The GibraltarMagazine - July 2010

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

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ibraltar magazine the

July 2010 Vol. 15 No. 10 FREE

Acting on Taxation

Quay Considerations

Football is BIG business Pure Silk, Pure Emotion

Creativity Unlimited

and much more

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what’s inside?

business & finance 8 9 12 17 18 24 28

20 22 40 54 74 76

Presenting Oxygen Is a Change of Government inevitable?

All the King’s Horses € The Bishop with a Mission The Media Minister Beats for the Future

property & interiors 34 36 37 38

34-39

To Buy to Let or not to Buy? Property Directory Quay Considerations € Shelve it!

history & heritage 32 42 52 78

Islam’s No1 Tourist was Late for Gib Battle € Bananas, Sabotage & Spies The Church He Loved Gale Almost Claimed Gibraltar Namesake

health & medical 60 62 63 64

60-65

The Bottom Line!

Health & Fitness Guide Cutting Edge at Sport On Why Do Men Die Younger?

regulars 68 90

Puzzle Page Around Town

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

food & drink

80-89

80 Events file 82 Summer Potpourri 85-88 Restaurant & Bar Guide 89 A Matter of Taste

information 70-71 94

City Centre Map Gibraltar Information

leisure & lifestyle 30 44 46 48 50 58 66 73 dining guide • business & finance • sport & leisure • property • history • community

features

Business & Finance Guide All About Pensions Acting on Taxation New Face at Select Acturial Consultancy Launched Football is BIG Business € The Good Recruiters

Rock 3D: Simply Amazing!

Pure Silk, Pure Emotion Shoe Puppies Creativity Unlimited Keyboard Wizard Rise to Tennis Stardom Dance in Dreams € What’s on this month

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ibraltar magazine the

July 2010 Vol. 15 No. 10 FREE

The Gibraltar Magazine is published monthly by

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Creativity Unlimited

Andrea Morton Jolene Gomez Laura Cole

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Vol. 15 No. 09 JULY 2010

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THE GIBRALTAR FINANCIAL SERVICES HANDBOOK Information on the Rock’s off-shore advantages in Taxation, Law, Banking, Company & Trust Formation, Insurance, Business, Property and Financial Services.

Comprehensive A-Z Index for the visiting professional or businessman and the discerning investor.

Detailed appendices on relevant Gibraltar Government legislation.

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAGAZINE •• JULY JULY 2010 2010 GIBRALTAR

Pensions

by Ian le Breton

why the present economic crisis means you might need to consider your options You’re never too young to start thinking about your pension

In previous columns I have looked at the most fundamental problem currently facing Europe — the budget deficits that in certain countries, particularly Greece and Spain, are threatening to destabilise the euro zone. All European countries are looking to reduce their deficits — or national overdrafts if you will — by taking whatever steps are required. As always, here in Gibraltar we are able to consider these issues from a different perspective. Gibraltar is responsible for its own financial affairs and, whilst it is certainly not immune to the current financial crisis, has to a large extent been cushioned.

But what happens in the EU really does affect us. Of course we are mainly concerned — for different reasons — by developments in both the UK and Spain but, as I discussed last month in my column on Greece, we cannot ignore the bigger picture because of the danger that the financial contagion will spread.

The overriding theme is that all EU governments must scale back their budgets urgently to alleviate the dire straits in which many find themselves. For the foreseeable future, national administrations will be looking to cut costs wherever possible. In Spain, for example, there are a number of proposed reductions that in particular focus on public sector infrastructure projects. We are unlikely any time soon to see new expenditure on projects such as the impres-

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

sive (but very expensive) proposed development of Terminal 3 at Málaga airport.

Large scale infrastructure such as new roads and airports may be symbols of national pride but, when the going gets tough, are relatively easy to postpone or cut. But governments in Europe know that this isn’t the whole story. In order to bring about a future of more balanced government debt compared to revenue, much more fundamental — and politically controversial — change will be required. But what will this mean for the ordinary citizen?

Essentially there are two ways that the financial crisis is going to affect each and every resident of those countries where substantial deficit reduction programmes are a necessity.

Firstly, government spending cuts will mean a

This will be deeply unsettling for the millions of people who will suddenly find their long-term plans disrupted, but is there anything individuals can do about it?

reduction in benefits for many. Less generous allowances and tax breaks are going to be made available — there have been recent announcements in both Spain and the UK, and more is certain to follow across Europe.

Secondly — although this is really only the other side of the same coin — taxes will almost certainly have to increase for most citizens.

Rising taxes are never popular but, when combined — as they will be this time — with serious reductions in public spending, we can expect to witness serious public commotion in coming months when the harsh reality begins to bite. Politicians across Europe are going to need nerves of steel as they confront an increasingly uneasy electorate.

Another tactic already announced or being actively considered in some countries — the UK, Spain and Greece, for instance, but more will follow — is to increase the official retirement age. This has long been debated as a necessary response to shifting demographics and ageing populations, but governments are now being forced to act far sooner than had been predicted.

This will be deeply unsettling for the millions of people who will suddenly find their long-term plans disrupted, but is there anything individuals can do about it?

In a word — pensions. For all those fortunate enough to have made some provision for their

business & finance future financial security, now might be a good time to review those arrangements to ensure that you are maximising the opportunities.

Given the present state of the stock markets and their recent history, you must ask yourself if your future material comfort is still as assured as it was on the day that you first made your plans.

At this juncture, I should issue the obligatory “health warning”. This column merely seeks to offer a general financial overview and everyone should seek professional advice on all these matters. You are more than welcome to contact me at Sovereign to see if we can help but for the present, here are some more general, strictly personal, thoughts that aim to de-mystify some of the jargon.

Picking up one of the free newspapers along the coast in Spain, one cannot but help coming across advertorials and other promotion of pension-related products with highly complex and improbable-sounding acronyms such as QROPS, and more recently QNUPS. Eagle-eyed readers may even have come across EFRBS. Goodness me, arranging one’s financial future can sometimes seem to be very complicated.

Do not despair.

For many people reading this column, their pension will be dependent entirely on the government — be that here in Gibraltar, the UK, Spain or elsewhere. For these people it is of course critical that the global effort to reduce public deficits is successful so that future pension payments and benefits can be protected.

For others, greater reliance will be placed on alternative arrangements — perhaps one of those fast disappearing, gold-plated “final salary schemes”, assuming that the company in question has a fully funded or at least financially well-managed scheme.

Increasingly though, many who worked in the UK throughout, or at least for a good part of, their careers will have been paying into private pension schemes that are still based there. This is where QROPS come in. Put simply, non-UK residents with a UK pension can transfer it to a suitable scheme elsewhere — provided the UK authorities have approved such an overseas scheme in advance. A QROPS (Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme) allows for a more flexible investment approach to be adopted and also offers other benefits such as avoiding the need to purchase an annuity at a specified time.

QNUPS (Qualifying Non-UK Pension

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Given the present state of the stock markets and their recent history, you must ask yourself if your future material comfort is still as assured as it was on the day that you first made your plans

Scheme) is another pension-related arrangement, only introduced in February of this year, which can be used, for example, by British expatriates now considering returning to the UK. It creates significant opportunities for British expatriates to save local taxes in the country in which they are tax resident, as well as UK inheritance tax (IHT).

EFRBS (Employer-Financed Retirement Benefit Schemes) are beyond the scope of this article, but can offer a flexible unapproved pension scheme that is particularly suitable for UK resident employees who are not domiciled in the UK, or who are UK domiciled but likely to leave the UK by retirement or have substantial remuneration to justify high levels of pension contributions.

In the case of QROPS, and to an extent QNUPS, these are British government initiatives to ensure that the UK meets its obligations under EU rules to allow pensions to have freedom of movement in the same way as goods, services and people. At the same time, the government is determined to ensure that individuals who benefit from UK tax breaks when making pension contributions in the UK use these pension pots to provide for their future — even if that future is away from the UK. All of us are getting older — your correspondent has just celebrated yet another birthday and is now a year closer to the next “big one” — and we should all be concerned about pensions, whether it be a “state” pension, a private arrangement or perhaps some combination that includes the use of one of the confusing acronyms above. The way that governments tackle the present financial problems — and the results of these actions — are going to be of fundamental importance. And not just in terms of roads, airport terminals or hospitals that don’t get built. So stay abreast of the news and, if you have any cause for concern, seek professional advice at the earliest opportunity. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

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finance

Acting on Taxation On 16th June 2010 the Government published the text of the new, amended and consolidated Income Tax Act, under cover of a pre-legislative briefing paper that explains the main changes being introduced. The new Act lays the foundations for the reduction of Company Tax in Gibraltar from 22% to 10% from 1st January 2011, to coincide with the definitive abolition of the historical Tax Exempt Company regime.

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This legislation ends all distinction between “onshore” and “offshore” business. Together with the tax information exchange agreements being entered into by the Government, and Gibraltar’s full integration in the EU and compliance with EU financial services regulation, money laundering and co-operation rules, the new Tax Act completes Gibraltar’s 14 year transition from tax haven to mainstream European financial services centre.

Only by creating a climate of compliance can low company tax and further lowering of personal taxes be assured. The new Act therefore introduces tough anti-avoidance measures and default financial and legal penalties to help ensure all pay the taxes due — thus making the low rate possible for everyone.

The legislation also introduces severe criminal consequences, as well as personal liability, for directors and managers of companies that withhold tax from workers pay and then fail to pay it over to the Government promptly.

To level the playing field between PAYE payers, and companies and self-employed people, the latter will, in future, have to pay tax during the tax year on account of that year’s tax bill.

This brings to an end the historical position where PAYE payers suffer tax at source, while companies and the self employed could delay paying their tax for several years.

The legislation also introduces a system of self assessment and hefty financial penalties for defaulting on payment or returns.

The new legislation is based closely on the old Income Tax Act, with major amendments to bring about the changes now being introduced.

For ease of use the new legislation takes the form of a new, consolidated Act. The Government has published: • A 52 page pre-legislative briefing paper explaining the changed principles and provisions of the Bill; • The intended text of the Bill; • The text of the (more extensive than usual) explanatory memorandum attached to the Bill itself.

These texts are available in PDF format on the Government’s website: www.gibraltar. gov.gi The above is published to allow for comments (in writing to the Chief Minister at No 6 Convent Place) up to 23rd July 2010. The Government intends to formally publish the Bill in the Gazette in mid-August, so that it may undergo and complete its passage through Parliament during October.

Commenting on the texts, the Chief Minister said: “This legislation represents several years work by many people, including officials, lawyers, accountants and others who have supported me in this vital project. The underlying principles have thus already been widely consulted.

“Thousands of local jobs, much Government revenue and thus our public services, depend on Gibraltar having an internationally competitive tax system. Many previously tax exempt banks, insurance, investment, gaming and other companies will begin to pay profit tax in Gibraltar for the first time on the same basis as all other companies. These companies

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

appointments are vital to our economy and to the social prosperity of all of us in Gibraltar.

“I wish to thank and commend these companies for their continued commitment to Gibraltar despite the introduction of taxation for them. Tax is very important, but Gibraltar is more than about just tax: it is also about political and economic stability, good regulation and high standards and safe business environment, high quality of personal life style, good professional services and communications, and availability of well educated staff.

“The Climate of Compliance sought to be created by the new Act is also intended to enable the Government to continue and proceed further with its long established programme of tax cutting for individuals as well. Low tax must come hand in hand with an end to our historically benign tax administration and enforcement system.” n

Only by creating a climate of compliance can low company tax and further lowering of personal taxes be assured. The new Act therefore introduces tough anti-avoidance measures

Chichon appointed Chief of major Radio Orchestra Local conductor Karel Mark Chichon has been appointed Chief Conductor of the SWR Deutsche Radio Philharmonie Saarbrücken Kaiserslautern. His contract will start by covering three seasons, running until July 2014 with an option of further renewal after the first year. He will conduct a maximum of 12 weeks with the orchestra every year.

The SWR Deutsche Radio Philhamonie (DRP) is one of Germany’s leading radio symphony orchestras. Its previous Chief Conductors have included some of the greatest names in conducting.

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services update

Eastern beach mobility service

The facilities include a reception pergola which will be manned by fully-trained staff from the Care Agency. The special equipment will include amphibious chairs, hoists and a wheelchair to assist people wishing to access the service from their cars parked in the nearby car park. There will be three Beach Tents available which can be used by visitors to the service.

The service will run until 11th September 2010, at the southern part of Eastern Beach (last year it was on the north side), and it available for visitors and residents. Maps are available at hotels, the John Mackintosh Hall and the tourist board to help visitors find the service.

Commenting on the service, the Minister with responsibility for the Disabled, the Hon. JJ Netto stated: “All forward looking societies should do their utmost when removing physical and artificial frame of mind barriers that exclude some members of our society from the enjoyment they deserve. The Eastern Beach project is another step in the right direction”.

The Gibraltar Disabilities Society, the Gibraltar Tourist Board, the Royal Gibraltar Police, the MOD Fire and Rescue Service and the Care Agency Staff, have all enabled the service to be launched and continued. n

This summer, the Care Agency is once again providing facilities on Eastern Beach to allow people with disabilities — temporary or permanent — to easily access to the beach.

For further enquiries, contact Jennie Allison, the Clinical Standards Compliance Director, The Care Agency on 200 70732 or the Mobility Assistants on 54018017 during operating hours, 1pm- 8pm, every day of the week.

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

finance

Shhh!! Can You Keep A Secret?

Have you heard yet? Gibraltar’s best kept secret is out! Head to N&P (Norwich and Peterborough Building Society), talk to the team and find out what everyone is talking about — and you could win a luxury wine tasting trip to Andalucia!

The N&P Gibraltar current account is the best in town and staff at the Society’s branch, at 198-200 Main Street, are on hand to talk to you about it. Plus, as an added bonus, by going along to the branch before 14th August to talk to the team, you will also have the chance to win a fantastic luxury wine tasting trip.

The prize includes travel in a classic car, visiting the local wine region for wine tasting and lunch in the beautiful Ronda Valley. Book a review with one of the team by calling 200 45050 to make sure that you’re in with a chance of winning this great day out.

Does your existing current account offer you all of the following with no fee?

• £500 interest and fee-free overdraft* • £50 account switching guarantee** • Account opening within 24 hours • Ability to open the account with just £1 • Direct line to your branch • Free everyday banking, no monthly charges • Access to an exclusive savings account paying

5% gross/AER*** • Low overdraft rates You can have all of this with N&P’s Gibraltar current account, switching couldn’t be easier and N&P will guarantee to complete the switch from your existing current account provider within 10 days or it will give you £50**.

Samantha Hemingway, retails sales and service manager, said: “We believe that our current account is the best in town. It provides access to a top paying savings account and it can be up and running within just 24 hours! We are looking (L-R) -N&P Gibraltar staff, Anna Cumbo, customer forward to sharing our best kept secret with adviser, Samantha Hemingway, retail sales and service everyone.” n manager and Stacey Canepa, customer adviser.

* Subject to status. Available for the first six months of your account opening, then 13.79% EAR typical variable. ** Switching service is only available for customers transferring their current account from Natwest or Barclays and only applies to payees based in the UK. If N&P fails to transfer all your existing direct debits and standing orders from your existing account to your new N&P Gibraltar Current Account, within ten working days (from when your request is received by our dedicated Account Transfer Team) and you notify us of this, we guarantee to pay you £50 into your account. If the originator or your existing bank fails to act on our instruction, we will not be liable under this guarantee. *** Gross means the amount payable before the deduction of income tax. AER means Annual Equivalent Rate and shows what the interest rate would be if interest was paid and added each year. To qualify for a Gold Savings Account you must pay a minimum of £20 and a maximum of £250 into your Gold Savings Account every month for 12 months. No withdrawals permitted. Interest fixed for 12 months. Interest paid on anniversary of account opening when you money will be transferred to an Instant Reserve variable rate easy access account.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

15

update

Air Quality Action Plan In the last week of June the Government launched its Draft Air Quality Action Plan, which is posted on the Department of the Environment website as part of a public consultation exercise.

The draft plan comprises actions the Government has established as a means of reducing levels of Particulate Matter (PM10) and Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) in Gibraltar — the two pollutants for which exceedences of EU limit values have been recorded for the years 2007 and 2008.

Once the proposed actions are applied the measured concentrations of PM10 and NO2 are expected to be well below the EU limit values.

This draft air quality action plan has been produced to accompany

16

the formal applications for a time extension for PM10 and NO2 to the European Commission and to establish a strategy to reduce measured levels of PM10, NO2 and other pollutants.

Members of the public who have read the document may make representations in writing to the Department of the Environment, Duke of Kent House, Line Wall Road. The public consultation exercise will run until 6th July 2010.

The document can be downloaded from www.gibraltar.gov.gi/environment/environment

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

career moves

New Face at Select Recruitment Gibraltar Select Recruitment Gibraltar has welcomed top UK recruitment specialist, Oliver Medina, to its growing team as Executive Recruitment Manager.

In a business where Directors and Managers lead by example and are fee generating, Oliver will be specialising in Financial Services and Banking recruitment in Gibraltar and the UK. Previously, a valued executive manager at Reed UK, Oliver brings with him a wealth of experience in specialist recruitment solutions.

His new role at SRG will certainly be keeping him busy. In addition to providing top quality recruitment solutions to clients and candidates, Oliver will be managing the SRG consultancy team on a day-to-day basis as well as assisting Managing Director, Angelique Pearson, with progressing the company’s ambitious strategic growth plans.

Prior to joining the world of recruitment, Oliver worked with some of the UK’s leading financial services companies including Scottish Equitable, Friends Provident and Harris Allday Stockbrokers (now EFG Private Bank). During this time, he gained both Financial Services qualifications and a wealth of industry knowledge that has helped make him a highly respected Financial Services recruitment expert.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

As one of the most successful recruitment consultants for Reed, Oliver quickly worked his way up to Executive Manager level — fully responsible for the National Mortgage Team, Financial Services and Insurance Team — and reporting only to Reed board directors.

Excited by the challenges that lie ahead, Oliver has already settled his young family into their new home and he is looking forward to enjoying the lifestyle opportunities that this part of the world has to offer, while still pursuing the career he loves.

He comments, “I am delighted to be asked to join such a positive, forward-thinking company and it’s great to move to such a thriving market as Gibraltar. I look forward to making a valuable contribution to the evolution and progress of SRG.” n Select Recruitment Gibraltar recruits exclusively in the Online Gaming, IT, Accountancy and Financial Services sectors. To submit a CV, apply online at www.srgibraltar.com. If you would like help or advice from Oliver, or any of the specialist consultants, call 216 21111.

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business moves

Rapid insurance sector growth and Solvency II concerns prompt launch of Gibraltar’s first specialist actuarial consultancy.

Paul Tysoe will head the Gibraltar office of Mazars Actuaries & Consultants

Gibraltar’s first specialist actuarial consultancy launched Mazars Actuaries and Consultants, the UK-based actuarial arm of international accountancy firm Mazars, has opened an office in Gibraltar.

The first of its kind, the new venture will be led by director Paul Tysoe, an experienced member of the territory’s insurance sector.

The considerable growth in Gibraltar’s insurance market over the last eight years along with the increasing demand for specialist advice relating to the Solvency II directive are the principal reasons behind the firm’s decision to establish the new office.

The main focus of the practice will be general insurance related actuarial services, specifically reserve reviews, pricing reviews and Solvency II advisory work. It will also be able to provide services relating to life insurance and pensions via Mazars’ wider network

18

of 50 actuaries across Europe, plus independent support from many more.

Paul Tysoe comments: “There are now over 60 insurance companies based in Gibraltar compared to 22 in 2002. Few of these companies have an in-house actuarial resource and we believe that a dedicated consultancy based in the peninsular is best placed to offer actuarial

“

services to the market.”

Mazars combined the launch of the new office with a topical Solvency II seminar, jointly hosted with Hassans international law firm. The event covered the timeline for implementation; quantitative impact studies; internal models and model validation; captives; the actuarial function holder, and own risk and solvency analysis.

There are now over 60 insurance companies based in Gibraltar compared to 22 in 2002

”

“Previous seminars to the Gibraltar market had tended to focus on the more actuarial aspects of the directive, so the aim of our first seminar was to make the subject matter more relevant to a nonactuarial audience. Solvency II is not just a dry piece of actuarial number-crunching, it has far-reaching implications for practically all areas of an insurance business” comments Paul.

Nigel Feetham, a partner at Hassans, added: “The directive is one of the most important pieces of EU legislation affecting insurance companies. I was pleased to see that the seminar was well attended by representatives of local companies and the feedback we received has been extremely positive.”

One of the first resident actuaries in Gibraltar, Paul has lived and worked in the territory for six years.

He played an instrumental role in setting up Gibraltar’s Solvency II sub-committee, which acts as the local insurance industry’s technical forum on directive matters. Paul has worked in the general insurance industry for the last fourteen years, most recently as an executive director at Zenith Insurance.

Prior to working for Zenith he spent a number of years working as the general insurance actuary at the then Liverpool Victoria (now LV=). Says Paul: “The greater part of my working life has been spent alongside non-actuarial insurance professionals, making sure that actuarial concepts are properly communicated to them. The move into consultancy, and the opportunity to work with a wide range of clients on new challenges, is very exciting. ” Andrew Hubbard, head of Mazars’ UK insurance practice comments: “There’s no substitute for having a person on the ground within close proximity to the client, and the new office in Gibraltar will make us unique in that regard.

We’re delighted that Paul has joined us to lead the business.” n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

business events

SIA Consultant Revisits Gibraltar Roger Gould returned to Gibraltar at the end of June, to keep Security Express employees up to date with the latest practices, specialising in Sea Port and Hospital Security.

Security Express once again contracted the services of Mr Roger Gould, a Security Industry Authority (UK) Consultant and Lecturer, to provide a series of security training lectures on Sea Port and Hospital security for their guards.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

The courses were to enhance the already high standard of security provided to their clients, and to ensure them of their commitment to best management practices and procedures. The courses were held at Bleak House towards the end of

June.

This course has been organised after the success of SIA NVQ security courses, which were also provided by Mr Gould, in 2009. The current courses are being held as a refresher to this, and to specialise

in Sea Port Authority and Hospital Security.

For more information on these courses, please contact Security Express, Eaton Park, 1 Devil’s Tower Road, Tel: 200 44999, Fax: 200 44888.

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business focus Zoë has been involved with FLIP since January 2009, when she embarked on this three year project, which aims to raise social awareness and a sense of responsibility amongst our talented local youth, who will become future leaders. This joint venture between Credit Suisse and Bonita Trust helps students develop social skills, as well as helping a charity of their choice.

The project is spread out over three years, with the first year including researching charities, the second year entails organising a fund raising event, and the third year writing an essay on all the students have learned throughout the three years. Three monthly meetings are organised with mentors, to help and advise the students along the way.

As part of her second year FLIP tasks, Zoë is organising a fund raising event called “Oxygen”, a fun and entertaining show which will be staged at the Alameda Open Air Theatre, on 22nd July 2010. This show will include a vast variety of performances from local artists, including the ever popular Urban Dance, Scouts Band, Santos Productions, Mediterranean Dance Group, Danza Academy, Tim Garcia, and many more.

As Zoë has been dancing from a young age, she thought it would be a great idea to organise a show as part of her project. “I had to stop dancing due to my studies, but I intend to continue organising shows after I finish university, as I’m really enjoying every aspect

Presenting Oxygen Aside from being the daughter of Dr. John Cortes (well known for his work with GOHNS, The Alameda Botanic Gardens, and his acting appearances of course!), 18 year old Zoë Cortes is also part of the Future Leaders in Philanthropy (FLIP) project. We keep hearing of local students working on various FLIP projects in the media, and Zoë’s project, “Oxygen”, will not only benefit a very special cause, but also promises to be an extremely entertaining evening.

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

future leaders of the organisation process,� ZoÍ explains.

A show for the young and not so young, this event, in such a splendid setting, will deďŹ nitely keep the audience entertained. Tickets will be on sale at the Nature Shop from end of June, priced ÂŁ8 each. There will also be a rafe with excellent prizes, as well as food stalls and drinks at the interval.

Although it might be difďŹ cult for her to balance her studies and her FLIP project, ZoĂŤ is taking everything in her stride, and is very organised in her approach to her work.

But what exactly is ZoĂŤ aiming to raise both money and awareness for? “I have decided to raise money for the Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre,â€? ZoĂŤ beams proudly. A relatively unknown venture, ZoĂŤ hopes to not only raise awareness of this extremely beneďŹ cial and worthy cause, but also raise loads of money, which will be doubled up by the Bonita Trust.

During Oxygen there will be a video presentation on patients’ testimonies on the centre, as well as shots of the centre itself for the audience to watch.

The Multiple Sclerosis Therapy

Centre was founded ďŹ ve years ago

by James Pratts, in a chamber at the port of Gibraltar. After being injured at work in January 2000, he was diagnosed with Reex Sympathetic Dystrophy, also called Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome.

After obtaining more information on his condition online, he attended a three-day conference on how oxygen could treat certain conditions. In his case it would be extremely beneďŹ cial, since his condition was due to oxygen deprivation, which caused swelling in his limbs.

Fearing his condition would eventually leave him wheelchair bound, and the side effects of his prescribed medication being too strong to tolerate, he opted for three years of hyperbaric oxygen treatment in the UK. In 2006, the hyperbaric chambers were completed at the port of Gibraltar, and later transferred to their current location in Devil’s

Tower Road. “The money raised from my FLIP project will go towards purchasing an oxygen generator for the centre,â€? ZoĂŤ explains. “At the moment, the price per session is very expensive due to having to buy oxygen cylinders all the time, but with the generator the price would reduce drastically, thus making this treatment more accessible to everyone.â€?

This high-pressure oxygen treatment is beneďŹ cial to many patients with various conditions, including diabetes, autism, cerebral palsy, sports injuries and bedsores.

The day-to-day running of the centre is done through volunteers, who are speciďŹ cally trained. Professional medical advice is available, and inspectors visit the centre each year, to ensure the equipment is up to standard. “The centre’s current location is not the best, and recently it has suffered water penetration due to the

heavy rain we have experienced,�

ZoĂŤ says. “But to see the difference in patients when they have had the treatment is extremely rewarding, and to know my project will help them improve their quality of life keeps me motivated. I would like to thank everybody who has helped me with this project, especially the sponsors, and hope you all enjoy Oxygen.â€?

For a fun ďŹ lled evening of local talent, and all for a very worthy cause, there is no better place than the Alameda Open Air Theatre on 22nd July, as Oxygen launches ZoÍ’s journey, as a future leader in philanthropy. â– Oxygen will take place on Thursday 22nd July at the Alameda Open Air Theatre from 9pm. Tickets priced at ÂŁ8.00 are available from The Nature Shop, Casemates. Food and drinks will be on sale before the show and in the interval. All money raised will be matched by the Bonita Trust.

This high-pressure oxygen treatment is beneďŹ cial to many patients with various conditions, including diabetes, autism, cerebral palsy, sports injuries and bedsores

!

! "# $ % & % ' # ( # ) * ++ , -.. , / % ' $ # * $ 0 # (1 0 # # 1 / 1 * 2% ' + , / 1 # 1 + * $ 1 * 3/ % . # * # , . . # * * 2% ' 2 / * (1 ( 0 4 , 5 % 6 $ * %, 1 7 / ## 8 7

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

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opinion Of course, in a closely-run election, many are persuaded to vote for a party desperately in need of sufficient votes to beat the other main party — so people vote to keep someone out, rather than really, or ideally, wanting the one they vote for (if they perceive their vote will be wasted otherwise, or create an uncertain result that might lead to the undesirable party remaining in office). This may be the real reason the BNP, for example, did not win seats in areas of racial tension as they might have expected.

Commentators have kept saying the electorate voted for a hung parliament, but were they not more likely to vote Liberal Democrat if they really wanted a coalition to be formed?

So many factors were at play. The first-past-the post system currently favours Labour because they win more seats with smaller majorities in urban areas, and so have less wasted excess votes; whereas the Conservatives have more and larger majorities with large unnecessary excess votes. And the poor old Liberal Democrats get wasted votes nearly everywhere, such that they get one MP for every half million people, or ten times less than the other two parties.

Proponents of change want the votes cast to be reflected in the number of seats gained.

Those against do not want a parliament to have many fringe parties represented who either have no comprehensive policies, but only single-issue ones, but who might get to punch beyond their weight if their votes in Parliament are needed to create a majority coalition.

And the only way to get exact proportional representation is to have your “wasted” excess vote used to “elect” someone somewhere else or on a party reserve list (who you do not really know anything much about and have not subjected to as much scrutiny).

The unique electoral system here is not without difficulties of its own. It clearly favours a two-party approach as the electorate can actually elect the entire government because each elector has 10 votes to cast in one single constituency who, individually, do not represent a particular area of Gibraltar, but the entire country. Most people use their votes entirely for one party. As the governing party only needs nine winners to form a majority government, new parties like the PDP have asked for people to at least cast one vote for them, as did one single-issue candidate last

Is a change of government inevitable a personal view by Paul de Beresford

?

We have just witnessed the complex outcome of the UK General Election which, strangely, resulted in the Conservatives obtaining more votes than Labour in the previous election that returned the latter, but without getting a majority of seats, despite winning a large number from Labour. And the Liberal Democrats actually got fewer seats than before, despite opinion polls giving them a position either ahead or just behind Labour.

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

opinion time and another independent who wanted to be the voice of reason or moderation. But all three failed.

But the real common problem for all governments everywhere is that, after a long period in office, the electoral make-up changes as some have died and some become eligible to vote for the first time and, being younger in the main (or new to Gibraltar), may only see what is wrong with Gibraltar and assume the opponent party in waiting has all the answers.

Oppositions either offer the same broad policies with different emphasis or style, or even just personalities, or they offer radical change (or say they do) — even if they could not, or would not, actually deliver it. After several years in office, governments will manage to upset individual electors over one issue or another. Oppositions will attempt to please the disgruntled from every corner they can and make promises in their favour, to do what they actually failed to do when last in government.

Oppositions are made up of now older politicians, wanting another go at government, and younger inexperienced members who have never experienced the difficulties of delivery of the near impossible task of achieving all they set out to within the constraints of the finance and human resources available.

But also, governments can become used to office, become over-defensive of their policies and their way of doing business, or just too comfortable. They have members who have done their bit and wish to retire so, without any back benchers here to draw upon as re-

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

placements, they too will put up inexperienced candidates.

In any event, no government or opposition here will risk losing support by doing the things that must be done to curb excessive use of cars, stop smoking in public, charge economic rents in government housing to those who can well afford it, introduce multi-tasking in the public sector to make it efficient, or find a radical solution to the rapidly growing cost of government employee final salary pensions based on a high percentage of earnings (and a shorter qualification period of earning it) than exits in the UK (who have their own time-bomb with less liability) or properly tax

The unique electoral system here favours a two-party approach as the electorate can actually elect the entire government because each elector has 10 votes to cast

the self-employed.

What electors must pause and do is reflect on the Gibraltar of today and compare it with the one of the past. They should remember the quality of housing available in the past, the choices people now have in employment in more comfortable office jobs, the pay levels, the appearance of the place that makes it so much more pleasant to live here, the facilities for sport and leisure in Victoria Stadium or King’s Bastion, the free-of-tuition-fees university education available to practically all who want it, with even a contributory-free maintenance grant which is simply not available elsewhere (not even Scotland with all its excess money from England), the lower taxes for all and higher pensions for the old (and without tax deducted).

They must then ask if these improvements would have occurred anyway, or whether or not the current government deserves all the credit. Importantly, they must ask themselves if the improvements have been paid for by the inflow of outsiders’ monies to buy expensive property that produces profits for government from the land sales, and the businesses that have been established in recent years, or if it is possible to keep Gibraltar in isolation form the rest of the EU by providing more comfortable jobs purely for Gibraltarians and cheaper housing for them, probably at the cost of declining wage levels, less luxurious new housing and fewer or more expensively parentally-funded university students gaining the opportunities to live and work anywhere they chose. n

23

technology opinion

The Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban — one of the new stadiums built in South Africa in for the 2010 FIFA World Cup

big

Football is business

Friday 11th June saw the launch of this year’s football World Cup with 32 teams playing in South Africa for the coveted prize of being crowned the best in the world. At the same time Deloitte in Gibraltar organised the next best thing for football fanatics and occasional spectators alike — an online Fantasy Football competition which runs alongside the tournament.

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With a dedicated website everyone can share the excitement and have some fun by entering their own virtual team selecting players from any of the World Cup sides. Competitors enter a local Gibraltar league, the Deloitte global super league with players from all four corners of the world or leagues made up of their own friends, family, colleagues etc.

Over 230 managers in Gibraltar are now part of the biggest game on earth, monitoring the progress of their fantasy teams as well as those out there on the pitch. And the prize for being part of the action? The winning Gibraltar team manager receives an iPad. Back in the business world, the Deloitte Sports Business Group has been profiling the highest earning clubs in the world’s most popular sport.

Coming only nine months after the end of the last football season, it is the most contemporary and reliable analysis of clubs’ relative financial performance.

Whilst there are a number of methods that can be used to determine clubs’ relative size — including measures of fanbase, attendance, broadcast audience, or on-pitch success — the Deloitte team compare clubs using revenue from day to day football operations believing this to be the best publicly available financial comparison.

Last year’s edition of the Money League was published amidst an economic downturn impacting on the majority of industry sectors.

We predicted that 2008/09 would show some early signs of football’s top clubs’ resistance to the recession. But we knew it would not be until 2009/10, the season currently in progress, before we saw the full impact on clubs’ revenues.

We continue to assert that the game’s top clubs are well placed to meet the challenges presented by the difficult economic environment. Their large and loyal supporter bases, ability to drive broadcast audiences, and continuing attraction to corporate partners provide a strong base to underpin revenues.

It’s a big money game.

This premise is supported by clubs’ revenue performance in 2008/09. The combined revenues of the top 20 Money League clubs was over €3.9 billion in 2008/09, a €26m increase on the previous year. However, nine of the top 20 clubs showed a decrease in revenues in local currency in 2008/09 compared to the previous year, although for two of these clubs the revenue fall was due to inferior performance in European competitions, and hence lower UEFA central distributions.

The vast majority of Money League clubs maintained average match attendances when comparing 2008/09 with 2007/08. This continued into 2009/10, other than for clubs who face additional challenges maintaining attendances at previous levels, due to on-pitch performance or stadium redevelopment issues.

Nonetheless, the changing economic environment has placed increased pressure on ticket pricing strategies and all clubs will continue to face challenges in managing matchday yields.

Real Madrid become the first team in any sport to record revenues in excess of €400m Congratulations to Real Madrid who top the Money League for the fifth consecutive year and become the first team in any sport to record revenues in excess of €400m. FC Barcelona’s exceptional season on the pitch, winning the domestic double and the UEFA Champions

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

business file League, helped drive the largest year on year absolute revenue growth of any Money League club with a €57m increase to €366m resulting in the club returning to second place in the list and completing a Spanish one-two.

The sustained depreciation of the Pound Sterling against the Euro continues to impair English clubs’ positions in the list. For example, had Manchester United’s 2008/09 revenues been converted to Euros at the summer 2007 exchange rate, the club would have topped this year’s Money League. For the purposes of our analysis, we use the exchange rate as at the 30 June each year, and the Pound Sterling fell by 21% against the Euro between 2007 and 2009 meaning that Manchester United’s revenue in Euros for 2008/09 is €74m below that of Real Madrid and €39m below FC Barcelona, who leapfrog the English champions in to second place.

However, England retains seven clubs in this year’s top 20, the largest representation of any single country reflecting its continued strength in depth as a result of the Premier League’s central broadcast deals and the ability of the

league’s clubs to generate comparatively high matchday revenues.

All of this year’s top 20 clubs are from the ‘big five’ European leagues with Germany contributing five clubs, Italy four, and France and Spain represented by two clubs each. In fact there is little change in the top 20 clubs compared with last year with two new clubs, Werder Bremen and Manchester City, replac-

For Barça, the ability to maintain and monetise its on-pitch success will be crucial in providing the opportunity to close the revenue gap to its closest rivals

The WE CARE project enjoys its 3rd anniversary this year. The annual presentation took place

in mid-June at the Convent. HE the Governor and Lady Suzie Johns presented cheques and prizes to the winners (above) and to the charities (below). The WE CARE children have been doing kind deeds in the community, in exchange for points. The Bonita Trust converted those points to monetary contributions to local charities chosen by the children. This year the children’s efforts raised £25,000 — a reflection of the hard work and kindness of the WE CARE children. The children will continue to offer the kind deeds and will be able to do things such as throwing out the rubbish, washing cars, shopping, walking a dog, and watering plants. As a thank you for their support, WE CARE /Bonita Trust donated a total of 10 Smart Board Interactive Whiteboard System to the Middle Schools. The winning children received vouchers for ice skating, cinema and bowling at the Leisure Centre. A trophy was awarded to Tiffany Crisp of St Anne’s school for being the overall winner this year with 6475 points.

ing VfB Stuttgart and Turkish club Fenerbahce.

The limited change in the clubs comprising the Money League top 20 reflects the fact that those clubs with the largest supporter bases in the strongest economic markets, high attraction to commercial partners, and consistent participation in European competition will dominate the top positions.

This is reinforced by the fact that clubs from the ‘big five’ European leagues also occupy most of the positions immediately below the top 20.

So what of the future?

Whilst there has been relatively little change in the clubs that comprise the top 20, participation and relative performance in the UEFA Champions League continues to be a key factor in determining a club’s position in the Money League. Six clubs in our top 20 did not compete in the Champions League in 2008/09, although only one (AC Milan) was in the top ten. Of these six, only Newcastle United did not compete in any European competition in 2008/09.

The Premier League’s new improved broadcasting deals from 2010/11, with a particularly impressive rumoured growth in the value of the league’s overseas rights to over £1.2 billion (€1.4 billion), are likely to provide the platform for England to maintain the most representatives from any country in the top 20.

Relative performance in the Champions League will become even more important in determining a club’s revenue performance and position in the Money League in future. 2009/10 is the first season of new improved three year broadcast and commercial deals which will, in total, deliver a 29% increase in distributions to participating clubs. It is still likely to be Real Madrid and FC Barcelona both suffer from a weak exchange rate.

Real’s returning president Florentino Pérez showed, through his transfer spending in the summer of 2009, a clear intent, and need, to remain number one in revenue terms. The ability of Los Blancos to mould these recruits into a successful team on the pitch, particularly in the Champions League, may hold the key to it retaining its title as the world’s highest earning club. For Barça, the ability to maintain and monetise its on-pitch success will be crucial in providing the opportunity to close the revenue gap to its great rivals and challenge for top position.

Held every four years, the 2010 World Cup culminates with a showpiece final on 11th July. A billion viewers. 736 players. 32 teams.

1 winner.

The business world won’t wait four years for the winner. In next year’s edition of the Deloitte Football Money League we’ll see how the impact of on and off field performances at the 2010 World Cup has shaped football club recruitment strategies, sponsorship deals and future revenues.

Eran Shay heads up the Financial Advisory Services team, providing strategic and financial advisory services to clients throughout every phase of a company’s life. Whether you are looking to start or expand your own business, raise capital, explore M&A opportunities or float your business on the global capital markets, we are here to make every transaction a successful one. n For more information or a copy of the 2009/10 report, please contact Eran Shay on +350 200 41200 eshay@deloitte.gi

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

Gib mag advert A4:Layout 1

11/6/10

11:17

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www.nandp-gibraltar.co.uk

Have you heard?

The N&P Gibraltar Current Account has more to offer than you might think:

Open your account within 24 hours Free £500 overdraft for the first six months* £50 guarantee that we will switch your account within 10 days† No bank charges when your account is in credit The lowest overdraft rate currently around Access to exclusive 5% gross/AER** savings rate Phone your local branch directly

Talk to us about switching your account before 14th August and you could win a luxury wine tasting trip.

198-200 Main Street, Gibraltar Telephone (200) 45050

† From when your request is received by our dedicated Account Transfer Team. Switching service is only available for customers transferring their current account from Natwest or Barclays and is only for payees based in the UK. If for any reason we’re not able to do this, and you let us know, we’ll pay £50 into your account. The guarantee does not apply if it is the originator or your existing bank that’s not acted on our instruction. * Subject to status. ** Gross means the amount payable before the deduction of income tax. AER means Annual Equivalent Rate and shows what the interest rate would be if interest was paid and added each year. To qualify for a Gold Savings Account you must pay a minimum of £500 into your N&P Gibraltar Current Account each month and pay a minimum of £20 and a maximum of £250 into your Gold Savings Account every month for 12 months. No withdrawals permitted. Interest is paid on the anniversary of the account opening when your money will be transferred to an ‘Easy Plus’ variable rate easy access account. *** EAR stands for Equivalent Annual Rate and does not take into account any additional charges (e.g. arrangement fees/security charges/monthly fees) which may be applicable.When you arrange an overdraft facility with us, there will be a charge of £5 each month you need to make use of the overdraft and an interest charge of 13.79% EAR typical variable. If you exceed the agreed overdraft limit, the interest rate increases to 24.9% EAR typical variable.

Norwich & Peterborough Building Society is licensed in Gibraltar by the Financial Services Commission No. FSC00472A. N&P provides financial advice on regulated and non-regulated products.

Principal Office: Peterborough Business Park, Lynch Wood, Peterborough PE2 6WZ, England.

careers

by Sanjay Khiani, Director, Career Finders Ltd

The Good Recruiters A few years ago, the concept of looking to a recruitment agency, to find a job, was unheard of in Gibraltar. Previously a candidate would be appointed either by word of mouth or by sending their CV to a company themselves.

However, due to the fact a lot of local and international companies are now being set up in Gibraltar, there is a very strong need to approach experts to find the right calibre of candidate for a particular position. Gibraltar can no longer rely on the traditional method of employment as mentioned above as sometimes the vacancy / person is hard to find.

Presently in Gibraltar, the two key businesses which approach recruitment agencies with the aim of hiring are the Gaming and Financial Services sectors. The first thing that comes to our minds is why do they require agencies?

The answer is this: These companies do not recruit in annual cycles like the big graduate employers. Very often they need to get someone in immediately, and do not have the time or the resources to go through hundreds of CVs. Most of the time, they are looking for candidates with a specific skill and therefore cannot be picked off the streets as they are probably currently employed in other companies or working in the UK

28

ments — an additional monthly cost which the business will save by using an agency. One of the main attractions of using an agency is they usually run on a ‘no win no fee’ basis — highly attractive for employers recruiting in Gibraltar, as it represents a low risk method of recruitment.

As well as assistance in taking on permanent members of staff, we also provide staff on a contract basis. Although this can be a relatively expensive way of employing long term candidates, it provides a high degree of flexibility to cover short term demands. We also operate on a temp to perm arrangement, where a candidate who is taken on a temporary contract can be recruited as a permanent member of staff. Agencies will often offer a discount for this type of transfer, depending on the amount of time the candidate has been temping through the agency.

Employers in Gibraltar will use recruitment agencies for many different reasons: Y They are a small company without a personnel department to organise finding staff.

Y They do not want to advertise or go public with their requirements.

Y They want to save on advertising costs.

Y They are looking for particular skills.

Y They have had problems in the past with finding suitable applicants through advertising.

Recruitment agencies are intermediaries who constantly scrutinise market until they find the right person for the position. They thrive by applying methods such as: knowledge of where to find the right person, their utmost aim; reviewing each and every CV and finding a position for them; effective advertising (newspapers, magazines, websites, internet, billboards...) always bearing in mind the most important criteria which is; filling the needs of clients and finding a career that suits each job seeker.

A high quality recruitment consultant knows their market niche so intimately they can provide excellent advice to their clients about candidate availability, sourcing methods, salaries and benefits, hiring timeframes and key ‘push & pull’ factors for quality candidates. It is highly unlikely a client will have anything close to the same level of expertise about the relevant candidate market.

We are extremely fortunate that Gibraltar has produced extremely good candidates so far — I know this by interviewing all candidates first hand through my agency and from feedback from companies I am currently working with.

Nonetheless, I have also experienced candidates who have relocated to Gibraltar whilst seeking jobs — and there are a few more yet to come in the near future.

In my opinion, recruitment is an extremely exciting, fast-paced and fast-growing industry in Gibraltar. It is like every other job, tremendously challenging and a stimulating career.

So far, Gibraltar has benefited immensely from recruitment agencies by finding them the right staff for companies. It is but obvious that the need for recruitment agencies is only growing.

They have proven tenacity by keeping on going, spirit by staying positive and flair by seeing and taking opportunities in making deals happen.

or Spain. In these cases, they turn to recruitment agencies which can handle the advertising, do the initial sifting and present them with suitable candidates to interview.

In addition, we should not forget the overheads involved for a company in hiring HR people to look after recruiting for the vacancy.

Bearing this in mind, it also does not necessarily mean successes while finding the candidate.

It costs less for businesses to pay the recruitment agency their one off commission fee for finding the candidate than for them to conduct Career Finders Ltd, Unit D 66 Main Street, Gibraltar. the full recruitment process themselves or to Tel: 200 66676 Mobile: 540262 67 Email: sanjay@ employ people in HR to cater for their recruit- careerfinders.gi. Website: www.careerfinders.gi

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

A step in the right direction. www.careerfinders.gi

CURRENT VACANCIES:

CLIENTS Career Finders is Gibraltar’s principal recruitment agency focusing on meeting the needs of our clients.

Career Finders recruit primarily in Gibraltar in a number of market sectors such as: ● Finance and Accounting ● Gaming ● Law ● Retail ● IT Career Finders focuses on filling the needs of clients and finding a career that suits each job seeker.

Career Finders offers clients both interim and permanent candidates.

When you select Career Finders to fill a vacancy you will benefit from the following: ● Candidate database with over 7,000 candidates ● Candidates from Gibraltar, Great Britain and Spain ● Designated recruitment consultant to cater for your needs ● A free replacement of the candidate you select should they not work out ● Career Finders handle relocation for candidates at no extra cost ● Work Permit Application (non EU nationals) Career Finders is also the only recruitment company in Gibraltar that charges fees based on the candidate’s first year salary. This enables Career Finders to appeal to all types of companies irrespective of size or budget, allowing our service to be used by every organisation in Gibraltar.

4German/French speaking Customer services 4Sportsbook Site Managers x3 4Technical Architects 4Systems operations Analyst 4Business Analysts 4Customer Poker retention 4Various other IT Roles 4Audit Accountant 4Junior Relationship Manager 4Relationship Manager 4SAP Programme Manager 4SAP Super User and Accountant 4Company Administrator 4Website Developer 4Director of Operations 4Recruitment Consultant 4Account Officer 4Client Relationship 4Business Development Manager 4PA 4Finance Director 4CEO

CANDIDATES Once you have selected Career Finders to assist you on your job search you will benefit from our client portfolio which covers each and every sector in Gibraltar.

Some of the sectors we recruit for are: ● Finance and Accounting ● Gaming ● Law ● Retail ● IT Career Finders will not only assure you an interview with a client, it will also make sure you get selected for the job by assisting you in the following ways: ● Face to face meetings to go over the client’s expectations

Career Finders is based in the heart of Gibraltar’s Main Street, please feel free to come into our office, send an e-mail or give us a call and we will be happy to provide you with any further information on how we can be of assistance at no extra cost.

Career Finders Ltd Unit D 66 Main Street Gibraltar

W: Tel/Fax: Mobile: E-mail:

www.careerfinders.gi +350 200 66676 +350 5402 62 67 sanjay@careerfinders.gi

● Preparing you for the interview including possible mock questions that will prime you towards providing the right answers Career Finders understands that salaries and job satisfaction are prime motivators when looking for a new job and prides itself in ensuring that we secure the right job to meet your own expectations.

Please do not hesitate to get in contact with one of our experienced Recruitment consultants who will start you on your journey to success.

technology

Feel like you are at the centre of the action with the Rock 3D technology

Rock 3D: Simply Amazing Rock Brand Communications is opening Rock 3D, an amazing holographic theatre featuring The Gibraltar Time Tunnel. Opening in July 2010 in Ocean Village, Rock 3D will offer a visitor experience never seen before in Gibraltar or on the Costa del Sol (or indeed anywhere in Spain).

The theatre will feature a space-age technology called Musion® Eyeliner, a high definition 3D holographic video projection system that has amazed both clients and audiences alike all over the world, which allows spectacular 3-dimensional moving life-size holograms to appear within a stage setting.

The system came to prominence at the 2005 MTV awards when the Gorillaz used it to create the ‘world’s first 3D hologram performance” and then went on to make Madonna appear alongside the virtual animated musicians at The Grammy Awards later that same year.

Since then it has been used to enable Sir Alex Ferguson to give visitors to the Manchester United Museum a guided tour of his office and favourite memorabilia as if he was really there, John McEnroe to bring to life the experience of his greatest battles at Wimbledon to tennis fans at the Wimbledon Museum, Frank Sinatra to sing live at Simon Cowell’s 50th birthday party, and Will.i.am to appear live on stage with Cheryl Cole in a night club in Berlin without ever leav-

30

ing his studio in Los Angeles.

Even Prince Charles has been “hologrammed” when he presented at the world future energy summit in the United Arab Emirates in 2008. His Royal Hologram, as he was dubbed by press, delivered a powerful speech on the environment to the world’s leaders before vanishing into thin air. By using the Eyeliner System instead of attending the summit in person, he significantly reduced his carbon footprint, saving an

As well as the main show, Rock 3D will also present a programme of pre-recorded material featuring musicians, comedians and general entertainers from across the globe

estimated 20 tons of carbon waste.

The primary daytime attraction at Rock 3D will be the “Gibraltar Time Tunnel” – a stunning 20 minute show combining HD video and 3D holograms that will bring alive the history of Gibraltar from 195,000,000 BC to the present day in a way that will will be as enthralling in its delivery as the content is captivating in its detail.

As well as the main show, Rock 3D will also present a programme of pre-recorded material featuring musicians, comedians and general entertainers from across the globe, as well as animated features for specific audiences such as children’s shows.

Barnett Fletcher, Founder Partner of Rock Brand Communications, said “We are very proud to bring this state-of-the-art theatre and attraction to Gibraltar. We believe Gibraltar Time Tunnel will be a fantastic addition to the attractions already here, and will become the obvious place for any visitor to start or end their trip as it puts all the other elements such as the

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

technology

Gibraltar Time Tunnel will be a fantastic addition to the attractions already here, and will become the obvious place for any visitor to start or end their trip tunnels, the castle and the caves into historical context. It’s also great fun and will provide entertainment value to everyone from children to grandparents.”

He went on to say “The theatre will seat 90+ people with configurable seating, which therefore also makes it perfectly suited for corporate or private events. The system has a “telepresence” capability which means holograms can be beamed live onto the stage from anywhere in the world to deliver holographic video conferencing. It has been used by companies such as Cisco and Telstra and is revolutionising global internal communications.”

Pete Burgess from Rock Brand said “It’s like bringing Disney and Star Wars to Gibraltar. We have created two animated characters — Rocky and Belle — who will present the show and we have worked closely with Tito Vallejo locally to ensure the content is accurate, comprehensive and compelling. We believe it will make to significant contribution to the Gibraltar tourism product as well as providing great entertainment for the local population.”

Be sure not to miss this fantastic experience!

For more information go to www.rock-brand.com/ rock3d or www.gibraltartimetunnel.com or call Barnett Fletcher or Pete Burgess on +350 216 2 7000.

Artist’s impression of Rock 3D - a reality by mid-July

Corporate clients will be able to present products, or people in holographic splendour

The Rock 3D and Time Tunnel logos

Cars can float in fantastic spinning 3D with the Rock 3D technology

GIBRALTAR GIBRALTARMAGAZINE MAGAZINE••JULY JULY2010 2010

31 31

past uncovered

Ibn Battuta illustration reproduced courtesy Mohamed Taaeb www.taaeb.com

Islam’s No.1 Tourist was Late for Gibraltar Battle Ibn Battuta had recently returned from 25 years of world travel when he learned that the Muslim stronghold of Gibraltar was under siege by forces under the command of Alfonso XI of Castile.

The year was 1350 and the man who would become known as Islam’s greatest explorer had at last returned to his birthplace of Tangier only to depart suddenly for Ceuta which was the main port of arrival for intellectuals fleeing the ‘reconquista’ in Iberia. In his book The Adventures of Ibn Battuta Ross E. Dunn writes: “Ceuta’s mellow Andalusian sophistication made it a much more interesting place than Tangier. So

32

it was not surprising that Ibn Battuta spent several months there, undoubtedly frequenting the new college Abu l’Hasan had built and perhaps making acquaintance with

the al-Bushri family, whose scholar kinsman he had met a few years earlier in China.”

The bubonic plague was raging on both sides of the Strait at the

Alfonso XI had chosen this time to lay siege to Gibraltar because the Moorish leader Abu l’Hasan was away dealing with civil unrest

time. Ibn Battuta did fall ill but historians believe it wasn’t the plague but a return of the malaria he had contracted in Southeast Asia. Either way he recovered sufficiently to volunteer his services for the defense of Gibraltar.

Alfonso XI had chosen this time to lay siege to Gibraltar because the Moorish leader Abu l’Hasan was away dealing with civil unrest (fomented by his own son) in his Marinid Empire which encompassed

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

past uncovered

by Reg Reynolds most of North Africa (then known as Ifriqiya). Gibraltar was the last port on the north side of the Strait still in Muslim hands.

Dunn writes: “If Alfonso breached its walls, the immediate consequence would be to cut the main military supply route, not only to the few towns the Moroccans still held in Iberia, but also to their ally, the Nasrid Sultan of Granada. More than that, the loss of Gibraltar would give Castile and its Christian allies such a naval advantage in the Strait that both Tangier and Ceuta would be under a greater danger of invasion than ever before.”

The siege of Gibraltar followed Alfonso’s victory at Tarifa in 1340 (Battle of Rio Salado) and his capture of Algeciras in 1344. He might well have been successful again but was struck down by the plague and died on 27th March, 1350. Demoralized, the Christian troops withdrew leaving Gibraltar in Moorish hands for what would be another 112 years. The 38-year-old Alfonso XI was the only Christian monarch of the medieval era to perish from the Black Death.

Ibn Battuta wasn’t aware of this development when he set sail from Ceuta. In his book Dunn records: “Whether to his disgruntlement or relief, Ibn Battuta was discharged of any military duty when he arrived in Gibraltar port and so was free to see the sights.

He made a thorough inspection of the promontory and its ramparts, climbing up to the Calahorra *[see author ’s note], a massive stone tower Abu l’Hasan had constructed at the summit of the citadel to serve as the pivot of the town’s defenses.

The qadi (judge) of Gibraltar accompanied him on his tour and hosted him in his house on one of the streets of the town, which lay up against the Western face of the Rock.”

Ibn Battuta was so impressed he declared in his memoirs, titled Rihala (travel): “I desired to be, until the end of my life, among those who guarded and defended this place.”

Despite those earnest sentiments Ibn Battuta never stayed in one place for long and he was soon on his way to Granada, then one of the few Muslim strongholds remaining in Iberia. At Granada he was received by Abu Yusuf I, a name he

“

could add to the already impressive list of Muslim rulers he had met on his extensive travels.

Abu Abdulla Muhammad Ibn Battuta was born in Tangier on 24th February, 1304 to a family of scholars. As a young man he studied law. At the age of 21 he set out to make the pilgrimage (haaj) to Mecca, little suspecting he would be gone nearly 30 years.

During those three decades he would travel most of the known world and visit every Muslim country in existence. It is estimated he travelled 75,000 miles, surviving wars, bandits, pirate attacks and ship wrecks. Among the many, many places he visited/lived were Egypt, Palestine, Syria, Mesopotamia, Aden, East Africa, Oman, Bahrain, India, Constantinople, Afghanistan, the Maldives, Burma, China, Malaysia, the Philippines, West Africa and Mauritania.

To facilitate his travel and gain the confidence of the various rulers Ibn Battuta married the daughters of local nobility. He would have as many as four wives at a time, usually divorcing them before moving on to his next adventure. He sometimes travelled with retinues of slaves, whom he bought and sold along the way.

When Ibn Battuta finally settled in Fez in 1354 the Sultan Abu ‘Inan requested he prepare a narrative of his experiences. He was assisted in this venture by the calligrapher, writer and poet Ibn Juzayy. It took them nearly two years to complete the grandly titled, A Gift to the Observers Concerning the Curiosities of the Cities and Marvels Encountered in Travels.

Ibn Juzayy died in 1357 aged only 34, while Ibn Battuta lived on until 1368 or 1369 (the exact date of his death is not known). Whenever he died, his own words indicate he probably passed on with a satisfied smile on his face.

“I have indeed — praise be to God — attained my desire in this world, which was to travel through the earth, and I have attained in this respect what no other person has attained to my knowledge”. n

Author’s note: Calahorra is a Spanish town in the province of La Rioja, northern Spain. It was under Moorish control during 9th and 10th centuries and is famous for four years’ of resistance to the Roman general Pompey.

I desired to be, until the end of my life, among those who guarded and defended this place

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

”

- Ibn Battuta on Gibraltar

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property The number of UK mortgage products on offer finally bottomed out at 179 in September 2009, but has now risen to 304 last month according to moneyfacts.co.uk.

Although such statistics are not available in Gibraltar, most commentators would suggest that the buy to let sector was as buoyant here in 2007 in relative terms, if not more so, than the UK. This article examines the wisdom of investors and landlords returning to the residential buy to let market here in Gibraltar.

Any investor needs to examine the fundamentals behind such an investment, namely the general economic environment, the basic supply and demand for property, the cost of borrowing, the availability of debt, the fiscal environment and the returns available from other investment products.

Economic environment Undoubtedly tough worldwide, but in Gibraltar we are probably as robust as any other EU economy and as taxes increase generally around the EU to help governments pay off their debt, so Gibraltar should benefit as companies and individuals relocate here. If this can maintain employment levels, then we should be able to sustain economic growth, however small.

Supply and demand In 2006 and 2007, investors were lapping up off-plan investments in the Anchorage, Ocean Village phase two, Filomena House and King’s Wharf. That represented over 400 new apartments, an addition of over 3% to the number of new residential units in Gibraltar. In the last 12 months all but King’s Wharf have completed and with the odd exception, the market has absorbed these apartments. King’s Wharf will complete just over 100 more apartments within a few months and I would predict that the market will absorb these as well over a period of, say, 6 months. That means, even in this climate, our property market can absorb c 250 new apartments per annum. And this excludes the government’s own schemes.

As it takes a good three years to achieve planning consent, development funding and then to construct anything of any size, and as there are no new large scale residential developments in the pipeline after King’s Wharf has completed, then assuming current market demand of 250 apartments per annum continues, we

To buy to let or not to buy At the peak, in 2007, buy to let represented 12% of all new mortgages in the UK. There were 3,662 products offered from a large number of providers. Consumers were spoilt for choice, inexperienced landlords appeared overnight and the sector pushed property prices higher and higher. We are all feeling the impact of what happened next.

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?

will return to demand exceeding supply, which tightens the market and forces prices higher, a key ingredient for the buy to let investor.

Letting activity continues to underpin property values. First time buyers struggle to achieve the deposits required, and sufficient companies in Gibraltar employ overseas staff on relatively short term contracts, so currently there are seemingly enough tenants to rent these new properties.

Meanwhile, vendors have to compete for the fewer buyers in the market. Those vendors who can, will hold on or rent. Those who cannot, and

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

by Mike Nicholls

property

must sell, have to discount a little. Therein lies Fiscal environment the opportunity for the buy to let landlord.

Gibraltar remains a capital gains tax free zone. Perfect for the well advised buy to let investor!

Cost of borrowing Although base rates are at their lowest ever, banks need to restore profitability and with Other investment products their own cost of funds increasing, they are Gold, structured products, hedge funds, charging healthy margins. However, buy to property funds, even private equity lending let debt is edging down in price as competition are all vying for investors’ cash with a myriad and confidence returns, ever so slowly, to the of risks and returns. What cannot compete is Gibraltar lending market place. A quick look the average bank deposit account offering 1% at my Gibraltar mortgage rate “ready-reckoner” or 2% return per annum. So investors naturally (NatWest) shows the 60% - 70% loan to value look elsewhere and property is often first to be variable rate of “base plus 3.39%” in February considered. It is easily understood and bricks reduce to “base plus 3.24%” in April whilst the and mortar remains the popular choice. bank would now lend up to 75% at this rate.

More debt for less money. That’s a positive So for the experienced residential landlord, trend. conditions are arguably quite good. The low loan to value given on mortgages discourage Availability of debt the amateur landlord from returning to the It’s not just NatWest lending to buy to let market. Interest rates are at historical lows investors. Other lenders are on their way back and although bank lending margins are high, into the market. Confidence is returning albeit the overall price of debt remains good value. very slowly. However, debt is only available at Tenants exist in good numbers because would ‘sensible’ loan to values where ‘sensible’ means be first time buyers cannot get a mortgage so 75% loan to value maximum and 65% loan to are forced to rent. And there are pockets of value the norm — much below the debt days opportunities around Gibraltar to buy at keen of 2007. prices. n

The brave, the wise, the experienced and the adequately resourced, will soon be back on the Gibraltar buy to let trail

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

Mike Nicholls is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, a member of the Gibraltar Society of Accountants and the founder of MN Associates Limited, a local company specialising in Gibraltar property, funding, relocation and financial management. See www.mn-associates.gi. Mike also operates the Chesterton estate agency in Gibraltar. See www.chesterton.gi

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hatever your style...

0 47777

real estate Estate Agents • Lettings • Property Consultants Valuations • Surveys • Property Management

property directory

Estate Agents • Lettings • Property Consultants Valuations • Surveys • Property Management

Estate Agents • Lettings • Property Consultants Valuations • Surveys • Property Management 1 The Boardwalk, Tradewinds Tel: 200 47777

S.LEVY

M.B.E., E.D., J.P., F.R.I.C.S., F.R.S.H.

AUCTIONEER, ESTATE AGENT & VALUER

For Property Advice, Contact Us

19/2 Governor’s Parade, Gibraltar Tel: 200 74018

3 Convent Place Tel: 200 77789 or 200 42818 Fax: 200 42527 Email: slevy@gibraltar.gi

Gibraltar Art Gallery 14 Cannon Lane Tel: 200 73898 Email: artgallery@gibtelecom.net

chartered surveyors

commercial interiors Bridge Solutions PO Box 598 Tel: 57185000 Fax: 200 77041

home insurance Eurolinx 21&22 Victoria House, 26 Main St Tel: 200 40240 Ibex Insurance The Tower, Marina Bay Tel: 200 44628

property services

Space Interiors 6 Ellesmere House, City Mill Lane Tel: 200 73992 www.spaceinteriors.gi

construction

Irish Town Antiques Irish Town Tel: 200 70411

Seekers Ltd Property Solutions 10 Engineer Lane Tel: 200 44955 info@seekerspropertysolutions.com www.furnituresolutions.gi

homes & interiors

Portman Ltd 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

transport services GibCargo Ltd Unit 3 North Mole Industrial Park Tel: 200 70787 Email: tom@gibcargo.com

marine services

TARIK

39-41 City Mill Lane, Gibraltar Tel: 200 78105 Fax: 200 42510

Full Bunkering & Yacht Refuelling Service Spain: 15/5a Virgen del Carmen Algeciras (Cadiz), Spain Tel/Fax: 34 56 630418 After Hrs: Gib 200 70982

• 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

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

36 36

Gibraltar: Tel: (350) 200 72836 Fax: (350) 200 72861 Cables: TARIK GIB TLX: 2343 TRATAR

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 • JULY 20102010 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE

property

quay considerations

by Justin Bray, Bray Properties

Not normally associated with being a busy season for the property market, the last quarter has re-affirmed that Gibraltar’s property market has now passed through the worst of the effects of the global economic climate.

Over the last few months there continues to be a significant increase in the number of international clients seeking to relocate here and who see Gibraltar as the place to make their property investment for the medium- to long-term.

Many are naturally attracted to our shores by the potential tax savings, but there is a growing interest in Gibraltar not only as a means of reducing tax exposure, but, more importantly, as a permanent residence.

Gibraltar has come on leaps and bounds during the past two decades and there can be no denying that it is a more attractive proposition to international companies and High Net Worth Individuals than ever before, but tax savings are no longer the only reason for this influx.

Gibraltar has undergone a massive facelift during the last 20 years and thanks in large part to that, the Rock has evolved in to a jurisdiction where one can enjoy not only tax savings, but have the peace of mind in knowing it is one of safest places to live in Europe, with the added bonus of a modern infrastructure and a Mediterranean climate with international airlinks on our doorstep.

As with any good recipe, the ingredients are always the secret of success and Gibraltar’s buoyant property market owes it strength to the combination of the matters I have mentioned, although that is not the whole story.

The construction boom of the last decade ensured Gibraltar was able to accommodate the many professionals and businesses relocating here, but as the Summer of 2010 comes upon us there is a distinct shortage of new housing projects in the pipeline.

Next month will see the completion of Quay 27, and it may be the last opportunity for investors to purchase before we see local house

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

Quay 27

prices increasing due to the shortage of private residential construction. This imposing 19 storey structure is situated on the waters edge adjacent to Cormorant Wharf and Queensway Quay and features a selection of 1, 2, 3, and 4 bedroom apartments with an emphasis on large open areas.

There is a limited number of superb

opportunities to purchase in this development at or below the original prices and now is the time to buy as hand over by the Developer is imminent. ■ If you would like further information please contact Bray Properties on 200 47777 or email: info@ brayproperties.com

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interiors

Shelve It!

Keeping our homes neat and tidy is something most of us aspire to, but so few consistently achieve — we are busy with work, families hobbies and other commitments. The key to improving organisation around the home, is adequate storage. Having the right shelves for the home, in the right places, makes a world of difference.

Photo ADDI (www.addi.se)

A house without books is like a house without windows... ...however, if your books are more functional than pretty and you want an open book shelf, try covering them in a fabric or paper to match your decor — it will protect them too

No matter how compactly you live, and how much clutter you can live without, there is never enough storage. Look into corners, stairways, closets and even doorways to find the hidden places to stash books, stackables and precious possessions.

There are some really funky shelving ideas around, and if you can’t afford to browse designer catalogues you could always try DIY, though some of the solutions available locally at Denville Designs, Abecasis Gonzales and Seekers are funky AND affordable.

Shelving has the advantage of easily storing your clutter neatly yet still leaving it easy to access. But before you choose a shelving solution, you need to ask yourself what kind of shelving will best suit your purpose. If you own your own home, built in shelving, custom designed to suit your needs, will be best. If you are renting, removable shelving you can pack up and take with you will be more flexible.

A word of warning, before you build in shelving, check your house plans, so the shelves don’t interfere with electrical cables or water pipes inside the walls. Then you can decide what style of shelving you would prefer.

If you only want a few shelves, consider single shelf units that you can mount on the wall. If you need three or four, arrange them in a staggered pattern for a smart décor look — really think about the pattern they will make

Irish Town Antiques Antiques & Collectables Irish Town Gibraltar Tel: 200 70411

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

interiors

Think about the patterns which will be made by putting two or more units together

before you fit them to the wall. Use shelving istead of pictures on your wall, displaying just a few of your more decorative items. Shelving with lighting works well for this.

If you need extra shelving but just for a few display items, consider corner shelving to save wall space.

If you are looking to store precious treasures, or even books, you may want to consider shelving units with glass doors, so you can

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

keep down the dust and, therefore, potential damage while dusting.

The most important thing to remember when choosing a shelving solution is the weight it will have to bear — make sure it is strong enough to hold the items you intend to place on it. Once you have established that, let your creativity run wild, and you will find even very cheap shelving solutions can look ultra chic. n

Use shelves displaying precious items instead of pictures on your walls

let your creativity run wild, and you will find even very cheap shelving solutions can look ultra chic

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gibraltarians abroad

Santiago Lopez:

all the king’s

Horses

From wheeling and dealing in race horses at Gibraltar’s North Front race course, to well loved singer at the ever popular Bagatelle Restaurant in war-time London, Gibraltarian Jaime Chipolina (better known as Mr Santiago for reasons which will become clear) found himself trampolined across the world as Master of the King’s horses when he accepted the position offered him by His Majesty, King Hussein of Jordan.

Interestingly, Jaime’s path didn’t cross with royalty at famed stables or race courses, but at the select Bagatelle Restaurant itself, where, as a student at Harrow, Prince Hussein was a regular. It was Jaime’s musical career which not only provided the fortuitous encounter, but which also led him to become known by his stage name Santiago Lopez (Santiago being a variation on Jaime, and Lopez from his mother’s maiden name).

With a background in buying horses for the race course in Gibraltar, Santiago moved to Cobham, London during the evacuation of the civilian population from Gibraltar in the Second World War. He was soon involved in the capital’s music scene and became a firm favourite with the debutants who frequented London’s hottest spots.

The Bagatelle clientele was a true “Who’s who” of the day and the regular venue for Edmundo Ross and his Rhumba Band in which Santiago was a singer until

40

he formed his own band with the name Santiago Lopez. Prince Hussein not only enjoyed listening to Santiago’s band, but would often join in, taking his position on stage to beat a rhythm on the drums.

Santiago’s music career flourished, with regular live slots and recordings on BBC Radio. However, with his ever present passion for horses which he shared with his English wife, Ursula, Santiago was soon back in the equestrian business.

During the 1940s he imported polo ponies from South America for the sport which was fast growing in England at a time when working horses in Europe were fast becoming a commodity on the way out as motorised transport quickly took over.

The decline in the popularity of horses was not restricted to Europe, and in 1952 King Hussein of Jordan, who had once tapped his sticks alongside Santiago on stage, was set on strengthening the blood

Prince Hussein on the drums with Santiago and his band at the Bagatelle in the late ’40s

Prince Hussein not only enjoyed listening to Santiago’s band, but would often join in, beating a rhythm on the drums GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

gibraltarians abroad

by Jon Bull

Santiago and staff during the flight to Amman

Santiago, together with Sa’id Taha and all stable hands led a dramatic flight to evacuate the valuable horses to Amman line of his Arabian stud which had slowly dwindled away over the past decades.

With an initial stock of eight studs, Sa’id Taha, one of the king’s Royal Mounted Guard officers cared for these horses at the small Royal stables of Basman Palace.

Then, in 1961the Jordanian State Stud was formally established and King Hussein offered Santiago and his wife the opportunity to design and run the new Royal Stables which were to be built at Hummar.

Santiago siezed the opportunity and no expenses were spared in creating the sprawling stables, built in true Spanish style, which would eventually house over 80 horses, each with its own paddock.

As Master of the King’s Horse, Santiago’s first challenge was to hunt down pure-bred stock for breeding. The example of one mare called Gazella, which he found by chance pulling a plough, is testimony to the extent of his search as well as to how interest in the breed had declined over the years.

The horses would normally be wintered in the valley town of South Shouneh on the shores of the Dead Sea and the lowest point on earth, which provided the perfect warm winter climate, but in 1967, the location was too close to the fighting during the six day war between Israel and the neighbouring Arab Nations. Santiago, GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

together with Sa’id Taha and all stable hands led a dramatic flight to evacuate the valuable horses to Amman. Whilst many of the mares were taken in army trucks, there were far too many horses and the rest were ridden to the east and herded alongside the riders in an operation which took a week of riding across mountains up to 1,200 meters high.

Over the following 24 years, Santiago and Ursula put in place a careful breeding programme with the occasional introduction of a new stallion to strengthen particular traits and to guard against the problems inbreeding could cause.

The results of their labour can be found in the Arabian Horse Stud Book of the Royal Jordanian State Stud of which volume one was published in 1972, compiled painstakingly by the couple during their first 11 years in Jordan.

Over the 24 years Santiago ran the complex, up to 40 stable hands were employed to give individual care to the horses, and, as a tribute to Santiago’s roots, one of the chestnut colts was given the name Gebeltaric.

Santiago retired to the Rock shortly before his death in 1984 when Ursula returned to Jordan and continued running the stables with the help of Sa’id Taha until Guy de Fontaines de Logoires was appointed manager of the Royal Jordanian Stud in 1986. n

‘Debs Delight’, Santiago in a promotional photo for his band

Ursula and Santiago enjoy a drink with one of their charges

Ursula (in blue) on the presentation of one of their stallions to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

41

spy files

David Scherr, Intelligence Corps officer

Bananas, Sabotage & Spies

by Peter Schirmer

“If you want to smuggle explosives into Gibraltar for sabotage purposes, it is best to smuggle them in bananas… don’t use lemons.”

The casual, but telling, remark by a Spaniard from La Linea employed in the Royal Naval dockyard during World War II, became a vital part of the prosectution’s evidence in one of the Rock’s remarkable but lesser-known criminal trials. Uncovering the Spaniard’s plan to smuggle deadly material and a further sabotage and arson attempt ­— apparently unrelated but within a few weeks of each other — were among the unsung successes of David Scherr who headed the Rock’s tiny counterintelligence force.

In spite of General Franco’s claims of Spanish neutrality in World War II, Madrid and Cadiz were focal points for Germany’s Abwehr Intelligence network, while Algeciras and the stretch of coast across the Bay of Gibraltar was “a nest of spies and saboteurs”, according to one contemporary account. It was from here that the Italians first ran and tested their first one-man and-two-man ‘submarines’ — an under-sea war in which the renowned Naval diver Buster Crabbe became heavily involved.

German and Italian hostile activities so close to Britain’s vital fortress attracted an equally substantial counter-intelligence drive. This was led by David Scherr, a young Spanishspeaking Intelligence Corps officer serving in

42

Gibraltar in 1942 who was recruited by Security Service to run agent operations across the border. And for the next two years, he was “at the centre of a web of espionage and sabotage worthy of a spy novel.”

One of his counter-intelligence coups led to the arrest of the would-be saboteur when, in 1943, Luis Lopez Córdon Cuenca was charged with “acting with intent to assist the enemy, and with having in his possession a bomb intended to cause an explosion in the dockyard.”

He was the last person to be executed in Gibraltar — and one of only three to have faced the hangman’s noose since the last public execution in 1897.

During his trial in August 1943, he claimed he did not know the package delivered to a

He was the last person to be executed in Gibraltar — and one of only three to have faced the hangman’s noose since the last public execution in 1897

Official Executioner Albert Pierrepoint

house in Gibraltar contained a German-made bomb. He also referred to threats allegedly made against his family.

The prosecutor described how Cuenca had dealings in La Linea, just across the border, with Blas Castro, a Spaniard who had spoken of blowing up an ammunition tunnel in the dockyard. According to a witness — one of Scherr’s agents — Cuenca described how explosives could be brought into Gibraltar. When the witness suggested hiding them in lemons, oranges or cabbages, Cuenca answered: “No, it is easiest in bananas.” He was convicted on 31st August 1943 and was sentenced to death.

Carlos Munoz, a 19-year-old from La Linea, had been arrested a month earlier, accused of having caused a suspicious fire in the dockyard at the end of June.

Witnesses described how “sheets of flame shot into the air and a thick cloud of black smoke swirled back over the top of the Rock,” according to a contemporary report in the Times. He was also charged with having hidden a bomb in the coal-hole of a local café.

At his trial in October 1943, he pleaded guilty to the first charge and the second charge was withdrawn. He was sentenced to death for having acted with “intent to assist the enemy by an act designed to impede naval operations or to endanger life.”

Albert Pierrepoint, the last and most famous of a family that has become synonymous with the post of Britain’s official executioner, was flown secretly from Britain to carry out the hangings. Both men were hanged on 11th January 1944.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010 2010 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY

spy files Scherr eventually headed the Defence Security Office and his report released by the Security Service and published a few years ago provides fascinating detail of his network of enough agents and double-agents to gladden the late Ian Fleming. And not all of encounters led to such grizzly endings as those of the two executed Spaniards.

Scherr details his first encounter with another of his agents: “Just as the interview I was having with another member of the public was drawing inconclusively to an end, I was called into the next room to cope with a most extraordinary visitor.

This was a woman in her 30s whose dress, mannerisms, speech and general appearance made her a rather seedy but not unattractive imitation of the seductive female spy of the thrillerette type.

“She sat down in front of the office desk, crossed her legs, adjusting the hem of her dress to reveal them to the best advantage, slowly lit a cigarette, inhaling and breathing out the smoke in the approved furtive, reticent fashion, looking down her long and aquiline nose at the same time, and then smiled across at her interrogatorto-be and said, in cosmopolitan English, ‘I am the Queen of Hearts. Who are you?’...”

The wife of a Spanish naval officer who was the harbour master in one of the ports of the Bay of Gibraltar, the ‘Queen of Hearts’ provided valuable information about a particularly clever and successful series of underwater attacks on Allied shipping off Gibraltar.

Her reasons for becoming one of Scherr’s agents were never disclosed. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

Miss Motors Local selections for Miss Motors International, which take place in Autumn 2010 in Italy (Rome or Milan), will take place at O’Reilly’s, Ocean Village on Saturday 31st July from 8.15pm and is free of charge. A panel of judges will select the winner, who will be offered the opportunity to compete in Italy, plus two runners up.

Miss Motors focuses on combining the contest with cars, motorcycles, racing and rallies. The world wide search for country representatives is well underway with heats and competitions in countries with a passion for racing like the UK. “The selection, although public and entertaining will be more like a casting and quite informal. The models will walk the runway in leisure wear and bikini sponsored by AimeeJay Intimates,” said Karen Celecia of organisers Mount Productions.

Girls between the ages of 17 and 26 wanting to take up the challenge should get in touch with Mark Montovio on 200 40338 or Karen Celecia on 54003463 or email: look@mount-productions.com.

Application forms are available from O’Reilly’s, Leisure Island, Ocean Village, or AimeeJay Intimates at the ICC building. The deadline for registration is 17th July, but girls signing on by 10th July receive gifts, vouchers and a full studio shoot.

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Photos © www.ulookfierce.com

fashion fashion

Pure Silk, Pure Emotion The stylist who last year pledged us his Devotion is bracing up for his coming-of-age collection this autumn. Right now, adoptive Gibraltarian Ismael Lopez can only disclose its name, Lola.

Lola is a passionate woman, blessed with Mediterranean hourglass figure and graceful composure. Glamorous but practical, never plain and never tacky, she was born to stride on stilettos, and can carry off embroidery, rhinestones, lace and ruches with the same nonchalance she slips in jeans and T-shirt.

Sexy, but not sex object: Ismael feels true devotion for soft feminine curves, meant to be caressed, sheathed, exalted by rich fabrics flourishing on them like second skin in an explosion of colour, where ‘rainbow’ is the new black.

He has a sensual relationship with the material too: meant to be touched and smelt (yes, some fabrics smell like summer!) as much as gazed at, it is artwork in its own right that someone has perfected for him to elaborate into a new one.

“A fashion show is like an art gallery, and those sculptures on heels must talk to you about the emotions having sparked their creation.”

Ismael says.

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That’s why haute couture does its best when the same person — or a restricted number of people under the designer’s direct supervision — sketches, cuts, assembles, stitches and embroiders.

When you wear an Ismael Lopez original you can rest assured it is Ismael’s through and through: he is proud of his artisanship and doesn’t shun away from hand-sewing thou-

Ismael loves to be trusted carte blanche by customers to bring to life his vision for the belle of the ball

sands of sequins one by one, with the painstaking patience of a jeweller.

The labour of love is fast paying off, because Ismael’s gowns are taking Spain by storm: popular celebs are endorsing him on television and the Feria de Avril was graced by one of his best sevillana to date.

No surprise then if Lola and her ruffled wardrobe are set to tour the limelight of Jerez, Puerto Banús and Ronda, just to name some venues, after their debut on the Rock.

Having studied in Barcelona, Ismael was in fact discovered in Gibraltar, when he won the Designer of the Year’s eveningwear section. His off-the-shoulder lilac, purple and pink frock made him an overnight sensation, prompting a queue of fashionistas literally wanting a piece of him!

However, that wasn’t the maiden voyage for Ismael’s atelier of wonders: earlier he had designed the gaudy numbers presented at the music and dance extravaganza Fusion, in colGIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

n

by Elena Sciatiel

fashion

laboration with Urban Dance, a tribute to the flavourful mix of Indian and Gipsy culture.

Ismael explains that fashion models are nothing but walking hangers and their professionalism lies in promoting whatever they’re wearing to its best potential, both artistically and technically, without attracting attention to themselves. The opposite of a pageant, which for the outfit is designed around the contestant’s potential as beauty queen.

If it sounds like heartless objectification, remember that in the fashion industry both male and female models are called mannequins, exactly like those life-size plastic dummies you see in shop windows...

The corollary is models can make or break the most sophisticated design; yet some are so natural at it they could strut around in a jute sack and sell it to the fussiest heiress!

Any woman can feel a red-carpet diva wearing an Ismael Lopez original — and can have her say in its making.

First, Ismael will help her pick the right colour for the occasion, her personality and complexion.

Second, the material: Ismael orders his from the most exclusive textile wholesalers, with very limited production of each. His dream is to be able one day to design and produce his own prints.

Third, the cut: frocks are like 3D jigsaw puzzles. Ismael loves to be trusted carte blanche by customers to bring to life his vision for the belle of the ball.

He will doodle out some sketches and seek the customer’s approval before cutting, but usually blind trust goes well beyond any wildest expectation — and won’t set her back one quid too many!

The more labour-intensive a dress is to make, the faster Ismael dives head on into the project, but then it becomes harder to let the final product go, as if it was his baby.

A natural-born trend setter, Ismael draws inspiration from anything and everything, but doesn’t bait to the easy lure of copying the A-listers: thus his devotion to wearable art becomes his trademark. n GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

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family file

Shoe Puppies...

Entering the small, but stylish shop, Shoe, at 178 Main Street, it’s clear why its owners are relocating to bigger premises.

Packed with locals and cruise ship visitors indulging in a spot of retail therapy, sisters Jenny and Di are busy running to and from the stockroom to meet their customer’s demands.

Both with a background in retail, Jenny and Di opened Shoe in March 2008 through a dissatisfaction with footwear options available in Gibraltar at the time.

Now, after two years of delivering the latest high street and designer brands to Main Street, the sisters are keen to expand into another area they feel has been neglected — children’s footwear.

“We’ve been asked time and time again by our customers if we stock children’s shoes. Parents struggle to find quality brands and are forced to shop in Spain or get them shipped over from the UK,” Jenny explains.

With two children each under the age of eight, they speak from experience. But in line with their current hands on approach (the sisters can frequently be seen on

Keeping the Little Monkeys Happy!

Parents are always trying to juggle keeping children happy with actually getting the things done, however there’s hope on the horizon in the form of new venture Aping About.

Aping About, the new indoor play centre opens its doors later this month and is offering to keep you and your children happy.

The spacious facilities offer a great environment for the children including a top quality play structure where they can let off steam.

Possibly the only problem you’ll have is getting them to leave when you’re ready to go.

Parents are encouraged to go along and stay with their children while they play, enjoying the cafe which serves baguettes, salads and icecream and more, while they wait.

But if you need to get the shopping done and are just dreading dragging the kids along or don’t want to miss your weekly work-out, as long as you book in advance (maximum 12 children for drop-off), the centre will take care of your kids for an hour or two and keep them busily doing what kids like best, giving you a welcome rest.

The centre also caters for birthday parties and other events and is already taking bookings.

You can find out more on www. apingabout.com or by calling 56001142.

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

family file their knees ensuring a shoe’s perfect fit), they are keen to extend this attention to detail when fitting children’s shoes.

Not currently offered anywhere in Gibraltar, the new Shoe will offer a children’s fitting service, where width, length and depth will all be carefully measured to ensure the correct fit.

“The feet of young children are soft and pliable and it’s essential that this cartilage is supported — ill-fitting shoes can lead to later problems when the bones set,” Jenny tells us.

After extensive research, the sisters chose the Hush Puppies brand to stand at the forefront of their children’s collection. With the entire Hush Puppies range made from soft leather, the brand holds a commitment to fitting left and right feet separately and providing great value for money — fitting with the sisters’ objectives perfectly.

In addition to Hush Puppies, Shoe will stock other children’s favourites such as Pod, HighTech and every little girl’s dream — Lelli Kellys.

As well as the footwear, the new key-hole shaped floor plan will

Jenny and Di of Shoe with the Hush Puppies’ basset hound

also appeal to the whole family.

With women’s, men’s and wedding footwear situated at the front of the store, the back sheltered area will be reserved for the younger shopper, complete with bright

decor, a den and a flat screen TV. Perhaps dreading the school uniform shop will soon be a thing of the past. Jenny and Di are confident that kids will be pestering their parents to go shopping rather

than leave! And whilst you’re sorting the kids out, maybe it wouldn’t hurt to have a quick look for yourself too? n Shoe’s new premises opens on 9th August at 226 Main Street.

is moving to 226 Main Street (opposite Marks & Spencer)

Everything you love about ‘shoe’ plus some exciting new additions including Hush Puppies for Ladies & Men

+Kids

Available from ‘shoe’ from 9th August in time for Back to School leather school shoes from £32

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

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sport

Creativity Unlimited They say true creativity comes from within but it is not always easy to discover it, for we rush around, thinking mainly about work and shops, and paying our bills and we do not always find time to unlock our latent natural creativity. Sometimes, however, something may trigger an idea and the opportunity arises as it did for Angie Risso.

“I started making jewellery three years ago. At first I just made it for myself and for presents but then friends and colleagues convinced me to take orders and sell it.”

And so Angie started on her path of expression, working with semi-precious stones, something she has loved all her life as she

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grew up around them.

It seems it is never too late to fulfil your dreams or to start your own business by creating things you enjoy doing and sharing your artistic talents with others — if you enjoy being creative that is success in itself!

“I always feel inspired by sun-

rises whether they are bright glorious ones or white and watery when it is pouring with rain. I love watching birds and wild flowers, they have colour combinations we couldn’t even dream of,” Angie enthuses.

“I use all sorts of semi-precious stones in different textures, from

raw to faceted and polished.

Freshwater pearls again in different finishes, white, coloured, smooth, baroque. I use crystals to order. Different types of silver — smooth and shiny, antiqued handmade beads, copper and other metals as required by clients. I get supplies from all over the world.”

Angie is commissioned to use her creative mind to make a reality what the client is expressing in words alone.

“It’s a hybrid of business and hobby. Clients become my friends so it is very sociable. I love working with people,” she says.

“My biggest challenges tend to be designing jewellery to match clothes for big occasions like weddings and cocktail parties. I even had to design and make earrings for a bride whose only jewellery on the day were her earrings.

They turned out great and the bride looked beautiful in them and everybody admired them, it was a huge success.”

Angie also sells her jewellery at local markets but word of mouth is by far the biggest avenue for new commissions. “A great part of my sales originate from home and corporate parties, specially coming up to summer, functions and special events and no doubt for Christmas there’ll be business parties and get togethers. A busy but rewarding time for me!”

“I meet up with clients and they will tell me what they would like or what they are trying to achieve,” she explains. “We discuss different options and then I will design their pieces for them.

If they did not like my design then they can try another idea, what someone does not want someone else buys anyway. If the jewellery is to go with a special dress then then I will make the pieces and we try them out, we have a fitting with the garment to make sure the length is correct with necklines etc. The bracelets and earrings which normally get ordered for these occasions would also need final fitting.”

Angie’s workshop is a spare room with over 100 drawers of stones and materials. “Clients like to come and browse,” she says, “and we can then design pieces with their choices of stones/pearls etc. I still prefer to work in my kitchen as I have a lovely large table and views of the bay.”

Hours are purely random depending on what’s going on around her and how many orders she has and how urgent they are.

“I try to do maximum 48 hours turn around from order to delivery but that is not always possible as

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

talent abounds

by Sonia Golt

I do have a family and other commitments too,” she explains with genuine enthusiasm.

Angie has three sons, who are now grown up and living away, but she still takes care of her home, hubby and her precious dog.

“I love plants and bonsai and spend time outside with these.

My biggest delight is travelling to far away places, not necessarily where most people would chose. I also try to keep fit, not always possible even though I have tons of stairs up to my house, but exercise is at this moment in time low on the list so it never happens!”

Instead she takes pleasure in her jewellery designs.

“I often design items to match horoscopes and birthstones, and my chakra stone jewellery has been a huge success and I love doing it.”

Well the universe is prodigal in supporting the special gifts we may have, so Angie has a helping hand around her — beautiful materials she finds, incidents and meetings that happen to promote her business, people she talks to, all help her to achieve the end result. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

“

I often design items to match horoscopes and birthstones, and my chakra stone jewellery has been a huge success and I love doing it

”

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urban dance

d r a o b y e k ard z i w

Kevin Peach

By and large a pop group’s ‘limelight’ shelf life is about three or four years. After that the name lives on depending on how famous they were but that’s not to say they’re finished, don’t work anymore and go back to the day job! The Bay City Rollers, for example, live on in a variety of guises.

In many cases there’s a bust up or one or more members may want to pursue a so called ‘solo career’. When that happens there is often a hiatus in the former group’s activities until some of the original members come out of hibernation and

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decide to refresh, regroup and reappear on the world stage.

When this occurs one or two original members will employ other musicians to make up the group and very often another one or two

original members may put together another outfit. “That can be a problem sometimes,” says Gibraltar resident Kevin Peach who became one such ‘employee’ Roller in the late ’80s. “Who keeps the name? Can the hit songs be sung by the two or three groups out on the road gigging?

It can become complicated.

“In the Rollers’ situation, singer Les Mckeown more or less kept the main name, and guitarist Eric Faulkner chose the New Rollers or Rollers during the time I was with them.”

Kevin recalls how the job came about: “I was a musician, like so many others, gigging here and there. I had a group called the Blue Diamonds which then became Traveller. We used to back a very good Elvis impersonator called Kim Bridges, and worked with Mike Read of the Migil Five who had a hit in the ’60s with Mockingbird Hill. We played all over London including the West End. It was while I was playing with Traveller at the Whitechapel Nurses’ Ball in East London, as support act for the Rollers, that I was approached by them and asked if I would like to join them which I did.

“We started rehearsals in a studio in Greenwich and one evening a guy called Gerry Shepherd of the Glitter Band was rehearsing in the room next to us and he also approached me to ask if I would like to do a few gigs with them. I couldn’t take him up on it because by then I was already rehearsing with the Rollers,” he recalls. “The first day was a photo shoot and my first appearance with them was at King’s College in the Strand for a Robbie Burns charity night. After that we toured the country and went across to Ireland.”

Kevin used to be asked which one of the Rollers he was and many of the fans were, of course, followers of the original Bay City Rollers of the ’70s. “The only original was Eric. Once or twice, bass player, Woody [Stuart Wood who owned a pub in Gibraltar] played with the band, but the rest of us joined up later and group members kept on changing.”

So did Kevin become rich playing with the famous Tartan boys?

“No, not at all. I don’t think even they made as much as people may think during their heyday.

When you’re young and you get tangled up in all that fame and glamour and stuff you don’t pay much attention to what’s coming in and more often than not management and the record companies do much better financially.”

The Bay City Rollers had 10 or 12 Top Ten hits in the UK, were big in the States and were heralded as the biggest group since the Beatles at the time — slightly overstated, but nevertheless, they were big.

“My time with them was short-lived really. I think it was just under two years when we had our differences. We were playing in Belfast. That was my last performance with them. I was out on my own and wondered how I was going to get back to London. It was a guy called Richard Gower, who was with another successful group called Racey, who gave me some good advice — he thought I should leave and, in fact, gave me a lift to Dublin and I crossed over to the UK from there. I remember ending up in Euston Station in London, and clambering onto a 188 bus to Tower Bridge with keyboards, luggage and everything else. It was a nightmare!”

For a while it was back to the real world for Kevin who got a job with a slate merchant firm but music has always been his first love so he

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

sound bytes

by Richard Cartwright continued working in the business performing in West End clubs in London and forming part of various bands including Kaluki whose drummer Gary (Harry) James went on to join the well known rock band Thunder. Kevin eventually left the UK and came to live on the Rock.

On the relationship front, in the early ’70s, he was to meet Rosemarie Hernandez from Gibraltar, then living in London. Coincidentally, as a youngster, Kevin had chosen Gibraltar as a country to write about in school. “I don’t know for what reason I chose Gib but there you are, look what happened!” Rosemarie is Rosemarie Peach ex of Gibraltar Women’s Association and, in recent times, of Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) fame.

Singer, Louise Peach, is Kevin’s daughter. Son Steve plays piano and sings too, and Danny is a drummer and darts player, while their eldest son Chris was into amateur dramatics! That’s the musical Peach family as it stands today.

Kevin, who hails from Battersea, London, was also born into a musical family.

“My dad played piano, he was into jazz and a little bit of boogie and my mum, too, was a pianist. I was about six when I started on the piano. I remember Zorba the Greek was one of the first tunes I played. At 14 I recall playing on a white grand piano in a pub. After that I moved on to playing in clubs.”

Kevin says he feels very settled in Gibraltar and loves the place. “You know what they say about Marmite — ‘you either love it or hate it.’

We’ve been here for about 19 years and I am very happy. I work on the coach tours and continue with my music.”

Over the years Kevin’s played with many local and visiting singers and groups including Forces bands, Chad Patrick, Philip Valverde, Michelle Tewkesbury, Jasmine Scrutton and many more. Kevin was recently involved in the Yesterday When I was Young Live on Stage show at Ince’s Hall which, together with three other of Gib’s top musicians, provided the excellent live backing music for more than 10 singers. “I really enjoyed working on that and because of those performances Christian Gadd, the MD and bass player on the show, and I have put together a band with Giles Ramirez on vocals and Roin Sampere on drums. Rock stuff, is how I would best describe what we are working on and it sounds good.”

Kevin Peach is content with his lot, working with the band and helping daughter Louise with her singing career but he is still a relatively young man at 50! He does continue to have that

“

When you’re young and you get tangled up in all that fame and glamour and stuff you don’t pay much attention to what’s coming in

”

Bay City Roller days

little yearning, desire or even craving, for one last bash at the bright lights.

“I would really like to have another crack at the professional world and do a couple more tours out there, always using Gib as a base and my home of course. I’d like that very much so who knows, maybe!”

Well, could that ‘maybe’ come in the form of a fresh Bay City Rollers contact for our top keyboard player? Maybe not… but there’s always Genesis! ■

Manufacturers & Suppliers of HIGH PRESSURE HOSES AND ACCESSORIES Visit us at 43 Harbours Deck, New Harbours, Gibraltar Call us on 200 50337 email: shop@jjhire.com or see our website: www.jjhire.com

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

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past revisited

Juan Romero de Figueroa:

The Church He Loved One man’s meat is another man’s poison; one man’s beginning, another’s end. 1704 looms so large in Gibraltar’s history it is easy to forget there were remarkable people living on the Rock before that date — people whose influence survived the coming of the British, and lives on. One whose name may be familiar to many Gibraltarians is Juan Romero de Figueroa.

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by Dave Wood Born in Gibraltar in 1646, he was baptised on 16th September that year in the Church of St Mary the Crowned. His proud parents, Álvaro and Leonor, could not have known that their child’s name, and that of the church in which it was formally bestowed on him, were destined to be forever linked.

Religious attitudes were very different four centuries ago. The church and clergy played a far greater role in the lives of the community than is easily imagined in today’s less devout times. Interpretations of the scriptures differed widely enough to produce any number of conflicting sects and denominations, but the certainty of the existence of God and Heaven and Hell was rarely questioned. Anyone bold or mad enough to stand in the Market Square and denounce God and the Church was considered mad, or possessed by the Devil. Either way the only cure was burning at the stake — before stringing up overtook it in popularity, it was considered the only language such people understood.

It wasn’t fear of the stake that led so many young men and boys to enter the priesthood.

Their unshakeable faith in the teachings of the Church, and their desire to serve the Lord and spread the gospel came strictly from the heart.

So it was not particularly precocious of the young Juan to enter the seminary at the age of 15. Nor was it a sign of unusually strong piety.

But ambition is as strong in the Church as anywhere else. And to rise from the ranks in any hierarchy requires either ruthlessness or marked ability. Spike Milligan used to say the surest way to rapid promotion was to send your immediate superior an anonymous note reading, “Flee, all is known”. There is no evidence to suggest that Juan Romero de Figueroa resorted to such tactics, but he rose steadily and in 1674, 13 years after taking minor orders, he became deputy chancellor of the Seminary of Cádiz.

His parish from 1682 onwards was his home town, Gibraltar, and he was either very happy here, or had reached the limits of his ecclesiastical ambition, because he stayed for the rest of his reasonably long life (a good innings in the 17th Century was around 40 years). Priests lived well — usually far better than their parishioners — and Juan lived until 7th July 1720, thus exceeding his allotment of three score and ten by almost four years.

So it was that in the momentous early days of August 1704, Juan Romero de Figueroa just happened to be the priest in charge of the Parish Church of St Mary the Crowned.

It’s hard to know what might have first alerted him to the fact something odd was happening in the town. He would have known there was a war on; a war of sorts anyway. Some squabble about the succession to the Spanish throne. The emperor had died childless, and for five years Europe had been arguing about who should succeed him. But these were worldly matters, and Figueroa’s concerns were spiritual.

Let politicians and soldiers battle for thrones — his fight was for the salvation of souls.

He probably knew there were warships in the bay. People said it was the Dutch and the English, bent on putting their chosen man in charge, but what had it to do with Gibraltar?

It was a peaceful place. There were no soldiers

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

past revisited here; no garrison to draw an enemy’s fire. The fighting was in far-off places beyond the hills.

Sooner or later it would be settled, one way or another, and life in Gibraltar would go on as before. These things were no concern of a humble parish priest.

It is quite possible the first Juan Romero de Figueroa knew of the invasion of Gibraltar was the sound of the soldiers tramping noisily through the streets.

Soldiers — some shouting in English, some in Dutch, and some in unintelligible but clearly menacing Soldierese — were everywhere. The people of Gibraltar took a strategic decision to capitulate.

Waving the white flag is always a risky option. All too often it has the same effect as the waving of a red flag at a bull. Far from calming the invaders, enabling them to connect with their caring, compassionate feminine side, it results in a testosterone rush and wild cries of, “Come on, lads!” With physical resistance crushed, the plundering can begin in earnest, and begin it did.

Churches are favourite places to plunder. In poor Catholic communities, they are generally where most of the gold and silver are. In any case, the troops who seized Gibraltar were at least nominally protestants. Papacy had been outlawed in England by Henry VIII after the Pope objected to him divorcing the first of his wives, so stealing the altar candles and smashing the windows was not only acceptable, it was practically a patriotic duty. In no time most of the churches were looted and desecrated.

But, strangely, not St Mary the Crowned.

Juan Romero de Figueroa stood his ground and whatever he said or did worked. In the midst of the general pandemonium, his church was left alone. Maybe it was the power of his oratory, maybe he offered a generous bribe, perhaps as he stood on the church steps glaring at the troops — he bore an uncanny and unsettling resemblance to Jesus. Or perhaps St Mary the Crowned merely had a very solid door that even the soldiers couldn’t break down. Whatever the reason, when the dust settled, St Mary the Crowned still stood proud and practically unsullied.

Gibraltar was now in the hands of the British and the Dutch, though it was clear that the British, in the shape of Admiral George Rooke, were in control. One of his first acts was to organise a referendum, or at least its 18th Century equivalent which was a little like a Saturday night

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

Glasgow kiss. The people of the town were welcome to stay and go on peacefully with their lives. Just one thing: in order to take advantage of this most generous offer, they must throw in their lot with Archduke Charles of Austria — the favoured British and Dutch candidate for the Spanish throne. He was really a decent chap at heart, and once they got to know him they’d really like him an awful lot. If they couldn’t see their way clear to saluting the Habsburg flag, they were equally free to leave.

The town’s 4,000 inhabitants muttered darkly among themselves. Most of them probably didn’t know Archduke Charles from Don Quixote, or what exactly a Habsburg was, but they didn’t care for this man’s tone at all. A few dozen stayed, but the great majority trudged away across the isthmus into Spain. Whatever; it would only be for a few days; a week or two at most. Things would soon be sorted.

Juan was in a quandary. He was a proud man, and his instinct may have been to trudge along with the rest. But he was also a priest, entrusted with the care of a fine church. If he left it to the mercy of these barbarians, who knows what might befall it? His sacred duty was clear. He must stay. His curate and bell-ringer decided to stay too, though the bells no longer had a faithful flock to call to prayer.

To be fair, the Spanish didn’t get much out of the Treaty of Utrecht. Basically it was a list of things they had to give up, but they were at least allowed the right to remain Catholic. It was more than the poor old Moors got when the Spanish ejected them. Back then, every mosque in sight was knocked down by mobs with hammers and replaced by a church, and every Moor too slow to get away ordered to change his religion or suffer the invariably bloody consequences.

Juan was in a quandary. He was a proud man, and his instinct may have been to trudge along with the rest.

But he was also a priest, entrusted with the care of a fine church

The British were not so doctrinaire. So long as they had possession of the territory, and the right man on the throne, they didn’t care what the priests wore, or who the people worshipped, so after the initial enthusiastic frenzy of looting, the churches were left in peace.

Juan Romero de Figueroa was conscious of his important, if minor place in history. While they were still fresh in his mind, he wrote down one of the few eye-witness accounts of the events of August 1704. His original manuscript vanished, and was presumably destroyed, during the Peninsular War, but happily for posterity, his words had been quoted at length by the historian Ignacio López de Ayala, and thus survive.

De Figueroa stayed in Gibraltar, but spent several years smuggling the church’s relics and artifacts across the border into Spain. Chief among these was the statue of the Virgin Mary from the Shrine of Our Lady of Europe. In 1704, the Royal Marines desecrated the shrine and threw the statue onto the rocks. Juan sent it to Algeciras, where it was repaired and placed in a new chapel. It was returned to Gibraltar in 1864.

When Juan Romero de Figueroa died in 1720 there was no need to build him a monument. He already had one; the church he had saved and which, thanks largely to him, remains. n

Juan Romero de Figueroa is remember simply by his initials in the marble floor of the Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned

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profile Bishop Elect Father Ralph Heskett on his courtesy visit to Her Worship the Mayor, Olga Zammitt together with Anthony Lombard, Deputy Mayor

a bishop with a mission The process of selecting a Bishop is somewhat convoluted, but Catholics believe the Pope’s selection is inspired by the Holy Spirit. The process in reaching a decision involves the Bishop emeritus of Gibraltar, the clergy and recommendations by the laity.

The Apostolic Nuncio, who is based in Wimbledon, is the most influential person in the process as he decides the three names (the terna) to be submitted to the Congregation of Bishops in the Vatican. On receiving the list of candidates he gathers the facts and information about them and interprets it for the Congregation.

He also conducts his own investigation into the suitability of the candidates and looks into the needs of the diocese. The names on the reduced list are then sent to people who know them who return a short report about the candidate’s suitability. The terna, in alphabetical order with the nuncio’s preference, are sent to the Congregation of Bishops in Rome.

The Congregation then considers the terna and may follow the recommendation of the Nuncio or choose another of the candidates, or even ask that another terna be prepared. The final recommendation is then presented to the Pope

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who makes a decision a few days later. On 18th March 2010 the name of the new Bishop of Gibraltar was published in the official Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano and announced in Gibraltar.

Father Ralph Heskett was known to many in the diocese as he made his first visit to Gibraltar in October 1981 when Bishop Rapallo asked the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (known as the Redemptorists) to run a youth mission here. The team was headed by Father John Brookes with the final Mass being held in St Michael’s Cave. Father Ralph’s next visit was in 1984 when the

Congregation was invited to send a Mission of 10 priests to all the parishes. He and Father Gabriel Maguire gave the mission to St Joseph’s Church. He fell in love with Gibraltar and for a decade he would visit as the locum parish priest at St Bernard’s Church where he struck a close friendship with Father Charles Bruzon.

Father Heskett is very much a pastoral priest. He is a member of the Redemptorists, whose charge is to be a missionary society. Today this does not mean the Fathers travel to countries where there are few Catholics and attempt to convert people. The English, Scottish

For a decade Father Ralph would visit as the locum parish priest at St Bernard’s Church where he struck a close friendship with Father Charles Bruzon

and Welsh province of the Congregation sees its role as providing missions and retreats to parishes and in running some Redemptorist parishes in England and Scotland.

Their aims are achieved by ‘expressive proclamation of the Gospel’, by reaching out to parishioners, demonstrating to them that although they have been careless about their faith, they are being offered a way back by listening to the preached word, so renewing their relationship with Christ and the Catholic Church.

Following Father Ralph’s ordination (10th July 1976) he spent three years based at St Mary’s Kinnoull, Perth conducting parish missions in Scotland. From 1980 to 1984 he was based at Erdington Abbey, Birmingham from where he was a member of teams engaged in parish missions in England and Scotland.

He returned to Kinnoull in 1984 to work on missions geared to attract young Catholics, promoting

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

profile

interviewed by Mike Brufal vocations which has always been a particular concern of his. In 1987 Father Ralph was appointed Superior of the Redemptorist Community and director of missions. In 1990 he was moved to Liverpool as the Superior of the Community at the Bishop Eton monastery and also the parish priest of Our Lady of the Annunciation. During this period his interest in education was heightened when he became the Chairman of the Governors at St Mary’s Primary School.

Six years later he took a virtual sabbatical when he studied at All Hallows in Dublin and upon his return in 1997 he was appointed Mater of Novices based at the Redemptorist Community at Canterbury. From 1999 to 2008 he was the Parish priest at St Mary’s Clapham in the diocese of Southwark where he was also Chairman of Governors at both St Mary’s Junior School and Bishop Thomas Grant Secondary school. The Clapham congregation included several Gibraltarians. In 2008 he returned to the Monastery Bishop Eton at Liverpool to supervise the formulation of Postulants, to preach parish missions and to give parish retreats.

The idea of being appointed a Bishop had never crossed his mind during the years of his ministry.

After saying Sunday Mass at the university he received a message to call the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Faustino Sainz Munoz.

Father Ralph had no idea what it might be about. The call was made and the Nuncio said: “As you are a regular visitor to Gibraltar I would like to talk to you about the diocesan priests and I would like to see you this week if at all possible.” He visited the Wimbledon nunciature the next day.

The Nuncio opened the conversation by saying he was sure Father Ralph knew he was looking for a Bishop of Gibraltar. He went on to say he had been asking a variety of people about him and as a result the Holy Father would like to appoint him as the next Bishop.

Father Ralph was astounded.

His maxim in religious life had always been to do whatever task he was given. Sometimes he had not been too keen on the assigned job but looking back they had given him a wide range of experience which in the normal course of events he would never have encountered. So his first instinct was that, if this is being asked, then the hand of God must be at work somewhere and so he must respond accordingly.

For him to gather his thoughts he asked the Nuncio if he had any choice in the matter. The Archbishop replied that there is always

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

Gibraltar’s Bishop Elect Father Ralph Heskett will be ordained on 10th July

“

I have known the diocese and the parishes for some 30 years.

I love Gibraltar to bits

a choice but remember, this request comes from the Holy Father.

Father Ralph immediately accepted the position and was told that the Nuncio wanted to make the official announcement on the following Thursday. The Bishop elect asked for a slight delay in making the announcement to enable him to get used to the idea of being appointed Bishop.

The announcement has to be made on the same day as the news is broken in the Vatican official newspaper L’Osservatore Romano so it was decided the announcement would be made on Thursday 18th March. A prior commitment in the Billericay parish meant he could not be in Gibraltar on the day.

The Bishop elect does speak some Spanish, last year he spent time in Colombia and can say Mass in Spanish. He is not fluent but is now on a sharp learning curve. Apart from diocesan considerations he would like to know sufficient Spanish to be able to have an understanding of what is being said when he goes as an observer to the Spanish Bishops’ conference.

He would like to continue the excellent personal contact made by his predecessor, Bishop Caruana, with the Spanish and the English and Welsh bishops when he at-

”

tends both conferences.

As he has worked in Gibraltar for many years over several decades he does have a good idea of what makes the diocese tick. After he has been ordained and installed he wants to affirm all the good things that are happening to the Church in Gibraltar. It is vibrant and he wants to explore the opportunity for growth, development and change.

He pointed out that any organisation without change withers away and dies.

His main task is to get the balance right, by working together with the priests and the people to see how Catholics on the Rock can grow spiritually and as a community. He reiterated that the Gibraltar diocese is part of the universal church and this means there are many opportunities to obtain resources for growth and development.

Those who know the Bishop elect say he is very people-centered, which means he relates to parishioners. He says he likes to stand alongside people as far as this is possible and help them with their difficulties and struggles and to provide compassion for people’s sufferings. These form part of the pastoral approach to ministry.

His life has been dedicated to

giving parish missions and retreats.

A mission is one way to welcome people back into the Church which can happen simply by words of encouragement or through the sacrament of reconciliation.

As a parish priest, the same sort of work is carried out in a different way and setting. In a parish it is more ongoing as the priest stands alongside the parishioners and shares people’s joys in marriage, baptism, first Holy Communion and also when they are sick or dying. The parish priest is there to provide comfort in such time as bereavement, the loss of a job and the other tribulations of life.

A former parishioner describes Father Ralph as being a down to earth humble pastor with absolutely no airs or graces and a man who readily identifies with his flock but who, at the same time, is blessed with a deep spirituality. He is a most approachable and caring man. He does not profess to know everything and when he does not know the answer, will say so and go and find the answer.

The Bishop elect said ecumenism (promoting union between religions) is absolutely vital and crucial. His experience of religious life on the Rock has shown how there is genuine mutual respect between all the religions and how they all stand alongside each other.

He wishes to continue to foster and deepen these relationships.

Father Ralph Heskett ended the interview with these words: “I have known the diocese and the parishes for some 30 years. I love Gibraltar to bits. During the last ten years the parishioners of St Bernard’s have been very kind to me. I am really looking forward to giving something back to Gibraltar in my role of Bishop.

“During my visits I have done different things; missions, Lenten talks and I have been there when the border to Spain was closed.

The big difference is that previously I have always returned to the monastery after the assignment.

Now it will be a very different experience for me as I shall not be leaving. Gibraltar will become my home and the diocese is my new ministry. It will be a totally different experience and there will be a difficult learning curve.

“I have been greatly encouraged by all the messages from Gibraltar that have been received over the past few days. I ask for the prayers and patience of the members of the diocese as I take on the role of their Shepherd.”

Father Ralph Heskett will be ordained and installed on 10th July 2010 — 34 years after his ordination as a priest. n

55

events

Photos above: Joint reunion party of the 1990 intake of Bayside and Westside Comprehensive Schools. The senior pupils were treated to a fine buffet and barbecue, followed by an old school disco that lasted late into the night. Above right: the married couples of the same year. (Photographs by Alastair Sanchez) Photo Below: Gache’s champagne opening.

Photo Right: Girl Guides exercise their Freedom of the City, an honour conferred on them by the Mayor in June.

Photo © DM Parody (http://dotcom.gi/photos)

56

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

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57 57

Amanda taking a shot

Amanda Carreras:

rise to tennis stardom Wimbledon is the oldest, and to many, the most prestigious tennis tournament in the world.

To make it to Wimbledon, or in fact any Grand Slam Tournament, is the dream of many upcoming tennis players, and certainly that of our very own Amanda Carreras.

Currently ranked in the world’s top 300, Amanda’s dedication to this sport is admirable. She was born in Gibraltar, and although she used to occasionally hit at Sandpits and Sotogrande with family and friends, it was not until she moved to Bicester in Oxfordshire in 1999, that she joined a local tennis club permanently. She was then approached by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), who offered her the chance the take up tennis seriously, and after competing for three years at national level in the UK, Amanda was clear she wanted to take up tennis as a profession.

“I am currently ranked in the world’s top 300, giving me much satisfaction in such an achievement after so much work and determination. I still feel there is room for improvement. The highlight of my career to date must be representing Great Britain at the Junior European Championships, plus becoming the

58

first foreign player to win the Spanish National Junior Champion in 2008, beating the strong favourite for the tournament in the final, in front of a very partisan crowd. I also cherish my success in the 2007 Island Games in Rhodes where I came back with two golds and one silver medal,” Amanda says with pride. To date, she has won five professional tournaments, not bad for a young lady who turned 20 last month!

Her role model in the tennis world is Justine

“

I am currently ranked in the world’s top 300, giving me much satisfaction in such an achievement after so much work and determination

”

Henin, as she is petit (like Amanda), and a tennis professional with similar styles of play. Although becoming a tennis professional has always been her dream, Amanda would also like to take up coaching the sport in the future, and follow in the footsteps of her coach and mentor, Carlos Lobato, who has been an inspiration to her for the past four years. “We spend so much time together when we train or when we travel, that we have a very close bond. I also spend a lot of time with his family who have always accepted me with open arms,” Amanda explains.

Amanda’s life revolves around tennis, and she has to make many sacrifices to pursue her dream. Despite being used to living away from home and travelling the world playing tournaments, her family are always her number one priority, and always missed.

Living away from home in the cosmopolitan

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

sport file

by Jolene Gomez city of Barcelona, Amanda enjoys socialising with her tennis friends when they are not on court, as apparently, Barcelona’s tennis scene is vibrant.

“Barcelona is one of the main tennis cities in Europe, with many tennis academies and top players based here. I spent my first year in Barcelona enrolled in a tennis academy before joining up with my present coach who I have been with for the last four years. During my free time I love to meet up with my tennis friends and experience this wonderful city.”

Amanda is very consistent and disciplined with her training and fitness regime, and follows a programme produced by her fitness coach Alfred Roca, which includes weight training, speed drills, cardio exercises and a special diet. She also has access to sports psychologists and physiotherapists.

“My normal training day consists of two hours on court followed by 90 minutes of fitness in the morning, and another two hours on court during the afternoon,” she explains.

“I usually train five times a week, however, when I am on tournaments I could be training and playing for up to three weeks non-stop, meaning I have to constantly adapt my body for play/rest patterns.”

Having recently travelled to Brazil, Mallorca and Antalya, there is just no stopping this upcoming sportswoman from conquering the world! In the next few months, Amanda will join the contingent of locals, travelling to the Commonwealth Games held in New Delhi, India, to represent Gibraltar in what promises to be an exciting competition. Born and bred in

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

Gibraltar, it is a pleasure for Amanda to represent the Rock at this competition, although she also feels privileged to represent Great Britain at any level.

With regards to various surfaces, she prefers clay courts (Roland Garros being her favourite), as her game is more suited to this type, but she does enjoy the occasional hard surface play too.

Despite having no plans to return to Gibraltar permanently in the new future, Amanda says that she would be willing to help out aspiring local tennis players to pursue their dreams. “90% of winning is believing in yourself,” Amanda states convincingly, “and it is important to always go with your dream and never look back.”

Her predictions for Wimbledon? “In the men’s, Federer is still the one to beat, although Nadal and Murray are hot on his heels! The ladies’ winner is not that clear, however, I think my favourite, Serena Williams, will win it again.”

As Amanda takes the world by storm, and we all follow her triumphs in her anticipated rise to stardom — watch out Wimbledon! n

Having recently travelled to Brazil, Mallorca and Antalya, there is just no stopping this upcoming sportswoman from conquering the world!

Gibraltar’s own tennis star, always focused on the ball

59

health We sit on it, children make jokes about it, yet surprisingly one of the most used and talked about parts of our anatomy remains a major cause of suffering in westernized society today.

“Why should that be?” you may ask. The simple fact is that we are unkeen to discuss our bodily functions, and the thought of consulting a doctor on such matters leaves many people cringing and feeling awkward.

Embarrassing Problems

the bottom line

by Mr David Deardon, MD, FRCS, Consultant Surgeon

60

Our Victorian need for privacy, and an overall embarrassment in discussing the private parts of our anatomy with a stranger, means thousands of people suffer in silence with uncomfortable treatable conditions affecting the anal area. Historically the medical profession has not helped to alleviate fear either, and over the years the traditional treatments for conditions afflicting this most delicate part of our bodies have been perceived as overwhelmingly painful and possibly even barbaric.

Mark Twain is quoted as saying “Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint”. Whilst amusing, it is pertinent that whilst the majority of conditions affecting the anal area are benign in nature, one or two more serious conditions can present with symptoms that one might mistakenly self diagnose as “Piles”. Modern medicine ensures that the majority of the conditions affecting the anal area can be treated with minimal discomfort and thus, in this age of health awareness and cancer screening, do not forget to get your bottom sorted when you next visit the doctor.

Piles (Haemorrhoids) are pads of vascular tissue in the anal canal which are present in everyone and in the normal situation serve an important purpose in preventing antisocial leakage of bowel content. They only become a problem when they are enlarged and, when severe, they present as lumps protruding from the anus. More commonly however symptoms include itching, pain, blood on the toilet tissue and sometimes painful bowel movements. As one of the most common benign afflictions affecting the inhabitants of Westernised developed countries, piles can occur as a result of pregnancy and childbirth however usually they result from a lack of dietary fibre and inadequate fluid intake. Modern treatment consists of simple topical remedies, diet manipulation or, if severe, surgery which in 80%

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

health of cases involves the almost painless application of rubber bands to the swollen tissue in the doctor’s surgery.

Beware though because not all lumps or itching in this area result from haemorrhoids and erroneous self diagnosis can be dangerous. An inexperienced self examination may not necessarily be able to differentiate this condition from a number of other uncomfortable problems affecting the area. For example, itching can be caused by something as simple as your toilet paper or soap, whilst sometimes small blood vessels can rupture under the skin creating painful “peri anal haematomas” (often mistakenly called “thrombosed piles”). If seen early these can be treated easily and quickly in the surgeon’s office under local anaesthetic.

Skin tags are another common peri-anal lump, resulting from excess stretched skin following an episode of enlarged haemorrhoids and these are also relatively simple to deal with. Tears in the anal canal and subsequent sphincter spasm cause an extremely painful condition called “fissure in ano” which in the old days surgeons treated by stretching the anus to break the muscle spasm. This is now outlawed and modern management involves a minimally invasive procedure or simple injection to release the muscle spasm which allows healing.

Infections in the area also cause a lot of unhappiness. Typically these are associated with false passages called “fistulae in ano” between the bowel lining and the skin which are associated with leakage of bowel content.

GIBRALTAR GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAGAZINE • • JULY JULY 2010 2010

If left untreated, an abscess can develop in the pelvic floor muscles — a very painful condition which needs emergency surgery. If caught early though, the majority of fistulas can be simply treated with minimal discomfort. Furthermore, pelvic floor weakness, an affliction of many women post childbirth, can result in bowel prolapse which again can be mistaken for piles by the inexperienced observer. This condition should not be left untreated and specialist advice should be sought.

On a final note, rarer conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and cancer can also present as lumps and pain in the anal area and be mistakenly self diagnosed as “nothing to worry about”.

Modern society spends an inordinate amount of time and money on visual appear-

ance, cardiac and cholesterol monitoring, health checks, maintaining the body beautiful and socialising with friends and family. Why therefore is one of the most important parts of our anatomy so poorly cared for? The “bottom” line is, leave your embarrassment at the door and get checked out ­— remember your surgeon has seen it all before and embarrassment is only in the mind! n

An inexperienced self examination may not necessarily be able to differentiate this condition from a number of other uncomfortable problems affecting the area

61

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Physicians Dr Norbert V Borge FRCP (London) 7-9 Cornwall’s Lane Tel/Fax: 200 75790

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

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

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

health

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Originally developed by Japa- and many more. nese chiropractor Dr Kenzo Kase, Isabella hopes to complete furthis method works with four main ther training on Kinesiotaping functions; the reduction of pain by in the near future, specialising in minimising pressure off the pain receptors, eliminating lymphatic Examples of injuries fluid beneath the skin, adjust misthat can be treated alignment, lowers abnormal tension, and strengthening of muscles. are hamstring strains, Kinesiotaping is also very effective for the treatment of swelling. tennis elbow, shin splits, Examples of injuries that can be lower back pain, and treated are hamstring strains, tennis many more elbow, shin splits, lower back pain,

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63

health

Why Do Men Die Sooner?

According to the theories of Biologists the normal lifespan of human beings is 120 years. But the truth is in developed countries, average life expectancy at birth is about 80.7 years for women and 75.4 years for men (2006 data). The disparity between the sexes, 5.3 years, has been declining since it peaked at about eight years in 1979.

Why do men die earlier? The answer is crystal clear; 99.9% die of sickness. This is significant and men’s health should be very important for the male population and a big concern for society as a whole.

The truth is astonishing. Men are 39% more likely to die of diabetes than women, 55% more likely of cancer, 64% of pneumonia or influenza, 78% of a cardiovascular disease, four times more likely to commit suicide, twice as likely to die of an accident and so on.

Men die younger and have higher rates of death than women, due to all the leading diseases, many of which are preventable and treatable. Some of the reasons for this include biological differences between men and women, ethinicity, lifestyle choices and ignoring

64

symptoms and putting off regular check ups.

It is often said that most men don’t like to admit, even to themselves, that they have health problems because they feel it is a sign of weakness.

There are so many kinds of cancer and almost all are on the increase although many are now curable.

It is unbelievable that there are still people in denial about cancer — people who say the connection between smoking and cancer is still unproven, for example.

The connection between smoking and cancer was first noticed by a man called Samuel Tas Sommering who noticed cancer of the lips was more predominant in smokers than non-smokers. There has been plenty of time to investigate his observations as he made the statement in 1795.

Cancer is one of the most feared diseases known to modern man (although it is far from being the most common). Still the biggest cancer of all is lung cancer, which makes no distinction between the sexes,

Gender related cancers are probably the least talked about because they affect those parts of the body which make us male or female

although women seem to have slightly reduced chances of getting it, even with a similar lifestyle.

Many cancers affect men and women but a few are specifically associated with one or the other. As you would expect these gender related cancers are probably the least talked about because they affect those parts of the body which make us male or female, the reproductive and sex related organs.

It is a fact that men are far less likely than women to talk about their health, but is also true that when it comes to sensitive issues like bladder control or a urinary incontinence the bathroom door is firmly closed on the discussion.

The three which affect only men are: Testicular cancer, which is unusual because it is mainly a

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

health

by Dr. Shehzada Javied Malik

young (20-35 year old) man’s illness. Prostate Cancer, which mainly affects older men. (Note, neither of these are exclusive to one group).

And Penile Cancer, which is rare at any age — only 1 in 1,000,000 in America, so still a much higher chance than winning the national lottery — but it does exist.

Anything unusual in or around the genitals should be reported without delay. Most things men notice are not serious but some can be!

There have been advances in cancer care and treatments over recent years which have improved cure rates significantly. Cancer is not the death sentence it was once thought to be. The key to our much improved cure rates seems to be

early detection.

There is also much good news on the treatments available and many cancers which were incurable a few years ago are now regularly cured.

If you are concerned in any way it is imperative that you see your doctor without delay.

Final word: Of course men should be responsible for their own health problems.

But society must be responsible too.

Men deserve the same concerns and attention as the female population has, the same care and encouragement to get regular exams, the same covering in health care plans and the same efforts to find better treatment. n

No Frills Facts u Cancer affects more men than women. u There is proven link between certain substances and certain cancers, such as sunlight and skin cancer, and cigarette smoke and lung cancer. u There is known reduction in

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

cancer incidence amongst people who eat certain foods such as many vegetables. u The main Cancers in men are (in order of numbers affected) lung cancer, bowel cancer, prostate cancer and stomach cancer. Of these only prostate cancer is exclusive to men.

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creative culture

D ance

inDreams Although Gina Morello-Caballero and Aaron Caballero might be well known locally for the entrepreneurial achievements, such as their company Party4Kidz, the truth is there is much more to this couple than dressing as superheroes and organising parties. You might see them enjoying a dance or two socially on a night out, however, they have recently taken to the stage, offering audiences locally and in the Campo area, a unique, fresh and truly breathtaking form of dance.

Their performance captivates the audience, which gets drawn into a mixture of dance, lifts and acrobatics. To come up with such original and daring lifts and choreography, is not only a question of physical ability and incredible strength required by both dancers — creativity and originality are also part of the process.

“Sometimes our ideas for lifts come in dreams, and we always try to visualise the space where we will be performing the duet, so we can make the most of the space available,” Aaron explains.

“First, we come up with movements and lifts, which we then link into sections. Ideas for music and themes come later.”

The fluidity of their movement is impeccable, their tricks are spectacular and the chemistry and performance of this couple will definitely get your attention. Their choreographies are both exciting and breathtaking for the audience, providing rhythmic combinations with an acrobatic flair.

But this married couple are no strangers to the local dance scene. Aaron was fascinated with dance from a young age, and would spend Sunday afternoons watching the stars of the Hollywood musicals, such as Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire on TV. However, his first interests were various martial art forms, which he started doing at the age of four. “Martial arts gave me my flexibility, strength and focus,” Aaron explains. He also had an interest in Artistic Gymnastics. “I would often watch the Olympic Games, and then try to do the somersaults and backflips in my own time,” Aaron smiles. Sports have always been a big part of Aaron’s life, and he is now a qualified weight and fitness trainer at the local Youth Centre gym.

When he was 19 years old, he was a founder

member of the Electro Breakers Dance Group.

He joined Stylos Dance Studios, and then started travelling to various European cities to represent Gibraltar at the IDO World Dance Championships.

“Although I was a late starter, at the age of 23 I became Adult World Freestyle Champion,” he says. To date, Aaron is still the only Gibraltarian Adult World Champion. Aaron is of a humble disposition and does not like to brag about his achievements, but he has not only promoted dance locally, but was also a dance ambassador for Gibraltar.

Gina’s story is a little different as she started training in ballet from a young age, and later joined G+20 and Alpha Group. She participated in the 1989 Gibraltar National Championships, and came first place in the group category.

“Things were different then. Dancers did not have the possibilities they have now to travel abroad, and we never got to travel to the World Championships with this piece,” she explains.

After this, Gina stopped dancing altogether, and took to athletics. She was also into Yoga and Pilates, which she still practices today, as well as fitness in general, as her highly energetic nature always leads to trying different fitness methods.

In fact, this couple share many hobbies aside from dance, including snowboarding, cycling, rock climbing and taking long walks with their beloved puppy, Toffee.

Although they have been together for 11 years, it was only three months ago that they decided to start dancing again.

“There was a possibility last year of choreographing a piece to represent Gibraltar in Germany, but the idea fell through and again I missed out on going. I was really gutted,” says Gina. The idea of performing on a stage once

The fluidity of their movement is impeccable, their tricks are spectacular and the chemistry and performance of this couple will definitely get your attention 66

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

creative culture

again became very distant, but Gina thought it would be a great idea to surprise her mother at her 60th birthday dinner, by performing a duet with Aaron, even though this would not be on stage, but at a low key venue.

“My mum has always supported me in my dancing, and it was her dream to see Aaron and myself perform together, so we decided to go for it,” Gina explains.

They started working on the piece last February, and due to their perfectionist and demanding natures, they decided to show it to other choreographers for some constructive criticism on the piece. Their reaction was extremely positive and encouraging, as choreographers Yalta and Jolene knew they had witnessed something truly special, something new Gibraltar had not seen before.

Since then, it has been a journey for Gina and Aaron.

“We have already performed at the Palacio de Congresos in La Linea, and St Michael’s Cave at Urban Dance’s Anniversary Show, and we have lots of projects coming up in the near future,” Aaron explains.

In fact, they are already going to represent Gibraltar abroad. “We have been selected to represent Gibraltar at the World Show Dance Championships in Riesa, Germany in November, so I will finally get the chance to represent Gibraltar, and to do so with my husband makes this truly special.”

If you get the chance to catch them live before they leave for Germany, don’t miss out. You will not be disappointed! n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

Gibraltar to host 2011 Championships

For three decades Gibraltar’s dancers have been competing in dance competitions across the world. Now the Rock will have a chance to show the world what a strong dance nation it is when it stages the 2011 European Show Dance Championships.

The Gibraltar National Dance Organisation, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary next year, last month announced that the 2011 European Dance Championships (Solos and Duets) and the Dance World Cup 2011 (Groups and Formations) will be held in Gibraltar from 14th-16th July 2011.

venture so we can once again show the world the high calibre of dance which exists locally”.

Visit www.eurodanceshow2011.com for further information.

President of the GNDO Michael Prescott said: “After so many years representing Gibraltar at these competitions this is a dream come true.

The International Dance Organisation, which is very fond of Gibraltar, has been wanting to organise the event here for a long time. We will be very proud to welcome hundreds of dancers from across Europe and the world”.

Michael Prescott has put together a special team (led by Gerald Rodriguez and James Neish) to organise the event which will be held at the Tercentenary Sports Hall.

Local dancers will be given an opportunity to compete on home soil for the very first time. A National Championship to select representatives will be held in early 2011.

A spokesman for GNDO added: “We are sure local dance groups will be supporting us in this

67

puzzle page

by Alan Gravett

SUDOKU

1

2

4

3

6

5

Win a lunch for two at

The Cannon Bar

8

7

9

10

11 12

13

14 15

16

17

18

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

One entry per person.

Closing date: 21 July 2010 Last month’s winner: Odil Peralta, Gardiner’s Road

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

FIRST PRIZE: Lunch for 2 at The Clipper

One entry per person.

Closing date: 21 July 2010 Winner notified in next issue of The Gibraltar Magazine.

Last month’s winner: Mr D Rose, South Barrack Road

Across 5) Movement of, e.g. blood, from one

person to another (11) 7) Send out (4) 8) Provide land with water (8) 9) Trying to catch fish (7) 11) Peter the Apostle’s first name (5) 13) Throw out (5) 14) Fabric with a checked design (7) 16) Squirming (8) 17) Be unsuccessful (4) 18) & 3) down – Gilbert & Sullivan operetta

The ------ (6,2,3,5) Down 1) Throw a paddy (4) 2) Allocates (7) 3) See 18.

4) New York prison (4,4) 5) Cartoon cat and mouse duo (3,3,5) 6) Take into public ownership (11) 10) Site (8) 12) Country ruled by a monarch (7) 15) Internal organ (5) 17) Destiny (4)

Jotting Pad ...

LAST MONTH’S ANSWERS: Across: Vulcanology, Elle, Valorous, Mastery, Adobe, Fiend, Blossom, Labourer, Ache, Harry Potter. Down: Blue, Carvery, Holly, Comrades, Volcanic ash, Your brother, Tandouri, Clarion, Trays, Ante.

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

charity events

Ben Nevis Challenge Deborah Bennett from Albor, Marina Bay and Karen Everett Lucas from Interbuild are taking part in the Ben Nevis Challenge to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Society on 17th-19th September.

They hope to raise over £1000 each by climbing 4409ft, approx three times the height of the Rock from sea level.

The girls have decided to take part in this challenge as both have had family members die from this dementia.

You may have seen them in training, walking up ‘Casino Hill’ on the way to the climb Med Steps. They have been doing this twice a week to gear themselves up for the task ahead of them.

Jo Swinhoe, Director of Fundraising at the Alzheimer’s Society said, “We are delighted Deborah and Karen are giving their time to Support Alzheimer’s Society by scaling Ben Nevis. As a charity, we rely on the generosity of individuals like Deborah and Karen to help us care for people today and find a cure for tomorrow.”

To sponsor them, contact Deborah at Albor newsagents, Marina Bay or visit www.justgiving.com/Deborah-Bennett or contact Karen on 56800000.

Raising Mountains for Macmillan

Karen Duncan and Claire Romero from Nat West will be taking part in a charity climb co-ordinated by RBSI from Jersey to raise money for MacMillan, the RBS Groups charity partner.

Although the event is aimed at raising funds for MacMillan in general, the two local girls have been given the heads-up that all funds raised locally will be donated directly to the Lady Williams Centre here in Gibraltar and they are hoping to raise around £7,000 for the cause.

Setting off on the 1st September, they’ll be meeting up with the rest of the climbers in London and taking on a three day challenge in the spectacular Chamonix region of the French Alps in the shadow of Mont Blanc. Hiking between eight and nine hours a day with the highest peak being over 2,500 metres, the gruelling challenge will be mixed with incredible scenery.

To achieve their target, both Karen and Claire are currently going through a 16 week train-

ing plan to prepare themselves for the event which MacMillan have labled “Their toughest one yet”!

To help raise the sponsorship funds, the two girls have organised a fashion show in the Alameda Gardens on the 8th of this month and tickets are available from the Nature Shop in Casemates. Other events coming up will include a quiz night, bingo night, car wash and a barbecue with dates remaining to be set for these.

If you would like more information or to make a donation, you can contact them by email: karendunc@gmail.com or claire-gio@hotmail.co.uk. You can also donate directly to the Natwest account: Natwest Re Alps Trek 2010, number 47848065, sort code 606060.

Gibraltar to England Rock Ride

Members of Grenville Lodge No.1787, a Masonic Lodge in Buckingham, have organised a multi charity sponsored event, Rock Ride, consisting of a bike ride from Gibraltar to England.

Saturday 26th June and will be finishing in Stowe, Buckinghamshire, UK on Sunday 11th July. There will be nine cyclists and a support team of six.

The following charities have been chosen as beneficiaries of the event. The Pace Centre — a charity providing intensive programmes for children with physical disabilities; SSAFA The cyclists started off from Gibraltar on — the National Charity helping serving and

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

ex-Service men, women and their families; RETT’s Syndrome Association — a charity for rare neurogical disorder; The Royal British Legion; Airambulance-Berks/Oxon/Bucks; Stowe School, Buckinghamshire; and the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys.

For more information on the Rock Ride visit www. rockride.eu

69

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Quality Kitchen Ware Gibraltar’s Best Stocked Cook Shop K5

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15 Cannon Lane Tel: 200 40627 for reservations

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03

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

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by Leslie Linares, Arthur Harper and John Cortes

Book on sale at Gibraltar Book Shops

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009

events

What’s On This Month Thursday 22nd July Future Leaders in Philanthropy presents Oxygen.

Variety performances in aid of the Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre at the Alameda Open Air Theatre 9pm. Tickets £8 from The Nature Shop, Casemates. For info contact Zoe Cortes Email: la_zozo91@hotmail.com

Friday 2nd July Breast Cancer Support Group Gibraltar’s Lunar Walk. 5km walk starting at midnight from Casemates Square ending at Ocean Village. £5 registration on the night from 9pm. For info www. breastcancergib.org Saturday 3rd July Gibraltar Botanic Garden Tour. Meet at George Don Gates (at the south end of Grand Parade) 10.30am. There is no fee but donations are welcome. For info Tel: 200 72639 Email: alameda@ wildlife.gib.gi Ceremonial Guard Mounting at the Convent 12 noon. For info Tel: 200 55083 Sunday 4th July The Gibraltar Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) Annual Endurance Swim — Eastern Beach to Catalan Bay. For info contact GASA on Tel: 200 72869 Tuesday 6th July Gibraltar National Choir at Ocean Village 9pm.

Entrance free. For info Tel: 54831000 Thursday 8th July Fashion Show in aid of the Macmillan Nursing Service at the Alameda Open Air Theatre 9.30pm.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

Friday 23rd July to Sunday 25th July XIV Gibraltar International Regatta. To register and further information please contact the Royal Gibraltar Yacht Club Tel: 200 78897

Thursday 29th July Wedding Fair

Tickets: £10 available from The Nature Shop, Casemates. For info Tel: 54005031 Friday 9th - Saturday 10th July 24 hour sponsored row in aid of Research into Childhood Cancer (RICC) Friday 16th July Glamour Creations 8th Annual Miss Glamour Beauty Pageant at Alameda Open Air Theatre 9.30pm. Tel: 54000377

Thursday 29th July Wedding Fair at Ocean Village, Leisure Island.

For info contact Aftershock Tel 57420000.

Summer Nights Tuesday 20th July to Thursday 12th August — every Tuesday and Thursday Kids activities and live entertainment for all the family at Casemates Square from 8.00pm For further information contact the Ministry of Culture 200 48063 Email: minculture@ gibtelecom.net

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media man

David — rehearsing for the Panto

David Hoare

media minister I first met this month’s interviewee several years ago when he decided to return to Gibraltar for good having travailed, elucidated and ministered his way through UK to the USA and back. Our first encounter was during a Trafalgar Theatre Group night of entertainment which involved the usual this, that and the other — the other being the food and wine. Since that evening I’ve had the pleasure of his company many times and never failed to be entranced by his jokes, anecdotes or simply the sound of his voice.

74

David Hoare was born in the tiny hamlet of Gibraltar circa a time when nought but even a mouse did stir. His father, Eric, ran the premier sports’ outfitters, established by his grandfather in 1900. His mother, a Gibraltarian, was a well educated lady who had lived for part of her younger life in La Linea with her aunts due to her mother’s untimely death when she was only six years old.

His father and mother met via a ‘bet’ he had had with a friend who also took a shine to her at the same time because, in his words, “She was stunningly beautiful.” Ignoring Spanish tradition he marched up to her front door and banged on it to ask her out. He won the bet.

The other obstacle was that David’s father was an Anglican, whereas his mother was Roman Catholic and to marry him she was, sadly, excommunicated.

David himself was born the first of five children (three sisters, one brother) and attended both St George’s and St Christopher’s Anglican schools before failing his 11+. After attending St Jago’s he climbed the ladder and passed his 13+ exam thus entering Scared Heart Grammar School.

Remarkably even though his mum’s family were more Spanish-speaking Gibraltarians, English was their mother tongue mainly because his Paternal Grandmother was English and hugely influenced them. Young Gibraltarians were prohibited from speaking Spanish at school outside of Spanish lessons. This rather archaic methodology didn’t prevent him speaking it at home or out with friends, moreover it perhaps laid the grounding in adversity of David’s own vocabulary and use of and passion for the English language that would bear fruit in the years ahead.

Going back to my first meeting with David knew he was a ‘padre’ (in my speak) but that is all I knew and beyond his involvement with In Him We Trust, the regular GBC feature, I’d not known of his other work until one day recently we were discussing radio and radio stations.

As a child I’d often passed the local station in my home town and dreamed of one day working there. For various reasons it never happened but the amazing thing is I mentioned this to David and it turned out he was a founder member of the very same station, Radio Tees in Cleveland — now that’s what I call a small world. You can imagine the chat we had about my home town of Stockton on Tees.

David was first urged to partake in media things at the tender age of 15. He started by reading the news on GBC radio — his aunt, Marjorie Hoare, was well known on Forces’ cable Radio Distribution (the forerunner of BFBS) and so the talent perhaps ran in the family.

Manolo Mascarenhas, father of Alice of the Gibraltar Chronicle, had heard David speak and encouraged him to take the job on Radio Gibraltar. So it was that the Spanish and English news could be heard from David for which he got paid the then princely sum of seven shillings a week (35 new pence). I like many would have assumed at this point a career in the media was looming, but nothing is so simple.

At the age of 16, David, through his regular attendance at church and as a choir boy at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity had decided

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

media man

by Frankie Hatton

perhaps the Church was his calling and offered himself for Ministry. The then Bishop refused his offer and told him to go away and “do other things” — a message David believes, “was probably the best advice I could have been given at the time.”

After this rebuttal he went from singing in the choir to signing up for the Royal Air Force as a Voice Analyst learning Russian and proving his bilingualism with Spanish but unfortunately he injured his knee and after a medical downgrading which meant his possible exit from the RAF he tried his hand at being a field nurse. After qualifying he felt field paramedic was not his kind of ministering and left the RAF. His desire to take Orders of a different kind was still evident to David and he joined the Society of the Sacred Mission at Kelham Hall, Newark, UK, where he began his studies to enter the Church. The Society often got involved with Special Needs Schools as part of its work, and a young lady who was headmistress of the Balderton school staff called Valerie became friendly with David and 18 months later in 1970, they were married in the UK but returned to badly-paid jobs in Gibraltar. David continued his theological studies but he needed to find work to support himself and his wife so in 1971 they went back to UK to work.

Throughout his studies he kept up his work in radio and a RA Education Corps Captain called Peter Plant, formerly in Gibraltar and then working for ITV Midlands, guided David to an audition for a job at BBC Pebble Mill.

David got the job and he joined BBC Radio 4’s Radio Birmingham as mid-morning Presenter, the Pebble Mill at One team, and became a newsreader and BBC 1 TV presenter at Pebble Mill between 1971 and 1975.

Pebble Mill at One was one of the most watched TV shows at this time and a forerunner of today’s This Morning show among others. After being headhunted by a Radio 2 Producer to move to the North East he then ended where we started at Radio Tees where his first interviewee was the delightful Joan

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

Armatrading.

A list of the people you and I have heard of that David has either worked with, met or interviewed would take a whole magazine but I suggest you buy him a coffee next time you see him in the Piazza or better still after the Service at the King’s Chapel one Sunday and ask.

Finally, in 1978, David returned to Gibraltar initially picking up work from BFBS for about three months before getting back into GBC TV and Radio as News Editor. The studios were

he spent some happy times in the USA serving church communities until open heart surgery in Cadiz on a trip back to Gibraltar made a return to the States impossible

then situated at Wellington Front.

After the station moved to South Barracks he became Presenter/Producer on Radio Gibraltar and also on television, being involved in general production until in February 1992 when he was involved in a driving accident surviving a head on collision when a car on the wrong side of the road hit him. David was under medical care for five months.

After his recovery from the ordeal and wanting to get back to work he was appointed by the then Administration to use his experiences both within and without the community in the Government’s new project, the Community Advisory Service. The CAS was sited in City Hall and looked at all aspects of community life in Gibraltar. David served with it until 1999.

Life still had its ups and downs — Ordained a Deacon in 1995, David also had two heart attacks which led to surgery. Another high was being invited to be ordained Priest at St Luke’s in Smithfield, Virginia. This was to be where America’s oldest-standing Anglican church (1662) met the first-ever Gibraltarian Anglican Deacon.

Once again he spent some happy times in the USA serving church communities in Virginia, California, Seattle and just outside Washington DC until open heart surgery in Cadiz on a trip back to Gibraltar made a return to the States impossible. His time in the USA was very, very special (he’s an Obamaphile!).

These days David, in reasonable health, continues his work in TV and radio with GBC. He also helps at various ministries when required particularly at St Barnabas’ in Torre del Mar, Spain and assisting, when invited by the Rev John Hill, at the King’s Chapel.

“I’m lucky to have met, and am privileged to know, so many friends of all denominations both here in Gibraltar and abroad,” he said.

As for me, well I enjoyed looking at David Hoare now and also at that Radio Tees website where I could listen to the David Hoare of yesteryear. No doubt we will work together again soon, hopefully alongside him in the pantomime later this year because after last January’s performance as the Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland I can assure you he hasn’t stopped entertaining us yet. n

This photo and above: a younger David entertains on the airwaves

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music talent

Beats for the Future Gibraltar’s musical talent is no secret to the local community, with singers, guitarists and bass players coming together to form new bands almost on a monthly basis. There is a musician, however, who is not only drumming his way to success, but is leaving this legacy and teachings for others to follow in his footsteps.

Welcome to the new generation of Gibraltarian drummers.

Peter Chichon’s success both locally and internationally are well known, as he has been in the business for a lifetime. Aged 5, he was already hammering at his first toy drum kit, and formed his first band aged 12. His skills were mainly self-taught, although he had guidance as a teenager from old school greats such as Lauri Acris, Dennis Cortes and Francis Pecino.

“When I turned 18, I decided I wanted to make a living out of music, and moved to London to pursue a career as a professional drummer,” Peter explains. And it was not much later that he started with his first signed band, Egypt, with who he released an album.

Aside from this, Peter was also the session drummer for various other bands during this time, similarly to work he had done at prior to leaving for the UK, at the Rock Hotel in Gibraltar. “I was working at the Rock Hotel for

76

two years in the resident band, where I learned how to play jazz and lounge music, which very much helped me become a versatile drummer, dabbling in all musical styles,” he explains.

However his big break most definitely came with celebrated local band Breed 77. Compiled mainly of Gibraltarian members, Breed 77 were getting a reputation for themselves in the local London pub scene, and with their unique sound, they caught the attention of rock legends Black Sabbath, who asked them to play at the London

“

Astoria. “I grew up listening to Black Sabbath, and to be invited to play with them was truly a special moment in my career, one which I will never forget.”

Indeed, Breed 77’s career took the UK metal scene by storm, and with albums, tours and events aplenty. One highlight for them, was definitely performing at the Download Festival at Castle Donington. “In 1988 I attended a festival at Donington, where the line-up included Iron Maiden, Van Halen and Kiss to mention a few. At that moment I thought to myself that one day I would also play on that stage. Years later, my dream, and that of my band members became a reality,” Peter smiles.

In 2006, Peter returned to Gibraltar, following the birth of his daughter Josie, as he wanted to continue involved with music, but in a more relaxed setting. Since then he has been the road manager of another great local band, Taxi, as well as being their session drummer also.

“Being a session drummer is great, but I’m very artistic when it comes to music, and always want to keep working creatively with a band,” Peter states. His love of music is evident, as he gives a details account of his musical tastes. “I love alternative, rock mainly, heavy and a little punk. My favourite fan band is definitely ACDC, although I enjoy Pink Floyd and Neil Young also.

I enjoy progressive rock immensely too, because it is hard to play and understand”.

As Peter confirms, drums is a very difficult instrument to play, because of its physicality.

Arms and legs must react independently of each other, to create beats and off beats, and produce the beat and rhythm of a song. Drummers are the ones who give cues to other band members, and they in turn rely on the drumbeat to keep in time, and keep together with each other. “To have 70,000 people jumping to your drumbeat is truly an unforgettable experience, carrying a lot of responsibility. If you mess up, the audience as well as your band mates can get very confused!” Peter laughs.

“At the Black Sabbath gig, during our first song, someone in the audience threw an orange at us, and it hit my drum kit. As it exploded, I was covered in juice, including my eyes, which meant I was not only in agony, but could not see a thing! Luckily my roadie realised, and managed to clean my face before the second song,” Peter chuckles. As with all performers, no matter the art form, the show must go on!

With regards to plans for the future, Peter has recently put a band together, which you will be hearing of soon, with plenty of concerts lined up in Spain and Gibraltar. Watch this space!

In November 2009, parents approached Peter, to find out if he would be willing to give drumming lessons to their children. Peter jumped at the chance, and currently has 16 students, with ages ranging from six years old, to 40!

His hour-long lessons are one to one, and are structured to suit the needs and ability of the student. Peter teaches the very complex drum theory, and makes his lessons fun and exciting, as he tries to make his students ambidextrous

To have 70,000 people jumping to your drumbeat is truly an unforgettable experience, carrying a lot of responsibility.

If you mess up, the audience as well as your band mates can get very confused!

”

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

music talent

by Jolene Gomez

in their drum skills.

His students are already reaping the fruits of his teachings, as Peter explains, “One of my students, Nicholas, performed at the Festival of Young Musicians this year, with a drum solo I composed called Drumming for Survival. He was later invited to perform at the Mackintosh Hall at the Gala Night as a special guest, and he managed to raise more that £400 for charity.

He is also performing at his first gig, in his local school for his end of term show, not bad for an eight year old!”

Some of Peter ’s students have already formed their own bands, such as Smiti (aged 15), drummer of The Noiz. He has already had the opportunity to play at big events, such as the National Day Rock Concert, and has been a student of Peter for the last year.

But perhaps the most peculiar thing about what could be the first drum school in Gibraltar, is that not all the students are boys. In fact, Peter has a total of five girls taking lessons from him, including his own daughter, Josie (aged 6), who is following in his footsteps at her young age, even though you can hardly see her behind the drum kit!

Following the trend of famous female drummers, such as Lenny Kravitz’s drummer, Cindy Blackman, and Prince’s drummer Sheila E, the girls are proving to the world that musicality has nothing to do with gender. Peter is firm believer in this, but admits that female drummers

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

“

I am a firm believer that... gender stereotypes with regards to music, and arts in general, are completely uncalled for

”

are a rarity, and that drums have always been considered a “man’s job”, because it is a very physical instrument. “Nowadays with musical simulation instruments being introduced in video games, girls can get a feel of what it would be like to play the real thing, and this might encourage them to give drums a try altogether,” Peter says. “I am a firm believer that women who play drums have the strength, stamina and sense of rhythm to play the instrument well, and any gender stereotypes with regards to music, and arts in general, are completely uncalled for”.

Indeed, the girls are making a name for themselves, as Alba, aged 13, also has her own rock band, The Matter. The daughter of another established local artist, Adrian Pisarello, Alba is the only female member of the group, who you will no doubt be hearing more of in the near future. Lorraine, aged 38, has also played regularly at The Square with her pop/rock band, Carbon Epitaph. Alice and Asta, aged 7, enjoy playing drums for fun, and say Peter is a really good teacher, especially when he lets them play to ACDC! Peter is trying to organise a drum exhibition of his students in the near future, and although it is difficult to organise due to space (where to fit five full drum kits!) do not be surprised to hear the local drummers of the future, making rhythms for your listening pleasure. n If you would like more information on drumming lessons, please contact Peter on email: peterpetedrums@ gmail.com.

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past times

Admiral Sir John Jervis, Commander in chief of the Mediterranean 1796, thought the best place for the Mediterranean fleet was the safe harbour of Gibraltar Artist: Francis Cotes

gale almost claimed Gibraltar namesake Gibraltar is one place where you would expect a ship with the name HMS Gibraltar to be safe and secure. But that wasn’t the case for the fourth of six Royal Navy ships to proudly wear the name of the world’s most famous rock.

In August 1796 Spain conceded defeat to Revolutionary France and signed the Treaty of San Ildefonso.

Under the terms of the agreement, France and Spain became allies and combined their armies and navies in war against Britain.

At the time the Royal Navy had small squadrons at Corsica and Elba and the entire Mediterranean

78

fleet consisted of a total of only 15 men-of-war while the combined Spanish-French forces totaled 38 ships of the line.

Admiral Sir John Jervis was

appointed Commander in Chief, Mediterranean in November that year and he determined that the best course of action would be to have all of the Med fleet come

together in one place — the safe harbour of Gibraltar. But while the British were gathering at Gibraltar the French sailed out of Toulon and through the Strait en-route to the West Indies. The enemy fleet was fortunate to get through untouched because of a storm so violent that the British sailors needed all their skills and stamina to save their own ships and skins. The journal Naval History of Great Britain records: “The gale of wind, which came so opportunely for Villeneuve’s *[See Author’s Note] passage through the Strait of Gibraltar, fell heavily, and in one instance fatally, upon the British ships at anchor in the bay.”

By 9pm that night (10th December) the storm had grown so fierce that HMS Gibraltar was in danger of being blown onto the rocks. Captain John Pakenham ordered her cable cut and sails set. The 80-gun Gibraltar, a remarkably strong ship originally named Fenix and captured from the Spanish at the first Battle of Cape St. Vincent in 1780, managed to haul clear of Cabrita Point and survive being dragged over a nearby rocky bank. For three hours Gibraltar was tossed about the Strait like a toy but eventually the winds died and she was able to anchor in Tangier bay.

The near catastrophic event is noted in the Gibraltar’s log: “Driven by the violence of the gale down upon Cabrito point [sic], the topgallant yard stowed in, the main rigging caught the lee-clew of the mainsail, and prevented their setting that sail, in consequence of which she caught upon Pearl Rock, which lies about three quarters of a mile from the shore of the western point of the bay; here in a dark night, with a tremendous sea breaking over her, the crew assembled on the deck, and testified by their screams and actions every symptom of despair, and madly proposed as a last resource cutting away the masts and saving themselves on the wreck. The axes were brought and preparations made for this purpose, but strongly opposed by the first lieutenant, who, moving the wheel, assured the captain that the rudder was free and uninjured, a wave at the same time struck the ship forward with such force as to upset the forecastle gun and the shock carried away the fore topmast; the next sea lifted her off the rock: being one of the strongest built ships in the service she made no water”. Several eyewitness reports differed with the log and the Naval History cautioned: “These manifest inaccuracies in

For three hours Gibraltar was tossed about the Strait like a toy but eventually the winds died and she was able to anchor in Tangier bay GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

past times

by Reg Reynolds the account lead us to hope that there is equal untruth in the alleged behaviour of the crew, behaviour more characteristic of timid females than of hardy British seamen”.

Whether or not the Gibraltar sailors screamed like little girls they performed well enough to save their ship and had every reason to fear for their lives. That night in the same storm the 74-gun HMS Courageux was smashed to bits on the rocks of Ape’s Hill with the loss of 465 drowned (129 survivors).

HMS Gibraltar survived but was so badly damaged that she was ordered back home for repairs.

According to Naval History: “The Gibraltar did not sail for England until five weeks after the accident; but, when taken into dock at Plymouth, in March 1797, a large piece of rock was found sticking in her bottom.”

With the loss of Courageux and the departure of Gibraltar the British fleet was at an even greater numerical disadvantage than before the storm but a willingness to engage the enemy was everything in the Royal Navy and Jervis was determined to save his reputation.

He didn’t have to wait long. On 14th February 1797 the British

fleet (15 ships of the line and seven auxiliary) sailed into battle with the Spanish fleet (24 ships of the line and seven auxiliary) off Cape St. Vincent and scored a decisive victory. The British casualties were 73 killed, 227 badly wounded and 100 lightly wounded. The Spanish casualties were about 1,000 men killed or wounded and four ships and 3,000 men captured.

Jervis was elevated to the peerage as Earl St. Vincent. A certain Captain Horatio Nelson, disobeyed orders, broke the line, personally led the successive boarding of two galleons was (in modern terms) ‘Man of the Match’ and awarded a knighthood.

Because of her wounds HMS Gibraltar missed out on the battle and from a military point of view went on to have an undistinguished career. She did, on the other hand, have an amazingly long life. Launched by the Spanish in 1749 Fenix/Gibraltar gave 87 years of service before being broken up in 1836. n *Author’s Note: Admiral Pierre de Villeneuve commander of the combined French-Spanish fleet defeated by Nelson at Trafalgar in October, 1805.

When HMS Gibraltar was taken into dock at Plymouth, in March 1797, a large piece of rock was found sticking in her bottom

Party Time It was party time at Cafe Rojo last month for Christian and

Forte (pictured above) and Mark (below). Please remember Cafe Rojo will be closed for a spruce up from Monday 12th July and until Monday 2nd August. You can still call for bookings though.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

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events

Savannah Events

Pictures from Savannah’s Ibiza Opening Party.

Events this month in Savannah include Thursday 1st July - Back To Basics Party, Friday 2nd July- Savannah presents Felipe Volumen & Jordi Slate, Saturday 3rd July - Flamenco & Tapas with Vivillo Live, Thursday 8th July - Play Party Night, Friday 9th July - DJ Rookie, Sunday 10th July - World Cup Final to book VIP call 200 66666, Thursday 15th July - Magic Solutions, Friday 16th July - DJ Rookie, Thursday 22nd July - Play Party Night, Friday 23rd July - DJ Rookie Saturday 24th July - Beatles Tribute Night (George Harrison)

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

events

sex and the city at 55

Ya e rd M Lou ah ng ar e C aja as a Pe pe

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The Sex & The City Night held recently at 55 private members club on Main Street raised money for Breast Cancer Support.

A great excuse for a girls’ night out the evening comprised Cosmopolitan cocktails and sushi in the VIP lounge followed by a short walk (in high heels!) to the King’s Bastion Leisure Centre cinema to watch the Sex in the City 2 film.

A great girlie night was had by all and for a good cause too! n

Queensway Quay Marina

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

81

recipes

Potpourri

summer This month Scott Casey explains the secrets behind a variety of fresh dishes to help you through the summer heat with a simple sushi dish cooling salads to accompany your barbecue and a delicious alternative for an original martini.

Smoked Salmon, cream cheese, pickled ginger and cucumber Sushi

Barbecue Accompaniments

better with practice and it is no dramas as long as all your fillings are prepped and laid out in Here are three barbecue accompaniments front of you.

On the bamboo mat put down 1 sheet of the that are unusual but always go down a Nori (dried seaweed) treat in the summer months Serves 5 Evenly cover this with the sushi rice about half a centimeter thick covering completely but Crispy bacon and avocado 1 packet of dried Nori sheets leaving a 3cm gap at the top. salad with toasted pinenuts 1 bamboo Sushi mat In the middle of the rice spread some cream Serves 5 100g smoked salmon, sliced thinly cheese and top with all the other fillings.

into strips Lifting the base of the mat, begin to pull back 2 avocados 100g cream cheese as you roll forward trying to make the roll as 2 small red onions 100g pickled ginger tight as possible without ripping the sheet. Wet 300g smoked bacon (roasted until Half a medium cucumber, seeds removed your fingers and wet the remaining 3cm of the crispy and cut into strips)

and sliced thinly into strips Nori sheet. Roll over and seal. Wrap the roll in 1 medium cucumber 1 medium red pepper, sliced thinly cling film and set aside for an hour to help the

(peeled and seeds removed) 3 cups Blue Dragon Sushi rice roll set better thus making it easier to cut and 4 vine ripened tomatoes (washed, 3.25 cups of cold water hold its shape

cut into wedges 1tsp salt Serve with wasabi paste (not too much 2 medium carrots 200ml Mirin (or any other good though), more pickled ginger and soy sauce.

(peeled and grated)

quality rice wine vinegar) There are so many variations of sushi out mixed lettuce (washed well) 100g caster sugar there, it’s all about having a bit of fun and ex- 400g Salt and pepper to taste Wasabi and soy sauce to serve perimenting. Two main points though, if you toasted pinenuts are using fresh tuna for example don’t serve 200g low fat mayonnaise The key to good sushi is without a doubt the after two days as the cooked rice and raw fish 2tbs cooking of the rice. There are various different will be contaminated, also try inside out sushi ways and processes to this but the method I was or even get funky and try Yin Yang sushi, bound Mix all together well, but gently, season to taste with salt and pepper and serve. n taught is pretty much foolproof. to impress. n Simply give the rice a really good wash under cold water for a good minute, this removes any Serves 1 Maybe the best Lychee Martini unwanted extra starch, then put into a heavy (Perfect to get the party started) based pot and cover with 500 ml of cold water.

90ml premium quality Bring to the boil and reduce to a simmer. Cover

vodka with another pan or foil to steam the rice for ap (Grey Goose) proximately 8 minutes, important not to stir the 30ml

Lychee liqueur rice as the starch will release and you will end 10ml Triple Sec up with a gluggy mess. Once all the water has 1 Lychee, peeled and evaporated and the rice is cooked remove from

stone removed the heat and set aside, still covered.

Now combine your rice wine vinegar and sugShake really well over ice in a ar in a separate pot and bring to the boil, reduce cocktail shaker, strain and serve. and simmer for 3 minutes until the mixture is Garnish with the Lychee, kick a syrup consistency. Now combine the two and back and enjoy. Just don’t get up stir in gently. Set aside in the fridge to cool. to quickly after a few. n The rolling part is simple as well. You will get

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

by Chef Scott Casey

Tomato and crumbled feta salad Serves 5

300g cooked pasta (doesn’t matter what

type, Fusilli works well though) 300g Greek feta cheese 4 vine ripened tomatoes 200g black Kalamata olive

(stones removed) 5 anchovies Half cup of pickled flat leaf parsley 200 ml of tomato fritto 2 small Lebanese cucumbers

(cut into 1 centimetre chunks) Salt and pepper 2 small red onions (sliced thinly) Mix all well together, adjust seasoning and serve. n

Australasian Caesar Salad Serves 4

This is the version I learnt back home when I was an apprentice chef on the Sunshine Coast, although there are loads of different versions, this is the one used most commonly back home.

1 pack

200g 2 cups

10g

Baby Gem Lettuce or 2 medium Cos lettuce shredded into 4cm strips crispy bacon croutons (bread cut into small cubes, tossed in olive oil, salt and pepper and baked until crispy) shaved parmesan or grated

Crispy bacon and avocado salad with toasted pinenuts

4 6 5 tbs 1 tsp

soft boiled eggs cut into chunks anchovies, finely chopped good quality mayonnaise Worstershire sauce

Once you have the ingredients together it’s quite simple. Gently mix all the ingredients together and serve, trying to have a little bit of everything showing at the top of the salad. n

Modern

Relaxed

Dining

Open: 10am - late Closed Sundays + Saturday lunch

Closed for holidays 12th July - 2nd August GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

Irish Town Tel: 200 51738 to reserve

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events

Casemates Calentita a BIG Success This year’s Calentita event in Casemates Square in the middle of June was once again a huge success.

Most of the stalls, selling food from every culture represented on the Rock, sold out after serving the crowded square well into the night. The fireworks were quite spectacular and the dancing girls kept everyone entertained while they munched through the delicious delights on offer. This really has become one of the most popular events on Gibraltar’s social calendar, and one not to miss next year. Well done to the organisers and to all the helpers and cooks on the stalls for giving Gibraltar such tasty treats in a wonderful family atmosphere. n

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

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

restaurant bar guide &

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

NOW OFFERING DAILY SPECIALS

10 Casemates www.lordnelson.gi Tel: 200 50009

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

Grand Casemates Sq Tel: 20044449

Get Stuffed!

Marina Bay Tel: 200 42006

57 Irish Town, Gibraltar Tel: 200 70652

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

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

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

Wembley Bar

To advertise in this section call

200 77748

10 South Barrack Ramp.

Tel: 200 78004

email: gibmag@gibraltar.gi

• Hot & cold bar snacks • Function room

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

BUDDIES pasta casa

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

now also in Casemates

Just A Nibble Licensed Cafeteria Let the ‘A’ Team serve you up a snack or a meal.

Daily Specials • Varied Menu

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

Wines, Spirits, Tobacco, Beers & Soft Drinks Distributors Est. 1839

35 Devil’s Tower Road, Gibraltar. Telephone: (350) 200 74600 Telefax: (350) 200 77031 e-mail: mail@sacspeed.gi A Member of The Saccone & Speed (Gibraltar) Group of Companies GIBRALTAR 2010 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAGAZINE •• JUNE JULY 2010

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restaurants 14 on the Quay Unit 14, Queensway Quay. Tel: 200 43731 Open for lunch, afternoon tea, cocktails and dinner, 14 on the Quay offers a relaxed atmosphere inside and al fresco dining for every occasion.

The international menu changes on a monthly basis to offer a wide variety of choice each time you visit and you can wind up your evening with a refreshing cocktail as you watch one of the marina’s spectacular sunsets.

Open: 12 midday - late every day, Sundays 12 midday - 4pm Brunos The Boardwalk, Marina Bay. Tel: 216 25555 A modern marina-side restaurant which offers a selection of classical, contemporary and local dishes. Choose from a variety of starters such as baked goat’s cheese or smoked mackerel pâté before your main dish with choices of meat, fish or vegetarian options. Alternatively you can go for the favourites which include home-made burgers or pizzas through to steamed mussels or chicken Caesar salad to name a few. Bruno’s other offering is their tapas selection where you can choose any three dishes served with homemade crostini for just £6.50. If you have any special dietary requirements, just ask the staff and they’ll be happy to accommodate you wherever possible.

Open: 10am until late (kitchen until 11pm) l Café Solo Grand Casemates Square. Tel: 200 44449 Modern Italian eatery set in the lively Casemates square. Everything from chicory and crispy pancetta salad with walnuts, pears and blue cheese dressing, or king prawn, mozzarella and mango salad to pastas(eg: linguine with serrano ham, king prawns and rocket; smoked salmon and crayfish ravioli with saffron and spinach cream) to salads (eg: Vesuvio spicy beef, cherry tomatoes, roasted peppers and red onions; and Romana chorizo, black pudding, egg and pancetta) and pizzas (eg: Quatto Stagioni topped with mozzarella, ham, chicken, pepperoni and mushroom) and specialities such as salmon fishcakes, beef medallions and duck. Good daily specials menu on blackboard. No smoking inside. Free WiFi. l Cafe Rojo 54 Irish Town. Tel: 200 51738 Sleek modern comfort in this relaxing little restaurant. Red comfy arm chairs in separate area for a relaxing drink or coffee. Brunch menu (10am-12pm) includes ciabatta, granary, foccacia sandwiches with fillings such as pear and blue cheese, smoked bacon and brie, cheese and honey roast ham, delicious desserts (chocolate mousse in a must). Lunch 12 - 3pm and dinner 7-10pm includes Roast Pumpkin, Mushroom, & Spinach Curry; Marinated Tuna Steak & Sesame Crust; Roasted Lamb Shoulder; pasta dishes such as Langoustine, Lime & Coconut; Pear, Walnut & Blue Cheese; and Creamy Mixed Seafood; and salads such as Warm Goats’ Cheese, Fresh Spinach & Chargrilled Aubergine; and Roast Duck,

dishes. Or you could go for the house speciality of fresh, home-made pasta where you can choose from a wide range of options. Open: Monday to Saturday 19.30 to 22.30 and lunchtimes for group bookings.

The Boat Yard Restaurant & Cocktail Bar Queensway Quay. Tel: 200 50540 Stylish chill-out lounge and restaurant on the quayside at Queensway Quay. Enjoy a pre-dinner drink or stay on a while after trying their fresh selection from their daily menus which include slow roast rack of lamb, line caught fillet of seabass, baked Dorada or host, Gary, suggests the prime Argentinean steak. Desserts include apple crumble or Wild Berry Eton Mess amongst others.

Open: Monday to Friday 12 midday to 11pm, Saturdays 7pm to 11pm

Chorizo & Pancetta Salad.

Open: from 10am. Closed all day Sundays, and The Mexican Grill and Bar Unit 2B The Tower, Marina Bay Tel: 200 46668 Saturday lunch.

The Mexican Grill and Bar serves all the favourite Mexican dishes from Nachos, Quesadillas Casa Pepe and Chimichangas (rolled flour tortilla with 18 Queensway Quay Marina. spicy chicken, chilli beef or vegetables, deep Tel/Fax: 200 46967 fried, served with Mexican rice and salad and Email: casa.pepe.gib@gmail.com Situated right on the water front at Queensway guacamole, salsa or sour cream), to Burritos Quay, Casa Pepe has a comprehensive a la carte (like Chimichangas but oven baked), El Gringos menu which includes dishes such as melon & Chilli con Carne, or Cheese Holy Mole EnchilaSerrano ham, stuffed piquillo peppers and filled das. Don’t forget Big Eat Homemade Burgers mushrooms to start, followed by a choice of sal- (5 to choose from) and from the grill barbecue ads, rice and noodles and fish, poultry and meat combos, steaks and chicken. Salads and sides dishes which include King Prawns Macarena to order. Decorated is warm Mexican colours (cooked with fresh ginger, tomatoes, mangos and with comfortable seating in the no-smoking, bananas served with basmati rice, fried bread air-conditioned interior or outside on the patio, and bananas), Medallions of monkfish cooked great for a fun night out. Available for private with white wine and lobster sauce, duck breast bookings and children’s parties.

Armanac-style (with Cognac, mushrooms and Open: lunch and dinner 12 noon to late pine nuts), Medallions of pork loin cooked with Serrano ham and dry Jerez sherry, and fillet steak Maharaja Indian Restaurants Malagueña cooked in creamy garlic mushrooms Tuckey’s Lane. Tel: 200 75233 and sweet sherry sauce topped with prawns. Queensway Quay Marina. Tel: 200 50733 With two restaurants, one in the town centre and Wide range of tapas/raciones also available. another on the quayside of Queensway Quay, the Open: Monday to Saturday 11am till late.

Maharaja restaurants have been a well known name in Gibraltar for nearly 40 years. Whilst Charlie’s Steakhouse & Grill each restaurant offers a slightly different menu, Marina Bay. Tel: 200 79993 Smart, recently expanded steakhouse and grill you’ll find traditional Indian cooking in these with a pleasant terrace overlooking the marina. recently refurbished restaurants with plenty of Non-smoking interior lounge geared towards choice to cater to your taste. The Maharaja offers family dining with a spacious disabled bathroom vegetarian, seafood and meat dishes throughout as well as baby changing facilities. The restaurant its range of starters and main dishes, and don’t be specialises in Tandori dishes, with a specialised scared to ask them to spice up the dishes just to your liking. The extensive wine list covers reds, chef and oven for that authentic flavour. roses, whites as well as cava and champagne for Open: 12 midday until late every day. that special night out. And if you’re planning a night in, you can use their take-away service.

Nunos Italian Restaurant and Terrace Open: Maharaja Tuckey’s Lane: Monday 10amCaleta Hotel, Catalan Bay 4pm, Tues - Sun 10am-4pm & 7pm-midnight For a reservations Tel: 200 76501 Maharaja Queensway Quay: Tues - Sun 12-4pm E-mail reservations@caletahotel.gi Overlooking the Mediterranean from Catalan & 7pm-Midnight Bay, Nunos’ Spanish chef with Three Star Michellin experience offers a variety of Italian cuisine. Savannah Lounge The restaurant has now moved from its location 27 Heart Island, Ocean Village on the lower floors and can now be found at the Tel: 200 66666 www.savanna.gi reception level of the hotel. A quick peak at the Aimed at Gibraltar’s dining and night-life scene, menu reveals the chef’s celebrated Salmorejo Savannah has been created with fun and style in is on the menu, as are his baby squid burgers mind. Offering contemporary European cuisine (Insalata di Calamari). From the main dishes you a wide selection of drinks, cool decor and good can choose from a variety of fresh fish and meat music. The venue hosts regular events with

l = full menus online at www.thegibraltarmagazine.com 86

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

invited DJs and shows from abroad.

Open: Sunday-Thurs midday-midnight, Friday and Saturday midday-5am.

Munchies Cafe 24 Main Street. Tel: 200 43840 Fax: 200 42390 A great sandwich bar/cafe offering an unusual range of sandwiches on white or granary bread, plus salads, baguettes, soups, desserts, homemade ice-cream and hot/cold drinks.

Business lunches, parties and kids parties also catered for (for party and office platters phone or fax order by 5.30pm day before - minium orders for delivery £12).

Open: Mon - Fri 8.30-7, Sat 9 - 4, Closed Sun.

The Waterfront Queensway Quay Marina Tel: 200 45666 The Waterfront is a very popular restaurant located right on the quayside at Queensway Quay Marina. There are different areas for eating and drinking, including the restaurant and bar, a large covered terrace with chandeliers and an open quayside terrace. There is an extensive menu to cater for all tastes including meat, fish and vegetarian dishes, along with salads and oriental food. The specials menu is changed daily and includes starters of lobster and prawn cocktail, fresh soup which is made daily and served with crusty bread, or Alaskan crab salad.

The specials menu also tempts you with dishes such as Coca Cola marinated lamb shank served with oven roasted garlic and rosemary mashed potatoes, and the ever popular in-house aged steaks that can be served with a variety of sauces, or fresh Dorada, sea bass and salmon. For those who enjoy the sweeter things in life there is proper homemade banoffee or apple pie, cheese cakes and strudels.

Open: 7 days a week from 9am to late.

Picadilly Gardens Rosia Road. Tel: 200 75758 Relaxed bar restaurant with cosy garden terrace just across the road from the cable car. 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.

Just A Nibble 1st Flr ICC Tel: 200 78052 Full licensed cafe serving English breakfast, vast range of toasties, rolls, and snacks. Meals include, Bob’s famous chicken curry/chilli con carne, and a great new range of pies (from Bob’s chicken and leek to steak and kidney plus a whole range of tasty alternatives) plus The Water Margin all the old favourites; jacket spuds, burgers, hot 5 Ocean Village Promenade, Tel: 200 73668 dogs, fish and chips, and daily specials. Ideal Gibraltar’s premier Chinese restaurant serving meeting place. freshly cooked traditional Chinese dishes in the Open: Monday - Saturday from 9am. beautiful Ocean Village marina. Check out the outstanding aromatic crispy duck, the special Just Desserts duck slow cooked with honey and chilli or the 1st Floor ICC. Tel: 200 48014 freshly caught seabass delicately steamed with Bright and airy, recently redecorated cafe on ginger and spring onion, popular with families the first floor of the ICC. All home-made food looking for a relaxing night dining. No micro- including daily specials, vegetarian options wave oven or flavour enhancer (MSG) used in and desserts. Eat in or take-away. Try their this establishment. Home delivery service. daily roast with everything on or their all-day Open: 7 days a week, evening from 6pm, lunch breakfast. Non-smoking restaurant with terrace from 12:30pm smoking area. Friendly, cheerful and fully

informaleating

licensed with sensible prices.

Open: 8am - 4.30pm Monday to Friday.

The London Bar & Bistro Governor’s Parade. Tel: 200 77172 A cosy traditional English-style pub with a family-orientated atmosphere serving traditional pub food with a touch of Mediterranean flair.

Favourites include fillet steak, mixed grill, filled jackets, quiche and salads, not to mention the all-day breakfast all served from the open-plan kitchen where you can see the dishes as they are prepared. Reserve for business lunch, or call in for the more informal Friday evening where from 5 to Buddies Pasta Casa 7pm Pillie serves a free tapa with every drink.

15 Cannon Lane. Tel: 200 40627 Open: Monday - Friday 9am to midnight, Italian specials in pleasant ambience. Large Saturday-Sunday midday to 1am selection of starters from garlic bread to calamari. Main courses include spinach Mumbai Curry House caneloni, spaghetti alla carbonara, fusilli al Unit 1.0.02 Ground Floor, Block 1 salmone, and peppered steak to name a few. Eurotowers Tasty desserts and variety of wines.

Tel: 200 73711 Home delivery: 50022/33 Open: Monday - Thursday 11am - 5pm, Friday Good Indian cuisine for eating in or taking 11am-3pm and 7pm-11pm, Sat 11am-4.30pm away, from snacks such as samosas, bhajias, and pakoras to lamb, chicken and fish dishes with Get Stuffed sauces such as korma, tikka masala, bhuna, do Marina Bay. Tel: 200 42006 piaza... in fact all you would expect from an Take-away, sandwich bar and hot food. Serving Indian cuisine take-away. Large vegetarian all homemade sandwiches, salads, quiches, selection. Halal food is available, as is outside pasta, pies, muffins, plus hot and cold drinks catering for parties and meetings. Sunday and smoothies and a different special every day. specials include all Mumbai favourites such as Outside catering for corporate parties.

Dosa and Choley Bhature.

Open: 8am - 6pm Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm Sat. Open: 7 days a week 11am to 3pm, 6pm -late.

Amin's The Office 30 Parliament Lane. Tel: 200 40932 Sit down, informal and friendly restaurant.

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.

Open: 7.00am to midnight.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

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

Open: 9am-7.30pm Mon-Fri. 9am-3pm Sat Smith’s Fish & Chips 295 Main Street. Tel: 200 74254 Traditional British fish and chip shop with tables/seating available or take-away wrapped in newspaper. Menu: Cod, haddock or plaice in batter, Cornish pasties, mushy peas etc. Also curries, omlettes, burgers. Open: 8am-6pm Monday-Friday. Breakfast from 8.

Located: Main Street opposite the Convent.

Solo Express Ground Flr, International Commercial Centre Solo Express, located right next to Pizza Hut, serves a good variety of salads and baguettes (white, brown & ciabatta) filled with a wide deli selection of things such as roast chicken; smoked salmon & mascapone; ham, cheese and coleslaw; or hummous, avocado and roasted red pepper. The salads are fresh and tasty and include Greek, Waldorf, cous cous, tuna pasta, etc and are great value. Jacket potatoes, quiches, tea, coffee etc plus cakes (such as flapjacks and muffins) are also available throughout the day.

Eat-in available. Soups in winter months. Free Wifi.

The Tasty Bite 59a Irish Town. Tel: 200 78220 Fax: 200 74321 Tasty Bite has one of the biggest take-away menus around with home cooked meats, filled baguettes, burgers, chicken, kebabs and everything else you can think of!

Open: Monday - Saturday.

Verdi Verdi 44 Cornwall's Lane. Tel: 200 60733 Verdi Verdi offers morning and afternoon coffee as well as all home-made vegetarian and vegan dishes, fresh baked bread and desserts. A wide selection of sandwiches to eat in or take away.

Open: Mon & Fri: 9am - 3pm, Tues - Thurs: 9am -3pm & 7-10pm, Sun: 6-10pm. Sat Closed

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Savannah Lounge 27 Heart Island, Ocean Village Tel: 200 66666 Aimed at Gibraltar’s dining and night-life scene, Savannah has been created with fun and style in mind. Offering contemporary European cuisine a wide selection of drinks, cool decor and good music. The venue hosts regular events with invited DJs and shows from abroad. Open: SundayThurs midday-midnight, Friday and Saturday midday-5am.

bars&pubs All’s Well Grand Casemates Square. Tel: 200 72987 Traditional pub in fashionable Casemates area.

Named for the 18th century practice of locking the Gates to the city at night when the guard announced ‘All’s Well’ before handing the keys to the watch. All’s Well serves Bass beers, wine and spirits plus pub fare. English breakfast served all day, hot meals such as pork in mushroom sauce, sausage & mash, cod and chips and steak & ale pie are complemented by a range of salads and filled jacket potatoes. Large terrace. Karaoke every Monday and Wednesday until late. Free tapas on a Friday 7pm.

Cannon Bar 27 Cannon Lane. Tel: 200 77288 Jane is still there and still packed out with tourists and regulars! Word has it that she nearly managed to escape, but wasn’t allowed to. The famous fish and chips, the odd French speciality, there’s always something happening in the Cannon!

Located between Marks & Spencer and the Cathedral just off Main Street. Quiz night on Tuesdays, get there early as it is definitely the place to be on a normally quiet Gibraltar Tuesday.

The Final Whistle 4, Cornwall’s Parade Friendly sports bar with six screens. If it’s live, it’s on, and often more than one game on at a time for full sports coverage. Fun atmosphere with special offers during premier matches. All sports fans welcome.

Open 10am until late, 7 days a week.

The Gibraltar Arms 184 Main St. Tel: 200 72133 www.gibraltararms.gi Good food served all day at this typical pub right on Main Street. Everything from all day breakfast to Irish fillet steak roll, burritos, and the popular fresh local mussels. Draught lager, bitter, cider and Murphys plus free WiFi. Terrace seating right on Main Street to watch the world go by. Open: from 8am (10am Sundays) until late.

Lord Nelson Bar Brasserie 10 Casemates Tel: 200 50009 www.lordnelson.gi E-mail: reservations@lordnelson.gi Attractive bar/brasserie in historic Casemates building. Done out to represent Nelson’s ship with cloud and sky ceiling crossed with beams and sails. Spacious terrace Starter s& snacks include fresh local mussels, blue cheese and rocket

The Star Bar Parliament Lane. Tel: 200 75924 Reputedly the oldest bar in Gib, this small cosy bar opens early for breakfast (English or toast & cereal). Lunch/evening menu includes fillet steak, fish and chips and salads. Home of Med Golf and Tottenham Hotspur FC supporters club. Outside bruschetta, Lordy’s potato skins, spicy chicken seating. Open: from 7am every day. Located: first wings and calamares. Main courses cover a range right off Main St (walking from N to S). from chilli con carne and chicken and mushroom pie, to crispy aromatic duck burrito and British Three Roses fish and chips. Try one of the salads or Nelson’s 60 Governor’s Street. Tel: 200 51614 platters. Jacket potatoes, burgers and children’s Charming, recently refurbished bar with a cosy, menu. Credit cards accepted. Live music Venue homely atmosphere situated just above Main of the Year, with live music on stage every night.

Street (near Eliott Hotel). Offering breakfasts, Free Wifi. Open: from 10am till very late. lunch, tapas, special montaditos and several South African dishes such as Boere Rolls, the bar The Lounge has three screens for live football matches and is Queensway Quay Marina Tel: 200 61118 home to Chelsea Supporter’s on the Rock. The Stylish bar right on the quayside with very reasonThree Roses has a function room for booking at ably priced drinks and light bites. Free WiFi, quizno cost and charity organisations are particularly zes on Sundays (7.30pm) and a relaxed friendly welcome. Monday night’s Salsa dancing. atmosphere. Great place to chill out. Open: 7 Open: 8:30am - 11pm Monday to Saturday. Sundays a week 1pm-late. day’s closed unless Chelsea are playing.

O’Reilly’s Leisure Island, Ocean Village. Tel: 200 67888 Traditional Irish bar with full HD sports coverage and Irish breakfast from 7am (Sunday from 9am).

Guinness on draught. Food includes salads, jackets, beef and Guinness ale pie, Molly’s mussels, drunken swine, Boxty dishes (potato pancake wrapped around delicioius fillings), sandwiches, rolls, Kildare chicken and much much more. And just like in Ireland there’s no smoking inside, so a great atmosphere for all.

Pickwicks Governor’s Parade. Tel: 200 76488 Run by well-known friendly face, Mandy, this small pub with a large terrace is situated in Governor’s Parade away from the traffic and safe for all the family. Good food available including the best freshly made sandwiches and jacket potatoes, salads and burgers. Open: Mon - Fri from 9.30am Location: turn off Main St at Marks & Spencer, go up steps to Governor’s Parade (opposite the Eliott Hotel).

The Three Owls Irish Town. Tel: 200 77446 The Three Owls is a traditional bar serving best of English beers. Three separate bars/floors: ground floor — big screen TV, pool table, poker machines, bar — open from 10.30am daily. First floor ‘Hoots’ bar — two match pool tables, poker machines, darts board, bar — open from 5pm daily. Second Floor the ‘Nest’ — American pool table, poker machine, card table, bar — open from 7pm daily and also at weekends for the Rugby Union matches. If you are looking for a sociable game of pool or darts this is the place to be.

Wembley Bar 10 South Barrack Ramp. Tel: 200 78004 Popular bar for hot and cold bar snacks, function room, in south district. Fridays 10am for breakfast.

Air conditioned. The home of the Real Madrid Supporter’s Club.

Open: 11am - midnight Sunday - Thursday, 10am - 1am Friday, 11am - 1am Saturdays.

Pickwicks on Governor’s Parade

Tel: 200 76488 (opposite the Eliott Hotel)

The Best Sandwiches made especially for you as well as Jackets•Salads•Burgers and a whole lot more

open Monday to Friday from 9.30am

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

wine column

A Matter of Taste

In the 1920s Heisenberg introduced the Uncertainty Principle to science.

I’m not wholly sure what the principle is (which proves that it must be correct) but apparently it shows that an electron will often fail to turn up at the spot it is predicted to turn up at. It took a brilliant mathematician to come up with this idea after years of study of the atom.

The Uncertainty Principle was, depending on your point of view, shown to be quite wrong or quite right by Schrodinger’s cat. This impressive feline was, it seems, both dead and alive at the same time. How Mr Schrodinger knew when (or indeed whether) to put his cat out, and when to feed it, is not revealed. He spent a long time in the 1930s putting it in a box with radioactive particles and sulphuric acid. This would no doubt be prohibited under present day laws about treatment of animals. However, Mr Schrodinger finally produced his theory, after much thought, although the fate of the cat remains uncertain.

Mr Schrodinger, like Mr Heisenberg, must have been a bachelor with no experience of women — or of poetry. ‘Uncertain, coy and hard to please’ was a central truth written by Sir Walter Scott in the 19th century. The two scientists needed a further 75 years to realise the same basic truth. Nothing can demonstrate more clearly the gap between learning and experience. Science needs only to look at what is (as often as not) staring it in the face in order to

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

reach profound conclusions. The same applies to the law. Mr Justice Wool (as he then was — he is now a member of the Privy Council as revealed in last month’s column) found in a case many years ago that while the reasonable man was well known to English law, there was no such thing, as a matter of law, as the reasonable woman. It was clear to him, and to all with any knowledge of females, that such a creature did not exist.

This leads to some understanding of various differences in palate. Anglo Hispano recently held a wine-tasting to celebrate the arrival of a new white Rioja (Altenza - £4.50). Almost without exception the males present found it over-fruity, a little too sweet, without any zip and generally uninspiring. Almost without

exception the females present raved about it.

One male did remark: “Wonderful bouquet, beautifully rounded body,” but I do not think he was referring to the wine as he had had his eyes fixed upon a vision of loveliness throughout the evening.

The Uncertainty Principle can be the only explanation for this difference in taste. The same phenomenon can be observed in reactions to rosé wines. With one or two honourable exceptions (a Chilean Agramonte at £6.50 from Stag Bros springs to mind) rosé is good only for clearing the sink. But otherwise apparently sensible females swoon over it. They go even further when it comes to the abomination of pink champagne. What on earth is the attraction? It is best not to reason why, but simply to accept that the attraction exists. The effects of a bottle of pink champagne can be most gratifying and it is not necessary actually to drink it oneself.

To be fair, it is not just a question of gender. All wines create differing reactions in different people. That is part of the fascination. I find the relatively local Barbadillo red (Tempranillo and Cabernet) and white (Parellada), at about £3.50 everywhere, are fine for everyday drinking. Served cool, for the red, and a bit cooler, for the white, they bring out the best of summer in this part of the world at a very reasonable price. My brother, with whom I generally agree on most matters, was far from impressed by either, even at the price.

He found them both thin, sharp and grating.

So these wines are like Schrodinger’s cat: dead and alive at the same time depending on who is doing the tasting.

It is difficult to draw any scientific conclusion from these observations. However, further and continuing research is clearly needed. This latter sentence, incidentally, may be found in almost any scientific paper and is code for: ‘Please do not stop the funds coming in as I need an income and I can’t think of anything else to do’. That further research will involve trying all sorts of different wines at different prices and keeping a note of what you like and what you don’t. It is usually more fun to do this in the company of at least one other person and compare notes.

Naturally, there is no purpose in looking at anything even vaguely pink unless your society is exclusively female.

The Uncertainty Principle and Schrodinger’s cat will appear regularly; but every now and then you will find something upon which you agree. This is the moment when you feel like some watcher of the skies when a new planet swims into your ken. It may well be a Chateau Batailley 1982 (far too expensive, but oh! the joy of it); present choices are the Zarzuela crianza (Anglo Hispano, £7.50) and Morrison’s Sancerre (£8.00). You may well consider that further research is required and, indeed, I agree that research on these matters should never cease.

But, for the moment, there is no uncertainty in our household. Carpe diem, because it cannot last. You can be sure of that. n

These wines are like Schrodinger’s cat: dead and alive at the same time depending on who is doing the tasting. It is difficult to draw any scientific conclusion from these observations.

However, further and continuing research is clearly needed 89

A ro u n d To w n .. .

a light-he arte d look at Gibralta r soc

iety

Here we are in July, it’s officially summer and we are looking forward to the start of Summer Nights at Casemates (Tuesdays and Thursdays from 20th July) when the square will once again be filled with that fantastic family atmosphere Gibraltar is famous for (pictures on these pages are of the Calentita event held last month in Casemates).

Keeping it Lucky The World Cup is building up to an exciting climax in July, and one lady who shall remain nameless (Lisa) takes the event very seriously and always wears her lucky pants. Not only are these pants lucky, but they also play the Vindaloo tune when pressed... what more could a girl want?

Water Sports Sporting heroes of a different sort will be taking part in the Gibraltar International Regatta from Friday 23rd July to Sunday 25th July... ahhh nothing better than messing about on the water (though this annual event is taken VERY seriously!). Don’t have a yacht? That’s no excuse, you can join in with the GASA Annual Endurance Swim from Eastern Beach to Catalan Bay instead. I think I will just get an ice-cream and sit on the beach and wait for them to arrive...

Many Happies Happy birthdays this month include Bosom Buddy Sonia Golt and Willy Rolex on 6th and Abigail Wahnon on 8th. Urban Dance artistic director Darion Figueredo and Jane McJohnson share a date on 14th and Naomi Quigley of Colorworks rounds up the month with a celebration on 31st. Many happy returns to them all and to anyone else who celebrates this month.

This photo and above: celebrating the opening of the newly refurbished and extended Charlie’s at Marina Bay

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Jeweller Eloy and Natalia GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2007 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

Hoops for a Helpline

Wedding Belles Celebrations and congratulations of a different sort at the end of July when Samantha become Mrs Latin when she marries Iain in what is sure to be a spectacular event. Ahhhh aint love grand? And to all you would-be brides and grooms out there, don’t forget there is a Wedding Fair at Leisure Island, Ocean Village on 29th July — contact Aftershock for more info.

Row-a-thon Don’t forget the RICC (Research into Childhood Cancer) 24 hour sponsored row on Friday 9th and Saturday 10th July. It starts at Eastern Beach on Friday from 3pm-9pm then continues at Ocean Village (outside O’Reilly’s) from 9pm to 9am on Saturday, then moves to the ICC, Main Street from 9am - 3pm. The rowers will be putting in an incredible effort and deserve all the support and encouragement (and donations of course) they can get. (www.ricc.gi for more info).

The Chefs at Maharaja

Latest Technology?

Which local Quiz Mistress was it who (while not wearing her glasses) told one team off for using a laptop when in fact they were just looking at a menu? That new Maharaja D-500 is quite a machine... WiFi too!

We’re All Going...

Lucky Annette and Luis of Cafe Rojo are taking a break in July so the restaurant will be closed from 12th July to 2nd August. It won’t be all lounging on the beach though for this dynamic couple, they will be sprucing up the place and making a few changes so look out for the improvements next month (Annette will still be taking bookings for August while they are closed too).

Well that’s it for this month. Lots of people will be off on their holidays this month, but for the rest of us who remain, slaving away in the heat (okay, okay, air-conditioning)... see you on Main Street!

Ladies’ Night at Ocean Village

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2007 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

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clubs&activities Arts & Crafts The Arts Centre, Prince Edward’s Rd. Art classes for children (5-6pm Mon, 5-6.30pm Tues, 5-7pm Thurs), adults (Mon - Tues 6.30pm-8pm, Wed 6.30pm-8.30pm, life painting Wed 7pm9pm). Tel: 200 79788.

The Fine Arts Association Gallery 1st Floor above Gibraltar Crystal, Casemates. Open 11am-2pm, 4-6pm Mon - Fri, Sat 11am - 2pm.

Arts & Crafts Gallery (next door) opens Mon - Fri 9.30am - 5pm (summer) -6pm (winter), Sat 9.30am - 3pm.

The Poetry Society meets on 20th of each month. Tel: Audrey Batty on 200 44355 .

Board Games Chess Club meets in Studio 1, John Mackintosh Hall 8-10.30pm Tues.

The Gibraltar Scrabble Club meet John Mackintosh Hall Mondays. Bank holidays changed to Thursday same week. 7pm-11pm All welcome.

Tel: 200 73660 or 200 75995.

The Subbuteo Club meets Charles Hunt Room, John Mackintosh Hall 7.30 - 11pm.

Dance Adult Dance Classes Wednesday evenings at the Youth Disco Room, Kings Bastion Leisure Centre from 7-8.30pm. Cha-Cha, Salsa and Merengue. Lessons £5 and all proceeds to GibMissionAfrica Charity. Contact Dilip on 200 78714 or dance@trainingtm.net Salsa Gibraltar Salsa classes held Tuesdays at Laguna Social Club, Laguna Estate. Beginners 7-8.30pm, £5 per lesson. Intermediates 8.30-10pm, £6 per lesson (all profits going to the charity Help Us To Help Them). Contact: Mike 54472000 Email: info@salsagibraltar.com website: www.salsagibraltar.com Modern & Latin American Sequence Dancing Mondays Catholic Community Centre 8.30pm (beginners 7.30). Over 15s welcome.

Old & Modern Sequence Dancing sessions at the Catholic Community Centre at 8pm, beginners at 7.30pm, Wednesday.

The DSA Old & Modern Sequence Dancing sessions at Central Hall Fridays 8pm, beginners 7.30pm. Tel: 200 78282 or e-mail manvio@ gibraltar.gi Everybody welcome.

Senior Citizens Teatime Dances at The Youth Centre, Line Wall Rd on Mondays 2 - 5.30pm.

All senior citizens welcome for coffee, tea and biscuits. Entrance free.

Classical Ballet classes for children 4+, Spanish dance and hip-hop at Liza School of Dance, 3rd floor, Methodist Church, 297/299 Main St. Classes Weds & Fri from 6pm at Chiltern Court (4Cs). Tel: 58111000.

Modern, Contemporary, Hip Hop & Flexibility classes held weekly at Urban Dance Studio for Performing Arts, No. 2 Jumpers Bastion. Contact Yalta (54012212) or Jolene (54015125).

History & Heritage The Gibraltar Heritage Trust Main Guard, 13 John Mackintosh Sq. Tel: 200 42844.

The Gibraltar Classic Vehicle Association Dedicated to preservation of Rock’s transport/motoring heritage. Assists members in restoration / maintenance of classic vehicles.

Members/vehicles meet 1st Sunday of month, Morrison’s car park from 10am. New members welcome. Tel: 200 44643.

Music The Gibraltar National Choir and Gibraltar Junior National Choir rehearse on Monday & Thursday 7.30 - 9pm. New singers of all ages welcome. Tel: Lili 200 40035, 54006727 St Andrew’s Music Academy Musical Monsters Club, musical workshops. Group musical activities for kids 3-7 years. Singing, rhythmic games etc. Tel: 200 42690 email: samagib@ hotmail.com Outdoor Activities The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is an exciting self-development Programme available to all young people worldwide equipping them with life skills to make a difference to themselves, their communities and the world. To date over 5 million young people from over 100 countries have been motivated to undertake a variety of voluntary and challenging activities. Contact Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Montagu Bastion, Line Wall Road, Gibraltar Tel: 200 59818 Reg. Charity No: 61

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Don’t be bored... do something fun!

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 8pm, Wellington Front. Basic courses, competitions etc.

Harley Davidson Owners’ Club www.hdcgib. com UN Association of Gibraltar PO Box 599, 22a Main Street. Tel: 200 52108.

Creative Writers Group meet every Tuesday at the Eliott Hotel bar at 8pm. The workshop is run

by Carla, Tel: 54006696 and is aimed at learning to write fiction and non-fiction, for pleasure or publication. Each session is £5.00.

Sports Supporters Clubs The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters Club meet at the Star Bar, Parliament Lane, when Spurs games are televised - call prior to matches to check the game is televised. Great food for a lunch if the KO is early or an early supper if the game is later. For info call Mario on 56280000.

Gibraltar Arsenal Supporters Club meet on match days at the Casino Calpe (Ground Floor).

Gooners of all ages welcome. Tel: Bill 54010681 or Dion 56619000. Website: www.clubwebsite. co.uk/ArsenalGibraltarSC/.

Gibraltar Hammers meet on match days at the Victoria Stadium Bar, Bayside Road. All league games are shown live. All West Ham supporters and their families are welcome. For details visit www.gibraltarhammers.com or e-mail gibraltarhammers@hotmail.com Sports & Fitness Artistic Gymnastics: Gibraltar Artistic Gymnastics Association club for beginners, juniors and squad at Bayside School in evenings. Tel: 200 Angela 200 70611 or Sally 200 74661.

Athletics: Gibraltar Amateur Athletics Association holds competitions throughout year for juniors, adults and veterans. Two main clubs (Calpeans 200 71807, Lourdians 200 75180) training sessions at Victoria Stadium.

Badminton: Recreational badminton weekdays at Victoria Stadium (Tel: 200 78409 for allocations). Gibraltar Badminton Association (affiliated to IBA & EBA) has leagues and training for adults and secondary school. Tel: Ivan 200 44045 or Linda 200 74753.

Basketball: Gibraltar Amateur Basketball Association (affiliated FIBA) leagues/ training for minis, passarelle, cadets, seniors and adults at a variety of levels. Tel: John 200 77253, Randy 200 40727 or Kirsty (minis) 200 49441.

Billiards & Snooker: Gibraltar Billiards and Snooker Association (member IBSA) round leagues and competitions at various venues.

New members welcome. Tel: Eddie 200 72142 or Peter 200 77307.

Boxing: Gibraltar Amateur Boxing Association (member IABA) gym on Rosia Rd. Over 13s welcome to join. Tuition with ex-pro boxer Ernest

Victory (200 75513 w, 200 42788 h).

Canoeing: Gibraltar Canoeing Association. Tel: Nigel 200 52917 or Eugene 58014000.

Cricket: Gibraltar Cricket Association (member ICC) runs leagues/competitions at Europa Point/ Victoria Stadium. Junior/senior training. Tel: Tom 200 79461 or Adrian 200 44281.

Cycling: Gibraltar Cycling Association various cycling tours. Tel: Uriel 200 79359.

Darts: Gibraltar Darts Association (member WDF) mens/ladies/youth leagues/competitions.

Tel: Darren 54027171 “Secretary”, Dyson “Youth Rep” 54024149, Justin “President” 54022622 Email: info@gibraltardarts.com Football: Gibraltar Football Association leagues/competitions for all ages October-May. Futsal in summer, Victoria Stadium. Tel: 200 42941 www.gfa.gi. Senior Tel: Albert 200 41515, Junior Tel: Richard 58654000, Women’s Tel: Brian 200 52299. Recreational football for over 35s Tel: Richard 200 70320.

Golf: Med Golf tournaments held monthly. Tel: 200 79575 for tournament venues/dates. Gibraltar Golf Union has competitions through year, EGU handicaps. Tel: Bernie 200 78844.

Hockey: Gibraltar Hockey Association (members FIH & EHF) high standard competitions/training for adults and juniors. Tel: Eric 200 74156 or Peter 200 72730.

Judo: Gibraltar Judo Association UKMAF recognised instructors for all ages and levels at Budokai Martial Arts Centre, Wellington Front.

Tel: Charlie 200 73116 or Peter 200 73225.

Ju-jitsu: Gibraltar Ju-jitsu Academy training and grading for juniors/seniors held during evening at 4 North Jumpers Bastion (Rosia Rd). Tel: Tony 200 79855 or club 200 47259.

Karate-do Shotokai: Gibraltar Karate-do Shotokai Association sessions for junior/seniors, gradings and demos at Karate Clubhouse, 41H Town Range Tel: Andrew 200 48908.

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

Netball: Gibraltar Netball Association (affiliated FENA & IFNA) competitions through year, senior / junior leagues. Tel: Moira 200 41795 or Suzette 200 41874.

Petanque: Gibraltar Petanque Association plays at Giralda Gardens, Smith Dorrien Ave. New members welcome. Tel: 200 70929.

Pilates - at the King’s Bastion Leisure Centre Mondays 1pm-2pm and Wednesdays from 1pm - 2pm and 5.30-6.30pm. For further enquiries call Chantal 60518882 or email: chan_elle82@ yahoo.co.uk.

Pool: Gibraltar Pool Association (member EUKPF) home and away league played on Thurs through season. Tel: Linda 200 74753.

Rhythmic Gymnastics: Gibraltar Rhythmic Gymnastics Association runs sessions for 4 years of age and upwards, weekday evenings. For more information contact Sally Tel: 200 74661.

Rugby: Gibraltar Rugby Football Union training sessions for Colts (14+), seniors and veterans.

Play in Andalusia 1st Division Oct - April. Tel: James 200 72185 Sailing: Gibraltar Yachting Association junior/ senior competitive programme (April - Oct) Tel: RGYC 200 48847.

Sea Angling: Gibraltar Federation of Sea Anglers (members FIPS-M & CIPS) Superb calendar of events with four clubs participating. Tel: Mario 200 72622 or Charlie 200 74337.

Shooting: Gibraltar Shooting Federation (over 14s). Rifle, Europa Point range (Joe 200 74973); clay pigeon, East Side (Harry 200 74354); Pistol, near Royal Naval Hospital (Fidel 200 71990).

Skating: Gibraltar Skating and Xtreme Sports Association. State of art ramps for Xtreme/aggressive roller blading /skate boarding. Leisure skating facilities provided within excellent rink (when not used for roller hockey training). Tel: Eric 200 70710 (after 5).

Snorkelling & Spear Fishing: Over 14s for snorkelling, over 16s for spear fishing. Tel: Joseph 200 75020.

Squash: Gibraltar Squash Association, Squash Centre, South Pavilion Road (members WSF

what a page turner! www.thegibraltarmagazine.com

& 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: 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 Clubs, Associations, should submit details to The Gibraltar Magazine gibmag@gibraltar.gi

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

support

sports update

Support Groups/ Associations Alcoholics Anonymous meet 7pm Tues and Thurs at Nazareth Hse Tel: 200 73774.

A Step Forward support group for single, separated, divorced or widowed people. Meet 8pm Mondays at St Andrew’s Church.

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. Meetings are held alternate Thursdays at 9pm at Nazareth House. For more details 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 of those with compulsive overeating problem. Tel: helpline for details of meetings 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. Weekly Meetings Tuesdays at 7pm, Fridays 8pm. Tel: 200 51623.

SSAFA Forces Help Gibraltar, is a national charity, to assist serving and exService personnel and their families. Tel: (5)5481. E-mail olivero@sapphirenet.gi With Dignity Gibraltar support group for separated, divorced, widowed or unattached people. Meetings Weds 9pm, Catholic Community Centre, Line Wall Rd. Outings/activities. Tel: Flor 54007181 or Marie 200 79957.

Women in Need. Voluntary organisation for all victims of domestic violence.

Refuge available. Tel: 200 42581 (24 hours).

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2010

League Winners Great fun was had by all in the recent pool Three Owls’ Spring League. Congratulations to Franics Becerra, Andrew Olivero, Nicky Correa and Charlie Bear for winning the trophy in a closely fought final match against Steve Blaney, Chris O’Connor and David Wadsworth.

The Plate match was won by Sarah de la Rosa, Kayleigh Raine and Val Jarvis who beat Alan Mor, Alfred Ballester and John Calderon.

Well done to everyone who took part.

The Summer League will start on Wednesday 4th and Thursday 5th August with finals night on Thursday 2nd September.

Med Golf News

The Cruz & Co Trophy — one of Gibraltar’s leading legal practices were sponsors of the latest Med Golf competition which took place on the super Marbella Golf Club with some 40 players taking part.

It was a successful day for Med Golf regular Steve Munns who won the Cruz & Co Trophy and a pro shop voucher for 100 euros with a superb overall score of 42 points, launching Steve into the Med Golf Top Ten. Winner of the 1st category (0- 12 handicap) was Matt Charlesworth with 36, the runner up in the 1st category was

Chris Warren with 35, Chris also won the best gross score with 78 shots and the top senior and the best gross score on the par 3s playing them to par. Winner of the 2nd category (13- 21 handicap) was Dave Pinniger with 36 and runner up was Julie Brewer with 35. Winner of the 3rd category (22 - 36 handicap) was Jon Powell with 32, runner up Soren Valbro 31.

Best team prize went to Steve McEwan and Steve Munns with a combined score of 71. Other prize winners for nearest the pins, best gross score on the par 3s and longest drive were, Keith Johnson, Dave Pinniger, Steve McEwan, Nicky Sanchez and John Hunter.

After 10 events in the current rankings year the Med Golf Top Twenty looks like this: 1 Alan Sene, 2 Dave Pinniger, 3 Louis Calvenete, 4 Chris Warren, 5 Julie Brewer, 6 Nicky Sanchez, 7 Jon Powell, 8 Josh Hunter, 9 Peter Warren, 10 Steve Munns, 11 John Caruana, 12 Mike Cowburn, 13 Keith Johnson, 14 John Hunter, 15 Douglas Casciaro, 16 Joe Sanchez, 17 Soren Valbro, 18 Johann Olivera, 19 Rodney Sheriff, 20 Roy Azopardi.

The top ten in the summer will automatically qualify for the Med Golf Masters, an all expenses paid day, including breakfast, green fee, shared buggy & presentation lunch, on one of the Coast’s top courses Finca Cortesin.

For info on Med Golf visit www.teetimespain.com or contact Johnathan Goodson on 56001055 or e-mail jg@medgolf.gi

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

T

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

St. Michael’s Cave: The cave comprises an upper hall with five connecting passages and drops of 40-150ft to a smaller hall.

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

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

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

of the earliest British building on the Rock.

Original graffiti, drawn by duty soldiers to stop themselves falling asleep, is still visible, the earliest dating back to 1726.

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

Natural History & Heritage Park Walks: Med Steps is a stunning walk with the steep climb at the end rewarded with spectacular views of the Rock and Spain.

Another recommended walk is St Michael’s Cave through to Charles V Wall but walkers should be relatively fit for both. It is also pleasant walking along the upper rock roads. Brochures available free from all Tourist Board offices.

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

Tel: 200 72639/200 74022. Parking.

Nelson’s Anchorage: Rosia Road 9.30am - 5.15pm Monday to Saturday (last entry at 5pm). Closed on Sunday. Admission: £1.00 (free of charge with Nature Reserve ticket.

Tickets for the nature reserve can also be bought at this attraction).

Parson’s Lodge: Rosia Road. A narrow limestone outcrop with a labyrinth of underground tunnels surmounted by an impressive battery, which has witnessed the development of coast artillery over 300 years. Once housed three 18 ton 10-inch rifled muzzle loaders positioned behind a

unique sandwich of armour plate and teak, known as ‘Gibraltar Shields’. TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC.

per Rock, Europa Point and other sites of interest. It is the best way to see the Rock’s major features in a short time.

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.

Tourist Board.....................Tel: 200 74950 Gibraltar Tourist Board, Duke of Kent House, Cathedral Square, Gibraltar.

UK Tel: 0207 836 0777 giblondon@aol.com

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.

John Mackintosh Hall.......Tel: 200 75669 Includes cafeteria, theatre, exhibition rooms and library. 308 Main Street 9.30am - 11pm Monday to Friday. Closed weekends.

Trafalgar Cemetery: Trafalgar Road, open 9am - 7pm daily (admission free).

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.

Business Information

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

Useful Numbers

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

General Information

Gibraltar Museum.............Tel: 200 74289 18/20 Bomb House Lane Open 10am - 6pm (Sat. 10am - 2pm). Closed on Sunday. Admission: Adults £2/Children under 12 years £1. Exhibitions also at Casemates gallery.

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

Rock Tours by Taxi............Tel: 200 70052 As well as offering normal fares, Gibraltar taxis provide Rock Tours taking in the Up-

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

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

A City Under Siege Exhibition: Exhibits depicting the lives of the civilian population during the many sieges, are housed in one

History Alive

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

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Gibraltar Bus Company Routes

Public Holidays 2010

New Year’s Day Friday 1 January Commonwealth Day * Monday 8 March Good Friday Friday 2 April Easter Monday Monday 5 April May Day Monday 3 May Spring Bank Holiday Monday 31 May Queen’s Birthday * Monday 14 June Late Summer Holiday Monday 30 August Gibraltar National Day * Friday 10 September Christmas Day Monday 27 December (in lieu of Saturday 25 December) Boxing Day Tuesday 28 December (in lieu of Sunday 26 December) *Gibraltar Only Spain Fixed: New Year’s Day 1 January, Epiphany 6 January, St Joseph’s Day 19 March, Labour Day 1 May, St John 24 June, St James 25 July, Assumption Day 15 August, National Day 12 October, All Saints 1 November, Immaculate Conception 8 December, Christmas 25 December Moveable: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Corpus Christi Non-urgent calls: Ambulance Station..........Tel: 200 75728 Police...............................Tel: 200 72500 Gibraltar Services Police: Emergency Nos: ....Tel: (5) 5026 / (5) 3598

The Gibraltar Magazine is published and produced by Guide Line Promotions Ltd, 1st Floor 113 Main Street, Gibraltar.

Tel/Fax: (+350) 77748

Natural History & Heritage Park

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • July JULY2004 2010

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2010