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January 2013 Vol. 18 # 03 FREE
New Year New You! Rock Property Review Ros’ Rainbow Coloured Voice
Predictions for 2013
Panto Time
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dining guide • business & finance • sport & leisure • property • history • community
gibraltar the
January 2013 Vol. 18 # 03 FREE
contents
Business & Finance 8 Business & Finance Guide 9 Just Another New Year? 12 Having an Effective
New Year New You! Rock Property Review
Ros’ Rainbow Coloured Voice
14 16 18
Predictions for 2013
Panto Time
18 # 03 January 2013
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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 Email: gibmag@gibraltar.gi Publisher/Editor: Andrea Morton Forde Office Manager: Jolene Gomez Copyright © 2013 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
22 24 25 27
Compliance Programme Gib Oil Embraces Change ETFs Under the Microscope Double Celebrations for Image Graphics In the Hot Seat: Betfred’s Rakesh Chablani Marisa’s Legal Career Holding on to Talent Networking 2013 Movers & Shakers: Robust Views of Jim Dobbin MP
Arts & Lifestyle 30 Stefan’s First Steps in a
34 45
46 58 64
67 74 75
Revving Car-eer Chess on the Rock Kusuma’s Opportunity to Make a Difference Behind the Scenes It’s Panto Time of Year Reality Checks and Witty One-Liners Teresa’s Cast-Off Creations Images of the Month People & Pets (you’ll love it!)
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
18 # 03
Health & Well-being 48 Are You Feeling SAD
52 53 54 55
Today? Health Directory Here’s Health - Milk Thistle Walking to Wellness Migrane Relief without the Pills?
Past Revisited 44 When Gibrlatar was
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Declared Useless The Ocean Bard’s Gibraltar Song
Appetite 78 Super Foods 80 Food & Drink Directory 84 Wine Column:
Solutions
Regulars 66 Puzzle Page 86 Around Town:
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features 32
60 70
Ros’ Rainbow Coloured Voice Hits the Airways New Year, New You Stanley’s Action Packed Life
property file 36
37 38 40 42
Opinion: A Need for Regulation? Property Directory Rock Property Review Top Six Predictions for 2013 “In” Interiors for 2013
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Information 62 City Centre Map 75 What’s On November 90 Gibraltar Information
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAGAZINE •• JANUARY JANUARY 2013 2013 GIBRALTAR
finance
business
2013
Just another New Year? words | Ian Le Breton
In recent years, I have used my January column to try to make some sense of the year that has just passed and to posit some suggestions — which of course stop short of being precise predictions that I may have cause to regret — for the 12 months ahead. main in the doldrums and the euro is in crisis. Hang on, that’s pretty much what I wrote in January 2012... and 2011... and 2010. Well you get the picture. The reality is that five years into the downturn or crisis, not much seems to have changed. In trying to make sense of the present economic situation, I thought it best to focus on areas that impact our lives here in Gibraltar. I have concentrated on growth rates in world economies and the continuing upheaval in Europe — especially how it impacts on the euro zone So where are we now? Demand and the currency itself, the oftthroughout the economy is criticised euro. And, as this sluggish because the banks is a finance column, you are not lending nearly may be glad that it enough; property will not be another prices in many review of the European Diamond countries
reGIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
Jubilee and the London Olympics. True, Gibraltar got into the spirit with our giant posters of HM The Queen — and even a re-painted post box — but the jury is still out on their economic impact. On the financial markets, 2012 saw pitifully low or negative growth rates in many of the developed economies, particularly in Europe where virtually the whole continent remained in recession during 2012. However there were some notable exceptions elsewhere. As I reported in a pair of back-to-back articles — on the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China) and Africa — annual GDP growth levels in some places are still 5% or more. All countries in Arica reported positive GDP growth for 2012, so in hindsight perhaps it was indeed rash for the Spanish prime minister to state “Spain is not Uganda”. One can understand that this caused some consternation in Kampala — at least judging by the scathing riposte that followed – particularly as its annual GDP growth rate is 5.2%. Uganda that is, not Spain! In Europe, low or negative growth combined with reined-in government expenditure and hikes in personal taxation have led to a swathe of “austerity” budgets being announced during the year.
And the people don’t like it. Several heads of governments paid the price at the ballot box — although Barack Obama bucked the trend and was re-elected by what turned out to be a surprisingly healthy margin. Turning to the euro itself, the currency proved surprisingly resilient to external market forces during most of 2012. Across the EU bloc, difficulties continued to mount as the year went on. The 17 nations that use the euro are bound together in the unforgiving, inflexible straitjacket that is required for membership. They have learned the hard way that old fashioned economics simply don’t work when you are battling with a common currency that is not backed by a greater degree of fiscal, still less political, union. Such arrangements have generally not worked in recent history. Any student of economic theory will know that the best way to deal with soaring debt and low demand leading to negative growth is to simply devalue your currency, manage interest rates whilst controlling inflation and allow the market to take care of its own recovery. True, the local burghers don’t care to see their assets shrunk but the strategy can be very effective. Consider the impressive progress Iceland has made since its near complete and unprecedented economic collapse in 2008. But countries such as Spain, Portugal or
The 17 nations that use the euro are bound together in the unforgiving, inflexible straitjacket that is required for membership
business
finance
Greece simply don’t have this option for as long as they remain part of the euro bloc. Faced with an over-valued currency and interest rates at historically low levels, they have very little room for manoeuvre. Hence the focus on austerity — lower government spending and higher taxes — which has caused so much unrest. In Germany, the opposite applies as German industry finds it increasingly difficult to sell high value manufactured goods abroad. I recently read the most thought provoking analysis on the euro crisis written by a man who should know — George Soros, the man who famously netted a billion when sterling fell out of the ill-fated ERM mechanism in 1992. He advocates a simple choice for sorting out the mess. Either Germany must become a “benevolent hegemon” — which is another way of saying that she must support the other countries as they battle to make the books balance — or, and this is the fascinating part, that Germany itself should consider exiting the euro zone. I very much doubt we will see that in the next year but some serious re-arrangement of what was considered an inviolable currency union may become inevitable. All of this affects us in Gibraltar given our geographical position and reliance on tourists from Spain and other euro zone states. Anyone importing goods from the EU into Gibraltar will be similarly affected by any changes in the currency’s value so this will certainly be something to watch in 2013. Not that the effects make themselves felt only within the euro zone countries. I have written many times about the effect on the UK but 2012 was also a difficult one for Switzerland, itself one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Investors around the world piled into the Swiss franc, which resulted in an unsustainable rise in its value against other currencies. Anyone
who has visited Switzerland recently will know that an already expensive country has in recent years become even less affordable. The Swiss government responded by pegging the Swiss franc against the euro in an attempt to protect its economy — at huge financial cost. So let’s finish closer to home in Gibraltar as we turn the year. Some of my retailer friends with shops in Main Street tell me that 2012 may have seen more tourists than ever before, largely as a result of the higher number of cruise ship visits — on occasion three ships visited on the same day — but question whether this has actually increased total spending. Austerity affects the mind-set of everyone, including the well-heeled. For others in Gibraltar, the global downturn continues to mean serious hardship in some sectors but new opportunities are also emerging. In my case, I am confident that Gibraltar’s attractiveness as a pension (QROPS) jurisdiction should result in further growth in that area. This should lead to new employment. One could cite several other examples including insurance, funds and the like and future columns in the Gibraltar Magazine will deal with these exciting areas. So what will happen in 2013? If I could predict the future, I probably wouldn’t be here running
All of this affects us in Gibraltar given our geographical position and reliance on tourists from Spain and other euro zone states
Isolas launches mobile web app Isolas law firm has launched the mobile optimised version of its website, a first in the local legal profession. The project kept the marketing team busy for a few months towards the end of 2012, and the new web app is designed to add value to the client and partner experience. “From the very beginning, our focus has been on usability, on ensuring ease of use and that clients and partners alike be able to contact a relevant lawyer within three thumb taps of arriving on the site,” said a spokesman for Isolas. “The site seamlessly blends in to the desktop version and automatically displays the right version depending on the OS the visitor is using. “Mobile web traffic is set to pass desktop internet traffic by the end of Q1 2013, a staggering statistic when you consider how far mobile has had to come and the relatively short space of time in which it has gone from frustratingly slow and practically useless to a key feature of our daily lives. In fact, something like 40% of all flowers purchased for Mother’s day last year in the UK were purchased from mobile devices. “The volume of traffic on mobile meant that we couldn’t ignore the fact that our website, although fully optimised and a source of a significant amount of business, simply didn’t cut it in the mobile stakes. In designing this web app, we rethought the process of arriving at the site and how our users navigate through
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a trust company and writing articles for you to enjoy, dear reader. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy the work — although the idea of simply lazing on a beach somewhere hot at this time of year does have a certain appeal. But, without putting my career on the line, there are some finance-related matters that I feel relatively safe predicting for the 12 months ahead Demand throughout the economy will be sluggish because the banks are not lending nearly enough; property prices in many European countries will remain in the doldrums and the euro will be in crisis. Oh dear, that’s how I started this piece. Let’s see how true these comments remain at the turn of 2014. And one last prediction — Chelsea will get another new manager! For me, leaving 2012 at least means I can move on from the significantieth birthday that befell me last June. Let’s hope that 2013 will see some improvement in the overall global economic position and that any green shoots we are seeing are allowed to flourish and develop. I wish you and your loved ones a very happy, prosperous new year 2013 from all of us at Sovereign. n
our main website. As a result, we completely rethought the navigation and menu structure to simplify it as far as possible whilst retaining the usefulness of the content. The web app also exploits the availability of other technologies on today’s smartphones, such as mapping software and, of course, the simplicity of placing a call from within the web app itself. “For someone on the go, trying to find a lawyer in a particular field, or, even a particular lawyer, the key considerations are ease of use and speed of delivery. The website is built with those key features as the main priority and is modelled on well established guidelines for an effective and efficient mobile website. If you’re coming to see us, you can call a taxi from within the web app itself! “We’re very proud to be able to bring this valueadded feature to our clients and partners, a feature which no other law firm currently offers and which is kept fully up to date with all news and articles, as it happens. As always, feedback from users of the service plays a key role in determining the functionality we add to the web app, our analytics having been a source of much guidance.” Isolas is proud to be Gibraltar’s longest established law firm, and a leader in the deployment of new and state of the art strategies to drive revenue and add value to the client experience. n
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
isolas-house-gibmag:Layout 1 10/19/12 5:21 PM Page 1
www.gibraltarlawyers.com
Moving House? We’ll take care of all the legal matters to help make your move as easy as possible Contact Elaine Bingham at elaine.bingham@isolas.gi Portland House Glacis Road PO Box 204 Gibraltar Tel +350 2000 1892 www.gibraltarlawyers.com
business
ethics
Having an Effective Compliance Programme words | Clark Elder, KPMG Gibraltar
More than ever, organisations and their business practices are under intense scrutiny. In the current environment, the importance of an ethics and compliance programme is essential — from the preventing of misconduct to limiting exposure to criminal sanctions and director and officer liability. Merely “ticking the box” or documenting the existence of a compliance programme can be a shortsighted exercise that leads to false comfort. Given what’s at stake, the board and management should have a basis for knowing and convincingly demonstrating that the programme really is effective. Applying this insight can make the difference and even establish a competitive advantage. An effective compliance programme is one that isn’t highly focused on one specific area or change in regulation, but one that is able to identify, measure and assess all risks a business faces. This means taking a “big picture” view and watching the horizon for changes in your sector and even the whole financial services industry. We have seen recently with the introduction of extraterritorial pieces of legislation that firms from different sectors of Gibraltar are now facing common risks. Although each compliance programme should be individually tailored to the firms sector, and risk appetite there are certain approaches and techniques the firm can take to establish an effective program. Some examples of these techniques are as follows: Gap Analysis Identifying and closing gaps in your compliance program is key.
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Communication within a firm is vital to carrying out an effective gap analysis. The risk and compliance function, new products and operational committees should all be identifying the risks each of their departments face so that these can be address together through the firms overall compliance programme. Your programme may contain areas such as: •
• • • • •
Board and management oversight Fraud and misconduct risk assessment Codes of conduct Employee communications and training Compliance auditing and monitoring Whistleblower reporting mechanisms
Monitoring, Testing & Reporting Although it is mainly the responsibility of the compliance function to carry out the monitoring, testing and reporting, everyone within the organisation has a responsibility. The compliance function should monitor and test your organisations compliance by performing sufficient and representative compliance testing. The results of the testing should then be reported up through the reporting line for review by the Senior Management team and board level.
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
ethics • • • • • •
business
Conflicts of interest Falsifying regulatory reports Misleading the public or media Discriminatory employment practices Unsafe working conditions Contracting with disreputable suppliers or agents
Although different techniques are used to assess each of these integrity risks, it is by reviewing the collective assessments and considering where these risks overlap that you will be able to formulate a comprehensive compliance program. Meeting the Challenge Demonstrated integrity, confidence, and trust are hallmarks of great companies. The challenge is to avoid creating the illusion of a high-integrity organisation and instead build the real thing. When you do, the results won’t be as likely to trickle down to the bottom line—they’ll be more likely to flow.
Corporate Benchmarking Surveys These insightful tools can help you test employee perceptions in areas such as misconduct inside the company, pressure to violate standards to meet business objectives, willingness to report bad news to management, confidence in the company’s policies, the consistency with which company standards are enforced, and the overall “tone at the top.” Benchmarking can provide your organisation with a great insight into how it is viewed from within and in the wider industry. Fraud & Misconduct Diagnostic This type of analysis can provide a more targeted review of your processes to help identify “red flags” of fraud or misconduct that are inherent in particular industries and specific to your business. This analysis can come in many different forms but it is important that it fits your needs, ranging from a detailed risk profile of a single department or an overview of potential fraud across your entire organisation. Integrity Risks The appearance or actuality of any of the following can severely damage your organisation’s reputation and performance: • • •
Accounting irregularities Bribery and corruption Money laundering
Advisory Assistance KPMG is recognised as one of the leading professional services firms with a vast business advisory experience both at regional and global level. KPMG can provide deep insights and expert opinions that help organisations to navigate the complexities of today’s changing marketplace. We help clients transform their organisation no matter what their primary challenges or objectives — from improving performance, to optimising risk, to restructuring their operations or seizing new opportunities. KPMG’s Risk consulting team can assist your organisation with various risk and compliance services from designing a gap analysis matrix to identify integrity risks, performing internal compliance reviews and providing access to KPMG’s global benchmarking surveys. The Forensic team has evolved to meet the specific demands of the financial services sector in relation to fraud and misconduct, financial crime and cross jurisdictional regulatory expectations. The team can provide AML business risk assessments, impact assessments on different extraterritorial pieces of legislation for example FATCA and the Bribery Act. n To discuss the creation of an effective compliance programme or how KPMG Gibraltar can provide local support and expertise, please feel free to contact Clark Elder (Risk & Compliance Advisor) celder@kpmg.gi
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
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business
finance
Harry Murphy (left), Director of Commerical Services, Gib Oil, with Paul Wharton, Head of Corporate Banking, Barclays Wealth
Gib Oil Embraces Change
words | Paul Wharton
First of all, I’d like to take the opportunity to wish readers a Happy New Year and all the best for the year ahead. Last year ended with a change in direction for my column, and we have started looking at how different business plans work out when implemented in a business environment. To mark the second anniversary since Gib Oil was launched in Gibraltar, I thought it would be a good idea to speak to Harry Murphy, Director of Commercial Services, at the company. The past two years have been a busy time for the company after a change in ownership took place from Dutch company Shell to US-based World Fuel Services in December 2010. The company had been trading in Gibraltar since 1927 when Shell announced the sale of Shell Gibraltar as part of its wider strategy of reducing their downstream customer facing businesses across Europe and Asia. Since its purchase by World Fuel Services, and now trading as Gib Oil, the business has focused on providing fuel to a range of clients — including fuel and lubricants for yachts at Ocean Village Marina, aviation fuel for flights, marine gasoil and lubricants for bigger
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ships at North Mole, a supply for commercial use, and petrol for retail customers. Harry said: “Over the past two years we have seen a lot of positive changes in the company such as more investment and more employment. “Historically, World Fuel’s acquisitions have all worked very well — they look for opportunities in niche markets and provide re-
“
sources to enable these to develop as well as expertise in supply and global sales expertise. “We have benefitted from efficiency and economies of scale, and lots of opportunities have opened up for the team over here.” I would say that this change in ownership has been good for this local business, and we have seen increased investment by the owners, which in turn has increased
We have benefitted from efficiency and economies of scale, and lots of opportunities have opened up for the team over here
”
the number of people the company employs, which is good for the Gibraltar economy. Whilst not the case with this particular company, it is not always plain sailing as a high percentage of mergers and acquisitions fail to produce any benefits for the shareholders — having initially entered into the arrangement for a number of reasons ranging from the expansion of operations and market share to the desire for innovation and knowledge. So, you might ask, why do so many fail after so much due diligence? Well the overwhelming reason is down to cultural differences. Although this is a very wide subject, let me touch on one area here
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
finance we can relate to with this business and something I have discussed in previous articles. That is, the recognition that the most valuable resource a company has is their employees and the skills and knowledge they possess. If the acquiring company fails to retain these quality employees, the firm loses the value of their expertise for which they paid through the acquisition. In addition, there is a real danger that the management loses short and long-term focus on the firm’s operations and during the phases of the acquisition — management’s attention focuses on preparing the company for the assumption of the new firm rather than on current operations and the acquisition serves as a distraction so the business just loses sight of where it is going. So my challenge here would be, do we fail to consider in enough detail the potential change in the culture of the target business when we undertake our due diligence...
just food for thought. Going back to Harry and his team, a wider market has opened up for them, and their business has started expanding. They have replaced hose reels at their North Mole base, they are working on refurbishing the yacht terminal to look like the petrol stations, and removing the car-wash at the Winston Churchill Avenue petrol station to expand the shop. Harry describes some of the changes Gib Oil has seen over the past two years. Gib Oil’s range of clientele has increased further as World Fuel Service’s acquired a local ship broker and yacht Management Company called Yacht
“
Fuel Services and incorporated this company within their London offices. He said: “Our guys are present at every single yacht show representing World Fuel Service, Gib Oil and Yacht Fuel Services and we make sure Gibraltar is promoted tirelessly.” Harry tells me the ships we see ‘parked’ out at sea on a Sunday afternoon on the eastern side of the Rock are nearly all waiting for a slot for refueling and that Gibraltar is the prime location in the Strait of Gibraltar for such activity. At present, there are four ports in the Strait which cater for ships, including Gibraltar, Algeciras,
Our guys are present at every single yacht show representing World Fuel Service, Gib Oil and Yacht Fuel Services and we make sure Gibraltar is promoted tirelessly
”
Paul Wharton is Head of Corporate Banking at Barclays Wealth in Gibraltar having arrived on the Rock from the UK six 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.
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
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Tangiers and Ceuta. Gibraltar still has a long way to go where bio-fuels are concerned but at present, Harry confirmed that Gib Oil has invested in new pumps and tanks at their Yacht Terminal so as to offer bio-diesel and will be launching this in the near future. It is often the case that the cost of going green outweighs the benefits and it is important to consider the overall supply chain when looking at the carbon footprint to ensure a perceived improvement in one area is not offset by harmful increases in others. However if there are any changes to be made in that aspect, the Gib Oil team is prepared to evaluate these fully and, where feasible, implement them. As we can see, the company has moved forward since its purchase by World Fuel Services, and it has helped to refresh business practices. The increase in opportunities for staff and investments has been beneficial for the company, so let’s wait and see what happens next. n Paul Wharton is writing in his own capacity and none of the above is intended to express the views or opinions of Barclays Bank PLC.
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business
finance
Exchange Traded Funds Under the Microscope
The local branch of Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI), recently hosted a highly successful seminar by David Patterson, Head of Wholesale Distribution for db X-trackers ETFs and db-X ETC, Deutsche Bank, titled ETFs Under the Microscope. Following the presentation, local CISI council member, Lindsay Adamson put some questions to David on Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), a product of particular interest to practitioners in Gibraltar due to the increasing use of the Funds globally to gain access to investment markets. What are Exchange Traded Funds? they want, when they want, through an ETF. ETFs are funds that trade on an exchange as a single security, and which usually aim to How are they bought and sold? provide exposure to the components of an index. ETF shares can be traded through a broker or They combine in a single product the tradability and liquidity advantages of stocks with the low costs and diversification benefits of index funds. ETFs could therefore be considered a straightforward way for an investor to potentially gain instant exposure to a particular market, region, sector, asset class or investment strategy via a single transaction. If an investor wishes to rebalance part of their portfolio towards the US, the Far East, European small companies, telecoms, natural resources, fixed interest, healthcare, utilities (the list is extensive), then they can simply “buy the market”
They combine in a single product the tradability and liquidity advantages of stocks with the low costs and diversification benefits of index funds
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via a fund or wrap platform — a service offered by investment companies offering a portfolio of ETFs — or other online dealing services. They trade and settle through stock exchanges and clearing systems in the same way as any other listed, tradable security, with no set-up documentation or specific trading process required. How do they differ from other types of funds? Unlike an “active” mutual fund, where the investor is paying an extra layer of fees for a fund manager to select stocks with the aim of outperforming an index or benchmark, an ETF is a ‘passive’ fund that just tracks the underlying index, without the additional costs associated with active fund management. It is also worth
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
finance How are ETFs regulated? Most ETFs listed in Europe – and all db Xtrackers ETFs – comply with the UCITS (Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities) regulations. They are therefore tightly regulated. As ETFs are designed to track an index closely, investors should have an appreciation of market risk when buying an ETF. So if you purchase an ETF that provides exposure to the equity market of a particular emerging What types of exposures are available via market country, for example, then you will have ETFs? ETFs provide access to mainstream areas taken the conscious decision to tie part of your as well as those only previously available to wealth in with the performance, up or down, of specialised investors. Available exposures that country’s equity market. include: developed markets; emerging markets; fixed income (government and corporate How closely do they track their benchmark bonds); diversified commodity indices; specific index? investment themes and sectors (infrastructure, A well constructed ETF will track its underlyprivate equity, sectors such as healthcare etc); ing index closely. Most db X-trackers’ ETFs are alternative investments (hedge fund indices). constructed in such a way that they deliver the The ETF market continues to expand to provide investors with more granular and different types of exposures. noting that most mutual funds will deal only once a day at a forward point, on either the same or the following day from when the investor deals, and also at an unknown valuation from the time the order was placed. ETFs however can be traded at any time during stock exchange trading hours and at any size at the price the investor sees and agrees to.
What are the costs? In general, annual management fees and running costs for ETFs are extremely competitive. The ‘all-in fee’ is generally capped at a maximum level. For example, the annual all-in fee for the db X-trackers FTSE 100 ETF is 0.30 %. A benefit of ETFs is that there are no upfront or exit fees charged, and there is no stamp duty on buying ETFs on the LSE. Trading ETFs via a broker will of course entail the usual brokerage commissions, and as with other exchange-traded securities ETFs trade with a bid-offer spread.
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
ETFs provide access to mainstream areas as well as those only previously available to specialised investors. The ETF market continues to expand to provide investors with more granular and different types of exposures
business
precise returns of the index being tracked minus the all-in fee, and with all-in fees being relatively low, that makes for a very precise tracker. What are the advantages of ‘passive’ over ‘active’ investment management? There are studies which demonstrate that the probability of an active manager who has outperformed in the recent past continuing to outperform over the long term is very low. Some investors therefore conclude that they would rather minimise fees and simply track the market.
How can investors use ETFs in their overall investment strategy? ETFs are a very flexible investment product. They can be used as both a strategic or tactical asset allocation tool. If you buy an ETF you’re getting exposure to a diversified portfolio of securities, which means if you create a portfolio of ETFs then you will have a highly diversified portfolio. Investors can therefore use ETFs to create a long-only, buy-and-hold portfolio based on asset allocation (as opposed to individual stock or bond picking) principles. Equally they can use them in a dynamic way, trading in and out of market exposures they wish to take a view on. Where do I get more information? Leading providers have websites that provide factsheets, prospectuses and lots of other information. db X-trackers provides details on all its funds at www.etf.db.com, or contact your local stockbroker or investment adviser. n
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shorts
events
2012 - Double Celebrations for Image Graphics Image Graphics celebrated 35 years of trading in Gibraltar in March 2012 and is now proud to launch its stylish new website. WH Smith opens at Airport Pictured above are brothers Chris, Michael and Nicky Pitaluga at the opening of their new venture, British retail franchise WH Smith, at the Gibraltar International Airport’s Departures Lounge. WH Smith currently operates over 1200 stores, primarily in the UK, but with stores in 11 countries outside the UK — Ireland, France, Denmark, Sweden, Oman, Kuwait, UAE, India, Australia, Malaysia and now Gibraltar. n
35 Years in Business Image Graphics (Gibraltar) Limited began trading on 29th March 1977 as Gibraltar’s sole distributor for Xerox products and in 2012, the company celebrated 35 years of business on the Rock. Over its three-and-a-half decades of trading, Image Graphics has continued to expanded its operations to keep pace with the dramatic growth in the market in Gibraltar. The company has built up a strong reputation for providing after sales, technical services and logistics support to its customers in the private and public sectors.
Micro Business Systems Ltd
The July issue of the Gibraltar Magazine
PO Box 661, Unit 102, New Harbours Walk, provided details on the Financial Services New Harbours, Gibraltar (FSC) creation a Funds Tel: Commission’s (+350) 200 42723 Fax: (+350)of 200 40612 Panel, which was established with the aim of acting as Email: sales@mbs.gi www.mbs.gi
a sounding board and initial point of consultation with the funds industry and for the FSC to discuss supervisory and regulatory issues relating to funds. Whilst the panel does not replace general Providers of Records Management industry consultation, nor its current relationServices, Systems Solutions since 1989 ship with&the Gibraltar Fund and Investment Association, it does allows the FSC to gain, from Digital Document Scanning a practical perspective, a further understanding Any document size up to A0, netof the implications and perceived difficulties work and standalone access/retrival faced by the funds industry locally in relation to certain regulatory matters. Document Microfilming Any document up to A0, net- environment and With thesize current market work and standalone increased levelaccess/retrival. of regulation, an open and comLong term retention over 100 years municative relationship between the industry and the FSC&isBarcode of utmost importance, particuFile Colour Coding larly considering the stage of development of Tracking Software Eliminates misplaced financial services sector locally this particular files for ever! and the opportunities and challenges facing it in the coming years. The Funds Panel therefore High Density Filing Systems acts as another vehicle towards achieving this Huge range of filing supplies goal. and consumables Gibraltar’s The FSC will continue to work closely with Leading Data Archival Services theStorage Gibraltar Funds & Investments Association Long term andas secure. and Records to (GFIA) it hasIncludes in the past and it continues retrieval and collection of records. Management welcome GFIA’s recommendations. Specialists The FSC received considerable interest from the industry in respect of the Panel and is Mainfor Dealers for level of participation from grateful the high members of the funds sector. The Panel mem-
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
update
business
In addition, the Company offers comprehensupplies needed. sive and popular print bureau services at its ● Contact for information and quotes. Cornwall’s Centre premises. The New Website The company’s new website (www.imagegraphics.com) aims to provide a streamlined point of contact for Image Graphics’ customers in Gibraltar. The site’s fresh look and easy to navigate design makes for a powerful online presence and pleasant user experience. The main features include: ● Access to browse the wide range of business machines — colour and mono multifunction products (print, scan, copy, fax), laser printers, scanners, fax, shredders and other office equipment. ● Ability to place a request for technical service. ● Ordering of supplies online for free delivery the same or following day. ● Information about the Company’s services which include the Cornwall’s Centre Print Bureau’s colour and mono digital printing, wide-format printing, scanning, e-mails, binding and laminating. Other services are document bulk shredding and degaussing of magnetic media. ● Search facility of comprehensive consumables listings to help find the
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
● Ability to keep up to date with latest offers and promotions. Graphic and Web Design at Image Graphics As another string to its already impressive bow Image Graphics is now also pleased to offer a professional graphic and web design service to its customers. The stylish new website has been created by Julia Grant, the Company’s Graphic and Web Designer, who works to provide innovative design solutions, both in-house and for businesses in and around Gibraltar. n For more information, please visit the Graphic Design section of the website or view Julia’s online portfolio at www.juliagrantdesign.com.
Over its three-and-a-half decades of trading, Image Graphics has continued to expanded its operations to keep pace with the dramatic growth in the market in Gibraltar
Julia Grant is the Graphic & Web Designer at Image Graphics and creator of the company’s new website
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business
gaming
In the Hot Seat
Betfred’s Rakesh Chablani words | Andrea Morton
Gibraltarian Rakesh Chablani’s meteoric rise in the gaming industry, which positions him as second in command (Commercial Director) at Betfred.com, is testament to the huge opportunity gaming provides locally. We spoke to Rakesh about gaming in Gibraltar and Betfred.com’s global growth strategy. There are three main reasons why Betfred. com relocated to Gibraltar five years ago according to Rakesh — regulations, infrastructure and geographical positioning. “Firstly, Gibraltar is a leading, trusted and white listed jurisdiction for gaming / sports operators where only selected companies are granted the relevant licences to trade.” In fact, Petfre (Gibraltar) Ltd trading as Betfred.com was one of the first operators to obtain a Gibraltar Gaming Licence. “Local IT services have provided the gaming companies based in Gibraltar with a robust, resilient and scalable infrastructure to be able to manage and serve our respective businesses.” And finally, Gibraltar really is an ideal jurisdiction to run an international business from, he says. “It sells itself from a social / community aspect in terms of attracting new staff. With sun and snow so close to each other it makes it an easy sell in terms of relocating people to meet our human resource demands.” So how have the last five years been for Befred.com? “Like most businesses our first couple of years had its teething problems with respect to technology, staffing, marketing, etc. However over the past two years we have seen the business start to really rev its engines and grow,” he replies, adding that “It would be safe to say we are now the fastest growing gaming operator based in Gibraltar.” There has been a lot of debate about the lon-
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gevity of the betting industry in Gibraltar, so we asked Rakesh how he sees the future for Betfred.com in Gibraltar? “We are here to stay regardless of what laws are enforced in the UK, such as consumption tax adjustments,” he asserts. “Betfred.com in Gibraltar will continue to be the headquarters for the online/mobile business, managing product development, trading, international business and customer services.” With this in mind, Betfred.com is embracing local talent by working with government to help identify skill-sets required in the industry so the labour force is able to supply current demands and exploit opportunities. “Our approach is to foster entrepreneurial, creative and innovative talent both within the
Betfred.com is embracing local talent by working with government to help identify skill-sets required in the industry so the labour force is able to supply current demands and exploit opportunities
parent business and outside,” Rakesh explains. “The opportunities are huge for those wishing to join the gaming industry.” And Rakesh knows, as he started out 12 years ago answering phones at BetVictor in Leanse Place. Now he runs the Gibraltar Betfred.com headquarters with Managing Director, Chris Sheffield. Chris, a technology entrepreneur and startup specialist who has founded, developed and sold a number of web, technology and gaming businesses, joined the company locally 18 months ago. With over 120 staff at the Waterport Place offices, Rakesh who has been with the company for three years, says “Whilst we are not the largest ‘online’ operator in our industry, nor do we have the biggest budgets, it is innovation which makes Betfred unique and is behind our phenomenal year-on-year growth.” Key to the recent success, Rakesh pinpoints, is having the best staff managing all areas of the business and treating the company as a start-up, with a focus on delivery, cost and profits. “We have invented new ways to bet, created new mobile products, innovated in the social sector, rolled out a number of exciting marketing campaigns, launched a new website to name a few,” he says, pausing for a breath. He goes on to explain that Fred Done, founder of Betfred, owns an estate of 1,350 betting shops, with 9,000 employees, and a turnover of over £8 billion a year. Fred recently won the GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
gaming Ernst and Young Master Entrepreneur of the Year Award at the age of 69. “I have had the privilege of spending a lot of time with Fred,” says Rakesh with genuine admiration for the company’s founder. “He is very committed to the online business and is regularly in contact with the Gibraltar HQ, supporting the operations without exception.” While gaming operators are effectively a ‘sea of sameness’ from a brand and product perspective, Betfred.com’s key focus over the coming years will be built around differentiation and innovation on the mobile and social space — something Betfred.com has already made strategic strides towards. Betfred.com recently signed a partnership deal with IAMPLAYR, a social game where users adopt the life of a professional football player. The game has become a Facebook sensation with over 1.5 million active users playing. “The relationship with IAMPLAYR is a great example of our approach to innovation. Having tracked the social gaming space for the past 24 months, 12 months ago we identified IAMPLAYR and worked with them to form a very strong strategic and commercial relationship. “We have invested cash into the business, new ideas and product, and supported the rapid growth of games such as IAMPLAYR,” Rakesh explains. The Betfred.com brand has been integrated into the game through a virtual betting shop, virtual player sponsorship and a real-life video of owner Fred Done. The investment has been mutually beneficial gen-
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
erating “thousands of sign-ups and a massive increase in our social media following.” In fact, the Betfred.com fantasy football application, which is available on mobile, web and Facebook, is one of the fastest growing football communities in the world and symbolises Betfred.com’s constant drive for innovation and differentiation. “With IAMPLAYR we have collaborated with an innovative company, assisting with the development of the game in which our brand features prominently. To date we have over 100,000 users participating — the next step is to incorporate real social betting into the game, allowing players to place real cash bets with each other.” This huge step will be the first of its kind for a social game of this type, but one which Rakesh believes will be highly successful and allow the company to reach out to a mass untapped recreational market. “Our mobile products now account for
Betfred.com recently signed a partnership deal with IAMPLAYR, a social game where users adopt the life of a professional football player. The game has become a Facebook sensation with over 1.5 million active users playing
business
around 40% of our entire business across sports and gaming products and we have a development strategy which ensures a new mobile product launch virtually every month to ensure this happens.” Betfred.com has created a mobile development studio based in Manchester called the ‘Sharp Project’ — dubbed the Silicon Valley of the North. “Our team has launched a number of mobile applications and products that have already taken the industry by storm and have been adopted by thousands of customers. Our determination in this area is driven by a strategy based on a three year vision — we are going to be number one on mobile,” Rakesh asserts. International expansion is key to the continued growth, but Betfred.com is not on a mission to conquer the world. “We are making the right strategic decisions as to which markets we penetrate,” Rakesh clarifies. “We currently have teams at a number of jurisdictions working through the licensing process.” The Gibraltar headquarters, he adds, will play an important role in this strategic area of the business by “providing the big brother support across product development, marketing, trading and customer services.” As a parting question, we asked what would have been Rakesh’s chosen career if the gaming industry hadn’t started to move here 12 years ago? “I don’t even want to think about it,” he shudders. “I am so passionate about what I do now.” It is a passion he conveys easily when he speaks... and it is infectious. It looks like Betfred.com is here to stay. n
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business
updates
�arisa ernandez �
A Legal Career
You qualified as a Barrister in 2011 and joined Isolas directly from university. What made you select Isolas as the first step in your career ladder and how are you finding your chosen career so far?
Working in the legal world is much more than understanding and applying legal principles, it’s about working with real life problems which create stimulating challenges that will demand hard work and dedication. Lawyers need to be workaholics most of the time.
Isolas is a progressive, dynamic and highly respected law firm with a highly esteemed team We understand you are an certified of lawyers, and when I was given the opportunity to join the firm, I felt privileged. During my university years and prior, I undertook summer work placements with Isolas and it is here that I had an insight into the real world workings of a busy chambers, and, I’d like to think, the partners had the opportunity to see a potential in me as a future team member. It is just over a year since I joined Isolas, and I am finding the challenge stimulating, never a dull moment, and a real life realisation of a career path I chose as a goal early in my teens and for which I worked hard.
“
Mediation is the best thing since sliced bread. I think it’s absolutely brilliant as it helps people resolve disputes without having to go to court
”
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accredited mediator. Tell us about mediating and its uses in Gibraltar and beyond? What kind of cases is it especially suited to? Mediation is the best thing since sliced bread. I think it’s absolutely brilliant as it helps people resolve disputes without having to go to court and, in most cases, proves to be more cost effective. For those who are reading this and don’t know what mediation is, mediation is a process whereby parties involved in a dispute have sessions with a mediator in order to try and find a quick resolution to the dispute at hand. The mediator is a neutral third party who aids in trying to get the parties to reach a settlement without giving her own opinion or passing judgement. Mediation is growing popular in the United Kingdom with mediation becoming compulsory
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
legal career built up an international reputation in these two fields and it has gained a reputation for the quality of its legal work. I am now part of a team and have learned that our customers, especially so in the field of corporate finance, expect VIP legal diligence and as our professional duties dictate we need to be “on the ball” at all times and pay “attention to detail” in all transactions. The area of ship arrest has become very important for Gibraltar, and is an area that demands the lawyer to be proactive, quick thinking and , on occasions, play detective. No Do you think this is something which will doubt exciting but demanding! develop and increase in popularity as an As a lawyer with Isolas I see myself progressalternative to litigation? ing in these two fields , learning every day and Unfortunately mediation is not very popular providing legal expertise to our clients, or so in Gibraltar but I hope that as time goes by it I’d like to think! will be become more popular as it really is an excellent tool. Mediation is a developing trend We know you have a particular interest in in the UK and I am hopeful that it will increase dance with tap, modern jazz, contemporary in popularity in Gibraltar with time. Hopefully and even a little bit of Irish dance as part people will realise that not all disputes need to of your repertoire, but are you getting be resolved in court and that using mediation a chance to pursue your passion for will not only provide them with a quick solution classical ballet since being called to the but a much more cost effective one which the Bar in Gibraltar? Judges encourage. It is true that I love and enjoy dancing, something which I have been doing since my early Sharing your time between corporate years, having participated in a number of local finance work and ship arrest work dance productions. Dance keeps my senses — it sounds like you have a varied day, including a chance for litigation. You must alight; it stimulates my sanity! Besides it keeps have gained some fascinating insights into the working of two areas important to Gibraltar. How has this insight changed your view and how do you see your future in law progressing? How do you enjoy litigation and the challenge of the courtroom? in various disputes, for example in matrimonial law. The reason behind this is that mediation can provide a quick, efficient, cost effective, flexible process which aids in preserving relationships between the parties involved. Mediation is suited to most cases for example contractual disputes, employment disputes, family matters, personal injury matters, family business conflicts, neighbour disputes and the list just goes on and on.
Gibraltar is an important centre, both in areas of corporate finance and in shipping, more so in current times of economic unrest. Isolas has
“
me in shape, which is very important for me. I don’t practise much classical ballet these days, but have taken up “zumba” and yoga. Tell us more about Marisa ‘off duty”. What do you enjoy most about living in Gibraltar? Off duty I am quite an outdoor type person. I often enjoy hiking in the nearby Spanish countryside, having taken this from my parents who seem to have instilled this in me. I have recently taken up surfing, which recently took me to Bali, where some of the world’s best surfing beaches are located. In winter I practise skiing and I am keen to learn how to snow-board this season! Overall, I am not the “couch-potato” type, although I do enjoy a good cuddle with a good film or book. Gibraltar is my homeland, and home is always good! Here I feel part of a community that strives to maintain its identity as a people. We are a very closed linked community, and I like this. One always feels wanted... like part of a big family. I guess one has to be a Gibraltarian to understand this. All my family is here and family is important in my life! If you ask me where do I want to be in 40 years time I’d say here, older, probably wiser, probably fatter (I hope not too much), but much the same Gibraltarian I feel now! n
Gibraltar is an important centre, both in areas of corporate finance and in shipping, more so in current times of economic unrest. Isolas has built up an international reputation in these two fields
Gentleman Jeweller’s Last Ring
”
On the threshold of his 80th birthday Louis Posso, affectionately known in the trade as ‘The Gentleman Jeweller’ is retiring from his jewellery business. To mark the occasion, HE the Governor kindly agreed to cast the last item of jewellery he will be fashioning. Sir Adrian is seen here casting his own gold signet ring in the age old traditional way, so often used by Benvenutto Cellini himself in 16th Century, on a cuttlefish shell. Asked about the most significant piece of jewellery he has ever crafted, Louis replied with a joyful smile on his face “I myself have done signet rings for Governors, Bishops, wellknown local families and even a local celebrity. I have also been fortunate to have had competent jewellers working for me over the last 50 years. The most important piece that has come out of my workshop must surely be the set of scaled down silver keys of the Garrison of Gibraltar as held by HE The Governor and Commander-in-Chief. It was presented to the Holy Father John Paul II in 1998 by the then Chief Minister. His Holiness has already been beatified and is on the road to becoming a Saint.” n
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
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business
recruitment
How do I hold onto talent?
Q A
words | Sylvia Kenna, The HR Dept
As an employer how can I reduce turnover of staff in Gibraltar? And, more importantly, how can I make sure my most talented staff stay?
In Gibraltar the job market is fairly limited to mainly roles in retail, finance and on-line gaming. People tend to (although not always) move within the same industry, changing job usually with an increase in salary, but more often because they are unhappy with the way they are managed. So as an employer in Gibraltar how can you manage your most talented employers and make sure you retain your talent? And as an employee working in Gibraltar how can you manage your career and get the best deal from your current employment? Talent Management vs Career Management Employers need to ensure they retain people
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who can make a difference to organisational performance either through their immediate contribution or by demonstrating the highest levels of potential. Employers can do this by attracting, identifying, developing and engaging talent who can fulfil business needs now or have the potential to make a difference in the future. It is not enough to only attract individuals with high potential. Developing, managing and retaining those individuals, as part of your company’s strategy is equally important. The need to develop a strategy that suits your business needs and gets the best from your people is necessary for you to gain a competitive advantage and ought to be high on your compa-
ny’s agenda. Just as important is developing systems to measure the return on this investment. An effective Talent Management strategy will support the following: ● building a high performance workplace ● encouraging a learning organisation ● adding value to the ‘employer of choice’ and branding agenda ● contributing to diversity management.
Your talent management strategy will be defined by your company’s needs and can include recruiting employees, on-boarding them into the organisation, providing them profes-
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
networking sional development opportunities, performance management activities, career path development and succession planning. Is talent management solely an HR process? “No,” says Marshall Mills, Chief Human Resources Officer, Baylor Health Care System, “it’s a business process and not an HR process — you therefore have to help the organisation recognise that talent management is a strategic, pro-active initiative that is critical to sustaining the organisation’s current and future success.” Here are some practical talent management ideas: ● Provide
mentoring opportunities — more senior people paired up with more junior people (internal to the company), pair up senior people with others outside the company.
● Provide continuous learning oppor-
tunities by ensuring individuals learn something new on each project — provide them opportunities to work on a task or project component they haven’t worked on before.
● Ensure that, in addition to performance
management sessions discussing how they met the company’s goals, you include a component of their personal professional goals and objectives and provide opportunities to meet those goals.
● Provide senior employees access to
learning more about the business — participation in strategy sessions, etc.
● Provide tuition reimbursement options
for degree programmes (in addition to training days paid for by company).
● Support employees who are blogging,
using social media, etc. in aligning what they are doing with the company.
● Support employees in representing the
company at conferences by presenting/ speaking opportunities.
Career Management Companies usually assess the strengths and weaknesses of their people and how to best use the talent at their disposal. As we have said, companies need to attract, retain, develop and recognise the talent that is best aligned to the work and brand of the organisation. Good companies provide employees with tools to manage their career like appraisals and one off special assignments or projects, but make no mistake; Companies are focused on talent, not necessarily your career management. Therefore you need to make career management your responsibility. Every individual employee, in companies of any size, owns their own career. You have to have your own plan and determine your own way of identifying the skills required for future opportunities. The plan may include possibilities inside and outside your current company as well as any other volunteer or educational activities you pursue. Here are three suggestions for the HR Dept. for how to improve your career planning: Be Proactive Don’t wait until something happens at work to start to get your own thoughts and plan together. Think about what you want
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
and need, now and in the future, and see how you can gain skills and experience at work, in your community and through training to build a solid foundation that helps you and your employer. Be Predictable By sharing your career plan you can help your company help you. Wildcard employees are hard to consider for new opportunities as performance and reactions are never easy to predict.
career
Be Realistic Since you’re responsible for your own career it’s up to you to set out a plan. But an unrealistic one that assumes progression at too quick a rate, or one that’s based on skills you don’t yet have, only sets you up for disappointment. n One of the business support services offered by the HR Dept is advice on Performance Management and they can help to design tailor-made programmes. Further information can be found by visiting www.thehrdept.gi
Networking 2013... what will it look like
?
words | SRG Europe Tel: 216 21111
Have you decided to enter 2013 with the resolve to embrace a new career enhancing opportunity? Have you worked out the best plan of action? Networking yourself and your CV will be a major part of this process. With the continuing growth of the internet, job boards are still a successful means for candidates to find a job, but networking is the time tested method of choice by many. So what are some of the best ways to use Networking in 2013 for the benefit of finding that new challenge of a lifetime. Online Networking Over the last 10 years the use of online networks for the job search has become more and more popular and in many sectors actually replaced physical networking. Online groups and forums can be a great way to network with the right people while searching for a job. The choice of social networks is endless as well as the chances of finding the right groups within social networks. Networks such as LinkedIn, Google+, Facebook, Twitter and emerging networks (such as Pinterest) offer a great way for likeminded professionals to get in touch. When looking for new career prospects online remember that the best groups for your needs will be relevant to your profession and what you are looking for. One effective way to judge the benefits of a group for your specific needs is to take a look at its content and members. Is the content updated regularly and is it relevant to your profession? Sub-groups within groups can be a good place to find relevant content. Often the creators of such groups have taken the time to organise their membership into relevant sectors allowing members with common experience and interests to interact effectively. The goal is to find groups that are going to help you in your profession and ultimately the job search. There are so many groups that serve only to be a bulletin board for those selling their products (they can be considered the evolution of spam in some cases) and don’t necessarily offer any real content or a genuine opportunity to interact offering very few benefits.
Joining online groups will not be advantageous unless you make the effort to participate and contribute. It’s like going to a party and not speaking to anyone while you are there. Contributing can be as small as posting helpful comments on discussions or you can go a step further and start your own discussions. The key is to have the
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career
networking
goal in helping others by offering your knowledge and expertise in the sector. This also has the added benefit of showing other members that you have the knowledge required in your field and that you are willing to make an effort.
Conventional Networking – Meeting face to face Conventional or physical networking can be just as important as online networking. Some argue that it is even more effective if you are meeting the right people. Selling yourself as a professional online will get you so far, but face to face interaction will ultimately gain a person’s trust. This includes a potential employer. It’s why face to face interviews are still conducted. Some of the most successful types of conventional networking are public events, local interest groups and professional industry associations. Local interest groups are a great way to get out there and meet new people (especially if you
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have recently relocated) and enjoy a common personal interest. While it might not be the most direct way of meeting a potential employer, it can still open doors. Joining local industry associations related to your profession can be a more direct approach to meeting those who may potentially be hiring. Local professional associations also offer a great way to stay current in the industry and allow you to keep your knowledge up to date. One thing to be conscious of is that while your goal is to seek that next career move, you have to be careful not to push this agenda too much. Entering the social scene expecting something out of it can deter people from interacting with you so enjoy the social aspect of networking on a level above that of finding a job. Meeting likeminded professionals and potential friends can be a great additional benefit.
Entering the social scene expecting something out of it can deter people from interacting with you so enjoy the social aspect of networking on a level above that of finding a job
Inviting someone for coffee with extensive knowledge in your field is a great way to network as well. This can help in offering some insight into career options. Speaking to a recruitment consultant that specialises in your sector can also give you an understanding of the current industry. This can have exceptional benefits for someone who hasn’t been in the job market for some time or possibly is new to the area. Be sure to write a small thank you message afterwards. While this allows you to show your gratitude it also serves as a chance to follow up which is key. So while you are mooting over what goals and actions you are going to tackle in 2013, why not make a conscious effort to get out there and enjoy the company of those around you with the same interests. You never know what might come of it. n
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAGAZINE •• JANUARY JANUARY 2013 2013 GIBRALTAR
movers & shakers
profiles
words | Mike Brufal
Jim Dobbin MP is one of that rare breed of politician who has strong views on many subjects and expresses them in a forthright manner. For example he is ‘for’ more EU integration and the hunting ban, strongly against increasing the rate of VAT, introducing ID cards, the Iraq war and introducing foundation hospitals, against university tuition fees and greater autonomy for schools, and for a stricter asylum system, Labour’s anti-terrorism laws and a smoking ban. He is also Chairman of the All-Party Gibraltar Parliamentary Group which was formed to represent the views of the people of Gibraltar in Parliament.
The Robust Views of Jim Dobbin MP All-Party Gibraltar Parliamentary Group Jim Dobbin MP is Chairman of the All-Party Gibraltar Parliamentary Group. There are four Vice-Chairs: David Crausby (Lab), Andrew Rosindell (Con), Lord Kilclooney (Cross Bencher), and Simon Hughes (LD). Lord Hoyle (Lab) is the Treasurer with Jack Lopresti (Con) as Secretary. The 20 qualifying members are: Government Party: Eleanor Laing, Andrew Rosindell, Oliver Colvile, Jack Lopresti, Michael Ellis, Iain Stewart, Stephen Metcalfe, Mike Penning, Jason McCartney and Nigel Evans. Main Opposition Party: Lindsay Hoyle, Lord Hoyle, Madeleine Moon, Jim Dobbin, Virendra Sharma, Ian Davidson, Jim Sheridan, David Crausby, Jim Hood and Lord Davies of Coity. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
Jim, 71, is the Labour Co-operative Member of Parliament for Heywood and Middleton and has held the seat since the 1997 election when he succeeded James Callaghan. At the last election his majority was 5,971 votes. He stands as a Labour and Co-operative member because he is officially endorsed by both the Labour party and the Co-operative party. At the last election 28 such members were elected including the Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer Ed Balls. Only Labour Co-operative MPs and Peers belong to the Parliamentary Co-operative Group. A Scottish Catholic, he was born in Kincardine on Forth in Fife and was educated at Saint Columba’s High School, Cowdenbeath and St Andrew’s High School. Subsequently he went to Napier College, Edinburgh where he studied Bacteriology and Virology. Jim worked as a microbiologist within the
National Health Service for 33 years until 1994. In 1980 he was elected chairman for a year of the Rochdale Constituency Labour party and in 1983 a Councillor in the Metropolitan Borough of Rochdale, becoming the Labour Group leader in 1994 and the leader of the Council in 1996. Four years earlier he had unsuccessfully contested the Bury North seat, coming second to the sitting Conservative MP Alistair Burt. A family man, Jim married Pat Russell in 1964 and they have four children, seven grandsons and one grand daughter. One grandson, who is 16, and is wheelchair bound, became the British Junior Disabled Karate Champion. Another grandson is a professional drummer. As well as being the chairman of the All Party Gibraltar Parliamentary Group, he is also the Chair of the Pro-life Group, Chair of
Jim worked as a microbiologist within the National Health Service for 33 years until 1994 27
profiles
movers & shakers
the All Party Group on Involuntary Tranquillisers Addiction, Chair of the All Party Group on Child Care and Vaccine for preventable diseases, a member of the Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) All Party Parliamentary Group, and the Parliamentary Officer of the All Party Gas Safety Group. He is a member of the British Irish Assembly and the Christian Socialist Movement and is also a member of the Parliamentary Transport Select Committee. Jim has been a member of the European Scrutiny Select Committee since 1998. The remit of this Committee is to assess the legal and political importance of each EU document, and decide which EU documents are debated. The committee also monitors the activities of UK Ministers in the Council, and keeps legal, procedural and institutional developments in the EU under review. He is a delegate in the UK delegation to the Council of Europe — the organisation designed to promote co-operation between all countries of Europe in the areas of legal standards, human rights, democratic development, the rule of law and cultural co-operation. (It cannot make laws binding on the 47 member states.) Jim is the Vice Chairman of the Council’s Public Health Committee and has been appointed to be the UK’s representative on the ‘One in Five’ campaign whose aim is to stop sexual violence against children. In February this year Jim signed a petition sponsored by the Coalition for Marriage which states; “I support the legal definition of marriage which is the voluntary union for life of one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others. I oppose any attempt to redefine it.” He is against gay marriage as he believes marriage is beneficial to society and changing its definition would undermine it. “The idea to redefine marriage at the present time is unacceptable to me. I do not think the government have thought it through because it will mean massive changes across the board to things such as people’s pensions and how they live. As a practising Christian my views are in kind with my beliefs.” In October he joined the TUC march in London in defence of jobs and public services. Under the title Rochdale Online – letter from Parliament Jim publishes a regular account of his political activity. All-Party Gibraltar Parliamentary Group The latest Parliamentary Register of the All-Party Gibraltar Parliamentary Group (13 September 2012) states the Group’s purpose is to represent the views of the people of Gibraltar in Parliament and work with the government of Gibraltar, political parties and interest groups. In total there are about 100 active members of this Group who are kept fully briefed by Albert Poggio.
Jim Dobbin MP with his grandson, Jimmy Webster who is British Disabled Karate Champion
Lindsay Hoyle MP knew that Jim had an interest in overseas issues related to the UK and invited him to join the All Party Gibraltar Group. Subsequently he was elected Chairman. He has been to Gibraltar three times and was greatly impressed by the people of Gibraltar and the welcome he received. Jim is pleased with the restoration of the political rally to the Gibraltar National Day celebrations and thinks it is important to acknowledge the political history of Gibraltar in this way. He considers National Day to be a great expression of loyalty between Gibraltar and Great Britain. The celebrations enable members of the All Party Group from Westminster to meet with large numbers of Gibraltarians and spend time getting to know the people of Gibraltar.
He is greatly impressed by the openness and courage of the Gibraltarians against so much provocation by the Spanish Government. He welcomes suggestions and briefings by local pressure groups and individuals 28
As Group Chairman Jim led a delegation comprising the Baroness Hooper, Lord Bilston, Lorde Luce, Oliver Colvile MP, Lindsay Hoyle MP, Bob Stewart MP and Albert Poggio to a meeting with the Minister for Europe to have a full and frank discussion about Gibraltar. They raised the subjects of the fishing incursions, on-line gambling and the next Governor. The meeting went well and the Minister agreed to discuss the issues with his colleagues. As a Group he intends to explore a link with the All Party Spanish Group but to date there has been no contact. He is greatly impressed by the openness and courage of the Gibraltarians against so much provocation by the Spanish Government. He welcomes suggestions and briefings by local pressure groups and individuals and these should be sent either to his office at the House of Commons or to Albert Poggio. All such communications are shared with the other members of the Group. Regular meetings are held when members bring up for discussion matters they had been approached about. Jim Dobbin concluded the interview with this important reminder; “As long as the people of Gibraltar have the self-determination to remain British, UK politicians will support that wish.” n GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
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arts
canvas Red. Glossy. Flashy. Half way middle-age crisis hot ride poster and hi-tech cartoon still, the winning picture of this year’s International Art Exhibition young artist prize is definitely not destined to be any wallflower.
Stefan’s first steps in a revving car-eer words | Elena Scialtiel
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Nor is its young author Stefan Gonzalez, a bright and ambitious art student in love with fast cars and with the dream of becoming a car designer. That’s right: not a pilot, but the engineer who actually builds the mobile castle for the vroom king! “You know, I want to be that guy at the drawing board who sets the aerodynamics and then makes 3D models to see how it works in practice,” Stefan explains with a twinkle in his eyes. If this doesn’t sound like your average number one career choice for average teens nowadays, surely Stefan is determined to pursue it abroad, and he’s already planning to study in the UK and seek employment there or better still in Italy, looking into creating the bolts of thunder of the future Formula One in his favourite colour – red. In the meantime, counting down the days to being old enough for his driving licence, and inspired by his dad Raphael, an accomplished artist in his own right according to Stefan, he’s taking his fine arts class at A-level in Bayside Comprehensive School under the guidance of teacher and cutting-edge artist Karl Ullger, whose penchant for dripping paint, bold subject matters and block saturated colours this concoction clearly has drawn inspiration from. Unlike Karl, Stefan hasn’t gone for dark and sultry hues, but preferred fresh and bright primary red, although deconstructed in a myriad of nuances to achieve the sleek effect of the sports car chassis, which under the neon lights of a chic dealer becomes itself a canvas to introduce in the frame objects that would otherwise be out of it. For instance, the distorted reflection of the buildings in front of the shop window where the subject matter was first photographed actually becomes a prominent feature, with its curvy lines and contrasting colours. After all, this work is based on an artistically and technically sapient research on the exploitation of curvilinear and rectilinear in figurative arts, and how they can mesh together or contrast sharply to successfully achieve the sense of dynamism or perspective — and transmit it to the onlooker. Here, the dominant lines are the two stripes that slash the board diagonally from bottom left to top right, one red one white — unintentionally adding the patriotic bonus
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
canvas arts — with the primary intention of portraying the spotlight beams bathing the object of Stefan’s desire in an even shinier glow. Telltale sign of an unconventional artistic approach is indeed the choice of foreshortening the warped view from the trunk, expanding the back indicators into detailed centrepieces where from a black sinuous line departs towards the sketched figure of the driver, fusing machine and mannequin in a neat contrast of colour and stylistic definition. If the undisputed protagonist of this artwork is the car, one must note that the class assignment originally involved a self portrait, hence the inclusion of the human element. It is curious how the ‘self’ is looking away from the camera, to avoid artistic confrontation with his own facial expression (possibly of awe!), and on the other hand to convey the idea that Stefan’s quintessential dream is to mesh with, or even morph in, the engine. The impression of speed — despite the car being parked in a shop window — is complemented by the dripping vertical lines and the cheeky distortion, while the main message remains Stefan’s fascination with polished to mirror finish surfaces, here highlighted by a generous coating of varnish on the already shiny media — acrylics on wooden board. You’re one of those guys who likes to shine his machine, sang Shania Twain in her That Don’t Impress Me Much hit, when Stefan was
It is curious how the ‘self’ is looking away from the camera, to avoid artistic confrontation with his own facial expression (possibly of awe!)
barely a toddler: but what does impress me is the versatility this young man shows in his ripening artistry, spanning from largerthan-life in-your-face pop art to understated impressionistic portraiture. If you thought Conors Car was just a one-off bravado, an idolatrising tribute to a young man’s need for speed, or you expected all Stefan’s artwork to be this impetuously youthful, you are so wrong: he’s actually capable to lend his talent to the delicate and emotional side of
art, as shown in El Movimiento, a flamenco dancer’s dainty handmade print, exhibited at last autumn’s International as well. Here, the only link to his boisterous entry is the expert weaving of curvy lines and of course the predominance of the colour red. Stefan is now working at his new masterpiece for the 2013 edition of the Young Artist Competition, where he moved his first steps in public exhibiting last year — surely a ticket to stardom, hopefully not a speeding ticket! n
The Mysterious World of Salvador Dali... ...a lecture by Valerie Woodgate on 16th January 2013 at the Eliott O’Callaghan Hotel, 7.30pm with a welcome drink at 6.30pm.
The speaker, Valerie Woodgate, as well as being on the teaching team at the Dulwich Picture Gallery is a lecturer and guide at Tate Britian and Tate Modern, and for the Tate on cruises. In addition she lectures in other major galleries and, on religious art, in churches and cathedrals. The subject is Dalí “....the difference between a madman and me is that I am not mad”. At one time the most wellknown and popular artist of the 20th century, Dalí was a self-publicist who filled gossip columns with accounts of his eccentricities for over 60 years. His paintings of the invisible world of the unconscious mind were considered shocking, even amongst a group of extremists like the Surrealists, and after joining them he quickly became their most exotic and famous member. n For membership details Tel: Claus Olesen 200 02024 email: claus. olesen@sghambros.com or Ian le Breton 200 76173 email: ilebreton@SovereignGroup.com. Visitors welcome and pay £10 at the door.
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
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legal
movers & shakers
Ros’ Rainbow Coloured Voice Hits the Airwaves
words | Jemma Rocca
I caught up with the lovely Ros Astengo just as she came off air from her new radio show. She greeted me with a big smile which conveys that she adores her new job as a radio host for Radio Gibraltar. It’s non-stop for Ros though as she rushed off to make-up for the news bulletin which was due to go live in just 10 minutes. Just another frantic Friday night for Ros who admits her love of big stories and the adrenaline they bring keeps her interested and on form to broadcast news to Gibraltar on Newswatch, which is where you may have seen her before! We managed to squeeze five minutes, before she rushed off again to review the news script, and have a chat about her newest venture into radio and how different it is to anything else she’s ever done. Ros says it was her love of reading from a very young age that sparked her love for acting and reading scripts. After a spell in the banking world she applied and was accepted into London’s Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, where she studied voice and drama.
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 32 2013
Determined and ambitious, Ros graduated from drama school and began working hard, producing and starring in a Theatre-in-Education tour for schools where she earned her Equity card and immediately set off working in London as a professional actress and voice over actress. Ros participated in all kinds of productions from theatre to corporate films, and cartoons to educational DVDs. She spent 12 years working in various productions including BBC and Channel 4, Matinee Sound and Vision, she even worked on a short film which was selected for Best of British Film Festival. With an impressive and such wideranging resume like Ros’ there was only one territory left uncovered... radio! On moving to Gibraltar in 2000, experience was definitely on her side when she applied to our very own GBC television where she knew there was no acting work but they offered her her own cake baking show called Sweet Somethings. Combining her love of presenting with baking gave Ros the chance to showcase her skills to Gibraltar. Ros soon began working in many presenting and production jobs with GBC, as well as becoming a regular and valued GBC news presenter after then moving on to marketing PR at one of Gibraltar’s most prestigious locations, Ocean Village. It was a job which well suited bubbly, outgoing Ros who says she thoroughly enjoyed working at Ocean Village and admits it was a tough decision to leave after being offered a regular show on Radio Gibraltar.
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
it’s not the size shorts In true Ros fashion her love of performing took over when faced with the decision. “When the vacancy came out in Radio Gibraltar I knew this was a rare opportunity to be a part of a great team and do something I actually had never done before. I love music and working in broadcasting so it was something I didn’t want to pass up.” Back in media where she belongs Ros was set on learning a new skill. A true believer in never staying comfortable, always growing and always learning, Ros had one week to learn the radio desk before she went live at peak time. “I didn’t have pre-performance nerves as I was used to performing live, but I was nervous about pressing all the right buttons and pushing the right faders! There is much more to radio than just your voice, you drive the desk yourself so getting it right technically is equally as important as saying the right things!
comment
Size matters...
but not as much as substance Here at the Gibraltar Magazine office we recently received a request for a scan of an article which appeared in a 1998 edition. Now being a nostalgic lot we got lost in our 1998 box for quite some time, giggling over how young folk looked and reminiscing about pubs we used to frequent, and people who have moved on to bigger and better things. Then we spotted an ad for Liberty Electronics on Main Street which contained this picture:
“What I love about radio is that it’s a chance to just be yourself, there is no script handed to me, it’s just you and the listeners. You create the ambiance; and it is a daily challenge to keep the show fresh and interesting”.
point is that it is bigger than the last one. Okay, admittedly it’s slimmer and slicker and lighter, but still BIGGER. So maybe instead of guffawing at the old phone’s size we should be laughing at its technological limitations. Maybe Apple has proven once and for all that it isn’t size that matters, it really is what you can do with it. Living as we do on a 2.6 square mile lump of limestone, which in every way mimics a small country, we should take note. It isn’t our size that defines us — it’s our substance. n
Ros tells how she loves being more connected with the community every day, something she has always been heavily involved with in Gibraltar. Giving back to the community has always been close to her heart and now with great prizes to give away on her show she explains how the new Radio Gibraltar apps and social networking are bringing a new range of listeners to Radio Gibraltar. “It’s a whole new medium for people to get in touch. It’s when I know people are out there! Sometimes radio can feel like you’re talking to yourself,” she laughs. “But with the new apps, Facebook etc people are giving feedback and becoming more involved. It’s great to be a part of something with the community providing material too.” Ros has been hosting her show for three months now and is full of enthusiasm and optimism for her future in radio. “It’s so different to anything I’ve ever done. Keeping it fun is important to me, making sure my show is entertaining and that people enjoy it as much as I do. Radio Gibraltar is evolving and it’s amazing it be a part of it all.” n Download the app to your phone and tune in with Radio Gibraltar! Catch Radio Gibraltar’s newest host the wonderfully talented Ros Astengo helping you relax into your evening from 4-7pm on weekdays.
“
What I love about radio is it’s a chance to just be yourself, there is no script handed to me, it’s all you and the listeners... and it is a daily challenge to keep the show fresh and interesting
”
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
Presumably the phone manufacturers put the teapot there to show just how compact this mobile device actually was. When we had stopped guffawing about carrying something larger than a teapot around, it set us thinking. I had personally held off on buying a mobile phone for so long, that when I did finally buy an Apple iPhone at the same time as my colleague, I began cooing over it like it was a new born baby. It is so neat and compact with such tiny tiny... features. It delivers to the palm of my hand the opinions of the wisest and most stupid in the land, and fills its couple inches with libraries of information at the swish of a finger. I can even make a telephone call on it — if I wanted to that is. But now, fickle as I am, I am lusting after the latest shiny drug-like device Apple is pushing my way. And guess what? Its main selling
It delivers to the palm of my hand the opinions of the wisest and most stupid in the land, and fills its couple inches with libraries of information at the swish of a finger The Apple iPhone - now bigger AND better
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events
chess
Gibraltar Tradewise Chess 21st January - 21st February 2013
More than a decade of chess on the Rock! words | Alice Mascarenhas
More than 10 years of chess at top level has placed Gibraltar in a unique position in the always expanding international world of chess. The Gibraltar Chess Congress is the fastest growing, biggest international event ever staged on the Rock.
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The centuries old game today stretches out to every continent, every country, every city and every village in the world and the Gibraltar Tradewise Chess Festival continues to strengthen its lead taking advantage of the relentless chess explosion on the worldwide web breaking new ground every year. 2013, edition number 11 from
21st January to 21st February, is no different and showing no signs of slowing down. For 2013 the prize money is £160,000. Over 115 players have registered to play in the Open, Challengers and Amateurs. Looking back on last year, organiser Brian Callaghan, is quietly confident the 2013 edition will once again raise the bar. At the closing stages of the tenth edition of the tournament describing it as “an amazing tournament about having fun and playing serious, very serious chess” he predicted the chess played in Gibraltar would reverberate around the world. A sneak preview at next year ’s impressive top 10 list suggests he was spot on. First on the list is elite Grandmaster Vassily Ivanchuk winner in 2010 and currently ranked ninth in the world. Gata Kamsky(USA 2762), Radoslaw Wojtaszek (POL 2734), Alexei Shirov (LAT 2716), Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (FRA 2711), Mickey Adams (ENG 2710), Lazaro Bruzon Batista (CUB 2706), LiemLe Quang (VIE 2705), Nikita Vituggy (RUS 2700) and last year’s winner Nigel Short (ENG 2692).
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
chess Short who has admitted on various occasions that he plays his best games on the Rock not only took the first prize in 2012 but also won the special Commonwealth prize in The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year. His winning game against China’s young woman player Hou Yifan, who not only finished second but also won the Women’s overall prize and the Junior Award, rocked the chess world, and prompted Short to suggest that Gibraltar had been witness to the start of something new in women’s chess. “We want to continue to break new ground,” Mr Callaghan assures. “Attracting the big names is always important because our aim is to always achieve the best plays possible. We will continue to promote the women’s game because we feel it is important. It is this mix of men and women GMs and amateurs, able to play under one roof, in a friendly environment at home at the Caleta Hotel, which continues to deliver a winning formula.” Playing next year is Anna Muzychuk, now rated 2606 is the world’s number 3 female player and only the fourth female in history to pass the 2600 mark. She will be amongst a star gathering of female players. Over the years the tournament has been enjoyed by a huge internet audience and in the chess has become the leader in this area. This has been thanks to Gibtelecom’s innovative technology and the unique, built-for-purpose webcasting suite installed at the Caleta Hotel which has brought into the arena thousands of chess enthusiasts from all over the world. The streaming, said a Gibtelecom spokesman, had been enhanced from year to year now able to handle thousands of concurrent connections to the streaming equipment, whereas when the tournament first started it had a limit of only 10. Last year it boasted a billion hits in the 10 days of competition with visits, from as far afield as Germany, Russia, Brazil
events
and the USA. In a new move the organisers have brought in reigning US women’s champion, Irina Krush, who will join the commentary and broadcast team for the 2013 edition. Irina is no stranger to Gibraltar, having participated in the Masters on many occasions. As well as accompanying GM Simon Williams at the commentary desk, Irina will also act as presenter for on-site videos made during the festival. Brian Callaghan still finds it hard to believe that from modest beginnings Gibraltar now hosts the most prestigious OpenChess Tournament in the world and that the next one will be number 11. “It is a credit to Gibraltar that the Tradewise Chess Festival is a tournament that participants from all over the world now wish to play in and are willing and wanting to travel here,” he says. For Gibraltar it has meant that in the slow winter months — for those two weeks at the beginning of the year — hotels are full. Mr Callaghan has therefore made his hobby pay-off reinforcing that event-led tourism does have a market which can be created with the will, energy and resources. He firmly believes the festival offers a blueprint for the future of Gibraltar tourism, led by international events of this nature, and that if a specific niche is found it should be targeted with vigour. n Make a note in your diary... Masters (Open to all): Tuesday 22nd January - Thursday 31st January(10-round Swiss, FIDE rated). Challengers A (Under 2250): Monday 21st January - Friday 25th January (5-round, Swiss, FIDE rated). Challengers B (Under 2250): Saturday 26th January - Wednesday 30th January (5-round, Swiss, FIDE rated). Amateurs A (Under 1900): Monday 21st January - Friday 25th January (5-round, Swiss, FIDE rated). Amateurs B (Under 1900): Saturday 26th January - Wednesday 30th January (5-round, Swiss, FIDE rated). Play starts every morning at 9am. The Masters start every afternoon at 3pm.
In a new move the organisers have brought in reigning US women’s champion, Irina Krush, who will join the commentary and broadcast team for the 2013 edition GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
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property
opinion
words | Brian Francis RICS
Brian Francis RICS, Managing Director of BFA Group
A Need for Regulation? An Estate Agent is often depicted as an unscrupulous person who is more interested in earning a fat commission for as little as possible, than someone who provides a good professional service. Why? In my opinion, there are two fundamental reasons for this: (a) Although the Agent deals mostly with the purchaser or tenant, his client is neither of them, as it is normally the vendor or landlord who will pay the commission, and (b) The lack of regulation to ensure a good professional code of conduct. In the UK, although anyone can practice as an Estate Agent without any training or qualifications, there is at least an Estate Agents Act which sets down minimum standards of compliance... Not so in Gibraltar, where there is no such legislation, which makes matters even worse from the consumer protection point of view. This age old problem of consumers not trusting estate agents continues and was the subject of a survey carried out by the RICS (Royal
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ably qualified to sell property, and with public confidence at such a low level, understandably, the overwhelming majority (91%) believe that buyers would be better protected if compulsory regulation were introduced. While all sales agents in the UK are at least legally bound under the Estate Agents Act to offer a customer redress scheme,(not applicable locally), those who are not members of a professional body are not obliged to meet minimum competency standards or subject to the scrutiny of regulatory monitoring. This means that consumers are potentially dealing with an agent who, while technically abiding by existing legislation, could be providing inaccurate advice. Only agents who belong to a regulated professional body, such as the RICS, are duty bound to a strict ethical code and obliged to meet minimum competency levels. If RICS agents fail to act in accordance with rules of conduct, they are subject to regulatory investigation and if found to have acted inappropriately are subject to sanctions. In extreme cases, agents can potentially lose their chartered status. The RICS, and I as a Fellow Member, would like to see all estate agents ( in UK and Gibraltar) forced to sign up to a professional regulation scheme that provides better safeguards for buyers and sellers, and landlords and tenants. Concise, compulsory regulation would both improve consumer protection and minimise the burden on business by simplifying legislation, making it easier for agents to abide by. These RICS survey results show a worrying lack of consumer trust in the estate agency profession in the UK and I dread to think what a similar local survey would reveal. Clearly, when people are making the biggest purchase of their lives, they want to know that they can trust their agent and the advice they are given. People who are buying or selling a house should always check that their agent is a regulated member of a professional body, such as RICS, who have to abide by ethical codes, or at least check that they have the competency acquired through experience. In the absence of local legislation, buyers and tenants are potentially dealing with someone who doesn’t understand their obligations to consumers nor have any idea of the law of principal and agent. Although all estate agents in the UK must have a redress scheme, these only deal with complaints once something has gone wrong. This is like closing the stable door after the horse has bolted. What is seriously needed is local legislation on the lines of the UK Estate Agents Act as well as compulsory regulation for all agents that helps to raise standards and prevent problems from occurring in the first place. They need not belong to any recognised professional body but should at least meet the minimum standards of competency to safeguard public confidence in the profession. n
Institution of Chartered Surveyors) in the UK, which resulted in over 90% of homebuyers now calling for compulsory regulation to better protect buyers and tenants. According to the RICS survey, of those who failed to check whether their agent was a regulated member of a professional body, only half (54%) said they trusted them to provide honest and truthful advice. Article by Brian Francis RICS, Managing Director of With no statutory regulation currently in BFA Group, Estate Agents, Valuers, Property Management place in the UK to ensure sales agents are suit- www.bfagib.com
Concise, compulsory regulation would both improve consumer protection and minimise the burden on business by simplifying legislation, making it easier for agents to abide by GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
real estate
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proporty
opinion
The first quarter of 2013 could be the ideal time for first time buyers to get on the property ladder
Rock Property Review
words | Terence Richardson, Richardsons Estate Agents
How would you sum up 2012 from a property perspective? I would sum up by saying there has been little change in the Gibraltar housing market in 2012. It is difficult to be precise without official statistics, but our own transactions show a modest price decline in the re-sale secondary market. In contrast the prime residential market seems resilient with stability in prime property prices year-on-year.
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Overall, prime property prices have held up, but there is some evidence of prices softening in some developments with properties selling at 10% below their asking prices. Generally the housing market has been stable up to now, but the debt crisis in the Eurozone with
shrinking job markets and low consumer confidence is bound to have an adverse effect in Gibraltar. The UK market which also affects us shows very little growth. Data from building society Nationwide shows that average property prices across the country fell by 0.4% in September, partly reversing the rise
Our biggest challenge is to attract investment into Gibraltar when half of the world is in economic recession
seen in August. Prices are down 1.4% year-on-year. Other forecasters predict minus 2.0% growth until 2014. So, once the economic recovery improves, I think we can then achieve a fully functioning property market with healthy growth in Gibraltar. What challenges do we face in 2013 and what opportunities? Our biggest challenge is to attract
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
opinion investment into Gibraltar when half of the world is in economic recession. The other challenge is to address the housing shortage we have in Gibraltar. Although a lot was done by the previous Government I would encourage the new Government to build more quality housing for Gibraltarians. Our fiscal autonomy gives us the opportunity to attract wealth to Gibraltar. The demand for luxury Gibraltar homes from overseas buyers has to be underwritten by a quality Gibraltar lifestyle. A lot more can be done to attract top quality retailers and caterers. More thought should be given by developers to what the estimated 63,000 super rich (according to the Knight Frank 2012 Wealth Report) want. A Gibraltar property can become part of the typical super rich individual’s portfolio. Housing markets tend to go through a lull at the start of the year before activity picks up in the spring, is this true in Gibraltar? Does this make it an advantageous time to buy? We have always found more activity in the market at the end of the year with a lull during Q1 of the new year. It’s difficult to generalise, but activity does seem to come in waves throughout the year. I think activity, even in a small market like Gibraltar has more to do with more complex issues related to investor confidence, financial outlooks, wages, type of accommodation being built etc., although I’m sure good weather has something to do with it. If any of these issues lower demand for housing then prices will tend to drop making it a good time to purchase. When are the best months to sell a property in Gibraltar, or is it a year round market? Generally the best months for the retirement market are the dry months, with the good weather, especially for sea facing properties. Prospective Cat 2 buyers and investors are influenced by end of year accounts and financial cycles. There is always a year round market but I would say the best time to market is September to November and February to June. What advice would you give to a first-time buyer (FTB) whose New Year resolution is to own their own home in 2013? Well the reality is that it is an excellent time for a FTB to buy a property. There are many lenders and products available, with high loan-to-values (LTVs), while mort-
property
gage rates are still at historically low levels. For example some lenders in Gibraltar currently offer online two year and five year fixed mortgages with a minimum 10% deposit on a first come first saved basis. Others offer similar deals but with higher LTV criteria. There are also generous income tax allowances like the House Purchase Allowance, with a £11,500 deduction for 2012/1013 as well as mortgage interest relief, which is fully allowable on a maximum loan of £350,000. As a FTB you should be prepared to provide the lender with as much information as possible and secure an initial agreement in principle on how much they are prepared to lend. They will ask for payslips, bank statements, details of loans you may have etc. Having this information beforehand will save you time. A visit to an independent mortgage broker can
There is always a year round market but I would say the best time to market is September to November and February to June also help you decide on the most suitable products available. The choice of property is also important as the lender will be looking to see how easy it will be to re-sell. So, in principle look for an area where the demand is high and also that the property is in good condition. Find an agent you are comfortable with and tell them exactly what you are looking for. Look out for our new website in the New Year — we will be offering email alerts to buyers so we can update you each time a suitable property comes to our books. n
Terence Richardson MRICS, FNAEA, ACIOB, Managing Director, Richardsons, 1/4 College Lane, Gibraltar. Tel: 200 79210 Fax: 200 75659 Web: www.richardsons.gi
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
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business
events
Top Six Predictions for 2013
1
Traditionally, January is the month for making predictions for the year ahead. Never one to miss an opportunity, here’s my effort in a few sectors that are close to me. The verdict will follow in 12 month’s time.
Residential property The residential market is strong at the lower end and holding up well at the upper end of the price spectrum. Since King’s Wharf completed in 2010, there have been no new residential developments aimed at the lower end of the open market either at the planning or development stages. Yet, there still seems to be a steady demand for rental properties from incoming employees. Availability of rental properties below £1,500 pcm is at its lowest for a number of years. Meanwhile, in response for more and better property at the highest end of the price bracket, developers are responding, hence there is indeed some property development currently in Gibraltar at the Sanctuary and the
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Buena Vista Park sites. Prediction: I think with development finance so hard to come by, this same trend will continue, that is, upward pressure on prices at the lower end of the market but with the rest of the property market stable.
property sector. Investors are buying tenanted buildings. Incoming companies are very slowly, but very surely, filling the vacant office, and thereby reducing the supply. Yet other than a handful of Old Town building refurbishments, no new office buildings are likely to start in 2013. Prediction: Office rents will continue to increase due to the deCommercial property From a Chesterton perspective, mand/supply imbalance. the commercial property sector has been the success story of 2012. We Hotel development have recorded a near 300% growth over 2011 in the non-residential Just like the commercial property
2
3
sector, the lack of development finance continues to prevent this sector from springing into action. There are schemes out there pretty 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 has his own real estate investment solutions consultancy.
with development finance so hard to come by, this same trend will continue, that is, upward pressure on prices at the lower end of the market GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
again, I will stick my neck out. A new hotel project will start in Gibraltar in 2013.
4
Gibraltar economy Any real economic growth (that is, net of inflation), has to be welcome growth in this climate where triple dip recessions are more likely in most European countries than a recovery. The government targeted 50% growth over their four year term in their manifesto and will be keen to make inroads into that target. Prediction: The low tax environment continues to attract incoming new business and hence employment. However, the lack of new government projects which also contribute to the GDP measurement may mean that growth is much closer to 1% or 2% per annum in real terms.
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predictions
New initiatives When a Gibraltar property is let out to tenants, tax is due on the rental profits, either at the company income tax rate if held in a company or at the investors’ personal tax rate. Should this Gibraltar investor choose not to buy a property but instead leave the money in a bank, no tax is due on the interest income. So the tax system dissuades property investment, which creates revenue to the government and ensures a good stock of rental property is available for tenants, and encourages bank investment which takes money out of the economy serving very little purpose other than maintaining capital ratios for the banks. The buying of property, paying of stamp duty and subsequent
property
furnishing or refurbishment of the property, creates economic activity. Leaving money in a bank, doesn’t. Prediction: A debate begins which considers addressing this inadvertent tax incentive to do nothing, as opposed to considering property investment.
6
Football West Ham will finish a very acceptable 14th in the 2012/13 season and be in the top half by the end of October in the 2013/14 season. Big Sam will finally have the recognition he deserves for turning around the Hammers’ fate after coming last in the Premier League in the 2010/11 season. n Best wishes for a happy and successful 2013 in relatively tough times. Better to be in Gibraltar than anywhere else I reckon.
2012 Predictions – the Results And here are the results from my 2012 predictions, which were published in January last year.
to meet demand from existing businesses, and rents will not move much at all. Verdict: Probably wrong. Commercial rents are increasing due to the lack of new supply of office space.
improve the Gibraltar tourism product, lower income tax to reduce the imbalance between corporate and income taxes, and a ban on smoking in public places. Verdict: Three out of four right.
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Hotel development Prediction: Lester Hotel to lead the pack and start construction first. Verdict: Wrong. No new hotel projects have started, nor any commercial property scheme of any scale. The lack of development finance has all but closed this sector for the time being.
Economy Prediction: Positive but reduced economic growth. Verdict: Right.
Residential property Prediction: Continued small but upward pressure on property prices at the lower to mid-market and prices static on properties above £500,000. Verdict: Probably right. much ready to start. But without funding, they will not start. Prediction: Each year I am optimistic that at least one of the hotel developments will start, so once
2
Commercial property (office) Prediction: Supply will continue
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
3
4 6
Football Prediction: West Ham to gain promotion and to secure the Olympic Stadium as its home ground. New government initiatives Verdict: Happily, the first one Prediction: A more open style of right, time will tell with the government, initiatives on how to Olympic Stadium.
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property
interiors
‘In’ Interiors for 2013 The New Year is upon us, and in the interior design world, this means emerging trends will come to life. Along with the Pantone colour forecast for interior trends for home and office, this year brings the return of some old favourites plus brand new trends. Where fuchsia dominated the past year, yellow is the new pink, perfect for our sunny Mediterranean climate. This colour will dominate with vibrancy, making for lively and stimulating colour palettes, fabrics and fittings. Although it is a more mellow yellow, as it is really muted compared to all those neons seen last year, it will still make a striking change for interior colours. Another big colour for 2013 will be blue — a universal favourite. In this trend, blue will be used as a neutral colour, and instead of black, navy will be making an appearance, as well as olive green. Red will also be a popular contender this year, but only used sparsely and in moderation. Patterns are also making a comeback in 2013, although this will be recreated with one of the year’s strongest trends — a white background. Fabrics and wall coverings
bring both small and large florals with white backdrops, and vintage prints with bold colours and patterns all thrown onto a white canvas. Florals are a decorating staple, but the buds showing up in 2013 are more modern and more ‘painterly’, such as Scandinavian-influenced posies blossoming on fabrics. Instead of making everything match with the patterns, the trend will be to clash fabrics, and stimulate the senses, which goes handin-hand with the yellow trend. Make your patterns more fun by throwing together floras, hand sketches, stripes (which will be extremely popular next year) and geometrics — an array of textures and colours which will be in for the upcoming year. Global décor is not totally out, as patterns will still be inspired by African folklore, Mexican, Bulgarian, as well as the popular animal prints, not only zebra or leopard
Patterns are making a comeback in 2013, although this will be recreated with one of the year’s strongest trends – a white background
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
interiors prints, but animals frolicking across upholstery fabrics — some of the most popular will be elephants and dogs. Culture and crafts will still be seen this year. Touch and textures are going to be an important focus, as fabrics and finishes should all stimulate the senses. Textures with warmth and depth will make you feel at one with your space. Colours similar to sand and stone will prevail, as well as neutral beiges. Again, mixing these colours with white will allow the texture of the materials to stand out more. This year will be more about experiencing and engaging with your home. This year will also be about traditional hand crafts (so pick up some ideas at the local craft fairs such as the one at St Andrew’s Church and the Arts & Craft Centre). Make your home rich with embroidery, knitting and hand-mades. Large scale knits, crochet, and macramé are taking off in both décor and furniture. Perhaps you want to take up a new hobby as a New Year’s resolution, and hand crafts are perfect to unwind, learn something new, and create beautiful items for your home, which will be in with the latest trends. All in all, this year you should look for your interior design to be
property
Touch and textures are going to be an important focus as fabrics and finishes should all be touchable and stimulate the senses fun and lively. Bring your materials out of context, and use them in a new way to make them creative, and take a more spontaneous approach to your designing. Thinking
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
in a childish and cost effective way the mind will let everyday objects receive new functions. Upholstering with some old jeans or making pillows from favourite shirts and
scarves, are just some examples. Long drapes of fabric flowing off chairs will create a light and breezy effect, very much in style for the upcoming year. n
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history
uncovered
Left: Gibraltar in 1893, when journalist William Laird Clowes (above) declared it ‘useless’
When Gibraltar was Declared ‘Useless’ words | Reg Reynolds
Outrage was expressed throughout the British Empire when 120 years ago a respected journalist and historian wrote an article under the headline “The Uselessness of Gibraltar”.
“
William Laird Clowes had been a es as Gibraltar itself, or our proverbial in the English language as expresjournalist for nearly 15 years when fleet would furnish, we have sive of strength, stability and impregnability. It goes his article appeared in 5th March, to consider the question: It goes without saying that anything which is 1893 edition of the highly influential would Gibraltar, so attacked, solid as the Rock of Gibraltar cannot be moved without saying The Fortnightly Review. Clowes spebe the slightest bit of use as a by any power and cannot be taken by force. It that anything cialised in naval matters so his opinnaval base?” is a possession, too, of which the British nation ion mattered. Born at Hampstead on Clowes reckoned that un- is proud and on which it acts a very high value. which is solid 1st February, 1856 he took up jourder such conditions ships The man who affirms that it is useless to Great nalism in 1879 and gained insight as the Rock could not refit or take on Britain must be a candidate for the lunatic asyinto naval affairs while serving on coal. lum, and the periodical which gives publicity of Gibraltar the staff of the Army & Navy Gazette. “If neither merchant ships to such an unpatriotic statement must surely Latterly he was naval correspondent nor war ships are safe it is be an enemy of the British Empire!” cannot be for the Standard and The Times. hard to see what benefit It will never be known if the Spanish could moved by any Clowes’ based his argument on Great Britain could derive have destroyed or captured Gibraltar because, the recent improvement of artillery from it if Spain took the side fortunately, the Rock was never put to the test; power and fire. He pointed out that in the preof the enemy.” the only aggressive military action being the vious century cannon had a maxicannot be taken Stating Gibraltar would bombing by the French in World War II. In mum reach of 3,000 yards while never again be a the more than a century since by force by the late 1890s there were guns first-class naval Clowes’ article appeared Gibralthat could attain distances of 21,000 base but recoghas continued, without interClowes tar yards, nearly 12 nautical miles. nising that Britruption, to prove its usefulness. Clowes wrote: Clowes retired from journalain would still need a naval base in suggested “With these guns duly protected or con- the region he suggested that Spain ism in 1897 to study naval histhat Spain tory. He subsequently founded cealed, and with assistance of position finders should be approached regarding the Spanish artillerists ought to be able, in 10 swapping Gibraltar for Ceuta. should be and edited Naval Pocket Books, minutes, destroy anything that is visible on Gicollaborated on the seven-volThe Colonial press responded braltar Bay; and if they used smokeless pow- not with sound argument but with approached ume The Royal Navy, its History der they would not be obliged to betray their an outburst of patriotism. Here is the Earliest Times to 1900 and regarding from whereabouts to the people of the Rock. was knighted in 1902. He moved an example from the British Colo“Recollecting that behind these batteries nist newspaper of British Columbia, swapping to Switzerland due to ill health would be all the resources of Spain, and that Canada: and died there on 14th August, Gibraltar 1905. n behind Gibraltar would be only such resourc“The Rock Gibraltar has become
”
for Ceuta
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
update
charity
Kusuma’s Opportunity to Make a Difference Kusuma Trust Gibraltar has joined up with the internationally renowned Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO), to offer young people of Gibraltar a once in a lifetime opportunity to make a difference. The VSO-ICS scheme (previously known as Global Xchange) is a youth programme aimed at 18-25 year olds, which the Kusuma Trust hopes will give young people in Gibraltar the chance to experience a completely different culture, build international understanding, encourage the sharing of skills and allow young people to contribute in a positive way. “Kusuma Trust Gibraltar believe in supporting young people to reach their full potential by giving them the opportunities to experience the world, and develop,” explains project manager Angela Almeida. “With this in mind we are now funding young Gibraltarians to participate in the widely acclaimed volunteer programme ICS.” Participants spend a life-changing 10-12 weeks abroad working alongside local volunteers on projects specifically chosen to ensure the energies and skills of young people can make a direct impact on poorer communities. No previous experience or special qualifications are needed.
to your community. “My six months of volunteering overseas were spent in Mozambique and Swansea,” explain Meenal Viz, one of the participants from Gibraltar. “Our team was made up of nine UK volunteers and nine Mozambican volunteers. My first three months were spent in Mozambique where we stayed in a lovely village called Samora Machel. Each UK volunteer was paired up with a Mozambican volunteer who we lived with and a different pair who we worked with. The next three months of our adventure was spent in Swansea, and like Samora Machel, we lived in host families and we had work counterparts. Our contribution to the community in Swansea was done a bit differently. Each work counterpart pair had two work placements. Volunteers worked with Oxfam, refugees and charity shops. My work counterpart and myself both worked in a Soup Kitchen where we cooked food and fed it to the homeless in South Wales, as well as other projects. “This programme opened my eyes to a lot of global issues and how I, as a consumer in a developed country can have a great impact on the lives of others in developing countries. I strongly believe that as young people we can help change the lives of others just by volunteering in our free time and as young people we can be active in our community and use our energy and skills to become a better Global Citizen as well as a better human being,” she says. Shortlisted candidates (who are If you are Gibraltar residents of three years) 18-35 years will be invited to an assessment old and would day where they will be interlike more viewed and participate in groups information exercises to enable VSO to make a or to apply full assessment of their suitability please visit the to volunteer. website www. Although volunteering with ICS vso-ics.org.uk is completely funded by the KuPlease mention suma Trust, successful applicants that you are will be supported to fundraise, to applying for ensure the continuation of VSO the Kusuma and ICS work. n programme when you contact ICS.
If you are 18-25 years old and want to make a real difference in local communities, travel and learn about different cultures, then this is a perfect opportunity. The development of new skills will be attractive to future employers and educational institutions, as well as contributing
If you want to make a real difference in local communities, travel and learn about different cultures, then this is the perfect opportunity
Info
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
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take one
creatives
Behind the Scenes
Women Unleased
words & image | Claudia Schiel
In our last edition we went behind the scenes at GBC, to meet the team of the very popular magazine show Stuff About Us. This month, again we wander down to the television studios, but this time to met the team hosting a new, but very different show — Women Unleashed. The idea behind this new chat show, presented live fortnightly on Thursdays, came from the popular ITV show Loose Women, and is a similar concept, but with local influence. Justine Fava, the brains behind the idea and the host of the programme, says she could see a niche for this genre of show, never tackled in Gibraltar before. It was not easy for Justine to get the show off the ground and it took around 18 months to finally see her idea blossom. It was finally Gerard Teuma, GBC’s new CEO, who pulled the show off the shelves and revived the idea, bringing it to life and finally into your living rooms. It is GBC’s first ever all-female chat show, and Justine must surely be proud for achieving this. The original panel was chosen, based on the natural chemistry and sense of humour between them — something deemed vital for the show’s success. But as the show took longer to get off the ground, it was a different panel who finally appeared in the show. Marilou Guerrero and
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Pat Orfila now occupy the two main panel seats, and there is a third seat, which is rotated, to give a chance to other women who would like to participate in the programme and air their views and opinions. Any women out there who would like to take part should contact Justine Fava through GBC. The show allows for open-minded views on everyday subjects which affect everyone at one point or another in their lives. These are conversations people would normally have amongst themselves, where they express their views in a honest way. Although the subject matter can be serious, there is always an opportunity to see the
These are conversations people would normally have amongst themselves, where they express their views in a honest way
humour in life. If we take life and ourselves too seriously it all becomes so dark, says Justine. Tune in and you will experience a unique show, which may shock you a little, and make you relate to a subject you may not wish to, but it will most certainly make you have a giggle too. Justine says she wants to see the show endure, grow and expand and she is trying very hard to keep upping her game every fortnight. She takes criticism on board to improve and listens to what the viewer would like to see and hear. She is also driven to creating the type of programme that will keep viewers happy and entertained. So there you have it, exciting new programmes coming to you. Presenters, producers, directors and all the rest of the hard working teams down at our local television station, making it possible for the viewers to be connected and up-to-date with local community matters. Support your local TV station — view, enjoy and participate. n
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAGAZINE •• JANUARY JANUARY 2013 2013 GIBRALTAR
creatives
take one
The main cast of New Tricks — Denis Lawson (Ex-Detective Inspector Steve McAndrew), Dennis Waterman (Ex-Detective Sergeant Gerry Standing), Amanda Redman (Detective Superintendent Sandra Pullman) and Alun Armstrong (Ex-Detective Inspector Brian Lane) — at Gibraltar’s North Front Cemetery during a break from filming
New Tricks on the Rock
enjoying their time here. But why did the producer/writers choose Gibraltar? “We wanted to do something different,” explained Producer Tom Mullens. “We are filming the first two episodes of the new series while we are here and it is the first time we have done a two part episode. We chose Gibraltar because it is easy to get here and because of the Gibraltar Police’s
connection with the UK force. It has been great here, everyone has been so helpful and made us feel very welcome.” A crew of around 60 people stayed at the Rock Hotel and the Elliot along with the cast. Filming took place on Main Street, at North Front Cemetery, on the Upper Rock and aboard Mega Yacht Sirius in the bay. Many local faces will be seen in the episodes as extras. It took the
crew 22 days to film the two hours of footage set in Gibraltar. New Tricks is produced by Wall to Wall Television for the BBC. The series is broadcast in at least 25 countries, and is also available on DVD or via online streaming. The theme tune of the programme is a song called It’s Alright, written by Mike Moran and sung by cast member Dennis Waterman (photographed above). n
BBC’s New Tricks, is a drama series featuring an eccentric bunch of ex-policemen, brought out of retirement to investigate unsolved crimes, and for 22 days at the end of 2012 the cast plus crew were on the Rock to film the first to episodes of the new series for 2013. The hugely popular New Tricks began as a one-off episode, broadcast on 27th March 2003, and has been so successful its tenth series is now in production. The new series will contain ten 60 minute episodes, the first two of which are shot mainly on the Rock, and are due to be broadcast in Autumn of 2013. This was the first time any of the main cast had been in Gibraltar, and they all agreed that they were
Newton Creative Awards 2012 - Music Last month the Newton Store on Irish Town hosted the prize
giving for the Music category of the Newton Creative Awards 2012. His Worship the Mayor, Tony Lima, and Head Judge Charlie Moore announced the names of the winners and commended artists for the different age groups. The winners were - 12 and under: Elijah Cruz, Lewis Davies of St Joseph’s Middle School for “End of Time”. 13 to 16 age-group: Kian Khalilian for “Nature’s Wars”. For the 17 and over age-group: Paul Santos for “Paragon”. All 38 entries can be played on Newton’s website: newton. gi/music12. The winners received Newton Store vouchers and are now running for the NCA-2012 Overall Prize, with other winners of the three categories Art, Music, and Short Film, which will be awarded in February 2013. The Overall Prize is an Apple iMac 27-inch (value of £1,279). n
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
47
UK
are you feeling SAD today
?
What is happiness? Wikipedia says happiness is “a mental or emotional state of well-being characterised by positive or pleasant emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy.” Charles M. Schulz, creator of Peanuts cartoon, puts it more simply saying “Happiness is a warm puppy”. Abraham Lincoln was sure that “People are just as happy as they make up their minds to be,” and the Dalai Lama XIV states “Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.” So do we really have control over our own happiness? Those who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) would say not. Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression which occurs during the same season each year. If you get depressed in the winter but feel much better in spring and summer, you may have SAD. While SAD is more common in areas where winter days are very short or there are big changes in the amount of daylight in different seasons (some areas can have sunlight for six months of the year, and night for the other six months. Parts of Finland and Norway are among the most affected) even in Gibraltar our daylight hours are reduced from over 14 in June to under 10 in December. SAD occurs throughout the northern and southern hemispheres but is extremely rare in those living within 30 degrees of the Equator, where daylight hours are long, constant and extremely bright (Gibraltar is at 36º north of the Equator). SAD is caused by a biochemical imbalance in the hypothalamus due to the shortening of daylight hours and the lack of sunlight in winter. And it may cause problems with a brain chemical called serotonin that affects mood. Doctors often prescribe light therapy to treat
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SAD, including ‘dawn simulation’ in which a dim light turns on in the morning while you sleep, and it gets brighter over time, just like a sunrise in the summer. Many people are familiar with the “Winter Blues,” a milder form of Seasonal Affective Disorder, however people who suffer from SAD feel sad, moody, and/or anxious over a long period; they lose interest in their normal activities and eat more, craving carbohydrates, such as bread and pasta, and sweet foods, and therefore gain weight; they sleep more and even feel drowsy during the day. For most
85%
the number of diagnosed cases in which Light Therapy has been shown to be effective
people with SAD, symptoms start in Autumn and end in Spring. Most sufferers show signs of a weakened immune system during the winter, and are more vulnerable to infections and other illnesses. Three out of four SAD sufferers are women and the main age of onset of SAD is between 18 and 30 years of age Regular exercise and being active during the daytime, especially first thing in the morning, may help sufferers have more energy and feel less depressed. Moderate exercise such as walking, riding a bike, or swimming is a good way to get started. In addition the UK’s SAD Association says “Psychotherapy, counselling or any complementary therapy which helps the sufferer to relax, accept their illness and cope with its limitations are extremely useful.” n The UK’s SAD Association is a voluntary organisation and registered charity which informs the public and health professions about SAD and supports and advises sufferers of the condition. Visit SADA’s website www. sada.org.uk for advice on Light Therapy and other information.
GIBRALTAR GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAGAZINE •• JANUARY JANUARY 2013 2013
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Welcome to 2013 and a ‘New You’!
Setting goals at the beginning of the New Year is an effective way to achieve renewed direction and motivation in life. Typically these might focus around health, well-being and confidence. Inevitably, much of our confidence is linked to our self image and at Aria Medical Group we know that cosmetic surgery can really transform lives, creating a more confident you. Face lifts, tummy tucks, liposuction and breast reductions & enhancements for example are all procedures which will make you look and feel your best, renewing your appearance, taking years off you. Many clients explain that a procedure also renews their self-confidence and enhances well-being, making them smile both inside and out. Personal Beauty “For me, this is about helping people realise their personal beauty. My cosmetic surgery can fundamentally change the way someone feels about themselves, and how they enjoy their life” comments Dr. Marco Vricella, founder of Aria Medical Group.
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He continues, “We will always try to be competitive on price, but more importantly we want to offer the best possible result with a caring, personalised service. So for example, if a client comes to me for a breast augmentation, one of our most popular procedures, we will always propose the very best quality, FDA approved implants available, ensuring the client can enjoy their new look, completely confident that they have a natural, safe and high quality implant. We always invest in the best medical care, and have a team of the best people in their field, including Louise Truelove, our chief Patient Care Coordinator, and Damien Moore, my Clinical Director. All our prices are inclusive without hidden extras and aftercare is free. We are dedicated to great results, in a friendly, professional and luxury environment.” To find out more please feel free to book a consultation. All consultations are private and free and it is your opportunity to find out more, and to understand your suitability for a procedure so you are able to make an informed decision. Our website is also full of useful material including photo galleries, and information videos.
Free Consultations Dr. Vricella holds free consultations at College Clinic, Regal House, Gibraltar every 2 weeks – for dates and to book an appointment please call :
+ 34 952 895 088 or email: info@ariamedicalgroup.com
www.ariamedicalgroup.com Some of our most popular procedures: + Breast Augmentation + Breast Uplift (Mastopexy) + Breast Reduction + Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) + Liposuction + Face Lifts + Eyebag Removal (Blepharoplasty) + Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery) + Weight-loss Surgery / Gastric Band + Cosmetic Dentistry
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • January 2013
t r n
Because
You’re Beautiful! + Breast Augmentation + Breast Uplift + Breast Reduction + Tummy Tuck + Buttock Augmentation + Liposuction + Facial Injections + Face Lifts + Eyebag Removal + Rhinoplasty + Gastric Surgery + Cosmetic Dentistry
Book your FREE consultation
(+34) 952 895 088 in English (+34) 662 936 058 en Español e: info@ariamedicalgroup.com
www.ariamedicalgroup.com Cosmetic Surgery GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
Cosmetic Surgery
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Madrid
health & medical directory
health& fitness Bell Pharmacy
McTimoney Chiropractor
Your Family Chemists
Gentle holistic treatment for all back or muscular problems and sports injuries Gillian Schirmer MA, DC, MMCA Clinic (Claudia’s), 1st Floor, 58 Main Street Tel: 200 41733 or after hours: 200
Here to help you by answering all your pharmaceutical questions Consult us at 27 Bell Lane Tel: 200 77289 Fax: 200 42989
STEINER CHIROPRACTIC CLINICS
Chiropractic Health Clinic
Dr Carsten Rudolf Steiner BSc DC
Dr Steven J. Crump B.Sc, DC, MCC Open: Mon - Fri 9.30am - 6.30pm
Member of the British Chiropractic Association
Back to better health with Chiropractic for headaches, dizziness, neck and lower back pain, sciatica, osteoathritis and sports injuries. College Clinic, Regal Hse. Tel: 200 77777
CHEMISTS
Bell Pharmacy 27 Bell Lane Tel: 200 77289 Fax: 200 42989
PASSANO OPTICIANS LTD
Louis’ Pharmacy Unit F12, International Commercial Centre, Casemates. Tel: 200 44797
British Registered Optometrists
Chiropodists
38 Main St Tel: 200 76544 Fax: 200 76541 Email: passano@sapphirenet.gi
John W Miles BSc (Podiatry), MChS College Clinic, Regal House Tel: 200 77777
ChiropraCtors
Dr Steven J. Crump BSc, DC, MCC ICC F5C 1st Flr, Casemates. Tel: 200 44226 Gillian Schirmer MA, DC, MMCA McTimoney Chiropractor, Clinic (Claudia’s), 1st Flr, 58 Main St Tel: 200 41733 After hours: 200 40026
Treatment of Back Pain, Neck Pain, Headaches, Limb Pain & Sports Injuries Tel: 200 44226
ICC Suite F5C 1st Floor, Casemates, Gibraltar Member of British Chiropractic Association
Dr Carsten Rudolf Steiner BSc, DC Steiner Chiropractic Clinics, College Clinic, Regal Hse Tel: 200 77777
Counselling
Patrick Gabay AQA Adv Dip in Counselling Tel: 200 59955 / 54014124 Now at Unit F5, 1st Floor, ICC Isabella Jimenez, Sports Therapist (BSc Hons) Tel: 54002226 Email: sportongib@gmail.com
Health Clubs
Atlantic Suites Health Club & Spa Tel: 200 48147
Health Stores The Health Store 5 City Mill Lane. Tel: 200 73765
JOHN W. MILES
HEARING CENTRE
BSc (Podiatry), M.Ch.S
Oigamas Hearing Centre Unit S3h 2nd Floor, ICC Casemates Square Tel: 200 63644 Email: info@oigamas.com
STATE REGISTERED CHIROPODIST Treatment of all Foot Problems • Ingrown Toe-nails including Surgical Removal
Opticians / Optometrists
• Biomechanical Analysis for Insoles / Orthotics including Children
Gache & Co Limited 266 Main Street. Tel: 200 75757
• Wart (Verruca) Clinic
L. M. Passano Optometrist 38 Main Street. Tel: 200 76544
• Diabetics
PERSONAL TRAINERS
Tel: 200 77777
Simon Coldwell Complete Fitness Unit G3, Eliott Hotel Tel: 200 51113
College Clinic, Regal House, Queensway TEL: 54029587 FOR HOME VISITS
Need somebody to talk to?
Isabella Jimenez BSc (hons) Unit 5, 1st Floor, ICC Tel: 54002226 email: jimenez.isabella@gmail.com
Physicians
Dr Norbert V Borge FRCP (London) 7-9 Cornwall’s Lane Tel/Fax: 200 75790 College Clinic, Ground Floor, Regal House, Queensway. Tel: 200 77777 www.collegeclinic.gi
Primary Care Centre 2nd Flr International Commercial Centre Weekend & Public Holiday Opening Hours (use Irish Town entrance) Saturday: 9am - 11am, 5pm - 6pm Sunday & Public Holidays: 10am - 11am, 5pm - 6pm
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SPECIALISTS
7 days a week 6-10pm
College Clinic, Ground Floor, Regal House, Queensway. Tel: 200 77777 www.collegeclinic.gi
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
well-being health
l
Food Fact
Pleasure for the Pain?
Sleep Fact
Sweet Dreams? The three things pregnant women dream most of during their first trimester are frogs, worms and potted plants. Pregnancy hormones can cause mood swings, cravings and many other unexpected changes. Oddly enough, hormones can often affect the types of dreams women have and their vividness. The most common are these three types, but many women also dream of water, giving birth or even have violent or sexually charged dreams. n
Ever wondered why they add caffeine to headache remedies? Well, caffeine helps the body absorb headache drugs more quickly, and therefore brings faster relief. Adding caffeine requires less medication for the same effect, reducing the risk for potential side effects. However, it works just as well if you have a good cup of coffee with your ibuprofen. Coffee really can help with the pain! n
Here’s Health
Milk Thistle Milk thistle (silymarin) is an attractive flowering herb related to the daisy and ragweed family, native to Mediterranean countries and a familiar sight to us in this part of the world. It has been used for thousands of years as a remedy for a variety of ailments and has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Milk thistle is traditionally used as a natural treatment for liver problems and may protect the liver against toxicity from acetaminophen (Tylenol), alcohol and other drugs. It is often used in the New Year as a folk remedy to recover from festive overindulgences! The liver problems Milk Thistle is credited with helping improve include cirrhosis, jaundice, hepatitis, and gallbladder disorders. Milk thistle lowers LDL “bad” cholesterol levels, and some research shows it may help decrease the chance of developing heart disease. Usually, milk thistle causes few, if any, serious side effects and studies show it is safe when taken regularly. However people with allergies to daisies, artichokes, kiwi, common thistle or plants in the aster family may also be allergic to milk thistle. Advice sponsored by Holland & Barrett
The Movember Shave Off... His Worship the Mayor, Tony Lima, was the first of Movember’s Mo Bros to have his moustache shaved off on 1st December in Casemates Square as part of the worldwide Movember campaign, supported by the Prostate Cancer Support Group Gibraltar, to raise awareness of prostate cancer and men’s health issues. The campaign was a huge success in Gibraltar in 2012 with more men than ever
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health
well-being
Walking to Wellness Get fit — take a walk? Yes, that’s right, walking in itself can lead to greater fitness, which is fabulous news for the sloths amongst us for whom a trip to the gym is a daunting prospect. Not only can you get fit at the gym just having a brisk walk on the treadmill while watching your favourite TV programme, you can also increase your fitness levels simply by walking to the gym! effective intervention for depression” and had an effect similar to other more vigorous forms of exercise. The mental-health charity Mind said its own research also found that spending time outdoors helped people’s mental health. Mind’s chief executive, Paul Farmer, said: “Exercising with others can have even greater impact, as it provides an opportunity to strengthen social networks, Walking Back to Happiness talk through problems with othAccording to researchers in ers or simply laugh and enjoy a Scotland, walking can also help break from family and work. So alleviate symptoms of depression. Vigorous exercise has alA regular walking ready been shown to help with depression, but the effect of less programme has been strenuous activities was unclear shown to help lower so Researchers at the University blood pressure, reduce of Stirling searched for data on walking, one of the mildest forms cholesterol, boost of exercise. The study in the jourbone strength and nal Mental Health and Physical Acburn calories tivity showed “walking was an This is a message the team at In Town Without My Car* has been trying to drum home to us during 2012, but research now backs them up with some healthy statistics for the walkers, rather than runners, amongst us. In fact, says the research, a regular walking programme of 30 or more minutes a day has been shown to help lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, boost bone strength and burn calories.
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ask a friend to join you.” Anyone Can Do It! One of the best parts of starting a walking routine is that all you need are comfortable clothes and shoes. And in Gibraltar there are some great walks in town and on the Upper Rock to enjoy — from walking to Europa Point past Rosia, to strolls from the car at Jew’s Gate, to tackling Med Steps from the town area, there is something for everyone and every level of fitness. Begin by walking short distances until endurance is built. Research has shown that when people exercise by walking, they walk 30% longer if they walk to music. All you need to remember is that your breathing should allow you to hold a conversation while exercising. n * In Town Without My Car (Gibraltar) is a campaign promoting the use of walking, bicycles and buses.
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • January 2013
well-being health
Lasting Headache and Migraine Relief without pills? words | Dr Crump, Chriopractic Health Clinic
A trapped or pinched nerve in the neck is a common cause of headaches , and if untreated may lead to migraine. Surprisingly, a headache is not a “brain ache”. The brain, most of its membranes and the skull feel no pain at all. Many people take aspirin, ibuprofen, patches and acetaminophen to mask the symptoms but never finding the cause of the headaches. Chiropractors specialise in the spine and nervous system with their five year full time degree. The Chiropractic Health Clinic in Gibraltar also has a surface electromyography computerised scanner that is safe and painless (no radiation) and helps the chiropractor to diagnose trapped nerves, especially in the patient’s neck area which may be a common cause of headaches. Once identified, the chiropractor is trained to gently remove the pressure either with his hands or with a gentle adjusting tool called an activator. So gentle, in fact, that
he treats babies of only a few days old for colic, jaw problems and neck distortion (torticolis, following a difficult birth process where the neck of the baby has been pulled or sprained). By specifically untrapping the compressed nerve through a course of adjustments, the headaches often reduce or may disappear altogether. Other symptoms (from the same nerve supply) such as ear ringing, dizziness, high blood pressure, and blurred vision problems have also been known to respond. If you, a friend or family member is suffering now and wondering whether chiropractic may be able to help the Chiropractic Health Clinic has an offer. Contact them this month for a full chiropractic, orthopaedic and neurological exam (including a private consultation and an electromyography scan) for £20 (normal fee £35).
For further information or to make an appointment Tel: 200 44226. The Chiropractic Health Clinic is located on the 1st floor of the International Commercial Centre (ICC), Casemates Square. Open Monday to Friday 8.30am - 5.30pm.
Concert Raises Over £750
A concert held last month at St Andrew’s Church raised over £750.00 for the Vine Trust’s ‘Jubilee Hope’, a medical ship bound for Tanzania, which will benefit over one million patients over the next 20 years.
Harmonics Choir, Taran Gupta, Ellie Wright, and Joelle Tellez. Well done to all those involved for a great show for a good cause. n
Onboard services will include GP, dental, maternal health, immunisation, opthalmic services and a pharmacy. The vessel is currently in Gibraltar awaiting transfer to the UK to undergo further preparation work ahead of its delivery to Mobassa, Kenya and overland transportation to Lake Victoria in 2013. The concert was organised by classical guitarist Adam Orfila (pictured right) and starred Anna Sharma, Jasmine Mahtani, Jonathan Maclean, Phillip Borge,
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
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fashion
leisure & sport
shopping & gifts
Retail& Activities hair & beauty
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Archive editions of The Gibraltar Magazine now available online at www.thegibraltarmagazine.com
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAGAziNE • JANUARY 2013
well-being events
Handbags & Gladrags Raise £570 for Women’s Refuge A hugely successful ‘Handbags and Gladrags’ event was held at the Lion Bar in Europa on Friday night which raised £570 in aid of the Women’s Refuge Gibraltar.
Happy1st Birthday Home of your Beauty The Home of Your Beauty Beauty Salon celebrates its first birthday this month. Providing a top quality service, Barbara, Bogita, Beatrice and Barbi are always ready to greet with a smile and a great service. Pop in to say hello, at 125/1 Main Street, or phone them for appointments on Tel: 20067111.
The idea of the fundraiser was to sell unwanted dresses sitting in wardrobes, which someone else could get the benefit of wearing. 10% of the sale price goes directly to the charity and the seller keeps the rest. With over 300 dresses on offer there was plenty of choice for the 100 people who attended. There were also stalls selling jewellery, candles, books, make-up and homemade cakes. Organised by MOD employee Maggie Connors who came up with the idea last year, this is the second time she has run it in Gibraltar. Helping Maggie were Jeanna Hilton, Jeannie Crone, Robyn Carley, Charlotte Waters and Helen Reilly from BFBS radio who compered the evening. n Pictured right: The event organisers
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
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leisure
It’s Panto time of year
words | Jemma Rocca
Margaret Seed, Gibraltar’s first lady of pantomime
It’s that time of year, January is here, we’ve opened all our presents, eaten until our trouser buttons won’t fasten and made a 101 resolutions for the New Year. All that’s left to tick off on our festive season’s ‘to do’ list is to have a laugh at a good old panto. Who is directing this year ’s ensure they bring us their best usual fairytale theme this year. “Expect Mexican bandits, Native panto? Margaret Seed, I hear you performance yet. say? Oh no she isn’t! Oh yes she is! We can look forward to some- Americans and a pinch of cowboy Oh no she isn’t! Oh yes she is! For thing completely different to the in this year’s panto — not to be conthe 10th year running of producing outstanding pantos, Margaret Seed is the undoubtedly the woman for Expect Mexican bandits, Native Americans the job. The Trafalgar Theatre Group’s and a pinch of cowboy in this year’s panto — rehearsals have been underway for months, with rehearsals up to not to be confused with the musical it’s three times a week, and the panto Calamity Jane Wild West team have been working hard to
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fused with the musical it’s Calamity Jane Wild West,” Margaret says. Without giving too much away Margaret gave us an insight into one twist we can expect — she has replaced the traditional panto cow with a horse in keeping with the Wild West theme! There are many new faces this year in a cast of 60 — 20 of those being children — but it’s newcomer to the panto scene Trevor Norton who will cause a comic stir as he has
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charity events been cast as Dame — and what’s a panto without a dame? As always an engaging production is not only about a great script, cast, music and direction, but the intricate back drops and props also play their part in setting the scene — in this case the dust old west. Behind the paint brushes and tools is the creativity of Nick Fox and his talented team. Music and dance go hand in hand and, as always, Margaret knows just who she needs to create another outstanding panto entrusting the musical direction to the hands of Wayne Smith — and rightly so as Wayne’s musical resume speaks for itself, from working with choirs to musical productions in the UK, as
well as locally produced concerts. With so many children involved this year, choreographer Pat Joy has been holding workshops on Saturdays with the children. Working on the panto is quite a job, but as always, Margaret says, rehearsals are running smoothly. An immense amount of hard work indeed, but Margaret knows all the ropes (and apparently even knows how to lasso) having nine local pantos under her belt, ranging from Wizard of Oz to Aladin. The work invested in the show by the cast and crew is greatly appreciated ‘beyond words’ by Margaret. “The important thing is to have fun,” she continues. “We’ve had many laughs at rehearsals as
the script is very, very funny.” Margaret claims every year will be her last, but the audience on the nights are sure to be glad she’s back, at least to round up her decade of pantomimes. There is no doubt Calamity Jane Wild West will be a hit, accompanied with the traditional panto slapstick comedy, innuendoes and jokes which adults can enjoy with the kids. A guaranteed great night out at the theatre for family or friends. n Calamity Jane Wild West will be held at Ince’s Hall Theatre — tickets are on sale now at Ince’s Hall box office. The pantomime will be showing a little later than usual this year, from 24th January to 2nd February.
Music and dance go hand in hand and, as always, Margaret knows just who she needs to create another outstanding panto entrusting the musical direction to the hands of Wayne Smith
Pantos in the Past The origins of pantomimes has more in common with us Gibraltarians than we may have thought, and not just through our British status but from our Italian roots. The word pantomime comes from Greek word ‘Pantomimus’ which literally translates as ‘imitates all’ and was a highly regarded form of dance accompanied by music. However pantomime as we know it appeared in 15th century Italy as the admired theatrical entertainment ‘Commedia Dell’Arte’. The characters that featured in Commedia Dell’Arte still influence today’s pantos. No wonder we love our pantos in Gibraltar. n
The cast of the Calamity Jane Wild West pantomime were hard at work rehearsing in December
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N ew Year,
3
new you Well Yippee! it is 2013 and while the future may not be orange, we are decidedly in the pink here in Gibraltar with lots to look forward to through the coming 12 months. Sometimes though we can feel we are in a bit of a rut, slowly losing touch with friends, watching our fitness levels decline and our waistlines blossom. Sometimes we just need that little New Year kick-start to a better lifestyle. January is named after Roman god Janus who had two faces, one looking forwards and one looking back, and that is exactly what most of us do at this time of year. It’s a time to reflect on the changes we want to make and make a promise to ourselves to follow through on those changes — our New Year Resolutions. The top five New Year Resolutions are a fascinating reflection of the disconnected way we often live our lives in the Western World.
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Spend more time with friends/family
The number one resolution is to “Spend more time with family and friends”. How difficult can this one be when we live in Gibraltar’s 2.6 square miles, and yet this is a common New Year Resolution. Make plans to meet up with friends for an evening at a favourite Gibraltar restaurant or take the family for a walk up Med Steps instead of sitting in different rooms looking at various screens. Get motivated to contact friends and organise a chin-wag. Work and chores shouldn’t always come first!
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Find Time for Fitness
In fact getting out and about with family and friends more will also help you accomplish New Year’s resolution number two, which is to find time for fitness. Okay be honest — it’s not a question of time, it’s a question of timing and we can all weave a bit of regular exercise into our schedule. Exercise has been associated with more health benefits than any other single thing. Apart from reducing the risk of some cancers, increasing longevity, and helping with weight loss and maintenance, it also makes us feel
better — it enhances mood, lowers blood pressure, and even improves arthritis. In short, exercise keeps you healthy and makes you look and feel better — who wouldn’t want that in 2013? Gimme gimme gimme. Why not join in with one of Gibraltar’s charity walks, sign up for everything you see being advertised from the annual Luna Walk, Walk for Life and the Buddy Walk and everything in between. Get involved and don’t miss a chance. Even if you don’t stick to your gym routine, at least you will be helping with Gibraltar’s good causes throughout the year. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
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Fight the Flab
All that exercise will help you with resolution number three — lose weight — one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions. Setting reasonable goals and staying focused are the two most important factors in sticking with a weight loss programme, and are the key to success in shedding the flab. Of course, meeting friends at Gibraltar’s popular eateries to accomplish resolution number one may test the strength of the most dedicated flab-fighter, but get informed and make healthier choices and you can achieve both goals.
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Stub it Out
A lot of us got a little boost to help us with resolution number four — to give up smoking — when the ban on smoking in enclosed public spaces finally came into effect in Gibraltar on 1st October 2012. If you have resolved to make this the year that you stamp out your nicotine habit, overthe-counter availability of nicotine replacement therapy now provides easier access to quit-smoking aids. Even if you’ve tried to quit before and failed, don’t let it get you down. On average, smokers try four times before they quit for good. To give you a little extra help the Gibraltar Health Authority’s Stop Smoking Service runs on Tuesday and Friday afternoons. You will work with a Nurse Practitioner who will support you through the process to becoming a non-smoker with sessions which last for 12-14 weeks. Visit the Primary Care Centre (Green Area) to book an appointment to get started.
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
New Year
2013
Enjoy Life More!
Some resolutions are less tangible and number five can be difficult to define — to Enjoy Life More. Let’s face it, Gibraltar is a hectic, stressful place at times, with its traffic, noise, queues and pressures at work and home — no wonder “enjoying life more” has become a popular resolution in recent years. Consider some “me time” to bring balance to your body, mind and soul. Book up for a massage or a facial at one of our many fabulous beauty salons, go along for a session at the Yoga Centre on Town Range (they welcome complete beginners) or just get out and try something new. Take up a new hobby at the Art and Crafts Centre, join a dance/drama group, or get involved with one of the many sports associations listed in this magazine (yep, that will help you with resolution numbers two
2013 Real Resolutions We asked a few brave souls to tell us what their New Year’s resolutions 2013 would be, and we got some interesting answers... First up was Sonia Golt of Bossom Buddies who says she will resolve to “Get rid of everything I do not need and give to others who might find these things useful.” Also keen to make a difference to others in 2013 is Lawyer and Ex-Minister Fabian Vinet whose New Year’s resolution is to “Celebrate my 40th birthday by raising funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital (where I was an in-patient on various occasions) and the children’s ward at St Bernard’s.” Stage One’s Jordan Lopez will be “Eating healthy — for the 5th year running!” Eating healthily is also the aim of Caroline Beriro of STM Fidecs who says her resolution is “to make a conscious effort to eat organic and natural foods. ie Making and baking as much as possible rather than buying foods full of additives and preservatives... hmm we’ll see how long that lasts though!” she admits. Artist Vin Mifsud also has a health plan “To share all my desserts with others so that I get slim(mer) again.” Priya Gulraj of Barclays says “My New Year resolution is to learn how to cook from my mum.” We’re all happy to be the guinea pigs to see if it’s up to scratch Priya!
and three too!). Go to a theatre performance or show with family, and put down your iPad and simply walk outside! Gibraltar offers a wealth of artistic and recreational activities to meet just about anyone’s desires. n
Iris Guilliano says “I don’t usually make resolutions... I already don’t smoke or eat junk food and I exercise regularly and walk to work daily (sickening I know!), so I guess it will be to continue my work for my Society (Gibraltar Multiple Sclerosis Society) and set aside more chill time.” Michael Pizzarello of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme is another who says he doesn’t usually do resolutions but “if I were to I would probably aim to be more ‘user friendly’!” Colorworks’ Pete Baldacchino says he needs to “stop putting stuff off... I’m shocking at leaving things for tomorrow that could easily be done today.” Our wine columnist Peter Rodney’s resolution is to “Grow older disgracefully,” (which he says is ‘ongoing’). Julia Grant of Image Graphics will resolve to “become a little less nocturnal and get some more daylight in my life! Haha.” Vasquez Consulting’s Ramon Vasquez is determined to “Try to make 2013 even better than 2012.” GHA pathologist, Audrey Smith, also has grand ambitions for 2013 as she plans to “Reach my target weight and maintain it. Venture out more on weekends with family and friends and re-vamp the flat.” Phew! Gibraltar FSC’s David Parody puts it more simply — just to “Live life”. Have a great 2013 everyone!
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Jennifer Watson:
reality checks & witty one-liners
words | Elena Scialtiel
Just landed on the local scene, Bristolian Jennifer Watson is a navigated artist, who in one season has proven her worth big time by scooping two major prizes: first at the Heritage Trust Open Air competition in May and highly commended at the International last November. With a sound theoretical academic background in fine arts, Jennifer knows her techniques and applies them impeccably indeed, with attention to detail almost bordering obsession for the superfluous. But this doesn’t mean at all she is an arid mannerist or a punctilious hyperrealist, whose works are self-contained by the arrogance of being more realistic than reality itself.
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On the contrary, her originality lies in her keen eye in spotting the artistic potential of cracked walls, chequered tiles, wrought-iron window grilles, rooftops and pavements, and zooming on the apparently insignificant and forsaken corner to elevate it to pictorial feature. For instance, her recently highly commended painting is the true reproduction on canvas of a
tatty wall in Castle Road, where off-white, aqua and coal colours are dominant, with yellow highlights, and the centre point is a cluster of air bricks in the shape of abstract flowers. State-of-the-art true reproduction, because Jennifer measured with indefatigable precision the proportion and position of each blemish, flake of paint, stain and crack to report it on canvas as if it was a photograph for archivist documentation purposes. In fact, the most common criticism she got (if it can be called that) was the painting looked like it was an actual photo, digitally enhanced and printed on canvas, rather than handmade artwork. Jennifer would like to set up her easel in the Upper Town’s back lanes and paint freely, because the light is ever changing and no photograph captures all its shades. However, for practical reasons, often she has to go for the next best thing and snap away with her camera while she is on her morning jogging spree to paint at home when she can carve out some me-time between school runs. Her family is the reason why her artistic flair was put on hold to pursue a career first and motherhood later. After her husband’s relocation to the Rock in 2010, and now having both her children in school, Jennifer has resurrected her passion for artistic research and for what she describes as the accurate and yet pointless recording of events that nobody can verify during a given amount of time.
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
canvas arts
This is installations’ material, and she’s got in mind the ambitious and meticulous project of following the movements of several Gibraltarian families around the Rock for a day and transcribing it with multi-layered coloured lines on a gigantic diorama, something she’s done already on a smaller scale to create a picture in decoupage style for some friends, detailing their movements over a 24 hour period. Another project tickling her fancy at the moment, fitting her architectural interest, is the more traditional reproduction on canvas of Casemates Vaults’ internal walls, which fascinate her with their texture, their mixture of brickwork and limestone, and most of all with their sealed doorways and fireplaces that are just revving to become her next subject matter. Her Catalan Bay view, winner of last year’s Heritage Trust Open Air Competition, is a serene composition that unintentionally echoes Gustavo Bacarisas’s style, although depleted of the dynamism of human presence. Jennifer seems most at ease when she daringly explores abstract avenues, especially during her life drawing sessions, when she both goes for block-colour impressionist looks and quick sketches where a couple of skilful squiggly lines are enough to
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
set the scene. She also likes to sketch over carbon paper for its smudgy outcome, and sometimes she traces out historical buildings’ main features, like shutters and wrought iron gates or doors from a photo onto paper, achieving the impression of an ink drawing — or a digitally created image. Although understated, one of her best works is Seated on the Chequered Tiles, a painting from a photograph of her children sitting against a shabby wall on a chessboard tiled patio floor. The undoubted protagonist of this composite composition is the pavement in the foreground, with the tidy succession of black and white squares, upset only by black stains on the white tiles and vice versa. A strong geometrical sense of perspective guides the onlooker’s attention
towards the two faceless figures lounging against the patched brown wall, like stuffed dolls or stringless marionettes, and permeates the shot of a sense of silent solitude and failed communication attempts, both between the two characters and the artist, who is obviously more interested in the distinctive marks on the tiles than the identity of her young models. With several cutting-edge projects in mind and the firm determination of regularly attending life drawing sessions, and because she has fallen in love with Gib and expects to stay here for the foreseeable future, newcomer Jennifer will surely make headlines in our art files more than once. n Visit her website http://jennifermunton.com/home.html or her Facebook page Jennifer Watson – Artworks.
She’s got in mind the ambitious and meticulous project of following the movements of several Gibraltarian families around the Rock for a day and transcribing it with multilayered coloured lines on a gigantic diorama
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puzzle page
by Alan Gravett
SUDOKU Just for fun!
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Send completed crossword to: The Clipper, Irish Town, Gibraltar.
FIRST PRIZE: Lunch for 2 at The Clipper
One entry per person. Closing date: 20th January 2012 Last month’s winner: Odile Peralta 26 Gardiners Road LAST MONTH’S ANSWERS: Across: Krypton, Indiana, Badgers, Steward, Bylaw, Ofnothing, Vermouths, Emily, Synonym, Prelate, Allhell, Enticed Down: Kebab, Vassal, Yule, Yodel, Rankle, Thetworonnies, Nissan, Temple, Advertisement, Safari, Isaac, Noel, Lapdog, Yield
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Across 1. Playground toy; make go up and down (6) 4. Board game (5) 7. Ill (6) 8. Basket for carrying picnic food, for example (6) 9. See 10) 10. & 9. Early January greeting (5,3,4) 12. Pretended to be someone else (11) 17. Insect with a very short adult life (8) 19. Reject; forbid authoritatively (4) 20. Shellfish often served in a Marie Rose sauce as a starter (6) 21. Belgian port (6) 22. Symbol of veneration, esp. in Native American culture (5) 23. Sudden, involuntary expiration through nose when nasal membrane is irritated (6) Down 1. A shaft of solar light (7) 2. One who has left his country of birth esp. for political reasons (7) 3. Building endowed for lodging the poor (9) 4. Restriction attached to a parking offender’s vehicle (5) 5. Wipe out (7) 6. Scattered (6) 11. Town in County Armagh south west of Belfast (9) 13. In reality; substantially (2,5) 14. Fan (7) 15. Relaxation of strained relations (7) 16. Tyrant (6) 18. Musical note equal to 2 crotchets (5)
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
creatives arts
�eresa �oore:
Cast-off Creations
words | Deborah M Lawson
Teresa Moore is a craft maker and designer who specialises in breathing new life into unwanted items — plastic bottles, card, pieces of fabric and bits-of-thisand-that are inventively crafted into beautiful ornaments, jewellery, hats, bags and scarves. One collection is created from old sweatshirts and knits which she dubs “swits” (her daughter, Persia, is shown below modelling some of them) another design is the Mufflette, an ingenious creation which can be formed into different styles of hat or scarf. Teresa worked for many years as interior designer and window dresser for Laura Ashley in London and Europe, before moving to the Canary Islands where she brought up her four children with her husband, a professional windsurfer, while running a surf shop and whole food restaurant. Teresa’s mother lived in Gibraltar and when her children were grown
up she decided to move here. It was a good move for Teresa: she joined the Arts and Crafts Association and with time for herself after many years of concentrating on family, she found creative ideas flooding in. As well as making and selling her work, she and Rose Senna run workshops at the Arts and Crafts Centre on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday (3.45-5.15pm) for children aged four to 12 years. They have proved so popular that they plan to run them on Tuesday and Friday too. The children use a wide range of crafts,
The enthusiasm and enjoyment of her young students, and her unwavering patience and calm presence... is obvious to any observer! including papier maché, sewing, clay modelling, painting and mosaic, to make decorative items such as jewellery, bags, toy cars and aeroplanes, masks and mobiles, from the materials provided. Teresa says she loves doing these workshops and so do the children. The enthusiasm and enjoyment of her young students, and her unwavering patience and calm presence in the face of sometimes excited (and very loud) children is obvious to any observer! Combining craft and children, she feels she has found her niche, and is planning ‘Happy Crafting’ birthday parties where a child can bring up to 11 friends and be involved in a creative activity producing a hand made gift — perhaps more rewarding than the hectic activities of some parties! At the other end of the age spectrum, and
as part of the government-funded Arts and Crafts Community Project, Teresa runs a craft morning at the Albert Risso Day Centre, where she has introduced 15 older ladies to a range of crafts. Although anxious about their abilities at the beginning, the participants have gained confidence and have a great time. Teresa proves that crafts really are something for all ages, styles and budgets. n For further information contact: Gibraltar Arts and Crafts Centre 20073865 or Teresa 54006059 e-mail tressmoore@ hotmail.co.uk or find her on Facebook at ‘Teresa Moore’.
Kids Raise Funds for Wobbles Children’s Charity Wobbles Children’s Charity was presented with a £400 cheque by Sacred Heart Middle School as part of its annual fund-raising event.
Teresa’s daughter Persia models some of mum’s creations GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
Following a presentation at the school by Wobbles vice chair Frankie Hatton, the pupils came up with ways of raising money individually. Debbie Garcia, Chair of Wobbles, and Kaiane Aldorino, Miss World 2009, collected the cheque on behalf of the charity. Wobbles gave prizes to the top five fund-raisers and thanked all the children for doing so well on behalf of the charity. n
Miss World 2009, Kaiane Aldorino with one of the pupils
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events file
The Ocean Bard’s Gibraltar Song
words | Reg Reynolds
They called him the Ocean Bard and his patriotic songs of the sea were credited with bringing more men into the Royal Navy than all the press gangs combined.
Charles Dibdin was a famous 18th century actor, dramatist and song writer but he is best remembered today for a collection of sea songs he introduced in 1789 at London in a variety show titled Oddities. The most famous of the songs is Tom Bowling, an annual feature tune of the Last Night of the Proms , but I prefer The Tar for All Weathers, which in one simple but lively song encapsulates the life of a sailor:
I sail’d from the Downs in the Nancy, My jib how she smack’d through the breeze; She’s a vessel as tight to my fancy As ever sail’d on the salt seas. So adieu to the white cliffs of Britain, Our girls, and our dear native shore! For if some hard rock we should split on, We shall never see them any more. But sailors were born for all weathers, Great gun let it blow high, blow low Our duty keeps us to our tethers,
And where the gale drives we must go. When we enter’d the Gut of Gibraltar, I verily thought she’d have sunk, For the wind so began for to alter, She yaw’d though just as she was drunk. The squall tore the mainsail to shivers, Helm a-weather the hoarse boatswain cries; Brace the foresail ; see she quivers, As through the rough tempest she flies. But sailors were born for all weathers,
Adopt Don’t Buy The GSPCA has many lovely dogs looking for homes. Before you buy a dog please visit us and give a dog a home.
Give a Dog a Home If you are interested in adopting call the GSPCA on 540 19968 or 540 29927 Note: dogs that have been kennelled for a while may need patience with house training when first in their new home (as do puppies from pet shops!)
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2012
literary
file
Great gun let it blow high, blow low Our duty keeps us to our tethers, And where the gale drives we must go.
organist. It was said that by age 15 he could go to an opera or concert and return to write from memory the correct score of whichever production he fancied. The storm came on thicker and faster, Charles ‘ hero and father-figure was his older And black just as pitch was the sky, brother, Captain Thomas Dibdin, and it was When truly a doleful disaster Thomas, 29 years his senior, who encouraged Befell three sailors and I. him to go to London to seek fame. Thomas Ben Buntline, Sam Shroud, and Dick Handsail, had connections in the theatre and introduced By a blast that came furious and hard, Charles to the actor and theatre manager David Just while we were furling the mainsail, Garrick. In one of his first achievements on the Were ev’ry soul swept from the yard. London stage Charles wrote most of the score for an operatic production of the comedy Maid But sailors were born for all weathers, of the Mill and also took the role of Ralph, Great gun let it blow high, blow low the Miller’s son. For the next 20-some years Our duty keeps us to our tethers, he enjoyed success as an actor, composer and And where the gale drives we must go. dramatist, mostly at Drury Lane. From what I can discover d Charles never Poor Ben, Sam, and Dick cried peccavi;* made it to Gibraltar but he would have had As for I at the risk of my neck, considerable knowledge of the Rock through While they sunk down in peace to old Davy, his friend David Garrick whose army officer Grabbed a rope and landed on deck. father had been stationed for lengthy terms at Well, what would you have? We were stranded, Gibraltar; and through brother Captain ThomAnd out of a fine jolly crew as who had sailed the world as commander Of three hundred that sail’d never landed of privateers and East and West Indiamen. But I, and I think, twenty-two. He did have a chance to see Gibraltar when Thomas invited him to join him on voyage But sailors were born for all weathers, to the East Indies. But as brilliant as Charles Great gun let it blow high, blow low was at writing songs about the sea it seems he Our duty keeps us to our tethers, wasn’t much of a sailor. He set sail for the East And where the gale drives we must go. Indies on his brother’s ship but they had only got as far as Torbay when they were forced After thus we at sea had miscarried, into port by bad weather. That was enough Another guess what way set the wind, for Charles and he returned to London. For to England I came, and got married Captain Thomas died at sea soon after (posTo a lass that was comely and kind. sibly on the same voyage) and Charles wrote But whether for joy or vexation, Tom Bowling in his memory. Charles then We know not for what we were born: built his own theatre, Sans Souci, in Leicester Perhaps I may find a kind station, Place and continued with his ‘monodramatic’ Perhaps I may touch at Cape Horn. entertainments. By now his fame as a lyric poet was established. For sailors were born for all weathers, Charles Dibdin had three sons. In a sad Great gun let it blow high, blow low irony the youngest died at sea in 1794. Of the Our duty keeps us to our tethers, other two, one became an auctioneer and the And where the gale drives we must go. other, named Thomas after his mariner uncle, became proprietor of Sadler Wells Theatre. *peccavi is Latin for ‘I have sinned’. Charles died in 1814 at Camden Town. On his gravestone are the last lines from the song Charles Dibdin was born near Southampton dedicated to his sailor brother: For though his body’s under hatches, in 1745, the 18th child of a silversmith. His mother was 50-years old. From an early age His soul has gone aloft. Charles displayed a love and aptitude for music and after his father died he was sent Today Dibdin is remembered by a bust in the to Winchester Cathedral where he sang in the Veterans’ Library of the Royal Naval College choir and worked under the guidance of the and a statue in Greenwich. n
11th Stage Dance Festival MO Productions is inviting entries for the 11th annual Gibraltar Stage Dance Festival. The Festival, which is affiliated to the British Federation of Festivals for Music, Dance and Speech, will take place at the John Mackintosh Hall Theatre from 3rd-6th April 2013. Entries are invited from individuals, groups and academies to perform in various dance categories and styles. The competition is open to everyone, with interest already received from Italy, Spain and UK as well as Gibraltar. Entry forms and conditions are available from local dance schools, email mopro@gibtelecom.net, and from On Pointe Dance School, Casemates Square. The closing date for entries is Friday 25th January 2013.
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
“Transitions are very hard for young children and relocation is one of the most difficult transitions in a child’s life”
- Peggy Love, Dean of Admissions, American Community Schools.
Pixie’s New Home: A Charming Story For Expatriate Children
by Emmanuelle Payot Karpathakis
Issues created by families relocating affect children of Gibraltarians moving abroad and those joining our community here — now there is a book to help. Emmanuelle Payot Karpathakis lives on the beautiful island of Rhodes, is French- and German-speaking Swiss and is married to a Greek. She is a senior relocation adviser to expatriating families to both Greece and Switzerland and a parent to four children. “I saw my children suffer during each relocation. Just like adults, they had many questions and concerns,” explains Payot Karpathakis. “When I found there was little literature out there to help them, I decided to write the book they needed.” Living in a multilingual, cross-cultural home, as do many in Gibraltar, she recognises that children need to have stories read to them in their mother tongue if they are to understand complex issues. Pixie’s New Home is so far published in English, French, Spanish, German, Portuguese and Russian. n Published in November 2012, price £6.49/ e7.99/$9.99, Summertime Publishing. Available from Amazon and other online bookstores.
“Whether you are a teacher, a youth programme trainer or a parent looking at creative material to help young children through the relocation experience, this is for you!” - Anne Claude Lambelet, ACL Consulting, Switzerland
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profile
sporting hero
Stanley Gomez
An Action Packed Life words | Judith Molinary
Stanley Gomez is a retired firefighter — a Silver Axe and Queen’s Certificate of Honour recipient. He is also a magician, sportsman, leader, mentor, role model, husband and father.
Exiting a tight cave pothole
Born in 1946 on City Mill Lane, Stanley grew up in the playing grounds of Castle Street (Calle Comedia), the third son of four brothers, Stanley could be seen playing with marbles (meblis), tops (trompos) and bottle tops (platillos) in ’50s Gibraltar. Life was hard in those days, but food never scarce. “You learned more about life on the streets in those days, than in front of a computer screen like kids nowadays, that’s for sure. We sure raised hell every now and then,” he says. Receiving the Silver Axe Award
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Very sporty and active, Stan was an all-rounder, involved in school gym displays, and he represented his school in athletics. “We excelled at sports in school, as strength and fitness were deeply rooted within my family. My dad could break a deck of cards into quarters with his bare hands — no tricks! I still keep those decks in his memory. My brother Tyrone was a marathon runner, Fernando was a born leader in everything he did, and my youngest brother,
Erick, had to keep up with me, as he followed me into every adventure. What times we had together. That Charles Atlas course on dynamic tension sure did its job,” he explains. The Northern Defences, known locally as the ‘jungle’, was Stan’s playground, much to the dislike of the army officers who also used the area as their training ground and chased the kids who trespassed, but they always got away. “I know the ‘jungle’ like the palm of my hand — it has a haunting theme that thrills, and a great potential for development, which I hope never happens,” he says. After leaving school aged 15, Stan started working as a tally clerk at North Mole, long before container ships were around, and stevedores were hired to work the loose cargo ships on a daily paid basis. “My wages were two pounds, and 15 shillings a week — what anybody today would get for 15 minutes of work. At 17, I emigrated with my late brother Fernando, and we worked around the London Boroughs of Southark and St Pancras. The Beatles hit A Hard Days Night, was the soundtrack to our lives back then,” he
remembers smiling. Gibraltar went through some very important and turbulent years, which Stanley remembers with nostalgia. The high days of political strife when Sir Joshua and Peter Isola were national heroes, and all awaited their arrival from the UN with great patriotic fervour. The Doves riots on Main Street, and although much later, the closure of the frontier and its aftermath. On returning to the Rock, Stan was part of the 29th intake of National Service. “Here I learned the value of discipline, which would serve me well in years to come. In that respect, I pity its abolishment,” he says. “I believe one usually becomes in life what we least had in mind. My stern fascination with danger is so inherent within my nature, that I sometimes ponder upon the possibility of destiny having played its part in drawing me into the Fire Service. This was not only to become my profession for 35 years, it was also my labour of love, my hobby, and my life. It fitted me like a glove. “As a fire fighter, I have seen the face of despair on perhaps one too many folks — loss of life, rescues,
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
adventure damage to properties, riots, fires and other calamities. It is both a thrilling and dangerous profession,” he explains. Stan joined the fire service in 1965, and was Gibraltar’s first UK Silver Axe Top Student Award Winner in 1978. The award was presented to him at Washington Hall, the Lancaster County Fire Brigade Training Centre. The following year, he was promoted to Sub Officer, and was also Rescue and Abseiling Instructor, taking new recruits under his wing to give them their initial training. “If anyone would have told me I would still be going through the winding roads and slopes of the ‘jungle’ in years to come due to my profession (this time without guards running after me) I wouldn’t have believed it. As rescue instructor, the ‘jungle’ was my work place, and I spent many hours coordinating rescue exercises, and abseiling from the highest points in Gibraltar, such as Rock Gun, Tower Blocks in Glacis Estate and the cranes at Cammell Laird,” he says smiling. When not organising rescue exercises, he would enjoy playing cards with his fellow work colleagues, and even entertaining them with a trick or two. “I knew how to play poker at the age of 12, but it took me years to learn all those one-handed shuffles and cuts I so easily perform today. In the early ’60s videos weren’t around, so you had to learn it the hard way, either from books or from old card players you often met at football clubs where we used to gamble at an early age. There wasn’t much else to do in those
profile
St. Jago’s School fittest 18 at a gym display
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We excelled at sports in school, as strength and fitness were deeply rooted within my family. My dad could break a deck of cards into quarters with his bare hands — no tricks! days,” he explains. “Coin manipulation came later with the advent of video. I have worked my magic professionally for some years around Gibraltar. Presently I only perform it occasionally to friends, doing a few charity shows with my buddy Francis Santos every now and then.” Charity work and helping children in need was something Stan
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did for over 20 years, taking it upon himself to collect monthly contributions from his colleagues, and send the donations to International Christian Relief — the total was over £10,000. “I once wondered if what I sent the children actually got to them, as you hear so many sad stories about children not receiving anything, and money getting tied into
the administration costs. I was extremely happy when I received a photo from Rath, a little boy we sponsored in Cambodia, with photos and a letter I had sent him. To know we made a difference in his life, and over 20 children like him, is extremely gratifying,” he smiles. Stan was also responsible for organising abseil and rescue courses for the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. “For years my good friend Jaime Felices sent me small groups which I took under my wing, and taught them how to abseil, how to effect light rescues and how to survive fires. “I had the privilege of meetA shot from the Rock Gun Battery
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAGAZINE • • JANUARY JANUARY 2013 2013 GIBRALTAR
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profile
adventure Meeting the Duke of Edinburgh during his visit
Magician extraordinaire
ing the Duke of Edinburgh when he visited Gibraltar in 1999, and unexpectedly, I was awarded Her Majesty the Queen’s Certificate of Honour for services to Gibraltar’s Youth in 2001, presented by the Governor at the time, Sir David Durie,” he says. Music has always been a big part of Stan’s life, and two artists in particular had a great influence on him. “Johnny Cash to me was the voice of the underdog — he had a touch of God and a push from the Devil every now and then. I have an almost complete collection of his songs, and saw him live at the Royal Albert Hall in 1981,” says Stanley. “I remember once going broke from buying Johnny Cash albums from Bear Family Records, and having to wait for weeks for them to arrive from Germany. How fast and easy it is today to buy online. “If you were able to dig into the BFBS Studio archives you just might be lucky enough to find the transcription 7” tapes of my Johnny Cash impersonation I once
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Receiving Her Majesty the Queen’s Certificate of Honour
recorded with three other guitarpicking firemen, for my good friend Tom Drury, which was aired on his country and western music programme,” he chuckles. Mr. Leather Lungs, Frankie Laine, was possibly the most powerful voice of the ’50s and Stanley had the privilege of corresponding with the man himself way back in the ’60s — his letters are a real treasure. It is a pity his song Rock of Gibraltar, is seldom played nowadays on the radio, says Stan, only Richard Cartwright gives it the occasional spin. Still active, Stan jogs the Mediter-
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ranean Steps three or four times a week, does 100 press-ups every day, and doesn’t allow his dumbbells to gather dust. From his extensive DVD collection, Bear Gryll’s Born Survivor series takes pride of place — “never a dull moment and possibly the toughest man alive. “I read a lot, mainly American history,” he adds, “my favourite book being Kenneth Roberts Northwest Passage, a historical novel based on a real life character, Major Robert Rogers — my hero — and his rangers. It vividly depicts the hardships of men in war, and the expert leadership of this unique partisan fighter in the forests of colonial America in the 1750s. “Although I am now retired, I still maintain my friendship with firefighters, and get together for a chat or jog, or venture into caves with ropes and lines. I still tread the Northern Defences with my good friend Francis Mena (one of my recruits from the City Fire Brigade), every now and then, enjoying Gibraltar’s unique heritage.
“This lifetime love affair with adventure still lingers and I aim to keep it that way for the rest of my days, God willing. By local standards, I think I have lived a thrilling, adventurous life. Don’t know, I might write a book someday,” he says. “I have to mention two very important people in my life, my wife Marie who has always backed me up on many important decisions I’ve had to make in my life, and my daughter Jolene, a genuine and loving person and a perfectionist at heart. A delight to have around — I thank God for both,” he concludes. n Stan’s Commando Run Abseil
As rescue instructor, the ‘jungle’ was my workplace, and spent many hours coordinating rescue exercises, and abseiling from the highest points in Gibraltar
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
motoring
Meet the Battery People The Battery People on Corral Road are Gibraltar’s only battery specialists — selling all types and sizes of batteries from torch and remote control batteries, through to motorbike, bike and car batteries, and even batteries for ships and heavy goods vehicles.
From L-R: Ian Walton, Jonah Noguera & Kaylan Muscat
The Battery People stock one of the UK’s top brands, Platinum Batteries, with an extensive range of car, commercial and motorcycle batteries. In addition they have access to some more specialised ranges, such as Trojan and Optima batteries. The Battery People is part of Marine & Industrial Services, which has been supplying Gibraltar with batteries and oil for over 20 years now. The staff has in excess of 50 years’ battery experience at your disposal, offering the best
advice and after sales service, to you help identify your exact battery requirements. A free of charge battery fitting service is also available either from the shop or as a call-out service. The Battery People shop in Corral Road is an Aladdin’s Cave of other goodies too, filled with all your motoring requirements. With an extensive range of oils, maintenance supplies, paints, tools and cleaning products plus car parts and accessories, the majority of which come from some of the UK’s leading brands such as Draper
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
store
Tools, Hammerite, Autobar, Streetwize, CarPlan and Carlube, all at unbeatable prices. Recent additions to the shop are the Innovate range of car audio equipment and the Italian racing car giant Sparco. Sparco’s range of car accessories includes wheel trims, seats and seat covers, car mats, pedals, antennas and many other styling and tuning ideas to ensure you are always a step ahead of everyone else. n For more information, pop in to see The Battery People on Corral Road, or contact them on tel: 20076903.
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photo finish
images of the month Each month The Gibraltar Magazine will be featuring your photos on our “Images of the Month” page. This month we went for a natural theme with two great shots from Leslie Linares (Catalan Bay above) and Jayden Fa (left). Leslie’s photograph speaks for itself, and you can almost smell the sea as breathe the cold air from this image. Jayden’s stunning natural shot of Maxine de la Rosa, was taken at the great location of Mediterranean Steps in Gibraltar. With no makeup, styling or props, this shot encapsulates an image of natural beauty. “Prior to this photo shoot, I had been doing a lot of themed photo shoots, which involved a lot of makeup, styling, props etc. I really wanted to strip everything away and not have to depend on anyone or anything to make the shoot complete... just me, my camera and a great model,” Jayden explains. “Maxine is a great model and always gives me what I am looking for. She is versatile and really gives it her all when she is in front of the camera. She is one of the few Gibraltarian girls that could be a successful model outside of Gibraltar,” he says. Shot in Autumn, Jayden made full use of the surroundings, and crushed up some dried leaves to add to her hair, for a more unpolished feel. “As an aspiring fashion photographer, it is important to do something different and test yourself. I really love being spontaneous, and not knowing how a photo shoot is going to turn out, so this one was really exciting for me,” he says.
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Get involved If you have a fabulous photo
taken in Gibraltar and you’d like to see it in print, send it to The Gibraltar Magazine — email: gibmag@gibraltar.gi. We’ll feature our favourite photo each month and you’ll see your name in lights (well ink anyway!).
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
Resolution 2013
“My New Year’s Resolution to get fit and lose 20 kilos and Ricky’s is to get and stay fit!” - Michelle Rugeroni, GBC Radio Presenter
Resolution 2013
“To make Gibraltar my permanent home and (continue) to squeeze as much as possible into every day to ensure I don’t miss any of the fantastic opportunities that living here brings” - Sue Lloyd of Lloyds Private Bank.
Peo p le&Pets In our new series we interview people and their pets for your pleasure....
Resolution 2013
“To keep on looking forward with enthusiasm to any ‘adventure’ that comes my way. My next one will be to the Austrian Alps in the spring” - Baby Pizarro-Malin (who celebrates her 101st birthday in December)
Yalta & Tarik Yalta: Long black haired Gibraltarian female Tarik: Male Saarlos wolf dog Age Yalta: 43 Tarik: 2 Likes Yalta: dancing, movies, animals, more dancing & more animals. Family & friends barbecues at my house! Tarik: my dad, being an escape artist and my mum’s bum! Hates Yalta: the fur trade and those who wear it! Tarik: being put into my kennel
Resolution 2013
“Go down to a size 30.... I haven’t been like this since I left international competitions in 2007!” - Seamus Byrne, Gibraltar National Dance Organisation GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
Sociability Yalta: super sociable Tarik: very timid but once I’ve met you, I’m a friend for life! Best Trick Yalta: I can kick my leg very high & I have
been told I have a gut instinct that works like a sixth sense Tarik: escape artist & pulling a cute sad face! Favourite food Yalta: Anything cooked by my mum Tarik: My grandma’s cooking too! Interesting Facts Yalta: I also studied cinematography therefore I am a movie buff. I design all my dance costumes & my studio’s dance gear. I am a Manchester United fan! Tarik: I am a Saarlos wolf dog, mixed with Iberian wolf Usefulness Yalta: I get things done & entertain Tarik: I chew everything & I can escape from anywhere! Greatest Achievement Yalta: my studio & my dancing career Tarik: jumping over the garden fence If you weren’t a dog/human you’d be? Yalta: black panther Tarik: Houdini
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photo call
events
Miracle Baby Visits Gibraltar
‘Miracle Baby’ Eva Clarke receives a Gibraltar Crystal Rock from Mayor Tony Lima
Holocaust survivor, Eva Clarke from Cambridge, was born in Mauthausen extermination camp two days before it was liberated by British forces. 15 members of her family, including her father and three grandparents died in concentration camps. Her mother, Anka Bergman, miraculously survived the holocaust despite weighing just 5 stone when she gave birth to Eva, and is now aged 95. Eva, who works for the Holocaust Educational Trust, gives over 40 talks a year in the UK, mainly to schools, relating her mother’s
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testimony. They are designed to help eradicate racism. During her visit to Gibraltar she shared her mother’s story with 16-18 year olds from the Gibraltar College, Westside and Bayside Schools, and the Gibraltar Boys Secondary School. This talk was coordinated by Prof. Dr. Samuel Abudarham on behalf of the Management Board of the Gibraltar Jewish Community, and the Department for Education. n 27th January is International Holocaust Remembrance Day
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • January 2013
events photo call
Eva and her husband chat to Gibraltar’s Governor Sir Adrian Johns and Lady Johns
Eva and her husband with Chief Minister Fabian Picardo
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • January 2013
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S uper Foods A New Year and a new start for a healthier life, January is always a time when we review our habits and resolve to eat better and take more exercise. This month we take a look at three ‘super foods’ readily available in Gibraltar — walnuts, blueberries and green tea.
Blueberries Blueberries are nature’s antioxidant superfruit, supercharged with anti-aging phytochemicals. Available frozen in Morrison’s supermarket year round and fresh seasonally, blueberries provide protection against a host of ailments from aging to metabolic syndrome.
that eating blueberries can benefit us now. Blueberry juice and fresh blueberries also fight urinary tract infections, and they are safe for young children and for people who are sensitive to aspirin. They also taste good without the addition of refined sugars unlike cranberries. Frozen blueberries are fantastic in shakes and smoothies, or with yoghurt and granola as a breakfast. n
Green Tea Is any other food or drink reported to have as many health benefits as green tea? The Chinese have known about the medicinal benefits of green tea for 4,000 years, using it to treat everything from headaches to depression. Today’s scientific research
And the good news for those intent on losing a few pounds in 2013 is the latest research shows blueberry polyphenols actually inhibit fat cell formation and increase lipolysis (the breakdown of fat stored in fat cell). The anti-oxidant power of blueberries stabilises brain function and protects neural tissue from stress. Studies have shown improvements in memory and learning while reducing symptoms of depression. Scientists at the Montreal Diabetes Research Centre and the University of Montreal in Canada even believe that blueberry juice will be the source of treatments for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and age-related memory problems, and
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
recipes appetite provides hard evidence for the health benefits associated with drinking green tea. For example, in 1994 the Journal of the National Cancer Institute published the results of an epidemiological study indicating that drinking green tea reduced the risk of esophageal cancer in Chinese men and women by nearly 60%, and researchers recently concluded that a compound in green tea inhibits the growth of cancer cells. There is also research indicating that drinking green tea lowers total cholesterol levels, as well as improving the ratio of good (HDL) cholesterol to bad (LDL) cholesterol. And all these health benefits just from brewing a cuppa! n
Walnuts In March last year, scientists showed that walnuts have a combination of more and higher quality healthy antioxidants than any other nut. Walnuts, it seems, beat all the rest when it comes to maintaining a healthy ticker. “Walnuts rank above peanuts, almonds, pecans, pistachios and other nuts,” said Joe Vinson, PhD, who did the analysis. “A handful of walnuts contains almost twice as much antioxidants as an equivalent amount of any other commonly consumed nut. This study suggests that consumers should eat more walnuts as part of a healthy diet.” A Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease study
by Spanish researchers, also published in 2012, showed that eating walnuts as part of a Mediterranean diet is linked with protection from brain functioning decline that occurs with aging. Researchers found that eating walnuts every day seemed to halve the risk of mice developing breast cancer, Medical News Today reported. A study released later in 2012 found that walnuts have special health benefits for
men too. Men who ate walnuts “experienced improvement in sperm vitality, motility, and morphology,” while those who didn’t eat the nuts “saw no change,” the researchers wrote in the Biology of Reproduction. “Walnuts provide a particularly rich source of a-linolenic acid, a natural plant source of omega-3, which we suspect may have been responsible for the improvements we observed,” study researcher Catherine Carpenter stated. n
all online at www.thegibraltarmagazine.com GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
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appetite
Savannah Lounge
e to wher drink & eat the on k Roc
Café Solo
Modern Italian eatery set in lively Casemates square. Everything from chicory and crispy pancetta salad
Cafe Rojo Sleek modern comfort in this relaxing little restaurant. Brunch (10am12pm) 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: 10am. Closed Sundays and Saturday lunchtime. Cafe Rojo 54 Irish Town. Tel: 200 51738
restaurants
Casa Pepe
with walnuts, pears and blue cheese dressing, or king prawn, mozzarella and mango salad to pastas(eg: linguine with serrano ham, king prawns and rocket; smoked salmon and crayfish ravioli with saffron and spinach cream) to salads (eg: Vesuvio spicy beef, cherry tomatoes, roasted peppers and red onions; and Romana chorizo, black pudding, egg and pancetta) and pizzas (eg: Quatto Stagioni topped with mozzarella, ham, chicken, pepperoni and mushroom) and specialities such as salmon fishcakes, beef medallions and duck. Daily specials on blackboard. No smoking. Café Solo Grand Casemates Square. Tel: 200 44449
Fifty-Five Premier Private Member’s Club where members enjoy fine dining and impeccable service in luxurious surroundings. Open lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday also offering a daily Business Lunch menu. Once a month 55 opens for traditional Sunday lunch and holds a variety of culinary themed evenings i.e. Thai Fusion. The main bar offers full snack menu — the perfect place after a long day at work. Thursday and Fridays you can relax to a mix of Soul & ’80s music by resident DJ, take advantage of Happy Hour and enjoy sushi menu from 6pm. Special occasions or business clients can be entertained in the Private Dining Room (10 people). Afternoon tea Thurs to Sat 6pm. For info or to reserve contact Louise. Fifty-Five Private Member’s Club 267 Main Street Tel: 200 79655 Visit: www.fifty-five.gi
Nunos Italian
Aimed at Gibraltar’s dining and night-life scene, Savannah has been created with fun and style in mind. Offering contemporary European cuisine a wide selection of drinks, cool decor and good music. The venue hosts regular live events with invited DJs and shows from abroad. Open: Sunday-Thurs midday-midnight, Friday and Saturday midday-5am. Savannah Lounge 27 Heart Island, Ocean Village Tel: 200 66666 Visit: www.savannah.gi
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
The Waterfront
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.
Overlooking the Mediterranean from Catalan Bay, Nunos’ Spanish chef with Three Star Michellin experience offers a variety of Italian cuisine. The restaurant can be found at the reception level of the hotel, where a quick peak at the menu reveals the chef’s celebrated Salmorejo is on the menu, as are his baby squid burgers (Insalata di Calamari). From the main dishes you can choose from a variety of fresh fish and meat dishes. Or you could go for the house speciality of fresh, home-made pasta where you can choose from a wide range of options. Open: Mon-Sat 7.30pm-10.30pm (lunchtimes for group bookings).
Right on the quayside at Queensway Quay Marina, this restaurant offers everything from coffee through to 3-course meals with champagne! A bar snack menu is available all day from 10.15am; the a la carte menu from midday to 10.30pm, featuring daily specials. The barbecue grill from 7pm offers sumptuous steaks aged in-house, and fab fish including dorada and sea bass. A delicious array of desserts/ice creams. Extensive terraces provide ideal location for summer dining and drinks with stunning sunsets. Caters for large parties - weddings, holy communions, birthdays etc. Est. over 16 years. Open: 7 days a week 9am-late
Casa Pepe, 18 Queensway Quay Marina, Tel/Fax: 200 46967 Email: casa.pepe@gmail.com. Visit: www.gibtour.com/casapepe.
Nunos Italian Restaurant and Terrace Caleta Hotel, Catalan Bay Tel: 200 76501 Email: reservations@caletahotel.gi
The Waterfront Queensway Quay Marina. Tel: 200 45666 Visit: www.gibwaterfront.com
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
Do you own a restaurant, café, or bar in Gibraltar? Get your business listed here
CALL 200 77748 for details Amin’s Office
food & drink
directory Just Desserts
e to wher drink eat & the on k Roc
Picadilly Gardens
Sit down, informal and friendly bar with informal eating. Amin is well known in Gibraltar for his Moroccan, Spanish and international cuisine. Open early for breakfast at 7am right through the day. Try the Moroccan soups, couscous, lamb tagines and kebabs. Terrace, just off Main Street (turn left at Trafalgar Pharmacy coming from Casemates). Open: 7am to midnight.
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
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, churros, tapas, hamburgers, fresh fish, prawns, squid, clams and a variety of meat dishes. Eat in or take away. Menu of the day only £6. Open: early to late.
Amin's The Office 30 Parliament Lane. Tel: 200 40932
Just Desserts 1st Floor ICC. Tel: 200 48014
Picadilly Gardens Rosia Road. Tel: 200 75758
Bean & Gone
Friendly little café with an extensive menu from oven-baked jackets and baguettes, to home-made pasta and burgers. Great selection of low-carb / Weight Watchers choices, plus a tempting cakes and snacks. Relaxed, cosy atmosphere. Ingredients local and organic where possible, desserts made with soya (diary-free). Lots veggie options. Deliveries (minimum order £20). Open: Mon - Fri 8.30am - 4pm Bean & Gone Café 20 Engineers Lane Tel: 200 65334 Visit: www.BeanandGoneCafe.com
Buddies Pasta Casa Italian specials in pleasant ambience. Large selection of starters from garlic bread to calamari. Main courses include spinach caneloni, spaghetti alla carbonara, fusilli al salmone, and peppered steak to name a few. Tasty desserts and variety of wines. Outside seating too. Open: Monday - Thursday 11am - 5pm, Friday 11am-3pm and 7pm-11pm, Sat 11am-4.30pm Buddies Pasta Casa 15 Cannon Lane. Tel: 200 40627
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 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
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
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
Sacarello Coffee Co Converted coffee warehouse, great coffee, homemade cakes/ afternoon tea, plus 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. Art exhibitions. Available for parties and functions in the evenings. Open: 9am-7.30pm Mon-Fri. 9am-3pm Sat Sacarello Coffee Co. 57 Irish Town. Tel: 200 70625
Sain’t Café Bar
Bright and attractive café bar serving hot/cold drinks, breakfasts, lunches, homemade desserts and tapas with wine. Well presented food includes tuna ciabatta, steak & onion baguette, club sandwich, smoked salmon bagel and vegetarian choices (served with parsnip crisps). Delicious salads such as Niçoise, Caesar, caprese and couscous. No smoking inside. Patio. Open: Mon-Fri 7.30am-7.30pm. Afternoon tea 4-6, happy hours 4-6. Sain’t Café Bar Grand Ocean Plaza, Ocean Village Tel: 20065758
Smith’s Fish & Chips Traditional well-established British fish and chip shop, located on Main Street opposite the Convent, with tables/seating available or take-away wrapped in newspaper. The menu includes old favourites cod, haddock or plaice in batter, Cornish pasties, mushy peas etc. Also curries, omlettes, burgers. Open: 8am-6pm Mon-Fri. Breakfast served from 8am. Smith’s Fish & Chips 295 Main Street. Tel: 200 74254
informal food
Get Listed!
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food & drink
directory informal food
Solo Express
The Tasty Bite
Do you own a restaurant, café, or bar in Gibraltar? Get your business listed here
CALL 200 77748 for details Verdi Verdi
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.
Tasty Bite has one of the biggest take-away menus around with home cooked meats, filled baguettes, burgers, chicken, kebabs and everything else you can think of! 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.
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.
Solo Express Grnd Flr, ICC, Casemates & Eurotowers
The Tasty Bite 59a Irish Town. Tel: 200 78220 Fax: 200 74321
Verdi Verdi ICC, Casemates Tel: 200 60733
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
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. Quiz night on Tuesdays, get there early as it is definitely the place to be on a normally quiet Gibraltar Tuesday. Cannon Bar 27 Cannon Lane. Tel: 200 77288
Gibraltar Arms
bars & pubs
e to wher drink & eat the on k Roc
Get Listed!
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
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
The Lounge
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.
Stylish lounge bar on the quayside at Queensway Quay with very reasonable prices and light bites 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 screen 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).
Gibraltar Arms 184 Main Street. Tel: 200 72133
The Lounge Queensway Quay Marina Tel: 200 61118
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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 bar, just 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 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
Traditional Pub Serving Traditional Pub Fare, Bass Beers, Wines & Spirits
Visit us and step back in history
Casemates Square Tel: 200 72987
Full menu served inside or on our terrace including British Fish & Chips, Jackets, Salads, Burritos, Homemade Pizzas, our special Fresh Local Mussels and much more. Visit us and buy yourself a souvenir, T-shirts, beer glasses, lighters etc Live music every evening, join our Jam Sessions on Wednesday or Sunday. GLMS Music Venue of the Year. Official Home to Gibraltar Rugby Club Free WiFi
10 Casemates www.lordnelson.gi Tel: 200 50009
• Pizza • Pasta • Salads • Fresh Juices • Cappuccino • Ice Creams
DAILY SPECIALS Grand Casemates Sq Tel: 20044449
SMITH’S
U4 FISH & CHIPS HADDOCK W4 PLAICE • COD FRESH FRIED IN CRISPY BATTER
184 Main Street Tel: 200 72133 open: from 8am (10am on Sun)
restaurant bar guide &
295 MAIN ST Tel: 200 74254
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
BUDDIES pasta casa
Come and enjoy real Italian meals in Gibraltar’s leading pasta house 15 Cannon Lane Tel: 200 40627 for reservations
Award winning breakfasts from 7.30am Great meals & snacks all day Evening Steak House menu Med Golf Clubhouse Tottenham Hotspur HQ Parliament Lane Tel: 200 75924 GIBRALTARMAGAZINE MAGAZINE••JANUARY JANUARY2013 2013 GIBRALTAR
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Solutions words | Alan Gravett
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There is no point having resolutions until you have solutions. The ‘re’ at the beginning of the word signifies ‘again’ or ‘further’. If one hasn’t even started to solve the problems, then there can be no second attempt. So for the New Year I offer the following solutions.
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
wine Think differently This is not an exhortation to become weird. It is a solution to an intractable problem. I like, and am comfortable with, the wines I buy regularly and the grapes I know. As I pull out the cork (or, more usually now, unscrew the cap) of the standard bottle of Pinot Grigio, claret or Rioja, I know what I am going to get. Some may be marginally better than others but they are all within my comfort zone. Incidentally, what a marvellous phrase that is. One immediately understands what it means; unlike most Americanisms it is not a euphemism. Many years ago, when travelling along an Interstate road in the US I saw the sign: ‘Comfort Station 10 miles’. I was completely nonplussed as to what this station might be. My companion kindly explained. Likewise, in an American house I was once asked whether I wanted to use the bathroom. I replied that I would prefer to go to the loo. We looked at each other in mutual incomprehension, while meaning the same thing. In this New Year take a leap out of your comfort zone. Try a different grape. Go for a new bottle. It will not always be pleasant — that has to be put down to experience, but at least you will have tried. The Mourveche grape is hidden away, usually in blends, but adds a pleasant spice to the ubiquitous Cabernet. Have an Alsace Riesling instead of the standard Pinot. There is little difference in price and the surprise will be fun. Be sybaritic The rule is: jam yesterday, jam tomorrow, but never jam today. Yes, we must all save out pennies for a rainy day (and there have been quite a few of those in Gibraltar recently) but every now and then we deserve a treat. It doesn’t have to be champagne although if you do want something fizzy then, frankly, only champagne will do. Cava, Crémant, Sekt and their equivalents simply do not have it – although I am unsure as to what ‘it’ is. The important point, when looking at the more expensive wines, is to be sure you will enjoy what you are buying. This seems to be in opposition to my first solution suggested. But it need not be. The fact is that, for most of us, drinking any wine above — say — £20 (when bought in a shop) is fairly unusual. It is also a fact that (unless you are very unlucky) any wine over £20 is likely to be good stuff. I can go on
column
at length about how a Medoc has a bit more weight than a St Emilion, although the latter, with its delicacy, is better with lighter tasting foods such as chicken. You can only find out by trying them and (perhaps rather slowly at those prices) discovering the best. You also need to consider the year. 2002 and 2007 were bad years in Bordeaux and excellent years in Burgundy — or so I am told when I consult my vintage guide. As a result, you can pick up the Bordeaux at (relatively) low prices — about £15. That is quite a lot of money for a supposedly bad year. But put it next door to the ordinary bottle you normally get and it is still worth the difference. The Burgundy may well be terrific but the price will be likewise (although wouldn’t it be nice to try one?). Trust yourself The amount of advice available on what is supposedly good and supposedly bad (including this column) is enormous. Self-appointed gurus (including me) urge you to buy this or that as being cool as a mountain stream or bursting with subtle hints of raspberry. Try sitting down to a meal with some friends. Produce a mid-range bottle of something which you think is reasonable — perhaps a crianza at about £10. Without making a fuss of the bottle, ask them what they think of it. I guarantee that, while all will be polite (none of them will wish to insult their host), the reactions will vary considerably. Research was recently carried out by an American magazine seeking to debunk the secrecies of the wine world and its supposed experts. They put a table wine into a ‘grand cru’ bottle and the grand cru into the table wine bottle, and — without hiding the bottles — asked various volunteers to give their opinions. To be fair to the supposed experts, most of them realised what was going on. The non-experts who inspected the bottles immediately pronounced the grand cru to be the best thing ever tasted. The non-experts who didn’t bother to look at the bottles got them the right way round. The moral is not to allow yourself to be swayed in your opinion by what you are told you ought to think. If it costs £1 a bottle and tastes good to you, then buy it in bulk. But, every now and then, perhaps try a chateau Talbot 1982 (about £200). You might just think it worth it. n
Contemporary Mediterranean Dining
Grand Casemates Square Tel: 200
44449 for reservations
ctor X-Fa wn Sho TV on Live
The fact is that, for most of us, drinking any wine above — say — £20 (when bought in a shop) is fairly unusual. It is also a fact that (unless you are very unlucky) any wine over £20 is likely to be good stuff GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
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It is goodbye to the festive season and hello to the New Year. Many of us will be left fighting the flab from an over indulgent Christmas and the gyms will once again be full to the brim with those of us with good intentions (and often not a lot of staying power!). Yes, 2013 is here! Fill your heart with new hopes, reach out for new opportunities and celebrate — we’ve made it through another one. We still have the fabulous Three Kings’ Cavalcade to enjoy on the evening of January 5th with all the amazing floats proceeding along Main Street from Casemates Square, and the Pantomime is on from 24th January until 2nd February — oh no it isn’t, oh YES it is! And this year’s extravaganza is Calamity Jane Wild West. Then things get a little quieter until we all start looking forward to spring and the long hot days of summer.
DHL Gibraltar’s staff Christmas ‘do’ at Cafe Rojo
Happy birthday to Chris Durante on 3rd January, policewoman Josie Guilling Savignon on 5th, the Environmental Safety Group’s Janet Howitt on 6th, little Madison Santini on 9th, and John Green of the Photo Centre on 11th. Spanish teacher Margaret Frost gets another year older on 13th January. Nicky Darby of DHL Gibraltar and John Bell of Image Graphics share their birthday on 15th January. Dinner Lady of Notre Dame School Marie Gomez has her birthday on 19th, Sophie Triay will paint the town red on 23rd January and Howard Danino gets another year older the next day on 24th. By the way Howard tells us there will be an exhibition of classic cars on 12th January at John Mackintosh Square from 10am for all you old motor enthusiasts, photographers and just the curious. Form-a-co’s Jonathan Stagnetto will be buying the drinks on 25th January, and Kate Bird will be reaching the big 30 on 27th January (congratulations to Kate and Gary on their wedding in December too). Sangeeta Mahtani will celebrate big on 28th January, the same day as Michelle Martinez of St. Johns, but our very own writer Reg Reynolds will have to wait until 1st February for his big day. Many happy returns to them all and to everyone else celebrating a special event in the first month of the year.
Global Advisory Services Limited and friends said a fond farewell at Cafe Rojo to Christine Barrett who retired from the company last month
For all you dance enthusiasts, dancer and renowned choreographer Blaz Godec will be in Gibraltar on 26th and 27th January 2013 to hold dance classes for young dancers, and the young at heart. Workshops on Jazz and Modern dance will be held at the Tercentenary
Christmas Market at the Waterfront The annual Christmas market with stalls and music at the Waterfront restaurant, Queensway Quay, in December was an amazing success. Restaurant manager Andrew Kimberley said “I have never seen so many people at one of our events! The Gibraltar Regiment Band and the Sacred Heart Gospel Choir were brilliant and made the atmosphere on the quay come alive.” Not only was the event great fun, it also raised at least £1,500 for the Help for Heroes charity.
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
Peter Caetano
Members of the Friends of Gibraltar
Friends of Gibraltar Reception at Speaker’s House The Hon Lindsay Hoyle MP sponsored the Friends of Gibraltar who held a Reception at Speaker’s House at the House of Commons recently. Over 100 members and guests attended, including a cross-party group of members of Parliament. Since 1986 the Friends have worked closely with the Gibraltar Heritage Trust in contributing to heritage projects on the Rock. More recently the society has adopted a wider focus, becoming the Friends of Gibraltar in a broader sense, open to all in the UK who share an interest in Gibraltar and want to support the Rock and foster our link with Britain.
The Bassadone Automotive Group recently held its annual Long Service Awards. During the award ceremony the company also presented cheques tocharities and a local sporting association. CEO Kevin Jones presented the awards and cheques to staff members and charities. 10 Years’ Service: Darrell Cavilla, Kenneth Cunningham, José Manuel De La Cuesta García, Jonathan Jackson, Myra Mauro, Juan José Moya Bazán, Antonio Urban Aguilar. 15 Years’: John Ferrary, Lourdes Ghio, Ahmed Hachami, Albert Marsden, Maimona Mrabet, John Neish, Joseph Patrick Romero. 20 Years’: Steven Borge, Michael Burton, Michael McElwee, José Antonio Ruiz Barrera. 25 Years’: Peter Caetano, Jimmy Cavilla. Cheques for Charities: AKIN 5K, Madventurer 5K, Wobbles 2K, Special Olympics 1.5K, Childline 1.5K, Alzheimer’s & Dementia Support Group 1K, Psychological Support Group 1.5K, Friends of Mountalvernia 1K, Down’s Syndrome Support Group 1K, Dr Giraldi (Disabilities) 1.5K, Gibraltar Boxing Association 1K, Asociacion Betel £500.
St Andrew’s dinner at Cafe Solo
Sports Hall for any dancer aged 7 and over — organised by the Gibraltar National Dance Organisation. For further information, email gndo@gibtelecom.net. Still with dance, don’t forget to sign up for the Gibraltar Stage Dance Festival this month, to show off your dance moves in a range of categories and for all dance styles — closing date is Friday 25th January. Contact mopro@gibtelecom.net for info.
Jimmy Cavilla
25th January is also Burns Night in honour of Scotland’s greatest poet, Robert Burns, which is traditionally celebrated on the Rock with bagpipes and haggis (you don’t need to be Scottish to join the fun!). Keep a look out for events and dinners as it’s always a good night with a dram or two. All that remains for this edition and for 2012 is for the Gibraltar Magazine team to wish everyone a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2013. Let’s hope it exceeds our expectations in every way. Cheers to you all and happy reading! n
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
Barclays Bank staff Christmas party at the Yacht Club
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clubs&activities
Don’t be bored... do something fun!
Arts & Crafts The Arts Centre, Prince Edward’s Rd. Art classes for children (5-6pm Mon, 5-6.30pm Tues, 5-7pm Thurs), adults (Mon - Tues 6.30pm-8pm, Wed 6.30pm-8.30pm, life painting Wed 7pm9pm). Tel: 200 79788. The Fine Arts Association Gallery 1st Floor above Gibraltar Crystal, Casemates. Open 11am-2pm, 4-6pm Mon - Fri, Sat 11am - 2pm. Arts & Crafts Gallery (next door) opens Mon - Fri 9.30am - 5pm (summer) -6pm (winter), Sat 9.30am - 3pm. Exhibition Vin’s Gallery at the Rock, The Rock Hotel. Original paintings, prints, and souvenirs by Vin Mifsud and her pupils. Monday - Saturday 9.30-11am and 8-10pm. The Gibraltar Decorative and Fine Arts Society Affiliated to the UK NADFAS organisation meets third Wednesday of the month at 6.30pm at Eliott Hotel - lecturers & experts from the UK to talk on Art etc. Contact: ChairmanClaus Olesen: 200 02024 claus.olesen@sghambros. com. Membership Ian leBreton: 200 76173 ilebreton@SovereignGroup.com Knit and Natter Group: Tuesdays from 11am3pm, at Arts & Crafts Shop, Casemates balconyFree to join and refreshments provided. Tel: 20073865 for more information.
Morrison’s car park from 10am. New members welcome. Tel: 200 44643.
Board Games Chess Club meets in Studio 1, John Mackintosh Hall 8-10.30pm Tues. The Gibraltar Scrabble Club meet at the Rock Hotel on Mondays at 3pm. For further information please ring Vin at 20073660 or Roy at 20075995. All welcome. The Subbuteo Club meets Charles Hunt Room, John Mackintosh Hall 7.30 - 11pm.
Social Clubs Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (Gibraltar Province) meets RAOB Club, Jumpers Bastion on these days: Provincial Grand Lodge, 1st Monday/month, 8pm. Executive Meeting, last Mon/month 7pm. Knights Chapter, 2nd Mon/month 7.30pm. Examining Council, 3rd Mon/month 7pm. William Tilley 2371, Thurs 8pm. Buena Vista 9975, Weds (fortnightly) 7pm. Por Favor 9444, Weds (fortnightly) 7pm. Farewell 10001, Tues 8.30pm. Goldacre 10475 (social) last Fri/month 8pm.
Dance Adult Dance Classes Wednesday evenings at the Youth Disco Room, Kings Bastion Leisure Centre from 7-8.30pm. Cha-Cha, Salsa and Merengue. Lessons £5 and all proceeds to GibMissionAfrica Charity. Contact Dilip on 200 78714 or dance@trainingtm.net Bellydance classes. Beginners level on Tuesday from 7-8pm at Danza Academy or 8-9pm at Ocean Village fitness centre. Tel 54005593. Salsa Gibraltar Salsa classes held Tuesdays at Laguna Social Club, Laguna Estate. Beginners 7-8.30pm, £5 per lesson. Intermediates 8.30-10pm, £6 per lesson (all profits going to the charity Help Us To Help Them). Contact: Mike 54472000 Email: info@salsagibraltar.com website: www.salsagibraltar.com Modern & Latin American Sequence Dancing Mondays Catholic Community Centre 8.30pm (beginners 7.30). Over 15s welcome. Old & Modern Sequence Dancing sessions at the Catholic Community Centre at 8pm, beginners at 7.30pm, Wednesday. The DSA Old & Modern Sequence Dancing sessions at Central Hall Fridays 8pm, beginners 7.30pm. Tel: 200 78282 or e-mail manvio@ gibraltar.gi Everybody welcome. Classical Ballet classes for children 4+, Spanish dance and hip-hop at Liza School of Dance, 3rd floor, Methodist Church, 297/299 Main St. Classes Weds & Fri from 6pm at Chiltern Court (4Cs). Tel: 58111000. Modern, Contemporary, Lyrical, Flexibility, Hip Hop & Dance Theatre classes held weekly at Urban Dance Studio for Performing Arts, 2 Jumpers Bastion. Tel: Yalta (54012212) or Jolene (54015125). Ballet, Modern Theatre, Jazz, Contemporary & Hip Hop classes held weekly at Danza Academy, 68/2 Prince Edward’s Road. Training from 2.5 years to Adult Advanced. Royal Academy of Dancing and Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing examinations taken. Ample competing opportunities aboard IDF European & World Championships. Contact Anne-Marie 54027111 or Zulieka 54003973. Aerobics, Step, Dancercise & Zumba classes for women of all ages held weekly at Danza Academy, 68/2 Prince Edward]s Road. Contact Anne-Marie 54027111. History & Heritage The Gibraltar Heritage Trust Main Guard, 13 John Mackintosh Sq. Tel: 200 42844. The Gibraltar Classic Vehicle Association Dedicated to preservation of Rock’s transport/motoring heritage. Assists members in restoration / maintenance of classic vehicles. Members/vehicles meet 1st Sunday of month,
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Music The Gibraltar National Choir and Gibraltar Junior National Choir rehearse on Tuesday & Thursday 7.30 - 9pm at the Holy Trinity Cathedral. New singers always welcome. Tel: 54831000. St Andrew’s Music Academy Musical Monsters Club, workshops. Group musical activities for kids 3-7 years. Singing, rhythmic games etc. Tel: 200 42690 email: samagib@hotmail.com Outdoor Activities The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is an exciting self-development Programme available to all young people worldwide equipping them with life skills to make a difference to themselves, their communities and the world. To date over 5 million young people from over 100 countries have been motivated to undertake a variety of voluntary and challenging activities. Contact Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Montagu Bastion, Line Wall Road. Tel: 200 59818 Quizzes The Lounge friendly quiz on Sundays from 8pm right on the quayside at Queensway Quay.
Special Interest Clubs & Societies Gibraltar Horticultural Society meets 1st Thurs of month 6pm, John Mac Hall. Spring Flower Show, slide shows, flower arrangement demos, outings to garden centres, annual Alameda Gardens tour. All welcome. Gibraltar Philosophical Society devoted to intellectually stimulating debate. Frequent lectures and seminars on a range of topics. Contact 54008426 (after 6pm) or email gibphilosophy@ live.co.uk for further information. Gibraltar Photographic Society meets on Mon at 7.30pm, Wellington Front. Basic courses, competitions etc. Harley Davidson Owners’ Club www.hdcgib. com UN Association of Gibraltar PO Box 599, 22a Main Street. Tel: 200 52108. Creative Writers Group meet every Tuesday at the Eliott Hotel bar at 8pm. The workshop is run by Carla, Tel: 54006696 and is aimed at learning to write fiction and non-fiction, for pleasure or publication. Each session is £5.00. Sports Supporters Clubs Tottenham Hotspur Supporters Club meet at the Star Bar, Parliament Lane, when Spurs games are televised - call prior to matches to check the game is televised. Great food for a lunch if the KO is early or an early supper if the game is later. For info call Mario on 56280000. Gibraltar Arsenal Supporters Club meet on match days at the Casino Calpe (Ground Floor). Gooners of all ages welcome. Tel: Bill 54010681 or Dion 56619000. Website: www.clubwebsite. co.uk/ArsenalGibraltarSC/. Gibraltar Hammers meet on match days at the Victoria Stadium Bar, Bayside Road. All league games are shown live. All West Ham supporters and their families are welcome. For details visit www.gibraltarhammers.com or e-mail gibraltarhammers@hotmail.com Sports & Fitness Artistic Gymnastics: Gibraltar Artistic Gymnastics Association. Tel: 200 Angela 200 70611 or Sally 200 74661. Athletics: Gibraltar Amateur Athletics Association holds competitions throughout year for juniors, adults and veterans. Two main clubs (Calpeans 200 71807, Lourdians 200 75180) training sessions at Victoria Stadium. Badminton: Recreational badminton weekdays at Victoria Stadium (Tel: 200 78409 for allocations). Gibraltar Badminton Association (affiliated to IBA & EBA) has leagues and training for
adults and secondary school. Tel: Ivan 200 44045 or Linda 200 74753. Basketball: Gibraltar Amateur Basketball Association (affiliated FIBA) leagues/ training for minis, passarelle, cadets, seniors and adults at a variety of levels. Tel: John 200 77253, Randy 200 40727 or Kirsty (minis) 200 49441. Billiards & Snooker: Gibraltar Billiards and Snooker Association (member IBSA) round leagues and competitions at various venues. New members welcome. Tel: Eddie 200 72142 or Peter 200 77307. Boxing: Gibraltar Amateur Boxing Association (member IABA) gym on Rosia Rd. Over 13s welcome to join. Tuition with ex-pro boxer Ernest Victory (200 75513 w, 200 42788 h). Cheerleading: Gibraltar Cheerleading Association, girls/boys of all ages. Chearleading and street cheer/hip hop classes at Victoria Stadium. Recreational and competitive levels. Contact Gina: 58008338. Canoeing: Gibraltar Canoeing Association. Tel: Nigel 200 52917 or Eugene 58014000. Cricket: Gibraltar Cricket Association (member ICC) runs leagues/competitions at Europa Point/Victoria Stadium. Junior/senior training. Tel: Mark 56000460. Cycling: Gibraltar Cycling Association various cycling tours. Tel: Uriel 200 79359. Darts: Gibraltar Darts Association (member WDF) mens/ladies/youth leagues/competitions. Tel: Darren 54027171 “Secretary”, Dyson “Youth Rep” 54024149, Justin “President” 54022622 Email: info@gibraltardarts.com Football: Gibraltar Football Association leagues/competitions for all ages October-May. Futsal in summer, Victoria Stadium. Tel: 200 42941 www.gfa.gi. Senior Tel: Albert 200 41515, Junior Tel: Richard 58654000, Women’s Tel: Brian 200 52299. Recreational football for over 35s Tel: Richard 200 70320. Gaelic Football Club (Irish sport): males of any age welcome. Get fit, play sport, meet new friends, travel around Spain/Europe and play an exciting and competitve sport. Training every Wednesday in La Linea 7-a-side pitches at 8.30pm. Andalucia League with Seville and Marbella to play matches home and away monthly. Email team@gibraltargaels.com or visit www. gibraltargaels.com. Golf: Med Golf tournaments held monthly. Tel: 200 79575 for tournament venues/dates. Gibraltar Golf Union has competitions through year, EGU handicaps. Tel: Bernie 200 78844. Hockey: Gibraltar Hockey Association (members FIH & EHF) high standard competitions/training for adults/juniors. Tel: Eric 200 74156 Peter 200 72730. Judo: Gibraltar Judo Association UKMAF recognised instructors for all ages and levels at Budokai Martial Arts Centre, Wellington Front. Tel: Charlie 200 73116 or Peter 200 73225. Ju-jitsu: Gibraltar Ju-jitsu Academy training and grading for juniors/seniors held during evening at 4 North Jumpers Bastion (Rosia Rd). Tel: Tony 200 79855 or club 200 47259. Karate-do Shotokai: Gibraltar Karate-do Shotokai Association sessions for junior/seniors, gradings and demos at Karate Clubhouse, 41H Town Range Tel: Andrew 200 48908. Motorboat Racing: Gibraltar Motorboat Racing Association Tel: Wayne 200 75211. Netball: Gibraltar Netball Association (affiliated FENA & IFNA) competitions through year, senior / junior leagues. Tel: 200 41795 or 200 41874. Petanque: Gibraltar Petanque Association plays at Giralda Gardens, Smith Dorrien Ave. New members welcome. Tel: 200 70929. Pilates: Monday & Wednesday 11-12am for beginners, and intermediate classes Monday & Wednesday 9:30-10:45am, at Shotokai Karate Centre. Contact Chantal: 60618882. Pool: Gibraltar Pool Association (member EUKPF) home and away league played on Thurs through season. Tel: Linda 200 74753. Rhythmic Gymnastics: Gibraltar Rhythmic Gymnastics Association runs sessions for 4 years of age and upwards, weekday evenings. For more information contact Sally Tel: 200 74661. Rugby: Gibraltar Rugby Football Union training sessions for Colts (14+), seniors and veterans. Play in Andalusia 1st Division Oct - April. Tel: James 200 72185 Sailing: Gibraltar Yachting Association junior/ senior competitive programme (April - Oct) Tel: RGYC 200 48847. Sea Angling: Gibraltar Federation of Sea Anglers (members FIPS-M & CIPS) Superb
what a page turner! www.thegibraltarmagazine.com
calendar of events with four clubs participating. Tel: Mario 200 72622 or Charlie 200 74337. Shooting: Gibraltar Shooting Federation (over 14s). Rifle, Europa Point range (Joe 200 74973); clay pigeon, East Side (Harry 200 74354); Pistol, near Royal Naval Hospital (Fidel 200 71990). Skating: Gibraltar Skating and Xtreme Sports Association. State of art ramps for Xtreme/aggressive roller blading /skate boarding. Leisure skating facilities provided within excellent rink (when not used for roller hockey training). Tel: Eric 200 70710 (after 5). Snorkelling & Spear Fishing: Over 14s for snorkelling, over 16s for spear fishing. Tel: Joseph 200 75020. Squash: Gibraltar Squash Association, Squash Centre, South Pavilion Road (members WSF & ESF). Adult/junior tournaments/coaching. Tel: 200 44922 or 200 73260. Sub-Aqua: Gibraltar Sub-Aqua Association taster dives for over 14s, tuition from local clubs. Voluntary sports clubs: Tel: Phil 200 44606, Noah’s Dive Club Tel: Leslie 200 79601, 888s Dive Club Tel: Martin 200 70944. Commercial sports diving schools also available. Swimming: Gibraltar Amateur Swimming Association (member FINA & LEN) opens its pool for leisure swimming Mon - Fri 7-8.45am, 12- 4pm, 8- 9pm. Junior lessons, squad for committed swimmers, water polo (Rebecca 200 72869). Table Tennis: Gibraltar Table Tennis Association (members ITTA) training / playing sessions, Victoria Stadium, Tues 6-10pm and Thurs 8-11pm with coaching and league competition. Lizanne 200 45071/54020477 or Eugene 58014000. Taekwondo: Gibraltar Taekwondo Association classes/gradings Tel: 200 Mari 44142. Tai Chi: Children’s fun Tai Chi at the Yoga Centre, 33 Town Range, Saturdays 11-12am. Beginners Tuesdays & Thursdays at Kings Bastion Leisure Centre. 6.30-8pm. Adults £5, Children £2, all proceeds to GibMissionAfrica Charity. Contact Dilip on 200 78714 or rocktaichi@traningtm.net Tennis: Gibraltar Tennis Association, Sandpits Tennis Club, excellent junior development programme. Courses for adults, leagues / competitions. Tel: Frank 200 77035. Ten-Pin Bowling: Ten-Pin Bowling takes place at King’s Bowl in the King’s Bastion Leisure Centre every day. To have a go call 200 77338 to reserve your lane. Gibraltar Ten Pin Bowling (members FIQ & WTBA) leagues, training for juniors and squad. Contact Charly on 56014000 or Paul on 54029749. Triathlon: Gibraltar Triathlon Union (members ITU) Chris 200 75857 or Harvey 200 55847. Volleyball: Gibraltar Volleyball Association (members W & EVF) training, leagues, competitions for juniors/seniors. Tony 200 40478 or Elizabeth 58306000. Yoga: Integral Yoga Centre runs a full programme of classes from Mon-Fri at 33 Town Range. Tel: 200 41389. All welcome. Theatrical Groups Gibraltar Amateur Drama Association Ince’s Hall Theatre Complex, 310 Main Street E-mail: gibdrama@yahoo.co.uk Tel: 200 42237 www. geocities.com/gibdrama Trafalgar Theatre Group m e e t s 2 n d We d o f month, Garrison Library 8pm. All welcome. Theatrix: Contact Trevor and Iris on Tel: 54006176 or email theatrixgib@ yahoo.co.uk
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
events
leisure
www.TonyFoto.de
Gibraltar Semi-finalists at World Show Dance Championships
Levy competed. Joelle & Chantel and Sarah & Poppie qualified for the quarter finals finishing in a tied 22nd position out of 37 entries.
The Gibraltar National Dance Team (GNDT) recently represented Gibraltar at the World Show Dance Championships in Riesa, Germany along with over 3,000 dancers from 32 nations. The event was organised for the International Dance Organisation (IDO) by the Germany Dance Federation (TAF), FSVG Riesa and a good friend of Gibraltar’s, IDO Vice President Michael Wednt.
The GNDT performed in the Children’s Group section to a piece called ‘Birds of Rio’. The team qualified for the semi-finals and finished in a fantastic 10th place out of the 22 entries.
The competition began with the Children Solo Female section with 45 dancers taking part. Gibraltar was represented by Joelle Johnson, Natasaha Richardson and Janelle Alcantara. Janelle missed the quarter finals by one position finishing in a respectable 25th place. In the Children Duets section, Natasha Richardson & Janelle Alcantara, Joelle Johnson & Chantel Cooper, and Sarah Montovio & Poppie
Support Groups 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 and Me Breastfeeding Support Group for mums who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have breastfed to get together for coffee, chat and support. Partners and older children welcome. Meets first Wednesday of every month at Chilton Court Community Hall at 1.30pm. Enquiries and support 54014517. Childline Gibraltar confidential phone line for children in need. Freephone 8008 - 7 days a week 6pm - 10pm. Citizens’ Advice Bureau Open Mon-Fri 9.30-4pm. Tel: 200 40006 Email: info@cab.gi or visit 10 Governor’s Lane. No appointment necessary, no charge. Gibraltar CAB outreach clinics at St Bernard’s Hospital every Tuesday. Advisors available at 1st floor reception, Zone 4, 9am-3pm. Info and advice is free, confidential and impartial. COPE Support group for people with Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia or Rheumatoid Arthritis. Formed to ease dayto-day challenges of individuals, families and care partner. Meetings at Catholic Community Centre Book Shop at 7.30pm first Thursday of each month. Contact Sue Reyes Tel: 200 51469 Email: copeadsupport@hotmail.com Dignity At Work Now. Confidential support and advice for those who are being bullied at work. Tel: 57799000 Mon - Thur 8pm-9pm Families Anonymous Support group for relatives and friends who are concerned about the use of drugs or related behavioural problems. Meet alternate Thursdays at 9pm at Nazareth House. For info Tel: 200 70047 or 200 73465.
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
54 young ladies competed in the Junior Solo Female section including Gibraltar’s Jade Holman, Joelle Davis and Chelsey Celecia. Both Joelle and Chelsey managed to qualify amongst the top 24 in the quarter finals with Chelsey finishing in a good 16th place. Out of the 34 teams taking part, both Gibraltar Junior Groups managed to qualify for the quarter finals with ‘I’ll Be Your Clown’ missing the semifinal by one position and finished in 12th place. In the Junior Formation, the GNDT was represented by ‘Chity Chitty Bang Bang’ in the
Gibraltar Cardiac Rehabilitation and Support Group meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 8.30pm at the John Mac Hall, except for July and August. Gibraltar Dyslexia Support Group 3/8 Serfaty’s Passage Tel: 200 78509 Mobile: 54007924 website: www. gdsg.co.uk Gibraltar Marriage Care. Free relationship counselling, including pre-marriage education (under auspices of Catholic Church, but open to all). Tel: 200 71717. Gibraltar Society for the Visually Impaired. Tel: 200 50111 (24hr answering service). Hope. miscarriage support Tel: 200 41817. Narcotics Anonymous Tel: 200 70720 Overeaters Anonymous support group for compulsive overeating problems. Tel: helpline for meetings info 200 42581. Parental Support Group, helping parents and grandparents with restrictive access to their children and granchildren. Tel: Richard 200 46536, Jason 200 76618, Dominic 54019602. Psychological Support Group, PO Box 161, Nazareth House. Meet Tuesdays at 7pm, Fridays 8pm. Tel: 200 51623. SSAFA Forces Help Gibraltar, is a national charity, to assist serving and 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).
quarter finals and finished 17th out of 27. Gibraltar also took part in the Junior Duets division - Jenella Sodi & Joelle Davis, Chelsey Celecia & Lauren Schembri, and Emma & Louise Flower. Out of 40 duets all three qualified for the quarter finals amongst the top 24. Emma & Louise finished in an excellent 8th position. The official choreographers were Paulette Finlayson, Gerald Rodriguez, Sabrina Abudarham, Nichol Montovio, Genyka Celcia, Duclie Edwards and Jade Federico. GNDO President Seamus Byrne said: “IDO is la crème de la crème at an amateur level, where international dancers get together at the best World and European dance events. The GNDO is delighted with the results and remarkable performances from the Gibraltar contingent and would like to thank the dancers and choreographers for being a team at all times via the GNDO’s unity through dance initiative.” n
Med Golf Schedule 2013 Med Golf members were unable to meet for the Anglo Hispano Trophy in November due to heavy rain, so this event is rescheduled for 6th January 2013 — the first event of an exciting year for Med Golf with three new courses making it onto the line up. The usual monthly prizes, valued in excess of 700 euro, continue into 2013 with members able to win one or more of 19 prizes including the top prize of the trophy and two green fees for San Roque Club Old course. The full schedule for 2013 is: El Paraiso 6th January, Almenara 27th January, Estepona 17th February, San Roque New course 10th March, La Canada 7th April, Los Arqueros 5th May, Guinness Ireland Tour to Portursh, Northern Ireland 19th-23rd May, Alcaidesa 16th June, El Paraiso 14th July, stepona 4th August, San Roque Old for the Events.gi Med Golf Masters on 7th September, Dona Julia 13th October, San Roque New 3rd November, La Duquesa 24th November, Alcaidesa 15th December. You can enter by visiting www.medgolfgroup.com or contacting Paul at paul@medgolfsecure.com From 10th December until the end of June 2013 Med Golf are offering two memberships for the price of one — you and a buddy can join Med Golf for £29.50 each.
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information
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. The Monkeys’ Den: There are around 160 monkeys in the Park and around 30 can be seen at the Monkey’s Den. Often called apes, they are tail-less Barbary macaques and Europe’s only free living monkeys. £500 fine for feeding the monkeys - don’t do it! The Great Siege Tunnels: Tunnelling in the Rock began during the Great Siege (1779-1783) when France and Spain made an attempt to recapture the Rock while Britain was busy with the American War of Independence. Governor General Elliot offered a reward to anyone who could tell him how to mount a gun on the north face of the Rock. Sgt. Major Ince suggested tunnelling and there are over 30 miles of tunnels inside the Rock with various exhibitions inside. The Military Heritage Centre: Housed in one of the Rock’s many historic batteries, the Military Heritage Centre displays information on the development of Gibraltar’s military defences through the ages. A City Under Siege Exhibition: Exhibits depicting the lives of civilian population during the many sieges, are housed in one of the earliest British building on the Rock. Original graffiti, drawn by duty soldiers to stop themselves falling asleep, is still visible, the earliest dating back to 1726. The Moorish Castle: actually just part of a Moorish town and castle which was built up during the Moorish occupation of the Iberian Peninsula, spearheaded from Gibraltar in 711AD by Tarik-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. 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
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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 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
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.
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. Public Holidays 2013 Gibraltar & United Kingdom New Year’s Day Tuesday 1 January Commonwealth Day Monday 11 March* Good Friday Friday 29 March Easter Monday Monday 1 April Worker’s Memorial Day Friday 26 April* May Day Wednesday 1 May Spring Bank Holiday Monday 27 May Queen’s Birthday Monday 17 June Late Summer Bank Holiday Monday 26 August Gibraltar National Day Tuesday 10 September* Christmas Day Wednesday 25 December Boxing Day Thursday 26 December *Gibraltar only
Emergency Services
Emergency calls only: Fire/Ambulance................................... Tel: 190 Police............................................ Tel: 199/112 Emergency Number Tel: 112 Non-urgent calls: Ambulance Station Tel: 200 75728 Police........................................ Tel: 200 72500 os Emergency N : .............Tel: (5) 5026 / (5) 3598
GibiBikes Locations • Frontier • Victoria Stadium • Waterport Road (Watergardens) • Waterport Road (Waterport Terraces) • Eurotowers • Reclamation Road (Leisure Centre) • Commonwealth Parade Car Park • Rosia Road (Jumpers building) • Rosia Road (Bayview Terraces) • Grand Parade Car Park (Cable Car) • Southport Gates (Ince’s Hall) • Line Wall Road (City Hall) • Line Wall Road (Orange Bastion) • Market Place • Eastern Beach Road (coming soon) • Catalan Bay (viewing platform) • St Joseph’s School • Europa Point • Rosia Parade Visit www.gibibikes.gi to find out more about how you can benefit from GibiBikes
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2013
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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