The Gibraltar Magazine - December 2015

December 2015 Vol. 21 # 02 FREE

Christmas Traditions - Around the world Crafty Gibraltar GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE NOVEMBER - Alternative Gifts2015 front cover Dec.indd 3

Christmas Shopping - Guide to London

Christmas Parties - What to wear

Appreciation Language - Recognising good work

Dirty Cash - Filming in Gib

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19/11/2015 14:28:54

Gibraltar’s Gastronomic Gem presents

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Drawing on the culinary heritage of all the Italian regions, a King Prawns Carpaccio with wasabi caviar may sharpen your appetite for Nunos’ classic dish Fette de Manzo en Padella Calda – a sizzling beef tenderloin. A contemporary Sous-Vide Venison, a traditional Osso Bucco, Fresh Grilled Sea Bass Fillet or a vegetarian risotto, may be followed by a choice of desserts that range from the dramatic Chocolate Sphere to the more homely Rhubarb Crumble.

Nunos fine wine list is equally adventurous and sophisticated and our sommeliers have created it

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Plus, if you have a special dietary or allergen requirement, you only have to contact Nunos in advance and we’ll create a menu selection to suit.

Our menu already has vegetarian options and dishes containing nuts clearly marked.

Nunos at The Caleta – A Theatre of Fine Italian Dining

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editor’s note

DECEMBER ISSUE C

hristmas shopping can be tedious if you’re not one of those crazed individuals revelling in emptying their wallets and purses on items that will rarely be worth all the hassle.

Apparently, however, giving has been researched and … it’s all worth it!

According to science, giving makes us happier than spending money on ourselves. Regardless of whether it’s gifting presents, donating money or offering time; it goes with the Random Acts of Kindness phenomenon. I stood in the cold Covent Garden one Valentine’s Day with a cardboard sign saying ‘FREE HUGS’ and I cannot tell you how uplifting the experience was for everyone; helper’s high is real. This social connection creates a warm glow effect in the same way any altruistic behaviour releases endorphins in the brain. Giving also decreases stress, which in turn has physical benefits on our health and longevity! Gratitude, instrumental to being happy, is the key to all of this. Whether it’s giving or receiving, interacting with gratefulness strengthens connections with people and the world, increasing personal happiness. Translating this into a business setting, Leah from HR Dept highlights the importance of appreciating your employees (p. 28) – you hear that, all bosses out there?

Maintaining the theme, Ian has paid his annual visit to Mrs. Rock to listen to her financial woes and advise where to invest in the new year (p. 21) while Eran and 4

Ayelet outline the rights for shoppers and some of the legality surrounding shopping in Gibraltar (p. 26). Also in Business, Literary Festival press sponsor City A.M. founder Jens Torpe discusses his illustrious career in publishing, starting up a free newspaper in London and the future of the media (p. 32).

This month, we delve into some of Gibraltar’s crafters and the unique, clever gifts they’re offering over the holidays (p.50). I had no idea how many craft fairs were held on the Rock in the lead up to Christmas! Nicole explored holiday traditions around the world explaining how the modern day figure of Santa Claus came about and how different countries view his persona (p. 35), while Richard reminisces about what Christmas used to be like and wonders if it has lost its spirit (p.38).

Leisure is inundated with sparkles this month! Our intrepid traveler Sophie entices readers to visit the snowy Belgian city of Bruges in the winter months (p.

71); fashionista Alex gets rebellious with her Christmas party outfit choices, urging revelers to break away from the norm (p.

67); the perfect shopping guide in London is detailed by Alexandra Caruana (p. 77) and some amazing healthy and hearty Christmas recipe ideas await you on page 82; closing with our wine guru Andrew outlining his choices for Christmas and anniversary wines (p. 84).

with a beautiful feature on local artist Fran Giffard and her habit of illustrating notes with birds (p. 56) brought to you by Elena. There is also a brilliant piece on an independent film I recently played a small part in; Dirty Cash was produced on an incredibly low budget by a group of likeminded movie buffs living on the Costa del Sol (p. 62).

In Life, we spoke to a Gibraltarian aid worker who has dedicated much of his time to the refugee crisis spreading across Europe (p. 42). Confirming the research further, Dan has found volunteering his time and efforts in Calais and Greece to be enriching and hugely fulfilling, so no surprises there now, we know how positive giving really is. So, when you’re done with your copy of the magazine, why not give it to someone else? Go, spread the generosity, buy meaningful gifts, donate money to less fortunate, dedicate time to help someone and infect the Rock with your growing sense of gratitude and happiness! Peaceful Christmas everyone...

Anna

Scene is my favourite section this month, GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

All of us at Aria Medical Group wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a Healthy, Happy New Year.

Dr. Marco Vricella will be offering free, private consultations as normal in Gibraltar, on Tuesday 15th December. Treat yourself to an early Christmas present and take the first step towards the person you want to be in 2016.

If you want to find out more, then Dr. Vricella holds free consultations at College Clinic, Regal House, Gibraltar every 2 weeks.

Book your FREE consultation

(+34) 951 276 748 in English

FREE Aftercare Remember, Aria Medical Group also offers free aftercare, with post operative visits in Gibraltar and free revision surgery if necessary.

(+34) 671 639 353 in English

(+34) 662 936 058 en Espa単ol When choosing your surgeon check their credentials. They should be registered with the UK General Medical Council (GMC), the Spanish CGM and also on the UK Specialist Register of Plastic Surgeons (SRPC).

www.ariamedicalgroup.com

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contents 8 NEWS 13 Adopt a dog 14 Around Town 18 Hello there: Best Gift

FINANCE, BUSINESS, PROPERTY 21 24 26 28 30 32

Mrs Rock’s Dilemma - Annual visit The Gift of Giving - The tax side The Right Way to Shop - Sale of Goods Act Language of Appreciation - Recognising good work The End of the Wild West? - Code of Conduct Future of Media - City AM Literary Festival Lecture

LIFE

21#02 December 2015: Vera Francis

Cover Photo Competition Winner

Contributing writers: : Ian Le Breton, Callie Lombard, Eran Shay, Ayelet Mamo Shay, Leah Carnegie, Mike Nicholls, Richard Cartwright, Reg Reynolds, Mike Brufal, Elena Scialtiel, Angela Sargent, Alex Orfila, Sophie Clifton-Tucker, Alexandra Caruana, Andrew Licudi.

The Gibraltar Magazine is published monthly by Rock Publishing Ltd Portland House, Suite 4, Glacis Road, Gibraltar T: (+350) 20077748 | E: info@thegibraltarmagazine.com Copyright © 2015 Rock Publishing Limited. All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written consent of The Gibraltar Magazine.

www.TheGibraltarMagazine.com

Magazine & website archived by the British Library

@gibmag

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The quality of a magazine reflects on the businesses that advertise within it. The Gibraltar Magazine is Gibraltar’s quality magazine packed with great, readable content. We don’t have pushy sales people, so get in touch if you have a business or strategy to promote in Gibraltar. We will explain your options within your budget and help you with artwork if you need us to. We are passionate about what we do and about our home, Gibraltar.

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If you are an artist with an exhibition, or a club or charity with an event coming up, we’d love to hear from you. This is a community magazine and there is no VIP area. Everyone is welcome to contribute so drop a line, send an email or phone us.

! GET IN TOUCH

We’d love to hear from you. Sometimes we get a bit lonely in our office, and we like to get letters, phone calls and emails with your feedback and photos. We might even publish the best so keep them coming. This is your magazine so get involved.

Email: info@thegibraltarmagazine.com Tel: 200 77748

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

35 38 40 41 42 46

Upholding Tradition - What does Christmas mean?

Christmas then & now - Have we lost the spirit?

Evacuees Christmas - Down Jamaica Way Colonial Service - Christmas in the camp European Dystopia - Aiding the refugee crisis President of the Courts - The Rt. Hon. Sir Maurice Kay

SCENE 50 54 56 60 62

Crafty Christmas - The rise in alternative gifts Pet Subject Set in Stone - Melanie Brown Aviary Diaries - Fran Giffard Memories Recorded - Carmen Gomez Dirty Cash - The making of a feature film

LEISURE 67 71 77 82 84

Rebel Rebel - Take a walk on the wild side Beguiling Bruges - Beer, chocolate & antiques Avoiding the Gift Face - Best shopping in London Recipes: Nut Roast Galette & Christmas Pudding Gift Wine, Gift Sunshine - Anniversary wines

86 Guides and Information 98 Coffee Time and Schedules Editor: Anna Kolesnik anna@thegibraltarmagazine.com Head Journalist: Nicole Macedo nicole@thegibraltarmagazine.com Distribution: Jordan Brett jordan@thegibraltarmagazine.com Accounts: Paul Cox paul@thegibraltarmagazine.com 7

news

NEW BICYCLE HIRE SCHEME ON THE ROCK

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new Gibraltar based bicycle hire scheme will commence in early 2016, focusing on commuter routes and encouraging cycling as a viable and sustainable transport option. Redibike follows the original scheme Gibibike, which was discontinued after suffering a multitude of problems surrounding the low quality of the equipment and the unavailability of spare parts. The first phase of the Redibike scheme will see over 100 bicycles and 120 docking stations pop up around the Rock, at seven specific locations. Phase two will follow at a later date, with additional stations and added locations.

have been removed to allow new stations.

During this process it became apparent that cyclists were docking their personal bikes. Additional, non-Redibike related

stations will be set up in these areas, for other cyclists. The scheme is produced

by Hourbike based in the UK. They have set up similar schemes in cities such as Sheffield, Reading, and Liverpool.

Much like the scheme in London, which was for a period of time sponsored by Barclay’s and now Santander, the Gibraltar scheme will have a major sponsor in the form of GibOil, with all bicycles set to carry their logo. The old docking stations

BUSINESS GURU TO HOST CONTENT MARKETING WORKSHOP

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usiness guru John W. Hayes is set to visit Gibraltar as a stop with his book touring marketing seminar The Content Marketing Boot Camp on January 28th 2016.

London based Mr. Hayes is the author of the best selling Becoming THE Expert – Enhancing Your Business Reputation through Thought Leadership Marketing. The book is a guide for those working in marketing and sales, or who own businesses, ‘to better position themselves as experts in their own particular industry and help to build brand awareness, generate leads and ultimately drive sales through the sharing of their detailed knowledge and insight’.

During his time on the Rock, his workshop will provide knowledge in improving a business’ rankings on major search engines, generating leads, maintaining relationships and selling more via email, winning local, national and global media coverage, engage prospects via social media and help to build a cohesive marketing strategy.

John has been helping small and mediumsized companies develop their business

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strategies online, including some of the biggest names in ecommerce and online marketing such as Amazon, eBay and Google. ‘He is the author of four books, is a regular speaker at events throughout the UK, Europe and the US, is a prolific blogger across numerous sites and is widely recognised as an influential Thought Leader in the SME online marketing arena.’

Mr. Hayes expressed his excitement in visiting Gibraltar, as he has long been fascinated by its culture and history. He added, ‘I’m also really looking forward to spending some quality time with some of Europe’s leading digital marketing professionals who, thanks largely to the burgeoning gaming sector, now call Gibraltar home.’

Tickets for the event are priced at £99 and will be limited to 10 delegates. The seminar will be held at Easy Office at 138 Main Street. Tickets can be purchased from eventbrite.co.uk/e/becoming-theexpert-the-content-marketing-boot-campgibraltar-tickets-19331395725.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

news

DFAS EXPLORES ART DECO

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he Gibraltar Decorative and Fine Arts Society will welcome Eric Knowles to their December lecture on Art Deco. Mr. Knowles sits on over twenty-five years of experience in lecturing to museums and galleries around the world, also having broadcast for thirty years with the BBC’s extraordinarily popular Antiques Roadshow.

A spokesperson for the Society explains that whilst art deco is most commonly associated with the 1920s and 1930s,

it actually commenced in France before World War One. Art deco at its height of popularity, influenced a wide variety of innovative applications, the style is often characterised by rich colours, bold geometric shapes and lavish ornamentation and has been attributed to famous spire of Manhattan’s Chrysler building. During the inter war years the style evolved and was adopted as the perfect expression of modern opulence

and elegance in an age that gave birth to jazz. ‘Our thoughts and memories have been very focused on celebrating the end of the two world wars lately and the arts and fashion of that period has become very popular.’

The lecture will be held at the O’Callaghan Eliot Hotel at 7:30pm on 9th December.

Drinks served beforehand from 6.30pm.

Non-members will be required to pay a door fee of £10.

2015 GIBRALTAR CHRISTMAS STAMPS

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ast month, in the lead-up to the Christmas period, a selection of five Gibraltar Christmas stamps were launched.

The five feature images of favourite holiday icons including the traditional Christmas tree, candy canes, a wrapped gift, a reindeer and a Merry Christmas logo. The 2015 Gibraltar Christmas stamps are now on sale for local and international mail from the Royal Gibraltar Post Office counters at 104 Main Street. The Christmas stamp collection, including the First Day Covers and Presentation Packs, are available at the Philatelic Shop and online on www.gibraltar-stamps.com.

Convention, Mulock tried again with a revised proposal the following year. On 12th December 1937 Austria issued two stamps for use on Christmas mail and New

Year greeting cards. Many more nations took up the practice during the 1960s, including the United Kingdom (1966) and Gibraltar (1967).

The first ever Christmas stamp is attributed to Canada. The then Canadian Postmaster General, William Mulock, had been lobbying to standardise postage rates across the Empire at one penny. After failing to get the new rules introduced at the 1897 Universal Postal Union

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

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news

FIXED SPEED CAMERAS S

INTRODUCED

peed cameras were announced earlier in the year, to make up part of the Government’s Sustainable Traffic, Transport and Parking Plan. These are now in place on Devil’s Tower Road, Rosia Road and Europa Advance Road, areas that have become known for dangerous driving and occasional road traffic accidents, as a consequence. The locations were carefully selected following speed surveys conducted by the Traffic team of the Technical Services Department using speed-monitoring equipment throughout a period of time. The cameras are bidirectional and can therefore be used for front or rear photography depending on site location.

The scheme will be operated by Gibraltar Car Parks Limited, who deal with the issuing and processing of fixed penalty notices.

Legislation is in the process of being drafted to hash out what the penalties will be for certain offences. The cameras are hoped to help control excessive speeding and assist the RGP in the policing of Gibraltar’s roads.

PC PIZARRO HONOURED FOR LIFETIME IN RGP

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C John Pizarro served in the Royal Gibraltar Police for thirty-four years before he retired last month, and was awarded a Long Service Clasp and framed image of the Convent Cloister

by Her Excellency the Governor, Alison MacMillan. Having joined the service in 1980, PC Pizarro spent his initial years in the Operations Division in the newly established White Shift. In 1984, he was transferred to Community Policing where for a number of years. In 1992, he moved on to the Commissioner’s Suite where he

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served under five different commissioners, right up until his retirement.

John worked closely with the Convent during his time with the force and was honoured by Mrs. MacMillan who claimed it had been a pleasure to recognize his hard work. RGP Commissioner Eddie Yome and Chief Secretary Ernest Gomez attended the honouring. The Commissioner praised PC Pizarro’s professionalism and thanked him for working tirelessly behind the scenes on a

wide range of events which he has been instrumental in organising.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

news

MAMA LOTTIES CHURNS OUT SECOND RECIPE BOOK

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uthor of the hugely successful initial Mama Lotties cookbook, Justin Bautista has launched his second book of the series after raiding his grandmother’s recipe books once again. ‘There were quite a few recipes I was not able to include in the first book which I felt needed to be written down clearly and preserved, otherwise we may forget them, such as the Puchero, Cima Rellena (stuffed Flank steak), Tortillas de Pasas (Sticky Rasin puffs) and Callos, to name a few; after sitting with Mama and talking to friends who form part of the Mama Lotties community, I managed to get these down into clear, tried and tested recipes,’ Justin said, adding that the second book is slightly shorter, coming in at 80 pages.

Tasting the Mediterranean offers further Spanish and Italian style recipes that have become staples in the Gibraltarian

gourmandizer’s diet. Justin notes that the first book was so well received that local university students often posted on the book’s social media pages, commenting how easy and enjoyable it had been trying the recipes out for themselves. ‘I’ve love when I’m stopped and those who have seen and tried the recipes comment saying, “Ah, it’s been years since I’ve had that! My grandmother/mother used to make it and it was so nice, it brings back such good memories” it just makes it all worthwhile.’

Fans can become part of the community, enabling them to share their locally inspired recipes, via www.mamalotties.com, as well as joining the brand’s social media pages. The new book can be purchased at local bookshops, the Heritage Trust, Eroski and eventually Morrisons for £12.50.

Christmas Hamper BUY YOUR

FROM

www.vinopolis.gi Treat yourself to a Joselito ham

Exclusive to Vinopolis 5/7 Main Street (just off Casemates Square) or CALL US on 200 77210 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

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news

NEW CT SCANNER FOR ST BERNARD’S HOSPITAL

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new CT scanner was introduced at St. Bernard’s Hospital last month, replacing the former 10 year old 16 Slice Scanner with significantly higher specs, enabling greater flexibility on the range of examinations that will be on offer at the hospital.

Health Studies and Sport Science at the University of Gibraltar. Patients recovering at St Bernard’s Hospital will now receive good quality, nutritious meals as a result of the transformation of the Hospital’s

Catering Facility from a run-down kitchen to one that is totally fit-for-purpose.

Gibraltar deserves the best possible quality of healthcare, and this Government is committed to providing it.’

Local staff have been trained in the wider clinical applications of the scanner, including the provision of a better and safer quality service, more reliability and better image quality. The new CT Scanner has the capability to conduct Brain Perfusion, Cardiac, Virtual Colonography and Dental Scans. As the most advanced model in Europe, the new 128 Slice Scanner was made and installed by Philips Medical Systems. A Government spokesperson praised the investment that has been made in St. Bernard’s Hospital, ‘to ensure that staff are able to offer patients the best standard of care.’ He added, ‘the facilities on offer in this regard have been greatly improved by the establishment of the Faculty of

GIBRALTAR REGIMENT EXERCISE IN MOROCCO

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he annual exercise, uniting the British and Moroccan Armed Forces was carried out in November, bringing together members of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment and other British Army units including members of the 4th Infantry Brigade. The re-introduction of the Joint Helicopter Force Training, who provided Puma support to the exercise, was a particularly welcome addition. The importance of the relationship was highlighted by newly appointed HM Ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco, Karen Betts, who paid a visit to the training ground.

The training ground, a few miles north of Marrakech, provides harsh conditions amidst uneven and rocky terrain and a backdrop of the Atlas Mountains.

The temperature often rises above 40 degrees Celsius. A visit to the troops on the exercise was carried out by HM Ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco,

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Karen Betts, Colonel Major Azeddine Badr from 2BIP, Commander British Forces in Gibraltar, Commodore Ian McGhie and Defence Attaché to Morocco, Lieutenant Colonel Charlie Warner. All VIPs praised

the relationship between forces. During their time at the camp, they were taken

by Puma helicopter to the training ground to witness live firing, joint strike operation battle training and sniper training.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

MEET PEDRO

P

edro is a lovely little 10 year old Corgi cross. He is a very calm and loving dog with a placid personality who gets on well with everyone - he would fit in easily in most homes and would be a good first time dog. Pedro arrived at the

GSPCA after his Gibraltarian owner sadly passed away and he’s faced the additional challenege of losing a leg after being hit by a car. Pedro, perhaps more than anyone, deseves a forever home where he can live out his life.

To contact GSPCA, call Rob on 54013723.

ADOPT A DOG TODAY

MEET RODNEY R

odney is one of the most loving and sweetest dogs at the GSPCA. He is a timid boy who adores his cuddles, walks and playtime. Rodney is a medium sized crossbreed with short and very attractive brindle, tiger-like striped coat. He is about 4 years old, neutered and chipped. Rodney’s personality is very warm and acceptanceseeking. He would make a very loyal and loving companion - he is simply waiting for someone to love. Can it be you?

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

Can’t adopt? Foster.

Can’t foster? Sponsor.

Can’t sponsor? Voluneer.

Can’t volunteer? Donate.

Registered Charity No. 127 Can’t donate? Educate.

Everyone can do something to save a life.

13

around town - Joselito & Movember

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

Literary festival - around town

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

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around town - Gema launch

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

© Core Photography

Paris vigil - around town

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

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hello there

Ezekiel Diaz, 26 Project Manager, Piranha Design

Joe Lathey, 21 Video Producer, Colorworks

A new TV table for my living room: I have already seen the one I would love to have and I am just looking forward to see it in my house.

A free trip up Mount Everest (& survive): Because I love to travel and have been many places. Everest is the ultimate climb and so expensive, I’ll likely never be able to afford it.

Mark Stevenson, 30 Underwriting Assistant, Haven Insurance Hover Board: It would make the boring walks to and from the border much more exciting.

WHAT IS THE BEST GIFT

Adrian Traverso, 46 Executive Officer, Royal Gibraltar Police A holiday with the family to the USA with all expenses paid and add the Iphone 6S: The USA has pretty much everything you can imagine from mega cities to mountains, flat land, beaches , deserts, rocky coasts and tropical to cold and windy weather therefore giving you a great choice. There is no language barrier either so that helps as well. I am also a gadgets person so there goes my reason for the Iphone 6S. 18

John Peace, 36 Teacher, Bayside Comprehensive

Louis Perry, 23 Estate Agent, Chesterton

A meal with my family & friends: I’m not really that bothered about typical gifts (although they can be a pleasant surprise), so being with the ones I love is more precious to me. I enjoy eating good food & laughing over the table, so what better gift than that really!

Dancing Lessons: Apparently my dance moves are not up to scratch... I’m thinking something along the lines of a cheeky Robot which in turn could link into a Moonwalk finishing up with a tip toe, now that would gain the right sort of attention while ‘out on the floor’. I also could reuse this routine as and when I saw fit through normal working life!!!

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

hello there

Julie Corkill, 56 Owner/Dog Groomer, K9 Cuts

Sammy Armstrong, 48 Director, Savills Gibraltar

Samantha McCarthy, 25 Shop Assistant, Aimeejay’s

Diamonds: Because they’re beautiful and I can’t afford to buy my own!

Fred, my amazing dog: Fred was a loyal and loving family member who was never

A kiss from my little girl: Because a Christmas without a kiss from the one you love is not Christmas at all...

demanding & was always there when I needed him. RIP

YOU COULD GET?

Deborah Brown, 50 Chiropractor’s Assistant, Crump Chiropractors

Karen Lawson Tour Guide, MH Bland

Livia Filiplova, 35 Supervisor, Pizza Express

Spa Weekend!: There’s no better feeling than when you’re being pampered and that’s why I love it.

All of my sons home: I have five sons and they all live in the UK. Family always comes first!

Dinner with my friends and family!: I have been living my life out of Slovakia for 18 years and I have dreamt about all my friends and family gathering together in one place, which seems impossible...

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

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Spanning sectors as diverse as oil and energy, shipping, maritime engineering, logistics, real estate and property development, the Gibunco Group is unified by a focus on innovation and excellence.

The Gibunco Group is proud to celebrate its 50th anniversary

Gibunco Group | Europort, Building 7, P.O. Box 51, Gibraltar | Telephone: +350 200 70454 | Fax: +350 200 46940 Email: enquiries@gibunco.com | www.gibunco.com

business, finance, property words | Ian LeBreton

MRS ROCK’S DILEMMA Irish men, ginger biscuits & a Le Creuset set

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even suggest that his people could call her egular readers will recall that, as Rock liked to call him. Mrs Rock has called people to make the arrangements, she had Christmas approaches, this column him quite a lot of things. Despite acquirpays its annual visit to dear old ing an armful of “qualifications”, Sheridan found herself declining the invitation.

Mrs Rock, who is generally mightily appears incapable of settling down to confused about the financial aspects of anything or anyone. And his flashes of filial Anyway, she already knew what Sheridan life. Sad to relate, she hasn’t had a great interest invariably seem to be vested. had in mind. With interest rates so low, year. Old Mr Rock passed away he had suggested that her savings would in the spring having kept the “work better” for her if she bought a little Readers might remember that in Old Mr Rock staff at St. Bernard’s Hospital place in Spain. And, as he pointed out, he recent years he’d tried to persuade passed away busy for years with a smorcould stay there to look after the place for Mrs Rock to invest in bitcoins. in the spring gasbord of ailments. He may his mother. That would save her money Before that, it was property in having kept have been a cantankerous old and protect her investment. Oh, and she Tangier (of all places). “Now that so-and-so, but time and abthe staff at you’re a widow, mother,” he’d said could come to stay whenever she wanted. sence quickly serves to airbrush St. Bernard’s a week or so ago – and reality. She misses him, hownone too sympathetNeedless to say, she hadn’t been Sheridan Hospital busy ever, she’s been determined to ically in her opinion, convinced. It was also why she shied appears for years with pick herself up and dust herself “maybe we should do away from revealing to Sheridan that incapable a smorgasbord down – and Christmas seemed lunch and I can run over her savings pot was in fact rather larger of settling of ailments. like a good time to do that. your finances for you”. than she pretended. Mr Rock had many down to In Sheridan’s mouth, faults but skipping his life assurance anything The Rocks’ married son and his family have the phrase “run over” seemed premiums was not among them. In or anyone. terms of pots, she joked to herself, she lived abroad for some years (mainly to keep more than a little sinister and, away from his grumpy late father) but Mrs from previous experience, she could certainly afford a whole set of Le Rock plans to see them next year. Then knew that “doing lunch with Sheridan” Creuset. But she wasn’t going to give into would not be a picnic. Before he could there’s Sheridan – or “No 2 son”, as Mr temptation at this stage in her life. No fear.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

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finance He was charming and not in a “used car salesman” sort of way.

So, what was Mrs Rock to do? A single woman with a sizeable chunk of change in the bank, she simply had no idea what to do ...her savings next. After all, would would “work those interest rates better” for her ever start to rise again? if she bought These concerns all came a little place bubbling to the surface during a lunch with Cloti, in Spain. her oldest friend, who immediately recommended a financial adviser that worked in Gib for one of the large regulated financial services firms.

“Oh no, dear,” said Mrs Rock, “I haven’t got enough money to interest them. And anyway, don’t they charge you a fortune

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and then just sell you the product that gets instead of that hare-brained son Sheridan.

She realised she was still hanging on to his them the largest commission?” Cloti reasextended hand. “Oh, thank you, sured her. “You’re worrying about nothing dear. This chap Mr Rock had many sir,” she started. “I don’t really know whether you can help. isn’t like that at all. And you faults but skipping I mean it’s all a bit confusing get coffee and biscuits in their his life assurance and...” swanky office. They’ll treat you like the landed gentry.” As premiums was not among them. far as Mrs Rock knew, Cloti He cut in. “Come and sit down, did not generally rub shoulMrs Rock…” His soft, Irish ders with the landed gentry and might, she brogue took control of the situation and surmised, have been confusing them with Mrs Rock was soon at ease. He reassured people who had just arrived at the airport. her that she was under no obligation. He Nevertheless, her arguments were swept was there to listen and answer her quesaside and an appointment was duly made tions. And no, there wouldn’t be a cost. He before they’d even got on to pudding. asked her to set out her concerns.

When the day dawned, Mrs Rock put on Her first worry was interest rates. Her her finery. After all, she wanted to make second, the state of the economy and the a good impression. She arrived at said third was how to keep her money safe swanky office at the appointed hour and all whilst earning as much as possible. He went according to plan. The promised bisexplained that you couldn’t really concuits didn’t appear and the coffee wasn’t sider these issues in isolation. At the end what you might expect from Sacarello’s but of 2015, the local economy was in good at least there was some intershape but, of course, it was esting artwork on the wall to tied to the UK. The Bank of A single woman look at as she waited. Probably England decided interest rates with a sizeable worth something too, she and the governor, Mark Carney, chunk of change speculated. Not that she knew had recently made it clear that in the bank, she anything about art, either. he didn’t expect to see rates simply had no idea rise for some time. Perhaps not what to do next. before 2017.

And then he arrived. Cloti was right. He was charming and not in a “used car salesman” sort of As for the economy both in Gibraltar way. In fact, he was the type of chap Mrs and UK, things appeared to be generally Rock would have liked to see a daughter positive although, being a shrewd adviser, bring home – if, of course, she’d had one he warned that unexpected events could

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

always happen. So, it was important to plan carefully if you were fortunate enough to have some money saved or invested.

And particularly so when you were more advanced in years. She liked that phrase and thought she might tell Cloti how “advanced” she looked the next time she boasted about her new kitchen.

The meeting went smoothly. When she told him the amount she had to invest (and one day to spend?) he had been complimentary about her careful “financial husbandry”. She thought that rather amusing in view of Mr Rock’s life assurance and chuckled at her little joke. “So do you think I should invest in a flat in Spain that my son Sheridan can look after for me?” she asked innocently. His look said it all and the discussion swiftly moved on.

The Bank of England decided interest rates and the governor had recently made it clear that he didn’t expect to see rates rise for some time.

By the end, all her questions had been answered. She was mightily reassured and knew exactly what she was going to tell Sheridan. And Cloti. She may have been her oldest friend but she’d always been a bit, well, superior. Mrs Rock realised she could hold her head up high what with all that careful husbandry she’d been doing all these years. They had agreed on a strategy – safe, quite straightforward and something that would make her money work for her, even in the days of low interest rates.

She came away very satisfied. Well, apart from the biscuits. I mean, you’d think they’d have run to a ginger snap or two.

No matter. Time for lunch with Cloti. Then, she was going to speak to Sheridan. It was high time that boy bought his own flat anyway. She started looking forward to the future, confident that her money would last – even if unexpected things came along; like a wife and children for Sheridan.

She was going to be prepared for anything from now on. Careful financial husbandry.

Yes, she did like that.

“...you get coffee and biscuits in their swanky office. They’ll treat you like the landed gentry.”

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

It was important to plan carefully if you were fortunate enough to have some money saved or invested.

So, let’s leave Mrs Rock for another year. We’ll see how she has got on with her new strategy next Christmas.

Which reminds me to extend my very best wishes on behalf of all my colleagues at Sovereign (including the Irish guy!) to readers and their families for Christmas and the New Year 2016.

Ian Le Breton is Managing Director of Sovereign Trust (Gibraltar) Limited Tel: +350 200 76173 Email: ilebreton@ SovereignGroup.com 23

finance words | Callie Lombard Chief Country Officer, Barclays

THE GIFT OF GIVING “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift of God, which is why we call it the present.”

- William Aloysius Keane, aka Bil Keane

E

ver heard the catch phrase, “The The act of giving gifts transcends culgift that keeps on giving”? Are you tures. I am not aware of any culture that acquainted with the gift it refers to? does not provide for the giving of gifts, Well, it actually relates to two quite or the receiving of gifts for that matter. In separate gifts. The catchphrase defining what exactly constitutes was first trademarked in the US in a gift, I came across the following The act of 1927 as a marketing slogan for the definition, it is “something given volgiving gifts untarily without payment in return, phonograph (a mechanical recordtranscends as to show favour toward someone, ing and reproduction of sound), cultures. the front runner to the gramohonour an occasion, or make a phone, and then the vinyl record gesture of assistance.” A gift is also player that you might know, age dependknow by another name – a present. Just ing. The catchphrase is also used in the US in case you were wondering, even though as part of their organ donation campaign in the words tend to be used conjunction with the slogan “Give thanks, interchangeably, according According give life”. Other than the catchphrase, to English linguistics there is to English there is also a day of Thanksgiving – that a difference between a gift linguistics originated from the English Reformation and a present. A gift tends to of 1536 – which is celebrated in northern be considered more valuable there is a America, and have been since as long and usually passes from a difference ago as 1578. The US and Canada celemore fortunate person to a between brate Thanksgiving as a national holiday. less fortunate person, whilst a gift and In Canada, it is celebrated on the second a present passes between a present.

Monday of October and in the US on the equals. fourth Thursday of November.

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I can still recall a time, early in my career, when come the December festive season, clients would present you with presents, usually in the form of much desired wall calendars, desk calendars or diaries – of course all dawned with their insignia.

Though we might have been blissfully unware at the time or could not have bothered, this was of course their way of marketing. They relied on you putting it to use, or to either transfer it to a colleague or family member which in turn would find application in their offices. Today, however, the practice of receiving presents, not even to mention putting them to use, is frowned upon. Many companies even have policies that forbid the acceptance of presents in any shape or form, for they want to guard against it being perceived to have been made with the intention of some sort of reciprocal return. A complication with material gifts is that they tend to have limited, if any, recurring use as they intend to fulfil an immediate need before they are discarded.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

finance

“Give thanks, give life”

But, gifts – particularly their tax treatment a man a fish and you feed valuable work experience, something There is no – have found favour with the taxman, in him for a day; teach a man pure academic studies are unable to Inheritance the form of Inheritance Tax. In terms of to fish and you feed him for provide. A recent study by a leading Tax on any United Kingdom tax legislation, a gift is dea lifetime.” This tends to be business consultancy firm confirmed that gift married fined in the legislation as “(i) anyincorrectly attributbusinesses now consider it a core obligacouples or thing that has a value, e.g. money, ed to the Chinese tion to give back to the community. civil partners Many property, possessions; and (ii) a teacher Confucius. give each companies loss in value when something’s In fact, it is first Eric Ripert, a chef and an entrepreneur, other... transferred, e.g. if a parent sells referenced in Anne even have offers six ways in which businesses can a house to a child for less than give back to their community, with which policies that Isabella Thackeray it’s worth, the difference in value Ritchie’s 1885 novel, Mrs. Dymond, I associate, namely: forbids the counts as a gift.” It is interesting who wrote “…if you give a man a acceptance (i) Donate what you cannot use; that there is no Inheritance Tax on fish he is hungry again in an hour. of presents (ii) Teach - volunteer; any gift married couples or civil If you teach him to catch a fish in any shape partners give each other - as long you do him a good turn.” (iii) Fundraise as a team; or form... as they live in the UK permanent(iv) Participate in a fundraising event; ly. Then, there is also a seven-year Modern day businesses have (v) Create a win-win partnership – identirule and legislation for gifts made three to embraced the gift of charitable pursuits, fying specific community projects; and seven years before death. In Gibraltar, our away from their clients, tending to focus (vi) Use your platform to draw attention Income Tax Act provides for Gift Aid, which on community, such as initiatives inspiring to a cause. stipulates that “If you pay tax in Gibraltar young people to acquire valuable skills to on your income, gains or profits ensure a better future.

Though we each have our own and then make a Gift Aid donaBusinesses now encour...businesses “Give a man a age their staff to take an perspective on life, based on our tion, locally registered charities now consider own perceptions of reality, I still fish and you (including ecclesiastical instituactive interest in their it a core live by the credence instilled by tions and trusts) can claim back feed him for community, give time my grandmother – a lady of 96 obligation standard rate tax relating to that and money (less so) to a day; teach years of age who still blesses us donation directly from the Income good causes, contribute to give a man to fish with her presence and enduring Tax Office.” to community growth back to the and you feed wisdom – “It’s better to give than and prosperity and to community. him for a it is to receive.”

There are arguably better and share their work expelifetime.” more enduring gifts that could riences with, amongst Callie Lombard is writing in her own capacity be made, something which was others, scholars. Businesses also and none of the above is intended to express recognised and acknowledged many years tend to offer apprenticeships and traineethe views or opinions of Barclays Bank PLC. ago. You are, no doubt, familiar with “give ships that provide young people to again GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

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business words | Eran Shay & Ayelet Mamo Shay Benefit Business Solutions Ltd

THE RIGHT WAY TO SHOP Decrypting Sale of Goods Act in Gibraltar

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reasonable time frame, depending on the ith the Christmas shopis the foundation that makes sure you get ping now in full swing in what you pay for. product, e.g. a new car). This might sound Gibraltar, issues such as repretty basic common sense, but without it, turn & refund policies, faulty “Satisfactory quality”: This means that you can find yourself exposed. goods and other consumer related matters the goods must meet the standards that tend to be more common. It is imperative The above rights still apply when you buy any reasonable person would expect. This that we should all know our includes the appearance and fingoods during Sale times. basic statutory rights for shopish of the goods, their safety and It is imperative ping. Under the Sale of Goods durability and whether they are When you buy second-hand goods, the Act in Gibraltar, when you buy that we should all free from defects. But what’s rea- above conditions still apply but you will know our basic goods from a trader, the law sonable? Now, there’s a question also need to take into account the age statutory rights says they must be: lawyers have rowed about for of the goods and the price you paid. If for shopping. years. Reasonable means what a you’re buying goods from a private seller “Satisfactory As Described”: reasonable person would think is (someone who doesn’t sell goods for all or Now, the latter part of this, “as described”, fair. So, there’s no set answer. part of their living), your rights are might sound pretty obvious; for example, nowhere near as strong as when ...the goods a blue dress either is or isn’t. But other “Fit for purpose And last a must meet the buying from a shop. The goods goods, such as a silk shirt or a cashmere Reasonable length of Time”: standards that are sold as seen, so they may not sweater, must be made of that material, be of good quality but they must This means that the goods any reasonable while a multi-region DVD player must play match their description. If you saw must be fit for the purpose person would international DVDs. In most circumstances, they are generally intended the goods advertised, keep the expect. it also means that they must conform to advertisement as evidence. for and any other use that any advertising claims made about them. the trader has advised you It’s easy to buy goods that don’t measure of. Goods must also work and not fall Refunds, Replacement and Repairs: up to what the label says. So “as described” to bits after an hour’s use (or any other Traders are generally only legally obliged to 26

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

business ...there are some goods you can’t return if you simply change your mind...

offer a full refund for a short peseller fails to replace or repair the • tailor-made or personalised goods The amount riod of time after the purchase goods within a reasonable time, of money you having agreed to do so, or causes if the goods do not conform • underwear and earrings get back may you significant inconvenience; then to your rights under the Sale be reduced... you can ask for a partial or full of Goods Act. Once you’ve had Finally, whenever experiencing problems refund. The amount of money you the goods for a longer period of with any trader, you can always consult time, you may still be entitled get back may be reduced to take with the Consumer Protection division of to redress from the trader usually in the account of any use that you have had out the Office of Fair Trading. The Office of Fair form of replacement or repair. However, of the goods.

Trading in Gibraltar is in charge of ensuring if it is impossible to replace or repair the that locals and visitors alike are able to goods, or - replacement or repair would be Buying Online: Don’t think buying online shop with confidence. In addition to this, unreasonably costly for the seller, or - the means fewer rights. Online shopping (or it also focuses on ensuring a level playing by telephone/catalogue) from the UK for field between businesses in Gibraltar. example, covers you under the Consumer Contracts Regulations Next time you are walking down giving you right to a full re- Don’t think buying Main Street, just remember you online means fund within 14 days, even are covered in a glistening suit of if there’s no fault. In the fewer rights. consumer rights armour!

UK, the Distance Selling Regulations state that your right to cancel an order starts the moment you place your order and doesn’t end until seven working days from the day after you receive your goods. This is the minimum consumers must be given and many sellers choose to exceed this, so always check the terms and conditions in case you have longer to return your items. As this seven-day working period is the time you have to decide whether to cancel, by law the seller can’t say that you must have returned the goods within this time frame. Confirmation of your cancellation should be sent by email, letter or fax. It is worth noting that there are some goods you can’t return if you simply change your mind, including: • CDs, DVDs or software if you’ve broken the seal on the wrapping • perishable and other items that deteriorate rapidly such as food and flowers GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

...a blue dress either is or isn’t...

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business words | Leah Carnegie, The HR Dept

LANGUAGE OF APPRECIATION The need for recognising good work

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s the 2015 draws to an end, most companies will be finalizing performance reviews for their employees, according to Gary Chapman’s and Dr White founders of Appreciation at Work, 70% of employees say they receive no praise or recognition for their work.

Gary Chapman and Dr. White saw the need for the love languages in the workplace. “Every person is unique in the way that they feel love or express love in personal relationships, 70% of employees but it’s the same say they receive no in how they feel praise or recognition appreciated and valued in work for their work. relationships,” explains White.

Thus, the 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace were born:

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1. Words of Affirmation – uses words to affirm people 2. Acts of Service – actions speak louder than words

People want to be thanked and appreciated for what they do...

3. Receiving Gifts – people like things to feel appreciated 4. Quality Time – giving someone undivided attention 5. Physical Touch – appropriate touch (pats on the back) There is a difference between recognition and appreciation: Recognition is largely about behavior, catch them doing what you want and recognize it. Appreciation, conversely, focuses on performance plus the employee’s value as a person.

Recognition is about improving performance and focuses on what is good for the company. Appreciation emphasizes what is good for the company and good for the person.

Here are some ideas that you may want to consider to reward your employees in their Language of Appreciation, in the festive season to say a big thank you:

Words of affirmation Affirmations are compliments, the words of appreciation, of encouragement and the words of recognition. Employee surveys everywhere tell us that people want to be thanked and appreciated for what they do, wanting words of affirmation to show they are valued. For those with affirmations as their language of appreciation, reacting to others’ strengths immediately with words of why they’re so great is the norm. They leave cards, post-its, and other notes with similar exchanges. Conversely, these people need affirmations in return to feel they are in line with what the company values.

Ideas: Buy an office chalkboard for the breakroom, where employees can write GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

business reasons they appreciate their co-workers and company. Take a few moments at a team meeting to talk about things and people that inspired them during the week.

ation. It is not uncommon for the line of thought of a gift-giver and receiver to be: “I was listening to you when you said you loved cooking, so I got you this baking set.”

Gifts show forethought and special care, a gift is a visual representation of showing you value someone.

Ideas: Gift cards to local restaurant or spa treatments. A gift voucher from a book store, or a simple cup of coffee you buy them Gifts are a from their favorite symbol of coffee shop.

appreciation.

Physical touch Kinetic office colleagues are the ones who undoubtedly extend a handshake or hug to those they encounter, no matter the setting. When they speak, they gesture and animate, smack their knees after a punchline, hi-5 their team workers, or pat someone on the back to emphasize a job well done. They love elaborate presentations, where hands are being raised and other people feel included.

Ideas: Team sports activities, like volleyball or football, that involve high-energy engagement.

Quality Time Finding the time to talk, listen and engage with others. This seems particularly important for leaders to give quality time to their teams. People want to know they have been listened to, it can be achieved by allocating time to the conversations, observing People want body language, askto know they ing questions, paying have been attention and listening to listened to... understand.

Employees who value “Quality Time” as their love language are fluent in Happy Hours, one-on-one meetings to discuss projects with higher-ups, mid-day cafe outings with another colleague, and team-building jaunts to the charity quiz night.

Ideas: Offer monthly one-hour coaching sessions or classes from key leaders in company regarding special areas of interest. Treat teams to an afternoon at an art exhibit, or science museum, to inspire brainstorm sessions that spawn fresh, unprecedented ideas that would grow a company’s visibility within the community.

Receiving Gifts Chapman describes receiving gifts as a symbol of thought so we suggest that in the workplace, the gift needs to be something more than a pay increase. To these employees, gifts are a symbol of appreciGIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

Acts of service This is doing something that you know the Take the time to recognise your employees other person would like you to do. They Language of Appreciation and increase your often involve thought, planning and effort. companies productivity with happy valued It can be expressed as an offer to help or employees. to do something that you know will make a difference to the other person. These peo“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping ple are “actions speak louder than words” together is progress. Working together is instead of saying “I appreciate you,” these success.” – Henry Ford people are more likely to make sure the coffee supply is always full with your favorite Schedule a beans. They volunteer to “Random Acts of fix equipment that breaks, Kindness” day... even if it’s not their job.

Ideas: Stay socially conscious by scheduling opportunities for employees to volunteer at organizations they love, like local animal shelters. Schedule a “Random Acts of Kindness” day, where all employees are encouraged to do something unexpected and helpful for a co-worker.

“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress.

Working together is success.” – Henry Ford 29

property words | Mike Nicholls

THE END OF THE WILD WEST? The New Estate Agents’ Code of Conduct

C

ode of Conduct

es to which agents must adhere. I address some game changers below.

paid by the agent to the consumer within a specific period of time. Hence there is now a fining system for bad behaviour.

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has launched a new estate However, a set of rules is only as good Agents’ Code of Conduct. This is So what are these ‘game changers’? as the enforcement process. Under the the first time that all of the estate agents Code, each agent must have a complaints in Gibraltar have had to adhere to any procedure accessible to consumers. If a Conflicts of Interest form of industry specific regulation. The consumer is dissatisfied that his or her objective is that the estate Until now, agents have not had to disclose complaint has not been addressed agency market works well any form of conflict of interest. However, The industry satisfactorily then the consumer must for consumers and that all the rules now state that if an agent is dealhas, at times, be advised by the agent that they may businesses engaged in real ing with a property that is owned (or has take their grievance to the Office of been akin estate services are prevented any interest in) by a director, an employee Fair Trading. Upon receipt of the comto the Wild from causing significant harm or any associate then that person must displaint, an investigation may be made West... to consumer interests. close his or her interest to the consumer, by the Office of Fair Trading against in writing, before negotiations begin. the agent. If not resolved It is something that Chesterton has lobbied by the OFT, the OFT can for, through the articles in this magazine, Consumers should Not only will this impact agents refer the matter to the Office for some time. Hence we welcome its selling their own properties but be safe in the of Fair Trading Commission introduction with open arms. The industry also those agents who are under which may, in its discretion, knowledge that has, at times, been akin to the Wild West, common ownership or control issue an enforcement order the advice that with the consumer (whether buyer, seller, as a developer who is seeking to against the estate agency. they are receiving sell their properties off-plan. landlord or tenant) worse off as a result.

This order may, amongst othfrom their agent is er remedies, award the comindependent...

The Code covers a number of best practicConsumers should be safe in the plainant a sum of money to be

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

property knowledge that the advice that they are receiving from their agent is independent and they are advised when they are being sold a property (off-plan or existing) where the sales agent is a connected person to the vendor.

Instructions, Terms of Business, Fees and Charges

Client money must now be properly segregated from the agent’s own money.

Some basic standards are now obligatory. Vendors and landlords must have access to written terms and conditions of the agent which unambiguously set out all fees (to avoid hidden costs) and clearly state how the contract may be terminated by either party. The terms must be in writing and agreed to by the vendor or landlord as applicable.

Client money and deposits

It is now a legal requirement under section 97 of the Fair Trading Act that an agent must hold all deposits (usually from the tenant or the buyer) and indeed any client money in a separate client account. It seems strange that this has never been a requirement in Gibraltar (although the system has been adopted by many of the agents as standard practice, just not all).

However, some agents mix client money with their own money which is a dangerous act and not in the consumer’s best interest. Client money must now be properly segregated from the agent’s own money.

Worried consumers should ask their agents where their money is held.

In the same vein, these deposits are to be held on a ‘subject to contract’ basis unless the clients expressly agree otherwise in writing. If for any reason, the parties do not proceed to exchange of contracts or enter into a rental or tenancy agreement (as the case may be), the deposit must be returned in full without deduction or set-off.

Advertising There is a new very simple rule: an agent must not advertise any property without permission from the owner.

was on a lower floor with no such views.

This practice is now outlawed and the consumer could file a complaint. Quite right too, this is the type of practice that does Gibraltar a real disservice.

An agent must

It sounds obvious but until not advertise any Other now, nothing has presented property without agents from showcasing The code is accessible in full on permission from properties on their website the Chesterton website - www. the owner. which quite simply they do chesterton.gi/code_of_conduct. not have any instruction from asp. It is targeting the consumer the vendor or landlord. Their intention is and hence set out in such a manner to be simply to attract calls from consumers in easily understood and absorbed. the hope that they can sell or rent something else. This most basic of ethical stanThis may not have been the most festive dards has been addressed by the Code. of Christmas articles I have ever written, Mystery properties have been outlawed! however, the Code is a fantastic Christmas present for the more professional agents To assist the OFT in enforcement of in Gibraltar. It is also great news for any eradicating ‘ghost properties’, there is also current or future consumer of real estate a new rule that all advertised properties agency services in Gibraltar, so that’s just should be available at the time of adverabout everyone. tising and that agency websites must be updated at least weekly. The excuse of Happy Christmas! “well, it used to be for sale” will no longer work.

Additionally, there is now a rule that all adverts placed by agents should be legal, decent, honest and truthful. There was an article in the Gibraltar Chronicle recently which referred to an agent using photographs of views from a higher floor apartment in a particular block to attract clients only to find that on viewing, the property

Mike Nicholls is Managing Director of Chesterton Gibraltar

Only one real estate agent can tick all of these boxes:

Tel: +350 200 67434 Email: mike.nicholls@ chesterton.gi

New Estate Agents’ Code of Conduct Launched in Gibraltar in October 2015 by the Office of Fair Trading Visit www.chesterton.gi/code_of_conduct.asp

Tel: +350 200 40041

enquiries@chesterton.gi

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

chesterton.gi

20 Ocean Village Promenade

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publishing

FUTURE OF MEDIA City AM Literary Festival lecture

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the empire that is Metro International and ociety’s zest for news has been and experience within the media industry unwavering for many decades, sparked my interest in a subject that the consequently introducing the Swedish and every now and again, a new magazine had previously touched on in Metro newspaper to different cities around revolution comes along and sweeps October, about the future of the media, the world. ‘For anybody working in the media, the UK is the country you want to be the institution of the media and particularly, print media. I love off its feet. Prevailing through Jens’ secret to these discussions, not least because in because that’s where it’s all happening, these changes is the true mark the subject affects me personally. that’s where all the innovations are.’ I argue success has of success within a fast paced Working in print media and hoping that Scandinavia is much more innovative been finding industry that can be unforgiving for a long illustrious career in the in most other aspects of their culture and a niche in a Jens proudly remarks on their interior departicularly in a striving and industry, I’m often left wondering world that is sign skills that are extremely highly regardever evolving Central London. about where the future will take oversaturated us. Jens’ insight into dealing with ed in the world of design. He gives me an with news. advertisers, and limiting insight into his background, having Ten years ago, when the intheir ability to influence “For anybody studied marketing at a university in ternet was still coming into its Denmark and then finding himself content was also particularly own, business and media savvy Dane Jens working in the useful and interesting.

Torpe launched the third of London’s most media, the UK is falling into Metro International prominent free newspapers, City A.M., a the country you after they had initiated the hugely Building the Metro empire successful free paper in Sweden. paper catering to the immense business want to be in...”

Jens was responsible for introcommunity in the area. Jens’ secret to An avid lover of Scandinavian ducing the paper to twenty eight success has been finding a niche in a world culture and innovation, I took that is quite possibly, oversaturated with the opportunity during the Literary Festival other places around the world, including New York, Boston, Canada, Brazil, Chile, news. Speaking to former editor of the weekend to probe Jens on the main Portugal, Italy, Greece and Hungary. His Independent, Simon Kelner at the City differences between the media industries history also follows him to a new satellite A.M. sponsored lecture of last month’s in the UK and Scandinavia, where he television channel TV3 in Denmark in the Literary Festival, Jens’ vast knowledge played a front running role in setting up

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

publishing

“The only reason to have a newspaper is so people will read it...”

early 90s, where he became mobile telephony at the time, doing Reviewing City A.M.’s potential competipresident of the station.

“It’s hard to something in print seemed like a really tors, the Financial Times, Jens had noticed that their circulation had dropped, but, Metro, which Torpe insists was stupid idea, but when they launched think that initiated by three ‘crazy, young the project in 1995, the name Metro Simon Kelner points out during the lecture, swedes’ revolutionized the free there will be very quickly became a big success.’

2005 was not a particularly auspicious no Times or Having spent around eight years newspaper model. It directly time for newspapers. Torpe agrees, adding Telegraph.” constantly travelling, by 2004, Jens that they were very lucky to have attained targeted morning commuters. the funding necessary to launch ‘The only free newspapers decided it was time to “Seattle has taken then was a weekly in every city, mostly settle, and where better the publication. ‘The difficultly its news completely of launching a free newspaper driven by advertisement and with very than London, the center low status. Being involved in working with of the media universe? online, with no more came from its name being tainted

printed papers.”

Jens Torpe & Simon Kelner

“The difficultly of launching a free newspaper came from its name being tainted for many years...”

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

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publishing

for many years. You could hardly tell the difference between the advertising and the editorial. Today there is absolutely no difference between the free and paid for newspapers.’ Jens is an avid believer in not interfering with the editorial team, particularly when it comes to content. He insists that the key to maintaining advertisers’ respect is to retain the newspaper’s independence. ‘The only reason to have a newspaper is so people will read it,’ Jens exclaims, noting that readers are intelligent and would certainly catch on to any advertiser influence within the content.

Digitalization of the media

What about journalism? Regardless of push their online presence? ‘Absolutely, if what platform the news is released on, you want to survive in such a developing what is the future for journalists in this industry you have to have strong digital digital world? Jens explains that with the presence. In the confined space of printed web facilitating the democratization of newspapers, there are only a few, whereas the news, ‘anyone that has a laptop, is a if you go on the web you’ve got millions potential media producer. Journalists need of outlets to choose from. That’s of course to realize that they are not a protectsomething that everyone has ed species.’ He speaks of bygone days to get used to. The only way “You could to attract a lot of visitors is to hardly tell the when the printing press was invented, allowing people to readily obtain maintain your integrity; you difference information outside of the Church or have to remember that your between the the Government. The true outcome readers are just as smart as of these changes is uncertain, but you are. This is the generation advertising and the looking at the success of significant that has grown up with the changes in how the news is delivered Internet and is very cynical.’ editorial.” across the world, the two men discuss how Seattle has taken its news The online publication reaches completely online, with no more printed 1.2 million unique visitors each month, papers. Civilian journalists have found with 2.5 million page views, their audisuccess through their online news platence is largely male, aged 25 – 54 with an forms, often through blogs, by usuing open annual salary of £50,000+. Both Simon source tools. Eliot Higgins initiated his own and Jens agree that the future of print is not hugely optimistic, circulation in general news site called Bellingcat, which he claims ‘is a place where contributors will write about a range of topics with the use of open source information for investigations.’

Eliot used online crowdfunding to reach a target of £50,000 to help him set up the initiative. He has worked with UK journalist Peter Jukes, who also initiated a crowdfunding project to enable him to live tweet throughout the entire Leveson Enquiry, which touched on UK media phone hacking scandals. Perhaps this new wave of civilian journalists is moving towards a decline of highly regarded and trusted media institutions.

“Your

City A.M., like Metro, targets commuters, with distribution points found both in central London and the main surrounding commuter points. It offers bite size news reports, a welcoming deviation form long-winded broadsheet features. The publication has consistently remained true to its core pro capitalist beliefs, often has seen a massive downwards curve having made political leanings towards since 90s, with revenue being cut steadily the Liberals and always representing free by around 10% a year, at least over the enterprise. The paper has maintained a past few years. They note that there is steady stream of funding, despite the 2009 always going to be a core of avid readers financial crash, its revenue who will hate to see newspapers go. increased by 40% in 2010.

It is hard to dilute the truth from farce “Today there information and rumour on the web.

In 2014, in an effort to move is absolutely The success of a newspaper is very with the rapidly developing no difference dependent on the reputation it has world of online media, the publication invested signifibuilt itself through journalistic integribetween cantly in its online offering. ty. Jens insists that wed based media the free ‘If you look at what’s going will not be able to fund investigative and paid for to happen with the web over newspapers.” journalism. ‘It would be a great loss for the next decade, I think there fact gathering.’ Trust is built over years will be huge changes,’ Jens of quality content. ‘What is the next explained to me, ‘what’s already happened 20 years looking like for the printed press?’ with the web is that the whole world Simon enquires. ‘It’s hard to think that has gone truly global. The scary thing is there will be no Times or Telegraph. Will that you need a very big presence. There we keep seeing newspapers over the next will be changes in every sector and not twenty years? I think my honest answer is everyone will stand a chance.’ So does that that I don’t really know.’ mean City A.M. is looking to continue to 34

readers

Before the weekend is over, I are just as take the opportunity to ask Jens smart as about his time on the Rock, ‘I you are.” love it! It’s absolutely fascinating and I’m so sorry I have to go.

I love the history and maintaining of an identity.’ He tells me he grew up in a small Danish city with a population size similar to that of Gibraltar. Before I can enquire any further on his Danish upbringing, he is whisked away by Simon Kelner, ahead of an early morning flight back to Gatwick.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

life

UPHOLDING TRADITION What does Christmas mean to you?

W

rones and turron, and in my house, pan hat does tradition mean Our traditions de nuez. For those of you unfamiliar with to you? As creatures of habit, the practice of certain Gibraltarians are true traditionalists, these delicacies; polvorones are most customs or beliefs that have proudly grasping at the customs they’ve easily described as soft, Andalucían, nutty biscuits that come in an array of textures been passed down to us, and built over a lengthy period of and flavours. Turron is Spanish nougat that continuing to keep them alive discovery of national identity and The holidays comes in both hard and soft textures and, brings comfort and nostalgia. whilst fighting for self-determinaspread warmth I think people particularly love again, is extremely nutty. Pan de nuez is tion. National Day comes to mind. and unity, Christmas time purely because my family’s favourite. It literally translates Being a predominantly Catholic often bringing to ‘nut bread’ and is made in loaves that it is steeped in tradition. From community, Christmas here is together family revered for its religious influence. are full of currants and varying different personal customs, to societal and friends... nuts. Growing up with a serious nut allergy and religious, the holidays Typically Christmas Eve, although meant that when Christmas rolled around, spread warmth and unity, often not the main night of celebration, bringing together family and friends that is marked with a gathering of the extended I had my own hand chosen dedicated delicacies, whilst the rest of my spend the rest of the year too busy in family, with, in my experience, family consumed every nut related their own lives to meet. Christmas, to me, an impressive Christmas dinner Gibraltarians dessert in existence. My experibrings to mind visits to the steam railway buffet on offer with some of are true ences of Christmas dinner have in Dymchurch, opening one present on the typical ‘British’ Christmas traditionalists... differed over the years, my mothChristmas Eve before being rushed off food offerings, like roast chickto bed, and four-day gaming stints with er’s is traditionally British, but with en, beef or pork, and a twist on the Gibraltarian twist in her turkey stuffing. my brother and sister. A lot of my famithe traditional stuffing that uses cheese, When I was a child, we would spend ly’s traditions shifted when we moved to breadcrumbs and herbs to form a solid Christmas in Essex with my cousins, the Gibraltar, and some of these were sadly relleno that the chicken is usually stuffed other side of their family was Polish and so lost, meaning that over time, I’ve become with. Christmas morning is generally filled somewhat of a Scrooge type. dinner would consist of an immense feast with Spanish Christmas treats like polvoGIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

35

traditions Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost)

black face to chimney soot, from having to climb in and out, whilst delivering presents.

Russia’s take on Santa Claus is Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost) who travels across Russia with his granddaughter Snegurochka (The Snow Maiden). The pair are known to deliver gifts on 31st December, New Year’s Eve. Father Christmas preceded today’s Santa Claus, who is a very prominent advertising figure around the Christmas period, particularly with better-known brands like Coca Cola. Spain, Italy, India, Romania, Ukraine and Belgium also identify with Father Christmas, translating his name into their Traditions vary own respective languages. significantly It is suggested that the around the figure of Father Christmas world, influenced merged with St. Nicholas by culture and to form the current day religious belief.

Santa Claus that we are all familiar with. The earliest known personification of Father Christmas does not describe him as old at all. Originally, as told in a carol by Richard Smart, Rector of Plymtree from 1435 to Snegurochka (The Snow Maiden) 1477, he is attributed with spreading the news of Christ’s birth and encouraging people to be merry and feast. The figure 1969 but now Secret Santa is often carried of Father Christmas is not accredited with of food. Gibraltarians have adopted many out in schools on this date. Santa Claus’ British traits, including Christmas cards delivering gifts, but instead he was known red outfit derives from St. Nick’s red and crackers, and watching the Queen’s for being kind to the poor. bishop’s gown. Modern day Santa Claus, Speech on television at midday on 25th, who is more commonly known to children formerly followed by an evening of the Winter Solstice and Día de los Reyes of the UK and US, stems from the Dutch Only Fools and Horses Christmas Special.

Of course, the Christian celebration of naming of St. Nick, Sinterklaas.

Christmas predominantly surrounds the This figure is thinner than the The many names and Christmas morning story of the Birth of Jesus. Many traditions American image of Santa, and faces of Santa Claus is generally filled surrounding Christmas have been derived rides a white horse. He is assisted Traditions vary signifiwith Spanish from pagan rituals, such as celebrating the

by Zwarte Piet (black Peter), in cantly around the world, Christmas treats winter solstice, an astronomical phenomesending out gifts on the night of influenced by culture and like polvorones and December 5th. Zwarte Piet is sup- non marking the shortest day and longest religious belief. Many other night of the year. In Scandinavia, Christmas posedly a Moor from Spain, but turron, and in my European countries mark coincides with a twelve-day holiday other suggestions have linked his house, pan de nuez. th the 24 December as their main day of celebration, particularly of the central Europe region, Sinterklaas & Zwarte Piet including Germany, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Austria. Christmas dinner in these regions varies, but is known to feature carp and potatoes with a cabbage dish. These areas also subscribe to the notion of St. Nicholas visiting them with gifts, our current Santa Claus’ predecessor.

Santa’s persona is based on St. Nicholas, who was a Bishop in Turkey, born in 270AD. The Patron Saint, who celebrates his feast day on 6th December, was known for kind acts of secret gift giving and leaving coins in the shoes of those who left them out. This tradition continues today for many central European countries that mark St Nicholas’ feast in early December, but instead children often find sweets or small toys in their shoes. Both Catholic and Orthodox churches subscribe to the St. Nicholas practice. The 6th December was once a bank holiday in Poland, until 36

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

traditions called Jul. Many of our modern and more widespread traditions, like Christmas trees, wreaths and yule logs are all derived from this midwinter holiday. Denmark, Norway and Sweden all have their own differing practices during Jul, with the main celebration being marked on 24th December.

In Sweden, St. Knut’s Day, on 13th January marks the end of their Christmas and holiday season. In many other countries, the holidays conclude on January 6th, when the three kings arrived at the stable in Bethlehem to visit the baby Jesus. El Día del los Reyes, as it is known in Spain and other Latin American countries is one of the most prominent celebrations of the holiday season and is often marked with gift giving and a Cavalcade of Magi, which follows a parade of floats and the three kings on their camels, walking through the town centre. Typically, sweets are thrown at children. Gibraltar has its own Three King’s Cavalcade, which offers prizes to the best floats. The three king’s celebration is also prominent in Poland, where during this bank holiday people mark their doors with chalk: C+M+B and the current year which stand for Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar, the three Magi.

The figure of Father Christmas is not accredited with delivering gifts, but instead he was known for being kind to the poor.

DID YOU KNOW? Santa would have to visit 832 homes a second to deliver all his presents in time.

The world’s largest Christmas present was the Statue of Liberty, gifted to the Americans by the French in 1886. Lady Liberty stands at 151 ft. tall.

In Japan, they eat Kentucky Fried Chicken for Christmas dinner.

However and wherever you celebrate your Christmas, the team at The Gibraltar Magazine wishes you a wonderful one!

In Caracas, Venezuela, individuals roller-skate to Christmas Eve morning mass.

A giant straw goat is erected in the Swedish town of Gävle to mark the beginning of the holiday season.

In Ukraine, Christmas trees are decorated with plastic spiders and cobwebs, as opposed to ornaments and trinkets.

El Día del los Reyes is often marked with gift giving and a Cavalcade of Magi.

Santa Claus’ red outfit derives from St. Nick’s red bishop’s gown.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

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life

CHRISTMAS THEN & NOW

words | Richard Cartwright

Have we lost the spirit?

O

lder generations claim expensive presents - especially to grandguitars, tambourines and ‘sambombas’ Christmases in their younger children – they have a great time, even (clay containers which produced a bass-y days were different and much during the run up to the magical 25th when sound). They’d be wearing pyjamas and more meaningful. It’s true you they window shop around town weeks other attire and be invited in and treated to received less but there was always plenty earlier picking out what they’d like Santa to a drink and a sweet Christmas goodie. You bring! One 84 year old gentleman told me of food and drink on the table and most could really feel and live that special seaimportantly, you welcomed there were many underprivileged sonal atmosphere of Christmas. I too recall and enjoyed the closeness families in the 40s, 50s, and even all of that and must say it’s totally different Many seniors in and warmth of family and into the 60s, who couldn’t afford nowadays. Youngsters today receive so our community friends at home... very much and a Christmas presmuch more and for so many of the youngsay, ‘Christmas ent might have consisted of a toy er ones Christmas may come, on and off, has become lack walking stick, a stick all the year round as they tend to In many districts on the Rock lustre and an with the head of a get gifts pretty regularly so the there was the patio ambience Joy and laughter uninspiring affair!’ horse on it, a plastic Santa event may not be as special where front doors were left abounded and pistol or a cheap for them as it was for many of us. ajar and neighbours would that Christmas doll and that was it. Today it’s I have to say I’ve seen children pop in for a drink and a Christmas treat atmosphere in the opening up their presents around during the yuletide period. This was a won- the ipad or ipod, laptop, any community was number of digital games or the Christmas tree, ripping them derful event to look forward to every year, almost tangible. perhaps the motor scooter open, taking a quick look, pushing now, many seniors in our community say, because you’ve just turned them aside and ripping open the ‘Christmas has become lack lustre and an next, simply because they have so many to uninspiring affair!’ They quickly add howev- 18. But, he said, all those years ago, joy and laughter abounded and that Christmas unwrap, many of which don’t seem to imer, children and youngsters these days, do atmosphere in the community was almost press them much! Our teenagers though, seem to look forward to the great event. tangible, there would be groups of friends tend to have a really good time partying, With all the family and extended family going round homes singing and playing clubbing and meeting friends they may members contributing lots of lovely and 38

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

life not have seen for a while, especially if they’ve been away studying or working abroad as so many more of them are doing nowadays.

Reminiscences of Christmases gone are had by the younger generations in different ways although it may not seem so to many and in most homes customs of those who savoured Christmastime those days are lost forever: “I talk about the so intensely in the past. However, making paper chains consciousness there is another message that’s from coloured strips of Christmas has paper glued together important to all at this time. or awareness of `Times They Are a-Changbecome too Apart from the REAL meaning of with flower and water. ing’ are the words of a Bob the meaning of commercialised In the lead up to the Dylan song which was a hit giving gifts, the Christmas Father Stuart talks about. over the years. event, stocking up the In common sense mode, Stuart realisin the 60s, so some 50 years celebration of es that it would be very difficult to Christmas cupboard with on we shouldn’t be surprised someone very put a brake on the commercialism flour, sugar, nuts and raisins to witness many more variations in how special and the and materialistic trend we journey Christmas is celebrated. But asking around, for the extra cooking planned message of love through at this time, “Absolutely, but for the days to come, having I’m often reminded about something they to take your leg of lamb, pork and peace.” we need to rememtell me we shouldn’t forget and has really or turkey to the communal ber not to overnot changed: The meaning of Christmas...

The whiff spend and be responsible. oven down the road because you didn’t of roasting own an oven.

The older generations really When it’s all over there’s a Father Stuart tells me, “I think it’s importchestnuts is hill to climb come January miss all of that... But the whiff of roasting ant to point out from the outset, priests chestnuts is still around during the autumn and February. It can be a still around are not party poopers. We don’t think and winter. That too reminds us, Christmas tough nut to crack...” That’s during the there’s anything wrong with the fun side very true, for now though, is on its way. Traditions sometimes move of Christmas. By all means, let’s exchange autumn gifts, have a party and enjoy ourselves with on and take on another guise and meaning, Happy Christmas! and winter. so maybe nowadays just as much fun is family and friends but also keep very much in mind the most important part of the celebration, a birth that occurred a little over 2000 years ago.” Father “These days Stuart points also to the popular almost every view by many, that Christmas has become too commercialised child has over the years. We’ve seen year everything in year out how, after summer’s and it’s the over and the winter school term odd, less begins, it’s all systems go to get privileged ready for Christmas with decoone that rations up in the streets, shops stands out.” dressed up to attract punters who are also ever so ready to start burning the plastic buying presents.

“Yes, that’s right and the one or two present offering is not good enough anymore even if the main present is a four or five hundred pound smart phone. I received an action man and tank that came with it one Christmas, which I had to share with my two brothers but the event was always very family orientated.” Father Stuart is of the opinion peer pressure has a lot to do with it today and the must have syndrome.

“These days almost every child has everything and it’s the odd, less privileged one that stands out.” He tells me he really does like to keep in the spirit of the occasion and even doesn’t mind Father Christmas coming round to his church on Christmas Eve - something which apparently other clergymen are not so keen on – and being part of the celebration, “Yes, and of course, I also get the odd, ‘Oh here he goes again’ when I talk about the consciousness or awareness of the meaning Traditions of what’s meant by the giving of sometimes gifts, the celebration of someone move on very special and the message of and take love and peace. I know it sounds on another a bit cliché but it’s a message that’s even more important to be guise and reminded of these days.” meaning...

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

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history words | Reg Reynolds

EVACUEES CHRISTMAS Down Jamaica Way

I

t was the Gibraltar evacuees first Christmas away from home and even though they were in Kingston, Jamaica they wanted to make it as traditional as possible.

The Jamaican newspaper The Daily Gleaner of Christmas Eve, 1940 reported on the preparations. The paper noted that Christmas presents had been gathered and were to be distributed by Father Christmas that evening at 9pm. The festivities would include carol singing by the Holy Trinity Cathedral Choir followed by Midnight Mass.

Gibraltarians were in good spirits and not short of “monies”. That was due to money being sent from Gibraltar by the able-bodied men who had stayed on to work in occupations vital to the war effort. Also, nearly 400 Gibraltarians were working in Jamaica as carpenters, mechanics, Christmas Day plumbers, and in clerical jobs. Some young women worked in the canteens at Gibraltar and as dental assistants.

Camp would

feature sports and games and then a traditional Christmas dinner...

Christmas Day at Gibraltar Camp, as it was called, would feature sports and games and then a traditional Christmas dinner in the specially decorated dining rooms. The locals had donated Christmas trees for the occasion.

The newspaper reported that despite having been uprooted from their homes, the

The evacuees also supplied 18 constables, although the Gleaner noted that they were paid less than the regular police, as it was pointed out that they were getting “free room and board”.

The Gleaner reported that “There is a general air of contentment and happiness about the camp.”

By the end of the war, there were 2,000 Gibraltarians in Gibraltar Camp and 100 babies had been born there.

The Saturday prior to Christmas, a thrown-together Gibraltar football team received enthusiastic support from a large crowd as it took

on a local side and won 4-0.

The first 1104 evacuees (185 men, 673 women, 246 children) arrived aboard the Neuralia* in October 1940. By 1942, there were 1,500 Gibraltarians in Gibraltar Camp which had been established on the Government-owned Mona Estate. The Public Works Department spent £375,000 clearing and preparing the site which was considered ideal because of its size (space for 7,000) and closeness to Kingston.

Roads were graded and barracks, stores and offices constructed. There was a police station and a hospital and cottages for the officials and priests and nuns. For the Jewish evacuees, there was a synagogue and a kosher kitchen.

By the end of the war, there were 2,000 Gibraltarians in Gibraltar Camp and 100 babies had been born there. Some Gibraltarians had married Jamaicans and they returned to Gibraltar together.

Those still alive will fondly remember that first Christmas away seventy five years ago this month.

*Note: The 9,082 ton, SS Neuralia was launched as a passenger ship in 1912. During World War I she served as a hospital ship in the Mediterranean. She returned to passenger service in 1919 but in World War II was converted to a troop ship. She sank after hitting a mine in the Gulf of Taranto, Italy on the 1st of May, 1945.

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words | Reg Reynolds

COLONIAL SERVICE Christmas in the camp

J

ehan Welborne was twelve-years-old when she arrived in Gibraltar in the summer of 1946. Her English parents worked in the Colonial Service and their previous postings had included Brazil, where Jehan was born, Jamaica, Cape Verde Islands and Portugal.

In her book, Kedgeree and Rhubarb Crumble: Recipes from a Cosmopolitan Childhood (The Radcliffe Press 1999), Jehan devotes a chapter to Gibraltar where she lived for three years.

Her mother was “extremely happy” as she already spoke Portuguese and French and soon added Spanish to the list.

Jehan attended the mixed English School.

“The headmisstress, Miss Simpson, was a slightly eccentric Englishwoman of “The headmisstress, the nicest type and a brilliant teacher of mathematics and history.”

Miss Simpson, was

a slightly eccentric Englishwoman of the nicest type and a brilliant teacher of mathematics and history.”

She had arrived on the Rock shortly after many evacuees had returned from exile from such diverse places as London, Northern Ireland, Jamaica and Madeira. Jehan was pleased with her new surroundings.

“Battleships, destroyers and aircraft carriers, as well as liners all called in at Gibraltar and the whole place exuded a lively and happy atmosphere. The Gibraltarians were pleasant, friendly and cultured so most people enjoyed their stay there and viewed Gibraltar as one of their best posts.”

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

Miss Simpson was also a top tennis player, having played at Wimbledon, and gave tennis lessons to the students. A Señor Luis crossed over from La Linea each day to teach the students Spanish.

“Most students did so well that many went on to take the leaving examination “Battleships, the School Certificate destroyers and (before O and A levels aircraft carriers, were introduced) at as well as liners an earlier age than all called in at their compatriots in England.”

Gibraltar and The Welborne’s left Gibraltar in 1949 and were posted to Kuwait where Jehan

the whole place exuded a lively and happy atmosphere...”

met Tareq Rajab. They married in 1955.

He was only the fifth Kuwaiti to marry a Western woman and the first to go abroad to study. In 1969 Jehan and Tareq started the New English School in Jordan and in 1980 inaugurated the opening of the Tareq Rajab Museum.

Jehan was in Kuwait when Saddam Hussein’s Iraqi troops invaded the country on August 2nd, 1990. Tareq was in Jordan visiting the school they owned there.

Jehan spent the seven months of the occupation bravely, on penalty of death, hiding valuable artefacts and historic treasures from the clutches of the invaders.

The invasion resulted in the first Gulf War and Kuwait was declared officially liberated on February 25th, 1991. Jehan wrote of her experiences in Invasion Kuwait: An Englishwoman’s Tale.

Sadly, Jehan died on April 5th, 2015 aged 81. Her legacy includes the cookbook Kedgeree and Rhubarb C rumble, which tells of her life in the various Colonial outposts but is also a collection of English Colonial recipes she learned from her mother. One of these recipes is for Christmas Cake. If a bakery-minded reader would like to give it a try, it’s available on Amazon!

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

life photos | The Worldwide Tribe

EUROPEAN DYSTOPIA One Gibraltarian’s effort to aid the refugee crises

G

ibraltarians doing incredible Dan’s humanitarian work manitarian crisis on the ground in various locations across Europe, and the second things around the world is my is to overturn negative opinion or prejufavourite premise for an ‘I have been working in volunteer In 2014, dice towards immigration.’ The project has article. With the number travel for years,’ Dan tells me, ‘I initiated collection points across Europe of fleeing refugees pouring into 283,532 travelled to Calais in early August, Europe reaching new harrowing appealing for physical donations. ‘We’ve with the Worldwide Tribe team in migrants filled seven warehouses across heights everyday, twenty nine year entered the the hopes of making a London and one in Calais. Through old Dan Teuma, along with his documentary answerEuropean The Worldwide this, we have distributed thouteam at the Worldwide Tribe and ing some of the quesUnion. sands of pairs of shoes, 2000 bikes CalAid, are making life significantly tions I’d come up with Tribe is a grassroots more bearable for many unfortuand endless amounts of warm after reading a lot of clothing, food, tents and sleeping nate people fleeing their repressed homethe news headlines surround- organisation lands in the Middle East. The refugee crisis ‘which has grown bags across the Jungle Camp in ing these developments.’ He Calais.’ CalAid was formed out of has dominated the media since the image says that they were comcompletely the bigger Worldwide Tribe family, of a small Syrian boy washed up dead on a pletely overwhelmed by what organically in beach in Turkey took the world by storm. specifically targeting the Jungle they had experienced, having response to the Statistics reveal that in 2014, 283,532 miCamp. Dan adds, ‘we have also arrived at the Jungle Camp in general public’s been working hard to represent grants entered the European Union. Many Calais. The Worldwide Tribe, concern... the people of the camp through hail from the Middle East, particularly from of which Dan is a proud our documentary which is soon to countries suffering civil unrest like Syria, member, is a grassroots be released! We are also heading further Iraq and Afghanistan. Migrants from Africa organisation ‘which has grown completeand the West Balklands also make up a afield now that Calais is beginning to ly organically in response to the general significant chunk of the number, which receive much more support. I just returned public’s concern, compassion and drive to from Lesvos, which was an experience I’ll only previously reached this degree during take action,’ Dan explains, ‘we have two never forget. I believe we’re having a huge the Second World War. main aims, the first is to tackle the hu-

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

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life

impact on the ground, where larger wellknown non-profit organisations have faltered.’ The Tribe’s prominent social media presence has played a huge role in their success. Speaking to me via the internet, during his journey between the UK and Calais, Dan explains that when the Tribe first visited the camp, his partner Jasmine created a post on their Facebook page about the dire conditions the refugees are existing in. Through the power of sharing and social media, her post was shared over 65,000 times in a matter of hours and the group was absolutely inundated with donations over the following weeks.

Calais’ Jungle Camp The camp currently homes approximately 4,000 refugees, all waiting and hoping to make their way across the Channel and into Britain where, the BBC claims, ‘many want to claim asylum in the UK.’ Norwegian journalist, Anders Fjellberg last month spoke at a TED conference after having visited the camp on numerous occasions. He noted that many of the refugees are ‘actually highly educated, and skilled workers’ but, he added, much of this information gets lost in the reporting of the situation, which often touches on statistics but not the human element.’ Stricter measures implemented by the UK and the French has made the process of movement much more difficult for migrants, recently.

Dan shares his concerns about cold winter months that no one will be acclimatised to.

‘We are working hard to address this situation and build better insulated structure within the camp, but numbers continue to grow every day.’ He fears that as the story fizzles out in the UK media, it will be difficult to find continued support. ‘It’s important to us to continue to report the human element to the British public, and also 44

to Calais however, in the New Year, he will return to Lesvos, in Greece where he says the situation is horrendous. Recounting his recent visit, he tells me about his first stop at border between Greece and Macedonia.

‘I had never seen people so desperate,’ he looks back on his time handing out donations. ‘Children were getting crushed against the fence, hands grappling through the windows, extended family groups desperately trying to push forward for the sake of a few dry biscuits.’ He moves on to the scene he witnessed in Lesvos, once an idyllic holiday destination, now in turmoil.

‘The surrounding Mediterranean sea is peppered with lifejackets and rubble’ from boats that crashed in “I had never a huge thunderstorm. ‘I remember seen people so desperate... I drove through the unremitting rain, on various aid runs. Our team children saved two lives that day. The first were getting was a disabled woman, unable crushed to walk, who had just arrived in to the people of Gibraltar.’ I ask against the a boat without a wheelchair. The him how the general public, here fence, hands second was a woman sitting on in Gibraltar can help with the the roadside cradling a very quiet grappling crisis. ‘People should research baby. Another volunteer ran for through the and really look into the horrific his stethoscope and confirmed situation. Find a grassroots group windows... that the baby’s breathing was like us, follow us for real stories very irregular.’ Dan recalls his first and news on what’s happening. Support us time at Camp Moria, where Migrants are by donating or sponsoring us to allow us required to register before leaving the to continue to do our work,’ Dan explains, Island. ‘The queue for European papers is ‘it is important to me to get the message 3km long and people wait in it for days. across is because I was born and raised in They don’t stand, they kneel, crawl, crouch, Gib, as part of the most multi cultural and lie in the mud without shelter, food or diverse society that I’ve experienced in the water for days at a time,’ he laments touchworld. I would love to see Gib do more in ing on the sheer number of incredibly terms of humanitarianism and believe it desperate people that he says ‘are slowly would be great for international relations. dying.’ ‘We stayed for hours, handing out I hope one day I can get that message bread rolls from our little bags. There is no across to the Government of Gibraltar and police presence along the queue, just some give them the desire to follow suit. people who have been given sticks by the police, to try and control the crowd. I noThe situation in Greece ticed so many people, lying, motionless in Dan’s humanitarian work is not restricted the mud.’ Whilst rewarding, surely trying to

Many of the refugees are ‘actually highly educated, and skilled workers’...

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

As Christmas rolls around the corner, he looks forward to spending a few weeks with the other Teumas, here in Gibraltar, before heading off back to Lesvos. help people stuck in this awful dystopia, leaves you incredibly drained and disheartened. ‘The situation is a hundred times worse than the media portrays. The Non Profit Organisations are either not there or seriously struggling. My time there reiterated the importance of grassroots groups like us. We are bypassing governments and large charities and taking matters into our own hands.’

Spreading their message As I write this piece, I feel disappointed in myself for not previously having taken the time to read about how dire the situation actually is. Volunteers like

Dan provide respite through this hellish, inhumane reality. I ask him how it feels to do such positive work and he tells me it is amazingly rewarding. ‘All my life I have wanted to do something meaningful, I define my success by the impact that I have on others around me. People stop me in the street and congratulate me, it is really amazing.’ When he’s not travelling, Dan is based in Kent. As Christmas rolls around the corner, he looks forward to spending a few weeks with the other Teumas, here in Gibraltar, before heading off “They don’t stand, they kneel, back to Lesvos, to work at Pikpa Camp, where they have already funded crawl, crouch, the installment of tents and washlie in the mud ing facilities, donated thousands of without shelter, pounds towards a shipping container food or water for to be used as storage. They have also

days at a time.”

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

organized for more volunteers and doctors to be sent to these camps. The Worldwide Tribe have been featured in a multitude of media publications and on news channels, such as Channel 4, the BBC, the Evening Standard, the Independent, the Guardian, the Huffington Post and the Mirror, helping to spread the word of their mission and the truth about the severity of the refugee crises. The Tribe’s JustGiving page has raised over £155,000 since the summer, with the number growing rapidly and consistently. Dan asks that individuals donate to the group’s My Donate page at mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/theworldwidetribecorefunding1. The Tribe is also currently looking for corporate sponsors to support their work across Europe. They can be contacted at info@theworldwidetribe.com

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life words | Mike Brufal

PRESIDENT OF THE COURTS The Rt. Hon. Sir Maurice Kay

S

ir Maurice Kay, 72, is the President of the Courts of Gibraltar, President of the Gibraltar Court of Appeal and Chairman of the Judicial Service Commission. When the necessary legislation has been passed, he will be succeeded as the President of the Courts of Gibraltar (Head of the Judiciary) by the Chief Justice, Anthony Dudley.

lacrosse and tennis was greater than the attractions of text books with music and literature preferable to the school syllabus.

School was followed by reading law at Sheffield University and he obtained a 2:1 degree.

“I was about to register at Manchester but was suddenly convinced of the benefits of going away.”

He explains why he went to Sheffield rather than Manchester University. “I chose Sheffield at the last minute. I was about to register at Manchester but was suddenly convinced of the benefits of going away.

He is married to Margaret Alcock and they have four sons. Jon, the BBC television presenter; Dominic, who practices at the London Bar; Oliver, the Times’ chief football correspondent and Tristan, an academic at Bristol University.

Maurice is Maurice is a diehard Mancunian although, due to the Second World War, he was born in Bournemouth; the family returned to Manchester 12 months later.

He went to William Hulme’s Grammar School, Manchester where he was not regarded as an academic high flier due to his love of sport which got in the way of sustained serious study. The lure of rugby, 46

My recollections of Sheffield are entirely favourable. I was well taught and that was ina diehard strumental in giving me the Mancunian... wherewithal and confidence to pursue my careers in the academic world, at the Bar and as a Judge.

The University and the City were friendly places. I was able to pursue many interests, cultural and sporting, without being overly distracted from work and social develop-

ment. I would certainly recommend and have recommended, Sheffield to others. I should also add that Law at Sheffield enjoys an excellent reputation amongst the professions – more so now than in my day”.

Having started to train as a solicitor, attending the six month course at the Guildford College of Law and a year in a solicitor’s office, he decided that the routine and office work of a solicitor was not to be his chosen profession as deep down he wished to be an academic. So, he started as a junior lecturer then lecturer in Hull University, 1976-1972, lecturer at Manchester University 1972-1973 and finally, Professor of Law at the University of Keele 1973-1982. During this decade, he was awarded a PhD in Trade Union Law. In 1968, whilst at Hull, he married Margaret.

After a decade as an academic, he decided to return to Law as it would be a useful adjunct to his professorial duties being able GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

life He is a member of a generation that were the last barristers to do general work...

to merge work at the Bar with academe.

1999 and the present on going inquests. of regulatory bodies; decisions relating to He was called to the Bar at Gray’s Inn in prisoner’s rights and so on. He became 1975 and gradually become more involved Judge in Charge during 2002 and 2003.

On the 17 January 1995, he was awardwith Court work. After six years of doing ed the customary knighthood upon his both jobs simultaneously, he appointment as a High Court On 14 January 2004, Sir Maurice became decided to leave University work “Law at a Lord Justice of Appeal (Civil Division) Judge (Queen’s Bench Division).

Sheffield enjoys In June, he became a Judge of and work full time at the Bar. and was appointed to the Privy Council on the 11 February. The Civil Division the Employment Appeal Tribunal. an excellent Maurice went to the White hears appeals from the three divisions of Employment law had been one reputation Friars Chambers in Chester of his favourite subjects during the High Court (Chancery, Queen’s bench amongst the where he did his pupillage under professions...” and Family Division), the County Courts his time teaching. From 1996 to the watchful eye of Roy Woolley 1999, he was the Presiding Judge across England and Wales and from certain who went on to be a Judge and Tribunals such as the Employment of the Wales and eventually the Civil Judge for Chester.

Appeal Tribunal and the Upper Cheshire circuit as it then was.

The routine White Friars is now part of an enormous Tribunal. and office work set of Chambers in Manchester called St The big change in his judicial of a solicitor John’s Buildings. His early years as a barris- life came around 2002 when For the next ten years until retireter were spent in a small provincial centre ment, he tended to deal with Public he started to spend more time was not to be his chosen and so he did not specialise in anything but in the Administrative Court.

Law, Judicial reviews of human profession... instead did everything. He is a member of rights and some employment law. a generation that were the last barristers This portfolio included many cases The jurisdiction of the to do general work and this, in one way or involving terrorism, the security services, Administrative Court is mainly to hear another, he continued to do until the day suspected terrorists and in particular, their claims for judicial review, statutory review he retired. Whilst in Chester, it was work human rights. One of the last cases that and the exercise of public power. Its role is in a general provincial practice consisting he heard was whether there should be an to ascertain that official acts are consistent of crime, heavy crime, murders, fraud and inquiry into what is known as the Batang with the law. The range of judicial review civil work. It was a diet of varied work.

Kali massacre. This was the killing of 24 uncovers decisions of local authorities in the armed Malaysian villagers on 12 December exercise of their duties; certain decisions After Silk was taken in 1988, he moved 1948 by members of the 2 Battalion Scots of the immigrations authorities; decisions to the 3 Paper Buildings Chambers in the Dame Julia Macur, Professor Claire McGourlay, Sir Maurice Kay, Rivka Smith, Dame Anne Rafferty Temple, London and at the same time became a Recorder after two years as a Junior Recorder. Normally, this promotion would come after three years but this is waived when the incumbent becomes a QC. The position of Junior Recorder has been abolished due to the passing of the Human Rights Act. The Chambers was a general set working all over the country but mainly in London and the South West.

Because of his close connections in the North West, he also worked there. His wide ranging practice included sitting as an Arbitrator overseas. He was also elected a Bencher of Gray’s Inn that year.

The Hillsborough tragedy was in 1989 and Maurice had taken his 13 year old son, Oliver, a Liverpool supporter to Hillsborough to watch the match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest. He naturally is a lifelong Manchester United supporter. As a result of being there, he has given evidence at the Lord Taylor inquiry of 1990, the subsequent criminal case in GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

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life He was fortunate to faint and was presumed dead.

for both domestic and international arbitrations whether independently or as a member of arbitral panels.

This is why he has joined the Kings Chambers in Manchester.

In 2014, he was appointed the Judicial Member of the QC Appointments Board for England and Wales, a position he currently holds.

It used to be a secretive process. The Lord Chancellor ran the system in private consultation with Judges. It was also self-regulating which meant that insiders would ensure that there would never be too many appointed in a category which in turn meant there would be no flooding of the market. Today, as it is an open competition and as each candidate needs to put forward about a dozen referees more barristers tend to know who has applied and so know who succeeds and who fails.

shootings at Batang Kali. They added that it was ‘probable’ the relatives’ case would Sir Maurice said “today it is an interesting succeed in the European Court of Human system because it is a modern transparent Rights in Strasbourg. This was because competition which has no quotas or ceilof that Court’s decision on 16 April 2012 ings. There is a set of criteria which we the that the Russian Government was obliged panel apply to all the applicants. If an applito hold an inquiry into the Katyn cant satisfies the criteria then the applicant One of the forest massacre. The court found succeeds. This might well mean that there last cases that that Russia had violated the rights of From then, considerable is a sudden oversupply in some areas or the victims’ relatives by not providpressure was applied he heard was indeed an undersupply. For example, there ing them with sufficient information to persuade the British whether there about the investigation and described might be 200 applicants who satisfy the Government to hold a public should be an criteria and so all are appointed QC and the massacre as a ‘war crime’. The inquiry into the killings. inquiry into 50% are in the same category. This results appellants were successful in getting There were two inquiries; what is known in more QCs chasing fewer briefs”. the appeal heard by the Supreme one shortly after the events as the Batang Court. This took place earlier this in 1948 and another in 1970 Kali massacre.

If an applicant is not successful then a year on 22, 23 April. The decision is when the Labour Defence complaint can be filed. This is just a forreserved for a date to be fixed.

Secretary instructed mality as it is impossible for the decision Scotland Yard to create a special task team to be reversed. Sir Maurice points out that Sir Maurice served as President of the to investigate. This was dropped in 1970 last year, there were 224 applicants not all Judicial Studies Board from July 2007 to by the incoming Conservative government July 2010. This is now The Judicial College. of whom were successful but there were citing a lack of evidence. no complaints. Some of the unsuccessful This is responsible for the training of the apply the following year and others might entire Judiciary from lay magistrates, part There was a High Court ruling in 2012 wait a couple of years. time and full time judges up to members of which upheld a United Kingdom governthe Court of Appeal. ment decision not to hold a public investiSir Maurice is also a member of gation. This was followed by the case be24 civilians ing taken to the Court of Appeal in 2014.

He was given one day a week were ‘executed the Court of Appeal in Bermuda.

This in no way clashes with his In a written ruling, Lord Justice Maurice out of his Court room duties and without any duties as President of the Court Kay, Lord Justice Rimer and Lord Justice so the days were rolled up so justification’... of Appeal of Gibraltar. Sittings Fulford said it was alleged 24 civilians were that there was a fortnight each are arranged to take the dates ‘executed without any justification, and the legal term of 12 to 14 weeks. He into account. The Bermuda Court sits for authorities thereafter have either covered did not teach but was responsible for the three weeks three times a year whilst the up what occurred or have been reluctant management of the training.

Gibraltar Court sits for a fortnight twice a to take the necessary steps to enable year. Next year, the sittings will be April, the truth – whatever it may be – to be For his last three years before retirement, rather than February, and October. revealed. This has never been accepted by he was the Vice President of the Court of the British authorities, who have mainAppeal (Civil Division) which is effectively Sir Maurice’s visit in February was his first tained that the deceased were shot while the second in command to the Master of visit and he was sworn in as a member of they were attempting to escape’. the Rolls. the Court of Appeal by the then Governor, Sir James Dutton and in October, he The judges acknowledged that the original During his ten years of the Court of was sworn in as President by the interim investigation into the killings had been Appeal, Sir Maurice sat on some of the Governor, Alison MacMillan. He looks for‘woefully inadequate’. They dismissed the country’s most significant appeals. Today, ward to his next visit to the Rock in April. bid by campaigners for an inquiry into the he accepts appointments as an Arbitrator Guards. The Malaysians said that it was a massacre whilst the Army maintained that the victims were trying to escape. The only adult survivor of the killings was a man named Chong Hong who was in his twenties at the time. He was fortunate to faint and was presumed dead.

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2015

08-11_mar.indd 11

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27/01/2015 13:21

scene

CRAFTY CHRISTMAS The rise in alternative gifts

C

rafting at Christmas markets

Street Christmas Fair attractions, which runs from November to January, and serial crafter Paula Alvarez’s, Craftastic Party Solutions fair, which is now in its third year.

Vivien explained that they would offer collector’s items like stamps and coins, Gibraltar memorabilia and antiques, as well as handmade gifts. All proceeds are to go to the Church Restoration Fund.

hristmas markets have become almost as much a part of the present buying process as cheesy, foil wrapping paper. Offering hog roast Speaking to Paula, she explains As the holiday Binky’s Kitchen burgers slathered in apple chutney, and to me, ‘we always have it at the season looms, It’s fair to suggest that the massive Leisure Centre. This year, we sugary smelling homemade soy candles, the Rock rise in interest for crafts can be filling their quaint wooden cabins with have a total of thirty-four stalls. explodes with partly attributed to the success of We have everything, from cross sweet aromas. As the hunt for Christmas opportunities Pinterest, a photo sharing social gifts gets harder each year and we yearn stitch, knitting and crochet, a for crafters... media website on which registered for more unique, personalized trinkets for big selection of jewelry, soaps, users share and ‘pin’ creative ideas. our loved ones, the craft trade has soured cupcakes and macaroons, a few The site is driven by photos and guidelines incredibly. Christmas markets have become different textile crafts and paper crafts. to recreating unique craft ideas, food recour savior. The local crafting community, People do try not to step on other peoipes, fashion and decorative suggestions. which I am told is a bustling and ple’s toes within the community.

The rise in fame of similar photo sharing thriving one, has become exAlthough we have around nine Christmas site Instagram has also had a big influence tremely in demand. As the holiday markets different jewelers, if you check in the growing interest of people making season looms, the Rock explodes their tables, you’ll see lots of difhave become their own gifts, household decorations and with opportunities for crafters; ferent styles.’ The funds collected our savior. experimenting with food recipes. Meeting from the Chatham Counterguard from the crafters who exhibit at with Paula, and fellow craft community Christmas Market, to the ever-popthe event are always donated to member, Bianca, they tell me about their ular Convent Christmas Fair, the Festival of charity. Another event is planned for 12th respective crafts. Bianca is the mastermind December at St. Andrew’s Church, by a Lights evening at which the Main Street behind the increasingly sought after Binky’s separate selection of crafters. Organiser Christmas lights are switched on, the Main

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

scene Kitchen delicacies. ‘I make homemade jams, chutneys and cheese. We also offer baked Greek goods, thanks to my husband.

Four years ago, I was gifted a muslin pan to make preserves. I started off making cheese and it started to really fill up a lot of space at home. I started coming down to the Ocean Village market on Sundays and it’s just grown from there. People here really like jam!’ Bianca is inundated with orders daily, and with Christmas fast approaching, her offer of gift boxes including unique preserves and chutneys and Greek cookies has been incredibly well received.

‘This month is madness, it’s when I usually put the gift boxes together because even though the jams last a long time, people think they are a perishable food. Last year, I made a hundred gift baskets in the first two weeks of December. The selection has grown, now it includes jams, chutneys, cheese I preserve in olive oil, Greek cookies of different flavours and other Greek desserts.’

Paula’s art class

“The children adore the creative outlet, particularly whenever there are beads involved.”

Paula’s craft is a relatively new one, the incredibly personal folded book art. ‘I was watching this TV programme on the craft network and I saw this woman folding pages. You can have any image made, just by folding the pages of a book.

Another technique is cut and “It gives fold and it gives you a different creative effect, it looks as if the word people an or image is carved inside the incredible book.’ Using a pattern, you mark pages and fold into them, outlet and creating a word or image across with social the centre. ‘I’ve made some media it’s really personal ones, including easier to get a butterfly one in different your work colours and another for my

Mum that was a family tree with all competition but it’s very convenient for our names. In the UK, the cut and fold us. For customers, a lot of their Christmas technique is very popular now so you shopping is done online and a lot of us can have custom patterns made. I had make it very easy for them. People really a Gibraltar flag pattern made. Each like the personal touch.’ Paula adds, ‘my book takes around six or seven hours work is really personalized and that’s why to complete. The cut and fold people like to buy handmade. patterns even take a few days.’

It’s always original and never the “You can same.’ Bianca explains that she have any will be exhibiting at all the upThe perfect personalised gifts image coming fairs to make the most of Probing them on why they think out there.” made, just home crafted gifts are so in by folding demand these days Bianca tells the pages folded book art me, ‘I love it because it gives me the of a book.” flexibility to work and spend time with the kids and have that little extra income. It gives creative people an incredible outlet and with social media it’s easier to get your work out there. There is a lot of

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

51

scene array of different trinkets, usually relevant the time of year. Facebook and selling her five ‘dad’ books and then to the season. They recently put together social media presence plays she came back asking for one for her“Ultimately, their own advent calendars. Paula insists a huge role in the success of self and her Mum. It turns out she had the best that the children adore the creative outlet, their crafts. ‘It’s the best way,’ asked for a few for her friends.’ thing here in particularly whenever there they both note. ‘On Facebook are beads involved. Much of you have the option to sponsor Gib, is word Paula’s passion for craft “Using Etsy as a her craft materials are bought your posts and it’s very reason- of mouth.” exceeds her own creplatform is great either online, or in Spain. Both, able and easy. Ultimately, the ations. Every Tuesday, her because it’s a huge Paula and Bianca agree that best thing here in Gib, is word of mouth. craft classes for youngsters community of like Gibraltar is lacking a good If you make something and somebody are inundated with eager kids minded people...” quality crafts store. likes it, they will tell lots of people and, in itching to get creative. During Gibraltar, if ten people have something, the evening class I visited, they everyone else will want it. I tend to ask were crafting their own multi-coloured wax Marisa gets crafty people to leave me a review or a comment candles and clay candleholders, in prepaLocal crafter Marisa Hernandez is tryto let me know whether they like my stuff.’ ration for Christmas and some of the more ing her hand at selling her work on the Paula comments, ‘I had one customer that traditional decorations we are used to. worldwide web. She sells her handmade, bought one Father’s Day book. I ended up Other weeks see the children creating an wire wrapped precious stone pendants on Etsy, a website entirely dedicated to Bianca: creative types selling their crafts online.

Binky’s The range of offerings varies from phoKitchen “Last year, tography and art to clothing and jewelry, I made a beauty products, textiles and toys. Many hundred gift sellers also push craft supplies, and they baskets in are given a storefront style platform from the first two which to sell their goods, just like an online crafts fair, Etsy charges a listing fee of 13 weeks of pence as well as a commission of 3.5%.

December.”

Her pieces of jewelry come with cute messages relating to the stones, their properties and how to take care of them to get the full potential from their properties.

Having only started making her jewelry at the beginning of the summer, the business side is still in its infancy. She has found more success in selling her products locally via her personal Facebook page and Instagram, than online. ‘I mainly make them as gifts for my friends and family members.’

Marisa insists that small projects like this keep her creative mind active and relax her. The There are over initial inspiration for the three million pendants came from a crafters in the post she came across on UK alone...

Instagram. When making them, she notes that she often asks which stone people are most drawn to. ‘I’m not sure if it’s just a coincidence but the stone that people choose, often possesses properties that they might need in their life at that moment in time.’

She adds that with her day-to-day workload, it is difficult to expand so for now, she is focusing on creating more necklaces ahead of Christmas. ‘Using Etsy as a platform is great because it’s a huge community of like minded people, however, you do find some people selling things that clearly aren’t handmade.’ Her crafty tendencies have also drawn her to putting together really personalized gifts for her friends and family, this Christmas. Her penchant for creating things suits her bohemian lifestyle, ‘I’m a lawyer nine to five, but a real hippy at heart,’ Marisa smiles. Check out her store at AllThingsPrettyGib. 52

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

scene clear quartz

angelite

rose quartz

red jasper

Marisa wearing agate

aventurine

sodalite

Huge turnover for crafters this Christmas In the grander scheme of online craft sales, insurance company Direct Line for Business has estimated that there are over three million crafters in the UK alone, working towards their Christmas sales. A predicted £376 million will be generated through these sales. Six out of ten of the UK’s crafters are women. A recent article on AOL.com claimed that the top five sellers are decorations, cards, festive foods, jewelry and toys. It also notes that the most popular outlet for selling Christmas gifts is at local Christmas markets, although online outlets like eBay and Etsy are close runners up. Our local crafters are required to have licenses to sell their goods to the public, as well as separate permits to exhibit their products at the weekly craft fairs. With Gibraltar being such a small and tight knit community (excuse the pun), word regarding popular products spreads quickly, much like one of Bianca’s well loved preserves.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

turquoise

Craft fairs around the Rock to look out for: Festival of Lights Friday, 20th November 2015 5:30pm - 8:00pm John Mackintosh Square Craftastic Christmas Handcrafts Fair 2015 Sunday, 22nd November 2015 11am – 6pm Boyd’s and Youth Lounge, King’s Bastion Leisure Centre Convent Christmas Fair Thursday, 26th November 2015 12pm – 7pm The Convent Craft & Collectors Christmas Fair Saturday, 12th December 2015 10am – 2pm St. Andrew’s Church, Governor’s Parade, Entrance fee £1 53

art words | Elena Scialtiel

PET SUBJECT SET IN STONE Melanie Brown

Y

our pet as a paperweight: this is the novel product that miniaturist Melanie Brown is introducing to the local arts and crafts market this Christmas.

Based on a photo of your beloved pet - cat, Based on a photo of your dog, bird or horse she will paint a realistic beloved pet, she will paint a portrait on stone, whether a pebble for realistic portrait your desktop or a on stone. rock, if you want to decorate your garden with it. Small ones are quite popular and affordable at £10, and life-size items are suitable as doorstops or patio ornaments.

“In Alicante, where I lived before moving to Gibraltar, I used to get commissions for ‘painted gravestones’ for owners who buried their late pets in a corner of their garden and wished to mark the spot with a personalised memento,” the artist says.

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The portraits capture the animal’s personality indeed, with their puppy eyes or feline poise, the fine brushwork bestowing them the three-dimensionality and intensity that come from the soul and makes each work unique for the very shape of the support and attention to detail in the depiction.

Melanie settled in Gibraltar last summer following her 16-year old son Sebastian who wanted to complete his English curriculum education here. She is not new to the Rock though, having docked here “Customers some thirty years ago send me a photo while globetrotting of their pets and for eighteen as the onboard photograI paint them on pher on several cruise a pebble or on ships, and having canvas...” forged friendships that stood the test of time. “Gibraltar has changed a lot since, but I enjoy its ‘old fashioned’ lifestyle, slow pace and warm people.”

She finds the jux“Not all stones taposition of steelfit the purpose... and-glass skyscrapers Sea-polished and pastel-coloured pebbles are the sugar-cube houses quite pictorial even if best...” she hasn’t yet adventured in landscapes.

Her specialty is animals at the moment, a thriving market that has taken her to trade on Amazon as Mel’s Animal Art. “Customers send me a photo of their pets and I paint them on a pebble or on canvas, if they prefer. Keeping the P&P cost-effective is tricky, so I am restricted with size and weight for overseas orders,” she says.

She isn’t for the local market however, so don’t be afraid to request your sturdy personalised objet d’art, and if cute animal faces aren’t your thing, she works well with abstract, creating elaborated shell-shaped swirls and, being a keen scuba diver, she also has an eye for brightly coloured tropical fish.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

Melanie discovered her “It takes three talent years ago in Greece, to five hours where pebbles painted to complete with Disney characters one portrait.” sold well to tourists. She saw an opportunity there, and collected plenty of stones that she carried all the way to Alicante, where she eventually realised that pet portraits would constitute a new niche in the market.

“Not all stones fit the purpose: they must be flat at the base to be able to stand firmly, and mustn’t have cracks or uneven texture on the painting side. If the cracks are thin, I fill them with a mixture of flour and As soon as she water. They also need to set foot on the mimic the shape of the Rock, she was head of the animal I am infected with going to paint: oblong oval for horses, round for ‘monkey fever’! cats and oval for dogs... ” Sea-polished pebbles are the best, and nowadays she sources them in Alicante, which she regularly visits. She admits that golden sandy beaches aren’t her thing, and she much prefers a stroll at Camp Bay, a great source of grey, brown, and sometimes even white stones.

She uses gouache and very thin brushes to paint on all the detail and virtually every single hair of the ‘sitter’ coat. Once completed, she seals it with waterproof varnish, to make it durable and ready to weather any storm.

on it all at once, because it may strain my eyes. That’s why I use gouache, because it doesn’t dry too quickly on my palette, and if it does, I can always revive it with a dab of water.”

She uses food

colouring and And as soon as she set foot on the Rock, she a thin brush was infected with ‘monto paint edible key fever’! She is now masterpieces. working on some ape portraits on local limestone, which make great artistic souvenirs, for the painstaking detail in the coat and the intense gaze of mother and baby.

Multitalented Mel can paint on virtually every medium and cake decorating is a big thing in her books. “My mum was a chef and my grandmother used to bake scrumptious cakes, so I guess I inherited their talents.”

She uses food

After icing the cake with colouring and sugar paste left to dry a thin brush for a couple of days to to paint edible get it really solid, she masterpieces. uses food colouring and a thin brush to paint edible masterpieces. She also marries regal ice and marzipan sculptures with food colouring pictures for a very detailed result, which is almost a shame to watch being cut into a ‘sweet mess’.

“I did a Christmas cake with skating snowmen once, and lot of precision was required for it. One of my favourite memories is my Beatrix Potter inspired cake.”

And if the brush slips? Never fear, mistakes can be wiped off with a daub of spirit, which turns the final product even more convivial!

For commissions, contact Mel at melsebastian@hotmail.com.

“It takes three to five hours to complete one portrait,” she explains. “I don’t work

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

art words | Elena Scialtiel

AVIARY DIARIES Fran Giffard

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abstract pattern in a Piet Mondrian style. ith a passion for anything on birds since studying at Camberwell feathered top of her agenCollege of Art: “I chose to draw birds This collection is most striking, with the da, artist Fran Giffard has quite by chance. Having not studied birds straight lines and polygons in the backmade a name before, I decided to draw ‘One of ground bringing out the soft curved lines and feathers detail of the subject matter. for herself with colourful birds Every Species of Vulture’ for my “I started to drawn across diary pages. degree exhibition, after watching draw those the vultures in Disney’s ‘The Jungle The more she drew birds, the more caged birds Book’. This off-the-cuff Fran became involved in studying After exhibiting her distinctive along with decision resulted in twen- Clean lines, them both scientifically and artistiwork in the UK, Singapore, other local neat and ty-one large drawings of cally. She introduced coloured penNew York and Bermuda ones. I became vultures and an eagerglossy block cil, watercolour, and gouache to her where she went to school and ness to draw more birds. returned for an art residency completely colouring and palette, in order to reproduce their I moved to Hong Kong resulting in her collection ‘A vibrancy alongside the accuracy of fascinated the cherry Myriad of Birds’ exhibited at with them and for a short period of time. blossom detail their anatomy.

There, I loved visiting the Masterworks Museum have focussed on the branch the Yuen Po Street Bird Fran is back to her Gibraltarian Clean lines, neat and glossy block on nothing where her Market. I started to draw roots with a much-anticcolouring and the cherry blossom else since!” birds perch, those caged birds along ipated solo at Sacarello’s detail on the branch where her give Fran’s with other local ones. I this December. A matrilineal birds perch give Fran’s pictures pictures an became completely fascinated Coelho, she is a regular on the Rock, an Oriental feel - and there lies with them and have focussed Oriental feel... their charm, both decorative and visiting her family and watching out for on nothing else since!” migratory birds to immortalise on paper. naturalistic. She describes these little artworks as ‘liberating’: they take a Soon, the cage evolved from a matcouple of days to complete and a lifetime She’s always been passionate about ter-of-factly rendition of steel bars, to an to cherish. She doesn’t plan to stray from drawing and focused her artistic practice GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

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her monographic subject matter at the moment.

“It was a relief

Actually, her ambition to learn that appears to be to run I can paint around and draw every under pressure single species of bird, and in ‘adverse’ and she is going to conditions.” great lengths to do so: last summer she flew to Reunion Island where she drew in the forest: “TV company Endemol gave me the opportunity to travel to that beautiful

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lush island to be filmed while studying and sketching birds in the wild. It was a different experience from my usual studio work which is calm and concentrated. It was a relief to learn that I can paint under pressure and in ‘adverse’ conditions. I’m proud of my real-life study of a white tropic bird flying with its long tail streaming behind.”

Closer to home, she portrays red robins, which approach her when she is gardening: “Ideally, I

“It isn’t easy getting a bird to stay still long enough for me to sketch it.”

would only draw from life, but the variety of birds I like to draw simply isn’t available in London! Also, it isn’t easy getting a bird to stay still long enough for me to sketch it. However, I don’t usually draw from photographs either, and my aim is not to just copy ‘life’. I try to base my work on many sources from my own sketches to scientific illustrations.”

Size doesn’t matter with Fran, who only uses the pages of her 21cm x 26cm Moleskine personal organiser as support

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

When you buy a Fran Giffard original, you also purchase a little snippet of her life...

Her dream remains for her illustrations to become a permanent feature in The Natural History Museum as a didactic aid. to her work. When you buy a Fran Giffard original, you also purchase a little snippet of her life, since the background to her pictures is busy with tidy and minute notes about her day in black ink.

Each bird, or pair, when she draws male and female together, must fit in a pagespread without covering the existing notes: “That is the trick, tweaking the birds’ posture around what is already written, left or right page, top or bottom. Sometimes the page is almost blank, sometimes there’s personal information about my day, appointments, reminders and recipes, because I love to cook.”

everywhere, usually not in an artist’s entire body of work, but in a specific painting or piece.”

a permanent feature in The Natural History Museum as a didactic aid to visualise the beauty and variety of the worldwide avian fauna.

Fran’s artistic research has been featured in magazines and books, but her dream remains for her illustrations to become

Thirty framed pictures will be on sale at Sacarello’s from 8th December, priced £300 each. Visit www. frangiffard.com or like her Facebook page.

You can have your piece customised of course, if you commission her to depict your favourite bird on a selected day: “My work suits birthday and wedding gifts really well, with beautiful birds across the pages featuring a significant date.”

Her main muse is John Audubon, the early nineteenth century French-American ornithologist who catalogued and studied virtually every bird in the United States. “That was dedication,” Fran quips. “I am inspired from the sheer amount of work he did in one lifetime.” In looser artistic terms she’s a fan of Alphonse Mucha, the Art Nouveau artist and illustrator. “I find inspiration GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

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biography words | Angela Sargent

MEMORIES RECORDED Actress and singer-songwriter Carmen Gomez

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wrappings underneath the tree, and then qually at home in front of a theatre different motivation. So, I have decided to put them together in piles as to whom they audience or TV camera, a meteoric set down a record of events, which comes career saw her presenting a UK alive in my native Gibraltar of the 50’s and belonged. Father Christmas’ glass would television production on the Rock, migrates to a London of the 70’s, which be empty and only some biscuit crumbs remained on the plate. Everyone would soon after leaving school. Then, flying to will settle on the page and live on forever, get their presents first and then London where through hard work and peras a testimony of our lives.” we would sit down and unravel severance, she won many interesting and Carmen is the challenging parts, from Sci-Fi adventures in Mike believes that Carmen is, them all together, taking care not most multiDoctor Who, and even more adventurous without a shadow of a doubt, talented female to tear the wrapping paper, which we would later use to replace the avant-garde fringe productions, the most multi-talented Gibraltarian of wrappings on the baubles that had to working with Sir Andrew female Gibraltarian of all “At first, to all time. become frayed. Even to this day, Lloyd Webber. Most famously, time. He explained that write about I am unable to tear up any paper she was dazzling in her own Carmen has the most myself brilliant production of Carmen wrappers on presents. amazing memory, and remembers seemed Miranda in London’s West End. in detail, virtually every aspect in pretentious.” her childhood and varied career.

Sometimes a game might be waiting for us.

There would always be a book and someShe explains how “Michael In a chapter entitled ‘The Magic thing to wear proudly for that day, even if Brufal, newspaper correspondent and of Christmas’ she remembers how “On Christmas morning, we would wake up it were a scarf. Yvonne would get an annufriend, wrote an article in 2012 for The Gibraltar Magazine on my career so far. early and wait with baited breath for papa’s al of Rupert Bear which she treasured and there were also stories of Noddy & Big Ears, torch to illuminate the glass panel at the Friends, who read it, asked me why I did The Famous Five, the Beano annual or Eagles not write a book about my life. At first, to top of our bedroom door, as a sign that we comics. Those stories of Enid Blyton’s write about myself seemed pretentious. could go look for our presents. Then we helped me acquire my sense for adventure.

But then again in so doing, I could include would rush to the lounge to first marvel at the array of presents in their colourful One Christmas William gave me a copy my very special family, and that gave me a 60

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

biography of Little Women. I remember feeling very grown up and it made quite an impression on me. Yvonne and I had two dolls that Father Christmas brought us which were our favourites; one was a very handsome boy who we named Peter and a beautiful black girl we called Mary.

It is as a stage and television actress that Carmen is known worldwide, and her exciting story is told in this autobiography.

Apart from all else, she is the first, and possibly the only Gibraltarian actor to have her name in lights, at the front of a West End theatre.

“I am unable

As a special treat on Christmas Shortly after this time of huge to tear up any day, Father always made breaksuccess, she returned to the Rock paper wrappers for family reasons, Carmen was fast. We would sit round their on presents.” big bed where many a time born to elegant, working class we enjoyed pillow fights, and parents, with a strong belief in the he would come in with our big family tray importance of the family and their roots. containing the coffee percolator and other Although she chose a career for herself treats. There is a photo in our family album which placed her in the public eye, those with Yvonne and I sitting underneath the who know her well can vouch for the tree in our pyjamas, in total bliss, holding a fact that she considered her life a private fritter from that morning’s breakfast. affair, and only ever spoke out when she felt passionately about moral or political issues but she says, ‘At this moment, when As we grew older, our parents would open I can present my life and the history of my the house on Christmas day, a custom family, recording it for posterity with the prevalent then at most households in significance it deserves, I have felt inspired.

Gibraltar. The doors to the house would I have been free to wander back, rediscovbe left open for anyone who passed by to ering in the past, a present to remember.’ come up and join the festivities and taste the Christmas delicacies that Mother had prepared. We once shared the company of Carmen is a child of a past era which holds a Scottish family who were on holiday and great nostalgia for her, although it lacked happened to be walking past our street, many of the things regarded as indispensand on hearing the merriment came up able today. She has included many snapand asked if they could join in. shots of that bygone era in her We all sang Christmas carols in book and a small sample of her “As we grew English and in Spanish, accomchildhood memorabilia, many of older, our panying ourselves with the the objects and photos will spark parents would seasonal ‘zambomba’, which was memories amongst those who open the house have grown up on the Rock. a traditional Spanish drum, and tambourines. Sometimes William on Christmas day, a custom would also play his guitar.

The story of her family also presprevalent ents Gibraltar’s history in a time then at most In those days, part of our enjoyof flux, as its people are discoverment of Christmas was also of ing their national identity, having households in Yvonne and I going round the been reunited on the Rock after Gibraltar. ” streets with our school friends, the terrible civilian evacuation of singing Christmas carols and World War II. making stops at different households, where we were given sweet pastries and This autobiography is a wonderful read, treats. There were also groups of young with a foreword by Chef Minister Fabian men, known as ‘La Tuna’, who went round Picardo. It tells the story of a Gibraltar the streets singing and playing their infeminist, who was not afraid to leave the struments, whilst others held an open flag safety of the Rock and move to the Mother into which people threw monies from their Country, where she carved out a career in windows, always to help a good cause. the jungle of theatre and television.

Gibraltar’s community was and continues to be today, one of the most charitable of What will she do next? A recent recipient people across the globe.” of the Gibraltar Medallion of Distinction, Carmen has several There is an amusing anecdote and phoprojects at her fingertips Carmen is tographs or mementoes to support the and her eyes light up as a child of a major turns in her life story. She moved to she talks about the ideas London, without any prospect of a job, or past era... brimming over for her a single letter of introduction to a potential next undertaking. agent or manager. She had talent, so all that was needed was the opportunity to Her book, Carmen Gomez, Memories show her acting ability; not an easy task Bound up with Life, will be launched in at any time, and especially not in the early early December. Visit the Facebook page, seventies.

Carmen-Memories for more info.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

“There is a photo in our family album with Yvonne and I sitting underneath the tree in our pyjamas, in total bliss...”

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film

DIRTY CASH The making of a feature film

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99% of them lacking any prior experience aking a pipe dream a reality is demons, until I let go of it and thought I’d in filmmaking or acting. a feat that not many manage just make the film myself. That’s when it to achieve, but for really started crystallizing. I know the amateur filmmaker story better than anyone else.’ With A fast paced gangsta theme Craig Ruddock, passion, persever- There are an incredibly low budget of £25,000, so many The storyline follows a fast paced ‘gangsta’ ance, and an incredible team of Craig set out his mission for Dirty theme, centered around a Costa del Sol people here Cash, circulating his need for actors friends has made it so. Bringing based gang of thieves planning a heist in his first movie Dirty Cash into with talent, and crewmembers around the area Gibraltar. ‘It’s a bit like Reservoir Dogs in fruition has taken six years. dreams and of Duquesa and Manilva. The feedthat you never actually see the robbery. back, he insists, was incredible.

‘In aspirations It’s about what happens before and after. the beginning, I was very reluctant to Back in Gibraltar, for the first for movies, There’re three intertwining storylines. It’s show the script to people, but then I time since filming, the Scouse, theatre and got over it. I made posters for an au- a tale of morality really, about good people former radio station owner tells the arts. who do bad things and bad people who do dition casting exactly a year ago and me that he has always wanted good things. We got a little bit of the response was overto be a filmmaker. ‘I was always stick when we first put the trailer one of those kids that loved stories and for whelming. There are so many It’s a tale of out there. People criticized the people here with talent, dreams morality really, at least fifteen years, I’ve been studying fact that it’s based on the Rock, and aspirations for movies, thefilm in quite an obsessive way. A couple about good bringing up a lot of the political atre and the arts. There was a of years ago I thought, “how much do you people who do controversy surrounding Gibraltar. missing element in the area and need to know before you actually take the bad things and It could easily be set anywhere the arts are slightly neglected plunge?”’ Five years of writing culminathere.’ The entire Dirty Cash Club bad people who else, it just happens that we’re ed into five hundred pages and enough based here.’ Craig is the ultimate as they like to call themselves is do good things. content for four films. ‘For a long time, I film buff, he tells me he lives for felt like I was writing something that would made up of around forty peofilm. ‘I’m actually really boring ple, shifting between acting roles and crew, never get made, I was facing my writing 62

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

scene

“I just watched through it again and I’m incredibly proud of it. It couldn’t have happened without the goodwill and diligence of this team of people.”

Craig Ruddock

a way to help them get rid of their nerves making of the film. We’re going to post the because all I’m interested in is film and and anxiety and try and get a performance entire thing on Youtube to show people writing. I like classic films, I obviously like how we did it, in the hope that it will gangsta films, and I like Quentin Tarantino’s that they can be proud of and I can be inspire other filmmakers to do what we’ve proud of. Some of the biggest stuff. I follow directors done. We built our own lights; we built our as much as I follow film.’ We built our own difficulties were securing locations to film at and scheduling filming own props, including a full replica of a cash At the beginning of the lights; we built our machine, with a fully functioning screen. process, he considered own props, including slots around a team of people who We also built sliders, and reflector boards weren’t getting paid. The majority uprooting and shifting a full replica of a cash from old car sunscreen reflectors. We realof the film takes place between La the project to London, machine, with a fully Linea and Manilva. ‘Every single ly want to show people that you only really or California where he need a thousand pounds to make a film, person worked around their free has friends in the indus- functioning screen. time and put in a lot of dedication,’ and lots of dedication obviously.’ Some try, but instead initiated Craig says, praising the group as a newshots were also captured on a GoPro and the challenge on his own doorstep. ‘It’s a relatively cheap drone, which captured found family to him. ‘The whole film was such a unique place; there is so much to recorded on one camera,’ he the majority of the sea based offer here. The Rock itself is particularly scenes. With the movie being animatedly jumps through special. It’s a prop that no one could deny.

“A lot of the movie the development of filming, There is such a diverse mix of people. was filmed on private of the gangsta genre, we can ‘every shot has been set We’ve had an incredible mix involved with property. We couldn’t only expect ludicrously immoral up separately. We did start antics. Craig tells me that there the cast and crew, ages from seven to get permission to are violent car chases and with two cameras but we seventy with a range of nationalities.’ film in a lot of places wanted to prove that we graphic killings. ‘All the stuff without public you’d expect, but not in the could do it with one.

A lot Building their own props liability insurance.” of my knowledge came way you’d expect it. It’s more ‘What about the process of directing?’ I from other filmmakers on arty than people are going ask. ‘That was difficult. You have to be a Youtube who have documented their to expect.’ Another prominent link Dirty great listener. You’re putting people under Cash shares with Gibraltar is one of its process and posted it online. We also a lot of pressure. You have to have a conmain characters. Well-known Gibraltarian recorded our entire process; the meetings, nection with everyone so that you can find the behind the scenes, the outtakes, the Guy Olivero, known for his penchant for GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

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Ruddock Film Director

David Harmston

viewings are planned for the weekend of the 5th and 6th December.’ We delve into the marketing of the movie, which surely poetry and drama, plays Spanish mobster is integral to its success. ‘It’s mostly been Pascal del Torres. ‘Guy was perfect for the word of mouth throughout the whole part.’ Craig beams. Our very own Gibraltar process,’ Craig explains, ‘we don’t feel the Magazine Editor Anna Kolesnik also acted need to shout about it from the rooftops. in the feature film, noting that compared We’re interested in showing people what to amateur film sets she we’ve done, more than trying to sell has worked on in London, tickets and make money. I’m much Our little film Dirty Cash was very well more focused on people who really company is here put together. to stay and we’re want to see what we’ve done. If always looking for there is a demand for a Gibraltar viewing then we’ll certainly do one.’

At the time of our meeting, talented people Now, deep into the editing of the Craig is nearing the tail end who really have a motion picture, Craig works with of a yearlong process; the passion for film.’

Adobe Premier Pro. ‘Everything’s initial screening was held done on Windows including the on the 29th November at after effects and CGI.’ He commenced the the Manilva Wine Museum. ‘It’s also the edit very soon after they began filming, Manilva Theatre. Believe it or not, they to help concise what would prove to be have a fantastic location that hardly gets an incredible amount of work. ‘From 400 used. For me, it was just perfect. It’s a hours of film, it’s now been condensed to beautiful two hundred and forty-seat venan hour and thirty minutes, and I imagine ue that’s right on our doorstep. Two more

it’s going to get shorter. It’s a tedious task because we always made sure to get so much coverage throughout the filming, to make the most of our time and effort. It’s emotional too, reliving every single day and the mistakes that we all made.’

Incredible pride As I struggle to comprehend the immense amount of preparation and thought and work that has gone into the project, I probe Craig on whether he found that he hadn’t taken certain aspects into consideration, ‘we did though. Right from the offset we knew what our shortcomings were, and it was usually relating to our low budget.

Craig editing the hotel scenes

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

Annemarie Hickey-Jones, Alek Moschella, Guy Olivero & Craig Ruddock

A lot of the movie was filmed on private property. We couldn’t get permission to film in a lot of places without public liability insurance.’ ‘Now that you’re nearing the end of this journey, how do you feel about the film?’ ‘I just watched through it again and I’m incredibly proud of it. It couldn’t have happened without the goodwill and diligence of this team of people. They’ve all become amazing friends. On my birthday,

they threw me a surprise party and bought me Ridley Scott’s Producer chair from the making of the La Linea based film The Counselor. We’ve had an incredible year together.’ Craig is willing to push the film at local, national and international film festivals, if the rest of the team agrees to it.

‘Any plans for the future then?’ I ask. ‘My next year is already entirely planned. I want

to remain in the film business, and like I said, there’s enough content for two more films within the same universe. Our little film company is here to stay and we’re always looking for talented people who really have a passion for film.’

More information on the film, and the two preview trailers can be found at www.dirtycashmovie.com

Matt Trigell, Annemarie Hickey-Jones, Roger Portainer

Prominent Gibraltarian Guy Olivero, known for his penchant for poetry and drama, plays Spanish mobster Pascal del Torres.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

leisure words | Alex Orfila

REBEL REBEL Take a walk on the wild side and step away from tradition this festive season...

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Particularly, the type of rebellion in question here is one against the stereotypical festive looks which dominate most of the events in Gibraltar’s Christmas calendar.

Every year, Christmas parties are peppered with the same regimented offerings of sequins, black dresses, gold attire and general sparkle. It’s as if we are all strictly adhering to some invisible guide regarding festive uniforms. We are no longer in school and therefore when it comes to dressing up, the same rules needn’t apply - yes, sequins are fun are all strictly and the colours black and gold are adhering to an undeniably glamorous combinasome invisible tion, however, one does not have guide regarding to stick to sequins to embody some festive uniforms. real sparkle.

ore than just the lyrics to a who still stays true to her punk style in David Bowie song, the word her seventies. But you don’t have to go rebel epitomises all things quite as far as embracing punk fashion to nonconformist. Think rule be deemed as alternative, even the way in breakers, free thinkers and which Marilyn Monroe dressed was those with a defiant spirit in ...you don’t have considered overtly rebellious at the general. It’s true that it’s not time as she oozed a raw femininity to go quite as necessarily an outlook which which was probably considered far as embracing far too risqué for her generation. should be adopted in all aspects of life, but as always I’m punk fashion to Perhaps this is why she is still a referring to this description in be deemed as household name alternative... the fashion context. today.

It’s as if we

Even when it comes to celebrities, it is true that those who have been termed as rebels have often also had a very distinct sense of style. Perhaps this is because the way they dress is an important part of their persona as the shunning of all things boring or samey embodies the very core of their ethos.

A good example of someone who falls into this category is the very mother of rebellious fashion herself, Vivienne Westwood GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

Likewise, Amy Winehouse will forever stick in our minds because of her outrageously beehived hair and her array of pin up tattoos. Of course, it is not a look which you yourself may favor but it is definitely original and undeniably one which will be remembered. Can the same be said about the many dozens of singers and starlets out there who have looked pretty in a beautiful dress?

With luxurious textures such as velvet and lace on offer, one can stray away from the more traditional festive staples. Please don’t misunderstand me; I am not at all trying to instigate uproar against sequins. I do think they’re fun and utterly glam in the 67

fashion right circumstances. Now will probably be a good time to admit that they have been my chosen New Year’s Eve trend on more than one occasion (and always in gold), however, this One does year, I too, have committed not have to thinking outside the box.

to stick to sequins to embody some real sparkle.

Why not opt for velvet?

This material is making waves at the moment and will be one to watch out for this festive season. Many are mistaken about this trend and believe it should only be executed in black, however, forget this common misconception and go for deep jewel tones such as royal blue or emerald green for effortless elegance.

When it comes to black tie events - which media frenzy and there has been plenty I am sure your calendar will be teeming of speculation regarding what Kardashian with this festive period carried the look best. In my opinion, dresses are not necessarily Kourtney Kardashian was the clear The right two always the answer. Why not winner as she turned heads when take a cue from men and opt piece trouser suit she opted for a 1920’s mobster can be elegant for a suit? Carrie Bradshaw’s style suit. Whilst most women unforgettable tuxedo outfit opted for outfits adorned with the and timeless in her best friend Stanford’s tassels and feathers so synonymous whilst exuding wedding in Sex and the City of that decade, it was Kourtney’s real attitude.

2 proves that the right two individuality which struck me. piece trouser suit can be elegant and timeless whilst exuding real So the moral of the story is there is no attitude. More recently, Kris Jenner threw a need for extreme beehive hair or accents Great Gatsby themed birthday bash for her of punk rock this Christmas - all it takes is 60th, as is often the case with the popular a dose of individuality, however subtle, in TV family, the event was at the center of order to really sparkle.

VELVET SEDUCED BY UNDERGROUND SEQUINS Think aristocracy of a bygone era, only this time not in the form of an Elizabethan gown but rather this very party appropriate playsuit in a luxurious deep blue.

Topshop £50

Carry the regal look through to perfection with these jewelled accessories.

Earrings – Zara £12.99 Shoes – Dune £79

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If, to you, festive dressing up means lots of sequins, and you simply can’t tear yourself away from this classic Christmas trend - you can still embrace it whilst adding a dash of individuality by opting for this sequined number in the form of a jumpsuit instead of a traditional dress. Sparkly, feminine and edgy, with loads of festive appeal.

French Connection £180

When it comes to sparkles it’s important to keep your accessories simple. This cross body clutch achieves this whilst its Vivienne Westwood orb detail ensures that it still packs a punch.

Vivienne Westwood £171

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

fashion

TIME FOR A TUX?

The beauty of the Tux is its flexibilityyou don’t necessarily have to commit to the look entirely and can wear any top of your choosing with it.

However, should you dare to go all out this festive season…may we suggest this shirt with bow tie detail?

Scotch & Soda £104.95

Stand out from the crowd in a show stopping-stopping luxe tuxedo. There is only one golden rule to abide by: Pair with towering heels and a good dose of attitude.

Keep your heels toweringly high whilst sophisticated with a strappy number like these.

Carvela £120

Blazer: River Island £50 Trousers: Reiss £130 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

travel words | Sophie Clifton-Tucker

l th

Beer, chocolate and antiquities

yt r i a nal gf s an n i ’ f d b ri iful t u dges a a e at b nd cobbl h t l l a , s e ed streets and those church

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y love affair with the quaint many ways to fill your time in Bruges, but city of Bruges began with a unless you’re planning to up sticks or quit movie; a black comedy about work and spend three months there, then two Irishmen sent to Bruges you will probably only have enough time to carry out their jobs as hitmen. As the for some of them. So here are my top tried ending credits rolled up my television and tested tourist To Do’s: screen, I had found my new favourite movie - and next Grote Markt Bruges should destination. most certainly Guidebooks and travel forums prommake it onto Whether you’ve seen ise you “one of the best preserved your bucket list. Medieval towns in Europe”, and with the movie or not, Bruges (Brugge in Dutch) should its Brick Gothic architecture and most certainly make it historic churches, it’s easy to see why. A onto your bucket list. This characterful stroll around the Markt (or Market Square) European city whose entire centre is a will reveal some beautiful buildings, horseWorld Heritage Site could be described as drawn carriages and open-air restaurants. a sort of hybrid between Amsterdam and Much the same as Casemates, it serves as Paris, with it’s winding canals and wide a hub to downtown Bruges. You will inevopen squares. It isn’t dubbed the Venice of itably cross this square a few times while the North for nothing. To top it off, it’s just you make your way to various points of a hop, skip and a jump away from easiinterest. You can also rent a bike and mely-accessible London, making for the perander around the rest of the city, picking fect winter weekend getaway. There are so up a bicycle route at the Visitor’s Centre.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

ale

… al

ose ca

BEGUILING BRUGES

stuf f …”

How’s a fairytale town not some ? t i t ’ n s i , body’s wn o t e l f ’ing a ryt i a thin f g?

I“ t’s a

Belfry Tower Located in the Markt is The Belfry (or Belfort), a medieval bell tower housing some 47 bells that dominates the square and is arguably Bruges’ most famous landmark. If you’ve watched In Bruges, no we didn’t pay 10 cents less and we didn’t try to leap off the top. There are 366 steps to the top of this 83 metre-high belfry (not to be attempted on a hangover) with a few small resting points mercifully placed along the way, where you can see the clock mechanisms, bells, and some great views.

Also good places to catch your breath while declaring “I’m fine, I’m fine!” to concerned strangers as you’re doubled over, puffy faced and panting, by A European the entrance. The best view city that’s though, is, of course, the very top, where you get a a hybrid panoramic view and a real between Amsterdam sense of just how compact the city is.

and Paris.

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Grote Markt

can sample some of the delicious beers on Historium offer while overlooking the Markt Square.

I’m known for having the attention span Self explanatory! I’ve always been a beer If you’re not a fan of the taste of beer but of a teaspoon, so I wasn’t sure what to drinker, but I don’t think I was fully preare ready to dip a tentative foot into the expect out of this visit. As soon pared for the Belgian variety. It’s perfectly world of hops, I suggest starting as you step inside though, it’s normal for restaurant beer to with a Rodenbach Rosso; a Historium be anywhere from 6% to 9%, exciting. Historium promises to It’s perfectly fruity beer with a brilliant red promises to be a “fully immersive experience” putting British beer to shame. hue enriched by sour cherries, be a “fully normal for and definitely delivers. Upon This is down to the war when cranberries and raspberries. If restaurant beer immersive entry, you’re given headphones beer strengths plummeted to be anywhere variety is the spice of your life, experience” and a piece of equipment that to 0.8, never fully recovering from 6% to 9%. you can opt for beer tasting tracks where in the building and plateauing at around 4%. where you choose three types and you are, playing the informative The museum itself is basic definitely of beer that come in three recordings accordingly. They have but informative. You’re handed an iPad as delivers. sample glasses on a wooden paddle. decked the place out to look like you enter which you then use to scan the Take note of the percentage of 15th century Bruges, complete QR codes around the rooms, revealing alcohol though, as this can soon descend with port, baths, market, and even a snowy facts and figures about the popular ol’ into a scene akin to Patsy and Edina’s wine square! The whole tour follows the story wobbly water. The real magic, however, tasting endeavours in Absolutely Fabulous. of a young boy who is a painter’s apprenhappens downstairs at the bar, where you Beer Museum

Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell in “In Bruges”

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travel “One of the best preserved Medieval towns in Europe”

Belfry Tower

tice. There are screens in each room (some appear through opening doors or window shutters) which play the next part of the story. At the very end, you can go and do some more beer tasting!

Lake of Love

execution, Maximilian ordered that Bruges should keep swans on its lakes and canals for eternity. Ever since, the symbol of the swan has been intrinsically linked to Bruges.

Choco Story (Chocolate Museum) As you may have guessed, Bruges is dotted with chocolate shops selling all manner of Belgian chocolate. (I recommend getting

Upon

approaching As you flock past the the lake you’re city gates, you come greeted by a to Minnewater Lake - the Lake of Love. ballet of swans.

As its name suggests, it’s a romantic spot where you can cross the canalised lake with your loved one to achieve “eternal love” or, if you’re mad at them, can just sit by the water and take selfies instead. Upon approaching the lake you’re greeted by a ballet of swans. Legend says that in 1488 the people of Bruges executed some poor chap belonging to the court of Maximilian of Austria called Pieter Lanchals, whose name also means ‘long neck’ and whose family coat of arms featured a white swan.

As punishment for Lanchals’ unfortunate GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

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The Rozenhoedkaai by night

yourself a hot drink that is essentially just a melted down bar of chocolate in a mug.

The sweet, creamy warmth is bound to help you escape the Christmas cold, whilst simultaneously giving you diabetes.) The Choco Story museum tells you about the history of chocolate and the process it goes through, culminating in a demonstration. You can watch the chocolate being Choco Story

where salt traders came to moor as they made and even get given a sample at the loaded and unloaded their ships. A nice end. If you stand at the very front you’ll be little bit of history for you to consider within arms reach of the trays of chocolate so you During winter, the as you sit by the water’s edge, or bob can even pinch an extra canal freezes over past the Rozenhoedkaai on one of Bruges’ boat cruises. one, or so I’ve been told. in places, making Wafel met Slagroom

for an eerily beautiful scene.

There is a strip of bars where young ‘uns and decidedly energetic old ‘uns flock to during the evenings, offering music, drinks and a choice of around ten or more places to dine and water yourself. There are other pubs and rock/jazz bars in and around the centre of Bruges though, so I recommend taking a stroll in the day to scout them out. It’s also worth nipping back to the Rozenhoedkaai to snap a photo of it in all its nocturnal glory.

I can’t think of Possibly one of my favourite visions of a better way to Bruges.

No sniggering – this is a “waffle with cream”. I’ve never been big on waffles but now, I’m a believer. Try one from one of the street vendors dotted about the place for that authentic “pretending to be one with the locals” feel. I got one for dessert at a restaurant and it was perfection, I can’t look at a photo of it without it making my mouth rain.

The Rozenhoedkaai This is one of the most photographed locations in Bruges, and for good reason; it’s a beautiful spot to take a few snaps of you by the canal, you by the canal on a bicycle, you by the canal on a bike eating a waffle - you get the idea.

beat the winter blues than by escaping from daily routine to hole away in one of the cozy cafes around Market Square...

During winter, the canal freezes over in places, making for an eerily beautiful scene. It’s thought that the Rozenhoedkaai, the spot where the Groenerei and Dijver canals meet, was 74

Night Life

With so many things to see and do, it would probably be to your advantage to get a Bruges City Card. You can buy a 48 hour or 72 hour card for €46 and €49 respectively, which allows you entry to 27 museums and attractions around Bruges as well as free canal boat trips and a discount on bicycle rentals. I inevitably forgot to do this and so ended up paying full price everywhere I went, but I’m offering you this titbit of information in the hopes that one of GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

The Rozenhoedkaai by day

Lady, yet another spot worth a gander. on chocolate and nursing a good Belgian Then, there’s the Basilica of the Holy Blood, beer. a 12th century chapel constructed in traditional Gothic and “…How can that not be There are a few things I It would be to You can Romanesque architectural style. somebody’s f’ing thing, eh?” didn’t get to do due to my your advantage sample some Occupying Bruges’ Burg Square, enthusiasm in the Beer to get a Bruges the Basilica houses a particularly of the delicious Museum that come with City Card. poignant holy relic: a venerated beers on offer... high recommendations. vial said to contain a piece of The hauntingly beautiful cloth stained with the blood of Christ.

Michelangelo statue, The Madonna of Bit macabre, bit fascinating.

Bruges, is the only one of his to escape Italy during his lifetime. Even today the only pieces of this sculptor’s work located I’m definitely itching for a return visit to outside of his motherland are to be found Bruges in the New Year. I can’t think of a at the Louvre in Paris and the Hermitage better way to beat the winter blues than in Leningrad, two of the biggest and most by escaping from daily routine for a bit to well-known museums in the world today, hole away in one of the cozy cafes around so this is quite a rare treat. The marble Market Square, listening to the peal of carving can be found in The Church of Our bells coming from the Belfry whilst nibbling us can return from Bruges with more than a crumpled 10 euro note in our pocket.

Historium GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

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shopping words | Alexandra Caruana

AVOIDING THE GIFT FACE Your ultimate guide to the best shopping in London and what not to miss when you’re there

F

Alternatively, you can pick up a day travel If you are travelling on a budget, then the contemporary Cumberland Hotel is pass within central London for £12. Just be better suited for you, as it is also close to aware of rush hour when the tube is busier all the action being only just around the than normal with everyone commuting home from work, so try and avoid these corner from Marble Arch tube station. The times unless you fancy being a squashed Cumberland also has its own Michelin star restaurant onsite where you can enjoy sardine for the duration of your journey! some delicious and beautifully presented dishes. Launched in 2007 by top Oxford Street Oxford Street chef Gary Rhodes, the restaurant Oxford Street is the ideal locais appropriately named Rhodes W1. is the ideal tion to head for great shops, location to and can be accessed from three Transport head for different tube stations. Oxford great shops... uncomplicated The great thing about London is Circus station is right next to Where to Stay transport... the ease of getting around. With London’s biggest Topshop. With The ideal place to stay so much on offer, the tube service really so much on offer, you’ll be sure to find a is around Oxford Street, home to some does help in providing quick and uncompli- couple of glamorous outfits suitable for all of the best shops in the country. The cated transport to where you want to get of your Christmas events. In addition to Marriott’s luxurious Grosvenor House is to, with lots of tube stops around popular clothes, the store also has a hairdressing right behind Oxford Street, being only a destinations. Travel cards known as Oyster salon, nail bar and brow bar, perfect if you five minute walk away. This five star hotel cards are available from all tube stations need more than just a little retail therapy! has built its reputation since opening in and can be topped up before travelling. All Bond Street tube station is right in the 1929, and having been renovated recently, you will have to do is touch in and touch middle of Oxford Street, and stores such as is the perfect place to stay where impecca- out of the station and in doing so you will River Island, Debenhams and John Lewis ble service is guaranteed. automatically be charged for your journey. ancy a magical get away with a vast variety of shops to help you with all your Christmas shopping? Then look no further than London, only a two and a half hour flight from Gibraltar.

Simply fly to London Gatwick and catch the Gatwick Express to Victoria Station, or to London Heathrow The tube and jump on board the service really Heathrow Express to Paddington Station. With does help plenty to do and see, in providing you won’t want to leave! quick and

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shopping Marble Arch tube station is just next to a huge Primark, so if you fancy picking up a bargain, this is the stop for you! It is also a short walk from Selfridges, which at this time of year provides a fantastic festive window display. With the Christmas lights shining bright and lighting the way down Oxford Street, you are in for a wonderful shopping experience.

Knightsbridge

Winter Wonderland is arguably the most festive place to visit when in London...

Harrods in Knightsbridge is another store well known for its beautiful window displays. Designer clothing can be found stretched over the store’s seven floors, which is known to welcome over 15 million people through its doors each year. There is also the option to visit Santa at the wonderfully decorated Harrods Christmas Grotto.

are more easily accessed from there. Also nearby is St Christopher’s Place, an ideal location to take a break from shopping and explore the great restaurants that are on offer. A firm favourite of mine is Côte Brasserie serving mouth-watering French cuisine, which I visit at least once whenever in London.

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Whilst in the area, a trip to Harvey Nichols is a must, where the younger crowds tend to head for their shopping fix. Known for their cheeky Christmas campaigns, their entertaining television advert this year describes the term “gift face” and how people may feel the need to use it when receiving a gift. According to research carried out by the store, 72% of people have admitted to using a gift face to save the feelings of a loved one, with 63% using the gift in

order to keep up the pretence. To buy fabulous gifts to ensure that your loved ones won’t be using their gift face, be sure to stop by Harvey Nicks!

Westfields at Shepherd’s Bush If the cold weather and hustle and bustle of Oxford Street don’t appeal to you, then Westfields is the place to head with everything you could need under one roof.

Not only are there great shops onsite but also plenty of entertainment available for the kids to keep them busy if you want to stock up on all their Christmas presents.

Westfields boasts a cinema, plenty of child-friendly restaurants to choose from, as well as its very own ice rink. Getting

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

shopping

there couldn’t be easier, taking the central line on the tube to Shepherd’s Bush station with the centre being a few minutes’ walk away.

Christmas Markets If you really fancy getting into the Christmas spirit, then head down to Covent Garden, a place filled to the brim with magical decorations and stalls where you can pick up the perfect gift. Not only can you grab a warming hot chocolate and enjoy the festive atmosphere but you can also treat the kids with a trip to visit the reindeer. Get the children to guess who is Prancer from Dancer whilst having the chance to meet and pet them.

There is also the opportunity to tie in culture and shopping with a trip to the

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

Covent Garden is a place filled to the brim with magical decorations and stalls where you can pick up the perfect gift.

Christmas Market at the Tate Modern. py. The park boasts an impressive choice This market is close to London Bridge tube of over 100 rides to enjoy, as well as a station, where you will be able to pick large ice rink and Ice Bar where you can up some great traditional try some exciting cocktails. Whilst Christmas decorations for here, you can sample some of the Another great your home. Browse through delightful food that there is on offer opportunity to some unique jewellery perwithin the Swiss style chalet lodges. sing along for a fect for the upcoming party Snuggle down in a cosy seating area good cause is at season. Also available at the surrounded by a roaring fire when Trafalgar Square, the cold gets too much. You can’t market is a merry-go-round where carols are get more Christmassy than this, and and Christmas music to enjoy whilst you tuck into some sung under a the Christmas markets available will toasty roasted chestnuts. transport you to every European large traditional country you can think of, bringing Christmas tree. their own Christmas traditions to Winter Wonderland is arguLondon. Have a meander through ably the most festive place and see what you can find! If you’re still a to visit when in London so a trip here is little chilly, you’ll be sure to find some fun, highly recommended. Based in Hyde Park, festive hats and winter accessories that this party place provides plenty of attracwill keep you toasty. tions to keep you and your little ones hap-

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Winter Wonderland’s festivities will run from 20th November to 3rd January, open from 5pm on the opening night and There are plenty then from 10am-10pm every day except Christmas Day. Be sure to wrap up of opportunities warm and buy your tickets in advance to to try ice skating, avoid queuing for longer than is neceswith many ice sary. Luckily, the place is packed so the rinks being set general hustle and bustle of the people up in December. there should keep you warm!

Another fine opportunity to sample some European foodie delights is at the South Bank which can be accessed via Waterloo Station. Here, you will be able to find specialities from all over the globe that can be enjoyed with a nice warming cup of mulled wine. You’ll also be able to sample from favourites from back home in Gibraltar, including churros with melted hot chocolate. Whilst in the area, make sure to stop by and watch a film at the IMAX cinema, which with the largest screen in Britain, you won’t miss a thing.

Shows & Ice Skating There are plenty of opportunities to try your hand (or feet!) at ice skating, with many ice rinks being set up in December.

Since a trip to the London Eye is a must, whilst on the South Bank, you should visit Frostival (14th November - 3rd January) with the Eyeskate rink on site. Not only will you be able to admire London’s fantastic skyline and all of its wonderful landmarks but also the ice rink and Christmas lights sparkling below will make for an enchanting ride. During Frostival, visitors will be able to enjoy the Winter Cocktail Experience, sipping cocktails on board the Eye every Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Disney on Ice is a must for anyone with young children. Touring the UK, this production will bring the magic of Christmas to London from 22nd December – 3rd January at the O2 Arena (except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day), featuring some of Disney’s most popular characters and songs.

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72% of people have admitted to using a “gift face” to save the feelings of a loved one...

When in London, a trip to the theatre is a given. With lots of festive shows to see, you’ll be spoilt for choice with Christmas favourites featuring in the West End, including The Nutcracker On Ice, Swan Lake, The Snowman, Sleeping Beauty, ELF and A Christmas Carol to name a few.

Sing-alongs and the Shard If you fancy a Christmas carol yourself then head down to Spitalfields for Carols by Candlelight in aid of NSPCC on 1st December. All in aid of a great cause, this event is known to attract several celebrity guests, having seen readings from Sir Michael Caine and Downton Abbey’s Miss Moneypenny Samantha Bond in the past.

Another great opportunity to sing along for a good cause is at Trafalgar Square, where carols

are sung under a large traditional Christmas tree as of 7-23 December. More than 50 carol groups sing to raise funds for voluntary or charitable organisations.

Round off your trip with a special visit to the Shard for an uninterrupted 360 degree view of Selfridges London at night. This provides a impressive building fantastic stands at almost 310 festive metres and offers window some of the most display... fantastic restaurants and cocktail bars in the capital. This fantastic location is the perfect place to spend your last night and to enjoy the envious views with a wellearned glass of wine as a reward for completing all of your Christmas shopping!

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recipes

NUT ROAST GALETTE

Gluten and dairy free, buttery nut crust topped with winter greens, pesto and delicious squash

INGREDIENTS 100g pistachios 100g sunflower seeds 100g chestnuts thyme 2 tbsp maple syrup 5 tbsp olive oil zest of 1 lemon ½ lemon juice ½ squash 2 red onions 2 sprigs of sage 10 leaves of kale and various chards 100g soaked cashew nuts 2 handfuls of fresh spinach 82

METHOD Cut the squash half into 15mm slices, place them on a baking Place pistachios and sunflower seeds on a baking tray and roast for 5 mins in the oven tray, season with salt & pepper and drizzle with olive oil.

Roast in the oven until golden brown, 15-20 mins at 1800C. preheated to 1800C. Put the roasted pistachios and sunflowers seeds into a blender, together with chestnuts, bit of thyme, zest of a lemon, maple syrup, 2 tbsp olive oil and a pinch of salt & pepper.

Tip out blended galette dough onto a sheet of grease proof paper and using your palms, press it out to form a circle. Cover with another piece of grease proof paper and roll it out with a rolling pin until it’s about 5mm thick. Neaten out the edges.

Place the dough in the oven for 15-20 mins, at 1800C.

For the topping, chop red onions and sweat in a pan with a bit of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of salt & pepper for 15-20 mins. Take a few out for later.

Shred the green leaves and add to the onion pan for about 5 mins until they soften slightly. Add sage and wait till it wilts.

Blend with cashew nuts, 3 tbsp of olive oil, juice of ½ lemon and pinch of salt & pepper. Add spinach and blend a few seconds longer.

Spread the green topping on the nut roast, lay the squash boats all over and scatter the remaining red onions on top.

A fantastic meat-free alternative is ready for your Christmas table...

Recipe from ‘A Modern Way To Eat’ by Anna Jones

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recipes

CHRISTMAS PUDDING A sweet marriage of everything that lights our hearts and rewards our palettes METHOD

INGREDIENTS 350g black raisins

½ tsp ground aniseed

150g sultanas

1 tsp baking powder

100g currants

215g muscovado sugar

100g cranberries

1 tsp treacle

2 cups brandy or sherry

120g wholemeal breadcrumbs

4 tbsp cognac 4 tbsp candied peel 200g ground almonds 100g chopped almonds 120g wholemeal & plain flour mixed ½ tsp fine sea salt ½ tsp ground ginger ½ tsp ground nutmeg 1 tsp mixed/all spice

250g vegetable suet 1 tbsp of oil zest & juice of 1 clementine zest and juice of 1 lemon 1½ tbsp date syrup or treacle 1 cup of plant milk (hazelnut & almond work well)

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

spoon into your ready greased basins.

Grease your 2 pint and ½ pint pudding basins, and set aside.

Place the dried fruit in a glass bowl, and soak with the brandy. Cover, and let this stand overnight – you may wish to stir it before you go to bed so that all the brandy will have soaked itself properly into the fruit.

The following day, place the ground almonds and the other dried ingredients in a large mixing bowl, and mix. Add in the remaining ingredients and mix well. Taste for sweetness, and mix again, until your mixture is soft and blended. Then

Now cover your bowls with greaseproof paper, and tighten string around the lip of the bowl. Then add a further layer of aluminium foil, and, again, secure it by tying string round the lip of the bowl.

Place the pudding bowls in saucepans that are large enough for you to lift the bowls out of, and add enough hot water to cover half the height of the pudding bowls.

Cover and steam on a low heat for 4½ hours, keeping an eye on them periodically to ensure there is enough water – if not, top the water up.

This makes 2 pint & ½ pint wholesome, cholesterol-free puddings which you should serve hot with dairy-free custard or cream. For re-heating, drizzle on some more brandy, and set on fire if you wish. If you are making this in advance, be sure to pour a little brandy over it every few days – this will enrich the flavour, and ensure it doesn’t dry up.

Recipe by Miriam Sorrell mouthwateringvegan.com 83

wine words | Andrew Licudi

GIFT WINE GIFT SUNSHINE Selection of anniversary wines available locally

M

y son has just celebrated his of wine to recently born godchildren esthe age of the wine, was acceptable. The 15th wedding anniversary and pecially if they happen to have been born wine was opened at the recipient’s birthlooking back, I recall being in a good vintage year. The idea is that the day party and I am glad to say the wine, I rather pleased when one of parents will store the wines, usually a long was told, was still very drinkable. his wedding gifts turned out to be a mixed lived fine Bordeaux, until the child comes case of rather fine wines which included of age. At this time, the claret will be just Should you be looking for an anniversary clarets, Burgundies, Riojas and Sauternes. about ready for drinking and the young wine, as these are known, my first stop I am ashamed to say that I cannot rememadult can then decide what to do with the would be one of our local merchants. One ber any of the other gifts he rewine. Either drink it, keep it or sell occasion, I accompanied a friend to advise ceived which no doubt included it as the wine should now have her on the best wines for her upcoming ...one of his crystal glasses, silver ornaments increased in value considerably, wedding anniversary and she was delightand useful kitchen gadgets. Over wedding gifts perhaps to fund a holiday or help ed when Anglos had a bottle of pink 1988 turned out to with university expenses. the years, my son and daughDom Ruinart champagne, the very year ter in law have shared some of By this time of course, all she got married! She was delighted be a mixed As a gift, theses wines with us inevitably with the purchase which not only had case of rather other gifts given at their leading us to reminisce about birth will have long disap- wine is been discounted but came in a presenfine wines... incredibly tation box complete with two chamthe wonderful time we all had at peared and forgotten. versatile... pagne glasses. The champagne turned the wedding held in an isolated house in the wilds of Scotland. They are out to be wonderful, I am told, which I was once asked to try and down to their last bottle but I can think of source a bottle of wine for a birthday and was not surprising as that particular chamfew gifts which would have given as much pagne from that producer was considered as the recipient had been born in 1927, I pleasure over so many years. anticipated some difficulties. However, I one of the best champagnes ever made. was relieved that sourcing the wines was As a gift, wine is incredibly versatile and I relatively easy. The cost turned out to be Our local wine merchants should help you have known friends who have given a case around the £70 mark which, considering source anniversary wines as they all have

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

wine contacts in the UK and elsewhere but in the event that they are unable to, there are plenty of online merchants specialising in older vintages. Here are some examples I found online and locally: 1946 Bodegas deal Senorio Carinena £80 (approx.) antiques-wines.net 1924 Vouvray Le Haut Lieu Moelleux £320 - The Wine Society 1983 Coteaux du Layon £32 The Wine Society 1975 Taylor’s Tawny Port £49 Vintage Wine Gifts Of course, wine or wine related items can make wonderful personal gifts and I recall receiving a Christmas present of two bottles of mature vintage port together with a specialist book describing port production with ratings of vintages and producers. On another occasion, I received a kit containing hundreds of vials all with different smells from passion fruit to old leather.

The idea was to become familiar with these aromas allowing one to recall these when smelling wines helping identification and making accurate aroma descriptions.

This kit proved a great party game when everyone was challenged to identify different smells from these vials. It is interesting how obvious some smells became once the label on the vial was uncovered, a not dissimilar experience as tasting wines blind.

As a cynic once said “A look at the label is worth fifty years experience”.

I always enjoy choosing wines for Christmas and it’s one time when I feel we should really splash out on the best possible wines we can afford. I am rather predictable on my wine choices when it comes to Christmas and, no doubt this year, we will again be drinking Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rioja and Port. I went round our local shops and I list some of the wines which caught my eye and which would be welcome at my Christmas table.

Luis Cana Gran Reserva 2008 £17.95 Vinopolis: This producer makes good Rioja with lots of sweet fruit and lovely vanilla from its oak maturation.

Tondonia Gran Reserva 1994 £41.40 Vinopolis: One of the great producers of Rioja. This wine will be leaner and quite acidic compared to other Riojas. This is a wine for grown ups, very little sweet fruit here but oozing complexity.

Vina Pomal Reserva 2005 (Magnum!) £20 Vinopolis: This is on sale. Great bargain.

Good wine too!

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

Christmas is one time we should really splash out on the best possible wines we can afford.

Chianti Marchese Antinori 2012 £18 Vinopolis: Antinori is one of Italy’s wine legend. I once brought a few bottles of this great Chianti back from Rome only to discover this here at a substantial discount.

Not as good as the amazing Antinoris Badia Passignano Chianti but still very good at a fraction of its older brother’s price.

Ferreira 1999 Vintage Port £30 Wine Cellar: Great value for a vintage port (not to be confused with “late bottle vintage” port, a cynical name used by port producers to confuse the consumer with an inferior alternative to vintage port).

Chateaux La Garde 2005 £28 Vinopolis: Good claret can’t be beaten. Very good year.

Hidalgos 30 year old sherries £38 Wine Cellar: Wonderful rare wines from Sanlucar.

Guelbenzu 1999 (Magnum) £21.50 Stag Bros: Good producer from Navarra with noticeable French notes having formerly produced wine for blending with Burgundy (completely illegal now!).

Ricasoli Granello Dessert Wine 2012 £13 My Wines: I shouldn’t recommend wines I haven’t yet tasted but it’s not often I see a sweet Sauvignon Blanc and from a decent Italian producer. Should be good.

Mauro 2012 £22.50 Stagnettos: Very Ribera del Duero like which it almost is.

I went to visit this bodega years ago. The lady there was offhand and snooty. Put me off this wine for years. Sweet and lots of fruit. Should appeal to the child in you.

Fina Valpiedra 2008 £14.99 Sacarellos: Good Rioja with a pronounce nose of wood, leather and dark fruits.

Monte Real Gran Reserva 2000 £22.50 Stagnettos: Really mature. We are spoilt for choice with Gran Reservas in Gibraltar.

You may have noticed how scarce these Gran Reservas tend to be in Spanish supermarkets.

Barton and Guestier Beaumes de Venise 2007 £6.30: Wine Cellar: Beaumes de Venise was hugely fashionable a few years ago in UK. Sweet Muscat fruit makes this a great dessert wine. Perhaps the easiest wine to identify blind and we all prayed for this wine to be served in wine exams. Not massively complex but will appeal to granny.

Pol Roger 2004 Vintage Champagne £62 Wine Cellar: Well made sparkler. At over ten years old this should be complex and ready to drink.

Wines to try at least once in your life Marques de Vargas Rioja This producer has been one of my favourites for many years. It’s a single vineyard producer so all the wine comes from this well located 65 hectare plot.

These wines are very long lived, complex and intense. The 2008 vintage is available from Vinopolis at £33 for a magnum (1.5 litres) and it’s a wine I will be tasting this Christmas, particularly as I enjoy opening a magnum when there are enough drinkers.

Comparing prices with those available from established wine merchants in London, I am delighted that Vinopolis are passing savings on from Gibraltar’s low alcohol duties and no vat!

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appetite

e to wher drink eat &e Rock on th

restaurants

Café Solo Modern Italian eatery set in 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,

Cafe Rojo Sleek modern comfort in this relaxing little restaurant. Brunch (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. Lunch 12-3pm, dinner 7-10pm; dishes such as Marinated Tuna Steak & Sesame Crust; Roasted Lamb Shoulder; pastas or risottos such as Roast Pumpkin, Mushroom, & Spinach Curry, 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: Tues - Fri 10am- late, Saturday lunch 12-3pm, afternoon drinks & desserts, dinner 7-10pm. Closed Sundays & Mondays.

Cafe Rojo 54 Irish Town. Tel: 200 51738

Casa Pepe

Nunos Italian

Nunos Italian Restaurant, overlooking the Mediterranean, is popular with hotel guests, tourists and local residents. This 2 rosette rated, AA restaurant is renowned for its eclectic interior, intimate atmosphere and fine cuisine. Savour a wide selection of freshly prepared Italian delicacies, including bread, pasta, meat and fish, followed by delicious desserts. In the summer months, the hotel offers alfresco dining for private parties in the Garden Grill. Sitting nestled in the colonial garden you can enjoy a mouth-watering menu of charcoal-grilled meats and freshly prepared salads in candlelit surroundings.

Open: Mon-Sun 1-3pm lunch, 7–11pm dinner Nunos Italian Restaurant and Terrace Caleta Hotel, Catalan Bay Tel: 200 76501 Email: reservations@caletahotel.gi

Café Solo Grand Casemates Square. Tel: 200 44449

Solo Bar & Grill

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! Available for private functions and corporate events — call 200 62828 to book your function or event.

Open: 12-8pm.

Solo Bar & Grill Eurotowers Tel: 200 62828

Sacarello Coffee Co

A delightful terrace, bar, restaurant on the prestigious Queensway Quay Marina. Wonderful location for business meetings, weddings, anniversaries and other special occasions. Specialising in fresh fish caught locally with daily specials including seabass, dorada, sole, and bream, plus a very comprehensive a la carte menu. Also available are tapas and raciones (double size tapas) to share (or not!) prior to a main course.

Mixed paellas also available, as well as fish cooked in rock salt, whole suckling pig and baby lamb to order.

Open: Tues-Sat lunch & evening, Sunday lunch only, closed Mondays.

Located in a converted coffee warehouse, and famous for its great fresh ground coffee, homemade cakes/ afternoon tea, plus full menu and excellent salad bar with quiche selection, specials of the day and dishes such as lasagne, steak and mushroom Guinness pie, hot chicken salad, toasties, club sandwich and baked potatoes. Holds popular art exhibitions with the Sacarello collection and guest artists. Very busy at office lunchtimes (1-2pm). Sacarello's is available for parties and functions in the evenings.

Open: 9am-7.30pm Mondays - Fridays. 9am-3pm Saturdays

Casa Pepe, 18 Queensway Quay Marina, Tel/Fax: 200 46967 Email: casa.pepe@gmail.com.

Visit: www.gibtour.com/casapepe.

Sacarello Coffee Co. 57 Irish Town. Tel: 200 70625

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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. Daily specials on blackboard. No smoking.

Get Listed!

Do you own a restaurant, café, or bar in Gibraltar?

To get your business listed here

call 200 77748 or email info@thegibraltarmagazine.com GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

food & drink

directory Get Listed!

Do you own a restaurant, café, or bar in Gibraltar?

To get your business listed here

call 200 77748 or email info@thegibraltarmagazine.com Get Stuffed Very popular take -away, sandwich bar and hot food. Serving all fresh and homemade sandwiches, salads, soups, pasta, pies, cup cakes, plus hot/cold drinks and smoothies and a different special every day. Outside catering for corporate parties.

Open: 8am - 4pm Mon-Fri, 8am-3pm Sat. Get Stuffed Marina Bay. Tel: 200 42006

Just Desserts Bright and airy, recently redecorated cafe on the first floor of the ICC. All home-made food including daily specials, vegetarian options, desserts and small cakes. Eat in or take-away.

Try their daily roast with everything on, or their all-day breakfast. Pensioner’s lunch - 2 course meal for £5.25.

Friendly, cheerful and fully licensed.

Open: from 7.30am Monday to Friday Just Desserts 1st Floor ICC. Tel: 200 48014

Mumbai Curry House Indian cuisine, eat-in/take-away, from snacks (samosas, bhajias, pakoras) to lamb, chicken and fish dishes such as korma, tikka masala, do piaza. Large vegetarian selection. Halal food. Outside catering for parties/ meetings. Sunday Mumbai favourites such as Dosa & Choley Bhature.

Open: 7 days a week 11am - 3pm, 6pm -late.

Mumbai Curry House Unit 1.0.02 Ground Floor, Block 1 Eurotowers Tel: 200 73711 Home delivery: 200 50022/33

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

The Lounge Stylish lounge and gastro bar on the quayside at Queensway Quay with very reasonable prices and food from 10am until late.

Popular quiz on Sundays (from 7.30pm) and a relaxed friendly atmosphere... always plenty of people / yachties to chat to. Events (matches etc) covered on large TV. Great place to chill out.

Open: 10am Mon - Sat until late and from 12pm on Sun (get there early for a seat for the quiz).

The Lounge Queensway Quay Marina Tel: 200 61118

Oasis Eatery

e to wher drink eat &e Rock on th

informal food Raj’s Curry House Raj’s tasty Indian cuisine is now available to eat in or take away, from his new fully refurbished premises in Queensway Quay next to the Waterfront. Serving authentic dishes such as Creamy Butter Chicken, Bhuna King Prawn or Chana Masala, and so much more.

There is something available to suit all tastes. Pop in or telephone for food orders or table reservations.

Open: food served 7 days 11am- 3pm, 6pm-late Raj’s Curry House Queensway Quay. Tel: 200 46993

Solo Express

Located in Governor’s Parade, just across from the Elliot Hotel, and offers hot/cold drinks plus a delicious homemade selection of baked items such as cakes and quiches, also sandwiches and wraps, bagels and cupcakes. Vegan/vegetarian items. Oasis is on Facebook and Twitter and you can pre-order online which is handy for a quick lunch. Special orders taken for a range of bakery goods. Fully licensed for beers and wine. Terrace seating.

Open: 8am to 3pm

Located next to Pizza Hut in Casemates and in Eurotowers, serves a variety of salads/ baguettes (white, brown, ciabatta) filled with a deli selection such as roast chicken; smoked salmon & mascapone; ham, cheese and coleslaw; or humous, avocado & roast red pepper.

Salads fresh and tasty (Greek, Waldorf, cous cous, tuna pasta etc), great value. Jackets, quiches, coffee plus cakes (flapjacks, muffins) available all day. Eat-in area.

Soups in winter.

Oasis Eatery Govenor’s Parade Tel: 200 65544 www.oasiseatery.com

Solo Express Grnd Flr, ICC, Casemates & Eurotowers

Pick a Bite Morning coffee and daily lunch specials, one of largest selections of traditional home made food, to eat in or takeaway. All the old favourites — spinach pie, croquettes, quiche, spanish omelette, shepherd’s pie and more. Delicious sandwiches, baguettes, ciabatta melts and wraps, with a variety of fillings. Salads, snacks and soups. Cakes and muffins for those with a sweet tooth. Friendly, cheerful and very reasonal prices.

Terrace seating.

Open: Monday to Friday 8am - 3pm.

Pick A Bite 10 Chatham Counterguard Tel: 200 64211

Picadilly Gardens Relaxed bar restaurant located near to the Queen’s Hotel and Cable car, it has a cosy garden terrace, which is great for drinks, tapas and food al fresco.

English breakfast, tapas, hamburgers, fresh fish, paella by pre-order, prawns, squid, clams and a variety of meat dishes. Eat in or takeaway. Open: 6:30am till late.

Piccadilly Gardens Rosia Road, Tel: 20075758

The Tasty Bite Tasty Bite has one of the biggest take-away menus around with home cooked meats, filled baguettes, burgers, chicken and everything else you can think of! Try the quiches, tortillas and jackets spuds with all kinds of fillings. This little place gets busy with those popping out from the offices for lunch so get there early.

Open: Monday - Saturday.

The Tasty Bite 59a Irish Town. Tel: 200 78220 Fax: 200 74321

Verdi Verdi All day coffee plus all homemade and delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes, fresh baked bread and desserts. A selection of bagels (try the smoked salmon and cream cheese) and salads to eat in or take away. Try the light homemade pizzas, or the falafels and humous. Daily special soups are fabulous and filling. Ask for Idan's hot homemade chilli relish — sweet and scrummy.

Open: Mon/Thurs: 7.30-6, Fri 7.30-5, Sun 10-3.

Verdi Verdi ICC, Casemates Tel: 200 60733

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food & drink

directory All’s Well

Gibraltar Arms

Traditional pub in fashionable Casemates area. Named for the 18th century practise of locking gates to the city at night when the guard called ‘All’s Well’. All’s Well serves Bass beers, wine and spirits plus pub fare. English breakfast all day, hot meals such as pork in mushroom sauce, sausage & mash, cod & chips and steak & ale pie plus a range of salads and jacket potatoes. Large terrace. Karaoke Mondays and Wednesdays until late. Free tapas on a Friday 7pm.

On Main Street opposite the cathedral, enjoy a meal, coffee or a cool beer on the terrace and watch the world go by! Bar decorated with rare military plaques from regiments and navy ships visiting Gibraltar. Full breakfast menu served from 7am, draught beers on tap include Old Speckled Hen bitter, Murphys Irish stout, Heineken lager and Strongbow cider.

All’s Well Casemates Square. Tel: 200 72987

Gibraltar Arms 184 Main Street. Tel: 200 72133 Visit: www.gibraltararms.com

Bridge Bar & Grill

e to wher drink eat &e Rock on th

bars & pubs O’Reilly’s Traditional Irish bar with full HD sports coverage and Irish breakfast from 7am (Sunday from 9am).

Guinness on draught. Food includes salads, jackets, beef & Guinness 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.

O’Reilly’s Ocean Village. Tel: 200 67888

Jury’s Café-Wine Bar

Star Bar

Located on the water ’s edge, Ocean Village, just across the bridge from O’Reilly’s. This bar & grill is a fusion of an American themed menu with Tarifa chill out style. Open for breakfast from 9am serving healthy options, freshly squeezed orange juice and Italian Lavazza coffee. Try the spicy Caribbean rum ribs, southern fried chicken bucket, the popular Texas burger or a selection of tasty salads and homemade desserts. London Pride, San Miguel & Carling beer on draught, live sports.

Next to the Law Courts, with a terrace seating area, Jury’s has a selection of Ciabattas, paninis, baguettes and wraps, plus popular sharing dishes, such as Your Honour’s platter. Jacket potatoes, main courses, pasta and some innocent salads too. For those with a sweet tooth, there are tantalising homemade desserts, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, as well as Lavazza coffees and frappes.

Open: 7am-midnight Mon-Sat, 9am-midnight Sun.

Gibraltar’s oldest b a r, j u s t off Main St. Small cosy and famous for its full English breakfast from 7am (9am on Sunday).

A full menu including fish & chips, until 10pm. The home of Star Coffee, draught beers include Heineken, Old Speckled Hen, Murphys and Strongbow cider.

Managed by Hunter Twins from Stafford, England, also home to Med Golf & Tottenham Hotspur supporters club.

Bridge Bar & Grill Ocean Village Tel: 200 66446

Jury’s Café & Wine Bar 275 Main Street. Tel: 200 67898

Star Bar Parliament Lane. Tel: 200 75924 Visit: www.starbargibraltar.com

Cannon Bar

Lord Nelson

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.

Bar/brasserie in Casemates. Done out like Nelson’s ship. Starters & snacks include f re s h m u s s e l s, blue cheese and rocket bruschetta, potato skins, spicy chicken wings and calamares. Main courses from chilli con carne and chicken & mushroom pie, to crispy duck burrito and fish & chips. Jackets, burgers and kid’s menu. Live music on stage nightly. Spacious terrace.

Open: 10am till very late.

Cannon Bar 27 Cannon Lane. Tel: 200 77288

Lord Nelson Bar Brasserie 10 Casemates Tel: 200 50009 Visit: www.lordnelson.gi

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The Three Owls 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.

The Three Owls Irish Town. Tel: 200 77446

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

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

take-away or reserve a table

Tel: 200 46993 7 days 11am - 3pm, 6pm - late

Queensway Quay (next to Waterfront)

Grand Casemates Sq Tel: 20044449 TASTY INDIAN CUISINE

RESTAURANT BAR GUIDE &

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

Get Stuffed!

Marina Bay Tel: 200 42006

Take-Away, Sandwiches & Hot Food Different Special Every Day salads, soups, pastas, pies, cupcakes, all home made Open 8am-4pm Mon-Fri, 8am-3pm Sat

Queensway Quay Marina, Tel: 200 61118

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

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 MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

Indian Cuisine to Eat In or Take Away

Unit 1.0.02 Grnd Flr, Block 1 Eurotowers Tel: 200 73711

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leisure & services

Gibraltar Taxi Association GUIDED ROCK TOURS

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

shopping

GACHE & CO LTD EST. 1830

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

FROST LANGUAGE CENTRE (registered in Gibraltar)

Professional Spanish Teacher All levels, singles, groups or Skype Call Margaret Tel: 0034956173384 Mobile: 0034609717296 Email: margaretjf13@gmail.com

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

health & beauty

Quality Kitchen Ware Gibraltar’s Best Stocked Cook Shop

Tel: 200 73786

CRAFT CLASSES - PHONE FOR INFO

46 Irish Town Tel: 200 75188 Fax: 200 72653

Health & Beauty Salon

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

Don House Arcade Tel: 20077311

PASSANO OPTICIANS LTD British Registered Optometrists

6 Pitman’s Alley Tel: 200 76544 Email: passano@sapphirenet.gi

7 days a week 5pm-9pm

tel: 200 700 47

Need somebody to talk to?

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

KUSUMA EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIPS (Gibraltar) UNDERGRADUATE AND POSTGRADUATE

NOW OPEN Applications for the Kusuma Excellence Scholarships are now open to top students who are planning to study science, maths, medicine, technology, engineering or business related studies at a leading university or leading universities.

In addition one award may be awarded for students in the following categories: Sports

The Performing and Fine Arts

Humanities

The Scholarships are a prestigious award, and students in the STEM subjects will be competing for a limited number of awards. The award is highly competitive and decided by an independent panel.

For more details and full terms and conditions please go to: www.kusumatrust.gi

APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY 25TH JANUARY 2016.

ONLY ONLINE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Services

186 Main Street, PO Box 453, Gibraltar Tel: +350 200 61053 Fax: + 350 200 60953 www.corinthian.gi

Computer / network giving you a headache?

Call us for a swift, reliable cure.

17 Convent Place Tel: 200 4-999-1 Fax: 200 4-999-2 www.pc-clinic-gib.com Email: info@pc-clinic-gib.com • Support Contracts • Network Installation & Troubleshooting • Web Design • PC Repairs, Upgrades & Construction • PC Maintenance

33 Main Street Gibraltar

Spring | Law Specialising in Wills, Estate Planning, Property Transactions, Employment Law and Company/Commercial Legal Advice Please contact: Chris Keightley-Pugh LLB TEP Tel: 200 64001 Email: chris.keightleypugh@springlaw.co.uk

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

The Rotunda, Winston Churchill Avenue

Tel: +350 200 66991 200 68666

(Online shopping) +350

For all your fresh fruit & vegetables!

You can now do your shopping online

www.eroski.gi more info on our Facebook page

HOME DELIVERY

Shop til you drop then leave the rest to us, your shopping will be delivered to your home ANY ADDRESS in Gibraltar Ask in-store for details

www.cyclecentre.gi

BICYCLES & ACCESSORIES S A L E S

YOUR ORDER T MAS

CHRIS NOW! BIKES

•

S E R V I C E

•

R E P A I R S

ALL TYPES & SIZES OF BIKES AVAILABLE TO ORDER, DEPOSITS TAKEN 15c Devil’s Tower Road, T: +350 20063562 Gibraltar E: info@cyclecentre.gi

f

LADIES - GENTS - KIDS - ROAD - MOUNTAIN - UTILITY - FOLD-UP - BMX - ELECTRIC GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

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Clubs & Activities Arts & Crafts Cross Stitch Club: John Mackintosh Hall, 1st Floor, Mon 6-8pm, fee £1.

Gibraltar Arts & Crafts Association: Children - Mon-Thur, 3:45 p.m. - 7 p.m., Sat, 10am - 12pm. Adults: 20073865 Knit and Natter Group: Tues 11am-3pm, Thurs 5.30-7.30pm, at Arts & Crafts Shop, Casemates balcony. Free to join and refreshments provided. Tel: 20073865.

The Arts Centre: Prince Edward’s Road, Art classes for children and adults. For more info call Tel: 200 79788.

The Fine Arts Association Gallery: At Casemates. Open 10am-2pm, 3-6pm Mon-Fri, Sat 11am-1pm.

The Gibraltar Decorative and Fine Arts Society: Affiliated to UK NADFAS meets third Wed of month at 6.30pm at Eliott Hotel - lecturers & experts from the UK talk on Art etc. Contact: Chairman Claus Olesen 200 02024 claus.olesen@sghambros.com.

Membership Ian Le Breton 200 76173 ilebreton@SovereignGroup.com Board Games Calpe Chess Club & Junior Club: meets in Studio 1, John Mackintosh Hall Thursday, Juniors: 5p.m. - 7 p.m. / Tuesday & Thursday 7p.m. - 10:30 The Gibraltar Scrabble Club: Meets on Tuesdays at 3pm. Tel: Vin 20073660 or Roy 20075995. All welcome.

The Subbuteo Club: Meets in Charles Hunt Room, John Mackintosh Hall.

Dance Adult Dance Classes: Wed evenings at Kings Bastion Leisure Centre from 7-8.30pm. Contact Dilip on 200 78714.

Art in Movement Centre: Hiphop/Break Dance,Contemporary Dance, Pilates, Capoeira, Acrobatics, Street Kids & Tods, Modern Dance. Performance and Film opportunities. Judo & Jujitsu Classes: Tue/ Thur with Sensei Conroy. All ages. Budokai Martial Arts Centre, Wellington Front. www. artinmovement.net FB: Art In Movement A.I.M, tel 54025041 or 54007457 Ballet, Modern Theatre, Contemporary & Hip Hop: Classes held weekly at Danza Academy. Training from 3 years to Adult Advanced. 68/2 Prince Edward’s Rd Tel: 54027111.

Bellydance Classes, all levels, Tue 8-9pm at the Ocean Village Gym (non–members welcome). Contact 54005593.

DSA Old & Modern Sequence Dancing: Sessions at Central Hall Fri 8.30pm, beginners 8pm. Tel: 200 78901 or tony@gibraltar.gi Everybody welcome.

Modern & Latin American Sequence Dancing: Mon at Catholic Community Centre 8pm. Tel. Andrew 200 78901.

Modern, Contemporary, Lyrical, Flexibility, Hip Hop & Dance Theatre: Classes weekly at Urban Dance Studio, 2 Jumpers Bastion.

Tel: Yalta 54012212 or Jolene 54015125.

Rockkickers Linedance Club: Governor’s Meadow 1st School. www.rockkickers.com Salsa Gibraltar Salsa: Classes on Tues at Laguna Social Club, Laguna Estate.

Beginners 7-8.30pm. Intermediates 8.30-10pm. Tel: Mike 54472000 or info@ salsagibraltar.com Zumba Classes at Urban Dance: Jumpers Bastion, with certified instructor Tyron Walker. Tel: 20063959 or 54012212 or Twitter: @UrbanDanceGib 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. New members welcome. Tel: 200 44643.

Garrison Library Tours: at 11am on Fri, duration 1h 50mins. Tel: 20077418.

History Alive: Historical re-enactment parade. Main Street up to Casemates Square every Sat at 12 noon.

Music Gibraltar National Choir and Gibraltar Junior National Choir: Rehearses at the Holy Trinity Cathedral. Tel: 54831000.

The Calpe Band: Mon & Wed. For musicians of brass/woodwind instruments

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of all standards/ages/abilities 7-9pm. Tel: 54017070 or thecalpeband@gmail.com Jazz Nights: Thurs at 9pm at O’Callaghan Eliott Hotel. Tel: 200 70500.

Outdoor Activities The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award: Exciting self-development programme for young people worldwide equipping them with life skills to make a difference to themselves, their communities and the world. Contact mjpizza@gibtelecom.net, North Moll Road.

Email. P.O. Box: 1260.

Social Clubs The Rotary Club of Gibraltar meets the Rock Hotel, 7pm Tuesday evenings. Guests welcome. For contact or info www.rotaryclubgibraltar.com Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes: (Gibraltar Province) meets RAOB Club, 72/9 Prince Edward’s Road ­- Provincial Grand Lodge, Thu/month, 7.30pm. William Tilley 2371, Thurs 8.30pm. Buena Vista 9975, monthtly, Social Lodge. www.akearn1.wix. com/raob-gibraltar, william.tilley.lodge@ hotmail.co.uk, Clive, tel: 58008074 Special Interest Clubs & Societies Creative Writers Group: meets up on Tuesday mornings at 10.30 in O’Reillys Irish Bar and it is free to attend. Tel: Carla 54006696.

Gibraltar Book Club: For info Tel: Parissa 54022808.

Gibraltar Horticultural Society: meets 1st Thurs of month 6pm, J.M. 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.

Tel: 54008426 or Facebook: facebook.com/gibphilosophy Gibraltar Photographic Society: Meets on Mondays at 7:00 p.m. Wellington Front.

Induction courses, talks, discussions, competitions etc. For details contact the secretary on, leslinares@gibtelecom.net Harley Davidson Owners’ Club: www.hdcgib.com Lions Club of Gibraltar: Meets 2nd and 4th Wed of the month at 50 Line Wall Road. www.lionsclubofgibraltar.com St John’s Ambulance: Adult Volunteers Training Sessions from 8-10pm on Tues. Tel: 200 77390 or training@stjohn.gi The Royal British Legion: For info or membership contact the Branch Secretary 20074604 or write to PO Box 332, Gibraltar.

UN Association of Gibraltar: PO Box 599, 22a Main Street. Tel: 200 52108.

Sports Supporters Clubs Tottenham Hotspur Supporters Club: Meets at Star Bar, Parliament Lane, when Spurs games are televised - call prior to matches to check game is televised. Great food for a lunch if KO is early or an early supper if the game is later.

Gibraltar Arsenal Supporters Club: Meets match days upstairs at Time Out Café, Eurotowers. Gooners of all ages welcome.

For info/news visit www.GibGooners.com Tel: 54010681 (Bill) or 54164000 (John).

Gibraltar Hammers: Meets 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 gibraltarhammers@hotmail.com Sports & Fitness Artistic Gymnastics: Gibraltar Artistic Gymnastics Association. Tel: Angela 200 70611 or Sally 200 74661.

Athletics: Gibraltar Amateur Athletics Association holds competitions through 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 BWF& BE) junior club/tournaments, senior leagues/ recreational. www.badmintongibraltar.com Ballet Barre Fitness: Adults on Wed 10am & Fri 6pm at The Arts Centre. Tel: 54033465 or pilatesgibraltar@hotmail.com

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.

Boxing: Gibraltar Amateur Boxing Association (member IABA) gym on Rosia Rd. Over 13s welcome. Tuition with ex-pro boxer Ernest Victory. Tel: 56382000 or 20042788.

Cheerleading: Gibraltar Cheerleading Association, girls and boys of all ages.

Chearleading and street cheer/hip hop at Victoria Stadium. Recreational / competitive levels. Tel: 58008338.

Canoeing: Gibraltar Canoeing Association.

Tel: Nigel 200 52917 or Arturo 54025033.

Cricket: Gibraltar Cricket, National Governing Body & Associate Member of ICC. Governs International & Domestic Men’s, Women’s, Boys’ & Girls’ cricketleague & cup competitions and in-school coaching. www.gibraltarcricket.com, info@ gibcricket.com, Twitter: @Gibraltar_Crick Cycling: Gibraltar Cycling Association various cycling tours.

Darts: Gibraltar Darts Association (full member of WDF & affiliate of BDO). We cater for men, ladies & youth who take part in leagues, competitions and a youth academy for the correct development of the sport. Tel: Darren 54027171 Secretary, Alex 54021672 Youth Rep, Justin 54022622 President. Email: info@ gibraltardarts.com Football: Gibraltar Football Association leagues/competitions for all ages OctoberMay. Futsal in summer, Victoria Stadium. Tel: 20042941 www.gibraltarfa.com Gaelic Football Club (Irish sport): Males any age welcome. Get fit, play sport, meet new friends, travel around Spain/Europe and play an exciting and competitive sport. Training every Wed on the MOD pitch on Devil’s Tower Road at 7pm. Andalucia League with Seville and Marbella to play matches home and away monthly. Visit www.gibraltargaels. com or secretary.gibraltar.europe@gaa.ie Hockey: Gibraltar Hockey Association (members FIH & EHF) high standard competitions/training for adults/juniors.

Tel: Eric 200 74156 or Peter 200 72730 for info.

Iaido: teaches the Japanese sword (Katana), classes every week. www.iaidogibraltar.com Iwa Dojo, Kendo & Jujitsu: Classes every week, for kids/adults. Tel: 54529000 www. iwadojo.com or dbocarisa@iwadojo.com Judo and Ju-jitsu: Gibraltar Budokai Judo Association UKMAF recognised instructors for all ages and levels at Budokai Martial Arts Centre, Wellington Front. Tel: Charlie 20043319.

Ju-jitsu: Gibraltar Ju-jitsu Academy training and grading for juniors/seniors held during evening at 4 North Jumpers Bastion. Tel: 54011007.

Karate-do Shotokai: Gibraltar Karate-do Shotokai Association - Karate training for junior & seniors at Clubhouse, Shotokai karate centre, 41H Town Range. Monday: 9:30 p.m. & Wednesday 9:45 p.m.

Karate: Shotokan karate midday Mon beginners, other students 8.30pm. Thurs 8.30pm. In town at temporary dojo or privately by arrangement. Contact Frankie 54038127 or info@fhmedia.co.uk.

Motorboat Racing: Gibraltar Motorboat Racing Association Tel: Wayne 200 75211.

Netball: Gibraltar Netball Association (affiliated FENA & IFNA) competitions through year, senior/junior leagues. Tel: 20041874.

Petanque: Gibraltar Petanque Association.

New members welcome. Tel: 54002652.

Pilates: Intermediate Pilates: Tues & Fri 9.30am, beginners Pilates: Fri 10.50am at the Shotokai Centre, 41H Town Range. Tel: 54033465 or pilatesgibraltar@hotmail.com Gibraltar Pool Association: (Member of the EBA) home and away league played on Thurs through out the season, various tournaments played on a yearly basis both nationally and internationally, Tel: 56925000 gibpool@gibtelecom.net, www.gib8ball.com Rhythmic Gymnastics: Gibraltar Rhythmic Gymnastics Association runs sessions from 4 years of age, weekday evenings. Tel: 56000772 or Sally 200 74661.

Rugby: Gibraltar Rugby Football Union

training for Colts (w+), seniors and veterans.

Play in Andalusia 1st Division. Contact: secretary@gibraltarfu.com Sailing: Gibraltar Yachting Association junior/senior competitive programme (April - Oct) Tel: Royal Gibraltar Yacht Club at 200 78897.

Shooting: Gibraltar Shooting Federation.

Rifle, Europa Point Range (Stephanie 54020760); Clay pigeon, East Side (Harry 200 74354); Pistol, near Royal Naval Hospital (Louis 54095000).

Snooker: Members of European Billiards & Snooker Association - facilities at Jumpers Bastion with 3 tables. Professional coaching for juniors/seniors. Organised leagues/tournaments and participation in international competitions. Tel: 56262000 / 54000068, or info@gibraltarsnooker.com Squash: Gibraltar Squash Association, Squash Centre, South Pavilion Road (members WSF & ESF). Adult and junior tournaments and coaching. Tel: 200 44922.

Sub-Aqua: Gibraltar Sub-Aqua Association taster dives for over 14s, tuition from local clubs. Voluntary sports clubs: Noah’s Dive Club and 888s Dive Club. Tel: 54991000.

Commercial sports diving schools available.

Time - Thursday 12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m..

Telephone, Jenssen Ellul - 54027122 Swimming: Gibraltar Amateur Swimming Association (member FINA & LEN) opens its pool for leisure swimming. Junior lessons, squad for committed swimmers, water polo. Pool open Mon&Thurs: 7-10am, 12.30-4pm. Tue, Wed, Fri: 7-10am, 12:305pm. Sat: 3-5pm. Sun: closed. Mon to Fri from 5-6pm groups training. 6-7.30 squad training. Mon, Wed, Fri 7.30-8.30 swimming joggers, Tues & Thurs 7:30-8:30 junior Water polo. Mon, Tues & Thurs 8:30-10pm Adult water polo. Tel: 200 72869.

Table Tennis: Gibraltar Table Tennis Association training and playing sessions, Victoria Stadium, Tues 6-10pm and Thurs 8-11pm with coaching and league competition. Tel: 56070000 or 20060720.

Taekwondo: Gibraltar Taekwondo Association classes/gradings Tel: Mari 20044142 or www.gibraltartaekwondo.org Tai Chi: Tai Chi for children and adults.

Mon-Thur 6.30-8pm at Kings Bastion Leisure Centre and Sat 9am-1pm at the Yoga Centre, 33 Town Range. Tel: Dilip 200 78714.

Tennis: Gibraltar Tennis Association, Sandpits Tennis Club. Junior development programme. Courses for adults, leagues and competitions. Tel: Louis 200 77035.

Ten-Pin Bowling: At King’s Bowl in the King’s Bastion Leisure Centre every day.

Gibraltar Ten Pin Bowling (members FIQ & WTBA) leagues, training for juniors and squad. Tel: 200 52442.

Triathlon: Hercules Triathlon Club organises swimming, running and cycling training sessions and competes regularly in Andalucia and Internationally. Contact chris.walker@york.gi or Facebook “Hercules Triathlon Club” Volleyball: Gibraltar Volleyball Association training, indoor leagues, beach volleyball competition, 3 v 3 competition, juniors and seniors. Tel: 54001973 or 54885000.

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: Meet at Ince’s Hall Theatre Complex, 310 Main Street. Tel: 20042237.

Trafalgar Theatre Group: Meets 2nd Wed of month, Garrison Library 8pm. All welcome.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

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savills.gi 95

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

The flora and fauna on the Upper Rock are consid-

ered of great conservational value. It’s the perfect place for birdwatchers, as migratory species use Gibraltar as the shortest crossing between Europe and Africa. Botanists will also be interested to see over 600 species of flowering plants, including some unique to Gibraltar. Watch out for colourful lizards, non-venemous Horseshoe Whipsnakes, butterflies and pipistrelle bats. Info on flora and fauna at the Gibraltar Ornithological and Natural History Society’s information centre at Jews Gate.

St. Michael’s Cave: The cave comprises an upper hall with five connecting passages and drops of 40-150ft to a smaller hall. A further succession of chambers, some at 250ft below the entrance, is reached through narrow holes. The Cathedral Cave is open to visitors and is used as an auditorium for concerts and theatre. The cave was prepared as a hospital in WWII, but never used. A further series of chambers ending in a mini lake is called Lower St. Michael’s Cave and can be visited with a guide.

The Monkeys’ Den: There are around 160 monkeys in the Park and around 30 can be seen at the Monkey’s Den. Often called apes, they are tail-less Barbary macaques and Europe’s only free living monkeys. £500 fine for feeding the monkeys - don’t do it!

The Great Siege Tunnels: Tunnelling in the Rock began during the Great Siege (1779-1783) when France and Spain made an attempt to recapture the Rock while Britain was busy with the American War of Independence. Governor General Elliot offered a reward to anyone who could tell him how to mount a gun on the north face of the Rock. Sgt. Major Ince suggested tunnelling and there are over 30 miles of tunnels inside the Rock with various exhibitions inside.

The Military Heritage Centre: Housed in one of the Rock’s many historic batteries, the Military Heritage Centre displays information on the development of Gibraltar’s military defences through the ages.

A City Under Siege Exhibition: Exhibits depicting the lives of civilian population during the many sieges, are housed in one of the earliest British building on the Rock. Original graffiti, drawn by duty soldiers to stop themselves falling asleep, is still visible, the earliest dating back to 1726.

The Moorish Castle: actually just part of a Moorish town and castle which was built up during the Moorish occupation of the Iberian Peninsula, spearheaded from Gibraltar in 711AD by Tarik-ibn-Zeyad (“Gibraltar” is a corruption of the Arabic words “Jebel Tarik” - Tarik’s mountain). The part we see today, The Tower of Homage, dates back to 1333AD, when Abu’l Hassan recaptured the Rock from Spain.

Natural History & Heritage Park Walks: Med Steps is a stunning walk with the steep climb at the end rewarded with spectacular views of the Rock and Spain. Another recommended walk is St Michael’s Cave through to Charles V Wall but walkers should be relatively fit for both. It is also pleasant walking along the upper rock roads. Brochures available free from all Tourist Board offices.

Botanical Gardens: Opened in 1816, the Alameda Botanical Gardens fell into disrepair but are being restored to their former glory. Visitors can enjoy a stroll beneath pines, dragon trees and palms, and see many of Gibraltar’s native plants as well as exotic species. The shop sells environmentally

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friendly gifts, plants and seeds. Tel: 200 72639/200 74022. Parking.

Support Groups

Nelson’s Anchorage: Rosia Road 9.30am - 5.15pm Monday to Saturday (last entry at 5pm). Closed on Sunday. Admission: £1.00 (free with Nature Reserve ticket. Tickets for the nature reserve can also be bought at this attraction).

ADHD & Learning Difficulties (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity

Parson’s Lodge: Rosia Road. Narrow limestone outcrop with a labyrinth of tunnels surmounted by an impressive battery, which has witnessed the development of coast artillery over 300 years. Housed three 18 ton 10-inch rifled muzzle loaders positioned behind a unique sandwich of armour plate/teak, known as ‘Gibraltar Shields’.

Flat Bastion Magazine Flat Bastion Road, Geological Research Station and Lithology of Gibraltar. To visit contact: F. Gomez Tel. 200 44460, P. Hodkinson Tel. 200 43910.

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 The John Mackintosh Hall 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.

Shrine of Our Lady of Europe (Museum within premises) Europa Road. 10am-7pm Monday to Friday, 11am7pm Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays. Closed 1pm - 2pm.

Trafalgar Cemetery: Trafalgar Rd, 9am - 7pm daily (free).

Business Information Financial Serv. Commission . . . Tel: 200 40283/4 Chamber of Commerce.Tel: 200 78376 Federation Small Business Tel: 200 47722 Company Registry.Tel: 200 78193 Useful Numbers Airport (general info.). . Tel: 200 12345 Hospital, St Bernards . . Tel: 200 79700 Weather information . . Tel: 5-3416 Frontier Queue Update.Tel: 200 42777

Disorder) Meetings at Fellowship Bookshop Catholic Community Centre, Line Wall Road. Coffee, chat, books and resources on display. Tel: 54027551 or 54014476.

Alcoholics Anonymous meet 7pm Tues & Thurs at Nazareth Hse Tel: 200 73774.

A Step Forward support for single, separated, divorced/ widowed people, meet 8pm Mon at St Andrew’s Church.

Mummy & Me Breastfeeding Support Group those who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have breastfed to get together for coffee, chat / support. Partners and older children welcome.

Meets 1st Wed / 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 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Citizens’ Advice Bureau Open Mon-Thur 9:30am-4:00pm, Fri 9:30am- 3:30pm. (Summer Hours 8:30am – 2:00pm) Tel: 20040006 Email: info@cab.gi or visit us at 10 Governor’s Lane.

Free & confidential, impartial & independent advice and info.

COPE Support group for people with Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia or Rheumatoid Arthritis. Formed to ease challenges of individuals, families and care partner. Meetings at Catholic Community Centre Book Shop at 7.30pm first Thursday of each month. 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.

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 72 Prince Edwards Rd Tel: 200 78509 Mobile: 54007924 website: www.gdsg.co.uk Gibraltar Marriage Care. Free relationship counselling,

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.

including pre-marriage education (under auspices of Catholic

Registry Office Tel: 200 72289 It is possible to get married on the Rock within 48 hours. A fact taken advantage of by stars such as Sean Connery and John Lennon.

Mummy & Me Breastfeeding Support: Meets every Thursday

Rock Tours by Taxi Tel: 200 70052 As well as offering normal fares, 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.

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.

12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Narcotics Anonymous Tel: 200 70720 Parental Support Group, helping parents and grandparents with restrictive access to their children and grandchildren. Tel: 200 46536, 200 76618, or 54019602.

Psychological Support Group, PO Box 161, Nazareth House.

Meet Tuesdays at 7pm, Fridays 8pm. Tel: Yolanda 54015553

John Mackintosh Hall Tel: 200 75669 Includes cafeteria, theatre, exhibition rooms and library.

308 Main Street 9.30am - 11pm Monday to Friday. Closed weekends.

SSAFA Forces Help Gibraltar, a UK charity, to assist serving

Gibraltar Public Holidays 2015

widowed or single people. Meet Weds 9pm, Catholic

New Year’s Day Thursday 1st January Commonwealth Day Monday 9th March Good Friday Friday 3rd April Easter Monday Monday 6th April Workers Memorial Day Monday 27th April May Day Friday 1st May Spring Bank Holiday Monday 25th May Queen’s Birthday Monday 15th June Late Summer BH Monday 31st August Evacuation Memorial Monday 7th September Gibraltar National Day Thursday 10th September Christmas Day Friday 25th December Boxing Day Monday 28th December

and ex-Service personnel and their families. Tel: (5)5481. Email: Susan GIB-CST-JSWPA@mod.uk With Dignity Gibraltar support for separated, divorced/ Community Centre, Line Wall Rd. Outings/activities.

Women in Need. Voluntary organisation for all victims of domestic violence. Refuge available. Tel: 200 42581 (24 hrs).

Emergency Services Emergency calls only: Fire/Ambulance �������������������������������������Tel: 190 Police �������������������������������������������� Tel: 199/112 Emergency Number Tel: 112 Non-urgent calls: Ambulance Station ������������������� Tel: 200 75728 Police......................................... Tel: 200 72500 Emergency Nos: .............. Tel: (5) 5026 / (5) 3598 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

The Gibraltar Magazine is published and produced by Rock Publishing Ltd, Gibraltar. Tel: (+350) 200 77748

Natural History & Heritage Park admission 9.30am

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2007

Coffee Time 1

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1 9

3

8 7 6

3

7

5

5

4) Overturn (3,2) 7) Beating (6)

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8) One who makes a sacrifice for a cause (6) 10) Remove quietly; summary; not theoretical (8)

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12) Promise of something improbably good in the future (3,2,3,3) 9

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4

1) The last few weeks before Christmas (6)

9) Principal male in a story, film etc. (4)

Just for fun 7 5 8

2

Across

10

11

17) Issue (8) 19) Singer Ms Fitzgerald’s first name (4)

3 7 6 4

12

13

14

20) Extinct primate between human and higher anthropoids (6)

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21) Breathe out (6)

16 17

18

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3 2 6

22) 19th. century Hungarian composer (5)

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23) Traditional drink often drank at Christmas and sold commercially as Advocaat (6)

Down

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1) Belgian port (7) 23

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2) Using more words than necessary (7) 3) Easily soluble problem (2-7)

Crossword Competition

Notes

4) Pamphlet; area of land (5)

Closing date: 17th Dec

5) Replace (3,4) 6) Marine criminal (6)

First Prize

11) 20th. century Austrian composer, (trad.

German spelling) (9)

Lunch for 2 at The Clipper

13) Quality of being frozen (7) 14) Saint’s day celebrated 26th. December (7) 15) Seasonal chocolate cake shaped like a chunk of firewood (4,3)

Last months winner:

Joseph Zella Irish Town

Flight

16) Illegible writing (6) 18) Plan; first effort (5)

December 2015 Schedules

Cruise

Day Airline

Flight No From

Arrives

Flight No To

Departs

DOA Vessel

ETA ETD Pass

Mon easyJet

EZY8901 Gatwick

10:55

EZY8902 Gatwick

11:25

Thur 03 Rotterdam

12:00 23:00 American 1,316

Sun 06

08:00 17:00 Italian

British Airways BA490 Heathrow 16:30 BA491 Heathrow

Monarch ZB446 Birmingham 18:55 ZB447 Birmingham

Monarch ZB574 Manchester 19:20 ZB575 Manchester till 14th Monarch ZB068 Luton 19:30 ZB069 Luton from 21st Monarch ZB068 Luton 20:00 ZB069 Luton Tue easyJet EZY8901 Gatwick 10:55 EZY8902 Gatwick

British Airways BA490 Heathrow 16:30 BA491 Heathrow easyJet EZY6299 Bristol 19:30 EZY6300 Bristol from 22nd Wed easyJet EZY8901 Gatwick 10:55 EZY902 Gatwick

British Airways BA490 Heathrow 16:30 BA491 Heathrow

Monarch ZB068 Luton 19:00 ZB069 Luton ZB574 Manchester 19:00 ZB575 Manchester from 23rd Monarch Thur easyJet EZY8901 Gatwick 10:55 EZY8902 Gatwick

Royal Air Maroc AT990 Tangiers 11:50 AT991 Tangiers EZY6299 Bristol 13:55 EZY6300 Bristol till 9th easyJet

British Airways BA490 Heathrow 16:30 BA491 Heathrow ZB446 Birmingham 17:05 ZB447 Birmingham from 24th Monarch ZB574 Manchester 19:00 ZB575 Manchester from 17th Monarch EZY6299 Bristol 19:55 EZY6300 Bristol only 17th easyJet Fri easyJet EZY8901 Gatwick 10:55 EZY8902 Gatwick

British Airways BA490 Heathrow 16:30 BA491 Heathrow

Monarch ZB446 Birmingham 17:55 ZB447 Birmingham

Monarch ZB068 Luton 19:00 ZB069 Luton

Monarch ZB574 Manchester 19:00 ZB575 Manchester Sat easyJet EZY8901 Gatwick 11:50 EZY8902 Gatwick till 19th British Airways BA492 Heathrow 14:10 BA493 Heathrow

British Airways BA490 Heathrow 16:30 BA491 Heathrow Sun easyJet EZY8901 Gatwick 10:55 EZY8902 Gatwick

easyJet EZY6299 Bristol 11:05 EZY6300 Bristol

British Airways BA492 Heathrow 13:45 BA493 Heathrow

Royal Air Maroc AT990 Tangiers 15:30 AT991 Tangiers

British Airways BA490 Heathrow 16:30 BA491 Heathrow

Monarch ZB446 Birmingham 18:55 ZB447 Birmingham

Monarch ZB574 Manchester 20:35 ZB575 Manchester

Monarch ZB068 Luton 20:40 ZB069 Luton

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17:15 19:45 20:05 20:15 20:45 11:25 17:15 20:00 11:25 17:15 19:45 19:50 11:25 12:40 14:25 17:15 17:50 19:50 20:25 11:25 17:25 18:45 19:45 19:55 12:25 15:05 17:15 11:25 11:35 15:05 16:20 17:25 19:45 21:20 21:25

MSC Opera

Sun 06 Maasdam

Capacity

1,600

12:00 23:00 American 1,266

Mon 07 Crystal Serenity 09:00 18:00 American 1,080 Fri 11

Queen Victoria 08:00 13:00 British

2,000

Sat 12

Oceana

08:00 14:00 British

1,950

Sun 13

Artania

07:00 12:00 German

1,200

Tue 15

Oriana

09:00 23:59 British

1,975

Wed 16 Aurora

08:00 13:00 British

1,975

Sat 26

Marco Polo

09:00 17:00 British

850

Sat 26

Magellan

09:00 17:00 British

1,486

www.gibraltarport.com

www.gibraltarairport.gi GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

Direct access It’s is important to us that our clients have direct access to their relationship managers. Therefore we have no call centers. Instead, each of our clients has their own personal relationship manager who they can contact anytime - to quickly make good decisions.

There are no obstacles or barriers between us.

Welcome to a bank out of the ordinary.

Jyske Bank (Gibraltar) Ltd. Tel. +350 200 72782 Follow us on facebook jyskebankgibraltar Jyske Bank (Gibraltar) Ltd. is licensed by the Financial Services Commission, Licence No. FSC 001 00B. Services and products are not available to everybody, for instance not to residents of the US.

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