Always with a Smile

Adnan Laoudy was born in Gibraltar 19 years ago and is February s student in the Men at Work Calendar.Currently taking a gap yearfrom University, Adnan is fluent in English, Spanish, French and Arabic and is about to embark on a Law Degree this coming September.

His parents were born in Morocco,although they moved to Gibraltar when they were very young, and they have been living here since they were teenagers. The whole family feels very much a part of the community and Adnan is always involved in community events.

During the summer he usually works as a lifeguard at local beaches where he trains to strengthen his swimming, one of his favorite hobbies along with going to the gym. He still found the time to get involved in modeling, acting and public relations and found it hard to say no when asked to support the Men at Work Calendar.

"1 started modeling with Mount Productions when a friend encouraged me to sign on. It was something 1 never thought I'd do, however when 1 did, I enjoyed doing it and loved both the runway and photographic side of it.

"Since then I've done many photo shoots, including one in the Algarve in Portugal but pos ing for this calendar was certainly a challenge and I don't regret having done it at all as I feel 1 was supporting a very worthy cause.

"All my life I had wanted to contribute in some way, as 1 felt this was one of the worst experiences a woman could go through. It upsets me when 1 find out about someone go ing through this and I really hope this calendar raises more awareness about the illness and does make a difference. 1 dedicated my page to the memory of all the women who did not make it and to all the women who overcame it, to their families, and to everyone going through this life changing experience right now.1 thank God I've never had a family member go through this but that doesn't moan I've never been touched bv the illness."

'Adnan has also taken partin a short film called the Inquisition written and produced by Martin Nuza for Gold Productions Studio."Making the film was great and 1 chose to take part in it as

"1 could concentrate on my studies and be come a lawyer which is something 1 have always dreamt of doing, or 1 could pursue a career as an officer in the Royal Gibraltar Regiment. 1 enjoyed that after spending a few months in the territorial Army. 1 know they are two very different choices but I love them both. Having said that though,1 know that should something else interest me in the near future, I would consider it.

"1 am an out-going, positive person who gets along with everybody and lovesto have fun,fun and more fun! But 1 know how to get on with things and be serious when it comesto work and important matters. 1 have a strong philosophy for living as if it was your last day and 1 always look at the positive side of things."

Bowling, Ice Skating, Cinemas, Disco, Restaurant, Youth Lounge, Amusement Arcade, Internet Lounge, Terrace Bar...

All under one roof in the historic King's Bastion

When the original city walls were breached in the 1770s to build the additional fortification which is King's Bastion, little thought was given by its designers, William Green and Lieutenant Governor General Boyd,to embellishment or style. The building was crafted to fullfil a function, but it is precisely this functionality, with its clean lines, and precise construction which makes it quite beautiful to a modernist's eye.

The brave decision made by today's govern ment to take this heritage site and — rather than turn it into a dusty museum, with wax statues in 18th century costumes, where tour ists alone wander in silence — instead create a strikingly modern £12 million leisure centre within its walls for all to enjoy is a brilliant example of how heritage and modern needs can be combined to provide something which benefits all.

The contemporary leisure facilities (14 lane bowling alley, first floor ice-skating rink, pool lounge, cinemas, restaurantand youth andadult bars) float within the bastion's towering lime stone walls, which can still be viewed in their entirety despite themany facilities now housed within.

Glass ceilings light the stone masonry, perfect archways lead to locker rooms and lounges, cannons form part of the design of bar areas. Materials have been chosen to contrast and compliment rather than emulate, and nowhere will you see faux renditions of 18th century style. Everything added is proud of its 21st cen tury provenance and makes no excuse for it.

The concept of the new leisure centre thrives on contrast — 21st century floating glass stairs co-exist with grey limestone blocks in the metamorphosis of a heritage site into a living, beating heart of the community.Its architecture harmoniously juxtaposes old and new,antique and ultra-modern, epitomising the best of the functionality and minimalism of both the 18th century bastion and contemporary taste.

I am sure greater numbers of more diverse people have appreciated at the beauty of the 1770s stone masonary since the leisure facilities opened on 1st March 2008 than in the previous 150 years.

The King's Bastion Leisure Centre establishes a framework of conceptual thinking on the significance of heritage, its preservation, and some of the pivotal issues concerning town planning within an historic city. This project shows that the needs ofthe community and the preservation of heritage can not only co-exist but can enhance each other, and not only give us a sense of where we came from, but where our future lies.

The King's Bastion Leisure Centre is open from 10am to midnight every day ofthe week.