The Gibraltar Magazine – April 2011 by Rock Publishing Ltd

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

ibraltar the

April 2011 Vol. 16 No. 06 FREE

Executive Aircraft — Toy or Tool? Frankie Goes to... X Factor

No Mad Hatter

Sir Jonathan: Court on the Rock

Confessions of a Mother & so much more...

Your satisfaction is our bonus. Jyske Bank does not offer its employees personal bonus schemes – and never did. jyskebank.gi/whyjbpb

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

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

110315_The_Gibraltar_Magazine_A128ann1EN_A4.indd 1

15-03-2011 09:08:24

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2007

New York New York

Beijing Beijing

Bahrain

Taipei

Bahrain

Seoul

Taipei

Seoul

Dubai Dubai

Sao Paulo Sao Paulo

ThinkGlobal. Global.Act ActLocal. Local. Think The World Center association the world’s largest private The World TradeTrade Center association is theisworld’s largest private tradetrade network with over 1 million associated companies with a trade volume network with over 1 million associated companies with a trade volume of 100’s of billions of dollars. of 100’s of billions of dollars. As an occupier of the World Trade Center Gibraltar you can become a As an occupier of the World Trade Center Gibraltar you can become a member and have the opportunity to initiate trade missions from member haveofthe to initiate trade the missions hereand to any theopportunity over 90 countries in which Worldfrom Trade Center here Association to any of theoperates. over 90 countries in which the World Trade Center Association operates. And of course be ready to greet them when they come to Gibraltar. And “Prosperity of course be readyTrade” to greet them when they come to Gibraltar. through “Prosperity through Trade”

World Trade Center Gibraltar – The Signature Corporate Address World Trade Center Gibraltar – The Signature Corporate Address To nd out more about World Trade Center Gibraltar telephone Barbara Sellors on (00350) 200 74724 or email: enquiries@worldtradecenter.gi To nd out more about World Trade Center Gibraltar www.worldtradecenter.gi telephone Barbara Sellors on (00350) 200 74724 or email: enquiries@worldtradecenter.gi

www.worldtradecenter.gi

Sources WTCA Strategic Vision 09-13 document and WTCA presentation available from WTCA.

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arts & lifestyle

features

30 44 56 60 62 64 66 69

Sir Jonathan: Court on the Rock € Simon Newman: Skating for Success The Bride Guide This is Your Life... Pepe Frankie Goes to... X-Factor

business & finance 8 9 12 14 18 20 24

Business & Finance Guide

34 36 37

26 40 73

Gib Success at WTCA Stand Card Simplicity from the Rock Recruitment: At The Interview HR Clinic: Your Questions Answered Taxes: The New World of Payment and Penalties

property files

30-37

Return of McKillop Smith Property Directory A Splash of Colour

food & drink

78-89

78 St Patrick’s Night 82 Two Mousse & a Deer 84 Black Tie at the Rock 85-88 Restaurant & Bar Guide 89 Wine: April Fish

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

health & medical 50 53 54

Theatre: A Playful Murder No Mad Hatter € 40 poets, one book Symmetry: A Classical Revolution Colour Me Happy Tales of the Soup Kitchen Norbert Takacs: Getting Under Your Skin In Focus: Photography Winners

history & heritage

Executive Aircraft - toy or tool? €

48-55

Choosing Cosmetic Surgery When Cells Go Bad Confessions of a Mother

regulars 68 Puzzle Page 90-91Around Town

information

70-71 94

City Centre Map Gibraltar Information

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

28 32 42 74 76

Bring the Ark Royal to Gibraltar So Good They Named Him Twice € Angary & Mers-el-Kebir

gibraltar the

April 2011 Vol. 16 No. 06 FREE

Executive Aircraft — Toy or Tool? Frankie Goes to... X Factor

No Mad Hatter

Sir Jonathan: Court on the Rock

Confessions of a Mother & so much more...

St Mary”s Cathedral on Gibraltar’s Main Street

Vol. 16 No. 06 APRIL 2011

The Gibraltar Magazine is published monthly by

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAGAZINE •• APRIL APRIL 2011 2011 GIBRALTAR

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business & finance

Executive aircraft - toy or tool

by Ian Le Breton

In this month’s article, I thought I’d take a somewhat different tack. In recent columns I have examined why Gibraltar is becoming an increasingly attractive location to business people — tax, infrastructure, ease of doing business, high quality multi-lingual staff etc. I also referred to the fact that we have our own airport and, it is to be hoped, that the current airline route map will be extended when the brand new terminal opens later this year. But that set me thinking about the sheer logistics of getting to Gibraltar from other airports around Europe from where it is unlikely that there will be scheduled services any time soon. Since the implementation of the Córdoba Agreement in 2006 — when restrictions were removed to permit direct flights from Spain — Gibraltar residents may have noticed an increasing number of small, private aircraft using the airport. We have certainly seen an increase in corporate jet activity and I expect to see this increase when the new terminal opens. I understand there will be services dedicated to the business aviation industry based from the terminal, so that is another reason to look forward to its completion. But how, in these economically strained times, can such “toys” be justified? Surely this is yet another example of the type of corporate excess

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

that should have been consigned to history. A any place for expensive business aircraft in the number of large companies certainly seem to post-crisis economic world in which we now think so — they have either sold or downsized find ourselves? their aircraft fleets in recent years. But is there In my opinion, there is. Executive aircraft come in all sorts of shapes and sizes and there are many ways to own or operate them from full to fractional ownership, or simply chartering on an ad hoc basis. Under the right circumstances, the sensible use of a private jet — however this is done — can not only be economically justified, it can be a very attractive option both to business people and the companies they represent. Read on. Consider this example. Imagine you are in Gibraltar with five colleagues and you need to

How can such “toys” be justified? Surely this is yet another example of the type of corporate excess that should have been consigned to history

business & finance get to Nice for a meeting. There are no direct flights from here and although Málaga is only a hundred miles up the coast, surprisingly there are no direct flights to Nice from there either. Our party of six business executives is now faced with a dilemma and at least two flights — first to London or Paris, then an onward connection. How much more simple it would be to charter a business jet for a direct flight from Gib to Nice — and presumably back again, although of course that may not be necessary. The advantages speak for themselves. The party simply turns up at the airport very close to departure time and, in this example, the round trip could easily be achieved in just one day. Naturally the formalities remain but they are generally easier to complete and there’s no need to arrive up to two hours before departure as with commercial trips. A direct flight straight to the airport closest to where you want to go could be just what your company needs. There will be a considerable saving of down time and any of the usual difficulties one can encounter when using scheduled airline services — cancellations, overbooking, delays — will be avoided. In addition, confidentiality is assured and, because the fellow passengers are likely to be colleagues or associates, the flight time can be spent more profitably. What is the likely price for such convenience? As always this can vary widely but, as an example, local private charter firm GibJets (www. gibjets.com) charges around £2,500 per flying hour. Divide that between the six passengers that its aircraft might typically carry, and one can start to appreciate the commercial sense of using this option. Add to that the fact that executive jets can use a much greater range of airfields than those available to commercial airliners, then the expense becomes even easier to rationalise. Business jets can land at airports with limited facilities and very often — depending on the type of aircraft — they can be operated by just a single pilot.

So much for the theory. In these days of economic austerity what is the state of the market for business jets? They range in price from the so called “Very light Jet” or VLJ (sometimes referred to as “Entry Level Jets”) to airliners such as the four engine Airbus A340 used by a very select band of billionaires and royalty for their private, or executive, use. The price tags match this wide range, starting at a couple of million dollars but easily rising to US$100m or more for the airliner-size versions. My colleagues at Register An Aircraft.com, Sovereign’s aviation division, report that the sector has certainly seen a noticeable downturn since the onset of the global economic crisis. The use of business jets as a corporate tool was much criticised at the height of the crisis; who can forget the outcry over bankers and automakers flying to Washington in their private jets to testify at congressional hearings into the massive government bailouts they were receiving? As the economic situation stabilises, at least in certain countries, the use of corporate jets is once again becoming more acceptable for many international businesses (and more importantly their shareholders). The business case for such use has not changed – the time and money saved, together with more confidentiality and better use of time spent flying. What has changed is the perception of the press and the public in relation to the “Jet Set”.

The advantages speak for themselves. The party simply turns up at the airport very close to departure time and, in this example, the round trip could easily be achieved in just one day

25 years with Jyske Bank

The business jet charter market is certainly recovering; we are seeing a number of these aircraft landing at Gibraltar on a more regular basis. And it is interesting to note that, while new aircraft sales in Europe are still slow, business has been increasing in other parts of the world. In particular, dealers are reporting higher levels of interest in the Middle East, India, China and South America — especially Brazil where a local manufacturer, Embraer, has developed into a world leader. So as we all look forward to using our own brand new airport terminal later in the year, I hope to see even more of these remarkable aircraft flying into and out of the Rock. Next time you see one, rather than seeing it simply as a toy for spoiled executives, consider instead that it might just be a serious business asset that is adding to the bottom line in clear and demonstrable ways. Aircraft landing and taking off at Gibraltar will of course fly over the marinas where super yachts seem to be perpetually moored. Pleasurable these vessels undoubtedly are; practical, sometimes, maybe. But one cannot drift on an executive jet. They are designed to get one from A to B far more efficiently than commercial flights. That is the difference and the reason why I, for one, believe that given the right circumstances they can be ideal business tools. This is also why I am looking forward to welcoming them to Gibraltar in ever greater numbers. And the wealthy people they carry, of course! n

Gibraltar Law Firm ranks 9th in The Lawyer Offshore Survey 2011 The Lawyer Annual Offshore Survey, now in its 6th year reveals Hassans International Law firm moving up the offshore elite by a further two places to reach number nine worldwide. The survey, based on partner numbers, sees for the first time some rationalisation to bring it into line with a rapidly changing offshore market. They have taken out jurisdictions such as Luxembourg, Malta and Switzerland, which are considered to be ‘onshore’ by both lawyers and clients and removed staff numbers on the fiduciary side of the business. The survey also focused on women in leading roles, citing the number of female partners and female equity partners stating overall, “women [partners] are best represented in Hassans”.

Two members of Jyske Bank staff recently marked 25 years service with the company. Maite Bishop & Michael Cid de La Paz enjoyed a reception with their colleagues and family members. Photo: (left to right) Christian Bjørløw (CEO), Maite Bishop, Michael Cid de La Paz and Lars Aarup Jensen (Managing Director)

Hassans were ranked 11th last year having moved up four places, so this new positioning brings it to the top by a further two places. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

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Gib success at World Trade Centers Association stand As the curtain came down on another MIPIM, the world’s premier real estate event, the first public unveiling of World Trade Center Gibraltar was deemed a resounding success. Holding centre stage on the World Trade Centers Association stand, the Gibraltar project attracted considerable interest and set the wheels in motion for several follow-up trade missions across the globe. Occupying a prime position on the main exhibition thoroughfare, the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) gained maximum exposure to promote more than 330 member WTCs in nearly 100 countries as well as its mission statement — prosperity through trade. Little wonder that WTC is known as the world’s greatest signature address if you are in business. And this year, the newly approved World Trade Center Gibraltar (WTCG), was able to capture more than its fair share of the limelight. Brian Stevendale, World Trade Center Gibraltar’s Business and Development Director, comments, “We transported a spectacular scale model of the WTCG building to Cannes and it was viewed to be the best that the WTCA had displayed on their stand, quite some compli-

ment given the number of WTCs that have been launched globally over the years. Our model demonstrated how the 170,000ft² project will redefine office facilities within Gibraltar, currently one of the most dynamic and growing economies in Europe. The Team engaged with many interested parties from the US to the Far East, including a global company who wish to enter Gibraltar and have committed to 30,000ft² of space, and we have left with plenty of positive leads to pursue. It’s immensely satisfying to see our physically small territory of less than 7km² stand shoulder to shoulder with the mighty WTCs of the world.” The WTCA also took the opportunity to fly in an international film crew to capture staff from New York, Regional Coordinators

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

projects the guidance of key mentors in the community from Government Ministers to heads of industry. Finalists will see their projects form part of an exhibition in the WTCG foyer for the first year of trading. About WTC Gibraltar Gibraltar ’s application to establish a World Trade Center was approved by the World Trade Centers Association at the conclusion of its Annual General Assembly in Beijing, China, in October of last year. This gives Gibraltar the

The 170,000ft² “project will redefine office facilities within Gibraltar, currently one of the most dynamic and growing economies in Europe

”

for Europe and Brian Stevendale from Gibraltar, discussing their individual successes on camera. The material, recorded in English and in French, will be incorporated into future WTCA promotional material including a video to be shown at the AGM in São Paulo later this year. WTCG was also the subject of several radio and TV interviews from Radio Gibraltar to French national television channels. WTCG is scheduled to begin construction soon and will take an estimated 22 months to complete. The Gibraltar team will shortly launch a Schools Awards Programme so local schoolchildren can put forward their vision for business and commerce in Gibraltar under

335th licence to be awarded across the globe to develop international trade. With outline planning permission already in place, the seven-storey 15,000m² WTC Gibraltar building will effectively treble the office space already sold or leased at the Ocean Village development. Pure office space aside, the prestigious superstructure will also include business club executive lounges with dining facilities, secretarial services, year-round exhibition and display areas, virtual offices, stateof-the-art video conferencing and telecommunications, high speed lifts, climate control, electronic security access and CCTV as well as ample parking. n Contact Brian Stevendale, World Trade Center Gibraltar’s Business and Development Director, on tel: 200 40048 or email brian.stevendale@ worldtradecenter.gi.

Brian Stevendale on the World Trade Centers Association stand at MIPIM

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

ahead in business

Card Simplicity from the Rock by Peter Schirmer

A recent survey in Britain suggested that accounts of almost half of all credit card holders had been tampered with — although many incidents were minor, and so went unreported to the police. Even as credit card and internet finance companies become more sophisticated in their efforts to fight cyberspace crime, so the fraudsters and con men improve their techniques as well. IDT Finance (the trading name of IDT Financial Services Limited)’s Prime Payment Card was established in part to help keep cybercrooks at bay by keeping customers funds separate from their bank accounts. The Card’s concept is brilliantly simple — a MasterCard card which can not spend more than you load on it therefore protecting the bulk of the holder’s finances from hackers and fraudsters. No one has yet developed a hack-proof system, but IDT Finance’s Prime card limits

any potential loss to the value of unspent cash on the card. “The Prime Card couldn’t be simpler,” explains Daniel Spier, Managing Director of IDT Financial Services Limited. “No bank accounts are involved; there are no

credit checks, no burdensome documentation to present, no forms, no fuss. It can be used securely on-line and also means the user doesn’t need to carry cash in most shops, cinemas and restaurants in the UK and abroad.”

The card has no interest charges or APR; and it is not linked to a bank account or to the user’s other financial resources

Prepaid cards are similar to credit or debit cards, he explains. The difference with ‘prepaid’ is that they are pre-loaded with cash — with the user/purchaser determining the card’s value. Users can only spend the amount loaded onto the card. The card has no interest charges or APR; and it is not linked to a bank account or to the user’s other financial resources. The Prime Payment Card was Britain’s first instant issue prepaid MasterCard card when it was

Daniel Spier with members of the Finance team

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

ahead in business launched four years ago. Today it is accepted on-line and at more than 30 million global outlets. Although the Prime Card is not yet available in Gibraltar, IDT Financial Services Limited manages the card’s entire administrative operations from the Rock, including a 16 person staff headed by Spier. It also has direct IT links with the Gibraltar Post Office, allowing IDT Finance to provide a unique re-supply service to retailers of Prime Cards in Britain. IDT Finance is, ultimately, a part of IDT Corporation — a leading carrier and provider of telecommunications services listed on the New York Stock Exchange. A part of IDT Europe, which is itself a subsidiary of IDT Telecom, the Gibraltar-based IDT Finance is a regulated bank licensed by the Financial Services Commission, and its cards are issued under licence from MasterCard International Incorporated. “We specialise in the creation and distribution of pre-paid cards in Britain and other parts of Europe,” says Spier, who trained in Switzerland where he worked in insurance, gained his global financial experienced and an MBA in Britain before coming to Gibraltar to set up the local bank and Prime

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

operation here. “I have relatives here and had visited the Rock on holiday,” he explains. “Initially I agreed to come here for a four-year stint, but now there’s nowhere else I would rather live.” And speaking of his children, he adds with a smile, “We came with two — now we have four.” Spier is supported by a growing team of enthusiastic and happy staff who agree that the airy offices with their spacious work-stations and central situation provide an ideal workplace. One of the most impactful aspects of the IDT Finance operation on the Rock is its relationship with the Royal Gibraltar Post Office (RGPO). The two organisations have a distribution agreement — as simple in concept as that of the Prime Card — but equally as sophisticated in its realisation. “The logistics solutions used by IDT logs the sale and distribution of each individual card and the RGPO have direct access to these logs. This means that when one of our

sales outlets anywhere in Britain is down to their last four or five cards the Post Office here is alerted and immediately sends replacement stocks,” says Spier. “It’s a good business for them generating volumes of postage.” The CEO of the Royal Gibraltar Post Office, Chris Riddell adds: “The RGPO is proud to be a trusted and key business partner in the setting up of IDT in Gibraltar, not only because of extra postal revenue it has generated from managing the cards distribution but primarily for the employment it has generated for Gibraltar as a community. The distribution has furthermore also enabled the RGPO to generate the volumes required to introduce the new Insured Service to the UK, a service which is now available to all our customers.” n For further information and news about IDT Finance including information about products visit www. idtfinance.com.

One of the most impactful aspects of the IDT Finance operation on the Rock is its relationship with the Royal Gibraltar Post Office

Well Done Dina! Dina Suisi was awarded a Postgraduate Diploma on 18th October 2010 at the University of Cambridge (Madingley Hall) after successfully completing a two-year course in Notarial Practice. She was appointed as a Notary Public in England and Wales by the Faculty Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury on 30th November 2010. Last month she took her oath of office in Gibraltar before the Dean of Gibraltar in representation of the Archbishop of Canterbury. n

business & finance

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Ibex Insurance Services Ltd will be operating from new offices in Irish Town from 4th April 2011. The newly renovated building will become home not only to the Ibex Gibraltar Retail Office, which is currently located in Horse Barrack Lane, but also the ever expanding behind the scenes team of underwriters, claims, administration and management who are currently located in Marina Bay. The building, which comprises

four floors, has been designed to suit the needs of the team, yet its facade continues to be in keeping with the historical colonial feel of Irish Town itself. This is an exciting development for Ibex Insurance, which was launched over 10 years ago. Ibex Insurance has seen a steady and continuing growth both through its network of agents and via its retail offices, of which there are now 14 in Spain and two in Portugal, as well as its most well known one in Gibraltar. Ibex Insurance continues to offer motor, home, marine, medical, travel and pet insurance, for further information call 200 44628 or visit www.ibexinsure.com or pop into the new office 68 Irish Town from 4th April 2011. n

Chesterton Competition Raises £1,000 for Childline Gibraltar

Module 1 - Basic AML Module 2 - Knowing Your Customer and the role of the MLRO Module 3 - Threat Matrix & Risk Based Approach

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All of the above training courses will be delivered in The Global Training Centre in The Eliott Hotel. For dates and how to book your place please contact Clark Elder Telephone 20046830 Email: clark@globalgroup.gi

Barbara Sellors, hands a cheque for £1,000 donated by Chesterton and represented here by its MD Mike Nicholls, to Mrs Connie Attwood, the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Childline Gibraltar

In our December issue, local estate agent Chesterton sponsored a free to enter competition with the winner choosing which local charity to benefit from a £1,000 Chesterton donation. There was a fabulous response given the charitable cause. The lucky winner with all five answers correct, was Barbara Sellors of Marina Bay. Barbara chose Childline Gibraltar, a charity close to her heart having herself been involved since the charity’s incpetion in 2006. “I am absolutely thrilled to bits!” declared Barbara. “Thank you so much. Well done to Chesterton for promoting such a worthy com-

petition and spreading cheer in the best possible way.” Mrs Connie Attwood, the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Childline Gibraltar was most grateful to receive the £1,000 donation “We are obviously very pleased that Barbara won, as the Chesterton prize has found its way to our organisation which means further support in our work to prevent cruelty to children in Gibraltar”. Mike Nicholls commented “We enjoy finding original ways to help channel a share of rewards to the heart of the local community. We earn our living here, and giving something back is important to us.” n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

Professional Leadership Programme

Durham University

Phase One

Phase Two

Operational Change

Strategic Change

Personal Development Leading Your Team Managing Processes Marketing Management Financial Management

Strategic Planning Strategic Finance Culture and Change Strategic Human Resource Management

Phase Three Change in Practice Practical and effective organisational research. Economic and entrepreneurial influences. A focused and supported project in an area of specific need and interest for you and your organisation

Message from Bill Snaith Professional Leadership is about doing something different not about knowing how something could be different. Many management programmes focus on the academic literature on leadership. But then what? The Professional Leadership Programme takes your learning to the next level – the application and adaptation of appropriate academic models and best practice into your organisation. The programme focuses both on you as a leader and the functions within your organisation that you need to understand in order to lead effectively. It is delivered by business experienced facilitators who are well versed in current academic thought and best practice. You can gain a Masters degree taught in Gibraltar, and your organisation benefits from day 1 by you using your new skills and knowledge.

This was followed by their Chartered By CJ McHard MA FCMI Management Institute approved course, the Diploma in Management and Leadership – and has now been As co-ordinator of the Durham Business completed with a Masters in Enterprise School’s Gibraltar Alumni Local Management awarded by the world Association (GALA) I have the honour ranked Durham University. Many others, and privilege to arrange meetings, both from all sectors of industry and a wide professional and social, of the networked variety of organisations, have also community that have passed through benefitted from the programmes offered Durham Business School’s hallowed halls by DBS. and ivy walls.

Durham People in Gibraltar

The better part of 900 people (that’s around one in every 15 of the resident working population) have been trained to an accredited standard by the Business School; DBS have created, and are continually developing, a culture of trained and qualified managers in both private and public sectors to the benefit of all concerned.

The workshops were enjoyable and entertaining; but more than this, they afforded an opportunity for meeting and corresponding with like-minded individuals, for sharing ideas, applying and expanding the learning opportunities presented and were supported by learning materials, on-line media and other assistance.

I have had the opportunity, sponsored by the Government of Gibraltar, of undergoing an organisational Introductory Management Programme run by Durham Business School.

The prospect of turning out at the University of Durham in graduand robes and the procession from the Castle to the Cathedral of Durham is warranted; however the learning does not cease with the congregation at Durham Cathedral, it is ongoing and alive in the alumni community of Durham Business School in Gibraltar.

Contact:

Gibraltar: Mandy Serra, M: 54928000; E:mandy.serra@gibtelecom.net, Durham: Vicky Welsh, T: 0044 191 334 5548; E: management.development@durham.ac.uk www.dur.ac.uk/dbs/mdc GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

recruitment

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A crucial part of the job seeking process is the interview. Obtaining an interview in this current job market is a challenge in itself, so when you do secure one, make sure you are properly prepared and ready so you give the best possible performance. Here are some things you should do to prepare for job interview success.

THE SERVICE LEADERS Our Services Supporting Your Business! â&#x20AC;˘ Worldwide Couriers â&#x20AC;˘ Mail Boxes â&#x20AC;˘ Bureau de Change â&#x20AC;˘ Language Translations 20 Engineer Lane, Gibraltar. Tel: 200 76216 or 200 73158 Fax: 200 48679 Email: steven@mrw.gi or steph@mrw.gi

Planning You know what they say, failing to plan is planning to fail, and this is certainly true in relation to good performance in a job interview. During the interview you are certain to be asked specific questions about your potential employer, so make sure youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve done your homework on things like their last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s profits and latest product launches. Nothing is more disappointing than when a candidate presents themselves with enthusiasm and then doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even know the most basic facts and figures about a company they claim they wish to work for. Here are a few places you can find some useful information: Online Search The companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website is the best place to start. It shows the company as it would like to be seen and the products and services they offer. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll get a feel for the corporate style and approach. Check out the annual report and look for a press or company news page for more general company information. General Industry sources Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not

just information about the company you need, you should also have good background knowledge of the industry in general so you can impress at the interview and show youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re suited to the job. Prepare Yourself This is the bit most people forget to give enough time to, so donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get caught out. Being well prepared and practised gives you an inner confidence which shines through. Here are a number of ways you should prepare for the interview: Be Methodical Sit down with your

CV and make notes, just as if you were preparing for an exam. Study your work record and what you have achieved. How do you see yourself? What have you done? What ambitions do you have? Prepare and rehearse sound bites about yourself. Do this out loud, even if it makes you feel weird. Try to relate specific areas of your CV back to the job description. It will make it clear to the interviewer why they should hire you.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE â&#x20AC;˘ APRIL 2011

recruitment

text by Oliver Medina, Executive Recruitment Manager (Financial Services and Banking), Select Recruitment (Gibraltar) One of the most common interview questions and one of the most tricky is “Tell me about yourself.” This is a difficult one as it’s so general therefore needs some thought. Prepare a balanced and succinct answer to this question, not a life history. Keep it businesslike and don’t stray into personal feelings or family relationships. Avoid anything to do with politics or religion, it is just too personal and may cause offence even if not intended to do so. Interviewers use this question to learn about your personal qualities, not your achievements — they should have those from your CV. Practise your answers Although

there is no set format every interview will follow, there are some questions you can almost guarantee will crop up. You should prepare answers to questions about your personal strengths and weaknesses, as well as being able to explain why you would be the best person for the job. L o o k t h e p a r t Appearances

shouldn’t matter, but the plain fact is that you are often judged before you’ve uttered a word. Make sure your shoes are polished, your

clothes fit correctly and your accessories are subtle. Dressing one level above the job you’re applying for shows a desire to succeed. Stay Calm Good preparation is the

key to staying in control. Plan your route, allowing extra time for unexpected delays, and get everything you need to take with you ready the night before. Remember to speak clearly, smile and bear in mind your interviewers are just normal people and they may be nervous too! Ask questions You should always

have some questions for your interviewer to demonstrate your interest in the position. Prepare a minimum of five questions along the lines of, why has the position become available, how does the company expect the core objectives to be met, what obstacles are commonly encountered in reaching these objectives? If you follow the steps above you’re sure to be interview ready and set to impress your potential employer. Preparation really is the key to success. We hope this helps you to be successful in your chosen career path. Good luck! n

You should prepare answers to questions about your personal strengths and weaknesses, as well as being able to explain why you would be the best person for the job GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

human resources No company is required by law to give any kind of pay rise unless it is documented when you begin your employment

Gibraltar’s HR Clinic:

Employment & Your Rights

Real Questions Answered...

Each month Anna Moffatt, HR Consultant to HR GO Gibraltar, takes questions from the general public on HR related issues and gives you the benefit of her experience. This is your chance to raise any questions about employment related issues and receive some free advice from the suitably qualified individual. I have recently had my first 2 days sick (in more than a year). While off sick I received communication from my office with accusations that my sick leave wasn’t genuine demanding I return to work and summoning me to a hearing. How should I handle this?

I’m afraid by law a company does not have to pay any sick pay at all. Most companies do so as a gesture of goodwill and your entitlement should be clearly stated in your contract regardless of the reason for the sick leave. The government however provides sick pay. You should consult the Gibraltar Government website for details of this.

You are entitled to be off sick and are not required by law to give a reason. The company I have worked for the same company for can however request a sick note from your several Years. During this time neither doctor. I would advise remaining calm, attend I nor my colleagues have received the hearing with your line manager and/or HR any pay increases. Is there a legal Manager and request evidence of their accusarequirement to award at least cost of tions. Given your excellent record of not taking living pay rises to employees? any sick leave, I would think your company will accept your version of events and are simply This is a question I am often asked and unlooking for clarification. fortunately the response is always the same. No company is required by law to give any kind of I am due to have an operation and pay rise unless it is documented when you begin wondered whether I am entitled to any your employment. additional sick leave other than that Some companies offer annual salary reviews stipulated by law? but they are not at liberty to award extra money to you unless your job role has increased or you

have perhaps taken on more responsibility, even in these cases they can still decline. Speak to your line manager if you really feel you deserve a pay rise and see what he/she says. If this doesn’t get you anywhere I am afraid this is when most people feel they have no choice but to move on. Qualified with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Anna Moffatt, was heavily involved in the setup of the HR Forum, a body established in Gibraltar to promote awareness of HR procedures and legislation and to allow information sharing. Anna acts as a HR Consultant to HR GO Gibraltar, formerly Corporate Resources Ltd, one of Gibraltar’s longest established recruitment agencies. If you have employment questions you would like Anna to answer please email in confidence to anna@gibresources.com

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRiL 2011

plc Recruitment & Business Services • £95,000,000 Turnover • 5500 Contractors • 49 Office Locations • 53 Years Established • 13 Years in Gibraltar • 4 Industry Specialisations • 1 New name locally

HR GO Gibraltar Ambientjobs & Corporate Resources are rebranding. 4 specialised recruitment services, each headed by sector specialist individuals, will continue to provide exceptional, professional results.

technology recruitment

online gaming recruitment

To find out more about our suite of recruitment services, call James Appleby on 200 52474 www.hrgogibraltar.gi

round-up

Rotary donates to ShelterBox for Japan disaster

20 years at Tarik Shipping Ernest Morillo (pictured second from the left with the rest of the

team) celebrated 20 years service at Tarik Shipping in March. Now Shipping Manager, Ernest joined the company in 1991 as a shipping clerk, and his first job was to collect the captain of a vessel from the Mon Tarik Hotel. Congratulations Ernest on your 20 years in shipping! n

Gibraltar Law firm ranked No1 in Chambers & Partners Hassans international law firm is again ranked No 1 in the independent legal directory, Chambers Global 2011. Its position further strengthens the firms’ reputation. Javier Chincotta, Managing Partner at Hassans says, “It gives a certain satisfaction to be ranked in this way, knowing that the basis of position is dependant upon client interviews. We constantly strive to achieve excellence in client service and this recognition confirms that belief.” Chambers and Partners selects firms for rankings based on a 3 step process; submissions put forward by legal practices; client interviews during the course of research; and their own database resources. In addition, Senior Partner, James Levy QC (pictured) received a ‘Star Individual’ ranking (the only Gibraltar lawyer to do so). This ranking is given to lawyers with exceptional recommendations in their field. Chambers and Partners quotes “This firm stands as a paragon of legal service in the Gibraltar market. It is universally acknowledged for providing consistent quality across a wide range of practice areas, and clients champion it as ‘a premier one-stop shop’.” n

The Rotary Club of Gibraltar has recently made a donation of £1000 to ‘ShelterBox’. This is a Rotary-sponsored international disaster relief charity specialising in emergency shelter provision. Humanitarian aid is delivered in iconic green ShelterBoxes. Each one contains a disaster relief tent for up to 10 people, a stove, blankets and other items essential for survival. ShelterBox responds to disaster as quickly as possible with the aim of helping the people who are most in need. Boxes are individually numbered and can be tracked by donors. Each box costs £490 including the cost of materials, packing, storage, transport worldwide and distribution. Assuming six months’ use, this equates to shelter and warmth for less than 30p per person per day. Rotary Club’s President on the Rock, Julian Risso said “The Rotary Club of Gibraltar is primarily a charitable club and therefore we consider it our duty to help out in any ways we can people who need help, whether locally or internationally. Therefore the Rotary Club of Gibraltar is pleased to purchase ShelterBoxes to help the Japanese people survive this present dreadful disaster.” n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

Party time for the Gibraltar property developer that delivers on its promises MELIÃ Tortuga Beach Resort & Spa in Cape Verde opens May 10th 2011

The Resort Group, with its headquarters based in the heart of the Gibraltar business district at Ocean Village Promenade, has an exciting time ahead.

May 10th 2011 marks a very special date in the calendar for The Resort Group, the overseas property developer. It will be the official opening of their first 5-star resort in Cape Verde, MELIÃ Tortuga Beach. However, May 10th is more significant than just an Opening Party; it marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the company’s successful history. The Resort Group was established by Honorary Chairman Rob Jarrett and Non-Executive Director Phil Donlan. They created the company with one very clear objective in mind. To be the overseas property developer that delivers on its promises. Developing for over 7 years in Spain, Toronto and Cape Verde, and having spent many profitable years prior to this selling overseas property around the world they had first-hand experience of working with property developers, and many of them simply did not deliver what they said they would. Construction delays, poor quality and even failure to finish the job were all symptoms of an industry

with a less than perfect reputation and it created a long list of disillusioned clients. That experience led them to the conclusion that if they couldn’t trust property developers to deliver the projects as promised; then they would have to become the property developer themselves. The Resort Group has since grown into one of the most successful property development businesses in the world. The key to their success has been taking responsibility for the entire development process, start to finish, and every step of the way. It is that process that has resulted in The Resort Group being on the verge of opening their first 5-star resort in Cape Verde, with construction underway on their second and sales on their third development set to begin later this year. However, the story doesn’t end there. In fact, it has only just begun. The Resort Group has been able

to deliver so much thanks to their high-quality network of sales agents across Europe. Those agents have shared in The Resort Group’s success by selling properties on the resorts to individual investor clients. Those clients have invested their cash or pensions to enjoy a sustained rental return as well as the opportunity for excellent capital growth. That investment return is underpinned by the growing popularity of Cape Verde, where an increasing number of tourists are visiting every year, creating a huge demand for quality accommodation that cannot be fulfilled by the current on-island availability. However, it is not just the popularity of Cape Verde that has convinced so many to invest in one of the developments by The Resort Group. It is also because the completed resorts will be operated and managed by Sol Meliá, the world’s largest and most successful resort operator.

The completed resorts will be operated and managed by Sol Meliá, the world’s largest and most successful resort operator

ADVERTORIAL

The Resort Group PLC

• Corporate Headquarters based at Ocean Village, Gibraltar • Financially very secure • Specialised in delivering luxurious resorts in Cape Verde • In partnership with Sol Meliá, the world’s largest Resort Hotel Operator • Tortuga Beach will be its first 5-star resort to open May 10th 2011 • Construction under way on second 5-star resort and plans for many more across the Islands GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

The Resort Group secured their services back in November 2009, just one of many record breaking milestones they have already achieved. All of which makes for a very impressive investment proposition and clearly many others agree with thousands of properties sold by agents of The Resort Group to private investor clients. It is these property owners that will be looking on with great interest on May 10th when MELIÃ Tortuga Beach officially opens, sharing the sense of achievement and toasting the resort’s future commercial success. Initial booking figures for Tortuga Beach are very strong, and early indications suggest clients of The Resort Group will be receiving an excellent level of return. But then what else would you expect from the property developer that was originally established to deliver on its promises. n For details about The Resort Group, their developments and opportunities for sales agents or investors, visit www. theresortgroupplc.com or email enquiries@theresortgroupplc.com

Discover The Cape Verde Islands

Cape Verde is renowned for its stunning unspoilt beaches

• Situated off the west coast of Africa, one hour south of the Canaries • Year round sunshine and some of the best beaches in the world • Voted in the top 5 beach holiday destinations by Expedia • Spectacular growth in tourism since 2000 • Quickly becoming an overseas property hotspot

taxing matters

by Angela White & Piers Barber

The New World of Payments & Penalties What are the payment implications of the new Income Tax Act 2010 for companies in Gibraltar? The Government of Gibraltar has introduced significant reductions in corporate and personal taxation with the new Income Tax Act 2010. The quid pro quo for these reductions is a revised timing of payment, a new system of self-assessment and extensive measures to counter tax avoidance and evasion. The new payment system means that tax will now be paid on a ‘payment on accounts’ basis. As this clearly has the potential to cause many companies cash flow problems, the Government has promised to be understanding in the initial two years of the process. This, however, offers little in the way of long-term mitigation for the fact that strict deadlines now go hand in hand with a severe penalty system as the Government seeks to foster a ‘climate of compliance’ among both individual and corporate taxpayers in Gibraltar. Corporation tax is dealt with in the new Income Tax Act 2010. Under this legislation, both onshore and offshore companies are treated the same for tax purposes. The Government still recognises the importance of being a highly competitive finance centre and although the old exempt status has gone, Gibraltar still has numerous tax efficient attractions. These include no Capital Gains Tax, no tax charge on the majority of passive (interest, royalties and most dividends) income, retaining the ‘Accrued in and Derived from’ principle and incorporating the EU ‘Parent and Subsidiary’ Directive. Companies are, however, charged tax on their

Tax is due for companies no later than six income. Only income ‘accruing in’ and ‘deriving from’ Gibraltar is taxable. Companies are taxed months after the end of the month in which the in much the same way as individuals, in the accounting period falls. Companies are to make sense that ‘payments on account’ are required to ‘payments on account’ of its future liabilities on be submitted twice over the course of the year, or before 28 February and 31 August each year. on the fixed dates of 28th February and 31st These are to be in two equal installments of August. The concept of payments on account 50% of the tax payable for the prior accounting period. This amount is then set off against the tax is explained further below. Tax on chargeable income has been reduced to due for that accounting period and any deficit a rate of 10%. This low rate (compared to 12.5% is payable or any excess is repayable. in the Republic of Ireland, for example) has led to a stricter regime for payment. Companies Payment on Accounts (“POA”): Due Dates should take note, however, that a higher rate of Eg: Company has year end of 31st March 20% is applicable to certain companies that provide Company Year End POA Due Date (on or before) Balance of Tax Due (on or before) utility services 31st March 2012 31st August 2011 (electricity, tele 28th February 2012 30th September 2012 communications, 31st March 2013 31st August 2012* water, petroleum 28th February 2013** 30th September 2013 and sewage) or 31st March 2014 31st August 2013 companies that 28th February 2014 30th September 2014 have a dominant position in the *POA for this date calculated as 50% of income for year ended 31st March 2011 accounts market and abuse **POA for this date calculated as 50% of income for year ended 31st March 2012 accounts this.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

taxing matters Surcharge on late payment Important considerations for any business to take into account involve the potential surcharges levied on outstanding payments. Should a company fail to pay the full amount of tax by the due date, a surcharge of 10% of the unpaid liability is due from the next day. Should this remain unpaid 90 days after the original due date, a further amount of 20% becomes due. Following this, a further surcharge in the form of interest will be due at a rate of 10% per annum, compounded on a daily basis, on any amount of unpaid tax and/or surcharge. The effect of this will be costly for companies.

tion. The Commissioner may require to be sent It is an offence to knowingly be concerned in any documents that contain information on tax the fraudulent evasion of income tax, whether liability and make enquiries on any tax return by yourself or anyone else. This offence is made. Failure to comply with any request by punishable by up to 7 years imprisonment, a formal notice made can result in a fine of £200 fine, or both. on the day the failure occurs and up to £500 per Further Important Information day until the Commissioner is satisfied that Offence Penalty all information request- Intentional falsification, concealment or ed has been received. destruction of information required by an enquiry Up to 5yrs imprisonment + fine Should this failure to 150% between the amount stated comply continue for a Intentional fraudulent, reckless or negligent and the actual amount made period longer than three false tax return months, an offence has Knowingly involved in the fraudulent evasion of been committed that is tax by yourself or anyone else Up to 7yrs imprisonment + fine Surcharge on late payment punishable by up to two years imprisonment (and The consequences outlined above highlight Due Date Payment Surcharge a further fine for good the importance of actively keeping up to date 30th September 2013 01.10.2013 – 29.12.2013* 10% (of total tax liability) measure). Moreover, with tax returns and addressing any notices 30.12.2013 onwards** 20% any person who falsi- from the Commissioner immediately. It remains Additional interest 30.12.2013 onwards** 10% per annum compounded fies, conceals or destroys to be seen as to how rigorously these penalties on a daily basis information required by will be implemented following the initial adjustan enquiry may face a ment period, but it is clear that the legislation *Day following due date, rate applies immediately fine and up to five years offers potentially punitive measures for the **90 days after original due date, rate applies immediately imprisonment. Government to fully address the tax avoidance It is therefore important that any enquiries problem. Penalties for failure to comply The penalties for failing to submit a tax return made by the Commissioner are addressed by the due date were no doubt designed to dis- promptly and all relevant information regarding This article does not constitute legal advice and courage relaxed attitudes towards deadlines. An the company’s finances are kept appropriately. should not be relied upon as such. Piers Barber initial fine of £50 is to be expected if the return is a Trainee Solicitor in the Tax & Overseas Penalties for failure to comply with a notice is a day late, and should the return remain outProperty Department at Hassans International for further information standing for a period of three months, a further Law Firm. For more information on personal or Example: Notice for further information is fine of £300 may be imposed. In addition, if this corporate taxation in continued up until after the end of the 10th required to be submitted by 10th March 2011 Gibraltar contact Piers month after the end of the relevant accounting Due Date for information (e.g.) Information submitted Penalty Barber at piers.barber@ period, a penalty of up to 150% of the taxable 10th March 2011 11.03.2011 £200 hassans.gi or Angela amount can be imposed by the Tax Office. 12.03.2011 onwards £500 per day White Tax Consultant Up to 2yrs imprisonment 11.07.2011 onwards for Hassans angela. Penalties for late payment white@hassans.gi + fine Intentionally incorrect tax returns An incorrect tax return made fraudulently, recklessly or negligently, is punishable by a fine of up to 150% of *6 months following the month in which the accounting period ended (31st March) the difference between **3 months after date return should have been submitted the incorrect amount ***10th month after end of month in which accounting period falls originally stated on the If a company receives a request for further return and the actual amount that should have information regarding its tax liability or return been stated. Books on account must be kept (in English) and must be adequate for the purposes of taxa- A reminder on the offence of tax evasion: Return Due Date of submission 30th September 2013* 01.10.2013 – 31.12.2013 01.01.2014 onwards** 01.02.2014 onwards***

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

Penalty £50 £300 Up to 150% (of total tax liability)

Angela White angela.white@hassans.gi

Piers Barber piers.barber@hassans.gi

current events

no layoR krA semahT eht Ark Royal on Ark Royal could be anthe attraction Thames like HMS Belfast on the Thames

ratlar Bring the Ark Royal to Gibraltar

sdlonyeR geR yb by Reg Reynolds

noissucsid hcu HMS Ark Royal was decommissioned last month and there has been much discussion eht no tropi as to what to do with the famous aircraft carrier. Using her as a heliport on the .snoits Thames or converting her into a museum are among the suggestions. Wouldn’t it be better to sail her to Gibraltar and do both. At Gib she could be useful as a heliport and what an attraction she would be for the thousands of tourists who pour across the border and arrive by cruise ship every day. After all, the various Ark Royals and their sailors have a strong historical association with the Rock. There have been five Ark Royals, the first was built in 1587 for Sir Walter Raleigh and christened, as was the custom of the time for its owner — Ark Raleigh. Queen Elizabeth I then purchased the galleon for £5,000 and re-named her Ark Royal. Ark Royal fought effectively against the Spanish Armada in 1588 but had been re-named Anne Royal by the time she came close to Gibraltar. That was for Lord Wimbledon’s ill-fated expedition to Spain in 1625. The Anne Royal was one of 115 English and Dutch ships that landed troops at Cadiz. Unwisely Wimbledon allowed the troops to drink wine from local vats and the entire company became stupendously drunk. Wimbledon ordered them back to their ships but by the time the Spanish army arrived there

were still 1,000 so drunk they were unable to defend themselves and were summarily put to the sword. The second Ark Royal was designed to be a tramp steamer but in 1913, while still under construction, she was purchased by the Royal Navy, and converted into the world’s first aircraft carrier. ArkRoyal II carried seven aircraft,

Wimbledon allowed the troops to drink wine from local vats and the entire company became stupendously drunk... by the time the Spanish army arrived there were still 1,000 so drunk they were unable to defend themselves

ylno eht saw dna ,senalp taofl including five float planes, .lias gnand inoiwas tcnuthe f evonly ah ot reve aircraft carrier ever toylhave niam functioning devres ehs rasail. W dlroW t During the First WorldsgWar nidnshe al pserved oort gnimainly troppus naena in the Mediterranean supporting gnibmob ytroop llufsslandings eccusnu dna sell in the Dardanelles and runsuccessfully aw eht retfA .nebombing beoG resiurcelt the German battlecruiser dnGoeben. a deM ehAfter t ni kthe rowwar ot deunit Ark Royal II continued ntoaiswork suR ein tihthe W rMed of tfarand cria gnitro Black Sea transporting aircraft .lawardfor htiWhite w riehtRussian htiw gnitsissa forces and later assisting ehwith t tsnitheir aga nwithdrawal. giapmac eht ni tra She also took part in the campaign against the .ailamoS Mad Mullah of Somalia. -curtsnoc rednu saw layoR krA d By 1934 a third Ark Royal II laywas oR kunder rA emconstrucan eht eerf ot re tion and in order to free the hgu orhname t devrArk es sRoyal usagePII .susage became HMS Pegasus. -Pegasus served rus dna p ihs tluthrough patac-rethgfi a World War II as a fighter-catapult sur.parcsship rof dand los g nieb erofe vived to 1946 before being d n a sold 7 3 9 1forn iscrap. dehcnual saw II Ark Royal III was flaunched o detset elin ttab1937 dna and suomaf ts became the most famous kootand ehs battle raW dtested lroW dofnoceS e them all. In the Second took rof World hcraes eWar ht nishe ,yaw roN ffo sn part in operations off Norway, drah ylbin idethe rcnsearch i eht dfor evivrus d the Bismarck and survived the .atincredibly laM ot ratlahard rbiG morf s fought convoys from Gibraltar -atuper ato deMalta. niag III layoR krA sih Through all this Ark Royal gained ht31 nIII o tu o nar ’kacreputaul‘ taht tub pih tion as a lucky ship but that ‘luck’ ran out on 13th

1102 LIRPA • ENIZAGAM RATLA GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

current events November, 1941 when she was struck amidships by a torpedo fired by U-81. Valiant attempts were made to save her but the grandest of all the Ark Royals sank early on the morning of 14th November. Fortunately 1,487 officers and crew were safely disembarked and taken to Gibraltar. There was only one fatality. In December 2002, the wreck of Ark Royal III was discovered by a BBC film crew under 66-feet of water some 30 nautical miles from Gibraltar. An order for a new Ark Royal was made in 1943 but the fourth ship, and third aircraft carrier to proudly bear the name, wasn’t launched until 1950 and not commissioned until 1955. ArkRoyal IV never saw combat, missing out on action during the Suez Crisis of 1956 because she was undergoing refit trials. She did spend substantial time in the Mediterranean and at Gibraltar and featured in the television series Not If… But Only, starring Peter Cook and Dudley Moore and the 1976 documentary Sailor. Ark Royal IV was decommissioned in 1978. The fifth Ark Royal (will there be a sixth?) now awaiting her fate on the river Clyde was commissioned in November 1985. In her quarter century of service she has flown the Union flag in the major ports of the world and played an important role in the wars in Bosnia and Iraq. The IAI defense website states of Ark Royal’s performance: “During her busy life the ship has seen service around the globe and has shown her adaptabil-

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

ity from the original role as an anti-submarine helicopter and carrier strike role of recent years. Ark’s operations have included playing a pivotal part of the NATO campaign during the Bosnia conflict and, in early 2003, leading the UK’s naval forces during Op Telic — the invasion of Iraq, with a fleet of helicopters embarked. “The Invincible class carrier was considered in the Fleet reductions required under Strategic Defence & Security Review and Ark will now retire gracefully having delivered a quarter of a century of proud and sterling service to the country. Her role as the current Royal Navy flagship will initially be taken on by amphibious assault ship HMS Albion.” It must be appropriate then, with Ark Royal in mothballs, that the Irish Town pub of the same name, which served up pints to her sailors for a half a century, is now a mini-market. n

In her quarter century of service she has flown the Union flag in the major ports of the world and played an important role in the wars in Bosnia and Iraq

Rotary Concert at Convent On 5th May The Rotary Club of Gibraltar is presenting a concert in the ballroom at The Convent. The evening, organised by band master Justin Gooch together with choir leader Lili Olivero, will feature musicians from the Band of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment and the Gibraltar National Choir, plus solo performances from Claire Hawkins, Andrea Martin Simpson, Kate and Dawn McCullough, Philip Borge, Jaime Barry and Philip Valverde. The theme for the evening is Musical Memories and the musicians aim provide familiar music the audience will remember and will range from very modern to classical, with something for everyone. Tickets, £20.00 including drinks at the interval, are limited so book early. All proceeds go to local Rotary Club charities. For ticket info Tel: Penny 54013421 or Jane 56001830. n

The Rt. Hon. Sir Jonathan Parker

onathan Parker had a conventional childhood and was educated at Win chester College (1951 -53) and Magda lene College, Cambridge (1957-59). It was at Magdalene that he met Mickey Cottrell; they became close friends and he was invited out to stay on the Rock on several occasions during the ’50s and ’60s. When Mickey died all too young it was Jonathan who delivered a magnificent eulogy at the Memorial Service in the Jesuit Church in Farm Street. He is also a gifted painter and his most recent work is a view of the Bay of Gibraltar as seen from the balcony of his Rock Hotel room. Jonathan failed the medical for National Service and so spent the time that should have been spent in khaki working as an articled clerk with the accountancy firm PriceWaterhouse. In those days a university place was offered for a year two years after leaving school and should National Service not be done it was virtually impossible to go up to university two years earlier than the agreed date. His time as a trainee accountant told him that he was not suited for that profession. He read law at Cambridge and having decided to opted to be a barrister rather than a solicitor was advised by his Tutor to apply to be a member of the Inner Temple. Six months was spent in the litigation department of Slaughter and May, a leading international law firm, learning the A to Z of a solicitor’s work and also discovering the power of the managing clerks and the deference accorded them by barristers’ clerks and indeed barristers themselves. It is a quirk of the legal system that it is the clerks, who in many cases decide which lawyers handle the briefs. Fall out with a clerk and the supply of briefs can dry up. This system is not operated on the Rock as local lawyers act as both solicitors and barristers. In 1962 he was called to the Bar by Inner Temple and spent six months pupillage in Chancery Chambers at 11 Old Square, Lincolns Inn. Then the Chambers consisted of only seven members which in those days was not unusual. A second six months pupillage followed at Chambers specialising in company law. During this time he was invited back to 11 Old Square as the junior tenant. By an amazing co-incidence immediately above him in Chambers was Richard Scott, now Lord Scott of Foscote, a former Lord of Appeal in Ordinary and Cambridge Rugby Blue (1957), and above him was Nicholas Browne-Wilkinson, now Lord Browne-Wilkinson also a former Lord of Appeal. Rarely have three future Lords of Appeal been found in the same staircase so soon after qualifying as barristers. This speaks loudly for the recruitment process at Chancery Chambers. During the 1960s there was little Chancery work for recently qualified barristers and so

Court on the Rock Sir Jonathan Parker, 73, is a member of Gibraltar’s Court of Appeal and first visited the Rock some 50 years ago. In 2006, the Governor, Sir Robert Fulton, invited him to be a member of the Tribunal which was asked to inquire into the removal of Chief Justice Derek Schofield for inability and misbehaviour. 28

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

personalities

interview by Mike Brufal Jonathan began to think the Chancery Bar was not for him. Chancery work is split into two areas: traditional and commercial chancery litigation. Traditional chancery includes trusts, probate, real property and tax, while commercial chancery covers a wide range of finance and business disputes. Chancery work often has an international dimension, relating to asset tracing, cross-border insolvency and offshore trusts. Chancery barristers present cases before tribunals up to Supreme Court level and draft a wide range of documentation. However fate intervened and he was fortunate enough in 1970 to be briefed in a large case in the Chancery Division where everything came together, his questions in cross examination were spot on and his client was delighted. Looking back, Jonathan sees this as the turning point of his career and thereafter his practice increased by leaps and bounds. In 1979, aged 42, he was appointed Queen’s Counsel and as a Silk built a substantial litigation practice in the Chancery Division. His practice took him to appear regularly in the courts of Singapore and Hong Kong. In 1985 he became a Bencher of Inner Temple and upon the retirement of John Platts-Mills Q.C.in 1988 was appointed Head of Chambers at 11 Old Square. The next year he was appointed a Recorder which is a part time position as a Judge, who when sitting, has the power of a Circuit Judge. His role was to preside over criminal trials in the Crown Court. This was to be a far cry from the atmosphere of the High Court of Justice, Chancery Division. As he had never worked in the criminal courts a period of training was undertaken before his first case. In the same year Jonathan was appointed Attorney-General of the Duchy of Lancaster and the holder has to be a senior Queen’s Counsel of the Chancery Bar. As only happens in the UK the masculine nomenclature masks the fact the Duke of Lancaster is Her Majesty the Queen. The Duchy provides the Queen with a private income from its holdings of land, primarily in the North of England, and other assets. The Attorney General of the Duchy is in effect the legal advisor to the Council of the Duchy which in turn is accountable to the Queen. Two years later in 1991 he was appointed a High Court Judge in the Chancery Division with an automatic knighthood which meant that the relinquishing of the position of Attorney General of the Duchy. As a general rule High Court Judges do not usually travel out of London but in 1994 Sir Jonathan was fortunate enough to be appointed Vice-Chancellor of the County Palatine of Lancaster. This is an historical office but in practice is held by a High Court Judge of the Chancery Division and the holder is also an ex-officio member of the Court of the University of Lancaster. He exercises general supervision over the conduct of Chancery division business in the North of England. In that capacity he sat regularly hearing chancery cases in the courts of Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and Newcastle. He was also very keen to encourage the use of local courts to hear Chancery cases. This mission was to reduce the costs of inconvenience involved in requiring the litigants and witnesses to travel to London. During his four years as

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

Sir Jonathan with three of his six grandchildren

Vice-Chancellor he and his wife were introduced to the strange world of Judges’ lodgings. Forget the idea of Judges living in sumptuous luxury, the reality is one of comfort which provides an opportunity to make many new friends among the judicial colleagues and local communities and to experience the unfailing hospitality of successive High Sheriffs. In 2000, after some nine years in the Chancery Division, he was appointed to the Court of Appeal and sitting as one of three judges was a totally different experience to sitting alone. The work in the Court of Appeal is much more extensive and varied than that of a High Court Judge. It also meant becoming a member of the

As only happens in the UK the masculine nomenclature masks the fact the Duke of Lancaster is Her Majesty the Queen judicial committee of the Privy Council. When the judicial committee of the Privy Council convenes it sits in the Supreme Court building opposite the Palace of Westminster. The only time all the members of the Privy Council meet is at a plenary session after the death of the Monarch. The non-lawyers who are Privy Councillors have no actual function except to be styled the Rt. Hon in front of their name or PC after the name but never the two together. Retirement came in January 2007 after some 15 years on the Bench of which six were in the Court of Appeal. However this did not mean the end of his legal career. With his considerable experience Sir Jonathan became a much sought after arbitrator and mediator. He specialises in Chancery litigation, insolvency, company law, trusts and probate, partnerships and land law. He finds mediation particularly satisfying given it provides the potential of freeing prospective litigants from the anxiety and costs of pursuing their cases to a full hearing in court. When, as a Judge, he presided over a trial there were countless occasions when he found himself

wishing that he could descend from the Bench and advise the parties to try and reach a settlement outside the court. Now he finds himself in a position to be able to do just that. In 2006 the Governor at the time, Sir Robert Fulton, invited him to join the Tribunal to investigate Chief Justice Schofield along with Lord Cullen and Sir Peter Gibson. The result was a 207 page report which was sent to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council who agreed by 4-3 that the Chief Justice be removed from office. Last September Sir Jonathan was appointed a member of Gibraltar’s Court of Appeal: this consists of a President and, at present, three Justices of Appeal. Sir Jonathan is looking forward to his frequent visits to Gibraltar and so far only has one minor criticism which is that the media does not give much coverage to the cases being dealt with by courts on the Rock, especially in financial and commercial disputes. No doubt the opening of the new Law Courts will encourage journalists to keep a watchful eye on the cases going through the courts. n

Spot Fact

Sir Jonathan with Lady Parker and Miss Gibraltar

Sir Jonathan is married to Maria Belen and they have three sons and one daughter. Maria Belen, known universally as MB, is the daughter of Tom Burns, senior, publisher and one time editor of The Tablet, and Mabel the daughter of Dr Gregorio Maranon, the eminent physician, writer and liberal politician. She is the sister of the journalists Tom and Jimmy Burns. The latest book by Jimmy is a biography about his father called ‘Papa Spy’. n

Left to right standing - Charlie Bishop, Steve Lawson, Alan Davies. Left to right sitting - Margaret Seed, Monica Ritchie, Anna Felices, Noelle Hoth

by Elena Scialtiel

TTG: a playful murder... Rehabilitated from compulsive evildoing, Trafalgar Theatre Group committee member Eleri Surrey is now directing the group’s entry to the Royal Navy Drama Festival, faithful and successful contestants of which they are year in year out. Gibraltar Development Corporation HR manager Elery Surrey says that acting is “empowering” because it gives her the chance to be someone else for a while, or simply act out her dark side. Her eyes twinkle devilishly while confessing how much she enjoyed playing the role of the baddie, the best one in a pantomime of course, in Jack and the Beanstalk last January. She caused some havoc alright, with the youngest children, upset by her opening appearance “bathed in green light” and screeching at the audience to prompt their booing and hissing. Furthermore, to optimise time and resources, she carried out auditions between matinee and evening performances on a Saturday afternoon, and did so in her wicked witch’s red and black costume and scary make-up. The brave actors cast in her ‘brew break’ for Simon Brett’s Murder in Play, opening at the Ince’s Hall on Monday 11th April and running for three consecutive nights, are old and new faces on the local drama scene: Monica Ritchie, Margaret Seed, Ana Felices, Charlie Bishop, Alan Davies, Sarah Donovan, Steve Lawson and Noelle Hoth. This wealth of local talent stars in a black comedy suitable for family viewing, a whodunit at its finest, where almost everyone has a motive for murder, and all characters take themselves very seriously and act like their behaviour is most natural, making the whole affair even funnier. With fair directorial experience in her kitty, Eleri — accomplished actress doubling as a make-up artist — hopes she will measure up to the fame of the group’s legends, and last year’s

directors, Christine Thompson and Jean Penney, who landed the outright first prize, and several minor awards, with the high comedy A Breath of Spring. Or Margaret, the face of the pantomime in Gibraltar, who is a versatile performer, at ease in dramatic, as much as in comic, roles. Particularly welcomed is Monica’s return to the boards, choosing a minor part, but “a peach of a part”, as Eleri describes it. She is also thrilled about the injection of new blood, and the way novices and veterans bounce off each other to create the right comic atmosphere. New members guarantee that the TTG solid theatrical tradition will continue to support and promote drama in Gibraltar, together with other local groups who have achieved professional standards within an amateur context. And if ‘amateur’ — a French word derived from the Latin verb amare, to love, that literally describes someone doing something for passion and not for money — has been in time attached with derogatory connotations, carelessness isn’t one of the cast or crew members here. Every little detail is taken care of meticulously, from props to set, from costumes to special effects, thanks to weeks of planning and rehearsing. In fact, the practical challenges posed by set and props are one of the defining criteria in pick-

New members guarantee that the TTG solid theatrical tradition will continue to support and promote drama in Gibraltar

ing a script for amateur productions, and often good plots are discarded on the grounds of cost effectiveness. If pyrotechnics for instance are a forbidden import and raise health & safety concerns in a small theatre, sugar glass is expensive for an amateur budget too, so alternative ways will be required to achieve the ‘live’ breaking of a decanter on stage! Another plague that afflicts amateur groups is the lack of men willing to face the audience instead of opting out of the limelight and settling for the all-important backstage crewing. Eleri is fortunate enough to strike a good balance, and she enjoys what is quite a large cast for local standards. She seems to have everything under control managing a cast of characters layered like Matryoshka dolls, unlike Noelle Hoth’s fictional stage manager, who has to handle a ‘live’ murder, while her company of mildly nice to selfcentred divas rehearse a play set some ninety years ago. Confusing? It gets even worse when a brunette has a ‘blonde moment’, and part of the cast sashays ’20s’ fashion, and part sticks to their Noughties’ civvies... Eleri knows that asking anyone to crop their hair a ’20s’ bob is... murder, so she is putting herself in the capable hands of seamstresses Margaret and Eileen for feathered turbans and beaded dresses, and make-up artist Moira Bisset for recreating that Charleston’s lacquered lipstick look. Sound and light engineers Sam Smith and Sal Fox will turn the whole auditorium into a stage, to keep it consistent with the concept of a play within a play. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2011

Simon Newman:

Skating for Success by Jolene Gomez

Simon coaches on a weekly basis at the King’s Bastion Leisure Centre

Born in Nottingham, and trained at the Nottingham Ice Stadium (where none other than Torvill and Dean train!), Simon Newman stumbled upon this sport through sheer luck, as his parents took him to the rink to try something different. “Although I was a late starter, it was obvious to my coach I was a natural, as I glided through the ice on my first day. It soon became clear to me I wanted to make a career out of it, and it has become my life, as professional ice skater, and now as coach,” Simon explains. Simon has extensive experience as a professional ice skater, and has toured the world with the popular Holiday on Ice. “I travelled through South America and Europe, and it was a fabulous time which I thoroughly enjoyed. I started off as a chorus skater, and then moved to semi principal. I also worked at the Hot Ice in Blackpool, where I was the principal lead male skater. I gained a lot of experience during my time there, and have great memories.” After working professionally, Simon decided he wanted to move into the coaching aspect of skating, and qualified as coach through National Ice Skating Association (NISA), the governing body in the UK for this sport. “There are a series of rigorous tests to become a coach, and various examinations which need to passed successfully before obtaining the qualification. The disciplines are Dance, Pairs, Free and

Figure skating, and I am currently qualified to teach all four disciplines, from beginners to championship level,” Simon confirms. In total, Simon has been coaching for over 30 years, and has extensive experience in various

“

I travelled through South America and Europe, and it was a fabulous time which I thoroughly enjoyed. I started off as a chorus skater, and then moved to semi principal

”

countries, such as UK, Oman and Dubai. “I spent 13 years in Dubai, but it was a different mentality there, as people wanted to skate for fun, rather than using a structured programme, and work towards a competitive level,” Simon explains. “I also wanted to be nearer to the UK, and in Europe, as the sport is more recognised in this continent. So when contacted by my good friend Joanne Conway, after she organised the Summer School here, and told me the potential and talent for ice skating in Gibraltar was immense, I knew it was where I wanted to be.” The idea of developing skating to a whole new level in Gibraltar appealed to Simon, as he would be starting with a clean sheet, and would be able to mould skating into becoming a dynamic sport in Gibraltar. “As it is a fairly new sport, it is paramount to educate the

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performing arts parents and skaters, to explain to them the importance of following a structured programme, in order to make their children develop their ability, increase their potential and make them achieve the best possible outcome,” Simon explains. “I came in August for the first time, and after three days I decided I wanted to be a part of this experience. I then returned in January to start working as coach, and have not looked back since. It has been an amazing journey so far, and the response has been great.” The Gibraltar Ice Skating Association (GISA), is affiliated to NISA, and follows a structured programme. This prepares children of all levels, for examinations which increase in difficulty as they progress, and finally gets them ready for performing at a competitive level. “At the moment, it is going extremely well. There is a huge interest in the sport, and the talent here is truly amazing. We are starting classes from as young as two year olds, and organising a Mums and Toddlers class. There are also Ice Fitness classes, which are great fun as skating is a great way to work on fitness, tone your body, and get a cardio vascular workout. We run a children’s Learn To Skate programme for the young, and classes for the not so young also, which are proving to be very popular too,” Simon smiles. Sessions at the rink are on a one to one basis, and in groups also. “One to one sessions are very intense, as you are concentrating on one child, and the work starts from the basics. This gives the child confidence as you are working towards their improvement, at their own pace. The group sessions provide a fun environment for work, as the members interact with each other, and encourages a sense of team spirit.” With regards to plans for the future, Simon would like to develop the concept of Ice Theatre. “This is a show skating event I’m quite keen on working towards, to develop the children’s ability on and off ice, and also increase their training and flexibility. It will be an innovative thing never seen before in Gibraltar, and I would like to get children and adults involved as well, both skaters and non-skaters! I’m really excited about this project, and how it develops,” Simon explains. “I’m delighted with how everything has moved forward, and amazed at how skating has really taken off in Gibraltar. It is very gratifying as a coach to see the children smile after a session, and to know they are learning and progressing in the right direction. I have only been here three months, and if it’s anything to go by, I can see skating taking off in a big way here, and perhaps in the future, Gibraltar will have their own champion. Anything is possible,” Simon smiles. n

“

So, if you feel you are up for the challenge of trying something new, get your blades, glide in the right direction, and visit King’s Bastion Leisure Centre. Simon can also be contacted on 54003047, or email simonnewman8@gmail. com for more information.

Simon with top student Ellie

I have only been here three months, and if it’s anything to go by, I can see skating taking off in a big way here

”

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

Simon at the rink

Performing at Hot Ice in Blackpool

property market Chesterton estate agent in Ocean Village has launched Chesterton Property Management and Chartered Building Surveyors. The managing director is Gibraltarian, John McKillop Smith FRICS FBEng FBIFM. We met up with John recently to find out a little bit more about him. Where did it all start? I was born and educated in Gibraltar. When I left the Grammar School, I started work for the Gibraltar government, as a temporary, unpaid trainee, where I learned about building construction and how to produce a professional architectural drawing. Unpaid? Did you eventually get paid? Oh yes, after 6 months I received the princely sum of £2 17s 6d a week. As I lived at home, this was enough for me to enjoy Gib’s high-life — sun bathing on the green patch at Camp Bay, a coffee and cake at the Wesley House, or a trip to the Queen’s with my girlfriend, now wife, Delilah (nee Yeo).

The Return of John McKillop Smith

Any interesting experiences in Gibraltar? I gained my first surveying skills here. We surveyed adjacent to the frontier for the first ever Ordnance Survey of the Rock. I produced plans for a number of government projects, housing schemes, the former Health Centre at Casemates and a new fire escape from St Michael’s Cave. On the more amusing side, I recall being beaten up by a nun whilst working at the St Margaret’s girl’s school – she assumed the young, longhaired lad interacting with a large crowd of girls was up to no good! On another occasion, I found myself locked up for 2 hours after a survey of the prison chapel at Moorish Castle due to a guard change. And I recall being stuck on the castle stairs, when a colleague (who was petrified of apes) got caught between an ape and its mother and refused to budge! Why did you go to the UK? I wanted to study and train as a Chartered Building Surveyor. I achieved this objective and subsequently rose through the ranks culminating in managing two of the largest property

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

property market portfolios in the UK: one as Head of Building Surveying at Great Portland Estates PLC; and the other as UK Commercial Operations Director at FPD Savills. I have been responsible for running hundreds of properties — valued at many billions of pounds. What experience did you gain? The repair and maintenance of buildings is a complex hands-on business, which requires a good working knowledge of construction techniques, both ancient and modern. I was responsible for a wide variety of buildings, from glass skyscrapers in the City to listed brick or stone properties dating back to the 17th century. I managed large city developments consisting of shopping centres, offices, apartments, multi-storey car parks, swimming pools and gymnasiums, and a whole host of UK commercial property.

with glass shards, lifts crushed like coke cans and toilets blown away from the walls. Remarkably, no one was killed. Had the bomb exploded during working hours, hundreds would have died or been horribly injured. Following this event, I managed the £25m reconstruction of three of the larger properties which had been devastated in this atrocity.

Poorly maintained buildings soon look tired, neglected and shabby. They don’t have to. With some TLC, virtually any building can be maintained (or reinstated) to pristine condition, often enhancing its value and comfort levels. Is Chesterton Property Management your first role as the boss? No. For the last 7 years I have been running McKillop Smith – Chartered Building Surveyors (UK). We specialised in building defect analysis, planned maintenance plans and refurbishment / construction projects for a variety of commercial and private clients in and around London Docklands where I was based. The company has managed over 50 repair and redecoration projects ranging from modern high-rise blocks to listed refurbished warehouse buildings, now luxury apartments, predominantly around London Docklands.

What is the key to good property management? Hands-on, proactive care by an interested and experienced professional is the key to a successful partnership with landlords, commercial occupiers and residential flat owners. Well planned maintenance and an insistence on consistently high standards and value-formoney, produces a well-run building at optimal cost. Short-term reactive maintenance (bodge, patch and the postponement of essential repair) never offers long-term value for money and quickly leads to dilapidation. Buildings are What brought you back to Gibraltar? Any particularly memorable event? My wife and I both have family and many On a Saturday morning, I was one of the first like fine wines; it is essential to maintain them to enter the cordoned-off site after the first IRA to the highest standards if they are to remain in friends here and were frequent visitors to Gibraltar when we lived in the UK. Gibraltar bomb exploded in the City of London. I was pristine condition. has a vibrant property market with many new walking past and the City’s District Surveyor developments and a host of older properties all recognised a fellow chartered surveyor’s tie. He How do you maintain property value? needing refurbishment, repair and good propauthorised my entry into the apocalyptic scene. erty management. It’s a building surveyor’s It was eerie. None of the usual city noise. No The repair and maintenance paradise. I can now practice my profession traffic or people — only the sounds of flapping again in my homeland, except this time, blinds from shattered windows, glass falling of buildings is a complex hands-on once with the benefit of over 25 years of property and the peal of countless alarms. The streets business, which requires a management experience. were littered with papers from many of the City’s blue-chip companies, previously neatly good working knowledge of We wish John every success in his new role piled on desks the night before. Inside, I found construction techniques in Gibraltar. n monitors hanging from ceilings, walls peppered

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

real estate

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2010 2011 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • DECEMBER

property file

A Splash Of Colour 2011 colour trends have emerged, and this year will bring a remarkable variation in colours, patterns and textures for home décor. While some colours are quiet and serene, others blast their way into any room with boldness, as confident colours bring spontaneity to home interiors. While usually colour palattes tend to follow a theme, the variation in colours, patterns, and textures in this year’s home decorating trends is remarkable. Playing one of the most important roles to our homes, bold colours will make your home look vibrant and absolutely refreshing. Neutrals are getting just a touch of infused colour, which takes a standard neutral into a new, and more visually interesting realm. Beige colour schemes are going to be replaced with blasts of colour, which are going to be popping up everywhere — including floors, window treatments, light fixtures, accessories, ceilings, and anything really that can hold a burst of colour. As you work towards including bright and bold colours in your home — show off your wild side by adding yellow, orange, lime green and even red, to revitalise your home in ways you never thought possible, and make your interior design scheme more exciting. Making a change to the colour of your walls is a quick way to change a room entirely. By using bold colours, it will amp up the room’s visual appeal. Tired of the white walls of your living room? Why not choose smoke walls with soft blue furniture — the trendiest com-

bination of the year. If you want to make a change in your bedroom, then paint the walls in corals and cool aquas, which are peaceful and yet, very deep colours. To create a light-hearted and cheerful home, you can use a citrus yellow shade, which not

Show off your wild side by adding yellow, orange, lime green and even red

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

only exudes a positive attitude, but also keeps your mood pleasant. Research proves that yellow is uplifting and limits anxiety, and using it in unexpected areas such as a dining room, it can make your home more interesting. These colours are all about creativity, optimism and a fierce energy. Although these colours are not for everyone en masse, anyone can add a splash of colour to a room, with a vase, throw or accent pillow. It might be just what the room needs! n

events much needed toilet facilities, a playground and a library. The total funds raised through this event was £3100 and the Bonita Trust has pledged to double the amount raised up to a maximum of £3000, this means the school project will be better off by an incredible £6100 as a result of this fundraiser! AKIN would like to thank all sponsors, plus the many retailers who donated prizes for the event. Special thanks to FLIP for introducing so many young adults in Gibraltar to the world of charitable fundraising. n If you would like to find out more about how you can support the AKIN Sierra Leone school project please visit www.akincharity.org or call Jimmy Bruzon on 57631000 email: jimbruzon@hotmail.com

£6100 raised for AKIN Sierra Leone school project Paul Earle a local student undertaking one of this year’s FLIP Projects (Future Leaders in Philanthropy) organised a bingo event to raise funds for AKIN (Association for Kids In Need) Sierra Leone school refurbishment project in March. The bingo event proved a huge succes and attracted over 180 supporters who packed the Laguna Social Club. There were a number of raffles on the night and Paul managed to raise funds through private and corporate sponsorship. AKIN is refurbishing one of the oldest schools in West Africa, the Regent Primary

School, attended by 450 pupils, which needs a great amount of refurbishment. The funds raised last year were invested in refurbishing the leaking roof and replacing old blackboards. It is hoped this year AKIN will be able to build

Laguna Social Club Committee

Wall Space...

photos by Tessa

The opening night of Drawn In: a collective exhibition of works by artists Tiana Langdon, Christian Hook and Jane Langdon, at the Fine Arts Gallery, Casemates Square, which took place during March.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

events

Jimmy of AKIN with FLIP’s Paul Earle

The Baroque Virtuosi in concert The Gibraltar Philharmonic Society has announced “The Baroque Virtuosi” concert of the Baroque chamber orchestra at St Michael’s Cave on Thursday 7th April commencing at 8pm. The concert is sponsored by Hassans International Law Firm, Bwin. party Digital Entertainment and Burren Capital Advisors. The Society’s Artistic Director commented “We are delighted to be hosting The Baroque Virtuosi concert in Gibraltar. The orchestra has made a special programme for Gibraltar with Angel Hortas on harpsichord. The repertoire will include works by one of the most powerful and distinguished composers of the whole Baroque era — Corelli, Vivaldi, Albinoni, Handel and Bach. No doubt, Baroque music enthusiasts will be in for a real treat.” Tickets (£20) available from Sacarello’s Coffee Shop in Irish Town, the Silver Shop at 222 Main Street or Credit / Debit Card purchases available on telephone 200 72134. A limited number of tickets for Senior Citizens and Students priced at £10 are available from the John Mackintosh Hall reception. Ticket price includes a return shuttle service from the Bristol Hotel from 7pm.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

our governors

Charles Harington Harington (known as Tim) became Governor of Gibraltar in 1933 photo: Bassano © National Portrait Gallery

So Good They Named Him Twice

by Dave Wood

When your given name is Charles Harington Harington the sensible, logical, and judicious thing might be to quietly ditch the superfluous Harington rather than sail through life giving the impression that you suffer from an unfortunate and most peculiar stammer, or that the room has an echo. Harington Harington’s family was rather sensitive about surnames. Originally, theirs was Poe. In an attempt, presumably, to avoid endless unseemly jests about chamber pots, they attempted to disguise it by adding a pretentious

accent to the final letter so that it became Poë. The ploy failed, and when the young Charles Harington Poë was four, his father, Emanuel, decided to put the matter to rest once and for all by dropping Poë completely. He considered

adopting his wife Isabella’s maiden name, but since that was “Crowdy” it offered little in the way of relief. The voices in his head rose menacingly in a chorus of “Crowdy custard!” Ultimately, he settled on her grandmother’s maiden moniker, Harington, oblivious to or uncaring of the fact he had already bestowed it upon his infant son as a middle name. None of which explains why Charles wasn’t known simply as Charles Harington, but we are here to examine facts, not to speculate on whims, lifestyle choices or familial eccentricity. He was born in Chichester on 31st May 1872. The shadow of the workhouse and the grim spectre of sweeping chimneys to earn a crust were not to fall upon him. He received a private education at a prestigious school in Worthing, and then moved seamlessly to Cheltenham College and Sandhurst. His prowess at cricket probably helped him on his way. He fell in love Gladys Grattan, and they married in Limerick Cathedral in 1904. They were happy days. Charles was 32, already making his name as a soldier, with service in the Second Boer War under his belt, and had found himself a beautiful and devoted wife. In Edwardian England, that was ticking all the right boxes with a very thick-nibbed pen. Having his father-in-law as his commanding officer did nothing to impede his career, so the next few years were ones of steady progress. Four he spent as an instructor to officer cadets at Sandhurst; a few more at the Staff College in Camberley, and a couple as brigade-major to the 6th Brigade at Aldershot. That took him to 1913, and the onset of his 40s. He entered his new decade as commander of a company of the 1st King’s Regiment. He wasn’t to know it, but within 12 months his world, everyone’s world, would be gone forever. On 4th August 1914, Britain declared war on Germany. Nothing would be the same again. His men marched to the front on 12th August. He saluted as he watched them go. Reviewing the battalion in Cologne at the end of the war, less than five years later, Harington wrote: “...Of the 1,000 officers, non-commissioned officers and men I had seen start out from Aldershot in August, 1914, on that journey, not a single officer and barely a handful of non-commissioned officers and men remained, and yet the battalion had won through. There were the Colours before me with their pre-war Honours on them. How many new ones had they earned? My heart was too full to say much to the battalion. My greatest friends, my brother officers, all my old company except one or two, had gone; the majority had paid the supreme sacrifice.” It should not be assumed that Harington sat out the war in the safety of Aldershot waiting for his comrades to return. In February 1915 he was promoted to brevet lieutenant colonel and shortly thereafter joined the 49th (West Riding) Division as GSO 1, only for his responsibilities to rapidly increase due to a succession of unforeseen circumstances. Firstly, the commanding officer of the 49th, Major-General Baldock, was seriously wounded. Step forward Major-General Perceval. Perceval was a man ahead of his time. From 1918 onwards, the world was engulfed by an epidemic of influenza that was to kill more people than died in the conflict. But Perceval couldn’t wait that long. He went down with

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

our governors the flu prematurely in 1915. Suddenly, Charles Harington Harington was the man in charge, and by neatly avoiding an enemy bullet or contracting flu, he acquitted himself well. Returning from a few days wellearned leave in September, he learned to his surprise he had been assigned to the Canadian Corps as a Brigadier-General on the General Staff. He was astonished. Actually, the appointment sounded grander than it was. The Canadian Corps, commanded by Lieutenant-General Edwin Alderson, had been created that month, and comprised just one infantry division and a cavalry brigade. They could have marched through Aldershot at high noon and hardly have been noticed, unless they did it naked. They had no General Staff until the arrival of Brigadier-General Charles Harington Harington. Its first commander, Edwin Alderson, was replaced in May 1916 by General Julian Byng — a name more suited to a foppishly handsome leading man in light operetta than to a soldier. But a soldier he was, and his new hat was hardly settled on his head before he was in the thick of battle. Wars are always intensely confusing affairs. Most of the time nobody has any idea what is going on. There is a lot of shouting, screaming and extremely dangerous bangs, but it is only later, when those who are not dead are exhausted, and peace is restored, that historians, who generally weren’t there, step forward with pens to explain it all. With that in mind, let us examine briefly the alleged circumstances of Byng’s inaugural battle. He and his men were close to the Belgian town of Ypres, which until 1914 few Belgians, let alone anyone else, had heard of. Soon, it would become synonymous with human carnage. A strategically important area of high ground had been dubbed Hill 60, and Byng decided his men should attack it to dislodge the Germans who had taken control some time before. Coincidentally, this operation coincided with a German assault on another strategic position, Mount Sorrel. All Hell broke loose, and when

the dust settled, several thousand men had paid the price. It was during this intense and deadly game of King of the Castle that Harington learned he was to become a major-general on the General Staff, but only so long as he succeeded in recapturing Mount Sorrel, although that proviso was probably said in jest by his ultimate superior, General Herbert Plumer, who visited him in person to pass on the news. Charles found himself at the centre of controversy in 1919, while serving as Deputy Chief of the Imperial General Staff. On 13th April, a certain Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer ordered his troops to fire on unarmed demonstrators — men, women and children — at Amritsar in India. At least 379, perhaps 1,000, were killed but many, including Harington, considered Dyer not a villain, but a hero doing his duty in support of the Empire. It is said, notably by author Nigel Collet in his book Butcher of Amritsar, that Harington barely read Dyer’s version of events, and took no account of anybody else’s. Secretary of State For War, Winston Churchill, held a different view, but Dyer’s punishment was a classic slap on the wrist. He was barred from future promotion, but spared compulsory retirement. It was shameful, and Harington’s support of Dyer did him no credit. If his championing of Reginald Dyer was a blot on his character, he soon had an opportunity to redeem himself. In 1920 he took command of the British Army on the Black Sea in Turkey. Then, as now, no love was lost between the

Alas, the idyll was shattered three years later, not by riots on Main Street, but by events across the border in Spain

Turks and the Greeks, and it wasn’t long before Harington’s troops were enforcing a neutral zone between those opposing forces. In addition to the British 28th Division in Constantinople (now Istanbul), Harington had overall command of a couple of Greek regiments as well as troops from France and Italy. Their toughest challenge came in 1921, when the Greeks (not including those under Harington’s command) launched a major offensive against the Turks with the intention of capturing the city of Angora. They failed, and two years later Angora (now Ankara) replaced Constantinople as Turkey’s official capital. It was all very messy, and for a while it seemed the situation might escalate into war between Turkey and the UK. It was largely due to Harington’s diplomatic skills this was avoided. The decade 1923-1933 was shared between service as GOC Northern Command, and GOC Aldershot. Finally, in 1933, now in his 60s, Harington was given what must have seemed a comfortable stress-free post to ease him gently towards retirement. On 13th May he was appointed Governor of Gibraltar. Alas, the idyll was shattered three years later, not by riots on Main Street, but by events across the border in Spain. In July 1936 a previously obscure army general named Francisco Franco led an uprising against the government, and the Spanish Civil War was on. That it happened on Harington’s watch may have been unfortunate, and ruined any visions of pipe, slippers, and a good book in the reading room of the Garrison Library, but he rose to the task and handled it well. The Spanish war remained unresolved when Harington relinquished the governorship in August 1938. A year later it would be swallowed up by a far greater conflict. By that time Harington was in peaceful retirement in England, hard at work on his autobiography, Tim Harington Looks Back. It was published in 1940 — the same year he died, on October 22nd, at home in Cheltenham. Tim Harington. Finally no more stammer, no more echo. n

Thumbs Up for £1,000 for Cancer Relief Pictured supporting the launch of the ‘Thumbs Up’ appeal in aid of the new Lady Williams Cancer Support Centre is provider of the first donation, Momy Levy. The very generous sum of £1000 was gratefully received by Marisa Desoiza, Chairperson of the Gibraltar Society for Cancer Relief. Mr Levy is a founder member of the Society and served on the committee for 10 years as a representative of the Jewish community. More recently Momy developed cancer himself and recently completed his treatment. Thankfully he is well on his road to recovery. The Thumbs Up campaign is aimed at galvinising public support and awareness for the new Centre which will a wonderful asset for Gibraltar. For further information or to make a donation please contact 200 42392. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • April 2011

history revisited to the bust or waistline. This will beautifully accent your waist or shoulders. In terms of budget, a couture gown can set you back upwards of £2,000 but these days most brides cannot justify such expense. Don’t despair, as there are ways to source your dress at lower prices. Surf the internet and you’ll find sites putting you in touch with suppliers who will sell you new, unused samples and ex-display gowns for a fraction of their original price. Do make sure you get the exact measurements of the garment if ordering over the internet as dress sizes vary immensely and you’ll want to keep alterations to a minimum. Colour: Echoing today’s couture catwalk, you’ll find more colour in bridal gowns for the next few seasons. Oyster shades, elegant pale greys, nudes and the palest of pinks are all ‘in’ if you prefer to steer away from traditional whites. Headwear: No self-respecting bride will go bareheaded in 2011-12! There is plenty of chic headwear about, whether you opt for a formal veil or simply a headpiece such as a glittering tiara or comb. Tiaras, trimmed with extra large flowers, feathers and crystals (available on Main Street), are popular this year, as are sweet ’50s-style half veils. Flowers: you may notice a new trend emerging in wedding flowers: less is more, but in the form of one type of flower, used en masse. The result is an incredibly opulent, distinctive look. Michele Osborne, events coordinator and florist at Stephanie, comments, “Bouquet colours are predominantly bold, like purple and burgundy and these days include a lot of bling in the form of diamantes and pearls” — no doubt to echo the dress trends. “Favourite flowers,” she adds, “are roses, followed by lily, then freesias and orchids.” Why not make your venue smell as beautiful as it looks? Scented candles are

The Bride Guide by Tina Andlaw

Are you and your handsome groom planning to tie the knot in Gibraltar soon? Then you might both be looking for fresh ideas and inspiration for your big day. Trends are on the move, so here’s a peek into what’s ‘in’ for 2011-12…

For 2011-12 the trend is to customise simple gowns for a unique and individual look, and the key message? If it’s not white, it’s alright!

Goodbye simple and strapless, hello fabulous fairytale. Wedding dresses in 2011-12 are all about feminine detail and romance. It’s astounding how a dress made up of simple shapes and clean, graceful lines can be transformed, simply through extra detailing and accessories, to create a unique dress that expresses your personality. How do you make the transformation? Or, better still, what should you look for ready-made? Appliqué, floral motifs, beading,

crystals and other trims, attached to necklines or hems are firm favourites this season. Pailettes (large sequins, drilled at the top to allow them to hang) and feathers are an interesting way to achieve extra drama in your gown. The catwalk this year is full of very soft, romantic fabrics like net, lace and organza to create fairytale gowns — every little girl’s dream! Asymmetry is a high fashion way to bring excitement to your dress. Why not chose either a one-shoul-

der gown or asymmetrical draping across the bodice? Low waistlines are also in, as are luscious, figure hugging ruched bodices. If you are big on Vintage, then lace is hot stuff in 2011-12. It can be used across the entire dress or simply to accentuate the bodice, and even worn as a shrug across your shoulders. For another great trend, try an oversized cluster of fabric flowers used as a corsage, attached

hugely popular and nothing beats candlelight to bring romance to your wedding or reception. The Groom: With all the fuss about her dress, don’t forget your attire is just as important.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

rock events You won’t want your wedding photos to bring back memories of an ill-fitting suit and sore feet. Be sure you can stand and walk around comfortably in your shoes. If you suffer in the heat, keep fresh by having a second shirt to change into halfway through the day. Ask yourself what style your wedding will be: classic, contemporary, seasonal or themed? Formal church-style or will it take place in a more informal registry office or outside venue? Once you are clear on the style of your occasion, you’ll be able to choose your suit. Shorter men should stick to single breasted jackets (high fashion at the moment). If you are tall, doublebreasted jackets will make you appear wider and smaller. If you need a longer silhouette, a low buttoning jacket, rather than a high placket, will reduce a larger middle. The timeless elegance of British-style tailoring is the latest look. This means broad shoulders and a slim silhouette to emulate classics, including three-piece suits in black or more subtle charcoal. Pinstripes and herringbones are also ‘in’. In their formal men’s wear collection, Dolce and Gabana showcased silk cravats exclusively instead of ties recently so these could be a good for an alternative look.

Gibraltar shouldn’t fail to please, for now offering three authorised spots in which to exchange your vows. The Alameda Gardens where wedding ceremonies take place amongst luscious greenery at the Dell, an exquisite Italian-style garden. The Mount is a lovely property built in 1797, and was once the official residence of the Senior Officer of the Royal Navy. It is steeped in history and boasts lovely gardens and views across the Strait. The Cable Car Station, at the very top of the Rock, is a novel location for exchanging wedding vows. It goes without saying the panoramic views from the top make a dramatic setting for any reception. Today’s civil ceremonies are intimate affairs, attended by just immediate family and closest friends. But it doesn’t end there: next comes the reception party either on the same day or a later date, which can often include a short, personalised vows ceremony. These days, we are seeing smaller wedding parties than ever before. Much more thought is now being put into how couples truly want to spend their special day, while keeping a focused eye on the future… meaning less money on the wedding and more on the house, children and travelling. For couples coming to Gibraltar to get married, the party could conveniently take place in one of Gibraltar’s beautiful banqueting locations (try the major hotels with their dedicated catering facilities and vast experience). Or if a proper wedding still means a religious ceremony for you, then you have a good number of fabulous churches, synagogues and a temple to choose from in Gibraltar.

Mothers: This year dictates all things retro and vintage for the bride and the wedding party. Formal colours such as navy, sage green, cream and deep plum are all firm favourites. For the summer go bright and maxi (Hanny’s Boutique has some great looks). If you favour a more modest colour palette, try chic nudes or barelythere oyster — but be sure you’re Cakes: Your wedding cake need not upstaging the bride who, this season, might also be wearing your not be a traditional, white iced, fruit cake. Today’s alternatives are really chosen colour! exciting. Broadcaster, Carol McGiffin exVenues: Like it or not, church and registry office weddings are slowly claims: “Cup cakes are taking over being ousted by more fashionable, the world!” Well, although this civil ceremonies. These take place at isn’t strictly true (not yet anyway!), hotels, or in a variety of beautiful, cup cakes really are throwing all alternative locations and tradition to the wind. Individual, miniature cakes are being seen more often at weddings, often in the shape of a traditional, tiered wedding cake — but don’t be afraid to be adventurous. Why not break the mold with a rich chocolate cake, covered in chocolate or fruit and serve it up with fruit coulis, ice-cream or cream as a desert. Or how about a chocolate fountain, dipped with brownies, shortbread or exotic fruits? If cake just isn’t your thing, then how about a wedding display made from profiteroles, or even cheeses — yes, the latest UK craze creeping this way! n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

Ladies’ Wear 6A Cathedral Square, Gibraltar Tel: 200 72381

e i n a h p ist SteF lor Michele Osborne

Wedding Co-ordinator

Tel/Fax: 350 200 41688 stephanies@gibtelecom.net www.stephanieflorist.gi 26/28 John Mackintosh Square, Gibraltar

Photography: Jayden Fa (www.jaydenfa.carbonmade.com) Art Direction: Guy Baglietto Models: Sarah Foster, Hayley O’Brien

no mad hatter

Lovers of hats are sure to know that the Easter Bonnet forms part of a tradition of wearing new clothes at Easter, representing the springtime renewal of the year and the promise of spiritual renewal too. The hats were generally adorned with symbols of spring — flowers, chicks and ribbons — and, while the tradition is now relegated to the form of a competition or fashion show, many women still love their hats for a multitude of occasions and will wear one, well, at the drop of a hat. Priscilla Sacramento, local dress designer and self made milliner, explained how she got involved in this creative trade: “I liked hats and therefore examined hats to see how they were made, and through trial and error and by using intuition and reading

I started creating them.” Priscilla believes hats can still be worn for almost any occasion — formal or informal, to show your mood or personality, or just to cover up a bad hair day. “A hat can be discreet, elegant, cheeky, outrageous; it can enhance

an outfit. It is just a matter of choosing the appropriate materials and style. Priscilla decides what material to use depending on the occasion and the outfit the hat will complement, or whether it is to be a practical item for warmth, to keep your head

dry, or a fun or fashion accessory. Almost any material can be used for a hat, she adds — ‘banana skin’, netting, fur, felt. “Some are easier to mould, other materials can be teased into the required shape by steaming, mainly done with felt, or by stiffening, using special sprays

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

by Sonia Golt or underlining with interfacing material and using millinery wire. “Sometimes ladies say hats don’t suit them, but I maintain there is a hat style for everyone! There are styles to suit tall ladies or short ladies, different styles to suit each shape of face and head. That is why, when I show my hats at the Convent Christmas Fair, I encourage ladies to try on different styles just for fun, without pressure to buy, just to see for themselves what styles suit them, and at what angle a hat best enhances their features.” When designing a dress or hat for someone Priscilla likes to know that lady’s dream, the sort of impact she wishes to create. “There are millions of styles one could come up with but it is important to know what image the wearer has in mind: romantic, classic, wayout, provocative... Once I have an idea of what the lady wants then I can begin to offer designs, taking into consideration her personality and physique, without forgetting the occasion.” Priscilla is always pleasantly surprised when a conventional lady orders an exotic dress or hat. “I find this really exciting!” she says. “To be honest, I am not interested in making a ‘simple’ or conventional dress or hat as there is not much creativity involved so there is very little fun.” Locally women tend to wear practical hats, particularly in winter, and beach hats in the summer with a growing tendency to wear summer hats as protection from the sun when in town. But for many women a wedding is the most likely event at which to wear a hat. Some prefer to wear a ‘fascinator’ instead, because these are often smaller, lighter and cheaper, and because women often feel too self-conscious wearing a larger hat. “There are ladies who feel they need ‘an occasion’ or ‘an excuse’ to wear a hat! The Governor ’s Queen’s Birthday Garden Party and Parade is a great ‘hat occasion’, and I have made several hats over the years for this annual event.” Priscilla’s first collection called ‘Wayahead’ was shown at the then Stakis International Casino in aid of St Martin’s Special School where Priscilla was head teacher at the time. Since then she has been commissioned to make hats for many local ladies and for shows such as the Bosom Buddies Fashion Parad. On one occasion she made a whole collection of pink turbans, inspired by traditional regional turbans used worn by men in India, so the Bosom Buddies could wear them to the song I Will Survive. “I also enjoyed making an ‘Ascot’ hat collection the following year for

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

the Bosom Buddies’ Ascot Parade at the Alameda Gardens — a beautiful event in aid of cancer. I have made a couple of hats for ladies to wear at the Ascot Races too. That’s a great occasion for being really creative, even outrageous!” she adds. “I have also done some original catwalk headdresses and outfits for the Junior Top Model Wayout Section and winners like Mireille Dalli’s ‘Wood Nymph’, Kerisse

“

Muñoz’s ‘Dove of Peace’ and Tessa Sacramento’s ‘Four Seasons’ have been delightful to create.” Priscilla explains that professional or experienced models tend to carry off any type of hat or outfit but amateur and inexperienced models can feel more self-conscious or even embarrassed when showing a hat. This is one of the drawbacks of making hats for charity shows, she says. “It does show if

the model feels insecure. The most important thing is for the model to feel happy to wear it for the show — even if she would not dream of using it for a real occasion. After all, it is fun!” And gathering the material for the hats can be fun too. “During one of our visits to our friends’ farm in Morocco, we were honoured by having one of their large turkeys sacrificed especially for us. We

I encourage ladies to try on different styles just for fun, without pressure to buy, just to see for themselves what styles suit them, and at what angle a hat best enhances their features

” 45

retrieved the beautiful brown feathers as the cook’s assistant plucked them off and after carefully cleaning them, I made what turned out to be one of my favourite hats, which I wore for several social events.” Priscilla does not run a business, and limits herself to making hats when someone asks, or for herself for the sheer pleasure of it. “I love designing dresses and hats, but I don’t spend time designing either unless I have a specific project in mind, or unless I am making a dress or hat for someone for a special occasion.” She is adamant she will not copy or reproduce a dress or hat someone else has made even when working within tradition. “When I made the Jewish/Moroccan (Berberisca) traditional bridal ensemble for Perla Tapiero’s wedding I had to include certain features in order to comply with the traditional requirements, but I was able to use my creativity to personalise both the outfit and the special ‘crown’ that goes with it.” Priscilla also designed the current Miss Gibraltar crown which she had made in Morocco. n

Photography: Jayden Fa (www.jaydenfa.carbonmade.com) Art Direction: Guy Baglietto Models: Sarah Foster, Hayley O’Brien

artists

Behind the Scenes Produced by Stage One Productions, Variety Live was

photos: Claudia Schiel

a huge success, and over £8,500 was raised for Great Ormond Street Hospital and Calpe House. The show was co-hosted by James Neish and Miss World 2009 Kaiane Aldorino, and supported by local talent, including Faster Than Magic, Rock Fusion, Urban Dance, Georgia Thursting, Aaron Monteverde and many more artists. Well done to all involved.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

Photography: Jayden Fa (www.jaydenfa.carbonmade.com) Art Direction: Guy Baglietto Models: Sarah Foster, Hayley O’Brien

fashion

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

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

226 Main Street · Gibraltar · Telephone 200 48480

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Tel: 200 73786

47 47

Dr. Marco Vricella, HC Marbella Hospital

$IPPTF UIF SJHIU DPTNFUJD TVSHFPO )FSF BSF PVS UFO UPQ UJQT GPS DIPPTJOH B TVSHFPO GPS ZPVS DPTNFUJD QSPDFEVSF 1. Qualifications Is the surgeon on a recognised register? Surgeons should be registered with their relevant medical councils – so for example surgeons may be registered with the UK General Medical Council’s Specialist Register for Plastic Surgeons or its equivalent in Spain. 2. Specialist Cosmetic Surgeons should be qualified and registered in Plastic Surgery – Dr. Marco Vricella is a registered specialist plastic surgeon. 3. Medical Team Ask about the team that will assist the surgeon. For example, the anaesthetist should be registered and you should ask about their experience. Aria’s theatre team are world-class. 4. Hospital A hospital registered with the local health authority, such as Marbella High Care International Hospital (HCI), is the ideal location. Ask about your accommodation if you need an overnight recovery stay. HCI offers luxurious private rooms with meals included. 5. Consultation Aria Medical Group offers free consultations in Gibraltar with Dr. Marco Vricella, your surgeon. A professional surgeon will always be honest about the potential risks, however small, and will give advice on how to minimise these

through lifestyle changes before the operation. Make sure you have realistic expectations for the procedure. A cosmetic surgery procedure can achieve much, but results vary upon individuals; their age; and quality of skin; lifestyle; and more. Ask to see ‘before and after’ photos and clarify what your new look will be. 6. Aftercare After the initial euphoria that many people experience following a cosmetic surgery procedure, some ‘overdo it’ too soon after the operation, and go back to work too soon or start caring for the children when really they should be convalescing. Aria Medical Group offers free aftercare. In a few cases, revision surgery will be necessary – for example, if you develop a haematoma or if your scars need revising, in which case you will need to go back to Theatre. Aria Medical Group includes this in their price and revision surgery is free in the first year. 7. Price This is one of the most popular considerations for most people when considering a cosmetic procedure and surgeon. The increased volume of operations has brought down the cost of surgery over the years, but there is still an element of ‘you get what you pay for’. Remember that your fee has to cover many elements including the time and expertise of the surgeon; the anaesthetist; the medical team; the operating theatre costs; the cost of implants if you are having breast augmentation; a potential overnight stay with doctor on call.

Aria Medical Group and HCI offer competitive, realistic prices guaranteeing the best service. 8. Client Testimonials Think about talking to other people who have had the operation you are considering. Aria Medical Group has client case studies available to read or view online with ‘before and after’ photography – contact Aria for more information. 9. Company Cosmetic surgery is now very popular and there are a number of medical groups across Europe offering procedures. However with Aria Medical Group you are assured to have the personal touch of an independent firm. 10. Location The location of your surgery is important. Having a cosmetic surgery procedure close to home has a number of benefits such as convenience; reduced travel before and after; and possibly lower costs as you can recover at home. Being Informed Having a cosmetic surgery procedure can make a huge difference to your life and being well informed can make it a very positive choice. For information on Marbella High Care International Hospital and to see a virtual tour please visit: www.marbellahighcare.com To find out more about Marco Vricella and read more client experiences please visit: www.ariamedicalgroup.com

Cosmetic Surgery | Non Surgical Procedures | Cosmetic Dentistry

www.ariamedicalgroup.com www.marbellahighcare.com

FREE private consultations FREE genuine aftercare* FREE revision surgery*

* Your first post operative year - we offer you the best possible service, without question.

FREE 24 hour helpline*

Book your consultation By phone: (+34) 952 895 088 in English (+34) 662 936 058 en Espa単ol Or online: info@ariamedicalgroup.com

Dr. Marco Vricella Director of the Aesthetic Surgery unit at HC Marbella Hospital

FREE Consultations | Gibraltar |

Marbella

Madrid

choices seen an increase in the number of plastic surgeons of late, due to the amount of foreign residents who live on the coast. We are very lucky to have such a variety of experts at such a close proximity but you do have to do your homework — it is your body that you are dealing with after all.” For Gibraltarians and residents of the Costa del Sol, Marbella offers the perfect location for cosmetic surgery — close to home and family, yet discreet and private, so one can have a procedure without sharing the news with neighbours or colleagues at work.

CASE STUDY:

Choosing Cosmetic Surgery Aria Medical Group has been serving Gibraltar for some years now. To find out more from a client’s perspective, we spoke to Isabella who recently had a breast lift and augmentation with Aria’s Dr. Marco Vricella at the HCI private hospital in Marbella. Isabella works in Gibraltar in Financial Services, and for some years she had considered cosmetic surgery. She explains, “After pregnancy, childbirth and breast feeding, I was unhappy with the way my breasts looked — I wanted my old figure back!” In Gibraltar residents have a number of options for cosmetic surgery, including local private clinics, private surgeons and hospitals in Spain and beyond. Like many men and women thinking about a cosmetic surgery procedure, Isabella had a few concerns about the operation and after reading some horrors stories in the media, was a little worried. “I had heard such a mixture of stories from different surgeons and clinics that I was very cynical. My friend had undergone a similar procedure with Dr Marco Vricella of Aria Medical Group and when I saw her results and learned how everything had gone so smoothly for her, I thought ‘why not me’? My friend was waxing lyrical about the whole thing!” Referrals and recommendations are undoubtedly one of the best ways to choose a surgeon, but in addition, one can read case studies and testimonials from former clients and talk to somebody who has had the procedure you are thinking about. Aria Medical Group considers this essential and always provides case studies and additional information for clients at their private consultations in Gibraltar, Marbella and Madrid.

The Consultation in Gibraltar College Clinic, the private medical practice in Regal House, Queensway, is the venue for Aria Medical Group’s private consultations. All clients meet Dr. Marco Vricella and have plenty of time to discuss their requirements and concerns with him in private and become fully informed before making the decision to proceed. Isabella says, “The fact you can see Dr. Marco Vricella in Gibraltar for the initial consultation is just great; and then for each check up afterwards. It makes life so much easier than having to go over to Spain, as you don’t have to worry about border queues. It really is ideal to be able to pop into the College Clinic to see him.”

The hospital “The Marbella International High Care Hospital (HCI) in Marbella, where Dr. Marco Vricella is Director of the Cosmetic Surgery Unit, offered me the right privacy to have the procedure,” continues Isabella. “It was away from Gibraltar but not too long a drive. As well as the first class care, my room was more like a hotel room with an ensuite bathroom; the meals were lovely; and I could not have asked for more from the staff. She continues to detail how things went, “Within 10 minutes of arrival I had been shown to my room and had Louise explaining the whole procedure to me again. Later I was wheeled into theatre and before I knew it I was out like a light! The next I knew I had woken up and was holding hands with Louise. I was excited to see the results but I had to wait as I had a full dressing on. “I slept for a few hours and then had something to eat, and then spent the night at the HCI hospital. It’s a luxurious place to recuperate and I felt safe as I was checked on every hour by the nursing staff. “The next morning Dr. Vricella, Damien Moore, the Specialist Nurse, and Louise came to see how I was doing and since everything was fine I was allowed to leave for home. My husband picked me up and we drove home to Gibraltar. I spent a week at home relaxing and taking my painkillers and antibiotics (to avoid any infection) and within two days I was itching to get out as I felt fine. It is incredible how easy and painless the whole procedure was from start to finish.”

Some Gibraltar residents also consider cosmetic surgery in the UK, but as Isabella explains, it is not always the most convenient option. “I could also have looked at flying over to the UK to have the procedure, but to be honest the cost as well as the thought of flying abroad, and leaving my family behind, for an operation was not a real option for me. One also has to think about post-operative check ups and how practical it would be to have those abroad!” The Costa del Sol has become a centre of excellence for well-being and cosmetic surgery, although possibly not everyone shares the same commitment to excellence as Dr. Marco Vricella. Isabella con- The aftercare in Gibraltar curs, “I think southern Spain has Dr. Marco Vricella, and his team

Some Gibraltar residents also consider cosmetic surgery in the United Kingdom, but as Isabella explains, it is not always the most convenient option GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

well being

Prostate Cancer Support Group

by John Diaz

Prostate cancer has overtaken lung cancer to become the most common cancer in men. The lifetime risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer is 1 in 14 for men in the UK. Your chance of getting prostate cancer depends on your personal risk factor. However, many men with prostate cancer do not have any symptoms at all. Although prostate cancer may cause problems with passing urine, some men may be surprised by their cancer diagnosis because they do not feel unwell. Being diagnosed with cancer is a shock, physically as well as mentally. It may feel like a death sentence and is certainly life changing. From that moment onwards you live very aware of changes in your body. There is, however, reason to be optimistic. If diagnosed early, you can beat prostate cancer. Unfortunately in Gibraltar there was nothing to represent the interest of men with prostate cancer or prostate problems for that matter. Out of concern for this lack of information and support Manuel Ruiz, of the Senior Citizen’s Association, appeared on GBC television recently calling for volunteers to form the Prostrate Cancer Support Group Gibraltar. Having been diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2004, I felt the need to respond to the challenge along with five other volunteers. Funnily enough out of the six members of the committee only two have prostate cancer, which

speaks very highly of the other four. The committee is made up of myself as Chairman, Derek Ghio as Treasurer/Vice Chairman, Richard Montegriffo as Secretary, with Mario Ghio, David Hardy and George Payas making up the rest of the committee. The aim of the charity is to create public awareness and provide information and support to those affected by prostate cancer. We seek to prioritise the vital need for prostate problems to be diagnosed and treated as early as possible. This can be a life saver. The charity will work closely with Prostate UK, Prostate Cancer Charity, Cancer Relief Gibraltar, Breast Cancer Support and other organisations in Gibraltar. We are committed to improve the health services available in

We seek to prioritise the vital need for prostate problems to be diagnosed and treated as early as possible

Gibraltar for men affected by prostate cancer by supporting health professionals and the Gibraltar Health Authority. The charity will raise money through fund-raising events and activities which will be used to achieve our objectives including granting financial assistance where possible and merited. We will also bring together men affected by prostate cancer for support and to help each other. Prostate Cancer Support Group Gibraltar advocates the highest quality of treatment and supportive care available for everyone affected by prostate cancer. We would like to point out the important role of Manuel Ruiz in kick-starting the whole process, also to Isobel Ellul-Hammond from Breast Cancer Support met met with us on various occasions and gave us support and advice. I call on all men in Gibraltar to inform themselves about prostate cancer as early detection can save your life. For more information please visit www.prostatecancersupportgroup. gi or phone 58009161.

Derek Ghio, John Diaz, George Payas, David Hardy, Richard Montegriffo and Mario Ghio

including Louise Truelove, Chief Patient Care Coordinator and Damien Moore, offer complete aftercare in Gibraltar, including home visits for post-operative checks. In addition, included in the price is any revision surgery in the first year — a compelling service for residents of Gibraltar. Isabella adds, “I had heard of many patients who had been to Dr. Marco Vricella and all had good things to say about their personal

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

experience with his staff; Louise and Damien are an asset to the team, and they made me feel comfortable from the word go.” Isabella simply adds, “My only advice is not to think about it; you can hear some horror stories in the media about cosmetic surgery but these I believe are one in a million and that’s why they appear in the news. All you have to do is talk to the people you have around and you will be surprised at the amount

of people who have had procedures done and you would not even know about it. The results are natural looking and only makes you feel and look like a better you!” n To book a free consultation in Gibraltar contact Louise Truelove, Chief Patient Care Coordinator at Aria Medical Group on: +34 952 895 088 or +34 671 639 353 or by email on info@ ariamedicalgroup.com

health& fitness Bell Pharmacy

McTimoney Chiropractor

Your Family Chemists

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

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

health & medical directory CHEMISTS

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

PASSANO OPTICIANS LTD

Louis’ Pharmacy Unit F12, International Commercial Centre, Casemates. Tel: 200 44797

British Registered Optometrists

Chiropodists

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

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

ChiropraCtors STEINER CHIROPRACTIC CLINICS

Chiropractic Health Clinic

Dr Carsten Rudolf Steiner BSc DC

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

Member of the British Chiropractic Association

Back to better health with Chiropractic for headaches, dizziness, neck and lower back pain, sciatica, osteoathritis and sports injuries. College Clinic, Regal Hse. Tel: 200 77777

Dr Steven J. Crump BSc, DC, MCC ICC F5C 1st Flr, Casemates. Tel: 200 44226 Gillian Schirmer MA, DC, MMCA McTimoney Chiropractor, Clinic (Claudia’s), 1st Flr, 58 Main St Tel: 200 41733 After hours: 200 40026

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

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

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

The Health Store

5 City Mill Lane, Gibraltar. Tel: 20073765

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

Suppliers of Glucosamine, Ginkgo Biloba and all vitamins. Body Building Products (Creatine etc) Open: 9am - 1pm & 3pm - 6pm

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

For all your Pharmaceutical needs

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

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

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

PERSONAL TRAINERS

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

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

Tel: 200 77777

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

Need somebody to talk to?

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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

Physicians

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

Psychologist

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

SPECIALISTS

Specialist Medical Centre Unit F7 ICC Casemates Square Tel: 200 49999 Fax: 200 49999 Email: info@smg.gi www.smg.gi

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

health risks

When Cells Go Bad by Dr Shehzada Javied Malik

Cancer is a word that has become an increasingly frequent and frightening fixture in our vocabulary. However, though cancer has become a very common word, what it is and how it occurs remains little understood by the general public. How do cancer cells develop? A cell in the human body is programmed to perform certain functions for you and then eventually die off and be replaced. But when a cell turns cancerous, it doesn’t shut down properly but rather goes off and multiplies. As these bad cells multiply, they can turn into a cancerous tumour. The cells keep multiplying and it is very hard to arrest the cancer and stop this uncontrolled cell growth. The cancerous cells don’t always stay attached to the organ where they first started to go bad. They can migrate to organs nearby or travel through the bloodstream to infect another area of the body. Leukaemia is the cancer that travels through the bloodstream Just as one can’t usually identify the day and hour a person begins to wobble toward delinquency, it is extremely difficult to find the beginning of cancer in a single human cell. Imagine your DNA as a book ready for publication. Problems in publication could range from the big (the crash of the truck carrying the original manuscript) to the small (a single typographical error entered by the finger of a sleepy typesetter). Big or small, any difference between original and copy is a mutation. Imagine this book tells the story of the life of a cell. It outlines every chemical reaction that needs to happen for that cell to work properly. It explains how the cell should use fuel, con-

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

sume oxygen, protect itself from invaders, and replicate itself when the time comes for a new cell. If an error in the book says to make the wrong protein, even wrong by a single small part, that protein will not work properly in a sequence of chemical reactions that might be 100 changes long. Cancer cells arise when the machinery that maintains the integrity of copying DNA is thrown off. An entirely new kind of cell, possessing what is known as “a mutator phenotype,” is born. A mutator phenotype may result from different events, but one example is faulty copying machinery. Imagine our DNA publication rolling to a proofreading department in the cell. Enzymes known as polymerases are often involved in this proofreading. Now, what if something has happened to make all the proofreaders

Cancer cells arise when the machinery that maintains the integrity of copying DNA is thrown off

blind? All the mistakes will get left in this copy. These mistakes cause even more mistakes. Even if our proofreaders regained their sight, they couldn’t catch all of them. Is cancer genetic or environmentally driven? While most cancers are programmed into our genetic make-up, many cancers lie under the radar and do not rear their ugly head until you expose them to factors that will set them off. For this reason, if you can avoid certain situations or behaviours which can propel your system towards negative consequences, you may never know in your lifetime that you carry cells that want to go nuts. There are two ways to be cancer-free. The first is never to get it in the first place. By living properly and taking care of yourself, you can eliminate most of the risk factors for cancer. Some of the risk factors for developing cancer are smoking, lack of physical exercise, stress and exposure to harmful chemicals. However, if a person gets cancer, treatment options have come a long way in the last 50 years. Surgery to remove the cancerous tumour is usually an option. Surgery is generally followed by chemotherapy or radiation treatments. If you have risk factors for cancer, think about changing your habits. n

Gibraltarians abroad

Confessions of a Mother It is said the love of a mother is the most important love of all, but it is also true that due to this unequalled love when a child has a problem it is a great worry shared with the whole family. When you hear a mother expressing her concerns about her child in words like these below, you know they come from someone who wants to help others in the same situation she suddenly found herself in. “For a lot of reasons I’d like to finally do something for people who might literally be going through hell, having received a frightening diagnosis for their child as I did years ago,” explains Brenda Torres. “I don’t think I would have survived it if my friends in Guernsey hadn’t had similarly affected children. I hated being with parents of ‘normal’ kids because I’d compare the kids and realise how different my daughter was. I hated being told, even years later, that she wasn’t ‘so bad’, or she was ‘mildly’ autistic. Believe me, no parent of any autistic child, however able the child, uses those terms. “On a more positive note, things turned out reasonably well and she recently passed her A levels with great results. I know there are others who have had an even harder time due to this illness.” Brenda, the mother of an autistic child, speaks frankly about the problem and explains how her journey with autism began.

“I realised something wasn’t quite right almost from her birth. I found it hard to bond with my daughter. She was such a beautiful baby, but I found that picking her up and cuddling her wouldn’t comfort her when she cried. She seemed, even then, aloof from me and from the rest of the world too. I didn’t feel like a proper mum and some people made very misguided judgements about my ability as a first-time mother. “Of course, much later, I learned it wasn’t my fault I couldn’t bond. There are a myriad of ways in which an infant who is not autistic will communicate and bond with her mother — eye-contact, smiles, focus, a tremendous interest in, and

“

a need for, social interaction. “I remember saying to my parents and close friends at the time that I felt hollow inside because all I could provide my baby with was food, clothes and shelter but there seemed to be nothing else she needed from me. I had no name for this vacuum. It was a constant, deep sadness beneath the hard work and also the joy involved in raising a baby.” Brenda says the idea her daughter might have autism was suggested by friends, family and by a couple of doctors at the health centre. “I was not actually looking for a diagnosis but her behaviour as a toddler when I took her to the doctor for colds or childhood illness

I am hugely proud of my daughter, who has achieved a great deal, with help from some amazing people, but above all, by sheer hard work and constant effort

”

was so off-the-wall that every doctor had something to say, usually along the lines of ‘Can’t you control your child?’ In the end, after my concerns had been dismissed by one professional, help came in the shape of Dr Galloway and two wonderful speech therapists who took the time and trouble to try to get a diagnosis for her. It had become urgent at this stage because she was over three-and-a-half years old and due to start school in September (in Guernsey — we were moving there as my then husband had been relocated by his firm).” When the day of the diagnosis arrived it was devastating for both parents. “I remember we sat down and cried when we realised she had this mysterious, incurable, life-long condition, but I also remember feeling a huge sense of relief as the weight of guilt was finally lifted off me as I realised, despite what some professionals had said, her difficulties in communicating and

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

family support

by Sonia Golt her strange behaviour were not my fault. Now I had a name for this problem I could tackle it and deal with it without feeling so helpless.” Bringing up a child whose perception of the world is not the same as most others is difficult. Autism is a social and communication disorder. Children without autism are naturally social and communicative beings who have the capacity to understand different forms of communication, not just words. They can ‘read between the lines’, they understand body language and tone of voice and can relate it to a particular mood. They can see the world from another person’s point of view, and therefore can empathise. Autistic children have to learn these skills, if they are able, as the skills don’t come naturally to them. An autistic child may not understand when a person is angry or sad. They will probably not realise if someone is being sarcastic or telling an obvious lie, because they tend to take things at face value. They rarely tell lies themselves because expressing something that isn’t accurate is difficult for them, and because they don’t feel the need to lie, either to “fit in”, or to protect themselves or others. They hate changes to routine, which is usually the only way they can order their world. Their world is confusing, full of incomprehensible things, loud noises, and unwanted intrusions into their personal space. “In my daughter ’s case she had an amazing visual and pictorial memory. At the age of two she could put together a 25-piece jigsaw puzzle in seconds. It took her about five minutes to learn the entire alphabet in both upper and lower case. So I encouraged her to paint and draw, a talent that wins her competitions to this day, and at her special school, pictorial time-tables were drawn for her, so she knew what she was supposed to be doing and when. “Once she could write, she was encouraged to keep a journal, where she was far more likely to express her feelings, especially her fears, than she would have done orally. We used to play lots of board games together, so she’d learn to take turns and socialise. All parents find creative ways of managing and have to be very patient!” Brenda’s daughter started school in Guernsey. “This was probably a blessing, because she attended an excellent school and assessment centre for children with moderate learning difficulties. It meant I was able to meet up with other mums who had children of similar ages with the same difficulties as my

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

own.” Having people who understand what you are going through on a day-to-day basis, and to whom you don’t even need to explain your fears, disappointments, hopes, frustrations and stresses, Brenda says, is the best support anyone can have. Brenda was asked to join the committee of the Guernsey Parents’ Support Group which included parents of kids with Downs Syndrome and one child affected by severe cerebral palsy. The support group was also an advocacy and pressure group. “Somehow my daughter’s diagnosis, through word of mouth, spread and, even while I was in Guernsey, parents of newly-diagnosed autistic children in Gibraltar contacted me. To this day I feel I let them down, because they wanted to form a group like the one in Guernsey, but by then I was too wrapped up with personal problems to do anything about it. Moreover, as my child grew up, prospered in mainstream schools, and life became easier, I distanced myself from the community aspect of the matter.” Now Brenda feels the time is right to start such a support group, so others in similar situations can collaborate with her and work towards a common goal, increasing awareness and tolerance of diversity. Anyone going through a similar experience knows how crucial it is to have emotional support and understanding, which can help to prevent feelings of isolation, leading to stress and depression. “I have a great admiration for Emily Adambery

who has made huge strides in promoting awareness of mental illness in our society. Though autism is not as common as mental illness, there are more children being diagnosed with autistic-spectrum disorders or who have similar communication difficulties and it is so important that society learns to accept people who may be different to the ‘norm’.” Integration of people with special needs into mainstream society is a challenge, particularly when they become adults. While they’re still at school they are, to a certain extent, protected from the outside world, even in a mainstream school. Once they leave school, they have new pressures. They need to develop new friendships and relationships as they move in new circles, and this is extremely hard for an autistic person. Even those sufficiently able to hold down a job need to compete with others who do not have their difficulties. These young people often lack confidence, and their social skills are under-developed. Their behaviour may be odd, they may insist on unreasonable routines. Many may be unemployable unless they receive a great deal of support from employers and co-workers. It is in any society’s interest to integrate people with special needs, not least because every learning-disabled person has something to teach us, but also because by reaching his or her full potential, every person can make a valuable contribution to society, instead of being a burden. “Thankfully, we live in a changing world where it is acceptable to dis-

“

I felt hollow inside because all I could provide my baby with was food, clothes and shelter but there seemed to be nothing else she needed from me

”

cuss the needs of people with learning disabilities such as autism. It is by being open and frank about such issues that we can make headway in resolving some of the problems of such people. “I am hugely proud of my daughter, who has achieved a great deal, with help from some amazing people, but above all, by sheer hard work and constant effort. She is lucky to be academically-able, and right now she is on the government training scheme and has a wonderful team of co-workers supporting her, but there are many things which the rest of us take for granted that she finds very difficult. “As any parent of an autistic child will know, people are generally less sympathetic and intolerant of the behaviour of an autistic child than of a child with a more visible disability, such as Downs Syndrome, because the children look no different from any other, so they often come across as simply badly behaved.” If you have ever seen a parent standing patiently at the supermarket with a screaming child in the middle of tantrum you probably formed an opinion. Every parent of an autistic child has stood there at some time and been subjected not just to the ear-splitting screams but to the disapproving comments, stares, head-shaking and judgements of the other shoppers. “Because of these situations and others it is important to have a forum for discussing issues. There are many different conditions and learning disabilities, and more and more, those suffering such conditions are being integrated into mainstream life, so any knowledge, experience or help we can give to such people or to their parents, grandparents, extended families, carers, teachers, social workers or co-workers will help the person with the disability as well as those who have the care of them.” What of the future? How does Brenda see her daughter ’s life evolving? “To an extent, what happens next in my daughter’s life is now up to her — she is the adult, and has responsibility for her own life.” And the support group? “I know there will be parents out there whose child has been diagnosed with this condition, or who suspect their child’s problems could be the result of an autistic spectrum disorder, who want help and advice, or simply wish to talk to someone who understands. It is for these people I would like to have a support network. If anyone wishes to collaborate with me to start this ball rolling please send me an email: brendatorres1@hotmail.com ” n

book launch

40 poets 1 book...

by Elena Scialtiel

The knight in shiny (pink) armour of ‘early detection equals survival’ is back with a smart initiative to fundraise for her Bosom Buddies Cancer Trust: a booklet of love letters she never mailed, on sale at bookshops around town. Named after the opening novel, perhaps the title doesn’t do justice to the book’s contents. Besides being a collection of Sonia Golt’s latest work — short stories, poems and a novel — Love Letters I Never Mailed is actually an anthology of poetry, built with the contribution of 40 international poets, featured in the second part of the book. After her dynamic work of encouraging friends to participate, then picking and editing the poems that rained into her mailbox, Sonia hopes her venture will prove poetry isn’t passé in this era of text messages and chat-room snippets, where the only things we expect to rhyme are TV commercials and pop music lyrics. The book is an innovative idea, and Sonia is quite proud of it. It follows the success of Sonia’s show on GBC television Poetic Justice, where she featured local poets talking about their unpublished work. Through it, she realised how many people write poetry for ‘private consumption’, and decided to air their work to give readers an insight into unsung heroes’ emotions. Poetry can be more immediate than prose, because it records a specific moment in time when someone feels the need to ‘spill his or her emotions onto paper’ and thus it is more intimate, and often difficult to show in a public

light, where it can however become therapeutic for writer and reader alike. Sonia hopes this will encourage prolific poets to publish more, perhaps entering the Ministry of Culture’s annual poetry competition — especially considering poetry — which can say so much in a few words and challenges the audience to read between

She realised how many people write poetry for ‘private consumption’, and decided to air their work to give the reader an insight into unsung heroes’ emotions the lines — isn’t now regarded as the soppy ugly sister of the full-blown novel. And if Sonia, author of novel Paradise Bound, rules out the prospect of writing an epic poem like Paradise Lost, she declares herself in love with verses and poetic prose, coming from a family where poetry was read and written almost daily. Measuring up to her father’s talent intimidated Sonia, and she never challenged herself to lyrical introspection. It wasn’t until her 40s that she realised they were not in competition, but his criticism was constructive and actually pushed her to betterment, so she started composing from her heart, without too much technical knowledge of metrics, and when he passed away she made poetry her way to keep his legacy alive. On the other hand, Sonia has had the writer’s bug since an early age. Barely a teenager, she wrote the children’s story Behind the Waterfall (and she illustrated the front cover for it!), which will be included in her forthcoming book

of bedtime stories inspired by her six-year old granddaughter’s vivid imagination. Meanwhile, we can bask in romance at its best with Love Letters I Never Mailed, a welcome return to a Victorian-like past, now buried under a flurry of e-mails we send haphazardly — and sometimes regret. Jotted down on the spur of the moment, these thoughts span an entire year, and are interspersed with little pearls of wisdom, one for each day, and with Sonia’s original poems. They are followed by a garland of very short stories about the most diverse topics, from child abuse to black magic, from dancing to wine tasting, all inspired by Sonia’s personal, albeit not direct, experiences. She also designed the cover, which features her mother’s string of pearls, her father’s fountain pen, a glass of wine and a candle on the front, and a her portrait by Dennis Ellery on the inside back. Although it doesn’t directly touch the topic of cancer, and makes an easy read with its ‘happygo-lucky’ feel-good mood, the whole project is aimed at raising awareness about it, with a whopping £3 from the total price of £8 going to charity, targeted to afford a day of spa pampering for local radiotherapy patients. An extra chance to contribute to Sonia’s war on breast cancer will be at the Bosom Buddies’ Easter red carpet soirée at the Convent ballroom this 14th April, featuring live performances by Giles Ramirez and Urban Dance, and 22 cancer survivors modelling to the notes of Nigel Palmer’s piano. Not to be missed, with limited tickets priced just £15 (including complimentary drink and raffle) already on sale from Heart’s Boutique. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2011

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events

Gibraltar at the Southbank

A private viewing of the Revolution Films production 80 minute feature documentary ‘Gibraltar’, directed by Ana Garcia (left), was held at the National Film Theatre at Southbank, Waterloo, London. Amongst the film’s financial backers were James Gaggero (the Gaggero Foundation), Lawrence Isola (Sapphire Networks) and Russ DeLeon (Entendre Films). n

End of an Era for Garcia’s photos Mike Brufal

It was the end of an era on Main Street in March when Garcia Ltd (Est. 1939), the gentlemen’s outfitters, closed its doors for the last time. We managed to snap Acacia Garcia saying farewell to the shop which has clothed a generation or two of Gibraltarians. Family and friends attended the event

Cruise Ship Schedule

APRIL 2011

DOA

Vessel

ETA ETD

Pass

Capacity From

Mon 04

Corinthian II

0830 1900

American

114

Tue 05

Ventura

0800 1400

British

3100

Tue 05

MSC Poesia

1430 1900

Italian

2550

Wed 06

Splendour Of Seas 0800 1600

Internatl.

2064

Thu 07

Thomson Dream

0800 1600

British

1494

Sat 09

Ocean Countess

0800 1230

British

840

Sat 09

Arcadia

0900 1430

British

1968

Mon 11

MSC Musica

1200 1700

Italian

2550

Wed 13

MSC Poesia

1430 1900

Italian

2550

Thu 14

Azamara Journey

0900 1700

American

700

Fri 15

Nieuw Amsterdam 0800 1700

American

2100

Fri 15

Artemis

1230 1730

British

1200

Tue 19

Azura

0800 1400

British

3076

Tue 19

Balmoral

0830 1700

British

1050

Thu 21

MSC Poesia

1430 1900

Italian

2550

Mon 25

Saga Pearl II

0700 1700

British

500

Tue 26

Wind Spirit

0800 1600

American

148

Wed 27

Oceana

0800 1330

British

1950

Thu 28

Balmoral

1200 1800

British

1050

Fri 29

Island Escape

0800 1800

British

1512

Fri 29

MSC Poesia

1430 1900

Italian

2550

Malta

Cadiz

Casablanca

Total Number of Vessels calling in April = 21 Approximate Number of Passengers calling in April = 35,616

We wonder what will start the beginning of a new era for this prominent Main Street building opposite the cathedral?

FLIGHT SCHEDULE

Day

Mon

Ibiza

Portimao

Arr.

From

Dep.

APRIL 2011 Flight No.

ZB068 ZB574 BA490 EZY8903

● Monarch

11.00 11.15 ● British Airways 12.00 ● easyJet 14.00

Luton 12.00 Manchester 12.00 Heathrow 12.45 Gatwick 14.35

ZB069 ZB575 BA491 EZY8904

Luton Manchester Heathrow Gatwick

EZY7295 ZB068 BA490 EZY8903

● easyJet

11.10 11.55 ● British Airways 12.00 ● easyJet 14.00

Liverpool 11.40 Luton 12.40 Heathrow 12.45 Gatwick 14.35

EZY7296 ZB069 BA491 EZY8904

Liverpool Luton Heathrow Gatwick

Wed

ZB574 ZB068 BA490 EZY8903

● Monarch

11.00 11.00 ● British Airways 12.00 ● easyJet 14.00

Manchester 11.45 Luton 12.00 Heathrow 12.45 Gatwick 14.35

ZB575 ZB069 BA491 EZY8904

Manchester Luton Heathrow Gatwick

Thu

ZB574(a) EZY7295 BA490 EZY8903 ZB062

● Monarch

10.35 11.10 ● British Airways 12.00 ● easyJet 14.00 ● Monarch 18.55

Manchester 11.20 Liverpool 11.40 Heathrow 12.45 Gatwick 14.35 Luton 19.40

ZB575(a) EZY7296 BA491 EZY8904 ZB063

Manchester Liverpool Heathrow Gatwick Luton

Fri

ZB574 ZB068 BA490 EZY8903

● Monarch

11.00 11.00 ● British Airways 12.00 ● easyJet 14.20

Manchester 11.45 Luton 12.00 Heathrow 12.45 Gatwick 14.35

ZB575 ZB069 BA491 EZY8904

Luton Manchester Heathrow Gatwick

Sat

BA490 EZY8901 EZY7297

● British Airways 12.00

Heathrow 12.45 Gatwick 13.40 Liverpool 18.00

BA491 EZY8902 EZY7298

Heathrow Gatwick Liverpool

Gatwick 11.40 Heathrow 12.45 Luton 19.15

EZY8902 Gatwick BA491 Heathrow ZB063 Luton

Tue

Southampton

Flight No. Airline

GIBRALTAR

Sun EZY8901 BA490 ZB062

● Monarch

● easyJet

● Monarch

● easyJet ● easyJet

13.05 17.30

● easyJet

11.05

● British Airways 12.00 ● Monarch

18.30

(a) Operates from 14 April

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

live on the rock

Stanton Warriors

Keeping it Live Two exciting live events to take place at Savannah on Leisure Island,

Ocean Village in April are performances by Sister Bliss and Stanton Warriors. Stanton Warriors are first up on Sunday 24th April - visit www.myspace.com/stantonwarriors/ for more information. Then just four days later on Thursday 28th April lovers of electric are in for another treat when one of the founding members of Faithless, Sister Bliss — one of Britain’s most popular figures in the electronica scene — takes the stage. For more information contact Savannah on 200 66666 email info@savannah.gi or visit www.savannah.gi

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APriL 2011

Sister Bliss

His show is like no other — an integrated project which combines different art forms, to the sound of his classical guitar, and it is no wonder he is a popular favourite with the local audience. If you missed him last time he performed here, you have the chance to see him grace our stages again in April. Listening to the radio as a teenager, Sym was suddenly stopped in his tracks when some classical guitar music blared from the speaker. Recuerdos de La Alhambra was all he could think about for the next few days, and he was determined to get to know the instrument before learning to master it. He tried the electric guitar, piano and even the lute, but none of them produced that sweet sound of Francisco Tárrega’s masterpiece. As soon as he discovered the classical guitar, he enrolled in evening classes at Leeds University, and his passion and determination has since led him to perform all over the world. “The first song I learned to play was Cavatina, which I will be playing at my next concert in Gibraltar. I always enjoy performing in Gibraltar, as the audience is fantastic, and really open the door for me to get carried away with the performance. They really know how to appreciate the guitar, and I always seem to strike

He tried the electric guitar, piano and even the lute, but none of them produced that sweet sound of Francisco Tárrega’s masterpiece

Symmetry:

A Classical Revolution When meeting Sym for the first time, you almost expect him to be the front man of an up and coming punk band. Instead, he strolls on stage dressed in concert tails, classical guitar in hand, producing beautiful, romantic guitar pieces from celebrated greats such as Andrés Segovia and Francisco Tárrega, with a committed performance and feeling. 60

a chord with the audience,” Sym smiles. With over 25 years’ experience, he studied the classical guitar around Europe, and in the heart of Andalucia, Spain, where he now resides. He has won numerous music competitions internationally, and even the Gibraltar Music Festival in 2009. With excellent reviews from the Royal School of Music in London, his repertoire is extensive, as he specialises in 18th and 19th Century Spanish classical music, as well as contemporary and South American classical music. About a year ago, he was taken under the wing of Professor Ignacio Abalos, from La Linea Professional Conservatoire in Spain, who was a student of Segovia himself. “I still train with him once a week, and it is an honour and a privilege to be working with a student of Segovia. Andrés Segovia, together with Julian Bream, are two artists who inspire me during my performances, and I aspire to be like them. They are both unique in the sense they exert full emotion when playing, and express sensitivity towards the guitar itself, and sounds they produce. Technically there are better players around the world, but their performances are like no other,” Sym explains. The journey towards this concert started two years ago — a process of bringing artists of different disciplines together. Produced by Trevor Brooks, and organised by Entertainment In Spain, and D&Co Live, Symmetry brings together a new generation of classical music — a heartfelt performance of deeply romantic sounds, played with sensitivity and emotion.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

music file art profile

by Jolene Gomez

For a truly magical evening of top quality entertainment, get your tickets for Symmetry. The show takes place at John Mackintosh Hall, on Wednesday 13th April, starting at 8:30pm. Tickets are available online at www. entertaininspain.es, First Choice Temps at 6B Cathedral Square, or contacting Dyana on 0034 670 636 063. Symmetry is also available for music festivals in Gibraltar, as well as private recitals. Contact Dyana for information.

“We are very excited about bringing Symmetry to Gibraltar once again, and are grateful to our sponsors Tous and Work It Gibraltar, and to GDFAS for supporting the event,” Dyana Dessar from D&Co Live explains. “The evening will combine contemporary dance provided by Danza Academy, and large screen visual animations, which are complemented by the sound of the classical guitar. Together with cellist Sarah Fortin Espigares, and violinist Naiara Castellejo Garcia, all performers will be telling the story of the music, providing what will be a musical and visual extravaganza.” The pieces will provide a display of descriptive music — a fascinating genre where the composer created a masterpiece to tell a story. “I tell the story to the audience before I play it, and simultaneously, the dancers perform the story to the music, or the video provides

“

a visual representation of what is been told by the music. All art tells a story and with dance, sculptures or paintings, or the visual arts, you can see the story with no problem. Music can tell a story too,” Sym explains. “There is a bird singing, a creaky door, a distant church bell, bolts of lightning and heavy jungle rain, all special effects on the classical guitar that sound like the real thing... it is amazing for the audience to know the story before the story is played on classical guitar.” Sym always enjoys doing charity performances, as it is gratifying to perform at concerts where the proceeds are for a good cause. “I have done charity concerts for St Martin’s Hospice, as well as other international and local charities. Part of the proceeds of this concert will be going to the dancers involved in the show, and their future projects,” Sym explains. n

All art tells a story and with dance, sculptures or paintings, or the visual arts, you can see the story with no problem. Music can tell a story too GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APriL 2011

”

art in focus

colour me happy... Caroline Canessa’s debut exhibition of 28 oil paintings on canvas ‘Alla Prima’ will open Tuesday 5th April at 6.30pm at the Fine Arts Gallery, Casemates, and will be open to public from 6th to 15th April. Caroline explained how the exhibition came about: “Three years ago, after a long break from art in order to raise my sons, I took up painting again because it was a part of me which I needed to rediscover. I suddenly found myself with a collection of happy colourful paintings. They are mainly paintings

based on the Moroccan and Indian Bazaars and their culture — the way these cultures use colour is so attractive to me and I don’t tire of portraying it. “I’ve taken inspiration from Van Gogh’s strong use of colour and brushstroke, which I think has, to some measure, informed my work. Colour is the key to my secret world of expression; colour is so beautiful and plentiful, it never ceases to inspire and fascinate me.” Works are for sale and priced between £95 and £400. n GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

culture club April GbDFAS Lecture

Antony Gormley Lecture Pictures from the March GibDFAS lecture by Frank Woodgate (pictured left, second from left) who discussed the iconic work of the great living British sculptor Antony Gormley, creator of the iconic Angel of the North. The lecturer took attendees on a journey from Greek sculptures through to Michelangelo and showed how they have influenced contemporary sculptors. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE â&#x20AC;˘ APRIL 2011

GibDFAS (Gibraltar Decorative and Fine Arts Society) will be holding a lecture entitled From Cook to Gauguin - The Cult of The South Pacific on 20th April starting at 7.30pm at the Eliott Hotel (6.30pm for drinks). Leslie Primo, Lecturer and Tour Guide at the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery is the speaker. Exotic plants and animals came back on early voyages of discovery along with stories of strange cultures. In this lecture it will be shown how they have been portrayed in the art of Western Europe from the time of James Cook and how Paul Gauguinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rich, languid paintings in Tahiti reflect the allure of the simple life they describe. The sponsor is Blevins Franks International. n

hot stuff

The Soup Kitchen by Richard Cartwright

For some, it may be hard to believe there are individuals on the Rock who need to seek out a plate of food on a daily basis. We are blessed with a healthy economy and the general picture all around is one of more than adequate means for most. At Nazareth House however, a hot meal awaits the needy! The building, which once housed St Mary’s Infant School, is home to a number of assistance groups for those who, through unfortunate circumstances, have arrived at a stage in their lives where they need specialist help.

One of the facilities in this old building is The Soup Kitchen which offers hot food Mondays to Fridays for those short of a penny or two and unable to afford simple sustenance. Joe Caruana has been involved in the running of the opera-

tion for many years now and continues to work unabatedly for the cause. “The story of the Soup Kitchen goes back many years. In the mid-’80s my brother, the late Bishop Charles Caruana, was often asked for money for something to eat, when individuals came to the cathedral to see him, so he decided it would be a better idea to offer these people a plate of food instead. “In those days the food was prepared in the cathedral kitchen and taken over to the Community Centre by ‘Chippy’ the accordionist, and a few others. That’s how it started. Later on, we managed to obtain some heavy duty cookers and other bits of equipment from the Gibraltar Regiment at Lathbury Barracks and we moved to Nazareth House.” That was in the early ’90s. Already in the building was the Psychological Support Group, Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, Families Anonymous and other groups which are still making good use of the premises. “That’s right. I also run a drug, alcohol and other related problems, advisory service group from there. We even have sewing classes for those young girls needing to learn about making good use of their time by getting involved in something that can be useful for them later on. Dorcas and her team help us out a lot with that.” The Soup Kitchen — a rather Dickensian name — is managed by Joe’s sister, Conchie Ramirez, and her volunteer ladies who come in, in teams of four or five, on specific days. “We usually get between 15 and 20 lunch visitors every day, sometimes less. It all runs pretty smoothly, ” Joe confirms. “We’re open for tea or coffee from about 10 and then lunch is served between 11 and midday. You see, the ladies have to wash up and clean the place to get it ready for the next day, and have to get back home quickly to feed their own families.” Joe explains that local importers and wholesalers are very good in supplying them with what they need to provide their guests a healthy meal, but more help is always welcome. “Meals usually consist of stews, shepherd’s pie or meat pie, spaghetti and even local dishes like, potaje and plenty of vegetables. It’s always a hot meal. Then they will have a piece of fruit and we may have a bar of chocolate or some

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

what’s on other confectionery to give them. We sometimes do take-aways too. So we are extremely grateful to companies like Gib Maroc, Saccone and Speed and a number of others who also supply us with cleaning materials, not forgetting those firms and individuals who help out financially also. They are very generous.” Joe adds that Conchie is always on the lookout for second-hand clothes because she helps the diners with that commodity too. So who attends the lunch sessions at Nazareth House? “Well, there used to be many more locals than we have now. These days we only get two or three and the rest are Eastern Europeans, UK nationals, Spaniards, Africans and some others. Many are transient travellers who can also take advantage of the showering and shaving facilities we provide here and they can even wash their clothes too. On occasions we may be able to offer them little jobs around the place.” Joe says the Caritas charity group in La Linea is also used by some of these people. “Yes, there they serve supper, so it suits those who come here for lunch, to then go over to have their evening meal at Caritas.” Joe thinks the idea of a bed for the night at the premises might also be a good idea, “but that would be something for the next generation of volunteers to think about. We are busy enough as it is.” Ex-Minister for Public Services and Medical Services in the late ’60s and early ’70s Joe Caruana, spends a lot of his free time, together with his aides, professional counsellors Marisa and Jackie, seeing to the needs of those who require help through their journey to recovery from drink and drug abuse. To this end, he also ran ‘Camp Emmanuel’ in the ’80s and ’90s and is still very much on the go today even sending clients to Spain and the UK for treatment. On the lighter side of life he’s deep into his second book When the Hangman Came, and is also an artist. You can sometimes catch him at Duquesa displaying his paint brushing talents! Full marks all round to all those who give of their free time to help others for absolutely no financial gain. Nazareth House is full of volunteers, helping others to get back on track and re-integrate into society so they may lead a normal and positive existence. The late Bishop Caruana’s message, in setting up the soup kitchen facilities was to follow the spirit of the Good Samaritan where those that should know better constantly ignore the needs of the disadvantaged and yet others, with less influence and resources battle on to overcome whatever obstacles may be placed in their path to succeed in their endeavour to help those suffering from deprivation of whatever kind. That was the Bishop’s dream which continues to be fulfilled by all these helpers and that great effort shows no sign of slowing down. Long live, the local Good Samaritans! n

Nazareth House is full of volunteers, helping others to get back on track and reintegrate into society so they may lead a normal and positive existence GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

April Calendar of Events Friday 8th April Urban Dance Exhibition. In preparation for their attendance at the Barcelona Dance Award in April, Urban Dance will be hosting an exhibition of the work at 7.30pm, at the John Mackintosh Hall. The show will involve all members of the group, and will give the opportunity for parents to see what their children do in a class environment. There will also be exhibitions from the Gibraltar Ju-Jitsu Academy, musical performances, and many other special guests. For info or tickets, Tel: Yalta 54012212. Monday 11th to Wednesday 13th April Trafalgar Theatre Group “Murder in Play” by Simon Brett at Ince’s Hall theatre 8pm. Tickets: £8 from Ince’s Hall ticket office 6-7.30pm or at the door.

Surianne will perform at Chao on 16th April

Friday 1st April Mediterranean Dance School at John Mackintosh Hall Theatre 8pm. Tickets: £10 available from the John Mackintosh Hall ticket office from 6-8pm. For further info Tel: Nicole 54013520 email: nichol@ gibtelecom.net Sunday 3rd April Childline Gibraltar - Wildlife Scavenger Hunt for children ages 5 to 11 years at the Alameda Gardens Wildlife Park 2.30-4-pm. Entrance Fee £2 per child. For further info contact The Alameda Botanic Gardens Tel: 20072639 4th - 7th April The Roman Catholic Diocese of Gibraltar will be receiving the “World Youth Day Cross & Icon” on the Rock as part of its pilgrimage around Spain which is hosting the World Youth Day event in August. Due to the Diocese of Gibraltar not belonging to any Bishop’s conference, hosting the cross and icon in Gibraltar is an unprecedented gift by the Bishop’s conference. Since 22nd April 1984 when Pope John Paul II entrusted the young people of the world with the “World Youth Day Cross” it has travelled the world from the North Pole to Ground Zero in New York. The diocese of Gibraltar has organised a series of events, beginning with its transportation across the Strait on a tug from Ceuta. Prayer events will be held every evening and during the day it will visit Middle and Secondary schools, the hospital, and prison amongst other places.http://www. madrid11.com/en/camino/cross-and-icon Thursday 7th April Philharmonic Society “Baroque Virtuosi” Baroque Chamber Orchestra at St Michael’s Cave 8pm. Tickets £20 from Sacarello’s Coffee Shop, Irish Town & Silver Shop 222 Main St - £10 for Children & Senior Citizen from John Mack Hall. Tickets include shuttle service from Bristol Hotel from 7pm. Tel: 20072134 email: tgpsociety@gibtelecom.net

Tuesday 12th April The Gibraltar National Choir - A Spring Concert with Nathan Payas at Holy Trinity Cathedral 8.30pm. Tickets £15 available from the Arts & Crafts Shop in Casemates Square or at the door from 7pm. For info Tel: 54831000 Wednesday 13th April Special charity Bingo Night at Varyl Begg Social Club 9pm. Tickets: £10. For info & tickets Tel: Veronica 54018044 Thursday 14th April Bosom Buddies’ Easter Fashion Parade - Farewell to Winter with “Urban Dance”. An Easter Bonnet fashion show with “The Catwalk Stars”. Special guest appearances by Nigel Palmer & Giles Ramirez at The Convent Ballroom 7.30pm.Tickets £20 & £15 includes an interval drink plus raffle ticket for a special prize donated by Heart’s Boutique in Main Street Saturday 16th April Gibraltar Botanic Gardens Tour meet George Don Gates (south end of Grand Parade) 10.30am. No fee, donations welcome. Tel: 20072639 email: alameda@wildlife.gib.gi Gibraltar Ornithological and Natural History Society monthly outing – Cape Trafalgar. Flowers and more along the shore of the Strait. Meet 8am Spanish side of the frontier. Contact Leslie Linares Tel: 57363000 email: plants@gonhs.org Chao Gibraltar launches the first of a monthly series of live music nights. Surianne and her band will be performing a acoustic set on 16th. Independently releasing a charity single in January, Surianne charted in the iTunes Latin charts at No. 56 and is currently receiving plenty of media coverage in the UK, Spain and Gibraltar. Her most recent performance at London’s 5 star Hotel Verta received support from established artists such as Nate James, John Adeleye and David Jordan. A percentage of takings from the Chao event will go to local children’s charity, Wobbles. Tickets cost £12 in advance or £15 at the door. Doors open at 9.30pm. Tel: John Luis Garcia 54019175 or Chad Carter 56461000.

Thursday 21st April 7th - 11th April Gun Salute HM The Queen’s Birthday at The Tower Medium Donna Stewart will be on the Rock for info – Berth 41Time: 12.00 noon. Tel 20055083 email: seedd851@gib.mod.uk please e-mail info@fhmedia.co.uk.

Norbert Takács:

Getting Under Your Skin

by Jolene Gomez

Born in the beautiful city of Pécs, Hungary, 16 year old Norbert Takács had his first tattoo done in the first legal tattoo studio in the country, in Budapest. His newly inked Native American buffalo skull, sparked an interest in the process of tattooing and he realised he wanted to dedicate his life to this ancient art.

“Pécs has a lot of history and numerous muThree years later, Norbert met his wife Gaby, seums, and it is the birth place of the famous who introduced him to a friend and he found artist Victor Vasarely. I have always been in- his first tattoo kit. His mum helped him to terested in art, especially drawing, which I consider the most essential skill to becoming a good tattoo artist,” Norbert explains. However, none of the few tattoo artists he knew were willing to help him, so Norbert tried hard to get his hands on a proper tattoo kit, books, and documentaries, but there was nothing available in Hungary at the time. “I never wanted to tattoo the old-fashioned single needle way by hand — I wanted to start with the proper, advanced technology. After being unsuccessful in acquiring any equipment, I gave up on the whole idea. I left home when I was 18 to make a living at horrible jobs, and playing music — my other obsession — fronting a band called Sunking. We toured clubs around Hungary, and lived the rock and roll lifestyle,” Norbert smiles.

“

The first tattoo I ever did was a small Indian feather on my wife’s ankle — it felt great to finally get my career going!

”

buy the equipment, and his life as a tattoo artist began. “The only way to become a tattooist is to actually practise on people, and the first tattoo I ever did was a small Indian feather on my wife’s ankle — it felt great to finally get my career going!” In 1996, the couple opened their first tattoo shop together, which was very busy at the time due to military clientele after the war in Bosnia. “This was actually one of the saddest moments in our lives, as we travelled through the war torn area, in a military vehicle, wearing bulletproof jackets on the way to a military base, to give a concert and tattoo the guys there, with who we became very good friends over the years,” Norbert remembers. Five years later, they decided they would travel around Europe in an old Mercedes, and ended up living in Spain. After running out of money, and living on beaches and in the forest near San Pedro, they both found a job in one

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

art in focus of the tattoo parlours in Gibraltar, and have stayed here ever since. “During my years working here I have built up my clientele and met many beautiful people who became my regular customers, and some of them very good friends. It was a really hard job, and took long years to gain the confidence and trust of the people here, but it was a job worthwhile. Gibraltar is a beautiful place and I love being here. I’ve always worked with my wife as my assistant, which makes my job easier and faster because she knows all about the trade, and can deal with my customers very well. She’s helped me a lot, especially when we arrived here because I could hardly speak any English at the time!” By the time he arrived in Gibraltar, Norbert feels he was already a good tattooist, but he has since developed his own style, which he considers his biggest achievement, as the art is a lifelong learning process. “My favourite tattoo artist is Filip Leu from Switzerland, because of his unique perspective on Japanese-style tattooing and drawing. He played a huge part in developing my style in Japanese work. There are many great artists around the world, and not enough space to mention all of them! In my opinion, every artist should stick to his or her principles — in life and in tattooing.” Norbert’s aim is always to do his best along the lines of his client’s ideas. If he thinks ideas won’t work, he tries to advise people to change them, and to work out a good solution together. There are certain areas he will not tattoo such as the face or genitals, and there are other body parts unsuitable for tattooing, such as the foot, hands or fingers. His other concern is that no tattooist should tattoo people heavily under the influence of drugs or alcohol, because a tattoo is for life, and everyone should make a decision clearly and responsibly. “For me, the most difficult tattoos are always

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

the ones clients cannot endure without moving, and complaining about the pain. Getting tattooed is not a pleasant experience, but most people can easily cope with it. I always try to do the tattoos as gently as possible, and if someone is really committed to having the tattoo, and they like it, they will take it well. “The biggest misconception about tattooing is that it lies along the sidelines of society. This is a very westernized and Christian way of thinking, because in many cultures around the world, it has always been an essential part of life, and more of a privilege than something to be ashamed of. It signifies strength, honour, and the individual’s spiritual and material achievements. “Nowadays tattoos are very popular, in many cases for the wrong reasons. People are being brainwashed by mainstream media and led by celebrities, rather than their own individuality and ideas. Actually celebrities are having the worst tattoos done! Everyone should look deep inside to find their own beauty, and reflect it on their skin according-

“

The biggest misconception about tattooing is that it lies along the sidelines of society

”

ly,” Norbert explains. With the increased popularity of reality tattoo shows, such as LA Ink and London Ink, Norbert has found his views on the shows have changed a lot recently. “These programmes don’t show the real face of the tattoo business, and some of the artists on them are worst than average. Miami Ink is the one closest to my heart... I really loved the show and the artists on there, because it was the most realistic of them all.” With around 6,000 tattoos done by his capable hands, Norbert’s experience in this field is extraordinary. “I always loved doing big, graphical pieces where I can show my skills, not only in tattooing but also drawing. I wouldn’t really say I am specialised in any particular style, but I enjoy doing free-hand custom work whenever I can. I also like doing realistic stuff like animals and portraits, and I think every tattoo artist should educate him or herself by looking at other good artists’ work, in every style.” For any aspiring tattoo artists, Norbert believes the only way to learn the trade well is to practise, listen, and take the advice of more experience artists in the field. No tattoo artist should consider him or herself the best out there, for if an artist thinks he knows everything, it means the end of their development as an artist. Although he recently left the shop where he was working, he believes it is the best thing that has happened to him, and he is now in a position to concentrate on his own career. “At the moment I work privately, and would like to thank all my customers from Gibraltar, England, Holland, Scotland and Switzerland for standing by me and being loyal.” n For more information, contact Norbert on Gibraltar mobile: 60611260, email: mamoyacondomm@hotmail.com, or visit his Facebook pages, Norby Takács or Norby’s Ink.

puzzle page

by Alan Gravett

SUDOKU Win a lunch for two at

The Cannon Bar

7 6

10 11

16 18

One entry per person. Closing date: 20th April 2010 Last month’s winner: Kelly-Anne Llambias, St Josephs

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

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

FIRST PRIZE: Lunch for 2 at The Clipper

One entry per person. Closing date: 20th April 2010 Winner notified in next issue of The Gibraltar Magazine. Last month’s winner: Nicky Diaz, Witham’s Road

Across 1) One of many who have played Doctor Who (3,7) 7) Example (8) 8) Lying above (4) 9) Its offspring is a leveret (4) 10) High circus swing (7) 12) He shot an apple on his son’s head (7,4) 14) Document giving authority or a guarantee (7) 16) Old King; also first name of Porter,a songwriter (4) 19) Outside layer of human body (4) 20) see 6 down 21) Africa, Asia etc. (10) Down 1) He was swallowed by a whale (5) 2) Simple; unchanged (7) 3) Girl’s name (4) 4) Propositions’ formulae (8) 5) Rig out (5) 6)& 20) across–TV series starring 1) as a scarecrow (6,8) 11) 00.00 hours (8) 12) Crazy; old Jimmy Edwards radio and TV show (6) 13) Feeling (7) 15) Recent animated film about the Wild West (5) 15) Rims; slight advantages (5) 18) Artist Tracey ---- (4)

Jotting Pad ...

LAST MONTH’S ANSWERS: Across: Martial Arts, Gran, Clippers, Conform, Brand, Never, Assyria, Etcetera, Pain, Scientology. Down: Iran, Pincers, Flair, Property, Marionettes, Frenetic, Beans, Espanol, Pool, Seredipity.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APriL 2011

in focus

Gibraltar Photographic Society Competition Monochrome Prints Competition, theme “Emotions”, judged by Esteban Perez.

Clockwise from top: Happiness Gladys Yanes 34pts • The Singer Joseph Molinari 40pts • Laughter Maurice Hook 40pts • Happiness Roy McGrail 34pts • The Scream Amanda Brunton 37pts • Happiness David Bartolo 35pts • Frightened Maurice Hook 40pts

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

That Nail Place Nail Extensions DIGITAL VIDEO CAMERA DIGITAL CAMERA - MOBILE PHONES - GPS - PDA ACCESSORIES

No. 4 Watergardens - Block 1, PO Box 882 Tel/Fax: +350 200 78600

Gel - Acrylic - Fibreglass

Airbrushing Nail Art Body Jewellery

Unit F22A 1st Floor, ICC. Tel: 200 73211

GACHE & CO LTD EST. 1830

• Giftware • Jewellery • Sports Trophies • Awards & Engravers

266 Main St, Gibraltar Tel: 200 75757

BUDDIES pasta casa

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

CRAFT CLASSES - PHONE FOR INFO

15 Cannon Lane Tel: 200 40627 for reservations

Gibraltar Taxi Association

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

Sacha’s

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

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

Quality Kitchen Ware Gibraltar’s Best Stocked Cook Shop K5

46 Irish Town Tel: 200 75188 Fax: 200 72653

The Takeway with a difference. Homecooking . our speciality . Open Monday

M5 to Saturday

C6 J4 70

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

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

SMITH’S

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

295 MAIN ST Tel: 200 74254

226 Main Street · Gibraltar · Telephone 200 48480

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Legal Services Hassans............................................. Isolas.............................................E4

Property Sales / Estate Agents Chesterton........................................ Seekers.........................................L3 Solomon Levy . ...........................U3

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

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

Z6 Seekers........................................L3 Space Interiors.............................I3 Shopping — General Gallery Mosaic...........................M5 Sakata.........................................M4 Shopping — Fashion/Clothing Marble Arc...................................... Recruitment Career Finders................................. Corporate Resources....................J4 ERS..............................................I4 RecruitGibraltar......................... O6 Quad Consultancy...................... U3 Transport / Marine Services Gib Cargo................................... B8 Tarik Oil..................................... C8

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

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

Give a Dog a Home! If you could give a loving home to an abandoned dog Call the GSPCA to register your interest 54019968 or 54029927

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

leisure & tuition

lessons&tuition

GACHE & CO LTD EST. 1830

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

hobbies&pastimes CRAFT CLASSES - PHONE FOR INFO

leisure&sport

travel&hotels

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

Queen’s Hotel Gibraltar

photography

Excellent Prices • Centrally Located • Easy Access • Parking • Bar • Restaurant

Tel: (+350) 20074000 Fax: 20040030

newsagents/books

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

72 72

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

history file

Angary Ships & Mers-el-Kebir by Reg Reynolds

the attck on Mers-el-Kebir

In July 1940 Force H of the Royal Navy opened fire on the French fleet trapped in the Algerian port of Mers-el-Kebir. A French battleship was sunk and more than a thousand officers and crew were killed. The French people were outraged and claimed the slaughter ordered by British Prime Minister Winston Churchill was cold-blooded murder and completely unnecessary. In the March edition of Gibraltar Magazine I wrote about ‘angary ships’. These are vessels from neutral countries that are requisitioned and put into service by belligerent nations. In researching the article I was startled to discover a case, involving French ‘angary’ ships, which seems to exonerate Churchill for ordering the destruction of the French fleet at Mers-el-Kebir. When Marshall Petain signed the Franco-German Armistice (22 June 1940), which divided France into occupied and unoccupied zones Churchill was greatly concerned that the French fleet could be taken into the German or Italian navies. After signing the treaty Petain made Admiral Darlan Minister of the Navy; not a good move in Churchill’s eyes as Darlan was known to be fiercely anti-British and was convinced that Germany would win the war. To ease British fears the French fleet sailed from German-controlled Brest to Vichycontrolled Mers-el-Kebir. But that didn’t satisfy Churchill. Force H at Gibraltar, led by the battleship HMS Hood and the aircraft carrier Ark Royal, and under the command of Admiral Sommerville, was ordered to sail to Mers and serve an ultimatum to Admiral Gensoul, commander

of the French fleet. Gensoul was given four options — continue the fight against Germany; sail with reduced crews under Royal Navy control to a British port; sail with reduced crews to a French port in the West Indies; or scuttle the fleet within six hours. Gensoul was told to accept one of these options or his fleet would be destroyed. Gensoul personally assured Sommerville’s negotiator, Captain Holland, that he would scuttle the fleet before allowing it to be commandeered by Germany — but officially he was unable to comply. A last minute instruction from Darlan ordering Gensoul to prepare for battle eliminated any hope for a peaceful settlement. At 1754 hours on 3 July 1940 the British fleet opened fire. In the ensuing one-sided battle the battleship Bretagne was destroyed and two older battleships, Dunkerque and Provence were beached while the modern battleship Strasbourg managed to escape to Toulon. Casualties were 1,297 French sailors killed and 351 wounded. Two British sailors were killed. The British sailors were distressed

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

at having to fire on their former allies. Sommerville had followed orders with great reluctance. Afterwards he said, “It was absolutely bloody business to shoot up those Frenchmen who showed the greatest gallantry.” Subsequent events, including the case of the ‘angary’ ships show that Churchill had been right not to trust the word of Darlan. When Japan entered the war by bombing Pearl Harbour on 7th December, 1941 there were many French merchant ships working the ports of the Far East. It is not surprising then that the Japanese would requisition them using the ‘angary’ laws but thanks to Darlan they had been provided with access to ships and a vital port even before they entering the War. On 29th July 1941, Darlan, now Deputy Premier of Vichy, signed a “common defence” agreement with Japanese Ambassador Kato. Under the agreement the Japanese were given access to French merchant ships and allowed the use of the port of Saigon in what was then French Indochina.

Afterwards he said, “It was absolutely bloody business to shoot up those Frenchmen who showed the greatest gallantry”

Then in early 1942 Japan used the ‘angary’ law to requisition more of the French merchant fleet, giving the ships Japanese names and putting them into service throughout the Pacific Theatre. In all 10 French merchantmen served under the Japanese flag carrying troops and supplies; none survived the war but a few made it through to 1945. Admiral Darlan was assassinated at Algiers on Christmas Eve 1942 by Algerian-born Ferdinand Bonnier de la Chappelle. A member of the French Resistance Chappelle claimed to be acting on his own but he was trained by Special Operations Executive and he had made his way to Algiers via Gibraltar. The 20-year-old was tried on Christmas Day and executed on 26th December. Churchill is still considered by many people around the world to be the ‘butcher’ of Mers-el-Kebir but who could believe that, when the tide of war turned, a desperate Hitler or Mussolini wouldn’t have absorbed the French ships. In fact before the war was over most French warships had been conscripted into the Italian Navy. The Strasbourg was taken over by the Italian Navy and, after the surrender of Italy, by the German Navy. She was sunk by US bombers on 18th August 1944. n

celebrations

This is Your Life... Pepe Fabre celebrated his 95th birthday in style at the Catholic Community Centre with a special This is Your Life presentation. Music was provided by the Gibraltar Regiment Band, the Gibraltar Sea Scouts Pipe Band and a chorus of children who sang old favourites like Knees Up Mother Brown. Pepe then cut a dash on the dance floor with his sequence dance friends.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE â&#x20AC;˘ APRIL 2011

celebrations

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

getting crafty

by Frankie Hatton

Every year we watch it, enthralled, joyed, disappointed and sometimes feeling cheated, but we still watch it and many of us think “Could I do that?” I’ve got news for you, anyone can try but not everyone has the grit, legs or warm clothes. What am I talking about? The X Factor of course.

Frankie goes to...

by Frankie Hatton

X Factor is not a singing competition and the producers don’t actually say it is — they are looking for someone with that certain je ne sais quois or in last year’s contestant, Wagner’s, case that certain el no tuvo nada. So after the last series finished I followed the website link and applied as they asked me to. Then I waited... and waited, in fact, waiting in large batches of time is all part of the X Factor experience. Then in late February I got an email thanking me for the application and telling me to be at the O2 Arena on 6th March before 8am. I confess, I dithered for a while and asked a couple of people what they thought... close friends and, naturally, my wife who had the final say because she’s the one person who should tell me I sang like a wounded elephant. Apparently I sound okay so I prepared the verse and a chorus required, practised and booked the flight and an hotel for one night. As it got closer to the date, I checked various websites and noticed the auditions were open to anyone and they had to be there by 9am. This I figured was to allow the ‘applicants’ their time and then open for anyone afterwards. I was also puzzled to notice the website still carried news on the judges

not being chosen yet, so wondered how that would pan out for the day. Maybe we would get to see a new judging panel? I took the BA flight to Heathrow. On the day of the audition I obviously awoke early, I’d paid for a full breakfast and as the day panned out it was the most sensible thing I did. I’d tried to get a packed lunch but remarkably ordering 12 hours earlier wasn’t enough time for the hotel head chef to guarantee they could do it in time. I left at 7.15 and walked across the road for the tube, which was closed. So were the shops which sold newspapers and water. Those rather fancy coffee shops were open selling a cup of java at about £2.60 which I skipped. I found an attendant who said the tube opened at 7.30, so much for getting there early. As I got on board for the jour-

ney to North Greenwich the train was filling with young men and women, all humming songs and painting their eyes, lips and applying the finishing touches. I straightened my cap and tightened my scarf against the cold. As the train regurgitated its mass of people we all walked towards the signs and were herded into a big snaking queue. As people got closer together the queue moved but after a while I noticed the main doors weren’t open yet. It is here I remind you I applied two months ago and I got an email inviting me to these ‘open’ auditions. It appears apply or just turn up it doesn’t matter. The queue included the ones you see on telly, the ones who tried previously that you recognise and the new oddities who may make this year’s series. There was one guy in his late 50s

They expressed surprise that I was the second they’d seen that day from Gibraltar, then they asked me what I was going to sing and why

dressed in a Union Jack tee-shirt, trousers and baseball cap to match. Another guy in a rather colourful orange and yellow ensemble carrying a huge leather wrestling belt with WWF on the front in plastic. Some girls dressed very smartly contrasting with some who looked like they’d slept in their clothes. There was the usual batch of sexy young ladies, stockings on view, in the cheekiest shorts ever seen. I thought I might undo my coat for my audition and show a little chest hair. More and more people joined the queue and it continued forward as we were urged to squash together and fill gaps. We chatted about the experience and others told of their previous experiences including one young lady who explained last time she was here the doors didn’t open until 12 noon. We asked a security guard and she told us they intended opening the doors at around 9.30am this year. There was food and water for sale at £2.10 for a small bottle and around £4 for a hot dog.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

the eXperience

n As 9am and 10am passed we were given pink wristbands for singers and purple for friends and family, but were still waiting. Suddenly the X Factor theme boomed out and a voice came over the PA welcoming us to the auditions. Soon we will open the doors they said, but first we need some shots for the TV so wave your arms in various ways. Then it was push large X Factor beach balls around, then move a huge flag, then more waving. We were getting a bit bored to be honest. A few contestants got up on the podium and danced to music to keep us cheering. Then after about 45 minutes (or ten minutes if you believe the PA guy) Dermot O’Leary came onto the podium and did some links to camera during which we had to cheer silently or loudly depending on the shot. Ahh... TV all smoke and mirrors. Once again we were told the doors would open in 10 minutes and we could go for our auditions. That 10 minutes took another hour and finally at 12 (that girl was right) they opened and we began to file in. It took another hour for me to get through those doors and about another 20 minutes to be sitting inside the auditorium waiting for our row to be called. Inside the auditorium the seats were filling up and Security filed people down to the front where there were about 30 or 40 small black plastic cubicles. I’d talked to a father and daughter outside who had travelled from Peterborough leaving at 5am as well as several other hopefuls, most genuinely nice people who I hoped would be lucky. You chat about what is to happen next and about your chances, what song you’ll sing, what experiences you have. We all gossiped about the ones going forward and their chances, feeling sorry for those that failed and laughing at the family and friends’ reaction when someone got through.

By now I’d cracked, after waiting outside in the cold, and bought a bottle of water. I accepted a scotch egg from another hopeful. By the time I was in the booth queue at 5.30pm I’d been waiting for about 10 hours. Around me I could see others auditioning and hear more too, some quiet some loud some good, some bad, but all with one dream. The three ahead of me all came out with a ‘no’ and I felt really sorry for them, you do, it’s natural. Then the guy controlling the booth nodded and I was up. The booth was basically three sides of black plastic on wooden frame about six feet long. At one

end were two chairs, the other side had space for me. On the chairs were a blonde lady and a man, both smiling, she with a clipboard he with his legs crossed. I gave them my best smile and they asked the usual questions designed to put you at ease. They expressed surprise that I was the second they’d seen that day from Gibraltar, then they asked me what I was going to sing and why. For about half of the song I was looking right into their eyes making sure they felt I was confident, then noticed him looking down at her clipboard. As I continued to sing I began to wonder what she’d written but finished the song. He looked

Around me I could see others auditioning and hear more too, some quiet some loud some good, some bad, but all with one dream

again and his brow furrowed... her expression never changed. He looked at me and said “Thank you. I’m sorry but it’s a ‘no’ for this year.” No point asking anything. No point asking what I thought, which was why she made her mind up quickly but he obviously didn’t. No point in anything except a big smile, a shake of the hands and a rather lonely walk towards the exit where everyone knows you are heading. It was a very long day for two minutes and the slimmest chance of getting to the call backs next month. The call backs which still may not have any judges but more producers whittling down all the hopefuls to the lucky few that get into that room with Simon, Cheryl, Danny and Louie (maybe). I mean, they’ve got their own auditions to be a judge don’t they? n

Dog of the Month I’m a 3 year old male bodeguero — which is like a Jack Russell with long legs. I need lots of exercise and I am a very lively and friendly boy, even with other dogs.

ll I’m s t i g wa i t i n

“I need a good home!”

If you are interested in adopting me please call the GSPCA on 540 19968 or 540 29927

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

events

St Patrick’s Night at O’Reilly’s

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

events

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

food & drink

Café Solo’s New Look Café Solo has recently undergone a stylish makeover, which enhances the historic stone walls of Casemates Square, in which this popular cafe restaurant is set. Bringing a great new look to the interior, it is perfect for business lunches or sophisticated candlelit evening dining, with its contemporary Mediterranean food created by their

dedicated chefs, as well as their delicious daily specials. Service has always been a priority at Café Solo, and this remains as prompt and friendly as ever. Pop in and experience the new look. Café Solo, Grand Casemates Square. For reservations, telephone 200 44449. n

The Pies Have It... Bob and Marie at Just A Nibble on the first floor of the International Commercial Centre (ICC) are celebrating the 12 year anniversary of Just A Nibble by adding some fabulous homemade pies to the menu. Already on the menu are Italian Beef Pie and Chicken Pedro Ximenez Pie, but now added to the pie delights is Venison Pie.. and Bob is very justifiably proud of his new creation. Pop in and sample the new range. n

Contemporary Mediterranean Dining

Grand Casemates Square Tel: 200

Savannah - APRIL 2011 Events

44449 for reservations

Fri 1st - DJ Rookie • Sat 2nd - Barbra Streisand Tribute Dinner Fri 8th - DJ Rookie • Sat 9th - Elite present Traffic Light Party Fri 15th - DJ Rookie • Sat 16th - Flamenco Fusion night Vivillo Live Weds 20th - PLAY PARTY - student night •Thurs 21st - DJ Rookie Fri 22nd - TBC • Sat 23rd - Cocktail Party - DJ Dani Sun 24th - Stanton Warriors Live • Weds 27th - Play Party - student night Thursday 28th - Sister Bliss (Faithless) • Friday 29th - DJ Rookie Sat 30th - Shot Party - DJ Maniac • Sun 1st May - Sounds of Miami DJ Intoxikate GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

food & drink and luckily the escapees get caught before they race away. Ensuring that your snail dish will be fresh, in contrast to the canned snails kept in brine, this individual touch it will add elegance to your meal. With thanks to the new Chef, Alfonso the menu has had a face-lift or shall we say food lift. Introducing dishes of Rabo de Toro (Oxtail), Carrillada de Cerdo Iberico (Iberico pork cheeks), Chuleton de Avila (large rib steaks from Avila). As well as something truly unique to the Rock Casa Pepe now offers a Cochinillo de Pepe of Casa Pepe Cerdo (whole suckling pig) special with Chef Alfonso to order for those occasions you need to impress. Casa Pepe is also a great location for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and business meetings with a wonderful location on the idyllic Queensway Quay Marina. Casa Pepe has reinvented its menu, creating Casa Pepe is now open Sundays a mouth-watering taste for the masses. for lunch so if you’re bored of the Keeping their speciality in fresh or compliment the very compre- same old Sunday lunch come try locally caught fish which may in- hensive a la carte menu. Snails are something different — your taste clude Sea Bass, Dorada and Turbort traditionally served at Easter but buds won’t regret it. n Paella and Fideua they have added Casa Pepe is keeping them as a a twist to the menu with something perminent fixture to the menu, so individual, Caracoles a La Llauna there is no need to wait for Easter. (snails). Cooked on an open flame Casa Pepe is stepping away from in a llauna pan based in rock salt, the local traditional Andalucía olive oil, garlic, spices and flamed recipe for snails and introducing with Cognac, served with a side of the Cataluña style of cooking with alioli and spice sauces. Caracoles a fresh snails directly from Cataluña, La Llauna can be served as starter he actually keeps them in crates

Casa Pepe Keeps it Fresh

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APrIL 2011

Drain the fish and pick out the peppercorns, onion and bay leaves. Place the fish and saffron threads into a food processer and add the remaining ingredients. Blend for 3-4 minutes, stopping and scraping down the sides. Check the seasoning, it may need a couple more saffron threads, lemon or salt and pepper depending on your desired taste. Set in the fridge for at least 4 hours or in the freezer if needed more rapidly. Place the mousse into a sieve and push through with the back of a rubber spatula to create a lovely smooth consistency. Discard whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s left in the sieve. For the salad combine all the salad ingredients in a bowl. Toss lightly and dress with a little olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper. For the crostini slice the French stick on a 45 degree angle into half cm slices, brush both sides with the softened garlic butter and toast in a preheated oven until golden and crunchy. To assemble heat a tablespoon under hot water and drag it along the top of the mousse inserting approx 1cm into the mousse to make a nice circular cylinder. Place a beautiful little pile of the crisp salad beside the mousse on a plate and stack a pile of the garlic crostini beside both. Drizzle with some olive oil and garnish with some freshly ground black pepper.

Pink Peppercorn & Juniper Berry Crusted Venison Tenderloin, Celeriac Mash, Port & Orange Reduction Serves 2

Celeriac mash: 1 small celeriac peeled, cut into 2cm chunks 2 small potatoes peeled, cut into 2cm chunks 2 tbs salted butter 150ml full cream Salt and pepper to taste

Two Mousse and a Deer by Fifty-Five Chef Scott Casey

Smoked Haddock, Cod & Saffron Mousse, Garlic Crostini, Shaved Fennel & Cucumber Salad Serves 6

150g smoked haddock 100g cod 2 bay leaves Quarter of an onion sliced 8 black peppercorns 500 ml full cream milk 1 tsp quality fresh saffron threads 300g cream cheese Zest of half a lemon 1 tsp powdered fish stock Salt and pepper (to taste)

Venison: 14 14 1 tbs 400g

juniper berries pink peppercorns good quality sea salt good quality roe deer tenderloin (shop name for Venison)

Port and Orange Reduction: 2 tbs salted butter 2 golden shallots, finely diced 5 tbs good quality port 1 chicken stock cube, crumbled 3 tbs red currant jelly 1 orange half juiced and half cut into segments

For the celeriac mash combine the potatoes

Half a cucumber shaved by peeling into long strips Quarter fennel bulb, shaved as fine as possible 2 tbs red onion, sliced finely 1 cup watercress Quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dressing 4 tbs 1

softened garlic butter French stick

Place all the fish into a heavy thick based sauce pan and add the onion, bay leaves, peppercorns, saffron and milk. Bring to the boil slowly and once boiling reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5 minutes and remove from heat. Let sit for 10 minutes.

Chef Scott Casey

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE â&#x20AC;˘ APRIL 2011

recipes and celeriac in a heavy based saucepan and cover with cold salted water. Bring to the boil and simmer until both are tender enough to mash. Add the butter and boiled cream, season to desired taste with salt and pepper and set aside. Next for the venison crust in a pestle and mortar combine the juniper berries, sea salt and pink peppercorns. Grind down into a consistency similar to roughly ground peppercorns from a grinder. If you don’t have a pestle and mortar you can put the above into a clean tea towel and bash the mix with a rolling pin. Trim any excess fat from the venison loin and roll the tenderloin in the ground mix to coat generously. For the sauce reduction melt the butter in a saucepan, add the golden shallots and cook until translucent (about 3 minutes) add the port and bring to the boil, reduce the heat and cook for 4 minutes of until reduced by half. Then add the orange juice, chicken stock cube and red currant jelly. Cook for a further 4 minutes and then strain. Check seasoning and set aside. To assemble heat a griddle pan until smoking hot, add the venison and seal all over each side quickly for 1-2 minutes. Transfer to a baking tray and cook in a preheated 220 degree oven for 10-15 minutes (this will make the venison medium rare to medium. You can cook it for longer if you want but venison is soooo much better eaten no higher than a cooking degree of medium). Remove from the oven and let sit in a warm area for 5 minutes to rest. Place a nice dollop of the celeriac mash in the centre of a plate. Slice the venison on a 45 degree angle and arrange alongside the mash. Spoon

over a generous amount of the reduction. Also serve some nice steamed broccolini and away ya go.

Ultra Light Strawberry & Rhubarb Fool

Serves 4

250g rhubarb cut into 2cm chunks 100g strawberries cut in half and washed 50g golden caster sugar Juice of 1 orange 2 tbs pineapple juice 150 ml double cream, whipped to soft peak stage 2 egg whites, whisked to hard peaks

Place the rhubarb, strawberries, caster sugar, orange and pineapple juice into a small saucepan, bring to a rapid boil and cook for 5 minutes or until the fruit is soft enough to blend. In a bowl gently fold the beaten egg whites into the whipped cream being careful not to knock too much of the air out. Once the fruit mix has cooled gently mash with a fork. Once again gently add this mix to the egg and cream mix. Spoon the mix into the sexiest appropriate sized glasses you own. Set aside in the fridge for 1-2 hours. To serve top with grated white chocolate and garnish with a couple of sliced strawberries. Enjoy! n

Modern

Relaxed

Dining

Open: 10am - late Closed Sundays + Saturday lunch

Open for morning coffee, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APriL 2011

Irish Town Tel: 200 51738 to reserve

•VIP Bar •Restaurant •Private Dining Room

The perfect place to escape or impress

Open 11.30am - late lunch, bar snacks and fine dining Monthly members events, individual, couples & corporate memberships. Contact Louise at 200 79655 or louise@fifty-five.gi

wining & dining

Testicular Cancer Awareness Evening

Black Tie Dinner at the Rock Hotel photos by Sophie T Triay

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE â&#x20AC;˘ APRIL 2011

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

Visit us and step back in history

Casemates Square Tel: 200 72987

Full menu served inside or on our terrace including British Fish & Chips, Jackets, Salads, Burritos, Homemade Pizzas, our special Fresh Local Mussels and much more. Visit us and buy yourself a souvenir, T-shirts, beer glasses, lighters etc Live music every evening, join our Jam Sessions on Wednesday or Sunday. GLMS Music Venue of the Year. Official Home to Gibraltar Rugby Club Free WiFi

10 Casemates www.lordnelson.gi Tel: 200 50009

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

DAILY SPECIALS Grand Casemates Sq Tel: 20044449

restaurant bar guide & turn to pages 86-89 for full restaurant and bar listings

SMITH’S

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

295 MAIN ST Tel: 200 74254

Get Stuffed!

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

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

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

BUDDIES pasta casa

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

Award winning breakfasts from 7.30am Great meals & snacks all day Evening Steak House menu Med Golf Clubhouse Tottenham Hotspur HQ Parliament Lane Tel: 200 75924 GIBRALTAR GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAGAZINE •• JUNE APRIL2010 2011

now also in Casemates

Just A Nibble Licensed Cafeteria Let the ‘A’ Team serve you up a snack or a meal. Daily Specials • Varied Menu

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

85 85

restaurants 14 on the Quay Unit 14, Queensway Quay. Tel: 200 43731 Open for lunch, afternoon tea, cocktails and dinner, 14 on the Quay offers a relaxed atmosphere inside and al fresco dining for every occasion. The international menu changes on a monthly basis to offer a wide variety of choice each time you visit and you can wind up your evening with a refreshing cocktail as you watch one of the marina’s spectacular sunsets. Open: 12 midday - late every day, Sundays 12 midday - 4pm. l Café Solo Grand Casemates Square. Tel: 200 44449 Modern Italian eatery set in the lively Casemates square. Everything from chicory and crispy pancetta salad with walnuts, pears and blue cheese dressing, or king prawn, mozzarella and mango salad to pastas(eg: linguine with serrano ham, king prawns and rocket; smoked salmon and crayfish ravioli with saffron and spinach cream) to salads (eg: Vesuvio spicy beef, cherry tomatoes, roasted peppers and red onions; and Romana chorizo, black pudding, egg and pancetta) and pizzas (eg: Quatto Stagioni topped with mozzarella, ham, chicken, pepperoni and mushroom) and specialities such as salmon fishcakes, beef medallions and duck. Good daily specials menu on blackboard. No smoking inside. Free WiFi. l Cafe Rojo 54 Irish Town. Tel: 200 51738 Sleek modern comfort in this relaxing little restaurant. Red comfy arm chairs in separate area for a relaxing drink or coffee. Brunch menu (10am-12pm) includes ciabatta, granary, foccacia sandwiches with fillings such as pear and blue cheese, smoked bacon and brie, cheese and honey roast ham, delicious desserts (chocolate mousse in a must). Lunch 12 - 3pm and dinner 7-10pm includes Roast Pumpkin, Mushroom, & Spinach Curry; Marinated Tuna Steak & Sesame Crust; Roasted Lamb Shoulder; pasta dishes such as Langoustine, Lime & Coconut; Pear, Walnut & Blue Cheese; and Creamy Mixed Seafood; and salads such as Warm Goats’ Cheese, Fresh Spinach & Chargrilled Aubergine; and Roast Duck, Chorizo & Pancetta Salad. Open: from 10am. Closed all day Sundays, and Saturday lunch. Casa Pepe 18 Queensway Quay Marina. Tel/Fax: 200 46967 Email: casa.pepe.gib@gmail.com Casa Pepe is a delightful bar/ restaurant in the prestigious Queensway Quay Marina. A wonderful location for business meetings, engagements, weddings, anniversaries etc. Specialising in a broad range of raciones (plates to share) with a very comprehensive a la carte menu. Daily specials may include fresh fish caught locally and a selection of Argentinean beef. With a menu including dishes such as Caracoles a la Llauna, Rabo de Toro Oxtail, Iberico pork cheeks,

Maharaja Indian Restaurants Tuckey’s Lane. Tel: 200 75233 Queensway Quay Marina. Tel: 200 50733 With two restaurants, one in the town centre and another on the quayside of Queensway Quay, the Maharaja restaurants have been a well known name in Gibraltar for nearly 40 years. Whilst each restaurant offers a slightly different menu, you’ll find traditional Indian cooking in these recently refurbished restaurants with plenty of choice to cater to your taste. The Maharaja offers vegetarian, seafood and meat dishes throughout its range of starters and main dishes, and don’t be scared to ask them to spice up the dishes just to your liking. The extensive wine list covers reds, roses, whites as well as cava and champagne for that special night out. And if you’re planning a night in, you can use their take-away service. Open: Maharaja Tuckey’s Lane: Monday 10am4pm, Tues - Sun 10am-4pm & 7pm-midnight large rib steaks from Avila and special to order Maharaja Queensway Quay: Tues - Sun 12-4pm & 7pm-Midnight whole suckling pig. Open: Monday-Friday: lunch and evening meal, Saturday: evenings only, Sunday: lunch Savannah Lounge 27 Heart Island, Ocean Village only. Tel: 200 66666 www.savannah.gi Aimed at Gibraltar ’s dining and night-life Fifty-Five Private Member’s Club scene, Savannah has been created with fun and 267 Main Street Tel: 200 79655 Gibraltar’s premier Private Member’s Club style in mind. Offering contemporary European where members can enjoy fine dining and cuisine a wide selection of drinks, cool decor impeccable service in luxurious surroundings. and good music. The venue hosts regular events Open for lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday with invited DJs and shows from abroad. also offering a daily Business Lunch menu. Once Open: Sunday-Thurs midday-midnight, Friday a month 55 opens for traditional Sunday lunch and Saturday midday-5am. and holds a variety of culinary themed evenings i.e. Thai/Japanese Fusion. The main bar offers a full bar snack menu and is the perfect place after a long day at work. On Thursday and Fridays you can relax to the mix of Soul & ’80s music by 55’s resident DJ, take advantage of Happy Hour and enjoy the sushi menu from 6pm. Special occasions or important business clients can be entertained in the Private Dining Room (up to 10 people). Afternoon tea Thursday to Saturday -6pm. For info on membership or to make a reservation for lunch or dinner so you can enjoy the 55 experience contact Louise by phone or email louise@fifty-five.gi Nunos Italian Restaurant and Terrace Caleta Hotel, Catalan Bay For a reservations Tel: 200 76501 E-mail reservations@caletahotel.gi Overlooking the Mediterranean from Catalan Bay, Nunos’ Spanish chef with Three Star Michellin experience offers a variety of Italian cuisine. The restaurant has now moved from its location on the lower floors and can now be found at the reception level of the hotel. A quick peak at the menu reveals the chef’s celebrated Salmorejo is on the menu, as are his baby squid burgers (Insalata di Calamari). From the main dishes you can choose from a variety of fresh fish and meat dishes. Or you could go for the house speciality of fresh, home-made pasta where you can choose from a wide range of options. Open: Monday to Saturday 19.30 to 22.30 and lunchtimes for group bookings.

Solo Bar & Grill Eurotowers Tel: 200 62828 Solo Bar and Grill is a stylish and modern eatery — perfect for business functions or lunches — and part of the popular Cafe Solo stable. Serving everything from Goats’ Cheese Salad, Mediterranean Pâté and Cajun Langoustines to Beer Battered John Dory, or Harissa Chicken, and Chargrilled Sirloin Steak. This is a delightful venue in Europort with a cosy mezzanine level and terrace seating — well worth a visit, or two! Open: 12-8pm. Available for private functions and corporate events — call 200 62828 to book your function or event. The Waterfront Queensway Quay Marina Tel: 200 45666 Website: www.gibwaterfront.com The Waterfront is a very popular long established restaurant located on the quayside at Queensway Quay Marina. Serving drinks, snacks and A La Carte menus. There are different areas for eating; inside the main bar area or within a large chandelier light covered terrace, or formal and informal dining on the water’s edge. A newly extended bar area, featuring the new Balcony Bar upstairs offers plenty of relaxing, warm, cozy space to enjoy bar snacks and drinks. The seasonally inspired menu brings you market fresh dishes from the land and the sea. The classic winter warmer dishes are ever popular as the weather changes and dishes that remain firm favourites in Gibraltar are always

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APril 2011

available. Waterfront also specialises in aged steaks; this in house dry aging process involves wrapping the meat in muslin cloth to draw out the moisture over a period of 21 days, resulting in a more concentrated flavour and fantastically succulent, tender steaks. A wide range of Movenpick ice cream and scrumptious homemade desserts is also available. Open: 9 till late 7 days a week, year round. The Water Margin 5 Ocean Village Promenade Tel: 200 73668 Gibraltar’s premier Chinese restaurant serving freshly cooked traditional Chinese dishes in the beautiful Ocean Village marina. Check out the outstanding aromatic crispy duck, the special duck slow cooked with honey and chilli or the freshly caught seabass delicately steamed with ginger and spring onion, popular with families looking for a relaxing night dining. No microwave oven or flavour enhancer (MSG) used in this establishment — it’s all freshly cooked and delicious. Home delivery service. Open: 7 days a week, evening from 6pm, lunch from 12:30pm

l Sacarello Coffee Co. 57 Irish Town. Tel: 200 70625 Converted coffee warehouse, ideal for coffee, homemade cakes/afternoon tea, plus menu including excellent salad bar, specials of the day and dishes such as lasagne, steak and mushroom Guinness pie, hot chicken salad, toasties, club sandwich and baked potatoes. Art exhibitions. Available for parties and functions in the evenings. Open: 9am-7.30pm Mon-Fri. 9am-3pm Sat

meeting place. Open: Monday - Saturday from 9am.

Just Desserts 1st Floor ICC. Tel: 200 48014 Bright and airy, recently redecorated cafe on the first floor of the ICC. All home-made food including daily specials, vegetarian options and desserts. Eat in or take-away. Try their informaleating daily roast with everything on or their all-day breakfast. Non-smoking restaurant with terrace Amin's The Office smoking area. Friendly, cheerful and fully 30 Parliament Lane. Tel: 200 40932 licensed with sensible prices. Sit down, informal and friendly restaurant. Open: 8am - 4.30pm Monday to Friday. Amin is well known in Gibraltar for his Moroccan, Spanish and international cuisine. Mumbai Curry House Open early for breakfast at 7am right through Unit 1.0.02 Ground Floor, Block 1 the day. Try the Moroccan soups, couscous, Eurotowers lamb tagines and kebabs. Tel: 200 73711 Home delivery: 50022/33 Open: 7.00am to midnight. Good Indian cuisine for eating in or taking away, from snacks such as samosas, bhajias, and Buddies Pasta Casa pakoras to lamb, chicken and fish dishes with 15 Cannon Lane. Tel: 200 40627 sauces such as korma, tikka masala, bhuna, do Italian specials in pleasant ambience. Large piaza... in fact all you would expect from an selection of starters from garlic bread to Indian cuisine take-away. Large vegetarian calamari. Main courses include spinach selection. Halal food is available, as is outside caneloni, spaghetti alla carbonara, fusilli al catering for parties and meetings. Sunday salmone, and peppered steak to name a few. specials include all Mumbai favourites such as Tasty desserts and variety of wines. Dosa and Choley Bhature. Open: Monday - Thursday 11am - 5pm, Friday Open: 7 days a week 11am to 3pm, 6pm -late. 11am-3pm and 7pm-11pm, Sat 11am-4.30pm Munchies Cafe Get Stuffed 24 Main Street. Tel: 200 43840 Fax: 200 42390 Marina Bay. Tel: 200 42006 A great sandwich bar/cafe offering an unusual Take-away, sandwich bar and hot food. Serving range of sandwiches on white or granary all homemade sandwiches, salads, quiches, bread, plus salads, baguettes, soups, desserts, pasta, pies, muffins, plus hot and cold drinks homemade ice-cream and hot/cold drinks. and smoothies and a different special every day. Business lunches, parties and kids parties also Outside catering for corporate parties. catered for (for party and office platters phone Open: 8am - 6pm Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm Sat. or fax order by 5.30pm day before - minium orders for delivery £12). Just A Nibble Open: Mon - Fri 8.30-7, Sat 9 - 4, Closed Sun. 1st Flr ICC Tel: 200 78052 Full licensed cafe serving English breakfast, Picadilly Gardens vast range of toasties, rolls, and snacks. Meals Rosia Road. Tel: 200 75758 include, Bob’s famous chicken curry/chilli Relaxed bar restaurant with cosy garden terrace con carne, and a great new range of pies (from just across the road from the cable car. English Bob’s chicken and leek to steak and kidney breakfast, churros, tapas, hamburgers, fresh plus a whole range of tasty alternatives) plus fish, prawns, squid, clams and a variety of meat all the old favourites; jacket spuds, burgers, hot dishes. Eat in or take away. Menu of the day dogs, fish and chips, and daily specials. Ideal only £6. Open: early to late.

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Smith’s Fish & Chips 295 Main Street. Tel: 200 74254 Traditional British fish and chip shop with tables/seating available or take-away wrapped in newspaper. Menu: Cod, haddock or plaice in batter, Cornish pasties, mushy peas etc. Also curries, omlettes, burgers. Open: 8am-6pm Monday-Friday. Breakfast from 8. Located: Main Street opposite the Convent. Solo Express Grnd Flr, International Commercial Centre & Eurotowers Solo Express, located right next to Pizza Hut in Casemates and in Eurotowers, serves a good variety of salads and baguettes (white, brown & ciabatta) filled with a wide deli selection of things such as roast chicken; smoked salmon & mascapone; ham, cheese and coleslaw; or hummous, avocado and roasted red pepper. The salads are fresh and tasty and include Greek, Waldorf, cous cous, tuna pasta, etc and are great value. Jacket potatoes, quiches, tea, coffee etc plus cakes (such as flapjacks and muffins) are also available throughout the day. Eat-in available. Soups in winter. Free Wifi. The Tasty Bite 59a Irish Town. Tel: 200 78220 Fax: 200 74321 Tasty Bite has one of the biggest take-away menus around with home cooked meats, filled baguettes, burgers, chicken, kebabs and everything else you can think of! Open: Monday - Saturday. Three Roses 60 Governor’s Street. Tel: 200 51614 Charming, recently refurbished bar with a cosy, homely atmosphere situated just above Main Street (near Eliott Hotel). Offering lunch, tapas, special montaditos and several South African dishes such as Boere Rolls, the bar has three screens for live football matches. The Three Roses has a function room for booking at no cost and charity organisations are particularly welcome. Monday nights Salsa dancing. Open: midday - 11pm Monday to Saturday. Sunday’s closed unless Chelsea are playing. Verdi Verdi 44 Cornwall's Lane. Tel: 200 60733 Verdi Verdi offers morning and afternoon coffee as well as all home-made vegetarian and vegan dishes, fish, fresh baked bread and desserts. A wide selection of sandwiches to eat in or take away. Delivery service available. Delicious coffees Open: Mon & Fri: 9am - 3pm, Tues - Thurs: 9am -3pm & 7-10pm, Sun: 6-10pm. Sat Closed

bars&pubs All’s Well Grand Casemates Square. Tel: 200 72987 Traditional pub in fashionable Casemates area. Named for the 18th century practice of locking the Gates to the city at night when the guard announced ‘All’s Well’ before handing the keys to the watch. All’s Well serves Bass beers, wine and spirits plus pub fare. English breakfast served all day, hot meals such as pork in mushroom sauce, sausage & mash, cod and chips and steak & ale pie are complemented by a range of salads and filled jacket potatoes. Large terrace. Karaoke every Monday and Wednesday until late. Free tapas on a Friday 7pm. Cannon Bar 27 Cannon Lane. Tel: 200 77288 Jane is still there and still packed out with tourists and regulars! Word has it that she nearly managed to escape, but wasn’t allowed to. The famous fish and chips, the odd French speciality, there’s always something happening in the Cannon! Located between Marks & Spencer and the Cathedral just off Main Street. Quiz night on Tuesdays, get there early as it is definitely the place to be on a normally quiet Gibraltar Tuesday.

Attractive bar/brasserie in historic Casemates building. Done out to represent Nelson’s ship with cloud and sky ceiling crossed with beams and sails. Spacious terrace Starter s& snacks include fresh local mussels, blue cheese and rocket bruschetta, Lordy’s potato skins, spicy chicken wings and calamares. Main courses cover a range from chilli con carne and chicken and mushroom pie, to crispy aromatic duck burrito and British fish and chips. Try one of the salads or Nelson’s platters. Jacket potatoes, The Final Whistle burgers and children’s menu. Credit cards ac4, Cornwall’s Parade Friendly sports bar with six screens. If it’s live, cepted. Live music Venue of the Year, with live it’s on, and often more than one game on at a music on stage every night. Free Wifi. Open: time for full sports coverage. Fun atmosphere from 10am till very late. with special offers during premier matches. All The Lounge sports fans welcome. Queensway Quay Marina Tel: 200 61118 Open 10am until late, 7 days a week. Stylish lounge bar right on the quayside at Queensway Quay with very reasonably priced The Gibraltar Arms drinks and light bites from 10am until late. 184 Main St. Tel: 200 72133 Free WiFi, popular quizzes on Sundays (from www.gibraltararms.gi Good food served all day at this typical pub 7.30pm) and a relaxed friendly atmosphere... right on Main Street. Everything from all day always plenty of people / yachties to chat to. breakfast to Irish fillet steak roll, burritos, and Events (matches etc) covered on large screen the popular fresh local mussels. Draught lager, TV. Great place to chill out. Open: 10am from bitter, cider and Murphys plus free WiFi. Ter- Monday to Saturday until late and from 12pm race seating right on Main Street to watch the on Sundays (get there early if you want a seat world go by. Open: from 8am (10am Sundays) for the quiz). until late. O’Reilly’s Leisure Island, Ocean Village. Tel: 200 67888 Lord Nelson Bar Brasserie Traditional Irish bar with full HD sports cover10 Casemates Tel: 200 50009 age and Irish breakfast from 7am (Sunday from www.lordnelson.gi 9am). Guinness on draught. Food includes salE-mail: reservations@lordnelson.gi

ads, jackets, beef and Guinness ale pie, Molly’s mussels, drunken swine, Boxty dishes (potato pancake wrapped around delicioius fillings), sandwiches, rolls, Kildare chicken and much much more. And just like in Ireland there’s no smoking inside, so a great atmosphere for all. Savannah Lounge 27 Heart Island, Ocean Village Tel: 200 66666 Aimed at Gibraltar ’s dining and night-life scene, Savannah has been created with fun and style in mind. Offering contemporary European cuisine a wide selection of drinks, cool decor and good music. The venue hosts regular events with invited DJs and shows from abroad (see ad for details). Open: Sunday-Thurs midday-midnight, Friday and Saturday midday-5am. The Star Bar Parliament Lane. Tel: 200 75924 Reputedly the oldest bar in Gib, this small cosy bar opens early for breakfast (English or toast & cereal). Lunch/evening menu includes fillet steak, fish and chips and salads. Home of Med Golf and Tottenham Hotspur FC supporters club. Outside seating. Open: from 7am every day. Located: first right off Main St (walking from N to S). The Three Owls Irish Town. Tel: 200 77446 The Three Owls is a traditional bar serving best of English beers. Three separate bars/floors: ground floor — big screen TV, pool table, poker machines, bar — open from 10.30am daily. First floor ‘Hoots’ bar, two match pool tables, poker machines, dartboard, bar, open from 5pm daily. Second Floor the ‘Nest’ — American pool table, poker machine, card table, bar — open from 7pm daily and also at weekends for the Rugby Union matches. If you are looking for a sociable game of pool or darts this is the place to be. Wembley Bar 10 South Barrack Ramp. Tel: 200 78004 Popular bar for hot and cold bar snacks, function room, in south district. Fridays 10am for breakfast. Air conditioned. The home of the Real Madrid Supporter’s Club. Open: from 11am - midnight Sunday - Thursday, 10am - 1am Friday, and from 11am - 1am Saturdays.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APril 2011

wine column

April Fish The Lord Chamberlain’s office has just left a message to say that you have not yet replied to your invitation to the wedding at the end of this month and he needs to know whether you will be attending. An e-mail in your in-box indicates that you have won the lottery and need to contact the sender to claim your winnings. A letter from a respectable firm of solicitors asks you to get in touch to claim an inheritance from a long-lost family member. An acquaintance passing in the street mentions that he has heard your boss is leaving and you are in the frame for promotion. Anglo Hispano are offering the last of the 2005 clarets as ‘bin-ends’ at £5 a bottle. Sadly, all untrue but supposedly hilarious April Fools from old ‘friends’. Rather like the decline in the correct use of the English language, the lowering of standards of April Fools is a favourite complaint of those old enough to remember the BBC Panorama programme with Richard Dimbleby solemnly regretting the failure of this year’s spaghetti harvest, the special report in the Guardian on the island of San Serif and other classics. To be truly successful, an April Fool needs to be elaborate, well-planned and executed, and — above all — unexpected. We are all on the look-out now for the BMW advertisement for some ridiculous new technological device on its cars; the Gibraltar Chronicle re-running the plan to drill holes through the Upper Rock to prevent the Levanter cloud from forming and so on. In these days of cost control and keeping noses firmly applied to grindstones, the time and effort required for a truly great April Fool is not approved of. Imagine the fuss if the BBC tried another one: ‘a waste of tax-payers’ money’, ‘the BBC should be concentrating on serious issues’. And, of course, supposed jokes can go seriously wrong: a few years ago someone in a British colony sent a confidential and secret fax to a friend in London to ask for help after the neighbouring country had invaded the colony and cut off all other forms of communication; the friend in London quickly alerted the Foreign Office and a certain amount of difficulty was caused. Short of putting an impressive label on an ordinary bottle and then informing the various quaffers that their appreciation was misplaced — which is anyway rather more cruel than amusing — wine does not lend itself to foolery. But that is not to say it should always be taken terribly seriously. The tedious bore who drones on about good years, full bodies and whiffs of oily rag sounds like Jeremy Clarkson talking

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

Switching the labels on bottles of wine is considered more April Cruel than April Fool

about cars, but without the latter’s occasionally amusing asides. Wine is for enjoyment; a certain amount of knowledge may assist full appreciation but is not necessary. And those who seek to impress with their encyclopaedic knowledge are usually fools themselves; it can be quite fun to catch them out (but gently, so they are unaware of their foolishness — there is no need for cruelty, even to someone resembling Jeremy Clarkson). One point on which there can be no mistake is that cheap wine is cheap for a reason. It may be because it was originally produced as industrial alcohol which went wrong; it may be because it is from poor grapes grown on poor soil with sugar (and perhaps a few other chemicals) added to create alcohol and some semblance of taste. These are the worst possibilities: more likely it is just from an area where quantity of production is considered more important than quality. Most cheap wine is recognisably wine (of a sort) and it may well be that the quality is unimportant in the surroundings. It is unusual, to say the least, to find a premier cru poured out during a sociable chat with friends over a plate of quickly made spaghetti Bolognese; the wine is there to lubricate the conversation and

Between the very cheap and the impossibly expensive lies the vast majority of wine. It is finding one that suits you and your budget which is difficult and where the supplier may often try to fool you

— provided it is not really industrial alcohol — is not there to be noticed. So the person who boasts of picking up various bottles at one euro each, and who cannot understand why anyone should want to pay more, is not a fool or to be sneered at. He gets his pleasure from the effect rather than the taste. A lager drinker does not appreciate Hepplethwaite’s Thumping Old Peculiar (even though the latter may in fact be slightly cheaper). If all that you require from wine is a sense of general benevolence towards the world, then nearly any wine will provide it. At the other end of the scale is the person who buys his wine on the basis of expense, in order to show off and impress others with his generosity and taste. He probably spends more time checking the reactions of others to his wine than he spends actually enjoying it himself. Let him do so, and take full advantage of such delights. He is not a fool either, merely getting his priorities mixed up. Between the very cheap and the impossibly expensive lies the vast majority of wine. It is finding one that suits you and your budget which is difficult and where the supplier may often try to fool you. The gaudy label, the flowery descriptions in the restaurant wine list, the producer’s photographs of beautiful maidens lovingly caressing a bunch of full grapes all create an image which the taste often belies — but sometimes doesn’t. Have another look at Jacob’s Creek Australian wines (about £7.00 from everywhere). A wellestablished name, nothing very special, but not remotely foolish. n

A ro u n d To w n .. .

Here we are in April and let’s hope it doesn’t mean April showers and we can all enjoy some sunshine on Main Street. There is so much going on it April it’s hard to know where to start... Ahh yes, let’s start with the most light-hearted day of the year, when we feel in the mood to play a prank (or two) to our nearest and dearest. Perhaps even getting back at your office colleague, or best mate, for what he/she did to you last year. Yes, April Fool’s day is on 1st April, so remember to be extra vigilant – you don’t want to be left feeling the fool! Post at your Peril One person who will remain nameless to protect the innocent, was a little bit silly recently when he tried to organise a surprise birthday party for his girlfriend by asking a friend to help on his ‘wall’ on Facebook. Of course the cat was well and truly out of the bag by the time he realised what he had done and frantically called his friend to ask him how to remove the post. The next message posted was from his girlfriend saying “Too late, I’ve seen it!” Sometimes technology is a very dangerous thing... Musical Treats If you are in the mood for some music this month, it seems there is something for everyone on the Rock from the Gibraltar National Choir’s Spring Concert at the Holy Trinity Cathedral on 12th April and the Philharmonic Society’s Baroque Virtuosi at St Michael’s Cave on 7th, to international star Sister Bliss at Savannah on 28th and local talent Surianne at Chao on 16th. If something doesn’t

This page: The Gibraltar Heritage Trust 1st Annual Dinner at the Rock Hotel

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Heroes vs Villans at the King’s Bowl 10 pin bowling at the King’s Bastion Leisure Centre

tickle your fancy there, then perhaps you like arts of a different kind? A great murder mystery will be staged at Ince’s Hall from 11th to 13th April by the Trafalgar Theatre Group, and Urban Dance will be giving an exhibition of their talents at John Mackintosh Hall on 8th April. And that is just a sample of what’s in store for culture vultures on the Rock this month... scour our pages for all the best events! Happy Birthday Ma’m Of course, this month we have Easter and the Royal Wedding too, and it’s even the Queen’s birthday on 21st if there isn’t enough going on in April. Talking of birthdays, Earon Balloqui is no fool for celebrating on the 1st, Hassans’ Ian Winch gets another year older on 5th, Tom of Quad celebrates on 7th as does Zaxkia of Newton Systems, then the next day Vin Mifsud gets her party hat out. Edward Macquisten of the Chamber of Commerce chalks up another year on 21st, and 7 days later Becky of Cafe Rojo and Claudia of Claudia’s Clinic both celebrate their days. A big congratulations to you all... and to anyone else who is celebrating this month... Don’t forget to let us know if you have a special occasion coming up you’d like us to mention, and pictures are always welcome too, so don’t be shy! Eyes Down for Charity Finally, congratulations to FLIP student Paul Earle who managed to raise a whopping £6,100 for the AKIN charity from his bingo night at the Laguna Social Club. Lovers of Bingo will not be disappointed to hear that there will be another charity bingo night, this time at the Varyl Begg Social Club from 9pm. Tickets are £10. To find out more about this event give Veronica a call on 54018044.

This picture and below: enjoying the party at O’Reilly’s

Well that’s it for this April edition of The Gibraltar Magazine. We hope you enjoy reading all our fabulous features this month... it really is an edition crammed packed full of good stuff. In the meantime, we’ll see you on Main Street!

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clubs&activities Arts & Crafts The Arts Centre, Prince Edward’s Rd. Art classes for children (5-6pm Mon, 5-6.30pm Tues, 5-7pm Thurs), adults (Mon - Tues 6.30pm-8pm, Wed 6.30pm-8.30pm, life painting Wed 7pm9pm). Tel: 200 79788. The Fine Arts Association Gallery 1st Floor above Gibraltar Crystal, Casemates. Open 11am-2pm, 4-6pm Mon - Fri, Sat 11am - 2pm. Arts & Crafts Gallery (next door) opens Mon - Fri 9.30am - 5pm (summer) -6pm (winter), Sat 9.30am - 3pm. The Gibraltar Decorative and Fine Arts Society Affiliated to the UK NADFAS organisation meets third Wednesday of the month at 6.30pm at Eliott Hotel - lecturers & experts from the UK to talk on Art etc. Contact: ChairmanClaus Olesen: 200 02024 claus.olesen@sghambros. com. Membership Ian leBreton: 200 76173 ilebreton@SovereignGroup.com 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 Adult Dance Classes Wednesday evenings at the Youth Disco Room, Kings Bastion Leisure Centre from 7-8.30pm. Cha-Cha, Salsa and Merengue. Lessons £5 and all proceeds to GibMissionAfrica Charity. Contact Dilip on 200 78714 or dance@trainingtm.net Salsa Gibraltar Salsa classes held Tuesdays at Laguna Social Club, Laguna Estate. Beginners 7-8.30pm, £5 per lesson. Intermediates 8.30-10pm, £6 per lesson (all profits going to the charity Help Us To Help Them). Contact: Mike 54472000 Email: info@salsagibraltar.com website: www.salsagibraltar.com Modern & Latin American Sequence Dancing Mondays Catholic Community Centre 8.30pm (beginners 7.30). Over 15s welcome. Old & Modern Sequence Dancing sessions at the Catholic Community Centre at 8pm, beginners at 7.30pm, Wednesday. The DSA Old & Modern Sequence Dancing sessions at Central Hall Fridays 8pm, beginners 7.30pm. Tel: 200 78282 or e-mail manvio@ gibraltar.gi Everybody welcome. Senior Citizens Teatime Dances at The Youth Centre, Line Wall Rd on Mondays 2 - 5.30pm. All senior citizens welcome for coffee, tea and biscuits. Entrance free. Classical Ballet classes for children 4+, Spanish dance and hip-hop at Liza School of Dance, 3rd floor, Methodist Church, 297/299 Main St. Classes Weds & Fri from 6pm at Chiltern Court (4Cs). Tel: 58111000. Modern, Contemporary, Hip Hop & Flexibility classes held weekly at Urban Dance Studio for Performing Arts, No. 2 Jumpers Bastion. Contact Yalta (54012212) or Jolene (54015125). History & Heritage The Gibraltar Heritage Trust Main Guard, 13 John Mackintosh Sq. Tel: 200 42844. The Gibraltar Classic Vehicle Association Dedicated to preservation of Rock’s transport/motoring heritage. Assists members in restoration / maintenance of classic vehicles. Members/vehicles meet 1st Sunday of month, Morrison’s car park from 10am. New members welcome. Tel: 200 44643. Music The Gibraltar National Choir and Gibraltar Junior National Choir rehearse on Monday & Thursday 7.30 - 9pm. New singers of all ages welcome. Tel: Lili 200 40035, 54006727 St Andrew’s Music Academy Musical Monsters Club, workshops. Group musical activities for kids 3-7 years. Singing, rhythmic games etc. Tel: 200 42690 email: samagib@hotmail.com Outdoor Activities The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is an exciting self-development Programme available to all young people worldwide equipping them with life skills to make a difference to themselves,

Don’t be bored... do something fun! their communities and the world. To date over 5 million young people from over 100 countries have been motivated to undertake a variety of voluntary and challenging activities. Contact Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Montagu Bastion, Line Wall Road. Tel: 200 59818 Quizzes Cannon Bar quizzes are held on Tuesdays starting with a warm up, then two other quizzes, including a theme quiz. Starts at 8.30pm, all welcome and prizes are given. Free entrance but a donation to charity is requested. Tapas served after the quiz. The Lounge friendly quizzes take place on Sundays from 8pm right on the quayside at Queensway Quay. Social Clubs Scots on the Rock: Any Scots visiting the Rock can contact Charles Polson (Tel: 200 78142) for assistance or information. Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (Gibraltar Province) meets RAOB Club, Jumpers Bastion on these days: Provincial Grand Lodge, 1st Monday/month, 8pm. Executive Meeting, last Mon/month 7pm. Knights Chapter, 2nd Mon/month 7.30pm. Examining Council, 3rd Mon/month 7pm. William Tilley 2371, Thurs 8pm. Buena Vista 9975, Weds (fortnightly) 7pm. Por Favor 9444, Weds (fortnightly) 7pm. Farewell 10001, Tues 8.30pm. Goldacre 10475 (social) last Fri/month 8pm. Special Interest Clubs & Societies Gibraltar Horticultural Society meets 1st Thurs of month 6pm, John Mac Hall. Spring Flower Show, slide shows, flower arrangement demos, outings to garden centres, annual Alameda Gardens tour. All welcome. Gibraltar Philosophical Society devoted to intellectually stimulating debate. Frequent lectures and seminars on a range of topics. Contact 54008426 (after 6pm) or email gibphilosophy@ live.co.uk for further information. The Gibraltar Photographic Society meets on Mon at 7.30pm, Wellington Front. Basic courses, competitions etc. Harley Davidson Owners’ Club www.hdcgib. com UN Association of Gibraltar PO Box 599, 22a Main Street. Tel: 200 52108. Creative Writers Group meet every Tuesday at the Eliott Hotel bar at 8pm. The workshop is run by Carla, Tel: 54006696 and is aimed at learning to write fiction and non-fiction, for pleasure or publication. Each session is £5.00. Sports Supporters Clubs The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters Club meet at the Star Bar, Parliament Lane, when Spurs games are televised - call prior to matches to check the game is televised. Great food for a lunch if the KO is early or an early supper if the game is later. For info call Mario on 56280000. Gibraltar Arsenal Supporters Club meet on match days at the Casino Calpe (Ground Floor). Gooners of all ages welcome. Tel: Bill 54010681 or Dion 56619000. Website: www.clubwebsite. co.uk/ArsenalGibraltarSC/. Gibraltar Hammers meet on match days at the Victoria Stadium Bar, Bayside Road. All league games are shown live. All West Ham supporters and their families are welcome. For details visit www.gibraltarhammers.com or e-mail gibraltarhammers@hotmail.com Sports & Fitness Artistic Gymnastics: Gibraltar Artistic Gymnastics Association club for beginners, juniors and squad at Bayside School in evenings. Tel: 200 Angela 200 70611 or Sally 200 74661. Athletics: Gibraltar Amateur Athletics Association holds competitions throughout year for juniors, adults and veterans. Two main clubs (Calpeans 200 71807, Lourdians 200 75180) training sessions at Victoria Stadium. Badminton: Recreational badminton weekdays at Victoria Stadium (Tel: 200 78409 for allocations). Gibraltar Badminton Association (affiliated to IBA & EBA) has leagues and training for adults and secondary school. Tel: Ivan 200 44045 or Linda 200 74753. Basketball: Gibraltar Amateur Basketball Association (affiliated FIBA) leagues/ training for minis, passarelle, cadets, seniors and adults at a variety of levels. Tel: John 200 77253, Randy 200 40727 or Kirsty (minis) 200 49441. Billiards & Snooker: Gibraltar Billiards and

Snooker Association (member IBSA) round leagues and competitions at various venues. New members welcome. Tel: Eddie 200 72142 or Peter 200 77307. Boxing: Gibraltar Amateur Boxing Association (member IABA) gym on Rosia Rd. Over 13s welcome to join. Tuition with ex-pro boxer Ernest Victory (200 75513 w, 200 42788 h). Canoeing: Gibraltar Canoeing Association. Tel: Nigel 200 52917 or Eugene 58014000. Cricket: Gibraltar Cricket Association (member ICC) runs leagues/competitions at Europa Point/ Victoria Stadium. Junior/senior training. Tel: Tom 200 79461 or Adrian 200 44281. Cycling: Gibraltar Cycling Association various cycling tours. Tel: Uriel 200 79359. Darts: Gibraltar Darts Association (member WDF) mens/ladies/youth leagues/competitions. Tel: Darren 54027171 “Secretary”, Dyson “Youth Rep” 54024149, Justin “President” 54022622 Email: info@gibraltardarts.com Football: Gibraltar Football Association leagues/competitions for all ages October-May. Futsal in summer, Victoria Stadium. Tel: 200 42941 www.gfa.gi. Senior Tel: Albert 200 41515, Junior Tel: Richard 58654000, Women’s Tel: Brian 200 52299. Recreational football for over 35s Tel: Richard 200 70320. Golf: Med Golf tournaments held monthly. Tel: 200 79575 for tournament venues/dates. Gibraltar Golf Union has competitions through year, EGU handicaps. Tel: Bernie 200 78844. Hockey: Gibraltar Hockey Association (members FIH & EHF) high standard competitions/training for adults and juniors. Tel: Eric 200 74156 or Peter 200 72730. Judo: Gibraltar Judo Association UKMAF recognised instructors for all ages and levels at Budokai Martial Arts Centre, Wellington Front. Tel: Charlie 200 73116 or Peter 200 73225. Ju-jitsu: Gibraltar Ju-jitsu Academy training and grading for juniors/seniors held during evening at 4 North Jumpers Bastion (Rosia Rd). Tel: Tony 200 79855 or club 200 47259. Karate-do Shotokai: Gibraltar Karate-do Shotokai Association sessions for junior/seniors, gradings and demos at Karate Clubhouse, 41H Town Range Tel: Andrew 200 48908. Motorboat Racing: Gibraltar Motorboat Racing Association Tel: Wayne 200 75211. Netball: Gibraltar Netball Association (affiliated FENA & IFNA) competitions through year, senior / junior leagues. Tel: 200 41795 or 200 41874. Petanque: Gibraltar Petanque Association plays at Giralda Gardens, Smith Dorrien Ave. New members welcome. Tel: 200 70929. Pool: Gibraltar Pool Association (member EUKPF) home and away league played on Thurs through season. Tel: Linda 200 74753. Rhythmic Gymnastics: Gibraltar Rhythmic Gymnastics Association runs sessions for 4 years of age and upwards, weekday evenings. For more information contact Sally Tel: 200 74661. Rugby: Gibraltar Rugby Football Union training sessions for Colts (14+), seniors and veterans. Play in Andalusia 1st Division Oct - April. Tel: James 200 72185 Sailing: Gibraltar Yachting Association junior/ senior competitive programme (April - Oct) Tel: RGYC 200 48847. Sea Angling: Gibraltar Federation of Sea Anglers (members FIPS-M & CIPS) Superb calendar of events with four clubs participating. Tel: Mario 200 72622 or Charlie 200 74337. Shooting: Gibraltar Shooting Federation (over 14s). Rifle, Europa Point range (Joe 200 74973); clay pigeon, East Side (Harry 200 74354); Pistol, near Royal Naval Hospital (Fidel 200 71990). Skating: Gibraltar Skating and Xtreme Sports Association. State of art ramps for Xtreme/aggressive roller blading /skate boarding. Leisure skating facilities provided within excellent rink (when not used for roller hockey training). Tel: Eric 200 70710 (after 5). Snorkelling & Spear Fishing: Over 14s for snorkelling, over 16s for spear fishing. Tel: Joseph 200 75020. Squash: Gibraltar Squash Association,

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Squash Centre, South Pavilion Road (members WSF & ESF). Adult/junior tournaments/coaching. Tel: 200 44922 or 200 73260. Sub-Aqua: Gibraltar Sub-Aqua Association taster dives for over 14s, tuition from local clubs. Voluntary sports clubs: Tel: Phil 200 44606, Noah’s Dive Club Tel: Leslie 200 79601, 888s Dive Club Tel: Martin 200 70944. Commercial sports diving schools also available. Swimming: Gibraltar Amateur Swimming Association (member FINA & LEN) opens its pool for leisure swimming Mon - Fri 7-8.45am, 12- 4pm, 8- 9pm. Junior lessons, squad for committed swimmers, water polo (Rebecca 200 72869). Table Tennis: Gibraltar Table Tennis Association (members ITTA) training / playing sessions, Victoria Stadium, Tues 6-10pm and Thurs 8-11pm with coaching and league competition. Lizanne 200 45071/54020477 or Eugene 58014000. Taekwondo: Gibraltar Taekwondo Association classes/gradings Tel: 200 Mari 44142. Tai Chi: Children’s fun Tai Chi at the Yoga Centre, 33 Town Range, Saturdays 11-12am. Beginners Tuesdays & Thursdays at Kings Bastion Leisure Centre. 6.30-8pm. Adults £5, Children £2, all proceeds to GibMissionAfrica Charity. Contact Dilip on 200 78714 or rocktaichi@traningtm.net Tennis: Gibraltar Tennis Association, Sandpits Tennis Club, excellent junior development programme. Courses for adults, leagues / competitions. Tel: Frank 200 77035. Ten-Pin Bowling: Ten-Pin Bowling takes place at King’s Bowl in the King’s Bastion Leisure Centre every day. To have a go call 200 77338 to reserve your lane. Gibraltar Ten Pin Bowling (members FIQ & WTBA) leagues, training for juniors and squad. Contact Charly on 56014000 or Paul on 54029749. Triathlon: Gibraltar Triathlon Union (members ITU) Chris 200 75857 or Harvey 200 55847. Volleyball: Gibraltar Volleyball Association (members W & EVF) training, leagues, competitions for juniors/seniors. Tony 200 40478 or Elizabeth 58306000. Yoga: Integral Yoga Centre runs a full programme of classes from Mon-Fri at 33 Town Range. Tel: 200 41389. All welcome. Theatrical Groups Gibraltar Amateur Drama Association Ince’s Hall Theatre Complex, 310 Main Street E-mail: gibdrama@yahoo.co.uk Tel: 200 42237 www. geocities.com/gibdrama Trafalgar Theatre Group meet 2nd Wed of month, Garrison Library 8pm. All welcome. Theatrix: Contact Trevor and Iris on Tel: 54006176 or email theatrixgib@yahoo.co.uk

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

support

events

Support Groups Alcoholics Anonymous meet 7pm Tues & Thurs, 11am Saturdays at Nazareth Hse Tel: 200 73774. A Step Forward support for single, separated, divorced/widowed people, meet 8pm Mon at St Andrew’s Church. Mummy and Me Breastfeeding Support Group for mums who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have breastfed to get together for coffee, chat and support. Partners and older children welcome. Meets first Wednesday of every month at Chilton Court Community Hall at 1.30pm. Enquiries and support 54014517. Childline Gibraltar confidential phone line for children in need. Freephone 8008 - 7 days a week 6pm - 10pm. Citizens’ Advice Bureau Open Mon-Fri 9.30-4pm. Tel: 200 40006 Email: info@ cab.gi or visit 10 Governor’s Lane. No appointment necessary, no charge. Gibraltar CAB outreach clinics at St Bernard’s Hospital every Tuesday. Advisors available at 1st floor reception, Zone 4, 9am-3pm. Info and advice is free, confidential and impartial. COPE Support group for people with Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia or Rheumatoid Arthritis. Formed to ease day-to-day challenges of individuals, families and care partner. Meetings at Catholic Community Centre Book Shop at 7.30pm first Thursday of each month. Contact Sue Reyes Tel: 200 51469 Email: copeadsupport@hotmail.com Dignity At Work Now. Confidential support and advice for those who are being bullied at work. Tel: 57799000 Mon - Thur 8pm-9pm Families Anonymous Support group for relatives and friends who are concerned about the use of drugs or related behavioural problems. Meet alternate Thursdays at 9pm at Nazareth House. For info Tel: 200 70047 or 200 73465. Gibraltar Cardiac Rehabilitation and Support Group meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 8.30pm at the John Mac Hall, except for July and August. Gibraltar Dyslexia Support Group 3/8 Serfaty’s Passage Tel: 200 78509 Mobile: 54007924 website: www.gdsg.co.uk Gibraltar Marriage Care. Free relationship counselling, including pre-marriage education (under auspices of Catholic Church, but open to all). Tel: 200 71717. Gibraltar Society for the Visually Impaired. Tel: 200 50111 (24hr answering service). Hope. miscarriage support Tel: 200 41817. Narcotics Anonymous Tel: 200 70720 Overeaters Anonymous support group for compulsive overeating problems. Tel: helpline for meetings info 200 42581. Parental Support Group, helping parents and grandparents with restrictive access to their children and granchildren. Tel: Richard 200 46536, Jason 200 76618, Dominic 54019602. Psychological Support Group, PO Box 161, Nazareth House. Meet Tuesdays at 7pm, Fridays 8pm. Tel: 200 51623. SSAFA Forces Help Gibraltar, is a national charity, to assist serving and exService personnel and their families. Tel: (5)5481. E-mail olivero@sapphirenet.gi With Dignity Gibraltar support for separated, divorced/widowed or single people. Meet Weds 9pm, Catholic Community Centre, Line Wall Rd. Outings/activities. Tel: 54007181 or 200 79957. Women in Need. Voluntary organisation for all victims of domestic violence. Refuge available. Tel: 200 42581 (24 hrs).

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

The Johnnie Walker Trophy The recent Med Golf competition took place on one of the latest courses to open, Valle

Romano just West of Estepona. It was a successful day for Med Golf youngster Peter Warren who won the trophy and a pro shop voucher for 100 euro with a winning score of 34 points, Peter played the course in just 80 shots. For more details on Med Golf visit www.teetimespain.com or contact Johnathan Tel: 56001055 or by e-mail at jg@medgolf.gi

Gibraltar Philisophical Society Talk - 6th April Cuban Model of Cultural Identity by Dr Jennifer Ballantine Perera. This talk considers the work of the Afro-Cuban poet Nicolás Guillén (1902-1989), who, as a socially committed poet engaged with the conditions under which black Cubans lived to bring a marginal, lesser-seen sector of Cuban society to the fore. Guillén’s poetry expresses social and cultural themes through a poetic voice that merges bozal (a form of speech associated with Afrocubans), and a musical form, the Son (a Cuban regional folk genre), to recall African oral traditions and responsorial tech-

Gibraltar Dyslexia Support Group AGM The Gibraltar Dyslexia Support Group will be holding its AGM on Thursday, 19th May in the John Mackintosh Hall at 6pm. The Agenda includes the election of committee members, presentation of the chairperson’s annual report and the treasurer’s report. The GDSG would like to remind the public, they still need more volunteers, so, whoever you are or whatever your skills, get involved — all welcome. n

Religious Services Baha’i Faith Tel: 200 73287 www.gibnet. com/bahai email:bahai@gibraltar.gi Bethel Christian Fellowship Tel: 200 52002. Queensway. Sunday service 11am. Church of England Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. Tel: 200 78377. Sung Eucharist, Sunday 10.30am. Sunday School. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Suite 21a Don House, 30-38 Main Street. Tel: 200 50433. Sundays 10am. Church of Scotland St Andrew’s, Governor’s Pde. Tel: 200 77040. Worship

niques of expression that embody a speaker audience relationship. Guillén’s poetic form certainly mimicked story telling techniques, but his poetry went far deeper in its attempt to transmit community values to fellow Afro-Cubans and to signify the place of black culture within national constructs of a Cuban cultural identity. As such, we are dealing with the terms under which a black poetic aesthetic and black cultural signifiers, considered at the time as degraded, and for that reason marginal, enter the national cultural expression. To this end, the first part of this talk will look at the historical

backdrop to Cuba’s independence from Spain in 1898, with focus on the important role played by black Cubans in the insurgency and within the context of their dual fight for national independence and emancipation. The second part will examine the racial tensions that prevailed even after independence was achieved and the terms under which Guillén was able to project his vision of racially and socially displaced Afro-Cubans. The talk takes place at Youth Lounge of the King’s Bastion Leisure Centre from 6.30pm.

Miss Rock Beauty 2011

Miss Rock Beauty is a traditional beauty pageant, for girls aged 7 - 11 years old, with a twist and is produced by Ideal Productions to raise money for the Lady Williams Centre Cancer Support Group. The venue and details of this year’s event are still to be released but the closing date for entries is Friday 22nd April 2011. You can pick up entry forms at: Flash Boutique in the International Commercial Centre (ICC). The entry fee is £10.00. n

& Sunday School 10.30am. Bible Study Tues 7.30pm. Evangelical Bretheren Assembly, Queensway Quay. Sun 11am, Tues Bible Study 6pm, Thurs Prayer Meeting 6pm. Hindu Engineer’s Lane Tel: 200 42515. Jehovah’s Witness 6 Europort Avenue Tel: 200 50186. Jewish 10 Bomb House Lane Tel: 200 72606. Methodist 297 Main St Tel/Fax 200 40870 email minister@methodist.org.gi Minister: Revd Fidel Patron. Sunday 11am Morning Worship, 8pm Evening Service. Prayer meetings Monday+ Wednesday to Friday

7pm and Tuesdays 8pm. Communion celebrated on 2nd and 4th Sunday mornings of the month, and other special occasions. Alpha Course: held Thursdays 8pm. House Groups meet for Christian fellowship, prayer and study on a regular basis Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. Sunday School meets Sunday mornings alongside morning worship. Roman Catholic Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned, 215 Main St Tel: 200 76688. The Cityline Church 13 Castle St Tel: 200 75755 email: citylinegib@yahoo. com. Meet: Tues 8pm, Sundays 11am.

information

dmission 9.30am to 7pm by tickets (includes entrance to sites - St. Michael’s Cave, Monkey’s Den, Great Siege Tunnels, Military Heritage Centre, ‘A City Under Siege’ Exhibition and Moorish Castle). Facilities closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Adults £10, children 5-12 years: £5, children age 4 and under free, vehicles £2. Private vehicles may be restricted at certain times, tours available by taxi/mini bus. The Natural History & Heritage Park is also reached by cable car (leaves Grand Parade 9.30am-5.15pm Mon-Sun. Last cable down: 5.45pm). 50p per person to walk with no entrance tickets.

he flora and fauna on the Upper Rock are considered to be of great conservational value. It’s a perfect place for birdwatchers, as migratory species use Gibraltar as the shortest crossing between Europe and Africa, but botanists will also be interested to see over 600 species of flowering plants, including some unique to Gibraltar. Watch out for colourful lizards, non-venemous Horseshoe Whipsnakes, butterflies and pipistrelle bats. Info on flora and fauna is found at the Gibraltar Ornithological and Natural History Society’s information centre at Jews Gate. St. Michael’s Cave: The cave comprises an upper hall with five connecting passages and drops of 40-150ft to a smaller hall. A further succession of chambers, some at 250ft below the entrance, is reached through narrow holes. The Cathedral Cave is open to visitors and is used as an auditorium for concerts and theatre. The cave was prepared as a hospital in WWII, but never used. A further series of chambers ending in a mini lake is called Lower St. Michael’s Cave and can be visited with a guide. The Monkeys’ Den: There are around 160 monkeys in the Park and around 30 can be seen at the Monkey’s Den. Often called apes, they are tail-less Barbary Macaques and Europe’s only free living monkeys. £500 fine for feeding the monkeys - don’t do it! The Great Siege Tunnels: Tunnelling in the Rock began during the Great Siege (1779-1783) when France and Spain made an attempt to recapture the Rock while Britain was busy with the American War of Independence. Governor General Elliot offered a reward to any man who could tell him how to mount a gun on the north face of the Rock. It was a Sgt. Major Ince who suggested tunnelling and there are now over 30 miles of tunnels inside the Rock with various exhibitions inside the tunnels.

of the earliest British building on the Rock. Original graffiti, drawn by duty soldiers to stop themselves falling asleep, is still visible, the earliest dating back to 1726. The Moorish Castle: actually just part of a Moorish town and castle which was built up during the Moorish occupation of the Iberian Peninsula, spearheaded from Gibraltar in 711AD by Tarik-ibn-Zeyad (“Gibraltar” is a corruption of the Arabic words “Jebel Tarik” - Tarik’s mountain). The part we see today, The Tower of Homage, dates back to 1333AD, when Abu’l Hassan recaptured the Rock from Spain. Natural History & Heritage Park Walks: Med Steps is a stunning walk with the steep climb at the end rewarded with spectacular views of the Rock and Spain. Another recommended walk is St Michael’s Cave through to Charles V Wall but walkers should be relatively fit for both. It is also pleasant walking along the upper rock roads. Brochures available free from all Tourist Board offices. Botanical Gardens: Opened in 1816, the Alameda Botanical Gardens fell into disrepair but are currently being restored to their former glory. Visitors can enjoy a stroll beneath pines, dragon trees and palms, and see many of Gibraltar’s native plants as well as exotic species. The shop sells environmentally friendly gifts, plants and seeds. Tel: 200 72639/200 74022. Parking. Nelson’s Anchorage: Rosia Road 9.30am - 5.15pm Monday to Saturday (last entry at 5pm). Closed on Sunday. Admission: £1.00 (free of charge with Nature Reserve ticket. Tickets for the nature reserve can also be bought at this attraction). Parson’s Lodge: Rosia Road. A narrow limestone outcrop with a labyrinth of underground tunnels surmounted by an impressive battery, which has witnessed the development of coast artillery over 300 years. Once housed three 18 ton 10-inch rifled muzzle loaders positioned behind a

unique sandwich of armour plate and teak, known as ‘Gibraltar Shields’. TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC. Flat Bastion Magazine Flat Bastion Road, Geological Research Station and Lithology of Gibraltar. To visit contact: F. Gomez Tel. 200 44460, P. Hodkinson Tel. 200 43910. Shrine of Our Lady of Europe (Museum within premises) Europa Road. 10am-7pm Monday to Friday, 11am-7pm Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays. Closed 1pm - 2pm. Trafalgar Cemetery: Trafalgar Road, open 9am - 7pm daily (admission free).

Business Information

Gibraltar Financial Services Commission ......Tel: 200 40283/4 website: www.fsc.gi Chamber of Commerce.......Tel: 200 78376 Federation Small Business.Tel: 200 47722 Company Registry...............Tel: 200 78193

Useful Numbers

Airport (general info.)..........Tel: 200 73026 Hospital, St Bernards..........Tel: 200 79700 Weather information.................Tel: 5-3416 Frontier Queue Update.......Tel: 200 42777

General Information

Gibraltar Museum.............Tel: 200 74289 18/20 Bomb House Lane Open 10am - 6pm (Sat. 10am - 2pm). Closed on Sunday. Admission: Adults £2/Children under 12 years £1. Exhibitions also at Casemates gallery. Registry Office...................Tel: 200 72289 It is possible to get married on the Rock within 48 hours of arrival. A fact taken advantage of by stars such as Sean Connery and John Lennon. Rock Tours by Taxi............Tel: 200 70052 As well as offering normal fares, Gibraltar taxis provide Rock Tours taking in the Upper Rock, Europa Point and other sites of interest. It is the best way to see the Rock’s major features in a short time.

Emergency Services Emergency calls only: Fire/Ambulance.......................Tel: 190 Police...............................Tel: 199/112 Emergency Number...............Tel: 112

The Military Heritage Centre: Housed in one of the Rock’s many historic batteries, the Military Heritage Centre displays information on the development of Gibraltar’s military defences through the ages. A City Under Siege Exhibition: Exhibits depicting the lives of the civilian population during the many sieges, are housed in one

History Alive

Every Saturday morning the Rock’s past is brought alive by a troop of soldiers in 18th century period uniform. The soldiers march from Bomb House Lane at 12 noon to Casemates. At Casemates they carry out a “Ceremony of the Keys” and then march back up Main Street to the Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned.

Gibraltar Bus Company Routes

Tourist Board.....................Tel: 200 74950 Gibraltar Tourist Board, Duke of Kent House, Cathedral Square, Gibraltar. UK Tel: 0207 836 0777 giblondon@aol.com John Mackintosh Hall.......Tel: 200 75669 Includes cafeteria, theatre, exhibition rooms and library. 308 Main Street 9.30am - 11pm Monday to Friday. Closed weekends. Bicycle Racks Bicycle parking is provided at the following locations: Europort Road, Casemates Tunnel, Land Port Ditch, Fish Market Road, Commonwealth Car Park, Reclamation Road (by English Steps) + Line Wall Road.

Public Holidays 2011

Gibraltar & United Kingdom New Year’s Day Mon 3rd January (in lieu of Sat 1st January) Commonwealth Day * Mon 14 March Good Friday Fri 22 April Easter Mon 25 April Royal Wedding Fri 29 April May Day Mon 2 May Spring Bank Holiday Mon 30 May Queen’s Birthday * Mon 13 June Late Summer Bank Hol Mon 29 August Gibraltar National Day * Mon 12 September (in lieu of Sat 10 September) Christmas Day Mon 26 December (in lieu of Sun 25 December) Boxing Day Tues 27 December (in lieu of Mon 26 December) *Gibraltar Only Spain Fixed: New Year’s Day 1 January, Epiphany 6 January, St Joseph’s Day 19 March, Labour Day 1 May, St John 24 June, St James 25 July, Assumption Day 15 August, National Day 12 October, All Saints 1 November, Immaculate Conception 8 December, Christmas 25 December Moveable: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Corpus Christi Non-urgent calls: Ambulance Station..........Tel: 200 75728 Police...............................Tel: 200 72500 Gibraltar Services Police: Emergency Nos: ....Tel: (5) 5026 / (5) 3598

The Gibraltar Magazine is published and produced by Guide Line Promotions Ltd, 1st Floor 113 Main Street, Gibraltar. Tel/Fax: (+350) 200 77748

Natural History & Heritage Park

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011

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