The Gibraltar Magazine - February 2015

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20 # 04 February 2015

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

the gibraltar magazine

gibraltar the

February 2015 Vol. 20 # 04 FREE

Not Just Giving Perseverance is Key Feeling the Corporate Love Mid the GAAP Food for Thought Bettina’s Getting her Act Together

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20 # 04 February 2015

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

the gibraltar magazine

g

ibraltar the

February 2015 Vol. 20 # 04 FREE

contents Business & Finance 8 Business & Finance Guide 9 Financial Protection in

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Not Just Giving Perseverance is Key Feeling the Corporate Love Mid the GAAP Food for Thought Bettina’s Getting her Act Together

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20 # 04 FEBRUARY 2015 Cover: The colourful houses of Catalan Bay

The Gibraltar Magazine is published monthly by Guide Line Promotions Ltd PO Box 1124, La Bayuca, 21 Turnbull’s Lane, Gibraltar Tel/Fax: (+350) 200 77748

info@thegibraltarmagazine.com

Publisher/Editor: Andrea Morton Forde Copyright © 2014 Guide Line Promotions 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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22 24 27

Uncertain Times Gibtelecom at the Information Age Exhibition Mind the GAAP Insurance Matters on the Rock Feeling the Corporate Love Capital Gains: Tax Changes for UK Property Owners New Statutory Regime Philanthropy: Not Just Giving HR: Food for Thought

Property 38 Who Regulates the Estate Agents? 40 Property Directory 42 The Green Revolution

Past Revisited 62 Beatrix Potter’s Rock Coins 68 Duelling Days on the Rock 79 Chip off the old Rock in Chicago Arts & Leisure 44 Paint is Thicker than Water for

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48 52 60 75 76 81

20 # 04 Rock Colourist Exciting Year at the Museum The Cheryl on the Cake Bettina Get Her Act Together Valentine Launch for Karma 13 Isolate: Fatima’s Islands Music: Harp Recital

Health & Well-being 55 Managing Cancer in the Workplace 58 Health Directory 54 Screen Wash Hazard

Appetite 86 Recipes for Love 88 Food & Drink Directory 92 Wine Column Regulars 74 Puzzle Page 82 Question Time 84 Images of the Month 94 Around Town Information 64 City Centre Map 88 Clubs & Activities 98 Gibraltar Information

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Features 34

70 73

Bertie Stagnetto: Perseverance is Key to Business Success Living a Cultured Life Vive la Différence

education 30 50

Life Balance: Puzzling it Out Too Young to Vote?

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business

directory

financial services NatWest 1 Corral Road Tel: 200 73200 Mortgage Hotline: 200 44166 Barclays Regal House, 3 Queenway Corporate Banking: 200 41222

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33 Main Street Gibraltar

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business services

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

legal services Hassans Tel: 200 79000 www.gibraltarlaw.com ISOLAS Tel: 200 78363 www.gibraltarlawyers.com

Spring | Law Specialising in Wills, Estate Planning, Property Transactions, Employment Law and Company/Commercial Legal Advice

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Financial Protection in Uncertain Times

words | Ian Le Breton

Last month this column offered up my now traditional “goodbye” to one year and “hello” to the next. As one sagacious reader rightly pointed out, I somehow managed to avoid making any firm predictions that might later be used in evidence against me. However the summary of my words might be: not such a bad year for many; strong signs of a recovery in certain places; people remain concerned about the future. Since that column appeared, certain pieces in the complex jigsaw that makes up the global financial world have become even more difficult to place. Prices on global exchanges have been gyrating wildly. Ongoing problems in the UK and the continuing recession in the eurozone have resulted in several high profile companies going to the wall. Anyone hoping for a smoother financial ride in 2015 is likely

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to be in for a disappointment. I therefore thought that, as we shake off the effects of Christmas and the New Year, it might be helpful to consider the steps people might take to protect themselves — or at least give themselves better peace of mind — in the increasingly turbulent seas through which we are sailing. Whether one is considering currencies,

interest rates or indeed the price of commodities, the market detests one thing above all else — uncertainty. And there can be no doubt that that we are living through uncertain, some might even say troubled, geopolitical and socio-economic times. The repercussions of these are likely to be felt in the first few months of 2015. To take just one example: the price of crude

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finance

oil continued its spectacular downward trajectory in the early days of the New Year. The price of this strategically vital commodity has halved over the last six months. The UK chancellor welcomed the reduction because, despite being an oil producer, Britain will likely be a net beneficiary of lower energy prices. For some other countries — Venezuela and Russia are the most obvious — ­ the price crash is creating real difficulties that, if prolonged, may have catastrophic consequences. So what can we do to protect ourselves from turbulence, fear and uncertainty? You might perhaps consider insurance. The editor asked me to reference Valentine’s Day, so now might be a good time to mention that if you are planning to acquire valuables or jewellery for your loved ones, it is essential to arrange cover in case of loss or damage. The first step should be to check your existing cover to find out whether it is up-to-date and adequate. But a whole range of other risks can also be mitigated through insurance — from life, illness and accident through to transactional and tax insurance. As one of my Gibraltar-based insurance broking friends never ceases to remind me: “Almost anything can be insured — provided you are willing to pay the requisite premium.” But insurance isn’t always the answer. Read on. For many, interest rates on mortgages, bank loans and credit card debts remain a major concern. Base rates in the UK and across the eurozone remain at record lows and there seems to be no immediate pressure to raise them — but therein lies the uncertainty. What if, due to some unforeseen economic shift, rates suddenly started to rise? Or what if banks, for instance, faced a further credit squeeze and there was simply no money for them to lend. Low interest rates would not mean a great deal if lending dried up. One of the more popular criticisms of the UK banking sector in recent years — somewhat unfair in my view — is that banks have taken advantage of cheap money flooding into this system from quantitative easing to boost their balance sheets rather than lending out the funds as intended. It is certainly the case that not all this money has been passed on, but given the increased liquidity ratios demanded

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by central banks, not to mention the various “stress tests” to which banks have been subjected, it is not easy to see how else they could have behaved. So if you’re a borrower, now might be a good time to look at the interest rates you are being charged and see what deals are available to “fix” your mortgage rates for the longer term or re-finance other borrowings. It is also always good to reduce credit card debt too, perhaps by way of “consolidation”. Naturally if you are effectively a “lender” — that is your savings outweigh your borrowings — then, by the same token, you should ensure that you are maximising your returns. Remember however that the security of your capital is paramount, so yield should always be balanced against risk. Currency markets are also very unstable at present. In Gibraltar, most of us “think” in pounds so we should consider its performance in recent months. Against the euro it remains relatively strong but that has perhaps the result more of euro weakness than sterling strength. The US dollar has performed very strongly against both currencies recently. If you are planning a major transaction in a foreign currency — a property transaction or an investment abroad — some type of “forward deal” to fix the exchange rate might be appropriate. Professional advice should always be sought but the added peace of mind may well be worth the effort. I should also note the current spectre of deflation. This is not something anyone my age (or younger) has had to consider in the UK until now. I grew up in the certainty that prices would rise remorselessly every year. But in the

euro zone an overall fall in prices of 0.2% was reported for the year to December 2014. Granted an inflation rate of 0.6% would have been applied had energy prices not fallen by 6.3% over the year, but why is deflation a bad thing? Surely we would all be better off if things cost less tomorrow than they do today? “Up to a point, Lord Copper.” The danger with deflation is that consumers delay or even stop spending in the hope that prices next month will be lower. If this continues for some time, demand drops and businesses cut production and lay off staff. This in turn leads to decreased demand and a vicious circle is created: falling prices, declining wages and debt burdens increasing. Let us hope that the threat of deflation remains just that: a theoretical concept. Or, to put it another way, don’t delay buying that jewellery for your valentine. Your economy needs you! So what else should we be doing in these uncertain times? We should be doing all we can to protect the lifestyle that we currently enjoy against the vagaries of the future, particularly in terms of our retirement. The UK in particular is about to experience wholesale changes in the pensions market, so it has never been more important to take responsibility for planning your own future. The days of people retiring in their fifties on “gold plated” final salary schemes are likely gone forever. Add to that the widening gap between retirement age and increased life expectancy and it’s obvious that the average retirement age will have to increase. Checking on your existing pension arrangements — and then seeking sound advice — should be high on everyone’s financial “to do” list. I should finish with a quick word about companies and the enhanced protection that setting up your own corporate structure can provide. The internet age has reversed a trend that has held sway since the industrial revolution first drove people into factories, by enabling ever increasing numbers of people to become self-employed. However such freedom carries risks and the limited liability offered by a private company is something that should not be overlooked. True, a company director can be sued if things go wrong but there is protection for that too — directors’ and officers’ liability insurance. Using companies in this way is a subject I will cover in a future article. We may not be able to control the financial markets or the events happening around the world, but we can all take practical steps as individuals that might enable us to take just a little more control of our — and our families — financial future. n

I grew up in the certainty that prices would rise remorselessly every year. But in the euro zone an overall fall in prices of 0.2% was reported for the year to December 2014

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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.

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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

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shorts ing player in the global communications market. The Information Age Exhibition was opened at the end of October 2014 by Her Majesty the Queen, and celebrates 200 years of electronic communications. The exhibition focuses on six networks that have changed the world: the telegraph, the telephone, broadcast (radio and TV), satellites, the mobile and the internet. The Chief Minister and Gibtelecom Chairman, the Hon Fabian Picardo QC MP, attended the event and in addressing the guests he paid tribute to the Gibtelecom success story and reflected on the ongoing speed of technological innovation. Also speaking at the event, Gibtelecom’s CEO, Tim Bristow, highlighted the opportunities afforded to the company by its growing international network and what it means to Gibtelecom to have joined the worldwide submarine cable family, through which over 95% of global communications traffic travels. He complemented the museum on the wonderful exhibition, and hoped it would be an inspiration for the next generation of communications engineers. n

Opened in October 12014, the Information Age exhibition at the Science Museum is divided into six zones, each representing a different information and communication technology network: The Cable, The Telephone Exchange, Broadcast, The Constellation, The Cell and The Web. The gallery explores the important events which shaped the development of these networks, from the dramatic stories behind the growth of the worldwide telegraph network in the 19th century, to the influence of mobile phones on our lives today.

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mind the gap

Mind the GAAP New Accounting Standards come into Force in UK

words | Kevin Duarte, Senior Manager at PwC Gibraltar

Gibraltar Accounting Standards no longer mirror a live reputable accounting framework after the current UK Accounting Standards became obsolete and were replaced by a new set of standards (referred to as New UK GAAP) on the 1st January 2015.

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Until these changes took place, Gibraltar Some significant differences Accounting Standards were essentially a between Old and New UK GAAP mirror image of ‘current’ UK Accounting Standards. As a result, the Gibraltar Society a) Financial instruments – fair value rules do of Accountants (GSA) is finalising a project not apply to derivatives when adopting that will see current Gibraltar Accounting FRS 4. Under FRS102 basic instruments are Standards being replaced to mirror new UK measured at amortised cost and complex Accounting Standards. instruments, including equity and derivative instruments, at fair value through About New UK GAAP profit or loss. New UK GAAP currently consists of four standards; FRS 100, FRS 101, FRS 102 and b) Deferred tax – Under FRS 102 there is exFRS 103. pected to be in an increase in deferred tax FRS101 is eligible for qualifying entities due to its recognition on asset revaluations that meet specific criteria. Companies that and on assets and liabilities arising on a already apply IFRS or indeed IFRS for SME’s business combination (except goodwill). might not identify too many changes. FRS 102 is the standard which all of the old c) Goodwill – Under FRS 102 this needs to be FRS’s and SSAP’s have been transferred into amortised. If a reliable estimate cannot be and in some cases updated. We refer to some made then this should not exceed 5 years. significant changes below: FRS10 previously specified 20 years.

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d) Investment properties – Under FRS102 fair value movements are taken to the profit and loss account instead of the statement of recognised gains and losses. Cost model allowed under FRS102 if fair value cannot be obtained due to undue cost or effort. e) Employee benefits – This area is wider in scope than current UK GAAP. Under FRS 102 all short-term employee benefits, including paid annual leave, should be recognised. Furthermore, at least one entity in the group defined benefit scheme needs to apply defined benefit accounting in its individual financial statements

Transitional Rules

Until these changes took place, Gibraltar Accounting Standards were essentially a mirror image of ‘current’ UK Accounting Standards 3) Gibraltar Accounting Standards - FRS 102; or

FRS102 requires retrospective application with some exceptions. Meaning that compa- 4) FRSSE nies applying FRS 102 for accounting periods commencing 1 January 2015 will have to When making this decision, people will restate their 2014 comparatives to comply need to consider the consequences on tax, with New UK GAAP requirements. one’s ability to pay dividends, one’s data and systems requirements, corporate structures, disclosure requirements and the timing of Making the right Choice Once the GSA has finalised their conver- conversion. n sion project, companies currently applying Gibraltar GAAP can apply the following Kevin Duarte subject to eligibility: Senior Manager at PwC Gibraltar 1) IFRS as adopted by the EU; 2) Gibraltar Accounting Standards - FRS 101

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Direct: 20073520 Mobile: 56001086 Email: kevin.duarte@gi.pwc.com www.pwc.gi @PwC_Gib http://www.facebook.com/pwc.gi

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Insurance Matters on the Rock words | Chris Johnson ACII

Gibraltar in the late ’90s accommodated no more than a dozen insurance companies. Remarkably, this has now grown to over 50 companies with more than £3.8 billion of premiums written here, and £9 billion of assets in insurance companies. What, then, has driven the growth of Gibraltar’s insurance industry over the last 20 years, and what does it look like now? Gibraltar is an unusual community — a British Overseas Territory located at the southernmost tip of Europe. It can be slightly odd sometimes to arrive here, driving in from Spain, and see British policemen’s helmets and red phone boxes. The place is full of history, having been ceded to the British crown in perpetuity by Spain over 300 years ago. Today it is home to colonies of tailless monkeys that are fiercely protected (it is a popular local myth that if the monkeys leave, Gibraltar will cease

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In the early part of the 21st century, Gibraltar embarked on a series of initiatives to take advantage of its new status and enhance its offering for insurance

to be British). But it also has a less whimsical side — Gibraltar has always been a mini-nation of merchants and traders and it takes its business seriously. In 1997, Gibraltar acceded to the Single European Market for Insurance, its regulatory body (the Financial Services Commission) having been recognised as a competent regulatory authority within the EU. This meant insurers that had their head office on the Rock would be regulated by the FSC, and could now “passport” (carry out its activities) into other European Economic Area territories, either under the doctrine of “Freedom of Services”

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insurance or “establishment”. But what exactly do these terms mean? Well, establishment involves setting up a branch in the country where the insurance company wants to insure risks — Freedom of Services means that the insurer can underwrite risks in the other country on a cross-border basis. Under EU law, the insurer can do this without needing to apply for a licence in that country, provided they follow passporting procedures and complies with the law of the country where they are insuring. So in the early part of the 21st century, Gibraltar embarked on a series of initiatives to take advantage of its new status and enhance its offering for insurance. Most notable of these was the passing of the Protected Cell Companies Ordinance in 2001, a piece of legislation that enabled companies to segregate into divisions focused on different types of insurance. A simple way to imagine this would be to think of a flower — with the core of the company in the middle and a variety of petals (cells) surrounding it, financially independent from each other (and therefore safeguarded from liability for another cell’s risks or losses) yet benefitting from the strengths and securities of the whole. Over the next few years Gibraltar’s insurance industry grew and grew — today there are some 57 insurance companies fully operative on the Rock, as well as the various service providers that support the industry. There are a variety of insurers in Gibraltar, including captives, Protected Cell Companies, liability insurers, and property insurers. But the biggest success story has been in motor insurance, especially doing business in the UK market. Its 25 motor insurers cover 1 in 6 UK motorists, almost double the market share of Lloyd’s of London. Gibraltar’s biggest challenge has probably been in terms of skill shortages. The community of the Rock numbers no more than 30,000 people, the size of a small market town, and often punches above its weight in terms of the talent it produces in politics and the arts. The legal and accountancy professions are popular choices among teenagers leaving school and going to further studies, and insurance works hard to attract leavers to the industry. Recent studies have shown however that insurance is one of the least popular graduate career choices in the UK and Gibraltar seems to be

Chris Johnson ACII, chairman of the Gibraltar Insurance Association

There are a variety of insurers in Gibraltar, including captives, Protected Cell Companies, liability insurers, and property insurers. But the biggest success story has been in motor insurance no different. When I arrived in Gibraltar in 1987, there was a very small indigenous industry with a tiny international dimension — I was one of only two qualified insurance persons on the Rock and the other was a colleague of mine, also from the UK. Over the years though, we have drawn more young Gibraltarians into the industry. The establishment by the GIA in 2008 of the Gibraltar Insurance Institute both vastly improved educational standards within the industry, and helped bringing young people in. We’re still not quite as glamorous as barristers, but we’re getting there! The GIA today has an excellent relationship with our regulator, the FSC, and with government. We speak loudly when issues arise,

and we like to feel that we are listened to. Our community is one that listens and responds to its industries. It’s a bit of an unlikely story: a rock steeped in history becoming the base for a dynamic and modern financial centre. But the insurance industry, and other branches of the finance centre in Gibraltar, are living proof of the forward-looking and proactive business attitude that infuses this little bit of Britain at the foot of the Iberian Peninsula. n Chris Johnson ACII is chairman of the Gibraltar Insurance Association (GIA) and director of the Robus Group. This article first appeared in the New Statesman in November 2014.

Further information More information about the Gibraltar Insurance Association can be found on the association’s website, www.gia.gi. The website provides a resource for its members and everyone interested in the Gibraltar insurance market. On the website you will find information about the GIA and its members, as well as generic information concerning Gibraltar as an insurance domicile. It is essential reading for any investors contemplating establishing any kind of insurance operation in Gibraltar.

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Feeling the Corporate love It doesn’t seem that long ago when I was sitting at home thinking how can I best introduce a business angle to all the love and romance in February that come a peak on St Valentine’s Day. That was 12 months ago and in that article, I talked about how important relationships are in business and that the most successful relationships are not transactional; they are built on mutual trust, respect, understanding, credibility and consistency together with other attributes that we usually associate with personal relationships. This year, in this month of February, I am going to stay on the love theme and talk about why I feel that businesses should love the

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community that it’s located in and serves, So, let me introduce you to the world of being a good corporate citizen. It is remarkable just how much society has changed over the last decade. It’s no longer seen as just a good PR exercise to work with a local charity; the best businesses consistently engage with their communities, contributing to that community through investment, jobs, mentoring schemes, philanthropy etc,etc.. In Gibraltar, businesses are very good at

this, you only need to pick up a copy of any newspaper or magazine and you can see companies are often raising money for charities and contributing to the community. My key message this month is that earning a reputation as a solid, local business in Gibraltar goes beyond selling goods or services at a good price. You may have heard the terms 'corporate responsibility’ and ‘social responsibility’ — yes, the two are very similar, being a good

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business & finance corporate citizen can earn you a reputation as a valuable member of a local community, helping you in many ways to create customer loyalty, helping you to attract and retain workers and improving the quality of life in a community. Social responsibility is all about being socially responsible. A good example here is assisting your employees by operating a health care programme. The bottom line is that companies should do both — I believe. No one could disagree that building a responsible business with a great reputation places you in a good place in the community that you operate and serve, however, for me one of the biggest wins is the affect that it will have on your employees. Over the last decade I have experienced the desire employees now have to be part of a socially responsible organisation; they really do enjoy helping the business that they work for give something back to their community. This has the added benefit of improving your company’s capability to recruit, retain and motivate your employees. If you look at what your business can do in the local community, I would start by putting together a campaign rather than just writing out a cheque to a local charity. I would suggest that an annual plan has more strategic benefit to your business and I recommend that you are proactive in creating your own activities in addition to offering to participate in existing local initiatives. There are so many other ways of sharing your corporate love (I need to keep coming

In Gibraltar, businesses are very good at this, you only need to pick up a copy of any newspaper or magazine and you can see companies are often raising money for charities and contributing to the community back to the love bit as it’s the valentine’s edition!) and you will find that many of your employees will have a charity that will want to support with paid time off so they can volunteer their help, you could also organise a fundraising event, and it’s worth trying something a bit hair raising, an example skydiving! I have been involved in many of these types of events over the years and they are just great for morale and camaraderie. Don’t forget that you as the business owner and you employees have a wealth of knowl-

edge so what could you have to offer, a good example is the work that many of you do with the Gibraltar Young Enterprise Scheme here is Gibraltar, so what else can we do on similar lines? There are a number of ways a company can practice at being good corporate citizen, I will leave it to you to decide to do that right thing, although I guarantee you won’t regret it. Have a great Valentine’s Day and don’t forget to look after all those special relationships in your life. ❤

Paul Wharton is Head of Corporate Banking at Barclays Wealth & Investment Management in Gibraltar having arrived on the Rock from the UK eight years ago. Paul has over three decades’ experience gained in various roles within Barclays, predominantly in and around London and is passionate about supporting the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) market which he sees as the lifeblood of the Gibraltar economy. Paul has won several awards for his work in Small Business Enterprise markets and has served on the London Board of the Prince’s Trust.

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Capital Gains

Tax changes lie ahead for owners of UK property words | Lynette Chaudhary, CTA, BA (Hons) Law STM Fiscalis Ltd The ATED charge is based on property value and ranges from £7,000 to £218,200 per annum (2015/16 rates). There are a number of reliefs from ATED, for example if the property is let to a third party on a commercial basis or if it is part of a property trading business. The UK Government noted that many other countries charge non residents CGT in relation to immovable property located in their country, so they sought to bring the UK into alignment by widening the scope of the UK CGT regime. Therefore in the UK’s 2013 Autumn Statement, it was announced that CGT would be extended to any gains made by non-UK residents disposing of UK residential property. A consultation was launched in March 2014 and a Government response to this was issued in late November 2014. Draft legislation was published on 10th December 2014 as part of the draft Finance Bill 2015. This Background Historically, non-UK residents were not article has been prepared based on this consultation liable to UK tax on the ownership or disposal response and draft law. Therefore please be aware that changes could be made as the Bill progresses of UK residential property. through UK Parliament. From 6 April 2015 disposals of an interest in UK residential property by non-UK resident owners (this includes individuals, trusts and some companies and pension schemes) will be liable to UK Capital Gains Tax (CGT). This is a significant change to the current regime which, generally, allows non-UK residents to realise gains on UK residential property free of UK tax. For those non-residents who are resident in Gibraltar (and not resident in any other country), the current regime enables a complete tax free realisation of any capital gain (with the absence of CGT in Gibraltar). Whilst the Gibraltar position remains unchanged, this UK change means that those who own UK residential property will be within the scope of UK CGT from 6 April 2015.

The ATED Charge This changed in April 2013 when the Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings (ATED) was first applied to corporate owners of high value UK residential property (including non-UK resident corporate owners). Currently this only applies to owners of property valued at more than £2 million, but from April 2015, this will apply from property values above £1 million. From 1 April 2016 it is intended to extend the charge to cover properties of a value exceeding £500,000.

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Historically, non-UK residents were not liable to UK tax on the ownership or disposal of UK residential property

The New CGT Charge The new charge will apply mainly to non-resident individuals, non-resident trustees and some non-resident companies disposing of UK residential property (if not already liable to ATED). There will be exemptions, for example, for communal residential accommodation such as purpose built student accommodation and non resident companies that are diversely owned. Exemption also exists for qualifying institutional investors, which are defined and include non-UK pension schemes. The extended CGT charge will apply to gains from April 2015. This will be achieved by way of either a rebasing or a time-apportionment of the whole gain. The rate for the new charge will be: • For non-resident individuals – 18% or 28% depending on the level of taxable income and gains, which is the same as the CGT rates for UK individuals (with an annual exemption also being available, £11,100 for 2015/16). • For non-resident trustees - 28%, which is the same as the CGT rates for UK trustees (with half the annual exemption that would normally be available to individuals). • For non-resident companies (not already within ATED) - 20%, which will be the same as the standard rate of UK corporation rate and the income tax rate paid by non-resident companies.

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finance Principal Private Residence Relief (PPR) changes There are also changes to the CGT exemption for Principal Private Residence (PPR). Many expats may have former homes in the UK which could benefit from this relief. PPR enables no CGT to be due on gains accruing on the disposal of a home if it has been used as the owner’s only or main residence throughout the period of ownership. Where it only satisfies this for part of the period of ownership, an appropriate fraction of the gain is exempt. The last 18 months are always exempt and there are other reliefs available, for example if the property is let. From April 2015, these rules will change, so that a person’s residence will not be eligible for PPR for a tax year unless generally:

isfy the PPR rules, then there will be pro-rating of the gain in order to calculate what portion is chargeable to UK tax. Where a person owns more than one residence, an election has to be made to elect which is the PPR.

Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) – A Cautionary Note Two important changes have been made in 2014. First of all, the rate of SDLT where residential property is acquired by a company is increased to 15% (though there are exceptions to this rule, for example if property is let commercially). Secondly, the old ‘slab’ based system of charging SDLT has been abolished and replaced by a graduated scale of rates. This new scale is generally advantageous when compared with the old system but imposes higher • Either the person making the disposal overall rates of SDLT where the property value was tax resident in the same country as exceeds £937,500. the property for that year (i.e. so for a UK property, the individual would need to be UK resident), or • The person (who could include a beneficiary of a trust if property owned by a trust) occupied the house at midnight on at least 90 occasions during the tax year (or across all of the person’s properties where they have multiple properties in a country in which they are not tax resident) in that year – referred to as the “90-day rule”. For years in which the property does not sat-

The new charge will apply mainly to non-resident individuals, non-resident trustees and some nonresident companies disposing of UK residential property

Next steps? Restructuring prior to the changes may be beneficial in certain circumstances or a continuation of the current structure may be appropriate (with an acceptance of the CGT charge on any post April 2015 gain). As always, specific advice should be sought so that all relevant factors can be considered, for example, from a tax perspective only, might there be UK Inheritance Tax or SDLT implications in any restructure? n January 2015

Lynette Chaudhary, CTA, BA (Hons) Law STM Fiscalis Ltd

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Minister for Financial Services and Gaming, Hon. Albert Isola

New Statutory Regime for the Gibraltar Financial & Professional Services Market At the end of January 2015, HM Government of Gibraltar and the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission announced a joint initiative to deliver a new, streamlined legislative and regulatory framework for financial and professional services in Gibraltar and published a Paper detailing the intended changes. The initiative will rationalise over 80 different pieces of current legislation and multiple FSC guidance notes into one Act and a single accompanying regulatory Handbook. The project is an important part of the Government’s strategy for the development of the Gibraltar financial and profes-

sional services market and is a key component of the FSC’s strategic programme published on 14 October 2014. Minister for Financial Services and Gaming, Hon. Albert Isola said: “This programme is ground breaking. We will be putting in place a simpler, highly navigable legal framework, which will,

The initiative will rationalise over 80 different pieces of current legislation and multiple FSC guidance notes into one Act 22

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together with our investment in strengthening the FSC, result in a more efficient and responsive regulatory regime building on enhancing the key elements of our reputation, regulation and speed to market. I am most grateful to the legal firms who have agreed to support this initiative and will be working closely with the FSC to deliver this for the benefit of all.” FSC CEO, Samantha Barrass said, “I am very much looking forward to working with the Government on this programme. The new framework will significantly enhance our ability to protect consumers and the reputation of Gibraltar financial and professional services, whilst being easy for the industry to do business with.” The programme will include a significant amount of consultation with the industry and all stakeholders, underlining the Government’s and FSC’s commitment to transparency, engagement and accountability throughout the process. The paper can be reviewed on the FSC website www.fsc.gi. n

This programme is ground breaking. We will be putting in place a simpler, highly navigable legal framework, which will, together with our investment in strengthening the FSC, result in a more efficient and responsive regulatory regime Minister for Financial Services & Gaming, Albert Isola FSC CEO Samantha Barrass

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Gibraltar Philanthropy Forum

Not Just Giving Founded in 2013 by four Gibraltar based firms — Hassans, Isolas, EY and Credit Suisse — the Gibraltar Philanthropy Forum aims to highlight the need for philanthropy and explore how philanthropists can make the most effective and informed contribution.

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The brain-child of Credit Suisse Director, Trino Cruz, his vision and enthusiasm for establishing a Gibraltar Philanthropy Forum quickly spread to the other founding members —Peter Montegriffo of Hassans, Joey Garcia of ISOLAS, and Jose Julio Pisharello of EY — who quickly became very excited at the prospects and possibilities of the initiative. From the outset they sought to establish an international philanthropy forum with a regional focus for potential donors, philanthropy specialists, decision makers and opinion leaders. In their mission statement they state the forum’s objectives which are to promote philanthropy, discussions of its key issues and challenges and in so doing raise the profile of Gibraltar as a philanthropy-friendly jurisdiction. It all sounds very altruistic, but isn’t the Forum just an opportunity to increase business for the firms involved? “No one is making money from this venture,” Joey emphasises. ”It is a genuine forum to engage people in discussions on philanthropic topics. There are potential opportunities for our firms but that is not what we are trying to do, we are fundamentally trying to help people — there are more efficient ways for us to generate business,” he states. “Philanthropy forms part of a corporate social responsibility and is part of very wealthy people’s business duty,” According to local historian, Richard Garcia, who spoke on Philanthropy in Gibraltar at the forum’s November conference, philanthropy — defined as the desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed especially by the generous donation of money to good causes — has a very long history here. “We are convinced that philanthropy has an increasingly important role to play in today’s world,” says Trino Cruz. “Having become a truly international activity, it requires the co-ordinated efforts of specialists from various jurisdictions to overcome the cross-border hurdles and to ensure the greatest effectiveness. We therefore need to actively participate in the international networks linked to Philanthropy. “This Forum seeks to bring together entrepreneurs, philanthropists and philanthropy specialists, particularly from Gibraltar and the UK, to encourage them to share their valuable insight and experience. Many of our jurisdiction’s top professionals have for many years been supporting their clients in their

philanthropic endeavours and in so doing we have learnt that there is much that we can do from Gibraltar to assist.” The first annual Gibraltar Philanthropy Forum conference was held at the end of 2013 under the project management of Angela Almeida of the Kusuma Trust Gibraltar. Rt Hon Sir John Major, former United Kingdom Prime Minister, flew in to talk at the event alongside a collection of expert speakers in the field of philanthropy. The 2014 conference featured the participation of keynote speaker Terry Waite CBE, and ex-Gibraltar Governor, Lord Luce. The conference aims to bring together an established group of speakers from the world of philanthropy covering a diverse range of topics ranging from legal, tax and investment to organisation and effective strategies which are key to the success of the philanthropic enterprise. Joey Garcia explains “At the moment the conference is not open to the general public but focuses on professionals — entrepreneurs, philanthropists and philanthropy specialists. What we have to decide, when we get to year three, is where to go from here? Becoming more accessible to a wider audience is one avenue. Not everyone is going to be Bill Gates, however the message is still relevant to lots of people who may want to participate in philanthropy in a more modest way. That sort of ability to educate is one of the forum objectives. “There just aren’t these types of platforms for people to come together and engage in debate in the mainstream jurisdictions,” Joey continues. “We began with a commitment to a three year plan, starting in a modest way and building things up. We really don’t know what will come out of it,” he says. Peter Montegriffo adds “Ultimately, we are trying to encourage a greater engagement with philanthropy among those who attend or learn of our forum. We are very keen, as a group, to make philanthropy and charitable giving a mainstream concern of our organisations and, indeed, our clients. “The management and preservation of wealth involves responsibility. Philanthropy is well regarded as one of the principal ways in which family wealth can be leveraged for community benefit whilst providing governance and ethical conduct experience to entrepreneurs and their wider family. ” The kind of high impact talks the forum

Many of our jurisdiction’s top professionals have for many years been supporting their clients in their philanthropic endeavours and in so doing we have learnt that there is much that we can do from Gibraltar

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~ Trino Cruz

TRINO CRUZ – CREDIT SUISSE Trino is a Director of Credit Suisse and is responsible for providing banking and investment solutions to international clients of Credit Suisse from its Gibraltar office. With a particular focus on Family Offices and Ultra High Net-worth Clients, Trino seeks to draw on his 30 years of experience in finance. Trino has a broad interest in all matters economic, social and cultural and is convinced that by bringing philanthropy to the fore we are aligning our common interests

PETER MONTEGRIFFO - HASSANS Having graduated from Leeds University, Peter attended the Inns of Court School of Law as a member of Lincoln’s Inn. Peter qualified as a Barrister in 1982, becoming a partner of Hassans in 1988. His area of expertise is in commercial and private client matters. He has also advised on numerous financial services, regulatory and trust related matters. Peter was closely involved in the IPOs of various gaming companies established in Gibraltar, which have been listed on the London Stock Exchange. Peter was closely involved in drafting changes to Gibraltar’s legislation in trusts, financial services and gaming areas. His knowledge of these fields has led him to contribute to articles and books on Gibraltar’s legal system and financial services sector. He has regularly spoken at international conferences relating to these areas of practice. His work regularly requires him to deal with multiple jurisdictions as a result of which Hassans has built a considerable bank of international knowledge in tax and private client arrangements. Peter was Gibraltar’s Minister for Trade and Industry, with responsibility for economic development and financial services, between May 1996 and February 2000.

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JOEY GARCIA – ISOLAS Joey heads the Funds and Financial Services practice at ISOLAS, Gibraltar’s longest established law firm. He advises on a variety of structures and solutions to an international client base which includes, funds, investment managers and banks as well as family offices and larger private clients. Joey was extensively involved in the setup and on going operation of the Kusuma Trust (Gibraltar), a large charitable organisation, where he continues to act as a Trustee. Joey also sits on the Board of a number of Gibraltar Experienced Investor Funds and is licensed by the Financial Services Commission to act as an Experienced Investor Fund Director

Gibraltar - creating a legal infrastructure for charity

JOSE JULIO PISHARELLO – EY Jose Julio qualified as a Chartered Certified Accountant in 1991. He has worked in practice in Gibraltar ever since and has acquired in-depth knowledge and experience of the local commercial and business environment particularly in the field of financial services. Jose Julio was admitted as an Associate Member of the Institute of Financial Services (Chartered Institute of Bankers) after qualifying in 2006. He was, in 2008 and 2009, President of the Gibraltar Society of Accountants, having also served as Deputy President of the Society in 2006 and 2007. He was also a member of the Society’s Executive and Technical Committees and served as Chairman of the latter. Jose Julio was a partner of Baker Tilly Gibraltar from 1999 and, in 2011, became its Chairman. In September 2013 he moved to EY to establish its new office in Gibraltar as Country Managing Partner.

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As Gibraltar grows it can position itself as a philanthropy friendly jurisdiction. It already has the location, the pool of great people and the infrastructure to do so” ~ JJ Pisharello hosts include discussions on breaking the link between family wealth and educational achievement, and the messages are indeed relevant to a wide range of people. Panel dis-

cussions include the sharing of philanthropic experiences — success and failure — and the advantages of collaboration to increase the impact of philanthropic initiatives. The 2014 conference shed light on trends in philanthropy such as the blurring of lines between philanthropy, charitable giving, social investment and even responsible investing. Philanthropy is not simply throwing money at a problem but, far more importantly, it is the actions of individuals and organisations to effectively make a genuine difference in the daily lives of millions worldwide. JJ Pisharello concludes. “As Gibraltar grows it can position itself as a philanthropy friendly jurisdiction. It already has the location, the pool of great people and the infrastructure to do so. Now we must look at our laws and make them more relevant to philanthropy, creating a purely philanthropic vehicle within our legal framework. It really is important to engage people in debate and in the role of philanthropy.” n To find out more about the Gibraltar Philanthropy Forum visit gibraltarphilanthropyforum.com

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key moves

Food for Thought by Sylvia Kenna | The HR Dept

Q

Recently I have noticed absence levels due to short term illnesses have increased. I know winter can be a time when people feel more tired and have colds so I am interested in ways to promote wellbeing and reduce absence levels?

A

We asked Claudia Norris who is a local Nutritional Therapist to give us some ideas for employers. Short-term illnesses increase during the winter season as immune systems and individuals are fatigued by the weather and increases in absenteeism in the work place can be extremely disruptive. Not only with productivity of the individual but the knock on effects for colleagues as well. No-one likes being ill and often many people, con-

scious of their impact upon their colleagues, plough on regardless and instead pose a threat of infecting a whole office. Implementing wellbeing in the workplace is a mutual benefit to both the employee and the Company. When both work together to build a healthy environment it makes for a much more satisfying and productive workplace. So what can the Company do to help? Here are three initiatives to promote wellbeing within a corporate environment:

1

Free fruit: a great way to boost vitamin and anti-oxidant intake When I worked with Unilever and Prudential, one of the most popular health initiatives was strategically placing bowls of fresh fruit around the offices. It doesn’t cost a lot and employees really appreciate the

gesture. It could be introduced as a shortterm, raising awareness initiative or something more permanent. Obviously, be careful with the fruit you choose — oranges can be messy but grapes, plums, pears, apples etc are great. Employees may not think of bringing fruit to work with them but if it’s there, they will eat it!

2

Post hydration charts in the toilets Providing quality water is important not only for concentration but also for battling colds. Drinking plenty of fluids during a cold is said to break up your congestion, keep you hydrated and keep your throat moist. A great way to raise awareness about drinking enough water is to post hydration charts behind toilet doors. These charts show various urine colours as an indicator of hydration

The HR Dept.

Tel: +350 5403 5987 Email: hradvice@thehrdept.gi Website: www.thehrdept.gi

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Employees may not think of bringing fruit to work with them but if it’s there, they will eat it! the Management Team also follow it. (Please advise employees with health conditions to seek permission from their doctor first).

status with the premise being the lighter your urine, the more hydrated you are. One organisation I introduced this with was Bedfordshire Police Force. As you can imagine, the posters very quickly became a talking point which very effectively highlighted the issue and led to behavior change. (There are many hydration charts available on Google).

3

Introduce a 10 day no suger challenge Eating or drinking too much sugar suppresses the immune system. Many studies confirm that sugar can cause up to a 50% drop in the ability of white blood cells to en-

gulf bacteria. One way of raising awareness around the office of the impact of sugar is to introduce a 10 day no sugar challenge. The purpose of this is to highlight our dependency on sugar, reset the taste buds and break the sugar cycle. After the 10 days it is much easier to make some permanent changes such as switching from sugary fruit yoghurt to plain yoghurt, cutting out sugar in tea and coffee, and abandoning soft drinks for good. The challenge involves no sugar at all during 10 days with the exception of two pieces of fruit at breakfast. The challenge will only work within a corporate setting if at least some of

Bring in the Professionals Many of these initiatives require significant commitment by the company but also the employee to eat the fruit or drink the water or take on the challenge. Often the employee isn’t ‘bought in’. Therefore I suggest the best starting point for any wellbeing and health conscious business is to build awareness and expertise. Wellbeing and awareness can take on many forms. Claudia recently ran a six week healthy eating/weight loss programme with Credit Suisse in Gibraltar and said it was wonderful to see the progress employees made over the six weeks in their individual health, energy and weight goals. In Claudia’s experience corporate group programmes work well because of the camaraderie employees already have with each other, the slight peer pressure, and the shared lunchtimes. Companies also benefit from reduced sickness absence, increased productivity and a healthier, happier work force. n Before coming to Gibraltar Claudia used to run a practice in central London. As well as working with individuals, she works with companies on wellbeing and productivity at work, ranging from shift working police special response units to high street banks and financial institutions. http://www. facebook.com/claudianorrisnutrition

DUKES WEBSITE LAUNCH The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award in Gibraltarhas laucnched its new website at www.thedukes.gi. The website has been under development for some time with the assistance of Adam Lopez, Michael Adamberry and Richard Montado. The website provides information on The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award generally and specifically about how it operates locally. It also provides a mechanism for the public to contact the Award should there be interest in becoming involved be it as a participant, leader, supervisor or wish to contribute financially or otherwise. For more information please contact the Director, Michael Pizzarello, on 20051971 or email mjpizza@gibtelecom.net

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finance

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Ayelet Mamo Shay

Puzzling it Out While many people find juggling career and family life tough enough, Ayelet Mamo Shay has taken on the additional task of completing a PhD, inspired by the people of Gibraltar. Ayelet certainly shows all the passion necessary to make the pieces of her life puzzle come together perfectly.

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Ayelet never imagined she would be living in one of the smallest places in the world. Yet eight years have passed since she moved here from Israel, and not only does she feel lucky that she lives in such a unique place, she also feels Gibraltar has transformed her personality, inspired her and opened new opportunities. One of those is her PhD. Inspired by the people of Gibraltar, he has been reading for a PhD on small Jewish communities. “In Gibraltar there is a small but thriving Jewish community of about 600 people, plus about 70 Israelis, which is very welcoming and united. Living in such a small and warm community has inspired me to do my Doctorate research on life in small Jewish communities, under 1000 people per country, around the world. My Doctorate research is done in conjunction with my studies at the Spertus Institute in Chicago. “There are so many well known Jewish communities around the world, but it’s the small ones who often have hardly been heard of and some of them are even endangered. “The key question my research intends to answer is: ‘Are small Jewish communities sustainable in an era of globalisation?’ “As part of answering this question I have identified 72 small Jewish communities around the world that I would like to visit and include as part of my research,” she explains. “Each visit will comprise meetings with community leaders and other members of the community, visiting their synagogues and other community facilities, as well as understanding their challenges and learning how they have evolved and survived. “Since I started my Doctorate I have already visited the small communities of Krakow in Poland, Morocco, and Singapore as well as some bigger ones such as Hong Kong, Australia and New-Zealand. I believe the contribution of my project will not only be in collecting and documenting information but also in preserving the history and promoting the name of the smallest communities within the wider Jewish world and could improve the cooperation between small and large communities. “Several articles about my visits in the small communities have already been published in various newspapers, magazines and websites and in the future I intend to

set up a website where information and details about the communities will be available.” Ayelet also lovea photography and plana to hold an exhibition of photos portraying everyday life in the communities she has visited. Despite being involved with so many different disciplines from travelling and photography to writing Ayelet says she has focused her research on Gibraltar’s community. “Gibraltar is my inspiration and it all started from here. Almost

all the issues my research is addressing are issues that the Jewish community in Gibraltar is facing. I am looking at the numbers, the relations between the different religions and much more,” Ayelet texplains. “In that respect I feel that the harmony between the different religions and nationalities in Gibraltar is something really unique which shouldn’t be taken for granted. “Throughout my travels I always tell the people I meet that

Gibraltar is an example to the world on how people from different religions and backgrounds get along so well together and live peacefully with each other.” Research such a complex topic has thrown up many interesting findings, but has Ayelet discovered special interests? “While I’m still at the beginning of this long journey, there were a lot of sparkles on my way. I met so many people who opened the door for me, as a stranger, and let me look deep inside their commu-

The most important things are respect and love so that everybody can live together in peace

Exterior of “Ohel Leah” Synagogue in Hong Kong

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I always say that my kids give me the strength and the power. I am in love with my kids and that is what drives me

Courtyard of Nefusot Yehuda synagogue in Gibraltar

nities and explore their everyday lives,” she explains. “I found Singapore to be very similar to Gibraltar, in the way that all religions get along together peacefully. “A few months ago, when Singapore was hosting the Formula 1 car racing, religious leaders from each of the religions present in Singapore, got together and held a mutual prayer for the safety of the drivers in the race. “It doesn’t matter which religion you come from, you can do so much together. The most important thing is respect and love so that everybody can live together in peace. This is something that is very important to me, because when you look at the history you can see that all the wars started from religious frictions, which is a shame really as we just need to respect each other,” Ayelet asserts.

So how does Ayelet manage to balance family life with PhD research? “Everybody asks me how can I do a PhD with three kids, as well as run a business, but I know that you can do anything if you set your mind on it. I strongly believe in the power of the woman. My husband and I have set up a business and strategic consultancy company called Benefit Business Solutions in which I am responsible for the marketing and business development. “It is hard work but I say that under stress I am the best. I try to do as much as I can and then balance it together. “I always say that my kids give me the strength and the power. I am in love with my kids and that is what drives me, to give my kids an example that you can do whatever you want with your life and you can achieve whatever you want. If you believe in yourself everybody will believe in you. Thank god my husband is very supportive as well!” she smiles happily. One of Ayelet’s views of her subject focuses on the women’s perspective. “I believe that, if a woman is happy the whole house is happy, so I really believe that everybody benefits if mums feel happy about themselves. “Before I came to Gibraltar I used to organise women’s events in Israel, here in Gibraltar this just got bigger and bigger. As a mum you have to do everything with love and you have to multitask and do everything at once. Everything is linked together. “I feel split between Israel and Gibraltar and I am very happy to feel at home in both places. Every place that I visit and give a talk, people approach me and say ‘You’ve put Gibraltar on the map’. “While there is a saying that Gibraltar would remain British as long as the apes remain on the Rock, I truly believe that the secret to the success of Gibraltar lies in the harmony, tolerance and respect that people here give each other. Let’s keep it that way!” Ayelet concludes with a sparkle in her eyes. n

Inside Maghain Aboth Synagogue in Singapore

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Gibraltar Heritage Trust membership drive Last month the Gibraltar Heritage Trust launched a membership drive in support of their work preserving and interpreting Gibraltar’s rich past. The membership initiative, sponsored by EY, has the objective of reaching every Gibraltar household and the global Gibraltar expat community. Claire Montado, Chief Executive of the Gibraltar Heritage Trust, said: “Heritage has never been a more exciting and popular topic. Countries everywhere are looking back into their past to rediscover their roots and learn about their ancestors. We are so fortunate that Gibraltar has such a rich and varied past that would be the envy of far larger places. This membership drive is our way of reaching out to the community, both here and overseas, and offering them the opportunity to support our

valuable work.” JJ Pisharello, Managing Partner at EY said: “We are delighted to be supporting this initiative to connect Gibraltar’s community, far and wide, with our diverse past. So much of our present and future is coloured by the history of who we are.” Every household received a letters introducing the scheme, with a membership card. To activate it, simply visit www.gibraltarheritagetrust.org.gi and head to the membership page. From there new members can input their membership information and pay online — three months are included free of charge. “It is as simple as that to become a supporter of our fantastic heritage,” adds Claire. In addition to becoming a supporter, membership offers discount rates on Trust souvenirs and publications as well as subscription to an e-newsletter and annual report. The Trust also runs, exclusively for members, an annual programme of visits to historical sites led by expert guides, with opportunities to see places not

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always open to the public. If you are already a member of the Trust, you will be invited to take up the offer of an extra three months on your current membership when you renew on 1st April 2015. Visit the new website www. gibraltarheritagetrust.org.gi. Claire Montado added: “We

operate on a not-for-profit basis so members are crucial to us not only for the small annual subscription but also because they can help us celebrate our heritage with visitors to Gibraltar and encourage a revived global interest in our unique home.” n For more information contact Kiran Aujla on 20067812 or kiran@wearebwi.com.

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Bertie Stagnetto:

Perseverance is Key words | Mike Brufal

Albert Francis Stagnetto, known universally as Bertie, 86, is the head of the Stagnetto family on the Rock and Chairman of Lewis Stagnetto Limited a family run wine, beer and tobacco merchants established in Gibraltar in 1870. Married to Ysabella Vasquez de Sola Russo, of Spanish origin, for 56 years, they have two sons Albert (Bert) and Peter. For some strange reason, known only to his parents, Bertie did not start school until the age of seven when he was sent to the Christian Brothers school in Line Wall Road. Within a year he had caught up with the rest of his school year thanks to the teaching skills of Brother Kenny, who died young, Brother Murphy, and his loving Nanny Joan Smith whom he was in contact with until she died recently. During the evacuation of the civilian population in the Second World War the family went by train to Rabat, where they stayed for two months, before moving to the Bristol Hotel in Tangier where they then found a house in which to decamp. Bertie’s education continued with the Christian Brothers first in Rabat and then Tangier. The older Irish Christian Brothers, not wishing

to be evacuated to England and then Ireland, opted to follow the Gibraltarians in Morocco to provide essential education. Bertie was a natural linguist and because he knew a great deal of French, it was suggested that he attend the L’Elysee Francais where

This was the key moment in Bertie’s life as he decided it was time to join the family business, Lewis Stagnetto Ltd, which he did in 1945, aged 17

many of the pupils where his friends — a wish turned down by his father. He recalls with a smile that his French was superior to his French teacher, Brother O’Toole’s. He matriculated with the required number of A levels and his fellow pupils from that time became friends for life. He remembers playing truant and getting up to mischief with his cousin John Stagnetto. Tangier was an international city and so the Gibraltarians mixed easily with English, Spanish, Germans and Italians. He was given a German shepherd dog, Spanky, as a present and it was love at first sight. When the time came for Bertie to return to Gibraltar the dog was not allowed to enter the fortress and was given to a family who had a large garden. Alas this did not work out and when he returned to Tangier a year later, 1945, he found a broken animal which distressed him considerably. After a few months on the Rock the time

The Directors of Lewis Stagnetto Limited — Bertie, Peter, Albert and Maurice Stagnetto

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came for him to decide on his career. As a first step he chose to go to university, as he had the necessary academic qualifications, which would delay his option of joining the family business for a few years. During the war his father had appointed a manager, Geraldo Corso, together with his uncle Pepe Caruana to run the business and they had been most successful. Geraldo helped open the popular Catholic Club which went on to be renamed the St Bernard’s Catholic Social Club. However, Bertie’s father, Lewis R, came home one evening and dramatically announced that Geraldo had handed in his notice. This was the key moment in Bertie’s life as he decided it was time to join the family business, Lewis Stagnetto Ltd, which he did in 1945, aged 17 — a move which had always been his intention eventually. Bertie provided a potted history of the business in which he has worked for 70 years starting at the bottom when he was handed the keys and told, amongst his other duties, to open and close 41 Main Street each day. This

Amongst his other duties was to open and close 41 Main Street each day. This meant first in and last out. This he continued to do for some 35 years before delegating the task

Bertie and Ysabella on their wedding day

meant first in and last out. This he continued to do for some 35 years before delegating the task. The company began in 1870 when Lewis Stagnetto, aged 17, together with his two brothers, Jose and Salvatore arrived from Genoa in to join their uncle, Ellul, in the wholesale and distribution tobacco business he had founded. The imported tobacco was prepared for sale to the retail trade. The business soon expanded to making and selling cigars which were hand rolled in the original shop. Jose did not enjoy life on the Rock and so later that year he moved to Argentina to seek his fortune. Ellul, Lewis and Salvatore carried on working together for a few years before Ellul decided to return to Malta and left the business to the two Stagnetto brothers. Salvatore opted, in 1889, to join his brother in Buenos Aires. He went with one son and left his wife and other son behind in Gibraltar until he felt the time right for them to join him. Sadly he was killed in an accident a month after his arrival. Jose who had six daughters brought up Salvatore’s son as his own whilst the son on the Rock, Ernesto, joined the family tobacco business. In 1899 Lewis Stagnetto was incorporated as a company and after the war became a limited

Peter, Albert, Bertie and Maurice

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company. In 1919 the company was appointed agents for British American Tobacco and over the years was asked to become the agents for the majority of the leading tobacco manufacturers worldwide. Lewis R Stagnetto, the youngest son of the original Lewis Stagnetto and Bertie’s father, eventually bought out the holdings of all family members in the company established at 41 Main Street (still the company’s headquarters). Lewis R (1901-1974) married Magdalena Caruana and they had five sons — Lewis, Albert, Maurice, Guy and Charlie. In 1933 Lewis R opened a tobacco factory with Ernesto Torres. This failed to make money and was closed before the outbreak of the war. After the war, a new factory was established using much of the equipment of the failed company. This was successful as it specialised in “picadura” tobacco. As a result of increased competition in the tobacco trade and a drop in sales, Bertie asked his father to take the decision that Lewis Stagnetto Ltd would start to sell wines and spirits. Permission was granted and in order to trade the required licence was granted in a record three days. At first wines and spirits were bought locally but soon afterwards agencies were acquired and today some of the 73 exclusive import and distribution agreements are with Allied Domecq, Jim Beam Brands, British American Tobacco, Diageo, Domecq, Greene King, Highland Spring Group, Moet-Hennessy, Osborne and Williams and Humbert. Within three years Lewis Stagnetto Ltd had reached a 30% market share. This involved starting up a pub The Castle and Key (Gibraltar’s first English pub rather the customary Spanish tavern and it was built to the Watney Mann specification) and following its success acquiring other pubs and developing relationships with restaurants and shops. It was also decided to expand retail sales by opening other shops. Today the group wholly owns these companies: Stagnetto Limited (shop), Stag Bros Ltd (shop), Bastion Food company (food distribution), Clipper Ltd (pub), Gibraltar Arms (pub) and Star Bar (pub). Lewis M Stagnetto (1924-1976) took over lead of the firm in 1974 upon the death of his father until his own death two years later in in 1976. Lewis M Stagnetto had joined the company after the war and during the ’50s, together with Bertie and Maurice, led the company as

it diversified into wines, spirits and beer. The brothers also developed supplying the ships of the Royal Navy and Merchant Navy as well as the three arms of the military on the Rock. The four shops in Main Street are at 41, 56, 146 (the former SPQR) and 188 (Stag Bros). Lewis Stagnetto Ltd is also a partner in the Gibraltar Duty Free Shop at the airport. Lewis Stagnetto was the first drinks company to import bottled beer from England. This beer cost twice the price of the locally bottled product: 24 shillings a case against 12 shillings, and so it was a commercial gamble which was successful as the competition stopped bottling beer and started to import bottled beer. Today Bertie is Chairman with Albert and Peter (sons) and Maurice (nephew) taking over the day to day running of the considerably enlarged business. Today the cigar business is regarded as being the best in the whole of the southern Iberian peninsula and a small part of No 41 is given over to the sale of high quality Havana cigars. The present mission statement which has evolved over four generations says that the company will serve the local market with the supply and distribution of quality wines, tobacco and food products, provided by a customer focused team whose objective is to provide a fast and efficient service in the market place applying state of the art technology to improve service for all customers. When he took over the chairmanship together with his brother Maurice they made sweeping changes. As the business had grown so large he appointed seven employees to the

rank of manager and they became responsible for such disciplines as management/human resources, sales, distribution, retail shops and accounts/finance. A bonus for these loyal employees was an immediate doubling of salary. Bertie was an active member of the Chamber of Commerce, being a director for 10 years and Vice President for two. He was very much a hands on Director. He helped instigate a case against the Gibraltar Government which involved bringing out a QC from London. The Chamber won the case. Today business continues to expand and the chairman and three directors continue the process of diversification. Bertie thinks that Gibraltar is currently going through the same pain economically as in the majority of European countries. Gibraltarian business people are dealing with the situation and overall economic growth has been impressive. The next major hurdle might be the proposed referendum in the United Kingdom to decide whether to stay in or leave the European Union. If the latter then Gibraltar business will have to work that much harder. He concluded with this pertinent observation: “Over my 60 years in business, I have learned that the secret to business success is perseverance”. n

As a result of increased competition in the tobacco trade and a drop in sales, Bertie asked his father to take the decision that Lewis Stagnetto Ltd would start to sell wines and spirits Bertie’s brother Maurice Stagnetto snr

Savills (Gibraltar) Ltd, Suite 1B Icom House, 1/5 Irish Town, Gibraltar

Tel: 20066633 email: sales@savills.gi www.savills.gi

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?

Who regulates the estate agents

In Gibraltar, no one does. We are left to our own devices to look after client money as we see fit, administer tenant deposits without recourse to any redress scheme, offer properties with limited consumer protection and issue tenancy agreements without any guidelines.

Until April 2014, the Office of Fair Trading (“OFT”) in the UK regulated the 500,000 or so UK estate agents. However, the OFT was closed down last year, with its various administrative tasks distributed to other regulatory bodies. Somewhat bizarrely, Powys County Council and Anglesey Trading Standards (both in Wales)

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acquired the task of running the UK National Trading Standards Estate Agents Team, taking on some of the powers previously held by the OFT, including assessing whether Britain’s estate agents are fit to carry out their work within the terms of the Estate Agents Act 1979. Roughly at the same time that

the UK Office of Fair Trading was disbanded, Gibraltar announced the introduction of its own Office of Fair Trading. The Command Paper stated that the main functions of the local Office of Fair Trading would be to, amongst other matters: (a) keep under review the

carrying on of commercial activities which relate to services supplied to consumer... with a view to it becoming aware of, and ascertaining the circumstances relating to, practices which may adversely affect the economic interests of consumers in Gibraltar;

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property (b) collate evidence becoming available to the OFT with respect to the above activities which appear to it to be evidence of practices which may adversely affect the interests… of consumers in Gibraltar; and (c) promote good practice in the carrying out of activities which may affect the economic interests of consumers in Gibraltar. Time will tell how the introduction of an OFT in Gibraltar will impact the estate agency industry here. I’m hoping it does. In my opinion, it is in Gibraltar’s best interests that estate agents comply with a certain set of standards. Shoddy practices in any industry can give a jurisdiction a bad name. Who is checking, for example, estate agent’s ring-fencing and proper accountability of client money? Estate Agency Act 1979 In the UK, the Estate Agents Act 1979 (the “Act”) remains the principal source of the rules. By law, you are an estate agent if you deal with people who want to buy or sell freehold or leasehold (residential or commercial) property as part of a business. This includes high street and internet only based agents (but not portals). If you are acting as an estate agent, you must comply with your legal duties such as providing your clients with information on their prospective liabilities (for example, be clear and upfront about charges) and declare to buyers and sellers any personal interest that you or a connected person (such as a business associate or a relative) may have in any properties

Roughly at the same time that the UK Office of Fair Trading was disbanded, Gibraltar announced the introduction of its own Office of Fair Trading

detailed on your website. Terms of Business Furthermore, an estate agent must give potential clients their terms of business in writing as soon as possible and it must be done before agreeing to act for the client. Terms such as ‘sole selling rights’ and ‘sole agency’ must be defined. Personal interest An agent must reveal promptly and in writing any personal interest that they or a connected person have in a transaction. A ‘connected person’ has a wide definition. An agent must not seek or receive a deposit for the sale of a property in which they have a personal interest without prior declaration of the interest in writing. Negotiations and misleading information Under the Act, an agent must give their clients written details of all offers received from potential buyers. This information must be passed on promptly. It is illegal to mislead buyers or sellers in any way. Specifically, an agent must not give misleading information about: offers for a particular property; existence or status of any potential buyer; or invent bids.

Agents must avoid misleading statements, for example, an agent cannot claim to have first time or cash buyers, or any potential buyer for that matter unless they can show why they think this is true. An agent cannot make a false or misleading statement about a property, or withhold information which would be of material interest to a potential customer. This is an offence under the UK Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. Handling clients’ money The Act has specific requirements about how to handle clients’ money. An agent must put a deposit in a special account, called a ‘client account’, which is set up for this purpose at a bank, or

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Enforcement The law can be enforced by a local authority Trading Standards department or The National Trading Standards Estate Agency Team (“NTSEAT”). This team can issue warnings and prohibition orders that could stop an estate agent from practising. The NTSEAT can require anyone, including clients and potential buyers, to give information or produce documents before deciding whether or not to issue an order or carry out other enforcement activities. NTSEAT is currently re-drafting the Office of Fair Trading’s ‘Guidance (for the estate agency industry) on Property Sales’ which was last issued in 2012. The new guidance is expected in April 2015. I would hope that Gibraltar’s OFT could use this document as a template for the setting of standards for the estate agency industry here. We would all benefit. n

Mike Nicholls is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, a member of the Gibraltar Society of Accountants, a member of the Gibraltar Funds and Investment Association and a board member of the Gibraltar Chamber of Commerce. Mike operates the Chesterton estate agency in Gibraltar and runs a real estate investment solutions consultancy.

In an unregulated letting sector, we offer you property management that is professional and independent 20 Ocean Village Promenade, Gibraltar

other financial institution. Monies in a client account are and must remain ring-fenced from the estate agent’s own money. Detailed records of all transactions relating to a client account must be kept and be available for scrutiny by a qualified auditor.

www.facebook.com/ChestertonGibraltar

Tel: +350 200 40041 enquiries@chesterton.gi chesterton.gi

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February 2015

What’s on this Month 4th - 5th February 2015 Nathan Payas and Friends ‘Bel Canto Recital’ at the Convent Ballroom. Nathan will be performing works by Bellini, Donizetti and Roissini together with pianist Liz Heath and guests include Ryan Delgado (Bassonist), Nina Azopardi (Flute) and Adam Orfila (Guitar). Proceeds will go to Ebola Orphans Appeal. Tickets available from: Gibraltar Crystal at Casemates Square and Sacarello’s Coffee shop at Irish Town priced £15.00. Contact: 57631000 or info@ actionforschools.gi 6th February 2015 A Celebration of Bob Marley’s 70th Earth Day. Heritage Reggae band live at the Ivy Sports Bar

and Grill 10pm. Entrance free 17th - 18th February 2015 6ixth Sense Tour with International spiritualist medium Colin Fry at Bruno’s. On 17th tickets are £30 including a glass of bubbly and canapes. On 18th tickets are £20 for show only. Publicly acknowledged as ‘The People’s Medium’, Colin is one of the world’s most renowned mediums, having worked as a Spiritualist Medium, registered healer and tutor for 35 years. 2012 saw Colin become a Spiritualist Minister, now officially known as The Reverend Colin Fry! Restaurant open from 5pm for drinks prior to show, dinner commences approximately 8pm. Tel: 20068444 website www. brunosgib.com

28th February 2015 St Andrew’s Church, Craft & Collectors Fair, at the church on Governor’s Parade 10am - 2pm. Entrance fee: £1. Birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, christenings there are cards and gifts for all occasions — check out the range of hand-crafted, vintage and antique items. There is also a variety of colourful and quirky collectables — coins, stamps, silver, jewellery, doll’s house items, lead soldiers, Gibraltar memorabilia, books, puzzles and lots more. Look around and sample the homemade refreshments. Stalls available at £10, table and cloth provided. If you have craft items for sale, or if you need a clear out at home, call 54023166 for further information. n

Nathan Payas

Property Services

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Gibraltar DFAS 18th February

ampton Solent University. She has been Hon. research Fellow at Exeter University, a fellow of Henry Francis Du Pont Winterthur Museum and Library; Cumming Ceramic Research Foundation (2007 and 2010) and consultant for Lord Frederic Leighton’s Studio-House, Kensington . The lecturer for this month is Dr Anna Dr Anderson will talk about Norway’s three Anderson who was a senior lecturer on the most famous artists: Edvard Grieg, internafine Arts Valuation degree courses at South- tionally recognised as one of the world’s best

composers; Henrik Ibsen largely responsible for the rise of the modern realistic drama; and Edvard Munch , considered Norway’s greatest painter who played a vital role in the development of Expressionism in modern painting. Lecture will be held at the O’Callaghan Eliott Hotel from 6.30pm for a welcome drink, lecture commences 7.30pm on 18th February 2015. Guests are welcome and pay £10.00 at the door. n

Edvard Grieg

Henrik Ibsen

DFAS gets into the Nordic Spirit

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Edvard Munch - Self Portrait with Skeleton Arm, 1895

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Join the Green Revolution! A greener workplace can mean a lighter carbon footprint, a healthier and more productive place to work and it’s also good for the bottom line. Whether you’re the boss or the employee, whether your office has started to take its first green steps or is still waiting to see the light, some easy ideas can lay the groundwork for a healthier and environmentally low-impact workspace. From how you get to work, to how to save energy in your workspace, to using green materials and even greening your lunch! Every little helps when Going Green. If you are already taking environmentally friendly steps at home why not at work too? Feel empowered ­— you don’t need to be the boss to start improving

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your workspace’s energy efficiency. So what to do? Conserve your computer’s energy — set your computer to sleep mode or energy-saver mode and make sure everything is switched off at the end of the day or when not in use, including office photo-copiers and fax machines. If you are leaving your office — switch off the lights and the air con or heater. Reduce printer use — only print when you really need to and use 100% recycled chlorine-free paper and print double-sided. Getting new office equipment? Make sure it is Energy Star-certified. Need a new computer? Consider laptops, they consume less energy than desktop computers. Add more recycling bins. Swap to LEDs. Pack your lunch in re-usable containers instead of plastic and foil paper. Keep your blinds open during cool days to let sunshine in and warm your office, and close blinds on warmer days to keep your office space cooler. Bring in a plant — besides cleaning the air of allergens, dust, mildew and even toxic chemicals from printers, green plants make the corner of your workspace prettier and cheerier for your long work hours… and remember to Spread The Word! The best way to green the scene at work is to get others involved — share your tips with your boss and co-workers and make it fun! n

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go green

everyone is going green go green at work too! 210

Just a few simple changes can create a greener & healthier working environment!

WEEE

Ge

Paper

Cans & Plastic Bottles

Use your equipment efficiently. If you’re not using it, turn it off! Computers, monitors, photocopiers – they need a rest too!

org

e’s Top

Make the most of natural light, keep air conditioning & heater use to a minimum, recycle, walk or cycle to work & why not get a plant! Tip s

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Michelle Whaanga:

Paint is thicker than water for Rock colourist words | Elena Scialtiel

The abstract revelation of the last Affordable Art Show at the Fine Arts Gallery, Michelle Whaanga’s most recent artwork banks on pure colour flowing on canvas to spark blazing emotions. Her experimentation with paint, rather than painting, is surely something else and introduces a new approach to the already eclectic local artistic scene. “I like bright colours and the contrast they build with black, so I squirted acrylics on a wet canvas and let them run under water. Yes it is a little messy, but the final effect is worth it,” she says about her creative process.

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Singing in the shower is nothing new, but painting in the bath is an innovative and effective idea that afforded resourceful Michelle a swirling and fluid effect free from traces of brush strokes. Her imagination ran together with the stream as the shapes forming on canvas mirrored her subconscious: “When I saw it, I recognised it instantly as the depiction of

the wildfire that devastated Sotogrande hills a couple of years ago. From Both Worlds, I could see it raging in the darkness as ashes from the singed vegetation were blown eastwards and reached us.” This dramatic expression of unyielding nature may be the new path that watercolourist Michelle is treading with the aim of finding her niche. It might as well be the novelty

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collection of ‘bathtub tales’ she is working on, exploiting the many combinations that a dozen of acrylic tubs allow, but she has been sticking to figurative so far, producing dainty and charming landscapes inspired by Gibraltar and nature, as she confesses herself reluctant to try her hand at portraiture. Her mentor Vin Mifsud taught her that one is either a good drawer or a good painter and Michelle believes to be the latter, so she’d rather go for landscapes where there’s a certain leeway in reproducing proportions, while portraits require mathematical precision: “If you add or omit a leaf, the landscape still works, but if you distort facial features, the portrait will inexpertly downgrade to caricature.” Michelle discovered her talent by chance, when she accompanied her husband to art classes. Vin reprimanded her that she couldn’t just sit around for the duration of the lesson, and demanded she’d pick up a brush and tried her hand at it. “I was new in Gibraltar and saw it as an excellent opportunity to meet new people, so I went along to their open-air sessions at the Alameda Gardens. I remember how hot

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it was and the many flies to fend off, and how I couldn’t produce a decent painting for a while, but it was good fun. The most awkward part was listening to passersby’s comments, especially kids that can be outspoken and severe critics indeed in their

Painting in the bath is an innovative and effective idea that afforded resourceful Michelle a swirling and fluid effect free from traces of brush strokes

innocence!” Eventually, a collective exhibition of Vin’s students was displayed at the John Mackintosh Hall and Michelle sold some paintings, which restored her faith in her artistic quality. But she still shuns setting up her easel in public places, too aware of unsolicited advice, and she’d rather work from the photographs she takes of subject matters that may tickle her fancy. Her quaint patios with Mediterranean shutters and flower pots galore are clearly influenced by Vin Mifsud’s signature work, but Michelle was able to quickly move away from the perils of being labelled ‘school of’, and she crafted her own style with thicker and brighter deployment of colour, rich autumnal foliage and luminous night views as if filtered through a rain-lashed windshield. “I worry that people may read too much into my colours with reference to my mood, and think I am darker than I am, but I love the contrast of a splash of colour on dark background,” she says about her striking view of Sandy Bay at night, that conjures up the dynamic impression of a midnight train

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art focus

darting between cliffs and sea. Art is in her genes too: “My brother was very talented in creating abstracts with kitchen knives and he trained in college as a promising contemporary artist, but life threw him a curve ball and for many years he worked on a fishing boat and now his hands are too damaged to paint. My sister can just toss some flowers in a vase and make it look like a million-dollar arrangement!” Despite living on the Rock for over ten years, Michelle still views it with the childlike wonder of the discerning tourist and can spot the most picturesque angles that make her work so unique. In fact, she has travelled half way around the world to settle in Gibraltar, hailing from Gisborne: “I like living in Europe,” she says.

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Despite living on the Rock for over ten years, Michelle still views it with the childlike wonder of the discerning tourist and can spot the most picturesque angles

“It isn’t just about the food or the weather ­— as you know, New Zealand can be wet and windy a bit like England — but about the crossroads of cultures that Gibraltar is, so different from my upbringing amidst Polynesian, Japanese and Chinese visitors.” Taken aback at first by the population density here, coming from a country of green pastures and scattered urbanisation where every house enjoys large backyards, Michelle is embracing the metropolitan buzz rimming with talent, where every artist manages to keep its individuality while continuously exchanging ideas and inspiration — and she’s revving to inject her Maori heritage into her next contemporary artwork. That surely will be an eagerly anticipated journey to the antipodes! n

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An Exciting Year at the Museum As Gibraltar’s museum celebrates it’s 85th anniversary this year, the building got a new facade for a fresher look. To engage with the public, the museum will organise monthly lectures starting this month where you can learn all about the history of the Rock. Professor Clive Finlayson, Director and Curator of the museum, spoke to The Gibraltar Magazine to guide us through history and reveal some of the museum’s future plans. The idea of a museum in Gibraltar was first raised as early as 1835, but it took some time before it was finally founded. What do we know about the Gibraltar Museum when it first opened? “The Gibraltar Museum opened its doors on 23rd July, 1930, thanks largely to the efforts of

Governor Sir Alexander Godley. There have been temporary museums and cabinets with collections in different locations during the 19th Century but these had never materialised into a proper museum. “The museum was opened at Ordnance House, Bomb House Lane, which had been the

residential quarters of the principal Ordnance Officer stationed at Gibraltar. Part of the building contained the Moorish Baths which then formed part of the museum, as they still do today,” explains Professor Finlayson. “The entrance fee was six pence for adults and three pence for children, with soldiers and sailors in uniform allowed in free. The museum was open on weekdays from 9am to 5pm. “A call was made to different museums and establishments in different parts of the Empire in order to establish a starting collection. “Among the artefacts in this collection, which are still in the museum stores, was a collection of pottery from Ur in Mesopotamia (currently Iraq) which was presented by the British Museum. “The casts of the two famous Gibraltar Neanderthal skulls were exhibited and there was, of course, the wonderful model of the Rock as it was in 1865,” he says. The 1930s was a turbulent decade, and Gibraltar was an interesting place between the two wars. “This was the period between the two world wars and a number of events that took place in 1930 give us an idea of what life was like at the time. Only six days before the museum opened its doors an English Day was held in the La Linea Fair. “Massed bands and Physical Squads of the Lincolnshire and North Staffordshire Regiment and Trumpeters of the Royal Artillery, as well as Sea Scouts, gave displays at the bull ring

The Museum Open Day

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in the presence of the governors of Gibraltar and Algeciras. “Earlier in the year, on 19th May, people were impressed by the majestic sight of the Graf Zeppelin which passed low over Gibraltar. These were the days of the spectacular presence of the Royal Navy in the bay and harbour. “The Atlantic Fleet arrived in Gibraltar on 19th January under the command of Admiral Sir A.E.M. Chatfield. Later in the year, the 18th March saw the arrival of the combined Atlantic and Mediterranean Fleets after exercises. “We get a sense of the scale when we read that a Naval Review at North Front on the 28th March involved 4,000 men of the Mediterranean Fleet parading under Admiral Sir F. Field (C-in-C Mediterranean Fleet). This was also a year of unrest. On 1st November a meeting of coal-heavers’ section of the T&GWU was held at the Theatre Royal and was followed by a demonstration. A meeting and demonstration related to unemployment had taken place on 30th April and the body of a local coal-heaver was found floating at North Mole on 4th May. “The year ended with the horrific news of a murder committed on Miss Maria Luisa Bossano at Market Lane. She had been found dead with at least 15 scalp wounds and other injuries. A verdict was returned of murder against some person or persons unknown. On 27th January the following year, Ernest

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We have just finished a refurbishment of the museum’s facade, just on time for this anniversary, and the building is looking splendid Opisso was arrested on the charge of being the murderer,” tells professor Finlayson. At first the museum occupied only a small part of the building, and during the Second World War the premises were used to store food supplies. How has the museum changed since 1930? “A lot of things have happened in this time. During the Second World War the place was shut down and everything put into storage. Slowly after the war its activities resumed. It was in the 1990s that the expansion of the museum took place and now we occupy the entire building of Bomb House. Even so we only have on exhibit around 30% of the collection but we are thrilled at the prospect of enlarging the exhibition space in the near future. We have

just finished a refurbishment of the museum’s facade, just on time for this anniversary, and the building is looking splendid. Our team has also grown and we are very grateful to the government for its acknowledgement of our work by supporting us. We are very excited about the future, developing the museum further and also our outposts at Parson’s Lodge and other sites, linking it to the possibility of having a World Heritage Site in 2016. That would really be a good way to start the next 85 years!” he explains happily. As mentioned before, the museum celebrates 85 years this year, which is going to be an important year for the museum and Gibraltar as a whole. How does the museum plan to celebrate its 85th Anniversary? A number of events are foreseen for this year. They will include the annual open day, on 23rd May, but there will be a special event also on 23rd July, the day of the opening. A monthly museum lecture series will commence in February and we have a few surprises planned along the way! We will also be recommencing excavations at Gorham’s and Vanguard Caves this year after a break in 2014 when we were dedicating our time to the World Heritage Bid.” Watch this space! n

For more info visit: www.gibmuseum.gi

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Too Young to Vote? Teens give thumbs down to lowering voting age

words | Eve Maddock Jones

Today in Gibraltar we are privileged enough to live in a paradise where democracy and the freedom of speech prevail. This liberation gives people the opportunity to make their own decisions and form individual opinions open for debate. It is this concept upon which a democratic government forms, one which the Gibraltar government hoped to extend further to the masses by reducing the minimum voting age in Gibraltar from 18 to 16. Whilst the Chief Minister Fabian Picardo’s Socialist Labour Party campaigned the idea strongly the 16 and 17 year olds, whom this mainly affected, went unasked about their thoughts. Was this extension of the voting age something they really wanted? In an independent survey carried out in Westside School through the year groups 11, 12 and 13 spanning the ages of 16-18 year olds the students were asked two questions regarding the change to the voting age. First, if they were aware of this proposition. Secondly whether they agreed with the idea. Of the 192 students involved in the survey 85% of them said that they were aware of the proposal. But, 80% then agreed that the change should not

take place, with a minority of 7% believing that 16 would be an acceptable voting age in Gibraltar. 13% said they weren’t sure either way. With such an overwhelming majority opposing the change it leads to the question of whether this change is in fact necessary, or rather if Gibraltar is ready for it? In his party’s speech about the proposal the Chief Minster stated “that voting at general elections should also be extended to those who are 16 years and over… They have a lot to contribute and their voice should be heard at election time. The 16 year olds who I know are responsible young adults who know what they want and what they stand for.” Whilst the Government’s desire to give the young people of Gibraltar a greater say in the running of their home country is admirable,

80%

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the results of this survey indicate that this proposal may not be the way to do so. One path to the youth of Gibraltar contributing more meaningfully to politics may be through its education system. “The lack of enthusiasm for the change may be due to teenager’s lack of political awareness,” said one Westside school educator. Indeed this may be a major contributing factor to the results of this survey. In Gibraltar’s schools there are no lessons in the curriculum about politics or government. It is this lack of political education at a grassroots level which may lead to the lack of desire from teenagers to gain the right to vote at a younger age. Without the supply of digestible information they’re left feeling uninspired to vote, since it simply does not hold a weighty significance too many of them. “If the voting age were to change then it would make my opinion as an experienced 40 year old voter as meaningful as an inexperienced, less knowledgeable 16 year old. I don’t believe that they are ready for such a responsibility,” one person said. It may be that currently teenagers simply do not know enough to feel that they can make such a decision. Whilst there are undoubtedly some teenagers who are politically aware and informed, as the Chief Minister rightly points out, they are unfortunately the minority. One 18 year old student at Westside commented on the

fact that “I myself would love to have set lessons in school about politics. Just to explain how the system actually works and what things actually mean.” This kind of lesson would not have to be full of government propaganda but answer the “How?” and “What?” of government set ups; how laws are made, how new campaigns are implemented, for example. Although there are no set school lessons, the government has already been making efforts to raise the political awareness of Gibraltar’s youth. Last year they sent students to the EU Institutes in Brussels for the first time as well as to the UN Summit in New York. But could these educational enhancements have occurred at a level which reached the majority of teenagers it could result in a greater desire amongst young people to become more politically engaged overall. Politics is indirectly a constant part of our everyday lives in Gibraltar. It conducts the very way we live. Controlling the roads, hospital, cars even unacknowledged aspects such as the colour of the traffic lights. With our unique situation with Spain, Gibraltar is a very politically engaged country internationally too. This permeation into our lives means that, if young people are to have a sensible impact into the daily running of Gibraltar then there needs to be a greater political awareness generated in teenagers first, to change that 13% uncertainty into a well-informed opinion. n

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Photo: Jayden Fa Hair: Joseph / Miss Shapes Makeup: Nyree Chipolina Art Direction: Guy Baglietto

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAGAZINE •• FEBRUARY FEBRUARY 2015 2015 GIBRALTAR

27/01/2015 16:44


The Cheryl on the Cake

!

Say a big hello to Gibraltar’s drum’n’bass queen!

Recently introduced to the local electronic music scene as Gibraltar’s first female deejay, BassCake surely beat all expectations on her debut, by giving the beat to a successful charity event at the Rock on the Rock Club last December. And now there is no stopping her infectious rhythm and charisma, as she is ready to be inducted in past-paced and sound local Olympus of those tasked with keeping the people of the night on their feet until the break of dawn. Thirty-year old nurse Cheryl Jeffries says that her stage name was spontaneously born from the juxtaposition of her lifelong passion’s key word to the delicate sweetness conjured up in her mind by cupcakes, dainty and girly in their decoration. “Yes, I am girly in my lifestyle,” she confesses to being in love with her waist-long blonde hair, bound to become her signature look, alongside her right forearm’s birdie tattoo and a funky fashion sense that well fits her ‘street’ allure. Besides glamorising your night life with her womanly energy, BassCake is an expert in

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Photo: Nathalie Key

words | Elena Scialtiel

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Photo: Stephanie Debono

!

Cheryl had a fascination with Ibiza’s nightclub scene, trance parties and how a single deejay could play before thousand-strong crowds

‘dropping the bass’ and can really engage her crowds, and almost hold them spellbound to her creative mixes. “I like the atmosphere created in a busy session and how the audience follows the deejay’s directions. You do feel in control,” she acknowledges this being somehow a responsibility, albeit a thrilling one. Cheryl has been passionate about music since a very young age: “As soon as I learnt to speak, I was always asking my mum to turn the music on in the car! My family bore a big influence on refining my musical approach, as my mum played the guitar and my dad was in the video industry. I also have older brothers and cousins who opened my eyes on the music

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Ibiza’s nightclub scene, trance parties and how a single deejay could play before thousand-strong crowds, as well as trend-setting the beat. Later she moved on from it and sought her own path and identity, which she partly credits to (or blames on) watching the 2000 film Kevin & Perry go large. “I’ve never been to Ibiza because it’s not the scene I like,” she confesses, adding that the best part of living and breathing D’n’B was restricted to her bedroom, until she got her first pair of decks at the age of twenty and was asked to deejay some friends’ parties. “When I was underage I was not allowed to big nightclubs, like Viva La Diva, where I would only go if I stayed at friends for sleepovers.” Cheryl deplores the fad, popular with some youngsters, to attend D’n’B venues just as an excuse to party wildly: “I would say that people have a bad concept about festivals, concerts and raves. Yes, some youngsters go there just to get ‘wasted’. I go there for the music, with a list of the acts I want to see at each venue and I do stick to it, which I’m sure many others do too! Don’t get me wrong, I like having fun too, without losing sight of the artistic side of it.” The vinyl era over (“They are difficult to come across nowadays, you can find a lot of old vinyl, but newer D’n’B is hard to find, as many artists nowadays, especially in the electronic music scene, go for digital”), BassCake has converted to digital tracks that she gets mixed on an interface controller and her laptop, as well as using CD-J’s and occasionally her vinyl at home: “I sit there with my cup of tea (yes, I love tea!) and I work on my music to the wee hours.” Being part of a group called Audio Damage Collective, she had her big break for a Halloween party in Spain last autumn, playing to a crowd of hundreds, almost ten years to the day after she debuted at a friend’s shindig. “There’s a big scene in Spain, but the market is somehow saturated with too many venues which make the fans spread too thin — no matter how much you like it, you cannot attend every single gig! In Gibraltar we are just getting started and the interest is still fresh.” However, modern is synonymous of the UK for her: “London is the music metropolis of the world. The UK is the place, it has been from the Beatles onwards and that is where D’n’B irradiates from.” There, she has networked some good contacts who, without namedropping, would help her make the transition from creatively experimenting with other artists’ work to producing her own, which she is already working on, with the help of her boyfriend — who happens to be Lethalness, an internationally known deejay and producer. BassCake sessions are available on MixCloud and she is pleased with a couple of reviews she received from two famous people in the business, whose positive comments she welcomes as honouring and encouraging. Music and sports are therapeutic to steam off after a long day, Cheryl believes: “Music is pretty much like people: it needs and deserves care and patience.” n

world beyond mainstream pop. Actually, my brother wished for a mixer as Christmas gift on my behalf, believing my parents would have frowned upon me wanting it! But no, they have been very supportive, and every time they travel to the UK, they scour the music stores for me, with my shopping list of D’n’B vinyl albums at hand, to the point,” she jokes, “they started raising some curiosity in the business for being middle-aged people with this oddly avant-garde taste in music!” She appreciates their encouragement: “Once they bought me this awesome camouflage vinyl case, to show me their support with a tool worth of a navigated professional...” Like BassCake on Facebook for updates on her gigs Initially, Cheryl had a fascination with and to book her for private events.

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health

Gibraltar CIPD to host Managing Cancer in the Workplace Seminars In conjunction with several local cancer charities, the local branch of the CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development) will be hosting a guest speaker from Macmillan Cancer Support in the UK on 10th-11th February who will deliver two sessions on Managing Cancer in the Workplace.

Speaking on behalf of the Gibraltar CIPD branch, chairperson Lourdes Barea noted “Many employers have either experienced an employee or the close relative of an employee with cancer and this can have an impact on the workplace. We are delighted to welcome Macmillan Cancer Support to Gibraltar to address us and look at the resources we have for managing cancer, and in some cases bereavement, in the workplace.” Aimed at HR professionals and line managers, participants will learn about cancer treatment, its side effects and the impact on a person’s work. They will also look at supporting carers’ needs, talking about cancer and making workplace adjustments. By reviewing real life employer case studies and relevant legislation, it is hoped delegates will gain an insight that will help them develop action plans for their own organisations. Local cancer charities are also supporting this initiative and will be co-sponsoring the event with the CIPD branch. Cancer Relief Gibraltar have kindly offered use of their premises for one of the two sessions, which will provide a great opportunity for them to showcase their facilities to employers. Other charities supporting this venture include Breast Cancer Support, Prostate Cancer Support and Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research. For further information contact Gibraltar@cipdbranch.co.uk. n

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Cosmetic Surgery With Confidence Aria Medical Group continues to strive to set the benchmark in Best Practice for Cosmetic Surgery.

With the growing popularity in cosmetic surgery procedures, national governments and medical authorities are looking to tighten regulations in order to safeguard patient’s welfare. Aria Medical Group already implement these recommendations as part of its dedication to Best Practice in Cosmetic Surgery. Choose FDA Quality Implants In England, for example, the Government is planning to establish a Register of all breast augmentation procedures, so that clients with implants can be traced in the future, in case of implant recalls. Dr. Marco Vricella of Aria Medical Group embraces such initiatives. He says, ‘I think this is an excellent idea as I believe that any initiative that protects patient’s welfare is always a positive thing.’ In fact Aria Medical Group has always been totally focused on providing a high level of care for every patient. For example, Aria Medical Group always uses the best quality FDA silicon cohesive gel implants. In addition, Aria maintains its confidential client details, in line with data protection guidelines, so all patients can be contacted by a qualified surgeon in the future if there is any need for check-ups or revision procedures. Choose a Specialist Cosmetic Surgeon Another UK initiative, led by The Royal College

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of Surgeons, is to establish new specialist qualifications for cosmetic surgeons. This is something that Dr. Marco Vricella believes is imperative. He continues, ‘Unfortunately, at the moment, any general surgeon can perform a cosmetic procedure, so for example a surgeon who usually performs such operations as gall bladder or appendix removal could, legally, perform any cosmetic procedure, from a rhinoplasty or facelift to tummy tuck or breast surgery. This shouldn’t be the case. By contrast, I have specialised in cosmetic surgery for more than 15 years and am on the Specialist Register of Plastic Surgeons.’ Aria Medical Group’s benchmark in Best Practice includes: SURGEON CONSULTATIONS: All clients have a private consultation with the surgeon – a qualified specialist in cosmetic surgery, and reconstructive surgery. SPECIALIST SURGEON: Dr. Marco Vricella is a qualified Doctor and qualified cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon, registered with all the relevant medical boards and associations in the UK, Spain, Gibraltar and Italy. PRIVATE HOSPITAL: All Aria Medical cosmetic surgery procedures are performed in a fully equipped private hospital, High

Care International in Marbella. This is a full service private, exclusive hospital, with stateof-the-art operating theatres and equipment together with a full complement of roundthe-clock nurses and medical staff - all under the same roof. AFTERCARE: All cosmetic surgery procedures include free post-operative consultations (in Gibraltar), and free revision surgery if necessary within the first year. Free Consultations If you want to find out more, then Dr. Vricella holds free consultations at College Clinic, Regal House, Gibraltar every 2 weeks – for dates and to book an appointment please call:

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Season’s Greetings! And best wishes for 2013 to all our valued clients!

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

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

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

CHEMISTS

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

PASSANO OPTICIANS LTD British Registered Optometrists

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

Dr Carsten Rudolf Steiner BSc DC Member of the British Chiropractic Association

Back to better health with Chiropractic for headaches, dizziness, neck and lower back pain, sciatica, osteoathritis and sports injuries. Unit F5, 1st Floor, ICC

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

ChiropraCtors

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

Isabella Jimenez Sports Therapist GST, BSc (Hons) Tel: + 350 54002226 Email: sportongib@gmail.com

STEINER CHIROPRACTIC CLINICS

College Clinic, Regal Hse. Tel: 200 77777

health & medical directory

Zaneta Kwiecien Sport Rehabilitator GSR, BSc (Hons), OMT Medical Acupuncturist Tel: + 350 62967134 or + 34 665 684 738 Email: zaneta@sportongib.com

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

Hypnotherapy

Rose Favell Central Clinic, Horse Barrack Lane. Tel: + 34 655 699 841 www.hypnotherapygibraltar.com

Health Clubs

Atlantic Suites Health Club & Spa Tel: 200 48147 Ocean Village Health Club Tel: 200 44242

Health Stores Holland & Barrett 160 Main Street

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Oigamas Hearing Centre Unit S3h 2nd Floor, ICC Casemates Square Tel: 200 63644 Email: info@oigamas.com

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Isabella Jimenez BSc (hons) Unit 5, 1st Floor, ICC Tel: 54002226 email: jimenez.isabella@gmail.com Zaneta Kwiecien Sport Rehabilitator GSR, BSc (Hons), OMT Medical Acupuncturist Tel: + 350 62967134 Email: zaneta@sportongib.com

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2015

27/01/2015 18:03


photo: Eraxion

Legionella bacterium

Always use commerical screen wash in your car

Beauty Therapy

The recent death of a local person following illnesses that included Legionnaire’s disease has prompted the government to issue warnings about using plain water in car screen wash reservoirs. While Legionnaire’s disease was not the main cause of death, in this case, it is possible that it may have contributed. The Environmental Agency, as is routine practice following reports of Legionnaire’s disease, carried out a detailed investigation of the person’s living environment for possible sources of the bacteria. The Laboratory of the Public Analyst found that the windscreen wash reservoir of the family car contained the bacteria. Windscreen washers have been identified by research studies as a potential source of the Legionnaire’s disease bacteria, usually when tap water is being used to top up the reservoir. Commercially available screen wash additives contain chemicals that kill the bacteria and neutralise any risk. Legionnaires’ disease is an uncommon form of pneumonia

caused by the Legionella bacterium. It usually affects older people, with a higher risk in smokers and those with reduced immunity. This disease does not spread from person to person and therefore

Windscreen washers have been identified by research studies as a potential source of the Legionnaire’s disease bacteria, usually when tap water is being used to top up the reservoir

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poses no risk to family or friends. It is important to emphasise that, although the bacterium is common, the disease is rare and for most people there is no health risk. The Legionella bacteria prefer warm standing water environments, and can therefore sometimes be found in certain domestic and industrial water systems that are not properly designed, installed or maintained. Wet cooling towers, spa pools and rarely used showers can allow the bacteria to grow. People become infected when they inhale the bacteria as an aerosol from a contaminated source. Infections from car windscreen washers are rare but easily prevented. Please use only commercially available screen wash in your car and do not be tempted to economise by using plain water. n

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2015

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Bettina

gets her act together

words | Elena Scialtiel

It’s only her second Drama Festival, but when Tourism graduate and IT director Bettina Cary treads the boards again at the Ince’s Hall this March, you will instantly spot her talent in the spotlight: she is a true natural in dramatic roles, whether they require breaking down in tears or into song. After a deserved best actress adjudicator’s nomination last year for her script-throwing performance as the narrator in the coarse acting piece Julius and Cleopatra, Bettina is now part of the all-women cast of Women of Troy. This is one of the four Trafalgar Theatre Group entries into the competition, under the banner of ‘Shoot/Get Ready/Repeat’, directed by Daniel Strain-Webber, who is angling for an encore of last year’s roaring success with his brilliantly cutting-edge production of Mark Ravenhill's dark comedy Pool (No Water). Again, there are no fixed lines in this reflection of the impact the Iraq war had on western viewpoints with regards to foreigners and terrorism, but it is a choral expression that flows and bounces from one character to the next, making timing and teamwork pivotal. Bettina is excited to be directed by Daniel and honoured to be on stage side by side with Margaret Seed, who directed her in past pantomimes, which were her portal to her amateur career. “I joined the pantomime because I wanted to do something constructive and original with my free time, besides family and work, so I thought to start by helping out behind the scenes at the annual panto,” Bettina explains. “But before I knew it, I was auditioning and offered a chorus role in Jack and the Beanstalk: with two lines, which I rehearsed endlessly — I was on stage indeed! I had an amazing time and made many new friends. It required commitment, as almost my entire month of January was dedicated to it, but I decided to do it all over again the following year and I ended up being a pirate in Robinson Crusoe. There I had more lines, and the following year I had even more in Calamity Jane, where I was featured in the principals as Manuela, a Mexican.” A minor principal, but a brave one, since one of her scenes was so funny that one night she and her co-stars got stuck in a giggling fit that the audience kept on fuelling with their own laughter... “But, you know, everything goes with panto, so we just went along with it.”

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14-year old Bettina Boselli debuted as a thespian in secondary school: “I was Mary in a Nativity play. It was mostly a singing role. It was awkward though, because the teacher directing us had decided Mary had to be pregnant and ‘deliver’ on stage. So I had this balloon under my robe and I was supposed to slip it out behind the stable. But the stable ‘wall’ was made of see-through tissue paper, and the audience clearly saw my silhouette struggling with the birth of Jesus!” After her exploit as the archetypal mother, it seemed only fair that, over 20 years later, she would fill the shoes of a distraught mother, when Rock Theatre director Angela Jenkins wanted her as the tragic Mrs. Lyons in the local production of the much acclaimed musical Blood Brothers. Bettina was fresh from her performance as Fantine in Les Mis concert at St. Michael’s Cave, and she accepted the challenge, sure

“I empathised with my character’s emotional and complex journey to the point the tears at the end were real, because I had become her in that moment”

that if Angela believed she could do it, she would push herself not to disappoint the rest of the team: “Yes, I was nervous, but after all, if you don’t try, you’ll never know what you are capable of...” She had landed her Fantine role by chance, after attending the audition just because she dreamt of being part of such a big event: “You always learn something from an audition even if you are not selected, so I went along. Being cast boosted my confidence, after so many years away from singing before an audience.” And so she was ready to meet Angela’s standards: “I had to audition with her first and later with Christian Santos, who played my adoptive son. They co-directed the production and other experienced artists, like Monica Ritchie and Julian Felice, who played his twin brother and her son, had their input in giving me directions on how to style my character. My script is testimony to the work behind building it, with so many notes and suggestions scribbled and crossed over, until I managed to inject my own feelings in bringing Mrs. Lyons to life! This was my first major role, and I accepted it because of the singing parts, not realising how many spoken lines I had to learn in just seven weeks. It was intense, but very rewarding and I enjoyed every single performance. I empathised with my character’s emotional and complex journey to the point the tears at the end were real, because I had become her in that moment.” Busy with rehearsals this month, Bettina doesn’t feel any competitive edge in the Drama Festival: “Groups wish each other the traditional ‘break a leg’, everybody is a good sport. There’s so much talent in Gibraltar, that it’s bliss just being part of it. To me, the most important thing is the enjoyment of being on stage, and being able to entertain the audience with my performance. “My biggest pride is my family supporting me: they are my best critics although they claim I am not actually funny and suggest I give my best in serious roles.” n

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connections

Beatrix Potter & the Peter Rabbit Coins

words | Reg Reynolds

When I was six years old I fell in love with Beatrix Potter, not the woman of course, but her books. On Saturday mornings I would take myself down to the Greater Victoria Public Library and take out three or four Potter books to read over the weekend. Almost all of the titles began with the words The Tale of and were followed by the wonderful names dreamed up by Beatrix — Squirrel Nutkin, Benjamin Bunny, Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle, Miss Moppet, Jemima

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Puddle-Duck, Mrs. Tittlemouse, Timmy Tiptoes, Johnny TownMouse, Little Pig Robinson, and most famously Peter Rabbit. So, as a big fan I was surprise, but pleased, to learn that in the 1990s the Gibraltar National Mint issued commemorative gold, silver and platinum coins to honour Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit. I don’t know how I missed out!

1 Crown 1 Crown 1/5 oz Crown 1/10 oz Crown 1/25 oz Crown 1/5 oz Crown 1/10 oz Crown 1/25 oz Crown

The first was minted in 1993 and anyone wise enough to purchase the gold or platinum editions will have made a considerable profit on their investment. Between 1993 and 1999 the price of gold ranged from a low of $250 US an ounce to a high of just over $400 US an ounce. At the time of writing (January) gold was trading at more than $1223 US an ounce. The price of platinum followed a similar price pattern to gold in the 90s and in January was trading for $1233 an ounce. Although not so valuable as the other two desirable metals, silver has tripled in value since 1993 from roughly $5.00 US an ounce to more than $16 an ounce. The 1993 Peter Rabbit coins were minted to mark the 100th anniversary of the publication of Potters’ first book The Tale of Peter Rabbit. She had actually first self-published in 1901 but the book was rejected by six publishers before finally being accepted by the London firm of Frederick Warne & Co. It was an instant success and Potter went on to produce a total of twenty-three ‘little Tales’, all published by Warne. Warne owns the copyright to the Potter images and gave the Gibraltar National Mint permission to use them. There were eight coins minted from precious metals in 1993 and one CuNi (copper nickel) version (see below). The obverse design of the coins depicts Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II while the reverse sides include Peter Rabbit, Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle, Tom Kitten and his Mother Tabitha, Jeremy Fisher (a toad), Jemima Puddle-duck and Benjamin Bunny. A Gibraltar National Mint brochure for 1993 states: “1993 was the 100th Birthday of Peter Rabbit. This naughty character was first dreamed up by Beatrix Potter and included in an illustrated letter in 1893. That letter provided the inspiration for what has become one of the most successful children’s stories in the world.” The coins proved so popular that the Gibraltar National Mint continued to produce them in the same metals and weights through

Unc CuNi Proof 925 Silver Proof Fine 999.9 Gold Proof Fine 999.9 Gold Proof Fine 999.9 Gold Proof 995 Platinum Proof 995 Platinum Proof 995 Platinum

28.28 gms 28.28 gms 6.22 gm 1.11 gms` 1.24 gms 6.22 gms 3.11 gms 1.24 gms

30,000 issued 5,000 30,000 25,000 2,500 3,000 7,500

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2002. I haven’t been able to determine if Beatrix Potter ever visited the Rock but a mention of Gibraltar in her journal indicates she may have. In April 1895 she holidayed in Dorset and visited the Isle of Portland. “Portland Island is a curiosity to see once. A mixture of Gibraltar and ones notion of the Holy Land. Very like Gibraltar only flat-topped, and the height and the batteries to the isthmus. It is very striking.” To see what the coins are worth today I went to several internet sites. I found one where the 1993 gold versions were sold out but a 1/5th ounce gold coin from 1994 was selling for $459. Another site showed a 1997 1/10 ounce gold for $349.66, a 1997 1/5th ounce gold for $551.16 and a 1996 ½ oz gold for $1,061.44.The same site had a 1996 1/5 ounce platinum for $693.40 and a 1993 silver crown for $88.90. The bad news is I don’t own one. n

Line Management Services listing member of Gibraltar Stock Exchange Line Management Services Limited (LMS), a subsidiary of Line Group (associated with Hassans), has been approved as a Listing Member of the Gibraltar Stock Exchange (“GSX”) which was launched in November 2014.

Beatrix Potter Helen Beatrix Potter was born in London on 28th July, 1866. Both her parents had artistic talents. Her father Rupert trained as a lawyer but devoted his time to photography and art while her mother Helen did embroidery and painted watercolours. The family, including brother Bertram, took frequent holidays to the countryside where Beatrix showed a talent for sketching and a love of animals. In the late 1870s she studied at the National Arts Training school. With the publication of her first book The Tale of Peter Rabbit Beatrix achieved fame. With the many children’s books that followed she became wealthy enough to purchase Top Hill Farm in the Lake District. She married lawyer William Heelis in 1913 and after that only published a few more books, her final one, The Tale of Little Pig Robinson, in 1930. Instead of writing Beatrix focused her attention on her farm and land preservation in the Lake District. She died on 22nd December, 1943 and in her will she left much of her land holdings to the National Trust to protect it from development and preserve it for future generations.

Ian Felice, CEO of Line Group

Richard Bowry, Senior Associate and fund specialist

The services of a Listing Member are required by any entity seeking to list on the GSX. The Listing Member introduces Issuers to the GSX and acts as the conduit for communications between the Issuer and the exchange. Senior Associate Caireen Provasoli is LMS’ Nominated Person for all listing membership services. The GSX is currently only open for the listing of open ended collective investment schemes. However, by Q3 2015, it is targeted that the GSX will start listing closed ended funds, and thereafter will be looking to expand into the listing of securities other than shares. Further ahead, the listing of non-fund entities is envisaged. Ian Felice, CEO of Line Group, commented: “This is an extremely welcome development. Due to the association LMS has with Hassans, we will be able to offer our clients, both Gibraltar and internationally based, a seamless full service for those that wish to list on the GSX.” Richard Bowry, Senior Associate and fund specialist at Hassans commented: “We are delighted to be working with Line Group in relation to the listing of funds on the GSX. The Funds Team of Hassans comprises Gibraltar’s largest legal team dedicated to mutual funds work, and our combination with LMS for GSX listing purposes will, we believe, put us in

a unique position of being able to offer a full legal and advisory service to funds seeking a GSX listing.” Nick Cowan, Managing Director of the GSX, outlined the key benefits for listing a fund on the GSX: “As a new exchange, it has been possible to design the GSX with the latest technology and in a manner that reflects the current needs of the alternative funds industry. The alternative fund world has dramatically changed since the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFMD) came into force. In essence, non EU funds cannot market in the EU other than by way of private placement regimes if available. However shares that are listed on an exchange but not available for trading are not deemed to be marketed solely as a consequence of that listing. Listing its shares on the GSX therefore gives a fund visibility in the EU that it might not otherwise have.” A Listing should be achievable in four to six weeks, which is competitive when compared to other exchanges, and is also extremely cost effective. The cost of listing is negligible in the overall context of running a fund, with an initial listing fee for EU funds standing at £1,750 and the annual listing fee at £1,500.” n

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That Nail Place Nail Extensions Gel - Acrylic - Fibreglass

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Airbrushing Nail Art Body Jewellery

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

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GACHE & CO LTD EST. 1830

T5

• Giftware • Jewellery • Sports Trophies • Awards & Engravers

L4

266 Main St, Gibraltar Tel: 200 75757

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R4

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Gibraltar Taxi Association

D8

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

J7 I4

Quality Kitchen Ware Gibraltar’s Best Stocked Cook Shop K5

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46 Irish Town Tel: 200 75188 Fax: 200 72653

K5

L4

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T4

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take-away or reserve a table

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

Tel: 200 73786

184 Main Street Tel: 200 72133 open: from 8am (10am on Sun) Accountants Carboni Jardim............................X3 ESV Hassan & Co........................ I4 Business/Financial Services AI Couriers..................................K3 Barclays...................................... M4 Jyske Bank.................................. L4 Sovereign Trust...........................N4 ITMS............................................ J9 Business Services Waste Management......................a6 Business Supplies Beacon Press...............................N6 Image Graphics...........................N3 Stitch Design................................P3

Queensway Quay (next to Waterfront)

Motoring & Car Sales A. M. Capurro & Sons Ltd ........ N6 Computers & Cableing Image Graphics........................... N3 Newton Systems.........................M5 PC Clinic..................................... U3 Fashion/Clothing Marble Arc....................................J4 Food & Drink Amin’s The Office....................... K5 Bridge Bar .................................. B5 Buddies Pasta Casa..................... Q4 Cafe Rojo.................................... K5 Café Solo..................................... G3 Casa Pepe.....................................Z6

K8 Z6

TASTY INDIAN CUISINE

Get Stuffed................................... A3 House of Sacarello........................L5 Just Desserts...................................I4 Lord Nelson................................. H2 The Lounge ..................................Z6 O’Reilly’s Irish Pub......................B5 Picadilly Gardens.......................... b4 Pick-a-Bite.....................................J6 Saccone & Speed...........................J4 Solo Express................................ H4 Star Bar........................................ K5 Verdi Verdi................................... H4 Waterfront.................................... Y7

Roots.............................................T4

Hair & Beauty Salons Claudia’s Clinic............................ K4 Joya’s Gents Hairdressers............ N2 Renaissance Beauty.......................J4

Legal Services Hassans........................................ Q6 Isolas.............................................E4

Jewellery Sales/Repair Essardas.........................................L4 Jewellery Repairs..........................L4 Matthew’s Jewellery......................I3 Radhika.........................................L4 Leisure Complete Fitness ������������������������� R3 Dolphin Safari ����������������������������� A3 Ocean Village Gym �������������������� C4 Atlantic Suites Gym & Spa...........J9

Medical / Health Bell Pharmacy..............................N3 Claudia’s Clinic............................K4 Dr. Crump, Steven, Chiropractor I4 Health Food Store........................O4 Louis Pharmacy...........................H4 McTimoney chiropractor.............L4 Sport-On - Sports Therapy...........K3 Steiner Chiropractor.....................K7 Pet Services / Supplies Gibraltar Veterinary Clinic..........H4 Property Sales / Estate Agents BFA..............................................G4 Chesterton....................................D5 Savills............................................J5 Solomon Levy .............................U3

O2

General Services Balloqui ......................................P4 LP Borge.................................... X3 Denville Designs........................M3 Greenarc..................................... X5 Larbi upholstery......................... R3 Shopping — General Image...........................................E6 Originarta ....................................)2 Recruitment RecruitGibraltar ������������������������ O6 SRG Europe.................................I3 Transport / Marine Services Gib Cargo................................... B8 Tarik Oil..................................... C8

Learn Guitar

Classical Guitar Tuition Indian Cuisine to Eat In or Take Away

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

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gibraltar the

● B.Mus and PGDip in Classical Guitar Performance ● Beginners or advanced including ABRSM graded exams ● Half hour lessons £15 or £20 for one hour ● Lessons from 5.30pm at OriginArta, 29 Governor’s Street

For info or to book a lesson

O2 Tel: Adam 58181000 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2015

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Rock Photos Expands Rock Photos, beneath the escalator on the ground floor of the ICC, has now expanded to include a spacious new unit just opposite Pizza Hut and around the corner from their existing location. As well as printing photos Rock Photos creates all kinds of gifts featuring your photos from mugs, aprons and keyrings to mouse mats and cushions. The new shop stocks a huge selection of picture frames, including some which would make perfect Valentine’s gifts for your loved one. n

Personalise it! Let’s face it, while diamonds may be a girl’s best friend the most romantic gifts are personalised and quirky. You don’t have to spend a fortune on your loved one to be in their good books make it special and show you have put some effort into it and it will be worth more brownie points than you might think. Most of us have files of photos on our phones or computers which never make it into print. Pick your favourite shot of the two of you together and have it printed, and framed in a romantic frame (see above for ideas), or have it made into something which can be kept well beyond 14th Feb. Try a keyring, or a cushion, or a mug they can take to work... and feel the love in return. ❤

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events fashion

leisure & sport

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

Retail& Activities

shopping & gifts

hair & beauty

lessons & tuition

GACHE & CO LTD EST. 1830

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

travel & hotels

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

CRAFT CLASSES - PHONE FOR INFO

newsagents/books

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

pets & accessories

FROST LANGUAGE CENTRE

Tel: (+350) 20074000 Fax: 20040030

(registered in Gibraltar)

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

Tel: 200 73786

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

photography

Archive editions of The Gibraltar Magazine now available online at www.thegibraltarmagazine.com GIBRALTAR MAGAziNE • FEBRUARY 2015 2015 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY

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Duelling Days On The Rock

words | Reg Reynolds

200 years ago there was no love lost between the British Army’s 64th Regiment of Foot and the Mediterranean fleet of the US Navy, which is clearly evidenced by three duels that took place at Gibraltar in the spring of 1819. It seems that whenever US ships docked was somewhat embellished at the expense at Gibraltar some members of the 64th of the American, ordered Captain Taylor to would make a point of making life difficult for the American officers. Both sides traded banter and insults. The animosity stemmed from the recently ended War of 1812-14. The 64th had fought in the war and on one occasion been ordered to provide a burial guard for an American officer, Captain James Lawrence. Lawrence had been killed when his 38-gun frigate USS Chesapeake was battered and boarded by the Royal Navy frigate (also 38 guns) HMS Shannon. The event that initiated the string of duels happened at 11:30 one night when a Captain Taylor of an American merchant ship was returning from the theatre to his lodgings. He was stopped by a sentry because he didn’t have a light. This was contrary to an order by Governor Sir George Don that, “No person shall walk without carrying a light after 10 o’clock”. The incident was reported in the Edinburgh Register: “Captain Taylor, being detained about half an hour, became impatient, and ran towards the door of his lodgings, which was only ten yards distant. The door was fast, and the sentry seized him; and he was brought to the main guard, when Captain Johnson, of the 64th, after hearing the sentry’s story, which

They were received by a number of officers who laughed at them, which so irritated the Americans that they offered to fight

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be committed to the crib.” In jail Captain Taylor was denied pen, ink and paper and Captain Johnson refused to provide his address as he considered the American of “insufficient rank” for a meeting; the word meeting being used as a euphemism for a dual. Duals were a common means for settling disputes *[see note] but only between men of equal rank. Lower ranks were caned or horsewhipped. With the help of some influential local merchants Captain Taylor obtained his release but before he sailed he warned that friends were coming and his honour would be avenged. Three warships of the US Mediterranean fleet arrived and the officers of the sloop USS Erie drew lots to see who would challenge Captain Johnson for a dual with pistols. The lucky (or unlucky) man was Lieutenant Bourne. Bourne, with Lieutenant Stockton as his second, faced Captain Johnson on the neutral ground, was wounded in the groin, but ”not gravely”. That should have been the end of the matter but then another incident a few days later sparked more trouble. At 10pm on the night of 30th March, First Lieutenant Humphrys of the American frigate United States was returning to his ship through Ragged Staff Gate when he

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asked the sergeant of the guard to lower the bridge. The sergeant explained that he had to ask the duty officer’s permission. This was Ensign Nutt who called out, “Send the Yankee in and let us have a look at him.” When Humphrys entered the guardroom he found Ensign Nutt reclining on a couch. Nutt remarked, “So you want to go down.” The indignant American replied, “When a gentleman speaks to me, I wish him to address me on his legs.” At this Nutt jumped up and shouted “By God you are drunk.” Insulted the American asked for the Ensign’s name which he refused to give. Mr Humphrys then said, “That can easily be found; but as I am obliged to sail tomorrow you will hear from a friend of mine.” The friend was Dr. Montgomery the surgeon of the Erie. Montgomery and Lieutenant Stockton went to Nutt’s quarters and demanded an explanation, but none was given. The physician then challenged the Ensign to a duel but Nutt declined. The Edinburgh Register reported what happened next: “The Americans then went to the mess room of the 64th to post Ensign Nutt. They were received by a number of officers who laughed at them, which so irritated the Americans that they offered to fight any officer of the 64th regiment. A dead silence ensued, and the Americans receiving no reply called the whole regiment a parcel of cowards: on which Captain Frith stepped forward for the honour of the regiment, and said, he would meet either of the Americans tomorrow morning on the neutral ground at 5 o’clock, which accordingly took place, and Captain Frith received Dr Montgomery’s ball in the hip.” On learning of the second duel Governor Don issued an order that no officers should go beyond the gates and the Captain of the Erie ordered that no officer should leave the ship. But none of this phased Lieutenant Stockton who was a firm believer in duelling and was still chafing over remarks Captain Johnson had made after the duel with Bourne. Stockton later wrote: “I went ashore without distrust. The flag had been grossly insulted by a British officer, who was now backed up by his comrades. I was the only unmarried officer aboard the Erie, and my duty, was of course clear.” The Edinburgh Register: “They [Stockton and Johnson] met on the Rock at St. Michael’s Cave, and, after exchanging one shot without effect, they were interrupted by a party of soldiers sent to seize them. The Erie sailed over to Algeziras [sic] where she remained for some days, and thus ended these unpleasant disputes”. After the second duel, Governor Don proclaimed that any officer coming ashore to fight a duel would be hanged but Stockton only received a reprimand. He went on to rise to the rank of Commodore fought in the Mexican-American War, used his naval forces to capture Los Angeles and installed himself as the first American Governor of California. He became wealthy through ma-

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Robert Field Stockton (August 20, 1795 – October 7, 1866) was born at Morven, Stockton Street, Princeton, New Jersey into a political family; his father Richard Stockton was a US Senator and Representative, and his grandfather, Judge Richard Stockton was Attorney General for New Jersey and a signer of the Declaration of Independence

jor development projects. He died on 7th October, 1866 aged 71. The cities of Stockton, California, Stockton, Missouri and Fort Stockton, Texas are named after him. n *Note: Between 1798 and 1861 — War of 1812, War with the Barbary Pirates and the Mexican-American War — two-thirds more American

naval officers were killed in duels than in combat. There were 82 duels fought between 1799 and 1836. Stephen Decatur, hero of the Barbary Wars, said that any man who makes arms his profession could not decline an invitation to a duel. He fought one in 1799 and was killed in one 20 years later. He was Stockton’s mentor. Stockton fought two duels in 1817 and a third in 1819.

None of this phased Lieutenant Stockton who was a firm believer in duelling and was still chafing over remarks Captain Johnson had made after the duel with Bourne

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Darius Cotizo

Living a Cultured Life

words | Richard Cartwright

Because we’ve been raised on the Rock in a non-service industry culture job-wise, especially with regard to bar and restaurant work, I think it’s fair to say many of us in Gibraltar, even today, may assume waiting on tables and serving behind a bar is below what’s expected of us and attracts individuals of less academic leaning... how wrong can we be!

Serving and ex-members of the Royal Engineers attended a Church Service held in Gibraltar’s King’s Chapel marking the consecration of the new Royal Engineers flag which was donated by the Corps. Darius Cotizo is pictured in the background.

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There are many from across the frontier and other places, who are very academically qualified and are working in the bar trade. Why? Because the kind of jobs they may be seeking are simply not available or, for some, they simply love the profession and are well trained for it. These days it’s not entirely uncommon to see the odd Gibraltarian working in the service/catering sector and many of our students are not shy in coming forward to take on this kind of employment during holiday time to provide extra, welcomed pocket money. The opening of the Gibraltar University, scheduled for September 2015, with its tourism and hospitality focus is sure to see different attitudes developing to the profession. I frequent a number of establishments in town and am always keen to learn about those who are waiting on tables or working behind the bar. Invariably as we chat, I’m enlightened and sometimes surprised about how academically rich some of them are. Many of them come armed with qualifications of a high standard and tell me about the work they’ve done in other parts of the world. “You know, cutting this portion of cake, I’m earning four times what I was earning as a psychology teacher in Poland,” Pietr reveals as he goes about serving a customer in one of our local restaurants. In another, Tudor, a Romanian, informs me he has a degree in Geography and another in music as he pours my wine... Waiter Martin is German and he’s an Engineer... and Italian Gianni, was just short of qualifying as a lawyer, but ended his studies due to personal reasons. But top of the list so far, has to be Gui Darius Cotizo from Romania. Darius — to his newly found friends on the Rock — is a mine of information. He’s a walking talking — and he can certainly talk! — volume of European History and more: you can reasonably call him an intellectual and he will `lecture’ on many subjects from Cromwell, the arts, the Popes, through to the French Revolution and anything in between... ”Although my father was a simple electrician he was a cultured man and my mother was a school teacher. I come from a city of about 120,000 called Arad in Romania and I was about 18 or 19 when I too, taught in a college called Elena Ghiba Birta in Arad.”

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Darius moved through a number of jobs as a manager in Public Relations and Sales and Marketing in hotels and other companies. The Cotizo family was a religious one and practising their chosen faith was not an easy task during the USSR days and they felt oppressed culturally, but Darius was determined to follow through his studies. “Between 1992 and 2009 I studied hard and managed to get a Bachelor Degree in Letters and Languages from Aurel Vlaicu University in Arad, Romania then, through a scholarship for the Vatican offered to Eastern churches, I obtained a Masters in History and Religious Studies from the Pontificalis Instituto Orientalis in Rome, and a BA in History and religion from the Pontifical Institute Julio Aberoni in Piacenza in Italy.” Darius, not surprisingly, is fluent in Italian as well as French and English, and manages some German and does well with Spanish too! He went right through his studies successfully and qualified as a priest but struggled with his conscience when it came to taking the next step... “I asked myself, is my compromise greater than my conscience?” Darius recalls, “And felt there was too much hypocrisy all around me. I was also concerned about personal issues, so I dropped out and was never in-

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stalled as a priest! Yes, we love preaching but not practising. The world is full of it so I just couldn’t go on. “There is a need for more humility and work ethic, that’s what’s important in life not whether you’re a waiter or working behind a bar, there’s nothing wrong with that,” he states. Friends had told Darius that Gibraltar was not a bad place to visit and maybe seek work. It was British and much of the basic culture was there but also there was a strong Mediterranean feeling to the place so why not give it a try. Gibraltar can be a spot where the `Marmite syndrome’ very much comes into play,

Darius is a mine of information. He’s a walking talking — and he can certainly talk! — volume of European History and more

you either love it or hate it, and so far, Darius seems to be in the former league! The perception of Romanians and other Eastern European nationals, if media reports are to be believed, often don’t create a pretty picture. “We mustn’t forget when we hear of immigrants flooding certain countries, those countries, as former colonisers now have to pay the price for having, plundered in some cases, taken over and controlled those colonised peoples in the past. That was certainly the case in Romania where we were taken over and made to serve our colonisers.” Well Darius has now moved on to take up other work in Gibraltar and is no longer employed in the bar/cafeteria trade. “I’m just 36 years old and my aim is to continue to live a cultured life and when possible travel to see the different realities of Europe, especially in the west, and by meeting people from different countries they can hopefully realise us Easterners are not bad boys and many of us have a formal education!” A career in bar and restaurant work can be a chosen path in life, and it is an honest job like any other which takes skill to do well. So be on the lookout when next served your favourite coffee or tipple, your server could well have a fascinating tale to tell, and even if not, he or she will certainly be a respected, fellow human being! n

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Tuesday 10th February 2015

Safer Internet Day Childline’s Education team will be involved in several activities over the next few weeks to coincide with safer Internet Day on the 10th February.

lines and boundaries you may want to discuss with your children. Childline also have available activities for schools and youth groups on internet safety and have already successfully delivered sessions for the youth service and the Scouts. If you would like someone from the team to help your school/youth/sports group on this subject please contact us on education@childline.gi Further information and resources on Safer Internet Day can be found here: www.saferOn the day itself, there will be an infor- internet.org.uk mation stall outside the ICC aimed at both parents and children and raising awareness Many parents find it difficult to about how to stay safe online and what risks there can be if you share too much personal have conversations with their information. Many parents find it difficult to have conversations with their children about children about their internet use their internet use and therefore few parents and therefore few parents are are setting any boundaries. Our team will be available to discuss options on how to broach setting any boundaries the subject and to talk about the sorts of guide-

Share Aware The NSPCC is running a UK campaign called Share Aware which gives information about how to keep your kids safe on social networks. “We tell our children to share but online it’s different. In fact sometimes sharing online can be dangerous. That’s why we’re asking parents to be Share Aware and keep children safe online,” the site states. Visit www.nspcc.org.uk or search for Share Aware to discover more.

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Mini Conference on Self-Harm Childline Gibraltar are spearheading a mini conference aimed at increasing awareness on the issue of self-harm. It is due to take place within the next couple of months. Based on Childline’s statistics, this appears to be a growing issue locally and there is a need for specialised training in this area. The conference will be aimed at both parents and professionals working with children and will explore the theory behind what self-harm is and why young people harm. It will contain an overview of the latest research on the extent of self-harm among young people, look at how to respond to a self-harm disclosure and support a young person through to a place of recovery. It is planned to be a mixture of theory and practical activities aiming to give participants the confidence to know how to approach the subject and support young people. There will be an expert keynote speaker from the UK delivering the conference and it is hoped to offer the same conference twice, during the daytime and during the evening to give everyone interested an opportunity to attend. There will be a nominal charge. If you are interested or would like to be kept informed of the conference details please contact Darryl Britto on education@childline.gi or call 54018317.

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human resources

vive la différence Manar’s Story of Survival Manar Ben finally found happiness away from the bullies when she started college. Here she bravely shares her story of growing up ‘different’. Most pregnancies go perfectly fine but others have complications. When I got out from my mum’s tummy (womb) I was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, ‘’CP’’ for short. I stayed in the hospital for two nights to get more oxygen because it was lacking. Most of you might not know what Cerebral Palsy is. It’s a physical disability which can affect your speech and movement, it’s all about the muscles and the way you move. Most people with CP use a wheelchair or crutches but I am thankful that I use none of those. My time growing up was difficult. I started school late because I moved to Gibraltar and I was an immigrant for five years. So when I finally started school, I got constantly bullied. I used to run to the bathroom to cry my eyes out because it was getting so hard. At the age of 13 the bullying continued because I went to an all girls’ school and let’s face it, if you put girls together they become bitchy. It was only when I went to College that I found happiness because no one gave me a hard time and no one bullied me. For once I felt alive and happy in so many ways, it’s hard to express. However, I’ll always remember the email my ‘friends’ once sent me. I remember so many tears and being stuck in my room the whole of summer 2010 wishing I was like everyone else, because they told me I was not like them. Looking back at it now, I am happy I am not like them... Depression was calling! I was depressed and I don’t think I ever thought I’d be depressed but you can never know what this world brings. This world has many judgmental and sad peo-

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I remember so many tears and being stuck in my room the whole of summer 2010 wishing I was like everyone else... Looking back at it now, I am happy I am not like them ple, it is by far the most common thing. People bring you down because you are different, they tear you to pieces and they take away the happiness you had by just saying one word. Words hurt, you can’t press ‘undo’ when it comes to the words coming from your mouth. I went through this because people’s words threw me into a circle of sadness where I sat opposite the wall praying I would be just like everyone else one day. I was on the road of never coming back, I faced challenges I never thought I would — challenges that took me into bad thoughts and bad places I wouldn’t want to go back to. ‘’Time heals wounds,’’ they once said. I went through the harming stage for two and

a half years. I found cutting myself relieving and it took my mind off many things. I would bleed and I would cut, knowing everything was okay when I cut my wrist, but in reality nothing was okay. Paranoia touched down. I was afraid of people asking why I had scars on my arms or why were my arms bleeding? The answers were ‘’My cat bit me’’ or ‘’I scratched myself without knowing I had long nails’’. I was at the edge of killing myself, but my temptations never worked, in fact. I lost breath twice when I covered my face with a pillow, but I took it away just in time. My whole body felt numb. I felt like the world had ended but my spirits were still alive. n

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coffee time

SUDOKU Just for fun!

by Alan Gravett 2

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Jotting Pad Send completed crossword to The Clipper, Irish Town, Gibraltar.

FIRST PRIZE: Lunch for 2 at The Clipper

One entry per person. Closing date: 15th February ’15 Last month’s winner: Abigail Garcia, Nelsons View

LAST MONTH’S ANSWERS: Across: Infact, Zebra, Daring, Archer, Diva, Revolver, Sweetbreads, Aloevera, Airy, Lotion, Images, Tarka, Snatch. Down: Italics, Frigate, Cigarette, Zorro, Behaved, Aurora, Wallet, Wooster, Viola, Variation, Adamant, Screech.

Across 1. Provides financial means of support (6) 4. Abbreviation of name of a midland county of England (6) 9. Large N American aquatic creature (7) 10. “Once ---- - time” is the start of many a fairy tale (4,1) 11. Cog; part of a denture (5) 12. European country with Tirana as its capital (7) 13. Horror writer (7,4) 18. Having difficulty (2,1,4) 20. Recess with a bay window or the window itself (5) 22. Group of 8 (5) 23. With no clothes on (adverb) (7) 24. Cord for tying (6) 25. Unpaid debt etc. (6) Down 1. Hostility (6) 2. Nightclub with modern musical entertainment (5) 3. Vessel built for aggressive use (7) 5. Digit (5) 6. Show disfavour towards (5,2) 7. Matelot (6) 8. He is commemorated on 14 February (2, 9) 14. Farm vehicle (7) 15. Attachment on door allowing a visitor to announce his or her arrival (7) 16. Aviators (6) 17. Sports participant; actor (6) 19. Mountaineering peg (5) 21. Record label, film producer etc. who is not part of the mainstream; affectionate nickname for a daily news paper (5)

EasyJet has daily flights from Gibraltar to London’s Gatwick airport

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Valentine’s Day Launch for Karma 13 Single Karma 13 is a new band made up of musicians from Gibraltar and Algeciras, and they are on track to release their first album in 2015. The band describes their music as “Responding to random signals containing the necessary frequencies for an audience of broad spectrum.” Peter Chichon (drums), Aaron Ignacio (guitar), Dani Ghio (bas), and Ik Delgado (vocals) create a sound that is exciting, compelling and incisive. The band delivers conventional tunings, choruses you can connect to, some autobiographical songs and the signature of a relatively long career of some of its members. With only a month of social network exposure Karma 13 has managed to capture the attention of more than 1,000 followers on Facebook and in the same month clocked up 1,000 video views on YouTube. To find out what all the fuss is about visit Facebook: www.facebook.com/karma13oficial or Youtube: www. youtube.com/user/karma13oficial Karma 13 will be releasing its first single, Grita, on 14th February 2015. n

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isolate

a map to Fatima’s islands words | Elena Scialtiel

There’s a woman who has turned into art the remotest islands on Earth. In her collection Habitantes de Moebius, Algeciras-born artist Fatima Conesa Oliva portrays a series of islands and islets on small wooden squares with rounded corners — beermat style — layered with etched perspex, to portray the human resilience in challenging the most inhospitable and extreme living conditions they may find themselves dwelling, whether by choice or not. She starts with the delightful aerial view of the volcanic tip of Overseas Territory Tristan da Cunha that lies in solitude in the frosty currents of southernmost Atlantic, because its population of about 300 souls sits on the littlest piece of land furthest away from any other land, almost a grain de beauté on Earth’s chin. Nevertheless, its green dark vegetation and ocean surf lapping its coastline is the epitome of nature perfection in its full splendour and peacefulness. Fatima moves on to Migingo, an islet in the

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African Lake Victoria disputed between neighbouring countries, and home to a tiny fishing community which lives in corrugated iron sheds, clearly visible in her aerial shot, giving it the look of a deformed tortoise carapace. A lesson in patriotism comes from the inhabitants of the Japanese island of Miyakejima, whose volcano exudes toxic gases. The central government proposed to relocate its tiny population to the mainland, but they chose to live their lives wearing gas masks rather than abandon their homeland. Artistically, the impression of gasping for air in this artwork is quite vivid, highlighted by the choice of greys and browns and the gaping crater as focus for the picture. Quite reminiscent of Tristan da Cunha in shape, Miyakejima represents its natural nemesis, barren and poisonous as opposite to the luscious British outpost, and even if its aloofness is not due to geographical position,

surely Miyakejima becomes the symbol of voluntary confinement for the human psyche. Then we have Jan Mayen, the tadpole-shaped Norwegian volcanic island in the Arctic Ocean towered by a snow-capped peak and home only to a meteorological institute, reachable by Hercules military planes on a gravel runway or ship at the anchor, because there is no harbour as such. Finally, Wrangel, another Arctic Ocean station, situated between Siberia and Alaska, breeding ground for polar bears, seals, walrus and lemmings, and visited only by scientific expeditions. This one is captured in all the glory of its lichen-covered grey rocks, as a reminder that Nature is always one step ahead of mankind in adapting and colonising even the most inaccessible habitat. From real to imaginary geography, Fatima completes the collection with a further set of ‘satellite shots’ of territories that exist only in

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art focus When it comes to size, there’s no middle measure for Fatima: she either goes for micro pictures or for macro canvases where she paints abstract landscapes in oils, charcoal and china ink her mind, but could be real indeed in a parallel universe, a sort of Middle Earth that pushes the boundaries of the great explorers’ golden era. Eventually she moves on towards the places she wants to go, the title of her second collection of square and perspex squares, featuring maps of Tibet, Senegal and Ireland, just to quote some. Her website (fatimaconesa.com), dedicated to this soul-searching pilgrimage, so describes the somehow negative transformation of infinite geographical space into finite social, political and economical conventions: “The space is empty and it seems more or less infinite. In other words: everything for nobody. A man arrives and plants a flag: the whole, absolute space belongs to him; a second man arrives and plants his one, so the space is divided in two equal parts, one for each; the third arrives and there is yet another division; the fourth; the fifth and so on up to infinite.” Indeed, because we assumed that the space is infinite. But colonisers are infinite too. So, “In other words: nothing for nobody,” she concludes. When it comes to size, there’s no middle measure for Fatima: she either goes for micro pictures or for macro canvases where she paints abstract landscapes in oils, charcoal and china ink. An average of three square metres can barely contain the exuberance of her monochrome Out Dispersion, the collective title of a series of marshland and desert planes, where edgy black brushstrokes create again a sense of desolation, on the background of pastel skies and golden reflections. There’s no space for man in these spacious lands, as Fatima shuns from architecture rendition and pursues the open air and great outdoors, the calling of an untamed nature where the flora is just sketched and the fauna lies inconspicuous in it, but the onlooker can feel the scent of briny waters, and the cheeping of migrant birds among the swish of tall grass in the sunset breezes. Dreaming of becoming a full-time artist since a young age, Fatima has seen her dreams come true after her graduation in Fine Arts in 2000, and her specialisations in lithography and xylography, with countless solo and collective exhibitions and coveted prizes all over Spain. n Fatima Conesa Oliva lands south of the border thanks to a permanent collaboration with the Cavilla Art Gallery in Horse Barracks Court, where her solo exhibition was successfully launched last December.

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A CHIP OFF THE ROCK IN CHICAGO

words | Reg Reynolds

When Prudential Insurance decided to build a skyscraper in Chicago in 1952 they wanted some artwork that would illustrate the company’s relationship with Gibraltar. They chose renowned sculptor Alfonso Ianelli to produce a representation of the Prudential logo. The 41-storey building opened on 8th December, 1955. At the dedication ceremony the British Consul General, Robert Whyte Mason, presented Prudential officials with a piece of the Rock of Gibraltar. This ‘chip’ was used to seal a time capsule which was enclosed in a column of the building. The capsule was to be opened in the year 2000. The Prudential building, designed by Carl Landefeld, was the first skyscraper to be built in Chicago since 1934. It cost $40,000,000 and at the time was the tallest building in the city. The building is a rather plain looking block and not everyone appreciated its appearance but Ianelli’s bas relief of Gibraltar received pretty

At the dedication ceremony the British Consul General, Robert Whyte Mason, presented Prudential officials with a piece of the Rock of Gibraltar

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Sculptor Alfonso Ianelli at work

much universal approval. A review on the website Chicago Architecture Info describes the building thus: “Lifeless from a distance... might as well hold cattle or cardboard boxes... completely fails to translate the imagination and inspiration of the human spirit into architectural form... completely fails to soar skyward, but rather constrain people inside; obedient paper-pushers in their cubicle farm Hell. Well that may seem a bit harsh, it’s buildings like this that reflect not the grand spirit of freedom but the conformity that inspired so many Soviet-era apartment blocks in Eastern Europe. Still, One Prudential Plaza isn’t completely without merit. To start, it turned a portion of a dirty railroad yard into productive commercial space. Further this was the first skyscraper erected in the city after the Second World War, so that should count for something. Moreover, the building actually sports a work of art. The Prudential Company’s Rock of Gibraltar logo is in relief with gold accents on the lower extension of the building. This was executed by Alfonso Ianelli.” The Monumental Chicago guide to finding statues and public art in Chicago adds: “Aside from the commercial advertising, this relief of the Rock of Gibraltar catches one’s eye from Michigan Avenue and upon entering Millennium Park, with its high relief and gold lettering.” When Ianelli completed his sculpture there was no writing below the image of the Rock, but then mysterious black and white letters began appearing beneath the logo. Prudential

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officials decided the company name should be added in order to protect the copyright. Ianelli suggested letters carved into the building’s limestone and decorated with gold leaf and that is what one sees to this day. With the addition of the letters the sculpture became 42-feet high. In 1990 Prudential opened a 64-storey building right next to the original and the two towering structures became known as One Prudential Plaza and Two Prudential Plaza. Alfonso Ianelli was born the son of a shoemaker at Andretta, Italy on 17th February, 1888. When he was 10-years-old the family emigrated to America and settled in Newark, New Jersey. Alfonso was apprenticed to a jeweller and later won a scholarship to the New York Art Student’s League. He studied under the Idaho-born Gutzon Burghum who later sculpted the faces of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt (Teddy) and Lincoln onto Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. Wanting to see the Red Indians that he had read about as a child in Italy, Alfonso travelled

west and eventually wound up in Los Angeles. He was designing posters for Vaudeville shows when his work was spotted by John Lloyd Wright the son of the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. John introduced Alfonso to his father and in 1914 the two worked together on the Midway Gardens development in Chicago. But they fell out when Lloyd Wright took all the credit for the architecture and sculptures. Alfonso went on to provide numerous works for the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair and with his wife Margaret, a talented illustrator and artist, established Ianelli Studios in Park Ridge, Illinois. It was soon one of the best known studios in the region. Alfonso also entered into industrial design and produced everything from hair clippers to coffee makers; his most famous design being a Sunbeam toaster. Alfonso was paid $1,420 for his Rock of Gibraltar sculpture. It was his last major work. He died on 23rd March, 1965. What about the Gibraltar chip? As far as can be determined the time capsule was never opened so it remains inside a column of One Prudential Plaza. n

The building is a rather plain looking block and not everyone appreciated its appearance but Ianelli’s bas relief of Gibraltar received pretty much universal approval

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Harp Recital In association with the Parasol Foundation, Anne-Sophie Bertrand will be the featured artist of the next concert of the Gibraltar Philharmonic Society in a harp recital on Thursday 19th February 2015 at 8pm, at the Convent Ballroom. The programme will feature compositions by JS Bach, G Fauré, E Parish Alvars, M Tournier, C Debussy. “Praised for her great sonority and her musical versatility, Anne-Sophie Bertrand is one of the most distinguished harpists of her generation.” Born in Paris, of Franco-American nationality, Anne-Sophie started playing the harp at the age of five. She accomplished her musical studies with Honours at the Royal Academy of Music of London with Skaila Kanga and received her Masters Degree at the Brussels Music Conservatorium. She received the title “Associate” granted by the Royal Academy of Music for outstanding musicians. A winner of numerous prizes; Tenuto soloists competition in Brussels, BBC young artists auditions, Cardiff international harp competition, Anne-Sophie was selected by the Parklane Group in London. As a result, she has given concerts throughout the UK, Europe and South America. Anne-Sophie was appointed Solo Harpist with Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra in 2000. A regular guest with such orchestras as the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Bamberger Symphoniker, L’ Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio-France, she has worked with conductors such as Mariss Janssons, Paavo Jär-

vi, Kurt Masur, Herbert Blomstedt, Daniel Harding, Pierre Boulez, Gianandrea Noseda, Gustavo Dudamel and Karel Mark Chichon. As a soloist, Anne-Sophie has performed with Frankfurt Radio Symphony, Brussels Philharmonic, Dortmund Philharmonic Or-

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chestra, The NDR Symphony orchestra and with the Württemberg Chamber Orchestra Heilbronn. Tickets priced £20 are available from Sacarello’s coffee shoprestaurant in Irish Town and the Silver Shop at 222 Main Street or directly from the Society by

telephone on 200 72134. A limited number of tickets at £10 are available to senior citizens and students via the John Mackintosh Hall at 308 Main Street. Further information available from Tel: 200 72134 or www.philharmonic.gi. n

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A Meeting of Minds

compiled by Nina Sostaric

In this month of romance we thought we would head to the streets to find out how people met their partners...

pMalcolm Blagg Manager, Petroil Ltd I met my wife in Gibraltar in 1970, and we now have three children. We were dating for 10 years before we got married and it took me two years to hold her hand. Things were different back then!

qHarry Ward Former Soldier, Royal Gibraltar Regiment I also met my wife here in Gibraltar. Sadly she has now passed away due to cancer.

tAnthony Perera Retired I met my wife in Gibraltar, at the time we all used to meet on Main Street and just walked up and down. It was in the early ’50s and we have been married since 21st April 1961!

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tRichard Scales Retired I met my wife, Suzanne, 46 years ago at my brother’s wedding. We have been happily married ever since!

qFiona Shaxon Owner, Oasis Eatery I met my husband 30 years ago at a clay pigeon shooting in Staffordshire. It was actually a corporate event and I was working for the advertising agency who held the event and my husband was our client.

pJill Kentafi Take-away Manager, Just Desserts I have met my husband when I was on holiday with my family in Tangier 25 years ago. Life has never been the same since!

t Ferdaows Bouchekouf College Student If I could talk to anyone for an hour I would talk to my mum, because she is the only person that I trust.

Eloy Moreno u Director, Jewellery Repairs I just met my girlfriend recently, it was a few weeks ago and we met through the business actually!

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photos

IMAGES OF THE MONTH

Images of the Month This month varied images have been sent in by Michael Reyes and show a Euphorbia pulcherrima Poinsettia, O’Hara’s Battery 9.2”Guns, and a close-up of a Red Tail Hawk

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Get involved Do you have a great image of the Rock or one taken on the Rock? Something you would like to share with our readers? Send it in to info@thegibraltarmagazine.com and if we like it too we will publish it in the next issue. We especially like nature, unusual angles and street scenes, so keep them coming!

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Telling Tales

Gibraltar Spring Festival 2015 Short Story Competition Are you ready to start telling tales? The Ministry of Culture, in conjunction with Gibraltar Cultural Services, the Gibraltar Chronicle and the Department of Education, is holding a Short Story Competition as part of the Gibraltar Spring Festival 2015. The competition is open to both Gibraltarians and residents of Gibraltar who may submit one piece of work, in any subject. There will be four categories as follows: A School Years 4 to 7 (250 – 350 words) B School Years 8 to 11 (450 – 550 words) C School Years 12 to 13 (500 – 1000 words)

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D Adults (must not exceed 1000 words) The winning entries will be printed in the Gibraltar Chronicle. The overall winner will receive the Ministry of Culture prize of £300 and a trophy. Additionally, each category will receive a £50 voucher and a pen kindly donated by the Gibraltar Chronicle, plus a Trophy from the Ministry of Culture. Entry forms and full conditions are available from: Schools and College; The Department of Education, 23 Queensway; Cultural Services, 308 Main Street. Works may be handed in at the Gibraltar Cultural Services, John Mackintosh Hall, 308 Main Street between 9.30am and 7.30pm, Monday to Friday. The closing date for receipt of entries is: Monday 23rd March 2015. For further information contact the Events Department at Gibraltar Cultural Services, 308 Main Street, Gibraltar, or Tel: 200 67236 or e-mail: culture.info@culture.gov.gi. n

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Chocolate We thought we would share this deliciously simple chocolate cake recipe — mostly in case your invite us for tea! Ingredients 225g plain flour 350g caster sugar 85g cocoa powder 1½ tsp baking powder 1½ tsp bicarbonate of soda 2 free-range eggs 250ml milk 125ml rice bran or vegetable oil 2 tsp vanilla extract 250ml boiling water Icing 200g 200ml

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plain chocolate double cream

Method Heat the oven to 180C while you grease and line two 8in cake tins. Place all of the cake ingredients, except the water, into a large mixing bowl. Beat the mixture with a wooden spoon or whisk until smooth. Slowly add the boiling water to the mixture stiring until smooth. Divide the mix equally between the cake tins and bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the top is firm to touch and a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the tins, before icing. For the icing, heat the chocolate and cream in a saucepan over a low heat until the chocolate melts. Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk the mixture until smooth, glossy and thickened. Cool for 1-2 hours until thick enough to spread. Carefully remove the cool cakes from the tins. Spread some chocolate icing over the top of one cake, then top with the other cake. Put the cake on a serving plate and ice the cake all over using a palette knife - be as messy or neat as you like. Decorate as you wish (flake bits, strawberries, hundreds and thousands, icing sugar etc) and serve! n

No time to make cake? Try the mousse in minutes recipe for a quick but stylishly decadent dessert.

Chocolate Mousse 300g dark chocolate, roughly chopped 3 eggs 55g caster sugar 1 tbs cocoa powder, sifted 300ml thickened cream, plus extra whipped cream to serve Grated chocolate, to serve Place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pan of gently simmering water (don’t let the bowl touch the water). Stir until melted. Remove bowl from heat and set aside to cool slightly. Place eggs and sugar in a large bowl and beat with electric whisk for 5 minutes, or until mixture is pale, thick and doubled

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in volume. Fold in cooled chocolate and cocoa powder until combined. In a separate bowl, whip cream until thickened (be careful not to over-beat). Use a large metal spoon to carefully fold the cream into the chocolate mixture, trying to keep the mixture as light as possible. Spoon into 6 serving glasses and chill in fridge for at least 1 hour. Remove from fridge 15 minutes before serving, then top with extra whipped cream and grated chocolate to serve. n

Hot Hot Chocolate 2 pints 2 tbs 3 tbs 5 tbs 110g 1 pinch 1 pinch

whole milk cornflour icing sugar cocoa dark chocolate, grated ground cinnamon sea salt

Pour the milk into a large pan, heat until almost boiling. Add all the other ingredients to bowl and stir to combine. Add the chocolate mix to the hot milk, give it a good stir and heat for a few minutes before serving until chocolate melts in. Serve with cocoa and cinnamon sprinkled on top. n

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appetite

e to wher drink eat & the on k Roc

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

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

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

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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

chorizo, black pudding, egg and pancetta) and pizzas (eg: Quatto Stagioni topped with mozzarella, ham, chicken, pepperoni and mushroom) and specialities such as salmon fishcakes, beef medallions and duck. Daily specials on blackboard. No smoking. 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

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

Get Listed! Do you own a restaurant, café, or bar in Gibraltar? Get your business listed here

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food & drink

directory Get Listed! Do you own a restaurant, café, or bar in Gibraltar? Get your business listed here

CALL 200 77748 for details Get Stuffed Very popular takeaway, 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 B r i g h t a n d a i r y, recently redecorated cafe on the first floor of the ICC. All homemade food including daily specials, vegetarian options, desserts and small cakes. Eat in or takeaway. 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 • FEBRUARY 2015

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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

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

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

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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 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. Solo Express Grnd Flr, ICC, Casemates & Eurotowers

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 baguettes 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 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. All’s Well Casemates Square. Tel: 200 72987

Bridge Bar & Grill

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. Bridge Bar & Grill Ocean Village Tel: 200 66446

Cannon Bar 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. Cannon Bar 27 Cannon Lane. Tel: 200 77288

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

Jury’s Café-Wine Bar

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

Lord Nelson Bar/brasserie in Casemates. Done out like Nelson’s ship. Starters & snacks include fresh mussels, 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. Lord Nelson Bar Brasserie 10 Casemates Tel: 200 50009 Visit: www.lordnelson.gi

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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

Star Bar

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

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

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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

Grand Casemates Sq Tel: 20044449 take-away or reserve a table

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

Queensway Quay (next to Waterfront) Queensway Quay Marina, Tel: 200 61118

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

restaurant bar guide &

TASTY INDIAN CUISINE

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

Indian Cuisine to Eat In or Take Away

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

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

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

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words | Andrew Licudi

A View to the Past...

Last month I tasted my first 100 year old wine. The wine in question was a 1912 port from an unknown producer. It was brought to the tasting by a wine merchant friend of mine who had bought the wine from a widow who had approached him to sell her late husband’s small wine collection. The deceased gentleman had bought well and the wines had been impeccably cellared in the cold Scottish borders. Whilst we will never know I wondered why he hadn’t opened the port before he died perhaps, like us, he may have convinced himself that such an old wine would be almost certainly undrinkable and better to keep the illusion alive than face disappointment, or perhaps the gentleman had died unexpectedly! We decided that the port would be the last wine of the evening and when the time came the cork was carefully pulled. Not unexpectedly the cork disintegrated. We had been hoping that the cork, usually bearing the name of the producer, would tell us what the wine

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was as the only markings on the bottle was “port 1912” stamped on the wax capsule. The resulting bits of old cork yielded little information other than some indistinct letters and the number 12. The bottle itself spoke of an era where bottle production was not what it is today and looked hand crafted with the neck not quite in line with the body. When decanted the wine was clear and bright and resembled tea in colour with a wonderful clean and complex nose

The bottle itself spoke of an era where bottle production was not what it is today

suggesting it was, against all odds, in very good condition! When tasted it was found to be of extraordinary quality though we could not decide if it was a vintage port or some rarer but longed lived examples of tawny or garrafeira port. The deceased owner would surely have been delighted with his purchase and what a pity he was never to taste his carefully nurtured treasure. Perhaps a lesson for all of us! One of the pleasures of drinking older wine is looking back at the era when the wine was made — perhaps we were still at school or we had yet to meet our future partner! A sort of time travel not involving quantum physics or a Jules Verne machine. It is hard to imagine that when this port was made the trenches of France were still years away and that Hitler’s manic land grab and his obsession with restoring Germany’s geographical integrity, as he saw, was decades away. After this port was bottled millions lost their lives so others could live in freedom. Flying into Gibraltar one is struck that whilst we enjoy that hard earned freedom we are still kept under severe pressure by our neighbours for undignified reasons incompatible with a modern Europe. I have therefore decided that I will put away a good bottle of long lived vintage port with strict instructions that it should only be opened to toast our neighbour’s coming of age. I hope the wine will still be drinkable when it’s finally uncorked. n

Wines to be tasted at least once in your life Klein Constantia – South Africa This is the legendary 18th century muscat South African sweet dessert wine which at one time was the favourite of the royal houses in Europe. At their height they commanded extraordinary prices. It is said that Napoleon ordered this wine for his exile in St Helena. Changing fashion and the arrival Phyloxerra brought an end to this fabulous era and the wines ceased to be made. Recently the wines started to be produced from a small parcel of land known as Klein and which formed part of the original vineyards. They have received worldwide acclaim. These sweet Muscat of Alexandria wines are extraordinarily elegant and hugely enjoyable. I tasted the 1999 which was voluptuous, sweet and complex with a distinct buttery flavour. Expect to pay from £25 to £35 per bottle. n

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wine notes

Enhance the Romance with Pink Moët has been associated with the sparkle of success, glamour and romance ever since the House was founded in 1743 by Claude Moët. Rosé Impérial from Moët & Chandon is the perfect accompaniment to a romantic meal au deux. It is a spontaneous, radiant, romantic expression of the Moët & Chandon style, a style distinguished by its bright fruitiness, its seductive palate and its elegant maturity. The assemblage reflects the diversity and complementarity of the three grapes varietals: The intensity of Pinot Noir — 40 to 50% of which 10% red wine The roundness of Pinot Meunier — 30 to 40% of which 10% red wine. The elegance of Chardonnay — 10 to 20%. Tasting notes Rosé Impérial has a glowing

colour. Pink with amber highlights. A lively, intense bouquet of red fruits (wild strawberry, raspberry, cherry) with floral nuances of rose and a slight hint of pepper The juicy, persistent intensity of berries (strawberry, raspberry, redcurrant) combine with the fleshiness and firmness of peach and the freshness of a subtle note of menthol . Food Pairings Rosé Impérial pairs well with simple, intense, colourful flavours - red meat, duck, goose, fresh game; fresh goat cheese, mozzarella, mascarpone; redfleshed fruits; herbs, black olives, olive oil, red onions; pink peppercorns, Szechuan pepper and paprika. n

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Tues-Fri 10am - late Sat lunch 12pm-3pm Afternoon drinks & desserts Dinner 7pm-10pm Closed Sun & Mon

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d n u o r � ow� �

The fabulous Three Kings Cavalcade (photos: Derek Booth)

Once upon a time romance was a game of endurance. In the days when love letters were hand delivered by a man on a horse three weeks after they were written, maidens learned to be patient. Today if Prince charming or the maiden have not replied to a text within two hours you may well consider it over. February is the month when there is the most pressure to stand and deliver as we celebrate St Valentine’s on 14th February. We will see cheerful maidens trotting down Main Street with prized bouquets, and suitors scurrying around town trying to salvage the situation with a last minute card because all the red roses have sold out, and they have been given a snuggly love bear to reminded them. Don’t you just love enjoying the scene? Before all that romantic last-minute frenzy you have the opportunity to enjoy a fabulous Bel Canto Recital with Nathan Payas and friends at the Convent Ballroom. It is sure to be a very worthwhile evening, not just for the music but also because it is raising money for the Ebola orphans. Get you tickets (£15) from Gibraltar Crystal or Sacarello’s Coffee Shop on Irish Town. See you there or on Main Street. Happy February!

Photos this page: a selection from the Three Kings Cavalcade

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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: Offers a variety of classes & workshops for children and adults Mon - Fri 3.30-7pm, Sat 2-3pm. For more info call Tel: 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 5-7pm (junior chess) 8-11pm (Calpe Chess) on Tues. Entrance Free. 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: Classes for children Street Dance, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Pilates, Capoeira, Judo & Ju-jitsu. At Wellington Front from 4pm onwards. Tel: 54005785 or 54000027 or visit www. artinmovement.net 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. 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 of all standards/ages/abilities 7-9pm. Tel: 54017070 or thecalpebnd@gmail.com Jazz Nights: Thurs at 8pm at O’Callaghan Eliott Hotel. Tel: 200 70500.

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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 Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Montagu Bastion, Line Wall Road. Tel: 200 59818. Quizzes The Lounge: Friendly quiz on Sun from 8pm on quayside at Queensway Quay. The Clipper: Quiz nights on Tues at 8pm. Social Clubs Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes: (Gibraltar Province) meets RAOB Club, Jumpers Bastion on these days: Provincial Grand Lodge, 1st Mon/month, 8pm. Executive Meeting, last Mon/month 7pm. Knights Chapter, 2nd Mon/month 7.30pm. Examining Council, 3rd Mon/month 7pm. William Tilley 2371, Thurs 8pm. Buena Vista 9975, Wed (fortnightly) 7pm. Por Favor 9444, Wed (fortnightly) 7pm. Farewell 10001, Tues 8.30pm. Goldacre 10475 (social) last Fri/month 8pm. www. raob.org 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 gibphilosophy@ live.co.uk Gibraltar Photographic Society: Meets on Mon at 7.30pm, Wellington Front. Basic courses, competitions etc. 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. Tel: 56280000. 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. Visit www.badmintongibraltar. com for info.

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. Tel: Uriel 200 79359. 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, 41H Town Range. Tel: 57479000. 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 for 4 years of age and upwards, weekday evenings. Tel: 56000772 or Sally 200

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74661. Rugby: Gibraltar Rugby Football Union training for Colts (14+), seniors and veterans. Play in Andalusia 1st Division. Tel: 200 72185. 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. 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, 12:30–5pm. 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.

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Support Groups ADHD & Learning Difficulties (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity 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 6pm - 10pm. Citizens’ Advice Bureau Open Mon-Fri 9.30-4pm. Tel: 200 40006 Email: info@ cab.gi or visit 10 Governor’s Lane. No appointment necessary, no charge. Gibraltar CAB outreach clinics at St Bernard’s Hospital every Tuesday. Advisors available at 1st floor reception, Zone 4, 9am-3pm. Free, confidential, impartial. 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 Mon - Thur 8pm-9pm Families Anonymous Support group for relatives and friends who are concerned about the use of drugs or related behavioural problems. Meet alternate Thursdays at 9pm at Nazareth House. For info Tel: 200 70047 or 200 73465. Gibraltar Cardiac Rehabilitation and Support Group meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 8.30pm at the John Mac Hall, except for July and August. Gibraltar Dyslexia Support Group 3/8 Serfaty’s Passage Tel: 200 78509 Mobile: 54007924 website: www.gdsg.co.uk Gibraltar Marriage Care. Free relationship counselling, including pre-marriage education (under auspices of Catholic Church, but open to all). Tel: 200 71717. Gibraltar Society for the Visually Impaired. Tel: 200 50111 (24hr answering service). Hope. miscarriage support Tel: 200 41817. Narcotics Anonymous Tel: 200 70720 Overeaters Anonymous support group for compulsive overeating problems. Tel: helpline for meetings info 200 42581. Parental Support Group, helping parents and grandparents with restrictive access to their children and grandchildren. Tel: 200 46536, 200 76618, or 54019602. Psychological Support Group, PO Box 161, Nazareth House. Meet Tuesdays at 7pm, Fridays 8pm. Tel: 200 51623. SSAFA Forces Help Gibraltar, a UK charity, to assist serving and ex-Service personnel and their families. Tel: (5)5481. Email: Susan GIB-CST-JSWPA@mod.uk With Dignity Gibraltar support for separated, divorced/widowed or single people. Meet Weds 9pm, Catholic Community Centre, Line Wall Rd. Outings/ activities. Tel: 54007181 or 200 79957. Women in Need. Voluntary organisation for all victims of domestic violence. Refuge available. Tel: 200 42581 (24 hrs).

The 2015 Gibraltar Darts Trophy The 2015 Gibraltar Darts Trophy will take place from Friday 20th March to Sunday 22nd March, and will be held at The Tercentenary Sports Hall. There will be a total of six sessions, including the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final on Sunday evening from 7pm. Many of the sport’s greatest players, including World Champion Gary Anderson, world number one Michael van Gerwen and reigning Gibraltar Darts Trophy winner James Wade, will be competing alongside four top local players, with a first prize of £25,000. The three-day event is organised by the Ministry of Sports in conjunction with the Professional Darts Corporation and is one of nine European Tour events being held throughout 2015, with live internet streaming worldwide. Tickets are on sale from the offices at the Ministry of Sports, 3rd Floor, City Hall, John Mackintosh Square from 9am to 4pm. In addition for those people living abroad who might want to attend the event, the Ministry of Sports will be offering tele sales facilities by phoning 200 47592 or email: mschy.info@gibraltar. gov.gi. Residents wishing to take advantage of this facility can also contact them using the same con-

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tact details. Two types of tickets are available; Table Tickets, for the numbered floor tables, and Tier Tickets, which are seated in the unreserved stand.

Doors open at 12pm. 8 x First Round Games. Table tickets £10, tier tickets £5. Evening Session (7pm-11pm). Doors open at 6pm. 8x First Round Games. Table tickets £15, tier tickets £5.

Ticket and session times inforSaturday March 21st mation as follows: Afternoon Session (1pm-5pm). Doors open at 12pm. 8x Second Friday March 20th Afternoon Session (1pm-5pm). Round Games. Table tickets £12, tier tickets £5 Evening Session (7pm-11pm). Doors open at 6pm. 8x Second Round Games. Table tickets £2, The three-day event tier tickets £5.

is organised by the Ministry of Sports in conjunction with the Professional Darts Corporation and is one of nine European Tour events being held throughout 2015, with live internet streaming worldwide

Sunday March 22nd Afternoon Session (1pm-5pm). Doors open at 12pm. 8x Third Round Games. Table tickets £15, tier tickets £5 Evening Session (7pm-11pm). Doors open at 6pm. Quarter-finals, semi-finals, final table tickets £20, tier tickets £5. Season tickets (all sessions): Table season ticket £50, tier season ticket £25 Full bar services will be available at all times. n

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information 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-ibnZeyad (“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.

T

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

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

Natural History & Heritage Park Walks: Med Steps is a stunning walk with the steep climb at the end rewarded with spectacular views of the Rock and Spain. Another recommended walk is St Michael’s Cave through to Charles V Wall but walkers should be relatively fit for both. It is also pleasant walking along the upper rock roads. Brochures available free from all Tourist Board offices. Botanical Gardens: Opened in 1816, the Alameda Botanical Gardens fell into disrepair but are being restored to their former glory. Visitors can enjoy a stroll beneath pines, dragon trees and palms, and see many of Gibraltar’s native plants as well as exotic species. The shop sells environmentally friendly gifts, plants and seeds. Tel: 200 72639/200 74022. Parking. Nelson’s Anchorage: Rosia Road 9.30am - 5.15pm Monday to Saturday (last entry at 5pm). Closed on Sunday. Admission: £1.00 (free with Nature Reserve ticket. Tickets for the nature reserve can also be bought at this attraction). 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

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

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visit contact: F. Gomez Tel. 200 44460, P. Hodkinson Tel. 200 43910. Shrine of Our Lady of Europe (Museum within premises) Europa Road. 10am-7pm Monday to Friday, 11am-7pm Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays. Closed 1pm - 2pm. Trafalgar Cemetery: Trafalgar Rd, 9am - 7pm daily (free).

Business Information Financial Serv. Commission Tel: 200 40283/4 Chamber of Commerce Tel: 200 78376 Federation Small Business Tel: 200 47722 Company Registry ��������������������Tel: 200 78193 Useful Numbers Airport (general info.) ����������������Tel: 200 73026 Hospital, St Bernards ����������������Tel: 200 79700 Weather information ������������������������Tel: 5-3416 Frontier Queue Update Tel: 200 42777 Gibraltar Museum Tel: 200 74289 18/20 Bomb House Lane open 10am-6pm (Sat. 10am-2pm). Closed on Sunday. Admission: Adults £2/ Children under 12 years £1. Exhibitions also at Casemates gallery. Registry Office Tel: 200 72289 It is possible to get married on the Rock within 48 hours. A fact taken advantage of by stars such as Sean Connery and John Lennon. Rock Tours by Taxi Tel: 200 70052 As well as offering normal fares, taxis provide Rock Tours taking in the Upper Rock, Europa Point and other sites of interest. It is the best way to see the Rock’s major features in a short time. John Mackintosh Hall Tel: 200 75669 Includes cafeteria, theatre, exhibition rooms and library. 308 Main Street 9.30am - 11pm Monday to Friday. Closed weekends. Bicycle Racks Bicycle parking is provided at the following locations: Europort Road, Casemates Tunnel, Land Port Ditch, Fish Market Road, Commonwealth Car Park, Reclamation Road (by English Steps) + Line Wall Road. Gibibikes is a scheme for public use of bikes taken from stations around the Rock. Visit www.gibibikes.gi for info. Gibraltar Public Holidays 2015 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 Bank Holiday Monday 31st August Gibraltar National Day Thursday 10th September Christmas Day Friday 25th December Boxing Day Monday 28th December Please note, shops do not usually open on bank holidays. You are advised to check in advance for other attractions.

Emergency Services History Alive Every Saturday morning the

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

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

The Gibraltar Magazine is published and produced by Guide Line Promotions Ltd, La Bayuca, 21 Turnbull’s Lane, Gibraltar. Tel/Fax: (+350) 200 77748

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

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The Gibraltar Magazine is published and produced by Guide Line Promotions Ltd, La Bayuca, 21 Turnbull’s Lane, Gibraltar. Tel/Fax: (+350) 200 77748

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