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May 2012 Vol. 17 No. 07 FREE
Trading with Confidence Rock Wedding Feature In The Hot Seat: Prospreads’ Simon Brown
The World PLC is Unwell
Keeping Connected The Right Staff
The Beats of My Life and much more
Photo: Oh I do like to be beside the seaside — Gibraltar’s beach scene
Vol. 17 No. 07 MAY 2012
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business & finance
The World PLC is Unwell by Ian Le Breton
“World PLC” is unwell. Before anyone gets the wrong idea — this is after all the Finance Column — I’m not about to stray into areas medical, psychological or spiritual. But after a period of extreme economic intoxication and dissipation, it seems appropriate to echo the Spectator magazine which, whenever the lifestyle of its late “low life” correspondent took its inevitable effect on his health and reliability, would simply post the notice “Jeffrey Bernard is unwell” in place of his column. Conventional wisdom tells us that the onset of the present financial crisis dates back to 2008. But that only tells us when the disease presented — the symptoms were certainly there well before 2008. In Spain’s case, for example, the housing boom that ended in such a spectacular crash had been building for a decade or more. It’s clear that World PLC remains on the sick list — and parts of it are still in a critical state. As with any illness, it took a while before any doctors were consulted and still longer to think about taking the nasty medicines they prescribed. Second problem. The doctors were faced with so many competing symptoms when World plc was admitted for treatment that it was difficult to know what to tackle first. These and other questions have plagued world markets ever since. Now that we are fast approaching mid-2012, I thought I would step back and consider where we are now. (My “plain English campaign” also demands that I try to explain, in passing, what on earth is meant by a “haircut”, quantitative easing and the LTRO). It won’t surprise readers that when considering the overall state of World PLC’s health, my first answer is to say that it depends on which bit one is considering. Before looking at those countries that affect us most here in Gibraltar,
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
let’s start with the worst European case. Greece’s problems have been gripping the financial markets. Readers could be forgiven for thinking that Greece is now sorted. After all, a haircut has been ordered, EU funds lent and austerity in place. Problem over, right? Err, no — not exactly. Read on. In March, Greece finally secured backing to cut over €100bn from its total government debt. The vast majority of Greece’s creditors accepted the terms — this is the so-called “haircut” on bond yields — and, as a result, the EU and IMF have agreed to the latest bailout worth €130bn. The objective is to cut Greece’s government debt from 160% of GDP to a little over 120% over the next eight years.
During a recent competition aimed at stimulating ideas on what to do about the Eurozone crisis, 11-year-old Jurre Hermans from the Netherlands got it about right
All seems well and good. The Greeks are off the hook and those who have had to take losses on their bonds seem to have accepted that this is better than a complete default. EU politicians are preening themselves at a job well done. All jolly useful given imminent French elections and the fragility of the German coalition. The problem is that the crisis hasn’t gone away. Sure the Greeks owe substantially less now than before — but it’s still a debt mountain that will be impossible to finance in an economy that is not growing. And Greece is certainly not growing — it is contracting at an alarming rate. As tax revenues shrink and welfare costs rise, it is difficult to see how Greece can comply with the new debt restrictions. Unless of course there is a third bailout and Greece contemplates leaving the euro. Nothing much changes does it? Closer to home it is said that Spain is nothing like Greece, and in many ways that is true. Spain is quite simply “too big to fail”. The economy is not contracting at anything like the same rate and the recently-installed Spanish government has just brought in an austerity budget more radical than anything seen before. As a consequence, officials admit that 2012 is likely to be the most difficult year yet for Spain since the onset of the crisis
business & finance Normally bullish, in recent months I have become rather more pessimistic about Spain’s chances and whether this “austerity” medicine is going to work. Firstly, after 25 years of spending, the Spanish don’t like austerity. Look at the shiny new airports, motorways and AVE trains criss-crossing the country at 200 mph. The collapse in the property market has been astonishing. Literally millions are out of work with little or no chance of imminent re-employment. In places across Spain one person in three is out of work. Nationally the official rate is more than 23%. Aside from increased welfare costs, another result of all this is that hundreds of thousands of Spain’s young are moving abroad to find work. London is just one example where the Spanish diaspora has grown exponentially in the last couple of years. Those leaving are more likely to be better educated, perhaps bi-lingual and more skilled. None of this bodes well for the future. Across much of the EU, particularly across the Mediterranean, recovery is as far away as ever. The problems confronting Portugal, Italy and others remain. During a recent competition aimed at stimulating ideas on what to do about the Eurozone crisis, 11-year-old Jurre Hermans from the Netherlands got it about right. Singled out for a special mention as the youngest entrant in the recent Wolfson Economics Prize, his suggested solution for sorting out the crisis in Greece used slices of pizza as an analogy with Greeks exchanging their euro for “new drachmae”. It remains to be seen whether this will happen but in an effort to ease the strain elsewhere, the EU has joined the US and the UK by increasing market liquidity. Oh dear, jargon time again. “Quantitative easing”, as undertaken by the US and the UK, is quite simply the issuing of government debt that is then purchased by the government. The result is that more money is pumped into the economy. National debt rises but the idea is that this is better than the alternative scenario. The EU’s version is called the Long Term Refinancing Operation (LTRO). Under
this initiative, hundreds of billions of euro are lent to banks at extremely low interest rates for three years in an effort to facilitate bank lending. Even if the intended lending doesn’t happen, the banks have at least used the facility to shore up their balance sheets — so easing the strain during the crisis. So how about some good news? There are signs of a fragile recovery in the US and it is perhaps to be expected that it is in the States that the global recovery will begin. After all, there’s the small matter of a US presidential election to distract us between now and November. Another country that has actually taken a strong dose of the austerity medicine is the UK. The British government is faced with a slowing service sector, a limited manufacturing base and a massive public debt burden. There is little or no room for manoeuvre in areas such as reducing interest rates or raising taxes. Yet one can point to several areas where the UK economy is starting to recover — albeit very gradually and vulnerable to external shocks. The UK’s currency floats freely depending on the world’s view of how Britain is doing, which is not a luxury available to the eurozone. This is one reason why all of us in Gibraltar take a keen interest in the UK and the impact seen on the euro exchange rate. And in Ireland, there are some real signs that the recovery may be happening. Earlier this year Taioseach Enda Kenny said that by nature he
“Quantitative easing”, as undertaken by the US and the UK, is quite simply the issuing of government debt that is then purchased by the government. The result is that more money is pumped into the economy
was an optimist and that “Irish people are very pragmatic”. Ireland was the first EU country to approach the EU for assistance. Its banking system collapsed and several years of painful austerity lie ahead. But the “pragmatic” Irish are taking their medicine and, by all accounts, it is starting to work. We have also come to realise that the US is no longer the only “superpower”. The effects of China’s insatiable appetite for natural resources can be readily seen in Australia, Africa and Latin America. Add to that the impact of Middle Eastern money — “sovereign” or state funding — that is buying up assets from Western banks and factories to hotels and football clubs, and we can readily see that the world economic order has changed for ever. Contemplating just these few examples, my conclusion is that the economic prognosis is a very fragile version of the Curate’s egg — good in parts, but still pretty bad in others. And here’s the rub. Globalisation means interdependency. Those countries that are seemingly in better shape than others are dependent on growth elsewhere to create a market for their goods. There is still a long road ahead and we’re all in this together. I can’t tell you when the medicine will start to work but I know it has to work, eventually. As the editors of the Spectator surely appreciated, it is all very well to say “get well soon” but it may be better just to say “get well”. n
Ian Le Breton
is Managing Director of Sovereign Trust (Gibraltar) Limited. Tel: +350 200 76173 Email: ilebreton@ SovereignGroup.com
NatWest welcomes Relationship Manager to Corporate Financial Institutions team NatWest has strengthened its Corporate Financial Institutions team with the appointment of Kenneth Finlay to Relationship Manager. Kenneth, who has six years’ experience in financial services, joins NatWest from RBS Group in Scotland where, most recently, he was Associate Director in the Financial Institutions team. In his new role, Kenneth will manage a portfolio of financial intermediary and fund clients with a particular focus on helping customers with their day to day operational banking requirements. Marvin Cartwright, Regional Head for NatWest in Gibraltar, commented: “Kenneth’s appointment brings the Financial Institutions team to seven people and is a further illustration of how NatWest in Gibraltar is committed to ensuring customers have access to knowledgeable and experienced banking professionals.” n
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
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Left to right: Back row: Nigel Fisher, John Sergeant, Kevin Roper, Emma Macrae, Sylvia Kenna, Mark Gerrard, Ole Lund, Carlos Martins. Middle row: Giselle Cerisola, Mandy Serra, Dee Murphy, Anne Tirathdas, Melanie Parr, Roger Belotti, Alfred Garcia. Front row: Janet Noble, Kayleigh Buhagiar, Jenny Benitez, Gabrielle Gache from Power of Words, Sundri Vinnicombe, Leah Carnegie.
Coaching Certificates for HR Forum Coaching certificates were presented to students after they completed a training course on “Coaching the Coach” organised by the Gibraltar HR Forum.
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For information on the HR Forum or if you wish to become a member contact The course was given by Gabri- Exploring what Coaching Means, Action Plan. elle Gache and Pete Yeoman from Questioning and Listening Skills, Ruth Halsall chairperson of the the Chairperson Ruth Halsall on email: Power of Words. Topics included Challenge Statements and Overall HR Forum Gibraltar commented hrforumgib@gmail.com.
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
charity file
Prescott Rolls Out the Barrel Former Deputy Leader of the UK’s Labour Party, Lord John Prescottt and his wife, Lady (Pauline) Prescott were recently in Gibraltar on a private visit. While here Lord Prescott donated and autographed the first barrel for the local Rotary project Roll Out the Barrel for Africa. Gordon Vickers explained “The project is being organised locally by the Rotary Club of Gibraltar. It involves sending as many as possible 40 litre water barrels to Africa so that families can roll the barrels of water instead of carrying the water on their heads over great distances. The barrels only cost £30 each. I’m delighted that Lord Prescott has sponsored the barrels and am sure that it will bring joy to a family or two in Africa.” In support, the Chief Minister very kindly added
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
While in Gibraltar Lord and Lady Prescott enjoyed an informal lunch in a local restaurant with their friends, Gordon Vickers, owner of the Mill & Spa Hotel in Chester and a Gibraltar Rotarian, and Joe Bossano, Minister for Employment. Also present were the Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo and Rotarian, Lyana Armstrong-Emery. Before lunch Lord Prescott donated and autographed the first barrel for the local Rotary project Roll Out The Barrel.
his own barrel. Over 2.4 billion people in the world have to collect and carry water from wells, pumps, taps, streams or rivers in containers as small as a bottle or as large as a small oil drum. The average distance that women and children in Africa, Asia and other parts of the
world walk to collect and carry the water is six to 10 kilometres every day. The average weight of water women in Africa and Asia carry on their heads or backs can be anything up to 30 kilos (children as young as four years carry five to 10 kilos) — the equivalent of your airport luggage allowance.
Anyone wishing to sponsor a barrel or make a donation should send a cheque made out to Rotary Club of Gibraltar and write on the reverse side ‘water barrels’. Cheques should be sent to PO Box 676, Gibraltar. n www.rolloutthebarrel.org
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funds update
Modernised Experienced Investor Funds Regime Ready for the Future by Adrian Hogg
On 5th August 2005 with the introduction of the Financial Services (Experienced Investor Funds) Regulations, 2005 (the “EIF Regulations”) Gibraltar laid the foundation for an extremely versatile way of setting up a fund within the European Union. Experienced investor funds are designed for high net worth or experienced investors. Marketing of experienced investor funds must be restricted to investors who are deemed to be “experienced investors”. Experienced investor funds must have at least two Gibraltar resident directors who are pre-approved by the Financial Services Commission (the “FSC”) to act as directors of experienced investor funds, a licensed fund administrator and a depositary. The fund’s investments can be managed by an investment manager or the funds can be “self-managed” by the directors of the fund (i.e. without the need of an appointed investment manager). The EIF Regulations require that the fund’s investment activities be stated in the fund’s offering document. Disclosure is required
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in respect of a fund’s investment objective and strategies including its approach to borrowing and gearing, and any applicable investment or borrowing restrictions. It does not, however, provide guidance as to how the investment activities of the fund should be set nor what type of activity the fund may undertake. This leads to an extremely flexible product whereby funds may be open or closed-ended, have varying investment objectives and strategies, gearing and
restrictions. Experienced investor funds are, as such, used in respect of a diverse investment spectrum from traditional “trading” funds (trading in equities, bonds, foreign exchange, commodities, derivatives and such like) to property funds, private equity funds and special situation funds. A further facet of the flexibility of experienced investor funds is that they may, in accordance with the Protected Cell Companies Act 2001 (the “PCC Act”), be estab-
Building on the momentum of recent years the Gibraltar Funds and Investments Association along with the FSC and the Finance Centre has undertaken an exercise to modernise the experienced investor funds regime
lished as a protected cell company. In accordance with the PCC Act a protected cell company may create one or more cells for the purpose of protecting and segregating cellular assets from non-cellular assets and keep each cell separate and separately identifiable from other cells. A protected cell company may, in respect of any of its cells, create and issue shares, the proceeds of the issue of which shall be comprised in the cellular assets attributable to the cell in respect of which the cell shares were issued. Protected cell companies can be used to create multi-cell funds or “umbrella funds”. Building on the momentum of recent years the Gibraltar Funds and Investments Association along with the FSC and the Finance Centre has undertaken an exercise to modernise the experienced investor funds
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
funds update regime. Such modernisation was needed in order to keep pace with the requirements of the modern world and to ensure that Gibraltar has relevant legislation in order to meet such needs. On 11th November 2010 the European Parliament adopted the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (“AIFMD”). AIFMD contains new rules on the marketing of alternative investment funds in the EU by both European and non-European managers also lays down rules for the marketing of those funds to professional investors within the EU. On the 1st July 2011 AIFMD was published in the Official Journal of the European Union. Much uncertainty surrounded the Directive as it evolved considerably over the past 18 months prior to its adoption. However, now that consensus has been reached, the alternative investment fund community can prepare for its implementation in 2013 in earnest. At time of print, most funds marketed in the EU are domiciled outside of the EU (in jurisdictions such as the Cayman Islands and the BVI). For those that market funds in the EU, AIFMD provides the quandary of whether or not to keep the fund in a domicile outside of the
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
EU, re-domicile existing funds to the EU or to create funds afresh in the EU. Re-domiciliation is often the method of choice as it should be a seamless transition without triggering a taxable event and it allows established managers to maintain their track record. On 12th April 2012 the 2005 EIF Regulations were revoked and replaced in their entirety by the 2012 EIF Regulations. The 2012 EIF Regulations fully addresses the redomiciliation quandary as the 2012 EIF Regulations introduces a new classification of experienced investor whereby those participants of a fund that has re-domiciled to Gibraltar where the Authority has permitted the inclusion of such participants either in respect of a specific fund or generally in respect of a category of funds will be deemed to be experienced investors. This new category of experienced investor is required as although funds could already re-domicile to Gibraltar and establish as an experienced
investor fund under the 2005 EIF Regulations many funds were not able to do so due to the mismatch between the minimum investment amount of an experienced investor fund and that of a foreign jurisdiction. The 2012 EIF Regulations addresses this problem and as such removes one of the major barriers to re-domiciliation. In further support of the modernisation and increased flexibility of the regime is that the 2012 EIF Regulations permit administrators of experienced investor funds to be located outside of Gibraltar. As per the 2005 EIF Regulations an experienced investor fund was required to appoint a Gibraltar licensed fund administrator. The 2012 EIF Regulations allow non-Gibraltar administrators to administer experienced investor funds which provides Gibraltar with a further platform of opportunity to grow. Other factors in the modernisation of the regime via the 2012 EIF Regulations include additional
On 12th April 2012 the 2005 EIF Regulations were revoked and replaced in their entirety by the 2012 EIF Regulations
disclosure requirements for fund’s offering document and clearer definitions as to the roles and requirements of the fund’s depositary which all serve to modernise the regime and make it relevant and fit for purpose for the coming years. It is widely expected that AIFMD will create a fundamental change in the international funds industry whereby funds that are marketed in the EU are domiciled in the EU. Gibraltar, with the modernisation of its experienced investor funds regime, is ready for the change. n
Adrian Hogg is a director of
Grant Thornton Gibraltar Group of Companies. He is a specialist in investment business with over 10 years experience involving various investment business structures in Gibraltar and the Caribbean. Adrian manages a portfolio of investment dealers, investment managers and funds providing audit services, licensing and regulatory support. Adrian is one of the founders of Grant Thornton’s fund administration business that is licensed by the FSC and currently administers funds from the Cayman Islands, the BVI and Gibraltar. Adrian sits on the Gibraltar Finance Centre Council and is the Chairman of the Gibraltar Funds and Investments Association.
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The Great ‘Silk’ Road to success: Two Firsts for Gillian by Elena Scialtiel
They say that life begins at 40, but for go-getter Hassans’ litigation lawyer, Gillian Guzman, it took off at 39 when she made Gibraltar history twice, being appointed the youngest and the first female Queen’s Counsel (QC), an achievement she sees as an honour and a privilege within her profession. Taking Silk is the crowning glory of a flourishing 18 year long career that has seen Gillian active in litigation at all levels, having represented clients from all walks of life, including the Government of Gibraltar and the Foreign Office. It is recognition by the profession that she has excelled in her areas of practice and whilst humbled by the appointment Gillian also sees it as a rebirth professionally. About to turn 40 in May, life really is beginning for Gillian in a whole new way. Whilst boosted with energy and zest at the appointment, she is acutely aware that with such an honour comes the responsibility to maintain the high standards established by the inner bar locally, which she will seek to uphold. As Gibraltar’s first female QC, Gillian would like to see more female lawyers in Gibraltar join the QC family and hopes by setting the bar high, she can inspire women, not only to join the profession but look to becoming QCs themselves. According to The Lawyer in the UK “Just 20% of the people nominated for the honorary QC title in the past three years were women. A second Freedom of Information request to the Ministry of Justice has found that a total of 81 people were nominated for the title between 2010 and 2012, with 62 men and only 19 women put forward.” Gillian does not believe there is any particular
16
gender discrimination within the profession, but personal circumstances tend to affect women more than men in the workplace, which can often slow down the progression of their career, unless they are willing to pay a high price in their private lives. Sacrifices have to be made or you have to have a good support system around to enable you to balance both family and career. Gillian credits her ability to flourish professionally in the last couple of years to her mother Lily — without her unceasing help and support with Gillian’s two year old daughter, she would not have had the peace of mind to stay focussed on her work, as well as enjoy a great family life. Actually, it was her mother, who took posses-
Being the voice of your client in court represents an immense responsibility, as you are open to scrutiny and need to hold your own without faltering. By the same token, managing the emotions and expectations of clients is not always easy
sion of his Excellency’s hand delivered letter that would contain the all important ‘success’ or ‘fail’. Lily called her at work and read out the news “successful”! By His Excellency’s specific request, appointees were however required to keep the news quiet until the official announcement the following day. Gillian admits this was incredibly hard to do given she was suddenly glowing with pride. The next day, felt like the next year! However, when the news finally broke, messages of congratulations started pouring in. The acknowledgment by friends, clients and fellow members of the profession, especially senior ones, was the source of great pride, with Gillian commenting “professional success means little unless it can be shared”. The ceremony, more poignantly, was held on International Women’s Day, a fitting coincidence given the historic appointment. However, Gillian simply saw it as one proud and intimate milestone to share with her family and friends, even more thrilling and significant than the day she was called to the bar in 1994. It was recognition of the fruits of her hard work and dedication, and scrutiny of her career and track record, by a panel of Senior Judges and Practitioners comprising the QC Committee. So what drove Gillian into this career path? Gillian instinctively knew from a young age she
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
career file wanted to become a lawyer. Although no one in her family followed that profession her parents instilled in her the moral fibre to stick with what she believed in. She only fully realised the potential for what she could do at law school and her desire to enter litigation was born. She specialised in common law cases, human rights, family law, employment, personal injury and clinical negligence, all areas which are very ‘people’ focussed and where she felt she could make the most difference. She developed her practice through extensive court work before Magistrates’, Supreme and the Court of Appeal, which has presented many challenges. Being the voice of your client in court represents an immense responsibility, as you are open to scrutiny and need to hold your own without faltering. By the same token, managing the emotions and expectations of clients is not always easy, but there is nothing more rewarding than knowing that in some measure you have made a difference to their lives. It may be because you have achieved the result they wanted or simply the best possible settlement in the circumstances. Clearly this labour of love is never boring as Gillian wakes up each day raring to go. The work is always surprising and interesting; sometimes even the most routine looking cases can turn into ground-breaking ones, with ramifications that might even change laws or policies. In any event all cases affect the interests or rights of her clients, human beings with lives of their own, who she has now taken the ultimate oath to represent as fearlessly and with as much dedication as she has always done. n
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
Gillian with her mum Lily
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business & finance
How Gibraltar’s Trade Services can Benefit Businesses...
trading with confidence by Paul Wharton and Michelle Canepa
“May I take you back to October last year when I shared with you an experience that I witnessed with a local business man that imported two containers of home-care goods from the Far East; as you may recall, the whole project turned out to be a disaster, as the value of the goods were a fraction of what he had expected, as they failed to comply with local health and safety regulations. This was a hard lesson learnt. However this local trader also took another huge risk paying for these goods before shipment. So this leads me nicely on to this month’s feature, which is all about how importers and exporters can protect themselves. Commonly known as ‘the last point in Europe,’ Gibraltar has long been a popular tourist destination and an inviting prospect for new businesses. This has ensured that a host of trade services have grown up around the Rock to meet the needs of various industries. Gibraltar’s port also plays a fundamental part in the trade industry, as businesses will often have goods delivered via the sea. This month,
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I’d like to introduce you to Michelle Canepa, Barclays’ specialist Trade Manager, who will discuss the range of Trading Services on offer in Gibraltar: What are Trade Services? Trade Services are essentially a suite of products used by financial institutions to make trading overseas safer and more efficient. Every business involved in in-
ternational trade is exposed to some form of risk. An exporter wants to ensure that they are paid for the goods they provide, while an importer only wants to pay for the goods they have agreed to purchase. As a Trade Manager, I understand and appreciate the most vulnerable time for anyone looking to set up their own business is at the beginning stages. This is
because they may find it hard to set up credit lines with their intended suppliers. As a newcomer, they may not be able to provide the supplier with any credit history to instill the comfort they require to enter into such a transaction. It is also unlikely the supplier will give preferential credit terms at this stage. Generally then, it is the role of the Trade Manager and the bank which they represent, to help establish this
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business & finance business relationship by helping both parties reach a happy compromise on which payment terms they will agree on. The payment terms used depend on a variety of factors, such as the bargaining power of the importer and exporter and the level of trust between the two parties. It is my view that in the current economic climate, suppliers appear to be a lot more cautious and as such are requesting some form of surety that they will be paid for the goods they provide, be it in the form of a Letter of Credit or Guarantee Buyers are also keen on retaining control of the transaction and so set down specific terms and
About Me: Michelle
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Canepa
As a Trade Manager, my job is to act as a conduit and to build a trusting, long lasting and mutually beneficial business relationship between importers and exporter through the use of Trade Solutions, which I will look at later on in this article. I became a Trade Manager for Barclays in Gibraltar two years ago, and since then, have been fortunate enough to oversee many business transactions. I really enjoy the variation of this specialist role as no two trade solutions are the same. The foundation is always the same, but the solution, which comprises of a number of trade services, are engineered around client’s individual needs. During my career in banking I have also been a Premier Relationship Manager Corporate Relationship and Investment Manager. Therefore, I am well placed to help the client address their holistic financial needs.
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In the current economic climate, suppliers appear to be a lot more cautious and as such are requesting some form of surety that they will be paid for the goods they provide conditions in the Letter of Credit which the supplier needs to abide by in order to ensure payment for their goods. It is not only new businesses which benefit from Trade Solutions — long-established companies can also reap the rewards, for example, when it comes to establishing business relationships with new suppliers. I would now like to look at these aspects in more detail by reviewing the suite of Trade Service products offered in Gibraltar. Trade Services Solutions Documentary Collections One of the Trade Services a financial institution may suggest is Documentary Collections. This is when the bank acts as a collection agent for the commercial documents. These documents relate to the goods being exported and are sent to the importers bank along with collection instructions. In doing so the exporter is assured that the documents will not be released to the importer (which allows them title to and gives them possession of the goods in question), unless they settle payment first, or on acceptance from the importer that they will pay for the goods at a set future date. The act of physically collecting the documents offers exporters a fast and efficient means of collecting trade payments. It is an equally effective means of settling trade debts for the importers. A variety of businesses have been known to use Documentary Collections to import their goods which in turn, benefit other local
businesses. A prime example of this being local wholesalers importing foodstuffs for further distribution onto local restaurants, supermarkets and stores. Letters of Credit Letter of Credit is a written undertaking given by a bank on behalf of the importer to pay the exporter an amount of money within a specified time. This is provided the exporter presents documents which comply with the terms and conditions laid down in the Letter of Credit. Transferrable Letters of Credit An alternative solution is to use Transferrable Letters of Credit. This is commonly used in situations where a supplier sells through an intermediary or middleman who then sells on to the ultimate buyer without it impacting their cash flow to complete a transaction of this nature. Guarantees / Stand-by Letters of Credit Beneficiaries commonly request a bank guarantee / Stand-by Letter of Credit when they wish to be secured against the risk of the
principal not fulfilling his/her obligations towards the beneficiary in respect of the underlying transaction for which the demand guarantee is given. The main benefits of Trade Solutions are they help businesses to manage risk, negotiate better credit terms, and win business and trade with more confidence. The Trade Solutions I have mentioned are all governed by a specific set of rules and regulations issued by the International Chamber of Commerce and applied in over 160 different countries. These specific set of rules and regulations sets out the manner in which the trade product will be handled for the benefit of all parties involved. As a Trade Manager, I have been fortunate enough to work with a number of prospective business owners who have gone on to successfully establish their own companies, having built up strong relationships with their suppliers. I regularly interact with professionals specialising in a number of areas; from independent stores looking to import goods for the tourist industry to larger businesses wanting to secure a construction contract. It’s encouraging to see Gibraltar’s business hub expanding and I look forward to working with future clients and seeing Gibraltar flourish in many different areas. n Paul Wharton and Michelle Canepa are writing in their own capacity and none of the above is intended to express the views or opinions of Barclays Bank PLC
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charity fundraising
the 5 Ways Walk Margaret Sacarello embarked on her “5 Ways Walk” at the end of April raising funds for Research into Childhood Cancer (RICC). This two month long challenge will see Margaret make her way along five well known recreational walking routes (ways) in England. She has pledged to cover a minimum of 100km on each walk culminating in an additional round the Rock walk in Gibraltar with some of the local schools. Margaret was a founding member of RICC and a member of the
Margaret Sacarello
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committee for 20 years. She still remains a stakeholder and is one of the charity’s three Trustees. RICC raises money to help fund pioneering research carried out in Great Ormond Street Hospital which looks for cures into childhood cancers and ways to make the treatments less invasive. This research has made ground breaking advances over the last 20 years producing a vaccine which has been particularly successful in treating very young children with the cancer neuroblastoma. Asked why she had decided to undertake this task, Margaret replied: “Despite having taken a step back from the RICC committee it is still something very close to my heart and so it really boils down to a combination of raising funds for this worthwhile cause and finding something to keep me entertained and off the sofa!” English by birth, part of the
reason Margaret chose England as a venue was to rediscover her roots. “I have spent the last 40 years based in Gibraltar and I felt that it would be interestingm and exciting to re-visit paths I trod in my youth and discover areas unknown to me. For example, the 130km long walk along Hadrian’s Wall will allow me to walk the full breadth of the country whilst encountering Roman ruins on the way.”
Margaret will be raising funds by handing out sponsorship forms for contributions. If anyone is interested in helping her raise money or would like to contribute in any way, email ricc.gib@gmail.com. n Margaret’s walk started on 27th April 2012 in Winchester and her progress can be followed on Facebook group: The RICC 5 Ways Challenge. Alternatively, you can track her on www. ricc.gi/5 ways.
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charity fundraising
A Walker for Lauren Wobbles charity has joined forces with Jayden Fa and Deepak Ramchandani to provide seven-year-old Lauren Aitchison with a Walkabout frame. The Walkabout is an excellent piece of equipment designed to support those who cannot fully weight-bear, while providing the opportunity to learn reciprocal gait and strengthen associated muscle groups. Hands-free and open in the front, it reduces barriers for exploration to a minimum. This equipment will allow Lauren to explore her environment and to walk short distances. The walker was custom-made for Lauren after careful assessment by a representative of a company which manufactures these walkers in the UK. Wobbles thanked Jayden and Deepak for their hard work and
effort in connection with the Miss Gibraltar 2012 calendar, and for their donation which represented a significant contribution towards the purchase of Lauren’s walker. The limited edition historical calendar celebrates 50 years of
beauty, featuring past Miss Gibraltar winners (see page 71). It was produced by Jayden and Deepak, experienced artists and dedicated professionals within the fashion photography and make-up industry. The calendar is a crossover
between fashion and concept photography, portraying past beauty queens as models. n A few calendars are still available, anyone wanting to purchase a copy can do so by contacting Jayden or Deepak on jaydenfa@hotmail.com
The CISI is the largest and most widely respected professional body in the investment industry, established in Gibraltar in February 2011. The CISI’s National Advisory Council in Gibraltar, which organises a number of Continuing Professional Development events for members and non-members. Exams are available every Friday at Bleak House. Training for CISI exams is available from Global Advisory Services Limited (www.globaladvisoryservices.net) the CISI’s representative in Gibraltar. Please contact +350 20046830 for more information. For more information on the CISI visit our website to find out more about who we are and what we offer. cisi.org/gibraltar
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gibraltar@cisi.org
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career file
Working with Recruiters...
by Oliver Medina, Associate Director, SRGEurope
If you’ve searched for a job in the last 10 years chances are you have worked with or at the very least come in contact with a recruiter. Working with recruiters can be a useful tool in the job search, but theirs is a tough job which has left some not so flattering generalisations about the profession along the way. So what are the top three complaints about recruiters? They never call It sounds like something out of the book of bad relationships, but it does happen. You meet a recruiter, speak to them about your situation and what you are looking for. They tell you they will be in touch and then nothing happens. The truth is that recruiters will look at 100s of CVs in a day, meet and speak to well over 50 people in a week, meet one to three clients and work 10 to 30 jobs at one given time. They are a busy bunch. The luxury of picking up the phone and staying in regular contact with the candidates that they are currently working with (which can be in the
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hundreds) is not really there. That might be why you don’t hear from them unless they have a suitable opportunity. It’s not personal. Recruiters don’t listen. Does this sound familiar? They don’t understand your situation or make an effort to try. A recruiter might not find something for you right away, but that does not mean they don’t necessarily understand your situation. Recruiters act as intermediaries between candidates and clients. They speak to clients regularly to try and understand exactly
what they are looking for. A good recruiter will be able to pick this information up and find the right person for the job. Unfortunately, the clients requirements might not match your experience for that particular job. A good recruiter will understand both parties’ requirements and work to match candidate and client accordingly. The final and biggest complaint about recruiters is that they don’t provide feedback. You’ve gone through the interview process and now you wait, but still no feedback. True, it’s very frustrating, but what you might not realise is recruiters want feedback more than you do. They want you to get the job. It means they have successfully made a placement. Also, if they are not on the right track in terms of candidates then they want to know why so they can adjust their search criteria. This second point might seem harsh as it means you might not meet the requirements, but remember that recruiters are there to do a job. They have to consider the needs of both clients and candidates. If there is no feedback, it usually means they haven’t received any yet. Hiring managers can conduct more than 20 interviews for one job on top of their regular duties. Sometimes it’s just not possible to provide feedback for every candidate especially if they are coming from different sources. The key is to find a good recruiter that you trust to work with. Someone who has the necessary experience and knowledge to match candidate skills to the needs of their clients. So what is the best approach to working with recruiters? Be sure to tell them everything. Your recruiter is like your lawyer. They need the full story before they can present your case to the best of their ability. Surprises throughout the interview process can be extremely detrimental to the job search. They need to know everything from your current salary, to salary expectations, to why exactly you left your last job. The more recruiters know about you professionally the more they are able to help you. Do your own homework. Remember that recruiters are speaking with a large number of people during the week. It’s not possible for them to know everything. Make sure to do some of your own research on the current market and even opportunities for professional development. Keep in regular contact with your recruiter. Just because they don’t call doesn’t mean they don’t want to speak to you. They need your help in staying in contact. If you find something or come across a job that looks interesting talk to your recruiter and get their input. If it’s a fit to your skills then see about putting together a good approach for applying. The best piece of advice in working with recruiters is to be realistic. They are not superhuman and there are only so many hours in a work day. Most good recruiters work beyond the regular 9 to 5 work day already. Your main priority is to find a good job and a good recruiter can be a helpful tool, but you will be so much more successful if you get fully involved in the process yourself. n
Recruiters want feedback more than you do. They want you to get the job. It means they have successfully made a placement GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
career file
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eGaming feature
KPMG: eGaming Summit This year’s KPMG eGaming Summit was warmly received by delegates, who benefited from presentations by more than a dozen industry and government specialists through the course of the day. The event was held at the Caleta Hotel on Thursday 19th April and was attended by more than 140 delegates, an increase on last year’s event. The Hon Gilbert Licudi, Minister for Gaming, opened the Summit, stating, “The Gibraltar Government is committed to continue working with the industry, supporting it in Europe and further afield, providing a strong and respected regulatory environment balanced with a globally competitive commercial platform.” The morning session then focused on issues specific to the local jurisdiction, with highlights including an update on licensing and regulation by Phill Brear of the GRA and an update on UK regulation and taxation of eGaming
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and how it might affect Gibraltar licensees by Maria Brennan of HM Treasury. The afternoon session looked at the sector more broadly, with presentations on social gaming, mobile marketing, the political outlook for the US & Asia, customer acquisition and payment acceptance solutions. Delegates were particularly keen to take part in the panel session in the afternoon, which saw four industry experts taking questions from attendees on a range of different topics. The highlights of this session and all of the presentations will be put into a written report by KPMG, supported by Continent8, which will be available in the summer. After the event, delegates were able to mix with speakers and panelists at an in-
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eGaming feature
formal cocktail evening (photographed) hosted by Callcredit Information Group. Russell Kelly, the Director responsible for eGaming at KPMG, commented: “It is encouraging, as always, to see such a dedicated turn out. Not only has the event brought together local operators, service providers and government decision makers, but we have also had significant overseas input. Many have flown in specially for the Summit, giving us access to world experts on a variety of topics. I believe that this shows both the health of the local sector and the regard in which it is held internationally. At KPMG we feel proud and privileged to play a part in making that happen.” n
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in the hot seat: ProSpreads’ Simon Brown Prospreads’ CEO Simon Brown
Can you tell us a bit about the company and how/why it functions within Gibraltar? ProSpreads (nee FuturesBetting) was established in 2004 and launched its service in 2005. It was founded by two very experienced futures traders who had cut their teeth on the London International Financial Futures Exchange (LIFFE) in London, throughout the ’80s and ’90s. The object of the business was to provide cutting edge technology to other futures traders, based in Gibraltar and also in the UK. This service was delivered as a financial spread bet, allowing UK-based clients the prospect of tax free gains. The business was established in Gibraltar mainly because of the reputable regulatory structure, low corporation tax and lifestyle options for its founders. Can you tell us a bit about the duel regulation from the FSC and the Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner and the importance of it to the company? Dual regulation is a positive for clients, given that there is oversight from two separate authorities. In reality, ProSpreads has tri-regulation, because its parent company in the UK, London Capital Group, has daily oversight of the business also. ProSpreads appears to be the only dually regulated financial services business in Gibraltar and the only financial spread
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betting business in Gibraltar. In the UK, financial spread betting is licensed and regulated by just the Financial Services Authority (FSA), as it is recognised as a financial product (contract for difference) and does not come under the remit of the UK Gambling Commission.
As the risk is generally high in financial spread betting — do you find that your customers are more skilled in their field? As mentioned ProSpreads’ clients are definitely the more experienced end of the financial trading market. In practice, our clients trade at least twice as frequent as the average spread bettor and in 5-10 X larger sized trades. Some of our most active clients will sometimes trade 50-100 times in a single day. Given the profile of the typical ProSpreads customer, ProSpreads provides professional Direct Market Access technology to its clients, which delivers execution of orders in a fraction of a second; an important feature when markets are as volatile as they have been over the past four years.
Do you find that your clientele differ from those who bet in other areas? ProSpreads currently only offers its services to ‘Professional’ clients, as defined by MiFID. These clients are high net worth, active, experienced traders who may have worked in the financial market industry. The mainstream financial spread betting industry in the UK predominantly caters for the ‘Retail’ client (as defined by MiFID) who is not considered as experienced or knowledgeable as the institu- Why would someone spread bet rather than just investing in the markets? tional or professional trader. As a UK resident, betting gains are free from Capital Gains Tax (CGT) so profits from financial spread betting are also free of tax for UK The business was established residents. This compares with current UK CGT of up to 28%, so there is a significant benefit for in Gibraltar mainly because of UK tax payers. In addition to the tax benefit, the reputable regulatory structure, spread betting companies provide access to all the asset classes from a single account, which low corporation tax and lifestyle can be opened with as little as £50. (ProSpreads options for its founders current minimum deposit is £1,000).
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eGaming feature What are the main factors that affect a rise in spread betting — for example, have you seen a large interest on areas such as house prices with the economy at an all time low? Most interest is in the Index contracts, so the FTSE 100 Index for UK traders and the Dow 30 contract for those interested in the US markets; however interest in Foreign Exchange (FX) has grown considerably in recent years. This is mainly due to the fact that FX is volatile, with low commissions, tight spreads and trades 24 hours a day. Also the fragile global economic climate has presented opportunities for speculation in the currencies of weak and relatively strong economies. With the commodity boom of the last five years, coupled with the economic uncertainty, there has been increased interest in speculation on the price of gold and oil. I would say that roughly 45% of the spread betting business is in Indices, 30% in FX, 10% in single stocks and the balance in commodities. Why do you believe that spread betting is becoming more popular? The easy to use online trading platforms, access to all the major asset classes from a single account, the ability to trade in very small size, the ability to trade on margin (i.e. only have to lodge a small percentage of the actual value of the trade) and the prospect of tax free gains are all reasons why financial spread betting has become mainstream. Do you have a relationship with the other major betting companies here in Gibraltar?
ProSpreads does not currently have any direct partnerships with other gaming companies in Gibraltar, however we are all part of an industry in a small jurisdiction and therefore I know personally many of the other operators. Do you have a personal interest in spread betting? And is there an experience you could share with us? If you mean ‘do I trade’? then the answer is yes and no. Most of my career, 14 years to be precise, was spent trading derivatives for my own account in the City of London, so trading is in my blood, as when it is your own money, you live and breathe it, which is not always fun on the bad days! However my trading days are well and truly behind me as running the business in Gibraltar, coupled with my responsibilities to London Capital Group leave little time for speculation...
user sight of and potential participation in the underlying market, where thousands of other market participants compete to trade. This provides the user with transparency of the actual market price, compared to being given a price from just one provider or market maker. Having access to the underlying market means that you may benefit from no restrictions on where you place your orders and the assurance that you will be able to ‘get your trade away’ because of the extensive liquidity available. DMA is definitely the professional’s choice for trading.
You offer a ‘white label’ service to other companies. How does this work? Offering White Labels to other companies is a key aspect of our business model, and is also a very important part of our London Capital Group’s business model. LCG is a leading provider of WL services to the financial tradWhat is Direct Market Access and why is it ing and gaming industry, with many blue chip companies taking their WL service. so good? The way it works is simple. The company Direct Market Access or DMA provides the wishing to offer a white label service to its customers will come up with a trading name. As a UK resident, betting gains are This trading name will then become a trading free from Capital Gains Tax (CGT) so name of the spread betting company, who will provide the whole service under that brand, profits from financial spread betting including account opening, customer service, are also free of tax for UK residents. risk management, provision of technology and about everything else. All the white label This compares with current UK CGT just partner does is market the brand and pick up of up to 28%, so there is a significant a healthy commission every month, without any of the hassle, cost and risk of operating the benefit for UK tax payers service themselves. n
Financial Spread Betting for the astute trader
www.prospreads.com
ProSpreads is licensed by the Government of Gibraltar and regulated by the Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner (Gaming Licence No.28) and authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Commission
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eGaming technology
Good enough won’t be enough for your online gaming network by Colin Williams, Networking and Security Practice Leader, Computacenter
The egaming industry is leading the way forward in the delivery of services for the next consumer wave — the mobile consumer. Recent research from Cisco Systems forecasted that by the end of 2012 the number of mobile-connected devices will exceed Earth’s human population (Cisco Visual Networking Index 2011-2016). The real-time nature of online gaming, accentuated by the explosion of “in play” environments positions secure, resilient, high performance network access as a key to success. But surely the products and services of every egaming company are network-delivered, meaning the approach should be straightforward? At Computacenter we believe now is the time to challenge whether a “good enough network” really is enough as the highly competitive egaming landscape may force “good enough” companies behind their better or greater counterparts. “So how do you ensure that you operate a great network to underpin your great company?” Know your assets. Few networks are built from scratch totally in line with the current business need. They grow over time, changing as revised requirements and business outcomes appear. The result for many organisations is one of complexity, hidden problems and inflexibility due to the age or lack performance / functionality within legacy platforms. Know your information. The value of the multiple information sources traversing your network is unequalled. Customer financial data holds far greater value than a one-off
product update; intellectual property key to your differentiation (site layout, functionality) holds a completely different position of worth. The negative impact of information loss is colossal, so now is the time to take stock. Know your security. It is sad to say as you read this article your network is potentially under attack. In the main, standard defences protect against standard threats, but with the stakes so high the threats have now changed and outwit all but the best defences. If the Home Office & FBI websites can be taken down, is a popular online egaming website
The egaming industry capitalises on change to bring new services to market. Therefore the network must be flexible, agile, secure and high performing
safe? Now is the time to revisit your information security strategy. Know your customer. The online egaming customer assumes many states; fixed location on a PC, mobile via a tablet or Smartphone, and on increasingly rare occasions even via a voice call. End users are becoming highly self-centred seeking an experience personalised to them. Does your egaming website deliver a great customer experience with minimal latency, and do you provide video or rich content or a social network-aware environment — is it secure? Today’s customer won’t be tomorrow’s unless the end user experience you deliver exceeds that of your competitors. Know your business. Without question change in your business is guaranteed, that is part of the magic of an online egaming environment. In fact it is essential to stay ahead of your competition and aligned with your customers. However, the trading landscape is an online, mobile, high performing, networkcentric one. Can your existing network and security footprint take you there or could it take you down?
eGaming Event Computacenter’s eGaming seminar and golf event is now confirmed for Thursday 24th May, 2012 Attendees will have the opportunity to meet and hear from key executives from HDS, Cisco and Panduit, as well as the Computacenter eGaming team. The day will provide an opportunity to discover the latest technological developments and to forge stronger relationships with senior and executive managers in the eGaming community. Topics for the day will cover the reality and opportunity of Cloud, how operators can transform raw data into valuable information, how Borderless Networking is tackling consumerisation, Social Media technologies, and the benefits of an effective physical infrastructure. The event will be held at Almenara Golf Resort, 25 minutes from the Gibraltar border. For more information please visit the Computacenter website at www.computacenter.com/egaming
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eGaming technology The egaming industry capitalises on change to bring new services to market. Therefore the network must be flexible, agile, secure and high performing to enable and not inhibit business operations. Computacenter, as Europe’s leading multi-vendor services and solutions integrator, is the ideal partner to deliver egaming network infrastructure-based transformation outcomes. With a customer-centric consulting approach that complements your existing resource pool, underpinned by vendor-certified consultants and over 20 years of accumulated best practices, Computacenter accelerates your time to market and minimises your egaming infrastructure solutions deployment risk. As the Cisco Enterprise Partner of the Year for the second consecutive year, and with extensive multi-vendor network and security infrastructure consulting and support skills, Computacenter’s egaming network team can deliver the market insight and best practice solutions outcomes to keep your business one step ahead of the rest. To find out more, contact Computacenter at egaming@computacenter. com. Ask yourself, if you dare to dream will your network take you there? n
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Today’s customer won’t be tomorrow’s unless the end user experience you deliver exceeds that of your competitors
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eGaming technology
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Gibraltar is home to some of the biggest and best e-gaming operators in the world. Consequently the telecommunications industry needs to ensure that the services provided meet these companies’ standards and needs
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Tim Bristow, Chief Executive Officer at Gibtelecom, has overall responsibility for the strategy, oversight and performance of the business — Gibraltar’s main telecommunications provider. He is also a non-executive director of bwin. party digital entertainment PLC.
What kind of telecommunications infrastructure does Gibraltar have? The Rock is very well connected and an attractive location for ecommerce. We operate in a small market which presents a challenge technically and commercially, due to its topography and to Spanish and Moroccan mobile operators’ signals reaching Gibraltar. Despite this, and together with a challenging regulatory and increasingly competitive environment, Gibtelecom continues to grow. Gibtelecom recorded a slight increase in mobile subscribers and a 10% growth in internet services last year. Nearly 80% of Gibraltar households now subscribe to broadband internet services, which is amongst the highest in Europe. However Gibraltar, like any other place in the world, is experiencing a decline in fixed telephony. Recently, Gibtelecom took a major step towards helping Gibraltar become an international communications hub as one of just a dozen or so stopping off points for the gargantuan Europe India Gateway (EIG) submarine cable system project. Gibtelecom is a founding partner in the $700m EIG project, a 15,000 km submarine cable system utilising next generation fibre optic technology being built by a consortium of 16 telecoms companies. This cable connects three continents and links Gibraltar with other parts of Europe directly, including the UK where Gibtelecom has established a POP (point of presence). The cable provides Gibtelecom with significantly improved route diversity and resilience, to complement its other terrestrial fibre optic international gateways via Spain and ultimately Gibraltar with high quality data transmission and capacity to meet the future growth in communications traffic. The huge amount of EIG bandwidth capacity Gibtelecom has available has placed the Company in a position to start to build a global carrier business outside of Gibraltar. Can you summarise how the service has changed over the last 10 years? Communications is a dynamic technology-driven business which never stands still.
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eGaming technology In my time at Gibtelecom we have seen enhanced technologies, particularly in mobile and internet services; and extensive expansion of our networks at home and abroad — our international traffic capacity has increased a thousand fold. We have successfully combined fixed line, mobile and internet businesses into a one-stop shop, a place where many large telecommunications companies are now striving to be. Over the last decade Gibtelecom has invested some £60 million in infrastructure and leading edge technology. Gibtelecom has delivered through building on the fibre and mobile networks round the Rock, expanding international connectivity and resilience and moving the business to a genuine 24/7 operation, with on-site technical support immediately available around the clock. In addition, Gibtelecom is now the largest data centres provider on the Rock, where we host customers’ computers in some 600m2 of space continuously monitored by our Networks Operations Centre. What are the most important trends within the telecommunications sector? Trends in the sector, which Gibtelecom is actively leading, are towards a one stop communications shop, embracing telecommunications, computing and value-added services. Gibtelecom is currently completing the construction of its fourth and fifth state-of-the-art data centres on the Rock, in a location well above sea level and away from the central business areas. These data centres employ the latest industry standard technologies, including efficient cooling and standby power, and are Payment Card Industry (PCI) accredited in data security procedures. Demand for landline voice services is generally falling compared with growth in the mobile, internet and business enterprise services. Globally there is a trend towards converging technologies, since most telcos around the world still have separate mobile, fixed line and sometimes internet companies. Gibtelecom is already a fully integrated business and has produced one converged bill since 2003 for all services, which is still quite innovative for the telecommunications industry. Ultimately, with the way technology is progressing in the longer term, I think people will have just one phone or device which would be integrated with the computer and internet — rather than using three or four separate devices as now. Whilst Gibtelecom won’t rush to be first into this arena, technology-wise we are not standing still and are working on putting in the infrastructure that will enable us to roll out a next-generation network, where in time mobile, fixed and internet will all use convergent network technology. How many employees do you have? A technology business, like any other, can only be successful through motivated, engaged and qualified employees. Gibtelecom currently employs about 160 multi-skilled staff who deliver services to customers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. How sophisticated would you say Gibraltar is in comparison to the UK, for example? GIBRALTAR GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAGAZINE •• MAY MAY 2012 2012
Our customers expect communications in Gibraltar to keep pace with what is happening in the UK, and elsewhere. Some years ago communications might have appeared to competitor jurisdictions as being behind the curve. Now Gibraltar has more than one local telecommunications supplier, offering diverse portfolios of services similar to those available in much larger jurisdictions. Gibtelecom is leading the way with resilient fibre optic connectivity locally, multiple diverse international links with huge amounts of bandwidth readily available for business expansion. Gibtelecom’s investment in the EIG cable and top quality data centres should help keep Gibraltar a top tier attraction for ecommerce. Gibtelecom is committed to continue to invest to keep Gibraltar at the forefront of communications and provide the man and woman in the street with the products and services they expect. In a small market the cost of services will always be higher than in larger countries where operators enjoy greater economies of scale. Having said that prices overall look as though they will continue to fall. What is Gibtelecom doing in terms of embracing the growth of the e-Gaming sector? Gibraltar is home to some of the biggest and best e-gaming operators in the world. Consequently the telecommunications industry needs to ensure that the enterprise services provided meet these companies’ standards and needs. The online gaming industry is dependent on good communications, and would not be able to thrive here if we weren’t already up to speed. Gibtelecom recently gained the “Recognised for Excellence” award from the European Foundation of Quality Management. This first for a Gibraltar company is testament to the high standards of service Gibtelecom offers the online gaming community. What challenges do you see ahead for Gibraltar? Gibraltar’s small size in a changing European Union environment, is both a challenge and an opportunity. Being part of an EU market, for instance in telecommunications where the rules are designed for countries with a population of millions, is a considerable challenge for a small place the size of Gibraltar, and brings with it a substantial cost burden. On the e-gaming front, whilst the regulatory landscape may be changing, there are still opportunities for a small jurisdiction like Gibraltar, which prides itself on good governance and a robust regulatory environment
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There is no doubt the gaming industry has helped Gibtelecom to bring up its game in responsiveness, product and services diversification and international connectivity
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focused on customer protection and business excellence. The gaming industry has increased the demand of telecommunication services. How has Gibtelecom accommodated the industry? I think the gaming and telecommunications industries are complimentary. The online gaming business needs the communications industry to get to its worldwide market. A telecoms business, like Gibtelecom, grows in strength and resilience through having demanding and large ecommerce customers for whom every second of every day counts. What percentage of the business do you think is derived from the gaming industry? There is no doubt the gaming industry has helped Gibtelecom to bring up its game in responsiveness, product and services diversification and international connectivity. It is difficult to put a precise percentage of the business derived from online gaming but it would probably be a similar proportion to that as for Gibraltar as a whole. Incumbent telecoms companies tend to be a barometer for economic activity generally. Can you tell us about your competition and their relationships with the gaming companies? Do you have challenges when it comes to gaining their business? Gibtelecom continues to be the leading operator of choice for gaming companies in Gibraltar due to its robust networks and investment in international resilience, together with being the main data centre provider on the Rock. In some cases gaming companies will choose to have more than one local communications provider as their business is dependent on having seamless internet connectivity around the clock so they tend to employ back up services from an alternative carrier. There is now competition in all telecoms markets and as with the incumbent, Gibtelecom is very heavily regulated, including with price controls. Telecoms businesses, designated as having significant market power by the regulator, are not allowed to cross-subsidise between activities as this would work against competition. So, for example, returns from one area won’t help us to make local telecom rentals and call charges even lower, as this would be potentially anti-competitive behaviour. The internet, bandwidth and mobile businesses have seen some loss of market share as competition has increased on the Rock, and we estimate Gibtelecom accounts for about an 80% share across the whole spectrum. However, this is our guestimate, because we can’t find much out about how our competitors are doing locally. Finally, what are your favourite things about working in Gibraltar? Gibraltar is a microcosm of a state, and it’s great to be able to get from A to B so quickly. In Gibraltar there is a great sense of community, it’s safe and secure and we enjoy good weather. My family and I came for three years, and that we’re still here a further decade on, says it all! n
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eGaming feature
Nick Cortes
The Right Staff Nick Cortes is the Online Gaming Specialist and a senior consultant at SRGEurope recruitment agency. We asked him about his role, the egaming industry and recruitment in general. Nick started what he calls his ‘first real job’ with an egaming company here — Cassava (888.com) — as a Customer Service Operator in 2004 where he got a feel for the industry which would turn out to be the biggest and most profitable in Gibraltar. After his initial work at Cassava he went on to work for Eurobet (part of the Gala Coral Group) where he dealt with queries in Spanish. “Here I gained a great deal of knowledge about various sports which I didn’t have before and I knew then that this was the industry for me, however, I knew I wouldn’t want to stay in the Customer Service role forever as I felt I had much more to give and my learning potential was endless within this industry,” he says. Since those days, Nick has worked in recruitment locally and abroad specialising in all aspects of eGaming, from Customer Service to Marketing and Operations, to Fraud and IT. Having worked with other agencies in Gibraltar Nick confidently says SRGEurope is a force to be reckoned with in local and interna-
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tional recruitment. “We supply candidates for companies in Gibraltar, Ireland, Malta, England and Spain at all levels of experience,” he states. “We concentrate on providing the best quality candidates available whether they’re based overseas or locally and we work with all of the major names and brands in Online Gam-
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Gaming companies are now more buoyant than ever and regularly have new and exciting vacancies becoming available
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ing based here in Gibraltar, Europe and UK.” Nick considers that gaming has changed for the better over the last few years. “Back in 2006 when the Bush administration in the USA brought in the online gambling ban, prohibiting banks and other financial institutions from allowing people to use funds to pay for online gambling, I thought the gaming companies in Gibraltar would suffer a tremendous knock back to their financial stability as their biggest source of income was the USA market. However, most of them seemed to have bounced back and become even bigger after developing new business strategies and concentrating on really making the most out of the European Market. “Gaming companies are now more buoyant than ever and regularly have new and exciting vacancies becoming available,” he adds. “This shows consistent growth and development within these companies and a market that is surely on the up and up despite constant unfounded rumours about its downfall.”
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
eGaming feature Nick believes the gaming industry offers employment stability to Gibraltar and its inhabitants. “It’s no surprise that this industry is the leading provider of job opportunities in Gibraltar and offers careers to candidates new to the industry and career development to the most experienced gaming professional.” He recruits candidates from all over Europe, but concentrates on giving local candidates — Gibraltarians and people of different nationalities who are living and have been living locally for some time — an opportunity before looking elsewhere. “I feel giving this opportunity to local candidates is something more agencies need to promote as I have realised a lot of them have the negative tendency to almost ignore locals when it comes to looking for the right candidate. It’s something that is being actively dealt with now by most companies but I still feel there is room for improvement.” Similarly, he says there is more that local candidates could do in order to promote themselves to would gain an advantage over candidates based abroad — adapting their CV to particular and individual vacancies applied for for instance, and including key words from the Job Spec in their CV to outline the fact that they have experience in the particular role. “One definite negative for all local candidates to bear in mind is don’t over-apply for vacancies and apply for anything and everything under the sun just because the salary grabs your attention!” Nick emphasises. “This
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does not reflect well on the candidate and I would strongly urge candidates not to do this. Instead, target specific roles within the same sector. For example, don’t apply for an IT Manager role and then a Customer Service Advisor role — it only shows you might not be sure what either of these roles are and it looks as if you are applying for the sake of it. “With every role you apply for you have to make sure you fully understand the job and responsibilities of the role. You don’t want
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It’s no surprise that this industry is the leading provider of job opportunities in Gibraltar and offers careers to candidates new to the industry and career development to the most experienced gaming professional
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to apply for a job that you are completely the wrong fit for and similarly you don’t want to sell yourself short. That’s where we come in!” A good agency, he says, will give you advice on where to target your CV and match your experience to the available jobs in the market at the time. “Don’t be disheartened if you don’t get a job immediately, these things take time and finding your perfect job is never easy. If you’re determined, driven and consistent in your applications you will find your dream job,” he assures. Conversely, don’t be afraid to ask the agency questions. They are there to provide you with a service. “Any good consultant who cannot answer a certain question for you will go and find the answer, whatever it takes.” Fortunately for Nick working in such a diverse industry, his favourite thing about Gibraltar is its multi-cultural acceptance and easy going way of life. “I’ve met so many people whilst working in recruitment, and in the gaming industry especially, and I find everyone accepts each other for who they are — regardless of nationality, race and ethnicity. “After having worked in the UK, I find this is something very unique to Gibraltar and something I have never come across before in my time as recruitment professional. It’s a testament to Gibraltar’s way of life and to the people who make every day living here so easy and pleasurable. Long may it continue!” n
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t
e v i o t f c f the a interior spaces
ice by Andrea Morton
There was a time when I thought I would have to stop using a computer. As a small business owner, I was working long hours at a desk and the pains across my back and shoulders sometimes brought me to tears. I knew I had to do something, so I ordered a German-made Swooper chair online, it cost me a small fortune but two years later I have no back pain, and the bonus is better posture and core strength. The concept of active sitting has really taken off in the last couple of years — a quick search of the internet shows various models of chairs, such as the Spinalis, the Yoga Chair and even the GymGym chair which looks like other popular ergonomic office chairs, except it comes equipped with built in resistance bands to work your back, arms, shoulders, legs and core (during those long conference calls!). Physicians and orthopaedists have long recommended that people with back pain sit on a therapy
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or Swiss ball as it forces the body into a correct posture while it strengthens the back and abdominal muscles. These chairs imitate sitting on a therapy ball, but the big advantages are their adjustability and their aesthetics — they look like office chairs. The reason these chairs work is that they promote active sitting with a movable seat keeping the spinal column constantly in a correct position. These chairs don’t allow passive sitting, meaning the back and abdominal muscles
are constantly engaged and being strengthened, which is the basis for a healthy back. The chair, like the ball actually corrects body posture. It is perfect for people who are sitting all day in their workplace. The key to good health is movement. Humans are designed to move and have done so for thousands of years in order to survive. Extensive sitting at work or while driving is a new thing in mankind’s evolution, and it’s not good for us. In fact, movement and exercise is
known to improve almost every dimension of cognition — including creativity and problem solving — and is a notorious stress-reliever. So what else can we do to encourage movement in the office? In Scandinavia the concept of sit-stand desks has been embraced. These desks have a smooth electronic mechanism which takes you effortlessly from a seated work position to working standing up. Add a wobble or balance board while you are standing and you are getting a workout without leaving
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
Photo courtesy Spinalis www.spinalis.net
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interior spaces
your desk! Whether you are able to change your desk or not, make it a point to sit for shorter periods of time and stand whenever possible — while talking on the phone maybe — and place a wobble board next to your desk to activate those muscles further while standing. Monitors should be at eye level to promote proper heads-up posture (easier with adjustable desks too). Keyboards should be low enough, with pull-out trays, so shorter staff members don’t have to scrunch their shoulders to type.
It’s imperative that the office environment is an asset, not a liability, to good health. The goal is simple: keep the core moving and the spine in a good relationship with gravity. As a result, we are more productive, we have more fun and we are more likely to be health conscious. A small investments of time and money can transform your office into a more productive, healthier workspace. The return is happy, healthy, productive people who make the best of the 9 to 5 every day — and that includes you! n
Too much sitting can shorten your life In a new study by Sydney University, adults who sat for 11 or more hours a day (think working hours plus time spent in front of the TV) had a 40% higher risk of dying within three years compared to those who sat for fewer than four hours a day. The study of more than 200,000 people was published last month in Archives of Internal Medicine. Researchers took GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
into account physical activity, weight, and health status. So the advice is, if you’re deskbound and can’t stop for 15 minutes Tai Chi, at least stand up when taking phone calls and take mini-breaks every 30 minutes, move around, move your shoulders and take deep breaths to relieve muscle tension. Get into the habit of adding movement into your sedentary day. n
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property update real estate
19/2 Governor’s Parade, Gibraltar Tel: 200 74018
Gibraltar Art Gallery 14 Cannon Lane Tel: 200 73898 Email: artgallery@gibtelecom.net
S
TRIES
NTINENTS IES
NENTS
T: + 350 200 400 41 F: + 350 200 440 11 sales@chesterton.gi lettings@chesterton.gi commercial@chesterton.gi
T: + 350 200 400 41 F: + 350 200 440 11 sales@chesterton.gi lettings@chesterton.gi M.B.E., E.D., J.P., F.R.I.C.S., F.R.S.H. commercial@chesterton.gi
S.LEVY
AUCTIONEER, ESTATE AGENT & VALUER Gibraltar’s Longest Established Estate Agents
For Property Advice, contact us 3 Convent Place Tel: 200 77789 or 200 42818 Fax: 200 42527 Email: slevy@gibraltar.gi
Seekers Ltd Property Solutions 10 Engineer Lane Tel: 200 44955 info@seekerspropertysolutions.com www.furnituresolutions.gi
property directory home insurance
commercial interiors Bridge Solutions PO Box 598 Tel: 57185000 Fax: 200 77041 Space Interiors 6 Ellesmere House, City Mill Lane Tel: 200 73992 www.spaceinteriors.gi
transport services
homes & interiors
Eurolinx 21&22 Victoria House, 26 Main St Tel: 200 40240 Ibex Insurance The Tower, Marina Bay Tel: 200 44628
construction GibCargo Ltd Unit 3 North Mole Industrial Park Tel: 200 70787 Email: tom@gibcargo.com
marine services property services
TARIK
Full Bunkering & Yacht Refuelling Service
Portman Ltd
Spain: 15/5a Virgen del Carmen Algeciras (Cadiz), Spain Tel/Fax: 34 56 630418 After Hrs: Gib 200 70982
General Suppliers
Hire & Sale of Portable Cabin Units (Office, Toilet Units etc) Unit F17 Europa Business Centre PO Box 476, Gibraltar Tel: 200 73119 Fax: 200 45008 E-mail: portman@gibtelecom.net
• General Surfacing • Building • Building Renovations • Demolition • Painting & Decorating • Roadworks • Civil Engineering • Asphalt/Aggregate supplier • Comprehensive Plant Holding For prompt & competitively priced tenders contact AMCO P.O. Box 382 Tel: 200 40840 Fax: 200 40841
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Gibraltar: Tel: (350) 200 72836 Fax: (350) 200 72861 Cables: TARIK GIB TLX: 2343 TRATAR
waste management Curtain Makers Home Interiors Fabrics Bedding Bring your own fabric or choose from our range The Fashion House Ltd 85 Governor’s Street. Tel: 200 52938 E-mail: thefashionhouse@gibtelecom.net Fax: 200 52988
Environment and Waste Management Service E.W.M.S. Governor’s Cottage Europa Advance Road Gibraltar Tel: 200 44220 Fax: 200 44221 E-mail: ewmsgib@gibtelecom.net
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2011 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
property update
The UK visitors, with local Chairman and Past Chairman, met Deputy Chief Minister, Dr. Joseph Garcia, in his capacity as Minister for Planning and Building Control
Gibraltar Meeting Centre Success Celebrated To celebrate almost two years since the Gibraltar Meeting Centre (GMC) was launched, last month the Clerks of Works and Construction Inspectors (who comprise the GMC of the Institute of Clerks of Works and Construction Inspectorate of Great Britain Incorporated), hosted visitors from the UK, including President of the ICWCI, James Gallacher MICWCI.
The local Professional Interview Panel has knowledge and experience of local conditions, practices and materials making its interview more relevant to construction projects in Gibraltar. The GMC offers free monthly CPD seminars, not just to members but to other construction related professionals, and promotes health and safety, along with the Gibraltar Government’s Training Centre, by implementing the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) ‘passport’ in Gibraltar. The primary role of the Clerk of Works/Construction Inspector is quality control/assurance on construction projects. Responsible to the client, who commissions the project, they work with the design team (architects, engineers and others) and interact with the contractors’ project team, helping identify problems before they arise and helping resolve any encountered, therefore reducing, and possibly eliminating, defects in the finished project — saving disruption and expense to the end user. n
The visitors gained an insight into the activities of the GMC and discussed issues affecting local construction from the GMC’s perspective. At a meeting attended by GMC members and professional associates, the Minister for Traffic, Health & Safety and Technical Services, the Hon. Paul Balban MP, congratulated them on their work ensuring high building standards on construction projects in the public and private sectors. The Minister acknowledged that the GMC had proved a positive step in improving the selection process for ICWCI membership — previ- For info on the ICWCI visit www.icwci.org. ously candidates travelled to the For info on the GMC contact the Secretary UK for their Professional Interview. by email: gibraltar@icwci.org.
The President of the ICWCI, James Gallacher MICWCI, presents a certificate to Norman Neale, Building Control Inspector with the Department of Planning & Building Control, confirming he has been conferred with Honorary Fellow status of the ICWCI GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
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property file As with most Budgets, there was good and bad news for residential property: various measures were announced to attempt to revitalise the UK housing market, and the Chancellor backed up his prebudget promise to crack down on tax avoidance schemes, targeting in particular the acquisition of residential property via corporate vehicles. All of these changes will have an impact on UK homeowners whether resident in UK, Gibraltar or further afield. The following overview summarises the major changes. UK budgets can inspire politicians here in Gibraltar too, and its Gibraltar’s budget time at the end of June. 7% stamp duty A new 7% rate of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) has been introduced for residential properties sold for over £2 million, with immediate effect. This tax will also affect individual investors as it applies to single or linked purchases of up to five residential properties by individuals or companies, where the aggregate price paid exceeds £2 million. The previous top rate of 5% for properties sold between £1 million and £2 million remains. Meanwhile, in Spain, the highest rate of stamp duty on property purchases recently increased to 10%. Gibraltar’s top rate of 3.5% is beginning to look rather attractive!
Will the UK Budget affect the Gibraltar property market?
The UK Budget 2012: a property
perspective from a Gibraltar viewpoint On 21st March, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced the UK Government’s 2012 budget, which included a range of reforms to the tax system. 38
15% stamp duty for corporate purchases A new 15% Stamp Duty has been applied, with immediate effect to residential properties purchased for £2 million or more via ‘non-natural persons’, that is, companies and collective investment schemes like unit trusts, or partnerships which have a nonnatural person as a member. This is designed to eradicate the common loophole whereby people try to avoid stamp duty by using a company to buy a residential property. The home is then sold on as shares in the company in a bid to sidestep the duty normally paid. Although this excessive rate of Stamp Duty might achieve its objective, it also seems to unfairly attack those who may prefer to buy a residential property via a company, a pension or a trust for legitimate reasons. Having said that, of the 2,834 homes sold in England and Scotland in the last two years for more than £2m, 2,059 were in London, and many of these will have been purchased by non-UK residents. So does anyone feel sorry for GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
property file those having to pay 15% duty? Probably not. Would we want this in Gibraltar? I think not, because as far as I am aware, we do not have a problem to solve regarding attempts at avoiding stamp duty on high value residential purchases in Gibraltar. Stamp duty holiday The stamp duty holiday that was introduced for first time buyers in 2010 ended on 23rd March as the UK Government said it had been ineffective in helping people to buy. Gibraltar ’s nil rate band of up to £200,000 looks generous compared to the UK’s £125,000 nil rate band, although property prices in Gibraltar are significantly higher than most parts of the UK. New buy guarantee scheme In place of the stamp duty holiday, the Government launched the New Buy Guarantee scheme on 12th March 2012, which it hopes will be better at getting people on to the housing ladder. The scheme will see the UK Government and major house builders guaranteeing part of the loan from banks to first-time buyers, allowing people to buy a new home with just 5% deposit. The Gibraltar Government might watch and see how successful such a scheme is, especially considering the GSLP / Liberal pledge to expand the role of the Gibraltar Savings Bank. Inheritance tax From 6th April 2012, a lower rate of IHT of 36% (compared to the normal 40%) will be available if 10% or more of a deceased person’s net estate is left to charity. No such issue in Gibraltar. There is no inheritance tax. Other measures currently in consultation The UK Government intends to
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
extend Capital Gains Tax liability (CGT), from April 2013, to UK residential properties (and shares or interests in residential property) held by non-UK resident nonnatural persons. This is a significant step as currently non-UK residents (companies or individuals) can own residential property in the UK and not suffer any UK CGT on the ultimate disposal. The lack of UK CGT on property for non-UK residents has made the UK residential property market a popular place in which to invest, especially for those based in jurisdictions where there is no CGT, for example, Gibraltar. There will be (or if not, should be) a number of Gibraltar based investors (individuals, funds, companies etc) who will be watching this consultation exercise closely. In addition to increasing stamp duty to 15% for the purchase of UK residential properties above £2m by ‘non-natural persons’, the UK Government is also consulting on the introduction of an annual levy of such properties above £2m held within corporate vehicles from April 2013. They really do want to identify the owners of these properties! Finally, the Statutory Residence Test, whereby greater certainty is attributed to the definition of ordinary residency from a UK perspective, which was due to be enacted 6th April 2012 has been delayed to 6th April 2013 to allow for a greater degree of consultation. This delay was announced at the end of 2011 by HMRC who stated that a further announcement would follow around the
time of the 2012 budget. Now even this announcement has been delayed to “sometime after the budget 2012”. This ruling will impact many UK residents who have relocated to, or are considering relocating to, Gibraltar for tax reasons as it will determine the rules by which they can return to the UK for visits, holidays, and work reasons. So watch this space... n
Mike Nicholls is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, a member of the Gibraltar Society of Accountants and a member of the Gibraltar Funds and Investment Association. Mike operates the Chesterton estate agency in Gibraltar (www.chesterton.gi) and owns MN Associates Limited, a real estate investment solutions consultancy. See www.mn-associates.gi.
This ruling will impact many UK residents who have relocated to, or are considering relocating to, Gibraltar for tax reasons as it will determine the rules by which they can return to the UK for visits
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property file
the outdoor living room With design trends that feature crisply classic colour, curvaceous lines, and a fresh approach to patio set material combinations, this year brings exciting trends for outdoor furniture. During the warmer months when most of Gibraltar’s residents spend evenings on balconies, terraces or, if they are lucky enough, in their gardens, stylish outdoor furniture and accessories are the first step in creating a welcoming environment for guests and especially you. Replacing worn out patio and terrace furniture with something
newer and fashionably up to date is a perfect way to give the exterior of your home a fresh, clean look. One of the hottest design trends this year is the use of wicker-style furniture, specifically wide-weave or chunky-weave. The shift away from narrow weaves to wider weaves is more inviting and is a look that can be
Wicker furniture can look modern, traditional, country, or just plain fun
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
home decor
used just about anywhere, regardless of the over all style of your home. Wicker effect furniture can look modern, traditional, country, or just plain fun when paired with the right fabrics and colour tones. Now more than ever, comfort is at the forefront of the decision making process. Gone are the days when a chair is bought just for its looks! For many people, neutral colours aren’t likely to inspire enthusiasm, but this year, grey’s emergence is a pleasant surprise, however, contemporary greys seem to have a
crispness that used to be thought of as dull. Grey is the perfect neutral and will compliment just about any decor and colour palette. Whether your outdoor space is surrounded by trees, flowers, or buildings, adding grey tones, especially with dark toned furniture, will transform it into a pleasing sight. This year, patio furniture sets have loosened up their lines, and the results vary from sensual to elegant to pleasantly relaxed. These curving, half moon arrangements of benches and side tables will compliment your terrace if you have space for them. Instead of using the same material or type of furniture throughout an area, the trend now is to mix and match for a diversified look. Table and chair combinations such
Grey is the perfect neutral and will compliment just about any decor and colour palette
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
as wicker effect and wrought iron, metal and concrete, or trios such as wood, wicker, and faux stone bring a level of sophistication to outdoor decorating that can transform space into a modern masterpiece. n
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events
Survey Sense What types of survey are available and in what circumstances are they used?
Property owners and purchasers typically choose one of the three RICS surveys. These are the Condition Report, the Homebuyer Report or the Building Survey. The Condition Report is a standard visual inspection that aims to show up potential issues and defects, before any transaction takes place. The survey will also identify things that need to be investigated further. The Home Buyer Report is a Condition Report with a market valuation and reinstatement cost
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to help you avoid under- or overinsurance. The report includes a more extensive roof space and underground drainage inspection where this is possible and will aim to advise you on the amount of ongoing maintenance required in the future. The report will help you decide whether you need
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Don’t wait until you move into your new home to find out what’s wrong with it. David Richardson MRICS gives us the low down on property surveys and why you should have one done...
extra advice before committing to purchase and helps you prepare a budget for any repairs or restoration. The Building Survey is more in depth and would normally exclude the market valuation and reinstatement costs. The report will establish how the property
The report will establish how the property is built, what materials are used and how these will perform in the future
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is built, what materials are used and how these will perform in the future. Potential problems posed by hidden defects are investigated and we outline the repair options to give you a repair timeline. Whilst the first two report types are typically used by potential purchasers and investors, the Building Survey is geared towards buildings that require considerable maintenance, a refurbishment or adaptations for a change of use between the residential and commercial sectors. What is the difference between a full building survey and the
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property purchase valuation survey done by a surveyor identified by the mortgage lender?
The Homebuyer report will give a condition rating (1, 2 or 3) and will comment on all of the building elements including parts that are deemed to be in good condition. The valuation survey carried out for the mortgage lender is similar to the Home Buyer report in that it provides a valuation and takes into account the current condition in the final value. What are the most common things that show up on a property survey in Gibraltar?
buildings, or are their instances they are relevant for new developments too?
This largely depends on the client’s objectives. In general we carry out condition reports for older buildings while homebuyer reports and defect diagnostics are also carried out for new developments. In what instances would a defect diagnostic be carried out?
These surveys look at a specific problem and recommend solutions. They can assist in disputes between landlords and tenants over repair obligations or other clauses in their leases. We also act as independent experts and provide evidence to the Civil Court in the form of a professional report.
Within the Old Town there is a wide diversity of construction methods and building materials. The most common defects identified in pre-war properties are caused by inappropriate Are surveyors legally obliged maintenance or where a building to inform the client of all the element has reached the end of its findings of the survey? design life. For example erosion or damage to the external envelope of the building. Other common problems we encounter across the entire built environment derive from dampness, water ingress and poor drainage. Are surveys especially recommended for older
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As a chartered surveyor yes, RICS code of conduct prescribes us to inform our clients of all our findings as well as upholding a duty of care where we encounter a severe hazard or health and safety concern. In dealing with disputes we have an overriding duty to the courts and are obliged to present impartial information.
tial units typically range from £350 to £1000 depending on size and the existing condition. Building Surveys and feasibility reports would normally cost more while general consultancy and acting as independent experts is normally charged on a pre-agreed hourly rate basis. n
How long does a survey and report take to produce?
Generally three to six working days for a three bedroom residential property. Larger properties and some feasibility studies can take weeks or even months depending on the scale of the task. What would be example costs of a survey and what would that cover?
Our Condition Reports and Home Buyer Reports for residen-
The most common defects in prewar properties are caused by inappropriate maintenance or where a building element has reached the end of its design life
”
David Richardson MRICS is a Building Surveyor with Richardsons estate agents, 1/4 College Lane, Gibraltar. For more information on surveys or to make an appointment with David contact Tel: 20079210 or visit www.richardsons.gi
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Wedding property fileFeature
Hurray for the Bridesmaids As tradition goes, bridesmaids are an integral part of any wedding. They should be an on-hand support; multi-taskers who hold the dress train while passing round the tissues. You’d hope they would be the life and soul of the after party, and the taxi organiser at the end of the night. As much as the idea of the bridesmaid is a wonderful one, choosing those special people is not always an easy task, but it’s an exciting and emotional part of the whole process. Family, friends, and other important people in your life are often brought closer by this special day, and it is often an all round lovely experience. There are however, horror stories of this whole process going slightly off the beaten track. Firstly, there is the case of the bridezilla. A bridesmaid that is expected to cope under the demands of a bride who has become so overwhelmed with her wedding expectations that she is cracking under the pressure. Then there are the bridesmaids who will not co-operate with the plan; won’t wear the chosen dress, does not sort the hen do plan in time, turns up late to the wedding and creates the debate about dress cost… the list goes on. So, is it easier to walk down the
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aisle alone? Amy Mctoldridge of Rock Brides, Gibraltar’s wedding planning specialists, thinks not. “The bridesmaid’s role is to support the bride whenever they can and I have worked with bridesmaids who take their duties very seriously by going the extra mile. This shows true friendship between them,” she says. “One girl in particular had the job of writing a personal reading for the ceremony about the couple. It was beautifully read and written from the heart — she had captured the couple’s personalities perfectly and it made the ceremony personal
“
to them.” But surely it can’t always go so well? “Weddings provide so many different colourful characters and the bridesmaids are always one of the most lively groups,” she chuckles. “When a bride decides on her bridesmaids the choice normally comes down to family and friends, but unlike friends, when it comes to family she can’t always say no.” A scenario more than familiar to Gibraltar’s brides, who traditionally have two or more bridesmaids chosen from their family — nieces, cousins, sisters... and there’s is even
With emotions running high as the big day approaches this can lead to some interesting clashes between the bridesmaids themselves and even the bride
”
room for a page boy! “With emotions running high as the big day approaches this can lead to some interesting clashes between the bridesmaids themselves and even the bride as the tension of the event increases,” Amy adds. “Dealing with younger bridesmaids is more of a challenge and it’s my job to make sure the bridal party is organised and consequently, the bride has a stress free day,” she says. “We have had many ‘challenges’ as we prefer to call them, where smaller bridesmaids have pulled their flowers to pieces on the way to the aisle or have decided that grass and mud stains are a prerequisite to the wedding photographs. In every case, we have managed to deal with the situation without fuss and watch everyone enjoy the day.” The other advantage of bridesmaids is they diffuse the focus from the bride. Without bridesmaids, all eyes are on the bride on the day, great fun for the confident diva, but
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAGAZINE • • MAY MAY 2012 2012 GIBRALTAR
Wedding Feature Without bridesmaids, all eyes are on the bride on the day, great fun for the confident diva, but this can make a lot of women feel very self conscious this can make a lot of women feel very self conscious. The pressure can be overwhelming, so having enthusiastic friends or family standing alongside can help relieve the focus and also relieve some of the stress — think Kate and Pippa Middleton. The important thing is that you choose your bridesmaid very wisely, and you will likely end up with a friend to lean on and someone who makes the day that bit more special. Amy smiles as she recalls some of the most touching bridesmaid stories. “Another girl had the job of organising the traditional ‘something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue’,” she says. “She thought long and hard about getting it right and made sure she kept it a surprise for the bride on her wedding day. She spoke to her mum and found something old, the groom had chosen something new. The bridesmaid loaned the bride something borrowed and she put it all in a beautiful blue box to give to her on her wedding morning.” Awwww... Amy’s advice? “The bridesmaids are not only an important part of the wedding, but in the run up to the big day as well, so choose carefully and they will always be there to support you.” n
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
Put a Ring on it... Of all the decisions you will make in the lead up to your wedding day, the wedding ring is the most long lasting. You will hopefully wear this item of jewellery for the rest of your life, so choosing wisely is doubly important. While it was once traditional for just the bride to receive a wedding ring, it is now more usual for the bride and groom to exchange wedding rings during the ceremony. The wedding ring is thought to have its origins in ancient Egypt where it symbolised eternity through its circular form. It has no beginning and no end. The hole in the centre of the ring is not just space either; it symbolises a doorway leading to things and events known and unknown. The wedding and engagement rings are worn on the third finger of the left (in some cultures, the right) hand, because of a belief that the vein of that finger runs directly to the heart. The Romans called this the ‘vena amoris’, which is Latin for ‘the vein of love’. Superstitions also surround the fit of the ring. It must fit perfectly, or the marriage will fail, so the story goes. A ring that’s too tight indicates jealousy or the stifling of one spouse by the other. Too loose, and the couple may part through carelessness. The value and material of a wedding ring is not important, though traditionally a band of gold or white metal is worn. By contrast the grandious gesture of an engagement ring is considered important as conventionally, the ring is presented as a betrothal gift by a man to his prospective spouse. It
is then worn as a promise of fidelity and love. The idea a man should spend a fraction of his income on an engagement ring originated from De Beers marketing materials in the early 1900s, in an effort to increase the sale of diamonds. In the ’30s, they suggested a man should spend one month’s income on the engagement ring; later they upped that to two months’ income! Ultimately it is the woman who will wear the engagement ring, hopefully for the rest of her life, so most couples now go together to choose the ring. n
Wedding and engagement rings are worn on the third finger of the hand, because of a belief that the vein of that finger runs directly to the heart
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Wedding Feature
Let Them Eat Cake...
text & photos: Fiona of Sweet Things by Fi
When choosing a wedding cake design, there is a multitude of options. Nowadays wedding cakes can vary in shapes and sizes, ranging from tall statement wedding cakes to cupcakes. The traditional white wedding cake remains a timeless classic which can be adorned with fresh or sugar flowers. Since the Royal Wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, sugar flowers have once again become increasingly popular. These delicate creations can be sculpted to replicate the flowers in the bride’s bouquet or table centrepieces. For the more adventurous bride, cake designs may feature coloured icing, and elements that fit in with the theme and style of the wedding. Pastel shades and hues of metallics are also becoming ever more fashionable, creating a contemporary twist to a traditional wedding. A popular wedding trend that still remains is the vintage style wedding. Often piped lace work, inspired by the bride’s wedding dress, is incorporated into the cake design. But remember, if having a themed wedding, it is important to ensure the theme flows across the day, therefore your choice of colours, flowers and any other aspect should be
Pastel shades and hues of metallics are also becoming ever more fashionable, creating a contemporary twist to a traditional wedding
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
Wedding Feature to have their own cake, which can also be a dessert choice. Cupcakes can be decorated as simple or as complicated as you require. The important thing with cupcakes is styling, we recommend that cupcakes include sugar flowers and blossoms or pearls, ensuring that they remain elegant and reflect the style of your wedding day. Macarons are another delicious alternative. These meringue-based desserts are an increasingly fashionable wedding trend, which can either be provided as a pudding or be boxed and given to each of your guests as a unique favour. Regardless of your choice, a wedding cake artist’s job is to ensure that choosing and designing your wedding cake is one of the most enjoyable and memorable parts of your wedding plans. The design element is vital. All of our creations are bespoke and tailored to each couple, as it is our belief that as every wedding is different, our cake designs should also differ. This will result in your wedding cake not only tasting fantastic, but it will be remembered as an edible piece of art. n
used to inspire your wedding cake design. When choosing flavours, wedding couples often assume they are limited to traditional fruit cake. Whilst this cake is still a flavour of choice with some couples, sponge cakes are becoming more popular. If you are having a tiered wedding cake, it is possible that each tier be a different flavour. However, when choosing flavours it is important to think about your wedding menu as a whole. There are other alternative to To view Sweet Things by Fi’s wedding cakes. Cupcake towers or collection please visit www. individual cakes allow each guest sweetthingsbyfi.com.
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
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Beauty Feature 20 years on and it is all smiles for Claudia
happy birthday Claudia’s Clinic It was 20 years ago, that Claudia Schiel opened the doors of her aptly named Claudia’s Clinic, and it is still going strong, maintaining a broad client-base on the Rock. As the longest established beauty clinic in Gibraltar, it offers innovative treatments and specialist clinics, always maintaining a high standard of customer service, and attention to detail. It is one of the few clinics which offers medical, complementary and beauty therapy, all under one
Claudia and her team
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roof, something Claudia is rightly proud of. Apart from the traditional facials, waxing and massages for which the clinic is renowned, Claudia is also qualified to perform a variety of specialist treatments and therapies, and is a qualified laser operator for various types
A youthful Claudia doing one of her treatments
of lasers, such as medical grade lasers for hair elimination, skin pigmentation, anti-aging and cell renewal. She also uses green and red light laser on clients, for various conditions. Over the years, the clinic has diversified, and offers health and beauty treatments exclusive to Claudia’s Clinic, such as their eyelash treatment for natural regrowth, the popular laser clinic, and a cosmetic surgeon for all cosmetic procedures. Their regular doctor visits the clinic for Botox, fillers and thread vein treatment, and McTimoney Chiropractor Gillian Schirmer is also available. Claudia is also renowned as a popular make-up artist, and is regularly involved in local productions, photo shoots and weddings. She has also worked as a make-up artist for GBC for the past 23 years, and abroad for TV, commercials, music videos and photo shoots. Today, Claudia has a make-up team to help her keep up with demand. The clinic also offers various short courses in beauty therapy, available on request. With so many exciting treatments available, why not pop into Claudia’s Clinic for an appointment, or phone 200 74040, and enjoy what this established clinic has to offer. n
Lady Reffell cuts the ribbon 20 years ago while husband Governor of Gibraltar Sir Derek Reffell looks on GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
Wedding Feature
Which Photographer?
Firstly, make sure any photographer is experienced at wedding photography — it’s a very specific skill — and can show you a portfolio of their wedding imagery. Most photographers now have websites which makes the selection process easier. Good photographers show plenty of their recent work online and from this you can create a list
of those whose work is appealing to you. Do the pictures show emotions, or are they just pictures of people standing around looking self-conscious? Websites also usually have price packages which will give you an idea of cost. Once you have established a photographer within your budget (make sure you understand what everything costs, including reprints and albums) and who produces images you like, meet with the photographer and decide if he or she is someone you get along with. They will be with you throughout the day — from getting ready to first dance — so they should be someone you feel relaxed in the company of. Remember book early — good wedding photographers are in demand. n
Wedding advice:
Should we spend money on a professional photographer?
Answer from one Gibraltar couple: “For our wedding 30 years ago we had a choice of hiring a photographer or going to Paris for a week — we chose Paris! Since then we have been to Paris many times, but we don’t have any nice photographs to remind us of our special day. If you can afford to, definitely get a photographer.” Wedding packages at www.vassalloimages.com
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
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Dr. Marco Vricella, HC Marbella Hospital
Breast Augmentation ‘Natural’ vs. ‘Glamorous’
Having a ‘boob job’ is still the top cosmetic surgery procedure across the world, but often the results are more discreet than you might think. ‘Has she or hasn’t she?’...that’s often the question the media often ask of celebrities and their suspected cosmetic procedures. That’s because when it comes to cosmetic surgery celebrities are just like the rest of us; there are those who prefer to keep it a secret and claim ‘great genes’ or ‘an active lifestyle’ is why they look so good; and then there are those that prefer to show the world that with a little help from their surgeon they’re now looking better than ever! With breast surgery, particularly with breast augmentation, this can mean that women, in discussion with their surgeon, choose either a natural or a more glamorous style. Dr. Marco Vricella, founder and chief surgeon at Aria Medical Group is highly experienced in breast surgery, including reductions, uplifts and augmentations. Natural fullness Typically Dr. Vricella recommends a more natural look, with implants that enhance the women’s breasts, giving a feminine, curvaceous look, whilst suiting the person’s body type and size. It is this skill that really differentiates a great surgeon from a good one. In addition, Dr.
Vricella only uses the highest quality US FDA approved cohesive gel implants for both total peace of mind and for a more natural looking and feeling fullness. These implants are available in a natural looking anatomical teardrop shape as well as the more obvious round style. Positioning can be behind the muscle or in front; again the choice is made based on a combination of factors including the type of result the woman wants and her personal anatomy. Dr. Vricella has performed thousands of procedures so is an expert on the best surgical approach including where to make the incision, which can either be in the crease where the breast meets the chest; around the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple); or in the armpit, known as transaxillary breast surgery where the scar is completely hidden. Head-turning glamorous However, despite the advancements in implants and surgical techniques for a natural result, many women still want to have that ‘head-turning’ look, where the results of breast augmentation are more obvious; Dr. Vricella advises on all the options during the
private consultation so he can tailor the result to each individual patient. Sometimes, so happy are clients with their new breast augmentation that they come back a year or two later for a secondary procedure to increase the volume of the implants. This more ‘enhanced’ look is growing in popularity in younger women who want to make a statement about how they look and feel. So which are you? Natural looking fullness or sexy glamour? Well, the choice is yours... To meet Dr.Vricella, contact Aria Medical Group for a free consultation at College Clinic, Gibraltar. Remember, Aria Medical Group also offers free aftercare, with post operative visits in Gibraltar and free revision surgery if necessary. Dr. Vricella holds free consultations at College Clinic, Regal House, Gibraltar every 2 weeks – for dates and to book an appointment please call: or email:
+ 34 952 895 088
info@ariamedicalgroup.com
www.ariamedicalgroup.com
Because you’re beautiful! + Breast Augmentation + Breast Uplift + Breast Reduction + Tummy Tuck + Buttock Augmentation + Liposuction + Facial Injections + Face Lifts + Eyebag Removal + Rhinoplasty
Book your FREE consultation (+34) 952 895 088 in English (+34) 662 936 058 en EspaĂąol E: info@ariamedicalgroup.com
Dr. Marco Vricella is Director of the Aesthetic Surgery unit at HC Marbella Private Hospital.
Cosmetic Surgery
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Madrid
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
PASSANO OPTICIANS LTD British Registered Optometrists
38 Main St Tel: 200 76544 Fax: 200 76541 Email: passano@sapphirenet.gi
Bell Pharmacy 27 Bell Lane Tel: 200 77289 Fax: 200 42989 Louis’ Pharmacy Unit F12, International Commercial Centre, Casemates. Tel: 200 44797
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
Tel: 200 44226
ICC Suite F5C 1st Floor, Casemates, Gibraltar Member of British Chiropractic Association
Dr Carsten Rudolf Steiner BSc, DC Steiner Chiropractic Clinics, College Clinic, Regal Hse Tel: 200 77777
The Health Store
5 City Mill Lane, Gibraltar. Tel: 20073765
Health Clubs
Suppliers of Glucosamine, Ginkgo Biloba and all vitamins.
Open: 9am - 1pm & 3pm - 6pm
CHEMISTS
Chiropodists
Treatment of Back Pain, Neck Pain, Headaches, Limb Pain & Sports Injuries
Body Building Products (Creatine etc)
health & medical directory
Atlantic Suites Health Club & Spa Tel: 200 48147 Now at Unit F5, 1st Floor, ICC Isabella Jimenez, Sports Therapist (BSc Hons) Tel: 54002226 Email: sportongib@gmail.com
JOHN W. MILES
Health Stores The Health Store 5 City Mill Lane. Tel: 200 73765
HEARING CENTRE
Oigamas Hearing Centre Unit S3h 2nd Floor, ICC Casemates Square Tel: 200 63644 Email: info@oigamas.com
BSc (Podiatry), M.Ch.S
STATE REGISTERED CHIROPODIST Treatment of all Foot Problems
Opticians / Optometrists Gache & Co Limited 266 Main Street. Tel: 200 75757
• Ingrown Toe-nails including Surgical Removal • Biomechanical Analysis for Insoles / Orthotics including Children
L. M. Passano Optometrist 38 Main Street. Tel: 200 76544
• Wart (Verruca) Clinic
PERSONAL TRAINERS
• Diabetics
Simon Coldwell Complete Fitness Unit G3, Eliott Hotel Tel: 200 51113
Tel: 200 77777
College Clinic, Regal House, Queensway TEL: 54029587 FOR HOME VISITS
Need somebody to talk to?
Isabella Jimenez BSc (hons) 3/8 Turnbull’s Lane Tel: 54002226 email: jimenez.isabella@gmail.com
Physicians
Dr Norbert V Borge FRCP (London) 7-9 Cornwall’s Lane Tel/Fax: 200 75790 College Clinic, Ground Floor, Regal House, Queensway. Tel: 200 77777 www.collegeclinic.gi
SPECIALISTS
College Clinic, Ground Floor, Regal House, Queensway. Tel: 200 77777 www.collegeclinic.gi
7 days a week 6-10pm
52 what a page turner! www.thegibraltarmagazine.com
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
health & well-being
l
ments and relieve nerve tension. Once the spine is correctly aligned, the pain and tenderness should reduce. Other commonly mentioned side effects of treatment are better sleep and improvement in fatigue and depression. Exercise, diet and posture advice are also included. ➘ If you, or a friend or family member is suffering from similar symptoms and want to find out whether chiropractic could help you. During the month of May, the Chiropractic Health Clinic will perform a full chiropractic, orthopaedic and neurological exam, (including a private consultation and computerised nerve scan) for £20 (normal fee £70). For further information or to make an appointment call 200 44226. n by Steven Crump, Chiropractic Health Clinic
The Chiropractic Health Clinic, 1st Floor, International Commercial Centre (ICC), Casemates Square. Open Monday to Friday 8.30 till 5.30.
Chiropractic help for Fibromyalgia sufferers Fibromyalgia was not recognised by the American Medical Association as a diagnosis until 1987, even though healers have been treating its symptoms since at least the 1600s. Today, because there is no specific test to determine if a person has fibromyalgia, some doctors still deny that the disorder exists. Instead, they attribute symptoms to emotional or psychological causes. Chiropractic treatment has fibromyalgia symptoms. helped many people by reducing fibromyalgia symptoms and im- How Do Chiropractors proving quality of life. The most Diagnose Fibromyalgia? common listed symptoms are: The average person with fibromyalgia does not get a correct ✔ Morning stiffness diagnosis for more than five years. ✔ Chronic headaches Because symptoms of fibromyalgia ✔ Restless leg syndrome affect the entire body in a variety of individual ways, many people ✔ Menstrual irregularities find relief through a holistic ap ✔ Muscle twitches/ proach, such as provided by a weakness chiropractor. ✔ Problems sleeping At the initial session, the chiro ✔ Fatigue practor will take a complete health ✔ Depression history and perform a physical People with fibromyalgia have assessment and a computerised abnormalities in the chemicals that nerve scan. The chiropractor will transmit nerve impulses, having on evaluate the patient’s spinal alignaverage, four times as much nerve ment, palpating muscles looking growth factor as people without for the 18 predetermined tender the disorder. This suggests that points that fibromyalgia patients fibromyalgia is a problem of central suffer from. nervous system hypersensitivity. Because chiropractic medicine is based on the theory that health is controlled by the nervous system, chiropractors are especially well suited to help patients reduce their
How Do Chiropractors Treat Fibromyalgia? Gentle adjustments, that do not hurt, are made to the neck and spine to correct spinal misalign-
People with fibromyalgia have abnormalities in the chemicals that transmit nerve impulses, having on average, four times as much nerve growth factor as people without the disorder GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
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sports & leisure
Jamie’s Rugby Success Jamie Ross (left) is the first player to be selected to play for the Andalucia federation from the Gibraltar Barbarians team which plays in the Andalucian league (Tom Harris was selected for trials but was unsuccessful as he was unavailable to attend). This step is a significant milestone in the development of the player and for the Barbarians Rugby Club, which has progressed greatly over the last two years. Jamie has worked very hard at training sessions in Gibraltar and during the camps. The Andalucian selector Gustavo Spinetti, has been very supportive of Jamie’s progress and the Gibraltar Barbarians thanked Gustavo for giving Jamie and the Barbarians team this great opportunity. The future of junior rugby in Gibraltar is looking good, with continued successes all round. The Gibraltar Barbarians are always looking for players, from as young as 2.5 years to Veterans, as well as volunteers, in particular coaching staff and administrators. n Please contact Robert Azopardi if you would like to find out more: barbariansgib@gmail.com.
Saturday 19th May
Museum Open Day
On Saturday 19th May, as part of International Museum Day, there will be an open day at Gibraltar Museum, Bomb House Lane, from 10am - 6pm when entrance is free to all. Every year since 1977 International Museum Day has been organised worldwide by the International Council of Museums during the month of May. It’s an occasion to raise awareness on how important museums are in the development of society. The theme for 2012 is Museums in a Changing World. New challenges, new inspirations. International Museum Day involves almost 30,000 museums which organise activities in more than 100 countries. Visit your museum! n
Gold Expedition Training In mid-April, a group of 24 participants, from the Open Award Centre who are undertaking the Duk e of Edingburgh’s Gold Aw ard, travelled to Spain for a practise camp for the Adventurous Journey Section of their programm es. The participants went to the Sierra de Grazalema national park near Ronda where they hiked about 20km each day so that the y get an idea of the physical demands of und ertaking their Qualifying Expedition, which takes place in July/August this year, and will require the m to hike a minimum of 80km over four days. The participants, whose ages range from 17 to 19 were self sufficient dur ing the April weekend, carrying all their equipm ent and food. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is an exciting self-development progra mme available to all young people worldwide equipping them with life skills to make a differe nce to themselves, their communities and the world. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Monta gu Bastion, Line Wall Road, Gibraltar Tel: 200 59818. nn
Saturday 19th May
GCVA Classic Car Rally The annual Gibraltar Classic Vehicle Association classic car rally will this year take place on Saturday 19th May. Always a very popular event, the local classic vehicles will be joined by classic cars owned by enthusiasts from Spain. The cars will all assemble in Casemates Square at 10am for a static display, when members of the public get a chance to get up close to the vehicles and talk to the owners. The cars will then travel in procession along Main Street, followed by a further static display at Ocean Village. This event has always proved popular with residents and visitors and is particularly enjoyed by car enthusiasts and keen photographers. n
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
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arts file The Gibraltar Decorative & Fine Arts Association
Gustav Klimt: Fin De Siecle Sensualist Lecture by Eric Shanes on Wednesday, May 16th, 7.30pm Eliott O’Callaghan Hotel Lecturer Eric Shanes, recently retired Chairman of the Turner Society, is the author of 13 best-selling books on Turner and other artists. He presents this lecture on Gustav Klimt (1862-1918) — painting genius and pioneer of the Modern Era, who would have celebrated his 150th birthday in 2012. Klimt became one of the founding members and president of the Wiener Sezession (Vienna Secession) in 1897 and of the group’s periodical Ver Sacrum (“Sacred Spring”). He remained with the Secession until 1908. The group’s goals were to provide exhibitions for unconventional young artists, to bring the best foreign artists’ works to Vienna, and to publish its own magazine to showcase members’ work. He revolutionised the art of painting, his best known work, “ The Kiss” can be seen to stand for the start of the new era and his extraordinary portraits of women document the rise of the middle classes. Although controversial, his works continue to fascinate to this day. Drinks at 6.30pm, prior to the lecture, for members to socialise. Visitors welcome and pay £7.50 at the door. This is the last event in the season, which re-opens in October. For further details of membership, contact Ian le Breton on 200 76173 or email: ilebreton@ SovereignGroup.com
A Concert of Sacred Music There will be a Concert of Sacred Music this month which will include music from the Renaissance to contemporary America. The travelling choir which will be in Gibraltar to give the concert includes members of St Joseph Music Makers, the Bay Chorale, the Divas and Dons and their guests. The concert will take place on Thursday 17th May, from 7pm, at St Theresa’s Church, Devil’s Tower Road. n
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
history file
Little Gibraltar
by Reg Reynolds
Korean War’s ‘Ape of Gibraltar’ During the Korean War (1950-53) Hill 355 survived so many attacks from the Communist forces that Canadians fighting there nicknamed it Little Gibraltar. Sergeant Nick Todd of the Royal Canadian Regiment was one of the hill’s harried defenders. When he was given R & R to Tokyo he decided that something Little Gibraltar lacked was a hallmark of the real Gibraltar — monkeys. Accordingly he purchased a monkey for $60. Todd took the monkey with him back to Little Gibraltar and together they survived numerous attacks from Chinese and North Korean forces. News of the monkey’s existence quickly spread around the frontlines and he was given the nickname the ‘Ape of Gibraltar’. The monkey even received a write up in the US military paper Stars and Stripes. In April 1953 the Canadians were relieved by the Australians and Todd was given leave to return to his hometown of Vancouver. He was determined to take the ‘Ape of Gibraltar’ with him. But when he tried to board a Canadian ship at Pusan the officers in charge refused to allow the monkey on board. Furious, Todd disembarked with his ‘buddy’ exclaiming, “He goes with me or neither of us goes.” That night the inseparable pair drowned GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
their sorrows with beer. The next morning the monkey was sleeping off a hangover so Todd tucked him into a duffle bag and smuggled him aboard a plane bound for Japan. From there Todd was able to arrange passage for both of them to Canada. Before departing Todd admonished a collection of bemused press officers, “Any monkey that helped make a monkey out of the Communists deserves a good home back in Canada and that’s where this ape is going”. Little Gibraltar was the dominating feature
“
Any monkey that helped make a monkey out of the Communists deserves a good home back in Canada and that’s where this ape is going
”
in the Canadian sector throughout the War and therefore was a prime target of Communist artillery and frontal attacks. On one night alone 2,500 shells fell on the hill. On several occasions Little Gibraltar was overrun by the Chinese only to be retaken by the Canadians. Examples of how harrowing and hand-tohand the combat could be are illustrated in the book Far Eastern Tour by Brent Bryon Watson. Watson describes one case of a Canadian soldier killing an attacking Chinese grenadier with a trench shovel and another incident where a Canadian shot an enemy at point-blank range and had to crawl over the still warm body. Watson also reports that, while battle exhaustion was rare among the Canadian rank and file, the exception was Hill 355. Of the 51 soldiers of the Royal Canadian Regiment killed in the war 38 (70%) died on Little Gibraltar. 516 Canadians were killed in the UN-sanctioned police action (war was never declared by either side), which ended with a cease-fire signed on 27th July, 1953. In total 26,791 Canadians and one monkey fought against the Communists. n
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event planning
Kevin Smith MSc, MBCI, MEPS
Business Continuity & Emergency Planning for the 2012 Olympics
ning Ope e The ny of th o m 2 Cere don 201 s Lon c Game pi , Olym n Friday o 012 is uly, 2 J h t 27
When Kevin Smith left Gibraltar 14 years ago he could never have imagined he was embarking on a career path that would lead him all the way to the Olympics... After working for a local shipping company and serving in the Royal Gibraltar Regiment, Kevin Smith left Gibraltar in 1998 to pursue a career in disaster management. He graduated from Coventry University in 2002 with a BSc (hons) in development and health in disaster management. He then joined the Emergency Management Team at Surrey County Council in 2003 as an Emergency Planning Officer. Kevin also completed an MSc in security and risk management at the University of Leicester in 2007. He is currently Deputy Head of Emergency Management at Surrey County Council. Kevin is currently working with the Olympic Delivery Authority, (ODA) and the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG). His recent paper on how local authority services maybe affected during the Games and how they may be maintained, was published in The Emergency Planning and Business Continuity Global Journal. Kevin states, “This is the first time an event of this magnitude has been hosted in a western country since 9/11, so this raises the bar slightly.” The UK Government continues to assess the risk, and seven years on planning is well underway. With a limited amount of time
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This is the first time an event of this magnitude has been hosted in a western country since 9/11, so this raises the bar... remaining, UK local authorities that are hosting Olympic events will be considering what they need to have in place to support command and control arrangements during the games. The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) is the public body responsible for developing
Pictured with Andrew Hunt, Chief Executive of the British Olympic Association (BOA). Andrew joined the BOA shortly after the Beijing Games in 2008 and was the Chef de Mission for Team GB at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games and has also been appointed Chef de Mission for Team GB at the London 2012 Games
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and building the venues and the infrastructure for the Games — metaphorically ‘building the stage’ for the Games. The ODA manages the huge budgets talked about for the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. LOCOG runs the show from start to end, including the opening and closing ceremonies, the torch relay, and the individual events. It has zero government funding, so all funds come from corporate sponsorship and ticket sales. Kevin is part of the Surrey 2012 Roadshow team engaging with the local community and businesses. Kevin remarks “As much as it is important to enjoy a global event on your doorstep such as the Olympic Games, it doesn’t come without a little disruption to your normal way of life.” Kevin’s remit also extends to briefing professional institutes, local multi-national companies and trade organisations on the potential impacts to normal operations during ‘Games Time’ Kevin has been recognised for his work promoting business continuity in the wider community and is a respected resilience practitioner. He has now been shortlisted for Public Sector Business Continuity Manager of the Year 2012, for his work with the Olympic body, and is a regular speaker at Emergency and Contingency planning seminars in the UK. n GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
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Titch is Big in Sport by Mike Brufal
Louis Olivero, 77, is a rare example of a personality better known by his nickname than his proper name. Go to any sporting gathering on the Rock and ask about Titch and everyone will know exactly who you are referring to. His whole leisure career has been dedicated to Gibraltar, either as a player or umpire or referee. There is no one who can come up to his encyclopaedic knowledge of any aspects of Gibraltar sport. For decades he was the Sports Correspondent of the Gibraltar Chronicle and commented for Gibraltar Broadcasting Corporation. When he started playing as a schoolboy there were no regular professional coaching and so an aspiring young sportsman had to take advice from whatever coach could be found. These were amateurs who gave up their time for the love of the game. His education and sport were disrupted by the outbreak of the Second World War. His mother looked after his brother and himself during the civilian evacuation of the Rock and, after a diversion to Fez in Morocco, the family ended up in the Duchess of Bedford Hotel in Russell Square, London, which provided an amazing view of King’s College immediately opposite. One day an aeroplane plunged into the road between the two buildings but miraculously no one was injured. His father remained on the Rock as a member of the Royal Signals. A huge bonus to the family at this time was the delivery of triplets — surviving triplets then was such a rare event that Librada and Louis were sent a
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congratulatory telegram by Queen Elizabeth. In 1944 the family returned to Gibraltar and Titch went to the Castle Road school whereBrother Fearon was head teacher. Then followed the 11 plus and entry into the Gibraltar Grammar School where he was taken under the wing
The family ended up in the Duchess of Bedford Hotel, Russell Square.... One day an aeroplane plunged into the road between the two buildings but miraculously no one was injured
of Brother Finnegan, a first class hockey player and coach. Titch admits it was not until he was 12 years old that he found he had natural sporting potential. Although he enjoyed all sports and his natural ability made him an above average player at most of them, he had to accept that his lack of height prevented him from playing football at Gibraltar Club level. His lack of stature did not prevent him from playing for the Grammar School 1st XI and for the Grammarians in the 1st Division. He was a huge success at hockey, captaining the Grammar School for two successive years and then as a member of the Grammarians Hockey XI winning the League for an amazing 11 successive years. Titch was a member of the Rock Gunners Hockey team who won the league for four years in succession as well as a major tournament in Portugal. Unfortunately he suffered a bad hockey injury which forced his retirement
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
sporting life from senior hockey. From time to time he took a chance and played for the Calpe Institute in the second division and also the Grammarians. He admits his greatest love is for cricket and he was fortunate to be coached by John Hayward, the veteran Gibraltarian all rounder. The highlight of his cricket career must be when he captained a Gibraltar XI playing against a Yorkshire XI led by the legendary Geoffrey Boycott. Titch’s peers considered him to be a fine left wing at hockey, a superb cricket captain and a useful, aggressive Number 4 batsman. He left the Gibraltar Grammar School aged 15 after passing the Cambridge matriculation, but this did not prevent him from being in the 1st XI for four years. In later years he took up darts and was a regular player for Geoff Dunne’s Bat and Ball team. National Service at the time was six months and he was trained by Charlie Norton, Bob Peliza and Domingo Collado. Needless to say he was selected to play for the Combined Services in a number of sports. He enjoyed the military life so much he was eventually commissioned into the Territorial Army where Arturo Ferrary was his platoon commander. Hector Cortes then started the Gibraltar Regiment Band and persuaded Titch to give up his commission and join the band as a private playing the flute. Most of the band members were friends of Hector and after many difficulties the band went from strength to strength. Titch eventually resigned from the band on age grounds. His first job was as a civilian wireless operator in the RAF and, despite his young age, he was soon appointed supervisor. However he saw his future in the Civil Service and so he applied and was accepted. In those days all heads of department were UK nationals. Titch now decided he would put back into sport some of the enjoyment and pleasure it had given him and indeed was continuing to do. The
Services were generous with their offers to civilians to take part in their courses to acquire the necessary qualifications, and he became an umpire in hockey, cricket and football and a boxing referee. On the job front Titch worked hard and moved up the grade structure after tours in Management Services, Tourism, Housing, Industrial Relations Officer and finally Head of Department in the Personnel Department. This coincided with Joe Bossano’s first term of office as Chief Minister. After completing 33 years he retired from the Civil Service. During his many years in retirement he has never been tempted to apply for another job. His time was filled by his growing family (in 1965 he married Maureen Correa and they have five children, 11 grandchildren and two great grandchildren) and by watching sport and coaching the next generation of players.
The Services were generous with offers to civilians to take part in their courses to acquire the necessary qualifications, and he became an umpire in hockey, cricket and football and a boxing referee
His career as a sports journalist started when he was invited to write a weekly column for El Calpense and at the same time, by chance, John Colling asked him to do the occasional broadcast for BFBS. His break came when Emmanuel Benuynes the Gibraltar Chronicle’s veteran sports writer died and he was appointed his successor. Titch, with a wry smile, recalls that although it is hard to believe, EB was of an even smaller stature and
Rock Gunners win in Portugal against Benfica and Lisbon selection
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
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sporting life was a good spin bowler and batsman. At the time the Gibraltar Chronicle was in the process of changing from being the mouth piece of the military to writing about the civilian population. This challenge was accepted with gusto by Titch and within a short time it became apparent there was a huge reservoir of civilian sporting talent. Needless to say this lead was followed by Gibraltar Television and the amount of coverage swiftly increased from about two minutes of coverage to a more acceptable time frame. He enjoyed his time at the premises at Wellington Front, however for no apparent reason after 15 years’ service Titch was fired and given a week’s notice to vacate. Despite viewers’ and readers’ protests, management would not rescind the sacking. Universally he was known as Mr Sport and although he says he tried hard to persuade the GBC management he failed to achieve his ambition to give Gibraltar sport the coverage it deserved. Just before this horrific event he had left the Gibraltar Chronicle after five happy years and so effectively ended his career in the media but he kept on umpiring and refereeing, maintaining his links with Gibraltar’s sporting bodies. What is not generally known about Titch is that he is a fine musician and possesses an outstanding voice. It is the opinion of Hector Cortes of the Calpe Singers that Titch had the finest soprano voice on the Rock. Titch still sings but says age has taken its toll on his vocal chords but he is still a reasonable tenor. It was Bishop Rapallo who became aware of this extraordinary voice and in a flash he was moved from the Sacred Heart School choir to the Cathedral choir. Hector soon recruited him into the Calpe Singers and he had the honour
of being among the Singers when they sang in the Vatican in front of the Pope. Titch is delighted to have made such a contribution to the success of sport on the Rock. He lists some of the sports available on the Rock — Football which is on the way to becoming a member of UEFA; Hockey perhaps needs more players if it is to regain its position of a couple of decades ago; Boxing doing well under Ernie Victory; Basketball teams in the Spanish league; Cricket remains outstanding, especially the performance of the women’s teams; Swimming where the standard is slowly improving. There is no doubt the lack of Service teams and the political difficulties in playing teams across the border has made it difficult for certain sports to maintain an increase in standards. Titch thinks today Gibraltar punches above its weight in sport and does particularly well in the Island Games. This summer, Gibraltar’s Georgina Cassar will be representing the UK in the Olympics following a precedent set some decades ago when Gibraltarian Tony Macedo played in goal for England. n
Titch is delighted to have made such a contribution to the success of sport on the Rock. He thinks today Gibraltar punches above its weight in sport and does particularly well in the Island Games
5-6th May 2012
Jamie Catto ‘What About Me?’ On 5-6th May Jamie Catto will be presenting a workshop using transformational work to unlock the endless abundance of creative and professional potential, catalysing personal breakthroughs to fully activate the unique genius that is innate in every person. Jamie, a founder member, singer, art director and video director of supergroup Faithless, provides the workshop by donation only (suggested £140 but those who cannot afford this are welcome). Register at www.jamiecatto.com by clicking on ‘workshops’ and scrolling down to ‘Gibraltar- reserve’ . Contact: amberturner08@hotmail.com Tel: 0034 636 848 526 (evenings).
the big pull Pictured are members of the Gibraltar Defence Fire Service, who took part in pulling an 18 ton airfield fire engine along Main Street on a Saturday morning in April, from Casemates to the Convent. The pull was organised to raise funds for the GBC Open Day and the Dialysis Patients and Friends Association. A total of 25 Defence Service fire-fighters took part in the event which raised over £1,200. Well done to all those involved! n
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
events
by Frankie Hatton
Experiencia
Guy Valarino
Surianne Jewellery: Lotus Blue Jewellery
T-Shirt: Organik Rocka
by Frankie Hatton
Last month Gibraltar went to London for an event called ‘Experiencia’ held on behalf of Hestia Housing & Support — a UK charity that helps women escaping domestic abuse and for which our very own Surianne is an ambassador. The event proved to be one of the most exciting combinations of fashion, music and cool the West End has seen for years.
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAGAZINE••MAY MAY2012 2012 GIBRALTAR
and awareness for Hestia via a raffle with some exciting and unique prizes both in the UK and Gibraltar such as driving your own Bentley for a day and a two night stay at the Rock Hotel with breakfast included and flights provided by Monarch airlines. Easy jet also provided flights for the raffle among many prizes by other sponsors. The ultimate aim was for some of the women who have sought help from Hestia to gain confidence and step out and model some of the designer clothing on the catwalk. Once more Surianne, through her tireless campaigning for Hestia, has put the charity and Gibraltar firmly on the London scene and she thanks everyone who has generously volunteered their time and services, in particular to the main sponsors: the Gibraltar Tourist
Surianne, through her tireless campaigning for Hestia, has put the charity and Gibraltar firmly on the London scene
Board, the Mostyn Hotel, Industry Members Club, Red Aware, Barefoot Wines and Nigel’s Food Design. Surianne’s charity fund-rasing single Stronger than Before is available online. n
Louise Torres
Outfit: Dorcas Hammond Jewellery: Lotus Blue
Photos: Jonathan Manasco
Gibraltar talent on show included Guy Valarino and Surianne providing the music and the fashion designs of Dorcas Hammond, modelled by some of Gibraltar’s finest models. The event also featured UK artists and designers. Musicians included Tiger Lilly, House of Angels, Monroe, The Chancery Lane and Larissa Eddie. While the fashion world was represented by Tony Q’aja (exclusive golf wear and tailored suits for the likes of Matt Dawson, Ant & Dec and Hollywood superstar, Samuel L Jackson), Aaron Ray Dowie, Beatrix Brown, Lingerie Collective, Serdrey and other key exhibitors such as Lotus Blue Jewellery and Nylander Couture. Capturing the whole event for Experiencia before and after, was Gibraltarian photographer Jonathan Manasco. The event was presented by world renowned soul artist Ola Onabula. High profile attendees included Gibraltar’s own Miss World 2009 Kaiane Aldorino. The event was held over two days coordinated by VibesPR with a gala and press launch on 19th April at the Mostyn Hotel, Marble Arch, followed on 26th April with the live fashion, dance and music event in aid of Hestia at the Industry Members Club at Westbourne studios. Guests got involved and raised funds
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Dennis Cortes:
The Beats of My Life... by Jolene Gomez
Dennis with his award
Regular goers to the Rock of the Rock Club in Town Range will be familiar with a friendly face greeting at the door, busy helping with equipment or organising the crowds which attend this venue on a weekly basis. This is none other than Dennis Cortes — who is not only an accomplished percussionist, but was recently awarded Musician of the Year 2011. Dennis started playing drums when he was 16 years old, hitting at cardboard boxes at the old “lavadero”, as sophisticated equipment was expensive in those days. Before this he’d started drumming rhythms at home on his mum’s washing basins, often breaking them to her dismay! He joined a band on the local music scene called Jade, and for a decade Johnny Cruz, Francis Cruz, Christopher Cavilla, Ernest Revagliatte and Dennis, played
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at many venues in Gibraltar, Mo- closed, many gigs and events took and there was always something place in Gibraltar — the young to do. We would play at the old rocco and Spain. “Although the frontier was people were not missing out, ‘lavadero’, until Elio Victor gave us a place to practise at the Youth Centre, in exchange for playing at some charity gigs,” Dennis explains. “Playing with Jade was a great experience. After this, I joined Strangers, and played professionally around Andalucia. I was also a member of Air and Phobe, playing originals and covers from celebrated greats such as Yes, Deep
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Although the frontier was closed, many gigs and events took place in Gibraltar — the young people were not missing out, and there was always something to do
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
arts file
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
Stanley Muscat and Steven Richardson of Skyscraper
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Listening to all styles means I am able to take the best from each style — from jazz rock to reggae to classical, you can find all these styles in my music collection recording two more songs. We man, and have only been together rehearse once a week at Rock on for five months. We are all over 40 the Rock Club thanks to Allan Al- too!” The Rock on the Rock club provides rehearsal space for many bands in Gibraltar, and Dennis usually helps out at the club at weekends. “I help in every way I can, and love being at the club. There is a great atmosphere, and people of all ages and walks of life can go there and enjoy the music. I also fill in for any drummer if needed, and have played with many musicians, in a variety of styles, and on different percussion, although I also have a particular style which people recognise straight away,” he explains. Dennis is an eclectic musician, who has dedicated over 30 years to music. So it was no surprise when he was given the prestigious Musician of the Year award last December. “I really didn’t expect to be given this award. But after a lifetime in music, it was a great feeling to be recognised,” Dennis says with pride. This self-taught musician, has learned to play drums and percussion from ear, and has great technical expertise in a variety of Photo by David Rodriguez
On drums
Photo by David Rodriguez
Purple and Led Zeppelin. “One of the highlights was playing for the Atom Bombers, where we would medley instrumentals from various bands, and the band, made up of Andy Romo, Louis Chipolina and myself, was a crowd favourite at that time. We would even get Andrew Smith up on stage to sing the popular song La Caleta, at our gigs,” Dennis says smiling. “I also played with Dennis and Henry Valerga at the Beach Comba, on Eastern Beach, and even for Tom Jones’ cousin, when he visited the Fleet Pavilion a few years ago,” Dennis explains. “I really enjoy performing to crowds.” Dennis is known locally as the drummer who can step into any band, and play a session with them as a substitute drummer. He is a multifaceted musician, who plays a huge range of percussion, such as the cajon and conga, and is self-taught. A year ago, Dennis suffered a stroke, and had to re-learn everything he knew. It was not long after, however, that he was back behind the drum kit, with his current project, Skyscraper — a band comprising Stanley Muscat, Steven Richardson and Dennis himself. They have so far released an EP with four tracks, and have had their songs aired on GBC Radio. “We like to create catchy, feel good music, with a rock influence and great tunes. Our EP was recorded at Peter Martinez’s studio, and we are now in the process of
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different styles, which makes him unique on the Rock. “Listening to all styles means I am able to take the best from each style — from jazz rock to reggae to classical, you can find all these styles in my music collection.” Dennis has an impressive collection of more than 200 live DVDs — from Andrea Bocelli to King Crimson, from Joe Satriani to Gino Vanelli. His taste is varied and he enjoys jazz, Latin, flamenco, jazz rock, jazz funk, reggae and classical. “When I listen to music, I totally disconnect and am immersed in my love of music,” Dennis explains. “My favourite bands are Led Zepellin, Pink Floyd, Rush, Dream Theatre, and many more. I have seen most of these bands live too.” Dennis has taught many of Gibraltar’s top drummers, some of who have moved on to play professionally with successful bands worldwide. He has a healthy sense of pride in his work, and in what he has achieved as a musician. “I have a good ear and great feeling for music. It is heartfelt, and music has helped me get through the hardest of times, and I will continue to play music for a long as I can,” he says smiling. n
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web file
Maria Edgeworth
Gibraltar Featured in Ground-breaking Book
by Reg Reynolds
When the Irish writer Maria Edgeworth received a letter from an American reader gently accusing her of anti-Semitism she decided to make atonement by writing a novel favourable to Jews. The novel, Harrington, published in 1817, is an autobiographical tale of a young man who grows up with a stereotypical antipathy towards Jews having been influenced by an anti-Semitic nursemaid and school friends with the same prejudices. It is considered to be one of the first, if not the first, novel to portray Jews in a sympathetic light. The narrative follows the moral evolution of Harrington whose fear and hatred of Jews is transformed through a relationship with a young Jewish woman and friendship with a Jewish merchant named Jacob who once worked in a shop at Gibraltar.
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Jacob and his Jewish ‘master’ (the term used in the book) were doing just fine on the Rock until Jacob’s nemesis from his school days, Lord Mowbray, arrives in Gibraltar as the Lieutenant-Colonel in charge of a regiment of British
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soldiers. Mowbray had bullied Jacob at school, teasing him for being Jewish, but when Jacob sees him in Gibraltar he notes that the young lord has “grown into a man, and an officer — at Gibraltar”. He believes naively that with maturity Mowbray would have outgrown his bigotry. Jacob wrote to his friend Harrington, “He recognised me the first time we met; I saw he was a fine looking officer, and indeed, Mr. Harrington, I saw him, without bearing the least malice for any little things that had passed which I thought was as you say were only schoolboy follies. But in a few minutes I found, to my sorrow, that he was not changed in mind towards me.” “His first words at meeting me in the public streets, “So, are you here? Young Shylock! What brings you to Gibraltar? You are the tribe of Gad, I think, you Wandering Jew.” This mocking of Jacob took place in front of the soldiers and members of the public and soon Mowbray’s favourites and others in the community joined in tormenting the young merchant’s assistant. Poor Jacob was called “Young Shylock” by some; and by others, the ”Wandering Jew”. “Wherever I turned, I heard them echoed,” Jacob complained to Harrington. “The ignorant soldiers really believed me to be the Jew, whom Christians abominate. The common people felt a superstitious dread of me; the mothers charged their children to keep out of my way; and if I met them in the streets, they ran away from me and hid themselves.” This inhumane treatment would have been bad enough if it ended there, but horrifically for Jacob and his master, Mr. Manesa, things took a terrible turn for the worse. When Gibraltar suffered a shortage of supplies the soldiers blamed the Jews and a mob of them marched on the shop. They demanded that Manesa hand Jacob over to them. Bravely, Manesa refused, but at great cost. Jacob wrote to Harrington, “They burst upon his house, pillaged, wasted, destroyed, burnt all before our eyes! We lost everything! I do not mean to say we — I poor Jacob, had little to lose. It is not that, though it was my all, it is not of that I speak, but my master! From a rich man, in one hour he became a beggar! The fruit of his labour lost — nothing left for his wife or children! I never can forget his face of despair by that firelight. Died of a broken heart. The best and kindest of masters to me.” In the book Edgeworth purges Harrington’s anti-Semitism through Jacob’s letters from Gibraltar and Harrington’s feelings for the young Jewish woman, whom (apt irony) she has him meet at a playing of the Merchant of Venice. Maria Edgeworth was born at Black Bourton, Oxfordshire on 1st January, 1767, but she grew up on her father’s estate, Edgeworthstown, in County Longford, Ireland. Her father, who would have 22 children from four wives, was a writer and inventor and he encouraged his
From a rich man, in one hour he became a beggar! The fruit of his labour lost — nothing left for his wife or children! I never can forget his face of despair by that firelight
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
events daughter to make a career in writing. Late in life Maria told an interviewer: “Seriously it was to please my Father I exerted myself to write, to please him I continued.” Maria wrote numerous children’s books and more than two dozen novels. She is considered to be one of the first to write realist stories for children and to have been a significant figure in the evolution of the novel in Europe. She was well informed in politics, science and economics and used her fiction to express her views on the inherent problems related to delineation by religious, national, racial, class-based, sexual and gender-based identities. The letter that inspired Harrington was sent by Rachel Mordecai of North Carolina in 1812 and she and Maria continued to correspond until Rachel’s death in 1838. Maria Edgeworth died on 22nd May, 1849. She never married, believing that life as an ‘Old Maid’ was preferable to an incompatible union. I haven’t been able to discover why she chose Gibraltar as the setting for Jacob’s travails but it seems she may have been influenced by Drinkwater’s A History of the Late Siege of Gibraltar. n
One of the first to write realist stories for children, she was a significant figure in the evolution of the novel in Europe
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
Royal Visit in June... Their Royal Highnesses the Earl and Countess of Wessex will visit Gibraltar from Monday 11th to Wednesday 13th June. The visit will form a central part of Gibraltar’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations. Work is already under way on a programme for the visit, which will include the Queen’s Birthday Parade and Party, which will take place on Tuesday 12th June. The Gibraltar Diamond Jubilee Committee has also announced the programme for the Diamond Jubilee Weekend. This will include: Saturday 2nd June: Gun Salute (Venue to be confirmed). Children’s Fancy Dress Party (Queensway Quay). Variety Show (John Mackintosh Square) Sunday 3rd June: Big Lunch & Street Party (Cannon Lane and Main Street). Other local “Big Lunch” events. Holger Motzkau 2010
Details of other events will be made available in due course. Information on the Gibraltar Diamond Jubilee programme, including events planned for other dates in 2012, is available on the Government of Gibraltar website (www.gibraltar.gov.gi).
Monday 4th June: Diamond Jubilee Flotilla – Gibraltar 2012 (Ocean Village www.oceanvillage.gi). Diamond Jubilee Garden Party (Rock Hotel). Scouts’ Bonfire (Camp Bay). Lighting of Diamond Jubilee Beacon (Upper Rock/view from below). n
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puzzle page
by Alan Gravett
SUDOKU
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Win a lunch for two at
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The Cannon Bar
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8 10
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Send completed suduko to: The Cannon Bar, 27 Cannon Lane, Gibraltar. One entry per person. Closing date: 20th May 2012 Last month’s winner: Roy Smith, 234 Canbera, Both Worlds
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Send completed crossword to: The Clipper, Irish Town, Gibraltar.
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FIRST PRIZE: Lunch for 2 at The Clipper
One entry per person. Closing date: 20th May 2012 Winner notified in next issue of The Gibraltar Magazine. Last month’s winner: Ian Petfield, 2 Iberis House, West View Park
Across 1. Writer (6) 4. Attack (6) 9. North American rodent (7) 10. Atmospheric layer (5) 11. Henry Williamson’s otter (5) 12. Dracula’s country (7) 13. Early Walt Disney cartoon character (6,5) 18. Italian pasta dish (7) 20. Sea birds (5) 22. Breed of dog (with queenly connection) (5) 23. Portable earphones (7) 24. Piece of wood etc. maybe used for a kebab (6) 25. Work hard (6) Down 1. Member of any Middle Eastern people said to be descended from Shem (7) 2. Upright part of a stair (5) 3. Hector or heckle (7) 5. Violent weather (5) 6. Total sums (7) 7. Latitude (6) 8. Van Gogh painting about which Don McLean wrote a song (6,5) 14. Directly opposite (7); rhyming (2,5) 15. Pariah (7) 16. Flower (6) 17. African biting insect which causes sleeping sickness (6) 19. Mediterranean canapé; oil producer; girl’s name (5) 21. Swiss potato dish (5)
Jotting Pad ...
LAST MONTH’S ANSWERS: Across: Alcock, Adsorb, Monster, Yodel, Ninja, Preview, Baskerville, Rossini, Lehar, Merge, Nurture, Adapts, Adidas. Down: Almond, Conan, Cutback, Doyle, Oldbill, Bylaws, Proportions, Austria, Crimea, Inert, Illbred, Hound, Dreams.
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
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arts file
Miss Gibraltar Calendar 2012 : May
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
shoot. The top was made of hand crafted fabric roses, which took several hours to do, as each rose had to be made individually. The leggings were also designed by
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Christel, and the hand woven detail was done on location. Special thanks went to model extras Molly McElwee and Natalia Nunez, as well as the sponsor for
With regards to the make-up, this was one of my favourite shots out of the whole calendar, as I could go over the top with it
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this month, Bassadone Automotive Group, and of course, Gabriella Martinez for the great behind the scenes shots. n
Photo by Gabriella Martinez
This action shot with a fashion edge features Miss Gibraltar 2005, Melanie Chipolina. The photo was taken by Jayden Fa, make-up by Deepak Ramchandani, design and hair styling by Christel Mifsud. For this month, Jayden wanted to incorporate an action movie theme, but still in keeping with the fashion and artistry which has featured throughout the calendar. “Incorporating the stunning security guards holding her, and the Jeep with fog lights glaring in the background, really made the whole theme come to life,” Jayden explains. Melanie nailed the shot in only a few frames. Her movements were extremely fluid, and the team couldn’t have been happier with her top class performance. In fact, it was probably one of the quickest shoots out of the whole calendar, because everything went according to plan. “With regards to the makeup, this was one of my favourite looks out of the whole calendar, as I could go over the top with it, which was totally up my street!” says Deepak. “I used bright and bold colours around the eye area, using colours that would really stand out in the finished product.” The talented Christel Mifsud did an incredible job, and created the outfit especially for the photo
Photo by Jayden Fa
The Official Limited Edition Miss Gibraltar Calendar 2012 Celebrating 50 years of Beauty, the latest project by Jayden Fa and Deepak Ramchandani, includes this fierce shot for the month of May.
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art file
Grandad’s Tales... Local artist Vin Mifsud, has once again been involved in illustrating a wonderful children’s book, Grandad’s Tales: Favourite Stories and Rhymes Book 2, which has already become a favourite for families on the Rock. An active Scrabble player, Vin was contacted by Elisabeth Jardine, who is the editor of the Association of British Scrabble Players Handbook — one created for serious Scrabble players — and asked Vin if she would illustrate a children’s story and rhyme book. Elisabeth met Eddie Clarke, a Yorkshire coach driver, who would write stories and rhymes for his grand daughter, and was thinking about taking the plunge and publishing his stories for other children to enjoy. “After reading the stories, I could see the illustrations in my mind’s eye, and got to work immediately. For his first book, it took me 15 months to complete the illustrations. I was delighted to be approached again for his second book, and this took me two years,” Vin explains. “A thousand copies of the first book were sold in Gibraltar, so I asked him if he could write a story based in Gibraltar for his second book, as I felt it would interest readers in Gibraltar if the story was set here. Eddie visited Gibraltar, and the first story, Holiday on the Rock, was written during his stay here,” she says smiling.
Yacht Scene 2012
Order your copy now!
y
ACHT SCENE ltar Gibra
Order Yacht Scene Sailors’ Guide: £5.00 + p&p (£8.00 total)
£5.00
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Yacht Scene • • Sailors’ Guide 20 2
Lo cal Ti de Inform Ma Table ati rin on s a & • Di • Ha stanc Tida l At rbo las ur e Ta Pla ble ns s
SAILORS’ GUIDE • 2012
Please send a cheque made payable to Yacht Scene to
Yacht Scene Sailors’ Guide, PO Box 555, Gibraltar
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
arts file
Director of MO Productions Seamus Byrne with Nicole Victor
Nicole’s Dance Success at Sussex All correspondence for the book is done via email, and Vin sometimes does mock ups in pencil or pen, which are send back to the UK for approval. Once approved, she continues with what will become the final product. Grandad’s Tales is available from local bookshops, and from Vin’s Gallery at the Rock Hotel. Anyone who buys the books locally can pop along to see Vin at Vin’s Gallery at the Rock Hotel, or buy the book directly from her, and she will dedicate the book for them. n
15 year old Nicole Victor from Danza Academy was placed third place at the Sussex Festival for Dance and Song last month. The event was held over a few days in Brighton at the Windmill Theatre. Nicole, who recently won the Bursary Award at the Gibraltar Stage Dance Festival, participated in the Senior Trophy Dance Class. Competing against 16 other dancers, Nicole performed a set ballet routine (the same choreography for all dancers) and a Modern Solo — Nicole performed her own choreography ‘My Immortal’. The Trophy was won by Anya Clarke from the Drusilla Duffill Theatre School; runner up was Ellie Smyth of Glendale Theatre Arts and third place Nicole Victor and Bethany Highstead from Glendale Theatre Arts (tied). After the prize giving ceremony, Adjudicator Jennifer Haley, invited Nicole to exhibit her modern routine during the evening session. Following her performance, Jennifer praised Nicole for an exceptional Ballet Solo in the Trophy Class and remembered her from the
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Gibraltar Stage Dance Festival, when she had awarded her the Best Female Dancer in 2007. She described Nicole as someone who has grown into a great theatrical performer, and went on to award her the adjudicator’s award for the Best Theatrical Performance. Director of MO Productions, Seamus Byrne, said, “Nicole Victor has been a great ambassador for Gibraltar and we are delighted with her performance and participation at this event that was so well received by festival organisers, international choreographers and everyone enjoying the festival. “It has been an extraordinary educational experience and we look forward to furthering our relationship with the Sussex Festival and in hosting the winner of the Gibraltar Award in 2013,” he added. n
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Nicole Victor has been a great ambassador for Gibraltar and we are delighted with her performance and participation at this event
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
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The Gibraltar Canoeing Association
Adventure on the High Seas It’s a great way to keep fit, make friends and enjoy our amazing weather. Canoeing and kayaking seems the perfect sport for a small community surrounded by water so we caught up with Arturo Asquez, President of the Gibraltar Canoeing Association, to find out how everyone can get involved in this exciting leisure activity.
Arturo Asquez, first got involved in kayaking through his work as an adventure training instructor with the MoD, and has since risen to become president of the association which was started in the early ’90s by Eugene Pons and Nigel Jeffries. The association now has about 40 members who meet with one another three or four times a week to go for leisurely paddles. Arturo says the great thing about kayaking is there are so many different disciplines, you don’t necessarily need to be very fit, the sport really does offer something for everyone, young or old — from calm steady paced touring to exploring fantastic coastal scenery by sea kayak. “You can sit on the shoreline and paddle at your
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leisure or surf eight foot waves, which is not for the faint hearted, I must say,” Arturo adds.. The association organises all sorts of fun events for its members to get involved with, such as night paddles, paddles from Ceuta to Gibraltar, from Cape Trafalgar and even from Portugal, although the last one took the participants six days! — and all this undertaken on a self-sufficient basis (camping and cooking en route). The club night for the association is on Wednesdays from 5pm at the boat house behind the Tercentenary Hall, and is mainly used for coaching children from the age of eight. “Recently we have seen the numbers of
children decline,” says Arturo who is keen get more children involved in the sport, adding “Hopefully now the weather is getting warmer numbers will soon rise again.” A couple of the children from the association have gone on to compete abroad. Alexandra Asquez was runner up in the Andalucian Championship and 4th in the British Nationals a couple of years ago, and Jaron Mifsud just missed out on the finals in the British Nationals for flat water racing. A few of the adult members have competed in Spain but more on a friendly basis — “Norman Garcia has always done us proud when competing in sea kayak racing,” Arturo states
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
adventure file — but mainly it is a sociable club involved in recreational paddling. While many canoeists may not be interested in competition at any level, one common theme of all types of canoeing is that enjoyment increases as skill levels increases. With this in mind, the Gibraltar Canoeing Association tries to get coaches over from the UK at least once a year. “This year we have had the pleasure of having John Handyside out here,” Arturo explains. “John is one of the leading coaches in the British Canoe Association, advising even top Olympic coaches. He ran a coach update for our coaches, the new Foundation, Safety and Rescue course and a forward paddling course which was very well attended.” These courses are free of charge to all the association’s members, so it is well worth joining up and supporting the club if you have any interest in progressing in the sport. An interest in canoeing and kayaking can become an all consuming hobby, exciting, challenging and testing on the sea or through the numerous competitive disciplines. Canoe for enjoyment, to keep fit or, if you have kids, paddle as a family and enjoy the experience together. If you are interested in taking up kayaking or canoeing what is Arturo’s advice? “Come down to our clubhouse on a Wednesday from 5pm! We have lots of different types of kayaks and canoes you can try, so you can see which one you prefer before spending any money.” Everyone is welcome, children and adults alike. n
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
An interest in canoeing and kayaking can become an all consuming hobby, exciting, challenging and testing on the sea or through the numerous competitive disciplines
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calendar
What’s On MAY
2012 events...
Wednesday 2nd Lecture on Adventures & Misadventures of Gibraltar in Venezuela, Instituto Cervantes, 7pm
16th - Friday 15th. email: langarts@ gibtelecom.net
Wednesday 9th European Union Day - Conference on Climate Change and Energy. A challenge to the European Union at Instituto Cervantes, 12pm Friday 11th, Saturday 12th & Friday 18th Calpe Rooke Band Production presents “Los Miserable ” in concert at St Michael’s Cave,8pm. Tickets £15 from Sacarello’s Newsagent, 96 Main Street, includes shuttle bus, Grand Parade from 6.30 pm. For info Tel: 57864000 Saturday 12th Gibraltar Botanic Gardens Tour, meet George Don Gates (south end of Grand Parade) 10.30am.No fee, donations welcome. Tel: 200 72639 Email: alameda@wildlife.gib.gi
Gibraltar Ornithological & Natural History Society Monthly Outing – Bonanza & Trebujena Waders & wildfowl. Meet 7.00 am Spanish side of frontier. For info, contact Keith Bensusan Tel: 54001111 Email: kbensusan@gonhs.org Yellow Day March organised by Psychological Support Group, The Gibraltar Clubhouse Project & Mental Welfare Society. Meeting outside ICC at 12.15 pm. For info Tel: 54015662 Monday 14th Book Launch ‘The Call of Duty’ by Walter Crisp, Garrison Library, 7pm Monday Movies at Instituto Cervantes, showing On The Line & Día y Noche, 7pm Tuesday 15th - Friday 15th June Freedom Art Is – Diamond Jubilee Exhibition, organised by Jane Langdon, Gibraltar Art Gallery, 14 Cannon Lane. Official opening at 7pm, Tuesday 15th. Free entrance 11am to 7pm, from Wednesday
Wednesday 16th Gustav Klimt: Fin de Siécle Sensualist, Art Lecture organised by Gibraltar Decorative and Fine Arts Society, O’Callaghan Eliott Hotel, 7.30pm. For info, email: claus. olesen@sghambros.com (see p. 56) Conference on the Fighting Bull: the reality and contradictions of its fate, at Instituto Cervantes, 7pm. Wednesday 16th - Friday 18th The Lion King - A Dance Drama Production by Transitions Dance Academy, John Mackintosh Hall Theatre, 8pm. Tickets £12 on sale at the Nature Shop in Casemates. Saturday 19th Museum Open Day, Gibraltar Museum, Bomb House Lane, from 10am - 6pm. Free Entrance Classic Car Rally at Casemates Square, 10am, followed by march through Main Street and static display at Ocean Village Conference at Instituto Cervantes on Sport and Health: Techniques of nutrition and exercise, 11:30am Sea Scouts / Corvera Band / Brisas De Asturias Parade of the Pipers, 11.30am. Performance at the Lobby of Parliament House followed by march to Casemates Square with the Re-enactment Society, performance at 12.30pm. Help Us Build the Bigger Picture, organised by Childline Gibraltar Casemates Square, 1-5pm
�pring
�estival
The Annual Spring Festival takes place between 14th May - 15th June. All events which are part of the Festival are highlighted in green.
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Sea Scouts / Corvera Band / Brisas De Asturias present Celtic Beat at Alameda Open Air Theatre, 8pm. Tickets priced at £5 available from the Imperial News Agency from Monday 7th May Monday 21st ‘Heritage, Education and Tourism… an untapped resource.’ Museum Lecture by Mario Mosquera of the Gibraltar Heritage Trust, John Mackintosh Hall Theatre, 8.30pm. Free entrance Monday film at Instituto Cervantes, showing Salve Melilla & La boda de Mawla at 7pm Tuesday 22nd - Friday 1 June Spring Art Exhibition at Gustavo Bacarisas Gallery, Casemates. official opening & prize giving at 6.30pm. Free entrance from
Wednesday 23rd, 10.30am-6.30pm weekdays, Saturdays 10.30am1.30pm Tuesday 22nd - Friday 25th ‘Happy Flying’ Musical Comedy by LOL Productions, Ince’s Hall Theatre, 8pm. Tickets £12 from the Nature Shop, Casemates Square. Wednesday 23rd Conference on Gibraltar and the House of Medina Sidonia in the 15th Century. Instituto Cervantes, 7pm. Thursday 24th Book Launch ‘Mosaic of an Unquiet Time’ by Mary Chiappe, at the Garrison Library, 7pm Saturday 26th Help Us Build the Bigger Picture, organised by Childline Gibraltar Casemates Square, 10am – 2pm St Andrew’s Craft & Collectors Fair 10am - 2pm. All proceeds to the Church Restoration Fund. Stalls available at £10 to include table and cloth. Tel: 54023166 for details Calpe Rooke Band performing at the Lobby of Parliament House, 11am-1pm Monday 28th Wine Tasting at Instituto Cervantes with Bodega Marqués de Griñón from 7pm Monday 28th - Thursday 31st ‘An Audience with the Queen’ An original dance production by the Gibraltar Academy of Dance, John Mackintosh Hall Theatre, 8.30pm. Tickets £10 from John Mackintosh Hall Ticket Office between 5pm-7pm, as from Monday 21st May Monday 28th - Friday 8th June In a Painterly Manner, Children’s Art Exhibition, organised by Giorann Henshaw, Lower Exhibition Gallery, John Mackintosh Hall. Official opening Monday 28th 6.30pm. Free entrance Tuesday 29th 10am-10pm Tuesday 29th Book Launch ‘Imaginary Death of a European Poet’ and ‘Poemario Gris Dorado 2009-2012’ by Paco Oliva, at the Boyds Wine Bar, King’s Bastion Leisure Centre, at 7pm Wednesday 30th The Cervantes day of Youth & Child Literature Show and Workshop: Music and Word, at Instituto Cervantes, 4pm Wine tasting at the Instituto Cervantes, from 7pm.
GIBRALTAR GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAGAZINE •• MAY MAY 2012 2012
books on Gibraltar
Gibraltar:
Conquered by no Enemy
After reading our article on his friend, Dick Sharples, which featured in the March edition of the Gibraltar Magazine, Marc Alexander — a professional author, with an interest in Gibraltar — sent us a lovely letter and a super book. A former Fleet Street journalist, Mr Alexander was also a consultant editor of Heritage Magazine. For many years, he contributed a regular history column to Majesty Magazine. His books include The Outrageous Queens, Haunted Churches and Abbeys of Britain, Royal Murder, A Companion to the Folklore, and Myths and Customs of Britain. Apart from novels, he has also written various books on English history, the latest being The Royal Heritage of Britain As a professional author, his interest in Gibraltar grew after he
bought an apartment at Hacienda Guadalupe, in nearby Spain. Unfortunately, he has not visited for some time due to cancer, which has now been mercifully cured, and he looks forward to returning to the Rock soon. His book, Gibraltar: Conquered by No Enemy, is the first full history of the Rock for many years, providing the background to a unique community, and a chronicle of a remarkable chapter in British military history. A great read. n More information can be obtained via the publisher’s website www.thehistorypress.co.uk
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!)
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
Tel: 200 70047 or 200 73465 email: gibfamanon@yahoo.com
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history file
S. Duncan Black, co-founder and president of Black & Decker 1910-1951
Alonzo G. Decker, co-founder and president of Black & Decker 1951-1956
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What was Gibraltar-born Francis Romero’s role at Black & Decker?
What is Gibraltar’s link with Black & Decker?
by Reg Reynolds
Anyone with an interest in power tools will be familiar with the name Black & Decker. Black & Decker, the world’s largest producer of power tools and accessories, was founded as a small shop in 1917 at Baltimore, Maryland by S. Duncan Black and Alonzo G. Decker, but I recently came across a newspaper article in which Gibraltar-born Francis S. Romero claimed to be a co-founder of the company. The article appeared in 12th September, 1983 edition of the News-Post, a Frederick, Maryland, USA, newspaper. Romero, who was born on the Rock on 13th July, 1893, had recently celebrated his 90th birthday and was being interviewed at an old peoples’ home by Aveline V. Allen. In the article Allen describes how Romero had presented a slide-show to the residents of the Homewood Retirement Center and boasted about what a wonderful place Gibraltar was to live. Romero described the geography of the Rock to the residents and told them about the monkeys, the Moorish Castle, and as Allen reported, “focused on the people, landscape and traditions of the Rock of Gibraltar”. He expressed pride that “The children of Gibraltar get the best education you can imagine,” and “There are no poor people in Gibraltar, everybody looks out for one another.” Regarding the monkeys, Romero told his mostly female audience, “While the chimps may break up everything you have. You better not hurt them,” before adding that “the British government pays for any damage the apes may commit.”
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Allen concluded the article by writing: “Romero, who considers himself a Spaniard, is one of five children. He worked as fruit-peddler in Frederick before becoming one of the founders of Black & Decker Incorporated and controlled operations south of the border and for a time was based in Latina America”. The article doesn’t explain how a fruit peddler came to be a founder of a power-tool company but Romero’s story could be plausible. He
Romero expressed pride that “The children of Gibraltar get the best education you can imagine,” and “There are no poor people in Gibraltar, everybody looks out for one another”
would have been 17 when Black & Decker was founded (a decade younger than Duncan Black and Alonzo Decker), though the company may have wanted a Spanish-speaker to work ‘south of the border’, a euphemism for Mexico. But the company didn’t expand outside the USA until 1922 and that was to Canada. Further expansions followed in 1925 (UK) and 1929 (Australia), but to English speaking countries, and the first venture to Latin America didn’t come until 1948 (Romero would have been 55) and that was to Brazil, where the national language is Portuguese. Today Black & Decker has operations in 100 countries. Black, co-founder and president since 1910, died in 1951 aged 68 and Decker passed on in 1956 aged 72, so if Romero was a co-founder he outlived the two men the company was named after by a considerable amount. If any readers knew Frederick Romero or members of his family we would appreciate if they could contact the Gibraltar Magazine and tell us his connection, if any, with Black & Decker. In March 2010 Black & Decker merged with the Stanley Works to become Stanley, Black & Decker. n
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
sporting file
Photos by David Rodriguez (www.flickr.com/drod76)
Glacis United recently travelled to Castellon de la Plana, to compete in the Torneo Costa Azahar 2012, organized by Primer Toque. Competition was tough this year, with many big team taking part. Glacis United gave a great performance and reached the semi-finals of the tournament. These photos were taken at the match against the overall winners of the tournament, Barcelona.
Glacis Utd in Castellon
Rock Gems Get Gold In Blackpool Gibraltar’s new young Synchronised Skating team, the Rock Gems (coached by Jenni Smith) entered their first team event competition last month at the Blackpool Ice Festival. The team, recently formed from the eight most advanced skaters in Jenni’s Academy, aged 8 to 12, comprises Bobbie Pope, Gabriella Chipol, Ellie Violante, Emma Marshall, Tara Tirathdas, Alicia Linares, Aerin Victory and Holly Hart. The girls were up against teams from Slough and Altringham in UK and won by a good number of points bringing the Gold Cup back to Gibraltar. A fantastic result. The team now has the British Championships in its sight, when a squad of 12 skaters is required, so recruitment will take place over the coming months. n GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
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food & drink
Get Ready to Pick a Bite
This brand new eatery at Chatham Counterguard is now open for business. Pictured above from left to right are the friendly staff of Pick a Bite, Eva, owner Ana Maria, Noelia and Louisa, who are ready to delight you with one of the largest selections of traditional home made food on the Rock, for eating in or take away. With some lovely terrace seating for those sunny lunchtimes, pop in to see Ana Maria and her team, and pick a bite at Pick a Bite!
The fabulous portrait presented to Mr Wink on the night
A Very Happy Retirement to Mr Louis Wink A surprise party was held at Cafe Rojo restaurant for Mr Louis Wink CPM Dip Crim (Cambs), who retired as the Commissioner of Police in April. Mr Wink, who joined the police force 36 years ago in 1976 has received 12 commendations for Exemplary Service, and was honoured in Her Majesty the Queen’s 1999 New Year’s Honours List with the Colonial Police Medal (CPM) for Meritorious Service. For the past six years Louis Wink has been Gibraltar’s Commissioner of Police, and is now succeeded in this role by Edward Yome. We wish Mr Wink a very long and happy retirement.
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
food & drink
Sain’t Cafe Bar Now Open
The lovely ladies from Sain’t Cafe Bar are ready to greet you with a smile at their new premises at Unit 2, Grand Ocean Plaza, at Ocean Village. Martina Schmidova and Samantha Finnerty are the hosts at this light, bright and attractive café/ bar which is open Monday to Friday, from 7.30am to 7.30pm. With a set menu which changes daily, and there’s plenty for saints or sinners with exquisite homemade desserts. There’s sure to be something on the menu for everyone to enjoy. The café bar is non-smoking inside, and has an outside ter-
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
race too. Happy hours and afternoon tea are available between 4pm and 6pm, and there is also free wifi for you to enjoy whilst having your coffee, drink or tasty snacks. Check out their Facebook and Twitter pages to find out about their fantastic competitions to win some great prizes at Sain’t Café Bar or pop in to say hello to Martina and Samantha. n
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Light and Lusc The perfect meal to serve outdoors or in...
Baby Courgette, Feta and Mint Tartlet, Blistered Cherry Tomatoes Serves 6 250g 6 200g 1/4 cup 1/2 cup 1 1 300g 1tbs 1tbs
puff pastry baby courgettes, sliced thinly sheep’s milk feta finely chopped dill finely shredded mint leaves lemon, zest only clove of garlic, crushed cherry tomatoes, on the vine olive oil red wine vinegar
Preheat the oven to 200ºC. Roll out the pastry on a floured work surface to 5mm thick, and place it into a lightly greased fluted tart tin, folding in any excess pastry. Line the pastry with greaseproof pastry and top this with raw rice to weigh the pastry down and then blind bake for 5 minutes, or until golden. Combine the courgettes, feta, dill, lemon zest and mint leaves with the garlic in a bowl and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon this evenly over the top of the pre bakes pastry tart base and bake for 15 minutes. Place the cherry tomatoes into an oven tray and drizzle with olive oil and the vinegar, season
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to taste. Place in the oven with the tartlet and cook for 10 minutes or until the tomatoes just start to blister. Serve the tartlet warm or at room temperature with the cherry tomatoes beside and a crisp green salad. n
Confit Salmon, Watermelon, Labne, Sauce Veirge Serves 5 200ml 200ml 1 6 400g 150g 50g
vegetable oil extra virgin olive oil fresh bay leaf whole white peppercorns boneless salmon, cut into 5 even sized steaks watermelon, cut into 2cm chunks labne, coarsely broken into small chunks
Sauce Veirge: 1 vine ripened tomato 75ml extra virgin olive oil 50ml fresh lemon juice 1/4 cup lightly packed and picked chervil, flat leaf parsley 1/4 cup of chives and basil 1 clove of garlic, crushed
Line a baking tray with baking paper and add the salmon steaks to this, making sure there is space between each piece of salmon. Add the oils, bay leaf and peppercorns with 2 teaspoons of Maldon sea salt. Heat the oil to 80ºC and cook for about 8 minutes, so the salmon is about medium, a further 5 minutes if you want the salmon completely cooked. For the sauce veirge, blanch the tomatoes for two minutes and then plunge into ice cold water. Remove the skins and then cut into quarters. Remove the seeds and roughly chop the flesh. Mix everything else in a food processer with the tomato and puree until smooth. For the salad combine the watermelon, flaked salmon, dressing and any other salad things you want, with 100g of rocket leaves. Place a nice pile of the salad into the centre of a large plate and drizzle the sauce veirge over and around the salad. Serve immediately. n
Triple Chocolate Lamingtons Serves 9 100g 60g 8 300g 180g
dark chocolate, roughly chopped (at least 56 % cocoa solids) butter, roughly chopped eggs, at room temperature caster sugar plain flour
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
food & drink
uscious
by 55 chef Scott Casey
60g 2tsp 200g
cocoa powder baking powder desiccated coconut
Raspberry jam: 250g fresh raspberries (about 2 punnets) 120g caster sugar Juice of 1 lemon Chocolate raspberry cream: 200ml thickened cream 120g dark chocolate (at least 56% cocoa
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
20ml 80g 60g 240g 80g 60ml
solids) melted raspberry liqueur fresh raspberries, roughly chopped dark chocolate (at least 56% cocoa solids) icing sugar, sieved cocoa milk
Preheat the oven to 180ÂşC. Melt half the chocolate and half of the butter in a bowl over a pan of simmering water, stir until smooth and keep warm. Whisk half of the eggs and half the sugar in an electric mixer until pale and have tripled in volume about 5-6 minutes). Triple sieve half of the flour, half the cocoa and half of the baking powder into a bowl. Fold the flour mixture into the egg mixture and then spoon this into a square cake tin that has been buttered and lined with baking paper. Bake well until the centre of the cake is springy to push (about 25-30 minutes) and then cool on a wire rack. For the raspberry jam, stir the raspberries,
sugar and lemon juice in a saucepan over a medium heat until the sugar dissolves, bring to the boil and cook until a jam consistency (8-10 minutes) set aside and cool. For the raspberry chocolate cream, whisk the cream, chocolate and liqueur in an electric mixer until soft peaks form (3-4 minutes) being careful not to over do it and curdle the cream, fold in the chopped raspberries and set aside in the fridge. Take the cake out, trim the edges and cut in half along the middle. Spread the jam over one half of the cake and the raspberry cream over the other, then sandwich them both together and set aside in the fridge for at least an hour. For the chocolate glaze, stir the chocolate with 190ml of water in a bowl over a pan of simmering water until smooth. Remove from the heat and add the icing sugar and cocoa, stir until smooth then add the milk. Cut the cake into 7cm squares, dip each square into the chocolate glaze quickly then roll in the coconut. Set in the fridge for one hour and then enjoy with friends. n
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food & drink
directory 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
Savannah Lounge
e to wher drink & eat the on k Roc
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
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
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
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
Nunos Italian
A delightful terrace bar/ restaurant in the prestigious Queensway Quay Marina. Wonderful location for business meetings, weddings, anniversaries etc. Specialising in a broad range of raciones (plates to share) with a very comprehensive a la carte menu. Daily specials may include fresh fish caught locally and a selection of Argentinean beef. With a menu including dishes such as Caracoles a la Llauna Snails, Rabo de Toro Oxtail, Carrillada de Cerro Iberico Iberico pork cheeks, large rib steaks from Avila and special to order whole suckling pig. Open: Mon-Fri: lunch & evening, Sat: evenings only, Sun: lunch only.
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.gib@gmail.com
Nunos Italian Restaurant and Terrace Caleta Hotel, Catalan Tel: 200 76501 •VIP BarBay•Restaurant Email: reservations@caletahotel.gi
The Waterfront
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Queensway Quay Marina. Tel: 200 45666 •Private Dining Room Visit: www.gibwaterfront.com
The perfect place to escape or impress GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
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 Get Stuffed
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.
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.
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
Get Stuffed Marina Bay. Tel: 200 42006
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 7.30am - 3pm, Sat 9am - 2pm. 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
Fusion Deli
Noodles in New York noodle boxes — just like in the movies! Malaysian, Chinese and Japanese style noodles with beef, pork, chicken, king prawn or vegetarian, with sauces from old favourites like sweet & sour, to fiery spicy. Plus Malaysian chicken curry, Laksa and Char Siew barbecue pork, daily specials like Malaysian Kung pou, Mongolian sauce, egg fried/plain rice. Extras include giant prawn crackers, and spring rolls. Delivery service. Open: Mon-Fri 11.45-3pm. Thurs/Fri/Sat evening.
FusionDeli 11 Cooperage Lane (by BHS) Tel: 200 63940 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
Just a Nibble
Sacarello Coffee Co
Full licensed cafe on first floor of the ICC, serves English breakfast, a vast range of toasties, rolls and snacks. Meals include Bob’s famous chicken curry and chilli con carne, and a great new range of pies (from chicken & leek to steak & kidney, and even venison) plus all the old favourites; jacket spuds, burgers, hot dogs, fish and chips, and daily specials. Ideal meeting place. Open: Mon - Sat from 9am.
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
Just A Nibble 1st Floor ICC, Casemates Tel: 200 78052
Sacarello Coffee Co. 57 Irish Town. Tel: 200 70625
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
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
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!
85
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!
On Main Street opposite the cathedral, enjoy a meal, coffee or a cool beer on the terrace and watch the world go by! Bar decorated with rare military plaques from regiments and navy ships visiting Gibraltar. Full breakfast menu served from 7am, draught beers on tap include Old Speckled Hen bitter, Murphys Irish stout, Heineken lager and Strongbow cider. Gibraltar Arms 184 Main Street. Tel: 200 72133
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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 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). The Lounge Queensway Quay Marina Tel: 200 61118
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
Wembley Bar Popular traditional old fashioned pub for hot and cold bar snacks, function room, in South District. Open from 10am Fridays for breakfast. Air conditioned. The home of the Real Madrid Supporter’s Club. Open: 11am - midnight Sun - Thurs, 10am- 1am Fri, & 11am-1am Sat. Wembley Bar 10 South Barrack Ramp. Tel: 200 78004
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
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
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••MAY MAY2012 2012 GIBRALTAR
BUDDIES pasta casa
Come and enjoy real Italian meals in Gibraltar’s leading pasta house 15 Cannon Lane Tel: 200 40627 for reservations
Just A Nibble Licensed Cafeteria Let the ‘A’ Team serve you up a snack or a meal. Daily Specials • Varied Menu
Open from 9am First Floor ICC, Main Street THE PLACE TO MEET
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wine column
Je Regrette Beaucoup It seems there are people in this world who are unaware of the voice of Edith Piaf and the films of Jacques Tati. Je ne regrette rien, Milord, Les Vacances de M Hulot and Jour de Fete are closed to them. While it is a truism that France would be Heaven on Earth if it weren’t for the French, nevertheless there are a few French people who have increased the sum of human happiness. Some of those French people are the wine makers of Bordeaux and Burgundy. It was actually the English who developed the Bordeaux area resulting in a proper, organised classification of domains producing marvellous wines. Burgundy was left to the French. Result: a higgledy-piggledy crowd of small producers all arguing amongst each other and producing …. marvellous wines. Sometimes the French system works. But not always. The French Presidential elections are taking place. It is likely that, in the second round, Sarkozy will be facing Hollande. (The result of the first round will
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be known by the time you read this; the second round in on 6 May.) Dear me. The little corporal against the grey man. Even Cameron and Milliband look good compared to those two. And our own politicians in Gibraltar look positively gigantesque. How can it be that France cannot do better? The answer, as explained to me by my daughter who has lived in Paris for the last few years, is that they concentrate on life for themselves. Good food, good wine, excellent cheeses, fast trains, and devil take the hindmost. Problems with turbulent Muslim Priests? Throw them out and don’t worry about the
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
wine column European Court of Human Rights. Queue for the ski lift? Barge to the front. Slow driver ahead? Honk horn, flash lights and cut in front of him. Visitor making ungrammatical attempt to speak the language? Shrug shoulders and pretend not to understand. Unexpected guest arriving for lunch? Lay an extra place at table, warn children that they will have to eat less — and make him welcome. Such contrasts, and all very French. Their wines produce the same contrasts. Sometimes sublime and sometimes appalling. But even the French are beginning to realise they cannot rely on their reputation (even if that reputation is sometimes appalling) and face up to competition. The New World (especially Australia) has taken the French grape varietals and made a storm out of them. Chile and Argentina are not far behind. The French must do something. They have decided to take Chinese investors to their heart. The prices of first growth clarets and Burgundies have hit the roof. At the same time, there is little of earlier vintages left and other investors, having paid high prices in the first place, are unwilling to sell. Indeed, a number of alternative market investment firms have gone bust. Taken all together, this means that the French are still getting their money but the rest of us cannot afford what they produce. Somehow, the French have ended up on top again. But since the rest of us can only gasp in astonishment at paying over £50 a bottle for a wine that will need at least 12 years to mature, we must look elsewhere. The New Zealand ‘Scottish Landing’ Merlot is a find: light and clear, with a refreshing zing to it (£6.00
at Morrison’s). The Argentinian Malbec is always a decent runner: Anglo Hispano have a very respectable 2006 one at just under £8.00. And since summer is coming it may be permissible to inspect a Chilean rosé, although such wines should normally be eschewed by right-thinking people. Last month we were overwhelmed with programmes about the Titanic; next month the broadcasters will be all over her sister ship, the Olympic. There is a mass of anniversaries or great occasions to be remembered and a mass of terribly important sporting events which will soon be forgotten. One forgets why a black armband is being worn, and a minute’s silence held. Or should I be waving a Union flag and celebrating the Jubilee? Whether celebration or commemoration, it is vital to have the correct glass to hand. Unfortunately, this does mean champagne — so the French win again. Why is it that, however much one wants to like another form of sparkling wine, it is never as good as champagne? Dom Perignon has a lot to answer for. Champagne costs more, creates internal rumblings after two glasses, and is not as memorable as, say, the 1966 Chateau Batailley which you had the week after your wedding. Why champagne? It must be psychological. The pop of the cork, the general sense of fun. But then why not other sparklers? It can only be because champagne has the combination of grape, sparkle and water which make it palatable. The others are simply fizzy cheap white wine, made more expensive by the process of putting the fizz in. How very annoying of the French. But they have always been the best of enemies. n
Contemporary Mediterranean Dining
Grand Casemates Square Tel: 200
44449 for reservations
The New World has taken French grape varietals and made a storm out of them. Chile and Argentina are not far behind. The French must do something Saturday Chill Out with DJ Eric from 7pm
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
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May has arrived and it is time to pack away those woollies and get ready for the summer season of events. We hope you enjoy our wedding features this month — did you see the spectacular cakes by Fiona on pages 46-47? They really are edible works of art. There is plenty to do around the Rock this month, whatever your tastes and it all kicks off with the Spring Festival from 14th May to 15th June. Everything is included in this fun festival of events from art exhibitions to dance performances, a classic car rally and several book launches. Great variety for all the family. And talking of all the family, it is International Museums Day on 19th May when museums all over the world open their doors for free (10am-6pm). A great opportunity for a family outing to see what’s been added at our local museum since your last visit and, as it is on the same day as the Classic Car Rally, you can make a full day of it! Congratulations to Jessica Baldachino, who last month became the 50th Miss Gibraltar, and also to her First Princess Kerrianne Massetti and Second Princess Christina Ainsworth. Congratulations also to our Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, who now takes on his most important job to date, that of father! Bouncing boy, Sebastian Max, was born in April and is certain to make mum, Justine, and dad proud. And happy retirement to our Commissioner of Police for the past six years, Mr Louis Wink, and welcome to our new Commissioner — Edward Yome. Birthdays this month include Chef Luis of Cafe Rojo on 1st May, followed by union man Manuel Cortes (pictured right, with last month’s edition) a day later on the 2nd. John of O’Reilly’s is another year older on 3rd May, followed by the lovely Aida of Cafe Rojo on 6th who shares the day with Orlando of Savannah’s. Simone of STM Fidecs bids a fond farewell to her 20s on 7th May, GSPCA’s Chairman Charley celebrates on 15th, and tennis player Amanda Carreras is another year older on the 16th. NatWest’s
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
The Lola Boys entertain at the Waterfront Restaurant
Miss Gibraltar judges enjoy dinner at Fifty-Five hosted by Deputy Mayor, Tony Lima
Marvin has to wait until the 19th to open his presents, and then Maryanne celebrates on 23rd, and Lisa of Marks & Spencer will enjoy a vino or two on 25th. Café Rojo is one big celebration this month, with their 2nd chef Norbert getting a year older on 26th May. Rounding up the month Genevieve Whiteland and Craig Sacarello both celebrate their special day on 29th. Happy birthday to them all, and to everyone else celebrating in May. Andy Baker from the cosy Bean and Gone Café on Engineers Lane has asked us to tell you he is also the head of media and finance for Spanish Stray Dogs. If you would like to help or adopt, please pop into the cafe or contact andy@spanishstraydogs.com, or drop off any donations at Bean and Gone. At the moment there are 120 dogs and 20 cats in the shelter (70 dogs have already been homed this year) and volunteers to help out are always needed. We have a great feature this month on the Gibraltar Canoeing Association (pages 74-75) — and we really do think it is the perfect sport for the whole family in a place like ours which is surrounded by water! Pop down to the clubhouse in the boathouse behind the Tercentenary Hall, on a Wednesday from 5pm to say hello to Arturo and get involved.
Morning coffee at Pick A Bite
A special well done to the 25 members of the Gibraltar Defence Fire Service who pulled an 10 ton fire engine down Main Street to raise over £1,200 for local charities last month. It’s a good job they didn’t try to do it this month though, as our streets will be packed with visitors from the 33 cruise ships which will stop off in Gibraltar during May. See our schedule on page 70 so you can avoid the crowds. Well that’s it for this month. Next month we have a royal visit, from their Royal Highnesses the Earl and Countess of Wessex who will be here on 11th to 13th June, to look forward to! Plus some street parties and other events for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Great stuff! Birthday boy Manuel Cortes This photo and opposite page: My Wines wine tasting event at Chatham Counterguard
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clubs&activities Arts & Crafts The Arts Centre, Prince Edward’s Rd. Art classes for children (5-6pm Mon, 5-6.30pm Tues, 5-7pm Thurs), adults (Mon - Tues 6.30pm-8pm, Wed 6.30pm-8.30pm, life painting Wed 7pm9pm). Tel: 200 79788. The Fine Arts Association Gallery 1st Floor above Gibraltar Crystal, Casemates. Open 11am-2pm, 4-6pm Mon - Fri, Sat 11am - 2pm. Arts & Crafts Gallery (next door) opens Mon - Fri 9.30am - 5pm (summer) -6pm (winter), Sat 9.30am - 3pm. 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. 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. Dance Adult Dance Classes Wednesday evenings at the Youth Disco Room, Kings Bastion Leisure Centre from 7-8.30pm. Cha-Cha, Salsa and Merengue. Lessons £5 and all proceeds to GibMissionAfrica Charity. Contact Dilip on 200 78714 or dance@trainingtm.net Salsa Gibraltar Salsa classes held Tuesdays at Laguna Social Club, Laguna Estate. Beginners 7-8.30pm, £5 per lesson. Intermediates 8.30-10pm, £6 per lesson (all profits going to the charity Help Us To Help Them). Contact: Mike 54472000 Email: info@salsagibraltar.com website: www.salsagibraltar.com Modern & Latin American Sequence Dancing Mondays Catholic Community Centre 8.30pm (beginners 7.30). Over 15s welcome. Old & Modern Sequence Dancing sessions at the Catholic Community Centre at 8pm, beginners at 7.30pm, Wednesday. The DSA Old & Modern Sequence Dancing sessions at Central Hall Fridays 8pm, beginners 7.30pm. Tel: 200 78282 or e-mail manvio@ gibraltar.gi Everybody welcome. 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). History & Heritage The Gibraltar Heritage Trust Main Guard, 13 John Mackintosh Sq. Tel: 200 42844. The Gibraltar Classic Vehicle Association Dedicated to preservation of Rock’s transport/motoring heritage. Assists members in restoration / maintenance of classic vehicles. Members/vehicles meet 1st Sunday of month, Morrison’s car park from 10am. New members welcome. Tel: 200 44643. Music The Gibraltar National Choir and Gibraltar Junior National Choir rehearse on 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
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Don’t be bored... do something fun! 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 Cannon Bar quizzes are held on Tuesdays starting with a warm up, then two other quizzes, including a theme quiz. Starts at 8.30pm, all welcome and prizes are given. Free entrance but a donation to charity is requested. Tapas served after the quiz. The Lounge friendly quizzes take place on Sundays from 8pm right on the quayside at Queensway Quay. Social Clubs Scots on the Rock: Any Scots visiting the Rock can contact Charles Polson (Tel: 200 78142) for assistance or information. Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (Gibraltar Province) meets RAOB Club, Jumpers Bastion on these days: Provincial Grand Lodge, 1st Monday/month, 8pm. Executive Meeting, last Mon/month 7pm. Knights Chapter, 2nd Mon/month 7.30pm. Examining Council, 3rd Mon/month 7pm. William Tilley 2371, Thurs 8pm. Buena Vista 9975, Weds (fortnightly) 7pm. Por Favor 9444, Weds (fortnightly) 7pm. Farewell 10001, Tues 8.30pm. Goldacre 10475 (social) last Fri/month 8pm. Special Interest Clubs & Societies Gibraltar Horticultural Society meets 1st Thurs of month 6pm, John Mac Hall. Spring Flower Show, slide shows, flower arrangement demos, outings to garden centres, annual Alameda Gardens tour. All welcome. Gibraltar Philosophical Society devoted to intellectually stimulating debate. Frequent lectures and seminars on a range of topics. Contact 54008426 (after 6pm) or email gibphilosophy@ live.co.uk for further information. The Gibraltar Photographic Society meets on Mon at 7.30pm, Wellington Front. Basic courses, competitions etc. Harley Davidson Owners’ Club www.hdcgib. com UN Association of Gibraltar PO Box 599, 22a Main Street. Tel: 200 52108. Creative Writers Group meet every Tuesday at the Eliott Hotel bar at 8pm. The workshop is run by Carla, Tel: 54006696 and is aimed at learning to write fiction and non-fiction, for pleasure or publication. Each session is £5.00. Sports Supporters Clubs The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters Club meet at the Star Bar, Parliament Lane, when Spurs games are televised - call prior to matches to check the game is televised. Great food for a lunch if the KO is early or an early supper if the game is later. For info call Mario on 56280000. Gibraltar Arsenal Supporters Club meet on match days at the Casino Calpe (Ground Floor). Gooners of all ages welcome. Tel: Bill 54010681 or Dion 56619000. Website: www.clubwebsite. co.uk/ArsenalGibraltarSC/. Gibraltar Hammers meet on match days at the Victoria Stadium Bar, Bayside Road. All league games are shown live. All West Ham supporters and their families are welcome. For details visit www.gibraltarhammers.com or e-mail gibraltarhammers@hotmail.com Sports & Fitness Artistic Gymnastics: Gibraltar Artistic Gymnastics Association. 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: Tom 200 79461 or Adrian 200 44281. Cycling: Gibraltar Cycling Association various cycling tours. Tel: Uriel 200 79359. Darts: Gibraltar Darts Association (member WDF) mens/ladies/youth leagues/competitions. Tel: Darren 54027171 “Secretary”, Dyson “Youth Rep” 54024149, Justin “President” 54022622 Email: info@gibraltardarts.com Football: Gibraltar Football Association leagues/competitions for all ages October-May. Futsal in summer, Victoria Stadium. Tel: 200 42941 www.gfa.gi. Senior Tel: Albert 200 41515, Junior Tel: Richard 58654000, Women’s Tel: Brian 200 52299. Recreational football for over 35s Tel: Richard 200 70320. Golf: Med Golf tournaments held monthly. Tel: 200 79575 for tournament venues/dates. Gibraltar Golf Union has competitions through year, EGU handicaps. Tel: Bernie 200 78844. Hockey: Gibraltar Hockey Association (members FIH & EHF) high standard competitions/training for adults and juniors. Tel: Eric 200 74156 or Peter 200 72730. Judo: Gibraltar Judo Association UKMAF recognised instructors for all ages and levels at Budokai Martial Arts Centre, Wellington Front. Tel: Charlie 200 73116 or Peter 200 73225. Ju-jitsu: Gibraltar Ju-jitsu Academy training and grading for juniors/seniors held during evening at 4 North Jumpers Bastion (Rosia Rd). Tel: Tony 200 79855 or club 200 47259. Karate-do Shotokai: Gibraltar Karate-do Shotokai Association sessions for junior/seniors, gradings and demos at Karate Clubhouse, 41H Town Range Tel: Andrew 200 48908. Motorboat Racing: Gibraltar Motorboat Racing Association Tel: Wayne 200 75211. Netball: Gibraltar Netball Association (affiliated FENA & IFNA) competitions through year, senior / junior leagues. Tel: 200 41795 or 200 41874. Petanque: Gibraltar Petanque Association plays at Giralda Gardens, Smith Dorrien Ave. New members welcome. Tel: 200 70929. Pilates: Monday & Wednesday 11-12am for beginners, and intermediate classes Monday & Wednesday 9:30-10:45am, at Shotokai Karate Centre. Contact Chantal: 60618882 or 60624275. Pool: Gibraltar Pool Association (member EUKPF) home and away league played on Thurs through season. Tel: Linda 200 74753. Rhythmic Gymnastics: Gibraltar Rhythmic Gymnastics Association runs sessions for 4 years of age and upwards, weekday evenings. For more information contact Sally Tel: 200 74661. Rugby: Gibraltar Rugby Football Union training sessions for Colts (14+), seniors and veterans. Play in Andalusia 1st Division Oct - April. Tel: James 200 72185 Sailing: Gibraltar Yachting Association junior/ senior competitive programme (April - Oct) Tel: RGYC 200 48847. Sea Angling: Gibraltar Federation of Sea Anglers (members FIPS-M & CIPS) Superb calendar of events with four clubs participating. Tel: Mario 200 72622 or Charlie 200 74337. Shooting: Gibraltar Shooting Federation (over 14s). Rifle, Europa Point range (Joe 200 74973); clay pigeon, East Side (Harry 200 74354); Pistol, near Royal Naval Hospital (Fidel 200 71990). Skating: Gibraltar Skating and Xtreme Sports Association. State of art ramps for Xtreme/aggressive roller
what a page turner! www.thegibraltarmagazine.com
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 meet 2nd Wed of month, Garrison Library 8pm. All welcome. Theatrix: Contact Trevor and Iris on Tel: 54006176 or email theatrixgib@yahoo.co.uk
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
events 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 day-to-day challenges of individuals, families and care partner. Meetings at Catholic Community Centre Book Shop at 7.30pm first Thursday of each month. Contact Sue Reyes Tel: 200 51469 Email: copeadsupport@ hotmail.com Dignity At Work Now. Confidential support and advice for those who are being bullied at work. Tel: 57799000 Mon - Thur 8pm-9pm Families Anonymous Support group for relatives and friends who are concerned about the use of drugs or related behavioural problems. Meet alternate Thursdays at 9pm at Nazareth House. For info Tel: 200 70047 or 200 73465. Gibraltar Cardiac Rehabilitation and Support Group meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 8.30pm at the John Mac Hall, except for July and August. Gibraltar Dyslexia Support Group 3/8 Serfaty’s Passage Tel: 200 78509 Mobile: 54007924 website: www. gdsg.co.uk Gibraltar Marriage Care. Free relationship counselling, including pre-marriage education (under auspices of Catholic Church, but open to all). Tel: 200 71717. Gibraltar Society for the Visually Impaired. Tel: 200 50111 (24hr answering service). Hope. miscarriage support Tel: 200 41817. Narcotics Anonymous Tel: 200 70720 Overeaters Anonymous support group for compulsive overeating problems. Tel: helpline for meetings info 200 42581. Parental Support Group, helping parents and grandparents with restrictive access to their children and granchildren. Tel: Richard 200 46536, Jason 200 76618, Dominic 54019602. Psychological Support Group, PO Box 161, Nazareth House. Meet Tuesdays at 7pm, Fridays 8pm. Tel: 200 51623. SSAFA Forces Help Gibraltar, is a national charity, to assist serving and ex-Service personnel and their families. Tel: (5)5481. E-mail olivero@sapphirenet.gi With Dignity Gibraltar support for separated, divorced/ widowed or single people. Meet Weds 9pm, Catholic Community Centre, Line Wall Rd. Outings/activities. Tel: 54007181 or 200 79957. Women in Need. Voluntary organisation for all victims of domestic violence. Refuge available. Tel: 200 42581 (24 hrs).
Religious Services Baha’i Faith Tel: 200 73287 www.gibnet. com/bahai email:bahai@gibraltar.gi Bethel Christian Fellowship Tel: 200 52002. Queensway. Sunday service 11am. Church of England Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. Tel: 200 78377. Sung Eucharist, Sunday 10.30am. Sunday School. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
Latest Med Golf News Med Golf members met for their latest monthly outing on the popular Doña Julia Golf Club. The event was a win for up-and-coming Med Golf star, Derren Vincent who won the Restsso Trading Trophy and 2 green fees with a score of 34 pts. Derren also won the best team prize with Brij Goel. Category winners were: Cat 1 (0-12 handicap) Dave Pinniger 28pts, Cat 2 (13-21 handicap) Louis Calvente 32 pts, Cat 3 Javi Hunter 30 pts. Med Golf’s Guinness Tour 2012 sets off for 4 super nights playing 3 great links courses around Dublin in
May, this tour is already fully booked, keep an eye on the website & Facebook pages for the next one! The next Med Golf event is on Sunday 20th May at the Alcaidesa Golf Club, playing for the O’Reilly’s Trophy (costs 60 euro for golf & buggy). Enter through the Med Golf website (events). See also on the website details of August bank holiday weekend packages for the Gedime Motors Trophy! n For details on schedule and benefits of joining Med Golf (£59 per year), visit www.medgolfgroup.com or contact Johnathan Goodson on 56001055 e-mail jg@medgolf.gi
Petanque Doubles League Winners The 2012 Gibraltar Petanque Association Doubles Leagues have ended with Manolo Baglietto and Stefan Mascarenhas, coming out on top for the men (only losing one match), and Elizabeth Dalli and Monty Larcombe retained the women’s
title. Runners-up were John Dalli and Mario Victory, and Nora Baglietto and Paqui Mascarenhas. A special congratulations must go to three-time league champions Stefan Mascarenhas and Elizabeth Dalli for their achievement. Well done! n
Pictured above L-R Champions Mascarenhas & Baglietto - Runners-up Victory & Dalli. Pictured below L-R Runners-up Nora Baglietto & Paqui Mascarenhas - Champions Elizabeth Dalli & Monty Larcombe
Saints Suite 21a Don House, 30-38 Main Street. Tel: 200 50433. Sundays 10am. Church of Scotland St Andrew’s, Governor’s Pde. Tel: 200 77040. Worship & Sunday School 10.30am. Bible Study Tues 7.30pm. Evangelical Bretheren Assembly, Queensway Quay. Sun 11am, Tues Bible Study 6pm, Thurs Prayer Meeting 6pm. Hindu Engineer’s Lane Tel: 200 42515. Jehovah’s Witness 6 Europort Avenue
Tel: 200 50186. Jewish 10 Bomb House Lane Tel: 200 72606. Methodist 297 Main St Tel/Fax 200 40870 email minister@methodist.org.gi Minister: Revd Fidel Patron. Sunday 11am Morning Worship, 8pm Evening Service. Prayer meetings Monday+ Wednesday to Friday 7pm and Tuesdays 8pm. Communion celebrated on 2nd and 4th Sunday mornings of the month, and other special occasions.
Alpha Course: held Thursdays 8pm. House Groups meet for Christian fellowship, prayer and study on a regular basis Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. Sunday School meets Sunday mornings alongside morning worship. Roman Catholic Cathedral St Mary the Crowned, 215 Main St Tel: 200 76688. The Cityline Church 13 Castle St Tel: 200 75755 email: citylinegib@yahoo. com. Meet: Tues 8pm, Sundays 11am.
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information
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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-ibn-Zeyad (“Gibraltar” is a corruption of the Arabic words “Jebel Tarik” - Tarik’s mountain). The part we see today, The Tower of Homage, dates back to 1333AD, when Abu’l Hassan recaptured the Rock from Spain.
Emergency Services Emergency calls only: Fire/Ambulance.........................Tel: 190 Police................................. Tel: 199/112 Emergency Number.................Tel: 112 Non-urgent calls: Ambulance Station....... Tel: 200 75728 Police............................. Tel: 200 72500 Emergency Nos: Tel: (5) 5026 / (5) 3598
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Natural History & Heritage Park Walks: Med Steps is a stunning walk with the steep climb at the end rewarded with spectacular views of the Rock and Spain. Another recommended walk is St Michael’s Cave through to Charles V Wall but walkers should be relatively fit for both. It is also pleasant walking along the upper rock roads. Brochures available free from all Tourist Board offices. Botanical Gardens: Opened in 1816, the Alameda Botanical Gardens fell into disrepair but are being restored to their former glory. Visitors can enjoy a stroll beneath pines, dragon trees and palms, and see many of Gibraltar’s native plants as well as exotic species. The shop sells environmentally friendly gifts, plants and seeds. Tel: 200 72639/200 74022. Parking. Nelson’s Anchorage: Rosia Road 9.30am - 5.15pm Monday to Saturday (last entry at 5pm). Closed on Sunday. Admission: £1.00 (free with Nature Reserve ticket. Tickets for the nature reserve can also be bought at this attraction).
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 2012
Gibraltar & United Kingdom *Gibraltar only New Year’s Day Monday 2nd January Commonwealth Day Monday 12th March* Good Friday Friday 6th April Easter Monday Monday 9th April Workers Memorial Day Monday 30th April* May Day Tuesday 1st May Spring Bank Holiday Monday 4th June Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Tuesday 5th June Queen’s Birthday Monday 18th June Late Summer BH Monday 27th August Gib National Day Monday 10th September* Christmas Day Tuesday 25th December Boxing Day Wednesday 26th December
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.
Bus Routes & Timetables
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.
The Gibraltar Magazine is published and produced by Guide Line Promotions Ltd, 1st Floor 113 Main Street, 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 MonSun. Last cable down: 5.45pm). 50p per person to walk with no entrance tickets.
Registry Office Tel: 200 72289 It is possible to get married on the Rock within 48 hours. A fact taken advantage of by stars such as Sean Connery and John Lennon. Rock Tours by Taxi Tel: 200 70052 As well as offering normal fares, taxis provide Rock Tours taking in the Upper Rock, Europa
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 www.gibibikes.gi
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MAY 2012
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