibraltar’s Status?

Reputation €

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A Formidable Reputation

Mail Box on Main Street

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Volume 14, Number 04 February 2009 The Gibraltar Magazine is published monthly by Guide Line Promotions Limited, PO Box 561, PMB 6377 Gibraltar Tel or fax (+350) 200 77748 E-mail: gibmag@gibraltar.gi www.TheGibraltarMagazine.com Editor: Andrea Morton Copyright © 2009 by Guide Line Promotions Limited. All rights reserved.

No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written consent of The Gibraltar Magazine.

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Gigi Sene: Turning Points A Formidable Romance, Tragedy & the Perfect Gift!

A Clear View of Life Interview: A Union Man

leisure & activites 34 Music File: Producing the Goods 38 Events: Our Lady of Europe 46 Taking to the Skies:

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73 What’s On: February 94 Clubs & Activities Guide information 54-55 City Centre Map 98 Gibraltar Information

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

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Carl Viagas: A Heritage Visionary

business & finance 8 Business & Finance Guide 9 Pound for Pound 12 When the Smoke Clears € 14 Online Social Media

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for Small Businesses From Regulated to Regulator Investment: The Year Ahead Exporting to the World

history 32 Gibraltar was Safe

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Haven for Pulitzer Slap in the Face Leaves 400 Dead Writer’s Last Days on the Rock

regulars 56-61 Health & Medical Directory 70 Gibraltar’s Wild Flowers 74 Prize Puzzle food & drink 82-91 Wining & Dining on the Rock 82 Pancake Day € 86 Wine Column 87 Restaurant & Bar Guide 88-90 Where to Eat and Drink

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

22/1/09 08:28:35

business & finance profile finance

by Marcus Killick

Pound for Pound In last month’s column Ian le Breton wrote about the financial crisis and suggested a few ways in which we should all review our finances this New Year. One of the most troubling aspects, especially for those of us who live in Gibraltar or Spain, is the euro exchange rate against the pound.

Just before Christmas, the exchange rate approached parity — where one pound buys just one euro. Indeed, in the run up to Christmas, the local bureaux de change were offering €0.97 for each pound you gave them. People have asked me why this is happening — and what is likely to happen to the rate in the next few months. It would be foolish to make predictions but here are some thoughts. As always in this column, these are purely personal reflections.

Firstly, why is this happening? In the good old days my economics tutor told me that exchange rates were mainly a reflection of differing interest rates between the two countries involved. To an extent this is still true. But look at the sterling/US dollar rate in recent months.

The official US interest rate is now close to zero, while in Britain it is still somewhat higher — yet the pound has fallen significantly in US dollar terms since last summer. True, the European Central Bank rate is stubbornly higher than the Bank of England equivalent but this is not the whole story.

So why are we suffering this horrible exchange rate? Former US President Bill Clinton might have said “it’s the economy, stupid”. Put simply, the UK economy is clearly in recession.

Due to its high dependence on the housing market and lack of manufacturing base, the situation in Britain is worse than the eurozone.

For some this is good news. Goods and services

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

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produced in the UK are now cheaper in real terms for international buyers, but for us there is nothing positive about the pound’s rapid devaluation What is likely to happen to the exchange rate in 2009? This will depend on how well Britain weathers the economic storm compared to other countries. In particular, we should consider those countries that use the euro — the eurozone. On January 1, Slovakia became the sixteenth country to join the single currency.

Therein lies the problem for the European Central Bank. The “one size fits all” interest rate highlights the difficulty European policy

Most economists seem to think that whilst we are in for a period of sterling weakness against the euro, it is likely that the pound will eventually recover

makers face when comparing the financial situation in the widely differing economies of Europe. The euro is now ten years old (although notes and coins did not appear until 2002); it is fast becoming a world reserve currency to rival the US dollar. The European Central Bank is naturally keen to continue this trend. In the meantime the relative strength of the euro is bad news for those of us who think in pounds — and our American cousins for whom Europe has become exceedingly expensive in euro terms in recent years.

Most economists seem to think that whilst we are in for a period of sterling weakness against the euro, it is likely that the pound will eventually recover somewhat as Europe faces up to the fact the recession across the continent is deeper than many had thought just a few months ago.

But this may take some time — and remember that pound/euro parity is not a magic “floor”; there is no reason, I’m afraid to say, why the pound may not sink further below 1:1 in the short term — although let’s hope that situation does not last very long if it happens.

In the meantime, what should we be considering in our day to day lives to mitigate the effects of this problem? Most people working in Gibraltar earn pounds but spend euro. Those who actually live in Spain must convert almost all their earnings into euro, and even those, like me, who live in Gibraltar, still visit Spain all the

22/1/09 08:28:39

finance time. So we are all in the same boat. The most obvious thing to do is to spend as much in Gibraltar as possible. Bring the car in (remember the queues are now a lot shorter) and buy your monthly supplies at one of Gibraltar’s excellent supermarkets. The range of available products is the same as you can find in the UK. Gibraltar is of course well-known for cheaper drink, tobacco and other goods, so stock up — but remember to declare at customs as you cross back into Spain.

A generation ago, former Prime Minister Harold Wilson spoke of “the pound in your pocket”. We are fortunate in Gibraltar to have a place where sterling is used — pity the British expats living in parts of Spain where they don’t have the choice. Let’s take advantage of this and carry on spending in Gib — in pounds!

Something else I recommend is to consider Morocco. As well as being a fascinating place to visit for a short break, the markets and shops in Tangier can offer some real bargains. For interesting gifts or exotic homeware, you might be pleasantly surprised at the range available over there. Once again the pound has fallen somewhat against the Moroccan dirham, but not as far as the main currencies. Haggling with the locals is par for the course, so you may be able to compensate for the exchange rate. Give it a go if you haven’t yet ventured that far. Your

pound will go a lot further and you’ll have fun at the same time.

In summary then, I’m sorry to say that we appear to be stuck with this exchange rate problem — at least in the short term. As I said last month, 2008 has taught us that we should take nothing for granted in the financial markets ever again. It might be that the situation starts to correct itself over the coming months. In the interim, look out for bargains in Spain — as the economy slides further price reductions and sales will become the norm. Spend as much of your budget as possible in Gibraltar pounds and let’s all hope for a more favourable exchange rate as we look forward to the warmer weather in the spring. n

We are fortunate in Gibraltar to have a place where sterling is used — pity the British expats living in parts of Spain where they don’t have the choice

u Ian Le Breton is Managing Director of Sovereign Trust (Gibraltar) Limited.

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

New Appointments STM Fidecs Life, Health & Pensions expands to meet demand With a very successful first year completed and an even more promising one ahead STM Fidecs Life, Health and Pensions has been fortunate enough to recruit another pension specialist to its already strong team of pension experts.

Jane, David and Myra of STM Fidecs Life, Health & Pensions

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Myra Currie, who has over ten years of experience in the pension industry, many of which were with PricewaterhouseCoopers in the UK, will specialise in the administration of company schemes in Gibraltar.

Myra is joining David and Jane, who already administer pension schemes for some of the largest companies in Gibraltar and expects to implement many more in the coming year.

This appointment will allow the high level of service they have become known for to continue into the future and will allow the ongoing development of their pension products to suit all companies and individuals.

The demand for pension schemes is growing despite the current economic climate and STM has the solution for all. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

22/1/09 08:28:42

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22/1/09 08:29:09

regulation

by Marcus Killick, CEO Financial Services Commission

When the smoke clears As the New Year has begun with further dismal financial news (the phrase “Happy” New Year has rarely sounded less accurate), it may appear somewhat too optimistic to look ahead to when the green shoots of recovery actually do finally appear. However, unless we do enter a terminal meltdown, the economic cycle will eventually turn upwards.

When it does we will see an economic landscape very different from that of even a year ago.

Former icons of the High Street have vanished, others will inevitably follow. Famous (and ultimately infamous) financial businesses are gone forever. Even the most bullish of investors is not expecting their RBS shares to recover the 90%+ they have lost in value in a year.

At the FSC we have prepared as best we can for the recession. We have restricted our budgeted expenditure and focused our resources on those areas most at risk. We have been redesigning our regulatory approach to meet the challenges of the months ahead. We have recently issued a consultative paper on corporate governance, reaffirming the importance of the board, including non executive directors in the management of firms.

We will play our role in the development of new international regulatory standards of which there will be many. We will continue to work with our fellow regulators to provide a coordinated supervisory structure for those

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international financial firms with a presence in Gibraltar. International cooperation is also vital as cross border fraud is likely to increase or at least be uncovered. The $50 billion Madoff fraud in the USA had global implications.

Our approach will be based on three key principles. The first is transparency. Financial

We were all wrong.

As in medieval times, there was no magical power to transmute a base metal into gold

products became too complex. There were those who believed they had created structures that more resembled alchemy than economic realities. Then there were others that trusted them and bought those products. There were the governments that encouraged this (for example by encouraging mortgages to people who were ultimately unable to afford them) and the regulators who lacked the courage to intervene. We were all wrong. As in medieval times, there was no magical power to transmute a base metal into gold. No matter how often they were repackaged, sub prime mortgages stayed, in reality, sub prime.

In Gibraltar we faced a similar problem a number of years ago with the sale of Traded Endowment Plans (TEPS). The investigation into what had happened with these had already started when I arrived in April 2003, but the impact is still being felt nearly six years later. TEPs, like the sale of mortgage backed securities in the US, appeared on their face to be safe; indeed they were portrayed as such. What could be a

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

22/1/09 08:37:01

regulation lower risk than buying a block of second hand endowments (on which the initial commission had already been paid)?

Unfortunately, the risks associated with the plans were not properly explained to many of those who invested in them. Using the plans as security to borrow money from banks to buy still more plans, was simply leverage. With this leverage the upside if the endowments grew in value was magnified, but so was the risk of loss if they did not. They did not, and people lost thousands of pounds. This was compounded by the fact that some people were being paid an “income” from that plan that was, in fact really a loan to be repaid when the endowments matured. Some people knew the risks of buying more TEPs on borrowed money, many did not.

The fact that investors did get some money back (over five years from the time the policies stopped being sold) is a testament to the tenacity of the investors and the work of a number of lawyers, accountants and other professionals.

Indeed the amount returned was higher than many, including myself, felt possible at various points during the proceedings. No one however could ever consider themselves “satisfied” with the result.

The recent implosion of so many seemingly low risk investments around the world and their catastrophic impact on the global economy, amply demonstrates that, from now on, their true risk must be transparent and understood to all.

Rating agencies, regulators and the industry itself must demystify and simplify. If it can’t be explained, it shouldn’t be sold. There is nothing

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wrong with high risk as long as those taking it know they are doing so and there is no danger of contagion to others. If a person wants to bet £10 on a long shot at the races (and they have the money) ok. If a bank wants to bet £10 billion on a high risk investment that, if it goes wrong will cripple the economy, it is not.

Indeed I very much doubt that the taxpayer will ever be “satisfied” with what they eventually see returned from the banks from the billions that have been injected into them.

Regulators can never be “approvers” of individual products. We do however have a role in ensuring the management of firms have the processes to properly assess, understand, disclose and monitor the products they market.

The second principle is the return, by regulatory requirements if necessary, to prudent banking. This may seem unnecessary given that credit has dried up at the moment. Indeed

The implosion of seemingly low risk investments around the world and their impact on the global economy, demonstrates their true risk must be transparent and understood to all

governments are trying to open up the credit markets to try and restrict the depth and length of the recession. However this can never be allowed to enable the wholly irresponsible lending of the past to return. Yes, I accept that this will impact the ability of consumers to drive the economy forward in the way they did during the boom, but it was this that helped create the crisis in the first place. You cannot spend your way out of debt. To insist on banks continuing to lend in the way they did in the past may postpone elements of the recession but it will only prolong and deepen it.

The third principle is to start building our regulatory infrastructure for the turning of the economic cycle now. We are currently working with the industry on new fund structures and on Sharia compliant investments. There is the real possibility that Gibraltar will see its own stock exchange at some point. We are still seeing quality insurance and other financial firms seeking to establish here. Of course we do so with caution and it is quality not quantity that remains our guiding approach.

The world is a long way from the end of the tunnel. 2009 will be a very tough year and we will pay for the mistakes of previous times for the foreseeable future. There will be more frauds of the type if not the scale of Madoff and against which we must remain vigilant.

Similarly I fear that some of the new international regulations will be kneejerk and not considered but we will lend our voice to try and prevent this. However, just as the last boom was never going to last, so this recession will end, and we will be ready when it does. n

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22/1/09 08:37:06

business

Small Businesses

online social media by

Selwyn

Figueras,

ISOLAS

Over the last year or so, Gibraltar hasn’t escaped the Facebook/MySpace/Twitter rage and a growing number of people are turning to these social media sites to share their experiences both with friends and family and the world at large. Social media websites like Youtube, Del.icio.us and Technorati are free social media tools that are examples of how genuine innovation can become big business.

But with the arrival of all these free web tools, are local small businesses wise to take advantage of them, or would their efforts be put to better effect elsewhere?

Assuming that the expense of being connected is one the business already covers, the use of these tools is effectively free. So why not use them? The concern on any small business director’s or entrepreneur’s mind has to be whether this will be worth the effort or just another distraction in sufficiently difficult times.

What can social media sites do for you?

The internet is a limitless source of information that connects millions of users around the world with each other, some looking for the information or something to buy, others doing the selling. It can bring you local custom as well as customers from all over the world. Do it right, with the right product and a killer USP (unique selling point) and the internet will do its work for you. If you’ve developed a comprehensive network online, have the product everyone wants and can come up with an online marketing ploy that catches the attention of those who know you, you’ll soon be taking enquiries from parts of the world you didn’t even know existed. Get people talking about you online and the viral distribution takes on a life of its own. Oh, and, did I mention all

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this is free?

There is, of course, a shocking amount of ‘stuff’ online, and it might sometimes feel like finding what you’re looking for is akin to finding the solution for peace in the Middle East. Seek, however, and, after some time and some wild goose chases, you will indeed find. The mind boggling selection of brilliant tools at the disposal of small businesses, quite apart from pure social media sites like Facebook and LinkedIn, is, well, mind boggling. It would seem that the internet has a solution for everything. Issuu.com gives you the opportunity to publish, either on its own site or yours, your publication, article or newsletter in a beautiful, easy-to-read and intuitive fashion.

Google, the world’s leading search engine, is so much more than just that. They’re surely out to rule the world!

I’m writing this article using Google documents, a free Microsoft Office-type suite of tools which gives you a word processor, spreadsheet editor and presentation creator all in one, oh, and all the room you need to store your work. With Google Analytics,

detailed statistics tell you who’s visiting your site and why, whilst you chat with customers online through a Google Talk gadget placed on your website. Books, images, video, calendar, maps, notebooks... it has got it all. And yes, it’s all free Hesitation of those new to the internet is understood as it is a lot to take in. Take your time to discover all the marvels it has to offer and, when you’re comfortable with it, see whether you can bring it in to your business. So, a free tool that gives you access to millions of users who might be interested in what you have to say or sell and you’re not convinced? Your competitors are already doing it, fact. Some companies in Gibraltar are taking full advantage of the internet and its social media tools and, if you’re not one of them, you’ve already missed the first boat. The next one’s at the dock and you still have a little time. If, however, your business fails to embrace ‘the revolution’ you may fall irretrievably far behind and risk becoming a dinosaur in a business environment that is changing beyond expectation and beyond the recognition of those set to fail. n

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isolas-gibmag-nov

6/10/08

17:30

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www.gibraltarlawyers.com

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status

by Paul de Beresford

?

What Exactly is Gibraltar’s Status

Following the introduction of the new constitution that has been called non-colonial in nature by both the United Kingdom and Gibraltar Governments, and the insistence of the United Nations that remaining colonies must be de-colonized according to one of three models, the question is “what exactly is the current status of Gibraltar?”

Further, the European Court has just ruled (municipal) government were conducted by that Gibraltar is free to have its own tax system locals together with imposed outsiders. More separate from that of the UK as it has always done.

It all started 300+ years ago with the invasion of Gibraltar. Then it was just a garrison for the military of the then Union of Great Britain, that was England (including Wales) and Scotland. It was declared a colony in the next century. That meant it belonged to Great Britain (by then, the United Kingdom of Great Britain & Ireland) but its inhabitants were not entitled to take part (vote) in its governance from Westminster. But in the century after that, some aspects of local

...this was confined to areas that Britain had no interest in involvement (like who got a government flat)

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recently, substantial self-government (subject to approval by the Governor) was introduced, firstly in a legislative council and later in an executive government. But this was confined to areas that Britain had no interest in involvement (like who got a government flat).

Contrast this with the self-government granted to Northern Ireland in 1921 and Scotland only recently. Westminster was ready to give independence to the whole of Ireland but there was a majority in the north-east wishing to remain governed directly from Westminster.

The compromise was a parliament and government for both parts with one within the UK,

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

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status and one a dominion outside it. The plan was to encourage the north to later amalgamate with the south, having been detached from Great Britain. Whilst calling it an integral part of the UK (as much as Surrey), it never was from that day forth. In fact, in recent years, some unionists have called for integration with Great Britain as if it is not actually integral already.

There in is the difference. Ulster is part of the UK, but not part of Great Britain either geographically or politically.

How did this manifest itself for the first 50 years of a separate Ulster? Well, the apparatus of government was replicated down to the last detail in Northern Ireland. That was a House of Commons and Senate at Stormont with complete control over all domestic affairs, including the courts and the police. The number of Imperial MPS at Westminster was reduced savagely to 12 to reflect the Imperial Parliament’s and Imperial Government’s continued roles in foreign affairs, defence and some taxation. In fact, if an MP at Westminster tried to raise a matter concerned with Northern Ireland, the Speaker disallowed it on the grounds that “there is another place for that” (Stormont).

A Governor performed the duties of the Monarch, opening Parliament and signing Acts of Parliament. Prisoners were remanded during the pleasure of His Excellency (the Governor) and not of Her Majesty (the Queen).

Northern Ireland first simply shared the revenues collected on a UK basis (it got a fixed 1/40 of the total) and was free to spend it how it liked. Later, it was awarded a share based upon its actual needs.

Of course, events changed everything with the civil unrest in the 60s and 70s. At first, the army was sent in, interesting to act under instructions from the Home Affairs Minister at Stormont, not a Secretary of State in London.

Later a British Adviser took up residence at Stormont Castle. He was a Foreign Office type, but in checked plus-fours, stomping about Stormont like a country squire surveying his estate. Even later, the British Government stripped Ulster of control of security, justice and the police and led the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland and his government to resign on the grounds that a government that did not control those things was not a real government.

That begs the question as to how the Gibraltar Government sees itself without control of security and the police?

Since then, Ulster has had many years of

Changing the name of the remaining British colonies to British Dependent Territories, then again to British Overseas Territories, has not resulted Gibraltar’s removal from the list of colonies maintained by the UN

direct rule under a Secretary of State exercizing near colonial powers, given that legislation was

by Orders-in-Council and not debated Acts of Parliament. He took up residence at Hillsborough Castle (the government house) retaining the throne room and sentries outside, like those at Buckingham Palace. Even now, with a lesser measure of self-government, the good government of Northern Ireland remains with the British Secretary of State and his British civil servants. So prisoners are now detained at his pleasure (still not the Queen’s). How colonial is that!

Yet no UN has ever intervened to say the people of Northern Ireland did not enjoy full democratic governance, probably because they did elect some MPs to Westminster even though they had no say in the government of Ulster, and it was never a colony by name.

Changing the name of the remaining British colonies to British Dependent Territories, and then again to British Overseas Territories, has not resulted in any removal of Gibraltar from the list of colonies maintained by the UN. The UN requires territories to choose between incorporation into another existing independent state, independence or agreeing association with another independent state where it also has the right to be independent of it.

Gibraltar has not been permitted by Britain or Spain to go independent, nor does she want it. Britain has not offered free association, despite granting it to some small West Indian territories before they later went independent.

Integration with Spain is a no no. So the only option is integration with Great Britain. This

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status has been refused to Malta and Gibraltar in the past. It was proposed that Malta become an English county. But since then, integration into Great Britain does not mean reducing its government to a local government council with powers over parks and gardens and street cleaning.

Scotland has been granted self-government, not with the intention of encouraging it to go independent, unlike with Ulster where the intention was clearly to get it out of the UK. There is no colonial secretary of state, only a part-time person with that title within the Ministry of Justice with no real duties or powers, and who is ignored and by-passed by the First Minister of Scotland.

Is Scotland fiscally separate? Is it subsidized?

The formula for sharing common revenues and giving Scotland a 40% supplement, avoided (neatly) the question of where the waters boundary line between England and Scotland should be drawn so as to not have to determine to whom the southern oil fields in the North Sea belonged. That way, the oil belonged to Great Britain and not Scotland. The supplement was calculated in the net revenue that went to London from Scotland from the oil fields that would otherwise go to Scotland’s finances and stay there.

So it is clear Gibraltar cannot continue to be recognized by the UN as a colony and must have representation in Westminster to be involved in the control of the government with the reserved powers over defence, foreign affairs and security and aspects of justice and policing. Now that the House of Lords is largely appointed or elected (albeit from amongst hereditary peers), Gibraltar could elect or appoint one member. It would then not have to share an MP with a place in Britain. Gibraltar could be declared part of Britain, come off the UN list, remain self-governed with a non-subsidized budget of its own and its own taxes (as Scotland is partially permitted and is seeking to have full permission to so do) and have a settled constitutional future. n

Philanthropy Project Launched Credit Suisse (Gibraltar) Limited and the Bonita Trust of Gibraltar announced the launch of their jointly funded project “Future Leaders in Philanthropy” (FLIP) at the end of January.

FUTURE LEADERS IN PHILANTHROPY

Calling all year 12 students

If you have at least 5 A’s at GCSE You CAN MAKE a DIFFERENCE Join

to

FUTURE LEADERS IN PHILANTHROPY

Learn about charities and communal giving Manage a virtual investment portfolio Earn financial incentives and personal gifts Contact your school for details or visit our website www.flip.gi A JOINT VENTURE PROJECT BETWEEN

SUPPORTED BY

Aimed at local students aged 16 and over, FLIP is a three-year project which has been established to raise awareness and understanding of social responsibility amongst this age group. The project will also seek to educate teenagers about the value and societal benefits of philanthropic gift-giving, as well as teach them how to manage their own charitable funds.

Highlights of the project will include management of a £5 million virtual philanthropic investment portfolio and a charity fundraising project, through which the participants will get a real insight into charities and the way they work.

The selected students will be required to undertake various assignments of a charitable and financial nature over the course of

the three years, for which they will receive financial rewards and gifts. Participants will also be able to select a charity of their choice to receive donations and for whom they will complete a fundraising project.

Speaking on behalf of the Bonita Trust, International Advisory Board member, Ruth Parasol-DeLeon commented, “We are delighted to launch the FLIP project with Credit Suisse because today’s students are tomorrow’s philanthropists; FLIP will give them early insight into grant-giving and philanthropic investment decisions affecting the lives of many people”.

Trino Cruz from Credit Suisse remarked, “Credit Suisse, as a leading banking institution, has always been at the forefront of philanthropic and educational activities and was keen to partner with the Bonita Trust on this worthwhile project with a local community focus. We have a team of employees on board, who will act as financial mentors for the participants, guiding them through the wealth of investment vehicles for their virtual portfolios and we are all very excited about the FLIP project.”

FLIP is supported by the Department of Education and Training and all current year 12 students from any Gibraltar-based school / college, who have achieved at least 5 A’s at GCSE are invited to apply for the opportunity to take part in the FLIP project. 20 applicants will be selected to participate in the scheme.

Headteachers and the Director of Education, speaking after discussions with the Gibraltar Ministry for Education, said this is an exciting project for their pupils, and participation in it would not only help them personally, but would also enhance their future university and career applications.

The FLIP project will be managed by Ms Ros Astengo who will be the students’ first port of call for any queries.

For further information, visit www.flip.gi n

PAUL de BERESFORD is a tax, residence and domicile UK-qualified practitioner who can be contacted on +350 200 40093 or +350 54004414 or from the UK on 020 8144 1249, by email to beresford@gibtelecom.net or by appointment at his office in Main Street.

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

22/1/09 15:26:24

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07-01-2009 09:09:07

business news

Europe-wide Helpline Telephone Numbers Gibraltar has implemented two new freephone numbers which will be used in all member states of the European Union.

These six-digit numbers starting with 116 will be used throughout Europe in situations of need or distress.

Two numbers have gone ‘live’ in Gibraltar: 116000 – This number may be used to report missing children. It is now running in parallel to emergency numbers “199” and “112” and therefore calls will be handled by the Royal Gibraltar Police.

116111 – This number will provide support to children and help them with practical solutions if needed. It is now running in parallel to Childline’s own freephone number “8008” and calls will be handled by Childline Gibraltar.

To achieve the goal of ‘same number – same service’, the Commission published a Decision requiring harmonisation of the ‘116’ 6-digit range of national numbers for services of social value — services that answer a specific social need and are potentially of value to visitors from other countries.

The Commission is aiming for certain services to be called using the same memorable numbers in all member states.

At present many hotline and helpline services are available across Europe, but numbers differ between countries making it difficult for visitors to find the correct number when they need help or advice.

Other 116 numbers will be reserved for other services in the future.

The two new freephone numbers have been published in the Gibraltar Numbering plan which is available on the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority’s website www.gra.gi

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Project Manager: Neal Higgins Neil Higgins moved to Gibraltar nearly two years ago on a contract basis to work for a UK based consulting engineer. His involvement in projects such as the Mid Harbour Reclamation and Kings Wharf have given him an excellent introduction to the local construction scene and since his contract came to an end last September, he’s set up as a freelance project manager with a view to settling on the Rock.

With an extensive CV both from Gibraltar and the UK, Neil has the skills and know-how to handle large and small construction projects. As an experienced construction supervisor and project manager he has excellent communication, planning and organizing skills. Neil is a problem solver who knows how structures work. Possibly his most prestigious contract was as supervisor to the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, a £22 million pedestrian link over the river Tyne.

His professional services are now on offer here in Gibraltar, and he insists that no project is too small. Judging from his CV he’s well equipped to handle some of the larger ones too.

Neil can be contacted at CMC 291 (Gibraltar) Ltd on 200 42529, 204 Rosia Plaza or by email: debneal204@gibtelecom.net

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

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insurance

from

regulated to

regulator

Originally from Ipswich and with 35 years in the Insurance industry, Mike Oliver Joined the FSC at the beginning of August 2008 in anticipation of taking over from Chris Collins as Head of Insurance Supervision at the FSC on 1st November last year.

Mike’s career took off back in 1973 when, as a school leaver he took a position with Guardian Royal Exchange and gradually moved up through the ranks. He qualified as an, Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute in the UK and in 1982 was accepted as Fellow of the organisation. Regulation in the UK used to be more of a civil service position and Mike’s first

taste of the job came when he was asked to work alongside the regulators, advising them on issues within the insurance world. It was only a question of time before he jumped completely to the other side of the fence and became the regulator as opposed to the regulated in the position of an FSA Industry Advisor.

Mike loves his work in the insurance industry,

“With new technology and communications advances over the years, the logistics of running from a base in Gibraltar and providing services back to their outlets abroad is increasingly easy” 22

22-23JANUARY.indd 22

although even he admits it is not a career that he originally envisaged. In a recent meeting with the local Insurance Institute, he asked how many of those present knew from an early age that their future would lie in insurance. Out of about 60 attendees, two put their hands up. “That’s two more than I expected!” he commented. “Many of us seem to drift into the industry, but once there find it to be very enjoyable”. His other passion is for travel and when his two children left home for university he took the opportunity within his career to take positions overseas.

“I’ve held positions or worked on most continents except for South America and Antarctica,” Mike qualified, and on one occasion he flew out to Mongolia for a couple of weeks to help out a colleague on a new project. He also commented on his time in the Caribbean: “From a business perspective it’s not quite how it’s often depicted

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

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insurance — you won’t have many opportunities to take your laptop down to the beach.”

His post here in Gibraltar is open ended, and having held positions as far away as New York, Cincinnati as well as, more recently, the British Virgin Islands for five years, he’s now contemplating making Gibraltar his base for the future — as many international insurance companies are doing. Mike’s team currently supervises 61 insurance companies in Gibraltar, the majority of which are involved in general insurance and passport their services in to other European countries such as the UK, Poland and Spain — although he’s seeing a growing trend with companies in the Life market making the move to the Rock.

“It is very easy for a head office to move,” he noted. “With new technology and communications advances over the years, the logistics of running from a base in Gibraltar and providing services back to their outlets abroad is increasingly easy. Together with the economic benefits of being based in Gibraltar, many small to medium sized operations have discovered other benefits of relocation. “Now we’re seeing companies who have traditionally been in the UK seeing their competition make the move to Gibraltar and are investigating the benefits. As a result we have a regular flow of applicants and just this last month two new insurers have been approved for licensing in Gibraltar although their licences haven’t yet been processed.”

Mike went on to explain his main role as that of protecting consumers both prudentially and through what is called in the industry conduct of business. “The prudential side can

“Companies realise the need to be regulated in that it helps to ensure their quality of service, and in a way, if there is an acceptance that they are well regulated the more confidence their clients will have in them” be explained as making sure companies who do apply or who are operating in Gibraltar are solvent, that directors are competent and qualified to be in the position they are in and that the insurer is subject to strong corporate governance. To ensure this we check directors’ and shareholders’ backgrounds, qualifications and run criminal checks too,” he told us. “Liquidity is another important factor. Having assets which can be released easily when funds are needed for payouts is an imperative.

“In considering Corporate Governance, we look closely at the overall skills, experience, qualifications and financial standing of members of the board and we need to be satisfied that each person in their position is able to fulfill their job description and that the board establishes appropriate controls throughout the business. There’s no point in a board having a business plan and passing it on to a team without the skills and know-how to implement that plan or the controls to take corrective action if things do not go as planned.”

He commented that the close community in

Gibraltar is a real help to his position. With local companies close together it’s much easier to pay personal visits and the logistics are much easier than working from an office in Canary Wharf with companies far apart. For example, there are at least four insurance companies working out of the same office block as FSC, where he is based.

But do companies find it a hindrance having the ‘heavy hand of the law’ so close to their doorstep?

“Not at all,” Mike was quick to answer.

“Companies realise the need to be regulated in that it helps to ensure their quality of service, and in a way, if there is an acceptance that they are well regulated the more confidence their clients will have in them. We ensure companies working in Gibraltar operate in line with EU and International standards, but at the same time, being able to converse with the different entities, we are able to talk about issues and through dialogue can find the most beneficial solutions. So the close contact is a big plus for everyone.” n

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE – February 2009

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

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December 2008

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finance

by Mark Maloney, Managing Director, Gibraltar Asset Management Ltd BBB-rated defensive stalwart British American Tobacco 6.375% 12/12/19, for example, yields 7.18% when priced at 93.75.

Emerging Markets Despite having a torrid time in 2008 with the decoupling myth being well and truly exploded, emerging markets will nevertheless be amongst the first economies to emerge from the global recession. Trading on very low PE ratios, the stock markets of Brazil, China, Eastern Europe & India look particularly attractive on a mediumterm time horizon. Emerging market countries, despite worsening conditions, will keep growing faster than developed countries whilst also benefiting from significant liquidity cushions to repay their debt. These cushions are multiples of what we saw during the worst crisis ever for emerging markets countries in 1998. The iShares BRIC 50 ETF trades daily on the LSE and gives investors exposure to some of the larges 50 companies via just one share.

Gold Some forecasters are predicting that gold will reach a price of $1,400 or more during 2009. A panicked flight to safety could certainly support this theory along with any capitulation of the US dollar following loose monetary policies.

The Lyxor Gold Bullion Securities ETF trades on the LSE & tracks the spot gold price by holding allocated gold in a bank vault at HSBC, New York.

The Year Ahead...

2008 was an annus horribilus for stock market investors. The FTSE 100 index slumped over 33% and unlike many other stock market corrections, this time there was no place to hide. But that was then and this is now. You can’t change the past, and looking backwards will get you nowhere.

It’s time to look forward to 2009 and this is traditionally the time of year when financial commentators like to get out their crystal balls and give a prediction of where the stock market will be in one year’s time. More often than not this pseudo science results in a prediction of a 10% gain from the markets current level, which is about as scientific as it gets.

A rather more useful exercise is to identify the ways of making money over the next 12 months and thus benefiting financially from the global recession.

There are reasons to be optimistic about 2009. Trends exist that could boost stock values and start an economic recovery. The challenge today is identifying which areas are going to be experiencing recovery first. Below are some ways we believe investors will be able to profit in this market.

Infrastructure Efforts by US, European and Asian governments to stimulate their economies with spending on infrastructure will benefit industrial stocks that had been helped by the global building boom, then punished severely by the global slowdown. The db x-tracker s&p global infrastructure ETF tracks the 75 companies from around the world and trades on the LSE. Oil When oil reached its high of $147 a barrel few market commentators believed it would stay at that level. Likewise an oil price of $40 per barrel does not make any sense either. As demand returns, particularly in countries like India and China, oil should rise from current lows and find a “fair price” somewhere around the $75 level (with help from OPEC, of course). This will benefit the oil majors such as BP, currently trading on just 6.7x earnings and yielding a whopping 6.2% (covered 2.2 times). The ETFS Crude Oil trades on the LSE and tracks the underlying futures contracts.

uptrend as declining investment and unpredictable weather patterns lead to supply shortages amidst an ever-expanding population and increase in inflation. Investors can also easily purchase underlying exposure via exchangetraded funds (“ETFs”) that trade on the London Stock Exchange (“LSE”). ETFS Agriculture trades on the LSE and gives investors exposure Preference Shares to soybeans, corn, wheat, cotton, sugar & coffee With base rates falling and banks offering devia the underlying futures contracts. risory rates of interest, irredeemable preference shares offer above market rates whilst being Corporate Bonds less risky than ordinary shares. One preference With spreads over treasury gilts at record share that warrants particular attention is the highs, current valuations offer potentially General Accident 8 7/8%. This is a cumulative handsome rewards for the risk with investment pref which pays a dividend twice a year on the grade bonds pricing in 3.5% default rates (the 1st of January and 1st of July. The shares are worst 5-year period since 1970 was 2.5%) and pricing at 107p, which puts them on a yield of a severe recession. Buying corporate bonds 8.3%. Having traded above 150p in the last three brings substantial diversification benefits to an years, the shares are trading at a multi-year low, investor’s portfolio. With interest rates falling which could see investors pick up a nice capital and gilts trading at record highs, this is an ideal gain as well as lock in the above average yield Agriculture Agriculture prices will likely return to an area in which to invest to boost income. The in the years to come.

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

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finance Stock Sectors It is worth noting that moving into cash to avoid falling prices can mean that investors miss out on the rallies where many of the most significant gains can be made in just a few days.

We are currently invested primarily in blue chips companies with good earnings visibility and little debt. Sectors include defensive stalwarts such as aerospace & defence (BAE Systems), beverages (Diageo), food retailers (Tesco), oil & gas producers (BP), pharmaceuticals (GlaxoSmithKline), tobacco (British American Tobacco) & utilities (Scottish & Southern Energy).

One sector worthy of interest in this economic climate is that of pawnbroking. The second oldest profession in the world, it benefits during a recession where demand for their services naturally increases with more customers finding their way through their door to borrow money.

They lend borrowers a sum equivalent to half the goods value and charge 7-8% a year. The loan is repaid at the end of the term-usually 6 months. Pawnbroking will benefit additionally from the rising gold price, as a full 97% of the collateral they hold is in the form of gold and diamonds. Albermarle & Bond sticks out with a yield of 3.2% (covered 2.2 times) and trading on 14.2x earnings (PEG of 0.6 which indicates that the stock is cheap relative to its earnings growth). The UK’s largest pawnbroking chain is enjoying a business boom as the credit crunch has curtailed consumer lending. With 111 branches and carrying little debt, the stock is the ideal way of profiting from the golden age of pawnbroking.

Volatility The extreme stock market volatility will decrease over the course of 2009 with the VIX already having fallen from 80 to 43 (the market believes the S&P 500 could rise or fall by up to 43% over the next twelve months). Gone will be the days of up 5% one day and down 8% the next. Everyone knows we are now in a recession and as it is a known known in theory this is already priced into the stock market. We believe the market will act in a pretty trendless manner over the coming months as a “V” shaped recession looks increasingly unlikely. As for the FTSE 100 itself, it will probably oscillate in a range between 3,700 and 4,700. A good strategy to profit from this is to sell short-dated (one month) out-of-the money (10% away from the spot price) calls and puts (the right to buy/the right to sell) on the index. This is basically selling volatility and by keeping the options short, investors will benefit from the fall in time value (known as “theta”), which occurs most in the 30

The UK’s largest pawnbroking chain is enjoying a business boom as the credit crunch has curtailed consumer lending

days prior to expiry.

Despite the doom and the gloom in the press, there are reasons to be optimistic this coming year.

According to the rule of 20, stocks are currently cheap (where the PE ratio of a country’s stock market plus the country’s rate of inflation is less than 20) with the ratio currently standing at 11.81. Even allowing for a substantial fall in corporate earnings next year, that looks too cheap.

Lower prices also mean higher expected returns and it is not unreasonable to believe that the market will end 2009 higher after a 33% fall the previous year.

With aggressive concerted interest cuts by the major central banks, coupled with fiscal stimulus and free trade policies, it is difficult to imagine this economic climate deteriorating into a 1930’s-style depression.

Interest rates are falling, which particularly helps those with mortgage payments to meet as well as helping equity valuations.

And investors should not lose sight of the market being a forward-looking discounting mechanism. Much of the current financial turmoil is already priced in and as such the market could have a good year with the US & emerging markets being the first to climb out of recession.

Financials will be amongst the first sectors to benefit, though we feel it is a little early to open new positions just yet.

In summary, we are expecting a sustained market rally in the 3rd or 4th quarter of 2009, with a solid economic recovery being well underway in 2010. n

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www.quadconsultancy.com 00 350 200 44517 email: career@quadconsultancy.com GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

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business file

newcastle building society opens new doors in Gibraltar

The UK’s 10th largest building society opened the doors of its new branch in Gibraltar to dignitaries, businesspeople and customers at the grand opening ceremony on Main Street in January.

Newcastle Building Society marked the occasion with a traditional cutting of the ribbon ceremony performed by the Governor to, Sir Robert Fulton KBE, and Newcastle Building Society’s Chief Executive Colin Seccombe.

He commented: “Newcastle Building Society has offered services in Gibraltar for nearly two decades and I am delighted to say that we will continue to do so with this brand new flagship branch which is at the heart of the territory’s wellknown shopping district.”

As the part of the Newcastle’s commitment to the local community, a cheque for £1,500 from the Newcastle Community Foundation was presented to Childline Gibraltar which has been nominated by the branch as its Charity of the Year 2009, following a vote amongst staff.

John Morris, Chairman of Childline Gibraltar said: “We are delighted the staff at Newcastle’s Gibraltar branch chose us as their Charity of the Year.”

Stephen Maloney, Newcastle Building Society’s new Senior Branch Manager in Gibraltar took the opportunity to introduce him-

The Governor, Sir Robert Fulton KBE cuts the ribbon

Branch staff and visiting dignatories line up for the official photograph

self to many of the members who have been with the Society for the last two decades. He said: “This has been a fantastic opportunity to meet many of our members who have been so loyal to the Newcastle over the years. I am hoping that this branch will give them greater access to the financial experts we have here.”

A number of other high-profile members of the community were also at the ceremony including Louis Wink, Commissioner of Gibraltar Royal Police, Marcus Killick, Chief Executive of the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission, and Valerie Enriles who is Newcastle Building Society’s Customer of the Year.

The new flagship branch at the heart of the bustling Main Street will offer the Society’s 11,000 members in Gibraltar a greater level of customer service and expertise. n

“This has been a fantastic opportunity to meet many of our members who have been so loyal to the Newcastle over the years”

David Holborn and Colin Seccombe hand the cheque to John & Caroline of Childline

Senior Branch Manager, David Holborn

Branch staff enjoy a glass of champagne after the opening

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

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gift

Lauren’s Wish Comes True Thanks to a £750 donation from Argus Insurance to the Arts Fund in return for a performance by philanthropist classical guitarist, Stephen Greenwood, at a recent corporate event, little Lauren Aitchinson’s life is a lot more fun.

Lauren, 5, who suffers from Cerebral Palsy, was delighted with her new means of transport — a specially adapted pink Imp trike. Angela Lucas, Head Teacher of St Martin´s Special School, where Lauren is a pupil said “We and Lauren’s family cannot thank The Arts Fund and Andy Baker [CEO of Argus] enough for this generous gift — this tricycle will literally change Lauren’s life. Funding is so difficult to come by and when we are lucky enough to get financial assistance, we have to put it towards more practical necessities rather than items that actually bring fun to a disabled child’s life. Lauren has not been able to get around on her own since birth and up until now has only been able to observe other children at play. This trike now allows her the freedom to engage in play and have some independence for the first time in her life.”

Stephen Greenwood & George O´Brien from Arts Trust, Tyrone Montovio, Argus Insurance, Angela Lucas, Gail Smith the physio from St Martin’s and Lauren with her parents

The Arts Fund is a non-profit making organisation which stages live classical music performances in return for donations, giving 100% of all monies raised to children’s charities. Speaking on behalf of The Arts Fund, Stephen Greenwood said “we are always looking for ways to offer live classical music performances to raise money for such causes and would like to thank

Argus Insurance who have enable us to buy this life-changing gift for Lauren.”

Argus’s Tyrone Montovio concluded “it is us who should be thanking The Arts Fund and professional musicians such as Stephen who donate their performance fees to raise cash for such worthy causes — it has truly been a heartwarming experience.” n

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adventure

by Sonia Golt

around the world

in 80 towns

I have just got back from immersing myself in The Journey and have enjoyed every minute of it at a cost of just £10, so I couldn’t stop myself from sharing it with you all.

The experience has been fascinating and great for reminiscing as pages from The Journey have taken me to different countries, different continents and through different experiences. I am not talking about my own journey but about Vinnie Mahbubani’s book The Journey — when you are reading it transports you to unique situations and somehow you believe they are also happening to you.

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ences will undoubtedly be of great interest to people wishing to learn a little more about places they wish to visit.

Vinnie has worked for the media industry abroad and has always had an interest in writing short stories and newsletters for the press. His taste for writing came naturally and combined with his exciting travels he would take pen and pad on his journeys, jot down experiences and make notes of interest that later he could collate and put together to publish. He opted to publish via Author House, a US publisher that helps you to selfpublish books. His travels took him to the US so the idea was successful both here and there.

The Journey tells a true story of a couple’s travels around the world.

The trip encompasses around 80 towns and cities as well as four continents over a staggering 70,000 odd kilometers that are packed with genuine experiences and adventures.

Vinnie says: “It is written essentially to help readers save both time and money during their travels and holidays to any of the places mentioned in the book. It’s a feel good book and has been described as ‘positive, upbeat and humorous’ and ‘an enjoyable read packed with very useful information.”

Vinnie wishes to encourage writers locally to take the plunge and says: “Should there be any budding writers out there with a completed

Whether it’s the Niagara Falls, rain forests or tropical islands, there is something for everyone in this epic journey spanning four of the worlds six continents manuscript who wish to publish their book and make it available worldwide then they can email me and I will be happy to help.” His email address is available at the end of his book.

When asked how sales were going he replied that they are going very well and he has already donated a percentage of the Christmas sales to the GBC Open Day, he hopes to donate some more money soon, this time towards Cancer Research.

In a year where ‘crisis’ seems to be the word of the day, if you cannot afford a trip of your own get a copy of The Journey — there is something for everyone across oceans, deserts and distant lands. I know you will enjoy it! n The book is available at newsagents around Gibraltar at £10.

Vinnie was born in Gibraltar and studied at Bayside School to later graduate from Leeds University where he studied Management as well as Spanish and Italian. The idea of writing a book came to him suddenly as a fresh challenge. He wanted to do something that could appear on the internet and was a little different so he started writing a book about his travels. Vinnie is a well travelled man and his experi-

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profile

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business file

Over the Top for Style!

Ladies of Gibraltar will be pleasantly surprised to find Over the Top on City Mill Lane if they’re looking for something a little bit original to help them mingle in high society, or are planning a day at the races (apparently there’s a visit to Ascot arranged each year from Gibraltar).

Even for the more sombre occasions, such as a funeral, or if you want to be all the talk at the next wedding reception, Over the Top is a must for headly adornments. I don’t like to call them hats, as Val’s talent as a milliner goes further than just hats. A personally, hand-made creation will set you back from just under £40 upwards, or you can choose one of their off-the-shelf models with prices starting under £30.

But what you must understand is that your tailor-made top will not only be original, but Val takes into account your colouring, hair style, the shape of your face and even your silhouette and personality to make sure the final piece

will enhance your looks, and, if she can get her way, make you the talk of the town. For those of you who are a little more shy and would rather merge into the background, you’re just as important according to the girls at Over The Top, and they’ll happily tone down styles to fit your requirements. For the perfect topping for

Stitch & Print: Open for Business If you need a quick solution for either printed or stitched designs on clothing, you needn’t look further than Josephine’s shop and workshop which has recently opened in Laguna Estate, just off Devil’s Tower Road.

Located in Renown House, Laguna Estate, Stitch & Print opened its shop and workshop to offer full embroidery and printing services on a vast range of clothing and promotional items. The services include embroidery, silkscreen printing, transfers, vinyl printing and tampography.

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the perfect gown, Karen and Val are the ladies to talk to.

You’ll find them at 40, City Mill Lane, tucked in the corner. You can catch them there between 10am and 4pm Tuesdays to Fridays of feel free to call them for an outside appointment on 200 77536. n or embroider “in-house” with a nine-colour embroidery machine, heat transfer machines and plotters.

“We are sole agents in Gibraltar for Clique Wear and ProJob, a Swedish company supplying high quality work wear and protective shoes, and because protection and comfort requirements vary from one situation to another, all items in our comprehensive range conform to the relevant European standards,” commented Fofi.

The range of products on offer is enormous: from sweets, chocolates, paper bags and mugs through to stickers and flags of any size, ties, pin badges, work wear and uniforms and a full range of promotional gift items such as windscreen sunshades, pin badges, balloons, keyrings, pens and lighters. But you’ll find much more by popping into the shop to look at her vast range of samples and catalogues, where all products can be printed or embroidered with your logo or marketing message and are individually packed for the best possible presentation.

Stitch and Print has extremely competitive prices plus a reputation for delivery on schedule.

You’ll find them open Monday to Thursdays 9am to 1pm, 2.30pm to 5.30pm and Fridays from 9am to 4pm. You can call Fofi on 200 79997 or on her mobile 54022083 for a free, no obligation quote. n

Owner Josephine Marr, better known as Fofi, is no newcomer in this line of business. Six years ago she started building up a reputable list of customers whilst holding down a 9-6 job and during the course of 2008 decided it was time to dedicate herself solely to this venture. Stitch and Print has all the necessary equipment to print

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

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history

by Reg Reynolds

Joseph Pulitzer

Gibraltar was Safe Haven for Pulitzer Prize Man Joseph Pulitzer was on a cruise to Portugal aboard his luxury yacht Liberty when a medical crisis brought him to Gibraltar.

The fabulously wealthy and famous publisher had never been of good health and had just been diagnosed with whooping cough when one of his employees on Liberty came down with a case of smallpox. The year was 1909 and smallpox was curable but still extremely deadly, fortunately Gibraltar was close by and

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the medical personnel on the Rock had considerable experience with the various diseases, including smallpox, which plagued the world at the time.

Pulitzer ordered his captain to sail Liberty into Gibraltar harbour where she was met by health officials and placed in quarantine. Wil-

liam Paterson, a Scot and Pulitzer’s newly hired secretary was the poor chap who had contracted smallpox. He was taken to a Gibraltar hospital, where he eventually recovered. The Liberty was fumigated and everyone aboard was given a smallpox vaccination.

From Gibraltar the Liberty, without the recovering Paterson, sailed to Marseille where Pulitzer disembarked and caught a train to Aix-Lex-Bains to recuperate from the whooping cough; once clear of the disease, he returned to the now comparatively germ-free yacht.

The emergency stop brought about by the smallpox infection was Pulitzer’s second visit to Gibraltar. In 1892 he was holidaying at Nice on the French Riviera when, on a whim, he chartered the steam yacht Semiramis to take him, his wife Kate and some companions to Barcelona and along the coast to Gibraltar. Unfortunately Mrs. Pulitzer quickly realised she was not meant to be a sailor and disembarked at the first port of call..

Brian Denis writes in his book Pulitzer: A Life, “This was the start of their frequent separations, with Pulitzer at sea and Kate with the family at their homes in America or on European vacations.

“Leaving Kate behind in France, Pulitzer and the rest of his party continued on to Tunis to visit the ruins of ancient Carthage before sailing through a tremendous storm to Greece. Though there was a telegraph office in a small coastal town there, Pulitzer resisted sending his normal barrage of questions and instructions to his staff in New York. Having proved himself a better sailor than Kate, and finding shipboard life more tranquil than city life, he cabled New York agreeing to buy a yacht formerly owned by the duke of Sutherland. Being among the top one percent of affluent Americans, he easily managed the asking price of a hundred thousand dollars and named it Romola, after a favourite George Eliot novel. Back on the Semiramis, he resumed his Mediterranean trip from port to port for almost four months.”

Joseph Pulitzer was born in Mako, Hungary in 1847 to Jewish parents — grain merchant Philip Pulitzer and his wife Elize (nee) Berger.

Young Pulitzer aspired to a career in the military but was turned down by the Austro-Hungarian army because he was weakly and had poor eyesight. Disillusioned he emigrated to America in 1864 and went on to fight on the Union side in the American Civil War. After the war Pulitzer settled in St. Louis and took a job as a reporter on a German language newspaper. He joined the Republican Party and was elected to the Missouri State Assembly in 1869. An ambitious man with an eye for prevailing politics, in 1872 Pulitzer switched to the Democratic party and purchased his first newspaper which he soon sold for a substantial profit. In 1879 he bought the St. Louis Dispatch and the St. Louis Post and merged the papers into the St. Louis Post-Dispatch which to this day is still that city’s leading newspaper.

It was through the Post-Dispatch that Pulitzer developed his reputation as a fighter for the common man and grew to be a competitor of newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst.

In 1883 Pulitzer bought the New York World and through his leadership increased the circulation from 15,000 to 600,000 a day. One of his innovations was to print the first newspaper comic — The Yellow Kid by Richard F. Outcault

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history — in colour.

Pulitzer is remembered today for the Pulitzer Pulitzer, like his rival Hearst, was accused of Prizes funded by his initial donation of $500,000 being a ‘yellow journalist’ and as a result an offer and awarded annually since 1917 for excellence of money to Columbia University to set up the in journalism and literature. n first school of journalism was rejected. It wasn’t until after Pulitzer’s death that the $2 million he gifted to the university in his will was set aside to create (in 1912) the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.

By the 1890s Pulitzer’s health had deteriorated to a degree that he moved away from the daily management of the newspapers and his battles with Hearst and the government in order to spend more time at his holiday retreats and at sea.

In 1908 he received delivery of the Liberty which he had specially built by Ramage & Ferguson at Leith, England. The yacht, at 1,570 tons, was the seventh largest in the world and was named in honour of the Statue of Liberty for which Pulitzer’s newspapers had raised funds for the pedestal on which the statue, a gift from France, was placed.

By this time Pulitzer was nearly blind and very sensitive to noise and so the yacht was heavily insulated and nicknamed by the crew the ‘Tower of Silence’. Only two years after the final Gibraltar visit Joseph Pulitzer died aboard Liberty (29th October, 1911) while she was berthed in the harbour at Charleston, South Carolina.

Liberty (broken up 1937) was subsequently sold to a wealthy Canadian and in World War I served as an auxiliary vessel for the Royal Navy and later as a hospital ship. She is pictured in her hospital ship livery on a Seychelles stamp.

Pulitzer was nearly blind and very sensitive to noise and so the yacht was heavily insulated and nicknamed by the crew the ‘Tower of Silence’

Kate Pulitzer

Pulitzer’s yacht Liberty

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music scene

by Sonia Golt

producing the goods Judging by his enthusiasm and dedication to music, Nigel Palmer’s new music studio Biffy is already a success story.

In the warmth of the studio, situated in City Mill Lane, the musical vibrations are palpable even when music is not played. It’s easy to imagine people composing, singing or playing music within its heart, the studio’s booth — small but compact and with a huge saxophone illuminating the dark where many are set to interpret the next music scene.

Inside the studio, electrical equipment has begun to vibrate with tomorrow’s lyrics and tunes. The décor is scant but adequate with a small guitar, a small violin and a large keyboard emphasizing the importance of instruments.

Nigel himself is a young, up-and-coming composer with enormous experience in this field here and abroad. He started his craft early at just seven years of age when he used to play the piano by ear — no music scores, just his ability to listen to what his grandparents, paternal and maternal, had to say musically speaking, as well as his older brother, well known local musician Guy Palmer.

Paco de Lucia’s Entre dos aguas was the first song Nigel played pleasantly. Guy came up with the chords and immediately Nigel came up with the melody. Their surprised father asked, “Where did you learn that from?” baffled that his seven-year-old son, with no music tuition, could be playing by ear.

As a young lad, Nigel was reserved and during his teenage years he spent a lot of time in his room playing the piano and coming up with his own melodies, although he never actually structured a song or a particular melody as such.

He did learn to perform by copying other singers and listening to music.

When asked who his favourite composer is, or who he admires in this field, he says emphatically; “My biggest influence has been Albert Hammond!” adding that he admires Albert’s courage and motivation for he knows it was not a lucky break but a lot of hard work and

many closed doors before he became famous.

Nigel hopes one day he may have the chance of meeting Albert on one of the star’s visits to his hometown.

At 20, Nigel came out of his room to face the public and started doing solo performances live and on television. His break came when his brother Guy and other musicians got together to start Melon Diesel, a very successful local pop group who hit the charts in Spain’s Cuarenta Principales. Nigel was roped in as pianist and vocalist for the last year of the group’s tour of Spain and has 54 concerts to his name. Unfortunately for the music world Melon Diesel broke up and

each group member went their separate way.

Nigel decided to then try his luck in Madrid.

“I actually left to release the stress I had over here at the time and I took my keyboard and my ideas with me. After three months I started working with lyric writer Rafa Tena (Manolo Tena’s brother) and that is how I ended up with a lot of contacts in the music world but never really managed to get a break.”

During his 18 months in Madrid Nigel joined a cover band and did many gigs but his own compositions were never performed by them.

He did however, play solo in a music venue in Spain’s capital where his compositions — poetic

Their surprised father asked, “Where did you learn that from?” baffled that his seven-year-old son, with no music tuition, could be playing by ear 34

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music scene and romantic ballads with great emotional input — were well acclaimed and on many nights he had to encore.

“What now?” I asked.

“I have not been given the privilege by a record label to do an album so I am going to do one myself at the studio. I am already recording my songs with acoustics and sequences and hope to be able to release it soon.”

What comes first, the music or the lyrics? I wondered.

“The music! Always the music and the lyrics follow, sometimes written solely by me, other times with an input from other lyric writers.

When I start, composing the music I already have an idea as to what the finished version will be like and what the lyrics will be about. My first minute and a half already tells me if this is the right song.”

Nigel is proud of his studio; it is something he has always wanted, not only for his own personal satisfaction but also to be able to produce bands, solo artists, groups, jingles, commercials and anything to do with the world of music.

Soon he will be offering a service for “Online

Soon he will be offering a service for “Online Productions” via the internet Productions” via the internet so artists who cannot afford to do their albums in London or Madrid can have an opening through the net.

Artists will send in the raw material and once Nigel receives it, he produces it and returns it to the singer so they can record the voice wherever they are. A great idea to expand the music scene, which is his love and passion, internationally as a business venture.

Nigel’s first commissioned work will be recording the old Trovadores — a local group from the ’60s which will bring many moments

for reminiscing to those over-50s in love with beautiful music.

Finally, what does he think of Gibraltar’s musical talent?

“There are a lot of great musicians here, and I am going to tell you why. We have the best of both worlds, the ability to compose or sing in English and Spanish and we understand what the requirements are in both these languages to attract worldwide audiences — Melon Diesel did it, Albert Hammond did it, so this is how huge an advantage it is.” n

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Jewellery

22/1/09 09:50:54

heritage Artist’s impression of the new installations at the old St Bernard’s Hospital in the Upper Town area

Carl Viagas:

A Heritage Visionary Much has been done over the past years to restore Gibraltar’s architectural heritage, but there’s much more in the pipeline. And for Carl Viagas there are exiting times ahead as he explained to us.

Carl graduated in Architecture in the UK in 1991 and on his return to Gibraltar took a position with the company, which amongst other significant projects, won the contract for the Main Street beautifications, now coming to an end in the Southport Gates area. Carl’s success in being part of a team to manage the project helped him take the position of Heritage Conservation Officer — a position with little job description other than to advise government on details, such as shutter types, and heritage technical issues of projects already underway. Carl humbly insists he only does his job and the credit for the results should always go to the client. “But I must admit, I get a real kick out of handing over a successful project!” he emphasises.

Carl already had an extremely clear vision for Gibraltar’s architecture when he took the position, which he has never wavered from since.

Over the last ten years he has used his creativity and charisma to assist with projects and ideas, which are now a delight for the community and visitors alike.

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The redevelopment of King’s Bastion is probably the most prominent project to date due to its size, complexity and the way the structure breaks from the traditional mould by constructing the modern alongside the historic.

“With The King’s Bastion Leisure Centre it was a privilege to work for a Government with whom I share the same philosophy in terms of architectural design and attention to detail, my

Plans for the upper town include street refurbishment, similar to works carried out to Main Street, and also building façade decoration with inspiration coming from Italian village earthy colours mixed with colonial-style

only role was to provide some support.

“I don’t believe in constructing new buildings which follow the historical line. Yes, we need to conserve and renovate Gibraltar’s historical sites, but what we create now will be Gibraltar’s heritage in the years to come. We need be able to look back on these projects in the future and be proud of how Gibraltar has developed, not just socially, politically and economically, but architecturally too,” explained Carl, with his ever present enthusiasm.

The first time this concept was taken on board in Gibraltar was in the Naval Hospital extension.

Although there were some ideas of building the extension to the same design as the original building, the new section would always look like an extension added many years later and it would be near impossible for the two structures together to look architecturally whole. As a result, a modern extension was designed with striking result (see photo).

A few months later Government endorsed the projects for the Orange Bastion, a simple and

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heritage clean design with cannon floodlit behind glass and more ambitiously below, to open the road through from Reclamation Road to Fish Market Lane, cleaning out the run-down storage sheds to reveal the historic defences and to re-utilise these for shops and offices, modern features contrasting with the old so as not to try and falsify history.

The Gibraltar Government recently announced several urban regeneration projects which will be well on the way to completion in the next few years. Some, such as the beautification of the upper town area, will be long-term with emphasis going into street beautification and provision of new infrastructure. The others, include landscaping the area known as “The Jungle” (home to military positions from throughout Gibraltar’s history) below the Moorish Castle into gardens. “Where else in the world do you have the opportunity to see a military history of defence represented from the time of the Moors right through to the Second World War, and all in a few hundred square metres?” he challenged.

With the prison soon to be relocated from the Castle to the Lathbury Barracks area, more of the Castle will be open to the public and the area will become an attraction for all.

But from where does the funding come for projects of this size?

“Much is from Government, and occasionally from EU funding too, but there’s also private sector funding,” Carl qualified. “Once the Jungle area project is finished, there will be a natural route for the public and tourists through the upper town area, creating the opportunity for shops and businesses to open. The work we do creates a knock-on effect for the private sector to move in. You can see this in Main Street, where businesses have taken the initiative and invested to enhance their image in the light of the work that has been done.

“The stage we are at now is to take individual projects in different areas and work on these.

The restoration of linking roads and properties between these will follow, partially by Government intervention, but much more by the private sector moving in. People will want to live near these areas, and as we’ve seen a steady migration out of the upper town to new developments in Gibraltar, so we’ll see a migration back as the renovation process becomes a reality.”

In the short-term, plans for the upper town include street refurbishment, similar to works carried out on Main Street, and building façade decoration. Government has drawn inspiration from Italian villages using browns, ochres and earthy colours for façades, contrasted with the occasional colonial-style white houses with black shutters to draw the eye to the area, and represent our cultural diversity. The main proj-

The historic King’s Bastion, now a Leisure Centre, was previously hidden by a generating station (inset)

ect is scheduled to start on Castle Street, which is a major route from Main Street to the upper town, and it will go hand-in-hand with a more ambitious development project to renovate government-owned properties along the way.

By far the most ambitious project for the upper area of town is the refurbishment of the old St Bernard’s Hospital building. Plans include taking down the modern extension to reveal the original building in all its glory with blueprints to adapt the space into schooling and nursery facilities which are much needed in the area. The idea also includes facilities which all can enjoy.

“Where else in the world do you have the opportunity to see a military history of defence represented from the time of the Moors right through to the Second World War, and all in a few hundred square metres?”

The Upper Town area, ready for a face-lift

“An IT suite is a possibility, giving the older generation a chance to learn to use computers and providing areas which can be used for and by the community,” Carl told us.

But these aren’t the only plans on the Government’s agenda at present. Ever enthusiastic, Carl has been asked to look at how the City Walls can, over the coming years, be converted into an urban promenade including the area of Wellington Front.

“Imagine being able to follow the walls from Line Wall right through to the end of Queensway without a break. It’s a fantastic idea, but there are still many hurdles in the way and those can only be resolved with time,” he lamented.

“It is both a challenge and a privilege to be asked by the Office of the Chief Minister to lead on projects of this nature, some ask whether it is stressful, and I must admit, that as with all of us that take pride in what we do, there is an element of tension when delivering such projects. But as I mentioned before, few are, or have been in a position where they can influence our homeland’s urban fabric, so remaining focussed might be a fair price to pay. And as with every project, with a good client, team and patient wife such visions do become a reality.”

And with his talent, we’re sure Carl will find a way. He’s certainly got the will. n Refurbished old town properties

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events

The Story of

Our Lady of Europe

& the Little Shrine with the Big History Our story starts in 710AD when, according to Arabian historian, Xerif Aledris (El Nubiense), Moslem troops from Africa first set foot in Europe led by Tarik Ibn Zayed, who captured the Rock naming it Mountain of Tarik, Gibel Tarik (Gibraltar). Writers of the time, such as Archbishop Don Rodrigo and Isidore Pacense, record that Gibraltar and the Atlas Mountain were labelled the Transductiva promontoria (mountains of crossing), because of the constant flow of people from Africa to Europe.

From 710 to 1309 the Moslem population in Gibraltar settled, developed and expanded to other parts of the Iberian Peninsula.

On the Rock they built a formidable fortress. The Moorish castle, was built in 742 at the north end of the Rock. At the southernmost tip, near the sea, they built a mosque with a minaret which became a landmark for Africans crossing to Europe.

When the King of Castille, Ferdinand IV conquered Gibraltar in 1309, he placed the Continent of Europe under the protection of the Mother of Christ, naming her “Our Lady of Europe”. A statue of Our Lady of Europe was sculptured in stone and was venerated at the old mosque.

This statue of Our Lady of Europe was lost in 1333 when the Moors regained possession of Gibraltar and occupied it for another 129 years. It was 1462 when Henry IV, grandson of Ferdinand IV, reconquered the Rock.

King Henry IV, fearing the Rock would be reinvaded by Moors, tried to populate Gibraltar quickly.

To attract people, he created a climate of spirituality and peace by introducing a Collegiate Abbey.

When this failed, he offered tax-free privileges to people who decided to reside on the Rock; plus freedom for run-away wives or law-breakers who took refuge in Gibraltar. In addition he annexed Algeciras and other lands to Gibraltar, offering plots to whoever came to live on the Rock. Still unsuccessful, as a third attempt, the King himself with his cortège came to live here.

During his short sojourn he invited to Gibraltar the King of Portugal, who had just conquered Ceuta in North Africa, and they

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celebrated the encounter. The King of Portugal instituted the devotion of Our Lady of Africa in Ceuta and King Henry IV revived the devotion to Our Lady of Europe, again converting the Mosque into a Shrine.

As the original statue was lost the

King had a new one carved.

The wooden statue carved for Henry IV was barely 80cm high, polychrome in royal blue, red and gold. The Virgin is seated on a simple chair, holding the Child Jesus on her lap with her left arm,

Ancient French prints mark the Shrine as ‘Notre Dame de Bon Voyage’, the glow of the lamps serving as a beacon to passing ships

while she holds a sceptre with three flowers in her right hand. The three flowers, in bloom, signify Truth, Justice and Love. Both the Mother and Child wear crowns. The statue was venerated in the Shrine.

The Shrine grew in fame and popularity throughout the Mediterranean. Ships sailing past the Rock saluted Our Lady by firing salvoes.

In return the hermit responded with the same number of salvoes.

There are records of Italians, such as Prince Giovanni Andrea Doria and General Fabricio Colonna, coming to the Shrine to pray, leaving solid silver lamps with oil to be burnt before Our Lady. From mainland Spain the nobility visited the Shrine, leaving rich donations and silver oil lamps.

Ancient French prints mark the Shrine as ‘Notre Dame de Bon Voyage’, the glow of the lamps serving as a beacon to passing ships, keeping them from the reefs.

In 1540 the Turkish troops under Barbarossa raided the Shrine. Led by an Italian renegade, Captain Caramani, they deceived the hermit at the Shrine, broke in and pillaged its valuables. The statue of Our Lady was stripped of its jewels and broken into pieces. The invaders marched into the city, vandalising chapels and taking captives. The Turks were about to set sail with the treasures and captives when Admiral Bernadino Mendoza, in command of the Spanish fleet, intercepted and defeated them.

The faithful immediately made plans to repair the statue by trying to send it to Seville but attempts to set sail with it were hindered by stormy weather — interpreted as a sign that the Almighty wanted the statue to be repaired in Gibraltar, so craftsman from Seville repaired it locally.

The Turkish invasion and desecration of the Shrine prompted then King, Philip II, to wall in the Shrine to protect it from further invasions. When Philip II built the defence wall and enlarged the Shrine, he also completed the impressive Charles V Wall which shut off invaders from the city.

The Spanish historian Alonso Portillo affirms many miracles attributed to Our Lady of Europe, witnessing one himself, and he hoped his readers would benefit from the miracles, great jubilees, indulgences, and relics linked with the Shrine. Another historian, Fray Jeronimo de la Concepcion, in his Cadiz Ilustrada, also records many miracles in Gibraltar attributed to Our Lady of Europe.

The one miracle that drew people to the Shrine was that of fisherman Luis Lecayo in 1633. Luis was caught in a heavy storm at night, thrown into the turbulent sea, and considered himself lost. He prayed

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events festivites to Our Lady of Europe for help — and he survived. He gave evidence to the Bishop of Cadiz which promoted devotion to Our Lady.

During the War of the Spanish Succession in 1704 the Allied Forces invaded Gibraltar by the south shores and ambushed people sheltered in the Shrine. The treasures were stolen and the statue of Our Lady was mutilated. The vandalised statue was taken to Algeciras, where a church was constructed and the faithful venerated her.

Early in the 1860s the Vicar Apostolic of Gibraltar, Dr. John Baptist Scandella, retrieved the statue from Algeciras by having a replica statue carved in Seville and placed in the church for the faithful in Algeciras, at the same time the mutilated statue was repaired by the same craftsman.

While the restoration was carried out in Seville, Bishop Scandella mobilised the Catholic community in Gibraltar to build a new chapel for the statue because the Shrine was still in military hands.

A beautiful altar was donated by Pope Pius IX and a white marble canopy was erected for the statue above the altar.

The statue arrived in Gibraltar in 1864. A solemn procession from the Cathedral to the new chapel carried the statue shoulder high on a bier, accompanied by a military band, and a regiment flanked both sides of Main Street, up Europa Road, Engineer Road, all along to the chapel. The strong military participation was an act of reparation for the desecration which took place in 1704.

World War II (1940-45) interrupted endeavours made by the Confraternity of Our Lady of Europe to celebrate the feast of Our Lady and the care of the community’s destitute, especially their burial.

With the outbreak of war most of Gibraltar’s population was evacuated to England, Madeira, Jamaica and Scotland. The plight of the evacuees — most separated from husbands and wives, suffering airraids, merciless weather in Northern Ireland, submarine attacks at sea and living in Undergrounds — was endured by many because of their reliance on the protection of Our Lady of Europe.

By 1961 the military had no further need of the Shrine. The Bishop immediately accepted the property and, while reduced in size, it has been embellished and turned again into a house of prayer. The statue was returned to its original Shrine on the Feast of the Holy Rosary 7th

October 1967.

On his Ad Limina visit to Rome in 2002, Bishop Charles Caruana took the statue of Our Lady of Europe for Pope John Paul II to crown. A replica of the statue was donated to the Holy Father and is now at the Casa del Clero in Via Scroffa, Rome.

Other shrines and churches named after Our Lady of Europe are found in Spain (Algeciras, Medina Sidonia, Jimena, Seville, Madrid and Barcelona), Germany (Beuron and St Martin’s Benedictine Monastery); Italy (Trent high up on the Dolomite Mountains), Northern Ireland (Belfast), Scotland (Stirling), London (Fulham Road) and Madeira (Funchal).

Now that European countries are making efforts towards a better future for the continent, The Catholic Church in Gibraltar takes pride in reminding people that the continent of Europe was placed under the protection of the Mother of Christ, Our Lady of Europe, seven centuries ago. “The devotion is an indication that for centuries we have wished the best for the continent, and have sought protection for the people of Europe from influences or actions which would eclipse, dilute or obliterate the spiritual values and principles which shaped our European culture.”

Like many ancient shrines this Shrine was visited by pilgrims before they undertook important ventures — an opportune place to now pray for the good of Europe.

Its present value and significance has been recognised by its inclusion in the European Network of Marian Shrines.

The Diocese of Gibraltar will be celebrating the 700th anniversary of the institution of the devotion to Our Lady of Europe. The Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, has granted the Diocese permission to hold a Jubilee year in preparation for the celebration on 5th May 2009.

The faithful visiting the Shrine will gain a Plenary Indulgence, having received absolution and said the customary prayers for the Holy Father (applicable also to the sick and aged who cannot visit the Shrine).

Invitations to participate in the celebration have been sent to the Presidents of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Countries and to the Rectors of the European Network of Marian Shrines. They will celebrate Holy Mass close to the Shrine, to thank the Almighty for the growing sense of peace within Europe, and will participate in the Act of Dedication of the continent to Our Lady of Europe. n

“The devotion is an indication that for centuries we have wished the best for the continent” GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAGAZINE •• FEBRUARY FEBRUARY 2009 2009 GIBRALTAR

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COMMERCIAL INTERIORS SPECIALISTS

2 Crutchett’s Ramp, Gibraltar Tel: 00 350 200 73992 Fax: 00 350 200 41724 Mobile: 00 350 5400 6335 email: loraine@spaceinteriors.gi www.spaceinteriors.gi 39 39

22/1/09 10:11:03

fitness

W

ith highly qualified and

experienced staff, Atlan tic Suites Spa offers an amazing variety of professional and luxurious beauty and holistic therapies.

Just noting there are seven different types of facial treatments to choose from gives you an idea of the options. From their Teen Facial for deep cleansing to blitz sensitive teenage skin right through to the Dr Haushka Holistic facial experience which uses “advanced rhythmical facial techniques” and specialised lymphatic drainage body work combined with a warm sage foot bath to give you the ultimate pamper.

Massages are another speciality and there’s nowhere else on the Rock you’ll be able to treat yourself to Hot Stone Therapy, or the oriental body maintenance therapy, which is listed amongst the Shiatsu and Chrivuiti Thirummal massages, the latter being an Indian technique using warm oil, yogic stretches and back walking for a deep instensive treatment from head to toe. Excellent for eliminating stress and anxiety.

Atlantic Suites

spa

You may not realise that you don’t need to be a Gym member to make use of the exceptional Spa facilities at Atlantic Suites.

there’s nowhere else on the Rock you’ll be able to treat yourself to Hot Stone Therapy, or the oriental body maintenance therapy, which is listed amongst the Shiatsu and Chrivuiti Thirummal massages

charity starts at the gym

You’ll find the every-day beauty treatments available too, manicures, pedicures, eyes and eyelashes, waxing and electrolysis for permanent hair removal with many of the services available for men too.

Their special pamper packages are the perfect gift. The Spa’s wide range, which includes a Full Day Spa Package, through to a Mother To Be treatment (which includes a nurturing bump therapy to restore elasticity to the skin), a Holistic Spa or a Girl’s night out option ­combine different techniques to give you the full experience.

One treatment which caught our eye is the Hopi Earcandle treatment. Originating from an Indian relaxation ceremony from the Hopi tribe in the Grand Canyon. The candles, made from pure beeswax, honey extract and herbs such as sage, cammomile and pure essential oils, are lit and placed snuggly in your ear. As the candle burns down it creates a light suction effect, massaging your eardrum.

Apart from the pleasant feeling of warmth, the candle helps to balance air pressure in the ears, forehead and sinuses and can be helpfully soothing for earache, headache, ear noise stress and nervousness.

You’ll also be interested to hear they have a full range of natural beauty products in the skin care range as well as make-up. With prices starting from just £10 on these products you’ll find an excellent balance of quality and price.

So why not pop in and check out their services and products.

We’re sure you’ll be pleasantly surprised. n

The brochure of the Atlantic Suites Health Club and Spa states that it offers a five star facility ­— having dropped in for a look around, we were pleasantly surprised that they offer a little more than that too.

From the moment you walk through the door you’ll find a team willing to go that extra mile to make you feel at home in the luxurious gym surroundings.

With different areas carefully designed to give privacy, you’ll find all the mod cons of a modern facility including state-of-the-art cardiovascular equipment with integrated TV screens, the very lat-

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est in Power Plate technology and multi-purpose strength training equipment. You’ll feel comfortable working out alone, with a partner or booking one of their personal trainers to show you the ropes.

The gym also runs studio classes in rythmic boxing and many other events on a weekly rota and you can call in to find out more about what’s on offer.

Their luxury towel and robe service means you can come ready to train without heavy baggage and relax after your workout in the sauna or mixed jacuzzi remembering that while you’re doing yoursef a favour you’ll be helping others too as the Atlantic Suites Gym is

a non-profit making organisation, passing on its profits to Save the Children instead. Helping educate children in some of the poorest parts of Africa is an initiative of the gym’s strong supporter and backer, Mike Balfour, founder of Fitness First. n

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interview

by Frankie Hatton

Gigi Sene: Turning Points February was named after the Latin ‘februum’ which means purification. The name comes from a purification ritual called Februa, held on 15th February in the old Roman calendar. Interestingly, this month’s personality profile is a member of the PDP, the political party that perhaps argues it wants to ‘purify’ the politics of Gibraltar.

I’d never met her before, although unknowingly I’d read a lot of her campaigning over the last couple of years on what will probably go down in Gibraltar’s history as the ‘Rosia Tanks’ affair. Not quite as glamorous nor titillating as the ‘Profumo’ affair with tales of sex, drugs and political pillow talk but in Gibraltar the ‘Rosia Tanks’ affair stirred a different kind of passion. As we sat down having offered our introductions one of the first things I noticed about Gigi Sene were her piercing eyes, friendly but searching and confident. I thought here is a woman who is used to looking people in the eye and telling it like it is.

Gigi was born in Gibraltar; her father is Sir Alfred Vasquez, barrister and retired Speaker of the House of Assembly. Her mother Lady Carmen Vasquez, a housewife and mother, also spent a lot of time in support of her husband’s work throughout his career. Gigi remembers as a child visiting a holiday house they had in Campamento mainly in the summer and for the odd weekend.

“We had a donkey, chickens, rabbits and a lovely garden. In front of it there was a field

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where horses grazed and our mother would send us off with buckets to collect the manure for the garden. I recall those childhood memories fondly. My father had to sell the house not long before the border closed but the house is still there to this day. The funny thing is when I was young the house always seemed huge but after the border reopened I made a nostalgic visit and could see easily over the garden wall.”

After the border closed the family used to visit Tangiers regularly.

“We would travel to Tangiers quite often at

“We would travel to Tangiers quite often at weekends on the Mons Calpe getting shopping and other things that were unavailable here”

weekends on the Mons Calpe getting shopping and other things that were unavailable here.

My mother ’s dentist was even in Tangiers that’s how often we went. I know as a family we weren’t poor and more fortunate than some who couldn’t get away often but we had parents who instilled some really good core values into us as children.”

“My brothers, Alfred, Robert and Peter were sent off to boarding school when they reached the age of nine but in those days young girls were treated in a different way. I didn’t get sent to boarding school until I was 13 years old and went in order for me to complete ‘O’ and ‘A’ levels. I passed nine ‘O’ level’s and took three ‘A’ levels, Spanish, Geography and French. My French result wasn’t good enough to give me the points I needed for the grant to take up the place I was offered at Bristol University, to this day I blame my French teacher.

“My father decided I should go to Secretarial College for a year at St Godrick’s in Hampstead, London which I did but it wasn’t what I felt I wanted to do. After that I got a job in London in the Banco de Jerez where I worked for un-

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interview

n der a year saving money before deciding to broaden my horizons with travel. At the age of 21 I headed for South America, Argentina and Buenos Aires.”

“So what were your plans at this time? Did you have a job, a desire?” I asked.

“I didn’t really know what I wanted to do,” she replied. “I took the languages at ‘A’ level because I enjoyed them and I thought about working abroad in an office or as an interpreter.

However Buenos Aires and Argentina in particular opened my eyes to a world and experiences I probably wouldn’t have understood had I not lived it.”

“In what way?” I asked.

“I had had some experience of the Franco regime as a child growing up in the ‘closed frontier’ Gibraltar, but in Argentina the similar fascist system was much, much more frightening. The buildings in Argentina and lifestyle were very European but it was in the era of the 20,000 ‘desaperecidos’ and I heard some bad stories. For instance I’d never seen policeman on every street corner armed with sub machine guns before, it was oppressive even to me a mere tourist.

“A friend I met recalled the tale of a friend of hers who was trying to chat to a girl walking along the street, asking her out or asking if she wanted a drink, normal young people stuff. The girl stopped by a policeman and told him the friend was bothering her. He wasn’t seen for three days until he was finally released badly beaten, no trial, no recriminations, nothing. It was this that made me realise how lucky we are in the West to live in a democracy with all the freedoms we have.

“I travelled up to a town called Iguazu in the Amazon which is by a National Park known for its great waterfall. It was a 24 hour bus ride and during the trip we were boarded once by the police and ordered off the bus a second time during the journey. Looking back the fear and atmosphere I experienced there laid the foundations of my political outlook and aspirations for democratic freedom. After this I continued my travels stopping in Rio de Janeiro and New York before making my way back to Gibraltar.”

Once back Gigi got a job temping but never really settling down until she met her husband to be Maurice who was a Staff Nurse at St Bernard’s. Gigi herself was now working as a physiotherapists’ assistant and enjoying it. She even considered going back to UK to train and qualify as a physiotherapist but it meant 2-3 years training and Maurice didn’t want to leave Gibraltar, and she decided she didn’t want to leave Maurice. They married in 1984.

After the wedding she spent a year deciding which direction she should take herself professionally and thought she should try her hand at starting her own business. The family owned Cloister House on Line Wall Road so with a very small one room office with a desk and telephone she started with souvenirs, importing them from China.

By chance one day she met a UK printer who whilst on holiday in Gibraltar had spotted an opportunity as the frontier was opening for expansion for his own business. So the business moved into printing using the UK connection.

The guy also had a stationery shop in the UK and as her business grew she would be asked for products not available like special files or folders etc. Using the UK contact she had him deliver stock sometimes monthly by driving a van from GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

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the UK. He didn’t mind as he needed any excuse to visit just for the holiday and sun.

Luck was on her side as the business got bigger the shop next door became vacant so she expanded into it knocking the adjoining inner wall down in 1989/90.

Around this time Gigi and Maurice learned she was pregnant. “I often think I would have liked more children but I never had time, juggling motherhood and a working life. I like to work and the challenge of my business but I also didn’t want my child not having his mother at hand. Even the day of Mitch’s birth is typical of me. I was working up until 1pm that day, then went to the hospital giving birth at 7.30 that evening.”

The business didn’t let up either. “We expanded into another premises at the Europa Business Centre and if my brother Alfred hadn’t come into the business with me I couldn’t have expanded. The business has done well but it has been down to hard work and continual reinvestment over the years. I often think how grateful I am that my parents gave us those core values of understanding money and a strong work ethic.”

I wanted to know how Gigi ended up getting into politics.

“Well you can imagine our house, my father with his views, my three brothers and myself all with very different views so the discussions were varied, sometimes heated and often with extreme views expressed, add to this my experiences particularly in South America and other family political connections I suppose it is in the blood. It didn’t actually rear its head publicly for me though until 2005.

She explained how it began. “Our family home is St Vincent House in the South District and has been for many years.”

“Isn’t that where legend has it Lord Nelson was taken to while HMS Victory was repaired?”

I asked.

“I often think I would have liked more children but I never had time, juggling motherhood and a working life”

“Yes, he also stayed there during visits to Gibraltar as his friend Admiral St Vincent owned and built the place. The side of the house that I live in was one of the houses bombed during WWII and it has had some refurbishment because of that.”

Getting back to the politics Gigi went on, “One day I was informed about a meeting taking place to discuss the building of an apartment block behind Rosia Cottages. I attended the meeting and because of my strong connection with the area and my belief in the heritage of the site, particularly the Rosia Tanks which were to be destroyed during the construction of the building, I accepted a nomination and was voted in as Chair of the South District Association.

“Everyone knows what ultimately happened in this case and don’t get me onto the subject because I’m still not happy with the way it was conducted and the issues it raised. Anyway Nick Cruz was the lawyer representing the SDA for the Judicial Review of the case and having worked with him on this, after it was all over, he asked me if I’d be interested in joining the executive of a new party called the PDP. “Once I met the personalities involved and thought about the way Gibraltar in my opinion is going I felt strongly enough about it to say ‘yes’.”

“Why did you feel that way after never really being involved before?” I asked.

“I do not believe in sitting around and waiting for change to happen and decided if I wanted change I had to be a part of it. I had no doubt during the years before ’96 that Gibraltar needed a fundamental change and happily voted GSD in those elections and the following one as I believed then that they would make a difference for the democracy of Gibraltar. As time has gone on I think that we need another change, I see the GSD in the same way I saw the Bossano years, too long in power and too far away from the people that matter, those that vote.

“So in September 2006 I joined and happily put my name forward as the PDP election agent when the ’07 elections were called. Then when asked to stand as a candidate I took the decision to do that too.”

“Are you happy with what went on and would you stand again next time?” I asked.

“I think as a young party we did well, it was important we fielded more than one or two candidates which we did. As for next time I think if I was asked and it was the right thing to do I would certainly consider standing again. In the end I genuinely want Gibraltar to be a real democracy where everyone’s opinion counts, no matter who you are, we truly need to aspire to be a more equal and inclusive society.”

“Ok Gigi, aside from politics what else do you like?”

“Well I love team sports and played basketball and tennis until I developed neck and shoulder problems. Now I enjoy walking, step aerobics and Tai Chi which is easier on the joints. I also love a wide range of music, Elton John’s Your Song being an old favourite as well as Desert Rose

by Sting. Another love is reading having just finished Gavin Esler’s A Scandalous Man which is brilliant and I am currently reading Bernard Cornwell’s book Azincourt.”

Finally I asked “can I ask you one really personal question, the Chief Minister is your cousin, do you ever talk politics with him?”

She looked at me with those eyes, grinned and gave me an emphatic “No!” n

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CHOSEN

history file

by Reg Reynolds

A shocked King Alfonso XIII ordered Fuentes to make a public apology and then arranged for the Sultan’s Ambassador to be returned to Tangier in royal style aboard the Reina Regente

the 4,725-ton Reina Regente

slap in the face leaves 400 dead Reina Regente was a ship with a serious defect and her captain and crew knew it. They sailed only when necessary and generally in favourable conditions. An ill-judged slap in the face led to a forced voyage and the death of all hands in the Strait of Gibraltar.

In the late 1880s Spain’s colonies, notably Cuba and the Phillipines, were under threat from rebellion and American interference. It was decided that a stronger navy was required in order to better protect Spanish interests around the world. Consequently it was determined that three heavily-armed protected (*see end of story) cruisers of the Esmerelda class should be added to the Spanish fleet. The cruisers, in accordance with Spanish naval doctrine of the time, were to have small displacement, heavy armament, and high speed.

The first of the three was the 4,725-ton Reina

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incomplete and was a poor sailer. She did not see combat in the Spanish-American War and in fact never sailed outside Spanish waters.

The third ship was never built and considering her eventual fate it would have been better if the Reina never had been either.

The slap in the face that set the tragedy of the Reina Regente in motion was administered by one General Fuentes. The Moorish-Spanish War 1893-1895 had just ended and the Sultan sent an ambassador to Madrid to conclude the terms of the peace. General Fuentes insulted that a Muslim should have the effrontery to enter the capital of Spain struck him in the face.

A shocked King Alfonso XIII ordered Fuentes to make a public apology and then arranged for the Sultan’s Ambassador to be returned to Tangier in royal style aboard the Reina Regente.

All went well on the outward journey and the Reina Regente delivered her somewhat appeased cargo safely. But on the return voyage, on the night of 11th March, 1895, the Reina was caught in a fierce storm in the Strait of Gibraltar and disappeared.

The Reina was reported overdue on 13th March and warships from Gibraltar, Spain and Morocco took part in a massive search. Several sightings were reported but all turned out to be false alarms. Despite this the Spanish Government continued to hold out hope.

A newspaper article of 2nd April, 1895 read: “The Minister of Marine persists in the belief that there is yet a chance that the Reina Regente may be afloat, and that the wreck discovered by the Spanish cruiser Alfonso near the Strait of Gibraltar, may be that of a merchant vessel. A cruiser is still searching for the missing warship.”

Debris, including flags and a compass box, washed up at Tarifa and then finally in late April the wreckage of the Reina was found. the Gibraltar Chronicle of 25th April reported: “The Spanish frigate Lala de Luzon has discovered the wreck of the missing cruiser Regina Regente, which was lost while bound from Tangier to Cadiz in March last. The wreck lies midway between Tarifa and Trafalgar in water 109 fathoms deep.”

All 402 officers and crew had gone down with their ship.

The reason for the loss of the Reina Regente was never officially given but one Spanish Naval officer found a report from the Captain of the Reina stating: “…the cruiser was not suited for heavy weather owing to her being overburdened by her armament.” n

Regente which was built by Thomson of Glasgow and launched in 1889. The Reina proved fast for her era with a top speed of 20 knots but her 244 mm guns were too heavy and she was unstable in heavy seas.

The Reina was a prototype for the next two ships which were to be built in Spain. The Alfonso XIII, named for the reigning King, was the second ship completed. Modifications were made, including lowering the gun size to 200 but she too was unstable and could only man- * Author’s note: A ‘protected’ cruiser has armour age a slow 14 knots. Alfonso was laid down on her top deck as opposed to an ‘armoured’ cruiser in 1891 and launched in 1896 but she was still which has armour on her deck and her sides.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

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weekend

Come Fly with Me Between 8 and 9 every morning commuters queue at the land frontier in their cars to get onto the Rock for their day at work. The route out of Gibraltar is usually pretty clear, with just a handful of Gibraltar’s residents heading into Spain for their working day. One person who makes this reverse trip is Gary Hankinson, a pilot training instructor who works from Jerez airport, an hour’s drive away.

Gary invited the Gibraltar Magazine to come along to have what we thought would be a joy ride over the Spanish countryside with great views of Gibraltar — it turned out to be a more exhilarating and memorable journey, even though Gibraltar was shrouded in haze.

After Gary had submitted the flight plan and completed the flight check we loaded ourselves into the dual control four-seater Cessna 172 (one of four at Fly-in Spain, standing alongside the school’s other aircraft — two Piper Pa 28, one Seneca II, a Hughes 300 helicopter and a Robinson R44 helicopter). Martin took the front seat next to Gary so I could get to both sides for the

Martin was away, taxi-ing the airplane into position on the runway centerline and applying full power on the throttle Gibraltar on the horizon

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photos in the back.

Once we were sitting comfortably Gary announced that we would treat it as a trial lesson and asked if Martin was ready to take off. Having never flown before.... he wasn’t!

Gary quickly ran through the basics of aircraft control, both on the ground and in the air. On the ground, you steer the airplane with your feet with the rudder pedals. In the air, you manoeuvre with a combination of yoke, rudder pedals, and throttle. Then, with clearance from the tower, Martin was away, taxi-ing the airplane into position on to the runway centreline and applying full power on the throttle. As the airplane accelerated on the ground, reaching approximately 60 knots, a light pull on the yoke lifted the nose into the air and the airplane lifted off in flight — we were flying!

We continued climbing high over the Jerez countryside to an altitude of roughly 4,000 feet above the ground. Once there, Gary set the power and trim for straight-and-level flight.

The analogy of driving a car in two-dimensional space does not translate very well into the threedimensional world of flight, and controlling the airplane to maintain a constant heading and altitude was Martin’s first challenge.

During this trial flight, we felt confident that Gary was not going to let Martin do anything that would endanger us or the airplane — or

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

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weekend himself! He is right there with the dual controls, constantly reading body language — and the airplane indications — to ensure everything stays within predefined limits, but while it does his infectious air of calm confidence makes the experience exhilarating and enjoyable.

We flew over Arcos and Medina Sidonia, reservoirs, coast and mountains and kept glimpsing the Rock‘s outline in the distance though it was a hazy day (Gary says on a clear day it is stunning). It was certainly a whirlwind tour with a difference, and an opportunity within such a short drive of the Rock to do something really memorable on a weekend.

Fly-in Spain is owned by German pilot Hans Nerlinger, though it is a UK-registered training facility with UK qualified instructors and examiner.

The school offers a range of courses from complete beginners, all the way up to the Private Pilot’s Licence to more complex stuff such as instrument flying, night flying and commercial training, plus helicopter flight training.

For beginners, the time it takes to obtain a licence can depend on a number of factors such as whether you are undertaking full time training or on an ad-hoc basis, aircraft availability, weather and of course your financial situation.

An average student will qualify for a private pilot licence after approximately 55 hours.

And if you are hesitating to commit a large chunk of hard earned cash and many hours flying into getting a pilot’s licence there are trial lessons (just like the one we went on) so you can ‘suck-it-and-see’ first. Whatever you decide you are certain to find your first flying lesson a memorable experience.

The earth looks very different today

Gary’s infectious air of calm confidence makes the experience exhilarating and enjoyable

In addition to tuition, Fly-in Spain offers aircraft and helicopter rental, an air taxi service and flying tours to Spain, Morocco or Portugal which will take you over some truly spectacular scenery. n Give Gary a call on 200 79266 or on his Spanish mobile 00 34 608660850 for more information.

Or you can contact Fly-in Spain direct on 00 34 699775501 email: info@fly-in-spain.com or visit their website www.fly-in-spain.com for a full list of services.

Gibraltar Magazine’s guinea-pig Martin takes to the skies

An eagle’s eye view

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one career

by Mike Brufal

a Formidable Reputation Mrs Lesley Pallett has the distinction of being the first female Deputy Governor.

She came to Gibraltar with a formidable reputation within the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and Home Office and is regarded as an expert on such subjects as immigration, the Schengen treaty and counter-narcotics.

Lesley was born in Nottinghamshire, educated locally and read French and German at Nottingham University, enjoying during her time there sports such as tennis, swimming and yoga. When she came down she acquired a certificate in education and started teaching in Nottingham. Indeed she admits with a wry smile she did not escape from Nottingham until, aged 25, she passed the Fast Stream

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Being a woman made no difference even in states such as Iran as all governments wanted the project to succeed

Civil Service examination.

Allocated to the Home Office, she remained there for 20 years and says she was fortunate enough never to have been given a boring job; with the focus on giving fast streamers as wide an experience as possible, she gained experience in immigration, policing, prisons, race relations and finance amongst other areas.

In 1982-83 she was appointed Private Secre-

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one career tary to the Home Secretary, William Whitelaw.

How did she get this much-prized job? A list of candidates was put before the Home Secretary. As the Private Secretary involved a close personal relationship, it was Whitelaw who carried out the interview and she was the successful candidate. It so happened she left for a new job at the same time as he ceased to be Home Secretary although that is not the norm, unlike the US system.

A range of jobs and promotions followed in police, immigration and personnel departments and as Director of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board. Lesley was then lucky enough to be seconded for a training year to the L’Ecole Nationale d’Administration in Paris where she worked in various ministries.

On returning to London she started work on EU and international issues, responsibilities which involved much international negotiation and UK Parliamentary engagement.

This is when she first came into contact with Gibraltar, at the time of the Maastricht & Amsterdam Treaties. One of her keen recollections is when she flew down to the Rock for a meeting with the Chief Minister about the Schengen Treaty.

Today, movement across Civil Service departments is encouraged as it’s accepted that acquiring broad experience is of real value to departments as well as the individual. The Foreign & Commonwealth Office actively encourages staff to undertake a secondment during various stages in their careers as it does considerable business throughout the world on behalf of other departments. It is therefore most helpful for FCO staff to obtain first hand experience of, for example, trade, energy, security and visas in order to obtain experience and insight into how other departments work.

Likewise it is open to inward secondments to take advantage of specialist skills from other government departments.

Lesley took advantage of this possibility in 2003 to apply successfully for the position of Head of Drugs and International Crime Department in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

The contrasts between the two Departments have been fascinating, she says.

The Home Office deals with domestic issues of enormous immediate importance to

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the public and with a high media profile.

The Home Secretary has to deal with many tricky issues on a day-to-day basis and decisions cannot be taken lightly as they have a direct impact on peoples’ lives. It has changed considerably in recent years to respond to the increased focus on counter terrorism and security.

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office on the other hand is spread over a much broader canvas — its visa and consular work has many of the same direct impacts on people’s lives but it also looks after the United Kingdom’s relationships with foreign governments and seeks to ensure that the UK Government’s broader interests are presented in the most effective way. Essentially, the UK’s interests are both being dealt with from different ends of the spectrum.

Lesley found this different perspective fascinating, facilitated by her experience of international work whilst at the Home Office.

At first her responsibilities were predominantly dealing with tackling heroin production emanating from Afghanistan but after 15 months this work was re-allocated and she was able to get to grips with drugs and crime issues in the rest of the world. The job involved considerable travelling and she visited places such as Latin America, the Caribbean, Pakistan, Iran, Central Asia and Dubai where drugs had become a threat to the United Kingdom. And her remit was not confined to drugs but included such areas as

“There is a huge range of things to do here. It covers such a broad spectrum that there is no limit to what you can do in your free time provided you have enough energy to do it”

trafficking of humans, money laundering, internet crime and pornography.

It was her aim to work with foreign governments to improve the level of co-operation and so the collective operational ability to combat the criminals. Being a woman made no difference even in states such as Iran as all governments wanted the project to succeed.

In fact there was excellent co-operation from Iran given the scale of its domestic drugs problem. Lesley saw this work as some of the most satisfying, because genuinely co-operative, of her career.

The job of Deputy Governor of Gibraltar was advertised some 12 months before Lesley’s arrival here. She read the job description, considered she had the basic skills and knowledge required and furthermore, with her EU experience in the Home Office, she would be able to make an active contribution to the post.

Following an interview with a panel which included the Governor, she was selected and should be in Gibraltar for three or four years.

Prior to taking up her new job she did a range of training, including some grammar classes and a three-week total immersion course in Granada to brush up her rusty Spanish language skills The Convent is a very different working environment to the main FCO building and on a very different scale, with six UK-based personnel working with some 20 locally employed staff. Lesley describes her job as being a Chief of Staff for the Governor and she has daily contact with the Gibraltar Government.

Her husband is now a weekend commuter and will soon be joining her on the Rock.

Mrs Pallett said: “After four months on the Rock I very much enjoy Gibraltar. The range of work is exciting and important and I have received a really warm welcome and help from everyone I have met. I had always assumed that I would enjoy living here but it has exceeded my expectations. There is a huge range of things to do here. It covers such a broad spectrum that there is no limit to what you can do in your free time provided you have enough energy to do it. My first visit was a short one five years ago. I now know how much more there is to do when one starts exploring. Gibraltar may be small in size but there is a great deal packed within.” n

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business

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

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February 14th

Romance, tragedy & the perfect gift for a loved one...

David Bentanta has always had an entrepreneurial air and an eye for excellent design which is ever present in Beau Jangles, his main outlet for his pent-up energy and ideas in designer jewellery.

He always seems to have five or six projects on the go at the same time (although there may be more which he keeps under his hat), and it was only a question of time before he put two and two together to come up with an ingenious way to market seemingly different products together to enhance their appeal. The result is is a startlingly simple, but beautiful range of ten bracelets together with a music CD of ten songs where both products follow the theme of two lovers and their personal tragedy in their relationship, and whilst each piece is individual, they come together to complete the emotional tale of love and lies.

The CD, entitled Danae, after the painting by Gustav Klimt of the same name takes ten poems written by David and have been adapted to song by Denis Valerga, an extremely talented local artist who plays all instruments and sings on the CD too. The songs are sung by Denis De Villa who is backed by Maria Eugenia Moreno, who came second in last year’s Gibraltar Song festival.

Running side by side, the bangles each depict a different painting by Klimt and are elegantly bordered by the title and a few introductory Spanish prose from each song.

The original bracelet design is David’s, with the final production by the well known Israeli artist Nao Tamari, who has created the stunning pieces in hypoallergenic stainless steel for comfy wear, and was a project on its own until both Josephine Harrison and Levi Attias persuaded David to talk to Denis Valerga who jumped enthusiastically into the project.

In this interesting concept of mixing two different art styles, David’s multi-faceted talent really comes to light.

The cover for the CD is from one of his own paintings with the final graphics being honed by his son, Gideon, who works for Cognition Studio in Toronto. David describes the music as like listening to Leonard Cohen, but in Spanish. The tunes have a smooth, romantic feel with striking harmonies by Maria Eugenia and are extremely listenable either as chill-out music or the perfect background to a romantic, candle-lit dinner.

From the amount of effort and care put into the project, it seems quite surprising that the bangles have a price tag of only £16.95, until you realise that the vast majority of the jewellery in his shop is similarly priced.

The CD also sells for an extremely economical £6.95, but if you buy a bangle and CD together there’s a £5 discount, meaning the CD is very nearly a give-away.

The launch of the two products is timed to coincide with Valentine’s Day and as a limited edition collection, you might be wise to pop down to the shop to take a closer look at this most original gift idea for your loved one. Alternatively, David has arranged for a private viewing together with live music from the CD on 9th February in the Blue Room at the Rock Hotel. If you’d like more information on this, or can’t wait to take a look, pop down to Beau Jangles at 123 Main Street. n

The original bracelet design is David’s, with the final production by the well-known Israeli artist Nao Tamari 51

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Jewellery

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old technology

vinyl resting place

by Dave Wood

I was at a First Communion service a while ago. During the celebrations which followed, my host revealed that his daughter, the star of the show, had a small but burning ambition. Having heard vague, unlikely tales of the lost technology of bygone days, she was desperate to see, and if possible witness in operation, a record player. It is at such moments the full weight of the years settles upon the shoulders and the mind is driven to ask when Time stopped being a friend and began hanging around with wide-eyed young aliens who speak an unknown language.

Depressing it may have been, but it does give me the opportunity to write the final chapter of one small piece of Gibraltar’s social history.

I started collecting records in the dying days of the 1950s. As my collection grew, I worried sometimes that my children would not share my musical tastes — might not even care for any kind of music — and ultimately the records would be left orphaned by my death, with only the street, a skip or an institution as a possible home.

What never crossed my mind, because it was inconceivable, was the very technology for releasing the music hidden in the grooves would itself be obsolete. That “gramophone records” would be objects as mysterious to my grandchildren, as the contents of a medieval doctor’s medicine cabinet are to me.

Technological revolutions don’t burst upon the world overnight. The various strands of research and experimentation that would ultimately produce the compact disc have roots reaching back to the late 1940s. Some might even say 1928 — the year in which scientific equations were published which were subsequently used

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to determine the optimum digital sampling rate of 44.1 kHz, whatever that might mean.

On 17th May 1978, the Dutch electronics company, Philips Industries, and the Japanese Sony Corporation made a joint announcement they would have a marketable compact disc and appropriate hardware on the High Street shelves by the early 1980s. Call it a promise, call it a threat, but the prediction was fulfilled on 1st October 1982, when Sony launched the CD era in Japan with their CDP-101 CD player,

Such predictions accompany every major technological shift, and have more to do with fear of an unfamiliar future than inspired prescience

costing around $700-$1,000, and a choice of 112 accompanying albums at between $15 and $20.

A dozen of them were “karaoke” (i.e. “empty orchestra”) albums for the buyer to sing along with. Incredibly, there are no reports of a single Japanese audio scientist committing hari-kiri in remorse for what his meddling had wrought.

Early sales were brisk, and other companies rapidly leapt onto what they saw as a lucrative, fast-moving bandwagon, but there were many who declared confidently that the CD was merely a passing fad which would, if it caught on at all, merely fill a niche at the luxury end of the market inhabited solely by tedious anoraks who cared more for technical wizardry than music. Such predictions accompany every major technological shift, and have more to do with fear of an unfamiliar future than inspired prescience. They are always wrong.

For a couple of years CDs were manufactured exclusively in Japan or West Germany, but that changed in September 1984, when Sony opened its first American production plant in Terre Haute, Indiana. It was another turning point, and the big breakthrough for CD sales followed

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old technology in the Christmas season of 1985. CDs are now so much a part of our computer-dominated lives it is difficult to imagine this is still less than 30 years on. Sales of CDs in the US in 1983 totalled around 800,000. In 1985, they topped 22,000,000. The runaway train was off the tracks and unstoppable.

By the end of the decade it was the vinyl record that had become the specialist connoisseur’s choice (a position it retains to this day), and soon it would be difficult, then all but impossible, to buy a hi-fi set-up including a conventional turntable. By the mid-1990s the CD was triumphant. Vinyl was as vanquished as the dodo.

BFBS Gibraltar Gibraltar was no more immune to the wind of change than it is to the levant, and in the studios of BFBS Gibraltar, as in the studios of radio stations around the world, the advent of the CD was greeted like the unexpected answer to a madman’s prayer.

For one thing, it put an instant end to that bane of a radio DJ’s life — the record that clicked, jumped or stuck in the middle of a favourite song. Then there was the space saving.

A compact disc, wafer thin and with a diameter of less than five inches, could store upwards of 70 minutes of music — over twice as much as the average 12-inch vinyl album. And there was more. The generation that grew up with the compact disc would find it hard to imagine the sheer physical weight of several thousand conventional vinyl albums. If there was a patron saint of radio stations, he was alive and well and working for Sony.

BFBS Gibraltar, in line with other stations across the globe, had no time for sentimentality.

CDs were in, vinyl was out, and the vinyl had to go. First they did what any sensible person would have done. They called in a dealer from London who took away 2,000 or so of the more valuable collector’s items. The rest were offered for sale at a pound apiece.

A friend and I, responding to a notice in the Gibraltar Chronicle, went to the studio to take a look. The records were lined up on the floor of a back room like squaddies waiting for the sergeant-major’s inspection, or abandoned puppies in an RSPCA shelter, desperately hoping to find a home and escape the deadly mercy of the vet.

Each one had a sticker on the label with the date of its arrival on the Rock. Many had been on the shelves for 40 years — veterans of 10,000 bright mornings, mellow afternoons and late night

request shows. Others had arrived in Gibraltar via Tobruk — presumably after that particular BFBS station closed down in 1970. And now it had come to this.

Among the vast kaleidoscope of different musical styles were around 1,000 jazz albums.

My friend and I were both jazz fans and we conceived a cunning plan. We would make an offer for the entire collection, which numbered around 7,000. We would extract the jazz records, share them equally between us, and the best of the rest we would separate and sell. As for the remainder, we could smear boot polish on our faces and float them out to sea from the north mole under cover of darkness.

BFBS rejected our offer as totally inadequate, but said that if we bought 1,000 LPs, we could have them for 50p each instead of a pound.

I went back to the studio to rescue the jazz.

Many of the jazz albums, I was told, had been the personal property of the late and fondly remembered Joe Pike, long-time presenter of the station’s weekly jazz programme, Tracking The Trends. Fortunately, Joe’s opinion of the CD died with him.

Since the records were lined up on the floor, and it was high summer, stooping to sort through the endless ranks to find and extract the jazz stuff was backbreaking work, and within minutes the sweat was running like a river.

When I had segregated around 800 I fell back exhausted and called a halt. But I was happy with the day’s work.

A couple of weeks later another notice appeared in the Chronicle. The station was down to around 3,000 albums, and now they were inviting offers to clear the lot. My friend and I made

A couple of weeks later another notice appeared in the Chronicle. The station was down to around 3,000 albums, and now they were inviting offers to clear the lot

a revised bid, and this time it was accepted.

But we had a problem. We each lived in rather small apartments, and our wives robustly objected to every inch of floor space being filled with LPs. The day was saved when we were offered the use of a mutual friend’s garage. We commandeered a flatbed truck, and making around half a dozen trips, collected the records from the radio station and carried them to their new home.

The plan was for me to sort the wheat from the chaff, compile a catalogue of saleable items and, well, dispose relatively humanely of the rest. But plans are made to fail. Firstly, my co-conspirator announced unexpectedly that he was leaving the Rock to start a new life in Ireland. Then the sheer tediousness of sorting and grading 3,000 multi-category record albums took its toll. For months they stood patiently like a polite crowd waiting for a train until the owner of the garage, quite reasonably, asked for it back.

At that point another friend stepped into the breach. She and her husband were about to move to France, and they owned a small lock-up storage unit in Sabinillas, 20 minutes drive up the coast. It was, she said, secure and dry and I was welcome to have it.

Thus began a rescue operation unprecedented since the dark days of Dunkirk.

The jazz albums, and a few dozen more of various kinds, I kept — pushing them securely into corners of the flat where, I hoped, my wife might not fall over them. The rest were carried one car boot load at a time across the border and up the coast to Sabinillas. For four, perhaps five years, I visited them regularly, as a devoted father might visit a wayward son who has found himself in prison. From time to time I would select one or two for release on compassionate grounds and carry them home. A brother on a visit from England, a long-time admirer of the singer Matt Monro, repatriated a dozen of the man’s albums to the old country.

But as time went by the visits became rarer and eventually ceased. So far as I know, the records are still there, 2,000 forlorn and silent relics of another place, another time, standing mute witness to the onward rush of history.

Perhaps a century from now someone may stumble across them and wonder what on Earth they are, or were. An academic will explain, and from some museum, somewhere, produce an odd contraption with a turntable and something that used to be called a stylus, and magically fill some lecture hall with music. I’d love to be there to see the look on the kids’ faces. n

Irish Town Antiques Antiques & Collectables Irish Town Gibraltar Tel: 200 70411

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Jewellery

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• Business Lunches Mon - Fri 10-6, Sat 10 - 4, Closed Sundays • Parties/ 24 Main St Tel: 20043840 Fax: 42390 Kids Parties

Q5

Jewellery Sales/Repair Antonio Jewellers...........................J4 Beau Jangels.................................M4 Jewellery Repairs..........................L4 Matthew’s Jewellery......................I3 Leisure Complete Fitness.......................... R3 Dolphin Safari.............................. A3 Rock Turf Accountants ��������������� H2 Legal Services Budhrani Lawyers........................ K4 Charles Gomez............................. U4 Hassans........................................ R6 Isolas.............................................E4 Triay & Triay............................... K5 Medical / Health Bell Pharmacy.............................. N3 Claudia’s Clinic............................ K4 Dr. Crump, Steven, Chiropractor I4 Gib-Lab...................................... ....I4 Health Food Store........................ O4 Louis Pharmacy........................... H4 M. Clark Dentist........................... U3 McTimoney chiropractor..............L4 John Miles - Chiropodist.............. K7

Irish Town Tel: 200 70411

Smart Puls Centre......................... I6 Specialist Medical Clinic.............. I4 Sport-On - Sports Therapy...........K3 Steiner Chiropractor.....................K7 Pet Services / Supplies Gibraltar Veterinary Clinic..........H4 Property Sales / Estate Agents Bray Property...............................B3 Norwich & Peterborough.............Q5 Property World.............................. I4 Solomon Levy . ...........................U3 Property Services Balban (electrician)......................H2 Balloqui . ..................................... P4 LP Borge......................................X3 CIAP.............................................N5 Denville Designs.........................M3 Fashion House Interiors............... P2 Gibstainless..................................C7 Greenarc.......................................X5 Larbi upholstery...........................R3 Queensway Quay Laundrette.......X7 Seabreeze Laundry.......................A3

GACHE & CO. LTD

Space Interiors.............................I3 Shopping — General Anuska........................................S5 Arcade Keys.................................J5 Carol’s Books...............................I4 Don House Arcade.......................J5 Flair............................................ N4 Gallery Mosaic...........................M5 Ritual Tattoo................................P5 Sheppard’s Chandlery................ D4 Terry’s........................................M5 The Studio.................................. R5 Woodstock & Wembley............. J5 Shopping — Fashion/Clothing Esprit.......................................... D4 Recruitment Atlas............................................L4 RecruitGibraltar......................... O6 Quad Consultancy...................... U3 Transport / Marine Services Autoelectrical............................. C7 Shell Bunkering......................... H6 Tarik Oil..................................... C8

GIBRALTAR BOOKSHOP

U4

ESTD. 1830 — 150 years experience

266 Main Street, Gibraltar. Tel: 200 75757

178 Main Street · Gibraltar · Telephone 200 48480

★★★ Opticians Giftware Jewellery

CANNON

H O T E Li

R4

T4

9 Cannon Lane Tel: 20051711 Fax: 20051789

300 MAIN STREET GIBRALTAR TEL: 200 71894 FAX: 200 75554

For fiction and non-fiction yachting books, bargain books

Sports Trophies, Awards & Engravers

T4

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L5

BAR NOW OPEN 8.30 - midnight Breakfast from 8.30-10am

THE PENGUIN BOOKSHOP

P3

P4 Licencees of Gibcon Ltd

23/1/09 11:41:50

health & medical directory

health& fitness Bell Pharmacy

CHEMISTS Bell Pharmacy 27 Bell Lane Tel: 200 77289 Fax: 200 42989 Louis’ Pharmacy Unit F12, International Commercial Centre, Casemates.

Tel: 200 44797

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 40026

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

Chiropodists 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

PASSANO OPTICIANS LTD British Registered Optometrists

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

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

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

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

The Health Store

2nd Flr International Commercial Centre

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

Weekend and Public Holiday Opening Hours (use Irish Town entrance)

DentAL SURGEONS

5 City Mill Lane, Gibraltar. Tel: 20073765 Suppliers of Glucosamine, Ginkgo Biloba and all vitamins.

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

For all your Pharmaceutical needs

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

Primary Care Centre

Saturday: 9am - 11am, 5pm - 6pm Sunday & Public Holidays : 10am - 11am, 5pm - 6pm GP Clinics: 8am - 5.20pm

Daniel N. Borge BDS MSc MFDS RCS(Eng) Borge Dental/Medical Centre 7-9 Cornwall’s Lane Tel: 200 75790 Mike Clark BDS The Dental Practice, Baudelaire House, 15D-1 Town Range Tel/Fax: 200 52882

completefitness Sports Massage Therapy & Personal Training

Keith J Vinnicombe BDS (Wales) LDS RCS (Eng) MFGDP (UK)

Unit F5B ICC, 2a Main Street Tel/Fax: 200 40747 Emergency: 200 78756

Unit G3, Eliott Hotel Gibraltar Tel: 200 51113

ORTHODONTISTS

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

Clinical Analysis Laboratory

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

• Microbiology • Hematology • Biochemistry • Immunology confidential service

Full Report Printout • General Health Checks: • Glucose levels • Cholesterol levels • Anaemia screens • Blood groups F19 ICC Tel: 42330 Fax: 45521 gibraltar@gib-lab.com

GUARANTEED

You pre-pay at today’s prices, we provide your chosen service whenever it is eventually required and whatever it eventually costs Brochures on Pre-Paid Funeral Planning Available from:

Tel: 200 77777

College Clinic, Regal House, Queensway ALSO AVAILABLE FOR HOME VISITS

11 Convent Place Tel: 200 75747

Codali Funeral Services

Dr Hasse Lundgaard DDS Borge Dental & Medical Centre 7-9 Cornwall’s Lane Tel/Fax: 200 75790

Physicians Dr Norbert V Borge FRCP (London) 7-9 Cornwall’s Lane Tel/Fax: 200 75790

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

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

PERSONAL TRAINERS

Need somebody to talk to? days a week 6-10pm

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

GIBRALTAR GIBRALTARMAGAZINE MAGAZINE••DECEMBER FEBRUARY 2008 2009

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health&welfare Since September 2008 there has been a programme to vaccinate girls aged 12-13 against human papilloma virus (HPV).

The programme will be delivered largely through secondary schools, and consists of three injections that are given over a sixmonth period.

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HPV

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Human Papilloma Virus

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the name of a family of viruses that affect the skin and the moist membranes that line your body, such as those in your cervix, anus, mouth and throat. These membranes are called the mucosa.There are more than 100 different types of HPV viruses, with about 40 types affecting the genital area. These are classed as high risk and low risk.

What HPV infection can do?

Infection with some types of HPV can cause abnormal tissue growth and other changes to cells, which can lead to cervical cancer.

Infection with other forms of HPV can also cause genital warts.

Other types of HPV infection can cause minor problems, such as common skin warts and verrucas.

Around 30 types of HPV are transmitted through sexual contact, including those that can cause cervical cancer and genital warts.

Genital warts are the most common

sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the UK. HPV infection is also linked to vaginal cancer and vulval cancer, although both are rare conditions.

Cervical screening Cervical cancer is the twelfth most common women’s cancer in the UK. Worldwide, it is the second most common. In the UK, a woman’s lifetime risk of developing cervical cancer is about one in 116 (0.86%).

Cancer of the cervix usually takes 10-20 years to develop. In the UK, more than 1,000 women die from cervical cancer each year.

Cervical screening picks up abnormalities in about 200,000 women a year, and around 2,800 women a year are diagnosed with cervical cancer. Regular cervical screening is the best way to identify abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

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Porcelain Veneers pre-op

Porcelain Veneers post-op

We have a special interest in the management of nervous patients.

Non-surgical correction of wrinkles and lip enhancement now available.

www.mikeclarkdental.com Baudelaire House 15D-1 Town Range, Gibraltar Tel/Fax: +350 200 52882

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health issues

Look out for: Physical Activities for mature adults It is even more important to keep yourself fit and healthy as you get older, so go along and join in the wide range of activities on offer for mature adults in 2009.

Mondays Swim fit – 9 to 10am at GASA’s big pool, lane swimming and exercises under the guidance of by Angela Santos. Badminton, carpet bowls, soft tennis and table tennis at the 1.30 to 3.30pm. Sports Assistants on hand to give guidance on sports.

Tuesdays Power Walking – 9.45 to 10.15am at the Bayside Sports centre fitness trail. Meet near the picnic area. Wear comfortable clothing, trainers and take a drink. Seniors’ Swimming – 10am to 12noon at GASA’s small pool. Tel GASA on 20072869 for further information.

unsupervised in the water. Maximum 20 people in the pool at any one time, places given on a first come first served basis. Maximum participation in any term: 4 weeks.

Saturdays Tai Chi – Saturdays at the Yoga Centre from 12noon to 1.30pm. Classes led by Dilip. Donations accepted. (Please note there are Tai Chi classes on other days of the week, but these are not specifically for seniors). Tel Dilip on 20078714 for further information.

Seniors Swimming – Saturdays 3 to 5pm at GASA’s small pool. Tel GASA on 20072869 for further information.

Wednesdays Yoga– 9.30 to 11am. Seniors class led by Karen Chevasco held at the Yoga Centre. Fitness trail – The fitness trail based at the Donations accepted.

Bayside Sports Centre is also proving very popular with mature exercisers now seen Thursdays Exercise to Music – 9.45 to 10.45am walking around the fitness trail listening to at the Victoria Stadium sports hall. Classes their favourite music most days of the week. include mobility, aerobic, strength & endurance NO need to book, just turn up in loose comand flexibility exercises. Session led by Michelle. fortable clothing, trainers, a drink, and power walk around the fitness trail and exercise on Tel 20076522 for further information the pieces of specialist equipment.

Friday Water exercise - Introduction to safe Swim Jogging – Available weekdays at the exercise in the water. Rotating four-week pro- Gibraltar Sports & Leisure Authority Pool gramme introducing mature men and women 7.30am to 10am and afternoons. Tel 20072869 to exercises that can be undertaken safely and for exact swim times. n

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An end to plastic bottle pollution may be in sight. ENSO Bottles, of Phoenix, Arizona is introducing a biodegradable PET plastic bottle that will change the way we think about plastic.

In 2007, there were more than two billion kilos of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic bottles that were burned or ended up in landfills, roadsides, streams and oceans. Thousands of years from now they will still be there.

“The pollution problem is enormous and continues to grow,” said Danny Clark, founder of ENSO Bottles, LLC. Clark said ENSO has developed a more “Earth Friendly” biodegradable plastic bottle.

Clark added, “Enso bottles are not oxo-biodegradables or PLA (Polylactic Acid). ENSO bottles are 100% biodegradable and 100% recyclable PET plastic bottles. Our PET bottles will biodegrade in anaerobic (no oxygen, no light) and aerobic compostable environments.”

The demand for plastic bottles is growing over 12% annually. PET plastic bottling is being used for everything from food, personal care to cleaning products and the demand for plastic beverage bottles continues to grow.

ENSOs’ biodegradable plastic products provide a solution to one of our growing environmental problems. Clark says, “The world is changing, people are becoming more involved and at ENSO we want to be part of making this a better planet for us and future generations.” n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

22/1/09 11:22:11

health issues

Don’t Be A Flu-sie: Get a Jab

The Gibraltar Health Authority has experienced very high rates of attendance at the Primary Care Centre and the A & E Department at St Bernard’s, as is the norm during this time of the year due to many outbreaks of respiratory system illness in particular. This year, however, reported cases of Influenza A, and other flu like illnesses were twice as high in December and January, as were rates of mycoplasma pneumonia in adults. Rates of respiratory syncitial virus infection in very young children have also increased.

Some of the cases, particularly the very young and the elderly, required hospital admission.

The situation is placing a strain on the GHA’S Primary Care Services, A&E and St Bernard’s Hospital in general. A prolonged period of very high occupancy at St Bernard’s Hospital neces-

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sitated the provision of extra beds on the general wards and very high occupancy in the ITU. The GHA is marshalling and adding to its resources where necessary to best meet the demand but needs the ongoing cooperation of the public in order to do so.

With regard to primary care, the GHA is asking the public to be considerate in its request for house calls and asks that house calls be requested only on behalf of the very sick and the elderly if possible. Use of the Emergency Clinic at the Primary Care Centre is advised rather than house calls as patients can be more completely assessed at the centre.

The GHA urges the full support of family members in accepting their relative home from hospital as quickly as they are medically discharged by the attending doctor.

The GHA is also asking that all those who are caring for disabled elderly in the community ensure that they have their own influenza immunisation up to date and to ensure the people they are caring for also have their pneumococcal and influenza vaccine up to date. n

Sport On on Track

Isabella of Sport On is back on form having taken some time out for an operation. A sports therapist and fitness trainer, Isabella offers a wide range of services including sports and remedial massages, personal training, sports specific rehabilitation, fitness evaluation and monitoring, preparation and recovery from competitions, post surgery rehabilitation and injury advice, treatment and full rehabilitation.

You can find Isabella at 3/8 Turnbull’s Lane on the second floor, but it’s a good idea to give her a call to make an appointment first on 54002226.

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health issues

Choosing to Live Longer How we choose to live affects our chances of suffering from one of the many variations of cancer — Jon Lewes looks at how leading the right lifestyle in Gibraltar can help to reduce our risks.

The continuous work of the fund-raising and cancer support groups in Gibraltar to help and assist cancer sufferers and to raise funds for cancer research has led, over recent years, to greater public awareness of cancer.

Nevertheless, work is required to prevent the disease by emphasing the extent to which it is the lifestyle of individual citizens that may be the cause of their cancer and which defines their cancer risk. The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) states very clearly that cancer is largely preventable and issues research-based information to help people to make the choices that will reduce their chances of developing the disease. Many of the conclusions on which the recommendations of the WCRF are based are accumulated from reports by cancer registries worldwide — the Gibraltar Cancer Registry this year celebrates ten years since it was formed and joined the international network of registries.

The Registry was set up to undertake a range of public health surveillance and health protection functions, of which the main functions are to monitor trends in cancer incidence, prevalence and survival over time, and between different areas and social groups, and to evaluate the effectiveness of cancer prevention and screening programmes.

The latest report available from the Gibraltar

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Health Authority shows that, in 1990, for selected cancers in Gibraltar’s men and women, compared to similar figures for 1990 in UK and Spain (the two countries most relevant to Gibraltar) there is no type of cancer where Gibraltar fares worse than the rest.

“In fact,” says the report, “cancer death rates are remarkably lower in Gibraltar... although caution needs to be expressed, that some cancer deaths may have been missed if they died elsewhere other than Gibraltar, but it would still take many such ‘missing’ deaths to reverse the result.”

Lung cancer continues to be the leading cause

The message is that the lifestyle you lead can affect your chances of cancer and, as a result, cancer is largely preventable

of cancer-related deaths in men and women worldwide but cancer and cancer-related diseases include breast, prostate, colon, ovarian, cervical, liver, pancreatic, bone, bladder, stomach, testicular, thyroid, kidney, throat, brain, mouth, uterine, esophageal, rectal and more. The fundamental causes of these cancers are considered by the WCRF to be the same, so the same strategies work for all of them — though in slightly different ways. As a result of studies over the years of data collected from the international network of cancer registries, including the Gibraltar Cancer Registry, the World Cancer Research Fund works to help people make choices.

The message it is hammering home is that the lifestyle you lead can affect your chances of cancer and, as a result, cancer is largely preventable. Effectively, if you choose to live a lifestyle exposed to high risk factors you run the higher risk of what the betting community would call a racing certainty that one of the Big 3 will get you, sooner or later i.e. you will suffer stroke, heart attack or cancer, or all three.

Tough new lifestyle guides, both from the Gibraltar Health Authority and from the WCRF, push home forcibly that we are what we eat and drink, and do, explaining “We all make choices every day about what we eat and drink,

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

22/1/09 11:16:23

health issues and how physically active we are and there is overwhelming evidence that the choices we make today can make a big difference to our cancer risk”.

Giving up smoking continues to be emphasised by the WCRF as an important essential step, especially by women as the incidence of lung cancer in women has increased even faster than the overall incidence, reflecting the increased use of tobacco by women in the past 30 years.

Protection and strengthening of the body’s immune system is the core defense, and high on the list of lifestyle changes, after quitting tobacco, is the style and type of food and alcohol we consume. WCRF again puts very forcibly the fact “There is convincing evidence, now stronger than it was in the mid-1990s, that alcoholic drinks are a cause of cancer of the mouth, pharynx and larynx, cancer of the oesophagus, and breast cancer. For colorectal cancer, the evidence is convincing for men and probable for women. Alcohol is also probably a cause of liver cancer”.

For cancer prevention, WCRF UK recommends not to drink alcoholic drinks at all, although it accepts there is evidence to suggest small amounts of alcohol may have a protective effect on the heart. The benefits only outweigh the risks, states the WCRF, in those particularly at risk of heart disease, such as men aged over 40 and postmenopausal women, and the recommendation is that one, perhaps two, glasses daily of red wine is more than enough to have a beneficial effect.

Sugary drinks and processed meat are singled

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out by the WCRF for specific attention, and again the organisation is unequivocal in stating “the evidence is convincing that processed meat is a cause of bowel cancer, processed meat referring to any meat that is preserved by salting, curing, smoking, or adding chemical preservatives. This means meat such as ham, bacon and hot dogs and some sausages. The data shows that there is no level of intake that can be confidently shown not to increase risk”.

Salt and salty food and red meat are also on the list of “banned” substances as the evidence suggests salt and salty foods are probably a cause of stomach cancer. For this reason, WCRF recommends people avoid salty foods and have less than 6g of salt a day. The evidence, they say, is also convincing that red meat, such as beef, and including lamb and pork, is a cause of bowel cancer, with the recommendation people eat no more than 500g of it per week.

One of the strongest recommendation by all health organisations is that people should be eating a diet that mostly consists of plant foods

Protection and strengthening of the body’s immune system is the core defense, and high on the list of lifestyle changes, after quitting tobacco, is the style and type of food and alcohol we consume

— Gibraltar has available all the ingredients that make up the Mediterranean diet for which the area is famed, so every household can easily include, for example, allium vegetables, such as onions, which research shows probably protect against stomach cancer and garlic, which is favoured for its probable protection against bowel cancer.

Water is the ideal drink, but unsweetened tea and coffee are also acceptable alternatives and the WCRF likes brazil nuts, just one a day, for their selenium content and tomatoes and fruit to reduce the risk of cancers of the mouth, pharynx and larynx, oesophagus, lung and stomach.

As an early start in correct food intake, their most recommended measures and lifestyle choices include breastfeeding, because of convincing evidence breastfeeding protects the mother against breast cancer and also probably protects the child against obesity later in life, which is in turn linked to a higher cancer risk.

An essential requirement to reduce risk of cancer is physical activity, to protect against weight gain and obesity, which are both closely linked to cancer and to protect against colorectal cancer, and against post-menopausal breast cancer and cancer of the endometrium, and the WCRF UK recommends people should be physically active for at least half an hour a day, and an hour in some cases.

It only takes one sight of a formerly fit and healthy person reduced by cancer in only months to a stick-like, emaciated version of his former self to want to be sure to follow all of the WCRF recommendations for a healthier lifestyle, all of which is available in Gibraltar. n

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A

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566

leisurewear

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

We do Silk Screen Printing, Embroidery, Transfers on:

Polo-Shirts, T-Shirts, Sweatshirts, School Logo, Baseball Caps, Work Wear, Foot Wear, Sweets, Stickers, Chefs, Waiters + Domestic Uniforms, Umbrellas, Pens, Lighters, Key-rings, Stickers, Protective clothing, Uniforms and loads more promotional items too many to mention.

Anuska your interflora agent

Tel: 200 79997 Mobile: 54022083 email: stitchandprint@gibtelecom.net

New Esprit Store

Mon - Fri 10am - 7pm Saturday 10am - 2pm

LADIES SALON & BARBER’S SHOP

Pick ’n’ Mix Sweets & Chocolates

Flowers by

Treasured memories require something truly special

hair & beauty

SUNRISE

shopping & gifts

ocean oceanvillage village

ESPRIT

Shopping &Beauty Units G & H Don Arcade (next to the Breadbin) Tel: 200 44407

Tel: 200 73786

226 Main St, Gibraltar Tel: 200 77076 Fax: 200 74116

Matthew’s Jewellery Repairs

New New Esprit Esprit Store Store

For all your Jewellery requirements at guaranteed low prices

pertnership pertnershipstore store 2 2ocean oceanvillage village ocean oceanvillage village promenade promenade gibraltar gibraltar open: open: MON MON - FRIDAY - FRIDAY 12.30 12.30 - 9- PM 9 PM SAT SAT12.30 12.30 - 8- PM 8 PM SUN SUN3 PM 3 PM TOTO 8 PM 8 PM TEL TEL 20048348 20048348 - please - please call call to to confirm confirm opening opening hours hours

Gift Vouchers Available

Also Jewellery repairs, engraving, diamond setting, Jewellery appraisals

4/4 Crutchetts Ramp Tel/Fax: 200 50478 Open: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

Enjoy the experience of having your hair styled in a relaxed and friendly environment, with massaging backwash chair and a welcoming team of top stylists

shopping & gifts 7777

GIBRALTAR GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAGAZINE • AUGUST • AUGUST 2008 2008

Jewellery Jewellery

LONDON HAIR DESIGNS 4 Horse Barrack Lane Tel: 200 70706 open 5 days 10am-5pm - late night Thurs & Fri

84 Irish Town Tel: 200 71238

Renaissance

La alhambrA

Health & Beauty Salon

at Don House Arcade Tel: 77311

Mini Market solid, silver dolphin charm £14

the silver shop casemates arcade, gibraltar

Gibraltar’s Longest Established Toy Shop

Bargain Stores 1-5 Governor’s Street Tel: 20077915

10 Bell Lane Tel: 200 77337

Free Gift with every Purchase while stocks last

Interiors Boutique - Gifts

hair & beauty H

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lassic

A fusion of Mediterranean and Colonial styles to add the Gibraltarian Flair to your Home 8 Bell Lane Tel: 200 75257

The Flowers of Gibraltar WE SELL FIREWORKS

• Aromatherapy • Sugar Waxing • Manicures • Pedicures • Facials • Eyelash/Eyebrow Tinting • Bodywraps for instant inch loss • Reflexology • Luxury Organic 2 hour face and body treatment Open: Monday - Friday 9.30am - 9pm

Wine, Spirits, Tobacconist, Groceries, Indian Spices

I

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uts

NOW RETAILING: Cornwall’s Centre Tel: 200 77774

by Leslie Linares, Arthur Harper and John Cortes

Book on sale at Gibraltar Book Shops GIBRALTARMAGAziNE MAGAZINE••FEBRUARY JANUARY 2009 GIBRALTAR

22/1/09 11:12:28

arts file

Sue’s OriginArta

Calling Young Artists:

Art Competition Sue Orfila will open her fabulous little gallery and workshop (OriginArta) at 28 Governor’s Street on 3rd February.

Everyone is welcome to pop in for a chat and a coffee in the afternoons and take a look at Sue’s works, and if you feel like doing something creative Sue will be holding craft lessons once a month on Saturdays and flower classes every Thursday starting on 5th February.

Pop in, you’ll be made most welcome. n

Young artists, you have a chance to show off your talents this month in an Art Competition and exhibition to be held at the end of February — and who knows, you may walk away with one of the fabulous cash prizes.

The competition is open to Gibraltarians and any resident of Gibraltar from school years 9 to 13 (or College equivalent) and up to the age of 24 (on 23rd February 2009) who may submit a maximum of two artworks (painting and/or sculpture). Works must be original and not previously entered competitively. Entries will be exhibited at the Casemates Exhibition Galleries from 23rd February to 6th March 2009.

Prizes are: 1st The Ministry of Culture Purchase Prize £1,000; 2nd The AquaGib Award £500. Additionally, there will be awards of £500 each, kindly sponsored by The Alwani Founda-

tion, to the best entry in each of the following school year groups: A. School Years 9 to 11 B. School Years 12 to 13 Entry forms and full conditions are available from: Comprehensive Schools & Gibraltar College; The Department of Education & Training, 23 Queensway; The Fine Arts Gallery, Casemates; John Mackintosh Hall, 308 Main Street; and the Ministry of Culture, 310 Main Street.

Closing date for receipt of entries is Friday 13th February 2009. n

SiSSi Beauty Salon & Hair Salon

Sissi is a sanctuary where treatments are carried out in a serene and tranquil environment.

You will enjoy a special experience with us.

We offer a whole range of beauty treatments.

F9, 1st Floor, ICC Tel: 200 70146 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

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photo: John J Wood

If you want to know anything about jazz, Chris Kenningley might be one of the most interesting people in Gibraltar to point you in the right direction.

His career as a Design Manager for well known hotel chains has taken him round the world from New York to Dubai and Hong Kong, giving him more than a little experience in his passion for music.

It Don’t Mean a Thing

(if you ain’t got that swing)

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Having seen the scenes and checked out jazz clubs across the world, the local jazz society has much to offer when compared to many of his disappointing experiences from some pretty prominent locations elsewhere.

As a semi-professional woodwind player, Chris has followed jazz from its roots in New Orleans and has played with some of the more prominent bands in the UK and Middle East, managing to make a little money from his ventures, but was never quite convinced to take jazz on as a full-time vocation.

“There’s little money to be made from jazz, even in the ‘60s boom where it was all the rage, most musicians who took the professional road only managed to come out even,” Chris commented. His music is not about money. “I find it difficult to understand how so many jazz festivals can have lineups which have little or nothing to do with the style and just seem to use the title to promote more commercial pop or world music,” he added.

A self-taught musician, Chris started out with Dixieland traditional bands in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s and after years of solid, structured music decided he never wanted to hear a banjo again and moved on to develop his taste for modern jazz. Influenced by the likes of Dexter Gordon, Sunny Stitt and Cannonball Adderley and nearly a lifetime playing clarinet and saxophone, he’s not only an absolute “must” to listen to, but has a clear set idea for explaining jazz to the uninitiated.

“Mood inspiring,” was one of the first phrases he used. “You can’t explain jazz away as simply romantic or by by attributing it to any one emotion because it goes much

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE •• FEBRUARY GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE JANUARY2009 2009

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music scene

by Jon Bull

It’s a sound which you learn to appreciate, and the more you listen, the more you learn deeper than that,” Chris explained.

“And whilst teaching can aid and abet a latent talent, ‘it don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing’. A good jazz musician doesn’t necessarily need to be an expert on his instrument, but he needs to have a certain type of feeling to be able to really entertain. There are plenty of jazz musicians who are readers and who can get through some pretty complicated pieces reading music, but jazz is much more than just playing a piece of music, it has an expression which only the musician can add — I’m not sure how much of that feeling can be taught.”

To illustrate, Roland Kirk, the brilliant American saxophonist, played many instruments at the same time – not a one-man-band, but by playing with several woodwind instruments in his mouth together. He wasn’t coming up with melody or anything like that, it was the overall effect of the mix of sounds, cleverly interlaced with the other instruments adding a very original percussion style accompaniment to the group. A classical example of how much of jazz is based on the simplicity of the performance, with originality and that ever-present swinging rhythm.

Because of its complex mix of style, rhythm and improvisation based on either chords or melodies, jazz is very much a musician’s music, Chris commented. It’s a sound which you learn to appreciate, and the more you listen, the more you learn.

This is probably one of the main reasons jazz has never quite taken off commercially as the real thing is not a quick sell, but a fringe style with a comparatively small, but extremely enthusiastic audience.

Whilst in the ‘80s, jazz bands, encouraged by their money-hungry record lables turned to “elevator music” as Chris calls it, there are only a few commercial musicians who have dared to bring jazz back to the commercial scene with any success. Jamie Cullum released Catching Tales in September 2005 with the single Get your way taking maximum air-time right through the Christmas period and worked wonders to upgrade the profile of

Take the Master Class After Chris had commented on not knowing quite how much jazz could be taught, I decided to spend an evening sitting in on one of George Posso’s Jazz classes to find out exactly how he handles such a tricky musical subject.

George has a simple, effective and extremely patient approach to the way he teaches jazz. Listening to the class of sometimes over ten pupils of different ages, different instruments and all at different levels makes you realise immediately that yes, the basics of jazz can be taught. Even though the end result is down to the individual’s ability, practice and talent, there’s much to be learned from the theory, working on different patterns or riffs and George drops everyone in at the deep-end by having them play pieces as a group and taking turns to take over melody and improvisation.

His method will give any musician an underlying knowledge of the structure of jazz and how to work alongside other musicians, breaking inhibitions allowing

jazz internationally.

Chris went on to explain that improvisation plays a major part in any jazz piece, and it’s key for all members to understand where each is going. There’s a solid structure behind which each member can take off at a tangent and improvise

on.

Chris recalls a time when he joined in with the Rook Volunteer Band outside the Angry Friar one Sunday night a few years back.

“They were reading the music and playing pretty well. I just tried to find where I would fit in and played

When the point in the tune came to the solo, the band master turned to me and and said ‘It’s your turn to busk now, lad’!

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students to enjoy and play well together with respect for the other instruments around.

Working with simple scale progressions known as two-five-ones and variations on these, you can quickly get the feel for improvisation, especially when George drops you into songs such as Satin Doll and shows you how to apply these basics into the song’s own chord progressions. You’ll find out more about holding rhythm and how each instrument finds its place with complementary rhythm and style whilst working on the swinging pace of the music too.

I must confess, there’s plenty to take in and you won’t progress too far if you don’t take the informa-

tion you’ve gleaned away with you and practice. Above all you’ll need to listen to learn.

It’s a credit to the teacher that students travel from as far away as Algeciras to get their dose of George’s jazz sessions, and they can often be found at the Eliott on Monday evenings as well as the occasional Thursday trying out their latest learnings on the public. Get down and have a listen!

I’ve heard enough to sign myself up every Tuesday evening just in case I might get that swing. n George Posso teaches and gives master classes at Bayside School on Tuesday evenings at 6pm. He can be contacted on 57115000.

along. When the point in the tune came to the solo, the band master turned to me and and said ‘It’s your turn to busk now, lad’! Jazz is not busking, there’s a structure which you adhere to and work on. There’s much more to it than just tootling along with a few other musicians to see where it goes.”

For anyone interested in the jazz scene in Gibraltar, Thursday evenings at the Eliott Hotel are a must for musicians and listeners alike. n

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art file

aaronson noon

at Farrington Contemporary Adam Aaronson’s stunning contemporary glass sculptures will be on show this month at Farrington Contemporary, Ocean Village.

These stylish and functional works are perfect examples of his flair for glass design. With a collection which is quickly being snapped up by collectors and galleries alike, Adam has built up a reputation as one of the UK’s foremost contemporary glass designers.

After nearly 30 years designing, his studio based in Earls Court now accomodates six talented artists assisting him on works where glass is blown and finished.

You’ll find his latest range of landscapes, which would normally be depicted in two dimensions an inspiration in glass design. Solid horizons and textures are present with varying emphasis throughout the display — Adam’s inspiration comes from his every-day natural surroundings on the banks of the Thames. From wintery fields, water at night, snowy hills and tree bark textures, you’ll find a different mood in every piece. n

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maximilliano

Born in Venice in 1954, Maximilliano has been brought up surrouned by the fine art world. His mother an artist an his father a close friend and biographer of Master Pietro Annigoni, he was only 15 when in 1969 he had his vision:

“I want to be a portrait painter in London!

This should be my fate. Dreaming about that in Annigoni’s studio, wearing a Beatles-style jacket and holding in my hand a photo of my father sitting on a Hyde Park bench. The wind of life blew, the years passed and at last year my 15year-old son took a photograph: it’s me, sitting on a Hyde Park bench, a painter in London.”

Since 1984 he has realised his dream as a professional painter and illustrator. As an author of book covers, he’s worked for all the major publishers in Italy and designs and realises cultural exhibitions for town authorities based on his illustrations.

Attention to detail and mood sets him apart with the monographic display at Farringrton Contemporary. Maximilliano, and members of his Paper Band, will also be in the San Roque Golf Club for an exhibition there, starting on 20th February through the weekend and then back into Gibraltar on the 24th for another event that evening at Farrington Contemporary.

The band will be playing music which Maximilliano produces and composes, adding a touch of vibrance to the event, probably a first for the Gibraltar art scene. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

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o

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

newsagents

hobbies&pastimes

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

leisure & tuition

Sun Daily Mail Star Express Mirror Available Daily on the Rock Every Morning from

L. SACARELLO 96 Main St Tel: 200 78723 Fax: 200 78723 Booksellers, Newsagents & Stationers

framing&photos

dating

SKY

FREDDIE PARODY

SHOP

For newspapers, magazines, confectionery & more, visit the Sky Shop at Gibraltar Airport.

Book Wholesalers

Open: 9.30am - 9pm 7 days a week

• Book Distribution • Social Stationery • Novelties

Your last stop before the frontier Gibraltar Airport Tel/Fax: 200 42639

Europa Business Centre Tel/Fax: 20075842

leisure&sport

ROCK TURF ACCOUNTANTS LTD

GACHE & CO LTD

Daily live SIS coverage on all UK racing plus an extensive sports betting service

EST. 1830

• Giftware • Jewellery • Sports Trophies • Awards & Engravers

11 Casemates Square Tel: 20079720 15 Tuckey’s Lane Tel: 20075560 Fax: 20077015

photography

travel&hotels BAR NOW OPEN 8.30 - midnight Breakfast CANNON from H O T E Li 8.30-10am 9 Cannon Lane Tel: 200 51711 Fax: 200 51789

Licencees of Gibcon Ltd

266 Main St, Gibraltar Tel: 200 75757

www.medgolf.gi medgolf@gibraltar.gi Tel: 200 79575 Fax: 200 44307

lessons&tuition Frost Language Centre (Co. Registered in Gibraltar)

Spanish lessons. Private Tuition.

If you would like to learn Spanish or improve your knowledge of the language, please contact Margaret for more info

on 956 173384 or e.mail rmf2@telefonica.net

EUROPORT RD. TEL: 200 70950

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

Tel: (+350) 20074000 Fax: 20040030

Gibraltar Connections

by Reg Reynolds 60 riveting true stories of people and events connected to the world’s most famous Rock.

Available at book shops and newsagents throughout Gibraltar GIBRALTAR GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAGAZINE • • FEBRUARY FEBRUARY 2008 2009

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On his visit to clairvoyant Doire O’Sullivan Brian McCann heard of a surprising, though down-to-earth, coincidence...

clear view of life Doire O’Sullivan’s

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“My father owned land in Northern Island near the town of Ballymena,” said Doire, pronounced ‘Derry’. “Before I was born, the houses for the Gibraltar evacuees were built on that land; one of the evacuees was a little boy called Abie Massias — and he turned out to be my landlord when I moved to Gibraltar in November and rented a unit in his ICC.” As I said, that was pure coincidence; Doire came to Gibraltar because she felt strongly drawn to it, not knowing that Mr Massias was here or that he had lived on her father’s land during the war.

The place itself was called Glens of Antrim, and from her very earliest years Doire was trained in clairvoyancy by her father, who initiated her into the mysteries of what is called The Druid Path, a set of ancient mystic practices. As a result, Doire became a popular clairvoyant and psychic medium, with her own shops in Northern Ireland as well as appearing regularly on the radio in Ulster and the Republic of Ireland.

One memorable case involved a woman who was seeking consolation as doctors had just given her three months to live. Doire looked at the aura that surrounded the woman and told her, “there is nothing wrong with you — go back to the doctors and ask them to check.”

The woman returned to the hospital, where the shocked staff found that they had mixed up her results with those of another patient, and there was indeed nothing wrong with her.

Doire also helped the Belfast police with some cases, and after just two months in Gibraltar has become much sought-after as word spread about her abilities.

“But to reach that stage,” she told me as we sat in her small office just inside the ICC, “you have to undergo between 15 and 22 years of study; even though I’m a natural clairvoyant, there is still so much to learn.”

Doire’s learning process began with travels in Africa, where she studied herbalism with the Zulus, and then shamanism in Malawi. This was followed by some years in China learning to become a practitioner in reiki — an oriental technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing.

And after around two decades of travel and study, she returned to Ireland 10 years ago to open her first shop.

My interview with her was interrupted several times by people coming in to ask for appointments for readings, her popularity quite amazing for someone who only opened

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

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shop in November.

“I happened to come here on a short visit two years ago,” she explained. “I felt immediately that Gibraltar was a very mystic place and I was drawn here so strongly that I moved here as soon I could.” She added that she has since found she loves the Rock, and says it reminds her very much of Northern Ireland, with its open friendliness and family-centred society.

The name Doire is, as I said, pronounced Derry and is Gaelic for the county of that name, which was anglicised to its better known spelling, and, I learned, means ‘the place of the oak tree.’

So, what exactly does she offer?

“Mostly it’s palmistry, astrology and tarot readings. Tarot is the mirror of the soul, and all three together give a very detailed reading of what’s happening in your life during the following year.” As a clairvoyant she is also a psychic medium and includes Psychic Awareness as part of her services. This, she explained, lets you communicate with the energy of souls. “We are all just a pack of energy, which lives for ever,” she said.

Another occasionally asked-for skill is the clearing of unwelcome spirits from a house — exorcism. “As a general rule,” she told me, “if you have a troublesome spirit in the house, the worst thing you can do is make a big thing of it — this sort of energy thrives on attention and will just grow and grow.”

Explaining how tarot readings are a guide to help you in life, Doire told me she has had indications from many of the local readings

that something bad is going to happen to property in April. “It just kept cropping up in so many cases; I don’t know what it is but I am advising people to make sure their home insurance is up-to-date.”

Another notable result was when she says she predicted the chief minister’s big lottery win recently, although the person having the tarot reading was the father of the office assistant who shared the prize with Peter Caruana.

Many top politicians throughout Ireland used Doire’s gifts regularly, as did a lot of famous actors — although naturally she didn’t say who they were.

Sessions last 20 to 30 minutes in her booth and cost £20. She will also visit homes for parties of four to seven people, although each has a private reading in turn.

Doire’s learning process began with travels in Africa, where she studied herbalism with the Zulus, and then shamanism in Malawi

She does not recommend having tarot readings too frequently, partly because she says it dilutes its power and also because people can become addicted to it, so it becomes a hindrance rather than a help. n Open from 10 to 5 straight through, appointments can be made by calling Doire (Derry) on 54028079, or you can look in at the booth if she is not with a client: it is immediately inside the entrance to the ICC off Main Street with a large bright sign.

What is a Clairvoyant?

Clairvoyance (from 17th century French with clair meaning “clear” and voyance meaning “visibility”) is the apparent ability to gain information about an object, location or physical event through means other than the known human senses, a form of extra-sensory perception. A person said to have the ability of clairvoyance is referred to as a clairvoyant (“one who sees clear”).

Part of the larger phenomenon know as extra sensory perception (ESP), clairvoyance is defined as the ability to discern images not readily detected by the five senses — transmitted over both temporal distances and geographic distances. Other terms for clairvoyance include second sight, shadow sight, prophecy, and spiritual communication.

BLINDS & BLIND SYSTEMS

62 Engineers Lane Tel: 200 44012 Email: jane@denvilledesigns.com www.denvilledesigns.com

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Silene vulgaris

General Species:

A Dense Marquis As mentioned in a previous article, the principal vegetation of the Upper Rock is maquis. This consists of a community of trees, shrubs and climbing plants that form a dense, sometimes impenetrable mass.

text and photos by Leslie Linares ARPS

Wild Flowers of Gibraltar

Statchys circinata

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A common climber is the black bryony, Tamus communis, which can climb up to a height of 4 metres.

This species is easily distinguished by its shiny, heart-shaped leaves, and non-spiny twining stems. The small, greenish flowers form long slender axillary racemes, and the fruits are berries about 1 cm long, which are at first green then orange and eventually bright red. The common name comes from the fact that some of the leaves can turn black as the plant matures.

A rare member of the pea family, the sticky restharrow, Ononis viscosa subsp subcordata, can be found in scattered places around the Upper Rock, especially on clearings, roadsides and firebreaks. The yellow flowers are 1 to 1.5 cm across, and the seed pods up to 1.5 cm long.

The plant is quite aromatic and is covered in glandular hairs making it very sticky to the touch.

The soft woundwort, Stachys circinata, is a species that is hard to find even though it is not particularly rare. It grows in shady corners

around the Rock, usually from crevices in the limestone of north-facing cliffs and rocky outcrops, and also around the entrances to caves and tunnels. The plants are between 30 and 50 cm tall, and are densely covered with soft hairs. The flowers are around 1.5 cm long, and form elongated spikes.

Nine species of campion, or catchfly, can be found on the Rock.

The bladder campion, Silene vulgaris, is one of the least common.

The main stand of this species is at North Front Cemetery, but scattered plants can be found in southern areas such as Hole in the Wall and Europa Flats. The population at the Cemetery is under serious threat as a result of the periodic and ruthless strimming of all vegetation down to the bare soil, which is carried out under the name of “tidying up the Cemetery”. The species is easily distinguished by the inflated calyces of the white flowers.

A more common species is the pink Mediterranean catchfly, Silene colorata. These plants, which are

the sticky restharrow can be found in scattered places around the Upper Rock

Tamus communis

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natural history Clematis flamula

Silene colorata

The pink Mediterranean catchfly, as is the case with most catchflies, are pollinated by nocturnal insects, hence their strange behaviour of closing up during the day mainly found along Mediterranean Steps and on the East Side, can be from 15 to 30 cm tall. The flowers are 1.5 to 2 cm across, and open in the evening and curl up when the sun rises. They may remain open for longer during the day if it is overcast. These plants, as is the case with most catchflies, are pollinated by nocturnal insects, hence their strange behaviour of closing up during the day.

The sweet scabious or mournful widow, Scabiosa atropurpurea, is a fairly common species which can be found throughout the Rock, but mainly along the East Side, and southern parts. The plant can be up to 1m tall, usually with spreading branches. The inflorescence is a hemispherical cluster of whitish, bluish, lilac or purplish flowers, between 3 and 5 cm across. The flower heads become much elongated in fruit.

The fragrant clematis, Clematis flammula, flowers from June to September as opposed to the other

species of clematis found on the Rock, Clematis cirrhosa, which flowers from October to November. It is a deciduous, climbing perennial, reaching from 3 to 5 m, and the flowers are fragrant, 2 to 3 cm across, arranged in panicles. This species is not common in Gibraltar.

It grows mainly in southern parts of the Rock, especially along Engineer Road, with a few scattered plants elsewhere on the Upper Rock.

Of the twelve species of Euphorbia found on the Rock this is one of the least common. The sun spurge, Euphorbia helioscopia, is typically found on waste and disturbed ground, but is sometimes found as a weed in cultivated plots. The plants can be up to 40 cm tall, and the flowers are arranged in a flattopped cluster up to 10 cm across.

As with all spurges, care must be taken when handling the plants as the white latex produced by the plants when damaged is a skin irritant which can result in a skin rash or blisters. n

Ononis viscosa

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Scabiosa atropurpurea

Euphorbia helioscopia

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1st FLOOR 1

3

2

Stairs to Ground Floor

onthesquare

Gibraltar Museum (special exhibition rooms)

4

5

6

7

8

9 10

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

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

NOW OFFERING DAILY SPECIALS Grand Casemates Sq Tel: 20044449

12 13

Casemates Gates

5th Jan Tradional 3 Kings Cavalcade Parade Casemates along Main Street-starting from Casemates Square Time: 7.00 pm

23 24 25

Square 29

Tourist Office 15th Jan

The Gibraltar Philharmonic Society Berlin Philharmonic Solist Series

(See pages 87-90 for restaurant & bar information)

Q: From where does the name come?

The word Casemates, meaning a bomb proof compartment, usually of masonry, to house a magazine or troop quarters, comes from the Italian ‘Casamatta’ from the Latin ‘Casa’ (house) and ‘Matto’ (mad) originating from the Latin ‘Mattus’ (drunk)!

33 Visit us and step back in history

Line Wall Road

32 International Commercial Centre

P

TAXIS

(shops, offices, health centre)

30

Main Street

➨

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

27 28

PS

Fruit & Veg, Fish & Meat

17 18 19

14

SHO

Public Market

15 16

20 21 22

Casemates Tunnel

11

Casemates Arcade

Ground FLOOR

Main Entrance / Stairs

Casemates Square Tel: 200 72987

1-3. Arts & Crafts Galleries 11. Cafe Solo 12. All’s Well 14. The Tunnel 19. The Silver Shop 26. El Cottage 27. Lord Nelson Bar Brasserie 28. El Patio Restaurant 29. Rock Turf Accountants 30. Baby Love (in ICC) 32. Solo Express

10 Casemates www.lordnelson.gi Tel: 200 50009

RESTAURANTE

El Patio

Basque & Continental Cuisine Speciality Fish

now also in Casemates

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11 Casemates Square Tel: 200 70822

Open: Monday - Friday 9am - 5.30pm Saturday 10am - 3pm Sunday 10am - 1pm Watergate House, Casemates Square Tel/Fax: 200 74982 Email: tourism@gibraltar.gi Website: www.gibraltar.gov.uk

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY2009 2009

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WHAT’S ON February

27th January to 5th February 7th Gibtelecom International Chess Festival at Caleta Hotel. For further info contact Caleta Hotel Tel: 20076501 Tuesday 3rd to 11th February Painting Exhibition by Davina Martin at John Mackintosh Hall Gallery 9.30am to 6pm. Entrance free Thursday 5th February The Gibraltar Museum Lecture “How climate, history and geography interact” John Mackintosh Hall Theatre 8.30pm. For further information contact Tel: 20074289. Entrance free.

Tel: 20040135 E-mail: paul@gonhs. org Monday 16th February The Gibraltar Philharmonic Society Piano Recital - Ingrid Fliter at The Convent 8.30pm. Tickets: £20.00, pensioners £10.00, available from Solomon Levy Estate Agent – Convent Place & Sacarello’s Coffee Shop, Irish Town. For info and credit/ debit card purchase contact Angelo Tel: 20072134 Email: tgpsociety@ gibtelecom.net

Friday 6th February Gun Salute - HM The Queen’s Accession to the Throne - at The Tower (Berth 41) Naval Base 12.00 noon.

For info Tel 20055083

Friday 20th February Dance Academy Annual Choreography Competition at John Mackintosh Hall Theatre 8pm. Tickets: £6.00 available from the John Mackintosh Hall ticket office from 12th Feb. For further information contact Tel: 20044828

Thursday 12th February The Gibraltar Museum Lecture by Joe Desoisa “A history of the universe a short introduction” at John Mackintosh Hall Theatre 8.30pm.

Entrance free.

Sunday 22nd February Calpe Rambles meet the Spanish Side of the Frontier just to the right of the Aduana Vehicle Exit at 8am.

For info contact Ray Tel: 20071956 or John Tel: 20074645

Saturday 14th February Gibraltar Botanic Garden Tour meet George Don Gates (at the south end of Grand Parade) 10.30am. No fee but donations are welcome. For information Tel: 20072639 Email: alameda@wildlife.gib.gi

Friday 27th February Royal Marines Freedom Parade (rehearsal) at Ocean Village/Casemates 7.30-9.30pm. Contact Tel 20055083

GOHNS - Outing La Janda 8am meet Spanish side of the frontier.

For further information contact Paul

Saturday 28th February Unveiling of Royal Marine Monument & Freedom March at Ocean Village/ Casemates/Main Street 10.00am to 12.15pm. Contact Tel 20055083

Live music on stage every night

Starters & Snacks Fresh Local Mussels Our Signature Dish ..........................................................................................£5.95 The Classic Bruschetta ........................................................................................................................£3.50 Blue Cheese & Rocket Bruschetta ......................................................................................................£3.75 Lordy’s Potato Skins ............................................................................................................................£4.75 Atlantic Prawn Cocktail ......................................................................................................................£5.25 Spicy Chicken Wings............................................................................................................................£4.75 Pil-Pil Prawns ........................................................................................................................................£5.25 Beef Pinchitos ......................................................................................................................................£4.75 Battered King Prawns ..........................................................................................................................£5.50

Main Courses

Calamares ............................................................................................................................................£6.25 Fresh Local Mussels - Our Signature Dish........................................................................................£7.25 British Fish And Chips ........................................................................................................................£6.25 Chicken & Mushroom Pie....................................................................................................................£5.75 Admirals Prime Fillet Steak ..............................................................................................................£14.50 Fillet Of John Dory ..............................................................................................................................£7.25 Chilli Con Carne ..................................................................................................................................£6.25 Spaghetti Bolognaise ............................................................................................................................£6.25 Lasagne ................................................................................................................................................£6.25 HMS Breakfast ......................................................................................................................................£5.50 Vegetarían Pasta Baked........................................................................................................................£5.50 Steak & Ale Pie......................................................................................................................................£6.25 Chicken Curry (m) ................................................................................................................................£6.25 Breaded Scampi ....................................................................................................................................£6.75

Freshly Baked Rolls & Sandwiches

Cheese and tomato ........................................................................................................................................£4.50 Sausage and egg ............................................................................................................................................£4.50 Bacon and egg ................................................................................................................................................£4.50 Ham and tomato ............................................................................................................................................£4.50 Tuna mayonnaise ..........................................................................................................................................£4.50 Prawn Mary Rose ..........................................................................................................................................£4.75 Chicken, lettuce and mayo ..........................................................................................................................£4.75 Chicken, bacon bits and mayo ....................................................................................................................£4.75 Crew’s club sandwich....................................................................................................................................£4.75

Burritos

Cajun Chicken ......................................................................................................................................£5.75 Guadalajara ..........................................................................................................................................£5.75 Vera Cruz ..............................................................................................................................................£5.75 Juarez ....................................................................................................................................................£5.75 El Paso The Gibraltar Arms’ favourite!!!! ............................................................................................£5.75

Salads

Chicken Caesar Salad ..........................................................................................................................£5.50 King Prawn Salad ..................................................................................................................................£6.50 Tuna Salad..............................................................................................................................................£5.50

Sizzlers

Argentina Sizzler..................................................................................................................................£10.25 Vegi Sizzler ............................................................................................................................................£8.50 Chicken & Cheese Sizzler ....................................................................................................................£9.50 Dips - garlic mayo, Mary Rose or sweet chilli ..................................................................................£1.00 Tartar Sauce ..........................................................................................................................................£1.00 Sauces - peppercorn, Bourbon, mushroom or blue cheese ............................................................£1.00 Homemade Pizzas Extra toppings - 50p Traditional Margherita ........................................................................................................................£7.50 Hawaiian................................................................................................................................................£7.50 Three Cheese........................................................................................................................................£7.95 Deluxe....................................................................................................................................................£7.50 Vegetarian ............................................................................................................................................£6.50

Burgers

Admirals Burger ..................................................................................................................................£7.50 Boson Burger ........................................................................................................................................£7.50 The Rock Burger ..................................................................................................................................£8.50 Cheese Burger ......................................................................................................................................£7.50

Nachos

Nelson’s Nachos....................................................................................................................................£4.50 With Cajun chicken slices ..................................................................................................................£5.45 Or with spicy chilli ..............................................................................................................................£5.45

Side Orders

Homemade chips ....................................................................................................................................£1.25 Homemade chips and cheese ..................................................................................................................£1.50 Garlic Bread ............................................................................................................................................£1.35 Garlic Bread and cheese ..........................................................................................................................£1.50 Dips - garlic mayo, Mary Rose or sweet chilli ..........................................................................................£1.00 Tartar Sauce ............................................................................................................................................£1.00 Sauces - peppercorn, Bourbon, mushroom or blue cheese ....................................................................£1.00

Children’s Menu

Welcome aboard shipmates! Choose from:................................................................................................................£4.00 Tasty golden chicken nuggets from Long John’s treasure chest Nelson’s fish caught from the starboard bow & chipped potatoes Crew’s sausage & chips rations Gunpowder boy’s pasta bolognaise

Gibraltar Live Music Society

Venue of the Year

Official Sponsor & Home to

The Gibraltar Rugby Club

NEW

Ice Cream Sundae Menu The Gibraltar Philharmonic Society has organised a piano recital by Ingrid Fliter at The Convent on 16th February

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Gibraltar's Only

Authentic Irish Bar Opening 2008

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7

prize puzzle

by Alan Gravett

SUDOKU No prize for these two — you’ll be doing it for the glory!

1

2

4

3

6

5

8

7

9

10

11 12

13

14 15

16

17

Across 5) Canonised person associated with

love and a massacre (2.9) 7) Middle Eastern ruler (4) 8) Cutting tools with endless

toothed blades (4,4) 9) Inhabitant or language of part

of India (7) 11) Covered with a hairy coat (5) 13) Pay out (5) 14) Pleasure (7) 16) Witness before a judge, notary etc. (8) 17) Entreat (4) 18) “--- Fair” song; town in North Yorkshire (11)

Down 1) Above (4) 2) Drop; bead (of liquid) (7) 3) Silly (5) 4) US state, capital Jefferson City (8) Send completed crossword to: FIRST PRIZE: 5) 17th. century diarist (6,5) The Cannon Bar, Lunch for 2 at 6) Former British Prime Minister (6,5) Cannon Lane, Gibraltar.

The Cannon Bar 10) Type of bronze containing copper, One entry per person. tin and zinc (8) Winner notified in next issue of The Gibraltar Magazine.

Closing date: 23rd February 2009 12) Italian car manufacturer (7) 15) Investigate (5) LAST MONTH’S ANSWERS: Across: Chastising, Skis, Tiger, Newcastle, Antelope, Keyed, 17) Boy’s name (4) 18

Opinion, Railcar, Playlet, Octaves, Ashen, Entangle, Euphemism, Grant, Toys, Using Teeth.

Down: City, Argentina, Three, Sundown, New Year, Kitty, Slenderest, Backlist, Complacent, Islander, Cavalcade, Tiepins, Ottoman, Happy, Night,

jotting pad

Crossword Winner Ferdinand Monteverde — 410 Portland House

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

22/1/09 12:48:53

valentine goodies at

aftershock

Stuck for ideas for your other half, or worse still, don’t trust him to give you what you really want?

Lindsey, Nathalie and Kaduiska have the answer to all your problems at Aftershock in Ocean Village.

Their main line is designer fashion from extra-small to extra-large and it’s not just evening wear either.

Aftershock has a wide range

of casual wear, shoes and an extremely popular range of bags and jewellery to help you match your outfit.

If you can’t find what you want in the shop though there’s no need to worry. Browse through their new Spring/Summer catalogue and they can have anything you like shipped out usually in just a week.

The girls like to go the extra mile to keep you happy too, with perks such as a free seamstress service to make those all important minor adjustments, and if you’re looking for a wedding outfit, they’re careful to keep a list of guests and what they buy to make sure no-one accidentally ends up with the same frock at the same function.

So pop in between 11th and 14th February and share a glass of champagne, chocolates and goodie-bag while you browse the selection.

And don’t forget boys, if you can’t make your mind up what she’d like you could always take the easy road and buy her a gift voucher. n

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Lindsey and Nathalie of Aftershock, Ocean Village Promenade

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profile

by Mark Montovio

did not have to bring someone over from the United Kingdom.

Jose credits his Union successes to a group of men who were able to join forces to create real and lasting change, but clearly he was a driving force behind them, leading, nurturing and inspiring many others to remain true to the real issues and to campaign for fairness and equality.

It is difficult to forget an event which, for me, stands out clearly in the history of this man. In defence of an individual, and an ideal, he instructed his union members to block the airfield to stop an aircraft from taking off because a passenger on that flight was being deported. I forget the result of the action taken, but that never seemed to me to be the important thing as images of the event are still fresh in my mind. How many of us today would risk taking that action in defence of a person, let alone an ideal? Jose did that again and again and, despite the fact he is now enjoying a well deserved retirement, is still making a difference to others by assisting as and when he can.

From an early age Jose was involved in activities in support of his ideals and beliefs. He lived through the Spanish Civil War and the Second World War and it was during this time that Jose’s father thought it best to send him away to stay with his grandmother in Atajate, Andalusia, during the time other Gibraltarians were evacuated. On his return to Gibraltar he started work as an engine fitter and had an active part in the distribution of propaganda against the Franco regime. He later set up the Gibraltar Freeworkers Union and continued campaigning to establish fair treatment of workers as there was a marked difference between the way Ministry of Defence employees were treated depending on whether they were British, Gibraltarian or Spanish.

Jose has been described as a ‘historic pillar of trade unionism in Gibraltar’ and his legacy is still there to be seen. Unafraid to be critical of others, he is very critical of himself and he spends a considerable amount of time analysing his thoughts and actions. Jose is currently writing a book which no doubt will become an important addition to the body of works documenting Gibraltar’s history and development during this past century.

The JM Memorial Foundation wanted to recognise Jose’s contribution to the Trade Union Movement, his untiring defence of others and his commitment to equality, respect and dignity. Jose dared to voice, with a strong Jose Netto is undoubtedly among the group of legendary figures determination, what many may not have wanted to hear in defence of these values and in Gibraltar whose contribution to the community deservedly earns in representation of those with no voice. them a place in history. The JM Memorial Foundation recently Few people are prepared to stand up to nominated Mr Netto as one of the recipients of the 2008 JM authority and whether you were in agreement with him or not is not the issue. Jose was Memorial Awards for making a difference to others. prepared to defend others at all costs and he Jose, who became involved with the trade eloquence in Spanish, he was encouraged to became an important and difficult role model union movement from a very early age, was apply for the position to ensure the Union to follow. n eventually appointed to head the Transport & General Workers Union in Gibraltar as District Officer, and this is probably how most of us remember him. Despite the fact his command of the English language was poor, and Jose constantly makes reference to this, preferring to express himself with enviable

Jose Netto:

A Union Man

Unafraid to be critical of others, he is very critical of himself and he spends a considerable amount of time analysing his thoughts and actions

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

22/1/09 12:44:51

The Newton Systems’ team

Win an iTouch at Store Opening Newton Systems are opening their stylish new store at 75 Irish Town on 2nd February when the Mayor will cut the ribbon at 10am. This will then be the only shop in Gibraltar offering such an excellent opportunity to play with the latest technology — an exciting prospect for Mac and PC customers.

Newton Systems is a well established Gibraltar company providing new computer products

and accessories, computer maintenance and support for businesses and customers.

As an Apple Authorised Reseller, Newton Systems is the only store in Gibraltar certified to repair Mac products. The main showroom will display all Mac products; customers will have the chance to be hands on with the latest iMacs, MacBooks and iPods, with technical experts on hand to answer any questions. There will also be

Office Refurbishments & Fitting Out

a PC gallery showcasing new products.

Newton Systems are holding a ‘Grand Opening’ on 19th February and offering a free raffle ticket to all those who attend on the day. The winner will be picked at the end of the day and will receive an iPod touch.

Visit Newton Systems to explore a new era of computer store and get the chance to win excellent prizes! n

Home Renovations & Refurbishments

SOLUTIONS

PO Box 598 Tel: 57185000 Fax: 77041

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history

Margaret Fuller:

Writer’s Last Days on the Rock

by Reg Reynolds

Margaret Fuller sighed with relief as the merchant ship Elizabeth sailed out of Gibraltar Harbour.

The foremost feminist writer of her day was finally going home to America.

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The bark Elizabeth had sailed from Leghorn, Italy on 15th May 1850 but the captain, named Hasty, became ill early in the voyage. His wife was aboard and treated him as best she could.

Margaret brought her two-year-old son Angelo to visit the captain in attempts to cheer him up.

She also tried to comfort the captain’s anxious wife with reassuring words.

“We shall soon be at Gibraltar,” Margaret told the wife. “There we can have the advice of a doctor.”

On the night of 1st June, Margaret, her Italian husband Marquis D’Ossoli and Angelo watched from the deck as the mighty Rock loomed up against the horizon.

“Courage,” Margaret spoke out. “Very soon we shall have a doctor.”

Born Sarah Margaret Fuller on 23rd May, 1810 at Cambridge, Massachussets, Margaret, as she preferred to be called, grew to be a leading feminist and journalist of her day. It was her father who insisted that she receive a ‘proper’ education and he encouraged her independence and fight to achieve equality.

She started as a teacher but then moved into journalism and became the first editor of the magazine Dial. By her 30s she had a reputation for being the best read person in New England and was the first woman to be allowed to use the library at Harvard. She was the leading literary critic for Horace Greeley’s New York Tribune and by 1846 was its first female editor. She listed poets Ralph Waldo Emerson and Walt Whitman among her close friends and once engaged in a war of words with Edgar Allan Poe. In 1846 the Tribune sent Margaret to Europe, specifically to cover a revolution in Italy. She worked there for the next four years, met D’Ossoli and they had the child Angelo. There are no records of them ever being married but she did use his name in her last years.

It was on returning from the Italian assignment that Margaret and family booked the fateful voyage.

The Elizabeth weighed anchor in Gibraltar harbour and at sunrise a steward was sent ashore to get a doctor. He returned within an hour, alone. The authorities, fearing that the Captain might be suffering from a contagious disease, would not allow him to land.

That morning Hasty died. The American Consul was called for and it was arranged that the Captain be taken some distance off shore and buried at sea.

Margaret wrote a letter to her friend Marcus Spring describing the scene: “The last days were truly terrible. He died, we suppose (no physician has been allowed to come on board to see the body), of confluent smallpox... I have seen great suffering, but nothing physical to be compared to this... He died yesterday and was buried in deep water, the American consul’s barge towing out one from the ship which bore the body. It was Sunday and divinely calm. You cannot think how beautiful the whole thing was, the decent army and sad reverence of the sailors, the many ships with their banners flying...

“Yes, it was beautiful, but how dear a price we pay for the poems of this world! We shall be now in quarantine a week...

“Should all end well, you see we shall be in New York later than we expected. But keep a

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

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history lookout. Should we arrive safe, I should like to see a friendly face.”

Gibraltar authorities ordered the Elizabeth to fly the quarantine flag and to remain in harbour for a week before sailing.

By now Margaret was concerned that her son, who had been cradled in the arms of Captain Hasty, would also come down with smallpox.

She also wrote to friends about her fears of the voyage ahead.

“I shall embark more composedly in our merchant-ship, praying fervently, indeed, that it may not be my lot to lose my boy at sea, either by unsolaced illness, or amid howling waves; or, if so, that Ossoli, Angelo, and I may go together, and that the anguish may be brief.”

Sadly her words would prove prophetic.

Angelo, although vaccinated, did come down with the smallpox but made a miraculous recovery. In her book Minerva and the Muse; A Life of Margaret Fuller, Joan Von Mehren wrote: “On June 8, after the week in quarantine, they sailed forth under the command of the mate, Henry Bangs. Two days later, Nino, in spite of his multiple vaccinations, came down with the same symptoms that had prostrated the captain.

For five days his eyes were completely closed, his whole body covered with pox. No one on board believed he could recover, but under the constant care of his parents he slowly improved and by the last days of the voyage was completely restored to health with only a few scars remaining to concern his mother.”

For a month the Elizabeth, laden with a cargo

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of Italian marble, made her way slowly across the Atlantic. As she neared the coast the winds picked up and the crew and handful of passengers looked forward to docking at New York. But soon the strong winds turned into a hurricane and the Elizabeth was doomed.

Early in the morning of 19th July, buffeted by winds and lost in fog the Elizabeth ran aground on a sand dune off Fire Island beach, near the south coast of Long Island, New York. The marble broke through the keel and the Elizabeth was smashed deeper into the sand by the waves.

As the sun rose up those on board were encouraged to see they were only about 400 feet from shore and rescuers were seen moving on the beach. But the winds were still strong and the surf pounded so hard that Bangs felt that the Elizabeth would break up at any minute. He

By now Margaret was concerned that her son, who had been cradled in the arms of Captain Hasty, would also come down with smallpox

called for passengers and crew to abandon ship by grabbing onto planks.

One survivor reported to hear Margaret scream over the howling winds, “I see nothing but death before me — I shall never reach the shore.”

Most of the crew managed to make it safely to shore but three perished along with all five passengers. The bodies of Margaret and her husband were never recovered. Little Angelo was found dead still clasped in the arms of a steward who had also perished.

Emerson wrote a eulogy in Margaret’s honour: “To the last her country proves inhospitable to her; brave, eloquent, subtle, accomplished, devoted, constant soul! If nature availed in America to give birth to many such as she, freedom and honour and letters and art too were safe in this new world.” n Sarah Margaret Fuller Ossoli (May 23, 1810 – July 19, 1850) was a journalist, critic and women’s rights activist associated with the American transcendental movement. She was the first full-time female book reviewer in journalism. Her book Woman in the 19th Century is considered the first major feminist work in the United States. Fuller was an advocate of women’s rights and, in particular, women’s education and the right to employment. She also encouraged many other reforms in society, including prison reform and the emancipation of slaves in the US.

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local products

by Sonia Golt

Exporting to the World

Glendon John Martinez, took a lot of convincing to do this interview — Managing Director of the Gibraltar Philatelic Bureau, he does not like talking about himself. Glendon is a man with great resources, professionalism and an enthusiasm which has lasted for 13 years in the job.

He says, “I’m pleased to say it was my first interview and the only job I’ve had, so in the current business environment I consider myself extremely fortunate.”

Indeed Glendon is fortunate because he is working in a field which is creative, challenging... and prosperous.

The Gibraltar Philatelic Bureau works in partnership with the Gibraltar Government and is responsible for the design, printing, production, marketing and sale of Gibraltar stamps worldwide. Gibraltar stamps have been issued since 1886 and are considered highly collectable by the world’s philatelic fraternity. More than 25,000 collectors in over 80 countries collect Gibraltar stamps, ordering them by mail, fax, and telephone or through the website www. gibraltar-stamps.com. On average the Gibraltar Philatelic Bureau handles over 35,000 orders per year making it one of the biggest exporters of local products.

Glendon’s own interest lies with stamps and coins; “Recently we have been expanding our business to include Gibraltar coins and banknotes in our list of products and are hoping to enjoy the same success as with the stamps.”

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Ideas for the stamp issues originate from many different sources, and suggestions arrive from hundreds of people annually, from within Gibraltar and collectors worldwide. A shortlist of issue titles is created and later narrowed down to an officially proposed stamp for the year in question. Then the proposal is sent to the Gibraltar Government for a final decision.

“It always starts with a blank paper and pen, although sometimes it takes longer to find a pen that actually works than to come up with ideas for the design of an issue!”

Glendon says many of the issues released in the past decade have received coverage in the international press, and two Gibraltar stamps broke world sales records — serving as a testament to the team’s expertise in producing dynamic and interesting subjects.

“It always starts with a blank paper and pen, although sometimes it takes longer to find a pen that actually works than to come up with ideas for the design of an issue! Thereafter we have a brainstorming session and throw ideas around until we agree on a design. At this point, designer Stephen Perera goes off and starts working on the stamps or we contact an illustrator to produce painted artworks depending on the theme.”

After this, when an illustrator has painted the issue, Stephen begins work on a final design by scanning then retouching and resizing the artwork. He then produces layout ideas incorporating, as a must, the Queen’s cipher (her effigy or EIIR).

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local products

The final designs still have a long way to go — first for approval by the Gibraltar Government and then the Governor’s Office who pass them on to Buckingham Palace for the approval of Her Majesty the Queen. According to official sources, the Queen always reviews proofs of stamps issued by Commonwealth countries, as she is one of the world’s most prominent collectors.

After an issue is approved, it is sent to specialist ‘security’ printers, most of who also print banknotes and other important items such as chequebooks.

The whole process is much longer and more formal than people expect. Every single stamp tells a story and all stamps are without doubt miniature works of art. Therefore, it is no wonder the hobby of stamp collecting continues to be one of the world’s most popular and educational hobbies, and one of the few the entire family can enjoy.

People collect stamps and in particular stamps from certain countries for all sorts of reasons.

The range of products and quality of Gibraltar stamps are the main reason they are so highly acclaimed and respected throughout the world.

Quality philatelic products such as limited edition folders, joint issues and the choice of great thematic topics and events make the difference between the success of two similar countries in philatelic terms.

Of course, the cost of collecting a particular country also comes into the equation. Gibraltar offers stamps to collectors for approximately £30 in total for every stamp issue released that

year. The website www.gibraltar-stamps.com is instrumental in connecting Gibraltar to collectors worldwide.

Glendon expresses pride as he mentions that renowned UK Stamp Magazine Stanley Gibbons has voted Gibraltar’s the ‘Best Philatelic Site Worldwide’.

“Web sales represent a large percentage of our sales but it is also correct to say that participating in World Exhibitions, as the Philatelic Bureau has been doing for many years around Asia, Europe and the States, has helped us promote our stamps.”

Just this month Gibraltar will be issuing a joint stamp issue with Vatican City to commemorate the 700th Anniversary of the Devotion to Our Lady of Europe. This issue has been approved

by Her Majesty the Queen, by his Holiness the Pope, His Lordship the Bishop of Gibraltar (without whom this issue would not have been possible) and the Government of Gibraltar. This is a very significant and historic joint stamp issue for Gibraltar — the release of stamps by two countries to commemorate the same topic,

Renowned UK Stamp Magazine Stanley Gibbons has voted Gibraltar’s the ‘Best Philatelic Site Worldwide’

but in this case, sharing designs and day of issue though retaining each country’s currency values.

The design features the priceless, handcarved ancient statue that resides in the Shrine of Our Lady of Europe in Gibraltar, carefully photographed by designer Stephen Perera with immense help given to him by the Shrine’s curator.

“It is a real honour that the Vatican Philatelic Bureau is featuring the statue of our Lady of Europe on their stamps and significant that the Gibraltar miniature sheet features the Basilica in St. Peter’s Square while the Vatican City miniature sheet features the Rock of Gibraltar.

Just imagine, the millions of people who visit the Vatican Postal Museum and Vatican souvenir shops will actually see the Rock of Gibraltar on one of their stamps!”

The Vatican has produced very few joint issues so the importance of such an achievement for Gibraltar must not be understated and we should be proud of the caliber of the team at the Gibraltar Philatelic Bureau who certainly know how to put Gibraltar on the worldwide map.

“Another important part of the success of Gibraltar stamps is the Gibraltar Post Office’s employees who handle all our mountains of mail during the year and without whom the connection to the rest of the world would be severed!”

With his comments, Glendon demonstrates his ability to talk highly of everyone around him; it was about time someone did the same about him. Well done Glendon! n

class Catering with a touch of Breakfasts • Lunch Afternoon Tea (£1.99) Vegetarian & Non-Vegetarian Menus Homemade Desserts Eat-in or Take-away SENSIBLE PRICES

Outside Catering Service Open: 8am - 4.30pm Monday - Friday

Tel: 200 48014 1st Floor ICC

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

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24th February

ancake

P

D

Shrove Tuesday falls on the 24th this month, and if you’re planning on following tradition you might be wise to think ahead and make sure you’ve got everything you need. Not that you need very much. The only thing we would insist on is to make sure you’ve got a good quality, light weight, flat bottomed frying pan with low or angled sides to make sure your pancakes come out crisp and round.

Lemon juice and sugar are the traditional pancake accompaniments

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ay

Pancakes (or crépes if you’d like to be posh) are extremely easy to make, but there are a couple of tips which will help make your evening a success. For example, make sure the pan is really hot before adding your first dab of butter, the tell-tale sign that you’re not quite hot enough is when the first pancake looks a disaster but don’t give up, the rest will come out perfect (trust me). Keep the batter in the fridge for a good ten minutes before using will improve the consistency when it comes to pouring into the pan. Just add a small dab of butter or margarine between each one to grease the pan and add the golden shade to the pancakes. Before tossing (don’t cheat) you can tell the down side is ready as the crispy edges turn inwards from the pan and then just give them about another half minute on the second side and they’re ready to serve.

I’ve always enjoyed the family atmosphere in the kitchen taking turns who makes and who eats the next pancake, but if you’d like to keep the pancakes ready to serve at a sit-down meal, you can prepare them in advance and either keep them on a warm plate on a low oven or keep them in the fridge or even freeze them if you find you’ve made too many. This simple batter is extremely versatile my final suggestion is to enjoy not only eating them, but baking them too.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

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24th February

Add sauces, ice-creams and fillings of your choice for a delicious dessert

Basic Batter Depending on how many you’re planning on making you’ll want to adapt the recipe, this example will give you enough for roughly ten decent sized pancakes.

250g plain flour 2 eggs pinch of salt 600ml fresh milk butter or margarine for cooking Sieve the flour into a mixing bowl with a pinch of salt, make a small crater in the middle and crack in the eggs. You might want to crack them separately incase there’s a bad one in there. Whisk the eggs in with plenty of the flour and when the consistency becomes too thick, add the milk little by little until you have a smooth, liquidy batter. Don’t worry too much if the batter seems quite thin as ten minutes in the fridge will thicken it slightly.

If you’re making sweet pancakes a small dash of Jamaican dark sugarcane rum gives the batter a flavour to die for, whilst if you’ll be using the pancakes in a savoury dish don’t be scared to drop in a few herbs and experiment a little too.

Fillings Traditional lemon & sugar — by

far my favourite way to enjoy a good pancake, but don’t forget you can add a little sophistication to the great flavour with a little sliced fruit. Strawberries, for example, add an excellent contrast to the bitter-sweet flavour.

Chocolate: A must as a dessert if you want to jump the gun an prepare pancakes for your beloved on Valentine’s Day instead. Just melt a bar of dark chocolate (or your own preference) either in a bowl floating in hot water or for simplicity just give it a couple of minutes in the microwave. Whilst still hot add a little Carnation milk to lighten the consistency. For a simple caramel flavour try melting a few Mars Bars.

Serve with sliced bananas, fruit cocktail and garnish with a mint leaf or cinamon stick with a little icing sugar sprinkled on top for an elegant looking dish.

Savoury: The sky is your limit, check out recipes with fillings for pies. Fish would be an excellent option. For simplicity you could go for ham & mushrooms with melted cheese or substitute the ham for spinach for a healthy vegetarian option. Don’t forget to try adding some appropriate herbs or spices to the batter if you’re going down this road, but be careful not to over-do it. n

Modern

Relaxed

Dining

Mushrooms, fried with garlic and ham, finished with cream and seasoning, makes a great pancake filling (substitute the ham with spinach for a veggie option)

Open: 10am - late Closed Sundays + Saturday lunch

Irish Town Tel: 200 51738 to reserve

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

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entertainment

it’s all glitz at Gala Casino

The new Gala Casino in Ocean Village opened its doors to the public in January, and the Gibraltar Magazine was delighted to be given a sneek preview of the facilities just hours before the opening ceremony.

Just as you walk through the door you’ll find yourself a little taken back by the striking neon decorations, curved architectural lines and rows upon rows of slot machines. Just what you’d expect from a casino with the exception of the cleverly positioned “G” shaped entrance way through to the Ice bar where your vodka martinis will be forever chilled while you sip and watch the world go by.

The main gaming area leads you through to the downstairs gaming tables for Blackjack and Roulette and a dedicated Poker area for the ever growing number of enthusiasts to the game.

Off to one side you’ll find the Sports Lounge, where you can keep up to date on all your favourite

You don’t need to be a gambler to enjoy the excellent facilities in the new casino

THE NEW ROYAL CALPE

2 EVENING MEALS

£7.95

176 Main Street, Gibraltar Tel: 200 75890 royalcalpe@gibtelecom.net

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sporting events either enjoying a nibble from the in-house menu, or trying your luck with a quick bet on one of their automated tables.

There’s fun for all if you take the elevator up to the first floor. You can try your hand in the spacious bingo hall or have a spin on the automated roulette table, but you don’t need to be a gambler to enjoy Gala’s facilities, with the upstairs lounge and restaurant offering stunning views over the new marina complex it’s the perfect venue for a relaxing or romantic evening meal.

The other great point for nongamblers is the Magic Poker lounge, where you can play and learn with no money involved and with experienced staff to show you the ropes and to give you hints on how to better your game.

Gala Casino is open 24 hours a day, so there’s no excuse not to drop in for a look around. You can find out more about their facilities and upcoming event by calling them on 200 76666. n

Pickwicks on Governor’s Parade (opposite the Eliott Hotel)

The Best Sandwiches made especially for you as well as Jackets•Salads•Burgers and a whole lot more

open Monday to Friday from 9.30am GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

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enjoy relax relax

Contemporary Mediterranean Dining

enjoy relax delicious Grand Casemates Square

FREE WiFi

Tel:

200 44449

View our menu on our website www.casemates.gi

106 Eurotowers, Europort Road, Gibraltar Tel: 200 76044 Fax: 200 72760

Full Takeaway Service

Available for Private Functions • Party Menus from £4.95 per head

~ Full Sports Coverage on 3 Screens ~ Breakfasts (Full English to Egg or Beans &Toast)• Breakfast Baguettes (all day) • Baguettes / Sandwiches (Egg Mayo to Honey Roasted Ham to Steak & Onion) • Time Out Open Sandwiches

(Mozzarella, Basil & Red Pepper • Cajun Chicken • Honey Roasted Ham & Cheese • Chargrilled Chicken & Avocado • Tuna, Prawn, Lemon & Créme Fraiche) • Wraps (Chicken Caesar • BLT • Feta, Olive, Mint & Yoghurt Dressing • Chargrilled Chicken, Red Pepper & Onion)• Panini • Starters & side dishes (Onion Rings & Nachos to Potato Skins) • Mains (from Chicken Tikka Masala to Fish & Chips, Bangers & Mash or Quiche or Roast of the Day) • Salads (from Chicken Caesar or Greek to Ploughman’s)• Jackets (Chilli & Cheese to Smoked Salmon) • Desserts • Drinks etc

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wine column

Light at the end of the tunnel They sought it with thimbles, they sought it with care They pursued it with forks and hope They threatened its life with a railway share They charmed it with smiles and soap

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Since the Snark was a Boojum (you see) they failed and came to a sticky end.

However, substitute ‘a banking share’ for ‘a railway share’ above and Lewis Carroll’s lines are just as apposite today – if you happen to be hunting a Snark. The rest of us are hunting some cheer in these days of economic confusion.

Apparently we were very naughty to spend so much, and get into so much debt, when times were good. Now that times are bad we are encouraged to spend – and, anyway, saving is not worth tuppence with interest rates so low.

This is what is known as an economic cycle.

Frankly, I prefer my pedal cycle. Subject to the occasional puncture and, more regularly, idiotic drivers and motor cyclists, it tends to go where I tell it to go and it is under my own power.

Spring is not far away and the winter has been bearable; the best snow for many years in ski resorts all over Europe is reported and although it may have been a bit cold here that is no reason to complain. It was regularly about -20C in Germany and parts of the UK were reporting -10C. While there may be economic confusion, at least global warming seems to have taken a back seat.

All this taken together means there has never been a better time to buy wine. The fall in the pound sterling has meant a bit of an increase in basic cost, but producers are falling over themselves to offload their stocks. Apart from ex-bankers who are drowning their sorrows with the last of the bonuses, and a few regulators who are always grinning while they point out that it was not their fault and it just shows that regulation is vitally necessary, no-one is buying. Last years’ harvest was, after a poor summer, much better than might have been expected and looks likely to produce a good vintage, if not of the class of 2000 or 2005.

Various UK vintners will buy en primeur for you and keep the wine until it is ready, or take a holiday round the vineyards and buy your own (see previous columns).

Meanwhile, Morrison’s — in common with all UK supermarkets — is taking ‘a responsible attitude’ to sales of alcohol in order to combat binge-drinking and other social evils. This attitude seems to involve wringing their hands

and saying in public how appalling is an irresponsible attitude to alcohol. At the same time they take out full page advertisements in all newspapers trumpeting enormous reductions in the prices of alcohol of all types. This is indeed a responsible attitude for those of us with an eye to a bargain in the wine department. It is not for me to say whether announcing that 20 large cans of lager can be picked up for £8 will help curb binge-drinking.

The amount and varied nature of special offers and reductions on wine in Morrison’s is difficult to keep up with, and a recommendation I make now will have disappeared in a week’s time. But there have been some eye-catching bargains to be had, as well as a few turkeys.

A Canti Zinfandel at just over £4 was terrific; I didn’t look at the label carefully enough when buying a Barbadillo Maestrante at £5 – it was semi-sweet. But a careful survey (especially of the label) is worth it. It is also worth remembering that £1 off a wine normally retailing for £10 is often better overall value, in terms of the wine to be drunk, than £2 off two bottles at £8 each: you may not want two bottles of the stuff. The other difficulty (and of course it is clever marketing) is that just when you find, for example, the Canti Zinfandel and go back for more, it is no longer on offer – but there is another one which is now on offer and might be as good...

The more specialist shops in town are also making some interesting offers — they do not shout at you with large placards but they are MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009 there.GIBRALTAR Take a quiet look at the range of Chablis in Anglo-Hispano, the red Burgundies in Stagnettos, ask to be pointed towards a recommendation of the month, keep your crib-sheet of good vintages about your person. The rest is up to you. But it is far more satisfactory to have a quiet word with Charlie, have some suggestions made with a discreet indication that that this is a ‘special offer’ without going into anything as vulgar as the actual pounds and pence you may be saving, and then realise that you have got a gem — and probably saved more than on 10 bottles at Morrison’s.

Since we are being urged to spend our way out of recession, there is no better way to spend than on wine both for investment and enjoyment. The light at the end of the tunnel beckons, and it looks much larger when viewed through an upturned glass. Railway or banking shares can, as the regulators insist we are reminded, go down as well as up; when wine goes down it does so in the most delightful way. n

GIBRALTAR GIBRALTARMAGAZINE MAGAZINE••FEBRUARY FEBRUARY2009 2009

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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

thyme

dining rooms

restaurant &bar guide

turn to pages 88-90 for full restaurant and bar listings

5 Cornwall’s Lane. Tel: 200 49199 Email: thymegib@hotmail.com

Ground Floor Bar open from 10.30 daily Pool Table • TV • Machines

First Floor ’Hoots’ open from 1pm

2 Pool Table s• Darts • Machines Tel: 20077446

2nd Floor ‘The Nest’ open from 5pm

American Pool • Card Table

Traditional English Pub with the best of English beers

Get Stuffed!

Marina Bay Tel: 200 42006

Sunny Terrace

WORLDWIDE SPORTS

Showing 4 digital channels on 5 TVs just off Main Street - 4 Cornwall’s Parade Tel: 200 59997

Homemade Food Daily Specials

Casa Pepe

Big Screen TV live football

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

Pig & Whistle Open: 10-midnight (Fri-Sat 11am-1am) Unit 18, Watergardens,

Gibraltar Tel: 20076167

THREE 60 Governor’s Street

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

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

ROSES

Wembley Bar

Tel: 200 51614

10 South Barrack Ramp.

Tel: 200 78004

Fully Air-Conditioned with 3 Plasma TVs

The One and Only Scottish Embassy Open 7 Days a Week

• Hot & cold bar snacks • Function room

BUDDIES pasta casa

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

Open 8-7 Mon-Fri, 10-7 Sat, 11-6 Sun 248 Main St - delivery Tel/Fax: 200 76699

BY DAY

BY NIGHT Made-to-order Lounge Bar Sandwiches, Soups, Happy Hours 7-9pm Salads, Wraps, Free Tapas Fridays Baguettes etc 5-7pm 5 Waterport Plaza - (Public Market)

SMITH’S

open: from 8.30am

FRESHLY BAKED

bread, brioche, rolls, bagels, croissants, cakes

HOME DELIVERY Open

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

AMAR’S BAKERY & COFFEE SHOP

1a Convent Place (opp. the Convent) Tel: 200 73516 Wide variety of ready-made food now available for take-away or sitdown All food is Kosher

57 Irish Town, Gibraltar Tel: 200 70652

295 MAIN ST Tel: 200 74254

7

days a week Glacis Estate

Tel: 200 71992

Wines, Spirits, Tobacco, Beers & Soft Drinks Distributors Est. 1839

35 Devil’s Tower Road, Gibraltar. Telephone: (350) 200 74600 Telefax: (350) 200 77031 e-mail: mail@sacspeed.gi A Member of The Saccone & Speed (Gibraltar) Group of Companies GIBRALTAR 2009 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAGAZINE •• NOVEMBER FEBRUARY 2009

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restaurants 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 pizzas (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. Smoke free inside. Free WiFi. 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 salads of coconut coated langostines (deep fried in a coconut batter, sweet chilli and ginger dressing); and warm goats cheese & fresh spinach with sautéed mushrooms, croutons, basil & balsamic dressing; pasta dishes such as langostine pil pil; sautéed chorizo, chicken and langostines; and fresh salmon & spinach; and main courses including chargrilled fillet steak; wrapped chicken; lamb shoulder; and fresh salmon fillet with sesame crust.

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 Situated right on the water front at Queensway Quay, Casa Pepe has a comprehensive a la carte menu which includes dishes such as melon & Serrano ham, stuffed piquillo peppers and filled mushrooms to start, followed by a choice of salads, rice and noodles and fish, poultry and meat dishes which include King Prawns Macarena (cooked with fresh ginger, tomatoes, mangos and bananas served with basmati rice, fried bread and bananas), Medallions of monkfish cooked with white wine and lobster sauce, duck breast Armanac-style (with Cognac, mushrooms and pine nuts), Medallions of pork loin cooked with Serrano ham and dry Jerez sherry, and fillet steak Malagueña cooked in creamy garlic mushrooms and sweet sherry sauce topped with prawns. Wide range of tapas/raciones also available.

Open: Monday to Saturday 11am till late.

the Chorizo Criolla de Argentina (spicy sausage grilled over coal and wood), or the Mariscos del Rio Plata or Empanada de Queso Azul (blue cheese oven baked in a black pepper pasty) to start, or for main course perhaps the Fillet de Salmon Chimichurri (salmon with grilled banana, mango and avocado sauce), or Crepe Argenteuil (with grilled asparagus and wild mushrooms), or one of the steaks (lots from Lomo de Alto, Solomillo, and T-bone to Corazon de Cuadril - tender heart of rump, well matured). There is lots more too — Parrillada de Gaucho (for two - steak, sausages, chicken, pork and lamb), salads (try the Remolacha Tostada con Queso de Cabra - tasty goat’s cheese salad) — and the desserts are to die for too! They say “this is a great experience for you to savour”.... give it a try! Call 200 59700 to reserve your table. Open: 7.30pm - late.

Laziz Sail 2.2 Ocean Village Marina. Tel: 200 40971 www.lazizrestaurant.com Laziz is a plush Indian cuisine restaurant right on the waterfront at Ocean Village (in fact it’s built over the water). This tastefully fitted out restaurant has two menus — evolved and traditional. Each dish is berautifully served and presented, and you will find lots of unusual and delicious dishes to choose from — a real pleasure for the taste buds. Seating is in comfortable booths or on tables at the waterside (the restaurant’s big glazed windows open right up in the summer for an outdoor feel).

Open: daily 11-midnight. Kitchen open: 12-3, 6-11.

Nunos Italian Restaurant and Terrace Caleta Hotel, Catalan Bay For a reservations Tel: 200 76501 E-mail reservations@caletahotel.gi Nunos Italian restaurant and terrace at the Caleta Hotel, overlooks the Mediterranean and is extremely popular with both hotel guests and the local market. Recognised for its eclectic interior, atmosphere and cuisine. Bread, pasta and desserts from the a la carte menu are all homemade and contribute to create a genuine and exciting dining experience.

Restaurante El Patio 11 Casemates Square Tel: 200 70822 Tucked in the corner of Casemates Square this classic fish restaurant specialises in fresh fish and Basque and Continental cuisines. Relaxed dining at the front next to the square, formal dining room to the rear - try the fresh caught specials.

Open: 1pm - 4pm, 8.30pm - 11pm Closed all day Sunday (plus Saturdays during August).

The Mexican Grill and Bar Unit 2B The Tower, Marina Bay Tel: 200 46668 14 on the Quay Brand new to Gibraltar and already proving popular, The Unit 14, Queensway Quay Tel: 200 43731 Mexican Grill and Bar serves all the favourite Mexican The latest addition to the beautiful Queensway Quay dishes from Nachos, Quesadillas and Chimichangas marina, 14 on the Quay is open for lunch, afternoon tea, (rolled flour tortilla with spicy chicken, chilli beef or cocktails and dinner. The fine dining includes lobsters vegetables, deep fried, served with Mexican rice and fresh from the tank, and the setting with its spectacular salad and guacamole, salsa or sour cream), to Burritos sunsets is perfect. (like Chimichangas but oven baked), El Gringos Chilli Open: 12.30 - 11pm (last orders 10.45pm) con Carne, or Cheese Holy Mole Enchiladas. Don’t forget Big Eat Homemade Burgers (5 to choose from) and from Gauchos the grill barbecue combos, steaks and chicken. Salads Waterport Casemates Tel: 200 59700 and sides to order. Decorated is warm Mexican colours Nestled just next to Waterport roundabout within the city with comfortable seating in the no-smoking interior or walls. Opened by renowned local restaurateur André of outside on the enclosed and heated patio, great for a the Tunnel fame, Gauchos offers some interesting dishes fun night out. with a tempting South American Gaucho theme. Try Open: lunch and dinner 12 noon to late

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Thyme Restaurant 5 Cornwall’s Lane. Tel: 200 49199 Email: thymegib@hotmail.com Open for 5 years, this modern wine bar serves refreshing cocktails and a wide range of New World and European wines in a cool lively atmosphere, and on the 1st floor above is the restaurant serving bistro cuisine with a menu featuring dishes from all over the world. Try one of these dishes from the wide selection: starters include Buffalo Mozzarella, Plum Tomato, Grilled Chilli & Landcress Salad, Basil Oil & Balsamic; Crab & Coriander Spring Roll, String Hopper Noodle Salad, Cucumber & Chilli Salsa; Steamed Mussels flavoured with ginger, Lemon Grass, Chilli & Coconut Milk; try main courses such as Grilled Salmon Darne, Crisp Pancetta, Thai Spiced Lentils, Cool Mint Yoghurt Dressing; Confit of Lamb Shoulder Shank, Warm Couscous Salad, Chickpea & Coriander Salsa, Onion & Sultana Chutney; or Open Ravioli of Slow Roast Squash, Basil & Ricotta, Roast Garlic Cream Sauce. Everything made on the premises using only the best, fresh ingredients. Two seperate dining rooms - smoking and non smoking.

Menu changed seasonally, daily specials.

Open 7 days a week. Closed Saturday lunchtimes.

The Waterfront Queensway Quay Marina Tel: 200 45666 The Waterfront is a very popular restaurant located right on the quayside at Queensway Quay Marina. There are different areas for drinks, the main restaurant (with mezanine level seating), a large covered terrace with chandeliers and a quayside open terrace. The food is served in hearty portions and includes starters of grilled goat’s cheese, crab with lemon mayonnaise, moules mariniere, and prawn and lobster salad. There is a barbecue in the summer month and grills which include 8oz fillet steaks. Favourites are pan fried chicken with wild mushrooms and Madeira sauce, beef and ale pie with a puff pastry lid, and whole lamb shoulder. Fish dishes from grilled swordfish to salmon and crayfish ravioli, and vegetarian dishes such as mushroom stroganoff, and vegetable wellington sit alongside the menu from the Orient which includes Madras chicken or vegetables, chicken tikka masala, and crispy duck with pancakes and cucumber.

Open: 7 days a week from 9am to late.

informaleating Al Baraka Take-away Queensway Quay. Tel: 200 46993 Take-away and restaurant. Tasty Middle Eastern food including falafels and kebabs plus Indian specialities.

Large covered terrace to the side of Queensway Quay with marina views.

Open: 7 days a week from 10am to 12 midnight.

Amar’s Bakery & Coffee Shop 1a Convent Place (opp. The Convent). Tel: 200 73516 Amar’s Coffee Shop and Bakery is just opposite the Convent, where it serves up a wide range of light lunch options. There’s jacket potatoes, fish & chips, pasta dishes with different sauces, burekas, pizzas, quiche, sandwiches, bagels, various salads and tortilla. All the food is made on the premises and the menu is fully Kosher. Bakery serves breads and bagels etc.

Open: Monday to Friday from 8.30am.

The Barbary Ape Boyd Street (near Cable Car) Tel: 200 44380 A restaurant situated right near the Cable Car is the ideal place to have lunch with perfect view of the Rock.

With local delicacies such as albondigas, calamares, and boquerones offered as raciones or tapas; and various options for main courses such as fish & chips, steak, burgers, sandwiches and salads, there is something for everyone on this menu including good Moroccan specialities.

Birdie Cafe/Restaurant No 16 Watergardens II. Tel: 200 72885 Owned by David, previously of the Hong Kong restaurant, this golf themed cafe/restaurant now serves

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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 Bhature.

Open: 7 days a week 11am to 3pm, 6pm until late.

all the Hong Kong favourites. Everything from Wan Ton Soup, Chicken Noodle Soup, Butterfly Prawns, Mix Veg Singapore Noodles, Pork Balls Sweetand Sour, and King Prawn Curry to Fish in Ginger Spring Onion Sauce, Mixed Chicken and Pork with Cashew Nuts, and Beef in Oyster Sauce. If you liked the Hong Kong, you’ll love this friendly little place. Full take-away available.

Open: Monday-Friday 10am-3pm, 6.30pm-11, Saturday and Sunday 6.30pm - 11.30pm.

Mumtaz Indian Cuisine Take-away 20 Cornwall’s Lane Tel: 200 4457 Good Indian take-away service serving all the favourites from masala naan and spinach bhajia to lamb biryani, chicken tikka masala, king prawn korma and tandoori chicken kebab roll. Sauces and vegetarian dishes plus speciality dishes each Sunday (all dishes reasonably priced).

Open: 7 days a week 11-3, 6-late.

Buddies Pasta Casa 15 Cannon Lane. Tel: 200 40627 Tasty Italian specials in pleasant ambience. Large selection of starters from garlic bread to calamari. Main courses include fettuccine de formaggio, spaghetti alla carbonara, fusilli al salmone, and entrecote al whisky to name a few. Tasty desserts and variety of wines.

Open: Monday - Wednesday 10am - 5pm, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10am-4pm and 7pm-midnight.

Fresh 5 Waterport Plaza (Public Market) Tel: 200 52611 By day Fresh is a sandwich bar serving all sort of delicious food from made-to-order sandwiches and hot and cold drinks to baguettes, wraps, salads, toasties and soups. Open early for coffees and toast. By night, (from 4.30pm) Fresh transforms into a cosy lounge bar with free tapas on a Friday from 5pm-7pm and happy hours daily from 7-9pm. Decorated for relaxation, this is a pleasant place to enjoy a drink and some conversation.

As if this isn’t enough Fresh offers outside catering for private parties, at home, or at the office, and you can book Fresh for private parties in the evenings.

Open: 8am-midnight Mon - Thurs, 8am-1am Fridays, 9am-1am Saturdays, closed Sundays.

Garcia’s Take-Away Glacis Estate. Tel: 200 71992 Open 7 days a week this good take-away also does home deliveries of tasty fish and chips, hamburgers, kebabs, donner kebabs and much much more. Make sure you have their number handy for a night in without the hassle of cooking!

Get Joost 248 Main Street & Casemates. Tel/Fax: 200 76699 Smoothies are vitamin packed super-food and increasingly popular for the health concious. Get Joost makes delicious fresh fruit juices and smoothies made from natural ingredients which are a meal in a cup. The top five smoothies they sell are wild strawberry; breakie on the run; energy blast; raspberry ice; and tropical surrender. Tel/Fax: 200 76699 for delivery.

Open: 8-7 Monday -Friday, 10-7 Saturday, 10-6 Sunday.

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 International Commercial Ctr. Tel: 200 78052 Full licensed cafe serving English breakfast, vast range of toasties, rolls, and other 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 Comfortable bright, airy cafe serving vegetarian and nonvegetarian cuisine from breakfast and lunch to afternoon tea. Homemade desserts a speciality. Eat-in or takeaway at sensible prices. Outside catering.

Open: 8am - 4.30pm Monday to Friday.

Khan’s Indian Cuisine Unit 7-8, Watergardens. Tel: 200 50015 Eat-in or take-away at this traditional Indian eatery.

Everything from onion bhajia and green pepperpakora to chicken tikka, tandoori king prawns, Khan’s special fish curry, chicken jalfrezi, lamb rogan josh, naan bread, rices, vegetable dishes and everything in between!

Many new dishes added to the menu, plus specialities every Sunday.

Maillo Take Away Unit F5A 1st Floor ICC Tel: 54002598 Homemade Spanish food is available at this cafe and take away in the International Commercial Centre near Casemates. Everything from sandwiches and panini, to soups, fish, salads, and mixed platters with pork and chicken options. Maillo will also cook for summer picnics, and they make some great desserts.

Open: Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm Mumbai Curry House Unit 1.0.02 Ground Floor, Block 1 Eurotowers Tel: 200 73711 Home delivery: 50022/33 Good Indian cuisine for eating in or taking away, from

Munchies Cafe 24 Main Street. Tel: 200 43840 Fax: 200 42390 A great sandwich bar/cafe offering an unusual range of sandwiches on white or granary bread, plus salads, baguettes, soups, desserts, homemade ice-cream and hot/cold drinks. Business lunches, parties and kids parties also catered for (for party and office platters phone or fax order by 5.30pm day before - minium orders for delivery £12).

Open: Monday - Friday 8.30-7, Sat 9 - 4, Closed Sun. Pusser’s Landing Ocean Village Promenade. Tel: 216 22162 Straight from the BVI, home of Pusser’s Rum, Pusser’s Landing has opened at Ocean Village and offers a wide range of Caribbean food and drinks. From Crab Cakes to Jerk Chicken Salad, Jamaican escoveitche Flying Fish and Bajan herb grilled Mahi Mahi imported especially from the Caribbean. The traditional burgers and sandwiches with a Caribbean twist are also on offer, plus a Dockside Grill selection of steaks, ribs and rack of lamb with different sauces as an option. And vegeterians need not worry, there’s plenty of offer such as Cap’n Danny’s Veggie Pastry Delight. A special mention must go to the different cocktails on offer, made with Pusser’s Rum, the Cherry Bomb and the different Martinis are definitely a selling point.

Open: 10am till late, 7 days a week Sacarello Coffee Co. 57 Irish Town. Tel: 200 70625

Converted coffee warehouse, ideal for coffee, homemade cakes/afternoon tea, plus menu including excellent salad bar, specials of the day and dishes such as lasagne, steak and mushroom Guinness pie, hot chicken salad, toasties, club sandwich and baked potatoes. Art exhibitions.

Available for parties and functions in the evenings.

Open: 9am-7.30pm Mon-Fri. 9am-3pm Saturdays Smith’s Fish & Chips 295 Main Street. Tel: 200 74254 Traditional British fish and chip shop with tables/seating available or take-away wrapped in newspaper.

Menu: Cod, haddock or plaice in batter, Cornish pasties, mushy peas etc. Also curries, omlettes, burgers.

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

To advertise in The Gibraltar Magazine call

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Open: 8am-6pm Monday-Friday. Breakfast from 8.

Located: Main Street opposite the Convent.

Solo Express Ground Floor, International Commercial Centre Solo Express, located right next to Pizza Hut, 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 months. Free Wifi.

The Tasty Bite 59a Irish Town. Tel: 200 78220 Fax: 200 74321 Tasty Bite has one of the biggest take-away menus around with home cooked meats, filled baguettes, burgers, chicken, kebabs and everything else you can think of!

Open: Monday - Saturday.

The Terrace WaterportWharf Right next to Gauchos and part of the same team, The Terrace is an outdoor cafe/eatery which serves all day breakfast, baguettes, toasties, wraps, salads, jackets, baguette pizzas plus The Ultimate Grill — fresh food grilled on a sword! Everything from Argentine beef, to Tandoori specialities. The Terrace is set against the old city walls and has a large wooden bar serving drinks and coffees all day — a great place for a snack or something more substantial. Open: 10am-late Time Out Café Bar 106 Eurotowers, Europort Rd Tel: 200 76044 Delicious food from full English breakfast to wraps, jackets, baguettes and sandwiches, plus main courses from fish and chips to banger & mash. Take-away service. Private functions. Full sports coverage on 3 screens.

bars&pubs All Sports Bar 4 Cornwall’s Lane Tel: 200 59997 This pub is geared up to televised sporting events when top sports are on TV, and when they are not there is always someone around to talk sports with. It’s not just for football fans either, and not just for one team — hung around the bar are flags from all the major teams and supporters of the smaller sides are also made very welcome.

Gaming machines. Terrace seating available.

Open: 11am-midnight Sun-Thurs, 11am -1am Fri/Sat. 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 complimented by a range of salads and filled jacket potatoes. Large terrace. Karaoke every Monday and Wednesday until late. Free tapas on a Friday 7pm.

The Cannon Bar 27 Cannon Lane. Tel: 200 77288 Jane is still at the Cannon Bar — over 20 years now! Fish

and chips voted the best in Gib by Lonely Planet. Terrace just off Main Street. Located between Marks & Spencer and the Cathedral.

The Gibraltar Arms 184 Main St. Tel: 200 72133 www.gibraltararms.gi Good food served all day at this typical pub right on Main Street. Everything from all day breakfast to Irish fillet steak roll, burritos, and the popular fresh local mussels. Draught lager, bitter, cider and Murphys plus free WiFi. Terrace seating right on Main Street to watch the world go by.

Open: from 8am (10am Sundays) until late.

The Horseshoe 193 Main Street. Tel: 200 77444 Right in the centre of town, the Horseshoe is a popular, busy bar. Good menu from full English breakfast, to burgers/mixed grills. Curry and chilli specials on Sunday.

Open: 9am to late, Sunday 10am - late.

Facilities: Main Street terrace.

Lord Nelson Bar Brasserie 10 Casemates Sq. Tel: 200 50009 www.lordnelson.gi E-mail: reservations@lordnelson.gi Attractive bar/brasserie in historic Casemates building.

Done out to respresent Nelson’s ship with cloud and sky ceiling crossed with beams and sails. Spacious terrace Menu: Starter & 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, burgers and children’s menu. Credit cards accepted. Live music Venue of the Year, with live music on stage every night. Free Wifi.

Open: from 10am till very late.

Pickwicks Governor’s Parade. Tel: 200 76488

Run by well-known friendly face, Mandy, this small pub with a large terrace is situated in Governor’s Parade away from the traffic and safe for all the family. Good food available including the best freshly made sandwiches and jacket potatoes, salads and burgers.

Open: Mon - Fri from 9.30am Location: turn off Main St at Marks & Spencer, go up steps to Governor’s Parade (opposite the Elliot Hotel).

The Pig and Whistle Unit 18, Watergardens. Tel: 200 76167 A comfortable pleasant little pub with pool table and terrace on the quayside. Big screen television for all sporting events.

Open: 10-midnight (Fri-Sat 11-1am) The Quarter Deck Unit 26, Block 2 Watergardens Tel: 200 44520 Located opposite Ocean Village, the Quarterdeck is a busy little pub with terrace seating and food served all day. Breakfasts start at just £2.70 and a hearty Sunday lunch (£4.95) is served from 1.30pm. Seating outside overlooking Ocean Village.

Open: 9am to late.

Royal Calpe 176 Main Street, Gibraltar Tel: 200 75890 Email: royalcalpe@gibtelecom.net Named after Gibraltar’s Royal Calpe Hunt, the pub is situated opposite the Cathedral on Main Street. It boasts Gibraltar’s only beer garden and conservatory for a relaxing atmosphere al fresco to get away from it all or for that private function. Good food from traditional pub fare to salads is available throughout the day. Wide selection of draught beer and cider.

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

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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.

Facilities: Outside seating.

Open: from 7am every day.

Located: first right off Main St (walking from N to S).

The Three Owls Irish Town 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, games machines, bar — open from 10.30am daily. First floor ‘Hoots’ — 2 match pool tables, poker machines, darts board, games machine, bar — open from 1pm daily. Second Floor ‘Nest’ — American pool table, poker machine, games machine, card table, bar — open from 5pm daily.

The Three Roses Governor’s Street. Tel: 200 51614

Now under the management of Peter and Ian, previously of the Coach & Horses, this bar is fully air-conditioned with 3 plasma TVs and pool table. Happy hours Mon-Fri 5-6pm. Home of the Esteporkers Golf Society.

Open: 7 days. Mon-Sat from 11am, Sun from midday.

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: 11am - midnight Sunday - Thursday, 10am - 1am Friday, 11am - 1am Saturdays.

acrosstheborder The Taste Indian Restaurant Avda. del Ejercito, esq. Calle Gibraltar, La Linea Tel: 00 34 856 12 29 18 / 00 34 626 88 40 38 Very good Indian restaurant convenient walk from the frontier. All the favourites from chicken Madras to lamb channa, and king prawn vindaloo. Specialities include Chicken Tikka Krahi (chicken tikka topped with fresh chillies, herbs and spices), Bhindi Ghost (lamb with okra in a spicy sauce), and Special Mixed Balti. Lots of vegetable dishes, bread and rices. Pleasant service.

Open: every day 5pm-late, Friday, Saturday & Sunday 1pm-late.

Located: On the corner of Plaza de la Constitucion, which is about 400m straight across from frontier.

The Dog & Duck Next to Plaza de Contitucion, La Linea Tel: 00 34 956173453 Little pub on the square serving British beers at great prices. Pleasant sun terrace and all live sporting events shown.

Open: 3pm-late Mon - Fri, 1pm - late Sat & Sun. Located: 400m straight across from frontier (next to Taste Indian Restaurant).

Liverpool Bar 4 Avenida España. Tel: 00 34 956767770 UK beers served in this little pub along with full English breakfast and Sunday lunches, plus much more in a friendly atmosphere.

Open: 7 days a week 10am - late Located: 400m straight across from frontier.

The Quarter Deck Kitchen open all day Breakfast from £2.70 Sunday Lunch served from 1.30pm £4.95

Liverpool Bar open 7 days a week 10-late

open 9am till late opp. Ocean Village, Watergardens Tel: 200 44520

UK BEERS FUll English Breakfast + much more Avenida España No 4 (400m from the Frontier) Tel: 00 34 956767770

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food&drink

by Brian McCann

A 40-year recipe for success

In 1969 there was only one fish and chip shop in Gibraltar, and no other type of take-away or sandwich bar. Then along came Tasty Bite, now celebrating 40 busy years of providing fresh snacks.

“My father, uncle and two other partners opened Tasty Bite when the frontier closed,” Francis Sene told. “As far as I remember it was the first take-away on the Rock, apart from the one fish and chip shop, Irish Town Fisheries. I was 14 at the time and used to help my father, who has now retired.”

Well, the renowned Irish Town Fisheries has long gone but Irish Town is still graced by the highly popular Tasty Bite — and, whilst it’s still in the same place as it was in 1969 but the address has changed.

Francis explained: “My wife Lillian and I took over from my father in 1983 when it was still in the small location just one door up in Tuckey’s Lane. But we became so busy that we couldn’t cope in the tiny space, so ten years ago we doubled the size by expanding next door into 59A Irish Town. What had been the whole of the premises is now the kitchen.”

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That move was a good one: good for the owners’ and helpers’ nerves and good for the customers who had more room to manoeuvre and more products to choose from. “That was another motive for the move;” Francis agreed, “regular customers loved the quality but because they came so often they were starting to ask for a greater variety.”

They got variety all right: there are now almost 160 choices on the menu, and that’s not counting drinks which would bring the grand total to around 180; and when you consider that everything on the list is fresh and 98% of it is made on the premises, you have to marvel at how relaxed and cheerful Francis and Lillian always are. “I start at 6am, preparing food and then at about 10am I go to the market when the trucks with the fresh fish are starting to arrive,” said Francis. “We finish between 5 and 6 in the afternoon, so it’s near enough a twelve-hour

day.”

He describes the food as mostly local, which means a mix of Gibraltarian dishes in particular and a Mediterranean menu in general, along with all the UK favourites.

“Calentita and torta acelga [spinach tart] are very popular;” he told me, “so are the omelettes, all the breaded items, croquettes and the menestras and potajes [stews].”

I learned that most of the recipes were introduced by Lillian herself along with parents, inlaws, grandparents and friends, which explains the local flavour of so many of the dishes.

Don’t be put off by the fact that the line of customers sometimes overflows into Irish Town.

That’s a sign of popularity, not of slow service.

“We know that most of our customers are in a hurry, so we make sure we give a very quick service; we ensure that by having everything ready prepared.”

Logically, if the queue was due to slow service then less people would come along, so there would be no queue; therefore the existence of the short queue means the service is quick — and that the food is good. Don’t expect me to list all 160 items, but there are about 45 filled rolls and half baguettes, eight of the rolls being variations on the bacon butty (and there are chip butties too), ranging up to the spicier end which includes chicken tikka. If you ask for chicken you’ll be asked “Which one?” as there are wholes, halves, quarters, breaded, cordon bleu, burritos or drumsticks as well as chips plain and chips in various spicy flavours.

Salads — 10 Mediterranean types. Pies — getting on for 30 to ponder over, from steak and kidney and Cornish pasty to calabacines or pimientas rellenos (stuffed courgettes or peppers). Then there are boquerones rellenos or rebozados (anchovies, stuffed or breaded), jibia guisada (stewed cuttlefish) and filled calamares, amongst others.

There is also a soup, usually either vegetable or gazpacho, according to season, and there are lots of sandwiches and baked potatoes with various fillings. Plenty of desserts and every drink from water to beer are listed, as are the specials. These vary according to season and availability, and include seafood paella, and, in the winter, callos. Callos, for the few who might not know, translates as ‘tripe’, but there is little resemblance to the bland fatty English dish of the same name. This is an exceptionally savoury, juicy and meaty meal that has to be tasted to be appreciated. And at Easter time there is the Gibraltar speciality, a cake called ‘hornazo’.

The range of customers is as extensive as the menu and reflects the quality and variety on show: “We get the whole cross section,” said Francis, who also ran the long gone Paradise Stores supermarket in John Mackintosh Square (now Hallmark Cards) with his father. “Housewives, professionals and schoolchildren all come regularly; plus we get a fair number of tourists who come in and ask ‘what’s that?’ — we always try to get them to sample some local dishes. A lot of elderly people and others who live alone also love the stews and callos, it’s a nourishing and economical way for them to eat well.”

Tasty Bite is on the corner of Irish Town and Tuckey’s Lane and opens from 9am to 3pm Monday to Friday. The phone and fax advance ordering service is highly popular and saves time: telephone 200 78220, fax 200 74321 — but if you are ringing at the peak period (about 12.30-2.30pm) bear in mind they are often too busy to be able to answer the phone. n

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A ro u n d To w n .. .

a light-he arte d look at Gibralta r soc iety

February is the month for luuuurv... and pancakes (it’s true!), with Valentine’s Day this year falling on a Saturday (14th) so a whole weekend of lurv can be planned with that special someone, and Pancake Day following 10 days later on 24th February.

Birthday Wishes Congratulations to Lindsay and Kane Purdy of Petfre on the birth of their bouncing boy Max, a Christmas baby. And to Norwich & Peterborough’s Bea Adams who celebrated her brithday last month with a surprise party.

Hair Raisers Well done to Nicky Kelleher for having her lovely long hair cut off last month to raise money for cancer charities. Kyle did the honours with the scissors and a total of £625 was raised. David the waiter of Café Solo in Casemates started growing his hair four years ago when his brother was diagnosed with cancer, but has decided it is time to get his lengthy locks cut and to raise some money for Research into Chilhood Cancer in the process. The grand event will take place at Café Solo during February (date to be confirmed) and donations to the cause can be made to David or via Café Solo throughout February.

Sound of Silence Neives of Beaujangles lost her voice recently. We weren’t sure if it was from partying or illness, so we asked, but she didn’t say a thing!

Clean Linen Poor Annette and Luis of Cafe Rojo (bottom right) had a little mishap recently. They were riding to the restaurant on their motorbike carrying Cafe Rojo’s freshly laundered napkins, but when they arrived they realised the bag must have flown off the bike at some point along the way. Try as they might they just could not find them, so if anyone finds a bag of lovely clean linen please take it along to Cafe Rojo on Irish Town... you will almost certainly be rewarded, even if only with a big kiss from Annette!

Magnificent Effort Barbara (top left) of Childline was gutted that they didn’t get a prize in the fabulous cavalcade this year for their circus themed float, especially

Photos this page at Farrington Contemporary event, Ocean Village

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2007 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

23/1/09 15:28:06

Prestige Boys

as this year the GSP decided to do the float for them and did a magnificent job. Pictured below are two dubious looking characters with Douglas Bagu of the GSP (the ringleader — or ringmaster! — of the effort) and John Paul Risso of Restsso, the main supporter (and supplier of sweeties). We don’t dare identify the other characters for fear of recriminations...

Farewell friends

Nicky and Kyle (with the hair)

Well Done, Old Bean Congratulation to Paul Brailey of Gibraltar Asset Management who recently passed his Securities and Investment Institute Certificate in Securities. Well done to him!

Farewell Farewell to Nathalia (right, in purple) of the Government Legislation Department who left for Kosovo last month for a year.

Nathalia will be back in May to jump out of a plane to raise funds for children’s charity AKIN so will be able to catch up with her many friends on the Rock and tell us all about Kosovo...

Ballet Bloke Is it true that man about town Ricky has taken up ballet? We know his wife Michelle of Gibraltar Radio thinks he is out for a run, but we spotted him in what can only be described as some dodgy looking black tights.

Stalk on the Wild Side Finally, is it true that Jane McKinnon of Bishop Rapallo’s Ramp is secretly stalking Lewis Hamilton? We were told she was caught on film in Portugal following him about... she would have to have been fast as that man can certainly move.

See you all on Main Street.

Nathalia and friends

A night off for the Cafe Rojo crew

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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 7pm-9pm). 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.

The Poetry Society meets on 20th of each month. Tel: Audrey Batty on 200 44355 .

Board Games Chess Club meets in Studio 1, John Mackintosh Hall 8-10.30pm Tues.

The Gibraltar Scrabble Club meet John Mackintosh Hall Mondays. Bank holidays changed to Thursday same week. 7pm-11pm All welcome. Tel: 200 73660 or 200 75995.

The Subbuteo Club meets Charles Hunt Room, John Mackintosh Hall 7.30 - 11pm.

Dance Modern & Latin American Sequence Dancing Mondays Catholic Community Centre 8.30pm (beginners 7.30). Over 15s welcome. www.gibnynex.gi/inst/cccseqdance/ Old & Modern Sequence Dancing sessions at the Catholic Community Centre at 8pm, beginners at 7.30pm, Wednesday.

The DSA Old & Modern Sequence Dancing sessions at Central Hall Fridays 8pm, beginners 7.30pm. Tel: 200 78282 or e-mail manvio@gibraltar.gi Everybody welcome.

Senior Citizens Teatime Dances at The Youth Centre, Line Wall Rd on Mondays 2 - 5.30pm.

All senior citizens welcome for coffee, tea and biscuits. Entrance free.

Classical Ballet classes for children 4+, Spanish dance and hip-hop at Liza School of Dance, 3rd floor, Methodist Church, 297/299 Main St. Classes Weds & Fri from 6pm at Chiltern Court (4Cs). Tel: 58111000.

Hip Hop classes for adults Mondays 6.15pm to 7.15pm, Hip Hop classes for boys and girls Tuesdays 4.15pm to 5.15 - Urban Dance, Jumpers Dance Studio The Gibraltar Pointes Dance School - R.A.D ballet, I.S.T.D modern and tap, jazz and contempory dance. Unit 19F Europa Business Centre. Contact Cheryll Bossino and Sabina Pitaluga at Studio: 200 45145, Home: 200 51187/ 200 46400.

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 Music Centre Trust Complete spectrum of instrument learning strings drums etc. Theory lessons- Five days a week 4pm-9pm. Tel: 200 75558 for details.

The Gibraltar National Choir and Gibraltar Junior National Choir rehearse on Monday & Thursday 7.30 - 9pm. New singers of all ages welcome. Tel: Lili 200 40035, 54006727 St Andrew ’s Music Academy Musical Monsters Club, musical workshops. Group musical activities for kids 3-7 years. Singing, rhythmic games etc. Tel: 200 42690 email: samagib@hotmail.com Outdoor Activities The Calpe Ramblers This group walks on last Sunday each month, except July and August.

Meeting place is the Spanish side of the frontier 8am just to the right of and opposite the Aduana vehicle exit. For any information contact co-ordinators Ray Murphy 200 71956 or John Murphy 200 74645.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is an exciting self-development Programme available to all young people worldwide equipping them with life skills to make a difference to themselves, 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 ac-

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Don’t be bored... do something fun! tivities. Contact Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Montagu Bastion, Line Wall Road, Gibraltar Tel: 200 59818 Reg. Charity No: 61 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 Tunnel in Casemates has a pub quiz and entertainment on Sunday nights.

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.

Tuesday Ladies’ Club meets 8pm, Queensway Club first Tuesday of month. For women who enjoy making new friends. Non-profit making, proceeds donated to charity. Tel: Anne 200 43869, or Margaret 200 70816.

Special Interest Clubs & Societies Gibraltar Horticultural Society meets first Thurs of month 6pm, John Mackintosh Hall.

Annual Spring Flower Show, slide shows, demos on flower arrangements and outings to garden centres plus annual tour of Alameda Gardens. All welcome.

The Gibraltar Photographic Society meets on Mon at around 8pm, 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.

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 are welcome. Tel: Bill 54010681 or Dion 56619000. Websites: ClubWebsite.co.uk/ArsenalGibraltarSC or GibGooners.com Sports & Fitness Artistic Gymnastics: Gibraltar Artistic Gymnastics Association club for beginners, juniors and squad at Bayside School in evenings. Tel: 200 Angela 200 70611 or Sally 200 74661.

Athletics: Gibraltar Amateur Athletics Association holds competitions throughout year for juniors, adults and veterans. Two main clubs (Calpeans 200 71807, Lourdians 200 75180) training sessions at Victoria Stadium.

Badminton: Recreational badminton is available weekdays at Victoria Stadium (Tel: 200 78409 for allocations). Gibraltar Badminton Association (affiliated to IBA & EBA) has leagues and training for adults and secondary school. Tel: Ivan 200 44045 or Linda 200 74753.

Basketball: Gibraltar Amateur Basketball Association (affiliated FIBA) leagues/ training for minis, passarelle, cadets, seniors and adults at a variety of levels. Tel: John 200 77253, Randy 200 40727 or Kirsty (minis) 200 49441.

Billiards & Snooker: Gibraltar Billiards and Snooker Association (member IBSA) round leagues and competitions at various venues.

New members welcome. Tel: Eddie 200 72142 or Peter 200 77307.

Boxing: Gibraltar Amateur Boxing Association (member IABA) gym on Rosia Rd. Over 13s welcome to join. Tuition with ex-pro boxer Ernest Victory (200 75513 w, 200 42788 h).

Canoeing: Gibraltar Canoeing Association.

Tel: Nigel 200 52917 or Eugene 58014000.

Cricket: Gibraltar Cricket Association (member ICC) runs leagues/competitions at Europa Point/Victoria Stadium. Junior/senior training.

Tel: Tom 200 79461 or Adrian 200 44281.

Cycling: Gibraltar Cycling Association various cycling tours. Tel: Uriel 200 79359.

Darts: Gibraltar Darts Association (member WDF) mens/ladies/youth leagues/competitions.Tel: Darren 54027171 “Secretary”, Dyson “Youth Rep” 54024149, Justin “President” 54022622 Email: info@gibraltardarts.com Football: Gibraltar Football Association - leagues/competitions for all ages OctoberMay. 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: Moira 200 41795 or Suzette 200 41874.

Petanque: Gibraltar Petanque Association plays at Giralda Gardens, Smith Dorrien Ave. New members welcome. Tel: Francis 200 70929.

Pool: Gibraltar Pool Association (member EUKPF) home and away league played on Thurs through season. Tel: Linda 200 74753.

Rhythmic Gymnastics: Gibraltar Rhythmic Gymnastics Association runs sessions for 4 years of age and upwards weekday evenings.

Tel: Christine 200 74661 or 54015533.

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 through season (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 only. 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 opens its Skate Park, Coaling Island, Queensway, Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday, from 5pm til 8pm Saturday & Sunday, from 2pm til 5pm Thursday & Friday, closedSat 26pm. State of art ramps for Xtreme/aggressive roller blading /skate boarding.

Leisure skating facilities provided within excellent rink (when not used for roller hockey training).

Tel: Eric 200 70710 (after 5).

Snorkelling & Spear Fishing: Over 14s welcome 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.

Tennis: Gibraltar Tennis Association, Sandpits Tennis Club, excellent junior development programme. Courses for adults, leagues / competitions. Tel: Frank 200 77035.

Ten-Pin Bowling: Gibraltar Ten Pin Bowling Association (members FIQ & WTBA) leagues at Ultra Bowl, training for juniors and squad.

Tel: Gary 200 42447 or Charlie 200 71125.

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

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support

events

Support Groups/ Associations Alcoholics Anonymous meet 7pm Tues and Thurs at Nazareth Hse Tel: 200 73774.

A Step Forward support group for single, separated, divorced or widowed people. Meet 8pm Mondays at St Andrew’s Church.

Childline Gibraltar confidential phone line for children in need. Freephone 8008 - 7 days a week 7pm - 11pm.

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. Meetings are held alternate Thursdays at 9pm at Nazareth House. For more details 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 of those with compulsive overeating problem. Tel: helpline for details of meetings 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. Weekly Meetings Tuesdays at 7pm, Fridays 8pm. Tel: 200 51623.

SSAFA Forces Help Gibraltar, is a national charity, to assist serving and exService personnel and their families. Tel: (5)5481. E-mail olivero@sapphirenet.gi With Dignity Gibraltar support group for separated, divorced, widowed or unattached people. Meetings Weds 9pm, Catholic Community Centre, Line Wall Rd. Outings/activities. Tel: Flor 54007181 or Marie 200 79957.

Women in Need. Voluntary organisation for all victims of domestic violence.

Refuge available. Tel: 200 42581 (24 hours).

Jaguar on the Streets

A Jaguar aircraft trundled through Gibraltar towards the end of January as it was moved from the South Mole to RAF Gibraltar. Having arrived on a ship from Southampton, the fuselage was then towed at walking pace through the streets, followed by a trailer carrying the wings.

“The whole journey went with- Station Commander, Wing Com- much of his career as a Jaguar out a hitch,” said Flight Lieutenant mander Simon Dowling has spent pilot! n Ade Lutman of RAF Gibraltar. “But we were grateful for the help of the RGP who controlled the traffic for us.”

Once it has been reassembled and refurbished by the station’s engineers, the aircraft, a GR1 (ground attack/reconnaissance) variant will be positioned by Western Hangar as the RAF station’s new ‘Gate Guardian.’

Jaguars first entered service with the RAF in 1974 and they were withdrawn in April 2007. The new Gate Guardian saw service with No’s 14, 17 and 31 Squadrons and therefore it almost certainly flew into and out of Gibraltar at some time in its history.

It is no coincidence that the

Religious Services Bahia Tel: 200 43637 for meetings.

Bethel Christian Fellowship Tel: 200 52002. 47 Queensway. Sunday service at 11am.

Church of England Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. Tel: 200 78377. Sung Eucharist, Sunday 10.30am. Sunday School.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Suite 21a Don House, 30-38 Main Street. Tel: 200 50433. Sundays 10am.

Church of Scotland St Andrew’s, Governor’s Pde. Tel: 200 77040. Worship & Sunday School 10.30am. Bible Study

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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 Line Wall Rd Tel: 200 50186.

Jewish 10 Bomb House Lane Tel: 200 72606.

Methodist 297 Main Street Gibraltar Tel/Fax 200 40870 email minister@methodist.org. gi Minister: Revd Fidel Patron. Sunday 11am Morning Worship, 8pm Evening Service. Prayer meetings Monday and Wednesday to Friday 7pm and Tuesdays

8pm. Communion celebrated on 2nd and 4th Sunday mornings of the month, and other special occasions. Alpha Course: held Thursdays 8pm. House Groups meet for Christian fellowship, prayer and study on a regular basis Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.

Sunday School meets Sunday mornings alongside morning worship.

Roman Catholic Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned, 215 Main St Tel: 200 76688.

The Cityline Church 13 Castle St Tel: 200 75755 email: citylinegib@yahoo. com. Meeting: Tues 8pm, Sundays 11am.

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property directory

propertysales

Unit F2A ICC, Gibraltar Tel: 200 49494 email: info@propertyworld.gi

www.propertyworld.gi

propertyservices

propertyservices Sheet Metal Works Ventilation Ductwork Stainless Steel Cabinets, Canopies Shelves etc Tel: 200 79732 Fax: 40415 COLD-AIRE ENGINEERING Unit No. 28 The New Harbours

SALES / RENTALS PROPERTY SPAIN MANAGEMENT & Maintenance Furniture Packages info@gbpropertymanagementsl.com www.gbpropertymanagementsl.com Tel: 00 34 667 465 890 00 34 667 465 891

Airconditioning & Ventilation Design, Installation & Maintenance Tel: 200 79732 Fax: 200 40415 Unit No. 28 The New Harbours

COLD-AIRE ENGINEERING

projectmanagers M.J. Electrical & Fire Services UK fully qualified electricians

Manufacturers & Suppliers of HIGH PRESSURE HOSES AND ACCESSORIES

Electrical • Security • Fire Alarms from a blown fuse to a re-wire No call out charge Martin Joyce Tel: 54026717 or 200 44664

Visit us at 43 Harbours Deck, New Harbours, Gibraltar Call us on 200 50337 email: shop@jjhire.com or see our website: www.jjhire.com

propertysales

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• Electrical Contractors • Security & Fire Alarm Systems • Repairs to Electrical Machinery & Equipment

299a Main Street Tel: 200 71131 Email: info@bfagib.com www.bfagib.com

S.LEVY

Rental properties two bedroom apartments from €450 Villas from €1,500 Gibraltar to Estepona

M.B.E., E.D., J.P., F.R.I.C.S., F.R.S.H.

AUCTIONEER, ESTATE AGENT & VALUER

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

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charteredsurveyors

Sales/Rentals/Management

Full property management and maintenance from a plumber to full refurbishments Made to measure Furniture Packages Air conditioning and satellite installations Free quotations

fabtec

www.gbpropertymanagementsl.com email: info@gbpropertymanagementsl.com Tel: 00 34 667 465 890 00 34 667 465 891

• Property Advice • Valuations • Rent Reviews •Development •Consultancy Tel: 200 46579 gibsurv@nicholasgale.com

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009 June 2004

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property directory constructionservices

marineservices

HAYMILLS

Haymills (Gibraltar) Ltd

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

Limited

Builders • Civil Engineers Roofing Specialists • Electrical Contractors 4 Shackleton Road Tel: 200 46887 Gibraltar Fax: 200 46089

homes&interiors

CIAP (CONSTRUCTION) LTD

Curtain Makers Home Interiors Fabrics Bedding

BUILDERS MERCHANTS GIBRALTAR 325a Main St. Tel: 200 40787 Fax: 200 40799 80b Devil’s Tower Rd. 104-106 Irish Town Tel: 200 40746 Tel: 200 75220

Replacement LED bulbs

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

We sell LED a wide range of lighting

General Suppliers

buy now at

Portman Ltd

www.gibstainless.com

We manufacture and fit aluminium windows, doors, blinds, shutters, mosquito nettings, UPVC windows, glaziers and also bathroom and shower screens at reasonable prices.

For a Free Estimate Call Us

TARIK

Welding & Custom Fabrication

Tel: 200 45955 Fax: 200 45955 Mobile: 58641000

Repairs & Chandlery Sheppard’s Chandlery, M. Sheppard & Co. Ltd Waterport, Gibraltar. Tel: 200 77183 • 200 42535

The Strait’s only stockists for 316 marine grade stainless steel

WINDOWS

• 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

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

25Watergardens Block 5, Gibraltar Tel Mike: 200 52304 Mobile: 54015406 Spain 00 34 628445182 Email: metelmicky@hotmail.com

Now at 94 Harbours Walk New Harbours Tel: 200 40690 Fax: 200 74797 Email: tony.harris@haymills.com Website: www.haymills.com

transportservices

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

y

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

ACHT SCENE SAILORS’ GUIDE

on sale at £5.00 at chandleries & bookshops

2009 EDITION NOW OUT

open

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

STARTER MOTORS & ALTERNATORS Repairs, Reconditioning, Exchange or Brand New

THE GIBRALTAR MARITIME SERVICES HANDBOOK 2008 edition

Now on sale at Gibraltar Bookshops

AUTOELECTRICAL SERVICES Unit 25 Rear of Block 5, Watergardens.

Tel: 200 47000 Mobile: 58850000

18 Town Range Tel: 200 73036 Office & Workshop G17 Europa Business Ctr. Tel/Fax: 20042603

Don’t miss May 2009’s Property & Interiors Issue of The Gibraltar Magazine 39-41 City Mill Lane, Gibraltar Tel: 200 78105 Fax: 200 42510

marineservices

• Electrical Contractors • Security & Fire Alarm Systems • Repairs to Electrical Machinery & Equipment

wastemanagement Environment and Waste Management Service

Mechanical & Electrical Engineering Services Domestic + Industrial • Electrical • Mechanical • Plumbing • Air-Conditioning 94 Harbour’s Walk, New Harbours Tel: 200 48774 Fax: 200 45249

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Furnishing Fabrics, Wallpapers, Furniture, Wood Floorings, Carpets & Rugs 4 King’s Yard Lane Tel: 200 74445 Fax: 200 76353

E.W.M.S. R25B, Ragged Staff Wharf, Queensway Quay, PO Box 4, Gibraltar Tel: 200 44220 Fax: 200 44221 E-mail: ewmsgib@gibtelecom.net

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information

A

dmission 9.30am to 7pm by tickets (includes entrance to sites within the Park - 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 £7/ Children 5-12 years: £4, Children age 4 and under free, vehicles £1.50. Private vehicles may be restricted at certain times and it’s advisable to take a Rock Tour by taxi/mini bus. The Natural History & Heritage Park is also reached by cable car (leaves Grand Parade 9.30am-5.15pm Mon-Sun. Last cable down: 5.45pm).

T

he flora and fauna on the Upper Rock are considered to be of great conservational value. It’s a perfect place for birdwatchers, as migratory species use Gibraltar as the shortest crossing between Europe and Africa, but botanists will also be interested to see over 600 species of flowering plants, including some unique to Gibraltar. Watch out for colourful lizards, non-venemous Horseshoe Whipsnakes, butterflies and pipistrelle bats. Info on flora and fauna is found at the Gibraltar Ornithological and Natural History Society’s information centre at Jews Gate.

St. Michael’s Cave: The cave comprises an upper hall with five connecting passages and drops of 40-150ft to a smaller hall.

A further succession of chambers, some at 250ft below the entrance, is reached through narrow holes. The Cathedral Cave is open to visitors and is used as an auditorium for concerts and theatre. The cave was prepared as a hospital in WWII, but never used. A further series of chambers ending in a mini lake is called Lower St. Michael’s Cave and can be visited with a guide.

The Monkeys’ Den: There are around 160 monkeys in the Park and around 30 can be seen at the Monkey’s Den. Often called apes, they are tail-less Barbary Macaques and Europe’s only free living monkeys. £500 fine for feeding the monkeys - don’t do it!

The Great Siege Tunnels: Tunnelling in the Rock began during the Great Siege (1779-1783) when France and Spain made an attempt to recapture the Rock while Britain was busy with the American War of Independence. Governor General Elliot offered a reward to any man who could tell him how to mount a gun on the north face of the Rock. It was a Sgt. Major Ince who suggested tunnelling and there are now over 30 miles of tunnels inside the Rock with various exhibitions inside the tunnels.

of the earliest British building on the Rock.

Original graffiti, drawn by duty soldiers to stop themselves falling asleep, is still visible, the earliest dating back to 1726.

The Moorish Castle: actually just part of a Moorish town and castle which was built up during the Moorish occupation of the Iberian Peninsula, spearheaded from Gibraltar in 711AD by Tarik-ibn-Zeyad (“Gibraltar” is a corruption of the Arabic words “Jebel Tarik” - Tarik’s mountain). The part we see today, The Tower of Homage, dates back to 1333AD, when Abu’l Hassan recaptured the Rock from Spain.

Natural History & Heritage Park Walks: Med Steps is a stunning walk with the steep climb at the end rewarded with spectacular views of the Rock and Spain.

Another recommended walk is St Michael’s Cave through to Charles V Wall but walkers should be relatively fit for both. It is also pleasant walking along the upper rock roads. Brochures available free from all Tourist Board offices.

Botanical Gardens: Opened in 1816, the Alameda Botanical Gardens fell into disrepair but are currently being restored to their former glory. Visitors can enjoy a stroll beneath pines, dragon trees and palms, and see many of Gibraltar’s native plants as well as exotic species. The shop sells environmentally friendly gifts, plants and seeds.

Tel: 200 72639/200 74022. Parking.

Nelson’s Anchorage: Rosia Road 9.30am - 5.15pm Monday to Saturday (last entry at 5pm). Closed on Sunday. Admission: £1.00 (free of charge with Nature Reserve ticket.

Tickets for the nature reserve can also be bought at this attraction).

Parson’s Lodge: Rosia Road. A narrow limestone outcrop with a labyrinth of underground tunnels surmounted by an impressive battery, which has witnessed the development of coast artillery over 300 years. Once housed three 18 ton 10-inch rifled muzzle loaders positioned behind a

unique sandwich of armour plate and teak, known as ‘Gibraltar Shields’. TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC. Flat Bastion Magazine Flat Bastion Road, Geological Research Station and Lithology of Gibraltar. To visit contact: F. Gomez Tel. 200 44460, P. Hodkinson Tel. 200 43910.

Shrine of Our Lady of Europe (Museum within premises) Europa Road. 10am-7pm Monday to Friday, 11am-7pm Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays. Closed 1pm - 2pm.

Trafalgar Cemetery: Trafalgar Road, open 9am - 7pm daily (admission free).

Business Information

Gibraltar Financial Services Commission ......Tel: 200 40283/4 website: www.fsc.gi Chamber of Commerce.......Tel: 200 78376 Federation Small Business.Tel: 200 47722 Company Registry...............Tel: 200 78193

Useful Numbers

Airport (general info.)..........Tel: 200 73026 Hospital, St Bernards..........Tel: 200 79700 Weather information.................Tel: 5-3416 Frontier Queue Update.......Tel: 200 42777

General Information

Gibraltar Museum.............Tel: 200 74289 18/20 Bomb House Lane Open 10am - 6pm (Sat. 10am - 2pm). Closed on Sunday. Admission: Adults £2/Children under 12 years £1. Special exhibitions also held at museum premises in Casemates gallery.

Registry Office...................Tel: 200 72289 It is possible to get married on the Rock within 48 hours of arrival. A fact taken advantage of by stars such as Sean Connery and John Lennon.

Rock Tours by Taxi............Tel: 200 70052 As well as offering normal fares, Gibraltar

Emergency Services Emergency calls only: Fire/Ambulance.......................Tel: 190 Police...............................Tel: 199/112 Emergency Number...............Tel: 112

The Military Heritage Centre: Housed in one of the Rock’s many historic batteries, the Military Heritage Centre displays information on the development of Gibraltar’s military defences through the ages.

A City Under Siege Exhibition: Exhibits depicting the lives of the civilian population during the many sieges, are housed in one

History Alive

Every Saturday morning the Rock’s past is brought alive by a troop of soldiers in 18th century period uniform. The soldiers march from Bomb House Lane at 12 noon to Casemates. At Casemates they carry out a “Ceremony of the Keys” and then march back up Main Street to the Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned.

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Gibraltar Bus Company Routes

taxis provide Rock Tours taking in the Upper Rock, Europa Point and other sites of interest. It is the best way to see the Rock’s major features in a short time.

Tourist Board.....................Tel: 200 74950 Gibraltar Tourist Board, Duke of Kent House, Cathedral Square, Gibraltar.

UK Tel: 0207 836 0777 giblondon@aol.com John Mackintosh Hall.......Tel: 200 75669 Centre of Gib’s cultural life, includes a cafeteria, theatre, exhibition rooms and library.

308 Main Street 9.30am - 11pm Monday to Friday. Closed weekends.

Bicycle Racks Bicycle parking is provided at the following locations: Europort Road, Casemates Tunnel, Land Port Ditch, Fish Market Road, Commonwealth Car Park, Reclamation Road (by English Steps) + Line Wall Road.

Public Holidays 2009

New Year’s Day 1 January Commonwealth Day 9 March Good Friday 10 April Easter Monday 13 April May Day 4 May Spring Bank Holiday 25 May Queen’s Birthday 15 June Late Summer Bank Holiday 31 August Gibraltar National Day 10 September Christmas Day 25 December Boxing Day 26 December Spain Fixed: New Year’s Day 1 January, Epiphany 6 January, St Joseph’s Day 19 March, Labour Day 1 May, St John 24 June, St James 25 July, Assumption Day 15 August, National Day 12 October, All Saints 1 November, Immaculate Conception 8 December, Christmas 25 December Moveable: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Corpus Christi Non-urgent calls: Ambulance Station..........Tel: 200 75728 Police...............................Tel: 200 72500 Gibraltar Services Police: Emergency Nos: ....Tel: (5) 5026 / (5) 3598

The Gibraltar Magazine is published and produced by Guide Line Promotions Ltd, 1st Floor 113 Main Street, Gibraltar.

Tel/Fax: (+350) 77748

Natural History & Heritage Park

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009 July 2004

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We’ll put you on the right track BROADBAND • LEASED LINES • INTERNET SERVICES

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Estate Agents Property Consultants Property Management Mortgages Valuations Surveys Lettings 3/12/08 11:32:55