The Gibraltar Magazine- January 2011

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

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ibraltar magazine the

January 2011 Vol. 16 No. 03 FREE

Dancing with a Difference Females & Football?

New Year Inspirations

Looking Back at 2010 & Forwards to 2011 Frome: The Human Dynamo

The Rescue of the Three Princesses


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what’s inside? arts & lifestyle

features

26 28 36 44 48 50 52 73 76

Moira Walsh: A Life for the Children Charlie Conroy’s 50 Fighting Years Gibraltar Joe’s Boxing Legacy New Year: Making Change Happen New Year: New Resolutions New Year: Three Kings Dancing with a Difference ₏

business & ďŹ nance 8 9 14 16 20 22 24

Looking Back at 2010 and Forward to 2011 â‚Ź

38 40 41 42

46 54 56

The Passporting Effect February Launch for CISI Gibraltar Ring in the New Year with a Career Change White Wedding is not Smart Tax Planning HR Clinic: Your Questions Answered

property ďŹ les

38-43

Top 10 Predications for ’11 Property Directory Apartments Re-released What Walls Want

food & drink

80-89

80 Party Time 82 A Red Rendezvous 85-88 Restaurant & Bar Guide 89 Wine: thinking about wines

The Travels and Writings of a Midwife Critic Compared Gibraltar to Alcatraz Photograhic Society: Beginners Fidel Parton: A Lifetime of Worship Females and Football on the Rock ₏ What’s On January Rebekah Guzman’s Art with Edge Gibraltar-born writer found fame in Canada Gina’s Coaching Our Beauties

history & heritage

Business & Finance Guide

health & medical 62 64 66

60-67

All About Lung Cancer Health & Fitness Guide Making Change Happen

regulars 68 Puzzle Page 90-91Around Town

information

70-71 94

City Centre Map Gibraltar Information

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

12 30 32 66 74 78 58

Rescue of the Three Princesses â‚Ź The Deutschland Incident Frome: The Human Dynamo

gibraltar the

magazine January 2011 Vol. 16 No. 03 FREE

Dancing with a Difference Females & Football?

New Year Inspirations

Looking Back at 2010 & Forwards to 2011 Frome: The Human Dynamo

The Rescue of the Three Princesses

Fireworks over Casemates by Stuart E

Vol. 16 No. 03 January 2011

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business & finance

Looking back at 2010 & forward to 2011 by Ian le Breton

It’s traditional at the turn of the year to look back at the 12 months just gone and do some pondering. Was it a good year? Will the new one be any better? And what about those New Year resolutions — how long will they last this time? For the last couple of years in the January edition of the Gibraltar Magazine, I have set out some thoughts on the previous year from a financial perspective — and my own view as to prospects for the next. I am a natural optimist (probably an essential requirement as I work in business development) so of course I am always of the view that the coming year just has to be better than the last. But how true is this likely to be for 2011? Consider this summary: major banks rescued; currencies under pressure; interest rates at rock bottom but bank lending still difficult; and property prices plummeting in certain countries. Sound familiar? I wrote a piece along these lines a year ago when looking back at 2009. Put another way, at first glance not much has changed in the last 12 months. But look a little more closely and in certain countries things are markedly different. Let us examine just a couple of examples close to home in the European Union. I always find it’s best to consider the UK first

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011

in any review because, here in Gibraltar, we are affected in so many ways by the state of the British economy. Although the government here manages our financial affairs, questions such as the setting of interest rates and of course the vital matter of the exchange rate — of particular importance here is the pound’s value against the

Although the government here manages our financial affairs, questions such as the setting of interest rates and of course the vital matter of the exchange rate are totally beyond our control

euro — are totally beyond our control. In May 2010, the UK general election resulted in a hung parliament and the UK entered a new era of coalition government. The most pressing issue during the election campaign was the truly dreadful economic situation. Once in power, an emergency budget resulted in higher taxes overall and reduced government spending across the board in an effort to reduce the budget deficit. Without wanting to stray into UK politics, the harsh medicine seems to be having a positive effect overall. Borrowing is steadying and the markets seem to have calmed down a bit. In September, the International Monetary Fund announced that in their opinion the UK economy was on the mend. We are still however in uncharted waters and any new economic waves could still prove dangerous because stability remains fragile. High profile international events such as the royal wedding in 2011, the London Olympics and HM The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012


business & finance are going to attract vast international coverage. Whilst the events themselves will generate huge revenue in their own right, the authorities will also be keen to showcase Britain as a country that has truly turned the economic corner. How different the economic outlook appears across the Irish Sea as this New Year begins. Formerly known as the Celtic Tiger with a booming economy and Asian-style rates of growth, the situation in Ireland suddenly lurched from serous to critical. Last year saw a marked deteriation when the full extent of the cost of bailing out the Irish banks became apparent. The result was that the annual budget deficit for the year was estimated to be close to 32% of GDP — ten times the normal permitted maximum level. Eventually, in November, the EU was forced to “recommend” that Ireland sought external assistance. Not only is this type of scenario bad for the country itself, there is also the very real danger that the contagion may spread further into the eurozone. This is why the EU put pressure on Ireland to seek assistance from the financial bailout mechanism agreed earlier in the year. In Spain it has been a familiar story with another year of stubbornly high unemployment — officially recorded at around 20%. Anecdotal evidence suggests that in some places the real figure is substantially higher — particularly in the 18 to 24-years–old age bracket. As elsewhere in Europe, VAT was increased in the austerity budget and in May the government had to step in to rescue CajaSur, a savings bank crippled by property loan defaults. Further afield, Greece was the highest profile casualty of the economic crisis during 2010. In May, she was eventually forced to accept a bailout of €110 billion from the EU and IMF. The road to recovery will be a very long and difficult one for the Greeks. Looking at the currency markets, the euro appeared to be holding its own during the year. This is mainly due to the relative weakness of other major currencies such as the pound and US dollar. Of course, here in Gibraltar we are chiefly concerned with the pound / euro exchange rate. After rising nicely through the summer we saw a fall-off as autumn approached. There are many factors affecting the currency so it is difficult to predict where the rate goes from here. Interest rates have remained at historically low levels all year and this seems likely to continue for some time to come. During 2010 there was modest tightening in some countries such

10

For most of us, I suspect that 2011 will be another year in which we will have to continue to rebuild our fitness after the injuries of the recent past as China and Australia — where interest rates were raised. Across Europe including the UK and in the United States, the danger is that raising rates too quickly might stifle the fragile recovery process. This is of course the last thing that any of the economies need. The other half of this equation is inflation and once again, we continue to live in a period of relatively low inflation overall. However, the steady rise in the price of a barrel of oil has certainly made itself felt as much higher utility prices have been seen across Europe. So what would I predict for 2011? As always, I must add an important “health warning” here. These are only my personal thoughts and with so many factors at stake, my predictions could prove to be very wide of the mark. It seems reasonable to assume that in the absence of any major new financial shocks — and at the time of writing the whole euro zone project seems to be under threat — a gradual recovery will continue in many economies across

Europe and around the world. There are some countries that will experience a slower recovery or worse — just consider, for instance, how much ground Ireland and Greece will have to make up — and there may be increasing public unrest as austerity measures really begin to bite. For most of us, I suspect that 2011 will be another year in which we will have to continue to rebuild our fitness after the injuries of the recent past. Depending on your point of view, higher interest rates would be welcomed by savers — but not by mortgage holders. We may see some tightening later in the year but the general consensus appears to be for a continued period of very low rates. As for the exchange rate, most forecasters seem to be looking at fairly flat conditions at least for the first half of 2011. I am not brave enough to commit myself in writing but I will be watching developments across Europe for clues as to how sterling will fare in the next few months. At this time last year, I wrote that the only thing I could confidently predict was that the warm spring sunshine shouldn’t be too far away. 12 months on, I think this remains the only thing of which I can be relatively certain, such is the fragile nature of the international economic scene. Let’s hope that this winter is relatively mild and short-lived. So there we have it. Yes 2010 was similar to the year before. On balance, neither came anywhere near the horrific experiences in 2008 – but the recovery is still limping rather than charging ahead. Overall I believe that 2011 will prove to be similar. It only remains for me to wish all readers and their families a very Happy New Year. Let us hope it is prosperous, peaceful and happy for all of us. If you are making financial resolutions this year, good luck with keeping them going until at least the second week in January! Happy New Year. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011


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political profile Moira Walsh joined the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) shortly after its inception, when it published its democracy pledge, because she realised there was someone else out there thinking like her about the future of democracy. Moira cares. She cares about the youth, which in her view is not being involved enough in building their community: “They ought to take ownership, while we the politicians must make a better effort to reach out to them and take them on board, because they have so much to offer to shape up their society.” Care for the youth of course starts from the formative years: although Moira firmly believes

Moira will put her name forward as a candidate for the next elections, but what really matters to her is voicing her opinion and actively doing something for what she believes in

Moira Walsh:

a life for the children Moira Walsh has taken up politics as a ‘hobby’ in her silver years, after retiring from a lifelong career as a primary school teacher, but definitely not with the pastime spirit some of us who pick gardening, or just to keep fit in the political arena. 12

Gibraltar has an excellent education structure, she labels it too ‘academic’, with vocational routes perceived as a bit of a Cinderella. Not everyone is academically oriented, but being ‘handy’ doesn’t subtract anything from a child’s intelligence or life success potential. Moira would therefore like to introduce vocational training in schools as part of a dual educational process, complementing the academics and allowing students to make a responsible choice in their own time, without later precluding access to university if they so wish, but also without feeling compelled to it. Vocational training should not be considered as the next best option but rather as a worthy alternative, she feels. The obvious corollary is that parents must take responsibility in their children’s education, because having children is hard work indeed, but it is also a privilege one cannot take for granted. From anti-social behaviour to the more serious matters like teenage pregnancies and divorce — two

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011


political profile

by Elena Scialtiel of the hottest topics in our society which an up-and-coming political party cannot fail to tackle — parents must always keep in mind the youngsters’ ultimate welfare, and remember that if they want their children to be respected they must teach them about respect in the first place. Even closer to Moira’s heart is her policy for ‘Persons with Disabilities’ and their education and training: she feels that in the current system there is little drive to include them in the workplace, and she pledges to do her best to enable them to become active members of their society. Instead of ‘pensioning them off’ with an allowance, which isolates them as burdens with their ‘special’ stigma — just a sorry euphemism for exclusion — Moira believes they ought to be empowered to take on a dignified job so they could be, and feel, independent adults, boosting their self-esteem, perhaps with the introduction of cottage industries and sheltered employment. Moira feels the PDP has a great vibe in the committee make-up, where the input is balanced between male and female members,

each giving their slant on issues and watching the world through different eyes. She’s very pleased with the way they get along not only at their official meetings, but also socially, keeping constantly in touch like close friends do. She’s got nothing but words of praise for their leader Keith Azopardi, a true primus inter pares who knows how to bring out the best of everyone when brainstorming for their ultimate goal: investing in Gibraltar’s growth. Moira will put her name forward as a candidate for the next elections, but what really matters to her is voicing her opinion and actively doing something for what she believes in, because after all this is what democracy is about — not standing by watching idly and whining every time some-

thing goes wrong, but standing up for one’s rights and acting first-hand to fix the shortcomings, no matter how much elbow grease one has to use in the process! This is exactly what Moira is doing, after a fulfilling life as daughter, wife, mother and grandmother, and most of all counting on her experience with generations of pupils who still greet her as if she was part of the family. “Primary school teachers often become a sort of parental figure to their pupils who look up to them with sheer admiration, and that is a huge responsibility because one can deeply influence them just with one’s mannerism. That’s why I believe teaching is a true vocation and labour of love, and I don’t regret it one minute. I loved the thrill of being in the classroom,

the buzz and excitement at every little adventure of learning. I feel privileged to have laid the foundations for their success in life.” A teacher for almost 30 years, Moira is the epitome of pictureperfect family life: third of seven siblings, she married Martin, now a retired Royal Gibraltar Police officer, 42 years ago, and they have two daughters and a son. An active outdoors lover, Moira enjoys gardening, camping and hiking. Actually, her greatest hope is keeping fit and being able to ski until she can teach her four grandchildren to take the snowy slopes by storm. In the meantime, she encourages them to recycle and protect their environment, because no action is too small in anyone’s bid to do their share to save the planet. n

Primary school teachers often become a sort of parental figure to their pupils who look up to them with sheer admiration, and that is a huge responsibility because one can deeply influence them just with one’s mannerism. That’s why I believe teaching is a true vocation and labour of love

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011

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business & finance

The Passporting Effect by Tina Andlaw

Insurance is famed for being big business in Gibraltar. At the beginning of this year, it boasted a total of 63 licensed insurance and reinsurance companies, as opposed to just 13 a decade ago. This impressive growth has been accelerated by passporting, a vehicle which allows companies to expand their operations easily into fellow EEA member states.

What is passporting? If you are an established EU financial services provider looking to carry out business activities in another European Economic Area (EEA) state in addition to in your existing location, then passporting is a mechanism that will allow you to do so.

Passporting in Gibraltar Although Gibraltar doesn’t appear on the official list of EEA members, for passporting purposes, it is still considered to be “part of the club”. Why? Because it is incorporated into the European Union by virtue of the United Kingdom’s membership. So, unlike Jersey and Guernsey, Gibraltar does have the authority to passport its banking, investment and insurance services throughout the EU and the EEA. Experts agree that passporting has been the making of the financial services market in Gibraltar over the past decade. Many companies establishing themselves here also look further afield to expand their operations to other EEA jurisdictions. The benefits they enjoy aren’t

purely about tax. Companies that passport to other jurisdictions also prosper from the very fact that they are providing a much wanted service, namely a well regulated, English speaking product, to a ready supply of corporate entities and private individuals alike. They appreciate a reassuringly

Our motor insurance industry now underwrites approximately 8% of all business in the UK’s motor sector — more than Lloyds of London

British experience, which is fully regulated by the Financial Services Commission (FSC). Gibraltar’s success is clear: our motor insurance industry now underwrites approximately 8% of all business in the UK’s motor sector — more than Lloyds of London. Some companies that are passported to Gibraltar, such as Admiral and Saga, remain household names as leaders in the world of insurance. Meanwhile, Argus’s new branch in Malta is an example of how a firm foothold in Gibraltar has enabled the company to expand by passporting itself into pastures new. Insurance mediation directives came into play in 2005 to create a simpler platform in Gibraltar, and a level playing field for all insur-

The process is simple and passporting means you’ll not need to obtain any authorisation to operate in the new jurisdiction. The only requirement is that you satisfy the rulings of the EU Single Market Directive and that you notify your member state’s supervisory authority (the FSC in Gibraltar) of your intention to operate in another jurisdiction. The authority will then notify the regulator of the country to which you wish passport, and approval should be sent to you, normally within a month. Once authorised, your company can go ahead and either establish an actual branch in the new jurisdiction, or provide cross-border services. You will, however, need to adhere to local regulations and tax rulings relating to your activities in the new country. n

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Ibex Insurance’s Managing Director, Richard Hill

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011


business & finance ance companies’ operations. The challenge facing many local insurance companies at the moment is Solvency II, a directive which has been introduced to ensure the harmonisation of solvency levels across Europe. A passport to success One of the many companies that has benefited greatly from passporting is Lloyd’s coverholder and Gibraltar broker, Ibex Insurance which, in just ten years, has established a wholesale platform and no less than 14 retail offices in Spain and Portugal, in addition to its soon to be opened, beautifully renovated head office in Irish Town. Managing Director, Richard Hill, is rightfully proud of the company’s success, born from a constant need for English speaking policies aimed at the expat community living in and around Gibraltar, the costas and islands. Richard explains, “Gibraltar has always meant convenience, particularly in the days when doing business in Spain wasn’t quite as easy as it is today. Passporting has allowed us to supply expat clients

with a valuable service: quality motor and household policies written in English and provided by English speaking staff, irrespective of whether they are based in Spain, Portugal or Gibraltar.” Thanks to passporting, 90% of Ibex’s business can be conducted over the border, while still operating within an English speaking business framework and in accordance with FSC regulations. But Richard Hill is acutely vigilant when it comes to variances in claims procedures in different countries as they can be a potential cause for confusion. “It is very important to inform clients of exactly what to expect from their chosen policy, particularly in the unfortunate event of a claim. Many clients take comfort in the fact that, if necessary, they can contact the Ombudsman in the UK, as opposed to a Spanish or Portuguese authority, for example. “Transparency is key to providing clients of all nationalities with the insurance policies and the service levels they need. We endeavour to keep everyone well informed on just what to expect.” n

Thanks to passporting, 90% of Ibex’s business can be conducted over the border, while still operating within an English speaking business framework and in accordance with FSC regulations

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011

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business & finance The CISI is the leading professional body offering progressive qualifications to individuals worldwide to help them to achieve core competence in a career within the investment industry. With over 48,000 examinations taken in 49 countries, the CISI has achieved international recognition. On 8th July 2009, the Institute was granted a Royal Charter by the Queen, thereby joining the ranks of professional bodies including accountants, lawyers and bankers, and enabling individual members to obtain Chartered Status. The CISI offers a range of qualifications, for which local training and testing is now available in Gibraltar, covering advice, asset management, compliance, custody (safekeeping and administration), IT, Sales & Marketing and wealth management, including: ➤ International Introduction to Investment ➤ International Certificate in Wealth Management ➤ Certificates in Securities/ Derivatives/Investment Management ➤ Certificate in Corporate Finance ➤ Advanced Certificates in Operational Risk/Global Securities Operations ➤ CISI Diploma

February 2011 Launch for CISI Gibraltar The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investments (CISI) has recently incorporated a local advisory council in Gibraltar and will shortly hold a launch event to mark the occasion.

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➤ Diploma in Investment Compliance/Investment Operations ➤ Masters Programme (Wealth Management) ➤ Islamic Finance Qualification In Gibraltar, the qualifications are not compulsory from a regulatory perspective but they are supported by the Financial Services Commission as providing individuals with a route to build on their professional competence. Any examination can be studied successfully by distance learning

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011


business & finance using CISI workbooks (a soft copy is included in the international exam price) and online learning tools. Global Advisory Services has recently received accreditation as a training provider and will be providing instruction on a number of courses. The examinations can be taken locally either at Bleak House for the computer based exams or the Gibraltar College for the paper based examinations. The CISI also provide a structured programme for Continued Professional Development (CPD) that enables members to demonstrate their ongoing commitment to continuing professional development to both their employer and the regulator. The institute offers a whole host of CPD opportunities for members including free seminars, conferences, qualifications, CISI Professional Refresher, many of which are provided by webcast. Members can log their hours themselves and 35 hours are required per annum to complete the programme. n For information on the CISI contact the President of the Gibraltar committee, Mark Maloney, 200 75181. For info on courses run by Global Advisory Services email cisi@globalgroup.gi.

and small businesses will let debts build up, or will not complain about bad services because they do not have the time to deal with the matter, or think that seeking professional help with be too costly.” Paperwork Assistant can prepare all forms of business correspondence, including debt recovery; insurance claims; formal letters of complaint or letters of negotiation.

Paperwork Assistant Director Fiona Young

Need help with paperwork? Paperwork Assistant (Limited) is a new concept in business support solutions for small businesses and individuals in Gibraltar. Director, Fiona Young, qualified as a solicitor in November 2000 and has over ten years’ legal and business experience, both in London and here in Gibraltar.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011

“We all have situations when we need to put pen to paper, but we do not all necessarily have the time or resources to do it,” explains Fiona. “Often individuals

“Working from home means that my overheads are low allowing my prices to be extremely competitive and proportionate to the value of the matter,” says Fiona. “But I don’t just deal with complaints!” Paperwork Assistant can help draft CVs, write letters of application, help draft basic agreements (e.g. domestic cleaning services). In addition, Paperwork Assistant can proof read documents you have prepared and offer advice on drafting, ensuring your correspondence is effective yet retains your personal touch. n Contact Paperwork Assistant on 216 241 41 or 60611935; email fiona@paperwork-assistant.com or visit www.paperwork-assistant.com

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Barclays Wealth in Gibraltar Barclays Wealth International, dedicated

to providing customers a great service offering The Personal Banking team specialises in providing banking and investment services to personal customers based in Gibraltar and all over the world. Our strength is in the breadth of our offering both in respect of our products and the teams based on the ground.

We are proud to serve Gibraltar”

~ Franco Cassar, Director Barclays Wealth Intermediaries

Gibraltar is as important to Barclays now as it has always been and we take great pride in the brand and how it is perceived in this very significant market. We have demonstrated how important the community is through the investment we have made and our continued support of both business and personal banking locally. Our flagship branch in Main Street is up-todate with the latest self-service technology and queues are a rarity. We will invest further in 2011 to make this space even more comfortable for our clients. Our ATM network is unsurpassed and we continue to be the only bank represented in the South District.

Our suite of products is extensive and caters for everyone’s needs, ranging from savings accounts into which you can make monthly contributions aligned to your personal circumstances, to capital guaranteed products through which you can invest a lump sum and opt for a potentially higher Sally Butcher, team Derek Sene, Head return. For the more sophisticated investors we leader Personal Bankers of Personal Banking have investment products that will match their & Mortgage risk appetite. investment and treasury products at no extra cost With our international expertise we can provide to the client. products and services to meet the individual needs of our customers, be they normal dayDerek Sene, Head of Personal Banking, and Sally to-day banking requirements or more complex Butcher, who leads the Personal Bankers and the personalised services. Within the branch in Main Mortgage teams, are dedicated to providing our Street we have a team of five Personal Bankers customers a great service offering. Derek Sene has who cater for our customers’ day-to-day banking enjoyed a long and successful career with Barclays, requirements. This team is supported by our spanning a period of 36 years. He says, “I have been Service Centre that handles our customers’ the happiest when my role involved interacting with servicing requirements over the phone and a state customers. I am passionate about the customer of the art electronic banking service that allows experience and ensuring that we deliver on our customers to operate their account 24/7. customer expectations, so I am thrilled with the prospect of leading our Personal Banking sector and Our team of Relationship Managers based in our making an impact within the local market.” Main Street office help our customers to maximise their wealth and can call upon our team of For more information call our service centre on resident specialists to deliver a bespoke solution + (350) 200 52170 or visit our website http:// to our customers’ needs. We have teams based barclayswealth.com/international Address locally that provide specialist advice on mortgage, Barclays Wealth, 84/90 Main Street, Gibraltar

Gibraltar Corporate Team - A wealth of experience

We have, more importantly continued to invest in our people, our most important resource, at a time when others have not. We have the biggest Relationship Management team in the local market. I am confident that our business is strong and well prepared to support Gibraltar Inc and its community both locally and internationally. Our global presence and balance sheet strength are pre-eminent. All this can be delivered to your doorstep by our excellent team of people. We are proud to serve Gibraltar and proud to bring the Barclays global brand and strength to you. I would like to thank all our clients for banking with us all these years and would also like to wish everyone a happy new year!

With a clear focus on supporting our clients’ success, the Barclays Gibraltar Corporate Team provides integrated banking solutions to businesses via our relationship, industry sector and product specialist managers, who provide tailored solutions to meet clients’ needs. These include lending, risk management, trade, cash and liquidity management, and specialist asset financing. Additionally, clients are offered access to the products and expertise of other businesses in the Barclays Group, particularly the investment banking solutions of Barclays Capital and the private wealth

management expertise of Barclays Wealth. Paul Wharton, Head of Corporate said, “We are passionate about what we do, and the people we work with. Equally, we’re committed to strong client relationships. Key to this is a pro-active approach and a real interest in our clients’ businesses, and their personalities. We take great pride in helping clients through the deals, developments and decisions that shape the world around us.” For more information call us on + (350) 200 41222 or visit our web site http://barclayswealth.com/intermediaries

Gibraltar Intermediaries Team goes from strength to strength The Barclays Wealth Intermediaries team focuses on the professional services sector, as well as providing a tailored offering to niche markets, such as the fund management sector and insurance businesses. Having recently taken responsibility for the

team, Carlos Garcia, Head of Intermediaries, is working hard to strengthen our proposition further, building on Barclays existing capabilities of credit flexibility, improved account opening, investment portfolio management and treasury services. By utilising Barclays scale and expertise we aim to bring the best solutions to meet individual sector and business needs.

Mr. Garcia said, “I am determined to play a part in capturing this opportunity and to make Barclays Wealth Gibraltar a force to be reckoned with. It’s a good place to be, an almost blank canvas, a journey to be packed with colour.” By providing clients with access to Barclays Capital, one of the world’s leading investment banks, and Barclays Commercial Bank, one of the world’s largest commercial outfits, we have the combined knowledge and expertise to outperform any rivals, whether on the Rock or internationally. For more information call us on + (350) 200 41222 or visit our website http://barclayswealth.com/intermediaries


Investments The Investment Team’s primary focus is to drive the wealth management ethos for corporate, intermediary and private clients alike. The Barclays Wealth investment proposition has evolved over the last three years with the launch of a new market leading investment platform.

Call us on + (350) 20075695 or email InvestmentDesk.Gibraltar@ barclayswealth.com Alternatively, contact your relationship manager to book your free wealth management review.

WEALTH. WHAT’S IT TO YOU

?


photo: Tom Wang

career moves

Ring in the New Year with a Career Change With a fresh New Year upon us many resolutions have been made. Now is the time to follow through and make those resolutions happen. For some this is the perfect time for that much needed career change. If you’re not sure where to start, here are some things to consider. The first step is to make that conscious decision of change. You need to think about the specific change in career that you are looking for. This requires some real soul searching as this is a decision that will affect you for the rest of your life. You need to be reasonable in your thought process. For instance, deciding you want to make a career change that requires going back to school and studying a completely different area of expertise may not be the best course of action. If you are in your 40s it might not be reasonable to pursue a career as an astronaut. I exaggerate of course, but only to make a point. Also research what reasonable work opportunities in a new field could be. Where you live and work will most likely have some bearing on feasible career options. For instance, working in Gibraltar can allow some excellent opportunities in the online industry as well as finance and banking. However if you are looking to start a career in the film industry you won’t find a large amount of work opportunities available

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to you. Once you have carefully thought out your career change, you will need to determine how to achieve it. Do you require additional professional qualifications? Will you need to gain some work experience relative to this new field and if so how do you go about that? A good

Two main areas of growth in Gibraltar are Online Marketing and Languages. Many of the current companies seek professionals from these areas and often they don’t require candidates to have industry experience

way to find the answers to these questions may be to speak to someone who is already working in the industry you are interested in. Ask them what is required and how long realistically it will take to reach your career goal. Another factor you need to consider is the skills and training you already possess. Some career paths can be pursued successfully with transferable skills which you have acquired in your current profession. For example, two main areas of growth in Gibraltar are Online Marketing and Languages. Many of the current companies seek professionals from these areas and often they don’t require candidates to have industry experience. For instance, if you have worked as an Online Marketing or ECommerce professional for several years outside of the Online Gaming Industry you may still have a very good chance of securing a position without obtaining additional qualifications or experience. The same applies for roles involving languages. If your native language is something

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011


career moves besides English (ie. French, German or Italian) then you may find it easier to find a position within your desired field quickly. Keeping all this in mind, you may have to take a step down either in responsibilities and/or salary to initially get into the industry. If this is the case, then you need to consider how important this change is to you. Bear in mind this is a decision that will affect your professional well being for years to come, so it could very well be worth a temporary step down for the long term gain. Once you have decided on the career change you want to make and have done the necessary research into what is required to make this change, you need to be sure to follow through. Potential employers often fear that candidates make the decision of changing careers too lightly and will leave their new position once an opportunity of interest in their previous profession becomes available. It is a legitimate concern as

it does happen from time to time. Be sure this is the career path you want to take. Ask yourself why it is you want to pursue this type of career and try and imagine yourself working in the industry in five years time. Is it still going to be something you enjoy? If you jump lightly into a new profession only to decide it is not for you then it could have long lasting consequences. Moving from industry to industry can look very suspicious and unappealing to potential employers on your CV. You want to project confidence in your decision to make the change. Changing careers can be exciting and often it takes something like a New Year to help push that change along. If 2011 is the year you decide to make that change, make sure to grab it with both hands. n If you would like to have a confidential discussion about career change please email info@srgrecruit.com or contact Oliver Medina on 216 21111.

You may have to take a step down either in responsibilities and/or salary to initially get into the industry. If this is the case, then you need to consider how important this change is to you

Text by Oliver Medina, Executive Manager (Financial Services and Banking), Select Recruitment (Gibraltar) a specialist eGaming, IT, accounting & financial services recruitment consultancy providing permanent, temporary and interim recruitment. Questions for next month’s article or info about Select Recruitment (Gibraltar) Tel: 216 21111 or email: info@srgrecruit.com. www.srgrecruit.com.

CV Mistakes Maintaining your CV can be a pain, but it’s important to do it. These are the top five common mistakes to watch out for when prepping your CV. Don’t send a generic CV to numerous companies. Tailoring your CV to the specific role they are offering shows you have invested your time in something you really want. Clearly explain your work duties because the employer will want to know what you have and don’t have experience in. If you have gaps in your work history, explain why. Avoid the use of technical jargon or acronyms that outsiders might not be familiar with. And, believe it or not, the number one mistake is spelling and grammatical errors. Read, re-read and even have a friend read your CV to make sure everything is accurate. No employer is going to hire someone who is careless with their CV. n

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011 VUJ JLEPDJ [ PP TXDUWHUSDJH LQGG


tax advice

A Nice Day for a White Wedding, but not for Smart Tax Planning On 31st October 2010 I was very fortunate to become Mrs White and would like to thank my friends and family for celebrating this event with myself and my new husband Chris White. However from a tax perspective being married has a financial cost. Not only do I become an incapacitated person under the current legislation but I will also incur a larger tax liability. Under current Gibraltar tax legislation a married couple is not taxed independently which means that if you have one partner on the gross based system and one partner on the allowance based system prior to the marriage there will be a higher tax liability after the marriage. The current legislation will

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deduct the majority of the allowances given under the allowance based system if the other partner uses the gross based system. This means that both husband and wife must either split the allowances and both be assessed under the allowance based sys-

tem or both use the gross based system. Either option will result in a higher tax liability for the newly weds. If you are planning to get married it is important that you consider the tax effects of this and calculate which system is more

beneficial to you as a couple rather than as two individuals. The new legislation which comes into effect next year does remove the description of a wife as an incapacitated person and brings in taxation of individuals independently of their spouses.

Under current Gibraltar tax legislation a married couple is not taxed independently which means that if you have one partner on the gross based system and one partner on the allowance based system prior to the marriage there will be a higher tax liability after the marriage

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011


by Angela White of Smart Tax Consultancy

tax advice

It will be interesting to see how the new legislation copes with the use of two different systems for married couples However even at this late stage it is silent on how this is to be done. The allowances, deductions and exemptions section has yet to be published. This section should cover the two systems and how married couples will be affected. As my husband who helped construct this legislation will not divulge any details I am having to plan my tax liability on the worst case scenario as above. It will be interesting to see how the legislation which promotes the taxation of individuals independently copes with the use of two different systems for married couples. On a final note although getting married is not smart tax planning in Gibraltar, it should not affect your life choices and being happily married is worth the price of a higher tax liability. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011

When Angela Smart married Chris White in October she became an incapacitated person

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human resources

As an employer you don’t have to do this, but if they have holiday available then it seems silly not to. That way they don’t lose money and you don’t lose any time/cover

As an employer you don’t have to do this, but if they have holiday available then it seems silly not to. That way they don’t lose money and you don’t lose any time/cover. n I have taken all my leave and my company have now informed me that we close for Christmas and as such I need to take three days holiday or take unpaid leave. I find this really unfair as it is not mentioned in my contract at all and as my family all live in UK I am alone at Xmas so would rather work to be honest. Can they do this? This is a tricky one, by rights if your company have always done this and it is common knowledge and was to you when you joined there really is little you can do about it. Companies have every right to close over a break and to insist you take holiday for this time off, if they allowed you to time off without using holiday then everybody else is getting three days less holiday than you. n

HR Clinic:

Employment & the Law Your Questions Answered... by Anna Moffatt A member of our full time staff has lost some money on our premises. She is saying that it was stolen from her purse and that the company are responsible for the loss and we are liable to pay her back.

to interview people in the work place, it is then their job to do so and draw conclusions from there. n One of my team has had over the allocated sick entitlement and wants to know if he can take it as holiday rather than lose money. Can we do this, and are we obliged to do this?

Absolutely not. This is a matter for the police, they should be called and should take a statement from her like they would if the money had gone from her home. As an employer you This situation comes up a lot. I have had a few are not responsible or liable for losses at work questions this month on the same thing, now especially if it isn’t proven. If the police decide winter is here obviously sickness is climbing.

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Qualified with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Anna Moffatt, was heavily involved in the setup of the HR Forum, a body established in Gibraltar to promote awareness of HR procedures and legislation and to allow information sharing. Anna has been appointed Associate Director of Corporate Resources Ltd, one of Gibraltar’s longest established recruitment agencies. If you have employment questions you would like Anna to answer please email in confidence to anna@gibresources.com

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011


photo: Sophie Triay

community file

International Independent Law Firms Conference on the Rock In November 2010 local law firm Cruz & Co hosted the 5th biannual conference of Balms Group International (BGI), an association of Independent Law Firms. Legal practitioners as far away as Brazil, Bulgaria and Cyprus, as well as many from Europe, exchanged views on worldwide subjects of common interest. Cruz & Co also brought delegates up-to-date on various topics including Gibraltar’s recognition as a Finance Centre and its latest taxation measures. The Conference was held at the Mons Calpe Suite at the Top of the Rock and all delegates

were delighted and impressed with this unique venue. The Chief Minister, the Hon Peter Caruana QC, found time from a very busy schedule to address the delegates at the pre-dinner drinks party. Juan Luis Balmaseda, Senior Partner of Balms Abogados, España and president of BGI, said “The Chief Minister’s gesture of meeting and addressing the delegates was greatly

appreciated. It was refreshing to be brought up-to-date by Gibraltar’s leading personality on Gibraltar’s status worldwide and the latest Gibraltar Government philosophy as regards to its taxation structure”. Juan Luis Balmaseda praised Cruz & Co, and all delegates appreciated the well-organised and friendly hospitality throughout the conference. n

AI International Couriers Ltd

11 Engineers Lane PO Box 532 Gibraltar Tel: (+350) 200 73775 Airport office: (+350) 200 41076 Fax: (+350) 200 74389 email: gibsn@dhl.com GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011

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life experiences started writing a monthly newsletter, which I photocopied and sent out to friends and family as a way of keeping in touch and thus ensuring people wrote back and I was not forgotten! These newsletters and my diary make up the bulk of the book.” Liz was 50 years old when she left the UK for the Maldives. Prior to leaving she discovered the VSO training sessions were rigorous physically and mentally but also emotionally as the volunteers were given an insight into what problems were likely to arise from living alone and a long way from home. This did not put her off and she was adamant about travelling and working abroad, but despite all the training reality was harsh and still a shock. “You see you learn about yourself and it is not always good. Being alone and far away makes you see things from a different perspective, but I learned to cope and after a while started enjoying it too, and starting to like myself for it. I was lucky that the VSO is a very supportive agency. It was not the easiest two years of my life but I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. “My impressions on looking back, although we were ‘looked after’ by our field office, were that we were expected to toe the line, and rightly so, being in another country where the rules and culture were so different. It was not an easy place

The travels & writings of a midwife by Sonia Golt

Opening a book written by Gibraltar midwife Liz Banks is a revelation as to what volunteers with Volunteer Services Overseas give up to help others... but also what they gain. Liz, who has been in nursing since 1961, initially worked part time while her children grew and then went on to midwifery, in Worcester, in 1982. “I worked as a community midwife for seven years and then went back into hospital midwifery. I did a specialist course for teaching and assessing in clinical practice and then went on to do the Advanced Diploma in Midwifery which led me to do a BSc in teaching this profession,” she explains. But what enticed her to volunteer to work in the Maldives with the VSO for two years? “In 1998 my marriage started to fall apart and when I was almost at the end of the degree course my husband left and went to live in Wales, in a caravan, with the other woman,” she explains candidly. “It was a devastating time for me but nevertheless I found enough strength to finish my course, get my degree and then start teaching at the University of Central England. Suddenly it dawned on me that I was free to do as I pleased with my life. My oldest son was happily living in Holland and my younger son had also left home. That just left me and the cat

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so I applied to VSO and was accepted. I then went about finding a good home for my cat and with my family’s blessings and full support I set off into the wide blue yonder.” So what inspired Liz’s book, Maldives Musings, published in 2004? “On arriving in the Maldives I met another volunteer, who had spent two years in Ethiopia and said I should write everything down as I would forget so quickly once I was out of the situation. I thought this was a great idea so I

I met another volunteer, who had spent two years in Ethiopia and said I should write everything down as I would forget so quickly once I was out of the situation

Looking for a change in 2011? Why not volunteer overseas with Volunteer Services Overseas? You’ll make a real difference — not only to your life, but to the lives of some of the world’s poorest people. Each year, hundreds of VSO’s volunteers work abroad in rewarding roles in over 40 countries. Volunteering gives them invaluable professional experience, a wealth of memories, and a whole new perspective on life. Long-term volunteering There is a range of placements from one to two years for qualified professionals with at least two years’ post-qualification experience. The majority of roles available are long term. Short-term volunteering These last up to six months. You’ll need a minimum of five years’ post-qualification experience. Youth volunteering There are volunteering opportunities for people aged 18-25 through VSO’s Global Xchange and Youth for Development schemes. Meet VSO takes place in London on 19th January 2011 at 7pm at Carlton House 85 Upper Richmond Road, London SW15 2BS, UK. The event is free but booking is essential. Visit www.vso.org.uk for more details or to apply.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011


life experiences to live in — you had to be careful what you said and to whom. Even saying this after 11 years makes me tense. “That was how it affected you. I found myself looking around to see who was near before answering questions when I was back in the UK on holiday. Definitely not a nice way to feel. People tended to tell you what you wanted to hear which was not necessarily how it was and this caused confusion and annoyance. It wasn’t just the volunteers that lived this way, everybody did. “Although it may sound bad, there were very many happy times and memories which I relate in my book. Nevertheless it was wonderful to move back into my own home — oh, the comfort and the convenience of everything you miss! — and see all the family. At that time I only had one grandchild and he lived in Holland but they came over to see me within weeks of my getting home. What joy that was to hold the baby in my arms.” Her friend, Colin, who she had met and worked with in the Maldives returned to the UK a year later to see if they could continue their great relationship. “But really it was propinquity that had made it work, so we agreed to go separate ways and he took off for Africa to do good deeds. The last I heard, he was in South America,” she smiles. “So once Colin left, I was browsing through the Nursing Times and saw an advert for midwives in Gibraltar with the heading ‘How would you like to spend your days off on the beach?’ No contest! I applied and came over to work at St Bernard’s hospital. That was in March 1999 and I have been here since!”

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011

Moving to Gibraltar was easy for Liz and she was treated well at work. “The Maternity Unit was a little antiquated but has since caught up with the UK,” she says, adding “The women we looked after got the best possible care and seemed happy with the care they were given. My career of midwifery is something I love so it was easy to adapt.” Liz retired six years ago but has been working as a bank midwife, an average of two days a week, ever since. “I love Gibraltar, but it is like all small villages where everybody knows everybody and everybody’s business. This means that sometimes you love it and sometimes you hate it but it’s a good place to be,” she explains. If, like Liz, you would like to find out more about working for Volunteer Services Overseas, visit www.vso.org.uk. VSO is the world’s leading independent international development organisation which works through volunteers to fight poverty in developing countries. Who knows where it might take you... n

VSO training sessions were rigorous physically and mentally but also emotionally as the volunteers were given an insight into what problems were likely to arise

What is VSO? In 1958, eight 18-year-old men from the UK went overseas with VSO. For VSO founders Alec and Mora Dickson, this was the realisation of a vision. For the young men, it was the beginning of a voyage of discovery. 50 years on, VSO is an international development charity that works through volunteers. It recruits professionals to work in partnership with local colleagues and organisations to help them realise their potential. VSO volunteers share their skills to ensure that when they leave, their colleagues are in a better position to build a positive future for their community. Since 1958, more than 43,000 volunteers have shared their skills in over 120 countries. There are a number of placements to suit a variety of ages (18 to 75) and professional expertise. n

Volunteering is one of the most rewarding ways you can make a real difference to people living in the toughest circumstances. Most people join us because they want to give something back and find they get much more in return.

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Theatre Life

by Reg Reynolds

Critic Compared Gib to Alcatraz Kenneth Tynan was the best known theatre critic of his day but he didn’t reserve his criticism for actors and the stage, he wasn’t much pleased with Gibraltar either. “The drab British fortress that dangles from the Spanish mainland like an uncomfortable ear ring.” That is how Tynan described the Rock in a 1963 book titled Kenneth Tynan Right and Left. The book was released in the same year Tynan was appointed literary manager of the newly opened National Theatre by Laurence Olivier. No surprise there as Tynan had campaigned hard to get the National Theatre built and had nominated Olivier for the role of Director. Tynan was at the height of his journalistic career having achieved notoriety for his criticism and for using a four-letter word during a

live BBC broadcast. He was also at known for his left-wing views and what he wrote about Gibraltar would indicate his disdain for Gibraltar had more to do with politics than with the Rock or its residents. It was plain that he considered Britain’s continued maintenance of possessions such as Gibraltar to be an affront to other Europeans.

“As an incitement to Anglophobia Gibraltar has few rivals in continental Europe; atmospherically it is a successful blend of reform school, naval base and Cornish seaside resort and thus exemplifies uncanny skill with which the British contrive to export their least likable features intact; it has fish, chips and policemen in conical helmets

Tynan’s politics and lifestyle made him a favourite child of ’60s radical socialists in London. But he created an uproar when he supported an attempt by Olivier to stage at the National Theatre the play Soldiers

and the fact that it is frequently shrouded in mist provides a final touch of nostalgia for the Englishman abroad. They call it ‘The Rock’ a nickname it appropriately shares with Alcatraz.” It would seem that Tynan was unaware of, or chose to ignore, such Spanish possessions as Ceuta and Melilla or to consider the will of the citizens of Gibraltar. Tynan’s politics and lifestyle made him a favourite child of ’60s radical socialists in London. But he created an uproar when he supported an attempt by Olivier to stage at the National Theatre the play Soldiers. The play by German Rolf Hochhuth blamed Winston Churchill and British Intelligence for the death of Polish Presidentin-exile Wladyslaw Sikorski in a plane crash at Gibraltar in July, 1943. The National Theatre Board refused permission but Soldiers was later staged in the West End. [* See note]. Despite this and a few other setbacks 79 plays were staged at the National Theatre during Tynan’s 11-year tenure; 32 were his idea and he collaborated on another 20. Among his successes were a particularly violent Macbeth, which he co-wrote with Roman Polanski, and his own creation the erotic Oh Calcutta. Kenneth Tynan was born in Birmingham in 1927 and was educated at King Edward’s School, Birmingham. He had a severe stutter but also a high degree of intelligence and won a scholarship to Magdalen College, Oxford. He went on to write for the Evening Standard and Observer newspapers and in his prime he was widely regarded as Britain’s most brilliant, insightful, and influential drama critic Tynan spent his later years in America writing books and articles for New Yorker Magazine. Despite knowing he had been born with a rare lung disease he was a heavy smoker and died of emphysema in July, 1980, aged just 53. * Note: The pilot of Sikorski’s plane was still alive at the time the play was held and he successfully sued for libel.

He’s Behind You! It’s Panto Season on the Rock The Trafalgar Theatre Group will be performing that all time favourite Jack and the Beanstalk as this year’s fun filled pantomime — Oh Yes It Will!! Adults and children can join in the fun from 20th-23rd January and 27th-29th January

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2011. Each day has a matinee performance at 2.30pm and an additional performance at 7.30pm with the exception of the 23rd January where only the matinee will be performed. The pantomime will be held at Ince’s Hall theatre on Main Street. Tickets will be available

to purchase starting from the week of 3rd January at Ince’s Hall theatre box office from 5:30pm-7pm. First rows tickets are £6.00 each and all other seats are £5.00. So round up the little ones and granny and enjoy a night out with lots of laughs guaranteed. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011


events

Corona Society: Spreading a little cheer! Chesterton, the estate agents based in Ocean Village, got into the festive spirit by donating £1,000 to the Gibraltar Corona Society to help fund the annual Christmas Party for some of Gibraltar’s most deserving elderly folk. Maruchi Risso, chairperson of the Gibraltar Corona Society, said “The society is so pleased to have received this generous donation from Chesterton. We give a helping hand to elderly women throughout the year who are living on their own in Gibraltar and who want to remain independent and active. At Christmas, we try to source sufficient funds to give gifts to everyone who attends as well as gifts to those who are housebound and cannot physically make it to the party. With this donation, we know we can make a lot of deserving people happy.” Mike Nicholls, managing director of Chesterton was clearly pleased to help. “Chesterton has had

a very good year, and a particularly busy Autumn, fuelled by the fiscal benefits Gibraltar has to offer incoming companies and individuals. We wanted to share a little of our good fortune with others in Gibraltar who may not otherwise enjoy the same benefits. “The Gibraltar Corona Society really helps improve the lives of many older people living in Gibraltar, they bring fun and companionship to people who desperately need it. And as part of this commitment, each year they lay on a Senior Citizen’s Christmas Party, which I understand is a fantastic and welcome event.” Mike was about to find out as he was invited to the event! n

Lucky winner of Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Playstation 3 raffle, Clive Lopez, collecting his prize from Award leader Laura Graham

Scholarship Distinction Award A new upper level of Gibraltar Scholar, the Gibraltar Scholarship (Distinction Award), has been added to existing Gibraltar Scholarship scheme for students who obtain three A* grades at A level in one sitting. These students will be presented with £500. The existing award for students who obtain three grade As will now be known as Gibraltar Scholarship (Merit Award) and include the award of £300. These changes will apply to results obtained in 2010. n

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T

he year after Charlie was introduced to judo, he returned to Gibraltar and joined the Inter-Services Judo Club which was run by Don Brown, a petty officer in the Navy. Charlie, along with other members, went to Seville to train on a regular basis because they didn’t have many resources available in Gibraltar. Fed up with the commute to Seville and the lack of judokas, Charlie started the first local judo club called Gibraltar Judo Kwai. The club had a strong membership with people of all ages, the youngest member being Charlie’s brother, Peter, who was only three-years-old. Back then many didn’t know what judo was, so Charlie would wait at the Gibraltar dock for incoming ships and ask if anyone wanted to practise judo. Ironically, this worked and after a short while, several black belts were training at the club. One of his opponents, Lunteren of the Dutch Navy, even went on to be the champion of Amsterdam. During this period, Charlie took a keen interest in body building. He was the runner-up in

To me, it’s not about what colour belt you are or what rank you are; it’s about what you can do on the mats

the Mr. Gibraltar contest in 1965. Between body building and judo, it all became too much and Charlie decided to focus all his energy on judo. He went back to the UK for two years to train for his black belt since this was his dream. After blood, sweat and tears, Charlie’s hard work paid off and he was graded to first dan (rank) black belt. He was the first Gibraltarian to achieve a black belt. “I’ve accomplished many things in judo, but none of those compared to the feeling I had when I received my black belt,” Charlie grins. In 1967, Charlie returned to Gibraltar to restart the club. He founded the Judo Federation and moved the club from the Catholic United Service Club to South Gate. Once again, he had a strong membership presence and took a team

Charlie Conroy’s

50 Fighting Years

After several black eyes, grazed knees, and ultimately a trip to the hospital, 16-year-old Charlie Conroy had had enough. Every day was a struggle to make it home in one piece without bumps and bruises from the school bullies. Then one day Charlie’s prayers were answered when he was introduced to judo, a modern martial art. He was looking for a solution to protect himself, but instead found a life-long passion. Now, at age 67, Charlie marks his 50th year practising judo in Gibraltar, yet another outstanding achievement under his (black) belt. 30

Charlie Conroy fighting against the champion of Amsterdam GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011


sports profile

by Kristin Mortensen to Spain via Morocco to compete in judo events in Algeciras. Charlie joined the Royal Gibraltar Police and eventually became the self-defence instructor for them. He was promoted to the body guard for Chief Minister Sir Joshua Hassan, keeping him out of harm’s way in troubled times. He participated in the Police World Games in Italy and fought for the bronze, losing to a judoka from Tunisia. In 1981, Charlie was promoted to third dan black belt in judo by the International Martial Arts Federation based in Japan. Being the first Gibraltarian to be registered in Japan, the diploma was signed by Prince Naruhiko Higashikuni and presented on his behalf by the Governor of Gibraltar. Word of Charlie’s talent travelled across the globe, and Dave Hudgson of the World Jujitsu Federation paid Charlie a visit. With great pride and honour, Charlie decided to add a jujitsu section to the club. He started pursuing jujitsu and travelled to Liverpool and Manchester to attend courses. He was graded to first dan and later third dan black belt, again being the first Gibraltarian to achieve a black belt in jujitsu. “To me, it’s not about what colour belt you are or what rank you are; it’s about what you can do on the mats,” Charlie says. Over the next decade, Charlie went on to accomplish several awards all while teaching countless members the art of judo. He was awarded the British Empire Medal for contribution to sport, promoting martial arts of the highest quality. He took teams to participate in the Island Games on three separate occasions and

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011

Members of the first judo club in Gibraltar, taught by Charlie Conroy (on the left)

I’ve accomplished many things in judo, but none of those compared to the feeling I had when I received my black belt

won one gold and four bronze in 1993 and five bronze in 1994. He has taken teams to tournaments in Ceuta, Southport and Manchester to compete in tournaments and contests against people from all over the world. Now, after 50 years of training in Gibraltar, Charlie runs the Budokai Martial Arts Centre which is located at Wellington Front. He’s now a seventh dan black belt in jujitsu and a sixth dan black belt in judo. I bet those old school bullies wouldn’t pick a fight with him now! n

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Pepe Forbes with former World Undisputed Champion in both cruiserweight and heavyweight, Evander Holyfield, and once IBF super featherweight title holder Barry Michael

Gibraltar Joe’s Pepe Forbes Boxing Legacy an interview by Mike Brufal

Pepe Forbes, aged 93 and still working, is a Gibraltarian known throughout the world of boxing as a legendary international agent and matchmaker. Ask anyone in the sport about ‘Gibraltar Joe’ and they will know you mean Joseph (Pepe) Forbes. Pepe has kept a watchful eye over boxing on the Rock for more than seven decades and his one regret is that there has never been a Gibraltarian pugilist to reach the highest ranks of the European stage. Pepe was also a successful equine agent and became a friend of the Peralta brothers, Angel and Rafael, and through them knew most of the most successful bullfighters. Pepe has been married to Violeta for 66 years and they have three sons and two daughters, nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Pepe was born on the Rock on 16th September 1917, the son of a dockyard engineer who tragically died when Pepe was six years old. Educated by the Christian Brothers at the Line Wall school he has fond memories of Brothers O’Toole, Murphy and Healey. He left school at 16 and because of an interest in horses managed to obtain employment looking after and training the many horses stabled in Campamento

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who used to be raced there and in Gibraltar. Those not bred for racing were mounts for the riders attending the meets of Gibraltar’s Royal Calpe Hunt. The two clubs involved in racing were the Mediterranean Racing Club and the Gibraltar Jockey Club. Pepe is most grateful for the help given by Christopher Russo during his formative years. The Civil War hardly affected him as it was the Francoists who were in command of the

For some strange reason never disclosed, he was never called up to do his National Service. He wonders if this stroke of good fortune has fallen on other Gibraltarians

Campo de Gibraltar and regardless of the political struggle, horses had to be fed, schooled and exercised. In 1941, with his mother, he was evacuated to Lancaster Gate, London. Later that year he was to meet Violetta Ullger, they fell in love and married in 1944 in Lancaster Gate. In 1945 after repatriation to the Rock, Pepe worked for the import/export agents Serra Brothers. For some strange reason never disclosed, he was never called up to do his National Service. It was not that it was a secret as his school friends had all been called up but the papers never arrived and he saw no reason to advise the powers-that-be of this aberration. He wonders if this stroke of good fortune has fallen on other Gibraltarians. With a smile he opines that it is now too late to be called up as he would not pass the fitness test. In 1947 after a bullfight in La Linea he met the rejoneador Angel Peralta and started a life long friendship. For a couple of years he followed

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011


sporting profile

Pepe ‘Gibraltar Joe’ Forbes with Evander ‘Real Deal’ Holyfield

Pepe Forbes with Jack Solomons, and Spanish promoter Jose Maria Losa

Angel and his brother Rafael to many bullfights throughout Spain. Through the Peraltas he met most of the famous bullfighters of the day and became an expert in matters of the corrida. During this time he turned his attention to boxing on the Rock but was never tempted to be a promoter. The main organisers of boxing on the Rock then were Pepe Soames and Pepe Holliday. At that time Gibraltar boxers fought many times in La Linea and other nearby towns and as a result Pepe got to know professional boxers and in turn their managers and agents. This was to be a valuable learning experience about all that went on behind the scenes in management, representation and boxing in Europe. The seeds were sown and he knew his future was to be in boxing but he certainly did not expect still to be working at 93. In 1956 he moved to London, a decision largely prompted by a wish to give his five children a life with better opportunities. Bobby Diamond, the international boxing agent who worked for Jack Solomons, had met him in Spain and soon after his arrival in London offered him work and for 20 years they worked closely together. Bobby was not a linguist but Pepe spoke Spanish, French, Italian and some Portuguese and so was able to look after the boxers from these countries and their former colonial territories. It also meant he could speak to all those in European boxing who did not speak English — managers, agents, trainers, officials and referees. Out of respect for Diamond, Pepe didn’t apply for an agent’s licence. But one memorable day Diamond tried to outwit the promoter Jack Solomons, failed and changed camps to work for Jack’s arch enemy Harry Levene. In 1976 Pepe

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011

Pepe Forbes with former WBC Heavyweight Champion Larry Holmes and boxing promoter Don King

got his licence and started to work for himself. He has worked for Jack Solomons, Eddie Thomas and Alwyn Taylor during the ’60s and ’70s and in the mid ’80s became an integral member of Frank Warren’s team representing in the UK world champions such as Joe Manly and JB Williamson. In November 1987 he parted company from Frank and will never disclose the reason. It remains one of British boxing’s mysteries. Since then he has remained independent, although for 22 years he has worked closely with Barry Hearn. Barry Hearn, founder of Matchroom Sport, said this about Pepe: “The man is an institution. Firstly he has acquired a huge amount of knowledge because he has been in the job for so long; secondly he knows everybody worth knowing in international boxing; thirdly he is totally honest; fourthly he is efficient and does his job properly. Though he is in his 90s I would

Firstly he has acquired a huge amount of knowledge because he has been in the job for so long; secondly he knows everybody worth knowing in international boxing; thirdly he is totally honest; fourthly he is efficient and does his job properly

- Barry Hearn, Matchroom Sport

not dream of using any one else”. Pepe said: “I finally became directly involved in ‘big time’ boxing on January 1970 when Ken Buchanan fought Miguel Velasquez for the European lightweight title in Madrid. The members of the Spanish Boxing Federation were so impressed they invited me to become their UK representative and I hold this position to this day”. He went on to explain the duties of an international agent. “The British Boxing Board of Control laws require every foreign boxer who travels to the UK to be represented by a licensed agent who is responsible for their medicals, training arrangements and behaviour. When a promoter arranges a tournament, an agent will be contacted with the date of the show, the details of the bouts and the amount of the purses. “At Matchroom, Graham Lockwood is the matchmaker and he will notify me of the weights and experience of the ‘house’ fighter and then it is up to me to go out and get an appropriate opponent. Many know all the championship contenders but few know the range of second and third division boxers. Much of this knowledge is by word of mouth and I must admit that many times I have never seen (in the ring) the boxer I represent. “If the boxer I represent agrees to the terms, I inform the promoter and a contract is faxed for the boxer (known in the trade as the ‘import’) to sign and return. Initially I offer the import less than my budget because no matter what I propose his manager will ask for more. When I make that approach it is usually because I do want that specific boxer, but if they start being silly with their demands I just look elsewhere. There is an international pool of many boxers

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sporting profile

time Membership of the Pepe Forbes with hi Life ’98 Association award from ing Box r Gibraltar Amateu

Pepe Forbes with British politician Lord Bethell, who served as president of the Friends of Gibraltar’s Heritage from 1992 to 2001 and in 2008 was awarded Freedom of the City of Gibraltar

hungry for a purse. “An agent is responsible for making sure the import faxes his MRI scan, a clearance from an optician, the results of a general medical exami examination, results of an HIV test and authorisation to box from their home commission. The agent is also responsible for him being properly dressed when he enters the ring. If the import comes from a country where the MRI is not mandatory they have to arrive at least five days before the bout to take it here. The agent is responsible for arranging suitable training facilities and to ensure the fighter makes the stipulated weight for the contest. “On the day of the fight I will collect the import from his hotel and escort him to the arena and if he does not speak English will translate when the referee comes to the dressing room to issue his instructions. I make it my business to inform the fighter and referee exactly where I shall be sitting in case I am needed for transla translation. After the contest I take the fighter to the Matchroom office to receive the purse (it is usu usually cash) and I sign the receipt on the fighter’s behalf. After that I take him back to the hotel and the next day accompany him to the airport. “Clearly today there are too many sanctioning bodies but at least it enables the lesser champi champions to kid themselves they are true champions and earn a few more pounds before retirement. There are more big shows than ever now and all the boxers are being paid more. I think boxing is in a healthy state,” he concludes. Pepe has worked with all the major promoters — Jack Solomons, Harry Levene, Mickey Duff, Terry Lawless, Frank Warren, Barry Hearn and Jarvis Astaire to name but a few. He is also the European Coordinator for the World Boxing Organisation. In 2008 the European Boxing Union presented him with a shield for his long and appreciated support and devotion to Eu European boxing. Pepe also kept up his love of horses and acted as agent for, amongst others, the Peralta brothers when in 1960 they came over to demonstrate Spanish dressage at the Wembley Horse of the Year Show and again in 1962 when Angel was

I have watched the progress of boxing in Gibraltar over seven decades from the days of Pepe Soames to Ernest Victory today and am delighted the noble art continues to flourish

Arthur Ellerman, Pepe Forbes and two time World Heavyweight champion and former undisputed heavyweight champion Ridick Bowe

34

presented with a pair of Golden Spurs. They were followed by Alvaro Domecq Junior who brought the Andalucian dancing Horses to Wembley and then Pedro Domecq who presented a show sponsored by the Sherry Shippers’ Association. Through out his distinguished career Pepe has always been a 100% British Gibraltarian hence his nickname in boxing circles ‘Gibraltar Joe’. He was a founder member of the Friends of Gibraltar Heritage Society and will always attend anything to do with Gibraltar. Nothing gives him greater pleasure than meeting Gibraltarians to discuss the latest twists and turns in life on the Rock and needless to say he is a frequent visitor to Gibraltar. In 2004, hearing that Spaniards were about to box on the Rock, he wrote a letter warning that as English professionals will be taking part, the show would be under British Boxing Board of Control rules. “I hope the Show’s organisers do not have it in mind to engage Spanish boxers as the Spanish Government is adamant in not allowing them to fight in Gibraltar. This is official policy according to the Spanish Boxing Federation. Consequently any Spaniard boxing in Gibraltar will not be in possession of a standing licence, medical documents, insurance and above all else authorisation to box abroad. This has to be issued by the Spanish Boxing Federation and they will not authorise Spanish boxers to fight in Gibraltar. “As a Gibraltarian and as the Federation’s representative in the UK I have been trying for years to persuade the Spanish Boxing Federation to change their minds on this matter. Alas I have not been successful.” Pepe said: “I have watched the progress of boxing in Gibraltar over seven decades from the days of Pepe Soames to Ernest Victory today and am delighted the noble art continues to flourish. It has been a privilege to have been able to help the Gibraltar Amateur Boxing Club over the years. The news from Gibraltar boxing circles is that many boxers are in training and maybe the time is ripe for a tournament to be held. It is a credit to local boxing that so many first class boxers have emerged from the training process; do not forget that boxing is not taught in the schools and so potential fighters have to be trained from scratch by Ernest Victory and his team of helpers. My wish is that boxing will continue to excel and maybe one day there will be an outstanding European champion.” ■

Pepe Forbes with the Vice Chairman of the Boxing Board of Controls, John Handelaar

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011


ALL-NEW RANGE ROVER EVOQUE A.M. Capurro & Sons Ltd.

20 Line Wall Road, Gibraltar Tel: 200 75149 Fax: 20070513 Email: stephen.guillem@capurro.gi / tito.llufrio@capurro.gi


in focus

Gibraltar Photographic Society:

Beginners’ Digital Highest graded images in Beginners’ Digital Projection Competition. Beginners’ competitions are Open Theme, each image judged on its own merits, out of 30 points. Judge: Stephen Hermida. Clockwise from top left: Musical Cat Sonia McKay 29pts; Vandalism Christine Sawyer 28pts; Praying Mantis David Reyes 27pts; Purple Flower David Reyes 26pts; Praying Mantis Mark Attard 28pts; Rio de la Miel Tyson Holmes 29pts; Uniform Tyson Holmes 26pts; Water Drop Mark Attard 29pts; Lake Wanaka, NZ Stewart Brittenden 27pts.

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • January 2011


in focus

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • january 2011

37


property market

Top 10 Predictions for 2011 by Mike Nicholls

2010 was the year we waved goodbye to the exempt company regime, said hello to higher stamp duty on property, thought we’d see Midtown start (but we didn’t), and didn’t think we’d hear much from Mr Sanchez (but we did). So what is in store for us in 2011? The year we will see the new airport terminal open, Peter Caruana’s fourth term end, the new Income Tax Act settling in and the era of gentle tax administration fading out. As a light hearted start to the year, here are my own top ten predictions for 2011.

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1

Property prices – residential sales Chesterton has just turned in its best quarter of 2010. High net worth individuals are moving in to Gibraltar at a steady pace and pushing up prices at the quality end of the market, which

is already in short supply. I cannot see this demand fading as the tax hikes in other countries (to help pay off the record debt levels in most of the EU) will continue to encourage many individuals to a lower taxed jurisdiction such as Gibraltar. Hence I believe the above £2m market to tighten further, as nothing new is be-

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011


property market cause interest rates will rise which will increase landlords’ mortgage payments so where they can, landlords will try and increase the rent to offset their higher cost. And they will succeed, as the higher cost of borrowing will make it harder for the tenant who wants to secure a mortgage themselves so the tenant remains a tenant and not an owner occupier. In the over £400k property range, I predict that rents will stay much the same.

3

The higher cost of borrowing will make it harder for the tenant who wants to secure a mortgage themselves so the tenant remains a tenant and not an owner occupier

ing built, so I would expect an Island property (for example) in Queensway Quay to sell for over £4m sometime in 2011, £2.5m above the off-plan price not so long ago. Meanwhile, it will take most of 2011 to soak up the spare apartments in Ocean Village, King’s Wharf, the Sails and the Anchorage at the £400k - £700k level where we have a temporary excess supply. At the lower price bracket, ie up to £400k, the buy to let market works for investors, there are enough tenants around to rent the properties and I would anticipate the quality properties in this price bracket to achieve higher prices throughout 2011, again as nothing new is being built to increase the supply.

2

Property prices - commercial I have no doubts that in 2011 prices will rise, both rentals and capital values. Companies are moving in, just today on the day of writing this piece, we have showed three completely different companies relocating to Gibraltar, offices of 300 sq m, 80 sq m and 150 sq m retrospectively. These relocations will come to fruition in 2011. Others relocations will follow, attracted by the fiscal (and lifestyle) benefits. We still have around 5,000 sq m of available office space but it is decreasing slowly and there is nothing to replace it for at least 2.5 years. This supply demand imbalance will force prices up.

4

Property development Seems to be Midtown v World Trade Centre in the office arena, and Lester Hotels v the Hilton in the hotel arena as to the developments which might break ground in 2011. There are other interested parties as well in both of these sectors. Tough one to predict, but will plump for WTC and Lester Hotel as the first to start on construction in 2011.

5

pay their debts without external support. I believe the UK will increase its interest rate by 0.5% sometime in 2011 to keep inflation under control which will help push sterling ahead of the euro in relative terms. December 2011 prediction is that £1 will buy €1.32.

8

Spain’s EU tax appeal to annul Gibraltar’s fiscal independence I predict that in 2011 the EU will formally reject Spain’s appeal. The government will call an election on the back of the ringing endorsement from the EU.

9

Election We will definitely have one, but when? Peter Caruana has successfully steered through 4 successive terms and appears to be ready to campaign for a fifth. I believe the government will wish to tick some more boxes before going to the electorate so October gets my vote as the timing of the next election.

10

Football Sadly, I do have an emotional attachment to the great game. And it seems to me that Chelsea will have won the Premier League before the last game of the 2010/11 season, the Special One will steer Real Madrid to the Spanish title and my beloved West Ham United will avoid relegation on goal difference by beating Sunderland 3-1 at home on the last day of the season on Sunday 22nd May 2011 (kick-off 5pm Gibraltar time) with a Scott Parker 89th minute screamer of a goal clinching it, at which time the fans go wild.

Airport terminal And if only the very last prediction turns The new terminal will welcome its first passengers just before National Day in October 2011 out to be true, then 2011 will have been a very for a BA flight to London Heathrow. Can’t be good year. Happy New Year! n bolder than that!

6

Gibraltar economy I remain optimistic. Much of my time is spent dealing with inward investment, relocating companies and HNWIs into Gibraltar, all of which will provide additional expenditure and tax revenue whilst helping maintain near full employment, which must be unique at the moment in the EU. Another solid year.

7

Exchange rate Property prices – residential rentals The euro will struggle as the weaker countries I predict that rents will edge up in 2011 at the lower end of the property market for two seek more and more help from the ECB. The reasons, firstly, because demand will exceed UK will have a tough ride, but not as tough as supply of these properties and, secondly, be- Ireland, Spain, Portugal and Greece, who cannot

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011

39


real estate

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

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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

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40 40

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2010 2011 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • DECEMBER


property file

Re-Released Apartments at Gibraltar’s Ocean Village A handful of high floor two and three bedroom apartments in Ocean Village’s Grand and Majestic Ocean Plazas have been released back to the market for sale. Priced to sell from just £295,000, many are fully furnished with incredible views of Gibraltar and across to Africa.

Ocean Village was voted Best High Rise Development in Europe at the 2010 European Residential Property Awards in association with Bloomberg Television. “This reinforces that Gibraltar is indeed the success we all know it to be on a global stage,” enthused Brian Stevendale, Sales & Marketing Director for Ocean Village . Now multiple award-winning, the residential Plazas at Ocean Village attract an elite set of buyers from within the Rock and across the

world including many extremely wealthy individuals who cannot resist the fiscal advantages of becoming resident in Gibraltar. Ocean Village also ticks boxes for new residents of Gibraltar who have relocated to work in the many gaming, financial services and entertainment enterprises attracted by the Rock’s low-tax environment. This final market will only get larger as projects such as the 15,000m² World Trade Centre Gibraltar, another Ocean Village venture, come to fruition. Grand and Majestic Ocean Plazas deliver sumptuous accommodation with high spec fixtures and fittings alongside abundant on-site facilities from Jacuzzis to an oasis of seven swimming pools and secure underground parking. On top, residents are able to savour all the action within Ocean Village’s confines such as the Gala Casino, a range of restaurants and the ultimate in status symbols — a berth for the megayacht. ■ For further information on property and berths contact Ocean Village’s Sales & Marketing Director Brian Stevendale on brian.stevendale@oceanvillage.gi, telephone 200 40048 or visit www.oceanvillage.gi.

Ocean Village ticks boxes for new residents of Gibraltar who have relocated to work in the many gaming, financial services and entertainment enterprises attracted by the Rock’s low-tax environment

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011

41


What Walls Want Graham & Brown

by Jane Hart of Denville Designs

A recent survey carried out into wallpaper users and wallpaper non-users has revealed some interesting characteristics and statistics, while re-affirming some long-held beliefs on the attitudes of people wanting to decorate their home.

Graham & Brown

Some 4,000 people were interviewed by a research team and filmed in shops, making for a very robust insight. The findings led the research team to group people into four clusters: the wallpaper haters; the ambiguous decorators; the wallpaper virgins; and the wallpaper lovers. There is little we can say of the wallpaper haters, who form 29% of the survey. The ambiguous decorators on the other hand, do not use wallpaper currently because either they feel their property does not suit the product, or they are merely unaware of wallpaper. It’s just not on their radar, but that creates the opportunity for interior designers to improve their awareness and get them to try it. The wallpaper virgins make up 24% of non

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users, and are people who are considering wallpapering the next time they decorate, in many cases for the first time, which is indicative of the rise in popularity of wallpaper. This group of people have positive decorating experience, and can be turned into wallpaper lovers. Wallpaper lovers are exactly as it says, they love the stuff. 63% of them would never use anything else, and while these people buy on design and colour, quality and brand also score equally highly, as does ease of use. Wallpaper is usually sold in 10 meter rolls which are 54 centimetres wide; they range in price from £10.00 to £100.00+ a roll, so you must be careful in making your choice as mistakes can be expensive! It is best to take the measurements of the walls you want to cover — width

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011


Nina Campbell

home interiors

Gibraltar apartment interior by Denville Designs

and height — and take these to your retailer to work out how much you need. Wallpapers with patterns need pattern matching and therefore you will need more than plain paper. It is always better to buy one more roll than you need — unless you are experienced at wallpaper hanging, you may find you have to discard a few cuts as they tear easily. To have to reorder can be problematic as you may not be able to order from the same batch and therefore

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011

the colour might be slightly different. Be guided when purchasing your wallpaper by experts, they will help you match the colours with the rest of your décor and advise on the right paper for the right room, eg: bathrooms and kitchens need vinyl wallpaper. There are so many wonderful new designs available now, so if you are an ambiguous decorator or a wallpaper virgin, have a go, and you will be converted. ■

Wallpaper virgins — people who are considering wallpapering the next time they decorate — make up 24% of non-users, which is indicative of the rise in popularity of wallpaper

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Surely attending the sermons of a man with a message for the community must be an encouraging experience, because Fidel Patron’s positive attitude beams out on the congregation. The Methodist Church welcomes anyone willing to adhere to its practical purpose of spreading the gospel, not only with words, but also with actions, however it doesn’t accept hasty ‘conversions’ triggered by a mundane fallout with another denomination. “Being a Methodist does not entail adhesion to specific doctrines, but it requires recognition of our relationship with God and acceptance of Jesus as our Saviour, and a pledge to maintain that relationship. Once we repent of our sins, turn away from them and accept the forgiveness of God, we are compelled to pass it on to our neighbour. We do it out of gratitude and not obligation.” Fidel knows well the path to fulfilment, having himself gone

photo by Grace Torres

In 1977, Fidel had his epiphany and decided to dedicate his life to his newly found faith, the one he was born for, not born in

Fidel Patron:

A Lifetime of Worship “I enjoy what I do, preaching the word of God and worshipping Him; I enjoy life and my family, especially because my three grown-up children are still thrilled at spending time with their old folks,” says Methodist Minister Fidel Patron. 44

through an intimate, heartfelt conversion: “Being born in a garage doesn’t make you a car,” he says. Likewise, being raised in a typical Gibraltarian Roman Catholic family didn’t work for him, until he spontaneously “welcomed Jesus into his heart”. “I used to be a nominal Catholic, attending the fastest mass in town just to perform my duty,” he explains. But his routine wasn’t sincere until he met his future wife Sheila, a Methodist, who introduced him to a new outlook on devotion, after their ecumenical wedding in St. Theresa’s, officiated by both clerics — and for good luck, the then Father, later Bishop, Devlin’s dog who circled the bride and the groom during the best part of the ceremony! In 1977, Fidel had his epiphany and decided to dedicate his life to his newly found faith, the one he was born for, not born in. At the time, the young couple lived on a boat moored at Sheppard’s Marina, like many other

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011


profile

by Elena Scialtiel people who, in times of frontier closure, couldn’t afford a flat. “We didn’t have a telly,” he recalls, “and we didn’t feel the need for it, until one day our son came home from school asking what Thomas the Tank Engine was, after hearing his classmates raving about it.” They held worship and Bible study services on their boat, aimed at the people who made up the ‘community afloat’. His faith grew stronger so he decided it was time he qualified as a preacher. He was accredited after a five-year course with the Methodist Church. He subsequently offered for the ordained Ministry, which entailed a further three-year correspondence course with the Westminster College. Years of early morning and late night studying, juggling a full-time job and quality time spent with his family. He was eventually ordained in 1998 and gave up his day job to become a full-time minister in 2006, although he doesn’t like this expression, for he claims there is no such thing as a ‘part-time minister’. In a small community like Gibraltar he works well with the Christian family. He was recently involved in founding the Evangelical Alliance of Gibraltar, together with those he describes as ‘new churches’ whose corner stone is emphasis on the gospel. He believes it to be a “scandal” to have so many divisions within the Church, that “dilute its effects on society, losing out on God-given opportunities,” however he understands why it historically happened, and interprets it as God’s way to bestow on the worshipper a greater freedom of choice about the environment they want to pray in, whether the rigid formal traditional, or the freer contemporary manner which he’s more comfortable with. Sunday services at the local Methodist Church are fairly relaxed: there is an opportunity for anyone to share their testimony of God’s grace in their lives, as well as pray out loud for thanksgiving, intercession and petition. One of the most important precepts remains putting into practise Jesus’s example and doing likewise by feeding the hungry and helping the needy.

In cooperation with Nazareth House, where the hungry are fed on weekdays, the Carpenter’s Arms cafeteria hosts Sunday lunch for 15-35 less fortunate. Yes, in wealthy Gibraltar, we still have such a relatively large number of destitute, people who do want to work but cannot find a job and sleep rough! “It’s hard to give a good impression as a candidate when you attend the interview with no credentials, and all scruffy for having slept on a bench or in a cardboard box, and obviously don’t have a business suit!” the Minister condenses into a single powerful image the vicious circle they tragically find themselves in. Because the Church is viewed as the body of Christ, Methodists don’t proselytise, trying to snatch devotees from their ‘competition’. Actually they happily watch their biannual Alpha Course’s attendees return to their own churches with their hearts replenished with rediscovered faith, and are satisfied with their 150-strong congregation, although not everyone is a regular church-goer or an active doer. Their numbers obviously put a limit on their financial power, relying almost solely on ‘responsible giving’, ideally the tithe prescribed by the Bible. This doesn’t stifle their good will, and they never turn down someone in genuine dire straits, just because they don’t subscribe to Christianity or share their common human moral standards. Still regarded by many as an ‘imported fad’, or worse as a ‘cult’, surprisingly the Methodist Church has uninterruptedly thrived in Gibraltar for over 240 years. Introduced by Sergeant Henry Ince in 1769, it was at one time strictly forbidden to servicemen. Hence, the only explanation for its success must lie in the acceptance it found within the civilian population. And yet, 200 years later, when Fidel first approached it, there were only two locals in it, and it was perceived as some kind of expats’ exclusive club. 30 years later, it is again deeply rooted in the local community, with Sunday School, Youth Groups, House Groups for Bible studies and mostly obvious to the passer-by, a friendly cafeteria serving breakfast and value-for-money yummy lunches to the general public. n

Fidel was recently involved in founding the Evangelical Alliance of Gibraltar, together with those he describes as ‘new churches’ whose corner stone is emphasis on the gospel GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011

45


history file

by Reg Reynolds

Princesses Alexandra, Louise (Duchess of Fife) and Maude

The Rescue of the

3 Princesses

When Princess Kate joins the British Royal Family in April it will be eight months shy of 100 years since a dramatic rescue of three princesses off the coast of Morocco. The P&O steamship SS Delhi was making its way through dense fog on a voyage from London to Egypt when, at around 3am on 12th December, 1911, she struck a reef and grounded off Cape Spartel. Among the 100 passengers aboard were four members of the Royal Family, the 1st Duke of Fife, his wife the Princess Louise and their daughters Princess Alexandra, 20, and Princess Maude, 18. Fortunately Delhi was equipped with the relatively new invention wireless telegraph and was able to send distress signals to Gibraltar and to other ships at sea. As a result the Gibraltar Lifeboat, the cruiser HMS Duke of Edinburgh and the battleship HMS London were dispatched from Gibraltar. But first on the scene was the French cruiser Friant. In the dark of night and with heavy seas it was deemed best to wait until daybreak before attempting a rescue effort. On board the Delhi all was calm according to one woman passenger who later told the press, “There was not the slightest panic. Passengers were summoned to dress and go to deck but were assured there was little danger.” The passengers remained on deck until 10am when the transfer of women and children began. By this time the weather had improved but the conditions were still hazardous and the launch carrying the princesses took on water

46

and capsized. The princesses were thrown into the turbulent sea and for a moment Princess Alexandra disappeared beneath the waves only to be grabbed and saved by a sailor. They were some distance from land but the princesses and other passengers, all wearing lifebelts, made it to shore where they were frequently knocked off their feet by the crashing surf. They then had to walk four miles in torrential rain to a lighthouse. The Duke of Fife remained on board until most other passengers had been evacuated. The Duke of Edinburgh collected 38 passengers, including the princesses, and carried them to Gibraltar where they were taken into the care of the Governor. As the news reached London the newspapers

The Duke of Edinburgh collected 38 passengers, including the princesses, and carried them to Gibraltar where they were taken into the care of the Governor

reported that the “Country has been thrown into a state of anxiety at the news of the disaster to the steamship Delhi off Cape Spartel with a royal party and large number of passengers aboard.” Despite continuing bad weather, ship’s boats ferried passengers and crew to the warships or to shore, taking five days to complete the rescue. The Gibraltar lifeboat, with Captain of the Port, Commander William Niles acting as volunteer coxswain, assisted until being stove in and halffilled with water. Remarkably all passengers and crew from Delhi were safely rescued. Sadly six French blue jackets drowned when a launch from the Friant capsized. The weather moderated slightly but Delhi was in precarious position. Heavy seas were breaking when the salvage vessel Gibel Musa was sent from Gibraltar to save the mail and luggage. In gratitude for the actions of the Friant Queen Dowager Alexandra, sister of the late King Edward VII and mother of Princess Louise, sent a telegraph of thanks to the Prime Minister of France. Medals for ‘Saving Life at Sea’ were presented to Max Horton, a Sub-Lt. (later Admiral) aboard Duke of Edinburgh; Commander Niles of the Gibraltar lifeboat; and Lt. Noel Corbett of the

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011


history file London. Corbett also received the Royal Humane Society’s silver medal, for the rescue of a seaman washed overboard. Once they had recuperated the Royals continued on to Egypt, all apparently in good health, except for the Duke who became ill with pleurisy, probably contracted as a result of the shipwreck. He died, aged 62, at Aswan, Egypt in January 1912, and his elder daughter, Princess Alexandra, succeeded to his dukedom, becoming the Duchess of Fife and Countess of Macduff. Interestingly none of the family lived to a very old age. Louise died in 1931, aged 63 and Maud died in 1945 aged 52 just two days after the anniversary of her rescue from the Delhi. Alexandra lived the longest, dying in 1959 aged 64. Alexandra and her sister were unique among British princesses in that they were descended from both William IV (through his mistress, Dorothy Jordan), and William IV’s niece, Queen Victoria, who succeeded him to the throne because he had no legitimate heirs. n

The Royals continued on to Egypt, all apparently in good health, except for the Duke who became ill with pleurisy, probably contracted as a result of the shipwreck

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011

Granting Carl’s Wish of a Lifetime Many children have dreams, ambitions and simple desires. Most achieve them or acquire them through family, birthdays or Father Christmas. There are some however who may never, without the kindness of volunteers, realise a dream and so Wobbles awarded ‘a wish of a lifetime’ to 12 year old Carl Figueras. Carl is still recovering from a liver transplant, but you can see through his smile an amazing positive attitude that make him a remarkable child. He is an inspiration to those of us who have never suffered in this way and because of his bravery and joy for life Wobbles decided to grant him his wish of a lifetime.

Like many young boys Carl is a football fan and Real Madrid is the team he supports. So Wobbles had the pleasure of giving Carl and his loving family an all expenses paid trip to Madrid in December. He travelled via high speed train from Malaga and once there he stayed at the same 5* hotel as the Real Madrid players and saw the team play Valencia live at the Santiago Bernabeau. Wobbles arranged £500 to spend and a fabulous hospitality package at the Real Café Bernabeau, including a delicious meal while watching the match. This has always been Carl’s dream and Wobbles has been lucky to make it come true. n

47


The Manchester United ladies football team. Top Row: Andie Sauve, Sammy Machin, Maximm Lopez, Louise Sanguinetti, Gynaika Mena, Tammy Wood, Charlene Bullock. Middle Row: Celina Marcus, Leila Asquez, Nadine Carreras, Jyanne Victor, Khiara Ochello, Kayleigh Potter, Kristin Mortensen. Front: Zarajan Lopez

?

Females and Football by Kristin Mortensen

When I tell people I play on a football team in Gibraltar, the response is always the same. “You, play football?” coincided with a puzzled look on their face. It may have been the mascara-coated eyelashes or perhaps the six-inch stilettos that threw them off, but underneath my skinny jeans and halter-top lies a diehard football player. So what does a girl have to do to get some recognition in this male-dominated sport? Often female athletes are recognised based on their appearance or objectified status, rather than their athletic ability. The public encourages women to play sports with “feminine” attributes that revolve around agility and class such as dance or gymnastics. When you meet a ballet dancer, you wouldn’t think twice about her interest, yet when people see a woman on the football pitch, everything from her motives to her sexual identity is questioned. The ladies’ football league has been fighting for the same rules and regulations as the men’s league since day one, and is finally seeing some changes.

48

The ladies’ football league started 15 years ago, and as there weren’t many women who took interest in the sport, they played with nine players instead of the official 11. After a constant struggle to keep women involved in the sport and a fight for gender equality, the ladies’ league was granted the same regu-

lations as the men’s only three years ago. This included a limit of three substitutions per team per game, two 45-minute halves of play time and 11 players a side. The Gibraltar ladies’ football league is comprises four teams — Manchester United, Gibraltar United, St. Joseph’s and the Lions.

After a constant struggle to keep women involved in the sport and a fight for gender equality, the ladies league was granted the same regulations as the men’s only three years ago

Four may seem like a measly number compared to the 32 men’s teams in Gibraltar, but it wasn’t until last year there were enough women to make four complete teams. With such a huge turnout in the men’s league, ladies’ football has always been in the shadows without much recognition. “The GFA is struggling to keep women involved and it’s a shame because now that we finally have the same rights as men, we aren’t taking advantage of what we’ve been fighting for and finally have,” says Prisan Fa, the chairwomen of the ladies’ football league. The league, which begins in October and lasts until May, has seen

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011


sports file

The mentality at the moment for younger girls is that it’s a men’s sport and they don’t want to play because they fear they’ll get big, muscular legs or bruises

gradual progress over the past few years. Prisan, who also works for the Gibraltar Defence Police has been a part of the Gibraltar Football Association for two years and has seen a rising interest among young women in the brief period she’s been there. “The ladies’ football team has come a long way in the past few years,” she says, “we are progressing slowly, but surely.” Apart from the four teams, there is a selection team that represents Gibraltar internationally and is formed by the most elite players from the four teams. 2010 was the first year Gibraltar had a ladies’ selection team where they played in Bilbao for their first match outside Gibraltar. This year the selection team will participate in the Island

Games for the first time. The multisport Island Games takes place every two years and will be held in the Isle of Wight this summer. The ladies’ league also participates in local tournaments such as the National Day Tournament in September and the Juan Chipol Tournament in January. Both tournaments are 5 vs 5, so each team is split into two teams allowing a total of eight teams to compete in the tournament. This breaks up the routine regular season and allows them to play on a smaller scale, which allots more playing time in a fast-pace environment. Players can join the team when they are 13-years-old, which is a controversial issue because of the wide age gap. Obviously older

Manchester United player, Lenise, guards the ball from St. Joseph’s player, Claudine

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011

Manchester United player, Celina, going through St. Joseph’s defence

players have an advantage, but there are not enough young girls to branch off and make their own league. The consequences can be dangerous, but luckily it has only resulted in a few bumps and bruises and the injuries have been kept to a minimum. The GFA is striving to create awareness about ladies’ football in attempt to bridge the age gap and create a stronger female presence within the club. “The mentality at the moment for younger girls is that it’s a men’s sport and they don’t want to play because they fear they’ll get big, muscular legs or bruises,” Prisan says. So why does a female laced in football boots have such a negative connotation? Let’s take Brandi

Chastain who took off her jersey and fell to her knees in a sports bra after scoring the winning penalty shootout kick against China in the 1999 World Cup. Of course this stoked up a lot of controversy among the public, rehashing the issue of females in a male-dominated sport. However, this powerful image now represents the power of female athletes, portraying the blood, sweat and tears put into the game and the femininity underneath it all. n If you are interested in joining a ladies football team, contact the chairwomen of the ladies football league, Prisan Fa, at prisanfa@hotmail.com

49


events

What’s happening January Saturday 1st January New Year’s Day Monday 3rd January Holiday in lieu of New Year’s Day Wednesday 5th January Traditional 3 Kings Cavalcade along Main Street. Starting from Casemates Square 7pm Wednesday 19th January The GibDFAS lecture: Sacred Art of Tibet at the Eliott Hotel, preceded by a reception to meet the speaker at 6.30pm.

Computers for the Library

Monday 24th - Thursday 3rd February 2011 Tradewise International Chess Festival at The Caleta Hotel. The new primary sponsors, Tradewise Insurance Company Ltd, have enabled the prize fund to be increased to £126,000, with £17,500 going to the winner of the Gibraltar Masters, £10,000 to the top woman scorer and two extra rating prizes (of £2,000 and £1,000) being awarded to each of two further rating bands (2000-2099 and under 2000) in the Masters. The tournament will be powered by previous primary sponsors Gibtelecom. For further information, contact the Caleta Hotel Tel: 20076501 or email: sales@caletahotel.gi Saturday 29th January St Andrew’s Church Craft & Collectors Fair 10am to 2pm. £1 entrance. A chance to buy some beautiful hand crafted items including cards, calendars, pottery, soaps and silk flowers plus all the old favourites: toys, books and puzzles,

Thanks to a donation made by Gibtelecom, there are now four new computers with full internet access at the John Mackintosh Hall Library. These four computers are connected to the library’s wi-fi network, bringing the total number of computers for public use up to five. The fifth computer is reserved for use in the Children’s Library area, but is not connected to the internet.

antique prints, vintage and antique jewellery. A number of stalls offer a wide selection of collectables: lead soldiers, coins, stamps, and silverware to name a few. All profits to St Andrew’s Church Restoration Fund.

All four new computers have USB ports which allow files to be saved externally, for example onto pen drives. Any information saved directly onto the computers will be wiped from the hard drive every evening when these restore themselves automatically to their default settings. Free internet access is also available at the library through users’ own wi-fi enabled laptops, should they prefer, with log- in and passwords obtainable from the library’s reception. n

GibDFAS: The Sacred Art of Tibet The GibDFAS Sacred Art of Tibet lecture will be held at the Eliott Hotel on 19th January, 2011, and will be preceded by a reception to meet the Speaker at 6.30pm. Isolated from the outside world for centuries, Tibet is home to a rich and unique artistic tradition inspired by Buddhism. This faith began in India in the 5th century BC and developed along three distinct paths, each sharing the same goal: to eliminate suffering and to achieve enlightenment, but vary slightly in their approach. The Hinayana believed it was disrespectful to portray the Buddha, but later traditions of the Mahayana and the Vajrayana introduced an extraordinary system of visual imagery and these two permeated Tibet from the 7th century onwards. This lecture explores the wealth of this sacred tradition and explains how the paintings and the sculptures are created and used as visual aids for meditation to guide the practitioner on the path towards enlightenment.

50

The speaker, Zara Fleming, is an independent art consultant, lecturer and exhibition curator, having responsibility for the Nepalese and Tibetan collections at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. She is also Vice-President of the Tibet Society and the Tibet Relief Fund, UK. GibDFAS is affiliated to the National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies (NADFAS) UK and members participate in events and excursions organised in mainland Spain by the other three DFAS groups. For further details contact Chairman: Claus Olesen claus.olesen@sghambros.com or visit the website: www.gibdfas.webs.com or for membership, £50 for individual and £100 for corporate, email Ian Le Breton ilebreton@ SovereignGroup.com. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011


fashion

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GIBRALTAR GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAGAZINE • • JANUARY JANUARY 2011 2011

51 51


art scene

Rebekah Guzman:

Art with another edge by Jolene Gomez

“I like to capture the beauty in the human being, and find something beautiful in everyone,” Rebekah Guzman states. With an interest in the human form, and bringing an alternative take on Japanese, technological or fairy tale themes, this artist provides a collection of paintings which is striking, original and colourful. Enjoying drawing and painting with a passion from a young age, and taking after her artistic mother, her entry into secondary school made her realise what she was able to achieve with art, providing her with the necessary tools and resources to let her imagination run wild. Rebekah travelled to Winchester for her Art Foundation year, and later to Bristol University for a degree in Fine Arts with Education. Although she did not complete her degree, it allowed her to touch upon different areas of art, such as photography and print making. However, her favourites have always been painting and drawing. She boasts of a circle of artistic friends who also inspire her, as their creativity is always bouncing off each other. This group of friends has held collective exhibitions in La Linea, in various venues such as Bamboo Café or Populo Café, where they have touched on Oriental themes amongst others. With regards to materials she says, “I was used to acrylic paints, until one day I was convinced to try oil, and loved it. It is a much richer paint, which gives me a lot more scope with regards to texture, finishing and colours,” she explains.

When viewing Rebekah’s work, you realise all her paintings exude a personal touch — an alternative flair and style which distinguishes her work and makes it memorable. All works have a similarity, but an evolution can definitely be followed from her old works to her more recent ones. “Before my work was a lot flatter, but now I enjoy working on backgrounds, especially using splashes of paint. I have become more experimental with time, as I have discovered new techniques through the years. My use of colour has also changed a lot, mainly due to the fact that I now use oil paints. My colours are a lot more vivid, through the exploration of different techniques,” Rebekah explains. Changes in Rebekah’s life, such as giving birth to her two sons, has definitely impacted her life, but also helped her to mature as an artist. “An artist can spend a lifetime producing art, and as you mature, your art changes with you. If an artist doesn’t change or evolve, then they stay stuck in their ways, where it is safe and comfortable, but there is no evolution. It is important that artists are always exploring, evolving and projecting what surrounds

If an artist doesn’t change or evolve, then they stay stuck in their ways. It is important that artists are always exploring, evolving and projecting what surrounds them 52

them,” Rebekah smiles. With regards to her favourites artists, she confirms that she likes to view works from artists of all styles and periods of time, as there is always something good to take in. Each period or form of art has something she can learn, and get inspiration, from. Renaissance artists have a special quality about them which she loved, when she discovered them through her study of History of Art. “Botticelli is an artist I always enjoy — I love his themes. I also love Gustav Klimt, and adore his technique and way of portraying faces... and of course the celebrated Da Vinci. At the moment, I am very into Alex Grey, and absolutely love his work. He has had an artistic involvement with the band Tool, and his work is spiritual, and very detailed — some people even think they are digital prints due to their perfection,” she explains.

Rebekah enjoys painting the human form

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011


Although she is very auto-critical of her work, and there is always something she would change, Rebekah is a firm believer that the artist needs to create from within, and do what makes them happy, no matter what comes out. “Whatever you need to express needs to come out, no matter what people say and irrespective of rules. When studying art, there might be certain ‘rules’ regarding technique, use of colour etc, but an artist needs to express themselves in any way they feel necessary. As an artist, I feel the need to do something fulfilling.” Her more recent works, included in a Popular Tales exhibition, involved three fairy tale female characters — Cinderella, Snow White and Rapunzel — but with a robotic edge (see below). These paintings portray a reflection of an electronic and computerised society, and how the storytelling tradition through books is somewhat lost — everything is now surrounded by cables, computers and consoles. Although the idea for these paintings is a reflection of what children in today’s society are exposed to, and not a critique, these paintings can be considered a little strange, but not uncomfortable to look at, as the colours are vivid, and the characters faces are flawlessly pure and beautiful. “I enjoy painting faces the most,” she says, “I love portraying them as peaceful and beau-

tiful.” Rebekah is working on commissions at the moment, and has a few exhibitions planned for the near future. She feels there is currently a lot of talent in Gibraltar, and would always recommend young people to get out there, experiment and think outside the box. As visual artists, they have a very powerful vehicle with which to deal with issues affecting humanity. “Schools in Gibraltar give importance to artistic subjects, and that is wonderful. I still hear my art teacher, Mr Olivera’s, voice in my head sometimes when I paint. He taught me a lot, and I will always be thankful to him for his encouragement. Similarly, I have always received support from my family, as they have always let me express myself through my art. I’m also lucky to have great friends and people close to me, who motivate and inspire me every day. But my greatest inspirations are my two sons ­ — they fill me with life and happiness,” she concludes. n To find out more, visit http://yunik-e.deviantart. com or email: yunike22@hotmail.com

Whatever you need to express needs to come out, no matter what people say and irrespective of rules. When studying art, there might be certain ‘rules’ regarding technique, use of colour etc, but an artist needs to express themselves in any way they feel necessary

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011

53


history file

The Deutschland Incident by Mike Brufal

Two years before the beginning of the Second World War, and at the start of the Spanish Civil War, the German Fuhrer, Adolf Hitler awarded 19 English and three Gibraltarians German Red Cross awards for looking after and caring for those wounded in what became known as the Deutschland incident. The Gibraltarians were George Imossi (German Consul), Olga Giraldi and Lourdes Canto. On 29th May 1937 the Balearic Islands were under the control of General Franco with the German 10,000-ton battleship Deutschland lying off Ibiza. The British, French, Russian, Germany and Italian governments had signed a Non-Intervention Pact that allowed the positioning of warships in the Mediterranean and off the Spanish Atlantic coast to monitor the combatants’ actions and prevent neutral shipping from attack. The pact was not observed with Germany supporting the Franco Nationalist regime with aircraft, military personnel and materials. Without warning two Republican aircraft flown by Russian pilots, who were on a mission to bomb Ibiza, appeared overhead the Deutschland and dropped 12 bombs with two direct hits. Many sailors were either killed or injured and the warship’s medical facilities were not able to deal with so many

Cruise Ship Schedule

JANUARY 2011

DOA

Vessel

ETA ETD Pass

Capacity From

Sun 02

Arcadia

0800 1330 British

1968

To

FLIGHT SCHEDULE Day Mon

Mon 03 Indepen. of Seas 0900 1600 Internat.

3600

Naples

Cadiz

Sun 09

Louis Majesty

1462

Alicante

Tangier

Tue 18

Princess Danae 1500 2100 Internat.

420

Fri 21

Indepen. of Seas 1100 1800 Internat.

3600

0730 1100 Internat.

Cagliari

Cadiz

wounded. The German Government was given permission by the British Government for the damaged man of war to proceed to Gibraltar which she did and berthed alongside the Tower. On board were 23 dead (eventually this rose to 31) and 83 wounded. 53 of the wounded were taken to the Military Hospital where it was discovered that the nursing staff was not sufficient to attend to the number of patients. It was decided that nurses would be sent out from England. Four members of the Queen Alexander Imperial Military Nursing Service were flown down in two flying boats from the Royal Naval air station at Calshot. The Sisters were G.E. Morgan, N.K. Smythe, and Staff Nurses M.R. Ikin and M. Ellis. On 9th June 1938 the Secretary of the Admiralty wrote: “I am commanded by My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to inform

Tue

Wed

Total Number of Vessels calling this month = 05 Approximate Number of Passengers calling in this month = Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

GIBRALTAR JANUARY 2011

Flight No. Airline

Arr.

From

Dep.

Flight No.

To

EZY8903

● easyJet

10.50

Gatwick

11.20

EZY8904

Gatwick

ZB068

● Monarch

11.10

Luton

11.55

ZB069

Luton

ZB574

● Monarch

11.10

Manchester 11.55

ZB575

Manchester

BA490

● British Airways

11.50

Heathrow

12.50

BA491

Heathrow

EZY8903

● easyJet

10.50

Gatwick

11.20

EZY8904

Gatwick

ZB068

● Monarch

11.10

Luton

11.55

ZB069

Luton

BA490

● British Airways

11.50

Heathrow

12.50

BA491

Heathrow

EZY8903

● easyJet

10.50

Gatwick

11.20

EZY8904

Gatwick

ZB068

● Monarch

11.10

Luton

11.55

ZB069

Luton

ZB574

● Monarch

11.10

Manchester 11.55

ZB575

Manchester

BA490

● British Airways

11.50

Heathrow

12.50

BA491

Heathrow

EZY8903

● easyJet

10.50

Gatwick

11.20

EZY8904

Gatwick

ZB068

● Monarch

11.10

Luton

11.55

ZB069

Luton

BA490

● British Airways

11.50

Heathrow

12.50

BA491

Heathrow

EZY8903

● easyJet

10.50

Gatwick

11.20

EZY8904

Gatwick

ZB068

● Monarch

11.10

Luton

11.55

ZB069

Luton

ZB574

● Monarch

11.10

Manchester 11.55

ZB575

Manchester

BA490

● British Airways

11.50

Heathrow

12.50

BA491

Heathrow

BA490

● British Airways

11.50

Heathrow

12.50

BA491

Heathrow

EZY8903

● easyJet

13.00

Gatwick

13.35

EZY8904

Gatwick

EZY8903

● easyJet

11.25

Gatwick

12.00

EZY8904

Gatwick

BA490

● British Airways

11.50

Heathrow

12.50

BA491

Heathrow

ZB062(a)

● Monarch

18.30

Luton

19.15

ZB063(a)

Luton

ZB062(b)

● Monarch

20.25

Luton

21.10

ZB063(b)

Luton

(a) Operates from 16 January (b) Operates until 09 January

Brian T Richards, Air Travel Consultant info@briantrichards.com www.briantrichards.com

54

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011


history file you that His Majesty the King has been pleased to grant you permission to wear, without restriction, the Order of the German Red Cross conferred upon you by the German Government in recognition of your services to the wounded members of the crew of the German battleship Deutschland at Gibraltar.” George Imossi sent this letter to Miss Morgan. “I have very great pleasure in enclosing under separate cover the Ladies’ Medal of the German Red Cross, as an appreciation and thankfulness on the part of the German Government, for the very good work done by you in tending the wounded of Panzerschiff Deutschland at the Military Hospital. Under this cover I enclose the certificate granting the decoration.” ■

Many sailors were either killed or injured and the warship’s medical facilities were not able to deal with so many wounded

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011

German Fuhrer, Adolf Hitler awarded 19 English and three Gibraltarians German Red Cross awards

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history file Gibraltar in the early 1800s was not a healthy place to be. Frequent outbreaks of cholera and yellow fever kept doctors and undertakers equally busy. Edward survived, but the reverend and his wife were not so lucky. By 1804, with their son still an infant, they were both dead. A gross dereliction of parental responsibility, perhaps, but in the circumstances one difficult to condemn. There being nobody in Gibraltar willing or able to look after the child, the tragically orphaned infant was taken to England. This part of his life is poorly documented, but we may be sure that he was placed in the care of a close relative and not simply left abandoned on the quayside to be found and taken home by a compassionate passing stranger. He went to school at Blackheath, London, where he met and became friendly with the future Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli. In later years friends eyes would glaze over whenever Disraeli’s name was mentioned and Frome, taking the kind of deep breath that presages a long, tiresome and frequently repeated anecdote, said, “Benny? He and I were at school together, you know…” At the age of 15, Frome moved on to the

image courtesy State Library of South Australia

There being nobody in Gibraltar willing or able to look after the child, the tragically orphaned infant was taken to England

Edward Frome

The Human Dynamo I don’t know about you, but when I was growing up, I never dreamed of one day becoming a surveyor-general. A train driver, yes; a famous rock ‘n’ roll singer, of course; a star writer for the Gibraltar Magazine, well, I’m still working on it, but a surveyor general? I can say unequivocally that I spent my entire formative years without ever placing those two words in conjunction either on paper, or in the whimsical ramblings inside my head. General surveying is not one of those possible career choices that sets the pulse of a young man racing, so it’s a reasonable bet that Edward Charles Frome didn’t leave the starting blocks of Life burning with the desire to become a surveyor general either. Life, Fate, Destiny — that terrible trio — can’t rely on people to volunteer for the necessary but dull jobs that need to be done. They have to conspire to lead their chosen

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candidates step by subtle step into them almost without their hapless nominees being aware. Edward was born in Gibraltar on 7th January 1802. His father, the Reverend J. T. Frome came from Woodlands, in Dorset. Women being of such minor importance in those days, his mother’s name, even her initials, appear to have gone unrecorded. She had given her husband a son and that, surely, was reward enough.

Royal Military Academy at Woolwich. Here, his skills as a draughtsman and facility with the techniques of surveying blossomed. The Fates had chosen their man and, believing that he had made a free and independent choice (as do we all), he ceased to be a boy, and became a surveyor. Eight years after entering the Academy as a pimply-faced youth, with a catapult and a conker on a string secreted in the back pocket of his trousers, he left it as a commissioned officer in the Royal Engineers. Out went the catapult and the conker; in came a slide rule and a brace of wickedly sharpened pencils. His first major assignment was in Canada, where he spent the six years from 1827 to 1833 assisting with the construction of the Rideau Canal. He superintended some of the actual construction work, but his major contribution was the surveying, which he handled entirely on his own. He could hardly wait to share the fruits of his knowledge and experience, and the moment he returned to England he set about writing them down. The result was his book, Outline of the Method of Conducting a Trigonometrical Survey. Needless to say, bookshops across the nation were compelled to call in the constabulary to control the unruly crowds that gathered and fought to get their hands on a copy. Eventually, the book went into four editions. At around the same time he met and fell in love with Jane Whalley Light, daughter of Alexander Whalley Light of the 25th King’s Own Borderers. She was understandably anxious to cease being a Whalley Light, but was probably disappointed

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011


history file

by Dave Wood to learn that henceforth she would be a Frome. Nevertheless, she made the best of it, and eventually bore her husband five daughters and a son, who was sadly destined to die in the battle of Kandahar in 1880. In 1839, Frome was offered the post of Surveyor-General of Australia. The money was good, he was promised an unlimited supply of paper and an assistant to sharpen his pencils, and it was an offer he felt unable to refuse. He set sail on the good ship Recovery with his wife, his three children (the other three came later), a party of sappers sworn to dig where he told them to dig and, curiously, his sister-in-law. They arrived in Adelaide on 19th September, to be greeted by an official who said, “Eddie ­— you’ve got to laugh. The boss, old Governor Gawler, well, haha, he’s already appointed a surveyor-general. Sorry you’ve had to come all this way. Mind you, we can always use a few more sappers.” It was true. The Australian governor, George Gawler, who was clearly of the “always keep the left hand ignorant of the doings of the right” school, had given the job to Captain Charles Sturt. The situation was somewhat delicate, but Gawler was told in no uncertain terms by his masters back in Whitehall that Frome was the man for the job, and he’d better get back to Sturt immediately and tell him that, unfortunately, he was fired. Gawler did so, and although plainly rash and incompetent, he must have been a skilled diplomat, since Sturt seems to have taken it all in good heart, and from that point everyone got along fine. Today we are no strangers to mealy-mouthed official euphemisms. A family of civilians wiped out by an inaccurately dropped bomb represents “collateral damage”; a soldier shot dead in error by his own side is the victim of “friendly fire”. Similarly, when we talk of surveying the vast tracts of Australian land that was being sold to settlers, we are impressed by the skill of the surveyors, and the hard work and courage of the pioneers, but are virtually blind to the fact that what we’re really talking about is the systematic dispossession of Australia’s aboriginal inhabitants by waves of hostile invaders who, within a few decades, would go a long way towards annihilating them. But the Victorian world was a different time lived on a different planet. To have suggested to Governor Gawler, Edward Frome, and the army of sappers under their control that what

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011

they were doing was morally wrong would have produced nothing but blank and baffled stares. The idea that the aborigines were people who had a right to the land that the British were taking and selling to themselves was one that their minds would have been unable to frame and make comprehensible. Empire building was ordained by the Almighty who had wisely chosen the British to do it. Aborigines were not “people”, but merely a problem to be solved, like the digging of a canal or the construction of a railroad. As the 1840s dawned, demand for the land was intense. An earlier survey by Sir George Kingston had been thoroughly bodged, and much of Frome’s time was devoted to clearing up the mess. This he and his team did with remarkable speed and skill; so much so that as early as 1841 there was enough properly surveyed land to satisfy much of the demand. The casual disregard of the rights, opinions, even the existence of the indigenous inhabitants whose land was being “sold” to the newcomers shows itself obliquely but nonetheless clearly in 1843. On a surveying expedition to the south, Frome chanced upon a large, land-locked lake 100km long and 40km wide. Despite the fact that this lake must have been known to the aborigines for millennia, since they were not fair-skinned Europeans, that did not count. Henceforth Frome would be its “discoverer”, and it would bear his name. Today it is irretrievably “Lake Frome”. Its aboriginal name is lost in the dream time. The nascent Australia was in the grip of a depression. Times were hard and money tight.

His energy and dedication seemed to be inexhaustible. Most of us would have wilted under the dual responsibilities of being simultaneously surveyorgeneral and colonial engineer, but not Eddie “The Human Dynamo” Frome

Governor Gawler, whom Whitehall considered a profligate spendthrift, was recalled to London, and Sir George Grey sent to replace him. Frome’s approach to the crisis would have delighted even George Osborne. Somehow or other he reduced his surveying costs from 1/7d an acre (approximately 8p) to roughly a third of that figure. He also accepted the post of colonial engineer without pay. Since Australia was being used as a dumping ground for unwanted British convicts, a jail would seem to have been an unnecessary extravagance, but Frome built one in Adelaide that has survived to this day. The bridges that he built over the River Torrens fared less well. Two of them were washed away by floods within six years. Edward’s artistic skills were also exceptional, and many of the sketches he made on his various expeditions have survived. Some he later turned into impressive watercolour paintings. His energy and dedication seemed to be inexhaustible. Most of us would have wilted under the dual responsibilities of being simultaneously surveyor-general and colonial engineer, but not Eddie “The Human Dynamo” Frome. Presumably by borrowing time from some invisible parallel dimension, he was also able to serve on the boards of his local hospital and public cemetery, and to fit in a few hours a week as a justice of the peace. It couldn’t last. By 1849 he was worn out. In 1849 he, his wife and his children (by then numbering five) packed their bags and returned to England. Frome never returned to Australia, but his public service was far from ended. He subsequently served the Empire as surveyor-general of Mauritius, as well as holding important posts in Heligoland, the wild, untamed outposts of Scotland and Ireland, and for a while revisiting his roots in Gibraltar. Amazingly for a military man of his time, he somehow managed to rack up several decades of service without seeing any combative action. Despite that, he received regular promotions, and by the time he retired in 1877, he had risen to the rank of general. His last significant posting was as Lieutenant-Governor of Guernsey from 1869 to 1874. In 1877 he was 72. He was tired, he fell asleep easily, and his pencil shook a little more in his hands than it once had. He retired to his home at Ewell, in Surrey, where he spent the remaining dozen years of his life in well-earned retirement. He died on 12th February 1890, precisely five weeks after his 88th birthday. n

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Rock Fusion by Jolene Gomez

Dancing with a Difference One of the oldest dance forms dates back thousands of years in the Middle East, and empowers women of all ages, so it is not surprising that Gibraltar can boast of having its very own belly dance troupe, Rock Fusion. Rock Fusion is an amateur dance group of six women who come from all walks of life and of all ages — Elena Ward, Susan Soiza, Ajaisha Pozo, Keziah Santana, Ellen Davis and Shailah Lopez. From hairdressers to accountants, and human resources to trust and corporate executives, this group has been going strong for four years. Their journey started six years ago when Elena was encouraged to pass on her knowledge of belly dancing to a group of her friends. Through word of mouth more people found out about it, and Rock Fusion was formed. “Dance and music was always a common ground for all of us, and belly-dancing sounded exotic and liberating,” Ajaisha explains. Each region in the Middle East has a slightly different style and variation, but the isolated moves are generally the same. It has a unique focus, and curving patterns, which complements the female form. Movements are often layered simultaneously, made more intricate by adding higher levels of release and agility. “This is more than your average dance, it’s not just physical, but also mentally challenging. You are taking on thousands of years of history and emotions and celebrating women! The dance is for woman of all ages, and its natural form is performed by women for women,” Elena states.

Different styles of the dance are differentiated by costumes, music and choreography. Originally, the group came together because it is a sensual dance, a great workout, great fun and has divine costumes. “After a little time you realise it’s an intrinsic journey for your mind and soul. It builds from within. We persevered because it’s about self-confidence, self acceptance, self expression, self love, a connection with ourselves and, in essence, to all others,” Shailah explains. The girls started attending workshops in the UK and Spain, which broadened their horizons, and introduced them to a world of variety and colour. This provided them with a structure for their sessions, with warm up techniques and class exercises, which then enabled them to structure their first choreography. “Once we had our first choreography together, we asked Henry Sacramento, who has given us a lot of his support throughout, to come and see our work. With his blessing, we knew we were ready to perform, and our first performance was for the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Awareness Charity Event in September 2009,” Ellen explains. Since then the group took off, and have performed at a number of events, including an Arabian Night at the Gala Casino, Senior Citizens Christmas Event, Women’s Aid, Seruya

Gala Nights, Rotary Club Hog Roast (Pakistan Charity event), Haiti Fund Raiser and other special events, mainly for local charities. The beginner’s group meets on Tuesdays at the Art Centre, and the performance group practises on Mondays and Thursdays at the Leisure Centre. They design their own costumes, by using different materials and accessories, and lots of creativity and imagination. “Although there is a full range of accessories, including head pieces, zills (cymbals), hip scarves with coins, fans, veils, and candles, the key accessory for any belly-dancer is safety pins,” Keziah smiles. They use anything to accentuate the movement of the dancers hips, preferably with a shimmy aspect to it. The dancers say they enjoy the many aspects of belly dancing, and it has become something they cannot live without. “From the learning to isolate and at the same time connect the various parts of your body. From the drills, to the slow but fruitful progress we all achieve whether internal or external, and the ability to express things in a manner that would have otherwise not been possible. From feeling connected with the other dancers, to making new choreographies, new costumes, new challenges, and most importantly, to being free within the dance and within yourself,” Susan concludes.

This is more than your average dance, it’s not just physical, but also mentally challenging. You are taking on thousands of years of history and emotions and celebrating women!

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011


performing arts Their dance style can be described as a fusion of a little Egyptian, some Turkish, and also making use of other styles like American Tribal, Indian, Hip Hop, Oriental or even Flamenco. Making use of all these dance genres allows them to provide the spectator with a unique performance. The group strives to educate the public that belly dance is an art form in line with other styles of dance, such as classical ballet, jazz, flamenco and many others. In past decades, belly dancing has been given a reputation of being a seductive dance aimed at pleasing the male population. Far from that, and from its beginning, this dance form has been used by women in sacred ceremonies which were aimed at women only. The group’s aim is to perform with choreographies that are elegant, tasteful, and most of all entertaining to the general public. Aside from Henry Sacramento, the group would like to thank their parents, families and friends, who are always ready to lend a hand and offer support, as this group strives to continue developing their dance form, and achieve a professional level to be able to perform on a large scale, and eventually open a belly-dancing school of their own. Watch this space! So any future belly dancers out there who want to give this fun and exciting dance form a try, contact Rock Fusion on their Facebook Group, or call mobile: 54022607. n If you wish to contact the group for performances they can be reached on mobile 54005593 or 54025143

Rock Fusion has performed at many events and venues

Although there is a full range of accessories, including head pieces, zills (cymbals), hip scarves with coins, fans, veils, and candles, the key accessory for any belly-dancer is safety pins

” History of Belly Dance Surprisingly, the name Bellydance originates from the translation of the French “danse du ventre”, The term Belly Dance was only applied to this dance style during the Victorian era. It has a diverse history, suggesting that belly dance shares its origins with migrants from all over the Mediterranean, resulting in similarities between belly dance in North Africa and Middle East. There are various theories as to the roots of belly dance, which arose from a variety of dance styles performed in North Africa and the Middle East. One theory claims it derives from ancient Arab tribal religions, another from pre-Islamic Arabia, and a third from Pharaonic times, as a form of entertainment. Belly dance was popularized in Western culture during the Romantic movement, as Orientalist artists depicted romanticized images of harem life in the Ottoman Empire. Around this time, dancers from Middle Eastern countries began to perform at various World’s Fairs, drawing curious observers in numbers to view this beautiful and exotic dance style. Belly dance takes different forms, depending on the region and country, in both costume and dance style. New styles have eventually evolved in the West, as its popularity has spread to a global level.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAGAZINE •• JANUARY JANUARY 2011 2011 GIBRALTAR

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Dr. Marco Vricella, HC Marbella Hospital

Marco Vricella, MD

The secluded gardens at the luxurious HC Marbella Private Hospital

%S .BSDP 7SJDFMMB 3FTUPSJOH BOE /VSUVSJOH ZPVS #FBVUZ BOE :PVUI BU )$ .BSCFMMB )PTQJUBM HC Marbella is one of Europe’s most exclusive hospitals, with a highly professional and pioneering team of medical experts that provide world-class care across the hospital’s ten exceptional medical units - Cosmetic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine; Oncology; Preventive Medicine; Gastroenterology & Obesity; Gynaecology & Fertility; Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation; Orthopaedics; Urology; Cardiology; and Anti-Aging. We talk to Dr. Marco Vricella, Director of the Aesthetic Surgery unit at HC Marbella Private Hospital. When you meet Dr Marco Vricella for the ďŹ rst time, you’re struck by his quiet conďŹ dence. This is a man that is an expert in his ďŹ eld, and although he deals in what some might consider superďŹ cial - cosmetic and aesthetic surgery - he understands more than anyone the profound and positive effects his surgery can have on people’s lives. He prides himself on his ability to harmonise the art and science of cosmetic surgery. “For me, this is a question of beauty and helping people realise their personal beauty. My cosmetic surgery can fundamentally change the way someone feels about themselves, and how they enjoy their livesâ€? comments Dr Vricella in his polished English, delivered with a gentle Italian accent.

“HC Marbella Hospital has been established for over ten years and is one of the ďŹ nest facilities in this part of the Mediterranean to have a surgical procedureâ€? he continues. “The hospital is just two hundred metres from the sea and not only has two exceptionally well equipped operating theatres, but also a dedicated post-surgical care unit and eleven luxuriously appointed guest rooms. In fact, our clients are treated as guests at the HC Marbella Hospital; the entire medical and support teams work hard to make sure that there is not only excellence in medical care but also in the quality of service and comfort.â€? Dr Marco Vricella is well respected in Gibraltar and has been serving the community here for some years, providing regular free consultations on the Rock as well as personalised aftercare. “Together with my patient care coordinators I offer private consultations twice a month in College Clinic. In addition, as part of our unique after care service, my chief patient care coordinator and specialist nurse can offer home visits to all clients in Gibraltar during their ďŹ rst post-operative week.â€?

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+ Breast Augmentation + Breast Uplift + Breast Reduction + Tummy Tuck + Liposuction + Facial Injections + Face Lifts + Eyebag Removal + Rhinoplasty Dr. Vricella has conducted thousands of successful cosmetic procedures and uses the latest techniques and technology. “The axilliary breast augmentation is becoming increasingly popular� he explains. “This is ideal for women in the Mediterranean who like to sunbathe without a bikini top. This is where the implant is put through a small incision in the armpit, so there is no visible scarring.� Coming to Marbella for cosmetic surgery is increasingly popular amongst residents of Gibraltar. HC Marbella, together with Dr. Vricella and his team provide a highly discrete and exclusive service.


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Madrid


health risks How Common is Lung Cancer? Once uncommon, the surge in smoking of the 20th century has contributed to a tremendous rise in the incidence of lung cancer. Lung cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death in men and second leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide. On the bright side, with widespread awareness of the risks of smoking, many hope these numbers will decrease in the future. Lung cancer arises when a series of mutations in normal lung cells cause them to become abnormal and grow out of control. These changes can take place anywhere from the bronchus (the windpipe), down to the small air sacs in the periphery of the lungs where oxygen exchange takes place. Causes of Lung Cancer Tobacco use is responsible for almost 90% of lung cancer cases. That being said, those who have never smoked or quit long ago, may develop lung cancer as well. Common causes include Radon exposure in the home, workplace, chemicals such as asbestos and environmental pollutants including second-hand smoke. Symptoms of Lung Cancer Lung cancer most commonly presents with a cough that does not go away over time. Sometimes it shows up with vague symptoms, such as fatigue, and about 25% of the time, there are no symptoms at all. Since lung cancer is common, anyone, especially those who smoke, should seek prompt medical attention for any symptom that is new or unexplained. The most common symptoms include: • a chronic cough • coughing up blood (haemoptysis) • difficulty breathing • wheezing • pain in the chest, back, shoulder, or arm

All About Lung Cancer

by Dr. Shehzada Javied Malik

Giving up smoking is one of the top 3 New Year’s resolutions

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Lung Cancer Diagnosis Lung cancer is often suspected initially from a chest x-ray done to evaluate a cough or chest pain. Further studies are performed to determine if the abnormality is benign (non-cancerous), or malignant (cancerous). If these show cancer, further tests may be performed to see whether the cancer has spread (metastasized) to other areas in the body. How is Lung Cancer Treated? Depending upon the stage and type of lung cancer diagnosed, treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy. New treatments, often with fewer side effects, are becoming available that target lung cancer. What is Prognosis? Caught early when it can be treated with

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011


health risks surgery, lung cancer can be very curable. Sadly, the majority of people with lung cancer are diagnosed after the cancer has spread too far to do surgery. Even in this case (inoperable lung cancer), treatment can increase length of survival, and sometimes result in long-term cancer free remission. Since people vary widely in their general health at the time of diagnosis, it can be discouraging and misleading to look at statistics. Your health care provider is a better source for looking at your individual situation. It’s hard to ask the question, “What can I expect in the final stages of lung cancer?” I agonized before asking this question of my uncle’s oncologist. Yet many of us want some idea of what to expect at this stage of the journey for our loved one or for ourselves. We are all different. Some people will have pain, some won’t. Some people will need oxygen to control shortness of breath; others may breathe comfortably on room air. Some people decline rapidly at the end of their journey with cancer, and others seem to live on despite all odds. Physical Changes Physical changes during the final stages of lung cancer can be related to the tumor in the lungs or the spread of the cancer to other parts of the body, or due to the terminal stages of cancer in general. By definition, the final stage of lung cancer implies that treatment options have been exhausted; a cure is not possible. But palliative treatments, treatments used to minimise symptoms or improve comfort, may still be used. Some common physical changes include:

Emotional Changes Beginning in the last few months before death, your loved one may begin to withdraw and appear less interested in visiting with family and friends. Activities that once excited him may no longer capture his interest. He may appear lost in thought, and as one woman I met remarked about her husband in the late stages of lung cancer, appear to “have one foot in the next world.” He may begin to sleep a lot and become irritable when fatigue and limitations interfere with his ability to care for himself as he did in the past. Having a support system and taking care of yourself is very important at this stage of the journey, both for your own well-being and so you can support your loved one with cancer as well as possible.

an active process the body is designed to go through. Emotionally, your loved one may become agitated, picking at the sheets or clothing. Confusion and hallucinations are common, and those who are actively dying often speak of seeing loved ones who have gone before. In the last few days, she may have a surge of energy, sitting up if she has been bedridden, or eating a full meal after eating little for days. This can be heart wrenching if family members misinterpret this as a sign that their loved one is getting better. Most likely, it is the body’s way of allowing a dying person a last chance to say goodbye. As dying progresses, she will stop communicating and enter a deep sleep. Even if she does not appear to hear you or know you are present, continue to express your love. It is felt that hearing is one of the final senses to leave The Final Days During the final days, your loved one may in the dying process. begin a phase known as “active dying.” Rather than an event in which the body simply turns The Death off, researchers now believe that dying is As dying continues, your loved one will stop breathing and her heart will cease to beat. Some people claim they have known the moment their loved one left them; they have had a vision, or a physical sensation of their loved one departing. Others find comfort in staying near their loved one’s body as it becomes cooler, finding it easier to let go thereafter. If your loved one is dying at home, check with your hospice nurse or physician ahead of time to know what procedure you should follow after the death. In most cases, family is allowed to spend time mourning and saying goodbye to their loved one before the funeral home is called. n

Lung cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death in men and second leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide

E

NEW

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health & medical directory

health& fitness Bell Pharmacy

McTimoney Chiropractor

Your Family Chemists

Gentle holistic treatment for all back or muscular problems and sports injuries Gillian Schirmer MA, DC, MMCA Clinic (Claudia’s), 1st Floor, 58 Main Street Tel: 200 41733 or after hours: 200

Here to help you by answering all your pharmaceutical questions Consult us at 27 Bell Lane Tel: 200 77289 Fax: 200 42989

CHEMISTS

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

PASSANO OPTICIANS LTD

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

British Registered Optometrists

Chiropodists

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

John W Miles BSc (Podiatry), MChS College Clinic, Regal House Tel: 200 77777

ChiropraCtors STEINER CHIROPRACTIC CLINICS

Chiropractic Health Clinic

Dr Carsten Rudolf Steiner BSc DC

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

Member of the British Chiropractic Association

Back to better health with Chiropractic for headaches, dizziness, neck and lower back pain, sciatica, osteoathritis and sports injuries. College Clinic, Regal Hse. Tel: 200 77777

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

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

The Health Store

5 City Mill Lane, Gibraltar. Tel: 20073765 Suppliers of Glucosamine, Ginkgo Biloba and all vitamins. Body Building Products (Creatine etc) Open: 9am - 1pm & 3pm - 6pm

For all your Pharmaceutical needs

Louis’ Pharmacy Open: 9 - 7 Monday - Friday, Saturday 10 -1.30pm, Closed Sundays Unit F12, International Commercial Centre, Casemates. Tel: 200 44797

Dr Steven J. Crump BSc, DC, MCC ICC F5C 1st Flr, Casemates. Tel: 200 44226 Gillian Schirmer MA, DC, MMCA McTimoney Chiropractor, Clinic (Claudia’s), 1st Flr, 58 Main St Tel: 200 41733 After hours: 200 40026 Dr Carsten Rudolf Steiner BSc, DC Steiner Chiropractic Clinics, College Clinic, Regal Hse Tel: 200 77777

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

Opticians / Optometrists Gache & Co Limited 266 Main Street. Tel: 200 75757 L. M. Passano Optometrist 38 Main Street. Tel: 200 76544

OSTEOPATHS Joma Ormrod (BOst.) (female) Atlantic Suites Health Club & Spa Europort Tel: 200 48147

PERSONAL TRAINERS

JOHN W. MILES BSc (Podiatry), M.Ch.S

STATE REGISTERED CHIROPODIST Treatment of all Foot Problems • Ingrown Toe-nails including Surgical Removal • Biomechanical Analysis for Insoles / Orthotics including Children • Wart (Verruca) Clinic • Diabetics

Tel: 200 77777

College Clinic, Regal House, Queensway TEL: 54029587 FOR HOME VISITS

Need somebody to talk to?

7 days a week 6-10pm

64 64 what a page turner! www.thegibraltarmagazine.com

Simon Coldwell Complete Fitness Unit G3, Eliott Hotel Tel: 200 51113 Isabella Jimenez BSc (hons) 3/8 Turnbull’s Lane Tel: 54002226 email: jimenez.isabella@gmail.com

Physicians

Dr Norbert V Borge FRCP (London) 7-9 Cornwall’s Lane Tel/Fax: 200 75790 Specialist Medical Centre Unit F7 ICC Casemates Square Tel: 200 49999 Fax: 200 49999 Email: info@smg.gi www.smg.gi

Psychologist

Clinical Psychologist Tel: +34 661 007 261 Email: vivianabot3007@yahoo.es

SPECIALISTS

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

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011


health

Free Spectacles for Kids The GHA has launched a new programme to fund spectacles for children up to 16 years of age. The initiative will benefit approximately 600 children and their families. Following an eye examination by a GHA prescribing practitioner or a GHA- approved private prescribing practitioner, patients will present the prescription to the GHA Accounts Section. Approved prescribing practitioners include eligible local practising ophthalmologists and optometrists. A voucher will be provided by the GHA to the dispensing opticians to supply the spectacles. The Minister for Health, Yvette Del Agua, has said: “This initiative will serve to alleviate many families from the financial burden of purchasing spectacles and lenses for their children. In keeping with my budget announcement this year, applications will be back-dated to the 1st July 2010.” For further information and assistance, please contact the GHA Accounts Section at St Bernard’s Hospital on Tel 200 72266.

Joma the Osteopath Joma Ormrod is a UK qualified and registered Osteopath who works with patients every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at her clinic, Atlantic Osteopathy, at Atlantic Suites. Osteopathy is used to treat a wide range of conditions from neck, back and joint pain to sports injuries, trapped nerves and tension headaches. Treatment involves deep-tissue muscle massage, joint manipulation, muscle stretching and joint mobilisations. ■

58 Main Street, 1st Floor. Tel: 200 74040 Regular Clinics Claudia Schiel Health/Beauty Therapist Auriculo Medicine for Stop Smoking Dermatological Peels Non Surgical Lifting Specialising in all kinds of skin problems Holistic Therapies for various conditions - Reflexology - Medicinal Pedicures - Hair Extensions Gillian Schirmer MA DC UK McTimoney Chiropractor Gentle and Effective Chiropractic Treatment for all Muscular and Joint Pains, especially Sports Injuries, Pregnancy. Headaches, and Migraines. Suitable for all ages. Alison Prior Health/Beauty Therapist - Facials - Waxing - Massages - Slimming Treatments NEW! Skin Tag & Thread Vein Removal Hollywood & Brazilian Waxing Lymphatic Drainage Sports Injuries - Cervical Problems Collagen Implants Botox Injections - Sclerotherapy (Thread Vein Treatment) New Clinics FAKE BAKE NEW in Gibraltar - revolutionary fake tanning system Exclusive Agents Laser Clinic Permanent Hair Removal, Pigmentation and anti-aging Health / Weight Loss Unique personalised nutrition programme Ultra Sound NEW fat removing technique

BOOK NOW FOR: Various evening courses in Beauty Therapy Registered & Licensed by Health & Environmental Department

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011

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life choices

Making change happen...

For some, the New Year is a time of reflection on the year past, and to think of resolutions for the year ahead. Do you feel you need a change in your life, but need some help? Then a life coach may be the answer. We spoke to Teresa Macias of www.coachingprogress.com about what it means to be life coach, and what the client can get out of the process. “I came across coaching by accident. One day a person pointed out that she felt I possessed the fundamental qualities to connect with people, and asked me if I was interested in coaching,” Teresa explains. At the time, she didn’t have the faintest idea what it was. This was two years ago, and since then she has studied and learned to apply coaching to achieve positive development in people and businesses. She initiated her studies with a beginner’s course in Granada, and found coaching so fascinating she decided to undertake an intensive course offered by COANCO in Malaga. There she had the privilege to train with some of the most prestigious coaches from Spain and South America. Coaching is a tool that facilitates personal and corporate development. Although there are various definitions of coaching, Teresa explains that for her it is “simply the ability to identify the benefits of change, and improving one or various present aspects of the person’s or business’s situation.” She adds that the re-

percussions of the improvement(s), and more so how its influence ripples, extending to the periphery of the client, must not go unmentioned. The function of a coach is to accompany the client during their progress towards the change they desire. Often, the client cannot establish what would be most beneficial. Sometimes, it is easier to identify what aspects of an individual’s life are not productive and in that way, begin to explore and clarify the person’s consciousness so they become more aware and enter the reality that belongs to them. “In this way, the effective coach will know how to accompany their client to identifying those aspects they want to change. Consequently, they work together during the sessions to overcome some of the limiting beliefs that feed habits which are detrimental to the physical and psychological stability of the person,” Teresa states. “I am of the opinion that the coach ought to be qualified, committed to the profession and effective at developing a rapport with the client that is devoid of any

The duration of the coaching process can depend on the magnitude of the final objective, but mainly tends to depend on the participation, responsibility and commitment developed by the client 66

judgments about their behaviours and decisions.” There are various types of coaching, but the more extensively used are personal, corporate and executive coaching. For Teresa, the basis of all coaching is the personal, because she al-

Life Coach Teresa Macias

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011


life choices

by Jolene Gomez

ways work with individuals, discovering the potential each person has within. Corporate coaching, offers a service to small, medium or large businesses, who wish to increase their productivity or competitive edge. Lastly, executive coaching serves individuals employed in a position of an executive nature, who bear a certain degree of responsibility. Coaching here involves bringing about a balance between personal wellbeing and success at work. Although some people are reluctant to change, it is important to acknowledge change is present in every instance of our lives, irrespective of whether we want it or not. “I believe it is always a good time to want a change, however carrying it out is more complex. Sometimes it is advisable to set a completion date in order to get those things that support the desire to change going. Otherwise, simply

thinking and not taking some form of action to achieve your objective(s), merely makes those marvelous desires appear unachievable. In this respect, it would be wonderful if all those individuals who for some time have intended to improve an aspect of their personal life, in their relations with family members or friends, at work etc. feel that the New Year is the right time,” Teresa confirms. The duration of the coaching process can depend on the magnitude of the final objective, but mainly tends to depend on the participation, responsibility and commitment developed by the client. Given that each process is unique, and coaching is a methodology that requires unblocking the client and taking them out of their comfort zone, initially it can be somewhat uncomfortable, and as such it is necessary to overcome and defeat progres-

The effective coach will know how to accompany their client to identifying those aspects they want to change. Consequently, they work together during the sessions to overcome some of the limiting beliefs that feed habits which are detrimental to the physical and psychological stability of the person

sively those fears that limit periods of change. “If we learn that there is no failure, but only ways that do not render desired results, from which we can always learn how to do it better and differently next time, we always succeed in raising our awareness on how to achieve our desires,” Teresa smiles. Teresa emphasizes that the effective coach does not give advice, however through questions they raise the individual’s awareness so they can find the best answer from within themselves, which is where it really resides. To conclude. Teresa gave various questions for our readers to reflect on and decide for themselves what would be most advisable for their specific situation: • What would you change of your present situation? • What resources do you have at your disposal and how can you use them to benefit you? • How would you feel if you managed to achieve the change or changes you desire? • How much would you be prepared to give up, in order to obtain the change or changes desired? • Who or what hinders your ability to change towards an improved situation? n

Having a Plan... “

One reason things aren’t going according to plan, is that there never was a plan” ~Ashleigh Brilliant

Identifying your true fears, dreams, aspirations and priorities isn’t easy, but it can be life changing. So, get some paper (or a keyboard) and start writing. The Present 1. List five things you are passionate about. 2. List 10 of your favourite things to do. 3. What are your accomplishments? Tackle this chronologically, starting with accomplishments made as a child. Anything you’re proud of is an accomplishment. 4. Make a list of what you are good at – no time to be humble! 5. Write down what’s stopping you? What circumstances, people or thoughts are keeping you from achieving what you want in your professional and personal life? Are these obstacles real, or do they involve a trade you are not willing to make? Which of those obstacles are in your control? Who can help, advise or support you with the remaining obstacles? The Future 1. Clarify your priorities by finishing the following statements: My talent is… The most important thing to me is… Every day I try to… The purpose of life is… The three most important things I still want to

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011

accomplish in my life are… One day, I will look back and reflect on my life and think, “I’m glad I…” 2. Pretend you have a week to live. What goal would feel most unfinished if you could not complete it? Think of this question in the context of yourself, family, career, other people, core values, finances and spirituality. 3. State your purpose. What is your inner desire or rewarding way of living? How do you want to make a difference? Let your pen flow... Your purpose and vision could come to you over several weeks, so don’t worry if it isn’t immediately obvious. 4. Clarify your vision. Describe who you want to be and what you want to be known for, personally and professionally, by the end of your life. Be bold, this is your ultimate goal for your life.

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will give you information and a starting point for your plan. Create the Plan 1. Identify what you want to accomplish in the next two years in these areas: career, health, relationships, spirituality, home, finances, or family. Then identify your goals five years from now. Remember, as things change your plan will need to be adjusted. 2. For each goal, write down your strategies for achieving it. 3. For each strategy, identify all of the necessary steps. Identify all the deadlines for each strategy and action. You now have the tools to make the plan for life you want. n

Make it Happen! Read what you have written, and below each section, state what your “must have” is. This

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puzzle page

by Alan Gravett

SUDOKU Win a lunch for two at

The Cannon Bar

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One entry per person. Closing date: 20 January 2010 Last month’s winner: G. Montero, Montagu Gardens

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

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

FIRST PRIZE: Lunch for 2 at The Clipper

One entry per person. Closing date: 20 January 2010 Winner notified in next issue of The Gibraltar Magazine. Last month’s winner: Anne Ammuadsen, Ocean Village

Across 1) Citizen of Managua, for example (10) 7) To do with agriculture and especially its economy (8) 8) Shakespeare’s river (4) 9) Swiss hero (4) 10) He found Livingstone (7) 12) False German noble, Monte Cristo in one guise for example (7,5) 14) & 1down) Sixth of January; Shakespeare play (7,5) 16) Fascinated by (4) 19) Worry about (4) 20) Scottish New Year (8) 21) Those who cheat; carpenters (10) Down 1) See 14) 2) Britain’s future King (7) 3) Precipitation (4) 4) Science of heredity in organisms (8) 5) Once more (5) 6) Straightforward; trustworthy (6) 11) If you laugh too much, you might end up in these! (8) 12) One of 2’s brothers (6) 13) Improve status of (7) 15) Type of lock or the gate it is attached to (5) 17) Slang for cannabis (5) 18) Viking of old Norse sagas (4)

Jotting Pad ...

LAST MONTH’S ANSWERS: Across: Rope Ladder, Acre, Dunce, Christmas Carol, Chestnut, Asset, Anarchy, Cash Cow, Palermo, Innings, Especial, Inamorata, Mania, Oath, Monte Carlo. Down: Rude, Punchball, Leeds, Decency, Erratic, Camus, East to West, Assassin, Cappuccino, Carillon, Container, Oregano, Implant, Roast, Comic, Halo.

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011


art scene

2011 Art Competition for Young Artists Get your paints and brushes at the ready! The Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with The Fine Arts Association and the Department of Education & Training, will hold its Annual Art Competition for Young Artists in February 2011. The competition is open to residents of Gibraltar attending school in years 9 to 13 (or college equivalent), as well as to young Gibraltarian artists no longer attending school in Gibraltar and aged up to 24 years old on 22nd February 2011. A maximum of two artworks (painting and/or sculpture) may be submitted by each artist. Works must be original and not previously entered competitively, with the exception of non-winning entries in the 2010 Spring Art Competition and 2010 International Art Competition. Entries will be exhibited at the Casemates Exhibition Galleries from 22nd February to 4th March 2011. Prizes to be awarded are: 1st Prize: The Ministry of Culture Prize £1,000; 2nd Prize: The Aquagib Award £500. Additionally, there will be awards of £500 each, kindly donated by the Alwani Foundation, to the best entry in each of the following age groups: School Years 9 to 11 and School

Years 12 to 13 . All the winning artworks will become the property of the Ministry of Culture. Commenting on the announcement the Minister for Culture, The Honourable Edwin Reyes said: “The Ministry of Culture is keen to develop the increasing interest shown by young Gibraltarians in the Fine Arts. I wholeheartedly recommend we collectively encourage our promising young artists to participate in this special Art Competition, which I am confident will again prove to be a great success.” Entry forms and full conditions are available from: Bayside and Westside Comprehensive Schools; Gibraltar College of Further Education; The Department of Education & Training, 23 Queensway; The Fine Arts Gallery, Casemates; John Mackintosh Hall, 308 Main Street; Ministry of Culture, 310 Main Street; or via email from: minculture@gibtelecom.net Entries may be handed in at the from Monday 7th February 2011 for receipt of entries is 6pm on FriCasemates Exhibition Galleries from 3.30pm to 6pm. Closing date day 11th February 2011. n

New Gibraltar Bird Tagging Programme A unique colour coded Gibraltar bird tagging programme will add information to the database on large migratory birds found here. Two Griffon vultures, rehabilitated by the Gibraltar Ornithological & Natural History Society (GONHS) Bird of Prey Unit, were released back into the wild from the Upper Rock in December. The vultures, both young birds, required rest and feeding-up in order to gain the strength required to return to life in the wild. The release marks the start of a new wing tagging programme being introduced by GONHS. The programme will entail the marking of large birds, mainly birds of prey, with plastic wing tags, each with

a clearly visible code. Observers seeing the birds can report them and the information will be sent to GONHS by means of an international monitoring system. The tags do not harm the birds or interfere with their behaviour in any way. Gibraltar has been allocated a unique colour code, blue with white letters, and only birds marked in Gibraltar will carry this code. If the birds are found dead or injured, they can also be directly

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011

reported as the obverse of the tags carry the full address, telephone numbers and e-mail of GONHS. This is an exciting and important initiative and it is hoped that it will, with time, provide important information on the movements of

marked birds. Young Griffon vultures, for example, often fly south to tropical Africa where they may spend several years before returning to Europe. Sightings of the marked birds will add information to complete the picture.

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That Nail Place

GACHE & CO LTD EST. 1830

Nail Extensions DIGITAL VIDEO CAMERA DIGITAL CAMERA - MOBILE PHONES - GPS - PDA ACCESSORIES

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Gel - Acrylic - Fibreglass

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Airbrushing Nail Art Body Jewellery

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

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• Giftware • Jewellery • Sports Trophies • Awards & Engravers

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266 Main St, Gibraltar Tel: 200 75757

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BUDDIES pasta casa

Come and enjoy real Italian meals in Gibraltar’s leading pasta house

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15 Cannon Lane Tel: 200 40627 for reservations

Gibraltar Taxi Association

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

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Sacha’s

THE TASTY BITE 59A Irish Town Tel: 200 78220 Fax: 200 74321

DUTY FREE WINES, SPIRITS & TOBACCO open 7 days 79 Main Street

Quality Kitchen Ware Gibraltar’s Best Stocked Cook Shop K5

The Takeway with a difference. Homecooking . our speciality . Open Monday

M5 to Saturday

46 Irish Town Tel: 200 75188 Fax: 200 72653

the silver shop

for beautiful silver jewellery & gifts

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2 locations in gibraltar 222 main street • horse barrack lane

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N3

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Accountants Durante Carboni Jardim..............X3 ESV Hassan & Co........................ I4 Business/Financial Services AI Couriers (DHL)......................K3 Barclays...................................... M4 Jyske Bank.................................. L4 Phoenix Solutions........................ J4 Sovereign Trust...........................N4 STM Fidecs.................................H7 Business Services Global Business Centre................S3 Waste Management......................a6 Business Supplies Beacon Press...............................N6 Image Graphics...........................N3 Stitch Design................................P3

Motoring & Car Sales A. M. Capurro & Sons Ltd ........ N6 Computers & Cableing Image Graphics........................... N3 Newton Systems.........................M5 PC Clinic..................................... U3 Food & Drink Amin’s The Office....................... K5 Buddies Pasta Casa..................... Q4 Cafe Rojo.................................... K5 Café Solo..................................... G3 Casa Pepe.....................................Z6 Final Whistle............................... N3 Get Joost...............................H4, S4 Get Stuffed.................................. A3 House of Sacarello.......................L5 Just-a-Nibble.................................I4 Just Desserts..................................I4

Lord Nelson................................. H2 Picadilly Gardens.......................... b4 Pickwicks Bar...............................R3 Saccone & Speed...........................J4 Smiths Fish and Chips................. V4 Solo Express................................ H4 Star Bar........................................ K5 The Three Roses.......................... Q2 Verdi Verdi................................... N3 Waterfront.................................... Y7 Hair & Beauty Salons Claudia’s Clinic............................ K4 Joya’s Gents Hairdressers............ N2 Renaissance Beauty.......................J4 Roots.............................................T4 Jewellery Sales/Repair Beau Jangles.................................M4 Jewellery Repairs..........................L4

Z6

Q5

Matthew’s Jewellery......................I3

Steiner Chiropractor.....................K7

Leisure Complete Fitness.......................... R3 Dolphin Safari.............................. A3

Pet Services / Supplies Gibraltar Veterinary Clinic..........H4

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

Property Sales / Estate Agents Chesterton........................................ Seekers.........................................L3 Solomon Levy . ...........................U3

Medical / Health Bell Pharmacy.............................. N3 Claudia’s Clinic............................ K4 Dr. Crump, Steven, Chiropractor I4 Health Food Store........................ O4 Louis Pharmacy........................... H4 McTimoney chiropractor..............L4 John Miles - Chiropodist.............. K7 Specialist Medical Clinic...............I4 Sport-On - Sports Therapy........... K3

General Services Art Gallery...................................R4 Balban (electrician)......................H2 Balloqui . ..................................... P4 LP Borge......................................X3 Denville Designs.........................M3 Fashion House Interiors............... P2 Greenarc.......................................X5 Larbi upholstery...........................R3 Queensway Quay Laundrette.......X7

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SMITH’S

U4 FISH & CHIPS HADDOCK W4 PLAICE • COD FRESH FRIED IN CRISPY BATTER

295 MAIN ST Tel: 200 74254

226 Main Street · Gibraltar · Telephone 200 48480

Irish Town Antiques

L5

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

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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

www.medgolf.gi medgolf@gibraltar.gi Tel: 200 79575 Fax: 200 44307

hobbies&pastimes

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photography

leisure & tuition

lessons&tuition

GACHE & CO LTD EST. 1830

• Giftware • Jewellery • Sports Trophies • Awards & Engravers

leisure&sport

266 Main St, Gibraltar Tel: 200 75757

travel&hotels

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

Tel: (+350) 20074000 Fax: 20040030

newsagents/books The Flowers of Gibraltar by Leslie Linares, Arthur Harper and John Cortes

Book on sale at Gibraltar Book Shops

Gibraltar Connections by Reg Reynolds

60 riveting true stories of people and events connected to the world’s most famous Rock.

Available at book shops and newsagents throughout Gibraltar

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009


books

Needham’s Wisdom... Following are a few of the many quotes from Needham’s columns which are still widely cited today. “For the first half of your life, people tell you what you should do; for the second half, they tell you what you should have done.” “Strong people make as many mistakes as weak people. Difference is that strong people admit their mistakes, laugh at them, learn from them. That is how they become strong.” “The ghastly thing about postal strikes is that after they are over, the service returns to normal” “Power is a drug on which the politicians are hooked. They buy it from the voters, using the voters’ own money.”

Gibraltar-born writer Found Fame in Canada

by Reg Reynolds

In the December edition of the Gibraltar Magazine I wrote about American satirist H.L. Mencken’s visit to Gibraltar in 1934. While researching the famous newspaperman’s life I discovered Richard J. Needham, a Gibraltar-born Canadian journalist who styled his writing on Mencken’s. Needham was born at Gibraltar on 17th May, 1912. The son of an army officer he lived in India, Ireland and England before emigrating to Canada at the age of 16. At first he worked as a farmhand but in 1930 he managed to land a job as a reporter with the Toronto Star. He was fired in 1935 for what he termed his “inaccuracies” but what others said were his penchant for writing unprintable stories from magistrate’s court about pimps and prostitutes. For the next seven years he moved around Canada writing for various newspapers, including the Calgary Herald, before winding up at the Toronto Globe and Mail. Twice he quit only to return and finally in 1960 he settled into the Globe’s newsroom as the chief editorial writer. He had found his niche and was at last in a position where he could express himself freely and write in the caustic, humorous style of his hero Mencken. In 1964 he launched a whimsical column about the imagined and often lecherous adventures of

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • january 2011

Rudolph J. Needleberry. The column poked fun at Toronto, which he called “Old T.O.” and its inhabitants. Favourite targets were politicians and people of authority. Even his own newspaper was fair game as he called it variously the

One of our few genuine cynics, a writer who delighted in attacking sacred cows — and who for this reason tended to provoke either love or hatred in his readers

“People who are brutally honest get more satisfaction out of the brutality than out of the honesty.” “We are creating the kind of society where the criminal is out of jail before his victim is out of hospital.” “In a dictatorship the people are afraid to tell the truth to the leaders; in a democracy, the leaders are afraid to tell the truth to the people.” “In the unplanned economy, it’s dog eat dog; in the planned one both of them starve to death.”

Mop and Pail or Grope and Flail. His columns, full of riddles and satire, were hugely popular and were collected in a variety of books two of which were titled The Garden of Needham and Needham’s Inferno. The latter, illustrated by the brilliant Canadian cartoonist Duncan Macpherson, won, in 1968, Canada’s highest literary prize for humour, the Stephen Leacock Award. One Canadian reviewer of Needam’s work wrote that he was: “One of our few genuine cynics, a writer who delighted in attacking sacred cows — and who for this reason tended to provoke either love or hatred in his readers.” Needham took official retirement in 1977 but his column continued to appear twice a week until 1984. He died in July 1996. At his request, the headstone for his grave read: “Richard J. Needham’s tiresome and boring column will not appear today, because he is dead.” A notation was added explaining it had been Needham’s idea. n

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lifestyle

New Year, New Resolution...

by Frankie Hatton

So another New Year and no doubt another year of broken resolutions. Why we subject ourselves to something that is so ancient I don’t know. Did you know, the tradition dates back to around 153 BC (or BCE to be PC) when the Romans, yes the Romans, placed the mythical king Janus at the top of their calendar (hence

January)? Janus had two faces, so he could look the new. backward as well as forward and his position Janus became the ancient symbol for resoin the calendar meant he could symbolically lutions and many Romans looked to him for look back at the old year and forward into forgiveness from their enemies and exchanged

New Year’s Resolutions 2011 ... We polled a few people around Gibraltar to find out what they planned to make their New Year’s resolutions for 2011. The answers they gave were as varied as the people we asked! Jason Ratcliffe of D& H Ceramics’s resolution is a familiar one to many: “My New Year

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resolution is simple and one that hasn’t worked for the past few years: Lose some weight!” Hazel Fa of Abecasis Gonzalez Ltd has a wonderfully altruistic plan for the New Year: “Well my New Year’s resolution will be to sponsor a child from a poor country. I’ve been meaning to do it for a while now but never get down to it, so I decided that will be my New Year’s resolution. Yvonne Richardson of the John Mackintosh

Hall Library says something we could all aspire to “Try to be a better person, with a good heart, and wishing everyone all the best for the New Year.” Catherine Crump of Crump Chiropractor has a simple wish “To win the next squash tournament!” Gymnast Nicola Bosio has two resolution for 2011: “Concentrate more on my schoolwork, and be nicer to my little sister Emma.”

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011


lifestyle gifts of branches of sacred trees and later nuts or coins imprinted with King Janus’ face before the beginning of the New Year. This new year gift giving was later changed by Christians to 25th December and at one time it was even celebrated on 25th March the day of the Annunciation. Eventually Pope Gregory XIII reinstated the calendar as is today and the New Year was once more celebrated on 1st January (we also kept the holiday and celebration on December 25th in what I like to believe was an early form of worker’s rights). At New Year it has become traditional for everyone to join in with the resolutions and they are of course all part of the fun and in some cases, determination when giving up vices like smoking or over eating. There are also New Year messages from heads of state like the Queen. Our own Chief Minister will release his own thoughts wishing us all well and surely looking forward to a prosperous year ahead here in Gibraltar. So in keeping with tradition the Gibraltar Magazine contacted a few citizens and asked for their thoughts at this time of year. An interesting response came from local businessman Giacomo Medici of PC Clinic, who gave us the lowdown on the Jewish take of this annual event. “The Jewish new year is celebrated in a different manner to the regular one. The Jewish calendar is based on the lunar cycle and the New Year generally falls in the months of September/October, quickly followed by the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) 10 days later. It is not a day of celebration rather a day of introspection and repentance. It is believed that on this day you are judged by the Almighty on the actions of the previous year and inscribed in the book of life (hopefully!). “Jewish people also celebrate the ‘commercial’ year as normal with get-togethers, arguments and alcohol!” As in previous years it is helpful to have a political perspective and with the PDP cer-

tainly coming out strongly over the last 12 months Rebecca Faller offers us her pearl of a resolution: “Out with the old and in with the new, that’s what January means to me. I hope that can be transposed to the Gibraltar Parliament some time in 2011!” Always in the public eye Debbie Garcia from the Tourist Board lets us into the secret desire of most ladies in our lives: “Mine is always the same and pretty boring too... diet diet diet and aim to be a size 10 by the end of the year... always willing to do so... but never get there! One day I will though who knows it might be 2011.” The Chief Minister will have had his tuppence elsewhere so, showing what is for a politician, a rare symbiotic link to the female vote Opposition MP Fabian Picardo gave us the shadow message; “Last year: lose weight. Did not stick to it. This year: lose weight. Won’t stick to it!” And finally to Gibraltar’s Governor’s wife, Lady Johns who probably speaks like the modern day Janus looking in both directions, “I’d like a peaceful end to the year with my family and that 2011 brings more joy, good health and good luck to us all here in Gibraltar.” I myself gave up resolutions years ago, mainly because I didn’t see the point of starting the New Year having failed at something, amusing though it might be to friends. If you do make a resolution or celebrate in some way, strange or otherwise, be assured you are following in a millennia held tradition. The oldest known celebration of the new year was some 4000 years ago by the Babylonians around 23rd March which makes sense as this is when ‘Spring’ springs and new growths begin to appear. But lets not allow that nonsense spoil our own knees up! Thanks to Julius Caesar and his ‘Julian’ calendar which the majority of us now follow we can enjoy our own new year and its tradition of resolutions. n.

I’d like a peaceful end to the year with my family and that 2011 brings more joy, good health and good luck to us all here in Gibraltar

...Happy New Year! Matthew from I Love Sweets says “Definitely set up a new business plan!” Luis Mascarenhas from Luis Photos is thinking business too and says “To give all our clients an even better service!” And Sanjay Khiani of Career Finders also has the future of his business on his mind and says he is determined to continue to “Offer exciting career opportunities to a wide range of candidates.”

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • january 2011

Here at the Gibraltar Magazine office? Kristin is determined to keep learning in 2011 saying: “I am going to take up a few courses so I can learn something new. I already have some booked for the New Year.” Andrea promises to “Book my holiday earlier next year!” And Jolene is hoping for a more peaceful 2011 “Try to not stress so much. And accept that when things cannot be done, it’s ok!” Good advice for all of us. Have a happy and peaceful 2011 one and all.

How to make 2011 a resolution success... Kicking bad habits that keep you from reaching optimal health, such as smoking, drinking or overeating are popular New Year resolutions. And it’s the busiest time at the gyms around Gibraltar as people actively seek to improve their health by getting fit and losing the flab.... but how do we keep our motivation throughout the year? Experts agree that no matter how stubborn a bad habit, there are ways to break those negative patterns and keep healthy resolutions throughout the New Year. The trick is to keep everything in perspective. Avoid perfectionist thinking and don’t make absolute resolutions, be realistic. For example, instead of saying you won’t yell at your kids anymore, resolve to yell at them less often. Your goal should be something you really desire to change or achieve, not something that society says is good for you or your family members would like to see you do. If you don’t have strong, internal motivation, you won’t be successful. Quirkology.com carried out research in 2007 which shows that while 52% of participants in the ‘resolution’ study were confident of success with their goals, only 12% actually achieved them. The study did reveal some interesting facts which could help you to keep your resolution this year: Men achieved their goal 22% more often when they engaged in goal setting (e.g. instead of trying to lose weight in general, aiming to lose a pound each week). Women succeeded 10% more when they made their goals public and got support from their friends and family. n

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Gina Victory:

Coaching Our Beauties by Jolene Gomez

For more than 15 years, Gina Victory has been given the responsibility of training Miss Gibraltars before their attendance at the Miss World pageant. With extensive experience in the world of fashion locally and internationally, she takes the girls on for three months, and covers various areas from protocol and etiquette, to Gibraltar’s history, world history and external affairs, the environment, and interview tips. It is her job to ensure our contestants are mentally prepared for the months ahead.

Gina has coached our local beauty queens for a decade and a half

The 12th December 2009 marked a turning point in the history of Gibraltar, when Kaiane Aldorino was crowned Miss World. Having trained our very own Miss World Gina recalls the result impacting her more as a mother, than as her coach. “I was happy but also scared about what was going to happen. I had never seen myself in this situation, and neither had Gibraltar as a whole.” As a nation, we were all impacted by the chain of events, and our patriotism soared in celebration of the achievements of our very own beauty queen. “Like all Gibraltarians, I was extremely proud, but I did not feel flattered in any way because it was not my moment. As much as I taught her, there are things you cannot teach — these are traits you are born with. This was the situation with Kaiane — I gave her the tools to get the best out of herself, but my aim was not to create someone new. She had good, solid foundations as a person, and physically, which gained her the crown,” she smiles. “Physically, it is very difficult to find a figure like Kaiane’s internationally. She is tall, but has a curvaceous figure, which gives her a

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unique shape. When she won Miss Bikini, it did not surprise me at all. Winning Miss World was a surprise, because I didn’t feel Gibraltar had enough influence to be appreciated at this competition, and not because she didn’t have the potential,” Gina explains. Over 20 years the Gibraltarian woman’s body has changed. The 5’ 5” Mediterranean round figure, has been replaced by longer limbs, thus resulting in taller Miss Gibraltar’s in recent years, than those in the ’80s. The ’80s were a vibrant time in Gibraltar, with lots of talent emerging in all fields of the arts, but with limited resources available. Everyone wanted to make a difference, and be different, with raw talent being channelled into organising productions on a weekly basis. There were a lot of energetic people, wanting to or-

ganise events, and it was the love of the arts, which drove them to do things, expecting nothing in return. At the heart of this movement was a dynamic and vibrant fashion designer, the late Eduardo Viotto. His fashion shows were very well organised, very over the top and elaborate (as were the ’80s), and very professional. Eduardo’s 12 models were the only models here at the time, and Gina was one of them. Her time with ‘Eddie’ gave her a glimpse of what is was like to work with a true designer. “I know exactly how the trade works, the bitchiness, laughs and tears... I did not have to go to Paris or Milan, and I truly believe I started from the top.” Gina got involved with fashion aged 17, with Eddie as mentor and point of reference, and providing a platform for Gina to learn, grow

At 10pm I would be in the Casino wearing expensive dresses and accessories... In half an hour, I went from model eating caviar in high heels, to a normal teenager doing house chores

and mature as a model. “Eddie’s cousin, Annie, phoned me, and asked me if I wanted to model for him. I had never been on stage, but thought I would give it a go. Eddie opened the door to a world I didn’t know about,” Gina smiles. To those who met Eddie, it was undeniable that he had a special quality, which made him incredibly creative and talented. “He was not perfect, but he was special, and everything I have ever done and learned has been based on him and his teachings, even outside the world of fashion. I was very lucky to meet him, and acknowledge how fortunate I was to have him as my guide. I still remember the first day I met him. He was very blunt, and told me to not to let anybody take credit at your expense. I think this was the only advice he ever gave me.” But behind all the glamour, Gina’s parents helped her keep her feet on the ground, and to balance her high lifestyle with being a normal teenager. “My parents helped me a lot. They didn’t come to see me perform for the simple reason that there was no money. They would come to one or two, but not to all of them. They kept me very

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011


style & fashion

Gina backstage at one of Eddie’s fashion shows

grounded,” she states. “At 10pm I would be in the Casino wearing expensive dresses and accessories, with splendid makeup and hair immaculate, thinking of my mum’s words before I left, reminding me I had to come home straight away because it was my turn to do the dishes. In half an hour, I went from model eating caviar in high heels, to a normal teenager doing house chores. “Undoubtedly, the biggest influence in my life has been my parents, as your education, principles, and upbringing falls in their unconditional hands. Everyone you meet along the way will influence your life, for good or bad. “Eddie influenced my life, to an extent I don’t think he even realised,” she continues. “I was not overwhelmed by him, but by certain things he did, and did not do. When he passed away, I matured and realised how much I used to reflect on him, to make a decision, and to make a choice. I realised the emptiness I felt in his absence.” Eddie spent three months training Gina in modelling, beauty, protocol, etiquette, hair, make-up and other aspects of the fashion world. It was hard, but she endured it. “I

Gina on the catwalk

have met all types of people from Spanish and British media, and no one has given me the basics that Eddie gave me. I was lucky to have him here, to pass on his knowledge to me. “The main lesson, and the most difficult, was tolerance. I have not met anybody as tolerant as Eddie. With tolerance comes respect, and it is a quality I try to master but I don’t possess. In all the years we worked together, I never heard him shout or disrespect anyone. He encouraged discipline and respect in his work, and I addressed him differently than other people. He was so gracious, I would never think of giving him a bad word. I still refer to his teachings when coaching Miss Gibraltar’s today.” Gina concludes “When I watch fashion on TV, nothing impacts me, because I have been there and done it. I don’t watch reality fashion programmes, and hate them because they are far removed from the glamour and prestige of the fashion world. It is focused on an aspect, which is not the truth and is exaggerated. The real fashion world is cruder. It is a hard life, and a tough job, but also very beautiful in its own way.” n

The main lesson, and the most difficult, was tolerance. I have not met anybody as tolerant as Eddie. With tolerance comes respect, and it is a quality I try to master but I don’t possess

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • january 2011

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events

Photos: Cavalcade 2010

The Amazing 3 Kings Cavalcade Initiating the 2011 Gibraltar social calendar, the Three Kings Cavalcade, starting from Casemates Square and parading along Main Street, on Wednesday 5th January, will once again bring together different organisations, of all levels and ages, on floats they have decorated with eye-catching themes, much to the enjoyment of adults, children, locals and visitors to the Rock. Held on the eve of Epiphany, Gibraltar usually gathers en masse (and a few lines deep!), for this popular event, with everyone’s expectations high with excitement. The 55th edition of the Three Kings Cavalcade, will be no exception to previous years, and provide a reflection of this artistic community, with a great display of talent and creativity. The cavalcade commemorates of the story of the wise men (Magi), who bring gifts to baby Jesus, on the date known in the Christian calendar as Epiphany. Each of the Magi

Children all over the world, they wait impatiently for a visit from the three kings, bringing them gifts if they have been good, or perhaps a lump of coal if they have been naughty!

represent a different continent — Melchoir for Asia, Caspar for Europe and Balthasar for Africa. A celebratory occasion for many children all over the world, they wait impatiently for a visit from the three kings, bringing them gifts if they have been good, or perhaps a lump of coal if they have been naughty! On the Magis’ visit to the Rock, they start their rounds at 5pm, attending a party at the Catholic Community Centre for deprived children. They later make their way to the hospital, where they visit the maternity ward

Raising funds for Charity Tom Griffiths, Paul Fellows and Ronnie Francis, all of whom work at Bet365, fulfilled their contribution to the Movember event with a non-traditional approach to raise money for men-related health issues. The three young men participated in a “fun run” through the rainy streets of Gibraltar, with only soaking wet costumes, their stylish moustaches and a bucket for donations. Despite the rainy weather, they still managed to raise over £400,

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which will be donated to research into the treatment of prostate cancer. The escapade ended with a jump into the sea and a shaving party to get rid of their month-long moustaches. Well done Tom, Paul and Ronnie. n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011


events and, quite symbolically, give gifts to the newborn babies. Next they head to the children’s ward to hand out presents to the sick youngsters, and later are treated themselves to some refreshments at the Piccadilly bar. They then head down to Casemates to begin the cavalcade at 7.30pm and their journey along Main Street to Referendum Gate. For the event to run smoothly, Eric Abudharam, president of the Three Kings Cavalcade committee, and his team started preparation for the event back in October last year. At the time of going to press, there were eight floats booked for the procession, although this will

hopefully increase as in past years, as there is no deadline to enter the event. Eric is very grateful to the organisations which keep supporting the cavalcade every year, as well as all the bands, performers, transport companies, and many other people, who make this event a success. With the support of many sectors of the community, and in particular their major sponsor, GBC, who give a generous donation from their Open Day, the cavalcade is sure to be a fun and successful event once again. Eric Abudharam can be contacted on 57586000 for more information. n

On the Magis’ visit to the Rock, they start their rounds at 5pm, attending a party at the Catholic Community Centre for deprived children. They later make their way to the hospital

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011

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food & drink

Adrian ‘Slimline’ Lima Pepe Fabre (95 years young in February) hits the dance floor

Caroline & Louise

The 55 Xmas Party Modern

The DJ and the Banker

No Christmas hats!

Relaxed

Dining

Open: 10am - late Closed Sundays + Saturday lunch

Open for morning coffee, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner

80

Irish Town Tel: 200 51738 to reserve

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011


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food & drink

Just-a-Nibble Hamper Winner

The ‘Shoe’ table

Christine Castro from the Cat Welfare Society receiving the cheque For the 5th year running, the great staff of Just a Nibble café on the first floor of the International Commercial Centre (ICC) have organised their popular raffle. The grand draw took place on 15th December at 3pm, at the café itself. Everyone had a fantastic time, as they enjoyed delicious savouries, whilst they eagerly waited for the winner to be announced. Like in previous years, the winner with orange ticket number 248, will take home a lovely Christmas hamper, filled with goodies galore. So hurry down to Just a Nibble if you’re the winner! Each year a donation is made to a different charity, and this year the Cat Welfare Society were chosen to receive the splendid donation from the guys and gals at Just a Nibble.

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Birthday Boy

Queensway Quay Marina

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011

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recipes

A Red Rendezvous by Chef Scott Casey

If you’re one of the millions of people who pledged to lose weight for your New Year’s resolution, these tasty dishes are just for you because this month chef Scott Casey brings us recipes that are full of flavour without all the calories. First, warm up with lobster, cuttlefish and orzo saffron broth. And if that doesn’t leave you warm enough, then the thai red duck curry definitely will! Counteract the spice with a slice of the delectable strawberry cheesecake with ginger macerated berries.

Starter

Lobster, cuttlefish and orzo saffron broth Serves 6

250 ml (1 cup) tomato sugo* Pinch of saffron threads Pinch of smoked paprika 200g orzo** 500g Lobster meat, cut into 3cm pieces 1 bulb of baby fennel, thinly sliced 160g (1 cup) podded peas (about 400gm unpodded), blanched ¼ cup each of finely chopped basil, chives and flat-leaf parsley 20g butter To taste: Lemon juice 1 tbsp olive oil 500 gm (about 12) cuttlefish, cleaned, inside flesh scored

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To serve: Lemon wedges Broth 1.5 litres fish stock 1 stalk of lemon grass, coarsely chopped 1 small red chilli, coarsely chopped ¾ cup chopped coriander stalks & roots 1 clove of garlic, coarsely chopped 3cm piece of ginger, thinly sliced *Sugo is Italian Napoli sauce and is available at Morrisons. There are also lots of recipes online if you want to make it yourself. **Orzo is a type of pasta available from Morrisons (when they don’t run out). It is sometimes called the Italian rice as it is pasta shaped like rice. For broth, combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat, bring to the boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-30 minutes, then strain into a bowl, discarding solids. In a heavy-based saucepan, combine 1 litre of broth, tomato sugo, saffron and smoked paprika and bring to the boil over medium heat.

Add orzo, return to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes or until al dente. Add lobster meat, fennel, peas and herbs, cook for 2 minutes and season to taste with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. If too thick, dilute with remaining broth. Add butter and lemon juice to taste. Heat olive oil in a frying pan over high heat and cook cuttlefish for 1-2 minutes or until cooked through and golden, then cut into 1cm slices. To serve, ladle broth into bowls, arrange cuttlefish on top and serve immediately with lemon wedges passed separately. n

Main

Thai Red Duck Curry Serves 4 generously

5 black peppercorns 1 tsp cumin seeds 1 tsp coriander seeds 5 red chillies, seeds removed, chopped

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011


recipes 2 shallots, chopped 1 tbsp crushed garlic 2.5cm/1in fresh ginger root, peeled & chopped 3 lemongrass stalks, chopped 6 kaffir lime leaves pinch ground cinnamon pinch turmeric splash Thai fish sauce (nam pla) splash chilli oil (available from larger supermarkets) 1 tbsp palm sugar (available from Asian supermarkets, substitute brown sugar if unavailable) For the duck 4 duck breasts 250ml/8fl oz chicken stock 400ml/14fl oz can of coconut milk salt and freshly ground pepper 8 spring onions, finely sliced 1 red pepper, seeds removed, sliced 16 baby aubergines, halved and griddled (griddling optional) To serve Thai sticky rice, cooked according to packet instructions Fresh coriander leaves, chopped 1 lime, cut into wedges

per and aubergines and cook for five minutes, or until the aubergines are soft and the duck is completely cooked through. To serve, place a mound of rice onto each of four plates. Spoon equal portions of the duck curry over and garnish with chopped coriander and lime wedges. n

For the spice paste, dry-fry the peppercorns, cumin seeds and coriander seeds in a frying pan without any oil for 4-5 minutes, to release the flavours. Transfer the spices to a pestle and mortar and grind. Place the ground spices into a food processor and add the chilli, shallots, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, lime leaves, cinnamon, turmeric, fish sauce, chilli oil and palm sugar and blend to a smooth paste.For the duck, score the skin of the duck breasts, season with salt and place into a cold frying pan. Cook over a medium heat, tipping off the fat into a heatproof container as it is released from the duck. (You can keep the duck fat if you wish for roasting potatoes.) Cook the breast for five Serves 16 minutes then turn it over and lightly brown the other side. Remove the duck from the heat and 750g softened cream cheese keep warm. Add the spring onions, red pep- 500g mascarpone 190g raw caster sugar

Dessert

Delectable Strawberry Cheesecake with Ginger Macerated Berries

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011

Finely grated rind of 2 limes and juice of 1 4 eggs 250g sour cream 140g strawberries, coarsely chopped Sweet ginger pastry 125g softened butter 30g pure icing sugar, sieved 125g plain flour 2 tsp ground ginger Strawberries in ginger syrup 300g raw caster sugar 2 tbsp ginger, cut into julienne Juice of 2 limes 500g strawberries (about 2 punnets), coarsely chopped For sweet ginger pastry, preheat oven to 150ÂşC. Beat butter and icing sugar in an electric mixer until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes), sieve over flour and ground ginger, stir to combine. Turn onto a work surface, bring together with the heel of your hand, roll out to 4mm thick and line the base of a 27cm-diameter, 5cm-deep fluted tart tin, trimming edges. Refrigerate to rest (30 minutes), prick with a fork, blind bake until light golden (15-20 minutes), remove weights, bake until crisp (4-5 minutes), cool. Lightly brush sides of tart tin with butter. Process cream cheese, mascarpone, 165g raw caster sugar, lime rind and juice in a food processor until smooth, scrape down sides then add 3 eggs, one at a time, processing to combine. Pour over pastry, bake until just set (40-45 minutes). Process sour cream, strawberries and remaining raw caster sugar in a food processor until smooth, add remaining egg and process to combine. Ladle over cheesecake and bake until just set (8-10 minutes). Cool, then refrigerate until completely chilled (4-5 hours). Meanwhile, for strawberries in ginger syrup, combine raw caster sugar and 250ml water in a saucepan, stir over medium-high heat until sugar dissolves. Bring to the simmer, add ginger, cook until ginger is translucent and liquid is reduced to a light syrup (5-6 minutes). Remove from heat, add lime juice and half the strawberries, refrigerate until chilled. Add remaining strawberries, serve with cheesecake. n

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food file

New Year, New You With the start of a new year, Gibraltar’s gyms are full of dedicated gym-goers trying to stick to their New Year resolution to live a healthier lifestyle. If you’ve stuffed your body with copious amounts of food this Christmas (and we know you have because grandma’s Christmas pud is just too hard to resist), now is your chance to redeem yourself and get back on track. Treat yourself (and your body) to a detox that will leave you feeling healthy and happy and ready to take on whatever 2011 throws at you.

For a quick fix, begin by eliminating harmful foods and habits that are detrimental to your health and replace them with healthier options. Tobacco and alcohol should be the first to go since you will immediately notice a big difference in your physical and mental wellbeing. An excessive amount of alcohol puts a lot of strain on your liver and kidneys and leaves your body heavily dehydrated. It’s okay to drink in moderation, but be aware of the calories alcohol contains. Even a small glass of wine contains over 100 calories, so it’s easy to see how fast the calories add up. If you’re up for the challenge, drink the suggested eight glasses of water a day. It will leave your body energised and your skin rejuvenated. When it comes to food, stay away from the “three Ps” — prepared, packaged and processed. These are full of preservatives, artificial flavours, additives and calories. Cut back on salt, sugar and carbonated drinks. At least cut out fried food as much as possible. Think fresh vegetables, fruit and whole grains to get your digestive tract going. Eating organic is the best way to go, but that can get costly. Challenge yourself by making a home-cooked meal with only fresh food. One rule of thumb is, if it grows from the ground, it’s good for you. Some people want instant results and skip

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on meals to lose weight. This may seem like a good idea, but starving yourself will only deprive your body of the food and nutrients it needs to function properly. It is important to eat a healthy, balanced diet, consisting of a variety of foods. Even if you aren’t a breakfast person, force yourself to eat something even if it is just a piece of fruit. The first thing you eat is important because it gets your metabolism going and your body starts breaking down the food. If you’re a coffee-lover, limit yourself to one cup per day and leave out the sugar. Even though January can be quite gloomy in Gibraltar, get out as much as you can — walk into town instead of driving, meet your friend for coffee, volunteer in the next charity event or join a local club. There are lots of physical activities to do in Gibraltar, such as hiking on the Upper Rock, running, football, netball, or even taking a stroll down to Eastern Beach or Rosia Bay. Whatever you do, don’t be a hermit.

When it comes to food, stay away from the “three Ps” — prepared, packaged and processed

Cardiovascular exercise will get your heart pumping and blood flowing. Continuous blood flow carries oxygen to the brain and toxins to the organs responsible for their removal. Your mind also needs exercise. Try some relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation classes. Not only will you feel mentally balanced, your flexibility will improve in no time. Get the recommended eight hours sleep. I know we’ve heard it all before, but getting a long night’s rest is beneficial in more than one way. Waking up well rested gives you a positive outlook from the beginning of your day. It keeps you focused while at work, while clearing your mind to learn more. Speaking of work, keep your work at work and leave your free time open to do something you enjoy. A happy and healthy life is something you have to work at, but it is achievable. Take one day at a time with these detox tips and you will soon be satisfied with the results. This detox plan isn’t a strict diet, it is simply a guideline to help you make choice which will lead to a healthier lifestyle. You have to live with your body for the rest of your life, so treat it the best you can. Rid your house of the leftover Christmas goodies and start detoxing today. Only four months left until bikini season… and counting! n

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011


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

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

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 20102011 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAGAZINE •• JUNE JANUARY

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to Saturday 19.30 to 22.30 and lunchtimes for group bookings.

restaurants

The Mexican Grill and Bar Unit 2B The Tower, Marina Bay Tel: 200 46668 The Mexican Grill and Bar serves all the favourite Mexican dishes from Nachos, Quesadillas and Chimichangas (rolled flour tortilla with spicy chicken, chilli beef or vegetables, deep fried, served with Mexican rice and salad and guacamole, salsa or sour cream), to Burritos (like Chimichangas but oven baked), El Gringos Chilli con Carne, or Cheese Holy Mole Enchiladas. Don’t forget Big Eat Homemade Burgers (5 to choose from) and from the grill barbecue combos, steaks and chicken. Salads and sides to order. Open: lunch and dinner 12 noon to late

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, Chorizo & Pancetta Salad. Open: from 10am. Closed all day Sundays, and Saturday lunch. Casa Pepe 18 Queensway Quay Marina. Tel/Fax: 200 46967 Email: casa.pepe.gib@gmail.com Situated right on the water front at Queensway Quay, Casa Pepe has a comprehensive a la carte menu which includes dishes such as melon & Serrano ham, stuffed piquillo peppers and filled mushrooms to start, followed by a choice of salads, rice and noodles and fish, poultry and meat dishes which include King Prawns Macarena (cooked with fresh ginger, tomatoes, mangos and bananas served with basmati rice, fried bread and bananas), Medallions of monkfish cooked with white wine and lobster sauce, duck breast Armanac-style (with Cognac, mushrooms and pine nuts), Medallions of pork loin cooked with Serrano ham and dry Jerez sherry, and fillet steak Malagueña cooked in creamy garlic mushrooms and sweet sherry sauce topped with prawns. Wide range of tapas/raciones also available. Open: Monday to Saturday 11am till late. Nunos Italian Restaurant and Terrace Caleta Hotel, Catalan Bay For a reservations Tel: 200 76501 E-mail reservations@caletahotel.gi Overlooking the Mediterranean from Catalan Bay, Nunos’ Spanish chef with Three Star Michellin experience offers a variety of Italian cuisine. The restaurant has now moved from its location on the lower floors and can now be found at the reception level of the hotel. A quick peak at the menu reveals the chef’s celebrated Salmorejo is on the menu, as are his baby squid burgers (Insalata di Calamari). From the main dishes you can choose from a variety of fresh fish and meat dishes. Or you could go for the house speciality of fresh, home-made pasta where you can choose from a wide range of options. Open: Monday

Maharaja Indian Restaurants Tuckey’s Lane. Tel: 200 75233 Queensway Quay Marina. Tel: 200 50733 With two restaurants, one in the town centre and another on the quayside of Queensway Quay, the Maharaja restaurants have been a well known name in Gibraltar for nearly 40 years. Whilst each restaurant offers a slightly different menu, you’ll find traditional Indian cooking in these recently refurbished restaurants with plenty of choice to cater to your taste. The Maharaja offers vegetarian, seafood and meat dishes throughout its range of starters and main dishes, and don’t be scared to ask them to spice up the dishes just to your liking. The extensive wine list covers reds, roses, whites as well as cava and champagne for that special night out. And if you’re planning a night in, you can use their take-away service. Open: Maharaja Tuckey’s Lane: Monday 10am4pm, Tues - Sun 10am-4pm & 7pm-midnight Maharaja Queensway Quay: Tues - Sun 12-4pm & 7pm-Midnight Savannah Lounge 27 Heart Island, Ocean Village Tel: 200 66666 www.savannah.gi 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: Sunday-Thurs midday-midnight, Friday and Saturday midday-5am. Solo Bar & Grill Eurotowers Tel: 200 62828 Solo Bar and Grill is a stylish and modern eatery — perfect for business functions or lunches — and part of the popular Cafe Solo stable. Serving everything from Goats’ Cheese Salad, Mediterranean Pâté and Cajun Langoustines to Beer Battered John Dory, or Harissa Chicken, and Chargrilled Sirloin Steak. This is a delightful venue in Europort with a cosy mezzanine level and terrace seating — well worth a visit, or two! Open: 12-8pm. Available for private functions and corporate events — call 200 62828 to book your function or event.

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The Waterfront Queensway Quay Marina Tel: 200 45666 Website: www.gibwaterfront.com The Waterfront is a very popular long established restaurant located on the quayside at Queensway Quay Marina. Serving drinks, snacks and A La Carte menus. There are different areas for eating; inside the main bar area or within a large chandelier light covered terrace, or formal and informal dining on the water’s edge. A newly extended bar area, featuring the new Balcony Bar upstairs offers plenty of relaxing, warm, cozy space to enjoy bar snacks and drinks. The seasonally inspired menu brings you market fresh dishes from the land and the sea. The classic winter warmer dishes are ever popular as the weather changes and dishes that remain firm favourites in Gibraltar are always available. Waterfront also specialises in aged steaks; this in house dry aging process involves wrapping the meat in muslin cloth to draw out the moisture over a period of 21 days, resulting in a more concentrated flavour and fantastically succulent, tender steaks. A wide range of Movenpick ice cream and scrumptious homemade desserts is also available. Open: 9 till late 7 days a week, year round. The Water Margin 5 Ocean Village Promenade Tel: 200 73668 Gibraltar’s premier Chinese restaurant serving freshly cooked traditional Chinese dishes in the beautiful Ocean Village marina. Check out the outstanding aromatic crispy duck, the special duck slow cooked with honey and chilli or the freshly caught seabass delicately steamed with ginger and spring onion, popular with families looking for a relaxing night dining. No microwave oven or flavour enhancer (MSG) used in this establishment — it’s all freshly cooked and delicious. Home delivery service. Open: 7 days a week, evening from 6pm, lunch from 12:30pm

informaleating 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.

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. 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.

all homemade sandwiches, salads, quiches, pasta, pies, muffins, plus hot and cold drinks and smoothies and a different special every day. Outside catering for corporate parties. Open: 8am - 6pm Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm Sat. 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 all the old favourites; jacket spuds, burgers, hot dogs, fish and chips, and daily specials. Ideal meeting place. Open: Monday - Saturday from 9am. Just Desserts 1st Floor ICC. Tel: 200 48014 Bright and airy, recently redecorated cafe on the first floor of the ICC. All home-made food including daily specials, vegetarian options and desserts. Eat in or take-away. Try their daily roast with everything on or their all-day breakfast. Non-smoking restaurant with terrace smoking area. Friendly, cheerful and fully licensed with sensible prices. Open: 8am - 4.30pm Monday to Friday. Mumbai Curry House Unit 1.0.02 Ground Floor, Block 1 Eurotowers Tel: 200 73711 Home delivery: 50022/33 Good Indian cuisine for eating in or taking away, from snacks such as samosas, bhajias, and pakoras to lamb, chicken and fish dishes with sauces such as korma, tikka masala, bhuna, do piaza... in fact all you would expect from an Indian cuisine take-away. Large vegetarian selection. Halal food is available, as is outside catering for parties and meetings. Sunday specials include all Mumbai favourites such as Dosa and Choley Bhature. Open: 7 days a week 11am to 3pm, 6pm -late.

Buddies Pasta Casa 15 Cannon Lane. Tel: 200 40627 Italian specials in pleasant ambience. Large selection of starters from garlic bread to calamari. Main courses include spinach caneloni, spaghetti alla carbonara, fusilli al salmone, and peppered steak to name a few. Tasty desserts and variety of wines. Open: Monday - Thursday 11am - 5pm, Friday Munchies Cafe 11am-3pm and 7pm-11pm, Sat 11am-4.30pm 24 Main Street. Tel: 200 43840 Fax: 200 42390 A great sandwich bar/cafe offering an unusual Get Stuffed range of sandwiches on white or granary Marina Bay. Tel: 200 42006 bread, plus salads, baguettes, soups, desserts, Take-away, sandwich bar and hot food. Serving homemade ice-cream and hot/cold drinks. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 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 Grnd Flr, International Commercial Centre & Eurotowers Solo Express, located right next to Pizza Hut in Casemates and in Eurotowers, 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. 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. Three Roses 60 Governor’s Street. Tel: 200 51614 Charming, recently refurbished bar with a cosy, homely atmosphere situated just above Main Street (near Eliott Hotel). Offering lunch, tapas, special montaditos and several South African dishes such as Boere Rolls, the bar has three screens for live football matches. The Three Roses has a function room for booking at no cost and charity organisations are particularly

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welcome. Monday nights Salsa dancing. Open: midday - 11pm Monday to Saturday. Sunday’s closed unless Chelsea are playing.

sandwiches, rolls, Kildare chicken and much much more. And just like in Ireland there’s no smoking inside, so a great atmosphere for all.

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, fish, 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

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).

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 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 bruschetta, Lordy’s potato skins, spicy chicken wings and calamares. Main courses cover a range from chilli con carne and chicken and mushroom pie, to crispy aromatic duck burrito and British fish and chips. Try one of the salads or Nelson’s platters. Jacket potatoes, burgers and children’s menu. Credit cards accepted. Live music Venue of the Year, with live music on stage every night. Free Wifi. Open: from 10am till very late. The Lounge Queensway Quay Marina Tel: 200 61118 Stylish bar right on the quayside with very reasonably priced drinks and light bites. Free WiFi, quizzes on Sundays (7.30pm) and a relaxed friendly atmosphere. Great place to chill out. Open: 7 days a week 1pm-late.

O’Reilly’s Leisure Island, Ocean Village. Tel: 200 67888 The Gibraltar Arms Traditional Irish bar with full HD sports cover184 Main St. Tel: 200 72133 age and Irish breakfast from 7am (Sunday from www.gibraltararms.gi 9am). Guinness on draught. Food includes salGood food served all day at this typical pub ads, jackets, beef and Guinness ale pie, Molly’s right on Main Street. Everything from all day mussels, drunken swine, Boxty dishes (potato breakfast to Irish fillet steak roll, burritos, and pancake wrapped around delicioius fillings),

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: Sunday-Thurs midday-midnight, Friday and Saturday midday-5am. 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 seating. Open: from 7am every day. Located: first right off Main St (walking from N to S). 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: from 11am - midnight Sunday - Thursday, 10am - 1am Friday, and from 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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thinking about wines? Following the rigours of Christmas, a little sober reflection is required. It is time to consider the meaning of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. And since wine is such a central part of these concepts and, indeed, the whole of human experience, it is not surprising that major philosophers have found that wine has influenced their thinking; it has even been considered worthy of study in itself. Rootling in my library has revealed the following digests of the major strands of Western philosophy in respect of wine. The Marxist view

It must be clearly understood that the fruit of the vine yields, with but little intervention from workers by hand or by brain, a liquid that can transform the hand into an incapable appendage and the brain into an addled mass of contradictory beliefs. Through the bourgeoisie, the capitalist owners of the production of wine have controlled the workers’ thoughts and movements, rendering them unable to make use of their powers, and at the same time pathetically grateful for being allowed to partake of such supposedly delicious juice. Once the means of production are in the hands of the workers, then the central tenet of our philosophy — ‘To each according to his needs’ – will be seen to be realised. No man actually needs any wine. However, the corollary is: ‘From each according to his abilities’. Those same workers have considerable ability in making wine. The question therefore arises: what should be done with all the wine that is made, if none is actually needed? In order to satisfy the baser desires of man, which must be catered for even in a Marxist society, perhaps some ration of wine must be permitted to all in order to permit all to enjoy fruits over and above what is actually needed. It is proposed that the lesser crops, such as from Northern Africa, California and Southern Italy be set aside for this purpose; following the example of Marx and Engels, the greater crops should be reserved to aid the thinking of the members of the central committees of the workers. Such members will not be subject to any base desire of

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2010

enjoyment but will apply the full benefit of their assisted thinking to the future enhancement of conditions for all. The Marxist philosophy therefore recommends any rare and expensive wine (although cost will not be a factor in the Marxist Republic of tomorrow). Preferably Krug champagne (presently about £150 at Anglo-Hispano).

The Freudian view

is taken in the mouth and the explosion of taste follows: a sensation like no other. A Freudian recommends vin de table from anywhere. If you can get that much out of just looking at a bottle and pouring a glass then you don’t need anything special.

The existentialist view

The bottle of wine may affect a person — or it may not. If I react to the bottle, will it react to me? Will the bottle still be a bottle of wine even when I have drunk the contents? Shall I enjoy the contents? Shall I be the same person? What effect — as if it matters — will drinking the wine have on others? Should I share it with them? Will they enjoy it? Does it matter to me if they enjoy it? Ah, that bottle is finished. I had better open another one. Or should I? Why not? Why not indeed? It’s rather good stuff — depending on what one means by ‘good’. But good or not, another one can’t do any harm. Or can it? Might it harm others? I shall keep it to myself and not share it. That is justifiable. Isn’t it? Perhaps another bottle … [At this point the manuscripts tend to become unintelligible, insofar as they were previously intelligible]. An existentialist should not be allowed near wine. He becomes a bore. Let him stick to spirits and rot his brain further with absinthe.

It increases the desire but takes away the performance. Every aspect of wine is calculated to release the inhibition but ultimately to frustrate the achievement. For this reason, taking wine must be carefully controlled in order to channel the energy released into productive, or even reproductive results. The Super-Ego notices — as who could fail to? — the shape of the bottle, the tender way in which it is held while the corkscrew is inserted. The language of wine is revealing, if such a word may be used in this context. We have noted ‘corkscrew’ above, we should also consider ‘juicy’, ‘ripe’, ‘bottom’, ‘rolling round the tongue’ ‘full-bodied’, ‘length’ and so on. These terms are calculated to excite and to increase the anticipation of pleasure yet to come. The cork is pulled out with a squelching pop: a noise redolent of steamy kisses and caresses. The glass is filled with a gurgling murmur. Pause to consider the shape of the glass — is it not curved and round, There are other philosophies, but whichever smooth and yet solid to the touch? The level of view you take a glass of wine is likely to improve the liquid, red like blood, creeps up the glass. it (unless you are Jean-Paul Sartre). Even in the The glass is lifted to the lips and kissed; the liquid depths of winter, cheer can be found. n

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A ro u n d To w n .. . Friends celebrate Danielle Perez’s 28th birthday at Ipanema

A wonderful surprise for Annette of Cafe Rojo — a visit from old bosses Mike and Annette

Sophia Grace Elliott (parents James and Nichola) was christened at The Cathedral of the Holy Trinity and the after party lunch was at Club 55

Well, here we are in 2011 — what happened to 2010? It seems it zipped by. (Is it true that the years go faster as you get older, do you think?). Once you are over the indulgences of Christmas and the rest of the festive season you’ll be looking for something to do, and in this month we have a fabulous cavalcade on 5th January and then the Pantomime (Jack and the Beanstalk this year) at Ince’s Hall on 20th- 23rd and 27th-29th January — what better way to round up the festivities than with a good old shout and a laugh! Unless, of course, you are of a more intellectual nature, then you will be finishing the month off with a visit to the 2011 Tradewise International Chess Festival, which is set to be as spectacular an event as in past years, with some of chess’s best talents ready to make their moves on the Rock. The prize money has been upped this year, with a total pot of £126,000 there’s bound to be some fierce competition. Congratulations! We start off in January with news of a new baby, to Stephen of AM Capurro and his wife Fiona, a bouncing baby boy to be named Julian. Congratulations to Stephen and Fiona and welcome to the world little Julian! Happy birthdays this month go to Policewoman Josie Guilling on 5th, Dinner Lady from Notre Dame School, Marie Gomez, on 19th. Spanish teacher Margaret Frost celebrates on 13th, John of Image Graphics gets another

Barclays girls paint the town

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Jord 13t with


year older on 15th as does Form-a-co’s Jonathan Stagnetto on 25th. Howard Danino reaches a milestone (ask him which one!) on 24th, and the youthful Sangeeta Mahtani rounds up the month with a birthday on 28th. Congratulations all. From Verdi Verdi with Love Idan of Verdi Verdi on Cornwall’s Lane wanted to let everyone know that he is now doing a sandwich delivery service. So if you fancy one of his delicious homemade (even the bread!) sandwiches just give him a call on 200 60733. The sandwiches really are good! Balloqui on the Move Mario of Balloqui upholstery and carpet shop has now upped sticks and moved his premises to G13 Europa Business Centre. The new place is much more convenient for parking and loading unloading and he now has loads of space. Culture Club Don’t forget the GibFAS lecture which will take place on 19th January (6.30pm Eliott Hotel). This one will be a fascinating view of the Sacred Art of Tibet as is well worth venturing out on a cold January evening for. If you like your art a bit more tangible then pop along to St Andrew’s Church craft and collectors’ fair from 10am - 2pm on Saturday 29th January. I bet there are a few unwanted Christmas gifts on offer at this one too! A great was to spend an hour rummaging through the goodies. Well that’s it for this edition. All that remains is for us to wish everyone in Gibraltar a very very happy and prosperous 2011. Let’s hope it is a good one for us all. And whatever your New Year’s resolution may be, let’s hope you can keep it.... at least until the end of January!

This page: Jordan celebrates her 13th birthday in style with friends and family GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2007 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011

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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 Gibraltar Decorative and Fine Arts Society Affiliated to the UK NADFAS organisation meets third Wednesday of the month at 6.30pm at Eliott Hotel - lecturers & experts from the UK to talk on Art etc. Contact: ChairmanClaus Olesen: 200 02024 claus.olesen@sghambros. com. Membership Ian leBreton: 200 76173 ilebreton@SovereignGroup.com 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

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Don’t be bored... do something fun! life skills to make a difference to themselves, their communities and the world. To date over 5 million young people from over 100 countries have been motivated to undertake a variety of voluntary and challenging activities. Contact Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Montagu Bastion, Line Wall Road. Tel: 200 59818 Quizzes Cannon Bar quizzes are held on Tuesdays starting with a warm up, then two other quizzes, including a theme quiz. Starts at 8.30pm, all welcome and prizes are given. Free entrance but a donation to charity is requested. Tapas served after the quiz. The Lounge friendly quizzes take place on Sundays from 8pm right on the quayside at Queensway Quay. Social Clubs Scots on the Rock: Any Scots visiting the Rock can contact Charles Polson (Tel: 200 78142) for assistance or information. Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (Gibraltar Province) meets RAOB Club, Jumpers Bastion on these days: Provincial Grand Lodge, 1st Monday/month, 8pm. Executive Meeting, last Mon/month 7pm. Knights Chapter, 2nd Mon/month 7.30pm. Examining Council, 3rd Mon/month 7pm. William Tilley 2371, Thurs 8pm. Buena Vista 9975, Weds (fortnightly) 7pm. Por Favor 9444, Weds (fortnightly) 7pm. Farewell 10001, Tues 8.30pm. Goldacre 10475 (social) last Fri/month 8pm. Special Interest Clubs & Societies Gibraltar Horticultural Society meets 1st Thurs of month 6pm, John Mac Hall. Spring Flower Show, slide shows, flower arrangement demos, outings to garden centres, annual Alameda Gardens tour. All welcome. Gibraltar Philosophical Society devoted to intellectually stimulating debate. Frequent lectures and seminars on a range of topics. Contact 54008426 (after 6pm) or email gibphilosophy@ live.co.uk for further information. The Gibraltar Photographic Society meets on Mon at 7.30pm, Wellington Front. Basic courses, competitions etc. Harley Davidson Owners’ Club www.hdcgib. com UN Association of Gibraltar PO Box 599, 22a Main Street. Tel: 200 52108. Creative Writers Group meet every Tuesday at the Eliott Hotel bar at 8pm. The workshop is run by Carla, Tel: 54006696 and is aimed at learning to write fiction and non-fiction, for pleasure or publication. Each session is £5.00. Sports Supporters Clubs The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters Club meet at the Star Bar, Parliament Lane, when Spurs games are televised - call prior to matches to check the game is televised. Great food for a lunch if the KO is early or an early supper if the game is later. For info call Mario on 56280000. Gibraltar Arsenal Supporters Club meet on match days at the Casino Calpe (Ground Floor). Gooners of all ages welcome. Tel: Bill 54010681 or Dion 56619000. Website: www.clubwebsite. co.uk/ArsenalGibraltarSC/. Gibraltar Hammers meet on match days at the Victoria Stadium Bar, Bayside Road. All league games are shown live. All West Ham supporters and their families are welcome. For details visit www.gibraltarhammers.com or e-mail gibraltarhammers@hotmail.com Sports & Fitness Artistic Gymnastics: Gibraltar Artistic Gymnastics Association 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: 200 41795 or 200 41874. Petanque: Gibraltar Petanque Association plays at Giralda Gardens, Smith Dorrien Ave. New members welcome. Tel: 200 70929. 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). S n o r ke l l i n g & Spear Fishing: Over 14s for snorkelling, over 16s for spear fishing. Tel: Joseph 200 75020.

what a page turner! www.thegibraltarmagazine.com

Squash: Gibraltar Squash Association, Squash Centre, South Pavilion Road (members WSF & ESF). Adult/junior tournaments/coaching. Tel: 200 44922 or 200 73260. Sub-Aqua: Gibraltar Sub-Aqua Association taster dives for over 14s, tuition from local clubs. Voluntary sports clubs: Tel: Phil 200 44606, Noah’s Dive Club Tel: Leslie 200 79601, 888s Dive Club Tel: Martin 200 70944. Commercial sports diving schools also available. Swimming: Gibraltar Amateur Swimming Association (member FINA & LEN) opens its pool for leisure swimming Mon - Fri 7-8.45am, 12- 4pm, 8- 9pm. Junior lessons, squad for committed swimmers, water polo (Rebecca 200 72869). Table Tennis: Gibraltar Table Tennis Association (members ITTA) training / playing sessions, Victoria Stadium, Tues 6-10pm and Thurs 8-11pm with coaching and league competition. Lizanne 200 45071/54020477 or Eugene 58014000. Taekwondo: Gibraltar Taekwondo Association classes/gradings Tel: 200 Mari 44142. Tai Chi: Children’s fun Tai Chi at the Yoga Centre, 33 Town Range, Saturdays 11-12am. Beginners Tuesdays & Thursdays at Kings Bastion Leisure Centre. 6.30-8pm. Adults £5, Children £2, all proceeds to GibMissionAfrica Charity. Contact Dilip on 200 78714 or rocktaichi@traningtm.net Tennis: Gibraltar Tennis Association, Sandpits Tennis Club, excellent junior development programme. Courses for adults, leagues / competitions. Tel: Frank 200 77035. Ten-Pin Bowling: 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 • JANUARY 2011


support

events

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).

The 16 men of Movember

The Lame Mo Colin Gibbs

Mo in Character Howard Shaw

Ultimate Mo Adrian Ratcliffe

Pornographic Mo Bruee Barlow

Man of Movember Mark Enriles

Two of the many raffle prize winners

The judges deliberate

Barclays’ Moustaches Raise £13,000.00+ pound for pound by Barclays bringing the grand total to well over £13,000.00. The Barclays team had a lot of fun at the end of Movember crowning ceremony at the Main Street branch, where there was a raffle draw to which many of their clients donated fabulous prizes, including

the star prize of an iPad. Well done to everyone involved in raising money, those who donated cash or prizes, and the MoBros themselves for all their effort. The money raised will go towards Prostate Cancer education, support, research and awareness initiatives. ■

Worldwide, an estimated 913,000 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2008, and more than two-thirds of cases are diagnosed in developed countries. As the incidence of prostate cancer is high and five-year survival

rates are around 70% many men are alive who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. An estimated 215,000 men are alive in the UK having received a diagnosis of prostate cancer. The increase in prostate cancer prevalence

may be partially influenced by the introduction of TURP and PSA testing, which has led to the detection of a greater proportion of latent, earlier, slow growing tumours. The message is clear, get checked.

Religious Services

& Sunday School 10.30am. Bible Study Tues 7.30pm. Evangelical Bretheren Assembly, Queensway Quay. Sun 11am, Tues Bible Study 6pm, Thurs Prayer Meeting 6pm. Hindu Engineer’s Lane Tel: 200 42515. Jehovah’s Witness 6 Europort Avenue Tel: 200 50186. Jewish 10 Bomb House Lane Tel: 200 72606. Methodist 297 Main St Tel/Fax 200 40870 email minister@methodist.org.gi Minister: Revd Fidel Patron. Sunday 11am Morning Worship, 8pm Evening Service. Prayer meetings Monday+ Wednesday to Friday

7pm and Tuesdays 8pm. Communion celebrated on 2nd and 4th Sunday mornings of the month, and other special occasions. Alpha Course: held Thursdays 8pm. House Groups meet for Christian fellowship, prayer and study on a regular basis Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. Sunday School meets Sunday mornings alongside morning worship. Roman Catholic Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned, 215 Main St Tel: 200 76688. The Cityline Church 13 Castle St Tel: 200 75755 email: citylinegib@yahoo. com. Meet: Tues 8pm, Sundays 11am.

As a part of the Movember men’s health awareness and fundraising project, 16 of Gibraltar’s Barclays finest men grew moustaches for a whole month (with varying results). At the end of the month the men had managed to raise a staggering £6,600.00 which will be matched

Baha’i Faith Tel: 200 73287 www.gibnet. com/bahai email:bahai@gibraltar.gi Bethel Christian Fellowship Tel: 200 52002. Queensway. Sunday service 11am. Church of England Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. Tel: 200 78377. Sung Eucharist, Sunday 10.30am. Sunday School. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Suite 21a Don House, 30-38 Main Street. Tel: 200 50433. Sundays 10am. Church of Scotland St Andrew’s, Governor’s Pde. Tel: 200 77040. Worship

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011

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information

A

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. Flat Bastion Magazine Flat Bastion Road, Geological Research Station and Lithology of Gibraltar. To visit contact: F. Gomez Tel. 200 44460, P. Hodkinson Tel. 200 43910. Shrine of Our Lady of Europe (Museum within premises) Europa Road. 10am-7pm Monday to Friday, 11am-7pm Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays. Closed 1pm - 2pm. Trafalgar Cemetery: Trafalgar Road, open 9am - 7pm daily (admission free).

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 Upper Rock, Europa Point and other sites of interest. It is the best way to see the Rock’s major features in a short time.

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.

94 gibraltarmagazine 94

Gibraltar Bus Company Routes

Tourist Board.....................Tel: 200 74950 Gibraltar Tourist Board, Duke of Kent House, Cathedral Square, Gibraltar. UK Tel: 0207 836 0777 giblondon@aol.com John Mackintosh Hall.......Tel: 200 75669 Includes cafeteria, theatre, exhibition rooms and library. 308 Main Street 9.30am - 11pm Monday to Friday. Closed weekends. Bicycle Racks Bicycle parking is provided at the following locations: Europort Road, Casemates Tunnel, Land Port Ditch, Fish Market Road, Commonwealth Car Park, Reclamation Road (by English Steps) + Line Wall Road.

Public Holidays 2011

Gibraltar & United Kingdom New Year’s Day Mon 3rd January (in lieu of Sat 1st January) Commonwealth Day * Mon 14 March Good Friday Fri 22 April Easter Mon 25 April Royal Wedding Fri 29 April May Day Mon 2 May Spring Bank Holiday Mon 30 May Queen’s Birthday * Mon 13 June Late Summer Bank Hol Mon 29 August Gibraltar National Day * Mon 12 September (in lieu of Sat 10 September) Christmas Day Mon 26 December (in lieu of Sun 25 December) Boxing Day Tues 27 December (in lieu of Mon 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) 200 77748

Natural History & Heritage Park

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011 July 2004


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HERE FOR YOU IN 2011 – AND BEYOND At Barclays Wealth, we want to thank all our clients for their wealth of support in 2010; and we promise to do all we can to make 2011 as successful as possible for you. Barclays has been synonymous with financial services on Gibraltar since 1888*, and we are proud of our long involvement with every aspect of Gibraltar’s economic success. Our highly experienced team have an in-depth knowledge of international finance. Using their collective wisdom, they can deliver innovative solutions, worldwide. They can also connect you to the wider range of services and support available from the global Barclays Group, including Barclays Wealth Private Banking and Barclays Capital. Our services include: • Deposits • Corporate loans • Trade finance • Internet banking • Cash management solutions

• Treasury FX • Investments • Asset management • Personal banking

We look forward to using our wealth of knowledge to benefit you in 2011. To find out more about how Barclays Wealth can help, go to www.barclayswealth.com or call us on +(350) 200 78565** or speak to your Relationship Manager point.

* Originally opened as the Anglo Egyptian Bank in 1888. http://62.121.2.110/gibraltarport2/pdfs/gibraltar_handbook.pdf ** Available between the hours of 0830 and 1700 Monday to Friday. Calls may be recorded for security reasons and so that we may monitor the quality of our service. Call costs may vary. Please check with your telecoms provider. Barclays Bank PLC. Registered in England. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registered Number: 1026167. Registered Office: 1 Churchill Place, London E14 5HP. Authorised by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission to conduct banking and investment business in Gibraltar.

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