The Gibraltar Magazine March 2005

Are you game for a new career?

• FULL & PART-TIME OPPORTUNITIES

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We at Cassava Enterprises (Gibraltar) Ltd are always on the look-out for the right people to join our fast growing organization, one of the Worldis biggest e-gaming groups operating under the famous 888.com banner.

Due to our continued growth and success, we are expanding our Fraud, Customer Services and Asian/European Language teams. Experience or knowledge of similar roles would be helpful, but not compulsory as extensive training and development is provided.

We are on the look-out for ambitious, dynamic people and offer competitive salaries, with an annual bonus scheme of up to 20% basic salary, fantastic career opportunities and flexible working hours.

Where else would you get to go to work in shorts and t-shirt, in fun trendy offices, with the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of our major sports sponsorships,free internet access and external training courses?

If you are interested in applying, please e-mail us for an application form at iobs@cassava.net or telephone (9567)49800

Will you enjoy it? You can bet on it!

Explosion setto benefitthe Reck

Gibraltar's financial institutions are set to benefit from the anticipated explosion of the expatriate population of the Costas... which local authorities in Spain predict will increase by almost half a million over the next five years; for, as many of the newcomers are expected to be in the higher income brackets, they will create a massive demand for a variety of financial services — ranging from banking and mortgages to foreign exchange and investment advice.

Several of Gibraltar's banks and other financial services firms already have staff with specific re sponsibilities to look after expa triate customers on the coast and in Portugal — and the Rock's Royal Bank of Scotland has a Mortgage department dedicated to financing homes in Spain for ex-pats. However most experi enced finance services players admit that staff are already stretched to meet the needs of their existing clients among the 300,000 permanent British resi dents on the Costa Del Sol and Costa Blanca.(And almost dou ble that number live in the two popular Mediterranean sun-traps

And a former Cibraltar-based financial expert with wide expe rience in both local banking and the Spanish property market be lieves that this offers a niche mar ket for a new form of financial services — as a conduit for ex pats to obtain independentchoice and advice on the best rates and services at no extra cost.

Supported by several major banks and building societies that are keen to expand their customer base among expatriates on the Costas and in Portugal, the new independent banking and invest ment service Banx International was launched recently — the brain-child of Paul Barnett and

There has been a steady shift in the type of expatriate making his or her home on the Spanish coast

for between three and nine months of the year.)

But there has also been a steady shift in the type of expatriate making his or her home on the Spanish coast — a switch from what were predominantly retirees and pensioners to couples and individuals changing their lifestyles. Many of these are younger — or at least middleaged — and most are consider ably wealthier with disposable in comes in the £150,000 to £250,000 or more brackets. So the interest of British financial institutions (and of their Gibraltar counter parts)in the potential market for their products is understandable.

Lucio Ventrella,both of whom are well known in Gibraltar from their work with the Royal Bank of Scotland International and Ab bey National Offshore.

Barnett held senior manage ment positions with both banks — covering Gibraltar, Spain and Portugal as well as running of fices in Dubai, Hong Kong and Switzerland for Abbey. Ventrella was an investment manager for RBS in Gibraltar and on the Costa Blanca until six years ago when he set up his own independent investment business — Overseas Financial Services, Spain — spe cialising in providing secure in vestments for ex-patriates.

Regulatory compliance is rec ognised by BI as a priority in all areas of business development. Consequently BI has obtained the required approvals to market in dependent financial distribution services from the relevant Span ish regulator.

"Though more and more finan cial institutions want to gain a

rectly on all the best products currently available, providing the customer with a clear comparison at no extra cost."

BI, he explains, works closely with leading local, international and offshore banks as well as with investment companies "to ensure customers get the best ac counts available with the best

share of the growing expatriate markets in Spain and Portugal, it is increasingly difficult to find knowledgeable and experienced staffto allow them to expand into the market place," Barnett says. "We do it for them.

"It has always struck me as vi tal that customers in the Costas had an independent choice of where to place their banking and investment needs, from sterling and Euro current accounts and deposits to private banking and long term investments," he adds.

"Rather than have to visit a number of banks at different ven ues,or phone numerous offshore call centres, we can advise di-

service possible". Products on of fer will include secure guaranteed investments in addition to "sen sible investments for the average UK expatriate client along with home income release schemes with major lenders and invest ment houses which allow clients to "increase income by maximis ing the equity in their main asset — their home," Barnett says.

The company, he adds, has set up a team of consultants through out the Costas, all of whom are former bank employees with ex perience in Britain and Spain or both. All are qualified to UK standards for banking and invest ment advice.

Paul Barnett of the newly launched Banx International

More and more financial institutions want to gain a share of the growing expatriate markets

There are around 600 species of wild flowers growing wild on the Rock.This amazingly large number of species in such a small area,is mainly due to the fact that there is a large variety of habi tats available to different types of plants. One such habitat is the littoral. Our coastline is heav ily developed by man,but there are still portions of natural coastline which can be colonised by plants which prefer such an environment. This habitat comprises the sea cliffs, the foreshore at Europa Point, and the sand slopes of the East Side. These are quite harsh environments, and plants which can survive here have to deal with salt sea spray and salt-laden winds,lack offresh water, and direct exposure to the sun. Many of these plants have adapted to these conditions by various means.In some cases the leaves are cov ered in tiny hairs, which give the plants a grey look. These hairs help the plant retain moisture, and also reflect sunlight. Other plants have a waxy covering on the leaves for the same pur pose, and others have fleshy leaves which store water.

1. The yellow homed poppy(Glauciumflavum) is a common plant of coastlines throughout Eu rope.The common name is derived from the long seed pods which can grow up to 20 cm long.The yellow flowers have four petals,and are around 6 cm across.

2. The silver sea stock {Malcolmia littorea) forms spreading clumps, and can be found on the East Side sand slopes. The flowers are around 1.5 cm across,and their strongly coloured flowers make a sharp contrast with the grey stems and leaves.

3. The winged sea lavender(Limoniujn sinuatum) has long been used by flower arrangers, as the flowers retain their strong colour for a long time. The purple/blue parts are actually bracts which surround the less significant white flowers at the centre. The common name refers to the narrow flanges or "wings" which run down the length of the stems.

4. The sweet alison (Lobularia maritima)is a very common plant, and can be found all over the Rock,not just along the coastline. The tiny white flowers form rounded clumps, and have a sweet scent. These plants are used as common garden border plants.

5.The sea holly{Eryngium maritimum)is very rare in Gibraltar.These plants are usually found grow ing on sandy beaches, almost down to the high tide mark! Here in Gibraltar,all such habitats have been obliterated by urban development, except for a small area at Western Beach. Here a couple of these plants can be found, but they are very vulnerable. The plants are extremely spiny, and the tiny blueflowersform tight clumps about2cm across.

6. The rock samphire {Crithmum maritimum)is a very common plant of our shoreline, and of roadsides along our coast. The fleshy leaves are edible, and can be used fresh in salads or else steamed or pickled. They are rich in vitamin C and mineral salts.

7. The sea daffodil [Pancratium maritimum} is a rare plant which is found on the East Side sand slopes and in North Front Cemetery.The flowere are around 10 cm across, and are scented. These plants grow on sandy beaches or sandy soil.

At The Heart Of Business

A prestigious second floor office in a restored heritage building, part of the highly successful Town Range Development

Central location, in the heart of Gibraltar's business centre, next to the Law Courts, and close to the Convent

Full rates relief on a 5 year reducing scale

Low Service charges estimated approximately £3,000 per year

Access from Town Range through an impressive period style marble and panelled entrance hall and via a lift or stairs

Secondary access at street level from Prince Edward's Road

Exceptionally high ceilings and large Victorian windows giving the unique feeling of space and time

Possibility to add mezzanine floors to increase overall floor area

Use of communal gymnasium facilities

Optional car parking spaces available in a mews courtyard

Available immediately and with the option to fit out to your particular specifications

Floor area 243m2

Telephone Sharrock Shand on 79530 to view

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Makey Real Estate opens

Cassava Annual Service Awards presented

Pictured above, attendees for Cassava's annual service award presentations with CEO John Anderson. Pictured are Ram Purswani- Fraud. Lucky SinghFraud. Fella Hamioumori - Fraud. Christine Lowe - Fraud, Larissa VoroninaFraud, Assym Jones•Fraud, Meron Shani- Accounts, Tomer Lev ~ Tech, Winston Fernandez - Support. Dean Harley - Support Christina King - Support Gelu Morales -Support Lee Myers -Support, Ann Roberts - Support Keiko SaitoSupport, Mark King - Support Chris Peach - Support Lionel Lake - VIP John Reyes - VIP, Kathy O'Brien - VIP Loyalty. Charles Murray-Promotions, Michelle Mack - Promotions, Susan Gemmell - Human Resources, Brian HutchisonSecurity, and Samantha Melia - Security. All the above completed a year or mare's service in December 2004 or January 200S.

Domain Name Auction

A generic domain names auction will commence on 1st March 2005 and full details on how to participate are available on the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority's website, www.gra.gi.

Earlier this year a new Estate Agency, under the directorship of Mark Makey opened its door to the public, Aptly named Makey Real Estate and located on George's Lane,just off Main Street opposite the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the agency offers properties in both Gibraltar and Spain. Makey Real Estate may be a new company,but Mark Makey is no newcomer to the local property markets. With over 20 years experience,beginning by

working at Mediterranean Estate Agents in the 80s and with the management company for Europort and Eurotowers in the 90s he has been on the front line in generating interest in the Rock's property potential. You can con tact Mark on 59090 (mobile: 58009635), email: makeyrealest® gibtelecom.net or call in at his of fices at6/1 George's Lane,Gibral tar. You will be assured of a friendly professional service.

The main objective of this auction is to relax current re strictions on registering ".gi" domain names and to provide an equal and fair opportunity for previous unsuccessful appli cants to obtain their domain names.

Companies wanting to regis ter their names will be able to do so as normal,but during the auction any individual can bid for domain names such as their surname or generic namessuch as "cars.gi", "fashion.gi", "lawyer.gi","accounts.gi" etc.

The auction will close at mid night on 31st March 2005 and the following day all the elec tronic bids will be assessed by the Gibraltar Domain Name Committee in front of a Notary Public. The highest bidders, subject to complying with the rules of registration, will obtain the domain names requested. If you require further infor mation please contact: Stewart Brittenden, Gibraltar Regula tory Authority, Suite 811, Europort Gibraltar. Email: auction@gra.gi. .

'We mostly frame pictures, certificates and the like,' Stewart Duthie explained;'but we do get unusual requests for such mementoes as medals,football shirts or service epau lettes to be framed for posterity, and in those cases a glass box is called for.'

To illustrate the 'epaulettes' ex ample,Stewart showed me a glass case he had made,containing a pair of fireman's epaulettes with the of ficer's number on,laid on a velvety mount. Clearly an heirloom in the making.

Stewart was born in Ayre, Scot land, but was brought up in South Africa because of his father's RAF commitments. 'I met my wife Louisa in Durban and after about four years we were married, 33 years ago.' They had their anniversary re cently and celebrated by having a night at The Rock Hotel, which they both found to be magnificent.

was pastor of a small church there as well; we also started a church school and a mission initiative.'

Andrew, a very good-humoured man (he laughed at all my jokes anyway), then became involved in physically providing aid to east European countries, particularly Romania, where he got to know Andrew Baker and his Gibraltarbased charity Ark Trust. As a result of this, Stewart and Louisa moved here, in spite of his church's objec-

wood,' he laughed. Nowadays he doesn't even know how many kilo metres of mouldings he has in his store, let along pieces. His stock covers about 150 different styles and colours for the frames;this sat isfies almost everyone, but if any one wants something out of the or dinary then he has two UK suppli ers'catalogues listing thousandsof mouldings to choose from.

etimes someone wants to reframe a family treasure or a beloved antique in the same style as the original

Som

Stewart has had a varied and interesting life. 'I started out as a motor me chanic, then we set up our own boat-building business in South Africa;' he told me,'but then in the early eighties I became a Christian, so I gave up the boats to go into the ministry and was the pastor of a small church in Africa for several years. I was then inexplicably drawn to south Wales — Bridgend in Glamorgan to be precise — and

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tion,and decided it was time to get back into business.

In 2001 he found that Macap Frames was for sale. It was started in 1976 by Ralph Capurro,but at the age of 70 and with increasing ill health he wanted to retire. 'I worked with Ralph for a couple of months and then took it over;' said Stewart.'On the day I started, the stock was literally 14 short bits of

Rolex Submariner Gold

It's not all straight angles, though.Sometimessomeone wants to reframe a family treasure or a beloved, antique in the samel style as the original,! and, as happened| whilst I was in the Town Range workshop,a lady called in to collect anj oval-framed photo-i graph. Ralph laughed when, puz-i zled, 1 asked him if he had a ma-l chine for bending the mouldingstoj the oval shape — I couldn'tsee howl he could stock an almost infinite va-l riety of radii to cope with eveiyj curve. He cheerfully put me right the ovals and other round figur are cut from a solid piece of wc with the centre being chopped) to leave the frame shape. I happy to share this knowledge wid you.

Mirrors are a regular request I framing; sometimes the cusfon already has the mirror, or son times Stewart obtains it and fra it.'1 always get my mirrors loca he emphasised.'I'm a great belie in supporting local businesse

£2,400 Tel:

principle, and particularly when that locality happens to be Gibral tar, which Louisa and I both love and are fully part of,' he said.

Being situated in Town Range, Macap Frames does very little tour ist business (except for the odd ones who get lost) but Stewart's customers are mainly local resi dents, many of whom have always used Macap for framing all their photos and certificates, and also bodies such as the government,the Convent, the Caleta and Bristol

craftsman, Stewart can produce a frame in an hour in a genuine emer gency, but normally guarantees to complete most orders within a few days, at prices from £8 to around £100.

He's very happy with his lot,due to his experiences in Africa and eastern Europe;'When you see people living where there is liter ally no food to be found at all, such as Romania, and their children shivering in the snow without shoes or socks, you come back

The shop also sells a select variety of prints, including modern French seascapes and antique English subjects

hotels, Hassans, Victor Chandler (horses and staff-event photos)and many Main Street shops for their displays.

The shop also sells a select vari ety of prints, including modern French seascapes and antique Eng lish subjects(one I saw was from 1876), a lot of the old ones having being inherited from the original Ralph Capurro.

A cheerful and conscientious

home and realise you've got noth ing at all to moan about,' he said.

Macap Frames is at 41D Town Range, almost opposite Leanse Place, and is open Monday to Fri day straight through from 9.30 to 6.00, except that Stewart closes on Wednesday afternoons at 1.00 to go out delivering and hanging.

The phone number is 72629, email gibraltarprints@aol.com or sales@gibraltarprints.com.

Game On braltar

Although it was only about six in the nnorning on the United States' eastern seaboard, on a recent February afternoon more than 4,500 American's were playing on-line poker with total stakes worth more than $1 million in a game operated by one of Gibraltar's 14 Internet betting companies. Bets ranged from $5 to $500 on each card drawn by the Cyberspace dealer... yet this was one of the Rock's medium-sized gaming operators.

E-gambling — and particularly on-line poker — has become a multi-million dollar global indus try and a growing number of the biggest Internet gaming compa nies are choosing to run their op erations from Gibraltar. So it is not surprising that when in full swing, iCIobalmedia — which has a li cence to operate in Gibraltar but is still in the process of starting up here — is likely to handle as many as 50,000 players at a time for its poker games where the wagers run to millions of dollars.

And, with seven of the Gibral tar-based e-gaming operators among the world's top 25,the Rock is picking up a comfortable slice of the cake, both in terms of revenue to the Government and the jobs which have been and continue to be created. With direct contribu tions to Government revenue of£5 million annually - and at least as much again going into its coffers as income tax and PAYE contribu tions from the sector's 1,000 em ployees - over the past five years, Gibraltar's electronic gaming in dustry has become a significant force in the Rock's economy.

Between them, the Rocks 14 companies run Internet casinos, sportsbooks or both, while two have also launched betting ex changes and they draw on clients from all over the world - except Gibraltar.

Though a local turf accountant and a casino have operated on the Rock for more than two decadescatering mainly for local punters and a handful of high-rolling ex patriates living on Spain's Costas - it was the low-key arrival some five years ago of Stan James and of the more flamboyant "gentle man's bookie" Victor Chandler that acted as catalysts for on-line gaming.

Chandler and other UK gaming firms who followed the trail he blazed sought to escape the crip pling levies imposed on bets by British gaming taxes and within

limits were welcomed by the Gi braltar government which offered attractive tax concessions to blue chip companies. A well-regulated financial sector and an increas ingly effective telecoms service

According to Victor Chandler International, Gibraltar's telecom munications system was signifi cant in the company's decision to base these operations on the Rock.

However, as more companies

on the Rock, iGlobalMedia which operates the world's biggest on line poker games, reckons that it will need almost four times as much bandwidth capacity as that currently available if it is to switch its entire operation to the Rock.

"Successive Gibraltar Govern ments have pursued a policy of ensuring that companies are prop erly established in Gibraltar with servers, management and control, as well as staff and personnel op erating from the Rock," the local Chamber of Commerce points out in its latest annual report. "This policy is both good for the economy and good for the gaming companies in that a real presence is essential to being able to oper ate from Gibraltar in an interna tional context."

In fact, until recently,it has been Government policy — and that of Tim Bristow, who as Gibraltar's Treasury Secretary is also the Rock's gaming "regulator" — to insist that gaming companies han dle their entire management op erations locally. At least one major British bookmaking firm was turned away because it could not accept these criteria.

"From the outset we were for tunate in being able to 'cherrypick' the gaming companies tO which licenses were granted,"says j Bristow. "All have been highly! reputable and have met the toughj criteria we have laid down.'

(which followed the merger of Gibtel and GibNynex to become Gibtelecom) able deliver the nec essary phone and Internet facilities added to the Rock's attraction for the gaming companies.

have been licensed and those al ready established have continued to expand, pressure on the Rock's telecoms services have increased. Indeed,one of the latest e-gaming companies to establish a presence

However,a partial sea-change i on the cards, according to Chie Minister Peter Caruana. Untill Gibtelecom is able to guarantee! secure bandwidth which iGlobalMedia needs — and tl would involve the telecommunic tions group in a long-term aj ment to 'buy' expensive band-j width from Spain according Bristow (who is, coincidentally also the chief executive Gibtelecom)— the poker gianti be allowed to carry on only parto its operations from the Rock,11 derstand.

Gibrattar s Chief IMinister Peter Caruana

"From the outset we were fortunate in being able to 'cherry-pick'the gaming companies to which licenses were granted"

"Gibraltar has enjoyed a huge success in gaming — on the back of a careful and responsible ap proach to the management of the industry, to the careful slection of players and to the limitation of the number of players," Chief Minis ter Peter Caruana says. "We've turned away blue chip players on the basis that we don't want the economy to become over depend ent on this activity. Thus there has been a controlled growth.

"However up to now that has been mainly on a self-regulatory basis and both the Government and the industry itself believe that this needs to change."

In consultation with the gaming industry the Government has asked a local legal firm and a lead ing United Kingdom QC who is an expert on gaming laws to draft ap propriate gaming legislation.

"The industry has now become large enough to justify the regula tory infrastructure and expense," Caruana says. "It has now grown

works for everyone," Caruana points out."And that requires al most one-to-one consultation with each of the licensees... and that is what we shall do. We hope to be able to do that early in 2005.

"Our target date for publication of legislation in terms of promul gation is within the first six months of the year — some time between now and June. The regu latory model that the Government would probably prefer is the model we have in the telecoms in dustry. In other words the minis ter will be the licensing authority, but once licensed there is a sepa rate regulatory authority... No de cision has yet been taken,but prob ably it will be done through estab lishing a gaming division with the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority and they will have to recruit peo ple... so there will be a properly resourced regulatory infrastruc ture."

Whether or not there will be a limit to the number of companies

to a point where 1 think it is ap propriate that it should operate within a statutory regulatory en vironment to ensure that custom ers are protected,that the jurisdic tion is protected,and that the gam ing companies themselves are pro tected against behaviour of other gaming companies.

"A statutory framework is also required because as the rest of the world catches up to life which is on-line — with'remote gaming'as it is called an example — I think Europe and the international com munity will start to develop a code of practice and guide lines to sepa rate the wheat from the chaff. In that context,unregulated jurisdic tions (or jurisdictions without a statutory regulatory framework) will be developing one of the lit mus tests. Because Gibraltar has been a global leader in hosting re mote gaming operations we wanted to do it at the front end."

It also was important that "all operators, all the licensees and all the players" should have oppor tunity to participate in shaping the legislation "because the Govern ment wants something that works for everybody".

"In other words, we've still few enough operators to have commonality of interest to come up with a piece of legislation that

which will be licensed "depends on whether we maintain the present policy or alter the present policy about how much of the ac tivity needs to be in Gibraltar," Caruana said."So, for example, if we continue to require a substan tial labour resource presence in Gibraltar then there is a limit simply because there is a limit to the supply of labour."

"The question is which activities MUST be carried out in Gibraltar. At the moment the policy is all ac tivities must be carried out here. The question — which is still only a question — for the Government to consider is: should that change to a system where we say the core activities MUST take place in Gi braltar but allow other activities which are not central to the con tract to take place elsewhere."

"If the Government were to de cide to go down that road, then theoretically we could license more players because all the ca pacity and labour dependency and resource issues would not operate to the same degree, But I hasten to add that is one of the issues the in dustry will be consulted about as part of the consultation process.

On the present basis we must be at — or if not at, pretty close to saturation point even on things like labour and housing."

Government of Gibraltar 6 CONVENT PLACE

OFFICIAL NOTICE

TENDER NOTICE

RE-DEVELOPMENT OF BEEN A VISTA BARRACKS AND PART OF NORTH C,OR(,E

Tenders are invited for the re-devclopmenl of the above areas. The Goveminenl is encouraging the establishment of a hotel within the barrack block (stone building) although it is open to other proposals for its future use. The rest of Buena Vista site is earmarked for housing and the North Gorge site is earmarked for affordable housing.

Further details,terms and conditions oflender and tender documents can be obtained on application from Land Property Services Limited.Suite 68(S"* Floor), Leanse Place, 50 Town Range,on payment of a fee of £50.00(non refundable).

Evidence of financial resources of the applicants to undertake the development will be required with submission of tender.

Completed tenders clearly marked "TENDER FOR BUENA VISTA BARRACKS AND NORTH GORGE"should be submitted sealed and addres.sed to the Government of Gibraltar, c/o Land Tender Secretary and must be deposited in the tender box siiuaieci at 68(3"^ Floor)Leanse Place, Gibraltar NOT LATER THAN NOON ON FRIDAY 27^ MAY 2005. Tenders will remain sealed until after the closing date.

Tenders delivered after the specified time and date will NOT be considered. The Government does not bind itself to accept the highest or any tender and may accept any tender in part.

WHO'S LOOKING AFTER YOUR PROPERTY?

The Crime Prevention & Reduction Unit, offers free advice and guidance to the general public on all matters involving crime awareness and security.

Have you considered...

An Intruder alarm for your premises?

Marking your property?

Installing an alarm system on your vehicle?

Keeping your property inside your vehicle OUT OF SIGHT?

Locking all doors and windows when you leave the house?

If you wish to consider all these and other matters to do with Crime Prevention, please give us a call.

"Gibraltar has enjoyed a huge success in gaming — on the back of a careful and responsible approach to the management of the industry"

Wlrnn Disaster Strikes...

When a hurricane devastated the Cayman Islands last September, the island's offshore financial infrastructure rumbled under the shock. Documents,tapes and discs belonging to accountancy and financial management firms and which contained vital, and sometimes irreplaceable, information were damaged or lost... and auditors and bankers are still struggling to sort out the affairs of some clients. An earlier hurricane wreaked similar havoc among some companies in Grenada's financial services sector.

For though,globally, most bigger companies use modern technology to "back up" data,ledgers and cor respondence on a daily, or weekly, basis, usually the material is stored locally — either in the company's own offices or with local service providers. In either case both sets of data are at risk from major natu ral or other disasters.

And where — as in the Carib bean — the economies of jurisdic tions rely heavily on offshore finan cial services, not only the reputa tions of the companies but of the ju risdictions in which they are domi ciled are threatened by exposure to the risks.

In both the Caymans and Gre nada many of the major financial sector players had learned from previous disasters and had put pro tection in place, their data stored beyond the area of Caribbean risk — several of them with the Jerseybased internet communications company Foreshore, whose MD Chris Evans visited the Rock in Feb ruary. Though their businesses were disrupted, within days of the disaster they had resumed services to their clients.

"I get the feeling — and it's only a feeling, nothing concrete — that regulators in some off-shore juris dictions may begin to put pressure on their financial services firms to provide this sort of secure cover," Evans told me.

Other than the infrequent earth quakes — for the Rock is close to a major tectonic fault line which runs through the Mediterranean — the threat of natural disasters affecting Gibraltar is rare. But, as a still sig nificant part of Britain's strategic defences, Gibraltar arguably could become a target for terrorist activ ity... an aircraft crashing into the city centre... or a fire raging through Europort could be as disruptively harmful to business as any Caribbean cyclone or hurri cane.They're unlikely,but possible.

And they are the sort of scenarios which Evans looks at as part of Foreshore's "disaster recovery"

Chris Evans Managing director of Foreshors says he has has a 'positive reponse"from Gibraltar firms for the Jersey-based company's disaster recovery service

programme.Foreshore,established five years ago as a subsidiary of the Jersey Electricity Co, operates a

electronic communications play an increasingly important part and the threat of"phishers","hackers" and

for secure"back up" for any impor tant data.

"We provide financial firms and institutions with the sort of contin gency' plans they need as insurance against the effects of disastersnatural or otherwise- on their busi ness," Evans says. "By storing key data safely away from the potential epicenter of a 'disaster' not only is the company protected, but the credibility of the finance industry in a particular jurisdiction is rein forced," Evans argues.

"Foreshore operates world class Internet hosting facilities from its two data centres in Jersey,the qual ity of which is unique in the world of offshore finance," Evans says. "Jersey has a strong reputation as a well regulated international finance and e-commerce centre and this combination has significant advan tages to other jurisdictions with similar economic reliance on a pros perous finance sector."The area of potential business that 1 have been exploring during my visit to Gibral tar is cross-jurisdictional disaster recovery (DR) services. We cur rently provide an Internet based data backup solution to companies wishing to insure themselves against business failure as a result ofcatastrophic disruption.Our Car ibbean customers are typical of what needs to be and can be done.

multi-million pound computer and information storage facility which is claimed to be the largest off-shore Internet data centre in the world. And in a financial world where

other Cyberspace criminals seems to grow as quickly as systems can be installed, Evans believes there is a groundswell of opinion in finan cial circles that recognizes the need

"As well as providing a contin gency against extreme weather phenomena, this type of service is equally applicable to mitigating the effects of any form of potential ca tastrophe including political or eco nomic uncertainty and more re cently the threat of terrorist activ ity or a catastrophic accident such as a plane crash into a concentrated business area. We rarely market our services directly to end customers and tend to use re-sellers who al ready sell their own local DR solu tions and layer our services on top."Most of our end customers are in financial services and this type of activity helps to reinforce the long term sustainability of local fi nancial services which tend to have

Other than the infrequent [small] earthquakes the threat of natural disasters affecting Gibraltar is rare

'shallow roots'. Compliance with emerging regulations and adher ence to principles of best practice are also drivers for more sophisti cated DR plans which often have regulatory implications.As a result, we work very closely with the Jer sey Financial Services Commission and the relevant authorities in the jurisdictions where we currently

tained in e-mails," Evans points out.

"It may become the target of a wide range of threats, including 'spoofing', from hackers and in truders — in fact, e-mail is so eas ily intercepted that it is the elec tronic equivalent ofsending a post card."

Foreshore's 'Privacy Profes-

offer service."

E-mail has become "a mission critical application" in most mod em businesses, he points out and in this context Foreshore's'Privacy Professional' operations are also important., he adds.

"At any given time, some or all of a company's confidential data and intellectual property is con-

sional' — a sophisticated system thatencrypts messages and their at tachments — provides "total secu rity"fore-mail communications,he assures me.

Messages are digitally signed and the decryption and verification process "ensures they have not been tampered with" and are from the authentic sender.

Fair dealfor flyers

New EU laws that enter into force on Thursday 17th February should provide comfort for Gibraltar holidaymakers stranded at airports because of flight delays and cancellations, says Euro-MP Graham Watson.

Each year around one quarter of a million passengers get a nasty surprise when checking in for flights in airports across the EU. Airlines often overbook flights to make more money as they expect passengers not to turn up. But occasionally too many people turn up for a flight and some unfortunate passen gers get left behind.

From today increased financial compensation will be given to passengers denied boarding due to overbooking of flights. Pas sengers on short flights will re ceive around £170, an extra £70 on top of currentrates, with com pensation for longer flights dou bled to around £420.

Gibraltar Lib Dem Euro-MP Graham Watson argues that air lines have got to accept mini mum standards of public service.

He said:

"If low cost airlines are here to stay, as looks likely, then they cannot build their businesses on the basis of cutting comers and

overbooking. Customers should have rights to fair treatment and protection from shoddy service even when they might be getting a bargain if all goes well."

The new law will also mean that for the first time passengers whose flights have been cancelled or delayed will be compensated for the inconvenience. This will also extend to holidaymakers on charter flights as well as sched uled departures.

Passengers whose flights are cancelled will now be entitled to receive the same level ofcompen sation as those denied boarding, as well as a choice of a full refund or an alternative flight. Travellers who are delayed for more than 5 hours will receive a full refund if they chose not to travel.

In addition to financial com pensation, passengers who are delayed,denied boarding or have a cancelled flight must be pro vided with meals, refreshments and if necessary, hotel accommo dation.

"It may become the target of a wide range of threats, including 'spoofing',from hackers and intruders

'A lot of our regular customers are English-speaking people from the Costa del Sol/ Anita Benady told me as I looked around The Gi braltar Bookshop.'They can get English novels in Spain nowadays, but not the non-fiction books they often need.'

The shop, on the corner of Main Street and Governor's Lane, oppo site the Supreme Court,has the look and feel of a traditional bookseller's, with most of its space dedicated to books rather than flashy display counters.

Anita was born in Gibraltar but was evacuated to Madeira during the war, after which her family set tled in Tangier, and there she lived until 1972 when her brother, the noted local historian Tito Benady, asked her to come and join him in the bookshop he was opening. Al though she had a good job as the head of a girls' boarding school in Tangier, she didn't hesitate at the chance to move back to Gibraltar after about 30 years.

'The premises had been occupied by The Art Shop before we took over,' Anita told me,'and it was only half the size — we knocked it through so that the rear store room became part of the shop,and we put in the traditional-looking windows that are still here today.' At that time the other book sellers in Gibraltar were Beanland's on Main Street and,as far as Anita could recall,one in the Imperial Newsagency — also on Main Street.

Nowadays,with Tito living in the UK (although visiting the Rock regularly) Anita continues running the busy bookshop with the help of Juliet in the mornings and Elizabeth in the afternoons. Between them

and hardback formats,but 1 learned that this only makes up about twenty five per cent of the stock.

'We are the main non-fiction book shop in Gibraltar,'said Anita;'three quarters of our books cover such

The well bound old books in the large Gibraltar section are the only second-hand volumes in the shop

they deal pleasantly and compe tently with the steady stream of people buying or enquiring.

I asked Anita if she reads a lot herself, being surrounded by the thousands of books in stock. She laughed:'The truth is that I have to spend so much time reading re views and trade magazines about books — so that 1 know what to or der — that I just don't have time to read the books themselves.'

The shop stocks ail of the bestselling novels in both paperback

subjects as medicine, science, mili tary, poetry, travel, cookery, some school books,biographies and a lot more. We also specialise in old and new books about Gibraltar.'

The well bound old books in the large Gibraltar section are the only second-hand volumes in the shop — and the most expensive.'These are collectors'items,'she explained, 'and the prices can go up to around £60 for some of them.'

To complement the Gibraltar books there are some of Vin

Mifsud'sfine prints of various Rock views, but as far as 1 could see they were the only non-book itemsin the shop — unless you include the au dio books for those with sight diffi culties.

1 noticed there was also a good yachting section, including alma nacs and pilot guides.I got the over all impression that there was some thing on just about every subject— and if it's not on the shelves then the shop will order any book you want.It usually takesfour weeksfor delivery and the service is used a lot, both by private readers and such professionals as lawyers whose specialised reference works are usually too expensive at source for the bookshop to keep them in stock on spec.

Another feature of The Gibraltar Bookshop is a stand facing the en trance which contains publishers' reductions, with some major bar gains to be had — £7 off a £20 book, for instance.

Many tourists find their way into the shop,and are usually glad they did so, but local readers and collec tors form half of the business.Anita told me that she still has regular customers who have been coming in since the shop opened — 33 years ago.

The Gibraltar Bookshop,at300Main Street, is open all dayfrom Warn until 6.30pm,Monday to Friday,and the teF ephone numberfor any enquiry is Gi-| braltar 71894.

Since she took over the shop a lit tle over two years ago she has to tally revamped the decor, and as well as nautical books she is now selling UK papers, wonderful fresh sandwiches, pies and pasties, and offers internet access, cheap inter national calls, post boxes for the boating commu nity, lottery and Telebingo tickets, and even has time to arrange FedEx parcel de liveries! You would assume this young lady would be rushed off her feet and looking to relax, but no.

Due to the recent closure of Tesco at Marina Bay,Deborah decided the local community couldn't do with out some sort of 'supermarket' so has changed her shop again to in clude a grocery section selling all the essential from tea and coffee to toothpaste and shampoo. She hasn't neglected our furry friends

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either cat and dog food,and she has also recently added fresh milk (something Tescos didn't stock!).

Due to demand the magazine section of the shop has also ex panded to cover most tastes, and if you need something special she will try to find it for you — this also extends to customers requir ing specific gro ceries, all you have to do is ask, she says.

The shop is open from 9.15 until 6pm Mondav to Friday and from 10am until 3pm on Saturday and Sunday,though she will review this in the summer if demand requires. Albor Newsagents can be found between Biancas Restaurant and Dive Charters on the marina front — perfect for a lazy weekend when you want to catch up on reading the news. She looks forward to meet ing you.

Market Fresh Flowers

Marie ofPetal & Stalks,former!}/ based at the entrance to the ICC, has now relocated to the Public Market just next to Casemates Square at the northern end of Main Street. She looksforward to seeing all her old customers again, and would like to thank every one who helped her during the move.

Law Firm Charles A. Gomez & Co is well known for a number of high profile court cases and its popular conveyancing section.

Over the last 18 months, the firm has also offered the general public a unique free advice serv ice under the direction of Gibral tar's first Ombudsman, Henry Pinna.

The Head of Chambers,Charles Gomez explains the service: "Legal disputes can be avoided with minimum damage if the problem is dealt with in a cool, common sense manner. Our firm has put this concept to good ef fect for mapy years with both cor porate and business clients. The same principles apply to all poten tial legal problems."

Charles Gomez adds that Henry Pinna has "the people skills" and contacts within the community to ensure that citizens who use the service get the best chance to resolve their issues as painlessly as possible.

The service is free and consists of an initial 1-hour consultation with Henry Pinna.

Henry Pinna says that he is pleased with the variety of mat

ters that he has had to deal with. These have ranged from potential disputes with public authorities, between private individuals and even advising new businesses on legal requirements.

He continues: "We have had some notable successes. We op erate on the principle that the best way to resolve a problem is to have full information and clarity and a willingness to enter into genuine and meaningful dia logue. Discussions are held in a well-meaning, non-confronta tional manner.Only in the few in stances where no just settlement can be achieved will 1 recom mend to clients that they consult a lawyer. I do however work closely with the barristers at Charles A.Gomez& Co to ensure that the legal rights of those who come to see me are represented.

The service is based on the top floor of Charles A.Gomez & Go's office building. Enterprise House at 5 Secretary's Lane. This floor also houses a confidential Coun selling Service "Line Link".

Appointments can be made by calling 74998 or attending at the office during working hours.

In addition to advice on property, Charles A. Gomez Chambers provides advice and representation on dispute resolution and litigation at all levels, business set up and licensing.

We are members ofthe Gibraltar Bar Association.

They say time stands still for no man, and this is certaily true of Deborah of Albor Newsagents in Marina Bay.

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Limbs spread-eagled in the typical free-fall sky-diving posture — but safely "anchored" to an instructor — a succession of nine Gibraltar staff of the Royal Bank of Scotland plunged towards the Spanish countryside.

The ground seemed to rise to wards them at a "terrifying rate" of 180 miles an hour setting their adrenalin flowing in a mix of ex hilaration and, for some, of fear... a fear which, one of the divers as sured me was offset by the knowl edge that the dive was raising cash for Gibraltar charities.

In fact the sponsored sky-dives, organised by Lino Brydges of the bank's Real Mortgage division, raised more than £16,000 andtrepidation or no — most of the "divers" plan to repeat the experi ence. "It was great — pretty scary but great — and I'll certainly be doing it again," said Marvin Cartwright afterwards.

Brydges and his instructor were the first to step into space at 15,000 feet. Some 5,000 feet below him, a fluffy white carpet of billowing clouds gleamed in the winter sun light,and a further 10,000ft beneath this lay Seville and the drop zone which was the target for Brydges and his eight RBS colleagues mak ing their first parachute jumps.

"It was only as 1 plunged into

that first layer of clouds that I had a brief moment of feeling scared...and fleetingly I wondered what on earth 1 was doing," he ad mits. "Up to then the pump of adrenalin and the exhilaration of the experience hadn't left space for

first-time sky divers — pulled the ripcord and the parachute billowed out,slowing the speed of fall to the equivalent of a sedate stroll. With the parachute taut above his head Brydges had five minutes in which to enjoy his eagle's eye view of the

nervousness.

Falling at a speed equivalent to nearly 190mph—the drop through the first 10,000 feet took a short 55 seconds! — the disorientation and trepidation caused by the "blind" passage through the clouds didn't last long, Brydges says."Once out of the clouds I found myself wav ing to the cameraman who had dived with us... and there was this wonderful clean silence..."

At 5,000 feet the instructor from Sky Dive Spain — the company which arranges such feats and whose staff jump in tandem with

slow approach of the Seville coun tryside before landing in the centre of the drop area.

Brydges had organised the char-

ity jump — which will benefit the Gibraltar Broadcasting Corpora tion's fund-raising'Open Day'and St Martin's School for children with special needs — in response to a challenge from a friend who won dered whether the head of the RBS Real Mortgage team "had the bot tle" to emulate his own sky-diving ventures.

"I took up the challenge, but de cided that if I was going to dosome thing like that 1 would do it for a good reason... like a'good'cause," he explains. "Although the bank's primary concerns are for the needs of its customers — and in my case particularly to help people to ac quire homes in Spain as painlessly as possible — RBS also recognises that it has a role to play in contrib uting to the welfare and well-being of the society in which it operates."

IOthers among the bank's staff shared his view,so that as Brydges drummed up sponsorship among his colleagues several volunteered to join the jump. And having skydived once, most share Brydges' enthusiasm and plan tojump again.

"It was great — pretty scary but great and ril certainly be doing it again/' said Marvin Cartwright afterwards

Sir Edward Berry

As the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar approaches (21st October) Gibraltar Magazine will be taking a look at some of the major participants in that epic encounter. This month we look at Sir Edward Berry, one of Admiral Horatio Nelson's bravest and more capable captains.

Nelson and Berry had first come together on the Ai^cnu'ttinon which Berry would later captain at Trafal gar. He also fought with Nelson at Cape St.Vincent(1797)and the Nile (1798).

Nelson had been unemployed for five years when in January 1793 he was appointed in command of the Agamemnon. He was particu larly pleased because the ship was crewed by men from his home county of Norfolk. Nelson always had a soft spot for the Agememnon which he commanded froml793 to 1796.

Agememnon, nicknamed 'Old Aggy' by her crew was a beautiful yet hard vessel built in 1781 and, unusal for the time, her hull was re inforced with 100 tons of wrought iron and sheathed in thirty tons of copper.

Berry, bom in 1768(making him ten years younger than Nelson), was the son of a London merchant but his father died when he was young leaving him to be raised by an uncle in Norwich.Berry entered the Navy as a Midshipman in Burford through the patronage of Lord Mulgrave.

From the start Berry showed tre mendous courage in battle and in 1794 he was made lieutenant for his bravery in boarding a French ship of the line. In May 1796 he was ap pointed as First Lieutenant to the

Agametmion. He quickly won Nel son's confidence.

Nelson wrote to Admiral Sir John Jervis: "I have as far as 1 have seen every reason to be satisfied by him, both as a gentleman and an officer,"

Jervis added in the letter to the Admiralty:

"Lieutenant Edward Berry of whom the Commodore writes so highly, is a protege of mine and 1 know him to be an officer of talents, great courage and laudable ambi tion."

Berry's finest moment came at the Battle of Cape St. Vincent. By that time he was a Commodore and was traveling as a passenger aboard Captain, 74 guns.

At St. Vincent the British fleet was under the command of Jervis and was outnumbered two to one — 30 to 15. The British attack was led by Culloden, while Captain.

under the command of Nelson,was last in line but two. In the heat of battle Nelson saw that some Span ish ships were attempting to escape. The Captain quickly altered course

and steered straight for the Span ish van and attacked at close quar ters.

TheCaptain lost her fore-topmast, all her shrouds, all her sails and

ropes and her wheel wasshot away. Undeterred Nelson crashed into the San Nkolaa and ordered "Call for boarders!".

Without hesitation Berry leapt onto the deck of the Spaniard and was followed by Nelson leading the main boarding party. Berry reached the poop and hauled down the col ours while Nelson went forward and received the swords of the Spanish officers. Continuing in their assault the boarders took the

NELSON'S CAPTAINS

"Lieutenant Edward Berry of whom the Commodore writes so highly, is a protege of mine and I know him to be an officer of talents, great courage and laudable ambition."

San }osef which was also lying alongside, again Berry was to the fore.

When Jervis's Victory (the same Victory that Nelson would com mand at Trafalgar eight years later) passed the battered Captain the crew of the flagship gave a rousing cheer. By his initiative Nelson had won the battle. Jervis was made Earl of St. Vincent, Nelson was knighted and raised to Rear Admi ral of the Blue.

In April 1978 Nelson hoisted his flag in the Vanguard, 74 guns, with Edward Berry as his flag captain. Later at the Battle of the Nile, an other overwhelming Nelson tri umph, Berry was in command of the Vanguard. After the battle he was sent off with dispatches in the 50-gun Leander but was captured by the 74-gun Genmux which was one ofonly two French ships of the line to escape from the battle.

Berry was later freed in a pris oner exchange and gained his re venge two years later when,as cap tain of the Foudroyant duringthe blockade of Malta, he captured the Cinireux and the Guillaume Tell, the othership of the line which escaped the Nile battle.

Berry was knighted at the end of the Napoleonic Wars (1815) and was promoted to Rear Admiral in 1821. Owing to ill health he never hoisted his flag at sea and died in 1831.

The high regard Nelson held for Berry can be best illustrated from a royal reception when the two men were presented to the King George III.

The King told Nelson how sorry he was thatthe Admiral had lost his right arm (amputated after being hit by grape shot at Tenerife), Nel son turned to Berry beside him and replied, "Yes, sir, but not my right hand".

After surviving so many fero cious battles the Agamemnon was holed and sank in the Rio de la Plata in June 1809.

Eliott& the Battle ef Trafalgar

by Paul Hodkinson

One of the few genuine relics of Nelson's victory at Trafalgar still to be seen in Gibraltar is a rather ungainly sculpture of General Eliott, hero of the Great Seige.

The statue of the General, now resident in the Convent patio,has smiled benignly on generations of Governors. It serves to remind them of their duty and of what might be ex pected of them in time of cri sis. The direct link to the Bat tle of Trafalgar is that this to tem was carved from the bowsprit of the San Juan Nepomuceno,last in the line of the Franco-Spanish fleet that faced Nelson in 1805.

The Navio(ship of the line) San Juan Nepomucemo(74)was built at the Royal Yard in Guarnizo(Santander)during 1765. At 169 feet long and weighing in atsome 2700tons she was very strongly built and in time she proved to be a good seaboat. Her equip ment included 28x 24pdrs, 30x 18pdrs, 8x 12 pdrs and 8 X 8pdrs and she had a splen didly coppered bottom; which was the last word in protection against the dreaded toredo. As a floating for tress she had a crew of over 550 men, could deliver a broadside weight of metal of over 6001bs and like any similar ship of the line, would have scared her enemies witless. By the time of Trafalgar she was already an old ship—but a distinguished one — having served her nation well, notably in the Caribbean where she partici pated in several sieges.

Churruca himself had his leg taken off by a cannon ball but continued to direct the fight until death

overtook him.

After the battle, the worn and injured crews ofboth sides had to contend with a south westerly gale.

A number of vessels sank, ran aground or were wrecked, some were retaken by a small French squadron from Cadiz and a few by their own crews. Just four of the original 18 prizes were delivered to Gi braltar. They included the French Swiftsure,and the Span ish Bahama, San Ildefonso and San Juan Nepomuceno.

On 21'"' October 1805 she was commanded by Commodore Don Cosme Damian Churruca,a highly intelligent tactidan and thorough going seaman. His position lead ing the fleet, as Nelson ap-

proached,changed to last in the line when Admiral Villeneuve abruptly reversed course and headed for Cadiz. Churruca observed to his second in command,"The fleet is doomed. The French admiral does not understand his business. He has compromised us all". He was not alone in his opinion; but with little choice in the matter, he did what good commanders do best hefought.Hefought bravely,at one point surrounded by six British warships, his ship was dismasted and more than half his crew were slain. Churruca himself had his leg taken off by a cannon ball but con tinued to direct the fight until death

The San Juan Nepomuceno was retained at Gibraltar, stripped out and kept as a hulk for the next ten years, with the name HMS San Juan. It is said that the cabin in which Churruca had died was kept locked, as a mark of respect to a brave officer. The ship's only remaining spar was her bowsprit, from which General Eliott's effigy was carved and the statue was installed in the new Alameda in 1815, where it sat for the next 42 years. That was until the arrival of Sir Traxton Eliott Drake, a descendant of the great man,who took an instant dislike to what he perceived to be an unflat tering likeness of his forbearer. He was sufficiently moved to commis sion a more appropriate bust of the General, which Governor Sir James Fergusson installed on a classical column and that remains in the gar dens to this day.

The wooden General is perhaps the only resident of Gibraltar today, who was in the thick of the action at Trafalgar... and is still around to tell the tale.

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The successful move of all the Gibraltar Health Authority's patients in St Bernard's Hospital from its old location in the upper town to its new environment in the Europort area took place during February.

The move went smoothly and all patients and essential equipment were moved within a 5-hour pe riod. This would not have been possible exceptfor the understand ing and co-operation of those many Gibraltarians who suffered the in convenience of drastically reduced parking facilities in the vicinity of both hospitals as well as on the routes bet\veen them and for the co operation of the general public in avoiding the use of their vehicles during the move period,easing the circulation of traffic and making it so much easier for the ambulances and coaches carrying patients be tween the two hospitals.

St John's Ambulance, the Royal Gibraltar Police, the Royal Gibral tar Regiment,the Friends of Mount Alvernia, Community Care Ltd, and many volunterrs assisted in the move.

The opening of a new hospital is

a major undertaking and the GHA stresses that for some months to come there are bound to be teeth ing troubles and new challenges emerging as it settles into the new hospital and its staff adapts to its new working environment and conditions. "Please bear with us during this period which we will try to keep as short as possible."

The new hospital retains the name St Bernard's Hospital, and is located at Harbour Views Road. All departments Help Desk: 79700, Accident and Emergency 73941, Wards:James Giraldi Critical Care Unit 71012, Miliicent Macintosh Maternity Ward 51297,John Mack intosh Male Medical Ward 48132, Victoria Mackintosh Female Medi cal Ward 48133,Captain Murchison Ortho Trauma Ward 48123, Rain bow PAedicatric Ward 48152, Dudley Toomey Surgical Ward 48153.

Mount Alvernia expands

The fully refurbished and ex panded Mount Alvernia has now opened it doors to 65 additional residents. 4 high priority cases from the community have already been accommodated,50 long stay elderly patients currently occupy ing beds in hospital have been transferred,and another 11 people from the community moved into

their new home.

Mount Alvernia has increased its capacity by 65 to 137 by open ing additional floor area which had previously been unused. The 1st,2nd,3rd and 4th floor,together with the 3rd and 4th floor annexes, are now all residential areas, with the 3rd floor housing high depend ency nursing cases.

L Wilding BSc (Hons), MChS, SRCh, ABAHChP 180 Main Street Tel: 51482 Safeway Pharmacy Tel: 75785. Free advice line: larry@gibnynex.gi

CHIROPRACTORS

Dr Steven J. Crump BSc. DC. MCC ICC Suite F5C 1st Floor, Casemates. Tel: 44226

Gillian Schirmer MA, DC. MMCA McTimoney Chiropractor, Clinic {Claudia's).

1st Floor, 58 Main Street Tel: 74040 After hours: 40026

Dr Carsten Rudolf Steiner BSc. DC Steiner Chiropractic Clinics, College Clinic, Regal House. Tel: 75769

DENTAL SURGEONS

Mike CJark BDS

The Main Street Dental Practice

180 Main Street Tel/Fax: 52882

Bruce Hogg BDS

62 Main Street, Suite 6, PO Box 909 Tel: 76817

Samuel Ibgui BDS 62 Main Street, Suite 6, PO Box 909 Tel: 76817

Dr Keith J Vinnicombe BDS(Wales)LDS

RCS(Eng)MFGDP(UK)

Unit FSB, international Commercial Centre,2a Main Street. Tel/Fax:40747

Emergency After Hours: 78756

GENERAL PRACTITIONERS

Dr J. Shelley & Dr M. Salem College Clinic, Regal House. Queensway. Tet: 77777 Fax; 72791

E-mail: info@coilegeclinic.gi

Website: www.collegeciinic.gi

Taurus

HEALTH STORES

The

HOMEOPATHS

Ken Oftedal.BSc, MAEHU

At Claudia's Beauty Clinic (Fridays) 58 Main Street. 1st Floor Tel: 74040 lor 952 89 64 24)

OPTICIANS / OPTOMETRISTS

Eye Studio Opticians Unit 208 Grand Casemates Tel: 47800 Fax; 47801

Gache & Co Limited 266 Main Street. Tel; 75757

L. M. Passano Optometrist 38 Main Street. Tel: 76544

ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON

Dr Erik Thomsen Foot & Orthopaedic Clinic

1st Floor ICC, Suite F7, Tel: 41576

PHYSIOTHERAPISTS

Francis Cassaglia

Foot6 Orthopaedic Clinic 1st Floor ICC, Suite F7. Tel: 41576

G. Keuper-von Kader BRTR CREFITO Healthier Life Clinic.

252/2-11 Main Street, Tel: 70421 Website: www.heaithierlife.gi

Steven A. Soussi I.I.S.T. M.S.S.T, B.O.A Onho Tech Cert.

Orthosports

47 Governor's Street

Tel: 44655 Urgent: 54013464

Workshop: 55b Devil's Tower Road

PODIATRIC SURGEON

Christopher Lees Foot & Orthopaedic Clinic 1st Floor ICC, Suite F7. Tel: 41576

REIKI

Marian Rush Fortunes, Casemates Square

Tel: 51058

Email: rush_about@hotmaii.com

SPORTS THERAPIST

Simon Coldwell DipFTST lcspiistwabba

Unit G3, Eliott Hotel

2 Governor's Parade

Tel; 51113 Mobile: + 34 678 857 185

Email: simon coldwell@hotmail,com

shopping & gifts

Gold 'n' Gifts

68 Irish Town Jewellery, Crystal, Glassware * Mineral World 7E Casemates Arcade Rocks, Shells, Carving, Masks

Out of Africa

Interesting Selection of Handmade Southern African Crafts from Stone Sculptures and Woodware to Bright Fabrics and Small Gifts

1st Roor ICC

Open: 10am • 7pm Mon- Fri Sat 10 • 2

MOItOCCAM HANDICRAFTS

Sam&aU - Slifpcrf - - UcltsCAftAHS -PoMffcs - DrA«« - rotter%i ALL AT THE BEST PRICES lat Floor. F2I ICC BMiteins

gallery mosaic

2nd hand Books / Exchange Wide range of Greeting Cards,Gift Wrap and Soft Toys

Very low prices. Also, New & Exciting Gifts including Novelties,Porcelain Dolls,Soft Toys & Russian Crafts. 84, Irish Town Tel; 71238

TECCy'S

NOW OPEN AT IRISH TOWN fiexf fo the Art Shop opp. Panorama

The Alternative Secondhand Book Exchange Service, also Greeting Cards, and Cake Decorations Exchange Video & DVDs Open: 9.30•6.30 Mon - Fri, iO.dO ■ 1.30 Sat.

The iMspirAtiOHAl Coitrc

Yom'II Be pAScmAtcD At Fortvitics llimsmti Gifts for Ex'eriione On the Casemntes

•aSlSU\*MrL^

"The Bunch with a Punch

Tinged with a little sadness,899 Squadron,"The Bunch with a Punch" {a name derived from the squadron's badge which depicts a winged mailed fist), arrived in Gibraltar recently equipped with six single-seat FA.2s and a brace of twin-seat T.Bs, to conduct the last training course for Sea Harrier pilots.

The Somerset based squadron knew time was not on their side as the unit was due to de-commission at the end of March, and they still had one final course to complete. Consequently, Gibraltar was cho sen to be the venue because of its fine weather record, which is defi nitely something that cannot be guaranteed at their base at Yeovilton at this time of year. It is also something that is of particular interest to me.

Memories of leaning on the pe rimeter fence at Dunsfold Airfield in Surrey on a summer's day in the late 70s, watching the prototype Sea Harrier being put through it paces. Memories of March 1980 at the press launch and re-commissioning of899 Squadron with their brand new Sea Harriers that sub sequently led to the first article 1 ever managed to get published in a magazine.

So what am 1 doing 25 years on? Still writing, and what am 1 cover ing? 899 Squadron again!

Formed at Hatston on 15'^ De cember 1942, 899 Squadron was equipped with 12 Seafire Mk.IIcs and soon embarked in HMS hidnmifahlc to head for the Mediter ranean in support of the landings on Sicily, but during this operation the ship was torpedoed and the unit subsequently flew to RAF North Front, Gibraltar. Later the unit embarked in HMS Huiih'r to provide cover for the landings on Salerno as well as other duties in the area.The Squadron finished the war in the Far East and became a training unit in Australia for the pilots of the newly created Austral ian Fleet Air Arm, before disband ing in September 1945.

When the unit reformed in 1955, it was equipped with Hawker Seahawk jets and took part in"Op eration Musketeer", which was part of the Suez campaign, flying from the aircraft carrier HMS Ea gle. The squadron disbanded again in January 1957.

Re-commissioning again in Feb ruary 1961, 899 became equipped with the Sea Vixen carrier based strike-fighter as the HQ unit at RNAS Yeovilton until 1972. In fact it was one of 899's Sea Vixens that

had the task of tlying the last Brit ish flag out of Aden to HMS Eagle following the British withdrawal from the country.

On 31-' March 1980 the squadron was reformed at Ycovilton on the Sea Harrier and it has operated this aircraft type for the last 25 years. Officially, and sadly,the unit ceases to exist on 3P' March 2{X15 after a quarter of a century of service with the Sea Harrier. It had served with distinction in the 1982 Falklands campaign operating from HMS Hernu's, and more recently flew in support of operations in the Adri atic and Bosnia-Herzegovina dur ing the mid-nineties while em barked in HMS Invincible.

Commander John "Cbip^

The Sea Harrier will continue to serve with the Royal Navy for an other year,801 Squadron will con tinue operating the type until March 2006 when it too will dis band, and the last all British de signed and built naval fighter will bow out of service and be con signed to aviation history. Its re placement however comes in the shape of the Harrier GR.7/7A(and later the upgraded GR.9 version with a more powerful engine and an updated avionics fit), which will be operated jointly by Fleet Air Arm crews alongside their RAF counter-parts in the recently formed joint Force Harrier (JFH). The JFH will consist of two squad rons manned by RAF personnel working alongside two squadrons of Royal Navy pilots together with a shared Operational Conversion Unit (OCU). Since the Navy's crews are specialised in the role of air defence, while the RAF's have always been employed in the ground attack role, the amalgama tion of the two into a joint unit does make a good deal of operational sense. The Harriers will remain in service until around 2012, when they are due to be replaced by the new Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), an exceptional multi-role aircraft, ca pable of taking on both ground at tack operations as well as the task of Air Defence.

So ends an important era in the Fleet Air Arm's history, the killer blow finally caught the "Bunch with a Punch".

^TinasR!fflTj!isfrSesigneiRnffiL^ naval fighter will bow out of service and be consigned to aviation history

LawlerMBEMI

Students of Notre Dame school were treated to a visit of RAF Gibraltar, to view die inslting Royal Navy Sea Harriers of899 Sqn. The students were able to watch the aircraft take off and land from the air traffic control tower before being taken to meet the pilots and sup porting personnel. Pilots of899 Sqn talked to the students about the Sea Harrier and show ftwB around an aircraft.

12'GATE, computers

Across

I) Device for amusing children in, e.g. a playground (10)

7) Mediceval French song(7)

8) The rabbit in The Magic 1 or a folk singer(5)

10) A short distance(4)

II) Young trees(8)

13) Type of plant found in some corals(6)

15) Cheap talk(6)

17) Early style of bowling in cricket(8)

18) Smudge(4)

21) Fairylike(5)

22) in The Magic 1, he wentboiing!(7)

23) Number present(10)

Send completed crosszvord to:

The Cannon Bar. Cannon Lane, Gibraltar. One entry per person.

first PRIZE: Lunch for 2 at The Cannon Bar

Winner notified in next issue of The Gibraltar Magazine.

Closing date:23th March 2005

Last month's answers;Across:1.Clint Eastwood,8.Clue,9. Ecstatic, 10 Nineteenth, 12. Pocket, 14. Barney,

UI feeling(3,5)

Moors etc.(7)

The pink cow in The Magic 1 (10)

Prying person (4,6)

12) Little girl in The Magic 1(8)

14) Excessive

Guoney Bird uver Gibraltar

Ameriean.servlcemen i.n Europe, Korea and Wietnam knew it as the "Gooney Bird"; the Royal.Air Force — Vvhrch-during World War II acquired 1,951 pougias C47s — calletf the aircraft the."Dakota" the nameB'y which.it is still best known; and more than 40 years later. South African soldiers and police being ferried to fight terrorists on the borders of Angola, Zimbabwe and Mocambique dubbed it the "Vomit Comet" because of the noisy, bone-jarring discomfort of the aircraft when used as military transport.

ph9tO>in>Prank Hskwrt

The aircraft were slow, almost cumbersome, and when I flew for the first time in a'Dak',in the early 1950s, the flight from Cape Town to Johaimesburg took seven and a half hours — a journey that takes a modem jet a quarter of that time. But the Dak had a reputation for safety and — or so I was told at the time — was the only civil airliner which,if it lost both engines,could glide to safety. Years later when working on a book aboutSAAF air craft 1 discovered that there actu ally had been a version of the air craft which was a glider.

(And in April 1965 a Dak oper ated bv North Central Airlines in the United States was reported to have logged no less than 85,000 fly ing hours without an accident... which, at the time was claimed to be a record for any type of civil air craft.)

The first commercial Dak rolled offthe production line in the United States 70 years ago this December... and one of the last built — over slightly more than a decade later— is one of several that have been re stored and is scheduled to visit the Rock in September... in time for at least 20 flying enthusiasts to join in Gibraltar's National Day celebra tions. Each will have paid a mini mum of Euros 4,480 for the round flight from Berlin to the Rock — by way of Perpignan,Almeira, Valen-

cia and Tangiers — and back to Ber lin's historic Tempelhof airport via Raima, Marseilles Zurich and Augsburg.

The first Daks to take to the air commercially were known as DSTs (the Douglas Sleeper Transport) creating quite a stir because it had bunks in which its 20 passengers

augural venture organised last year by Marc Hertling's Berlin-based Classic & Adventure Tours. And perhaps it is fitting — at least in a historical sense — that the air trip begins and ends at Tempelhof air port for this was at the hub of the Berlin Airlift which broughtin food and fuel to save thousands of Ger

The air mechanic accompanying the flight simply trimmed off the rough edges and bound up the wing tip with masking tape...

could snatch some sleep during the long, long pre-jet flights across the American continent.And though it took their service in war to make the "Gooney Bird" a legend of the air, those early "sleepers" were credited with changing the face of US air travel.

The flight from Germany to the Rock is similar to a successful in

used to be in the service of the Royal Air Force, is an important event for the people of Gibraltar". Really? There will be visits to the siege tunnels,to St Michael's Cave, while "at the Moorish castle you'll meet Barbary Macaques, who tend to mock the tourists or — if you're not careful — steal your wallet,bag or camera."

I suppose that this is how legends are made... but at least those relat ing to the Dakota (in all its forms) are based on more than a tourism handout!

mans from probable starvation when Russia sealed off access to the beleaguered city in 1948 and 1949.

Arriving in Gibraltar on the eve of National Day,the air enthusiasts will be officially welcomed by "the acting minister of tourism Mr J.J.Holiday" [sic] for — according to the advertising hype for the trip — "the arrival of the DC-3, which

One of my favourite anecdotes concerns an ancient aircraft oper ated by Zimbabwe's Air Force in the late 1970s. It made a rough land ing on a bush air-strip, hit a tree and tore off about one metre of a wing tip. The air mechanic accompany ing the flight simply trimmed off the rough edges and bound up the wing tip with masking tape... after which the Dak carried out the rest of its programme for the day,seem ingly none the worse for damage that would have grounded most other aircraft.

And the South African journalist who told me of this particular ad venture added an anonymous air man's verse:

They patch her up with masking tape, And paper clips and strings; And still sheflies and never dies, Methuselah zvifh wings...

fi

The Royal Caipe

"WitGhcrdft"^ci the Bdrhdm

The dramatic film is shown over and over again in documentary films of World War II. A crippled battleship lies floating on its port side then suddenly hlows apart in a spectacular explosion that sends smoke soaring into the air and debris flying in all directions. The famous newsreel Is of the sinking of HMS Barham the only British battleship to be sunk in the Mediterranean in World War II.

The Barham is back in the news these days because spiritualists in Great Britain have launched a cam paign to clear the name of Helen Duncan a psychic who revealed the loss of the Barliam before the Gov ernment.

"We want to clear her name,"says Michael Colmer, editor of Psychic World Mflyflz/HC and leader of the campaign to pardon Duncan.

Duncan was the last person to be tried under the Witchcraft Act of 1735 and also the person responsi ble for having it repealed. Prime Minister Winston Churchill, himself a bit of an amateur spiritualist, was incensed when she was brought to trial in January of 1944. Churchill wrote in his autobiography that when he escaped capture during the Boer War he was "guided by some menial planchette {a spiritualist tool) to the only house in a 30-mile radius that was sympathetic to the British cause"

During the Duncan trial the irate Prime Minister wrote a letter to the Home Secretary:

"Give me a report on the 1735 Witchcraft Act. What was the cost of a trial to the State in which the Re corder was kept busy with all this obsolete tomfoolery and to the det riment of the necessary work in the courts?"

Churchill lost the election in 1945 but when he was re-elected in 1951 he had the Witchcraft Act repealed.

Looking back it doesn't seem to make much sense to prosecute a middle-aged mother of six for giv ing seances — welcomed by her cli ents — in the middle of World War 11. There is speculation that the Brit ish Intelligence community had be come to believe so much in her pow ers that they were afraid she would

reveal the date tor D-Day landings at Normandy.She was found guilty and sentenced to nine months in prison which kept her behind bars until well after the invasion of 6th June,1944.Her right to appeal to the House of Lords was denied. She served her full sentence and was re leased on 22nd September 1945.

Duncan's defenders believe that the Government was spitefully ex acting revenge for her revealing the sinking of the Barham before it had officially been made public.

The Barhaiti was an old battleship

Anxious to have Barhain rearmed in preparation to face the modern German and Italian navies the Ad miralty ordered her home for a re fit. This brought another tragedy.

On the voyage from Gibraltar to Scotland Barhaiu was escorted by three destroyers Duchess, Dainty and DW/y/if, which were returning home from their China station.

All of the ships zig-zagged in or der to make it difficult for u-boats to obtain a fix. This resulted in a col lision between the Barhatn and the Dzic/iess as the convoy neared Scot-

During this seance the spirit of a sailor appeared wearing the hatband of HMS Barham. The spirit told those assembled that his ship had been sunk

with strong connections to Gibral tar when she went down after be ing hit by three torpedoes from U331 on 25th November 1941. When one watches that famous newsreel its hard to imagine that there were any survivors but 396 were rescued while 861 perished.

When the Barham went down the Admiralty was informed almost immediately but Naval Intelligence decided not to release the news and even asked the families of the crew to cooperate in keeping it secret.The year 1941 was a bad one for Britain at sea, the Mighty Hood had been sunk in May,and the u-boats were winning the Battle of the Atlanbc. It was probably deemed bad for mo rale to report the loss of another fa mous capital ship so soon.

Barhain, launched in 1914, had fought at the battle of Jutland in 1916. She often visited Gibraltar in the twenties and was stationed at the Rock when war was declared on 3rd September 1939.

land. The much smaller Duchess went down with loss of 117 men out of a crew-of 140.

After undergoing refit and exer cises Barhairi was sent to Africa and look part in the bombardment of Dakar.

She then returned to Gibraltar where she was targeted (unsuccess fully) by the Italian frogmen who harried shipping in Gibraltar har bour during 1941-42. From Gibral tar she went to Malta and then to Alexandria to join Eastern Mediter ranean Fleet. It was while sailing in convoy from Alexandria with HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Valiant that she was sunk.

So Barhaiii would have been a well-know ship when Helen Duncan held her infamous seance in Novem ber of 1941.

During this seance the spirit of a sailor appeared wearing the hatband of HMS Barhain.The spirittold those assembled that his ship had been sunk.

It is not certain how the Admiralty learned of the event but the most logical seems to be that the sailor's distraught mother was present and went to the Admiralty demanding to know why she hadn't been in formed of her son's death.

The fact is the Admiralty did in form the families that their loved ones were 'presumed lost' in a let ter dated 6th December 1941 but it also requested that they should not 'communicate this sad news to any but your immediate relatives, who should similarlv be asked to regard it as highly confidential.'

The Admiralty did not make the official announcement of the loss of the Barham until 27th January 1942. On the same day the captain of U331 Von Tiesenhausen (*see author's note) received the Knight's Cross to the Iron Cross.

Fellow psychics will want to be lieve that Helen Duncan did com municate with a dead sailor from the Barham,sceptics will not.One thing to consider is that at the time of these events Helen Duncan was living in the naval base of Portsmouth. The loss of the Barham would have been common knowledge in every pub in town within days, if not hours, of her sinking.

'Author's note: U-331 uvis sunk by planes from the aircraft carrier HMS Formidable on 17th November 1942 with the loss of32 lives. Tiesenhausen and 16 crew members ivere rescued and spent the rest ofthe loar in a prisoner of war camp in Canada. After the zvar Tiesenhausen emigrated to Vancouver, Canada and died there in August of 2000. My Canadian father zoas torpe doed by U-92 on 16th November 1942. He was rescued and after the war,and until his death in 2001,he lived twenty milesfrom Vancouver.

Queen s J{oieI

SKY^^ SHOP

Calendar of Events

Sat 5 March

Gibraltar Heritage Trust visit to Forbes Quarry led by members of The Gibraltar Museum.Time: 10.30 am Meeting Place: Forbes Quarry. For information Tel: 42844

Wad 9 to 11 March

MO Productions Gibraltar Stage Dance Festival at John Mackintosh Hal! Theatre £ 5 per night or £ 12 {Season Ticket).

Tickets from the Nature Shop - Casemates Square. Contact Seamus Byrne Tel: 79758

Thur 10 March

Trafalgar Theatre Group Social Night "St David's" at Garrison Library 8pm.

Tues 15 to 18 March

Bahai Faith Painting Exhibition "Mujeres del Mundo"at John Mackintosh Hall 10am10pm. Entrance Free. Contact Tel: 73287

Tues 15 March

GONHS - Monthly Talk The Strait of Gibraltar by Fernando Barrios - Nature

Photographer. John Mackintosh HallCharles Hunt Room 8.30pm. Contact Tel: 72639 / 76818 Entrance Free.

Wed 16 March

The Gibraltar Philharmonic Society

Concert "Spirituals" Karen Slack (San Francisco Opera, USA), Traci Luck (Philadelphia Opera, USA),The DurantJazz Orchestra. Music Director; John Durant, Venue: Sacred Heart Church. Tickets are available from the House of Sacarello &

Levy Estate Agent. Further information contact Angeio Tel: 72134 website: w.w.w.philharmonic,gi

Sat 19 March

Gibraltar Botanic Garden Tour. Meet atThe Nature Shop, Alameda Cottage near the entrance at Red Sands Road 10.30am. There is no fee but donations are welcome. Tel: 72639 /Fax 74022

Email: alameda@wildlife.gib.gi. Website: www.gibraltar.gi/alameda

Sat 19 March

GONHS - Monthly Outing "El Picacho" early spring flowers & beautiful scenery. Meeting place is the Spanish side of the frontier Sam. Contact Leslie Linares Tel: 75356 or email: plants@gonhs.org

Sat 19 March

Gibraltar Skating and Extreme Sports Association, Skate Park Open Day from 2-6pm Including Roller Hockey matches with the newly formed Under 10 team.

Sun 20 March

Gibraltar Heritage Trust visit to Cape Trafalgar led by Joe Desoisa. Time: 9.30am. Meeting at Coach Park, Waterport £5 per person. Tel; 42844

Sun 27 March

Caipe Rambles.The meeting place is the Spanish Side of the Frontier just to the right of the Aduana Vehicle Exit at Sam. Contact Ray Tel: 71956 orJohn Tel: 74645

La Maggie Retires

Margaret Perera aka "La Maggie" recently retired from the Gibraltar Tourist Board after 15 years of service.

At a farewell party held last month, Peter Canessa, Chief Ex ecutive of the Gibraltar Tourist Board presented her with a bou quet offlowers and some farewell gifts on behalf of her work col leagues.

The Don Paclflco Affair

In 1847, David Pacifico, a Portuguese Jewish merchant known as "Don" Pacifico, was living, trading and generally minding his own business in Athens when an anti-Semitic mob took it into their heads to burn his house down.

Don Pacifico,"Mr Peaceful", was ill-named. He was not exception ally belligerent or confrontational, but neither was he a man to shirk a fight when necessary. Feeling that the authorities might have afforded him and his property a tad more protection than they had, he ap plied to the Greek government for compensation.They said no.It was the age-old story of the individual against the state; a classic mis match- Manchester United v Hali fax Town Reserves,Muhammad All V, well,Wayne Sleep.It should have ended there, and Don Pacifico should have lived out his life in impenetrable obscurity and gone to his grave without troubling the scorers of history.

Except for the fact that he had been born in Gibraltar.

That made him a British citizen, so he turned for help to the British government.It was a shrewd move. The British Empire was atits height, Britannia ruled the waves, and most significantly of all,the foreign secretary of the day was Lord Palmerston.

Palmerston was born Henry John Temple in Broadlands, Hampshire on 20'''October 1784. Known to friends and family as "Harry", he was the son of an Irish peer, the 2""^ Viscount Palmerston, who tried desperately to cash in his title for its United Kingdom equivalent and thus gain for himself and his heirs a seat in the House of Lords.

The full extent and nature of the stratagems he employed will never be known, but they failed miser ably. Thus, when he died in April 1802, Harry became 3'^'' Viscount Palmerston in his turn. Had his fa ther's ambitions succeeded, he would have taken his seat in the Lords, and the political history of 19th Century Europe would have been markedly different. As it was, he entered the Commons in 1807, at the age of 23, and stayed there almost without a break until he died in harness as Prime Minister on 18"' October 1865,two days be fore his 81®'birthday.

By then, his name had become a byword for chauvinism,aggressive foreign policy,and general bloody-

Pacifico had been born in Gibraltar. He was a British citizen, and the upstart

mindedness. Or steadfastness, if you prefer. He inspired the term "gunboat diplomacy",and the Don Pacifico affair did much to earn him his reputation.

When Don Pacifico's pleas landed on his desk he might have asked his private secretary to draft a polite reply expressing sympathy, but regretting that there was little Her Majesty's Government could do.99 politicians out of a hundred would have done just that, but it was not Palmerston's way.Pacifico had been bom in Gibraltar, He was a British citizen, and the upstart Greeks were treating him mon strously. It was the sort of thing with which Palmerston would not put up,and in January 1850 he or dered the navy to blockade the Greek coast and seize any passing

Greek merchant ships in order to force the Athens government to pay Don Pacifico the demanded com pensation.

There was a problem. Greece's independence was guaranteed by a treaty which was jointly admin istered by Britain, France and Rus sia. The French and Russians op posed Palmerston's unilateral and, as they saw it, wildly dispropor tionate actions, and said so. He was also heavily censured by the House of Lords,but in a famous debate on 29"'June he won the support of the Commons with a memorable speech in which he likened the Brit ish Empire to that of the Romans. When Rome's power was at its height, any Roman could claim its protection anywhere in the world simply by saying "Civis Romanus

sum"("I am a Roman citizen"). For Palmerston,the words"I am a Brit ish citizen", had the same power, and to hell with what Johnny For eigner thought about it. Jingoistic it may have been,but as every poli tician worth his salt knows, noth ing goes down better in the bar than a bit of Jingoism. Consequently, Palmerston's popularity in the country soared even, or perhaps especially,among those who would have been hard pressed to find Gi braltar and Greece on a map unless each had a huge red arrow point ing at it. Eubie Blake had not yet written I'm Just Wild About Harry, but had the song been available there is little doubt that it would have rung from the rafters of every inn in England.

It was a volatile mixture, and what was essentially a civil suit brought against the Greek govern ment by an aggrieved citizen was soon a full-scale international cri sis. It would be too much to say that it brought Europe to the brink of war,but tempers flared and feelings ran impressively high.

The French were particularly in censed. As part of the triumvirate charged with ensuring the neutral ity of Greece, they may have felt duty bound to intervene and raise a mild objection to Palmerston's use of a battering ram to flatten a flea. They may equally well have been smarting from an earlier, similar incident which, at the time, re mained unresolved.In 1849,a com bined French-Belgian fleet, target ing the illegal slave trade, had at tacked an otherwise insignificant West African state on the Rio Nunez.In the process they had de stroyed the property of two appar ently innocent British bystanders, Braithwaite and Martin, who had set up a trading post which stocked nails, knives and buckets, but was completely out of slaves. Palmerston vigorously supported their claim for compensation — a fact surely not unknown to Don Pacifico when he sought backing for his own.

What is surprising to a modern observer is the relative invisibility of Don Pacifico throughout the af-

Lord Palmerston

fair. In similar circumstances today he would be at the centre of events; his face, biography, shoe size and every utterance plastered across the tabloid press and every TV and ra dio news broadcast. For a fleeting moment his would be the most fa mous name and face in the world. But in reading reports of the affair a century and a half later, it is re markable how shadowy a figure he is. The star of the show is Palmerston,and Falmerston alone. Harry and Don do not even make it as a double act. He is little more than a stage prop: a convenient hook on which to hang Palmerston's stout defence of the British Empire,just as the body in

The British public was,if anything, more passionately in favour of thumping Austrian generals than of humbling the Greel^. Palmerston, it seemed, could do no wrong.

But he was about to learn the lim its of charisma. In 1852, Louis-Na poleon,nephew of the losing final ist at the battle of Waterloo,tired of being president ofFrance,scrapped the constitution and declared him self emperor. Palmerston wel comed the move and declared his support. He may have had excel lent reason to do so, but in Britain the name Napoleon was box office poison.Ifit had been given to a sen sational new life-saving drug, mil lions would have preferred to die

the library in an Agatha Christie thriller is not a foetid corpse, but a mere excuse for Hercule Poirot to display his investigatory skill.

The outcome ofso uneven a fight was never in doubt. The Greeks were knocked to the canvas in round one,counted out and carried from the ring. Don Pacifico got his compensation, and Harry Palmerston was the toast of the town.

This did not please his Prime Minister,Lord Russell, who felt the Foreign Secretary was getting far more than his share ofthe limelight and needed cutting down to size. He looked actively for an excuse to sack him, but Palmerston's im mense popularity with the public made it difficult. He thought he had found a suitable pretext in 1851, when Palmerston was involved, if only as an enthusiastic provocateur in the beating up of a visiting Aus trian general,but it wouldn't wash.

rather than swallow it.

In pub after pub across the na tion, the sound of cheering was suddenly replaced by ominous, embarrassed silence.

Queen Victoria, characteristi cally, was not amused Russell seized the moment and pounced. Palmerston was out.

It might have been the end of the story, but Palmerston was nothing if not resilient. He survived his sacking,brought Russell down,and bounced back in 1855 as Prime Min ister;a post he held almost continu ously until his death ten years later.

And Don Pacifico? No doubt he spent his compensation wisely, drank nightly to Palmerston's health,and sang God Save The Queen loudly and lustily in his bath, The Greeks brooded,but revenge could wait. Sooner or later, they knew deep in their hearts,there would be ouzo, bouzoukis, and Demis Roussos.

In pub after pub across the nation, the ;ound of cheering was suddenly replaced by^QflWrtQus, embarrassed silence

Arts b Crafts

The Arts Centre. Prince Edward's Rd, Art classes for children(5-6pm Mon.5-6.30pm Tues, 5-7pm Thurs), adults iMon - Tues 6.30pm-8pm, Wed 6.30pm-8.30pm, life painting Wed 7pm-9pm). Tel: 79788.

The Fine Arts Association Gallery 1 st Floor above Gibraltar Crystal, Casemates. Open 11am-2pm, 4-6pm Mon • Fri, Sat 11am • 2pm. Arts b 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. Contact: Audrey Batty on 44355

Board Games

Chess Club meets in Studio 1. John Mack intosh Hall 8-10.30pm Tues.

The Gibraltar Scrabble Club meet John Mackintosh Hall Mondays. Bank holidays changed to Thursday same week. 7pm11 pm All welcome. Tel: 73660 or 75995.

The Subbuteo Club meets Charles Hunt Room. John Mackintosh Hall 7.30 • 11 pm.

Dance

Modern Gt Latin American Sequence Danc

ing Mondays Catholic Community Centre 8.30pm(beginners 7,30). Over 1 Bs welcome, www.gibnynex.gi/inst/cccseqdance/

Old fr Modern Sequence Dancing sessions at the Catholic Community Centre at 8pm, beginners at 7.30pm. Wednesday.

The DSA Old b Modern Sequence Danc ing sessions at Central Hall Fridays 8pm. be ginners 7.30pm. Tel: 78282 or e-mail manvto@gibnet.gl Everybody welcome.

Senior Citizens Teatime Dances at The Youth Centre. Line Wall Rd on Mondays 2• 5.30pm. All senior citizens welcome for cof fee, 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 Mam St Classes Weds & Fri from 6pm at Chiltern Court(4Cs). Tel: 58111000.

Line Dancing GGCA Hall. Hargraves Ramp. Weds 7-8pm beginners;8-9pm improvers: 9-10pm advanced. All welcome, including visitors to Gib. Tel: Helen 50381 /54013760.

History b Heritage

The Gibraltar Heritage Trust The Main Guard. 13 John Mackintosh Sq. Tel: 42844, The Gibraltar Classic Vehicle Association Dedicated to preservation of Rock's trans port/motoring heritage. Assists members in restoration / maintenance of classic vehicles. Members/vehicles meet first Sunday of month,Safeway's car park from 10am. New members welcome. Tel: 72481 Fax: 72033.

Music

The Gibraltar Music Centre Trust Complete spectrum of instrument learning strings drums etc. Theory lessons- Five days a week 4pm-9pm. Tel 75558 for details.

The Gibraltar National Choir and Gibral tar Junior National Choir rehearse on Mon day and Thursday 7,30pm - 9pm, New sing ers of ah ages always welcome. Tel: Lili 40035, 54006727

Outdoor Activities

The Catpe Ramblers This group walks on the last Sunday of each month, except Juiy and August. Meeting place is on the Span ish side of the frontier at 8am just to the right of and opposite the Aduana vehicle exit. For any information contact either Ray

Murphy 71956 or John Murphy 74645, the two co-ordinators of the group.

Quizzes

Cannon Bar quizzes are held on Tuesdays with at least three quizzes per night. Start ing with a warm up. then two other quizzes, including a theme quiz. Starts at 8.30pm. all welcome and prizes are given. Free en trance but a donation to charity is requested. Tapas served after the quiz.

The Edinburgh Arms. Naval Hospital Road, has a quiz night from 8.30pm every Monday with prizes and free tapas.

The Tunnel in Casemates has a pub quiz and entertainment on Sunday nights.

Social Clubs

Scots on the Rock: Any Scots visiting the Rock can contact Charles Poison (Tel: 78142) for assistance or Information.

Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes(Gi braltar Province) meets at RAOB Club. Vault

1 Jumpers Bastion on these days: Provin cial Grand Lodge. 1st Monday of month, 8pm. Executive Meeting,last Mon of month 7pm. Knights Chapter, 2nd Mon of month 7.30pm. Examining Council. 3rd Mon of month 7pm.William Tilley 2371.Thurs8pm. Buena Vista 9975. Weds (fortnightly) 7pm. Por Favor9444. Weds(fortnightly)7pm,Fare well 10001. Tues 8.30pm. Goldacre 10475 (social)last Fri of month 8pm.

The Tuesday Ladies' Club meets 8pm. Queensway Club on first Tuesday each month. Open to all women in Gibraltar who enjoy making new friends. Non-profit mak ing. proceeds donated to charity. Tel: Anne 43869. or Margaret 70816.

Special Interest Clubs b Societies

Gibraltar Horticulturai Society meets first Thurs of month 6pm.John Mackintosh Hall, Annual Spring Flower Show. Also slide shows, demos on flower arrangements and outings to garden centres plus annual tour of Alameda Gardens, All welcome, Gibraltar internet Ciub monthly meetings held on Mondays at the College of Further Education 7-9pm. All welcome,experienced surfers or beginners. A number of comput ers are connected to the internet, others have programs for creating of web pages. A colour scanner is also available.

The Gibraltar Photographic Society meets on Mon at around 8pm, Wellington Front, Basic courses, competitions etc

UN Association of Gibraltar PO Box 599. 223 Main Street. Tel 52108.

Sports Supporters Clubs

Tottenham Hotspur Supporters' Club. Commorant Wharf Boat Owners' Club, For details/fixtures Tel: Mario 40240. Michael 55185, John 43166.Tito 70410. Dick 79000. John 59804 or Raju 76176.

Sports b Fitness

Artistic Gymnastics: Gibraltar Artistic Gym nastics Association club for beginners, jun iors and squad at Bayside School in eve nings. Tel: Angela 70611 or Sally 74661.

Athletics; Gibraltar Amateur Athletics Asso ciation holds competitions throughout year for juniors, adults and veterans. Two main clubs (Calpeans 71807, Lourdians 75180)

hold training sessions at Victoria Stadium.

Badminton: Recreational badminton is avaiF able weekdays at Victoria Stadium (Tel: 78409 for allocations). Gibraltar Badminton Association (affiliated to IBA 8 EBA) has leagues and training for adults and second ary school. Tei: Ivan 44045 or Linda 74753.

Basketball: Gibraltar Amateur Basketball Association (affiliated FIBA) leagues/ train ing for minis, passarelle, cadets,seniors and, adults at a variety of levels. Tel: John 77253, Randy 40727 or Kirsty (minis)49441.

Billiards fr Snooker: Gibraltar Billiards and Snooker Association (member IBSA) round leagues and competitions at various venues. New members welcome. Tel: Eddie 72142 or Peter 77307.

Boxing: Gibraltar Amateur Boxing Associa tion(member lABA)gym on Rosia Rd. Over 13s welcome to join. Tuition with ex-pro boxer Ernest Victory(75513 w,42788 h).

Canoeing: Gibraltar Canoeing Association. Tel: Nigel 52917 or Eugene 58014000, Cricket: Gibraltar Cricket Association(mem ber ICC) runs leagues/competitions at Europa Point/Victoria Stadium,Junior/senior training. Tel: Tom 79461 or Adrian 44281.

Cycling: Gibraltar Cycling Association vari ous cycling tours. Tel: Uriel 79359. Darts: Gibraltar Darts Association(member WOP)adult/junior leagues/competitions. Tel: Tony 70379 or Harry (Junior darts)41798.

Football: Gibraltar Football Association runs leagues/competitions for all ages OctoberMay. Futsal in summer months,Victoria Sta dium. Tel: 42941 www.gfa.gi. Senior Tel: Albert 41515.Junior Tei: Richard 58654000.

Women's Tel: Brian 52299. Recreational foot ball for over 35s Tel: Richard 70320.

Golf: Med Golf tournaments held monthly, Tel: 79575 for tournament venues/dates. Gi braltar Golf Union has competitions through year, EGU handicaps. Tel: Bernie 78844, Hockey: Gibraltar Hockey Association(mem bers FIN 6 EHF)high standard competitions/ training for adults and juniors Tei: Eric 74156 or Peter 72730.

Judo; Gibraltar Judo Association UKMAF recognised instructors for all ages and lev els at Budokai Martial Arts Centre, Welling ton Front, Tel: Charlie 73116 or Peter73225.

Ju-|it8u: Gibraltar Ju-jitsu Academy training and grading for juniors/seniors held during evening at 4 North Jumpers Bastion (Rosia Rd). Tel Tony 79855 or ciub 47259.

KaratO'do Shotokai: Gibraltar Karate-do Shotokai Association sessions for junior/sen iors, gradmgs and demos at Karate Clubnouse.41H Town Range Tel: Andrew 48908, Motorboat Racing: Gibraltar Motorboat Racing Association Tel: Wayne 75211.

Netbail: Gibraltar Netball Association (affili ated FENA & IFNA) competitions through year, senior/junior leagues.Tel: Moira 41795 or Suzene 41874.

Petanque: Gibraltar Petanque Association plays at Giralda Gardens.Smith Dorrien Ave. New members welcome. Tel: Francis 70929.

Pool: Gibraltar Pool Association (member EUKPF) home and away league played on Thurs through season. Tei: Linda 74753, Rhythmic Gymnastics: Gibraltar Rhythmic Gymnastics Association run training ses sions for girls 5-18 years weekday evenings during school holidays. Tel: Richard 70320, Rugby: Gibraltar Rugby Football Union train ing sessions for Colts (14-I-), seniors and veterans. Play in Andalusia 2nd Division Oct -April, Tei: Dennis 74600 or Michael 72982.

Sailing: Gibraltar Yachting Association jun ior/senior competitive programme through season (April - Oct)Tel: RGYC 48847.

Sea Angling: Gibraltar Federation of Sea Anglers (members FIPS-M 8 CIPS) Superb calendar of events with four clubs partici pating, Tel: Mario 72622 or Charlie 74337.

Shooting: Gibraltar Shooting Federation over 14s only. Rifle. Eufopa Point range (Tel: Joe 74973): clay pigeon. East Side(Tel: Harry 74354), Pistol, facilities near Royal Naval Hospital (Tel: Fidel 71990).

Skating: Gibraltar Skating and Xtreme Sports Association opens its Skate Park, Coaling Island, Queensway, Monday, Tues

day 6 Wednesday, from 5pm til 8pm Satur

day 6 Sunday,from 2pm til 5pm

Thursday 8 Friday. ciosedSat 2-6pm. State of art ramps for Xtreme/aggressive roller blading /skate boarding. Leisure skating fa cilities provided within excellent rink(when not used for roller hockey training). Tei: Eric 70710(after 5) or just turn up.

Snorkelling 8Spear Hshing: Over 14s wel come for snorkelling. over 16s for spear fish ing. Tel: Joseph 75020.

Squash: Gibraltar Squash Association, The Squash Centre, South Pavilion Road(mem bers WSF6 ESF). Adult/junior tournaments/ coaching. Tel: Ronnie44922 or Barry 73260.

Sub'Aqua: Gibraltar Sub-Aqua Association taster dives for over 14s, tuition from local clubs. Voluntary sports dubs: Tel: Phil 44606, Noah's Dive Club Tel: Leslie 79601. 888s DiveClubTel: Martin 70944. Commer cial sports diving schools also available.

Swimming: Gibraltar Amateur Swimming Association(member FINA 8 LEN)opens its pool for leisure swimming Mon - Fri 78.45am, 12-4pm, 8-9pm. Junior lessons (Rebecca 71342), squad for committed swimmers, water polo (Chris 72869).

Table Tennis: Gibraltar Table Tennis Asso ciation(members ITTA)training / playing ses sions, Bishop Fitzgerald School, Weds 610pm,Thurs8-10pm. Tel: Lisanne45071 or Eugene 58014000.

Teekwondo: Gibraltar Taekwondo Associa tion classes/gradingsTel: Mari 44142. Tennis; Gibraltar Tennis Association. Sand pits Tennis Club, excellent junior develop ment programme. Courses for adults, leagues / competitions. Tel: Frank 77036. Ten*Pln Bowling: Gibraltar Ten Pin Bowling Association(members FIQ8 WTBA)leagues at Ultra Bowl,training for juniors and squad. Tel: Gary 42447 or Charlie 71125.

Triathlon: Gibraltar Triathlon Union (mem bers ITU) Tel: Chris 75857 or Harvey 55847. Volleyball: Gibraltar Volleyball Association (members W 8 EVF)training, leagues,com petitions for juniors/seniors. Tel: Tony 40478 or Elizabeth 58306000.

Yoga: Integral Yoga Centre runs a full pro gram of classes from Mon-Fri at 33 Town Range, Tei: 41389, All welcome.

Theatrical Groups

Gibraltar Amateur Drama Association 310 Main Street. President - Joe Gomez 47007, Secretary - Joe Cortes 70940, TreasurerHoward Danino 74657.

Stage Musicals Group meets Tues - Thurs at the Drama Association premises. Cad Iris on 73098 for info, Trafalgar Theatre Group meet 2nd Wed of montn. Garrison Library 8pm. All welcome.

Clubs and Groups should submit details! updated information to The Gibraltar Magazine. POBoxSGh PMB6377,S3DIn ternational Commercial Centre, Main Street Fax: 77748 for inclusion in this guide.

Support GroupsfAssociations

Alcoholics Anonymous meet7pm lues and Thurs, 11am Sat at Nazareth HseTel:73774.

Citizens' Advice Bureau Open MondayFriday9.30-12.30and 2.30-4.30. Ifel: 40006

Email: info@cab.gi or visit 10 Governor's Lane. No appointment necessary, no chargeGibraltar Cardiac Rehabilitation and Sup* port Group meets on the first Tuesday of every month at8.30pm at the John Mac Hall, except for July and August.

Gibraltar Marriage Care. Free relationship counselling, including pre-marriage educa tion(under auspices of Catholic Church, but open to all), Tel: 71717.

Gibraltar Society for the Visually Impared, Tel: 50111 (24hr answering service).

Hope.Support after miscarriage Tel: 41817.

Narcotics Anonymous Tel: 70720

Overeaters Anonymous support group of those with compulsive overeating problem. Tel: helpline for details of meetings 42581.

Parental Support Group, helping parents and grandparents with restrictive access to their children and granchildren. Tel: Rich ard 46536, Jason 76618, Dominic 54019602.

Psychological Support Group. Nazareth House. Group therapy Tuesdays 7-9pm (so cial, crafts, games, music etc.), Workshop Thursdays 2pm-4pm. Tel: 51623.

With Dignity Gibraltar friendly support group for separated, divorced, widowed or unattached people. Regular meetings Weds 9pm at Catholic Community Centre, Line Wall Rd. Outings and activities. Tel: Pili 71824 or Gladys on 71465.

Women in Need.Voluntary organisation for all victims of domestic violence. Refuge available. Tel: 42581 (24 hours).

Women's Aid. Aims to protect women and children from violence. Tel: 41999.

Runway 2005 will be held on 22nd April at the John Mackintosh Hall Theatre. Organised by Mount Productions, the contest seeks to attract young people between the ages of 14 and 17, who are inter ested in fashion and want to expe rience both runway and photo graphic modelling.

The contest will be divided into four sections. The photographic part ofthe contest will be prejudged and will involve participants choos ing three different looks and loca tions and developing a presentadon style with a team of professional make up artists and hairdressers.

A second section will see the models developing a look around a theme which will be given to them two weeks before the day of the contest. This could involve be ing told to combine three colours.

Runway 2005

Cfitnch Services

BahiaTel: 43637 for meetings.

Church of England Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. Tel: 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: 50433. Sundays 10am.

Church of Scotland St Andrew's. Gover nor's Pde. Tel: 77040, Worship B 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: 42515.

Jehovah's Witness Line Wall RdTel: 50186.

Jewish 10 Bomb House Lane Tel: 72606.

Methodist 297 Main St Tel: 77491. Sunday

services 1 lam & 7pm. Midweek Fellowships.

Romart Catholic Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned, 215 Main St Tel: 76688.

Support Groups and Churchesshouldsub

mit details to The Gibraltar Magazine, PO

Box 561, PMB 6377, S3D International

Commercial Centre, Main Street Fax: 77748 for inclusion in this guide.

a specific garment, or to combine items from different traditions or decades, A style will then be chosen by the organising team for the third sec-

pleased to associate themselves with.

"Runway 2005 will notinclude a swimwear section or evening wear section in keeping with the philoso phy and emphasis given to the con test. What is important is that young people should be portrayed in age appropriate ways, that they should develop skills and attitudes which would be of benefit to them and that their spontaneity and freshness should come through."

The winners will be able to take part in a photographic shoot in Spain probably to take place over a weekend with an overnight stay.

tion using a collection of clothes which will require an appropriate interpretation.

Finally the participants will be allowed to choose clothing with which they identify and would be

Entry forms can be obtained from Trends andfurther information by con tacting Charlene Figueras at54008137 or Mark Montovio at 40338 or mounl@gibnet.gi. Closing date is Monday 14th March.

GSPCA Photography Competition Winners

|"What is important is that young people should be portrayed in age ippropriate ways..."

The GSPCA Christmas Photo Competition entries were judged last month with two winners emerging. Mrs M Cambell with her photograph ofLarry winning the Dog Section and Andrew Gingel's picture of Tiger winning the CatSection. Entries were based on a Christmas theme with the idea thatthey could be used as Christmas cards for the GSPCA. Congratulations to all those who took part.

One of the lasting images of last year's Paralympic Games in Athens was the TV presentation of the stroll around the streets by the celebrated UK hurdler Colin Jackson and our own Mark Brown — prior to his competing in the Paralympic 5000 metres.

I say 'our', because Mark has been residing on the Rock for a cou ple ofyears and represented Gibral tar at the Guernsey Island Games, as part of the successful 'Silver' medal half- marathon trio along with Richard Muscat and Mark Sanchez.

Mark recently paid a visit to the Rock, along with wifeJanet, and he took part in the arduous GAAA's 'Topofthe Rock' race, which hehad previously won but, this time, had to give best to fellow veteran Louis Chichon.

"1 haven't done a great deal of training since Athens and Louis had too much for me on the last in cline" says matter of fact Mark in his true Lancastrian manner. "I've beenbusyhelping outmybrother's family, who are going through a rough patch. I thought it would be a good time to come out to see all my athletic friends in Gibraltar and let them know that I would like to be considered for selection to the team for the Shetland 'Island' Gamesand, hopefully, help them to another medal in the half-mara thon.

"Guernsey was great experience for all of us, especially young Mark Sanchez who overcame great per sonal tragedy toachieve individual, and team, silver. On the eve of the Games, we received news that his mother had died in Gibraltar and as his roommate it became my task

to help him through a very difficult period. He is a wonderful young man with great athletic potential. Just eighteen, at the time, I recom mended him to the UK athletic au thorities and he ran at their Junior championships in Nottingham coming to the notice of the cel ebrated Brendan Foster — 'where

have spent a lot of time running alongside Michael around the Rock roads, encouraging him to achieve his potential. It's all in the mind if you want togettothe top. That, and daily dedication to training in all conditions"

Mark should know as he went all the way to the top of world

" TwoulH Itke to be considered for selection to the' team for the Shetland 'Island Games' and, hopefully, help them to another medal in tbe half-marathon

did this young man come from?'

"Since then, Michael's military career has brought him to the no tice oftheBritishArmy athletic au thorities and ho has achieved suc cess in their cross-country champi onships, where he is, at this time, defending his title at Aldershot. I

Paralympics.

"I was quite a good schoolboy runner, representing my town Burnley at cross-country before I joined the Army as an infantry sol dier, where I lost an arm in an acci dent in my 20s. I came back into the athletics world at Exeter, where 1

was studying Business Manage ment, and later joined the Clayton le Moors Athletic club back home, where I was encouraged to take part in a Paralympic Games at the Don Valley Stadium, Sheffield. I was successful and everything changed for me.

"I suddenly found myself at the Paralympic World Championships in Berlin where I represented the UK finishing 4th in the 5000 and taking a bronze medal in the 10k.

At the Atlanta Paralympics I added another bronze — this time in the Marathon. 1 improved this with a Silver in the 5k when the World Championships wereheld in Birmingham.

"I suppose the Paralympic Games of 2000 in Sydney was my greatest highlight, taking Silver in the Marathon. Spaniard Javier Conde and I were neck and neck approaching the Stadium at 40 km, but he managed to open a lead around the track and I had to be satisfied with Silver. He, his family in Bilbao, and I are the greatest of friends keeping in touch and visit ing all the time. He's one of the great runners (13.50 for the 5k), but retired now.

A"I was sponsored by Sport UKfor the Athens Games last year and re quested that I do my preparation on the Rock — which we both love. I was fortunate thatmy great friend Liam Byrne and his family put us

Pliulua. Juliiiiiy Buyeja

up at their home and I was able to qualify to represent Gibraltar in Guernsey.

"I was in good condition for Ath ens and did a personal best(15 mins 25 seconds) for the T46 (arm amputees) 5000 metres — for 5th position, just out of the medals. It was said that Team UK didn't do too well on the athletics field, but we finished second overall in the medals table to China who were pulling out all the stops prior to Beijing 2008.

" 1 think I know a bit about ath letics and athletes; that's why 1 am so excited about the prospects of young Michael — he played a blinder at Guernsey and always wants to improve.I'd like to be able to help him.

"My career is at a bit of a cross roads — a time for reflection. I'd like one more chance to run for Gi

braltar. Janet and 1 love it here but know how difficult it can be to set tle. We have made such good friends — Michael, Liam, Freddie Chappory and Hector Romero who do so much'unsung'good work for sport and athletics in particular. Along the way 1 have picked up all manner of qualifications in coach ing,sports psychology and NVQ in care work, for which I work in the NHS back in the UK. I'd like to work in a sporting capacity, espe cially helping motivate youngsters.

"I'm taking three months out to look to my future. Right now we're off to Australia to visit friends. I'd like to be back to help Gibraltar'go for Gold' at the Shetlands, if I'm selected"

'Olympian' Mark Brown is an inspirational person — we're sure he'll make a success of all he aspires to.

Men Golf Update

Itwas a

the New Year for Pat Maybury when he won the Med Golf competition in January at Almenara,sponsored by the Gibraltar Casino. Nearly 70 players enjoyed the sunny condi tions and Paul Singleton in second place closely followed Pat with Andrew Licudi coming in third. Paul took some consolation as the "Star Quality" player for the day. Pat now takes his place for the SG Hambros Med Golf Masters being held at Valderrama in November.

Top lady was Julie Burgess and Craig Alexander took the senior prize, with Ian Ross having the best gross score. Amongst the other prizes was a new competition for the day's "rabbit" and Jim Smith took the honours here. Jim wins a 30-minute golf lesson (using the GASPswing analysissystem),with Paul Crangle, the fully qualified member of the PGA and teaching professional at El Paraiso.

There are still ten events for members to book their place for the SG Hambros Med Golf Masters, with the next qualifying event be ing at La Duquesa on Sunday the

6th March for the Lewis Stagnetto Trophy.

You should make sure you book your tee time on the web site www.teetimcspain.com or ring Johnathan Goodson on 0034639741886 or e-mail him at jg@medgolf.gi You can also get the full monthly tournamentschedule and how to become a member from the web site or by contacting Johnathan.

good start to

Celebrations at Lerd Heisen

The Lord Nelson in Casemates Square is to hold a special St David's Day (1st March) celebratory evening this year. Not only will there be a'Welsh flavoured option to its exciting new menu,there will also be music from a Welshman!

The Lord Nelson will be bring ing over from the Principality a man who is no stranger to Gibral tar — former Rick Wakeman vocal ist Gary Pickford-Hopkins. Gary's voice graced two of the Yes key board player's biggest selling solo albums which went Gold all over Europe and the United States — the epic Journey to the Centre ofthe Earth alone sold an incredible twelve mil lion copies.

Gary is no stranger to Gibraltar having made several visits over the past five years, some with his gui tar partner Ray Taff Williams and others with the band Steel Water. Two years ago he came over and teamed up with another wizard keyboard player, locally based Kevin Peach and it is Kevin who will accompany him on St David's Day. Gary said:

"I always enjoy visiting the Rock and I am particularly honoured to be performing there on St David's Day. I hope to see all my Gibraltarian friends there and would like to think that anyone on the Rock who fancies a Tuesday night out will come along and we can all have a great time. I will be singing some rock and roll classics as well as some blues and pop. Re cently 1 have added Justin Hayward's Nights In Wljite Satin and Procol Haruin's Whiter Shade ofPale to my repertoire."

Gary has had quite a busy time recently. He linked up again with Rick when he took a number of lo cally based musicians backstage at Y?s's concert in Estepona in July 2003. Since then he has been work ing with Rick on some old home movie footage he took on their world tours in the 1970s. Rick was keen to use them in a forthcoming DVD biography and Gary said: "Going through all that old footage was a big job but very rewarding. About a month ago 1 travelled from Wales to Shepperton Studios where we recorded voice-overs for the forthcoming release.

Gary will also be performing sev eral songs from his critically ac claimed solo album GPH,some of which was recorded in Gibraltar, and the cover photograph was taken by James Martin next to the Eliott Hotel. James books the acts at the Lord Nelson,and he said:"As a Welshman who has always tried to be active on Gibraltar's National

Day and has helped to stage the two Rock Solid concerts held at Gover nor's Parade, as well as securing Steve Balsamo for the main Na tional Day rock concert, I thought it would be great to do something on St David's Day."

James continued: "The interest ing thing about Gib's National Day is that it always reminds me of Car diff on match day when Wales are playing there! It's a sea of red and white which 1 think explains why

one who wants to enjoy great food and good music."

There is also likely to be a reun ion of the locally based musicians who travelled to Wales for the Rock Solid concert held in Swansea, Wales, in support of Gibraltar in May 2002. We can expect members of Chango Mutney and Dirty Work and Jamie Chiappe to turn up though James is anxious to make it clear that they won't necessarily be all performing — though some of

Liue Music Award for Lord Nelson

Every Sunday around 8 o'clock in the evening some of the best musicians on the Rock get together for a very special night of music.As they arrive they begin to assemble all the necessary equipment and instruments needed to provide the public with what has now become an award winning jam session. At the end of January the Gibraltar Live Music Society's Alex Zapata sent the Lord Nelson's band booker James Martin the following email: "The GLMS has decided to award The Lord Nelson its Live Music Venue of The Year Award 2004."

James explained his reaction: "I read the content of it and was ab solutely delighted. We at the 'Lordy' from the Directors, Andy and John Hunter downwards all have an enormousamount of pride in the standard oflive music we put on. But we are also aware that we could not have won anything were it not for the fantastic musicians who actually perform here. So in a very real sense it is more their award than it is ours."

The citation from the GLMS sin gled out the jam session,emphasis ing its educational role in enabling all musicians, but particularly young and upcoming ones,to have regular opportunities to perform in public and practice their stagecraft.

all my Welsh friends have such a great time on IC'' September and why we all fit so well into life on the Rock!"

The Lord Nelson's manager Gregor Macintyre (who isn't Welsh!) will be ensuring a Welsh option is added to the recently re vamped menu at the Lord Nelson so there will be plenty of choices open to everyone:"Whatever your taste in food be it meat,fish or veg etarian we will be able to please you — and add to that some great mu sic and everyone will be in for a spe cial night. I have a lot of Welsh friends coming along but 1 have even more Gibraltarian as well as English. It is a night open to any-

them might!

There is also speculation that Rick Wakeman himself may soon perform at St Michael's Cave, but all James would say on that is: "I have raised the subject with Rick and he said it sounded a fantastic place to perform in but we haven't taken it any further. 1 think, how ever it Is very likely to happen sooner rather than later. But for now we should all focus on enjoy ing Gary's great voice on Tuesday 1"' March."

Reservations at the Lord Nelson can be made on 50009, and entertainment updates can be obtained from umnv.gibraltarlivemusic.com checking the Wlxat's On section.

Some months ago thejam was re structured and it is these changes which have gone down so well with musicians. James explained why they were introduced:"Previ ously the format was to have a pair of jam hosts to run the show and this would continue for months. The problem is that this can become a little exclusive and possibly pre vent people from playing who want to play. I think also that the fresh ness goes when the same people run it week in week out. What we decided to do therefore was to change the hosts on a weekly ba sis."

James continued: "The effect of this has been remarkable. We now have five pairs of hosts to alternate and this keeps the format fresh and challenging and appeals to many different age groups. For example Tito Chipolina works with Peter Martinez and he is a superb jam

Gary Pickford-Hopkins with Kavin Peach an keyborads at the Lord Nelson

"I always enjoy visiting the.Rock and I am particularly honoured to be performing there on St David's Dav"

He brings a wealth of experi ence to the jam session and really is an inspiration particularly to some of the youngsters who come along. He is also a fantastic enter tainer and he has so many lessons to pass on to others"

Other hosts include two found ers of the Gibraltar Live Music So ciety, Jason Belilo and Jonathan Sacramento.

"Jason and Jon are two of the most active and respected figures on the Gib music scene. When I approached them to host the jam

act OffYer TrolUn/ as their harmonica player Mel Church is leaving for the United States. As you would expect the evening was heavily influenced by the blues and all present wished Mel a happy future in the States. However in spite of the blues based bias of the night the hosts,Stan and Zoony, welcomed into their midst some members of a young band called Ci/onicie.

"They went down extremely well,"saysJames,"and I really hope we will see them again very soon. I think it is vital for the future of live

they were immediately up for it. Jason and Jon certainly play music of their generation which is a defi nite incentive for many."

James also hauled out of semiretirement a figure who was for years Mr Jam Session at Bourbon Street(now closed)— Chris Francis: "Chris works extremely well with Kevin Peach. They have a great working relationship because they have played together for so long.To run a jam you need to be more than a first class musician, you need a special kind of personality because you are in a position where you have to encourage people who may be a bit shy to get up and play."

Recently the Lord Nelson had a very special jam night when the hosts were the incomparable Zoony, the harmonica playing lead singer with the now defunct Bucks, and that band's ace lead guitarist Stan Muscat. The night also marked the final performance of acoustic blues

music on the Rock to get as many of these up and coming bands per forming as possible, ^r jam ses sion is open to them. We have an eye on the present but another is very much on the future. 1 sincerelv hope that anyone of any age who fancies playing will come down to the Lord Nelson on Sunday night and participate."

James continued:"It is also in the business interests of the Lord Nel son to develop new bands. The music we book for Friday and Sat urday night is of an extremely high calibre. Those artists reached that standard because they were able to play gigs not dissimilar to our jam session. Hopefully many of the acts who perfect their craft in our jam session will one day be regulars on Friday and Saturday nights."

To find out who is hosting the jam check the Lord Nelson advert every Fri day in the Chronicle or look at: V7ww.gibraltarlivemusic.com

James Martin (right) receiving the 'Live Masic Venae of the Yeer, 2004' award from representatives of The Gibraltar Live Music Society host.

We could not have v\/on anything were it not for the fantastic musicians who actually oerfornn here"

Now you might think that with the vast number of styles of wines to talk about within the vinous world, that I wouldn't have any trouble coming up with a subject to explore in my article each month. But I always go through a few anxious moments after I finish each article when I say to myself'so what am I going to talk about NEXT month?'

Well,luckily for me,this month I didn't have to worry. Our illustri ous leader said 'Jane I'd like you to do an article on Sherry!' No need to ask me twice. Sherry just hap pens to be one of my pet subjects! So, for no particular reason (geddit?!), other than that I was asked to, this month the subject is Sherry!

The word Sherry conjures up dif ferent things for different people. Some think that it's just something that goes in a trifle, whilst some re member awkward moments when having tea with the vicar. Others, including me and most of Andalucia,think of one of the most

Qia^vcas

styles, the history and the region itself. What was particularly inter esting to me is the unique way in which sherry is made and the fact that many different styles can be produced from one single grape variety, the Palomino Fino. The straightforward wine that is pro duced from this grape is neutral and lacking acidity,but comes into it's own when matured under flor by the solera system, giving rise to a whole gamut of Sherries, intense and aromatic.

The sherry making process is in tricate and deserves a whole arti cle to itself and since the purpose of this column is to recommend

Apartfrom

being given

the odd warm schooner of sweet stuff by my Granny, my first encounter with proper sherry was at the wine mer chants in Manchester where I did my training

appetising and sociable drinks known to man and the passion that surrounds it's making and it's his tory.

Apart from being given the odd warm schooner of sweet stuff by my Granny,my first encounter with proper sherry was at the wine mer chants in Manchester where 1 did my training. Like many old fash ioned wine merchants they used (in the 1950s and '60s)to import sweet sherry and sell it from the barrel in the shop. Later, when tastes changed, they imported other styles and, when 1 joined the com pany, we sold Willoughby's No 1 ^ry), No 2(medium) and No 3 (pale cream) and 'Special Rich Brown', and my knowledge of sherry didn't stretch much beyond those styles. When 1 was invited to visit the producers of our sherries (Bodegas Emilio Lustau, more of them later) 1 was introduced to the world of real Spanish Sherry and became fascinated by the range of

wines for you to try in Gibraltar, 1 will talk about the individual wines and the styles they represent.

As usual, in tasting order 1 will start with the driest and end with the sweetest.

First is Manzanilla Solear(£4.25, Sacarellos, Irish Town, Tel: 70625), from Bodegas Barbadillo. I'm sure you will have seen this in many tapas bars in Spain as a chilled glass of Manzanilla is absolutely essen tial with a bowl of almendras and acetunas before your meal. This is the palest and driest of the sherry styles, and whilst most other Sher ries are matured in the town of Je rez, Manzanilla is made in the sea side town of Sanlucar de Barrameda. The flor (a protective layer of yeasts which forms on top of the wine in certain barrels)grows particularly vigorously in Sanlucar and so prevents any oxidation of the wines (oxidation is what gives colour to the maturing wines)and the resulting wine is very pale, al-

most watery, and bone dry. Manzanilla Solear is light, fresh, tangy and crisp with typical salti ness.

The next sherry is Fino Quinta (£4.35, Anglo Hispano, 5-7 Main Street Tel: 77210), from Bodegas Osbome.Thisfamous sherry house is situated in the town of Puerto de Santa Maria, between Jerez itself and Cadiz. Again its proximity to the coast seems to encourage the growth of flor and the fino styles made here are somewhat lighter than those of Jerez, further inland. Fino Quinta is considered one o the best of its type, very dry and pale in colour with a greenish cast and pungent with almond-like flavours. By the way,don't just think of finos and manzanillas as aperitifs as they are just as happy as part of a meal, always served well chilled, of course.

My next recommendation is Amontillado 35 y.o. 'Principe' (£11.00, Sacareilos, as before), again from Bodegas Barbadillo. If you have been used to drinking Amontillado sherry in the UK,you may be expecting this to be me dium dry,but(and this is a big but) this would not be the authentic style. All Sherries are naturally dry and only sweetened to suit differ ent markets(usually UK or Japan). Amontillados style is the result of the layer of flor dying away dur ing the maturation process and al lowing oxidation of the wine result ing in the amber colour and the pungent and nutty aromas. The palate is full, smooth and,as I said, perfectly dry. Again amontillados can be enjoyed with a variety of food,such as soups, game or meat terrines, and served cool, but not too chilled.

The next is one of my favourites. Palo Cortado 'Peninsula'(£8.75, Anglo Hispano, as before), from Emilio Lustau.These wines are a bit of a rarity, occurring quite by chance, when particular conditions arise in certain barrels. A Palo Cortado brings together the finesse

and delicacy of an Amontillado on the nose with the richness on the palate of an Oloroso. It is ambergold in colour and has light choco late/coffee flavours.These concen trated flavours go well with mature cheeses or smoked meats.

Now,as they say, for something completely different. Whilst all the dry styles of sherry are made from the Palomino Fino grape, the natu rally sweet styles are made from either Moscatel or Pedro Ximenez. This grape makes the sweetening wine to be blended to make such styles as Amoroso or cream, or as in this case, a delicious dessert wine. The grapes are dried on es parto mats under the baking sun to concentrate the sugars. Pedro Ximenez'La Cilia'(£8.65, Sacareltos, as before), is a fine example of this style. Almost black in colour, the pronounced bouquet is the essence of sweet raisins. The flavours are concentrated,smooth and luscious.

Patrick Sacarello, who imports this loves this wine simply poured over vanilla ice cream and I couldn't agree more!

If you really don't like the very dry or very sweet styles, there are other alternatives. My next two

wines are sherry 'style' but come from the neighbouring region of Montilla-Moriles.

The wines and production meth ods are similar, but the soils are other conditions are different(some sherry purists would say'inferior').

Also the wines are traditionally vinified and matured in massive clay tinajas. Bodegas Cruz Conde (imported by Lewis Stagnetto,41 Main Street, Tel: 78666)produce two very appealing wines, a Pale Cream, which is delicately sweet and smooth,and a Medium Dry amber in colour with a sweet walnut char acter, which is wonderful with a mild blue cheese. At £2.40^ both these wines are reasonably priced and worth trying.

Amontillados style is the result of the layer of flor dying away during the maturation process

Left: barrels owned by celebrities and (above) the inscription on a barrel with a Gibraltar connection!

Changes atthe Three Roses

Hot cross buns!Hot cross buns! One a penny,two a penny.Hot cross buns'

Hot Cross Buns are tradition ally served on Good Friday (the Friday before Easter)and during the Lenten season, but they are good year round.Hot Cross Buns were probably originally used as part of pagan Spring Equinox fes tivals. The Christian Church at tempted to ban the buns,but they were far too tasty and so,left with no alternative, the church Chris tianised the bread by placing crosses on them to honour Good Friday,.known at that time as the "Day of the Cross," and Queen Elizabeth I passed a law which limited their consumption to Christian religious ceremonies!

Hot Cross Buns

1/2level teasp sugar:5 tablesp

lukewarm water: 3 level teasp dried yeast: 1 lb strong plain flour: i level teasp salt: 1 level teasp mixed spice:1/2level teasp

cinnamon: 1/2 level teasp nut

meg: 2 oz butter: 2 level tablesp

castor sugar: 4 oz mixed dried fruit: 2oz chopped mixed peel:5 fl oz lukewarm milk: 1 large egg, beaten: a little extra milk: 2 oz shortcrust pastry: Glaze - 2 tablesp milk: 2 level tablesp sugar.

Dissolve sugar in the water, sprinkle yeast on top. Leave in a warm place until frothy,about20

minutes.Sift flour,salt and spices. Rub in fat lightly. Stir in castor sugar, fruit and peel. Hollow the centre. Pour milk, egg and yeast liquid into hollow. Mix to soft dough. Knead on floured surface until smooth and no longer stickie, about 10 minutes, Cover and put in a warm place until double in size - about 2 hours. Turn on to floured surface, knead until smooth. Cut into 12. Knead each piece into a smooth ball, place on greased baking sheet, cover and leave until almost dou ble in size. Preheat a hot oven (220°C,425 "F), centre shelf. Roll pastry out thinly,cut into narrow strips 2 to 3 in long. Brush buns with milk,place pastry crosses on top. Bake 20 - 25 minutes until they sound hollow when tapped on base. Dissolve sugar in milk, boil 1 minute. Brush hot buns with glaze.Cool.Eat and enjoy on Good Friday.

The new landlady at the Three Roses, Governor's Street, is Marina, a Scottish lass who has worked for previous landlord Dermot for the past two years, so will be a familiarface to regulars. Andrea, Dermot's daughter, is also going to keep on serving the beers. The Three Roses Is the home of the Celtic Supporters Club and Dermot will still be running it and no doubt enjoying the odd drink or two. New on a Friday night though is free tapas between 4pm and 6pm and happy hours 3pm • 7pm. There are also happy hours on a Saturday from 12-2pm. Marina is keen to point out that the Three Roses is still tfte Unofficial Scottish Embassy.

Just A Nibble

Qc^taiirgtiL

The Lunchbox

restaurants

Biancas Restaurant

6/7 Admiral's Walk, Marina Bay. Tel: 73379 Fa*:79061

Popular and pleasant restaurant on the Quayside at Ma rina Bay with large quayside terrace. Try chicken tikka raita, avocado & smoked salmon or fresh carrot & ginger soup to start,followed by barbecued spare ribs, beef viagra,swordfish steak,Cajun Ceasarsalad,kuku nyama pizza,or chicken and smoked salmon tagliatelle to name but a few for the main course. Crepes, pies, ice cream sundaes etc for des sert. Children's menu, vegetarian dishes, daily specials. Great for all the family.

Open:7 days,9am - late.

Caf^ Solo

Grand Casemates Square. Tel:44449

Modem Italian eatery set in Casemates. Everything from cajun spiced langoustines Caesar salad,or aromatic prawn salad on romaine leaves bound in wild mushroom & sherry mayonnaise, to pastas (eg: smoked haddock risotto with mascarpone and basil oil;open ravioli of swiss chard,basil, garlic and potato with parmesan cream sauce)and pizzas (eg:(3uatto Stagioni topped with mozzarella, ham,chicken, pepperoni and mushroom).

Claus on the Rock

Queensway Quay. Tel/Fax:48686

International menu served on the quayside for lunch, after noon and dinner. Well worth a visit, especially if you ap preciate good wines and cigars.

Open: Lunch & Dinner. Closed Sundays.

Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant

11-13 Market Lane. Tel: 77313 mm

Good no fuss Chinese Restaurant off Main St near Post Of fice serving all the traditional favourites including Spring Rolls, Chicken Satay, Buddha Duck in Black Bean Sauce, Pork Sweet and Sour, King Prawns with Spring Onion Gin ger Sauce, Shredded Crispy Beef, Special Noodles and Chicken in Black Bean Sauce on a Sizzling Plate.

Open;12- 3,6.30 - midnight every day.

Da Paolo

Marina Bay. Tel: 76799

Da Paolo serves a high standard of attractively presented international cuisine right on the waterfront at Marina Bay.

Tiy baked teek & wild mushnwm tartlet or lobster bisque to start, or for main course, crepe of fish & prawns glazed with hollandaise sauce; baked aubergines filled with ratatouille gratinated with mozzarella; or perhaps the loin of pork baked in cider with cinnamon. Continental/Eng lish breakfast, lunch, inc. light meals & baguettes, and full a la carte dinner served. Quayside terrace.

Open:from 9.30am. Closed on Sundays.

The Rib Room Restaurant,Rock Hotel. r^jj

Tel: 73000 www.rockhotelgibTallar.com

With stunning views of the bay, the Rib Riwm is acclaimed for its high standard of service and cuisine. Ultimate venue for intimate dinners, or larger gatherings, the RcKk Hotel rises to the occasion with style and sophistication. Glass of fino and appetiser welcome diners. Summer ci la carte and daily house menu from £21.95 p/p specially prepared by the Executive Chef with classical cuisine and a modern in terpretation. Comprehensive wine list.Sunday lunch £14.95 for a welcome Manzanilla,4-courses always includes roast sirloin and some of best Yorkshire puds in town. Sunday newspapers. Relax afterwards to the resident pianist/gui-

tarist. Air-conditioning, parking, kid's menu/high chair.

Open:7pm-10pm daily- Credit cards: AE,D,E, M,V

Simon's Restaurant jTTj]

44 ComwalTs Lane. Tel: 47515

Excellent food in a sophisticated, intimate atmosphere. Hosts Suzanne and Simon ensure everyone receives per sonal attention. Start with Simon's own patd with red on ion jam and hot toast, or king prawns thermidor with tar ragon mustard, white wine and cheese cream sauce or per haps baked New Zealand mussels with garlic butter and melted camembert. Main courses include kebab of swordfish and king prawns with creamy dill sauce, breast of chicken with mushroom, bacon, rosemary stuffing and masaia sauce, and roast tenderloin of pork wrapped in ba con with apple, sage and calvados sauce. Or try the roast rack of lamb with mint, redcurrant and red wine sauce or the grilled fillet of mero with avocado and prawns. There is something to delight every palate. Fully air-conditioned. Open:evenings(bookings recommended)

Sui«set Grill-House

17b Queensway Quay Tel:43345

Newlv op>cned steakhouse with a selection oforiginal meat and fish dishes, plus a vegetarian menu. Try the whole lobster(grilled in garlic butter or thermidor), fresh salmon steak with white wine and caper sauce, Angus, T-bone, prime rib, rump sirloin entrecofe or fine fillet steaks(choose your sauce from a selection including pepper, brandy, blue cheese,chasseur, mustard or burgund v). Duck breast glazed with honey and mandarin sauce, mixed veg stroganoff to name but a few dishes!

Open: 12-3, 7-11. Colsed Mondays.

Thyme Restaurant

5 Cornwall's Lane. Tel: 49199

Modem international restaurant serving-dishes with a fu sion of British, Mediterranean and Eastern flavours. Try the Seafood Slammers, orange and Lime Caramelised Chicken or Thai Fishcakes. Main menu changed season ally and specials run daily. Everything made on the premises using only the best, fresh ingredients.

Open: Mon - Fri 12.30-3pm, Mon-Sat 7.30pm - 12am.

Award witminf> breakfastsfrom 7.30am

Great meal.s & snacks all day

Evening Steak House menu

Med Golf Clubhouse

Leeds United Gibraltar HQ

Parliament Lane Tel: 75924

• Warm friendly bar, lots of military history

• Hosts Eaion, Mollie & Justine

• Air-conditioned

• Various top beers

Ofcfe

John Mackintosh Sq Tel: 71804

Trnditmal pub in the middle oftown

• Outside seating to watch the world go by

• Homemade specials every day

•Open 7 days a week

A1 Andalus Bar Restaurant

3 College Lane. Tel: 49184

Small eatery in the centre of town serving lots of tasty food from sandwiches and baguettes to barbecues(lamb chops, fillet steak, mixed grill etc) and tajines. Try the cous-cous (beef, veggie, chicken or lamb)or the tapas - £1 (eg: Span ish omolettc,*boiled crab legs,garlic chicken,cuttlefish stew).

Open:flam - lateevening. Now ser\'ing breakfast from Sam.

Barbary Ape

0pp.Queen's Hotel. Tel: 44380

Homemade ftxKl, breakfast, lunch and dinner, including English breakfast, toasties, club sandwiches, salads, burg ers and fish & chips. Kid's menu. Enclosed terrace, park ing, near cable car.

Open:from 10am Monday - Saturday. Closed Sundays.

Buddies Pasta Casa

15 Cannon Lane. Tel: 40627

Tasty Italian specials in pleasant ambience. Large selec tion of starters from garlic bread to calamari. Main courses include fettuccinc do formaggio,spaghetti alia carbonara, fusilli al salmone, and entrecote a! whisky to name a few. Tasty desserts and variety of wines.

Open; Monday ■ Wednesday lOam - 5pm, Thursday, Fri day and Saturday lOnm - 4pm and 7pm - midnight.

Charlie's Steak House Grill Marina Bay. Tel/Fax:79993

George and Paula are your hosts at Charlie's where you will find a wide selection of international food including sizzling steaks, tandixiris and seafood dishes plus daily spe cials. Try the special sizzling mixed grill which includes tandcwri and garlic chicken breasts, slices of prime fillet, king prawns,sausages, bacon,tomato and peppers. Regu lar theme nights. Quayside terrace.

Open:9am - late every day.

Le Coq D'Or

Unit 9-10 Watergardens. Tel: 43601

Eat-in or take-away at this busy eatery for all the favourites such as fish and chips, pie and chips,sausages,donncrand chicken kebabs, roast chicken, curries, pinchitos, pakoras, salads and Moroccan cakes.

Open: 10am - late 7 days a week.

Fancy That Sandwich Bar

Ground Floor,!CC. Tel:47262

Great place for hot and cold rolls, sandwiches(wide selec tion of fillings), lc»asties, hot pies, and salad pots. Plus tea, coffee, soft drinks, doughnuts, muffins and biscuits.

Open: Mon - Fri 8.30 - 6pm,Sat iO - 2pm.

Just A Nibble

1st Rr International Commercial Ctr. Tel:78052

Full blown lia-nsed cafeteria serx'ing English breakfast, vast range of toasties, rolls, and other snacks. Meals include steak and kidney pie, Bob'sfamouschicken curry/chilli con came,& now Kentucky-style fried chicken, 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 Isl Floor ICC Tel: 48014

Comfortable bright and airy cafe serving vegetarian and non-vegelarian cuisine from breakfast and lunch to after-

5,tvar//e^

Steak House

6rlU &Taoem

Where people meet to eat a fine and varied lunch menu and a comprehensive a la carle menu

thai compliments both our kitchen and our customers.Bv-ervthing from loasiies to tagiiaielle and from full English breakfast

10 Jamaican Pepper Pot.

Charlies Sizzling Specials with steaks or mixed grills. We also carr)' a good selection of wine, spirits and beers.

We're on the harbour wall al the beautiful Marina Bay so book a plea.sanl table for two or jiisl sil watching the world go by while sipping an ice cold beiT. Reserve on Tel/Fax; 79993

No. 2.admiral's Walk, Marina Bay (iibroliar

E-mail: george&'gibnei.gi

Wte love to cater for groups and parties so why not spend thai next special occasion at Ch-arlies?

noon tea. Homemade desserts a speciality. Eat-in or takea way at sensible prices. Outside catering service.

Open:Sam - 4.30pm Monday to Friday.

The Lunchbox

301 Eurotowers. Tel:49310 with orders

Fresh filled baguettes and Vienna/wholemeal roils, panirus Scrranito style(roast pork, green peppers and sauce),brie, ham & tomato or mushroom,or tuna mayo and sweetcom, Calentita, salads, baked poatoes, chilli beef with cheese nachos. Relax with theOironiclc in the coffee and TV lounge. Range of local dishes, homemade cakes and desserts.

Open: Monday • friday 7am - 6pm.

MunchiesCafe

24 Main Street. Tel:43840 Fax: 42390

A great sandwich bar/cafe offering an unusual range of sandwiches on white or granary bread, plus salads, ba guettes,soups,desserts,homemade ice-cream and hot/cold drinks. Business lunches, parties and kids parties also ca tered for (for party and office platters phone or fax order by 5.30pm day before - minium orders for delivery £12).

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

Piccadilly Garden Bar/Restaurant

3 Rosia Road. Tel: 75736

Pleasant bar near cable car/Queen's Hotel with lovely ter race for drinks/meals. Tasty Spanish/English cuisine in cluding fresh seafood, breakfast, churros and hamburgers.

Open:from breakfast to latc.

The Pie Machine

83 Governor's Street. Tel: 49314

Delirious pies homemade on the premisesincluding diicken k mushroom, pure chicken,steak & kidney, minced beef& onion and lots more. Also sausage rolls, filled rolls, soft drinks, lea and coffee. Eat-in or take-away.

Open: Mon • Fri 7am •6pm,Sat/Sun Sam -2pm.

The Real Taste of Cornwall

16 City Mill Lane. Tel: 70737

Real pasties, handmade in Cornwall and baked in Gibral tar, are available from this Tasty Bar and Takeaway located just off Main Street near Mothcrcare. Go along for a quiet pint or take a pasty home for tea, many flavours available from beef&Stilton to Cheese & Bacon,Steak & Ate to Broc coli, Cheese & Sweetcorn.

Open: 10am - late Monday to Saturday.

The Rock Cafe

2nd floor ICC(next to Health Centre). Tel:630683201

Eat in (or take-away), while you wait for your number to come up on the Doctor's Digital Appointment Screen on the cafe wall(but youdon't have to visit the doctor to enjoy asnack,oracoffee!). All day breakfast, toasties,sandwiches, baguettes, jacket potatoes, scampi & chips, cod & chips, steak k kidney pie. burgers, kiddies menu,apple pie,cakes and pastries — beer, wines, spirits, tea, coffee and soft drinks, ideal meeting place, relaxing music. Private par ties catered for (seats 60).

Open:from Sam, Monday to Saturday.

Roy's II Fish and Chips Cafeteria

Opposite the Convent, Main StreeL

This fish and chip cafeteria and take-away is located di rectly opposite the Governor's residence on Main Street. Traditional fish and chips, burgers,salads and much more.

Open: lUam-lOpm.

Sacarello Coffee Co.

57 Irish Town. Tel; 70625

Converted coffee warehouse, ideal for coffee, homemade cakes with afternoon tea, plus full menu including excel lent salad bar, specials of the day and dishes such as lasa gne,steak and mushroom Guinness pie,hot chicken salad, toasties,club sandwich and baked potatoes.Artexhibitions.

Open:9am •7.30pm. Closed Sundays.

Smith's Fish & Chips

295 Main Street. Tel: 74254

A traditional British fish and chipshop with tables/seating available or take-away wrapped in newspaper.

Menu: Ccxi, haddock or plaice in batter, Cornish pasties, mushy peas etc. Also curries, omlettes and burgers. Break fasts from Sam.

Open:Sam - 6pm Monday - Friday

Located: Main Street opposite the Convent.

Solly's Salt Beef Parlour & Delicatessen

8 Canon Lane. Tel: 78511

Newly opened on Cannon Lane this carvery, charcuterio and deli offers delicious food to take away eat in or for delivery. Try the carvery(from 11am), hot or cold baguettes with fillings such as curried chicken breast, Merguez sau sages,schnitzel, pastrami,smoked turkey and pressed beef. T'herc are also salads and platters including bangers& mash, lamb chops, beef burgers and hot dogs. (Glatt Kosher)

Open: 12pm - late. Closed Saturdays, Sunday 6pm - late.

The Tasty Bite

59a Irish Town. Tel; 78220 Fax: 74321

Tasty Bite has one of the biggest take-away menus around with home ctx)ked meats,filled baguettes, burgers,chicken, kebabs and evendhing else you can think of!

Open; Monday - Saturday.

The Wheelhouse Marina Bay(next to Checkout)Tel; 77548

Lots of good homemade food to eat in or take away from

Bars/ Restaurants marked have their full menus online at www.TheCibiciltarMagazine.com

breakfasts, sandwiches and salads to casserole, pies and quiches. Try the delicious vegetable tikka massala and rice, or the steak pie with onions in a red ivine sauce or peritaps the chicken supreme in a ivine and mushroom sauce. Hot rolls, club sandwiches, omelettes, jacket potatoes and, of course, Rosemary's famous desserts. Daily specials, and Saturday special full roast plus dessert plus wine for £5.95.

Open:8am-5pm Monday - Saturday

bars&

All's Well

Grand Casemates Square. Tel: 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 hand ing 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, sau sage & mash, cod and chips and steak & ale pie are complimented by a range of salads and filled jacket pota toes. Large terrace.

The Angry Friar PTO

278 Main Street. Tel: 71570 Um

The Angry Friar is everything you'd expect from a British pub, but with a large terrace. Food 9.30 - 4, 6 - 9.15 inc. breakfasts. (Sunday roasts 11 - 4,6 - 9.15pm).

Open:9.30am-midnight(Sun.from Uam)

Located: Opposite The Convent.

Aragon Bar

15 Bell Lane. Tel: 78855

A friendly traditional bar serving good homemade food. Outside tables available.

Open:7 days, 10-late, food 10 • 10.

The Cannon Bar

27 Cannon Lane. Tel: 77288

E-mail: janegib(f'>gibnynex.gi

Still owned by Jane after 16 memorable years! Good food all day. Amin makes cons cous or tajine to order. Located: off Main St at Marks & Spencer.

The Clipper

Irish Town. Tel: 79791

Large popular bar serving good homemade food from breakfa.st to dinner- I.arge varied menu. Top sporting events covered on overhead TVs. Private functions catered for. Open:9.30am to midnight(Fri and Sat to lam). Food served 9.30ain to 10pm).

Corks Wine Bar

Irish Town. Tel: 75366

Under the new management of Neil and Gino, Corks is a popular and pleasant wine bar serving an excellent range of hot and cold dishes at lunchtime (12-3pm) with daily specials. Toast, coffee and scones served 9.30-11.30am, af ternoon toasties. English breakfast. Tuesday evening is Currv Night, Thursday evening is Steak night

Open:9:00am - late. Closed Sundays

Duck & Firkin

Building 6, Europort. Tel: 72745

Live football on a giant TV showing all premier league ac-

tion from Sky Sports plus more. Quiz machines,2 poker machines,2 pool tables. Karaokeon 2nd Saturday in month.

Food served 10am - 3pm Mon-Sat.

Open:from 10am -midnight (Friday-Sat urdayllam-lam)

The Edinburgh Anns

Naval HospiUl Road. Tel: 78961

When it's hot outside be cool inside! Excellent homemade food from 10am weekdays, midday weekends. Snacks/ tapas available all day. Take aways available. Sundays re lax with the Sunday papers and special bninch, Sunday roasts from October onwards. Dartboard and children's activities. Monday is prize ijuiz night.

Open:Mon-Thurs llam-midnight,Friday & Saturday mid day-lam,Sunday midday-6pm.

The Horseshoe

193 Main Street. Tel: 77444

Right in the centre of town,the Horseshoe is a popular busy bar. Good menu from full English breakfast, to burgers and mixed grills. Curry and chilli specials on Sunday.

Open:9am to late, Sunday 10am - late.

Facilities: Main Street terrace.

The Market Tavern

Waterport/Casematcs Gates. Tel: 50800

Serving good food from salads, snacks and full English breakfast (until 3pm)to burgers, toasties, curries, fish and chips, and pie, chips and gravy Pool table upstairs. Live music Friday 9pm -late. Karaoke Wed and Sat 9pm- late.

Open:Sam - late Mon - Sat,Sun lOam-late.

Lord Nelson Bar Brasserie

10 Casemates Sq. Tel:50009 www.lordnelson.gi

E-mail: reservationsSt'Iordnelson.gi

Attractive bar/brasserie in historic Casemates building. Done out to respresent Nelson's ship with cloud and sky ceiling crossed with beams and sails. Spacious terrace

Menu:Lunch:try the speciality musselsin white wine,gar lic and cream, or the famous fish and chips served with homemade tartar sauce. Daily specials and snacks avail able. Evening:full a la carte including special dishes cooked at your table. Steak Diane,king prawns a la romana,crepes suzette and many more. Sunday lunch from £6.93. Credit cards accepted. Live music every weekend.

Open:fn)m 10am fill very late.

Pickwicks

Governor's Parade. Tel: 76488

Newly refurbished and run by well-known friendly face, Mandy this small pub with a large terrace is situated in the new Theatre square away from the traffic and safe for all the family. Sometimes there's live music in the summer months. Good food available. Private parties catered for.

Open: weekdays from 9.30am - midnight(-lam Fridays)

Location: turn off Main St at Marks & Spencer.

The Fig and Whistle Unit 18, Watergardens. Tel: 76167

A comfortable pleasant pub with pool table and terrace on the quayside. Big screen television for sporting events.

Open:10-midnight(Fri-Sat 11-lam)

The Royal Caipe

176 Main Street. Tel: 75890

Comfortable traditional bar close to the Cathedral on Main Street. Beer garden at the rear. Serving good pub food all

ini

from 10.30am daily First floor'Hcmts' — 2 match pool ta bles, poker machines, darts hoard,games machine, bar open from 1pm daily. Second Floor'Nest'— American pool table, f>oker machine, games machine, card table, bar open fixim 5pm dail)'.

The Three Roses

Governor's Street Tel: 51614

Marina frorp Scotland ruas this bar, known as The Scottish Embassy,serving homemade food (until 3pm)- Dartboard and pool table. Happy hours 3-7 Friday, I2-2Salurdav. Free tapas 4-6 Friday

Open:all day,every day.

The Tunnel 8 Casemates Square. Tel: 74946 Tel/Fax: 44878

Large bar located in the historic Casemates Sv]uare.

Menu: Wide variety of affordable food including Sizzling specials from 7pm. Selection of international meals,Indian specialities, vegetarian selections, homemade ice-cream. Sunday carvery served 1 pm-9pm (hot & cold).

Facilities: Large terrace, big screen TVs, regular live music. Open:7 days a week 9am • very late.

The Venture Inn

Lynch's Lane. Tel: 75776

A good centra! meeting place, this bar serves home-cooked food all dav. Terrace seating off Main Street.

day including breakfast, omelettes,salads, jackets, toasties and main coursessuch as curry,chilli, lasagne,scampi,burg ers and fish and chips. Kiddies menu available.

Open:9pm-12 Mon - Sat,Sun llam-5pm.

Royal Oak Bar

59c Irish Town. Tel: 71708

Informal pub, popular for its pool table and sports talk.

Outdoor seating.

Located: Irish Town, parallel to Main St.

The Star Bar

Parliament Lane. Tel: 75924

Reputedly the oldest bar in Gib, this bar opens early for breakfast(English or toast & cereal). Lunch/evening menu includes fillet steak, fish and chips and salads. Kids menu 99p- Home of Med Golf (111% discount on food for Med Members). Home of Leeds United EC supporters dub.

Facilities: Outside seating.

Open: from 7am every day

Located: first right off Main Sta'el(walking from N to S).

The Theatre Inn Governor's Street Tel: 77172

A comfortahle bar located close to the Elioft Hotel and serv ing a variety of hot and cold tapas, plus bar snacks from 10am - 5pm. Live entertainment every other Saturday, karaoke everv Friday. Terrace seating. Air conditioning.

Open: lOam • midnight Mon • Sat.

The Three Owls

Irish Town

The Three Owls is a traditional bar serving best of English beers.Three separate bars/floors:gatund floor — big screen tv, pool table, pviker machines,games machines, bar — open

Bars / Restaurants marked have their full menus online at www.TheCibrallarMagazine.com

Open:from 10am

Located; Main Street near Casemates, opposite the ICC.

Wembley Bar 10 South Barrack Ramp. Tel: 78004

Popular bar for hot and cold bar snacks, function room,in south district. Fridays 10am for breakfast. Air conditioned.

Open: 11am - midnight Sunday - Thursday, 10am - lam Friday, 11am - lam Saturdays.

Ye Olde Rock

John Mackintosh Square. Tel: 71804

Warm friendly pub with lots of military history in the mid dle of town. Homemade food including specials served by hosts Eaion,and Mollie. Air conditioned, terrace.

Open:from 10am 7 days a week.

acrosstheborder

La Diva

142 Av de Espaha, La Linea

Little bar within short hop of the frontier. Ideal stop off for Spanish and English food, tapas and Sunday roasts. Great place to meet up and easy to find (on roundabout before Rocamar building). Food 12noon - 10pm.

Maharaja Restaurant St Take-away

Upper Level, Estepona Port,Spain

Good value authentic Indian fixid in a pleasant marina side location.

Open:7pm - midnight ever)' day.

La Verandah Tel:(9561 615998

km 135,Playa Guadiaro, Torreguadiaro,Spain.

Quality international food serx'ed in a friendly informal atmosphere. Excellent value. Log fire in winter.

Open: Lunches: Saturday and Sunday only Dinners: every day except Tuesday Closed Tuesdays.

was already well known,then cus tomer demand caused her to expand — twice sideways, and now with a whole new branch at Marina Bay.

When Rosemary Burrows opened the single unitJust Desserts as a homemade cake shop on the first floor at the ICC a year ago,she didn't realise that she would be quickly recognised as the lady who had previously created the popu lar Healthy Options, and that her customers would start asking her for more of her homemade magic across the menu board.

Now she has expanded the origi nal premises twice to its present size of three units with five staff plus a large patio area, and has a loyal force of local regulars as well as shoppers from the Costa who make a visit to Just Desserts part of their trip to Gibraltar.

And if that wasn't an impressive enough success story,a few months ago she opened another branch The Wheelhouse at Marina Bay. With the popular Debbie at the helm it was an immediate hit, of fering as it does the same menu, prices and home-made quality as Just Desserts. It even has the same d^cor, with just a few nautical wheels to set the theme without overdoing it. With her four-girl team of cooks and waitresses, the new restaurant caught on quickly, particularly amongst the marine's yacht people and the builders

working on the surrounding devel opments.

'I usually start at 4.30 in the morning, making the pies and pas tries, the cakes, curries and moussakkas, the quiche, every thing,'said Rosemary when I asked her where she found the time to do all the cooking. I learned that she copes with the early rising by go ing to bed at around 8.30pm with a good book.

'But above all,' she said,'it's be cause 1 love it. You've got to be de voted to the job to do it.'

But surely opening The Wheel-

iserts.

There's plenty to choose from, and children can have any item in a half-size portion, or there are the special Small Person's Menu items for under-twelves—Chicken Breast with Mash & Beans, or Sausage, Mash & Beans, or Children's Salad for £1.95 each. Adults can start the day with a Kick Coffee & Brandy for only £1.50, followed by full breakfasts or simply something tasty on toast. Lunches include la sagne with fresh lean mincemeat, chicken casserole,supreme or tikka, steak pie, pasties or quiche. Vegetar-

'I usually start at 4.30 in the morning, making the pies and pastries, the cakes, curries and moussakkas,the quiche, everything../

house means more stress? 'Not at all,' was the prompt reply.'Debbie is completely competent and runs the new place herself entirely.In fact when I go down to give a hand on Saturdays 1 just go as a helper, not as the boss.'

The menus at both places cover everything from breakfasts and lunches to afternoon teas, with a tasty selection of vegetarian options — about half the menu, including some of the breakfast fry-ups — all served up in a quick friendly way in the charming village caf^-style dining room, or out amongst the passers-by on the aforementioned 'patio' area in the case of Just Des-

ian options are similar. Prices for lunches vary between £3.95 and £4.75.

Then there are the salads,such as warm chicken & bacon, or tuna at £4.75,or ham and cottage cheese or chicken for £4.25. There's an enor mous choice of rolls, garlic bread, and sandwiches—club,mega-club or toasted.'Hot rolls are very popu lar;'Rosemary said,'especially beef, pork with stuffing,beef and onions with cheese or the special Philly Melt.' The toasted items on their own represent 18 of the choices on the menu and, again, there is a healthy vegetarian contingent amongst them. And with summer

coming Rosemary's famous soups will be giving way to her equally popular Ice Cream Sundaes and Fresh Fruit Smoothies — all made from fresh daily seasonal ingredi ents.

Everything on the menu can be taken away, including the legen dary desserts — Banoffee Pie, Ap ple Pie, Mississippi Mud Pie, Cheesecake, Crumble, Carrot Cake and Banana Boatat£1.75 each.Later in the day there are the Afternoon Teas: a sandwich of your choice, scone with jam and cream and a pot of tea, all for £2.95.

There's plenty more to choose from but unfortunately notenough space on this page to do it full jus tice — although 1 can't omit the spe cial 'taste of home' roasts (pork, beef, lamb) every Saturday which are great value at £4.95.

The Wheelhouse at Marina Bay is where the Oasis(part of the nowclosed Checkout/Tesco supermar ket)used to be,whilst Just Desserts is on the first floor of the ICC.They are both easy to find and they start doing breakfasts at Sam, Monday to Saturday, remaining open until the last satisfied customer leaves at around 3.30 or 4pm. It is also planned to open the Wheelhouse on Sundays in the summer.

And if you're marvelling at Rose mary's long hours you'll be amazed to hear that she also does outside catering for parties when re quested. More information can be obtained by calling her on 48014.

B i i Rosemary'shomecooking

ell there has only been one topic of conversation on Main Street over the last few weeks and that's been the cold weather. Even the hardiest of souls must have suf fered, but some poor devils have suf fered more than is necessary, espe cially Natalie Clark who's husband told her that she couldn't have the seat warmers on in the car because it wasn't cold enough, would you be lieve? Then she found out that the wretched Mike had his on all the time — how wicked can you get! But if that wasn't bad enough,when she did put her seat warmer on it got so hot it made all the tops of her legs red with the heat.

For some people no matter how cold it gets it doesn't seem to bother them. Malcom of the BP Garage,near Jump ers,is one person who doesn't appear to feel the cold. I saw him one morn ing and it must have been below freez ing but there he was swanning about in his shorts. I couldn't believe my eyes. 1 don't know what the lowest temperature recorded wasbut I'm told that on 27th January it was the coldest day since 1941 and I can believe it.

The cold weather has been blamed for just about everything and because of it half the population seemed to be suffering from colds, flu and all sorts of ailments during February in fact the queue outside the health centre on some mornings stretched half-way round the ICC. There were so many people waiting to see a doctor you could easily have thought that the plague or something had struck the Rock.

Club Foot

and what a pair they are. It was the first time I'd actually met Jim but he's not the sort of fellow easily forgotten. I knew he was a lunatic as soon as I saw him because it was an absolutely freez ing day and there he was in shorts and I have to say that if there was an ugly knee competion he could give"Sparky" a run for his money.

Slim Tony

It's nice to see Tony and Angie back on the Rock after their Caribbean tout and did the diet work Tony?

The Concept of Roundabouts...

It's usually mobile phones or pass ports going missing that keeps the Bianca Boys in the news,but this month just for a change it's transport. A bit of advice for "Scouse", just in case you didn't already know,when you're driv ing along and you come up to a rounda bout the idea is to go round it not over or through it. "Scouse"is definitely a driver to avoid at all cost.

Another Bianca Boy with transport on his mind is none other than "Sparky" Sparks who has had to invest vast for tunes in a new bike — and when Sparky" buys a new bike he doesn't

One fellow really was suffering in February and it had nothing to do with the weather at all. It was none other than Russ Crawford who had some sort of mishap with a lump of concrete or something that fell on his foot caus ing him considerable grief — so much so that he had to take some time off work and was even issued with a pair of crutches. He did offer to show me his injuries but 1 decided to decline that kind offer however he really was suf fering and so this month Russjoins the elite as a member of the"Bad Leg"club. On the subject of legs I bumped into none other tnan""Billericay Jim" and "bparky" Duy: his mate"Monster" at Biancas recently muck about,he needs a big one to carry

Party animals, Dennis and "Young Bob"

Thermo Man

Sue of the Horseshoe Bar

Fiona of the Tunnel

Cold Cures

Congratulations — 7 years af Cassava

Mr Brian Francis

all his paint pots, tools, ladders not to mention tins of refreshment and good ness knows what else and he's a big lad, in fact he's a very big lad, too.

Many Happies

Birthday boys and girls this month include Bev, Chris Bourne, Sandra, John, Val, Anna, Mark, Gary the paramedic and last but not least Miss Diana Hamilton. Happy birthday to you all.

Belated congratulations to Becky of the Veterinary Clinic and to Sue Nellist who reached the half century last month and tried to keep it a secret she should know better. Congratula tions also to Muriel and Norrie on their wedding aimiversary, and to Christian of Abegon fitters and his wife Damina on the birth of a baby daughter to be named Faith. Christian's dad Chippy was so over come with emotion that he's hardly stopped crying since. Chippy,when he isn't crying,is always having a go at people who lose their passports. Well now he knows what it's like himself so he'll probably keep cry ing.

Ifs all babies this month. Pauline of Biancas leaves work in March and the

Chip and Charlie baby is due in April, and Carol Fox is soon to become a"Nanna" must be the first sign of getting old when you be come a Grand-Ma.

Changing Faces

It's all change at the Three Roses where for more years than I can re member Dermot has been the "Laird". Dermot has decided it's time for a rest and now Marina, who has been at the "Scottish Embassy" working with Dermot for the last two years, has taken over the reins and is the new landlady, aided and abetted by none other than Dermofs daughter Andrea. So it's free tapas on Fridays between 4 and 6pm and happy hours will be on Fridays 3-7pm and Saturdays 12-2pm. There's always a warm Scottish wel come at the Three Roses — Demot may not be the "Laird" any longer but he will still be looking after the Celtic sup porters club that will still meet at the Roses of course.

March Mayhem

March will be a busy month for just about every one on the Rock starting on the 1st when Welsh men and women will celebrate St. David's Day.'

The Welsh have had plenty to sing about recently after beating England in the 6 Nations rugby match but don't forget the old saying "He who laughs last laughs longest". Then on 6th it's Mothers Day so don't forget your flowers and on 9th it's the per fect day to pack up smoking because it's the International NoSmoking Day. On 14th we can all have a rest because it's a bank holiday for Common wealth Day, closely followed on 17th by St. Patrick's Day — don't forget your shamrock. Then on 25th it's Good Friday followed by Easter Mon day on 28th and don'tforget to change your clocks on the 27th.

Sports Unreport

The less said aboutsport this month the better,especially for English rugby fans and followers ofthe"Mighty Ori ent" what a nightmare.

And finally a lot of beautiful single ladies had a Valentines dinner at Biancas and when asked where all the single men were replied that there weren't any in Gib!! What do you reckon lads?

See you on Main Street.

Zyna ofBalloqui

Lionel and Encarnacion

Sue the laughing police lady

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The Gibraltar Magazine property supplement

At Home in Gibraltar is published each May. For advertising details contact + 350 77748 or e-mail; gibmagfSigibnet.gi

FINISHING TOUCHES

•

transportservices

794 657

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ro 1131, Sotogrande Cadiz

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• Fast Service • Free Fitting Firestone.ConiJfWtJl,Avon,Dunlop.Mithei.n,Goodyear STARTER MOTORS Ct ALTERNATORS Repairs, Reconditioning, Exchange or Brand New

Unit 25 Rear of Block 5, Watergardens. Tel: 47000 Mobile: 588.5(1000

Natural History & Heritage Park

(jmission 10 the Natural History and Heritage Park

IS between 9 30am and 7pm by tickets(includes entrance w sites within the Park including St. Michael's Cave. Monkey's Den,Great Siege Tunnels, Military Heritage Centre. A City Under Siege' Exhibition and the Moorish Castle).(Facilities closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.) Adults £7.00 / Chil dren age 5-12 years: £4.00. Children age 4 years and under: free, Vehicles: £1.50. Pri vate vehicles may be restricted at certain times and it is advisable to take a Rock Tour bytaxi/mini bus. The Natural History & Her itage Park can also be reached by Cable Car (leaves from Grand Parade 9.30am-6pm Monday to Sunday. Lastcableup: 5.15pm, down: 5.45pm).

Ihe flora and fauna on the

Upper Rock are considered to be of great conservational value. It's a perfect place for ters, as migratory species use Gi braltar as the shortest crossing between Eu rope and Africa, but botanists will also be interested to see over 600 species of flow ering plants, including some unique to Gi braltar. Watch out for colourful lizards, the non-venemous Horseshoe Whipsnake. but terflies and pipistrelle bats. Info on the Rock's flora and fauna is found at the Gi braltar Ornithological and Natural History Society's Information Centre at Jews Gate.

St. Michael's Cave: The cave consists of 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 audito rium for concerts and theatre. The cave was prepared as a hospital in WWII, but was never used. While blasting an alterna tive entrance a further series of chambers were discovered ending in a mini lake. These are called Lower St. Michael's Cave and can be visited with a qualified guide.

The Monkeys' Den: There are around 160 monkeys living in the Park and around 30 of these can be seen at the Monkey's Den. Often called apes,they are tail-less Barbary Macaques and the only free living monkeys in Europe. Feeding the monkeys is illegal and carries a fine of £500.

The Great Siege Tunnels: Tunnelling in the Rock began during the Great Siege(17791783) when France and Spain made an all out attempt to recapture the Rock while Britain was busy with the American War of Independence. Governor General Elliot of fered 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. Various exhibitions inside the tunnels bring pageantryevery Saturday morning whm the Rock's past is brought alive Iwetroop 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" routine and then march back up Main Street 10 the Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned.

their history to life.

The Military Heritage Centre: Housed in one of the Rock's many historic batteries, the Military Heritage Centre displays infor mation 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 of the earliest British building on the Rock. Original graffiti, drawn by duty soldiers to stop themselves falling asleep, is still vis ible, the earliest dating back to 1726.

The Moorish Castle: The Moorish Castle is actually just part of a Moorish town and castle which was bui lt up during the Moorish occupation of the Iberian feninsula, 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 the Spanish. The tower provides an excellent view point as it did for its Moorish builders centuries ago.

Natural History 6 Heritage Park Walks: The recommended walk is St Michael's Cave through to Charles V Wall but walk ers should be relatively fit. It is also pleas ant walking along the upper rock roads. Fact Files and brochures are available free from all Tourist Board offices.

Botanical Gardens: Opened in 1816. the Alameda Botanical Gardens fell into disre pair but are currently being restored to their former glory. Visitors can enjoy a stroll be neath pines, dragon trees and palms, and see many of Gibraltar's native plants as well as exotic species. The shop sells environ mentally friendly gifts, plants and seeds. Tel: 72639774022. Large car park available,

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 un derground tunnels surmounted by an im pressive 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'. Open 10am to 6pm every day except Mondays. Adults £1/Chtldren & QAPs 50p. Cafeteria on site.

Flat Bastion Magazine Flat Bastion Road, Geological Research Station and Lithology of Gibraltar. To visit please contact: F. Gomez Tel. 44460. P HodklnsonTel.43910.

Emergency Services

Emergency calls only:

Fire/Ambulance Tel: 190^

Police Tel: 199/112

Emergency Number Tel: 112

Non-urgent calls:

Ambulance Station Tel: 75728

Police Tel: 72500

Gibraltar Services Police: Emergency N^: .Tel;(5)5026 /(5)3598

(Telephone Services

{operator Tel: 100

llntemationai operator Tel: 100 jDifectory Enquiries: Local Ttf: International Tel: II

Maritime calls

Shrine of Our Lady of Europe (Museum within premises) Europe Road. 10am-7pm Monday to Friday. 11 am-7pm Saturday,Sun day and Public Holidays. Closed 1 pm - 2pm.

Admission free.

Trafalgar Cemetery: Trafalgar Road, open 9am - 7pm daily(admission free).

Visitor Information

Gibraltar Museum Tel: 74289

18/20 Bomb House Lane Open 10am-6pm (Sat 10am - 2pm) Closed on Sunday. Ad mission: Adults £2.00/Children under 12 years £1.00. Special exhibitions also held at museum premises in Casemates gallery.

Registry Office Tel: 72289

It IS possible to get married on the Rock within 48 hours of arrival. A fact taken ad vantage of by stars such as Sean Connery and John Lennon.

Rock Tours by Taxi Tel: 70052

As well as offering normal fares, Gibraltar taxis provide a complete Rock Tour taking in the Upper Rock, Europe Point and other sites of interest. It is the best way to see the Rock's major features in a short time.

Tourist Board Tel: 74950 Gibraltar National Tourist Board. Arundel Court, 179 Strand, London Tel: 0207 836 0777 Fax: 0207 240 6612 E-mail: giblondontgiaol.com

John Mackintosh Hall Tel: 75669

Centre of Gib's cultural life, includes a caf eteria, theatre, exhibition rooms and library. 308 Mam Street 9.30am -11 pm Monday to Friday. Closed weekends.

Cruise Ship Schedule

March 2005

Wed 16 PBlome I ETA 1400 ETD 2000 Hansa

Kreuzfahrten 350 capacity Funchai-Almeria

Men 28 Insignia ETA 0800 ETD 1800 Oceania

Cruises 698 capacity Cadiz-Malaga

Wed 30 Paloma I ETA 1400 ETD 2000 Hansa

Kreuzfahrten 350 capacity Funchai-Almeria

April 2005

Sun 03 Cristina Regina ETA 0800 ETD 1600

Kristina Cruises 245 capacity

Tue 05 Seabourn Pride ETA 1200 ETD 2300

Seabourn 208 capacity Casablanca-Cadiz

Fn OB Hanseatic ETA 1400 ETD 2359 Hapag Lloyd

184 capacity Casablanca -Marbella

Sat 09 Oriana ETA 1300 ETD 1800 P&01975 ca pacity Palma-Southampton

Tue 12 Silver Whisper ETA 1300 ETO 2230

Silversea 388 capacity Casablanca- Cadiz

Tue 12 Seabourn Legend ETA 1200 ETD 1800

Seabourn 212 capacity Seville-Malaga

Fri 15 Silver Wind ETA 1400 ETD 1900 Silversea

296 capacity Casablanca-Cadiz

Bus Routes

Route 2; Starts at Both Worlds on the hour, I Caleta Hotel, Devil's Tower Rd, Winston Churchill Ave, Smith Dorien Ave, Line Wall Rd, Cable Car/Fire Station, Prince Edward's Rd, Arengo's Palace/St Bernard's Hospital. On half hour back to Both Worlds, down Prince Edward's Rd. Cathedral Sq, Line Wall Rd, Smith Dorien Ave, W. Churchill Ave, Devil's Tower Rd. Caleta Hotel, Both Worlds Mon • Fri 0800-2030(every 30 mins).

Route 3: Runs between Frontier and Light house, Europa Point. Many points includ ing W.Churchill Ave,Smith Dorrien Ave,Line Wall Rd, past Museum,Convent,up Europa Rd, past Casino, Loreto Convent. Mon-Fri 0630-1130(non-stop) 1130-2000 (every 30 mins)2100(last bus leaves lighthouse)Sat 0730-2000(every 30 minsi 21.(X)(as above),

Sun 0730-1400 (only one bus operating) 1400-2000(every 30 mins)2100(as above)

Route 4: Catalan Bay, Devil's Tower Rd, W. Churchill Ave, Watergardens, Varyl Begg Estate, Gib 5, Safeway Petrol Station, Line Wall Rd, past US 8 British War Memorials. Museum, Cathedral Sq, Cable Car Station,

December, Moveable: Maundy Thursday; Good Friday; Corpus Christi. end of Alameda Estate, Rosia Rd, up Europa Rd pest Casino, South Brk Rd, KGV, St Josephs School, down South Pavilion Rd, stops at flosia Plaza near 100 ton gun. Re turns past Police HQ,Cumberland Rd, Rosia Rd, Boyd St, Main St, past Convent. Cathe dral Sq, Line Wall Rd, Market Pi, Queensway. up Euoport Ave, Safeway, Watergardens, Corral Rd, Winston Churchill Ave, Devil's Tower Rd, Catalan Bay. Mon-Fri0715-2045 (every 15 mins until 1700then every 30 mins) Sat-Sun 08(X)- 2100(every 30 mins).

Route 9; Frontier to Market Pi and back, stops at W.Churchill Ave and Glads Rd. Mon - Ffi 0830 -2030 (every 15 min) Sat 08002030 (every 15 min) SundayslOOO • 2000 (every 20 mins).

Route 10: Runs between Frontier, W.Church ill Ave, Glacis Rd.. Watergardens Gib 5, Safeway, Europort. British War Memorial. Mon - Fri 0815-2000(every 15min$)Sat 08401920(every 30 mins)Sunday 0945-1800.

compact

Lightweight and compact Automatic airflow director ensures uniform airflow and temperature distribution

Air purification filter: - deodorises the air helps prevent bacterial and viral propagation

Powerful mode can be selected for rapid cooling or heating

Washable front panel

Extremely quiet in operation, both indoors and outdoors

The outdoor unit can easily be mounted on a roof or terrace or placed against an outside wall

Up to 5 indoor units can be connected to 1 Multi outdoor unit. All indoor units are individually controllable with remote control and do not need to be installed in the same room. They operate simultane ously within the same cooling or heating mode.

&asy conirofaiyourfinyeriips