dining guide • business & finance • sport & leisure • property • history • community
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ibraltar magazine the
November 2010 Vol. 16 No. 01 FREE
Déja Vu All Over Again
Age Won’t Keep Us From Work!
Gibraltar’s Golden Girls Economy: Property Barometer The Art of Meditation
Gibraltar’s Got Talent!
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what’s inside?
business & ďŹ nance
features 46 48 50 80
Corinne Cooper: Heavenly voice, earthly drive ₏ Gibraltar’s Golden Girls Sir Norman’s Conquest Travelling the World with Hector
arts & lifestyle 52 54 60 68 70 73 77 78
What’s On November Behind the Venetian Masks Gibraltar’s Got Talent! Getting Streetwise with the Sensei Zane’s Unexpected Beauty Filling the Frame Showzam! Creativity Always Shines Through ₏
history & heritage 44 58
Last King of Portugal Sheltered at Gibraltar Our Governors: Edward Cornwallis
property ďŹ les 38 40 41 42
38-43
The Property Barometer Property Directory New Hands, Old Place Interiors: TVs in Hiding
food & drink
82-93
82 Sweet Paradise 86 Adding Flavour 89-92 Restaurant & Bar Guide 93 Wine: Trade Secrets
health & medical 62 64 66
62-67
The Art of Meditation Prostate Cancer explained Health & Fitness Guide
regulars 72 94
Puzzle Page Around Town
information
74-75 98
City Centre Map Gibraltar Information
dining guide • business & finance • sport & leisure • property • history • community
8 9 12 13 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 27 28 30 32 36
Business & Finance Guide Europe: Recovery at different stages ₏ Yearbooks Launched Energy Beyond 2040 Age Won’t Keep us from Work! It’s That DÊja Vu All Over Again Argus Insurance Expands to Malta Hassans’ Fund Department Expands Recruitment in Gibraltar My Profession: What is a Law Costs Draftsman? ₏ HR Clinic: Employment and the law 20th Anniversary for Eurolinx New Business: Buying and Selling Cars What’s New in Yacht Registration? ₏ The Co-operative Architect Gibraltar Day success in London
gibraltar the
magazine November 2010 Vol. 16 No. 01 FREE
DĂŠja Vu All Over Again
Age Won’t Keep Us From Work!
Gibraltar’s Golden Girls Economy: Property Barometer The Art of Meditation
Gibraltar’s Got Talent!
Queensway Quay photographed by Derek Booth
Vol. 16 No. 01 November 2010
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAGAZINE •• NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 2010 2010 GIBRALTAR
business & finance
by Ian Le Breton
EU Parliament building, Brussels
by Ian Le Breton
Europe – recovery at different stages If I asked a group of people — selected at random — to tell me what the most pressing issue of the day is for them, I bet most would cite the economic situation. True, we must all be vigilant when it comes to terrorism, global warming and the inequalities still seen across the world — particularly in Africa that is perhaps of most concern to us here in Gibraltar. For most though, I imagine the “crisis”, “recession”, “turndown” — call it what you will — is the most worrying problem of our time. As I have written in this column several times, I believe I share the view of many here in Gibraltar when I say that we are weathering the economic storm comparatively well. That is not to say that we do not have our problems. Of course we do. Many jobs have been lost and whilst property prices have not suffered a Spanish-style collapse, the days of annual double digit price rises have well and truly gone — most likely never to return. That’s probably a good thing. But how are things across the border in Spain, and indeed further afield in the EU? Space limits me to just a quick overview but I thought it might be interesting to look at three very different EU economies, asking the question “how is the economic crisis affecting that particular country?” And what are the authorities there doing about it? And continuing my campaign to explain industry jargon, what on earth is a “double dip recession”?
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
So where to start? For Gibraltar-based readers, both the UK and Spain are obvious places to consider. This time I have also looked at Ireland just to get a feel for how things really are going. As I explained in a recent article, the most common measure — and a way of comparing one member state’s performance with another — is
The most common measure is to consider the level of a country’s budget deficit as a percentage of its annual GDP. If you compare that to a personal budget it’s akin to equating the annual overspend on credit cards versus annual income
to consider the level of a country’s budget deficit as a percentage of its annual Gross Domestic Product. I discussed this a few months back but detailed knowledge of how the measure works is not important. It is easy enough to grasp the horrendous figures that several economies around Europe are contemplating for this financial year. If you compare that to a personal budget it’s akin to equating the annual overspend on credit cards versus annual income. I began by looking at Spain. It is our closest neighbour and home to several thousand who cross the border daily to work here. The situation in Spain is therefore of very real importance to us. In late September the government approved an austerity budget aimed at reducing the deficit from the 11.1% seen in 2009 to a projected 9.3% for this year, and moving toward 6% in 2011. No doubt with an eye on the Spanish electorate, Prime Minister José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero recently declared that the recession is over
business & finance — and technically that’s true. Spain emerged from recession (defined as two successive quarters of negative GDP growth, or contraction) in the first quarter. The official unemployment rate, however, is still 20% nationwide — and a lot higher in certain places or amongst some defined demographic groups such as the 18 to 24-year old age bracket. And as I have asked before, have the banks been totally honest to date about their exposure, particularly to the Spanish property sector? Spain may be out of recession but the austerity budget we have just seen is likely to be just the first step on a very long road to recovery. Turning to the UK, the coalition government has also set out its plans both in an emergency budget just after coming to power and in the more recent Comprehensive Spending Review in late October. On 27th September, the International Monetary Fund endorsed the government’s plans. In its annual report on the UK economy it said things were on the mend — although it warned that the fiscal tightening was likely to knock growth in the medium term. They went on to say that a double dip recession could not be ruled out completely. That phrase again? What is a “double dip recession”? Another way of thinking of this would be to consider a W shape. After coming out of recession, a double dip occurs when shortly afterwards, the improvement is reversed and the country goes back into a period of negative growth — a recession. This hasn’t happened in the UK but moving across to Ireland, it’s a different story. The late summer brought a seemingly never ending series of negative stories. The dreaded double dip recession came to pass. As elsewhere in Europe, the economy is simply weak — lack of demand, rising unemployment and, of course, a soaring national deficit. But it gets worse. The property market, together with reckless and unlimited lending by the Irish banks during the good times, has created the mess in which Ireland now finds itself. In late September, the government in Dublin presented proposals aimed at drawing a line under the debts now taken on by the
public sector following effective nationalisation of some of the major banks. The cost of rescuing just one bank — Anglo Irish — had reached a staggering €29.3bn. Spain and its fellow EU states, notably Portugal and Greece, are expected to reveal budget deficit figures of 10% of GDP in 2010 — more than three times the normal maximum allowed under the EU Maastricht Treaty. But these are not normal times. In the case of Ireland, the budget gap will amount to an eye-watering 32% of GDP. This is a truly staggering amount but according to the Irish government — manageable. How can this be so? Well, remember that the Irish government’s policy is to take all this bad news in one hit. If all goes well, the deficit will only be at this historic level in 2010 and then back down with a very satisfying bump. Also, unlike some of the other countries in a real economic fix, especially Greece, Ireland does have cash reserves and access to reasonably priced government borrowing well into next year. According to finance minister Brian Lenihan, the average cost of borrowing to the country is running at some 4.7%. This is not as attractive as Germany for sure, but well within the normal expected range. So the story is different in these three countries, and across the wider EU it is more divergent still — a very mixed bag. The European
After coming out of recession, a double dip occurs when shortly afterwards, the improvement is reversed and the country goes back into a period of negative growth — a recession. This hasn’t happened in the UK but moving across to Ireland, it’s a different story
Union itself is doing a great deal behind the scenes to help. Its much-heralded European Financial Stability Facility was set up earlier this year following the near collapse of the Greek economy. Put simply it is a standby cash facility amounting to some €440bn — and it’s there just in case. The best result would be that it was never needed but just having it in place is an important stabilising influence in an otherwise volatile financial maelstrom. Across Europe, no one country is doing particularly well from a financial perspective. As can be seen from these examples, some countries are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. For others that tunnel has become rather longer and darker in recent months, but all EU governments are committed to getting this right. As we approach the end of the year and consider prospects for 2011, there are grounds for optimism. I will be keeping readers up to date with news in these columns. As I said at the outset, although we are cushioned here in Gibraltar to a large extent from the very worst effects of the economic crisis across Europe, we are not at all immune. And those of us doing business with partners based in those countries need to be aware of the respective strengths and weaknesses of the individual economies. We may all live in the single European market but dealing with this global crisis is still an individual matter for each country. It is to be hoped that the medicine prescribed for each economy really does start to work — and soon. The prosperity of all of us within the EU depends on this being so. n
Finlayson invited to join Academia Europaea Professor Clive Finlayson has been honoured with an invitation to become a member of the Academia Europaea — The Academy of Europe.
of academic disciplines comprising the humanities, social, physical and life sciences as well as mathematics, engineering and medicine. Currently there are around 2,300 members. The broad assembly of excellence and the panEuropean distribution of its members makes the Academia unique among European Academies.
The invitation follows a recommendation from the institution’s academic sections and was followed by a peer review by the nominations committee.
Its members collectively aim to promote learning, education and research. The aims of the Academy are achieved through a programme of activities which include the organisation and promotion of plenary meetings, study groups, expert workshops; through the election of eminent scientists and scholars to membership of the Academia; and through scientific and other publications,
The Academia Europaea was founded in 1988 and is an organisation of eminent, individual scholars from across Europe. The members cover the full range
10
including the Academia’s quarterly journal, the European Review (now available online to download as a PDF from www.acadeuro. org). Professor Finlayson, who will take part in a short induction ceremony at the Academia’s annual conference in Paris next year, expressed his surprise and happiness at the nomination. He said he was proud to accept such an honour and wished to share it with all Gibraltarians as a personal contribution towards putting Gibraltar on the international map at the highest academic level. n Find out more about the Academia Europaea at www.acadeuro.org
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
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business media obtaining domestic or commercial real estate or indeed developing it with due regard to planning and environmental requirementts. For communicating in today’s world there are sections on availibility of electronic infrastructures and conducting internet business. Whilst much of this information may be obtained through extended search, it is here gathered together in an easily readable format to save the enquirer time and money. Unique among internationally recognised and approved Finance Centres, Gibraltar is also part of the European Union and therefore provides access to banking, insurance and financial services throughout 27 EU countries. It is also a class A Shipping Registry. With its absence of VAT it provides considerable advantages for the economic operation of commercial transactions and back office activities. It is these advantages together with the fact that there is a sophisticated English/Spanish speaking workforce, compatible time zone with the northern hemisphere and good climate and lifestyle that make Gibraltar a centre worthy of consideration by multi-nationals as well as start-up enterprises. Above all there is access to English legal practices and a United Kingdom style system of courts.
Year Books Launched Co-incidental with the announcement of Gibraltar’s 10% corporate tax regime is the launch of two new publications. For the past 25 years the Rock has been notable as the jurisdiction with its own dedicated financial and maritime services annuals. From mid-January this information will be presented in a series of Year Books. In 2011 these will be available in card copy and online. There will be a Gibraltar Edition of the Year Books covering Financial Services, E-Commerce Services and Development and Property Services. Under separate cover will be the Year Book highlighting Maritime Services. The companion volumes will offer information useful to those professional, commercial and informed readers either already operating, or wishing to find out how to operate,
The Year Books are available from bookshops and stationers in in and from Gibraltar. those government departments Gibraltar or download online www. The Year Books provide signposts required to be notified, consulted theyearbook.gi. to applicable Gibraltar Legislation or registered with by those wishing The editor and publisher of the as well as articles from local ex- to practise a trade or profession or perts. They are a handy guide to seek emplyment in Gibraltar. They Year Books is Dr DM Sloma, who taxation, financial, social and other also list professional and service for 25 years, produced the Gibralcommercial services. They indicate providers of all kinds ancillary to tar Financial and Maritime Services Handbooks which the Year Books now replace. For a comparison of With its absence of VAT it provides considerable Gibraltar with other jurisdictions Dr Sloma also provides online advantages for the economic operation of information at www.internationcommercial transactions and back office activities alfinancecentre.com. ■
Businesses on the Move
Career Finders’ new premises For the past few weeks, Sanjay Khiani and the team of Career Finders recruitment agency have been settling in to their new office located at 1 Secretary’s Lane — Suite 8, 3rd floor, Leon House. Moving out of the hustle-and-bustle of Main Street, the new office isn’t far off the beaten path and remains in a convenient location for eager job seekers. The newer and bigger office accommodates the increase in the volume of applicants and the growing demand for their services. Career Finders is a Gibraltar-based recruitment agency that focuses on filling the needs of clients and finding a career move suitable for each individual. They have a wide range of vacancies from accountancy to gaming and everything in between. So, if you’re on the lookout for an employment opportunity, drop your CV off at the new office and Sanjay and the team will assist you with your search. ■
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
the future
ENERGY BEYOND 2040 The Gibraltar Group of Professional Engineers (GGPE) is holding a symposium under the heading Energy Beyond 2040 on Thursday 18th November between 6pm and 9pm at the John Mackintosh Hall theatre. Energy will become the dominant world issue as oil reserves become severely diminished within three or four decades. The problem will be worldwide and will have most effect on island-like territories which are dependent on oil for generation of electricity. Transport powered by internal combustion engines — today’s cars, ships and aircraft — will be severely affected regardless of size and configuration of countries. The GGPE understands the need to construct a new state of the art diesel oil power station to replace the three ageing stations in Gibraltar. This is the best technology available today to meet our electricity demand and power needs to come from a reliable energy source. The group considers this will probably be the last power station of its type to be built in Gibraltar. Its operational life will be coming to an end around 2040. So what happens after 2040? Our sixth
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
formers of today will be the people in position of responsibility then. This will be a problem that will affect future generations. At the symposium Dr. Nigel Burton, BSc.(Eng), PhD, CEng, FIET, the incoming President of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, will be delivering the keynote talk. David Bingham, BEng, CEng, MIMechE, from PB Power Ltd, will outline Gibraltar’s electricity power demand. Juan Gari, BEng, MSc, DIC, MIMechE, MRAeS, from Atlantis Resources Corporation, will outline research on the production of electricity from tidal current turbines and the potential of this technology in the Strait of Gibraltar. If you want to learn what’s in store after 2040 and hear possible solutions, then put 18th November in your diary and attend the symposium. It’s open to the public and will include lively questions and answers sessions. n
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60% of high net worth individuals in the UK want to keep on working and will never retire
Age won’t keep us from work, say a new breed of Nevertiree wealthy The concept of retirement is being rejected by a new breed of wealthy workers who want to carry on working for as long as they are able, says Barclays Wealth in its latest Insights report, The Age Illusion: How the Wealthy are Redefining Their Retirement. 60% of UK wealthy individuals polled in the with 57% of those who inherited their wealth survey say that they plan to become a Nevertir- saying they too will continue working in later ee, shunning traditional retirement and instead life. continuing to work, start businesses and take on new projects in their later years. The report, the twelfth in the Barclays Wealth Insights series, is based on a survey of 2,000 high net worth individuals globally, who were asked to consider what retirement and later life means to them. The findings show that the concept of Nevertirement is expected to become more popular over the coming years, with 70% of respondents under the age of 45 saying that they will always be involved in some form of work. Whilst a desire to remain in work might be expected to chime with business owners and entrepreneurs, the findings apply to all wealthy respondents,
The concept of Nevertirement is expected to become more popular over the coming years, with 70% of respondents under the age of 45 saying that they will always be involved in some form of work
14
Although the emerging markets show the biggest desire to keep on working in later life, the UK leads the way amongst the developed economies. In the US, 54% of respondents expressed a desire to carry on working, with Switzerland (34%), Spain (44%) and Japan (46%) more likely to opt for a conventional retirement. Top 5 Nevertiree countries in Europe (% of respondents who envisage themselves always being involved in some form of commercial/ professional work):
UK 60% Ireland 59% Monaco 58% Spain 44% Switzerland 34%
Greg Davies, Head of Behavioural Finance at Barclays Wealth says, “Whilst in previous gen-
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
financial planning erations there have always been an energetic few with the health and specific drive to keep actively challenging themselves well past the standard retirement age, many looked to create their wealth early on in life with a view to enjoying it when they retired. This report reflects a different attitude, with wealthy individuals as a group wanting to continue to challenge themselves well beyond the traditional retirement age, which is now likely to comprise a significant proportion of their total lifespan. Indeed, for many their working life is an important part of who they are it is something from which they derive selfworth and value, and not just a necessary evil to be endured until they can enjoy a leisurely retirement.” David Semaya, Head of UK & Ireland Private Bank, Barclays Wealth, adds: “There are a number of factors driving the notion of Nevertirement, and whilst higher life expectancies and concerns about an unpredictable economy are almost certainly relevant, it is fascinating to see that wealthy people are continuing to work for a variety of other reasons, and indeed that this appears to be something that is set to continue in future generations.” Same lifestyle — new attitude, new career, new role Rather than look to later life as a time of leisure or years of old-age, 77% of Nevertirees view this period as just another phase of their life, suggesting that the traditional retirement age no longer marks any significant milestone in terms of their general lifestyle. However, the report demonstrates that as well
as wanting to keep on working, the wealthy are using the later years to re-examine their options with regards to work, looking for different careers and positions, often moving from the role of execution and control to that of influence. Dick Pyle, who started two businesses in his 60s, including truffle-tree.com says, “I couldn’t imagine myself not working and retirement has never entered my head. When I reached 60, it seemed like a good time to re-assess things and start a new business that I could devote myself to.” Sarah Harper, Professor of Gerontology and Director of the Oxford Institute of Ageing at the University of Oxford says, “People want to contribute, they want to be doing something. Work gives people status, and at an age when you’re incredibly experienced you may want to start a second career or even do something
“
I couldn’t imagine myself not working... When I reached 60, it seemed like a good time to re-assess things and start a new business that I could devote myself to
”
completely different from your previous professional life.” Succession, Inheritance and Estate The report cautions that continuing to work could mean that important succession issues remain unresolved, as the wealthy continue to put their efforts into working life. While retirement was traditionally a time when individuals would make plans for passing on their wealth, Nevertirees in the UK are in danger of leaving these decisions unresolved. With only half (51%) stating that they feel financially responsible for their children and when asked if they wish to leave a sizeable amount of wealth to their family, the UK is one of the countries least likely to do so, with just over a third (35%) saying they will not pass on their wealth. This is despite the same proportion of respondents saying that their children will be less wealthy than them. Phil Smith, Head of Financial Planning at Barclays Wealth UK and Ireland Private Bank says, “Even though people may be retiring later this certainly does not mean that they should put off succession planning. It actually means that they should start planning much earlier as their wealth will only increase and the situation can become more complex. “There can be a tendency for people to shy away from succession planning as they believe it to be difficult however given that this nevertiree group may continue to increase their wealth then there is a very strong case here for robust succession planning much earlier on than people expect.” n
Career Finders is Gibraltar’s principal recruitment agency, focusing on filling the needs of clients and finding a career that suits each job seeker. Current vacancies: German CS/Coordinator Greek CS/Coordinator Spanish CS/Coordinator Danish CS Italian CS Portuguese CS
Company Administrator Assistant Accountant Business Development Manager Part Qualified Accountant Fully Qualified Accountant Assistant Financial Controller Senior Relationship Manager
Fund Accountant Financial Analyst Auditor Secretary Team leader
We have plenty more vacancies in a wide range of sectors. Send us your CV and we will make sure you apply for a role that suits your need. Career Finders Ltd, Suite 8, 3rd Floor Leon House, 1 Secretary’s Lane T: 200 66676 M: 5402 62 67 E: sanjay@careerfinders.gi W: www.careerfinders.gi
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
15
finance
It’s that Déjà Vu all over again
by Marcus Killick
After more than 30 years living in the same home my parents are moving, “downsizing” to be exact. Whilst I wholly endorse this step, indeed I had been encouraging it for some time; I have discovered a downside to parental downsizing. Basically, it is “stuff”. Over 30 years my parents have accumulated, not works of art, but stuff. The Beatles are not the only ones who know how many chairs it takes to fill the Albert Hall, so do I. My parents collected enough of them to do so. Ditto, given their delight in entertaining, plastic tables, a couple of marquees, etc etc. Anyway, I am digressing. My real concern is that some of this stuff is heading in my direction. Last week I was presented with a number of aging newspapers, united only by the fact they were from the same day as my birthday. Why these particular years were saved, I do not know. But 1981, 1986, 1987, 1990 and 1994 had been preserved. Overcoming my temptation to dispose of them I decided to take them with me for reading on my way to the recent conference (one can have enough of Basle III and
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Solvency 11 as light entertainment). An initial read makes one think how things have changed. For example, back in 1986 Allo Allo and the Paul Daniels Magic Show kept audiences glued to their TVs. When they went out from their £48,550 two bedroom apartment in Edgware it was to see Crocodile Dundee and Top Gun. However on closer inspection it is the level of sameness that becomes eerie. The Daily Mail sports pages of 1987 led with a row threatening
to end the Pakistan test series. This was, in the end, resolved by Mike Gattings’s apology to a Pakistani umpire over remarks he had made over some unconventional umpiring decisions. It seems some things not only change little but have a habit of repeating themselves. Salaries and bonuses came under the spotlight in 1994 with the Daily Mail’s headline being that of the Prison Service Chief receiving a 28% bonus taking his pay to twice that of the Prime Minister. In 1981 in France there were vio-
Salaries and bonuses came under the spotlight in 1994 with the Daily Mail’s headline being that of the Prison Service Chief receiving a 28% bonus taking his pay to twice that of the Prime Minister
lent demonstrations. Then, rather than against a two year rise in the pension age it was against the level of subsidy to be paid to the French farmers (too low of course). On the other side Britain was complaining that the subsidy meant the French were distorting the free trade rules of the Treaty of Rome. Closer to home the Spanish Socialists were proposing the temporary opening of the frontier for Christmas as a goodwill gesture. The Times reported that a Spanish Government spokesman said it was “highly unlikely” to agree. The current financial crisis (and it remains current) with its resultant scandals are hardly new. Back in 1990 the newspapers reported that the Levitt group had gone into liquidation four days after being suspended by the regulator Fimbra. The man behind the company, Roger Levitt, was arrested shortly
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
finance afterwards and originally faced dozens of fraud-related charges with a potential maximum jail sentence of 10 years. He ended up pleading guilty to one count of “misleading” Fimbra. The other charges were dropped and he was sentenced to 180 hours’ community service. Levitt’s clients had included Frederick Forsyth and Sebastian Coe. In total over £22 million in client money which was supposed to have been invested was, in fact, used to support Levitt’s business. Some share prices have shown a similar propensity towards nostalgia. Back in December 1981 when the UK was hit by blizzards (Big Ben froze), BP was trading at 328p. By 1987 we had had a stock market crash with the FTSE 100 at 1651. BP was at 248, Barclays at 443. Gold was at $492 an ounce. By 1990 the FTSE 100 was closing at 2165.8, with BP standing at 324 with Barclays at 374 and gold at $371.75 an ounce. The current plethora of new financial service related directives, designed to prevent another crisis whilst new in themselves, follow a familiar route. Previous financial service legislation, despite its flaws, did have an effect. Whilst in December 1986 the infamous Harvard Securities were able to advertise their Over the Counter shares in the financial pages, within a couple of years they were gone, having failed to get a licence from the new regulators. Levitt was caught by the new regulatory system, regretfully only after significant investor money had been lost. Yet share pushers still exist, albeit in a different form using emails and the internet. Client money is still misappropriated. According to the FSA, insider trading is still rife in the City 30 years after it was first made a crime. I do believe that the new legislation, be it Basle III, Solvency II or MifID II will improve matters
and reduce systemic risk. However these and the other initiatives must not be seen as a magic bullet, providing an answer to all current and future issues. Particularly we must not rush into premature legislation. Of course immediate palliative measures must be and are being taken, such as Quantitative Easing or greater international cooperation. However others may have less beneficial impacts in the longer term and must be considered carefully. Unnecessarily high bank capital requirements may result in lower lending volumes so restricting the recovery. High compensation schemes, though popular may cause moral hazard, reducing the important dimension of depositors and investors also being partially responsible for making sensible choices. The new EU supervisory authorities may, if badly constituted become overly political and bureaucratic. Punitive restrictions on bonuses may simply drive people to other jurisdictions All these risks have historical precedents. The phrase “history repeats itself, it has to. No one listens the first time” is a truism. The law of unintended consequences resulting from rushed or ill-conceived legislation fill the newspapers of the past, let’s try and avoid having them in the papers of the future. I am optimistic over this and maybe I am right and it will be different and we will break the historical cycle. Just as some things from the papers appear relics rather than reminders. A 1990 advert by the jewellers H Samuel (remember Gerald Ratner) contained a full page offer for its now infamous “crystal sherry decanter with six matching glasses and silver plated gallery tray” for £14.95. It was later further reduced to £4.95. To paraphrase the words of poor Gerald, whatever else may come back we’re not likely to see “total c**p” like that again. n
High compensation schemes, though popular may cause moral hazard, reducing the important dimension of depositors and investors also being partially responsible for making sensible choices
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
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business moves
Argus Insurance Expands to Malta Close cultural ties with Malta mean many of us in Gibraltar understand the great similarities and potential of the island, both as a lifestyle and a business destination. Gibraltar based pension provider and investment group, Argus Insurance Company (Europe), has therefore acted on an opportunity to buy their Malta agent in Valetta, Fogg Insurance Agencies. Why Malta? The acquisition is part of the Argus Group’s bid to expand into other EU jurisdictions that display strong growth potential. Indeed, one of the prime focuses of the company is to spread to other jurisdictions similar to Gibraltar, where the markets are small and insurance legislation and traditions are in English. As such, The Financial Services Commission (FSC) will remain the regulator for both the Gibraltar and Malta operations. Growth is an important factor when looking at Malta as an investment prospect. For now, economically, the island is unable to boast more than 0.7% GDP growth (the EU average); however, experts predict this statistic will accelerate to 1.5/1.7% in 2011 — positive news for investors in Malta. Argus Chairman, Sheila Nicoll, comments: ”They have quite an aggressive plan to increase the financial services contribution to the economy.” Income is steadily increasing in Malta, therefore spending on insurance services is destined to increase considerably. Already
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progress has been made in the financial services sector, that saw its contribution towards GDP grow from 4.5% to 6.0% in 2009. During a recent visit to the Rock, Gerald Simons, Argus’ Bermuda-based president and chief executive, revealed that, for now, “Malta has a relatively low penetration of insurance.” “The Maltese spend about a third of what the typical EU resident would spend on insurance,
The capital for the Maltese acquisition was brought into Gibraltar from Argus’ parent company in Bermuda, bringing with it an increased Gibraltar company capital base
so there are opportunities there.” We cannot neglect the fact that between 2004 and 2009, the insurance sector in Malta expanded from 8 operations to 45 — a sure indication that as the economy grows, so the need to spend on insurance accelerates. Simons adds, “We see the potential in Malta, but we also see the growth that’s occurring here in our Gibraltar office. If we could replicate the success that we’ve had here over the last five years in Malta, we will satisfy all the parties involved.” With a population of approximately 405,000 and economic growth clearly looking positive, Malta indeed offers an ample market for insurance services. Benefits all round What are the benefits of Argus’ expansion to Malta? For one thing, the capital for the Maltese acquisition was brought into Gibraltar from Argus’ parent company in Bermuda, bringing with it an increased Gibraltar company capital base, which can only be good news for Gibraltar’s economy. In return, increased foreign invest-
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
business moves
by Tina Andlaw ment into Malta, along with the professional improvements Argus will bring to the insurance services sector will be of benefit to the island. As importantly, Mr Simons states: “Small communities, small markets need to look outside themselves for opportunities. This acquisition is something that provides opportunities for the sharing of knowledge and expertise.” Andy Baker, the Gibraltar-based head of Argus in Europe, will liaise between both offices, dividing his time between the Rock and Malta to ensure a strong and cohesive operation. New computer systems are to be installed and training schemes implemented to optimise professional advancement in the Maltese office. Already the group is running an exchange programme whereby key workers from the head office in Bermuda and from Gibraltar are spending week-long shifts in Malta in order to pass on valuable knowledge, experience and skills to the 22-strong team there, who now report to the Gibraltar office. Likewise, workers from the Malta office are spending stints of time in Gibraltar in order to familiarise themselves with procedures and pass on any of their ideas that could benefit the group as a whole. “The exchanges create a forum for discussions to take place,” Mr Baker says. Undoubtedly many staff members will also enjoy Malta’s close cultural ties with the Rock and even get in touch with some of the Caruanas, Azzopardis, Borges and Zammits during their stays in Gibraltar or Malta. A differing economic balance means slight variations in the insurance products requested in Malta as opposed to Gibraltar. Malta does boast a larger industrial and commercial sector,
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
requiring a full range of commercial insurances, while Gibraltar offers products to cover its larger financial services sector. These differences are fully appreciated between the offices, and experts are on hand to implement even the most complex of specific insurance products. Gibraltar and the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) Finally, one last word on Gibraltar: The Rock’s insurance industry continues to strengthen its professional position, particularly now that the Gibraltar Insurance Institute (GII) has recently been accepted as an affiliate of the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII), the UK’s premier professional standards organisation. As a CII member, Argus, along with some 33 other participating Gibraltar insurance companies, makes it quite clear that it intends to remain firmly in the forefront when it comes to stringent industry standards. n
Malta boasts a larger industrial and commercial sector, requiring a full range of commercial insurances, while Gibraltar offers products to cover its larger financial services
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funds
Hassans’ fund’s department expands to facilitate a growing industry Gibraltar’s investment industry was given a boost recently when James Lasry, Chairman of the Gibraltar Funds and Investment Association (GFIA) and Partner at local law firm Hassans, was invited to sit on a panel by FundDomiciles.com to discuss the advantages that Gibraltar can offer investment professionals looking to set-up or relocate. Joining James were contemporaries from Malta, which competes with Gibraltar in attracting investment managers and funds. The results were encouraging for Gibraltar as polls presented during the conference showed an upward trend in Gibraltar’s reputation and popularity. James highlighted that Gibraltar can offer the same advantages, if not more, both in business and lifestyle, than Malta and other more traditional investment jurisdictions, such as the Caribbean and Channel Islands. James, who heads the Hassans funds department, started his career in funds over a decade ago. His first experience in funds came about when he was assigned to a client who wished to set up a private equity investment company. James remembers “they had received some good advice to use a fund to raise capital rather than floating on AIM so we set-up a small closed-ended private fund. It was my first involvement in establishing a fund and a good learning experience.” Subsequent enquires regarding fund establishment in Gibraltar found their way to James, who having worked on cementing relationships with other fund practitioners in Gibraltar, built his reputation in Gibraltar’s fledgling industry. In 2004, James, along with Albert Mena, Hassans, Moses Cohen, B&C Limited and the current Minister of Justice Daniel Feetham, approached the Government of Gibraltar in order to lay the foundations for a new fund regime. The result was the Financial Services (Experi-
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enced Investor Fund) Regulations 2005 (“EIF Regs”), the legislation which governs the setup and functioning of Gibraltar’s Experienced Investor Fund (“EIF”), by far Gibraltar’s most popular fund product. The Gibraltar EIF is a regulated, highly versatile professional fund for “experienced investors”. Experienced investors are considered under the EIF Regs as individuals who have the equivalent of €1m aside from residential
Current developments in the industry indicate there will be no shortage of work for the team in the coming month
property, or have experience investing as part of their profession, or invest a minimum of €100,000 into the Fund. An EIF requires two licensed EIF directors, a Gibraltar resident Administrator and Auditor as well as a Custodian for an open-ended structure. EIFs launched by James’ team, include hedge funds, fund of funds, property funds, private equity funds, feeder funds and funds investing in alternative investment such as art. Since the inception of the EIFs Regs, the Funds department at Hassans has grown and is now the largest and most experienced in Gibraltar. Besides James, there are now five lawyers, a trainee solicitor, a paralegal and three support staff who work solely on the establishment of funds and fund related legal matters. The team were awarded the Best Service Provider Award in 2009 from FundDomicile.com. Current developments in the industry indicate there will be no shortage of work for the team in the coming months.
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
funds GFIA is currently working with the industry to relax certain aspects of the EIF Regs such as extending investment opportunities to “professionally advised investors” and allowing an EIF to engage non-Gibraltar Administrators. James feels “allowing non-Gibraltar Administrators will not, in my opinion, be a poor business decision for local administration firms. On the contrary, the idea is to make Gibraltar a more attractive jurisdiction for fund domicile and to increase the amount of business for everyone.” One of the major advances in Gibraltar’s investment industry is the pending transition of the UCITS IV Directive into Gibraltar law. Dermot Deering, senior associate of the Funds Team, who has had experience of working with UCITS funds both in Ireland and Luxembourg, states “UCITS funds could develop to be a very important arrow in Gibraltar’s quiver of fund products”. A UCITS fund is a fund for investment in tradable securities, such as stocks and bonds, and is available for investment by retail investors. One of the most spoken about and highly anticipated developments in the global funds world, which could have a fundamental effect on Gibraltar’s fund industry, is the pending enactment of the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (“AIFM”). AIFM was drafted in response to the recent global recession and
focuses on the idea that positions taken by major hedge funds can have a significant impact on the market. AIFM will ensure fund management firms will meet certain transparency, capital and reporting requirements. The advantage of complyingwith AIFM is that fund managers will be permitted a “marketing passport” to market a fund to professional investors throughout the EU. Anthony Jimenez, associate lawyer and EIF licenced director, states “AIFM may work well for Gibraltar due to Gibraltar’s membership of the EU. However, this will depend to a degree on the final draft of the text and whether it is agreed to bestow the marketing passport solely to European based managers managing funds domiciled in Europe. This would be the best outcome for Gibraltar but we will have to wait and
“
The idea is to make Gibraltar a more attractive jurisdiction for fund domicile and to increase the amount of business for everyone
”
New Recruits at Hassans... Seven new recruits have been welcomed into law firm, Hassans, underpinning its continued growth in spite of the difficult economic
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
situation worldwide. Three trainee solicitors, Harriet Rhoda, Piers Barber and David Borge and four barristers, Albert Agius, Stephen
see”. Together with Aaron Payas, associate, and Joelle Hernandez, associate, the Hassans Funds Team is in a position to take advantage of new opportunities under the new directives. Gibraltar is also in the process of introducing a new tax regime. Peter Young, senior associate in the funds team and a UK tax lawyer, states “generally speaking we envisage that income accruing to funds will be outside the Gibraltar tax net. Additionally, capital gains remain non-taxable. There is no withholding tax on dividends or upon redemption of shares in the Fund. Funds structured as corporate vehiclesshould take the benefit of the EU Parent Subsidiary Directive and the Interest and Royalties Directive and therefore, in many cases, foreign withholding taxes can be avoided. Gibraltar is therefore an excellent tax neutral jurisdiction in which to domicile funds.” As for James, who has for the second year been included in the Legal Media Group’s Guide to the World’s Leading Investment Funds Lawyers, states “Its been over 10 years since the launch of my first fund in Gibraltar and we are now currently in the process of winding-up the structure and returning monies with profits to investors. It’s a pleasure to be involved in this industry and especially exciting to be overseeing and passing on my experiences to the next generation of fund lawyers in the team.” n
Noguera, Matthew Torres and Joelle Wahnon will work in various departments, including property, litigation, tax, and commercial. Hassans remains committed to expansion by tapping into the talent available in the local community, with all but one of the successful recruits having spent time in the firm’s highly popular and successful ‘Summer Placement Programme’. Hassans was the first law firm outside the UK, to be accredited by the Law Society of England and Wales, to offer training contracts to aspiring solicitors, putting Hassans firmly at the forefront of legal training in Gibraltar. Managing Partner, Javier Chincotta comments, “At Hassans we are committed to continual professional development and training. Our goal is to recruit exceptionally talented people who will stay with us and who want to become partners in our continuing success story. The new recruits are talented and dedicated and will bring new skills to the firm, which all our clients can benefit from”. n
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employment So what happens when you register with an agency? Well, as you would expect, they don’t all operate in exactly the same way, but there are some common denominators. Most now offer online registration, usually with the facility to upload a CV. Your application should generate an acknowledgment of some kind and this response will ideally include some follow up questions relevant to your current living and working situation (are you living locally, currently in employment etc). If you are a local candidate, the more professional agencies will usually request a face to face interview. Even if they don’t have a current position available for you this is always a good idea as it allows you to develop a working relationship with your agency of choice. It also gives you the opportunity to make a lasting impression on the consultant which can help create greater opportunities. If you have registered with an agency and have not had a response within a reasonable time you should contact them. There could have been a technical issue with your application that might have prevented it from getting processed or it might be that they have not yet had a chance to review your application. Either way, there is nothing wrong with taking control of the situation yourself. If you are a local candidate ask for a face-to-face interview or if you are further afield a telephone interview might be the better option. The important thing is to get noticed and it is exactly this kind of proactive approach that produces results. Agencies get asked a multitude of questions and recruitment is never an exact science, but here are some of the ones we get asked on a regular basis. Are my skills sought after in Gibraltar? Gibraltar is a thriving “offshore” jurisdiction and a member of the EU. It has a separate legal jurisdiction from the UK and a different tax system. The economy is mainly based around financial services, internet based businesses, shipping and of course tourism. The types of jobs you can find on a regular basis are accountancy based roles (ACCA, CIMA, qualified and part qualified) finance, banking, legal and insurance opportunities as well as trust and company secretarial/administration work. There are also a lot of large Online Gaming businesses in Gibraltar. Most of these are
Recruitment in Gibraltar
what to expect when you register with a Recruitment Agency
Hunting for a new job can be a daunting experience. Every jurisdiction has its own characteristics so if you are new to Gibraltar, or have never used a Recruitment Agency before, there are a few things to know beforehand. 22
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 solutions. Questions for next month’s article or info about Select Recruitment (Gibraltar) Tel: 216 21111 or email: info@srgrecruit.com. www.srgrecruit.com.
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
career moves is a significantly smaller market place than say London and Dublin. You might see 20 plus suitable positions on any given day in larger cities like these compared to a much smaller number in Gibraltar. With this in mind it can take some time to find that right position but remember, although there might be fewer positions the quantity of suitable candidates applying is likely to be far fewer. As ever, the key to being a successful job seeker is to have patience and to be diligent in the search and recruitment process. Finding that next step to your career can be a demanding task. Remember, agencies are there to make that process easier for you, not more difficult. It’s always best to go with one that Who pays for the services you feel comfortable with and with whom you of a Recruitment Agency? The services provided by the recruitment have a good working relationship. From there agency are usually free until a candidate is it should be only a matter of time until you find successfully placed within a company. At this the right move for you. Happy hunting! n point the agency’s client will be charged a fee in accordance with pre-agreed terms. You as a candidate should not be expected to pay any sort of fee, even in the form of a registration or placement fee. Most agencies in Gibraltar operate in this way, if you come across an agency that asks for payment from you as a candidate you should probably be using a different agency. household names and they operate across the globe which creates a high number of Gibraltar based foreign languages positions. They are serious employers on the island providing a range of opportunities from entry level to senior positions. These are just some examples of the kind of work that is available and it doesn’t mean that you can’t get a job in Gibraltar if you don’t fit into one of these categories. Companies are actively recruiting and there are suitable positions for all types and transferrable skills are valued greatly in Gibraltar.
What sort of time frame can I expect from registering to getting a job? There is no rule of thumb; some positions might require an immediate start, while others could be at the early stages of a lengthy recruitment process. It is worth recognising that in the overall scheme of things, Gibraltar
If you are a local candidate, ask for a face-to-face interview... The important thing is to get noticed and it is exactly this kind of proactive approach that produces results
Management Courses The Gibraltar College is inviting applications for the following Chartered Management Institute courses: First Line Management (Level 3) proposed start date January 2011 This qualification is designed for supervisors and first line managers who wish to build on and develop their existing management skills and knowledge. Management and Leadership (Level 5) proposed start date January 2011 This qualification is designed for practising middle managers who wish to develop their core management skills and practices Registration is open between 9am and 4pm at the Gibraltar College, South Bastion, Line Wall Road. Application forms are also available from www.gibraltarcollege.org under “Professional Courses.� All application forms must be accompanied by an up-todate CV. Registration ends on Friday 26th November 2010. Classes sizes are limited and subject to demand/viability. Early registration advised. For further information, Tel: 200 71048 or email enquiries@gibc.edu.gi For more information on the Chartered Management Institute visit its website: www. managers.org.uk
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010 VUJ JLEPDJ [ PP TXDUWHUSDJH LQGG
profession
Mary Callaghan answers:
What is a Law Costs Draftsman
?
The Central Criminal Court, fondly known as The Old Bailey, is the highest court for Criminal cases in England
Law costs draftsmen may be employed in any situation where a rigorous assessment of legal costs is required such as; Inter partes costs, the unsuccessful litigant is usually ordered to pay the successful litigant’s costs (inter partes costs). Gibraltar’s legal system is modelled on the English common law system which operates a “loser pays” principle. If a matter should go to court the winning party will look to recover a proportion of its costs from the losing party. A detailed bill of costs is prepared and served, the paying party then has to serve a schedule of points of those items in the bill he wishes to dispute before the bill is lodged at court and a detailed assessment hearing takes place at which the points are argued and a decision is made by the court. A law costs draftsman can be involved in all the necessary procedural steps for either party and can also be involved in preparing case budgets. Solicitor’s fees are costs payable by a client to his own solicitor. Different rules apply to the costs where court proceedings have been commenced, known as contentious business, to those applicable to non-contentious matters such as conveyancing, probate and general advice. A client who is unhappy with his solicitor’s bill has remedies available if he wishes to challenge it. If either the client or the solicitor is dissatisfied with the outcome of that request or if the bill relates to contentious business, either the client or the solicitor may apply to the court for the bill to be assessed. A law costs draftsman may be instructed to prepare a detailed bill of costs for assessment, to advise on law and procedure and, subsequently, if instructed by a
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In English law a law costs draftsman is a specialist lawyer who settles the legal costs of a court case. The role of the law costs draftsman centres around a procedure known as the detailed assessment of costs which is controlled by statute in England and Wales. By virtue of section 38A of the Supreme Court Act the Civil Procedure Rules used in England have equal application in Gibraltar. solicitor or a litigant, to argue in support or to oppose the bill. Legal Aid, where a solicitor is representing a publicly-funded client, a detailed bill is usually required to be assessed by the court before payment can be made out of the community legal fund to the solicitor. In Gibraltar legal aid in civil matters is referred to as “legal assistance” and is governed by the Legal Aid and Assistance Ordinance 1984, as amended from time to time. Legal assistance is available in civil court proceedings and tribunals in Gibraltar and includes proceedings before the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. The requirement to attend court to oppose or support a bill of costs may arise in any of the above three categories. Law costs draftsmen must be skilled in the application of statutory law relating to legal costs, and be familiar with the system of legal fees. For this reason, litigation solicitors retain in house or independent
Law costs draftsmen must be skilled in the application of statutory law relating to legal costs, and be familiar with the system of legal fees
law costs draftsmen. In Gibraltar, most law costs draftsmen choose to be regulated by the Association of Law Cost Draftsmen (ALCD), a professional body formed in 1977. The ALCD provides training and accreditation for law costs draftsmen and costs lawyers in the UK. Seminars are organised within the UK and law costs draftsmen are required to attend some of these to keep their accreditation. n
text by Mary Callaghan, Law Costs Draughtsman FAICD MC Legal Costing Services, Suite F, 85 Main Street. Tel: 200 46060 Email: mcallaghan@gibtelecom.net GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
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07/10/2010 14:33:01
human resources
HR Clinic:
Employment & the Law Your Questions Answered...
“
If the chair your employer provides you with is in good condition and fit for the purpose it’s provided for, then there is no obligation upon the organisation to change it for you
by Anna Moffatt
I have had a bad back recently and am working eight hours a day at a PC. My chair is not very comfortable and my doctor has said it would be better to change it. Can I insist that my employer replace my chair for a more comfortable one, with them footing the bill, or would I have to replace the chair myself? This is a difficult subject. If the chair your employer provides you with is in good condition and fit for the purpose it’s provided for, then there is no obligation upon the organisation to change it for you. However, if your doctor has written a note stating you need a specific type of chair with specific features that your current chair does not have, there may be cause for the company to provide this for you. All companies work differently so check with HR and read your general terms. n I have found another job and they would like me to start before my month’s notice is up with my current employer. Can I leave before my notice period has been served? If you are contracted to work one month’s notice then it may be difficult to leave early. You can however check how much holiday you have owing to you and perhaps take this against the notice period due. If you don’t have enough holiday remaining, then it may be worth explaining the situation to your current employer and ask them how they feel about releasing
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you early from your contract. Remember, even if they agree, they will only be responsible for paying you for the time you work (which may or may not suit them). Legally, if you signed an employment contract committing you to serve one month’s notice, then you are obliged to do so. Whilst your new employer may be very keen for you to start, how you act now is a demonstration of how you may act in the future, and it’s my personal opinion that meeting your contractual obligations now can only stand you in good stead moving into your new role. n
”
(hopefully a once in a lifetime experience) and so they may be more accommodating than usual, however if your contract states two weeks is a maximum that can be taken at any one time, and your role is important to the business, then your company is well within its rights to refuse the request. n
I am getting married next year and my partner and I would like to take three weeks off for our honeymoon. I have heard our company are not happy about this and generally say no to such requests. Is it legal for them to refuse my request? This very much depends on your individual employment contract. You may have a certain amount of holiday, however many companies stipulate that only a maximum of two weeks can be taken at any one time. Even if your contract doesn’t state there is a two week maximum, the point in case would be whether it would be “reasonable” for them to allow you three weeks holiday all at once. This of course would depend on your actual position and the duties and responsibilities you undertake. I would advise you to have a chat with your HR manager (or line manager) and see how they would feel about such a request. It is your honeymoon
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 • NOVEMBER 2010
business file
20th Anniversary Celebrations for Eurolinx
E
urolinx (Gibraltar) Limited is celebrating its 20th anniversary on 13th November 2010. The service they have afforded to their clients during this time, and will continue to do so, is thanks to the experience, professionalism and customer service provided by the Directors and staff. Their experience in the insurance and finance industry spans nearly 40 years. As a broker, they will shop around for alter-
native quotes at outset and at renewal date to obtain best possible quotes. They offer a full range of insurance products for individuals and companies alike. Having been 20 years in business is definitely a big achievement and they would like to thank all their clients and suppliers for being with them over the years, they could not have done it without them.
We would like to congratulate Eurolinx for 20 years service to Gibraltar and wish them luck for the future. Eurolinx (Gibraltar) Limited, 21 & 22 Victoria House, 26 Main Street, Gibraltar. Tel: 200 40240 Fax: 200 40241 Email: eurolinx@sapphirenet.gi www.eurolinx.gi
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 • NOVEMBER 2010
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new businesses motortrader.gi
A New Way to Buy & Sell Cars in Gibraltar The official launch of a new website for Gibraltar, “motortrader.gi”, took place in October at Chao. The site is a forum for people and companies interested in all things related to cars and bikes. Principally the platform will bring together buyers The Just Consulting Team
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
new businesses and sellers of new and used vehicles in Gibraltar and further afield. Individuals and dealers will be able to upload virtually unlimited photographs and videos of vehicles they would like to sell and promote these on the site. In addition, businesses can opt to advertise related areas of business e.g. car valeting, finance and insurance, to name but a few. The site will quickly evolve into a one-stop-shop catering for a wide variety of needs and tastes. Car enthusiasts will also enjoy browsing through the many and varied vehicles available from Gibraltar businesses. Promotion of this site is being managed by Just Consulting, a local marketing firm, led by Christo-
This will provide Gibraltar business with another avenue for promoting its products and driving through sales for the benefit of the local community pher Bruno. In his presentation to an invited audience Chris said, “We view this launch as moving vehicle sales into a new era. A significant spend on publicising the web page has been committed over the coming months, together with a planned move into the Costa del Sol and Costa de la Luz markets. This will provide Gibraltar business with another avenue for promoting its products and driving through sales for the benefit of the local community. I strongly recommend that people check out the site for themselves. Motortrader.gi can now also be found on Facebook, where, as always, feedback will be most welcome.� n For further information please call Just Consulting on 200 52556 or leave us a message on info@motortrader.gi
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • OCTOBER 2010
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FORM-A-CO (GIBRALTAR) LIMITED
What’s New in Yacht Registration in Gibraltar We’ve all read about how Gibraltar is the ‘Gateway to the Mediterranean’ and the other Pillar of Hercules, but what real advantages can the Rock provide for yachtsmen? For starters, if someone in Gibraltar is reequipping a yacht they can buy goods VAT free and have them shipped to Gibraltar where the goods do not attract import duty if they are for a yacht in transit. And Gibraltar has the cheapest fuel in Europe. Gibraltar as a Port of Registry is a professional, efficient and user friendly registry that has always been able to offer that little bit more in the quality of service that it provides. Unlike some other British Ports, there is currently no restriction on the size or tonnage of a private pleasure yacht to be registered in Gibraltar. The registration procedure for pleasure yachts under 24m is quite straight forward. The proposed names for the yacht are submitted to the Registry and if available are usually cleared and reserved on the same day. The yacht must have a tonnage measurement survey carried
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out by a recognised Classification Society or if the yacht is physically in Gibraltar or nearby, the Gibraltar Port Surveyor can carry out the survey. A Gibraltar registered yacht does not
Unlike some other British Ports, there is currently no restriction on the size or tonnage of a private pleasure yacht to be registered in Gibraltar
require an annual survey. Gibraltar is, of course British, and a yacht registered here still enjoys all the advantages of having a British Yacht Registration. It flies the British Red Ensign defaced with the Gibraltar insignia (Castle and Keys) and with this, comes international recognition, prestige and protection afforded to the British Flag. The registration of a yacht in the name of a company provides confidentiality of ownership if required and also allows the asset to be passed on to heirs without the payment of Estate Duty or Inheritance Taxes. The company can be a Gibraltar company or an EU or EEA Territory corporate body. If confidentiality is not an issue then the yacht may be registered in Gibraltar in the name of any individual with British, EU or EEA Territory citizenship. Either way, it is a requirement that a Gibraltar Representative Agent/Person is appointed for the yacht, to
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
finance attend to the renewal of the registration each year on behalf of the owner. If time is of the essence and it is vital to obtain registration documentation for a vessel within a limited time period then, provided clear title to the yacht can be shown, all necessary documentation may be submitted to the Gibraltar Registrar who will issue a Provisional Registration for the yacht which is valid for a period of three months. This will allow the yacht to move freely while the formalities for full registration are completed.
VAT & registration as a Small Vessel in Commercial Use There is no VAT in Gibraltar but there are no miracles to save you paying VAT elsewhere even if you are registered in Gibraltar. The truth is, regardless of the ownership or the flag, if the yacht is for use in EU waters and the beneficial user is an EU resident then the yacht is liable to pay VAT. If the beneficial user is not an EU resident then VAT-free temporary importation is available. If the yacht you are buying or selling is already VAT paid then it would be important to ensure the sale of the yacht was effected within the EU in order to preserve its VAT paid status. However, that said, there is now the possibility to register your yacht as a Small Vessel in Commercial Use. Commercial vessels are exempt from paying VAT on the actual vessel itself, though they
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
have to pay VAT on any income derived from their commercial activities within the EU. This status also applies to Charter Yachts, for example. There is a provision where a yacht under 24m can register as a Small vessel in Commercial Use. It is also possible to change the status of a yacht currently registered as a private pleasure yacht to one of a Small Vessel in Commercial Use. In both cases the yacht must comply with the MCA rules for the SVC coding. Once the SVC Certificate is obtained the Registration Certificate of the yacht is amended to show the status of the yacht as a Small Vessel in Commercial Use. If the yacht does not generate any income, then there is no VAT liability. In order to obtain the SVC Certificate, the yacht must be surveyed for this purpose and the approved surveyor will draw up a list of any modifications that may need to be made to the yacht. If the yacht is a new build, modifications could be made prior to completion. A
Depending on the value of the yacht, any costs for modifications would be considerably lower than the VAT on the value of the yacht
second hand yacht can also change its status from Private Pleasure Yacht to Small Vessel in Commercial Use. A second (and sometimes a third) survey is required to inspect and pass the yacht for the coding. The application is submitted to the appropriate authority who issues the SVC Certificate for the yacht. The Certificate must be renewed each year and the yacht is only exempt from VAT while it is coded. The yacht is not obliged to actually work in order to qualify for the coding or to maintain it. But it must comply with the coding requirements. There are moves to apply this to yachts over 24m and we should be contacted for news on any developments. Depending on the value of the yacht, any costs for modifications would be considerably lower than the VAT on the value of the yacht. The cost of the arrangement fee and the coding survey procedure is dependant on the size and location of the yacht. The cost of modifications obviously depends on what has to be done, but we will be pleased to obtain competitive quotes for any client. So for example on a yacht valued £750,000 the VAT at 17.5% would be £131,350. Fees, Survey Fees and disbursements of e.g. £8,000 and modification costs of e.g. £15,000, total payments £23,000, making a saving of £108,350. (These figures are just examples of costs). It is important to remember that this is NOT a paper exercise, all the procedures must be followed in the correct manner, but the potential savings involved should make this an attractive option. n
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Michael Azopardi the co-operative architect The first Gibraltarian to qualify as an architect by virtue of a John Mackintosh scholarship, Michael Azopardi’s career, spanning several decades, has been filled with more historical moments than most. Now 73, he was the key figure in hitherto unknown contacts with Spanish officials between the barbed wire when the frontier was closed — contacts which resulted in a smooth ride through the frontier when the blockade was finally removed. Michael was too young to remember Gibraltar before the wartime evacuation which took him to Kensington, via Casablanca, but has fond memories of the Kensington Palace Manor Hotel and his primary education at the Sacred Heart Convent school in Hammersmith. He retains vivid memories of the German bombing raids and the arrival of the flying bombs and remembers with pleasure a short visit to Risca in Wales for rest and relaxation. Recently he visited his old school and found virtually nothing had changed except it was no longer run by nuns. In 1944 the family returned to Gibraltar on the SS Stirling Castle — the highpoint of the journey was the ship breaking down and having to leave the convoy and limp to the Rock escorted by a destroyer. Full time education began at the Castle
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School with Brother Fearen as headmaster; then to the Sacred Heart School followed by the Grammar School at Plata Villa under the legendary Brother Foley where his interest in art and architecture was nourished by art teacher Manolo Hermida.
Determined to qualify as an architect whatever the difficulties, he started to learn how to draw at Abraham Serfaty’s office
Michael did well academically, however, unlike today, there were only a couple of scholarships available for university education and if a pupil was not awarded a Government or John Mackintosh scholarship they just had to keep applying. Determined to qualify as an architect whatever the difficulties, he started to learn how to draw at Abraham Serfaty’s office. His first paid job was with John Howard the Civil Engineers in 1956, working as an apprentice draftsman on the huge underground reservoirs project behind the King’s Lines. By chance his colleagues included Eric Canessa, and Menacer Massias. After National Service in the 18th intake of the Gibraltar Defence Force, he continued his apprenticeship at the Lands and Claims Drawing Office, Ministry of Defence (MOD), and moved to bercome a quantity surveyor’s assistant work-
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
profile
interview by Mike Brufal ing in the Tower at the Dockyard as his superiors felt a Gibraltarian quantity surveyor was needed to succeed the Englishman who held the post. Michael, however, decided quantity surveying was not for him. In his 20s he undertook a correspondence course on Architecture. This resulted in a glowing reference which secured him a John Mackintosh scholarship in 1962. The Trustees tried to steer him towards Cambridge rather than Leicester University but he resisted as the Cambridge course was only for three years up to intermediate level whereas at Leicester it was a five year full-time course with the further two years practical completed on the Rock. At the time he was courting Rosemarie Milan and soon after arriving at university they decided to marry. Michael was already a mature student and now he was at university with a wife eight years his junior and only the scholarship grant to live on. Rosemarie soon found work and so kept the home fires burning. The couple went on to have three children and now have four grandchildren. During the summer holidays, and for the two years practical, he returned to the Rock where he worked for the government and architects Fry, Drew and Partners and was responsible for a portion of the Gibraltar Study Group report. After qualification he worked for this company on projects such as the Haven, the Piazza and Both Worlds, until the frontier closed, after which work dried up and the firm left Gibraltar. Fate intervened when Brian Helliwell, the expatriate government architect suffered a serious accident and had to leave the service. Michael secured the architect’s position in 1968 and worked under government architect Mario Sanguinetti during the frontier closure when Gibraltar was supported and sustained by the British Government. Capital was forthcoming from the Overseas Development Agency and he was made responsible for projects such as the healthcare building, the isolation ward at St Bernard’s Hospital, Catalan Bay housing, and the school for handicapped children, amongst others. It had become common practice for the government to employ expensive UK consultants and Michael recommended these should not be used because of communication and instant response difficulties and strict deadlines set by the ODA. This suggestion was accepted and the work was done in house. Michael interviewed
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEmBER 2010
professionally qualified personnel as necessary to take up posts with government. He became aware that the ODA had a sum of money which could be spent in Gibraltar providing all the plans were submitted in a short space of time. This resulted in him designing the Rosia Dale estate — the first to include small gardens. Shortly afterwards he was promoted to Deputy Director Public Buildings and Works in 1983. After the death of General Franco (1975)
Michael Azopardi as Rotary President
Without clearance or permission, he returned to the frontier at the appointed time carrying a copy of the Gibraltar Chronicle and the Gibraltar Government plans
and following the Lisbon Agreement it became apparent that soon the frontier gates would be fully open again, so work started on both sides of the frontier. Michael was appointed team leader to organise the arrangements for pedestrians and traffic circulation at the frontier. He saw that unless there was communication with Spanish officials the project was going to encounter difficulties. Permission to make contact with the other side of the frontier was sought without success due to Spanish resistance. An outline proposal was submitted by Michael to the Joint Consultative Committee and Forward Planning Committee as most of the required land was owned by the MOD. As the Royal Air Force was going to be most affected by the traffic build up they agreed to relinquish the land which became known as ‘the loop’, in which 350 cars were able to queue to cross the frontier. Michael then persuaded the RAF to give up the land on which there is now a large bus stop opposite the air terminal plus the area which is now the airport car park. The clincher argument was that if there were no bus stop then the buses would have to stop in the road with resulting huge traffic hold ups. He asked for considerably more land for the car park, but his request was halved. In his experience it was the RAF who were the most difficult of the three services to deal with. He also asked the RAF to paint lines across the airfield to guide pedestrians. The RAF commanding officer did not agree but after some accidents involving pedestrians the lines were eventually painted where they remain today. Michael was at his wits end as to how to make contact with senior Spanish officials so work on both sides of the frontier could be coordinated. Once again providence intervened and one day while he was at the frontier he saw a Spanish labourer working nearby on the other side of the frontier fence. He asked him if his boss was in the vicinity as he would like to talk to him. The Spaniard said the jefe was coming down from Madrid the next day. Michael asked him to request the jefe be at the same spot at 10 the next morning. As there was too much to lose, without clearance or permission, he returned to the frontier at the appointed time carrying a copy of the Gibraltar Chronicle and the Gibraltar Government plans. Rafael, his counterpart from Madrid, was there and the documents were passed
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profile Have you ever wondered why Europort is such an odd shape?
through the barbed wire fence. They agreed to meet the next day when the Spanish proposals were exchanged. They contained some nasty surprises. The first was that the heavy transport section was planned to pass through the RAF married quarters; this was subsequently changed to the other end of the loop. There was also a problem concerning a suggestions for an alternative vehicular gate at the loop. The more serious problem was that the Spanish road level was higher than Gibraltar’s, which meant severe drainage problems in the loop. This was pointed out to Rafael and he was asked if the Gibraltar side could be connected to the Spanish drainage system. It was agreed and a valve was placed at the junction which would be opened in the event of flooding in the loop. It was never used as it was on Spanish land and when MOD officials found out what had happened, an alternative expensive drainage system was built. The valve remains in situ to this day. Another example of clandestine cooperation occurred when Henry Smart, the Collector of Revenue, asked Michael who had already met Jose Mari, the head of the Spanish Customs service, to find out what the plans were for Customs. As such a delicate and complicated subject could not be discussed over the frontier fence, a member of staff with a boat and a permit to land at Algeciras was co-opted to take Henry and Michael over to Algeciras to meet Jose Mari and Rafael. At the last moment a message was received saying the Spanish Minister had vetoed the meeting. The venue was altered to the Hotel Guardacorte and the meeting was secretly held to sort out perceived difficulties affecting Customs. One day Michael was asked to be at the frontier fence and when he got there he found Rafael with a highly decorated Guardia Civil officer and two civilians. Hands were shaken through the barbed wire and a discussion held, with Michael complaining about the lack of coordination. Later he discovered the officer was the General commanding the Guardia Civil and the civilians were Spanish Government ministers. It is remarkable that all this went on without the press on either side of the frontier getting wind of it. At this time the MOD owned 80% of flat land on the Rock while the Gibraltar Government
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had a huge housing waiting list. All that was available to the government were one-off sites in the upper town area with difficult access and high costs due to retaining walls having to be built. Michael thought through the problem and concluded that the only solution was to reclaim land within the harbour. This idea was put to the Joint Consultative Committee and Forward Planning Committee under the chairmanship of the deputy Governor. Much to his surprise the idea was accepted and although he was the most junior member of the Committee he was appointed Chairman of the Joint Working Party. All went smoothly, except for the question of No 4 ammunition barge which was moored in what today would be in front of the TriService Officers’ Mess near the Calpe and Mediterranean Rowing Clubs (see diagram). The Services insisted this barge could not be moved and so its arc of possible explosion meant the AACR Government’s plan for the reclamation had to be somewhat curtailed. The arc covered the seaward side of the reclamation extending from the Calpe Rowing Club to Europlaza. Michael insisted that the MOD was being contracted and soon the ammunition barges would no longer be needed. Michael was eventually proved right and some months later No 4 barge was moved. 1988 saw a change of government to the GSLP, under Joe Bossano, who quickly went ahead with the reclamation project, efficiently carried out by Dutch firm Volker Stevens and the newly formed Gib Land Reclamation Company. Mario Sanguinetti retired from the position of Chief Planning Officer in 1985 and was succeeded by Michael. During Michael’s years in this job a succession of important visitors, such as the Duke of Gloucester and Sir Geoffrey Howe, came to Gibraltar. It was Michael’s job to explain exactly what was happening, how local heritage was to be preserved and give details of
the Gibraltar Development Plan. In 1990 the new administration introduced a restructuring of the Civil Service and so he was offered ‘abolition of post’. Subsequently he worked for Danish Architects who were responsible for both Europort and Eurotowers. He participated in Copenhagen, together with Danish planners, in drawing up ambitious plans for a Eurocity which involved reclaiming the whole area between the North Mole and Varyl Begg estate. The ambitious project remains a pipe dream but a detailed model can still be seen on 6th floor, Block 9, Europort. His greatest achievement since his employment in the Civil Service is the Gibraltar Heritage Trust award for restoring the Credit Agricole building, in Main Street. The building’s ownership has changed but the plaque remains. Michael was formerly a member of the Rotary and when he was elected president he made it his charity to obtain a defibrillator through his wife, Rosemarie, Secretary of the Red Cross, for RGP ambulance service’s cardiac emergencies. There was only one in Gibraltar at the time. He also obtained a second sector scanning probe for St Bernard’s maternity unit and continued with his predecessors’ undertaking to supply panic buttons for the elderly. Through the Rotary, he helped a Gibraltarian missionary Christian Brother, Tito Chincotta, set up a youth club in Namibia for the under privileged Hottentot community, supplying them with musical instruments and computers. He also designed the KGV psychiatric unit and Bishop Healy Home recreation areas, funded by Rotary and built by the Gibraltar Regiment. He is a proprietor member of the Calpe Rowing Club and in his youth rowed at competition level internationally. A keen sportsman, he enjoyed clay pigeon shooting and wild boar hunting in Morocco and Spain. Michael is now an occasional consultant to the Gibraltar Government, his most recent project being project manager for the new prison. After almost 50 years as an architect, many of these in city planning, Michael thinks the excellent work being done in the lower town area should urgently be extended to the upper town area, including government buildings, where the fabric is fast deteriorating. Tax relief, he feels, should be more attractive to promote beautification of tired buildings. Michael believes the creation of a central coordinating committee for forward planning and programming of all works and services for both public and private sectors would be beneficial to the community and minimise public inconveniences. The application of strict start and completion dates with enforcement of penalty clauses for non compliance would ensure continuous progress and dynamism in a fast growing and forward thinking Gibraltar. n
At the last moment a message was received saying the Spanish Minister had vetoed the meeting. The venue was altered to the Hotel Guardacorte and the meeting was secretly held to sort out perceived difficulties affecting Customs GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
business update
This centre will provide alarm monitoring not only for the companies’ own client bases but also for other interested third party companies in many cases, these services have overlapped particularly in areas of security and monitoring. The new brand, to be known simply as, Five On Guard will begin to provide new clients with, for example, a jointly run central alarm monitoring facility. This centre will provide alarm monitoring not only for the companies’ own client bases but also for other interested third party companies. Each company involved in Five On Guard Derek Macias, Annabelle Leto, Mike Fitzgerald, brings their own special product or skills to and Tracy Louise of Five On Guard the project, for example, Group Five have wide experience in the area of uniformed guards, alarm monitoring and control, cash handling and clamping services; whereas On Guard have extensive skills in the area of fire and security alarm installations, CCTV installations and the repairs, maintenance and monitoring of these On Guard Limited together with Group Five Detectives and systems together with provision of fire extinSecurity are joining forces to provide Gibraltar’s business and guishers and other fire safety products. The companies have now begun to jointly residential communities with a one-stop security solutions product. direct all new clients under the Five On Guard umbrella giving them the advantage of total While both parent companies will continue to brand is on offer. security solutions from one brand. trade in their own rights, providing their curFor many years the companies have provided Contact Five On Guard on 20043633 or email rent services and products, a new joint product similar services to their respective clients and, fiveonguard@onguard.gi
Pooled Skills Creates Five On Guard
Micro Business Systems Ltd
PO Box 661, Unit 102, New Harbours Walk, New Harbours, Gibraltar Tel: (+350) 200 42723 Fax: (+350) 200 40612 Email: sales@mbs.gi www.mbs.gi
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
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events
George Bottino and Brian Isola
Gibraltar Day Success in London The 11th annual Gibraltar Day in London in the middle of October was another resounding success. Beginning on the Sunday with the return to his old Parish of St Mary’s in Clapham of our Bishop Ralph to tumultuous applause (see photos on opposite page). The Chief Minister was also there to strengthen links with the church and to thank the Parish for their kindness towards the Bishop and our luck to have him in Gibraltar. Monday the 18th was the usual whirlwind day with a huge lunch for the financial sector exhorting the benefits and stability of our economy given the rest
Mike and Cliqui Chambers, Joe and Anne Sacarello and Frank Porral
Paul Jackson, deputy secretary of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association & former ADC
Michael Ancram soon to be created a Freeman of the City of Gibraltar
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Maurice Xiberras, former leader of the Opposition
Jimmy Tipping & Maribel Pau
of the world’s struggle and highlighting the fact Gibraltar continues to post a profit while it seems the rest of world wades in fiscal debt. Later that evening, at the Guildhall to around 1000 guests showcasing our talent in the shape of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment Band and a wonderful singing performance by Phillip Borge with 3 arias to huge applause, the Chief Minister followed with his usual gratitude to the City of London for their links and support with a stinging attack on recent Spanish incursions in Gibraltar waters. To cries of ‘hear hear’ and clapping the Minister for Europe, David Lidington, nodded alongside the Chief Minister as he underlined the tripartite forum and political discussions are always open but never will the rights, boundaries and sovereignty of Gibraltarians and Gibraltar be openly or secretly discussed or talked away. In answer to the Chief Minster, David Lidington reiterated the position of the UK Government and coalition that never will sovereignty be discussed
A military quartet starring Major General Simon Pack R.M.
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
events
Text by Frankie Hatton. Photos by Mike Brufal
This page: at the Parish of St Mary’s in Clapham. This photo: Father Danny Hernandez meets Father Dominic O’Toole CSsC
without the consent of the Gibraltarian people, “unless” he said, to muffled laughter from the audience, “Gibraltarians themselves decided to do it.” The evening ended with the usual sunset ceremony as the RGR and the London Scottish Pipes & Drums marched past with the Chief Minister taking the salute ably assisted by David Lidington MP and Air Marshall Sir Stuart Peach Chief of Joint Operations. As the music played apart from the audience inside the Guildhall the parade attracted a large number of Londoners and tourists out and about enjoying the spectacle. Albert Poggio OBE and his team at Gibraltar House deserve a great deal of thanks for organising this hugely successful event and quite literally placing a huge advert in the centre of London that says Gibraltar is here, come and see us. n
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Clive Golt congratulates Andrew Mackinlay on his award
The Baroness Hooper, president of the Friends of Gibraltar Heritage Society, with Neil Maclachlan and Ditta Wells
Mary Maxwell, Guy Stagnetto Q.C., and Irene Stagnetto
The Chief Minister with Mrs & Mr Andrew Mackinlay who has retired from being an MP and has been awarded the Freedom of the City of Gibraltar
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property market
The Property Barometer
In the next 12 months there will be a general election in Gibraltar. The state of our economy will be one of the main discussion points. Is the property market a useful barometer of the economy in the next 12 months? I think it is.
Different business sectors will offer up varying barometer readings. For example, when I ask my wines and spirits friend his view of the economy, he would say it is fairly static.
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My lawyer colleague would argue there is ture are more gloomy. growth ahead as his firm is becoming busier The property market is definitely busier and busier. But bar owner friends of mine who than this time last year. But does this level think there is an overall reduction in expendi- of activity give us any clues as to how the
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
property market economy will fare over the next 12 months or so? Or, does the economic forecast in the next 12 months have any impact on the property market?
breed its own success. It is no secret that there are some four different developers seeking to build a new hotel in Gibraltar on the back of a bullish forecast for the Gibraltar economy. Two of the four will most likely succeed. Jobs and tax revenue will be derived throughout the construction phase and beyond when the hotels operate in a few years time. Furthermore, there are now plans for a World Trade Centre in Gibraltar, as well as Midtown and other smaller office developments, all of which creates immediate sources of revenue for the government. If just the World Trade Centre alone is built, then there will be new space for at least 1,000 more jobs within three years. If building starts on any of these sites, then it follows that the developers and the funding banks are forecasting that the space created will be rented by companies. Otherwise they would not build. So once the diggers move in, it’s good news! If all of this comes to fruition, ie more jobs in Gibraltar, then in a few years, more people will need housing. With no new residential schemes on the production line to meet this demand, the property demand could exceed supply again within three years.
Today’s property market and its impact on the economy My source of knowledge comes from Chesterton estate agency, as it has a particular niche in the incoming commercial and high net worth sector. Basically the companies and the cat 2’s moving into Gibraltar. Office space Most of the demand for office space comes from companies seeking to move into Gibraltar attracted by low taxes. In total, Chesterton is currently negotiating on over 2,500m2 of office space on behalf of clients in the gaming, funds, insurance, advertising and marine services. If all goes to plan, all of this space will have been signed up by those clients by Christmas. 2,500 sq m of space equates to some 250 desks. It must follow that these companies probably plan to employ 250 people perhaps over the next 12-24 months. Given there are c 20,000 jobs in Gibraltar, then we can predict that at best, employment will grow by over 1%, or, that job losses in other industries will be offset by these new jobs. There is also the domestic commercial sector. Here we can identify the companies already in Gibraltar looking to expand. Companies in the accountancy, recruitment and telecoms industries are seeking larger space. Around 600m2’s of space being sought, albeit relinquishing 200m2 of current space, so a net increase of 400m2 so another 40 jobs? If we assume that there are no job losses elsewhere, ie these jobs are a net gain, then that is 290 jobs that arise from current known office interest, at, say, an average of £20,000 per annum salary at, say, an average of 15% income tax which equates to £870,000 per annum additional income tax for the public purse. Then of course these employees will spend some of their income locally which is a further revenue stream for the government as 12% import duty will apply on much of the expenditure. Then it is hoped that these companies make profits so contribute additional corporate taxes. And this just reflects the Chesterton property barometer, other estate agents will have their clients too. High net worth individuals Many of the buyers of property (at Chesterton anyway), are incoming high net worth individuals. Some will become category 2 residents, and as many will apply for standard residency. Either way, they are attracted to Gibraltar by the fiscal and lifestyle benefits. Each property purchase derives revenue for the public coffers as 3.5% of the property
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
purchase price is paid in stamp duty. Plus further revenue is derived from import duty as these clients furnish and equip their new homes and spend in the shops and restaurants, all adding to the local economy. Much harder to forecast the financial gain in each case, but clearly it is significant.
Threat This all sounds quite optimistic for the economy. However, there is one obvious threat to such a positive outcome. Unless quality property is built (offices and high end residential), the quality companies and high net worth individuals that we are trying to attract with our fiscal regime, may decide not to make the move. Which means we are back to the same conclusion as so many articles that are written on this topic. We need the banks to fall back in love with lending to property developers. The Gibraltar economy deserves such support. n
The economy and its impact on the property market A positive forecast for the economy will
These employees will spend some of their income locally which is a further revenue stream for the government as 12% import duty will apply on much of the expenditure
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real estate
S.LEVY
M.B.E., E.D., J.P., F.R.I.C.S., F.R.S.H.
AUCTIONEER, ESTATE AGENT & VALUER
For Property Advice, Contact Us
19/2 Governor’s Parade, Gibraltar Tel: 200 74018
3 Convent Place Tel: 200 77789 or 200 42818 Fax: 200 42527 Email: slevy@gibraltar.gi
chartered surveyors
home insurance Eurolinx 21&22 Victoria House, 26 Main St Tel: 200 40240 Ibex Insurance The Tower, Marina Bay Tel: 200 44628
property services
Gibraltar Art Gallery 14 Cannon Lane Tel: 200 73898 Email: artgallery@gibtelecom.net
property directory
Irish Town Antiques Irish Town Tel: 200 70411 Seekers Ltd Property Solutions 10 Engineer Lane Tel: 200 44955 info@seekerspropertysolutions.com www.furnituresolutions.gi
commercial interiors construction
Bridge Solutions PO Box 598 Tel: 57185000 Fax: 200 77041
homes & interiors
Portman Ltd
Space Interiors 6 Ellesmere House, City Mill Lane Tel: 200 73992 www.spaceinteriors.gi
General Suppliers
Hire & Sale of Portable Cabin Units (Office, Toilet Units etc) Unit F17 Europa Business Centre PO Box 476, Gibraltar Tel: 200 73119 Fax: 200 45008 E-mail: portman@gibtelecom.net
transport services GibCargo Ltd Unit 3 North Mole Industrial Park Tel: 200 70787 Email: tom@gibcargo.com
marine services
TARIK
39-41 City Mill Lane, Gibraltar Tel: 200 78105 Fax: 200 42510
Full Bunkering & Yacht Refuelling Service Spain: 15/5a Virgen del Carmen Algeciras (Cadiz), Spain Tel/Fax: 34 56 630418 After Hrs: Gib 200 70982
• General Surfacing • Building • Building Renovations • Demolition • Painting & Decorating • Roadworks • Civil Engineering • Asphalt/Aggregate supplier • Comprehensive Plant Holding For prompt & competitively priced tenders contact AMCO P.O. Box 382 Tel: 200 40840 Fax: 200 40841
waste management Curtain Makers Home Interiors Fabrics Bedding Bring your own fabric or choose from our range The Fashion House Ltd 85 Governor’s Street. Tel: 200 52938 E-mail: thefashionhouse@gibtelecom.net Fax: 200 52988
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Gibraltar: Tel: (350) 200 72836 Fax: (350) 200 72861 Cables: TARIK GIB TLX: 2343 TRATAR
Environment and Waste Management Service E.W.M.S. Governor’s Cottage Europa Advance Road Gibraltar Tel: 200 44220 Fax: 200 44221 E-mail: ewmsgib@gibtelecom.net
GIBRALTAR GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAGAZINE •• NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 2010
property file
Norwich & Peterborough Estate Agent
New Hands, Old Place... The Norwich and Peterborough Estate Agency has moved back to its original premises at the Old Bank in Cannon Lane and is now trading as NP Estates. Following the acquisition of the business by local Chartered Surveyors Paul Gibson and Nicholas Gale the letting agency will continue to be managed by Sheelagh Welsh. In addition to lettings the office will be offering a comprehensive residential and commercial property management service. Both Paul Gibson and Nicholas Gale will continue to run their successful independent valuation practices but will work closely
together with a view to a full merger in the next 12 months. Samantha Hemingway at the Norwich and Peterborough Building Society has overseen the lettings business since it moved into the Branch last September. Following the hand-over, Sam is confident that under its new management, the lettings business will expand quickly to reach its full potential and wishes NP Estates every success for the future. ■
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
41
Go to sleep and wake up with the luxury of a TV at your feet
Integrated Technology:
TVs in Hiding
By Jane Hart Denville Designs
Home technology goes one step further with some neat devices to integrate TVs seamlessly into our home decor. The latest in specialist home technology is a framed TV-mirror — a luxury item for discerning people who wish their TV to simply blend in with their chosen interior design. The TV section of this beautifully crafted piece of furniture is only visible when switched on, leaving nothing but a stunning black reflective glass mirror surrounded by a beautiful and exclusive frame (finish of your choice) hanging from your wall. The frame comes in sizes to fit 32” to 52” screens. To bring your home completely up to date with the latest lazy luxuries, why not have a TV built into your bed? Indulge yourself so when you wake in the morning, you press a button and your TV raises from your foot panel and you put on your favourite channel to help you start your day, or on going to bed, watch your favourite film,
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then when you are ready for sleep, push a button and your TV disappears. The first of this style of integrated TV beds was launched in 2002, with streamline designs hiding all lift mechanics when the TV is in the raised position. An energy saving feature means the TV uses no power when in the down position. The TV switches on and off automatically as it rises or descends, and appears or disappears by simply pressing the elegant
To bring your home completely up to date with the latest lazy luxuries, why not have a TV built into your bed?
aluminium switch, either side of the bed. No need to struggle locating the remote late at night, simply hit a switch. Before purchasing it is worth knowing that an electric connection needs to be made at the side of your bed so you may need to rearrange your room or your electrics. Most of the beds come in leather with different styles and colours, but they can be custom made in your own fabric. The beds come in all sizes, but it is recommended that the screen size is just 26” because of the short viewing position, but if you order a 2.2 metre length bed you can go up to a 32” TV. Pre-wiring for accessories such as cables, satellite box, games consol or DVD player is conveniently located on the side of the bed. Now, if it could only bring breakfast… lunch, and dinner! n
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
home interiors
Cable Management Although technology is thriving in this day and age, the time has yet to come when all electronics are wireless. Sure, the invention of the wireless mouse and wireless phone have made our lives easier, but most electronic devices still come fully equipped with a cable stretching across the room to the nearest wall socket. The good news is that there are ways to manage your cables, keeping your office and home tidy. If you’re not careful, your workspace can turn into a huge mess of tangled cables. To avoid this, the most suitable option is to use cable ties. This wire-corralling product is the easiest and most inexpensive way to manage your cables. They are simple to use and adjust, and you can reuse them over again. Another perk is they are colour-coated, which is perfect for organising and identifying which set of cables go with which electronic device. Another cable bundling option is to use cable zips which consolidate all the cables together in a zip-like sleeve. These are ideal for the home, office, garage or workshop because they also protect the cables from outside obstructions. They can be cut to any size and are reusable. If you have wire cables trailing across your office floor, then you’re just waiting for an accident to happen. The best way to harness these hazardous cables is to secure them with a cable curb. This non-slip rubber keeps cables protected and prevents someone from tripping over them. They are also designed so that wheels can easily glide over them. Say goodbye to jumbled knots and keep your home and office in tip-top shape with these cable management ideas. They are cost-effective, easy to use and will declutter your space in a matter of seconds. Various cable managing items are available at The Beacon Press at 3/5 Cloister Ramp. You can also contact them on 200 74352. n
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
Grab your cables and take control by using these great cable management ideas
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history file 5th October, 2010 marked the 100th anniversary of the declaration of the Republic of Portugal and the end of 800 years of monarchy and the 270 year rule of the House of Braganza. Despite being allied with Portugal through the Treaty of Windsor *[see note] Britain did nothing to prevent the overthrow of the young King. In fact the Foreign Office discreetly informed two Republican delegates that Britain would not intervene if there were to be a revolution, noting somewhat disingenuously that the alliance was between nations and not regimes. King George V, however, did guarantee Manuel and his mother Dona Amelia safe passage. The revolution, organised by dissident elements of the army and navy, began in the early hours of 4th October. It got off to a shaky start with the suicide of Admiral Candido dos Reis, commander of the ships central to the plan of attack. Disillusioned by the lack of civil support and believing all was lost, he shot himself. There may not have been much public support but there was also little opposition and a determined rebel, second-lieutenant António Machado Santos, led the assault on the palace. When two cruisers began shelling the Palace de Necessiadades (the Portuguese equivalent of Buckingham Palace) Manuel and his small entourage fled to a waterside palace at nearby Mafra. There he joined up with his mother and
It got off to a shaky start with the suicide of Admiral Candido dos Reis, commander of the ships central to the plan of attack
Last King of Portugal Sheltered at Gibraltar When ships from his own navy began bombarding the national palace at Lisbon, Dom Manuel II accepted his reign was over and escaped to Gibraltar. 44
together they embarked on the royal yacht Amelia IV. Initially they planned to sail for Porto but at some point changed their minds and steered for Gibraltar. Manuel was only too aware that capture would likely end in his death. Two years previously the bookish and diffident teenager had been forced onto the throne when his father, King Carlos I, and older brother, Crown Prince Luis Filipe, were assassinated in Portugal’s one and only regicide. On 1st February, 1908 the royal family was returning from their country palace, Vila Viçosa, to Lisbon when they were set upon by a small gang of assassins. They were travelling from the train station to the palace in an open touring car when shots rang out. King Carlos was struck twice and died instantly. Filipe was also hit twice and died 20 minutes later. Manuel suffered a slight wound in one arm while Queen Amelia, credited with saving her youngest son’s life by throwing her body over him, was miraculously unharmed. The royal bodyguard shot and killed two of the assassins on the spot but others (the exact number is not known) escaped. Manuel II was a reluctant monarch but did his best to rule fairly. Before leaving his country for what would be the last time he wrote, “I am Portuguese and will be always. I believe I have done my duty as king in all circumstances.”
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
by Reg Reynolds
The sail to Gibraltar was uneventful and upon arrival Manuel and his mother were greeted by the Governor Sir Archibald Hunter. He offered them regal hospitality and informed them of the fall of Porto and of the formation of a new Republican government under the leadership of professor Teofilo Braga. Not wishing to offend the new republic King George V deemed it best for Manuel and family to travel to the UK aboard a non-military British vessel. He duly dispatched the Royal Yacht Victoria and Albert to Gibraltar and later personally greeted Manuel on his arrival at London. The Amelia IV was returned to Portugal and renamed Republica. Manuel became known to the Portuguese as “O Desventuroso” (the unfortunate) but he wasn’t all that unfortunate as he lived out his exile in comfort doing the things he enjoyed most. He devoted himself to researching, collecting and cataloguing old and rare books on Portugal and created a valuable library which today is housed in the palace at Vila Viçosa. On 1st July, 1932 Manuel watched tennis with Queen Mary in the royal box at Wimbledon. The next day he collapsed and died of asphyxiation, brought on by infected tonsils, at his home in Fulwell Park, Twickenham. He was just 42. Dona Amelia remarried and moved to France. She visited Portugal only once, in 1945, and died in 1951 aged 86. n * Note: The Treaty of Windsor dates to 1386 and is the oldest diplomatic alliance in the world still in force.
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
project update
Gibraltar Clubhouse Project Update The Gibraltar Clubhouse Project (Charity No 213), a mental health charity, held its first Flag Day in October, exactly four months since its successful presentation in Bleak House to Health Care Professionals and Ministers. There is still a lot of work to be done said receive further information or request a presspokeswoman Emily Adamberry-Olentation for your group or organisaivero MBE. The working group tion, or get involved please e-mail is charged with initiating clubolivero@sapphirenet.gi or phone house activity and providEmily on 54015662 or Martin on ing community education, 54015553. support and funding for the new clubhouse, and hiring the Director, working towards obtaining a building and identifying employers for involvement in the Transitional Employment Programme. The next stage will be creating a Board of Directors, some from the working group and others to include high level professionals and experts from a wide variety of professions to include mental health professionals, general practioners, business people, lawyers, accountants and any others who may have a special affinity for mental health issues or whose professional skills would benefit the development of the Gibraltar Clubhouse Project. If you would like to make a donation,
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Corinne Cooper:
Heavenly voice, Earthly drive At just 17, singing sensation Corinne Cooper can already boast 85 gigs in different venues and genres — each and every one bringing her a step closer to realising her ambition of becoming a West End star. While most teenage girls were bopping at the plastic sound of Noughties’ pop, Corinne sang along Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Cristina Aguilera or Barbra Streisand, nothing less, to explore her vocal extension and find her own style. Since her first public performance at a Casemates karaoke at the age of 9, it was obvious she wasn’t just another cutie looking adorable on stage: her voice was far more mature than the average preteen’s, and her modulations bore great potential. One year later, she sang at Miss Gibraltar 2003 and, after three years at Stagecoach, she eventually
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joined Christian Santos’ choir and furthered her vocal training, putting aside her childhood dream of becoming a voiceover for Disney cartoons, and shifting to singing their soundtracks instead. Officially scouted at the very first edition of Star Search in 2008, where she scooped first place with Someone Like You, Corinne is determined to channel her soprano voice into musical theatre.
She wants to be a serious professional, not a flash-in-the-pan celebrity, and she wishes to become famous, but not too famous, sought after for her voice, not for her antics: “I don’t want to have fans following me around screaming OMG! It’s Corinne Coopaaaa! because I want to go home after my shows like from any other workplace, and just keep my private life private,” She explains, with youthful enthusi-
After years of getting dizzy at reading musical scores and desperately misspelling, she found great improvement in using pink-coloured lenses or printing her lessons on pink paper
asm, mimicking her future frenzied fans, hands in her hair and mouth open wide in a mute screech. Of course she must give her vocal cords plenty of TLC, and use some tricks of the trade to keep her dulcet tones... well toned: “My brother gave me a book with tips about how to look after my throat. It explains that singers can shout as much as they want, as long as they do so as if they were singing, using their diaphragm. So here I am at the fair, following this advice... quite a funny outcome, actually.” From Johnny Cruz’s local production of Broadway musical Jekyll & Hyde (where she played neither, but she was sweet Emma) over
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
music file
by Elena Scialtiel two years ago, to being finalist at the Wow Factor last year, from introducing Miss World 2009 Kaiane Aldorino at the Miss Gibraltar 2010 show with her interpretation of Witney Houston’s One Moment in Time, to opening Yanito comedy Los Super and holding a three-hour solo concert at Savannah’s with an anthology of opera, musicals and melodic pop, it has been a busy time for Corinne, who this autumn embarks on her A-levels. And if she was a bit disappointed with her GCSE results, she’s quite pleased with herself for having overcome dyslexia, which has been troubling her since year one, but was diagnosed only recently. Eventually, after years of getting dizzy at reading musical scores and desperately misspelling, she found great improvement in using pink-coloured lenses or printing her lessons on pink paper. And so, geared to viewing the world through rosy glasses, she scooped a one-week scholarship at Sylvia Young Theatre School last summer with five other Gibraltarian youngsters. It was an intense week of rehearsals and workshops, which enriched her as an artist and opened doors towards targeted auditions. And most of all, good fun! In a couple of years’ time, Corinne would like to attend performing school, which could be her trampoline to being at the right place at the right time for the role
to best suit her. “For musical theatre, voice isn’t enough. A singer must also know how to act, and sometimes her looks are just not right for the part, even if her voice is, so she doesn’t get cast. One must keep this rule into account, and audition only for parts one has real chances for. Any good performance school is happy to help their students prepare the right piece for the right audition.” Toying with the idea of going operatic and shunning away from choreographed musicals, like Cats for instance, Corinne knows well her forte, and is not allured by stadium-style rock concerts, as a spectator nor as a band lead singer. She likes lyrics with deep meaning, lyrics that tell a story. So she has started composing her own album, with songs inspired by V.C. Andrews’s novel Flowers in the Attic, in which emotions run high and are stir up some dark romance. Corinne has so far bagged three trophies, five gold and two silver medals. In 2008 she won the Festival for Young Musicians’ Most Vibrant Performer award. She never gets tired of the spotlight, and she’s thrilled to trill into a mic as often as she can, hoping her passion will turn, one day, into her career. A dream she shares with most teenagers, whatever their passion may be. But unlike many others, Corinne has already taken big steps in the right direction, thanks to the winning mix of talent and luck. ■
She likes lyrics with deep meaning, lyrics that tell a story. So she has started composing her own album, with songs inspired by V.C. Andrews’s novel Flowers in the Attic
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
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Emma Parody, Charlotte Kirkby and Gabriella Peralta
Gibraltar’s Golden Girls Determination, commitment and hard work are all words that come to mind when we hear about the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. From the outside looking in, we see the programme as an opportunity for teenagers and young adults to gain real-life experience and grow as a person. Yet do we really know what goes on behind the chipper smiles and working hands of the DofE contributors? 17-year-olds Emma Parody, Charlotte Kirkby and Gabriella Peralta of Gibraltar share their experiences throughout their journey with the DofE programme, giving us an insight on what it means to be a gold level participant. Some people are born with the natural instinct of knowing exactly what they want to do in life. They grow up, obtain the required certification and live happily ever after in the career that they envisioned since they were a child. The vast majority aren’t so fortunate and spend months and even years of their life as a trial-and-error period, in search of their true calling. Let’s face it — in this day and age with so much choice and variety available, it is a rarity to know exactly what you want to do in life. The DofE programme encourages the younger generation to get involved in new skills and activities, broadening their horizons and developing them as a person. It opens doors of opportunity while teaching them a lot about who they are and what they want, preparing
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“
Not only has completing the DofE Award taught me leadership skills and teamwork, it has also taught me a lot about myself
”
- Gabriella Peralta
them for the ‘real world.’ These new experiences build their confidence and give them life skills essential for the rest of their lives. “Not only has completing the DofE Award taught me leadership skills and teamwork, it has also taught me a lot about myself,” Gabriella says. The gold level is a 12-18 month commitment that requires five sections of activities — volunteering, physical, skills, expedition and residential. Participants get the option of choosing their activities so it is tailored to their predilection. Emma got involved with photography, tried kickboxing and took on a leadership role by assisting the bronze and silver levels of the programme. Charlotte decided to play tennis again, began driving lessons and assisted the
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
Duke of Edinburgh Award
by Kristin Mortensen bronze and silver levels of the programme. Gabriella mentored at the Big Sister Programme at Westside School, took up driving lessons and tried kickboxing. Even though some of their skills were the same, they all favoured different sections. Emma enjoyed the skills section the most; picking up a camera and learning about photography was something she always wanted to do, and the DofE programme was the perfect opportunity to try it. Charlotte enjoyed the physical section the most; rehashing an old hobby and hitting the tennis court for the first time in ages. Gabriella liked volunteering the most; lending a helping hand to other students at her school and seeing them gradually progress was one of the most rewarding experiences she’s had. The programme isn’t all fun and games, and the three of them found that out when they were catapulted to Cevennes National Park in France to hike 80 kilometres in four days to fulfill the expedition requirement. In scorching August heat, with only a pack on their back carrying necessities for four days that amounted to at least a quarter of their body weight, they soon learned the importance of packing light. Pitching the tent was an obstacle in itself and eating dehydrated food wasn’t exactly pleasant either. They all agreed this was the hardest part of the entire programme, and regretted not training beforehand. Resolving any tough situation, whether physically or emotionally, is always worth the accomplished feeling when overcoming such daunting obstacles. “The DofE Award gives young people a chance to develop themselves and grow with self-reliance and confidence,” says Michael Pizzarello, Director of the Gibraltar DofE programme. Michael joined the DofE programme in 1974 as a silver participant. He believed in its good cause and after a few years became a leader. He then climbed the ranks to his current role. There has been a steady increase in participants over the past few years in Gibraltar and,
Taking a break
from hiking in
Cevennes Natio
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
“
There’s more emphasis being given to the involvement in the award as a benefit for university applications and CVs for employment because it shows you’ve done informal education in addition to the standard education
”
- Michael Pizzarello
nal Park in Fran
ce
due to growing demand, the programme has recently had to cap the sizes of the levels. Completion of the programme demonstrates that you are a well-rounded person who is accomplished in areas outside the academic realm, which is looked upon favourably by future employers. “There’s more emphasis being given to the involvement in the award as a benefit for university applications and CVs for employment because it shows you’ve done informal education in addition to the standard education,” Michael confirms. When it’s all said and done the participants can hold their heads high and feel proud knowing how hard they’ve worked to get there. Upon completion, as well as the great feeling of personal triumph, they receive a certificate and badge to make it official. Since Emma, Charlotte and Gabriella completed the gold level, they have been invited to an annual award presentation where they will receive their award from the Governor of Gibraltar. ■
pedition
ex rker during the
lotte at a trail ma
Emma and Char
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celebrity The Bulldog Breed was filmed in 1960 and I was hoping there might be some scenes shot on or around the Rock. Although there is plenty of naval action there is no Gibraltar. It is one of Wisdom’s better efforts and is notable for the un-credited appearances of future stars Michael Caine and Oliver Reed. *[See author’s note]. In the film Wisdom plays a young man delivering food and drink to yachts moored in the harbour. As Puckle he manages to disrupt a fleet of the Royal Navy and cause his delivery boat to sink. He rescues a box of sweets for Marlene, a pretty blonde he fancies who is a ticket seller at the local cinema. When four Teddy boys (including a slim, slick-haired Reed) arrive and start shoving Puckle about a couple of sailors intervene and send them packing. The little man’s relief is short-lived, however, as one of the tall sailors (Caine) chats up Marlene (Penny Morrell) and makes a date for later. The heartbroken Puckle attempts suicide but through the usual bizarre events of a Wisdom film finds himself in the Royal Navy. While Wisdom doesn’t go to Gibraltar in the film (he does go to space in a rocket), he did visit Gibraltar in real life and kept an expensive
While Wisdom doesn’t go to Gibraltar in the film (he does go to space in a rocket), he did visit Gibraltar in real life and kept an expensive yacht here
Sir Norman’s Conquest & a Man Named Peewee When I heard that Sir Norman Wisdom had gone to join Mr. Grimsdale in comedic heaven I pulled out my old video of The Bulldog Breed, a film in which Wisdom’s character, Norman Puckle, joins the Royal Navy. 50
yacht here. Most of the obituaries of Wisdom (he died 5th October aged 95) mention that despite his impoverished upbringing and the bumbling character he played he was an astute businessman. By the early 1960s he was at the peak of his fame and wealthy enough to afford to buy a yacht. A 2001 interview in the Observer newspaper records: “His most lucrative investment, however, was his Spanish-built yacht Conquest, purchased for £80,000 in 1963, and left at Shoreham for refitting. After three years of extensive trials and tests, refurbishing and repainting, the 92ft yacht’s value soared to £1.25m.” Wisdom told it slightly differently in his autobiography Don’t Laugh at Me: “After a few weeks the price had gone up to 17,000. The builder decided to take her to Gibraltar to fit the engine and complete the finishing. Over the next 18 months the cost jumped to 30,000 then spiralled up to 70,000 and by the time Conquest was ready to be launched she had cost me over 200,000!” In that Observer interview Wisdom said, “It was nice, but I got rid of it. I’m no sailor.” Actually Wisdom was a sailor. When he was a young man he spent five months crewing on the merchant navy ship Maindy Court on a cruise to South America. But it seems he did purchase the Conquest more for an investment than for his
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
celebrity
by Reg Reynolds own pleasure. It was through an article by Dr. Iain Corness in Thailand’s Pattaya Mail that I learned of a man named Peewee Cochlan who has a connection to Gibraltar, Wisdom and the yacht. Peewee had quit school at 16 and after working a few dead end jobs was looking for some excitement. In his May 2004 column Local Personalities Dr. Corness wrote: “…he had a hankering to see the world and with a mate, decided to go round the world. They were fully equipped, complete with sleeping bags and a compass. But no tent! Their mode of transport was the universal thumb, and Peewee’s luck began to show, with a sympathetic 2CV Citroen driver giving them a lift from just outside Paris right down through France and Spain, all the way to Gibraltar. After a couple of abortive attempts to get through the border gate between Spain and Gib, the adventurers finally made it onto the Rock.” Peewee was lucky to land a job almost immediately. I contacted him and he replied by e-mail: “It was over 40 years ago so my memory is not what it was so bear with me. I lived in Crutchett’s Ramp and worked as a bouncercome-waiter in the Chimney Corner Club in the old sea wall opposite what was the Panama Club.” Peewee explained that the Chimney was a private club and “very respectable” with no squaddies or American sailors allowed admission. The captain of the Conquest was a club regular and was so impressed with Peewee
that he offered him a job as Captain’s Steward at double the money he was making. Conquest had a crew of seven, besides Peewee, there was the captain, a bos’n, an engineer, two deck hands and a French chef . “I had to serve the guests with all their drinks and meals. The yacht was white about 70 or 80 meters in length having four double cabins. Norman, as he was then, lived in New York with his girlfriend. (Very clever name of the yacht a pun on the Norman Conquest). Norman kept Conquest in Gib for tax reasons he was a very smart businessman.” Film stars Yul Brynner and Elizabeth Taylor were among the clients who chartered Conquest. “What a gentleman he was so very polite,” recalls Peewee of Brynner. “Taylor was the exact opposite and I’ll say no more on that score. I only met Norman in 1967 when he came for
“
What a gentleman he was so very polite
”
recalls Peewee of Yul Brynner.
“
Taylor was the exact opposite and I’ll say no more on that score
”
Christmas. Although he was very funny, it was not so funny when he sacked us all except the bos’n.” Surprised when I read this news I wrote to Peewee to ask if he was given a reason for the sacking. “Yes he did give a reason,” came Peewee’s reply. “The captain was having private parties on board. The bos’n informed Norman. It’s like taking a sledge hammer to crack a walnut.” Peewee told me in his e-mails that he thought Wisdom was getting £1,000 a week for Conquest so he might be surprised to learn that according to the Observer article the crafty little master of the pratfall was actually charging £6,000 a week. After being fired Peewee travelled through to the north of Spain where he required the assistance of the British Consul for transport back home. 22 and jobless he decided it was time to get a proper job. He married and settled in London where he had a 30-year career in social work. “I took early retirement on health grounds. We first moved to Estepona then the euro came in and we could no longer afford to live there so moved to Thailand where we are living now.” As for Sir Norman Wisdom he was still on an earner on his last visit to Gibraltar in November, 2006 — headline entertainer aboard the cruise ship MV Athena. • Author’s note: Although Reed and Caine were good friends and appeared in hundreds of movies this is the only time they were in a film together.
Manufacturers & Suppliers of HIGH PRESSURE HOSES AND ACCESSORIES Visit us at 43 Harbours Deck, New Harbours, Gibraltar Call us on 200 50337 email: shop@jjhire.com or see our website: www.jjhire.com
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
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What’s On November Autumn Festival Events Monday 1st November International Exchange of Digitally Projected Images, Gibraltar Photographic Society. A photographic exchange between Gibraltar, Scotland, England, South Africa and New Zealand at Wellington Front 8pm. Entrance free. Tuesday 2nd - Thursday 5th November Learning from the Holocaust organised by Learning from Auschwitz project, at John Mackintosh Hall lower exhibition gallery noon to 8pm. Entrance free.
Tuesday 26th October – Wednesday 3rd November The Gibraltar Autumn Festival 2010. For further information, contact The Ministry of Culture Tel: 20047592 Email: minculture@gibtelecom.net Wednesday 3rd November The Department of Pathology of the Gibraltar Health Authority (GHA) in conjunction with The Royal College of Pathologists & The Institute of Biomedical Science (Gibraltar Branch) “National Pathology Week” - Theme: “Mother & Child”. Biomedical Scientists on site to answer any questions. At St Bernard’s Hospital 6-8pm. For further information, contact Audrey Smith: +350 20007175 Email: Audrey.smith@gha.gi
Sunday 14th November Remembrance Sunday at Cross of Sacrifice 12noon. For further information, please contact Tel 20055083 Thursday 18th November Gibraltar Group of Professional Engineers symposium “Energy Beyond 2040” at John Mackintosh Hall Theatre. Lively question and answer sessions will be open for the general public. 6-9pm. Entrance free.
Tuesday 2nd November International Art Exhibition at Casemates Exhibition Galleries. Official Opening & Prize Giving 6.30pm. Wednesday 3rd - Friday 12th November International Art Exhibition, Casemates Exhibition Galleries 10.30am to 6.30pm, Saturday 10.30am to 1.30pm. Entrance free. Thursday 4th November Music for an Autumn Evening, King’s Chapel Singers, the King’s Chapel 8pm. Tickets at £5 on sale at the King’s Chapel Office. Friday 5th November World Show Dance Championships presentation, Gibraltar National Dance Organisation, Tercentenary Sports Hall 7.30pm. Entrance free. Saturday 6th - Tuesday 9th November Showzam 2010! organised by Stage One Productions at John Mackintosh Hall. Tickets £12 on sale at the Nature Shop in Casemates 12 noon-4pm Monday 8th November Wobbles Poster Competition Prize Giving organised by Wobbles Charitable Trust, Gibraltar Arts & Crafts Centre, Casemates Square 6pm. Tuesday 9th - Thursday 11th November ‘Kindly Keep it Covered’ drama production by Gibraltar Amateur Drama Association, Ince’s Hall Theatre 8.30pm. Tickets £12 and £10 from the Hall. Limited tickets at £8 for pensioners and students at £6.
Thursday 11th November Armistice Day, Parliament House, 11am. For further information Tel: 20055083 2nd International Conference of Biomedical Science. The O’Callaghan Eliott Hotel. Open to the public, entrance free. For further information, contact Audrey Smith Tel: 20007175 Email: audreysmith@gha.gi www.gha.gi/ibms/index.html Saturday 13th November Gibraltar Botanic Garden Tour. Meet George Don Gates (at the south end of Grand Parade) 10.30am No fee but donations welcome. For information Tel: 200 72639 Email: alameda@wildlife.gib.gi
Wednesday 10th November Poetry Competition prize giving, John Mackintosh Hall – Lecture Room 4.30pm. Winning entries will be published in the Gibraltar Chronicle. Thursday 11th & Friday 12th November Teatro Lirico Andaluz, Zarzuela ‘La Revoltosa’, John Mackintosh Hall 8pm. Tickets £5 on sale at the Nature Shop, Casemates 12 noon- 4pm. Sale of tickets limited to 10 per person. Friday 12th November Allegro Autumn Festival Concert, Allegro Music Productions at the King’s Chapel 7pm. Tickets £5 on sale at the door. n
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Saturday 23rd November Barbra Streisand tribute night at Savannah, Leisure Island, Ocean Village. To book a table call 200 66666 or email info@savannah.gi.
Thursday 25th November Convent Christmas Fair 2010 at the Convent 12 noon to 6pm. For further information and applications for charity stalls allocations contact: conventchristmasfair@gmail.com Gibraltar Ornithological and Natural History Society outing – Theme: “Mushrooms”. A trip into woodland to find mushrooms. Meet 8am – Spanish side of the frontier. For further information contact Manolo Barcel Tel: 20072639 Email: gonhs@gonhs.org
Tuesday 30th November Gibraltar Museum Lecture by Dr. Darren Fa “Collect & Connection”. John Mackintosh Hall Theatre 8pm. Entrance free. For further information contact Tel: 20074289. n
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • november 2010
fashion
Archive editions of The Gibraltar Magazine now available online at www.thegibraltarmagazine.com visit us online
54 City Mill Lane Tel/Fax: 200 45966 Email: sandra4stichdesign@yahoo.com
226 Main Street · Gibraltar · Telephone 200 48480
Shopping &Beauty
shopping & gifts
Sacha’s
shopping & gifts
hair & beauty
Renaissance
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Don House Arcade Tel: 20077311
• Aromatherapy • Sugar Waxing • Manicures • Pedicures • Facials • Eyelash/Eyebrow Tinting • Bodywraps for instant inch loss • Reflexology • Luxury Organic 2 hour face and body treatment Open: Monday - Friday 9.30am - 9pm
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Also Jewellery repairs, engraving, diamond setting, Jewellery appraisals
4/4 Crutchetts Ramp Tel/Fax: 200 50478 Open: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
Tel: 200 73786
solid, silver dolphin charm £14
the silver shop horse barrack lane, gibraltar
GIBRALTAR 2010 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAGAZINE • • OCTOBER NOVEMBER 2010
53 53
nature file
Maribel Matthews:
Behind the Venetian Mask
by Elena Scialtiel
Venice doesn’t cease to beckon local artists: after Willa’s Murano glass and Bathsheba’s liquid cityscapes, the Fine Arts Gallery is again opening its windows on La Serenissima this November, featuring a new, colourful and masterful collection of masks, gondolas and canals.
Three years after her ‘Modigliani and Beyond’ exhibition, fan of all things Venetian Maribel Matthews hits bull’s-eye with some twenty paintings and a selection of artistic photographs. Set aside her eagerness for exploring the controversial artistry of original copy-making, retired teacher and fine arts connoisseur Maribel isn’t afraid of awkward comparisons, for she has totally fallen in love with her subject matter, whose inspiration is driving her up a picturesque path where she hopes to find her “niche”. Fascinated not only by the history, pageantry and rites of the whole Venetian Carnival affair, but also by the colours, textures and draping
54
of its rich materials, Maribel had “just to take hundreds of pictures to paint their captivating movement”, as well as the hieratic poses behind those mysterious eye chinks. Yet, it isn’t just the intricate embroidery or the refined porcelain moulding that captured her imagination, but the way they’re worn,
“the way they give themselves to the celebration and impersonate their character from morn to night.” Proud owner of a Venetian mask custommade before her very eyes, Maribel has done her homework on their symbolism: once instrumental for romance, crime and social promiscuity all year round, masks were eventually relegated by law to the period between the Epiphany and Ash Wednesday. Nowadays, they peacefully invade Venice for a fortnight before Mardi Gras, gracing masquerade balls as much as alleys and bridges, courteously standing at every corner to remind the savvy tourist about their glory days. And these glory days Maribel has dutifully reproduced on canvas, with true-to-life elegant close-ups of vaporous headdresses, beads, filigree work, tulles, satins, lace veils, velvet capes, powdered wigs, ruche cravats and feathery hats. Painstaking brushwork requires long hours of touches and retouches to achieve realistic perfection in every detail, almost frozen in the masks’ expressionless features, yet not in their bending of social conventions and time-space continuum rules. The timeline is pretty much dictated by the painting itself — it pleads for chiaroscuro, recommends when and where to dot highlights or indulge on trinkets, sometimes demanding marathon sessions, others happy to be tucked away in the loft until painter and painted sever their emotional bonds, and Maribel can objectively devise what is missing to take it from sketch to masterpiece. Her devotion to Venice doesn’t stop at Carnival time: having made a point to perform a ‘pilgrimage’ every time she’s in the
These glory days Maribel has dutifully reproduced on canvas, with true-to-life elegant close-ups of vaporous headdresses, beads, filigree work, tulles, satins, lace veils, velvet capes, powdered wigs, ruche cravats and feathery hats GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
nature file
neighbourhood, she’s got a fair anthology of Venetian landscapes to boast, from the cliché gondolas and some quaint façades, to a bridge stonework in the lilac light of dawn, and misty seascapes which well depict the city’s fluid seams between sky and water. She doesn’t shun stylised forms, where the feeling of colour overwhelms the search for actual detail, but she confesses that all-the-way abstract isn’t her thing, although she produced some amazing specimens where geometry and solid colours rule out the need for realism. Her ‘triangular phase’ is well behind her, Maribel confesses, and so is the ‘flower phase’ which formed the basis of her debut 2005 exhibition, mostly inspired by the beauty of rural nature in the mountainous region of Gaucín, which she looks back at with the smile of the student who has outshone the master. With a variety of subject matters in her portfolio, from a millinery olive tree to shopaholic extravaganzas, Maribel isn’t stuck in a rut, but accepts the challenge of painting whatever she sees beauty in, and like any true aesthete, she knows how to deliver the essence of every still nature, landscape and, to a lesser extent, human figures. The crossroads of Europe and Asia that La Serenissima stands for hasn’t made her forsake the crossroads of Europe and Africa that Gibraltar is. Maribel is working at a series of local landscapes, well-known architectural landmarks expressed from an unusual angle. The most outstanding is her Casemates, which landed her the prestigious Gibraltar Theme Prize. And since inspiration doesn’t strike evenly, Maribel alternates periods of febrile production to arid spells — dedicated to her children and grandchildren, who seem to have inherited Granny’s eye for colourful living. Maribel’s daughter is the exceptional model of her modern take on a Madonna with Child, that will stand out amongst those 40x60 and 80x100 centimetre Venice-themed framed canvases, to consecrate her to the Olympus, if not of Venetian, surely of Gibraltarian, masters. n
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
55
events
10th Anniversary of Laguna Tenants’ Social Club A dinner dance was organised at the Laguna Tenants Social Club in October to celebrate its 10th Anniversary. The club’s committee presented the current chairman, Julio Pons, with a commemorative plaque in recognition of the outstanding work and devotion to duty carried out by him, Juan Bonfante and Lionel Balban, in setting up the club and making it the success it is today. Julio Pons then spoke emotionally and grate-
fully, stating that the club took 30 years to become a reality and that he remembered all those people who are not with us anymore, who persuaded past governments to build the club. He followed by thanking his committee members for their continuous hard work through all these years, and said it was very hard to find people
as committed and devoted as they are. The night continued after the wonderful dinner provided by the club’s caterer, and a surprise performance by the ever talented and hilarious Janine Pons-Busto. The night ended with dancing which was enjoyed until late, making it a memorable night for all who attended. ■
Cruise Ship Schedule NOVEMBER 2010
DOA
Vessel
ETA ETD Pass
Capacity From
To
1595
Palma
Casablanca
Seabourn Sojourn 0800 1700 American 450
Malaga
Lisbon
Fri 05
Queen Elizabeth 0800 1330 British
2092
Cartagena
Southampton
Sun 07
Boudicca
1000 1600 British
798
Cartagena
Liverpool
Mon 08 MSC Orchestra
1430 1900 Italian
2550
Thu 11
Wind Spirit
0800 2200 American 148
Fri 12
Arcadia
0830 1400 British
1968
Alicante
Southampton
Mon 15 Boudicca
1030 1600 British
798
Wed 17 Wind Spirit
0600 1100 American 148 Cartagena
Tenerife
Mon 01 Thomson Destiny 0800 1700 British
Thu 18
Azamara Journey 0900 1600 700
Fri 19
Discovery
0800 2000 British
751
Malaga
Cadiz
Sat 20
Astor
1230 2200 German
590
Seville
Motril
Tue 23
Queen Elizabeth 0830 1400 British
2092
Alicante
Southampton
Wed 24 Balmoral
1300 1800 British
1050
Casablanca
Cadiz
Sun 28
0800 1330 Internat.
2000
Cartagena
Southampton
0700 1300 Italian
3800
Queen Victoria
Mon 29 Costa Serena
Total Number of Vessels calling this month = 21 Approximate Number of Passengers calling in this month = 25,765
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
training
Counselling Training in Gib Counselling & Training Services Western Europe is now offering courses due to start in November in counselling skills and counselling theory. Both courses which are validated in UK by the NCFE will be held over a series of Saturdays, probably one session per month. The level two Certificate in Counselling Skills is the basic entry course covering the general concepts of this line of work. The level three Certificate in Counselling Theory course focuses on the application of counselling skills backed up by theoretical concepts and this is the direct precursor to the full diploma course which leads on to the professionally recognised qualification of counsellor. There are a total of 10 students currently enrolled on the Level 4 Diploma Course in Counselling, again validated by the NCFE, which allows trainees to practice as fully qualified counsellors on successful completion of the course. This includes 450 hours of training spread over two years, 40 hours of personal
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
therapy and 120 hours of supervised counselling practise in different placements. Martin Owen, Principal Tutor for CTSWE was recently in Gibraltar to oversee the running of courses locally and to deliver the first session of a Level Three course in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, a course which is currently one of it’s kind in the UK. The organisation has been active in Gibraltar
since 1995 and offers a wide range of courses locally to many professionals in the caring fields and also to those wishing to train as professional counsellors. A full prospectus detailing the range of training courses available for the year 2010/11 can be obtained from Mark Montovio, who is the Senior Tutor for Gibraltar and Spain. Contact by telephone on 20040338 or email mount@gibraltar.gi
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our Governors
T
Governor of Gibraltar, Edward Cornwallis
he Cornwallis clan had been propping up the said pillars of state for a long time. The first Frederick Cornwallis, for whom the clerical twin was named, had been created a baronet in 1627. By 1713 the family was firmly established as bluebloods, so Life’s pathway for any son who survived infancy was pretty well set. At the age of 12, Edward and his brother became page boys at the court of King George 1st, who was German and didn’t speak a word of English, allowing them (if such was their disgraceful whim) to make outrageous schoolboy jests at his expense with impunity. History, alas, does not trouble itself with such trivia (allowing us carte blanche to make it up). When they were 14, the twins were packed off to Eton. It is tempting to ask why. As we have seen, unless they were severely disabled physically, or hopeless mental cases (not always an impediment), the sons of the nobility were guaranteed careers in politics, the church or the military regardless of their education. If they could stand upright and count to two, they were in. But “going to Eton”, or another of England’s prestigious public schools, was part of the ritual, and ritual in these matters has always been of paramount importance. They remained at Eton for four years and then, finally, came the parting of the ways. Maybe they drew lots, maybe they tossed dice, or perhaps their characters really were fundamentally different, but Freddie took the spiritual path, while Eddie donned the uniform of a soldier. An officer, of course. He was commissioned into the 47th Regiment of Foot. In all honesty, he probably didn’t make much of an impression, because the best that his few biographers can say of him for the next 14 years is that he was present, though not prominently enough to be mentioned in dispatches or given a medal, at the Battle of Fontenoy. Fought on 11th May 1745, as one of the major set pieces of the War of the Austrian Succession (a tedious punch-up to decide whose favoured puppet would succeed to the Austrian throne) the Anglo-Dutch All Stars took on the French and ultimately slunk off stage left with badly bloodied noses. The French claimed a famous victory and the British and Dutch congratulated their foot soldiers (including, we must presume, Eddie Cornwallis) on a gallant defeat. In the same year, there were a series of riots,
Edward of the Military It used to be that the male offspring of the aristocracy, being altogether useless at anything else, were earmarked from an early age for financially rewarding, but undemanding sinecures in one of those three great pillars of the established state: politics, the military, and the church. If Lady Charlotte Butler, daughter of the Earl of Arran and wife of Charles, fourth Baron Cornwallis, had given birth to a set of male triplets on 5th March 1713, no doubt they would have provided suitable candidates for all three. As it happens, she could only manage twins — Edward and Frederick — so politics missed out. Frederick got Church, and duly went on to become Archbishop of Canterbury. Edward got Military, and in time became Governor of Gibraltar, so it is to him we must turn. 58
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
our Governors
by Dave Wood altercations and unseemly fracas throughout the British Isles instigated by supporters of the ousted King James VII of Scotland and II of England. These became collectively known as the Second Jacobite Rebellion (dubbed thus to show that the brick-throwers were not a Neanderthal mob, but scholars who knew their Latin). The first ill-fated such rebellion had occurred thirty years before, and was therefore more than ripe for a comeback. Edward Cornwallis, it is said, “took part” in the suppression of the uprising. So, in their own small way, did his valet, his batman and his cook. He was in his mid-30s, and despite the determined efforts of the French, had managed to avoid getting killed in the Battle of Fontenoy. He had also “played his part” in thwarting the attempts to put the House of Stuart back on the English throne. Such confounded luck demanded a reward, and his reward came in the shape of the Governorship of Nova Scotia. The colony of Nova Scotia, on the south-east coast of Canada had been founded by the French in the early 18th Century, although they, typically, got the name wrong. They called it Acadia. Naturally, they and the British squabbled over it (neither side, for one minute, considering that the indigenous population had any claim to the land) until the British finally ousted the French in 1713 and changed its name to the correct one. To rub the Frenchmens’ noses well and truly in the dirt, they gave its principal towns names like “Halifax” and “Dartmouth”. Cornwallis was given charge of the place in 1749, with orders to make of it a solidly Protestant enclave to counterbalance the Catholic tendencies of the French, who were still lurking in the long grass, licking their wounds and muttering Gallic curses. The Gibraltar Magazine deplores the use of profanity, and is in the forefront of the community’s efforts to promote civilised standards of speech and behaviour, but sometimes strong language is unavoidable. As Governor of Nova Scotia, Edward Cornwallis was an utter bastard. True, this was the 18th Century, and concepts of human rights were at best ill-defined, but even with hindsight that is no excuse for brutality. The indigenous people of Nova Scotia, the Mi’kmak, from whom the French and British had stolen the land, were understandably annoyed. From time to time (and who can blame them?) they struck back, albeit feebly, against the might of the occupying forces who had given such curious names to their homeland. In September 1749, in a town that the occupiers called Dartmouth, they rose in an ineffective kerfuffle in which two settlers were scalped and two more beheaded. Unpleasant, yes, and to be deplored, as all acts of senseless violence are to be deplored, but Cornwallis’s reaction was wildly disproportionate. He encouraged the settlers to kill any and all Mi’kmaq on sight, and offered a bounty on the head of every victim. Predictably, there followed a period of unrestrained bloodletting with
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEmbeR 2010
each side competing to outdo the other in the awfulness of its atrocities. It lasted until 1761, when there were so few Mi’kmaq left standing that they were forced to wave the white flag and sign their names to a “Treaty of Peace and Friendship”. The bitterness of the pill they were made to swallow is hardly imaginable. The Mi’kmaq melted into the mist. A statue of Cornwallis stands in the Nova Scotian capital of Halifax. History belongs to the victors. Edward Cornwallis was not on hand to sign the “Treaty of Peace and Friendship”. Five years earlier, in November 1756, he had been one of three colonels who had been sent to Gibraltar to prepare for a rescue mission to Minorca, which was under siege by, yes of course, the French. This involved a great deal of sabre rattling, an awful lot of strutting around with cheeks puffed out, much ranting and raving, an orgy of flag waving and, well, very little else. The fleet set sail to the strains of God Save The King and then, considering honour had been served well enough, but it really wasn’t worth anybody getting killed, a badly mis-named “Council of War” under the leadership of Admiral John Byng, and including Edward Cornwallis, ordered the ships to return to port and leave Minorca to stew in its own juice.
While Eddie was floundering around off the coast of France, failing to descend on Rochefort, Freddie was back in England lording it as the Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry
The French could have Minorca. The British would have France! William Pitt (later known as “The Elder” to distinguish him from his equally famous son) became Prime Minister in 1757, and thought it would be a jolly good idea to order the navy to engage in a series of raids on the French coast. This was during the Seven Years War, although naturally people had to wait until it ended to count the years and give it a name. In September 1757, the nominated target was the Atlantic port of Rochefort. Edward Cornwallis was among the senior officers involved in the attack. It began reasonably well, with the British fleet easily capturing a small offshore island, the Île d’Aix. But that was as far as it went. The man in overall command, Sir John Mordaunt, suddenly got cold feet and decided not to attempt a landing in Rochefort. Leaving the massed French defenders somewhat bemused by their curious behaviour, the British instead turned round and headed for home. The so called “Descent on Rochefort” ended in a farcical failure. Perhaps Mordaunt had confused the place with Roquefort, and didn’t want to risk exposing his men to the overpowering smell of cheese. Eddie was doing well, but Freddie was doing better. Frederick’s career in the Church was spectacularly successful, chiefly on account of his aristocratic connections and sycophantic back-scratching. While Eddie was floundering around off the coast of France, failing to descend on Rochefort, Freddie was back in England lording it as the Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry. Within a few years he would be Archbishop of Canterbury. Follow that, brother Edward! Was sibling rivalry ever so fierce? It was too late for Edward to claim a vision of the Lord poking a Frenchman in the eye and snatch the archbishop’s robes from his brother’s grasp, but he got second prize. In 1761, perhaps because he had recently been in the area and had little else to do, he was made Governor of Gibraltar. At 48, he was comparatively young to be awarded the post, and it might be imagined that his youth and vigour would have presaged a notable, and distinguished governorship. That does not, however, appear to have been the case. He remained governor of Gibraltar for the next 15 years, but history records no significant events or achievements to mark him out as anything other than humdrum and adequate. Perhaps he was merely unlucky. It is difficult to display courage and inspiring leadership in a time of relative peace and quiet. No knight in shining armour can save a damsel in distress if there are none around. No shy and modest hero can step from the shadows to deliver a damn good thrashing to the town bully if the town bully unsportingly fails to play his part. So Edward Cornwallis’s years as Governor of Gibraltar were largely unremarkable. The original Steady Eddie. He was still in the job when he died in January 1776 at the age of 62. Twin brother Frederick outlived him by seven years. n
Edward’s twin brother Frederick became Archbishop of Canterbury
59
★ ★★
★
★ ★ Gibraltar’s ★ Got Talent!
Photos: last edition of Gibraltar‘s Got Talent contestants and winners
★★
Today it seems everyone craves the fast track to stardom, be it through reality TV shows or by being discovered by the pros in X-Factor or Britain’s Got Talent. We’ve all enjoyed, and sometimes cringed at, those auditions from wanna be stars — and wow, what great viewing! Now’s your chance to shine. Have you got what it takes to be the winner of Gibraltar’s Got Talent?
Rosana Brier and Angel Ressa of Ideal Productions are convinced there’s a vast amount of undiscovered talent in Gibraltar. “Through the show, we are hoping to attract all kinds of talented people in Gibraltar, from singers, dancers and acrobats, to magicians or even any stand-up comedians amongst us. Everyone’s very welcome to come along and show us what they can do,” encourages Angel. “Presented by Diane Casey, Gibraltar’s Got Talent will not only be a lot of fun, but it will demonstrate the high degree of artistic excellence we have here on the Rock.” It’s not the first time Ideal Productions has organised competitions in Gibraltar. Brother and sister band, Rosana and Angel, have also been behind two Miss Varyl Begg beauty pageants and, more recently, produced their first talent show at the Varyl Begg Social Club in August this year. “It was such a great success and everyone enjoyed it so much that we now want to encourage more people to take part in December’s Gibraltar’s Got Talent, this time a much larger event,” explains Rosana. “The idea is to attract people of all ages (from five to 105!) to come along, perform and have a lot
60
of fun.” She adds, “The show also works as an enormous confidence booster, particularly for young contestants, so everyone should benefit greatly from the experience.” Indeed, for such a small place, the number of performing arts clubs available in Gibraltar for all age groups is really impressive. Today’s fascination with talent shows captures the imagination of many local performers, making
“
The show works as an enormous confidence booster, particularly for young contestants, so everyone should benefit greatly from the experience
”
Gibraltar’s Got Talent a very timely opportunity; one that will help gifted people in their push for stardom, be it on the Rock or further afield. The trophy and title itself will offer winners great prestige and credibility as the judges are chosen from Gibraltar’s own most talented artists and performers. Over the years, Gibraltarians have certainly proved their worth to the outside world, and that’s without today’s talent shows to help them on their way. Consider the likes of songwriter, Albert Hammond, fashion designer, John Galliano and, more recently, top music bands such as Melon Diesel and Breed 77 — all of them lay testimony to the fact that, for such a tiny nation, Gibraltar hasn’t done badly at all. If you cast your mind back to the unforgettable and quite outstanding performance by Susan Boyle of I Dreamed a Dream as she stood on stage before the deeply cynical judges of Britain’s Got Talent in 2009, you cannot fail to be spellbound by the sheer beauty and humility of her performance. It’s people like Susan who bring inspiration and hope to many of our aspiring performers today. And yes, for a lucky few, talent shows really do make it happen. n
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
The Final Show Friday 11th February. On the big day, contestants will be put into categories, for which first, second and third prize trophies will be given. In addition, there’ll be a “Viewers’ Choice” category, giving members of the audience their chance to vote for their best contestant. Prizes Medals and trophies will be up for grabs, along with various other prizes and gift vouchers donated by the show’s various prestigious sponsors.
★
★
events
by Tina Andlaw
Venues The venue for the audition and initial competition will be Varyl Begg Social Club. The final show will take place at Inces Hall, 310 Main Street. 9pm (doors open 8.30pm).
★
Tickets £15 from Varyl Begg Social Club, Varyl Begg Estate or at the door on the night. Your ticket entitles you to watch the Auditions, the Preliminary Competition and the Final Show.
Charity Proceeds from the show go to the Lady Williams Cancer Support Centre, Gibraltar, including signing up fee of £5 and funds from the raffle on the night. This is a cause close to the hearts of Rosana and Angel as sadly they recently lost a loved one to cancer.
How do I enter?
Registration Pick up an entry form at Varyl Begg Social Club. Submit this to the Club, with your entrance fee of £5, which goes to Lady Williams Cancer Research Centre. Closing date is Friday 5th November. You will then be notified
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
★
★
★
Preliminary Competition Saturday 15th January. Win this and you’ll go ahead to compete in the Audition Friday 17th December. This is your big show at Ince’s Hall on 11th February 2011. first chance to prove yourself to the judges. At For more information, contact Rosana Brier or your audition, they will decide whether your act is to go ahead to the preliminary competi- Angel Ressa, Tel: 54028660 or 200 50103. Or contact Angel on Facebook. tion stage. of your audition time.
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opinion Tony experienced a key event in his own spiritual journey when, one night, a powerful dream revealed to him “it is not the external world that supports us but a very deep force coming from inside…” “Through this dream,” he says, “my view of the world was changed irrevocably, preparing me for the future events, of which at that time I was consciously unaware.” As a teenager, Tony developed an interest in philosophy and religion, discovering Buddhism in which he found a way to nourish his heart, and hence travelled to a Zen Buddhist monastery in California, where he learned to meditate aged 15. After two years, an inner voice told him to practice the harmony he found inside, in the outside world, and so he went to New York and then London. “The shock was big. Buddhism had not given me a complete vision of things. The external world was — and still is — very sick,” he explains. “It is easy to see the beauty of things when one lives in a beautiful environment but it is completely different when one is amidst the harshness and chaos of cities like New York.” Tony left the chaotic cities behind, and travelled to Australia where he studied Marine Biology. After one year in university, he wished to put theory into practice, and wrote to a conservation organisation based in Brazil. He was then invited to work with a small organisation in a forest, which was being quickly destroyed.
“
What I am doing is open to all and everyone, beyond religious, social and other affiliations
Tony Samara:
The Art of Meditation
Spiritual leader Tony Samara, will be returning to Gibraltar for the second time in November to give a talk entitled Pure Consciousness. Regularly contacted by people from all walks of life, and from all over the world, he offers spiritual guidance to those seeking his wisdom, and wanting to benefit from his experience. 62
”
“I left Australia with the intent to work for the safeguard of the Amazonian rainforest.” During his time there, Tony found himself in a village inhabited by famous Ayahuascero shamans — people who act as intermediaries between the natural and supernatural worlds working with the healing Amazonian plant, Ayahuasca. “Slowly, I realised these shamans had called me there,” Tony states, “and the various experiences I shared with them had as their purpose the need to take their knowledge outside and to share it with the rest of the world, particularly the Western world.” Tony spent several years practising deep meditation, and realised he had come to the Amazon not to save the rainforest, but to save his deepest Being. “In spite of my great love for nature, a nature I had studied in detail from my childhood to the university classes, I did not feel really at ease in the forest. To save the rainforest implied to understand it and, in the end, to understand myself,” Tony explains. Tony then travelled to the Andes where, during three years there, he learned a great deal about Huachuma shamanism, and their correct breathing practice, which is considered by them as the source of balance in life. “After gaining an understanding of Huachuma sha-
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
health manism and integrating it into my own work, I made the commitment to travel throughout the world to spread the essence of spirituality in a simple way, making it possible for Westerners to incorporate some of the important practises, which I outline in my seminars and retreats, into their everyday lives.” He wants to emphasise the unique experience of the individual — free from cultural, social and other such limitations — “so what I am doing is open to all and everyone, beyond religious, social and other affiliations.” Tony is visiting Gibraltar for the second time in November, as he had a vision that the people of Gibraltar are ready for deep transformation. He says there are many benefits derived from doing a meditation course, such as the more obvious ones related to health and wellbeing, and also gaining a new perspective in life. “I think the most important benefit is that one discovers the possibility to create a reality beyond limitations as you work through the limitations,” he adds. He envisions a great future, with more people embracing deep spiritual work, and hopes that through his work, “the evolution of human consciousness will bring many people from many nations to a reality of greater awareness and inner peace.” Tony’s talk, on the theme Pure Consciousness, will be held in Gibraltar on Saturday 13th November. For more information email info@ tonysamara.org or visit his website www. tonysamara.org. n
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
Learn to Breathe...
Tony suggests this powerful, ancient breathing exercise, best done in fresh air, morning and evening. Practise it for two weeks, the results will speak for themselves, he promises. Then, if you like, practise it for the rest of your life!
1 Stand up tall or sit straight becoming
aware of your lower ribs and diaphragm. Feel your hands totally relaxed. Join together your thumb and index fingertips on both hands and squeeze gently.
2 Take in a slow deep breath through
your nose, making sure you feel the lower ribs and diaphragm expand and move outwards.
3 When you have filled your lungs and
diaphragm with as much air as possible force yourself to breathe in more, so that your body is expanded to the maximum.
4 Now let the air out slowly through your
mouth, keeping your lips partly closed so that a wind-like sound is audible throughout the complete exhalation of the breath.
5 When you have breathed out all
of the air, suck in the lower ribs and diaphragm so that you are contracted to the maximum.
6 Do this exercise 5-7 times in a quiet space.
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health risks
Understanding Prostate Cancer Cancer is the uncontrolled and abnormal growth of cells in a certain area of the body, therefore prostate cancer is simply the uncontrolled and abnormal growth of cells in the prostate. All types of cancer are different. For example, prostate cancer is very different to lung cancer. The two are caused by different factors, diagnosed in different ways, and treated differently. Regardless of the type of cancer, the underlying problem is the unregulated and abnormal growth of the cells in that part of the body.
Prostate Cancer Worldwide 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. The highest rates are in Australia/New Zealand, Western and Northern Europe, and Northern America, largely because the practice of prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing and subsequent biopsy has become widespread in those regions. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK — it accounts for nearly a quarter (24%) of all new male cancer diagnoses. Although there has been a huge rise in prostate cancer incidence over the last 20 years, this has not been reflected in mortality rates. While no one will say facing prostate cancer is easy, the good news is with increased awareness and screening, more men are diagnosed early. That means most cancers are found while still localised in the prostate before the cancer has spread.
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What is the prostate? Men have a small gland about the size of a walnut called the prostate gland. The prostate surrounds the first part of the tube (urethra) which carries urine from the bladder to the penis. The same tube also carries sex fluid (semen). The prostate gland produces a thick clear fluid which is an important part of semen. The growth and function of the prostate depends on the male sex hormone testosterone, which is produced in the testes. Some treatments for prostate cancer work by reducing the levels of testosterone. Who is at Risk for Prostate Cancer? Only men are at risk for prostate cancer because women do not have a prostate. Theoretically, any man is at risk for prostate cancer, but in reality prostate cancer is generally a disease of older men. African-American men and those with a strong family history of the disease are also at increased risk.
PROSTATE CANCER SYMPTOMS Not everyone experiences symptoms of prostate cancer. Many times, signs of prostate cancer are detected by a doctor during a routine check-up. Some men, however, will experience changes in urinary or sexual function that might indicate the presence of prostate cancer. These symptoms include: • A need to urinate frequently, especially at night • Difficulty starting urination or holding back urine • Weak or interrupted flow of urine • Painful or burning urination • Difficulty in having an erection • Painful ejaculation • Blood in urine or semen • Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs You should consult your doctor if you experi-
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
men’s health ence any of the symptoms above. Because these symptoms can also indicate the presence of other diseases or disorders, men will undergo a thorough check-up to determine the underlying cause.
family members. Where you live: For men in the US, the risk of developing prostate cancer is 17%. For men who live in rural China, it’s 2%. However, when Chinese men move to the western culture, their risk increases substantially.
medical treatment for stress, high blood 7 Seek pressure, high cholesterol, and depression.
8
Treating these conditions may save your life and will improve your ability to survive prostate cancer. What about supplements? Avoid oversupplementation with megavitamins. Too many vitamins, especially folate, may “fuel the cancer”, and while a multivitamin is not likely to be harmful, if you follow a healthy diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and healthy oils you likely do not even need a multivitamin. Relax and enjoy life. Reducing stress in the workplace and home will improve your ability to survive and lead to a longer, happier life.
PROSTATE CANCER RISK FACTORS Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin Preventive Measures cancer in USA and UK, affecting 1 in 6 men. But E at fewer calories, or exercise more, to who is most at risk of getting prostate cancer maintain a healthy weight. and why? Try to keep the amount of fat you get from There are several major factors that influence red meat and dairy products to a minirisk, some of them cannot be changed. mum. Age: The older you are, the more likely you Watch your calcium intake. Do not take are to be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Alsupplemental doses far above the recomthough only 1 in 10,000 men under age 40 will mended daily allowance. Some calcium is be diagnosed, the rate shoots up to 1 in 38 for okay, but avoid taking more than 1,500 mg ages 40 to 59, and 1 in 15 for ages 60 to 69. of calcium a day. In fact, more than 65% of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over the age of 65. The Eat more fish — evidence from sev- Prognosis & Treatment average age at diagnosis of prostate cancer in eral studies suggest fish can help protect Treatment options and prognosis depend on the US is 69 years. After that age, the chance of against prostate cancer because they have the stage of the cancer, the patient’s age and developing prostate cancer becomes more com“good fat” particularly omega-3 fatty acids. general health. With greater public awareness, mon than any other cancer in men or women. Avoid trans fatty acids (found in marga- early detection is on the rise and mortality rates Ethnicity: African American men are 60% rine). are declining. Additionally, new advances in more likely to develop prostate cancer compared Try to incorporate tomatoes cooked with medical technology are enabling cancer patients with Caucasian men and are nearly 2.5 times as olive oil, which have been shown to be to return to active and productive lives after likely to die from the disease. Conversely, Asian beneficial, and cruciferous vegetables (like their treatment. men who live in Asia have the lowest risk. broccoli and cauliflower) into many of your Family history/genetics: A man with a father weekly meals. Soy and green tea are also or brother who developed prostate cancer is potential dietary components that may be twice as likely to develop the disease. This risk helpful. text by Dr. Shehzada Javied Malik is further increased if the cancer was diagnosed Gibraltar Society for Cancer Relief, Avoid smoking for many reasons. Alcohol in family members at a younger age (less than Lady Williams Cancer Support Centre, in moderation, if at all. 55 years of age) or if it affected three or more
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
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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 66 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 • NOVEMBER 2010
health
National Pathology Week paves way for 2nd International Biomedical Science Conference in Gibraltar Once again this year the Department of Pathology at the Gibraltar Health Authority will be joining the Royal Society of Pathology and the Institute of Biomedical Science in promoting Biomedical Science. Through its annual involvement in National Pathology Week, the Department of Pathology aims to increase awareness of Biomedical Science. National Pathology Week is an annual event which is celebrated across the UK, as well as in Gibraltar, during the first week of November. The Pathology Laboratory in Gibraltar will be opening its doors to the general public on Wednesday 3rd November from 6pm to 8pm. The public are invited to visit the laboratory where they will be shown round the different sections and introduced to Biomedical Science. Information will be provided on topics such as the workings of the laboratory and careers in this field. Biomedical Scientists will be on site to discuss and explain what goes on behind the scenes in a Pathology Laboratory, and to
answer any questions. This year’s theme is ‘Mother and Child’, and information around this subject will be readily available. National Pathology Week will be followed by another exciting event — the 2nd International Biomedical Science Conference. This will take place from 11th – 12th November at The O’Callaghan Eliott Hotel, Gibraltar. The conference is attracting speakers and delegates from a variety of countries including Gibraltar, UK, Hong Kong, Morocco and Spain. The speakers, all experts in their fields, will be covering current hot topics of interest such as:
The conference is attracting speakers and delegates from a variety of countries
Herminia’s Quilt for a Good Cause
This beautiful quilt was made by one of the Lady William’s Cancer Support Centre attenders, Mrs Herminia Mascarenhas, with wool purchased form Flower’s wool shop. Herminia has generously put the quilt up for raffle and tickets can be purchased from the Lady Williams Centre or from Flower’s wool shop on Bell Lane.The draw will be held on Monday 8th November at the Lady William’s Centre’s annual coffee morning.
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
• Prostate cancer • Warfarin and Heart Disease • Pre-natal conditions. There will also be a discussion to explore and compare the different healthcare systems practised worldwide. There will be a poster presentation; attending delegates will be submitting posters describing their research; these will be scored and winners drawn. The conference is open to the general public and GHA employees. This event has been made possible due to kind sponsorships from the Kusuma Trust, Isolas, Isaza, Lewis Stagnetto, Travel Xcel and the Gibraltar Health Authority. This event supports Prostate UK and Breast Cancer Support Gibraltar and there will be information available on site. Contact the Pathology Department on 200 071 77 or 200 071 75.
Seasonal FLU Vaccination Vaccination is recommended for those aged 65+, or those six months-65 years who suffer from diseases putting them at high risk eg: severe asthma, chest complaint/breathing difficulties (eg: bronchitis/emphysema), heart problem, kidney or liver disease, neurological condition (eg: MS or cerebral palsy), stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA), diabetes; or those who have lowered immunity due to treatment (steroid medication/cancer treatment), a problem with the spleen or spleen removed; are at any stage of pregnancy; or are the main carer of an older or disabled person; are front line health/social workers; are handlers of live animals/birds (GONHS or veterinary staff) The Seasonal Flu vaccine is now available from the Primary Care Centre (Blood Clinic), Mondays Fridays between 2 and 4pm. If you previously received the vaccine collect your numbered tickets from 1.30-3.30pm outside the blood clinic. If you have not previously had the vaccine make an appointment with your GP. For further details contact the Primary Care Centre on 200 70143 ext. 3210 or 200 72355.
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
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life skills “The art of Ju-Jitsu was brought to Gibraltar by English Sensei Dave Hodgson, who would teach at the Judo Club Queensway, Naval Base South Gate Dojo, and later at a premises in Europa Point,” Tony remembers. Ju-Jitsu is the core martial art, from which other forms, such as Judo, Karate and Aikido, branch out. It is the ancient martial art of the Samurai, and one of the oldest known martial arts, with over 2500 years’ history. Ju-Jitsu evolved from a style of Martial Arts honed during the Japanese feudal period, when the skills of war became a tool to be sharpened and enhanced, due to bloody encounters between opposing Daimyo (lords). Ju-Jitsu combined armed and unarmed tactics, refined to the extent that it was no longer necessary to kill an opponent in order to defeat him. The art of Ju-Jitsu is now varied, diverse, and highly addictive. Sen-
“
Discipline and work ethic is what differentiates a good sensei, from an outstanding one
”
Sensei Tony is currently 6th Dan Black Belt in Ju-Jitsu
Sensei Tony Joaquin:
Getting Streetwise with the Sensei...
by Jolene Gomez
Although Sensei Tony Joaquin is experienced in many martial art forms, and is 1st Dan Black Belt in Judo, it was the explosive Ju-Jitsu which really captivated him. “When I first saw Ju-Jitsu performed, I knew that was what I wanted to do. It is more streetwise. Not meaning you can use these techniques to fight in the street, as the preparation is much more disciplined, but that it is more dynamic and entertaining for the spectator and the participants,” Tony explains.
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sei Tony confirms that although he has been involved in the sport for more than 30 years — he began practising martial arts in 1965 when he was just six years old — he is still learning and regularly attends seminars and courses around the world. The road is long and hard, from beginner to the first black belt, and the work is repetitive in order to achieve perfection through dedication. Both physically and mentally, Ju-Jitsu requires preparation, and a consistent method of training. “Discipline and work ethic is what differentiates a good sensei, from an outstanding one,” says Tony. Due to his small frame, Sensei Tony would usually meet far bigger opponents, but he learned that force could not be met with force, and decided to become a technician in his field. “Ju-Jitsu is an art form, not a sport, but it is highly technical and a study of anatomy is required to understand your opponents trigger points and weak spots,” Tony explains. “It enhances the body, mind and spirit, by making use of
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEmbER 2010
life skills the inner energy, or Kiai.” With decades of experience, he has even developed his own tricks and tips, which he will shortly be putting together as a series of instructional DVDs which will go on sale locally and internationally. The local academy, Gibraltar Ju-Jitsu Academy International, was opened at Jumper’s Bastion in 1993 by Sensei Tony and the late Sensei Lionel Garcia. It now boasts over 80 pupils of all ages, and all walks of life. It is part of the International Budo Union (IBU), full member of the Bushido Ju-jitsu Academy International GB, and an official Accredited Training Centre, where examinations and training can take place. “My colleague, Dylan Bocarisa, is a great support to me, and my right hand man in making the Academy successful,” explains Tony. “He is now travelling to Seville to teach there, and I will be expanding teaching into the Campo area and Madrid in the near future.” Both are also directors of Frontline, a company aimed at teaching essential services self-defence, conflict resolution techniques and specialist training to manage violent and aggressive situations.
“After being a policeman for 29 years, and teaching the Forces in Gibraltar and Manchester, it is an honour to offer my former colleagues these services,” Tony explains. Both Tony and Dylan are directors and instructors for the Department of Security of the IBU, and are authorised to teach in 11 countries. As far as competitions go, the academy has gone from strength to strength, winning numerous medals around the world, making the Gibraltar Ju-Jitsu Academy stand out from the rest. This was evident at the United Nations Championships held in Gibraltar in 2008 — the biggest congress held locally to date. But that is not all. There are also new Ladies’ Self Defence Classes, for those who want a little more knowledge about dealing with potentially dangerous situations. These classes run mornings and evenings on Tuesdays and Thurs-
days at Jumper’s Bastion. So what’s in store for the future? Many trips to Great Britain, Madrid and New York are in the pipeline, where we are sure Sensei Tony and his team will continue to make Gibraltar proud. But the most symbolic event, will be the planting of more than 100 cherry blossom trees around the world, in honour of the retiring president of the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai, Hanshi Kuwahara, this month. We will hopefully have our very own tree planted in the Alameda Botanic Gardens, so our local Ju-Jitsu enthusiasts can commemorate this special day. n The Gibraltar Ju-Jitsu Academy International holds daily classes, for children and adults of all levels and abilities. For more information, please contact Sensei Tony, on bushidogibraltar@hotmail.com
The academy has gone from strength to strength, winning numerous medals around the world, making the Gibraltar Ju-Jitsu Academy stand out from the rest
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
The Gentle Art of Ju-Jitsu? The gentle art of Ju-Jitsu — “Ju” can be translated as “gentle, supple, flexible, pliable, or yielding,” and “Jitsu” means “art” or “technique” — involves manipulating an opponent’s energy against him/herself rather than confronting it with one’s own force. There are many variations of the art, which leads to a diversity of approaches. Japanese jujutsu systems place more emphasis on throwing, immobilizing and pinning, jointlocking, choking, and strangling techniques, compared to other martial arts systems such as karate. Atemi-waza (striking techniques) were seen as less important as samurai body armour protected against them.
Ju-Jitsu practitioners train in the use of many potentially fatal moves. However, because students mostly train in a noncompetitive environment, risk is minimised. Students are taught break falling skills to allow them to safely practise otherwise dangerous throws. n
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art focus
Zane Mañasco’s
Unexpected Beauty by Jolene Gomez
© Zane M
anasco / ph otophilliac.
inc 2001-2 010)
Through pure necessity, Zane Mañasco stumbled into the world of photography, finding an ability to express himself in a way he never could with a pencil or a brush. “I tried painting and even sculpting but it’s the immediacy — that 500th of a second — that allows me to crystallise that perfect moment,” he says, and it’s an immediacy he thrives on. His work, often described as daring, beautiful, original and grotesque, tends to polarise opinion, but any reaction, positive or negative, makes his art purposeful; “I let the viewers watch because I get a kick out of it...” When Zane started taking photographs, he felt he failed most of the time. However a short and basic photography course during his time in the UK, made him realise he “did not need rules of three or perfect focus to be a photographer. Too often photographers are technically perfect but produce images with no depth or soul. Rules should be broken,” Zane states. After landing a reporter’s job, which required the use of a camera, he began experimenting further. With each mistake his confidence grew, but his first paid pictures gave him a hollow sense of achievement. “Even though I was being paid for my art, I knew that I was not doing it for the money or recognition. My pictures are me. It’s who I am. I take pictures because they crystallise my desires and make my fantasies real.” He had the privilege of exhibiting in a few group shows in the UK, and at the Design and
“
My pictures are me. It’s who I am. I take pictures because they crystallise my desires and make my fantasies real © Zane Manasco / photophilliac.inc 2001-2010)
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”
© Zane Manasco / photophilliac.inc 2001-2010)
Art Directors (D&AD) exhibition with his university. This year his work also appeared in Lindsey Marshall and Lester Meachem’s book How to Use Images (Laurence King Publishing, May 2010), which he declares as one of his proudest moments. He states that without Lindsey’s encouragement, his passion for the perfect image would have never developed. Since he came onto the scene accidentally, he was rarely influenced by other photographers; his influences and background being more rooted in the arts. However once he started producing images and concepts he was proud of, Zane started discovering other people producing photographic art, not simple pic-
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
01-2010)
© Zane Manasco / photophilliac.inc 2001-2010)
tures. “Of everyone out there I found that four brilliant artists really stood out as beacons of what I felt photography was all about. Richard Kern for his visceral portrayal and almost voyeuristic style. Terry Richardson for creating greatness with a compact camera and managing to create images full of humanity. David LaChapelle for his amazing use of colour and the fact all his images are created like paintings. He controls everything and the results are stunning. Finally Hans Bellmer, who is not really a photographer per se, but his images are a pure expression of a frustrated desire that is amazing to behold.” To create an image which the viewers can engage and connect with, is a lot harder than taking a simple photograph. In his opinion, “photography should not be about F stops and metering. It’s about what comes out at the other end of the process. Once the process becomes the most important aspect, then you have become a technician, not an artist.” Zane requires an image to have depth. “If an image is technically perfect, but has no soul, I feel the photographer has not done his job correctly.” Nowadays, access to digital photographic equipment and exposing your work is simpler, through social networks and photo sharing websites. It is easy to take a picture, and then cover up any errors with photo editing programs. However, there is no undo on a negative, and Zane’s first camera, a Praktica BX20s, was a beautifully simple “tank of a camera”. As opposed to digital cameras, he had to really understand his equipment. “It was when I started to get the best results… when it died I was quite sad. In fact, I think I still have it rolling around in a box somewhere, I could not bare to part with it.” His images have always been an attempt to capture a particular feeling or emotion, and he does not consider photography a science, but an effective vehicle for expression, wanting his pictures not just to inspire the viewer, but “cause a raw, physical attraction… to excite, titillate and cause a reaction.” Locally, Zane has held four exhibitions, three in the Snap Happy series held between 2001 and 2005 and Gore in
“
Technique is not important. If an image is technically perfect, but has no soul, I feel that the photographer has not done his job correctly
”
2009, all at the John Mackintosh Hall. “Gore achieved its purpose both aesthetically and socially… It was the culmination of a long development process which started with an idea in the London underground. I wanted to somehow find and express beauty in the last place you would expect, and I think I accomplished my goal. Gore is a perfect example of conceiving a concept and then taking it to completion; I am very proud of that work.” His models need to have a special quality, and he needs to feel a connection, which al-
© Zane Manasco / photophilliac.inc 2001-2010)
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
lows him to express himself through them. He mentions is wife, Davina, as his model and muse; “Without her, I would have never been able to produce any of my images. For me a photograph is extremely personal and I need sensuality in all of my images, as such without her I could never have produced anything of value.” With regards to plans for the future, Zane is hoping to have some work ready in the New Year, and is focusing on his design work and photography combined, creating an enhanced picture that carries the best qualities of both. Finally, Zane states, “I would like to thank everyone who has ever been offended by my photography. I hope you all know I do it just for you.” You can check out some of Zane’s work on his websites, www.iwantgore.com and www. photophilliac.com. Although he does not normally sell images, he has carried out a few commissions, and can be contacted via his email zane@photophilliac.com. n
© Zane Manasco / photophilliac.inc 2001-2010)
© Zane M
anasco / ph otophilliac.
inc 2001-2 010)
art focus
71
puzzle page
by Alan Gravett
SUDOKU Win a lunch for two at
The Cannon Bar
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Across
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1) Fleeing; going AWOL (10) 8) Sound like a copper’s rotor (5) 9) Former citizen of Iran for example (7) 10) Rest time (7) 11) Swiss mountain (5) 12) Overrun, as lice might (6) 14) Clear (6) 17) More willing (5) 19) Material of fired clay (7) 21) Paper tearing (7) 22) Unable to see (5) 23) The final battle (10)
Down 21
Send completed suduko to: The Cannon Bar, 27 Cannon Lane, Gibraltar. One entry per person. Closing date: 20 November 2010 Last month’s winner: Michael Ford, Harbour Views.
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23
Send completed crossword to: The Clipper, Irish Town, Gibraltar.
FIRST PRIZE: Lunch for 2 at The Clipper
One entry per person. Closing date: 20 November 2010 Winner notified in next issue of The Gibraltar Magazine. Last month’s winner: Mary Martinez, Montagu Gardens
2) Sheriff’s officer who serves writs etc. (7) 3) Greek island (5) 4) Small child; a crab! (6) 5) Citizen of Tel Aviv for example (7) 6) First word of an auctioneer before the knock down (5) 7) Presented to another person (10) 8) Boot; New Zealand’s capital (10) 13) The lowest form of wit (7) 15) London borough (7) 16) Performing (6) 18) Scottish girl’s name (5) 20) Mad; like a sick dog (5)
Jotting Pad ...
LAST MONTH’S ANSWERS: Across: Brighteyes, Sluggish, Rail, Wear, Boyhood, Premonition, Compose, Mesh, Peru, Lethally, Dot Dash Dot Down: Below, Ingrate, Hair, Ethopia, Earth, Disown, Consoled, Proper, Iceland, Pluto, Holst, Otis
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
culture club
filling the frame... Last month the Gibraltar Photographic Society held the first competition of the season. This competition, for colour prints, had the theme: “Fill The Frame”. Each member of the Society was allowed up to two entries, and these were judged on the night by Ralph Merry who is official photographer for the Armed Forces in Gibraltar. The judging process used a new system — each photograph being judged on its own merits, with points awarded for different criteria, such as composition, technique, processing, theme interpretation and aesthetic/artistic value. n Clockwise from above: Leo Hayes Face 34 pts; Brian Gordon Liquid Steel 33pts; Luis Pitto Daisy 36pts; Andrew Fortuna Harley 36pts; Joseph Molinari Vatican Staircase 36pts; Neville Zammittt Framed Eye 33pts; Javier Millan Essaouira Boats 35 pts; Stephen Hermida Tiger 34pts.
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
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That Nail Place
GACHE & CO LTD EST. 1830
Nail Extensions DIGITAL VIDEO CAMERA DIGITAL CAMERA - MOBILE PHONES - GPS - PDA ACCESSORIES
No. 4 Watergardens - Block 1, PO Box 882 Tel/Fax: +350 200 78600
E6
Gel - Acrylic - Fibreglass
I4
Airbrushing Nail Art Body Jewellery
Unit F22A 1st Floor, ICC. Tel: 200 73211
T5
• Giftware • Jewellery • Sports Trophies • Awards & Engravers
L4
266 Main St, Gibraltar Tel: 200 75757
Q4
P2
BUDDIES pasta casa
Come and enjoy real Italian meals in Gibraltar’s leading pasta house
R4
15 Cannon Lane Tel: 200 40627 for reservations
Gibraltar Taxi Association
D8
GUIDED ROCK TOURS 19 Waterport Wharf Main Office Tel: 20070052 Fax: 20076986 Radio service: 20070027
X6
K4
open12 noon till late Unit 2 B The Tower Marina BayTel: 46668
A3
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
C6 J4
2 locations in gibraltar 222 main street • horse barrack lane
G3
N3
R5
M4
M4
Accountants Durante Carboni Jardim..............X3 ESV Hassan & Co........................ I4 Business/Financial Services AI Couriers (DHL)......................K3 Barclays...................................... M4 GibraltarAssetManagement....... M5 Hassans............................................ Jyske Bank.................................. L4 Norwich & Peterborough............Q5 Phoenix Solutions........................ J4 Sovereign Trust...........................N4 STM Fidecs.................................H7 Business Services Call Centre..................................V4 Global Business Centre................S3 Waste Management......................a6 Business Supplies Beacon Press...............................N6 Glasshouse..................................N5 Image Graphics...........................N3
Stitch Design................................P3 Motoring & Car Sales A. M. Capurro & Sons Ltd ........ N6 Computers & Cableing BSG...............................................I4 Image Graphics........................... N3 Newton Systems.........................M5 PC Clinic..................................... U3 Food & Drink Amin’s The Office....................... K5 Birdie Cafe Restaurant................ D7 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 El Patio......................................... H2 Picadilly Gardens.......................... b4 Pickwicks Bar...............................R3 Roy’s Cod Plaice.......................... H4 Royal Calpe.................................. Q5 Saccone & Speed...........................J4 Smiths Fish and Chips................. V4 Solo Express................................ H4 Star Bar........................................ K5 The Three Roses.......................... Q2 Trafalgar Sports Bar.......................a3 Verdi Verdi................................... N3 Waterfront.................................... Y7 Funeral Services Codali Funeral Services............... U3 Hair & Beauty Salons Classic Cuts..................................M3 Joya’s Gents Hairdressers............ N2 Renaissance Beauty.......................J4 Roots.............................................T4
J4• Sandwiches • Soups • Baguettes/ Ciabatta • Desserts/ • Take-away • Deliveries Homemade Italian Ice-cream • Eat in (outside!) • Business Lunches Mon - Fri 10-6, Sat 10 - 4, Closed Sundays • Parties/ 24 Main St Tel: 20043840 Fax: 42390 Kids Parties
Irish Town Antiques
L5
Irish Town Tel: 200 70411
Q5
Jewellery Sales/Repair Beau Jangles.................................M4 Jewellery Repairs..........................L4 Matthew’s Jewellery......................I3
Steiner Chiropractor.....................K7
Leisure Complete Fitness.......................... R3 Dolphin Safari.............................. A3
Property Sales / Estate Agents BFA..............................................D3 Bray Property...............................B3 Property World.............................. I4 Solomon Levy . ...........................U3
Legal Services Charles Gomez............................. U4 Isolas.............................................E4 Triay & Triay............................... K5 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
Pet Services / Supplies Gibraltar Veterinary Clinic..........H4
General Services Anything Goes............................. P2 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 Seekers.........................................L3 Space Interiors.............................. I3
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Shopping — General Arcade Keys.................................J5 Don House Arcade.......................J5 Gallery Mosaic...........................M5 Home Centre................................J4 Pure Lighting...............................I6 Terry’s........................................M5 Sakata.........................................M4 Shopping — Fashion/Clothing Esprit.......................................... D4 Aftershock.................................. D4 Recruitment Corporate Resources....................J4 ERS..............................................I4 RecruitGibraltar......................... O6 Quad Consultancy...................... U3 Transport / Marine Services Autoelectrical............................. C7 Gib Cargo................................... B8 Shell Bunkering......................... H6 Tarik Oil..................................... C8
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
K5
Q5
184 Main Street Tel: 200 72133 open: from 8am (10am on Sun)
Z6
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
HORTICULTURAL CONTRACTORS Tel: 200 43134 Fax: 200 50648 Convent Gardens, Convent Garden Ramp
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
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
The Flowers of Gibraltar by Leslie Linares, Arthur Harper and John Cortes
Book on sale at Gibraltar Book Shops
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • APRIL 2009
events
A spokesman for Stage One said: “We are always looking for different acts that will add variety to the entertainment scene in Gibraltar. We are sure this show will delight all the family, who will leave the theatre with a feel-good feeling after a fascinating night out”. So get ready to see a flying time machine, fire spiker, cutting a woman in four, disappearing and appearing girls and watch out for those flying knives! Showzam! will be staged at the John Mackintosh Hall theatre on Saturday 6th, Monday 8th and Tuesday 9th November at 8pm. Tickets, at £12, are now on sale at the Nature Shop in Casemates (daily 12 – 4pm). n More details on www.stageone.gi
! m a z w o Sh Witness the impossible with an evening of magic, fun and illusion this November. Stage One has announced its spectacular new show for this year’s Autumn festival – Showzam!
It will be the third time Stage One supports this festival of the arts and there are big plans for Showzam! to become more than just a one off. International guests appearing at the show will be Montercarlo and Madrake D’or awardwinner Arkadio and his birds and top Spanish magician Hector: La Nueva Magia who adds a
whole new dimension to the “seeing is believing” factor. From the local scene Faster than Magic returns with a brand new set and a new addition to their act for a night that promises many shocking and amazing illusions as well as plenty of fun-filled moments.
Short Story Competition Fancy yourself as the next Graham Greene? Then get your pen — or keyboard— at the ready because the Rock Writers’ Group Gibraltar is holding a short story competition for aspiring new writers.
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
Stories of 500 to 1000 words along the theme of love or nature — no more than two entries per writer — should be submitted to rockwriters@hotmail.co.uk not later than 31st November 2010. The winning story will be judged by a panel of judges to be announced nearer the date. The winner’s story will receive a trophy and may be published locally. n
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Creativity always Shines through Well known jewellery mastercraftsman, New Zealand born Kenneth Peter Scott, who has lived in Florence, Italy, for more than 15 years, may well be the instigator of a totally new trend and new business coming to the Rock very soon. “In July of this year I had the pleasure of introducing Julian Guilliano and Pie Sanchez to the craft of jewellery,” he explains of his Gibraltar students. “They had both enrolled on my 80 hour intensive Jewellery Course in Florence. Their enthusiasm and natural talent proved to make it an extremely successful exercise as well as satisfying experience for me. “As their tutor, I found I was quite taxed to satisfy their demands and adventurous approach to Jewellery,” Kenneth goes on, “but to see the collections they were able to achieve during their time with me made it one of the more satisfying courses I have ever given.” Julian and Pie, both school teachers, took it upon themselves to go to Florence, possibly the most significant and important area for jewellery in Europe, to attend the course during their summer holidays. Julian explains: “I think being an art teacher and after having always seen my grandmother and mother using very feminine jewellery I was exposed to jewellery and started to become fascinated with the pieces. Being very analytical I chose to see each piece from all angles and thought of the possibility of one day learning how to make them. As an artist I have tried to get involved in many artistic fields, like painting, sculpting and now this, which is indeed another form of art!” Julian had applied to do a two year jewellery
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course at university in France but his full time teaching job prevented him from attending, so Florence for one month seemed to be the best alternative. Pie was already designing jewellery from home at an amateur level, with less expensive utensils and gemstones, so the course was her opportunity to become more professional. “The great thing was that we had a say as to what we wanted to pursue and in doing so I fell straight into it,” she says. “I knew I was going to do it well and I just absorbed the skills the master jeweller showed us each day.” “The soldering and learning how to set the stones was what I enjoyed most as this is essential to know to be able to make proper pieces,” Julian enthuses. ‘Proper pieces’, of course, come at a cost as he acknowledges. “It is a very expensive hobby or business and it is difficult to make it cost effective if you do not want to charge exorbitant prices,” and so they intend to share the cost of materials. “If either of us needs to do something unique then we can each buy what we need for that piece in particular,” he adds. “We are ambitious and we hope to find a suitable place to open a workshop and from there both make handcrafted pieces to sell at local shops or on commission, and to give classes. “We want to do a lot of experimenting and designing pieces that are exclusive and eye
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
events
by Sonia Golt catching,” he adds. “Initially we will start with bronze, silver and semi precious stones and not work with gold until we are commissioned for this or can sell in a competitive market at a reasonable price.” They have already been commissioned to do some wedding bands and engagement rings for friends and are eager to hear each person’s idea on what they want so they can create something artistic but in the style of the person who will be wearing it. For Julian “The idea comes into my mind then I draft it and then I visualize it, I am good at this because of my background in art and then I just get on with it. I am inspired by many things and in Florence I was attracted by the façades of the buildings and the architecture in the less obvious places.” Pie, a self-confessed hands-on person, is inspired by nature and fashion and particularly likes Art Nouveau influences. “Generally I like big statement pieces and big jewellery which is chunky and has great forms and shapes.” Excited by the media she has chosen, Pie adds that with jewellery it is possible to “start with a plain piece... adding a whole variety of textures, stones, beads or even mixed metals. I may start with one idea or with a main sketch but it can change... I am not that structured I just get totally involved — let my imagination run riot.” Pie is exploring flamenco style and Arabic influence in her pieces and Julian is into Art Déco so between them they are creating a great variety of unique and exclusive pieces destined to be the dream of many. Local business man David Bentata, the owner of Beau Jangles, has had the opportunity to view Pie’s works, and was wowed by it. “Pie was one of the first of many friends I made in Beau Jangles when I opened five years ago. Her enthusiasm for the pieces I was bringing made me ask if she made any jewellery herself. Though she admitted she did, she also said she needed to improve before showing her own creations. Her zest for the course and her time there was catching,” he enthuses. “Now she is back and I was privileged to be among the first to see her creations. WOW! There is nothing meek about Pie’s projects.Two pieces in particular stuck out, a ring with a very clear and attractive amethyst and an ornamental hair comb all in silver with onyx decoration. The hair comb shows Pie’s bravado, the ring, her commercial sense. I am proud to be able to exhibit and sell her pieces,” he adds. Gibraltar does not have many places where artisan products are on sale and the idea behind Pie and Julian’s future business could attract an interest from tourists as well as locals. Let’s look forward to their combined exhibition in autumn 2011 — for most probably — the world awaits them! n
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We are ambitious and we hope to find a suitable place to open a workshop... to make handcrafted pieces to sell, and to give classes
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
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Rock celebrity
Travelling the World with Hector
New destinations were always in the pipeline for Hector Sene
Like many Gibraltarians who lived through the wartime evacuations, the charismatic Hector Sene remembers his time in Madeira fondly. He managed to learn some Portuguese, and could still practise his hobby, swimming, even though he was far from his native Gibraltar. On returning to the Rock, aged 16, he joined Cable and Wireless to become a qualified telegraphist, a job which not only became his passion, but also allowed him to travel to some of the world’s most remote places. Hector’s first transfer was to the Eastern Telegraph Company in Tangiers, Morocco, where he worked for five years. “I remember the lovely beaches, which I would walk along every day, and have a swim or two daily,” Hector recalls. He returned to Gibraltar, but was asked to work overseas temporarily in Bermuda for 18 months, which he remembers as a beautiful
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I really enjoyed my time in Nigeria, as I was taking communications to places where they had not even seen such equipment before. It was a great time for me, despite it being very hot, almost unbearable!
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island which he had time to enjoy as there was so much work at the station he remained there for six more months. When Hector was called for military service with the Gibraltar Defence Force at Buena Vista Barracks, as he was a strong swimmer he did beach picket all of the summer months. Using a heavy wooden lifeboat, he rescued members of different military units
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
ways Sene
profile from the sea. “Some were very poor swimmers,” he recalls. In fact he found he loved rescuing people so much, when his army training ended, he applied to join the Royal Life Saving Society to become a qualified lifesaver. He went on to pass all the elementary exams, and became both a teacher and an examiner. Not satisfied with just saving people from the sea, during his spare time he volunteered for St John’s Ambulance Brigade, St Bernadettes Occupational Therapy Centre, Mount Alvernia, and taught life saving techniques at the old camber in Queensway. “After a few months, I was asked by my manager, if I wanted to go to Bermuda again for a month due to a big conference on the island.” Hector readily agreed. “There was an excess of press work expected, as a press centre was being installed at the Bermudiana Hotel in Hamilton,” he explains. In 1960, his next overseas station was Lagos, Nigeria, to promote telegraphy for Cable and Wireless. “I really enjoyed my time in Nigeria, as I was taking communications to places where they had not even seen such equipment before. It was a great time for me, despite it being very hot, almost unbearable!” A few months later, Hector was off again — this time posted to Freetown, Sierra Leone, after the country had achieved its independence. he worked in a press centre, where he filed stories from the press on the independence. “If possible, it was even hotter here than in Nigeria due to the country’s proximity to the Equator. I went swimming at 10am, and got sun stroke!” Hector chuckles. Hector then remained in Gibraltar for 20 years, after which his next station was Ascension Island in the South Atlantic Ocean, where he stayed for six months. Getting there was quite an adventure. He travelled by plane to Pernambuco, South America, and then in a USA Airforce transport plane, which took six hours to reach the island. “Ascension Island was very barren, there is nothing there due to a volcano which burnt everything out,” he recalls. “There were around 400 people on the island with me, mostly BBC and MPBW
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construction personnel, and my colleagues from Cable and Wireless, as there was a relay station there. As with most places I have travelled to, I was the only Gibraltarian on the island!” Returning from Ascension was a much shorter journey, as Hector got a direct flight to Gatwick airport, and then travelled back to Gibraltar where he spent the next ten years, dedicating himself to his passion (aside from swimming) — painting. “I remember my first beautiful paint box, which I still have and treasure, which was given to me by my brother in law, Hugo Leitao, in Funchal, Madeira, when I was 12 years old,” he smiles. He received painting lessons from the late Leni Mifsud, a great painter and friend of Hector’s, and from army evening classes which he attended, specialising in fabric painting. Once he had acummulated a substantial collection of works, he held his first exhibition at the John Mackintosh Hall. But Hector’s travels were not over yet, as his manager next requested he travel to Port Louis, Mauritius, for a conference for African Unity. “Mauritius was a truly special place, with beautiful mountains, a picturesque town, and white sand beaches with palm trees and crystal blue water,” says the well-travelled Hector. “Although this was my last posting overseas, news came from the Royal Life Saving Society’s Commonwealth Council, in the form of a letter from Rome, awarding me with a silver medal, Pro Merito Meltensi. I was invited to St. John’s Wood, for a reception, when I was once again the only Gibraltarian,” Hector smiles. After this, he was appointed Honorary Vice President of the Royal Life Saving Society’s Commonwealth Council, in recognition of valuable services rendered to the society. “My Cable and Wireless job came to an end when I retired, but I have no regrets and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. It was a job which allowed me to see the world, at a time when most people did not travel, and I managed to meet people of all types and cultures, and live experiences I will never forget,” Hector concludes with a smile. n
Mauritius was a truly special place, with beautiful mountains, a picturesque town, and white sand beaches with palm trees and crystal blue water GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
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media profile
Sweet Paradise
Gibraltar Confectionery is not to be visited by weak, undisciplined, sweet toothed individuals for they may uncontrollably bloat, by gorging on delicious cakes and pastries!
If you’re of the ‘I love cakes’ brigade as I confess to be, walking into Gibraltar Confectionery is torture! Resisting that constant temptation to buy more and walking out with just one of their nice rolls and on occasions, a cake, is no mean feat. As I exit I glance at all the other goodies on display and simply suffer. I’ve had to do that for many years. In fact, since I was a toddler! The Gibraltar Restaurant (as it was called then) opened its doors in 1946. Grandfather to the present generation running the show, Miguel Gonzalez, first opened a cafeteria called La Campana near Stagnetto’s at the other end of Main Street, then on his return to the Rock from Madeira after the war, set up shop where today’s Gibraltar Confectionery remains. Sailors serving in the Royal Navy’s Mediterranean Fleet and the US Sixth fleet were very much part of the furniture through the ’50s and ’60s and the Gibraltar Restaurant took great advantage of that, serving food and afternoon teas to hungry servicemen as well as the local population. “There was also a period when fruit, vegetables and flowers were sold here,” says Miguel’s great granddaughter Suellen, who now helps run the business. “From what I’m told I know that Miguel had four children. Three of them, for whatever reason weren’t involved in this business so my great aunt Maruja took charge. She was 94 a few weeks ago and is still going strong to the point that she takes care of totting up the day’s business without the aid of a calculator.” Suellen explains that when she double checks the figures on the calculator and
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they don’t add up with the manual calculations she will insist there’s something wrong with the modern contraption and is invariably proved right. A sharp mind at 94! As time went on the restaurant and tea room side of the business reduced a bit as Britain’s navy shrank in size and numbers of military personnel serving on the Rock declined. “Yes, the family then concentrated more on baking and selling cakes. Oh, we did cater for birthday parties also. Remember there was more space here because there wasn’t a deli counter like there is today. But in the bakery they were still burning wood in the ovens and it was really time for change,” says proprietor Stephen Shacaluga. “The first electric oven was a GEC which was installed in the ’60s and we started baking bread as well as cakes. Nowadays we use a proper confectioner’s oven with five decks. “Things were going fine and then the frontier closed so our Spanish bakers had to leave. We
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Things were going fine, then the frontier closed so our Spanish bakers had to leave. We ended up baking bread ourselves as best we could
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ended up baking bread ourselves as best we could. I remember Ernest and Lynn Picardo, Pepe Palmero and some other friends helped us out. We called it ‘pan Llanito’ and delivered it in The Terriers dance band van. We only delivered to one block at Humphries because that’s where most of our customers were and anyway that’s as much as we could bake! The trouble was our ‘knotty rolls’ had to be eaten fairly quickly after delivery if not, they would have a tendency to go as hard as a brick, but they tasted okay and we had a great time for a while.” The need for qualified pastry cooks was obvious and that’s when the scrumptious, mouthwatering gorgeous era of Gibraltar Confectionery cakes got under way. Family members went to Tangier in search of a much needed ‘maker of delicious cakes.’ Stephen continues: “There’s a great cake shop in Tangier called Madame Porte in the town centre. Yes it’s still there today and we managed to bring over Hamid, who is still with us today after about 30 years, to work for us. He brought with him knowledge of French-style cake making and that is what we are still making. “Later we contracted two others, Abdul, who’s a brilliant pastry cook or confectioner, and Mohammed.” Between them, secret recipes abound, and they keep those ovens running 24 hours a day. It’s great walking by at night and getting a whiff of tomorrow’s lip-smacking cakes. Cakes aren’t the only tasty foodstuffs on offer at the shop. Apart from bread and bread rolls, the deli counter is kept very busy and Doris the
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
food & drink
by Richard Cartwright cook is responsible for much of what’s prepared and delivered to the refrigerated displays. Scores of office workers, busy mothers, tourists, and others pour in to grab a snack and, like me, try hard to avoid the cake counter! Derah (Stephen’s better half), who practically runs the show says “A lot of work and staff is required to keep the place going. It doesn’t just happen. We started off selling small portions of ham and slowly built up the deli to what it is now. We have with us Coleen, Cynthia, Carmen, Rita, Virginia, Suellen and me helping out on the shop floor. Hemu does the cleaning. We do quite a bit of wholesale, delivering to petrol stations, mini markets and others. We also provide canapés for private functions so we are kept very busy.” The subject of deliveries starts Stephen reminiscing about the past. “Our first delivery vehicle was a motorbike with sidecar with everything stuffed into it. Then we had the first three wheeler delivery van on the Rock and now we have a couple of other vans. I remember about 25 years ago, we had to bake a fruit wedding cake that was massive. The tin base was made in the Dockyard. It was decorated with French sugared almonds and fresh orchids. That extra large wedding cake cost the client £1,000!” In a business such as this one, shelf life is an issue. How many cakes to bake? Which are the best sellers? etc, but experience takes care of that. “That’s right,” Suellen agrees. “We know roughly what to produce but you can still get it wrong. Mondays and Fridays are good and the beginning of the month also. But you have
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
‘Empty cake trays’ is the name of the game and those responsible for devouring the contents are regulars and newcomers
to bear in mind summer holidays and things like that.” Derah continues, “Also in Gib, unlike Spain, cakes are sold in the mornings and that is why it’s so important to work through the night. Our cakes are really fresh.” The Shacaluga family explain that Spanish pastry chefs work with premixes whereas their Moroccan counterparts at Gib Confectionery work all their cake mixing ingredients from scratch — hence that wonderful confectioners’ custard! Meringues, mil ojas (diabetic also), torta acelgas, calentita and even Christmas polvorones are made in that Main Street cake factory by these Moroccan wizards of super tasting sweet and savoury delights but, and this is a big but, pastry chefs of this high standard are a dying breed so trainee special cake makers are called for. Are there any out there? “It’s a reality we have to face. It’s a hard job working nights and long hours and we always have to be on the lookout and be aware of the day when our present chefs are with us no longer,” Derah tells me. But in the meantime ‘empty cake trays’ is the name of the game and those responsible for devouring the contents are regulars and newcomers. There are two couples from Seville who have been regular visitors over the past two or three years — whenever they’re in Gibraltar they pop in for a feast. The Gibraltar Confectionery brand has lived on Main Street for 64 years and if you enjoy afternoon tea and cakes, there’s a good chance you’ll know where it is. ■
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food & drink
A Fun Time at Savannah...
Savannah’s November Events Friday 5th, 12th, 19th, 6th DJ Rookie Saturday 6th, 20th, 27th SHOT PARTY
Saturday 23rd Barbara Streisand tribute to book a table call 20066666
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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEmBEr 2010
events
Mixing it up at O’Reilly’s... available. Andy Hunter felt there was a real need for this at O’Reilly’s and set about looking for an experienced mixologist. “We basically felt that there was a demand from corporate
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e M Lou ah ng a e C raja as a Pe pe
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clients now based in Leisure Island Business Centre who value opportunities to relax and enjoy a wide variety of drinks,” said Andy. “We have recruited a leading cocktail mixologist and even though we
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The O’Reilly’s Girls, who were recently selected from a host of beautiful ladies, launched the new cocktail menu which is set to be very popular and complement the existing range of beverages
are sure that many clients will have tasted cocktails elsewhere we know that ours taste the best!” The girls had the opportunity to sample a wide range of cocktails which include the ever popular Mojito, Tequila Sunrise, Long Island Iced Tea, Strawberry Mojito and Daquiri and O’Reilly’s Special — vodka, half a shot of Archers peach liqueur, half a shot of mandarin and a mini cranberry. “I love strawberries,” said Georgina. “I was immediately drawn to the wonderful presentation and the taste of both drinks based on what was recently voted as the sexiest food in Britain.” Attention to detail is important when presenting cocktails and this was something highlighted by Davinia. “I love to feel special and love drinks with sparkly bits, decorations and great tastes. A cocktail is a drink to be savoured and enjoyed and I felt that O’Reilly’s was the place for me both to relax and have fun!” The girls, dressed to kill after receiving a variety of gifts, including a £200 clothing allowance from Aftershock, enjoyed what was a very relaxed and fun event, the first of many for the two O’Reilly’s Girls, who are ready to take on whatever comes their way! n
Queensway Quay Marina
Info and reservations by email: waterfrontrestaurant@gmail.com Or telephone us on 200 45666
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
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recipes
Flavours
adding to your plates
Chef Scott Casey is at it again, this time bringing us delicious recipes that suit any occasion. Start off by warming up with this month’s Potato, Baby Pea and Creamed Leek Soup. Next, take a stab at the succulent Braised Osso Bucco that’s sure to knock anyone’s socks off. And if that’s not enough, polish off with the rich steamed chocolate sponge cake. Bon appétit!
Starter Serves 4
Blend in an upright blender or a hand held blender if you have one. Potato, Baby Pea and Season to taste with sea salt and white pepper. Creamed Leek Soup To poach the quails’ eggs bring with Poached Quails 400ml of water to the boil with Eggs & Crème Fraiche 100ml of white wine vinegar. Stir the water and vinegar to create a whirlpool affect and carefully crack 1 large Onion finely sliced the quail’s eggs into this. Turn the 2 Garlic Cloves crushed heat off and poach the eggs for 2 medium Leeks finely sliced about 3 minutes or until poached 3 cups frozen Baby Green Peas 3 Potatoes peeled and chopped into to your liking. Serve the soup in generous size 3cm cubes 6-8 cups Vegetable Stock (or Chicken bowls, top with the poached quails’ eggs, a dollop of crème fraiche and Stock) a side of crusty bread. 100ml Pouring Cream 100g Salted Butter Sea salt and ground white pepper Serves 4 8 Quails’ Eggs 2 Bay Leaves Braised Osso Bucco 100g Crème Fraiche
Main
In a large pan combine the butter, some olive oil, sliced onions and garlic. Fry stirring continuously for 2 mins then add the leek and continue to cook until the leek is soft. Add the potatoes, the bay leaves and stock. Bring to the boil and simmer. 10 minutes before the potatoes are cooked add the frozen peas. Remove from the stove and stir in the cream.
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with Soft Rosemary Polenta, Mint & Flat Parsley Gremolata
2 small Carrots, peeled and cut into 2cm chunks 4 Garlic Cloves, sliced 4 tbs Tomato Paste 100ml good quality Red Wine (strong Rioja) 1 litre good quality Beef Stock 1 stalk Rosemary 6 tbs finely chopped fresh Thyme 1 Bay Leaf For the Gremolata: 5 tbs finely shredded flat leaf Parsley 5 tbs finely shredded Mint 2 tbs Lemon Zest For the Polenta: 100g Salted Butter 1 cup Polenta 2 cups Chicken Stock 2 cups full cream Milk Half a cup of finely grated Parmesan 4 tbs finely chopped Rosemary Salt and Pepper to taste
Dust the Osso Bucco pieces with the seasoned flour and fry on both 8 pieces Osso Bucco (also called veal sides until golden brown. Transfer shank) to a roasting dish and set aside. Seasoned plain flour (flour with salt In a pot fry the onion, garlic, & pepper) carrot, celery, rosemary and thyme 4 tbs olive oil for 4 minutes stirring continuously. 1 medium Onion diced into 2cm Add the red wine, bring back to cubes the boil and carefully light with a 1 stalk Celery cut into 2cm chunks lighter to burn off the alcohol but
keep the red wine flavour. Once the flame goes out add the beef stock, bay leaf and tomato puree. Bring back to the boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Season to taste. Now cover the Osso Bucco pieces with the sauce completely. Cover the roasting dish with greaseproof paper and then tightly with aluminium foil. Cook at 160°C for approximately 4-5 hours or until the meat just begins to fall off the bone. For the polenta in a large pot add the milk and chicken stock together with the butter. Bring to the boil and slowly add your polenta stirring constantly (note: only in a clockwise direction as if you go both clockwise and anticlockwise the polenta will be coarse and not smooth as you will break the grains). After about 2 minutes turn the heat right down and add the finely chopped thyme, rosemary and parmesan. Season to your taste and set aside. You can make this as wet as you desire also by adding more or less milk or stock. For the Gremolata combine all ingredients and set aside. To serve add a nice dollop of the polenta to the centre of a large plate. Carefully pull out 2 pieces of the Osso Bucco and top with a
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
recipes
by Chef Scott Casey
couple of spoonfulls of the braising liqueur. Sprinkle over the Gremolata and Bob’s ya uncle. Wash this down with nice Chianti, the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening.
Dessert Serves 6
Steamed Chocolate Sponge Pudding with Baileys Anglaise & Clotted Cream 175g Plain Flour 1 tsp Vanilla extract 175g Caster Sugar 175g Unsalted Butter 40g Cocoa Powder 3 Eggs 60g Natural Yoghurt 2tsp Baking Powder Half tsp Bicarbonate of Soda For the Anglaise: 200ml full cream Milk 100ml Double Cream 80ml Baileys 50g Caster Sugar 1 Vanilla Pod, split and seeds scraped (or 2 tsps of vanilla extract) 4 Egg Yolks Clotted Cream to serve Method: First butter and flour either individual moulds or a large pudding bowl. Probably the easiest most delightful pudding out there. Simply
add all the pudding ingredients into a food processor and turn it on and blend until everything is well combined and resembles a thick batter. Pour into the mould or moulds and place in a deep roasting tray. Add some boiling water to come half way up the mould or moulds. Cover with greaseproof paper and aluminium foil. Bake for 25 minutes if you are doing the individual puddings or 45 minutes if you are making a big Daddy pudding. To check insert a skewer and if it comes out clean it’s done. For the Anglaise, in a pan combine the milk, cream, Baileys and vanilla. Bring to the boil. Meanwhile combine the egg yolks and sugar and whisk until pale and creamy in consistency. Slowly add the milk and cream to the egg yolk and sugar mix. Combine well and transfer back to a clean pot. Cook careful over a medium heat stirring continuously as well as making sure to scrape the bottom of the pan for about 10 minutes with a wooden spoon. Be extra careful with this otherwise you will end up with Baileys scrambled eggs which aren’t very enjoyable. It will be ready when the mix covers the back of the wooden spoon well. To serve turn the pudding out into a nice bowl or turn the pudding out onto a plate. Cover generously with the Baileys Anglaise and top with a nice big spoon of clotted cream or 4. ■
Sunday Lunch at Fifty-Five Fifty-Five Private Members Club on Main Street opened its doors on a Sunday for the first time last month for a fabulous Sunday lunch — the start of a new monthly event for all the family. Fifty-Five member Michelle took along her two children and said they had a great time “It was a lovely family atmosphere, activities for the children and good food.” Martin, who opted for the vegetarian roast, said it was “One of the best Sunday lunches I’ve had in ages.” The event was so popular that future Sunday lunches at the club (14th November and 19th December) will be held in two sittings to cater for demand. To find out more about joining Fifty-Five — individual, couples and corporate memberships available — contact Louise on 200 79655 or email: louise@fifty-five.gi.
Modern
Relaxed
Dining
Open: 10am - late Closed Sundays + Saturday lunch
Open for morning coffee, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
Irish Town Tel: 200 51738 to reserve
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food file
Pelayo’s Heavenly Bread
by Brian Reyes
If you’re from this part of the world, then you will know that the handcrafted bread baked in Pelayo, on the road from Algeciras to Tarifa, simply cannot be bettered. The loaves are baked in kilo and half-kilo weights using wholemeal flour and methods that haven’t changed in decades. They are perfect for breakfast toast and the thick-crusted bread stays fresh for days. Beware of imitations with this bread. Lots of places sell loaves described as pan de Pelayo, but they are not the genuine article. In fact, there are only a couple of places where you can buy this bread outside of Pelayo itself, though I’m told they do home deliveries in Algeciras. I get mine from a small shop next to the main market in that city. It’s a cupboard-sized store and it sells nothing else. I grew up with this bread. I remember as a child we would stop in Pelayo on the way home from family outings and pick up a couple of loaves, breaking the crust off the ends and picking away at the dough inside on the drive back to Gibraltar. By the time we got to the front door an hour later, the bread was often decimated. I’m not the only one who loves this bread. There’s even a fan club on Facebook. This bread is part of the identity of this region, part of its tradition and intimately linked to the landscape. In an article in a local newspaper last year, one of the bakers described how the amount of water used in the baking depended on the weather. From the west, the air is dry. But when the wind blows in from the east, it sweeps over the Mediterranean and is humid, changing the texture of the dough and making a smoother loaf. It’s as if the bread itself is infused with the salt-laced breeze.
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And now, let me make your mouth water. Here’s what I had for breakfast on the Sunday morning when I wrote this piece. I woke up, put the coffee on and cut two thick slabs from a Pelayo loaf I’d bought the day before. They went into the toaster while I peeled a clove of garlic and pureed a ripe tomato. Once out of the toaster, I rubbed most of the clove into the lightly toasted bread and drizzled it liberally with olive oil. (I use a Moroccan brand called el Ouazzania,
but I’ll leave my ode to that wonderful, robust oil for another day.) To finish off, I spread the tomato over each slab of bread and layered it with slices of thinly cut Iberico ham. Beat that for breakfast if you can. n Brain Reyes blogs online at www.mymediterraneandiet.net. If you would like to try Pelayo bread in Gibraltar, pop along to Cafe Solo in Casemates for your morning Pelayo toast and coffee.
This bread is part of the identity of this region, part of its tradition and intimately linked to the landscape GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
Traditional Pub Serving Traditional Pub Fare, Bass Beers, Wines & Spirits
VISIT US AND STEP BACK IN HISTORY
Casemates Square Tel: 200 72987
• Pizza • Pasta • Salads • Fresh Juices • Cappuccino • Ice Creams
NOW OFFERING DAILY SPECIALS Grand Casemates Sq Tel: 20044449
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 &
10 Casemates www.lordnelson.gi Tel: 200 50009
turn to pages 90-93 for full restaurant and bar listings
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 2010 2010 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MAGAZINE •• JUNE NOVEMBER
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restaurants 14 on the Quay Unit 14, Queensway Quay. Tel: 200 43731 Open for lunch, afternoon tea, cocktails and dinner, 14 on the Quay offers a relaxed atmosphere inside and al fresco dining for every occasion. The international menu changes on a monthly basis to offer a wide variety of choice each time you visit and you can wind up your evening with a refreshing cocktail as you watch one of the marina’s spectacular sunsets. Open: 12 midday - late every day, Sundays 12 midday - 4pm Brunos The Boardwalk, Marina Bay. Tel: 216 25555 A modern marina-side restaurant which offers a selection of classical, contemporary and local dishes. Choose from a variety of starters such as baked goat’s cheese or smoked mackerel pâté before your main dish with choices of meat, fish or vegetarian options. Alternatively you can go for the favourites which include home-made burgers or pizzas through to steamed mussels or chicken Caesar salad to name a few. Bruno’s other offering is their tapas selection where you can choose any three dishes served with homemade crostini for just £6.50. If you have any special dietary requirements, just ask the staff and they’ll be happy to accommodate you wherever possible. Open: 10am until late (kitchen until 11pm) l Café Solo Grand Casemates Square. Tel: 200 44449 Modern Italian eatery set in the lively Casemates square. Everything from chicory and crispy pancetta salad with walnuts, pears and blue cheese dressing, or king prawn, mozzarella and mango salad to pastas(eg: linguine with serrano ham, king prawns and rocket; smoked salmon and crayfish ravioli with saffron and spinach cream) to salads (eg: Vesuvio spicy beef, cherry tomatoes, roasted peppers and red onions; and Romana chorizo, black pudding, egg and pancetta) and pizzas (eg: Quatto Stagioni topped with mozzarella, ham, chicken, pepperoni and mushroom) and specialities such as salmon fishcakes, beef medallions and duck. Good daily specials menu on blackboard. No smoking inside. Free WiFi. l Cafe Rojo 54 Irish Town. Tel: 200 51738 Sleek modern comfort in this relaxing little restaurant. Red comfy arm chairs in separate area for a relaxing drink or coffee. Brunch menu (10am-12pm) includes ciabatta, granary, foccacia sandwiches with fillings such as pear and blue cheese, smoked bacon and brie, cheese and honey roast ham, delicious desserts (chocolate mousse in a must). Lunch 12 - 3pm and dinner 7-10pm includes Roast Pumpkin, Mushroom, & Spinach Curry; Marinated Tuna Steak & Sesame Crust; Roasted Lamb Shoulder; pasta dishes such as Langoustine, Lime & Coconut; Pear, Walnut &
to Saturday 19.30 to 22.30 and lunchtimes for group bookings. 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. Decorated is warm Mexican colours with comfortable seating in the no-smoking, air-conditioned interior or outside on the patio, great for a fun night out. Available for private bookings and children’s parties. Blue Cheese; and Creamy Mixed Seafood; and Open: lunch and dinner 12 noon to late salads such as Warm Goats’ Cheese, Fresh Spinach & Chargrilled Aubergine; and Roast Duck, Maharaja Indian Restaurants Tuckey’s Lane. Tel: 200 75233 Chorizo & Pancetta Salad. Open: from 10am. Closed all day Sundays, and Queensway Quay Marina. Tel: 200 50733 With two restaurants, one in the town centre and Saturday lunch. another on the quayside of Queensway Quay, the Maharaja restaurants have been a well known Casa Pepe name in Gibraltar for nearly 40 years. Whilst 18 Queensway Quay Marina. each restaurant offers a slightly different menu, Tel/Fax: 200 46967 you’ll find traditional Indian cooking in these Email: casa.pepe.gib@gmail.com Situated right on the water front at Queensway recently refurbished restaurants with plenty of Quay, Casa Pepe has a comprehensive a la carte choice to cater to your taste. The Maharaja offers menu which includes dishes such as melon & vegetarian, seafood and meat dishes throughout Serrano ham, stuffed piquillo peppers and filled its range of starters and main dishes, and don’t be mushrooms to start, followed by a choice of sal- scared to ask them to spice up the dishes just to ads, rice and noodles and fish, poultry and meat your liking. The extensive wine list covers reds, dishes which include King Prawns Macarena roses, whites as well as cava and champagne for (cooked with fresh ginger, tomatoes, mangos and that special night out. And if you’re planning a bananas served with basmati rice, fried bread night in, you can use their take-away service. and bananas), Medallions of monkfish cooked Open: Maharaja Tuckey’s Lane: Monday 10amwith white wine and lobster sauce, duck breast 4pm, Tues - Sun 10am-4pm & 7pm-midnight Armanac-style (with Cognac, mushrooms and Maharaja Queensway Quay: Tues - Sun 12-4pm pine nuts), Medallions of pork loin cooked with & 7pm-Midnight Serrano ham and dry Jerez sherry, and fillet steak Malagueña cooked in creamy garlic mushrooms Savannah Lounge and sweet sherry sauce topped with prawns. 27 Heart Island, Ocean Village Tel: 200 66666 www.savannah.gi Wide range of tapas/raciones also available. Aimed at Gibraltar’s dining and night-life scene, Open: Monday to Saturday 11am till late. Savannah has been created with fun and style in mind. Offering contemporary European cuisine Nunos Italian Restaurant and Terrace a wide selection of drinks, cool decor and good Caleta Hotel, Catalan Bay music. The venue hosts regular events with For a reservations Tel: 200 76501 invited DJs and shows from abroad. E-mail reservations@caletahotel.gi Overlooking the Mediterranean from Catalan Open: Sunday-Thurs midday-midnight, Friday Bay, Nunos’ Spanish chef with Three Star Michel- and Saturday midday-5am. lin experience offers a variety of Italian cuisine. The restaurant has now moved from its location Solo Bar & Grill on the lower floors and can now be found at the Eurotowers Tel: 200 62828 reception level of the hotel. A quick peak at the Solo Bar and Grill is a stylish and modern eatery menu reveals the chef’s celebrated Salmorejo - perfect for business functions or lunches - and is on the menu, as are his baby squid burgers part of the Cafe Solo stable. Serving everything (Insalata di Calamari). From the main dishes you from , Goats’ Cheese Salad, Mediterranean can choose from a variety of fresh fish and meat Pâté and Cajun Langoustines to Beer Battered dishes. Or you could go for the house speciality John Dory, or Harissa Chicken, and Chargrilled of fresh, home-made pasta where you can choose Sirloin Steak. This is a delightful venue with a from a wide range of options. Open: Monday cosy mezzanine level and terrace seating — well
l = full menus online at www.thegibraltarmagazine.com 90
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
worth a visit, or two! Open: 12-8pm. Available for private functions and corporate events. The Waterfront Queensway Quay Marina Tel: 200 45666 The Waterfront is a very popular restaurant located right on the quayside at Queensway Quay Marina. There are different areas for eating and drinking, including the restaurant and bar, a large covered terrace with chandeliers and an open quayside terrace. There is an extensive menu to cater for all tastes including meat, fish and vegetarian dishes, along with salads and oriental food. The specials menu is changed daily and includes starters of lobster and prawn cocktail, fresh soup which is made daily and served with crusty bread, or Alaskan crab salad. The specials menu also tempts you with dishes such as Coca Cola marinated lamb shank served with oven roasted garlic and rosemary mashed potatoes, and the ever popular in-house aged steaks that can be served with a variety of sauces, or fresh Dorada, sea bass and salmon. For those who enjoy the sweeter things in life there is proper homemade banoffee or apple pie, cheese cakes and strudels. Open: 7 days a week from 9am to late. 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. 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 • NOVEMBER 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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Secrets of the
wine column
trade
By ‘trade’, I do not mean the wine trade itself, but rather the trade of writing about wine. At a recent get-together of wine journalists from around the world, I noticed a notebook left behind on a seat. Eager to return it to its owner, naturally I opened it to gain a clue as to whose it might be. Of necessity, this involved reading most of the contents. My eye was particularly struck by the following extract which appears to be the first draft of a forthcoming article. It is revealing because it also contains the writer’s for heaven’s sake. Try to avoid blackberries) the commentary and his thoughts for improvements tannins, the blackberries (Can’t help it) with for the final version. perhaps even a slight whiff of grapefruit (Will give myself a whiff of grapeshot at this rate). After ‘Blooming unseen this surprisingly pleasant — and different — im(Check Quotations dictionary for title — some- pression comes the nuclear mushroom cloud of thing about desert flowers — quite witty with pun the aftertaste. It starts imperceptibly and then on blooming) grows and grows (must be careful not to get stuck with this imagery; it is way over the top). I do not At a recent wine tasting kindly (Ha! Nothing mean to imply that it is overpowering, merely kind about it; they were just trying to palm off some that it extends slowly (a neat exit). So many rubbish) hosted by (which company was it? Check merlot and cabernet blends are yet more of the diary) I came across an unpretentious looking same; this one does stand out as a success with bottle which seemed almost embarrassed to its hidden depths (that should be enough to keep be in company with some of the other delights them happy). on offer (it was quite right to be embarrassed, but Other — often hidden — beauties can be I managed to get three freebie bottles of Haut-Brion found all over the Southern hemisphere (will if I promised to push it, so here goes on the write- someone please pay for me to go on a tour of Australia up). Described on the label as a fine blend of and New Zealand during the forthcoming northern cabernet and Merlot, Torres’ Chilean adventure winter — I promise to write glowing reports). Even has produced this Maipo — named after the Australian Chardonnay is making a sort of area in the central valley from which it comes. come-back since most growers have realised that After the French sent poor quality merlot vines over-oaking can be counter-productive (three to Chile in the hope of putting the Chileans off, hyphenated words in one sentence must be bad style the vines actually flourished; and the cabernet — check). In particular, Rosemount are making grapes have been pronounced by researchers at a serious effort and their attempts should be apGlasgow University to be full of anti-oxidants plauded; the 2009 is noticeably clearer, sharper and good for you (Nothing like showing off a bit of knowledge — and Glasgow might offer me one of their freelance tasting jobs). Cabernet and merlot blends are everywhere nowadays; so what is different about this one? (Not a lot actually, but try to find something other than rich colour, blackberries again etc etc. Ah…) The first bouquet opens up immediate thoughts of the warm south and you can just feel the cold steel of the Andes high above (good, good, although cold steel of Andes is rather a mixed metaphor. Perhaps granite (are Andes granite?), consider further). The first sip is extraordinarily complex but gradually resolves itself into (What?
The Semillon grape has always been strong down under and its lightness is best shown in (check recent free samples in cellar and put in a few names)
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
and less cloyingly wooden. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s Hawkes Bay remains the standard to which others should aspire (with luck other wineries will see these comments and get in touch…). The Semillon grape has always been strong down under and its lightness is best shown in (check recent free samples in cellar and put in a few names).’ Well, well. Who would have thought it? I knew that travel writers extolling the joys of a winter break in the Caribbean or the delightful little hotel in Norfolk had their trips for free in return for a decent write-up. But I thought that my own sort were above all that. Clearly not. I have been missing out all these years. On the other hand, if our esteemed editor (known to me only as ‘her upstairs’) were ever to suspect that freebies were winging my way, she might take the view that the independence ethic, so close to all editors’ hearts, was threatened. Worse still, she would want her share. There is nothing for it but to continue ploughing the lonely furrow (is this a bit over the top?) and pay for my own wine — I note, in passing, that I am falling into the habit of my colleague. So, some brief recommendations — unprompted by anything or anyone — for November, as the nights draw in and it gets colder. South African Table Mountain Merlot (£3.80, on offer from Morrison’s): ordinary, but good at the price; Torres Rosé (£6.20 from Anglo Hispano): surprisingly — for a rosé — palatable and better, in the cold weather, than a sharp white; and Caronne Ste Gemme (£8.50 from Morrison’s): an ever-reliable decent claret which tastes more expensive than its price. With Christmas now not so very far away, it is worth testing out what you may like to fall down with during the season. If you don’t like whatever is recommended then by all means push the remains of the bottle my way... I won’t get anything else for free. ■
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A ro u n d To w n .. .
Deborah and Karen raised lots of money for charity on their Ben Nevis trek
a light-he arte d look at Gibralta r soc
iety
Deborah at the summit
Well November is here and Christmas is creeping ever closer! Whatever happened to 2010, it seems to have just flow by? Already Kaiane Aldorino has handed back the Miss World crown, and it seems just weeks ago she was returning home to Gibraltar to the celebrating crowds. We already have out our winter woollies and boots, but let’s hope this year is not as wet as last! Cold Climbing Two adventurous and determined ladies who certainly needed their woollies recently are Deborah Bennett of Albor Newsagents in Marina Bay and Karen Lucas from Interbuild who succesfully climbed Ben Nevis last month to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society. Together the girls raised over £3,300.00 — a very impressive amount. They took part in the challenge along with 82 other trekkers from the UK and between them raised over £49,500 for people with dementia and their carers. It was a tough climb, made even harder by the wet weather and poor visibility at the summit (see photo above of Deborah clutching a Gibraltar Magazine when she got there!). It took them 3.5 hours to reach the top and another three hours to get down again. Deborah and Karen are keen to thank all their sponsors and people who gave them encouragement and support. Well done girls. Many Happies Happy birthdays this month to word smith Dave Wood on 5th (65 years old and looking none of it), Michelle of the Lounge, Queensway Quay, on 8th, and it’s the key to the door for Chantal Hosken on 11th when she turns 21. Angela of Upon This Rock celebrates on 16th, then it’s Cindy Ellis’ turn on 20th. Yalta of Urban Dance will be partying on 23rd, Ian Bass gets another year wiser on 25, as does Leslie Bruzon on This photo and above: Fifty-Five members enjoying an outing to the Kettal micro-brewery
This page and opposite: Gibraltar Summer Ball
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Left: happy couple Derek and Dympna and (this photo) the wedding party at Cafe Rojo on Irish Town GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2007 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
Best friends DHL enjoying the 55 hospitality
28th. A special happy birthday to David Deardon of the Specialist Medical Clinic who reached the big five-ohhhhh last month. What a youthful family the Deardons must be as David’s mum was asked if it was her 50th birthday when she arrived at the party venue, the Mons Calpe Suite at the top of the Rock. A fabulous night was had by all the guests and the venue sparkled in the moonlight. Autumn Pursuits There are lots of events to keep you occupied now the beach has lost its summer appeal. The Autumn Festival continues this month and includes great laughs in the form of Kindly Keep it Covered, a GADA production on 9th -11th November at the Ince’s Hall. This is closely followed by Zarzuela and then rounding up the festival is the amazing Allegro Autumn Festival Concert at the King’s Chapel. If your musical taste include Barbra Streisand then you will certainly not want to miss the Barbra Streisand tribute night at Savannah, Leisure Island, Ocean Village, on 23rd November — a guaranteed great night out. And if you fancy a real autumnal pursuit, go mushroom hunting with GONHS on Saturday 13th November. That’s it for this month, December beckons and so does all that shopping — just as an early treat the Silver Shop offers a discount to November shoppers so get there early and get the perfect gift!
Photos this page: 50th birthday celebrations for David Deardon of the Specialist Medical Centre in the ICC (photos by Ulrika Orsing) GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • MARCH 2007 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • November 2010
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clubs&activities Arts & Crafts The Arts Centre, Prince Edward’s Rd. Art classes for children (5-6pm Mon, 5-6.30pm Tues, 5-7pm Thurs), adults (Mon - Tues 6.30pm-8pm, Wed 6.30pm-8.30pm, life painting Wed 7pm9pm). Tel: 200 79788. The Fine Arts Association Gallery 1st Floor above Gibraltar Crystal, Casemates. Open 11am-2pm, 4-6pm Mon - Fri, Sat 11am - 2pm. Arts & Crafts Gallery (next door) opens Mon - Fri 9.30am - 5pm (summer) -6pm (winter), Sat 9.30am - 3pm. The Poetry Society meets on 20th of each month. Tel: Audrey Batty on 200 44355 . Board Games Chess Club meets in Studio 1, John Mackintosh Hall 8-10.30pm Tues. The Gibraltar Scrabble Club meet John Mackintosh Hall Mondays. Bank holidays changed to Thursday same week. 7pm-11pm All welcome. Tel: 200 73660 or 200 75995. The Subbuteo Club meets Charles Hunt Room, John Mackintosh Hall 7.30 - 11pm. Dance Adult Dance Classes Wednesday evenings at the Youth Disco Room, Kings Bastion Leisure Centre from 7-8.30pm. Cha-Cha, Salsa and Merengue. Lessons £5 and all proceeds to GibMissionAfrica Charity. Contact Dilip on 200 78714 or dance@trainingtm.net Salsa Gibraltar Salsa classes held Tuesdays at Laguna Social Club, Laguna Estate. Beginners 7-8.30pm, £5 per lesson. Intermediates 8.30-10pm, £6 per lesson (all profits going to the charity Help Us To Help Them). Contact: Mike 54472000 Email: info@salsagibraltar.com website: www.salsagibraltar.com Modern & Latin American Sequence Dancing Mondays Catholic Community Centre 8.30pm (beginners 7.30). Over 15s welcome. Old & Modern Sequence Dancing sessions at the Catholic Community Centre at 8pm, beginners at 7.30pm, Wednesday. The DSA Old & Modern Sequence Dancing sessions at Central Hall Fridays 8pm, beginners 7.30pm. Tel: 200 78282 or e-mail manvio@ gibraltar.gi Everybody welcome. Senior Citizens Teatime Dances at The Youth Centre, Line Wall Rd on Mondays 2 - 5.30pm. All senior citizens welcome for coffee, tea and biscuits. Entrance free. Classical Ballet classes for children 4+, Spanish dance and hip-hop at Liza School of Dance, 3rd floor, Methodist Church, 297/299 Main St. Classes Weds & Fri from 6pm at Chiltern Court (4Cs). Tel: 58111000. Modern, Contemporary, Hip Hop & Flexibility classes held weekly at Urban Dance Studio for Performing Arts, No. 2 Jumpers Bastion. Contact Yalta (54012212) or Jolene (54015125). History & Heritage The Gibraltar Heritage Trust Main Guard, 13 John Mackintosh Sq. Tel: 200 42844. The Gibraltar Classic Vehicle Association Dedicated to preservation of Rock’s transport/motoring heritage. Assists members in restoration / maintenance of classic vehicles. Members/vehicles meet 1st Sunday of month, Morrison’s car park from 10am. New members welcome. Tel: 200 44643. Music The Gibraltar National Choir and Gibraltar Junior National Choir rehearse on Monday & Thursday 7.30 - 9pm. New singers of all ages welcome. Tel: Lili 200 40035, 54006727 St Andrew’s Music Academy Musical Monsters Club, musical workshops. Group musical activities for kids 3-7 years. Singing, rhythmic games etc. Tel: 200 42690 email: samagib@ hotmail.com Outdoor Activities The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is an exciting self-development Programme available to all young people worldwide equipping them with life skills to make a difference to themselves, their communities and the world. To date over 5 million young people from over 100 countries have been motivated to undertake a variety of voluntary and challenging activities. Contact Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Montagu Bastion, Line Wall Road, Gibraltar Tel: 200 59818 Reg. Charity No: 61
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Don’t be bored... do something fun! Quizzes Cannon Bar quizzes are held on Tuesdays starting with a warm up, then two other quizzes, including a theme quiz. Starts at 8.30pm, all welcome and prizes are given. Free entrance but a donation to charity is requested. Tapas served after the quiz. The Lounge friendly quizzes take place on Sundays from 8pm right on the quayside at Queensway Quay. Social Clubs Scots on the Rock: Any Scots visiting the Rock can contact Charles Polson (Tel: 200 78142) for assistance or information. Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (Gibraltar Province) meets RAOB Club, Jumpers Bastion on these days: Provincial Grand Lodge, 1st Monday/month, 8pm. Executive Meeting, last Mon/month 7pm. Knights Chapter, 2nd Mon/month 7.30pm. Examining Council, 3rd Mon/month 7pm. William Tilley 2371, Thurs 8pm. Buena Vista 9975, Weds (fortnightly) 7pm. Por Favor 9444, Weds (fortnightly) 7pm. Farewell 10001, Tues 8.30pm. Goldacre 10475 (social) last Fri/month 8pm. Special Interest Clubs & Societies Gibraltar Horticultural Society meets 1st Thurs of month 6pm, John Mac Hall. Spring Flower Show, slide shows, flower arrangement demos, outings to garden centres, annual Alameda Gardens tour. All welcome. Gibraltar Philosophical Society devoted to intellectually stimulating debate. Frequent lectures and seminars on a range of topics. Contact 54008426 (after 6pm) or email gibphilosophy@ live.co.uk for further information. The Gibraltar Photographic Society meets on Mon at 8pm, Wellington Front. Basic courses, competitions etc. Harley Davidson Owners’ Club www.hdcgib. com UN Association of Gibraltar PO Box 599, 22a Main Street. Tel: 200 52108. Creative Writers Group meet every Tuesday at the Eliott Hotel bar at 8pm. The workshop is run by Carla, Tel: 54006696 and is aimed at learning to write fiction and non-fiction, for pleasure or publication. Each session is £5.00. Sports Supporters Clubs The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters Club meet at the Star Bar, Parliament Lane, when Spurs games are televised - call prior to matches to check the game is televised. Great food for a lunch if the KO is early or an early supper if the game is later. For info call Mario on 56280000. Gibraltar Arsenal Supporters Club meet on match days at the Casino Calpe (Ground Floor). Gooners of all ages welcome. Tel: Bill 54010681 or Dion 56619000. Website: www.clubwebsite. co.uk/ArsenalGibraltarSC/. Gibraltar Hammers meet on match days at the Victoria Stadium Bar, Bayside Road. All league games are shown live. All West Ham supporters and their families are welcome. For details visit www.gibraltarhammers.com or e-mail gibraltarhammers@hotmail.com Sports & Fitness Artistic Gymnastics: Gibraltar Artistic Gymnastics Association club for beginners, juniors and squad at Bayside School in evenings. Tel: 200 Angela 200 70611 or Sally 200 74661. Athletics: Gibraltar Amateur Athletics Association holds competitions throughout year for juniors, adults and veterans. Two main clubs (Calpeans 200 71807, Lourdians 200 75180) training sessions at Victoria Stadium. Badminton: Recreational badminton weekdays at Victoria Stadium (Tel: 200 78409 for allocations). Gibraltar Badminton Association (affiliated to IBA & EBA) has leagues and training for adults and secondary school. Tel: Ivan 200 44045 or Linda 200 74753. Basketball: Gibraltar Amateur Basketball Association (affiliated FIBA) leagues/ training for minis, passarelle, cadets, seniors and adults at a variety of levels. Tel: John 200 77253, Randy 200 40727 or Kirsty (minis) 200 49441. Billiards & Snooker: Gibraltar Billiards and Snooker Association (member IBSA) round leagues and competitions at various venues. New members welcome. Tel: Eddie 200 72142 or Peter 200 77307. Boxing: Gibraltar Amateur Boxing Association (member IABA) gym on Rosia Rd. Over 13s welcome to join. Tuition with ex-pro boxer Ernest
Victory (200 75513 w, 200 42788 h). Canoeing: Gibraltar Canoeing Association. Tel: Nigel 200 52917 or Eugene 58014000. Cricket: Gibraltar Cricket Association (member ICC) runs leagues/competitions at Europa Point/ Victoria Stadium. Junior/senior training. Tel: Tom 200 79461 or Adrian 200 44281. Cycling: Gibraltar Cycling Association various cycling tours. Tel: Uriel 200 79359. Darts: Gibraltar Darts Association (member WDF) mens/ladies/youth leagues/competitions. Tel: Darren 54027171 “Secretary”, Dyson “Youth Rep” 54024149, Justin “President” 54022622 Email: info@gibraltardarts.com Football: Gibraltar Football Association leagues/competitions for all ages October-May. Futsal in summer, Victoria Stadium. Tel: 200 42941 www.gfa.gi. Senior Tel: Albert 200 41515, Junior Tel: Richard 58654000, Women’s Tel: Brian 200 52299. Recreational football for over 35s Tel: Richard 200 70320. Golf: Med Golf tournaments held monthly. Tel: 200 79575 for tournament venues/dates. Gibraltar Golf Union has competitions through year, EGU handicaps. Tel: Bernie 200 78844. Hockey: Gibraltar Hockey Association (members FIH & EHF) high standard competitions/training for adults and juniors. Tel: Eric 200 74156 or Peter 200 72730. Judo: Gibraltar Judo Association UKMAF recognised instructors for all ages and levels at Budokai Martial Arts Centre, Wellington Front. Tel: Charlie 200 73116 or Peter 200 73225. Ju-jitsu: Gibraltar Ju-jitsu Academy training and grading for juniors/seniors held during evening at 4 North Jumpers Bastion (Rosia Rd). Tel: Tony 200 79855 or club 200 47259. Karate-do Shotokai: Gibraltar Karate-do Shotokai Association sessions for junior/seniors, gradings and demos at Karate Clubhouse, 41H Town Range Tel: Andrew 200 48908. Motorboat Racing: Gibraltar Motorboat Racing Association Tel: Wayne 200 75211. Netball: Gibraltar Netball Association (affiliated FENA & IFNA) competitions through year, senior / junior leagues. Tel: Moira 200 41795 or Suzette 200 41874. Petanque: Gibraltar Petanque Association plays at Giralda Gardens, Smith Dorrien Ave. New members welcome. Tel: 200 70929. Pilates - at the King’s Bastion Leisure Centre Mondays 1pm-2pm and Wednesdays from 1pm - 2pm and 5.30-6.30pm. For further enquiries call Chantal 60518882 or email: chan_elle82@ yahoo.co.uk. Pool: Gibraltar Pool Association (member EUKPF) home and away league played on Thurs through season. Tel: Linda 200 74753. Rhythmic Gymnastics: Gibraltar Rhythmic Gymnastics Association runs sessions for 4 years of age and upwards, weekday evenings. For more information contact Sally Tel: 200 74661. Rugby: Gibraltar Rugby Football Union training sessions for Colts (14+), seniors and veterans. Play in Andalusia 1st Division Oct - April. Tel: James 200 72185 Sailing: Gibraltar Yachting Association junior/ senior competitive programme (April - Oct) Tel: RGYC 200 48847. Sea Angling: Gibraltar Federation of Sea Anglers (members FIPS-M & CIPS) Superb calendar of events with four clubs participating. Tel: Mario 200 72622 or Charlie 200 74337. Shooting: Gibraltar Shooting Federation (over 14s). Rifle, Europa Point range (Joe 200 74973); clay pigeon, East Side (Harry 200 74354); Pistol, near Royal Naval Hospital (Fidel 200 71990). Skating: Gibraltar Skating and Xtreme Sports Association. State of art ramps for Xtreme/aggressive roller blading /skate boarding. Leisure skating facilities provided within excellent rink (when not used for roller hockey training). Tel: Eric 200 70710 (after 5). Snorkelling & Spear Fishing: Over 14s for snorkelling, over 16s for spear fishing. Tel: Joseph 200 75020. Squash: Gibraltar Squash Association, Squash Centre, South Pavilion Road (members WSF
what a page turner! www.thegibraltarmagazine.com
& ESF). Adult/junior tournaments/coaching. Tel: 200 44922 or 200 73260. Sub-Aqua: Gibraltar Sub-Aqua Association taster dives for over 14s, tuition from local clubs. Voluntary sports clubs: Tel: Phil 200 44606, Noah’s Dive Club Tel: Leslie 200 79601, 888s Dive Club Tel: Martin 200 70944. Commercial sports diving schools also available. Swimming: Gibraltar Amateur Swimming Association (member FINA & LEN) opens its pool for leisure swimming Mon - Fri 7-8.45am, 12- 4pm, 8- 9pm. Junior lessons, squad for committed swimmers, water polo (Rebecca 200 72869). Table Tennis: Gibraltar Table Tennis Association (members ITTA) training / playing sessions, Victoria Stadium, Tues 6-10pm and Thurs 8-11pm with coaching and league competition. Lizanne 200 45071/54020477 or Eugene 58014000. Taekwondo: Gibraltar Taekwondo Association classes/gradings Tel: 200 Mari 44142. Tai Chi: Children’s fun Tai Chi at the Yoga Centre, 33 Town Range, Saturdays 11-12am. Beginners Tuesdays & Thursdays at Kings Bastion Leisure Centre. 6.30-8pm. Adults £5, Children £2, all proceeds to GibMissionAfrica Charity. Contact Dilip on 200 78714 or rocktaichi@traningtm.net Tennis: Gibraltar Tennis Association, Sandpits Tennis Club, excellent junior development programme. Courses for adults, leagues / competitions. Tel: Frank 200 77035. Ten-Pin Bowling: Gibraltar Ten Pin Bowling (members FIQ & WTBA) leagues, training for juniors and squad. Contact Charly on 56014000 or Paul on 54029749. Triathlon: Gibraltar Triathlon Union (members ITU) Chris 200 75857 or Harvey 200 55847. Volleyball: Gibraltar Volleyball Association (members W & EVF) training, leagues, competitions for juniors/seniors. Tony 200 40478 or Elizabeth 58306000. Yoga: Integral Yoga Centre runs a full programme of classes from Mon-Fri at 33 Town Range. Tel: 200 41389. All welcome. Theatrical Groups Gibraltar Amateur Drama Association Ince’s Hall Theatre Complex, 310 Main Street E-mail: gibdrama@yahoo.co.uk Tel: 200 42237 www. geocities.com/gibdrama Trafalgar Theatre Group meet 2nd Wed of month, Garrison Library 8pm. All welcome. Theatrix: Contact Trevor and Iris on Tel: 54006176 or email theatrixgib@yahoo.co.uk Clubs, Associations, should submit details to The Gibraltar Magazine gibmag@gibraltar.gi
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010
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).
Med Golf News The 2010-2011 Med Golf season is now well underway, and the latest competition took place at La Canada Golf Course, where the players enjoyed a great golf course and a great day. It was a successful day for Steve McEwan who won the Famous Grouse Trophy and a pro shop
voucher for 100 euro with a superb winning score of 38 pts. Winner of 1st category (0-12 handicap) was Peter Warren 32 pts, Peter also had the best gross score with 82 shots. Runner up in 1st category was Andy Cunningham with 32 pts. Winner of the 2nd category (13-21 handicap) was Steve Cary 35 pts, runner up Johann Olivera 34 pts. Winner of 3rd category (22-36 handicap) was Chris Purkiss 31pts, runner up Ann Hillerton 27 pts.
Other prize winners for nearest the pins were, Steve McEwan, Jim Dickson, Allan Sene, David Liu, Steve Cary and Greg Araujo. Top team went to Steve Munns and Steve McEwan with 67 points. Top senior player was Keith Johnson and longest Drive went to Jordan Brown. For full schedule and the benefits of joining Med Golf visit www. teetimespain.com or contact Johnathan on mobile 56001055 or by e-mail at jg@medgolf.gi
GibDFAS lecture CAVENDISH GibDFAS will be holding a lecture on William Cavendish by author of “Cavalier”, Dr. Lucy Worsley (Chief Curator, Historic Royal Palaces), on 17th November at 7pm, Eliott Hotel, Gibraltar. For further details, contact: Claus Olesen 200 02024 – claus.olesen@ sghambros.com or for membership of GibDFAS contact Ian Le Breton 200 76173 - ilebreton@ SovereignGroup.com
Religious Services Baha’i Faith Tel: 200 73287 www.gibnet. com/bahai email:bahai@gibraltar.gi Bethel Christian Fellowship Tel: 200 52002. Queensway. Sunday service 11am. Church of England Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. Tel: 200 78377. Sung Eucharist, Sunday 10.30am. Sunday School. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day 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 • NOVEMBER 2010
& 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.
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information
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dmission 9.30am to 7pm by tickets (includes entrance to sites - St. Michael’s Cave, Monkey’s Den, Great Siege Tunnels, Military Heritage Centre, ‘A City Under Siege’ Exhibition and Moorish Castle). Facilities closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Adults £10, children 5-12 years: £5, children age 4 and under free, vehicles £2. Private vehicles may be restricted at certain times, tours available by taxi/mini bus. The Natural History & Heritage Park is also reached by cable car (leaves Grand Parade 9.30am-5.15pm Mon-Sun. Last cable down: 5.45pm). 50p per person to walk with no entrance tickets.
T
he flora and fauna on the Upper Rock are considered to be of great conservational value. It’s a perfect place for birdwatchers, as migratory species use Gibraltar as the shortest crossing between Europe and Africa, but botanists will also be interested to see over 600 species of flowering plants, including some unique to Gibraltar. Watch out for colourful lizards, non-venemous Horseshoe Whipsnakes, butterflies and pipistrelle bats. Info on flora and fauna is found at the Gibraltar Ornithological and Natural History Society’s information centre at Jews Gate. St. Michael’s Cave: The cave comprises an upper hall with five connecting passages and drops of 40-150ft to a smaller hall. A further succession of chambers, some at 250ft below the entrance, is reached through narrow holes. The Cathedral Cave is open to visitors and is used as an auditorium for concerts and theatre. The cave was prepared as a hospital in WWII, but never used. A further series of chambers ending in a mini lake is called Lower St. Michael’s Cave and can be visited with a guide. The Monkeys’ Den: There are around 160 monkeys in the Park and around 30 can be seen at the Monkey’s Den. Often called apes, they are tail-less Barbary Macaques and Europe’s only free living monkeys. £500 fine for feeding the monkeys - don’t do it! The Great Siege Tunnels: Tunnelling in the Rock began during the Great Siege (1779-1783) when France and Spain made an attempt to recapture the Rock while Britain was busy with the American War of Independence. Governor General Elliot offered a reward to any man who could tell him how to mount a gun on the north face of the Rock. It was a Sgt. Major Ince who suggested tunnelling and there are now over 30 miles of tunnels inside the Rock with various exhibitions inside the tunnels.
of the earliest British building on the Rock. Original graffiti, drawn by duty soldiers to stop themselves falling asleep, is still visible, the earliest dating back to 1726. The Moorish Castle: actually just part of a Moorish town and castle which was built up during the Moorish occupation of the Iberian Peninsula, spearheaded from Gibraltar in 711AD by Tarik-ibn-Zeyad (“Gibraltar” is a corruption of the Arabic words “Jebel Tarik” - Tarik’s mountain). The part we see today, The Tower of Homage, dates back to 1333AD, when Abu’l Hassan recaptured the Rock from Spain. Natural History & Heritage Park Walks: Med Steps is a stunning walk with the steep climb at the end rewarded with spectacular views of the Rock and Spain. Another recommended walk is St Michael’s Cave through to Charles V Wall but walkers should be relatively fit for both. It is also pleasant walking along the upper rock roads. Brochures available free from all Tourist Board offices. Botanical Gardens: Opened in 1816, the Alameda Botanical Gardens fell into disrepair but are currently being restored to their former glory. Visitors can enjoy a stroll beneath pines, dragon trees and palms, and see many of Gibraltar’s native plants as well as exotic species. The shop sells environmentally friendly gifts, plants and seeds. Tel: 200 72639/200 74022. Parking. Nelson’s Anchorage: Rosia Road 9.30am - 5.15pm Monday to Saturday (last entry at 5pm). Closed on Sunday. Admission: £1.00 (free of charge with Nature Reserve ticket. Tickets for the nature reserve can also be bought at this attraction). Parson’s Lodge: Rosia Road. A narrow limestone outcrop with a labyrinth of underground tunnels surmounted by an impressive battery, which has witnessed the development of coast artillery over 300 years. Once housed three 18 ton 10-inch rifled muzzle loaders positioned behind a
unique sandwich of armour plate and teak, known as ‘Gibraltar Shields’. TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC.
per Rock, Europa Point and other sites of interest. It is the best way to see the Rock’s major features in a short time.
Flat Bastion Magazine Flat Bastion Road, Geological Research Station and Lithology of Gibraltar. To visit contact: F. Gomez Tel. 200 44460, P. Hodkinson Tel. 200 43910.
Tourist Board.....................Tel: 200 74950 Gibraltar Tourist Board, Duke of Kent House, Cathedral Square, Gibraltar. UK Tel: 0207 836 0777 giblondon@aol.com
Shrine of Our Lady of Europe (Museum within premises) Europa Road. 10am-7pm Monday to Friday, 11am-7pm Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays. Closed 1pm - 2pm.
John Mackintosh Hall.......Tel: 200 75669 Includes cafeteria, theatre, exhibition rooms and library. 308 Main Street 9.30am - 11pm Monday to Friday. Closed weekends.
Trafalgar Cemetery: Trafalgar Road, open 9am - 7pm daily (admission free).
Bicycle Racks Bicycle parking is provided at the following locations: Europort Road, Casemates Tunnel, Land Port Ditch, Fish Market Road, Commonwealth Car Park, Reclamation Road (by English Steps) + Line Wall Road.
Business Information
Gibraltar Financial Services Commission ......Tel: 200 40283/4 website: www.fsc.gi Chamber of Commerce.......Tel: 200 78376 Federation Small Business.Tel: 200 47722 Company Registry...............Tel: 200 78193
Useful Numbers
Airport (general info.)..........Tel: 200 73026 Hospital, St Bernards..........Tel: 200 79700 Weather information.................Tel: 5-3416 Frontier Queue Update.......Tel: 200 42777
General Information
Gibraltar Museum.............Tel: 200 74289 18/20 Bomb House Lane Open 10am - 6pm (Sat. 10am - 2pm). Closed on Sunday. Admission: Adults £2/Children under 12 years £1. Exhibitions also at Casemates gallery. Registry Office...................Tel: 200 72289 It is possible to get married on the Rock within 48 hours of arrival. A fact taken advantage of by stars such as Sean Connery and John Lennon. Rock Tours by Taxi............Tel: 200 70052 As well as offering normal fares, Gibraltar taxis provide Rock Tours taking in the Up-
Emergency Services Emergency calls only: Fire/Ambulance.......................Tel: 190 Police...............................Tel: 199/112 Emergency Number...............Tel: 112
The Military Heritage Centre: Housed in one of the Rock’s many historic batteries, the Military Heritage Centre displays information on the development of Gibraltar’s military defences through the ages. A City Under Siege Exhibition: Exhibits depicting the lives of the civilian population during the many sieges, are housed in one
History Alive
Every Saturday morning the Rock’s past is brought alive by a troop of soldiers in 18th century period uniform. The soldiers march from Bomb House Lane at 12 noon to Casemates. At Casemates they carry out a “Ceremony of the Keys” and then march back up Main Street to the Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned.
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Gibraltar Bus Company Routes
Public Holidays 2010
New Year’s Day Friday 1 January Commonwealth Day * Monday 8 March Good Friday Friday 2 April Easter Monday Monday 5 April May Day Monday 3 May Spring Bank Holiday Monday 31 May Queen’s Birthday * Monday 14 June Late Summer Holiday Monday 30 August Gibraltar National Day * Friday 10 September Christmas Day Monday 27 December (in lieu of Saturday 25 December) Boxing Day Tuesday 28 December (in lieu of Sunday 26 December) *Gibraltar Only Spain Fixed: New Year’s Day 1 January, Epiphany 6 January, St Joseph’s Day 19 March, Labour Day 1 May, St John 24 June, St James 25 July, Assumption Day 15 August, National Day 12 October, All Saints 1 November, Immaculate Conception 8 December, Christmas 25 December Moveable: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Corpus Christi Non-urgent calls: Ambulance Station..........Tel: 200 75728 Police...............................Tel: 200 72500 Gibraltar Services Police: Emergency Nos: ....Tel: (5) 5026 / (5) 3598
The Gibraltar Magazine is published and produced by Guide Line Promotions Ltd, 1st Floor 113 Main Street, Gibraltar. Tel/Fax: (+350) 77748
Natural History & Heritage Park
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2010 July 2004
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