The Gibraltar Magazine March 2007

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Finance:The Year Ahead

The New Year's celebrations already seem long gone, but now that we are well into 2007 one New Year's resolution we should all keep is to review how our savings and investments are performing.

The message that we constantly party, although demand remains hear (and in my case, give) these strong from private investors who, days is to save and invest more despite the fact that returns may for our futures. However, to earn fall back into single figures in 2007,

decent returns on our savings and investments we all have to work at it. This article considers what sort of year the investments markets had during 2006, and into 2007.

Firstly deposits. Central bank rates increased during 2006 - Ster ling interest rates rose from 4.5% to 5.0%, and Euro rates rose to 3.5%. Sterling interest rates then started the New Year by rising a further U% to 5.25% in January. For reasonable deposits held for the longer term 5.00% or more has now to be the target rate for savers to achieve.

UK government bonds (gilts) yielded lower total returns over the year than deposits, although generally speaking corporate bonds performed a little better. Returns may improve next year particularly if interest rates fall, but returns on gilts may still struggle to exceed interest rates on deposits.

UK commercial property again performed well over 2006, with re turns exceeding 15%. After several years ofexcellent performance there are signs that institutional investors are now beginning to leave the

New Ministries

Following the commencement of the New Constitution the Government has created two new ministries, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs. The Ministry of Finance will comprise the Treasury Depart ment, the Income Tax Depart ment, the Customs Department, the Finance Centre Department and the Gambling Department. The Ministry will be respon sible for the economy, public finances,(including Govern ment budgeting, Government expenditure and Government revenue), taxes and duties, gam bling and financial services. The Chief Minister who already has ministerial responsibility for all these issues formally becomes the Minister of Finance.

a year-by-year basis, but for 2007 most pundits are predicting single figure returns and more uncertainty in the markets.

continue

to value the competitive returns and stability that this sector has been providing.

Shares also had a good year, with the best performing westernEuropean stock market being our neighbours Spain which showed an increase of well over 30%. Most other international markets were up 15-25%, although some such as China, India and Russia did dramatically better. The UK has been one of the poorest performing markets having risen by about 12%.

Shares of medium sized companies have done better than those of the larger FTSE-100 companies which have been hit by the weakening US Dollar. On this point Sterling is up slightly against the Euro over the year, but up much more significantly against the US Dol lar. As always future rctums from shares are impossible to predict on

Of course many investors in Gibraltar have money invested in With Profits funds This last year has seen most life offices remov ing most if not all of their Market Value Adjustment penalties, and this as would be expected given that stock markets have now largely recovered their losses of2000-2003. However annual bonus rates have in the meantime fallen to very low levels and, in the case of some companies, to zero. After the good returns of 2006 With Profits funds arc now generally much healthier, and it would be good to see signs of bonus payouts to policyholders increasing again.

Anthon]^ Drew is a Chartered Financial Planner at European Fi nancial Planning Group, and holds the Investment Management Certifi cate of the ilK Society of Investnicnl Professionals.

The Accountant General becomes head of the Ministry of Finance, with the new title "Financial Secretary". He will be based at No 6 Convent Place with other Finance Ministry of ficials. The Head of the Treasury Department will be a senior offi cial grade with the title Accoun tant General. Each department constituting the Finance Ministry will retain its departmental head. The Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs will include responsibility for justice, civil protection (including civil contingency, police issues and crime and fire brigade), the prison, immigration residence & personal status and civic rights. For the time being the Chief Minister assumes ministerial responsibility for Justice and retains responsibility for police issues, immigration, residence and personal status. Responsibility for Civil Contin gency, Fire Brigade, the prison and civic rights remains with the minister currently responsible for those portfolios.

In due course all of these port folios will become the respon sibility of a single Minister for Justice & Home Affairs.

Shares of medium sized companies have done honor than these ot the larger FTSE-100 companies which have been hit hy the weakening OS Dollar

The Hedge Fund Balance

The rapid growth of Gibraltar's financial funds industry, which in February saw the launch of the Rock's first $1 billion (Euro 850 million) property fund, brings risks to investors as well as benefits. Globally, hedge fund investments alone are estimated to be worth $1.500 bil lion — that's $1,500,000,000,000 in ordinary figures — but they remain lightly regulated, and while that is attractive to investors, it has the explosive potential to damage the hard-won reputations of smaller jurisdictions such as Gibraltar and other "offshore" centres where the fund industry is increasingly based.

The risks are highlighted by Gibraltar's Financial ^rvices Com missioner Marcus Killick in an ar ticle in the first issue of IFC Review — a heavyweight glossy which describes itself as "the definitive guide to the world's leading Inter national financial centres".

"In the hedge fund industry we have a huge new force in the global financial economy," Killick writes. "It has the power to drive the markets forward, but it also has the power to plummet us into recession. It is globally portable,so weakening the power of national regulators to .supervise them. As a result we have an over mighty subject. What concerns me as a regulator is that part of the indus try believes in its own immortality and that its predictive models will anticipate and counter any risk the markets may throw at it."

Arguing the need for regulation — nothing heavy-handed but with enough bite to protect the jurisdic tions where the fund industry is based — Killick and others writing in the IFC Rei'iew admit that one of the basic problems facing any legislator is to define what exactly a hedge fund is.

Killick points out that though in 2003 the International Organisation of Securities Commissions(lOSC) outlined "some general character istics of such funds... there still exists no globally agreed definition of the term."

Hedge funds — whatever they are! — first drew the attention of America's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)some 35 years ago when it estimated that there were 200 such funds with total assets of $1.5 billion. By 2002 an SEC-commissioned survey found that there were between 6,000 and 7,000 hedge funds in the US alone with an estimated $650 billion in assets. The apparent "guestimation" involved in these figures probably stems partly from the lack ofa dear definition of what a hedge fund is and partly from the fact that many operate from off-shore

jurisdictions.

An up-dated SEC estimate sug gests that there are 8,800 hedge funds operating in the US alone, but "because they are usually incorporated offshore, it was im possible to be certain," Killick writes. And he suggests that since the collapse of Long Term Capital Management, hedge funds have grown exponentially to a $1,500 billion industry — "or more, no one actually knows."

"Between 2005 and 2006 nearly half of the SEC newly registered investment advisers were hedge fund advisers," he adds.

In fact the SEC's attempts at regulation appear half-hearted.

Early in the 1990s, in a report to Congress the American regulator admitted that it was less concerned with the protection of investors in the funds than with the impact the funds could have on the equity markets due to their size and pres ence. And that was when the hedge funds were relatively small players and the"systemic risk" was far less than it is today.

In an attempt at regulation — or at least in a try to impose some sort of control — the SEC introduced a rule requiring firms with more than 15 clients or $30 million to register with it, but this was overturned in June last year by a Federal court, and, according to Killick, the SEC has not yet decided whether or not it will appeal.

But some sort of robust and internationally applied regula tion would make sense and, with Gibraltar among the jurisdictions benefiting from the growth in this sector it is clearly the sort of step that our practitioners — as well as the regulators — should welcome.

"Small international financial centres from Cayman to jersey are the home ofa significant number of the world's hedge funds," Killick writes. "This is mainly fiscally, partly regulatory, driven. More than possibly any other product, hedge funds have begun to syn-

One of tlie basic problemsfacing any legislator Is to define what exactly a hedge fund Is

onymise how the offshore world has developed into being provid ers of sophisticated high qual ity financial products. This is the future of the remaining successful centres and far from the seedy(and mainly unjustified) old image of homes for tax dodgers and money launderers."

He adds that the top offshore centres have independent sup port to develop these aspects for IMF reviews have shown — as in Gibraltar's case — that far from being "the weak link in the global regulatory chain"these centres now match up to and sometimes beat their onshore counterparts.

The SEC's concerns about the po tential for hedge funds to affect the stock markets have not gone away and some commentators suggest that unscrupulous players could not merely benefit from movements — up or down — but could encour age or even initiate such shifts.

"Maybe a market downturn will not cause a systemic prob lem," Killick writes. "Regretfully this is not the only negative issue affecting hedge funds. Between 2000 and 2005 US regulators alone unearthed 51 cases involving hedge fund advisers who have defrauded investors to the tune of$lbn.Again, offshore has to be especially careful and mustseek to avoid such issues, as far as possible, because of those who will claim such incidents just show offshore as 'inherently evil' and so seek to validate their bias and erroneous views.

"Fortunately, to date, many hedge fund frauds could have been detected far earlier if it had been within a supervisory regime," he adds.

Hedge funds can also be used as vehicles of market abuse whether this is insider trading, facilitating negative market rumour to drive down a stock in which the fund has a short position,"or a range ofother devices, all of which affect market confidence". Last March Britain's

FSA announced that there had been signs of insider trading ahead of al most one-third of UK mergers and acquisition aimouncements.

"Given the size and nature of the hedge fund industry it would be surprising if some of those signs had not come from them," Killick writes."For the good of those who behave, the risks of misbehaviour must outweigh its benefits.

"Systemic risk, stock fraud and market abuse were not created by hedge funds...

Yet hedge funds have created a new paradigm because of their size and aggressive investment ap proach in an interconnected world where markets can change in sec onds.Therefore the arrogant belief that we have controlled the risks that resulted in past crashes poses a major issue, particularly to those offshore centres that are the home to many of the hedge funds.

"These centres are caught be tween the proverbial rock and a hard place. If they increase their regulatory supervision to a level higher than onshore, they will drive funds away.Yetif they simply match onshore requirements and a problem occurs they will come in for disproportionate criticism as the 'home'of the failed fund."

Offshore centres need to be aware of the size, number and nature of the hedge fund industry in their locations and regulations should require that only fit and proper persons are engaged in the market, he suggests. However, regulators must also ensure that they "don't constrict the manage ment of the fund" by restricting how much leverage or how much risk is permitted.

"By engaging in the international debate now the leading offshore centres can help frame a suitable supervisory regime for the hedge fund industry. If we fail to do so we may be left with a regime that is unsuitable for our needs," Killick

farfrom being 'the weak link in the giohai regniatory chain'these centres now match np to and sometimes heat their onshore counterparts

New President for GBA

Kerry Blight,Regional Manager, Royal Bank of Scotland, recently took over from Roy Clinton as President of the Gibraltar Bankers' Association (GBA).

The Executive Committee now comprises Kerry Blight President, Thomas Westh Olsen Vice Presi dent, Tim Marschall Treasurer,

Franco Cassar Loporto, Emma Perez and Lawrence Podesta Committee Members, and Ray Langham Secretary.

The GBA was established in 1982 with a membership of 8 banks. The association now has a membership of 15 banks and 3 building societies members.

Sheriff:Stars of the big screen

You no longer need to look outside Gibraltar for world-class audio and home cinema systems. The new Sound & Vision Centre has it all.

matically at the touch of the re mote control to show movies or tv programmes, whilst the surround sound 75 watt-per-channel RMS amp with radio and DVD/CD player gives perfect audio. It also has a multi-room unit on the wall, so the sounds can be heard any

where else in the house; but there is more.

For instance,this is the only shop with a true BBC HD Preview,giving superb quality viewing. Jonathan told me that he leaves it on at night in the shop window and people stand outside watching it -just like

the old days of television.

Jonathan is used to firsts- this is the first shop to deal in the exclu sive Linn systems, and he told me that his grandfather was the fi rst to receive BBC TV in Gibraltar many decades ago. That's terrestrial tv, in the days when it was broadcast on VHP.The BBC even sent people out to look at it because they didn't believe it was possible,especially at a time when manv people in Britain still had reception problems.

The home cinema and the pure audio systems use tall elegant speakers which give the impres sion of sitting right at the front of a concert, and the quality doesn't vary whether they are played softly or loudly.

The piasma televisions supplied by the shop have all the tuning systems that you could ever need already built in — terrestrial digital, satellite digital, cable digital, digi tal radio and analogue radio.

Linn is the main make that the Sound & Vision Centre supplies. At the lop end of audio and tv systems, it was founded in the 1960s by a man who couldn't find a turntable of the quality he wanted,so he de signed a superior system himself.

Jonathan told mo that Linn turn tables are so outstanding that old vinyl LPs sound better than mod ern DVDs. Linn's systems have been tested blindfold against the same thing in live performance, and few people could tell which was which.

He and the other two staff mem bers (the shop is a branch of the long-established AA Sheriffand Co Ltd) have been to the Linn work shop in Scotland, and Jonathan was highly impressed by the way the people there were all passion ate about the quality of the music. It seems that Prince Charles is also one of their fans.

"We am providing a level of qual ity never seen or heard before in Gibraltar," said manager Jonathan as he showed me the comfortable shop and demonstrated some of its wonders. 1 say 'comfortable shop' because it has been set up like a liv ing room at home,with a deep sofa and a thick mat on the floor.

The mat,I learned, was partly to complete the homely feel, but it is also recommended in real homes to improve the delicious sounds even ^rther.

The star of the show is the over head projector with an 80-inch screen that drops down auto-

The Sound & Vision Centre has only been opened since the begin ning of February, but has aroused considerable excitement amongst connoisseurs of fine music and those who want a top quality sys tem. In fact, the shop's fame went ahead of itself, with two top-end units being sold before it even opened. "Word just got round," said Jonathan simply.

Everything in the shop can be bought as a complete system or as individual components to comple ment your existing set-up.

Situated at Water Gardens, next door to A A Sheriff & Sons Ltd, this fjrestigioiis addition to Gibraltar's range ofsendees is openfrom 9.30atn to Spin Monday to Friday. The telephone number for any enquiries from the knoioledgeable staff is 51598, or you can email linn@gibraltar.gi.

The Sound & Vision Centre has only been opened since the beginning of February, hut has aroused considerahie excitement amongst connoisseurs offine music

Alvarez was at Heathrow Airport waiting to catch a flight back to Saudi Arabia and his managerial job with British Aerospace.

"1 picked up a copy of that morning's 'The Times' and there it was on the front page — the American bombers had gone in," he recalls. (It was a moment that was to leave traumatic scars and shape much of his thinking since then - though he did not realise it at the time.)"The company had anticipated that something like this was going to happen and for several months before 'Desert Storm'erupted we had been given training,shown how to use special gas masks and what injections we might need as protection against biological warfare."

As Alvarez waited his flight was cancelled — as were all other civil flights to the region — and he telephoned the company's head quarters in Preston for instructions. 'Lucky you! You've hit the jackpot. You're to stay in Britain for the duration... do nothing and on double pay.'

It was a tempting prospect, Alvarez admits, but when on a television newscast he saw Scud missiles falling "where 1 lived and among the people I knew, worked with and loved," he decided he had to return to Saudi.

Felix Alvarez: Pride and

Prejudice

Since his return to Gibraltar a decade ago — after a 16 year spell in senior management posts in Saudi Arabia — Felix Alvarez has made waves, rocking Gibraltar's complacency, challenging its homophobia and campaigning for change. What began as a battle with bureaucracy to allow his partner of four years to join him in Gibraltar developed into the establishment of the Gay Rights movement. This burst like a Very light over an unsuspecting Gibraltar when, in September 2000, Alvarez appeared on GBC television with the challenging call that "The fear factor is over..." and that the community's gays should 'come out'.

Since then Alvarez has cam paigned not only to change our attitudes towards homosexuals and lesbians but towards the disabled and other, seemingly voiceless mi nority groups,for many becoming the under-dog's crusader.

He believes that there has been a shift for the better in Gibraltarian attitudes, but says that there is still a long way to go. For although Gi braltar has adopted human rights directives and complies with EU legislation, most politicians' hearts are not in "those sort of changes".

Changes of attitudes have not yet worked through to an institutional level, he adds.

"There is still a lot to be done, through the courts if necessary -things like tenancy rights for same sex couples and changes in the age of consent..."

Alvarez's crusading journey — actually a journey away from fear — began on the morning in January 1991 when news broke of the start of "Desert Storm", the first retaliatory drive into Iraq in response to Sadam Hussein's in vasion of Kuwait. Gibraltar-born

Again he phoned Preston and. overcoming resistance to his pleas to return, was found a place on a military aircraft carrying troops from the RAF airfield at Brize Nor ton to the war zone. It was a long flight and as they flew the soldiers on the plane "were popping little white pills which they had been given". Alvarez was offered some but declined — probably fortunate ly,for these were part of the cocktail of anti-bacterial medicines now believed to have been among the causes of the debilitating and mindbending Gulf War Syndrome.

Within days of his return to the Saudi capital Riyadh, Alvarez was plunged into direct contact with the true horrors of war when a Scud missile plunged into a com pound near his home on the edge of the desert killing all 140 of its occupants.

"I saw it happen...hurried across to help... and then spent hours moving body pieces." His face darkens and he grimaces at the memory."It made a big impact but it also shaped a decision never to allow fear of the consequences to shape the way I make a decision or have a bearing on the decision I take... It made me not only realise that 1 was fortunate to have a life but that 1 should use it — and in such a way that 1 would have no regrets."

"It made a big impact but It also shaped a deci sion never to aiiow fear ofthe consenuences to shape the way i make a decision or have a hearing on the decision i take.."

Alvarez — who set up Gibraltar Gay Rights in September 2000

— became a social worker for the Lambeth Council after graduating in social sciences from the Uni versity of London and was one of the founders of Britain's first gay community centres — in Brixton in 1973.

"We had all been involved in the Gay Liberation Front in the early 1970s — it was fresh, confronta tional and demanding and helped me to'come out' — and we found an empty shop in Brixton and took it over as a 'squat'. We provided support, helped people find accom modation, and provided legal and benefit advice not only for gays but for people who were disabled..."

But by 1978 his social work with Lambeth Council and its 'nonsquat' community groups had begun to pall. Alvarez "fancied a change" and an advertisement placed by an American company looking for staff to work in Saudi Arabia caught his eye...

For the next 16 years he was to work in Saudi learning Arabic and getting to grips with the people, their culture and their religion as he took on a succession of managerial jobs including a spell as operations manager for a Saudi businessman with powerful royal connections. By the early 1980s he had been appointed country manager for General Electric and later took a senior post with British Aerospace to whom his grasp of written and spoken Arabic was invaluable.

"The fact that 1 understood Islam and Arab culture opened doors and I have found that if one shows will ingness to open up oneself, others respond." He also learned to "cut through the crap" — the colonial ism of British expatriates abroad who tend to consider themselves superior to the'natives' whom they

have the remarkable effrontery to regard as 'foreigners'.

Ten years ago Alvarez decided to return to Gibraltar. "Somehow — it doesn't matter where you are or how long you have been away — there's a sense of nostalgia you feel for your homeland," he explains.

However, back on the Rock he found it difficult to adapt.

"It wasn't just the gay issue... Everything I learnt as a teenager in Shakespeare and Machiavelli about power and position and treachery and betrayal was reflected in our politics. In fact I have yet to see someone who goes into politics coming out from it a better person or being made a better person by it."

There's a bitter cynicism to this that, perhaps inevitably, has been shaped in part by Alvarez's en counters with politicians and bu reaucrats when, soon after his return,he attempted to arrange for his partner to join him in Gibraltar. He was asked for a succession of documents — many of which were difficult to obtain — and faced with bureaucratic walls and the obstacles of prejudice.

After four years of battling, he finally abandoned his attempts to bring his partner to Gibraltar and the two agreed to end their relationship... leaving both broken hearted. "I know of people here in Gibraltar who have committed suicide because of the attitude towards gays," he says bitterly."At times it has only been the anger about discrimination that has kept me going. I feel that we must do something for our fellow human beings and that we must never lose sight of our human values. That's where the dangers lie — there and in the lack of intergrity of so many politicians."

Without Lot or Hindrance.

Issues that have recently arisen relating to the use of certain Gibraltar ID Cards and pass ports as travel documents to Spain have been clarified and resolved.

The Spanish Government has confirmed that all identity cards and passports issued in Gibraltar are valid and will be recognised by Spanish Authorities.

The Spanish Government will ensure that its immigration officials are fully informed.

The British Authorities will provide speci mens of all the documents concerned to facilitate familiarity.

"The fact that I understood Islam and Arab culture opened doors and I have found that if one shows willingness to open up oneself,others respond."

overcame this particular hurdle to trade by setting up a separate company in partnership with one of his former school-friends who was Gibraltarian. There was a "desper ate need to sell modern goods and with my friend we set up a second shop."

"When I left school to join the family business, 1 had realised that electronics and photographic equipment was the product avenue we as a firm would have to follow if we were to grow," he tells me when we meet in his office above the Main Street shop which is the group's flagship outlet.

On the walls framed photo graphs of Alwani with some of the leading political figures who have visited the Rock in recent years rub shoulders with a brace of historical documents, a Rotary pennant and symbol, portraits of family mem bers and others with religious sig nificance.A black and white print of Mahatma Gandhi and Nehru has pride of place between shuttered windows, and a silver statuette of the elephant-headed Hindu deity Ganesh graces the mantelpiece.

Alwani:A Charitalile Trust

Though today several of the Rock's Indian businessmen are among the wealthiest in the community and dominate aspects of the retail and wholesale market, it was not until Britain joined the EU, taking Gibraltar with her into a new world of European Directives and Brussels regulations, that the commercial doors to trade in cameras, electronics and audio equipment were opened to them. Before that local Indian traders were legally constrained in what they could sell, Kishin Alwani — head of the millionaire Alwani Group and president of its charitable trust recalls.

The group had its beginningsin a small shop on Main Street,opened when Kishin's father Ladharam Alwani arrived on the Rock from his home in India's Sind province in March 1934. He quickly made friends, both Spanish and local Gibraltarians, but,because they could not pronounce his forename, they called him "Carlos" instead — a name he adopted for his first small shop in the building today known as Alwani House.

From these small premises next to the old Galliano Bank the first Alwani entrepreneur sold jade, oriental porcelain and embroidered silks and kimonos.. limited in what he could sell by the Trade Restriction Ordinance, an arcane

piece of legislation that remained in force on the Rock until Britain, with Gibraltar under her wing, joined the European Union in the 1970s.

"Although when my father came to Gibraltar in 1934 there were no restrictions in his moving from one part of what was then the British Empire to another... there were no visa requirements or anything like that... his licence specified that he could sell only imported 'GrientaT

goods," his son recalls. And these, too, were prescribed, so that even when Kishin Alwani joined the burgeoning family firm in the 1960s, certain 'oriental' goods —Japanese cameras and electroiiic equipment which were to become the backbone of the firm's expan sion could not be imported or sold by non-Gibraltarian shopkeepers.

The young Alwani, who had ar rived on the Rock as a ten-year-old in 1949 and had his schooling here

For though Kishin Alwani is es sentially modest,he is as justifiably proud of his family's and the firm's achievements as he is devout. And the achievements are all the more impressive because they have been attained over a relatively short time. For though the business which Ladharam (Carlos) Alwani founded more than seven decades ago prospered, despite the limits imposed on what he could stock or sell, its spectacular rise really began after Gibraltar's accession to the EU and the subsequent removal of the arcane Trade Restrictions Ordinance.

The growth — which saw an expansion in the number of the group's Main Street outlets and re furbishment of the original'Carlos' premises — eventually swelled to encompass five shops and estab lished the Alwani group as the Rock's major importer and retailer of photographic equipment,as well as supplying electronic equipment, video cameras and recorders and players.

"We cover everything in photog raphy from the most inexpensive to the top of the range — not just the cameras but all things like specialist lenses, papers and all accessories," Alwani explains. And the shops — at Galaxy, Cosmos, Foto World and Butterfly as well as Carlos — attract customers not only from Gibraltar and the steady throng of tourist visitors to the Rock but also from professional photographers throughout Andalusia and other parts of Spain.

"He has been very good to me,"

Kishin Alwani

Though Kishin Aiwani is essentiaiiy modest, he is as jusiifiahiy proud of his family's and the firm's achievements

Alwani gestures heavenward as he speaks of the group's success. "And he has given me a very good team... I look after my staff well, and because 1 look after them,they look after my customers."

(The group employs 36 staff in its offices and shops and most of these are long-serving... some for a quarter of a century or more. But there is also "a regular percentage of'new blood' to keep things fresh and alive," he says.)

This concern for staff and cus tomer needs, which has served Alwani and his companies so well, is part of a broader philosophy not only towards the way he and his son Raju run their businesses but towards the community which he admits has been "so good to us".

"The more you get, the more you are able to give, it's a cycle of Nature at work," he says explain ing the belief that led him 12 years ago to set up the Alwani Founda tion and its sister organization the Alwani Charitable Trust.

The Foundation, established essentially to support various as pects of the arts across Gibraltar's community, gained prominence in 2005 when — to mark both the ter centenary of British Gibraltar and the 70th anniversary of the found ing of the Alwani Group — Kishin commissioned portraits of all five of Gibraltar's Chief Ministers. The portraits by local artist Ambrose Avellano showed Hassan, Peliza, Canepa, Bossano and Caruana "as they had looked when they were in office" and were presented of ficially to the people of Gibraltar for

public display as part of Alwani's personal "thank you" to the Rock and its community.

Echoing such gestures—though more quietly, and probably more substantially and with greater real community impact — is the work of the Charitable Trust which since it was established has supported numerous local causes, providing donations of cash or equipment to a range of groups such as the Red Cross, Women in Need, Cancer research,the Lady Williams Centre and various associations helping people with mental or physical disabilities.

"It's quite a lot," Alwani admits as he flips through a folder thicker than one's arm in which are listed the donations and the causes they have helped over the years. In its early stage the Trust — of which Kishin Alwani and his son Raju are the two trustees — concen trated on creating a solid base for its work.Once established the Trust started to invite requests for cash, equipment or other help from any Gibraltar groups needing such support.And the letters and phone calls flooded in.

"Our approach has always been two-fold," he explains. "To sup port the local needy through an established Gibraltar charity, and, through the Trust, to offer assis tance to other worthy causes in the fields of sport, culture and educa tion as support of our community and its citizens."

Worthy ideals — and those of a man who is prepared to put his money where his mouth is.

first Aiwani entrepreneur sold jade, oriental porcelain and embroidered silks and Kimonos...limited in what he couid sell hy the Trade Restriction

Representatives of Nat West and ftoya!Bank ofScotland recently presented a cheque to (he Rainbow Ward ofSt Bernard's Hospital. The money was raised by the banks by saving money normalspent an Christmas cards and instead donating the cash to a worthy cause.

The GibEx Update

In spite of delays in finalising the business plan which has to be submitted for approval by the Financial Services Commission before a licence is granted, the local protagonists of GibEX — the Rock's own stock exchange — anticipate that it could be up and running early in the summer. Although legislation which would allow the exchange to come into being and then operate was rushed through the House of Assembly at its final sitting last year, top-level and sensitive negotiations with one of the powerful partners in the deal took longer than anticipated, James Levy QC,the senior partner at international law firm Hassans,told me recently.

However,in spite of the delays the business plan would be submitted to Financial Services Commissioner Marcus Kiliick "almost immediately".Suggestions that the scheme would never get off the drawing-board were groundless, Levy insisted.

"There has been a lot of optimistic hype and a time scale which was equally optimistic—and probably unattainable given the other work the FSC has to handle," an expert working closely with the project told me."And though Marcus [Kiliick, the FSC Commissioner] is sympathetic and has indicated that he would like to see the bourse kick off, vou cannot expect him or his staff to drop everything else just to give the go-ahead to GibEX."

Assured of the support of a major European bourse and an injection of capital and know-how from one of the biggest market-makers on both sides of the Atlantic, GibEX, will go ahead. Trading in cash products such as stocks, funds and currencies will come on stream when the exchange opens,while derivatives,futures and options will bo traded later.

by Peter Schirmer

Amendments to existing legislation which opened the legal doors to licensing the exchange were adopted by the Rock's House of Assembly when it met a few days before Christmas in its last sitting of 2006.And the Government, which encouraged plans for the proposed exchange from the outset, will take a small shareholding as an investor in the £2.6 million project, says Daniel Feetham, a partner in local law firm Hassans who has spent months negoti ating the arrangements and details that will bring GibEx to life.

Its establishment will bring Gibraltar into line with other smaller jurisdictions such as Jersey, Malta and Cyprus all of which operate successful markets.

Athough the Bank Medici has remained involved in the development of the project, more powerful partners have come on board - among them the international heavyweight Van derMix>lenNV(VDM)the fourth largest liquidity provider on the New York Stock Exchange. The group has already established a presence on the Rock.

"There is a lot of interest and currently we are looking for strategic partners who could add value in terms of expertise in capital markets and exchanges,' Feetham ex plains."At the most there will be two more of these, and at present we are in serious discussion with one or two leading market names."

When the GibEX project was launched early in 2006 its backers hoped it would be up and running by March this year, instead it will open for business some months later — a breathing space which has proved fortunate as Feetham and others already in the bourse partnership actively seek a Chief Executive Officer as well as other members for the GibEX board.

"We have several possible candidates, but at this stage all I can say is that the CEO will have instant international recognition" Feetham savs. However it seems likely that VDM, which recently has been involved in other stock exchange creation and consolidation activity, will have its own favourite to fill what will be a post crucial to the success of the Gibraltar exchange.

An international trading group active in equities, bonds and related instruments (such as options and futures) VDM,as the group is known, is listed on both Euronext (where it handles about one fifth of all shares traded)and on the NYSE (where it handles almost 11 per cent of the volume of all stocks dealt). It is also listed on the Amster dam exchange.

In Europe VDM are one of the top three derivativesspe cialistson Euronext,and act ason-exchange market-makers in fixed income instruments as well as being proprietary traders in Euronext equities. The group also offers pro fessional customers an electronic and voice brokerage on a growing number of exchanges through Online Trader, which was launched in 2005.

VDM has also linked with the Chicago Board Options Exchange — the biggest US market for options on slocks and stock indices — and two other New York Stock Ex change specialist firms to establish an exchange to trade equity securities.The Dutch group will have an 18 per cent stake in the new exchange which is expected to rival Wall Street's New York Stock Exchange when it begins trading in a few months.

"This may also provide common synergies with Gibral tar of mutual benefit," Feetham says."The massive inputof expertise which the Dutch company can bring to the table, its ability to make markets in shares, and the prestigious position it commandson the international stage will stand the fledgling GibEX in good stead."

(The proposed CBOE Stock Exchange will feature the same combination of screen and floor-based trading that propelled its parent company to the top of the American stock-options markets.The exchange will seek to trade se curities listed on the New York Stock Exchange, NASDAQ Stock Market and American Stock Exchange. Fees of the new exchange will be"highly competitive" compared with other markets because the CBOE doesn't need to invest in new technology to run the exchange.)

The exchange will seek to trade securities listed on the New York Stock Exchange, NASDAQ Stock Market and American Stock Exchange

Fabian Plcardo: of law and Politics

Election year, is it really almost that time again? Politicians come ever more to the front of our minds. Not like a long lost relative or perhaps a grandparent but more like food or drink. A necessity as opposed to a desire although some foods are much preferred to others. It is also surprising that with some food, if the time is taken to taste it, you may be in for a surprise.

So back to my subject, politi cians, again perhaps an acquired taste and this series over the past 12 months may have given you food for thought about some of our rep resentatives. This month we delve once more into the Opposition and spend some time in the company of the Shadow Minister for Financial Services, Employment, Environ ment, industrial Relations and the Media — The Honourable Fabian Raymond Picardo.

[ met Fabian in his office on

Secretary's Lane, not a big office but one that gave an impression of a man about his business. The two computer screens open and the laptop too, the large flat screen television on a news channel, the

neat but busy desk. The one thing which struck me as odd was the two pen holders on the desk. One full of pens the other full of pencils, all the same, all point up and all sharp. 1 thought this is a man with

a tendency to be ready for anything and pays a little too much attention to detail. Of course, a lawyer.

Unfortunately he doesn't seem to be able to settle down, with email beeps and people telephoning him or needing his time. 1 suppose we arc so used to our 9-5 environment, productivity a dream, lunchtime and breaks a guarantee. It.seems to me to be a lawyer you work hard academically, get to the firm you always wanted to, then the work really starts. Now what was that about summer hours?

After the usual pre-amble we settled down at a table and 1 asked "Were you born in Gibraltar?"

"Yes 1 was,in fact 1 was born in St Bernard Hospital much like many others in Gibraltar. My parents lived in Upper Town and still do. My father worked at the Post Office and the MT Stores in the MoD until he retired. Mv mother was a legal secretary. She was also one of the founder members of the House wives Association which became the Women's Association, it was thev amongst others, that got up a petition drumming up support after the blockade. Looking back 1 think I got some of my political urges from my mother.

"Years later I had the opportu nity to buy the block we lived in. My parents live below me in the same building they lived in when 1 was born."

"What was life like for you at that time?"

"Well my childhood was like many others,the border wasclosed we made our own entertainment. 1 actually went to school at St Bernard's,St Mary's and then Bayside."

"Did you have any ambitions as a boy?"

"Well it seems an age ago now,I was actually an altar boy at church. My desire, probably because of influences at the time, was the priesthood. Whether it is a natural follow on from being an altar boy 1 don't know but this all changed when I reached about 12or 13 years of age. Looking back 1 probably made the right choice in not fol lowing that course."

"Why did it change?"

"Well I got a summer job at Hassan's. 1 was the tea boy, mes senger, runner, post boy etc! It was at this time 1 met David Dumas whom 1 believe was the greatest professional influence on my life. I decided during that summer I wanted to be a lawyer, a politician or both."

"Both?" 1 asked.

"1 cannot say in all honesty I wanted one more than the other, it might seem a bit odd to be po-

It was atthis time I met David Dumas whem i beiieve was the greatest professionai infiuence on my iife"

litical so young, but 1 was. David suggested I should try and get into Oxford to study law. Of course I gulped at the suggestion, mc? Ox ford? But at the age of 17 1 applied to sit the Common Oxford Entrance exam and passed it. All I needed was to pass my'A'levels and 1 was assured a place in Oxford.

"1 was taking English, Spanish and Sociology which because of timetables were all to be taken on the same day. Luckily 1 got a lot of help from Lesley Zammit, who tragically passed away last year. It was he who sorted out the techni calities of the exams and enabled me to start my first exam earlier in the day so 1 could literally complete all three in one go.

"When I finished I had the headache of all headaches from sheer concentration but the results were worth it. Because of my per formance in the entrance exam 1 only needed 'E' grades from two 'A' levels.

"That sounded tough?"

"It was but it also proves that with effort and hard work at school and in your professional life you can achieve your goals."

"So where did you go from there?" 1 asked.

"Oriel College Oxford.It was one of the mostfantastic places — there were good times and bad times and stupid times loo, 1 remember once being told by one professor to 'Buck my ideas up or you're out'. That gave me a kick up the backside but 1 graduated first from my college with a 2:1 in 1993. Was called to the Bar in 1994 and have been working at Hassan's almost continually since."

"What about politics?" I asked.

"Well as 1 mentioned 1 have been interested in politics for as long as 1 have been interested in law. 1 don't really know if I could be without either."

I asked the question that is on a lot of peoples minds here in Gibraltar,"Why are there so many lawyers in politics?"

He replied,"I believe they make good politicians. Who better to legislate and make laws than the people who understand them best. 1 really think the intricacy of politics and international politics makes it harder to get to grips with and lawyers are better at it. They

are best qualified to interpret the law and to devise, use and enforce them."

"Do you think only lawyers should be politicians then?"

"No not at all, 1 just think they are by nature better suited to it."

"So how did you get into it?"

"Well I met Joseph Garcia at Rotaract and we went on to form the Gibraltar National Party. Al though I originally began in the GNP 1 found I was more aligned with the politics of the GSLP and was co-opted onto their executive in 2003. From there I was elected to the then'House of Assembly'. 1 can honestly say I've loved it ever since."

"What about leadership though? I asked,"Joe Bossano is still going strong have you ever toyed with the idea of leading the party and becoming Chief Minister?"

"Of course, who doesn't," he said."Nobody enters into a job to be second all their working life. 1 believe Joe has still got a lot to give, his experience is invaluable to the GSLP and Gibraltar. When he de cides to move over I am sure many people would want to try and fill his shoes. 1 will say this, whoever takes over the GSLP cannot change what it stands for or the way it is run.The rhetoric might change but the core objectives Joe talks about are the basis of the party."

I wanted to get away from poli tics but it is difficult sometimes when talking to politicians, Fabian speaks with such passion about current events and where he be lieves Gibraltar should be in the world. He is an engaging speaker and I was beginning to understand his point about lawyers and politi cians.

"Finally I'd like to round ev erything up with something other than politics. 1 have seen today how busy you are here 1 can imag ine you don't get a lot of time to relax but when you do what do you do?"

"Well, I enjoy getting time to read and, when 1 can, watching Liverpool's agonising progress. I am a bit of a techo-geek too, so 1 enjoy keeping up with the latest gadgets etc."

With that Fabian had yet another meeting so we shook hands and 1 left.

"I have been interested In politics for as long as I have been Interested In law. I don't really know If I conid he withont either."

by Jason Easter, Health Promotion Officer

explains the help that smokers can get when they want to quit. It doesn't try to force smokers to stop, harass or pick on smokers.

The UK Government's White Paper called "Smoking Kills" iden tifies three groups in which they would like to see a reduction in tfte number of smokers — preg nant women and their partners, young people and people on low incomes. Local organisers some times tailor their No Smoking Day work to contribute to these targets. However, No Smoking Day aims to provide an opportunity to stop smoking for anyone and everyone who wishes to do so — the Day is for all smokers.

Nicotine is a powerful and ad dictive drug that keeps smokers hooked. Within a few seconds of taking in tobacco, dopamine (a chemical in the brain associated with pleasure) is stimulated. To maintain this pleasurable feeling a certain level of the drug is needed in the bloodstream, which results in the smoker wanting a 'fix'.

Puffing away can also ruin your sex life, as recent studies prove that smoking creates hormonal imbalances that decrease libido. Studies have shown that smokers are more than twice as likely to become impotent as non-smokers and smoking compounds the risk of impotence in men with high blood pressure.

Generally speaking,two out of three smokers would like to stop,and on No Smoking day nearly a million in the UK try, and in the longer term an average of 40,000 succeed, each year.

No Smoking Day is held on the second Wednesday ofevery March, and now in its 24th year it is a firm fixture both in Gibraltar and the UK calendar because of its popularity with smokers — and its success. It is also a locally established and successful campaign, and is now in its 9th year.

No Smoking Day is a national campaign that aims to aid those who want to slop smoking. It endeavours to help smokers stop the habit by creating a supportive environment for them to quit, and by highlighting various methods available to people who want to stop smoking.

This year's theme is about mak ing a fresh start. It's about making a change that improves the whole of your life. The campaign image reflects the stark difference be tween a smoke-filled and smoke-

free life.

"Make a fresh start" is about waking up on No Smoking Day and starting a life that isn't filled with bad health,bad breath, wasted money and stale smoke, The theme is starting a fresh-smelling life, with more money to spend,better health and better looking skin and hair.

In the UK every year smoking still kills 120,000 people, most of them losing an average 16 years of life. Despite all that is known about tobacco's huge toll on our community's health, environment

and opulence, it is still used by about 29% of adults in the UK. Most smokers take their first puffs in their mid-late teens, but the product is so addictive that most are still smoking many years later, wishing they could stop.

Tobacco smoking causes many serious illnesses including cancers, heart disease, stroke, respiratory and circulatory disease. It causes impotence, complications to preg nancy,intestinal and fertility disor ders, and many others.

No Smoking Day publicises and

Smoking rates have reduced dramatically since the links with disease became better understood. The rates have reduced because adults are giving up smoking — sadly,many thousands of young people still begin to smoke every year. The biggest change in recent years has been the development of expert services for people who want to stop smoking,and a range ofeffective treatments that can help deal with nicotine withdrawal and cravings. Smokers no longer have to go it alone when they want to stop. Nearly a million smokers try to stop on No Smoking Day each year.

The Health Promotion Group in Gibraltar has presented a 20-point plan to government on the issue of working towards a smoke free society. However, this has been ongoing since 2004 with little sup port or consideration.

On No Smoking Day 2007(14th March) there will be a stand in Gibraltar at the ICC foyer from 10am-1.30pm. Literature will be available as well as advice from various health professionals.

If you are a smoker and are interested in quitting, take the op portunity.

(See page41forfurther information on quitting smoking).

No Smoking Day aims to provide an opportunity to stop smoking for anyone and everyone who wishes to do so— the Day is far aii smokers

Gibraltar & The Statue of GeorgB Washington

There is a little tribute to Gibraltar on view in the National Museum of American Art at Washington D.C. and it can be seen on a statue of George Washington himself, the first president of the United States.

The statue wascommissioned by Congress in 1832 to commemorate the centennial of Washington's birth in 1732. The massive work was undertaken for a fee of $20,000 by Horatio Greenough who would later be acclaimed as the 'First American Sculptor'because he was the first of that country to pursue the art exclusively as a career.

Greenough stopped at Gibraltar on his frequent trips between his hometown of Boston and Italy, where he lived and worked for many years. His first visit was in May 1825 when, as a 20-year-oid graduate of Harvard, he spent a month on the Rock before travel ing to Rome to study classical art. Greenough was a neoclassical sculptor and incorporated the clas sical myths of Rome and Greece in many of his works.

He wrote to his younger brother Henry, also a sculptor, of his ad miration for the Rock and of its place in the classics as one of the Pillars of Hercules. Accordingly his acknowledgement of Gibraltar consists of a bas relief of Hercules on one side of the throne on which Washington sits. He based the Washington sculpture on the statue of Zeus at Olympus — wearing a toga and sandals. Unfortunately for Greenough the semi-naked statue was not well received by the public and most art critics.

Some members of the public described the old president as looking as if he were "entering or leaving a bath" or "desperately looking for his clothes". Others joked that Washington, who has a sword in one hand,is saying,"Take my sword if you will, but bring me some clothes."

In the artist's defence, however, Edward Everett, a preacher and statesman declared, "1 regard Greenough's 'Washington' as one of the greatest works of sculpture of modem times."

Greenough toiled for eight years in Florence to complete the statue from the finest Italian marble. When finished the colossal struc ture weighed 12 tons and it took 22 yoke of oxen to haul it over roads to the port of Genoa. It was too large for the hatch of a U.S. Mano-War sent especially to carry it, so

Sculptor Horatio Graonough and {balowl his statue of George Washington

a special merchant ship had to be ordered. When the statue reached the Capitol Rotunda, its intended resting place at Washington, D.C., they couldn't fit it through the door.

When workers managed to widen the door and get the statue inside its enormous weight caused the floor to subside. It was taken outside where it languished, exposed to

the elements and the ridicule of the public for the next65 years.

Greenough was an industrious artist known for purity of taste and anatomical accuracy. He sought to create works of beauty inspired by Greek and Roman sculpture. He modeled his works in clay, cast them in plaster and hired workmen to carve the final pieces in marble. Among his marble busts are those of John Adams, John Jacob Astor, General Lafayette,James Fenimore Cooper and Henry Clay. His ide alistic sculptures include Medora, The Guardian Angel,Venus Victrix, Venus Contending for the Golden Apple, Lucifer and The Graces.

The poet and essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson met Greenough in Italy and had nothing but praise for the young man. "At Florence chief among the artists 1 found Horatio Greenough, the American sculptor. His face is so handsome, and his person so well formed,that he might be pardoned, if, as was alleged the face of his Medora,and the figure of a colossal Achilles in clay, were idealisations of his own. Greenough was a superior man, ardent and eloquent, and all his opinions had elevation and mag nanimity."

But Greenough's most endur ing achievement is his writing. He contributed a body of essays to the art world that outlined the functional relationship between architecture and decoration. His theories influenced the develop ment of functionaiism in modem architecture.

In 1851 Greenough returned to Washington to superintend the erection of a second government commission, the "Rescue" which was intended to represent the con flict between the Anglo-Saxon and Indian races. Sadly he died soon afterwards in 1852 of what at the time was termed "brain fever."

In 1908 Greenough's statue fi nally came in from the cold: Con gress transferred it to the Chapel in the Smithsonian.It remained there until 1964, when it was moved to the new Museum of History and Technology (now the National Museum ofAmerican History).The marble Washington has held court on the second floor ever since.

Greenough's most enduring achievement is his writing... his theories infiuenced the deveiopment offunctionaiism in modern architecture

European Financial Planning Group provides financial advice to thousands of clients who live in Gibraltar and Spain or who are considering moving to the area. At EFPG, we have adopted a tight regulatory and compliance stance equal to that practised by our UKbased associate company Yorkshire Investment Group; the largest privately owned firm of Independent Financial Advisers in Yorkshire.

Our(UK Qualified) advisers take the time to learn about each client's current financial situation and future objectives and applying their indepth knowledge of available financial products and providers and the relevant tax regime, offer bespoke financial planning solutions in a clear and easy to understand manner.

We are able to recommend solutions to a wide variety of financial planning needs ranging from straightforward financial protection and mortgage-related needs to complex tax-efficient offshore investment requirements.

Check out www.efpg.net for more information.

Gala Casino on the Movo

A full-sized public bar able to seat more than 100 customers and crafted entirely from ice will be a fea ture of Gibraltar's new casino when it opens on Heart Island in Marina Bay in April or May next year.

The bar—similar to a series of"feature" bars which are becoming popular in Britain and the United States, but believed to be the first of its type on the Mediterranean coast — is part of a £6-million interior decoration and furnishing plan the Gala chain will invest in setting up the casino on the ground and first floors of the five-storey entertainment centre which will dominate the man-made island.

Gala has acquired the site following more than two years of protracted negotiations with developer Greg Butcher, who has always ar gued that a casino or similar operation on the island would enhance his multi-million pound Ocean Village development. As part of the deal Butcher has obtained the site of Gala's present casino near the Rock Hotel, where he hopes to build a series of mountain-slope luxury homes, each with its own large "hanging garden".

"The development is centred on the concept of'gardens in the sky' which have been very successfully introduced in Germany," Butcher told me at last month's press briefing to an nounce the casino deal."Apartments are built in steps up the mountainside,each with its own large garden — not just extended terraces, but actual gardens shielded from their neighbours by trees and hedges. These hedges and other greenery are so carefully planted that the actual

buildings are invisible from below. Passers-by or motorists will see only the vegetation... preserving the visual and scenic integrity of the environment.

"We are not sure yet how many apartments we will be allowed to build on the site, or what sort of planning permission we may get' but because the gardens will be large — developed on a construction that involves a form concrete never previously used in Gibraltar — the pro posed new homes will be expensive."

But for once Butcher's boundless enthusiasm was concerned less with his vision of a Gibraltar which will be a Utopian home to the world's wealthy than with the new casino with its 500seat round-the-clock bingo hall and the bar built of ice.The boyish curl of forelock that bobs on his brow as a barometer of his enthusiasm worked overtime as he explained to journalists that "vodka and a variety of its cocktails" was the up-and-coming "in drink" and that the fiery spirit "freezes at minus 18 degrees" and that the ice bar would take its name from that fact of physics.

"I am delighted to welcome Gala and the new casino to Ocean Village," Butcher said. "Their casino design for Heart Island was particularly challenging as the best casinos need grand,open spaces, but we are pleased to have met these

"The new casine heralds a major commitment hy Gala and demonstrates Itsfaith inGlhraitar'scnrrentand future growth"

demands. It really will be a world class addition to the attractions we have been carefully plan ning to make Ocean Village Gibraltar's premier waterfront destination."

"The new casino heralds a major commit ment by Gala and demonstrates its faith in Gibraltar's current and future growth," Adrian Stevenson, Gala's local general manager said. "The improved facilities will offer superb enter tainment for local customers and also provide a prestigious attraction for the tourism industry. This new enterprise,along with other attractions in the Ocean Village complex, will create more jobs for the local economy.

"We were looking for a new location and we always have high expectations of where we posi tion our casinos," said Dominic Harrison, Chief Operating Officer of Gala Coral Group. "Gala's aim is tobring thebest in entertainment... from excellent casino gameplay,to premium bars and restaurants,long opening hours and convenient parking. Ocean Village is perfect — not only

Miss Gibraltar Contest 2007

This year's Pageant will be held on Sat urday 9th June 2007. The Winner will represent Gibraltar at the Miss World Con test. Photographed here are the eight girls who had signed on by the time we went to press.

is the access convenient for all, there will be so much going on in the leisure complex".

"Only Ocean Village could offer us the setting we were looking for," Harrison added."If you consider their commitment to creating a total retail and marina experience, the landscaping of public areas and stunning planting then it's obvious this is a very special place on a scale and quality never seen before in Gibraltar."

Gala's existing casino in Europa Road,Gibral tar will continue to operate as normal until the new facilities are finished.

gifts

"Gala's aim is to bring the best in entertainment... from exceiient casino gamepiay,to premium bars and restaurants,iong opening hours & convenient parking'

fladiuska Ohio

Gma MdMKKtde

A uommunity spirit

Reshma Melvani is one of the most prominent and energetic memb.ers of the Hindu community in Gibraltar. Five years ago her husband was killed in a tragic accident in his shop at 290 Main Street but recently she has been able to hand over the business to their son, Haneel,thus giving herself more time for her religious and charitable work.

Reshma, born in Sind, was edu cated in Aden and Hong Kong as her father had businesses in both British colonies. At the age of 22she married Ghansham in a glittering ceremony in Bombay.

Her husband, a Singalese, came to Gibraltar in 1959 aged 18 to work for his uncle Gopaldas Mathani, better known as Sri Narain, and worked at the world famous Mathani shop opposite the Em porium.

As a young married woman Reshma moved to Gibraltar and it did not take long for her to know that the Rock would always be her home thus living up to Sir Robert Peliza's contention that anyone who lives on the Rcxrk for more than six months becomes as Gibraltarian as the local born variety.

In 1972 her husband opened Melbros at 290 Main Street and simultaneously started his flour ishing philatelic business together with souvenirs mainly for the tourist trade.

Reshma's first 15 years on the Rock were during the 15th eco nomic siege and upon the United Kingdom's entry into the European Community in 1973 the family (as well as her son, Hancel, Reshma has a daughter, now living in the Philippines) took advantage of the new nationality laws to obtain Gibraltarian status together with a Gibraltar passport and ID card.

23 years later,Reshma isa key fig ure in the group sot up to represent the interests of traders in the stretch of Main Street between Cache and the Gibraltar Bookshop.

The pedestrianisation of this section has encouraged visitors to continue their stroll up Main Street but the passing trade has been re duced dramatically since the deci sion to move the coach park from outside the United Services Club to the other end of town.

It is the group's objective to per suade tourists to continue walking until the Alameda Botanic Gardens and the Cable Car.The traders have been encouraged by the setting up of a similar group to promote inter est in the more southerly stretch from The Angry Friar to Ince's Hall. There are also strong rumours that the south end of Main Street is to be

beautified with wider pavements and the planting of shrubs.

One heartfelt cry from the groups is for the Changing of the Guard to lake place at a fixed date — be it once a week,once a fortnight or once every four weeks. The event attracts a large number of specta tors which means increased sales in every shop.

It is a hard fact of economic life that trade is geared towards the north end of Main Street with the coach park,the walk from the fron tier and the cluster of bars and res taurants in Casemates. The south end traders have therefore come together with the aim of devising a marketing campaign to encour age tourists to walk the length of the street.

Reshma's contribution to the community docs not just lie with

her trading interests however,and she has an active involvement with Gibraltar's Science of the Soul Cen tre. Those Gibraltarians who are not Hindus are apt to be confused by the large building at the end of Sandpits Road and the Hindu temple off Engineer Lane. Reshma explained that although the Science of the Soul Centre is Hindu it is not connected to the Temple and is bet ter known as Radha Soami Satsang Beas(RSSB).

Science of the Soul is a regis tered charity based in Beas near Amritsa, India. Its main objective is self-realisation in order to attain God-realisation.

The Centre has an auditorium to seat 1000, a car park for 52 cars, a library specialising in books about the Science of the Soul, a family room, a kitchenette and is run by

an honorary secretary, Sunder Mathani, and two assistants who are helped by a hard working com mittee. The family room is used by the children whose mothers are attending the lectures and they are supervised by a carer(one of the60 or so volunteer initiates).

Once a year the National Sat sang is held. This is a gathering of interested people who come from Gibraltar and Spain. The talks are translated into three languages and this is followed by a light lunch.

The auditorium is used for bi weekly talks (Wednesdays and Sundays)delivered by initiates who follow the path of the RSSB. The audience is not confined to Hindus and regular attendees come from the other faiths, but the Centre can only be used for matters connected to Science of the Soul. The Centre was financed by The Master who operates out of Beas. It is strict pol icy that the Centre does not attempt to proselytise. It is the Master's belief that anyone who wishes to follow will automatically come and seek spiritual guidance — that any one who wishes to follow the path wilt be lead to that path.

In Andalucia there are centres at Algeciras, Malaga, Ceuta and Seville.

The Temple on the other hand, explains Reshma, provides a place for Hindus, who are following cer tain paths to reach God, to gather together.

Hinduism is best summed up as being a conglomerate of diverse beliefs and traditions. Unlike most other religions it does not have a founder and has no Church. Hin duism is sometimes considered a polytheistic religion, but such a view tends to oversimplify a diverse system of thought with a wide range of beliefs. Various groups meet on different days of the week. Once a month on Full Moon Day all the groups meet to join for communal prayers and all gather to celebrate the Divali festival.

Within the temple by tradition men sit on one side, women the other but this is not mandatory. The upkeep of the Temple is paid for by subscription. There are also collections taken on religious feast

It Is a hard fact of economic life that trade Is geared towards the north end of Main Street

days when offerings are given.

Over the decades Reshma has been involved with many Hindu events. Modestly, she says that considerable help is provided by the team of initiators, but it is clear that she is the human catalyst that makes things happen.

In 1991 she inspired the first annual issue of Numaste which fol lowed the precedent of the Hindu community monthly magazine in Hong Kong. This has been hugely successful and is published each year to mark Divali. Reshma is now responsible for the'Out and About' column which chronicles the social activities of the community both at home and abroad. She is also the Hong Kong magazine's Gibraltar correspondent. The magazine has been so successful that it has inspired the Hindu community in Malaga to publish a similar maga zine.

And for the future? Next year it is hoped that the Hindu community will once again hold a Variety Show. The show, performed at Ince's Hall,was hugely popular from its initial performance in 1985 through 11 successive years until the last staging in 1996. Reshma believes that the will to resurect the show is there and a 11 that is needed is for the community to find time to rehearse. This is difficult because the major ity of participants work in shops where the hours are long and the shops are open almost every day of the year, meaning free time is at a premium.

Mrs Reshma Melvani is living embodiment of what a determined Gibraltarian can achieve. More power to her determined elbow.

Med Steps Refurb Project

A major refurbistiment project for the Mediterranean Steps is being undertaken. This area, noted for its stunning views and beautiful wild flowers, has fallen into a state of disrepair over the years making some sections dangerous for visitors. The proj ect will be fully financed by the Bonita Trust and will be projectmanaged by the Government of Gibraltar.

The Mediterranean Steps were created by the British Military and served as part of the com munications system between defence posts. At the highest point of the steps are two 9.2" gun batteries and at the mid point are gun emplacements and ancilliary building dating back to World War II. The Steps were an important link between these positions, the batteries at the top of the Rock and Jews Gate. There are also pre-historic and natural sites on the Steps. The Twin Caves and the raised beaches are evidence of much higher water levels in the distant past and Martin's Cave contains an important bat colony. The entrance to the Steps at Jews' Gate is adjacent to the ancient Jews' Cemetery, which dates back to the early years of British Gibraltar.

Today,the Steps allow visitors to Gibraltar and residents to enjoy spectacular views of the Strait. The lowest part of the Steps begins on the western slopes of Gibraltar, sweeps along the southern flank, and rise to the highest point following a route on the eastern slopes. It

then finishes on the crest of the Rock, on the western side once more.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Bonita Trust Group, Moe Co hen, commented that this Is one of many significant projects that the Bonita Trust hopes to provide for the benefit of the community. The Trust was established in 2004 by the founders of the PartyGaming Group,to contribute to and benefit the communities where

PartyGaming PLC has a pres ence and where its employees live and work.

The Trust is an independent and philanthropic organisation which assists medical, edu cational and sporting causes as well as other community projects.

This refurbishment project will provide additional natural leisure facilities for residents and tourists to enjoy.

Next year ills hoped that the Hindu community will once again hold a Variety Show

some things never change

Some people call them "Institutions", whatever you want to call them they certainly make their mark in a community — in this case, a land mark. Not the smartest store in town by any means, you might say but there it Is — Fleming's, the jean shop, which has been open for business since 1964 and Is still going strong!

That's not counting all those years that Fleming's traded as a military outfitters and tailors, especially serving the very large numbers of sailors coming ashore from the ships of Britain's mighty Royal Navy.

The present Hindu Gibraltarian traders are the sons of the gentle man who took over the shop from the previous UK storeholders in 1964. Kishinchand K. Daswani arrived on the Rock when he was sixteen or seventeen and took up employment in a variety of Indian owned businesses already up and running in Gibraltar. During the second world war he moved up the ladder and took up the position of manager at Dialdas, By 1950 the time was right to bring over the family — enter 10 year old Manu and 4 year old Ramu — the present directors.

"There was never a desire to change the shop name," says Ramu."Mr Fleming had done very well with it, so why change it? Her Majesty's fleet were acquainted with it so why not try and cash in dn a good thing?" adds Ramu,who has been serving 'all who enter' since the sixties.

"We didn't continue with the naval stuff of course,so at first the shop dealt in watches and gifts but somewhere along the line we came across Wranglerjeansand the whole thing took off."

Ramu says that someone gave them the tip that if they imported the jeans en masse,they could sell hundreds, if not thousands across the Strait in Morocco, hence the

abundance of the trademark in the store. He remembers how the man ufacturers in the States wondered how it was possible to sell so many jeans in a place with a population of just about 30,000.

But before that, there were other business opportunities to attend to. Russian whaling fleets and other Eastern Block merchant ships frequented the Rock regularly. Manu recalls, "This must have been around '67 or '68. They went for other items of clothing too, like coats, jackets, shoes and even

plastic raincoats — winter clothing in the main."

It seems they were also very fond of the rugs and Italian bedspreads the shop used to stock. Ramu tells me they would hang them on the walls or use them as a throws in their homes.

"Half the ship's crews would come to the shop in the morning and the rest in the afternoon after work on board. We had a good name. Word soon spread through out the fleet of what we were all about."

But the brothers remember how it came about that the shop was given a new name. Apparently the Russians had difficulty remem bering and getting their tongues around the shop name. So one of them suggested the shop become known by the name Aurora, which in Russian is spelt ABPOPA(U is B and R is P in Russian it seems!) So what's in a name as long as it keeps the tills busy.

"Each crew member would spend about twenty or thirty quid, which meant we could sell seven or eight hundred pounds a day, a lot of money in those days. But it was very hard work. There were no plastic bags in those days. You would have six or seven items of clothing sandwiched between two or more sheets of paper which we would tie with string. The whole thing weighing nine or ten kilos.By the end of the day our hands were bleeding from pulling on the thin string — it was so painful — but it kept us busy, we enjoyed it and it was good for business."

They employed three others during those years, paying them about eight pounds a week. But as I recall, the shop name on the front age of the shop never changed, so how did the Russian seaman find the store?

Ramu has the answer. "We had a couple of people at the port who gave out diagrams to the men, so they knew exactly where to go. It never failed."

In fact it was so successful that a shop in Las Palmas also became known as ABPOPA.

From the late sixties to the mid seventies business was booming for Fleming's notleast because Russian liners also began to visit the Rock.

Not surprisingly, Spain was not too happy about Gibraltar's economy doing well, so come '76'77 cheaper port facilities were of fered to the Russians in the Canary

Halfthe ship's crews weuid come to the shop in the morning and the rest in the afternoon after work on heard"

Islands so they headed south for their rest and recreation.

Manu interjects during our con versation and says, "You know what they say, when one door closes another one opens — or perhaps a window!" The closure of the frontier saw to that. More and more Moroccans were coming over to work here and Wrangler jeans — the real McCoy — were very much in demand at home and Fleming's made a mint providing the imported workforce with thou

sands of pairs.

Ramu recalls, "Those that just took fifteen or twenty pairs would spend their profits on foodstuffs here and cover the cost of the trip across the Strait on the Mans Calpc which provided a good and reliable service then."

The more ambitious business minded would purchase large amounts and make a great profit wholesaling in Tangier and else where.

Ramu says he was known to the Moroccans as 'el gobernador.' Clearly a reference to the fact that the shop was situated next to the governor's residence.

"Speaking of which,that too was a winner, in the days when there was a weekly guard mount on a Monday or a Tuesday and an abun dance of tourists would be hanging around the area."

Around '85, when the frontier was fully opened, business took a

different trend. "That was the time when quality items ofclothing were still not widely available in Spain and what there was, was much more expensive there. A pair of top brand jeans there, £40 or £45, here £30! Yes those were good years too," Ramu tells me. Again Spain tightened the screws at the frontier in whatever way possible,and that too went by the wayside.

Today's clientele is very different I'm informed. Fleming's depends on other Europeans that visit the Rock, who recognise a good product at a good price and will take two or three items instead of just the one. Apparently customers will seek the shop out. There's repeat business from abroad in many cases and locals who know that Manu and Ramu are always there, can pop in and purchase their favourite brand of jeans in any size — even though the middle age spread keeps on spreading, stocking every size is a speciality for the brothers.

But 1 can't help asking the obvi ous in today's forward thinking business climate. Why not diversify or at least give the shop a bit of a facelift like so many other business es have done? It clearly needs it. Ramu has the last word. "No," comes the swift reply,"you have to stick to your game... but," he says, "never say never!"

"You know what they say,when one door closes another one epens— or perhaps a window!"

The Questfer Gibraltar

(Two days later) A note from the editor. She considers my latest article a little short and lacking in colour. On reflection, she may be right, so let us take a closer look at this belligerent incident, and by far the most interesting man to have taken part in it.

The attack was a fiasco. A Frenchman named D'Argon seems to have been the brains behind it, though his brains appear to have played little part. D'Argon built ten floating batteries that duly set out to subdue and seize the Rock. Unfortunately, each caught fire in turn and sank. The sea became a mass of floundering Spanish sail ors. One man whose bravery was conspicuous that night was Alessandro Malaspina, commander of one of the batteries.

After abandoning his blazing hulk he might have been forgiven for swimming for his life. Instead, he spent several hours in the water trying desperately to save the lives ofothers. His courage was matched by his modesty,and is known to us today only through the writings of his namesake and contemporary, Alessandro Belmonti. Neverthe less, as a direct result of his actions he was promoted to the rank of frigate captain.

Life is a long and tortuous path. At each of its thousands of blind comers stands a dice-thrower wait ing to determine our next move. But for an accident of birth, Malaspina might have found himself defend ing Gibraltar that night rather than attacking it. His first throw of the dice had resulted in a double-six. He was born into a wealthy and in fluential Italian family that mled(as vassals of the Austrian emperor)a clutch of fifteen tiny fiefdoms stuck like a bunch of grapes between the duchys of Parma and Tuscany, and the republic of Genoa. Had chance seen Wm entering the world a few miles away in the humbler house of a poor Genoese family, he might well have found his way to Gibral tar in search of a better life,

By the middle of the 18th Cen tury,life for the clan Malaspina was not what it once had been. Their power was in terminal decline,and they were living largely on past glo ries. Carlo Morello Malaspina was considered the brightest of fifteen

life for

cousins, but being the brainiest of the Malaspinas at that time was like winning a gold medal for sprinting at the snail Olympics. But there must have been something lurk ing dormant in his genes, or those of his wife, for on 5th November 1754 he became the father of a son, Alessandro, who was to outstrip in intellect and achievement all of his forebears.

The old world,in which the very name Malaspina had been enough to cow the serfs and enforce droit de seigneur on every woman in the valley, was falling apart. It was pointless to deny it, and in 1762 Carlo, anxious that his three sons, Azzo, Luigi and Alessandro should not end up kowtowing to the hoi polloi, moved the family to Palermo, Sicily, where his wife's uncle, Giovanni Fogliani Sforza d'Aragona was Viceroy on behalf of the island's owner,the Bourbon King of Naples.

The young Alessandro was daz zled by the trappings of the Sicilian court. Fogliani was deeply reli gious,but he refused to let that stifle hislove of the arts and the pleasures of the table. He loved to party,and when he partied,he invited women for their beauty, and men for their brains. Sexist, but practical.

By the age of ten, the precocious boy was ready to embark on life's long voyage, both metaphorically and literally. The court theologian, Antonio Maria de Lugo, was called to Rome to head the venerable Clementine College. Fogliani sug gested that Carlo should send his son with him. The boy was excep tionally bright, and to be educated at the Clementine College would set him firmly on the palJi to great things.Carlo needed little persuad ing. His reason for relocating to Sicily in the first place had been to put his sons on the road to social success, and he intended to grease the wheels of the wagon at every opportunity. This was too good a chance to miss.

Alessandro spent seven years at the college, rubbing shoulders with the scions of other important European families. But Clementine was not merely a finishing school for snobs. As a learning institution its reputation wassecond to none in both the arts and the sciences, and

AlessandroMalaspina:

In September 1782,the Spanish attempted to seize Gibraltar. They failed. The End

the clan Maiaspina was not what

It once had hoon.Their power was in ter minal decline,and they were iiving iargely en past gieries

Alessandro was intelligent enough to take advantage of both,although his particular sldlls lay in literature and languages. Two teachers seem to have been particularly influen tial; Father Giuseppe Pujati, who taught geography, and Father Pietro Cermelli, a physics professor who inspired Alessandro's first published work,the 26 page Theses ex Physica Generali that appeared in Rome in 1771.

His schooling ended in 1773. Carlo and Fogliani wanted him to embrace the religious life, hoping no doubt to have a future Pope in the family. But he had other ideas. He was 19,and Pujati and Cormclli had planted the seeds of ambition and a wanderlust that could not be confined behind the walls of a monastery. He opted instead for a military career,and since he wanted to see the world that Pujati had told him about, it was natural that the branch of the military that he chose was the navy. And not just any navy. He joined Europe's grandest and largest — that of Charles III, King of Spain.

But he travelled first to Malta where, like many Malaspinas before him, he joined the Knights of Malta, receiving the regalia of a Knight of Justice of St John of Jerusalem. After that he was off and rurming. As a member of the crew of the SflJi Zaccaria he took part in a few futile chases after Barbary pirates, and, berthing briefly in Barcelona, found himself on Span ish soil for the first time.

Nevertheless,for several months Malta remained his home,although he found its petty intrigues tedious and looked for the first opportunity of escape. It soon came.

Fogliani had been booted out of his comfortable viceroy's job in Sicily by popular demand,and the increasingly decrepit old man was hobbling around Europe vainly attempting to drum up influential support to get it back. In the late summer of 1774, he headed for Spain,taking Alessandro with him. For Fogliani it was a wasted jour ney, but for Alessandro it was the blue touch paper moment his career needed. He was received formally into the navy, and by November was a midshipman. Two months later he was a frigate ensign. Family influence probably played a part in his rapid progres.s, but there is no doubt that at each stage he acquit ted himself well.

Assigned to the Sanfa Teresa, he was soon blooded in battle

at Melilla and Algiers, receiving commendations for gallantry each time. Yet his interests spread far beyond the merely military. He had a formidable intellect, and was a voracious reader and learner. In 1776 he was transferred to the mari time department in Cadiz, where he threw himself fully into the social and intellectual whirl of a great city, making even more useful contacts and friends.

It was a wonderful, stimulating period of his life, but it couldn't last. In December 1777 he was back on the high seas on the frigate Astrea, bound for the Philippines. The ship had first set sail in March,but had been forced to return when an epidemic had the crew dropping like flies. They cleared out the dead, sprayed a bit of vinegar on the sails and down the rat-holes, and set off again with a new crew who started nervously every time somebody sneezed.

The ship languished in the Phil ippines for six months due to the lack offavourable winds, but Ales sandro was not idle. He learned all that he could of the region, and concluded that since Spain's pos sessions were limited to Manila and a few insignificant pin-pricks, it was of little use. By January 13th 1779 the wind was finally set fair and they sailed for Spain, carrying a special gift for the king: a female elephant. It is not hard to imagine the excited chatter on board:"Wait till the king sees THIS!"

It is not hard, either, to imagine the king's reaction when he did.

They were back in Spain by September, and Alessandro was instantly promoted to lieutenant, though whether in gratitude for the elephant is not recorded.

Soon Europe was at war again. Spain and France, assisted by the newly liberated United States, crossed swords with England,and King Charlessaw his best chance so far to recapture Gibraltar.

On 16th January 1780,during the battle of Cape Santa Man'a,the Brit ish captured the Spanish ship the San ]iiUa'n and its crew,including its lieutenant, Alessandro Malaspina. The ship was placed under escort with a skeleton crew, including Alessandro. Somehow (the details are obscure) he regained control and sailed the ship triumphantly

back to Cadiz. Again the hero. Again promotion.

No wonder he thought he* was unstoppable. No wonder he found himself floating out of control on a blazing barge trying madly to capture Gibraltar.

Alessandro Malaspina survived to live a long, adventurous life full of expeditions and controversy. Under a royal commission he sailed around the world between 1789 and 1794,exploring the Pacific and mapping Spain's North American possessions.Yet he was denounced by the Inquisition for his unortho dox views on religion and free love, and in 1796,after ruffling the feath ers of the Spanish prime minister, Manuel Godoy, was imprisoned in Galicia, where he spent his time writing eloquently on literature and economics.

Sadly, since he was in political disgrace, his major works on his epic expeditions were suppressed, and had to wait until the late 19th century for publication.

He was released in 1802 and sent into exile. Returning to Italy, he settled in Pontremoli, and began a

new and successful political career. He was presented to the queen of Esturia,and accepted as a member of the prestigious Columban Soci ety ofFlorence. Single-handedly he had rescued the Malaspinas from historical obscurity.

He died on 9th April 1810. In Gibraltar, Sir Colin Campbell was standing in for thebuffoonish Duke of Kent as Governor. Malaspina's death passed unremarked.The sea was calm.

Aiessandro Malaspina survived to live a long,adventurous life full of expeditions and controversy

Alessandro was instantly promoted to lieutenant,though whether in gratitude for the elephant is not recorded

Out Qf Africa

gallety mosaic

Up, Up and Away!

Gibraltar's Grandmothers are an institution, a pillar of the society, a true lifeline for working parents desperate for one-minute-notice babysitters who not only don't charge by the hour, but even shower their proteges with gifts and treats and actually enjoy spending quality time with them.

So, what better way to say thank you, Gran nies, than by making them feel extra-special in an alluringsoiree dedicated to them, wherethey can be the pampered ones tor a change, and at the same time have fun, the chance of winning appealing prizes and be the absolute stars of a fundraiser extravaganza for Mount Alvemia?

This is the idea that prompted pageant maharani Sonia Colt — the mastermind of many Gibraltar glam events past and present, with theMidas's touch in organising hit-the-jackpot charity initiatives—to launchthenovelconcept of "Supernanny 2007" or Grandmother of the Year, in which twenty grannies will compete for the title of Best Grandmother, on the grounds of their grand-parental abilities rather than mere looks.

The competition format prescribes that par ticipants, the youngest in her forties and the oldest in her eighties, must bring along one of their grandchildren to perorate their candida ture before a panel of judges of both sexes and diverse ages. They will be required to bake or make a dessert to wow the adjudicators with their cookery.

Grandchildren's lauds will make up most total scored points when the time comes to proclaim the winner of what Sonia says isn't a last-chance pageant for older women but a gala evening to 'crown' Gibraltar's loveliestand most dedicated grandmother.

Although a beaut)' queen won't be literally crowned, all grandmothers on stage will be encouraged and helped look their best, as their attitude and appearance count towards the overall score.

Tobring out theA-listlimelight divas in them, Sonia's team of hair and make-up experts will give the girls a makeover. They are required to provide their own day- and evening-wear for the catwalk, with absolute freedom on styles and colours, from middle-age classic chic and vintage ball-gowns to sexy and funky, accord ing to the revolution in modern grandmotherl)' behaviour— not anymore theclicheofwrinkly ladies in glasses and shawls knitting their twilight years away on a rocking chair, now replaced by well-groomed successful women in power-suits and killer heels.

The whole event has a fun angle, for both contestants and audience; the theme will be "Warning", a poem by Jenny Joseph whose initial verses "When I am an old woman I shall wear purple / With a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me" Sonia sees as proclamation of the freedom of maturity, when one eventu ally is allowed to act not her age, but how she fancies, clashing colours at liberty and doing

those things that society remarks unsuitable for a young lady, like "run my stick along the public railings" or "pick flowers in other people'sgardens" to "make up forthe sobriety of my youth".

Jenny Joseph's poem will be read in its en tirety during the show, while the red hat meta phor will be concretised in a fashion parade of 'way-out' hats designed by Priscilla Sacramento, modelled by ladies in purple dresses.

Entertainment for the whole family is assured by staging of the short all-children production "The Little Grain of Rice" an original work by local playwright Ralph Torilla, set in an enchanted woods, realm of elves and fairies. SoniaGolt, togetherwithSupemanny'sassistant stage manager Sylvia Palmer, starred in the 1955 premiere at the theatre Royal.

They are now playing the Narrator and the Mother respectively, while Paulette Finlayson's DanzaAcademy will danceand twenty children mime along.

Danza Academy is also performing to the rhythm of famous songs from the Roaring Twenties, Dirty Thirties, Wartime Forties and Post-war Fifties, to accompany each Granny with the nostalgia of her birth year.

The prizes are tantalising: the Suppergranny gets£150 voucher, donated by EliteTravel, £100 S.M. Seruya voucher goes to the first runner-up and a £50 Hanny's Boutique voucher to the second runner-up. Besides partly sponsoring the show, MH Bland is presenting the three some with a complimentary trip to the Fatima sanctuary later this year!

A team of volunteers, directed by stage man ager Jackie Dalli and her assistants Jackie Cruz and Sylvia Palmer, will help make-up artist Claudia and Attractions hairdressers to make all grannies sparkle and have fun on stage, not only on the night, but also during rehearsals, due to kick off after Easter.

Sonia is planning Supernanny as a one-off production, being already involved with the Bosom Buddies yearly fashion show in aid of Breast Cancer, but ifthe premiere is ahuge suc cess, then she'll be ready for seconds!

And what about grandfathers? Like most Gibraltarian men, they live up to the fame of being extremely stage shy!

Supernanny will take place at the Alameda Gardens Open Air Theatre on Wednesday 20th June. Tickets priced £12, and £10 for senior citizens, arc available from Sonia on mobile 56449000, the number wannabe contestants must dial to find out whether they are still on time to sign up. Proceeds will be donated to Mount Alvemia.

Grandchildren's lauds will make up mosttotal scored peints when the time comes te proclaim the winner

^ Gibraltar Taxi Association

Down but Definitely Net Out

Try to eat something will you? Why don't we go out tonight, it might cheer us up? Jean kisses her husband Brian and hurries off to work. Brian just sits motionless, staring into his untouched cup of tea wanting to drink it before it goes cold but unable to put the thought into action. It had taken a huge effort to stay awake after the alarm clock had finally ended yet another restless night.

when, not only psychotherapy will be essential but also drug interven tions, possibly long term.

At LifeLine I have 30 years expe rience in the assessment profiles and methodolog)'to determine the type of depression, the depth of the de pression,indeed if it is a depression at all. 1 have spent many years as a Registered Mental Nurse at vari ous grades and in many disciplines and my links with the GHA allow a fully integrative approach with GP liaison.

There is a biological component to depression since our emotions are expressed as chemical changes in the brain and drugs may be pre scribed to address adverse chemical imbalances. Research has found that one of the chemicals that reduces as a consequence of depression is Serotonin. This chemical can also be naturally produced within the body when life enhancing events occur. This naturally produced Se rotonin can be just as effective and can act a lot faster than the admin istered drug.Aerobic activity is also known to stimulate the production of Serotonin.

"Here we go again," he thinks as he finally gives up on the tea. "Let's see what trip wires life has prepared for us today".

Brian raises his listless body from its misery-iaden slump and leaves the teacup on the kitchen table with the false promise of a trip to the microwave later. There is a single bleep from Brian's wristwatch announcing the arrival of 9am. Brian snatches his coat and keys and slams the door behind him. He feels the anxiety rise and the weight in his chest becoming steadily heavier as he realises that, yet again he is going to be late for work and he still hasn't done the spreadsheet that was requested last Tuesday.

As Brian rounds the corner he sees the No.3 bus just pulling awav from the bus-stop, his heart sinks into his stomach. All Brian wants to do now is to melt into a dark comer and cry for a year. "It might cheer us up," he mouthed,feeling sadness being replaced with anger, "Fat chance!"

Depression is a word that is overused and often misused. You can feel annoyed, under siege and saddened by life's less than plea-sant facets—a large utility bill, quarrels with partners, relatives, friends or colleagues, your children's unrea sonable demands, endless house work,shopping in crowded streets, professional frustrations and many more examples of essential but nevertheless mundane drudgery.

These aspects of life very rarely visit you singularly, they turn up in gangs and emotionally 'mug' you. It is even worse when these issues, instead of just visiting, take up permanent residence in your psyche.

What is depression?

The Latin word deprimere means to press down and was a term first applied to mood states in the 17th century. The Oxford English Dictionary defines depression as "A state of excessive sadness or hopelessness, often with physical symptoms".

The application of the label of depression follows similar lines to the labelling of bad colds as 'the flu'. Anyone who has suffered from a bout of real influenza will know that it is an entirely different beast from even the worst cold as well as being life threatening. Depression is the same,some people suffering from depression become socially and sometimes physically disabled without the causes being directly traceable or they seem totally dis proportionate to the effect.

Depression is a very serious

condition, the se\ erity of which can vary from mild, through moderate to severe, and is very disabling.

The main svmptom is called anhcdonia. This term is taken from the Greek term meaning "with out pleasure". Nearly all positive thoughts and feelings are lost only to be replaced with negativity, total cynicism,anxiety, frustration,anger, grief and guilt. These negative emotions are recycled continuously steadily deepening the depression. The message received loud and clear, both internally and externally, is "I am stuck, 1 am blocked in my life and I do not know where to go from here!"

Other symptoms include the constant feeling of impending doom,disproportionate sensitivity to noise and sudden movement, debilitating loss of energy and enthusiasm for what you used to enjoy, loss of memory, disruption of sleep patterns and deep feelings of worthlessness.

Where the symptoms persist for more than two weeks it may be worth seeking professional intervention before the depression deepens to a disabling intensity

Initially, when you feel down, you tell yourself that it's just one of those days, or its been a bad week. This may be a valid assessment but you must self-monitor because as you slide deeper into a depression it becomes less clear to you what to do about it. You can feel cut off from the outside world, lethargic and you do not want anyone to see you.Organisation of the household becomesseriously diminished,bills and other correspondence remain unopened,personal hygiene suffers because just showering, shaving and brushing teeth becomes such an effort.

Very often depression also brings feelings of guilt about past events as they run through your mind in painful abstract — people dear to you you fear you have hurt, fam ily you feel you should have spent more time with instead of neglect ing them to be alone with your thoughts. You can be pilloried by self recrimination, "Why am I not coping? Why is everything so dif ficult? I should pull myself together. Why am I so miserable? 1 hate living like this."

Sadly it is very, very difficult to extricate yourself from depression and becomes impossible when the depression increases in severity.De pression also affects people around you who probably noticed the

Depression can affectanyonefrom schoolchlldron ihrongh to rotired poopio,tho rich and tho poor,tho oducatod and tho illitorato,malo and fomalo,marriod or single,successful or disenfranchised

changes long before you could see them yourself. Partners, relatives, friends and colleagues feel helpless in their endless,but futile,attempts to cheer you up.Some may find it hard to understand because out wardly they cannot see anything wrong.

"You have a lovely home, a lov ing family, a fulfilling professional life, no money worries. You have no right to be depressed, you should have my problems!" Or if the de pression is reactive the"Arrh Well!" mob appear on the scene. "Arrh well, you should have...", or"Arrh well, I would have...", or best of all, "Arrh well, 1 told you ...". Many of these are from the smug,"It cannot happen to me,I'm in control of my life" brigade, but they do not see how you feel inside.

A lot of people will genuinely care about you and be truly upset at what is happening to you and your life. As for you, it is like being locked in a prison without know ing why, the key is being withheld from you and you do not know by whom.

Sometimes friends and relatives tell you that you have a problem and you need to get yourself sorted out. This advice,although well meaning, can be unfortunately phrased and produces an even more entrenched position. A better way would be to say that there is someone who you think might be able to help,just give them a call and see what you think, no pressure,and give them the tele phone number. For someone to be helped they must want to be helped, pressure will not produce the right mind-set for moving forward.

Depression can affect anyone from school children through to retired people,the rich and the poor, the educated and the illiterate, male and female, married or single, suc cessful or disenfranchised.

Some schools of thought believe that there is a genetic component to depression,and I have often found, on history taking,that another fam ily member has also suffered from depression, but the genetic link has not yet been clinically proven.

The onset of depression can be sudden, especially when it is a reaction to some life event such as bereavement, relationship break down or job stress. It can also build up over weeks and months and for no reason at all and this makes it very difficult to treat, this is why a fully integrative approach is es sential with recognised and proven assessment scales.

I have found over the years that these issues are never clear cut and at LifeLine I pride myself on the use of a variety of researched as sessment methods to determine the nature and severity of depression, and where appropriate work in con junction with General Practitioners and hospitals to help clients move on with their life.

It is essential to plan out a pro gressive care plan of appropriate action even if it involves a multidisciplinary program. Research has shown that brief short term therapies are most effective with attendance at least once per week and a commitment to not drop out early.

Each problem is required to be sensitively worked through in a supportive and professional man ner as clients will be feeling vulner able and at a low ebb.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy has been proven to be quite effec tive in the treatment of depression but in psychotherapy one size does not always fit all and I have found Transactional Analysis and several other interpersonal psychotherapy models can also be brought into the fray.

My many years both in the NHS hospitals. Community Nursing Service and in the private sector enable me to assure you that you have nothing to fear for seeking help, depression can feel like be ing becalmed in the middle of the ocean, watching the shark fins of recrimination and doom circling your raft, do not accept your fate grasp a LifeLine, climb above the black cloud of depression and bask in the bright sunshine of happiness and future aspirations.

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Claudia Schiel

Health/Beauty Therapist

Auriculo Medicine for Stop Smoking •

Oermatological Peels - Non Surgical Lifting - Specialising in all kinds of skin problems - HolisticTherapies for various conditions - ReflexologyMedicinal Pedicures - Hair Extensior>s

Cheryl Sant

Health/Beauty Therapist

-Facials-Waxing - Electrolysis

Massages - SllmmingTreatments

Gillian Schimier MA DC UK McTimoney Chiropractor

Gentle and Effective Chiropractic Treatment for all Muscular and Joint Pains,especially Sports Injuries^ Pregnancy. Headaches,and

St Floor. Tel. 74040

"^^ewftFuture Clhl!

Udo Stadtsbuchler

Neurolmguist - Coach

Counsellor/Therapist

Effective and quick solution to all forms of Fears and Phobias

- Physical and Emotional Wellbeing - Relationship Issues - Dyslexia - OCD - PTSD.

Mesotherapy

ij:(Fat/Cellulite reducing injections -

ii alternative to liposuction)

T - Anti-Aging procedures.

^ Dermatologist

S Cryotherapy - Warts -

f- Age Spots - Pigmentations -

|| Skin Lesions and Imperfections.

ijjl Concepcion Cano Diaz

i Naturopath

Specialising in Weight LossIridology - Acupuncture- I Dietaryadvice-Vitamin and Supplement Advice.

Dr Norbert V Borge

MBBS LRCP MRCS MRCP FRCP

Dr Daniel N Borge

GIBRALTAR CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU

The Gibraltar Citizens Advice Bureau is a registered charity that offers free and independent information & advice.

All welcome,whatever the problem,the Gibraltar Citizens Advice Bureau is here to help you. We don't tell! We don't charge! We don't judge! Contact the Bureau at tel: 40006, Fax:40281,email: inl or visit our web pages at www.cab.gi

BDS MSc MFDS RCS(Eiis) Dental

7-9 Cornwall's Lane

Tel / Fax: 75790

Emailt borgecentre^^n^telecomoket

Each probiem is required to be sensitiveiy worked tbrougb in a supportive and prolessionai manner as ciients wiii be feeiing vninerabie and at a iow ebb

Bell ^ Pharmacy

Your Family Chemists

Here to help you by answering all your pharmaceutical questions

G.itbull lb ai J" Ik'll L.iii','

Tfl: Fax-

STEINER CHIROPRACTIC CUNICS

Dr Carsten Rudolf Steiner BSc DC

Member ot the British Chiropractic Association

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

McTimoney Chiropractor

Gentle holistic treatment for all back or muscular problems and sports injuries

Gillian Schirmer MA,DC, MMCA Ciintc (Ciaudia'si

I si i loor M,)in SUOL't Tel 4173J or afte'hoiirs 40026

Chiropractic Health Clinic

Or Steven ,1. Crump B.Sc.DC.MCC

()(xrii: Moil - f-ri "l.kbni 6..ttipni

Treutmcnl of Back Pain, Neck I'ain, tleadaches. Limb Pain & Sports Injuries

Tel: 44226

IC'C Suite K5C' Isl FliKir, Casemates, Gibraltar .UciiiIht ofBniiih Clur)>priu iU AsscKiaKoii

Lori-lee l~)il!man Cx5t Q~)ooe)L»tAc MBA^C

MemberoftKe ^n't^ Ar^cipuncturc Council

M^nberoftJie poundation far jntsy,ated Mc^^inc Nalura}—Safe—Acupuncture—EJ)ecii\e—ProJessionaJ

Vsbnar Medlcaf CHnIc Central Clinic, 1A Centre Plaza

UMainStreet Te(:44471 Horse Barrack Lane Tel: 59955 Emalb lorttiilkTMn^hotmatxom

#Louis'Pharmacy

Sports Massage Therapy & Personal Training

Unit Ci, Eliott hlotei Cibrallcir

Childline

•

Primary Care Centre

11 am,5pm - 6pm

Vixiriiig OrihoJoiiiixr <& Oral Surgeon 62 Main Street. Suite 6. PO Box 909. Gibraltar Tel: 76817

• Microbiology

• Hematology

• Biochemistry

• Immunology

groups F19 iCCTel'42330 Fax'45521 gitiraltar@gib4aB.com

LifeLiiHI

(i)unsellin^ Senlres Confidential counselling for Postnatal Depression, Bereavement, Domestic Violence, Families Dealing with Mental Illness etc

3/2nd floor 29 City Mill Lane. Gibraltar Tel: 54002090 ienmmdiweni@hotinaiLcom

StortG

5 Citv Mill Lane, Gibraltar, Tel: 73765 Suppliers of Glucosamine, Cinkgo Biloba and all vitamins. New large range of American products now in stock.

Body Building Products (Creatine etc)

Open: 4ani • 1 pm & 3pm •6.30pm

GUARANTEED

You pre-pay at today's prices, we provide your chosen service whenever it is eventually required and whatever it eventually costs

UrwAiirt^ err Prr-Piiul FHiKraf PfnnirtNf;Aiiiitiiblefnm: 11 Convent Place, Gibraltar Tel: 75747

Codali Funeral Services

Gillian Schirmer MA. DC, MMCA McTimoney Chiropractor, Clinic (Claudia's), 1st Fir. 58 Main St Tel: 41733 After hours: 40026

Dr Carsten Rudolf Steiner BSc. DC Steiner Chiropractic Clinics, College Clinic, Regal House Tel: 77777

COUNSELLORS

Jenny Ndiweni Life Line Counselling Services 3/2nd floor 29 City Mill Lane Tel: mobile 54002090 email: jennvndiweni@hotmail.com

DENTAL SURGEONS

Dr Daniel N Borge BDS (Brist) MSc(Ion) MFDS RCSIEng.)

7-9 Cornwall's Lane Tel/Fax: 75790

Mike Clark BDS

The Dental Practice, Baudelaire House, 15D-1 Town Range Tel/Fax: 52882

PHYSICIANS

Dr Norbert V Borge FRCP(London) 7-9 Comv.aii 3 Lane Tel/Fax. 75790

HEALTH STORES

The Health Store 5 Oty Mill Lane. Tel: 73765

HOMEOPATHS

Ken Oftedal. BSc, MAEHU

At Claudia's Beauty Clinic(Wednesdays) 58 Main Street, 1st Floor Tel: 41733 (or Spain 00 34 952 89 64 24)

OPTICIANS / OPTOMETRISTS

Cache 6 Co Limited 266 Main Street Tel: 75757

L. M. Passano Optometrist

38 Mam Street. Tel: 76544

PERSONAL TRAINERS

Complete Fitness

Unites, Eliott Hotel Tel: 51113

Samuel Jhgui BDS

DENTAL SURGEON

Bruce Hogg BDSlHonx) DENTALSURGEON

come for waxing?

I had three treatments in all, each lasting for about 45 minutes. After the first, Claudia warned me that 1 would probably feel a craving for cigarettes—or the nicotine in them. This craving would wear off by the end of the final treatment, she assured me; but, should it return, she would give me a "top-up" treatment.

In fact the whole thing was fairly painless and the occasional twinges when 1 would have enjoyed a ciga rette were kept at bay not so much by will-power as the thought that if I went back to my friendly Stuyvesants, 1 would be letting down my wife, daughters and Claudia... as well as numerous Gibraltar friends who marvelled at the continuing absence of a fag in my hand.

Claudia has treated numerous smokers since then and reckons to have had an 80 per centsuccess rate. So it is perhaps unfortunate that the treatment she uses wasn't available to Charles Lamb.Two years after he wrote to Wordsworth he was still .smoking his cheroots and puffing his pipe as he wrote his"Farewell to Tobacco" which contains the lines: "For thy sake tobacco, I would do anything but die..."

How to be a Quitter...

Okay! so Walter Raleigh has a lotto answer for... but did introducing tobacco into Elizabethan England really merit beheading...

Two centuries ago the essay ist Charles Lamb decided to quit smoking. He was about to get his hands dirty, come to grips with Nature and "build" a natural gar den complete with grotto and an elaborate folly. And "to do this will be necessary to leave off Tobacco", he wrote to the poet William Word sworth in June 1806. "But 1 had some thoughts of doing this before, for 1 sometimes think it does not agree with me."

Two years ago, I decided to quit smoking. I wasn't planning to "build" anything... let alone a grotto or folly. In fact — though occasionally I admitted secretly to myself that my regular nicotine intake probably "did not agree with me" — it was not I who took the decision. My wife and daughters did.

Local beauty culture and health

expert Claudia Schiel was intro ducing a new technique to help people quit the "noxious weed" and willy-nilly I found that I had been "volunteered" as a guinea-pig.

If the treatment worked on me,a 60plus-a-day smoker, it would work on anyone.Particularly as — unlike most people who seek treatment to help them stop smoking — 1 didn't actually want to quit.

The "cure" — involving what appeared to be a mild form of la.ser treatment combined with a singlepin acupuncture in the lobe of the ear — had been developed by a French doctor and Claudia had suc

cessfully undergone the treatment herself.This success had persuaded her to train in the technique — and invest in the equipment — adding it to her other skills acquired as a beautician during extensive train ing in Gibraltar and Germany

So in late June 2004 I found my self sharing the reception section of Claudia's Beauty salon with a cross-section of Gibraltar matrons waiting for facials and bikini-wax ing. They eyed my beard askance while 1 pretended interest in the posters promoting beauty lotions. One of them, nodding at my whis kers, whispered the query: Had 1

Do I miss the cigarettes? Yes, there are times when I think I would enjoy one as I enjoyed the wafting smoke of others. But the craving has gone and the initial phase — when I counted not only the days but hours since I had last savoured what Spenser described as "Divine Tobacco" in the Faerie Queen — is long forgotten.

In fact when recently 1 visited Claudia's salon to see the refurbishments and hear about her plans to provide facilities for visiting health experts and medics to use, she had to dig out a copy of an article 1 wrote at the time for The Gibraltar Magazine to fix the date. It was longer ago than either of us thought — 972 days at the time of writing.And that, at a conservative reckoning works out at58,320 ciga rettes that I haven't smoked... or nearly 5,000 packs of Stuyvesant... which at a quid a packet points to quite a saving.

Trouble is I don't seem any wealthier — nor do I feel any healthier — as a result.

But, yes, there have been side effects. I have developed a paunch, and my moustache — no longer camouflaged with a yellowish tan — betrays my years... but, worst of all, a much loved leather jacket still reeks of stale tobacco smoke... something which had never both ered me as I put it there.

No Smoking Day 2007 is on 14th March. See page 22 far further de tails.

unlike most people who seek treatmentto help them stop smoking— I dliln't actually wantto quit...

D-Day,a Dog & Treasure

The death of a double-agent's dog almost cost the Allies victory on D-Day.

Files recently released hy the British Government reveal how a woman spy was so upset by the death ot her dog while in the care of the British army that she placed the entire D-Day operation in mor tal danger.

The files state that:

"Frisson was the beloved pet of double agent Nathalie Sergueiev, codenamed Treasure."

According to MI5's Double Cross files. Treasure was highly-strung and troublesome. She was also invaluable in feeding false informa tion to her German masters, which helped the invasion of Normandy succeed.

Yet, less than a month before the landings. Treasure threatened to blow the delicate deception surrounding the location of the landings. Her motive was revenge for the death of Frisson, which she blamed on the British for failing to smuggle him to London from Gibraltar.

When 1 first read about this 1 thought it odd that her dog was named Frisson. 1 was pretty sure that Frisson was the name of a breed. I managed to buy a copy of Lily (her preferred salutation) Sergueiev's memoirs Secret Sen<ices Rendered. 1 was right. Her dog's name was Sabs and it was of a breed called Bonvivant Frisson, which to melooks something like a German Shepherd with long hair.

Lily leaves no doubt about her strong feelings for the dog. She refers to him (yes a boy dog named Babs) in the opening sentence of her book:

"Babs lifts up his shaggy,truffleL like nose and looks at me inquiringly. Standing up on his hindlegs he looks over the window-still into the garden. His com prehensive glance seems ~ , to say: Everything's ^ ^ okay. The neigh bour's cat isn't trespassing.

There are

trj'ing to get in.'What's the matter with you?'

Mechanically I run my hand over his wiry coat.

'You can't understand,' I tell him.'But France is defeated!' And harshly I repeat; defeated!'"

Lily was born in Russia in 1912 but from the age of five lived in France. She believed the French would fight to the end and was bit terly disappointed when Marshall Retain surrendered to the Germans. She hated the Nazis, blaming them for the disappearance of her uncle in 1937(although he was the head of Russian ex-servicemen in France and it could have been the work of Stalin's men). She was fluent in English and French and through a journalist friend she was able to convince the Germans that she could be useful to them. She was recruited by the German Secret Service — Abwehr — and was a

favourite of Major Emile Kliemann who was second in command to Admiral Canaris.

Lily was trained in espionage techniques, given cash and false documents and instructions to make her way to Britain via Spain and Gibraltar. She took Babs with her. On reaching Gibraltar she planned to offer her services to the British as a double-agent.

On 8th October, 1943 Lily and Babs arrived at La Linea. "At the frontier we stop in front of a heavy iron gate. A customs officer and a policeman take a quick look into our vehicle and 1 have to get out to have my passport checked. Everything is in order. Two guards push open the gates and we enter no-man's land. A similar gate is opened and closed behind us. We are in Gibraltar. The bus stops. We all get out and I see, for the first time, British uniforms."

Although Lily waseager to work for the Allies she was not entirely pleased with the arrangements. The British paid her considerably less than the Germans and said that Babs couldn't travel with her to England because of the strict quarantine laws.They did promise to look after the dog and to smuggle him into Britain at a later date. Lily reluctantly handed her beloved pet over to an un-named officer.

"1 look at the officer. He seems a good sort. 1 pick up Babs and hand him over. The difficult moment has arrived."

Lily lingered at Gibraltar for three weeks living at the Grand Hotel. During that time she became friends with a pilot. M15 files claim that he was an American and that she had an affair with him. She wrote:

"That evening I have dinner with a fighter pilot, stationed in Gibraltar, with whom 1 have made friends. 1 tell him all about the dif ficulty 1 am having over Babs.

'Why don't you send him to Lon don with one of our pilots?' he asks me.'They don't have to go through the Customs or any controls at all. No one would say anything. Several of my friends have dogs as mascots...'

'1 couldn't trust Babs to anvonc

But the pilot friend was persis tent and convinced Lily that he could find someone that would be absolutely reliable.

Lily finally agreed but then ap proached her Gibraltar handler, a Mr. O'Shaga, for reassurance.

"If 1 can do it this way, it'll save a great deal of bother and red tape. But if the pilot doesn't get to London and Babs is left behind in Gibraltar, can 1 count on you to get him over for me?'

'You may.'

'You are quite sure?'

'You have my word'."

On 4th November Lily flew to England where she promptly came down with a kidney infection and nearly died. When she recovered she became a cornerstone of Double Cross, using written codes to send false intelligence back to Germany. Lily played a major part in Opera tion Fortitude — the scheme that convinced the Nazis that the D-Day landings would be near Calais rather than the Normandv beaches

On reaching Gibraltar she planned te offer her services to the British as a douhie-agent

Babs the Bonvivant Frisson was run over in Gibraltar — a tragic event and one which almost cost the Allies victory on D-Day

where they would take place on 6th June 1944. It would be the Double Cross system's finest hour.

But all the while Lily was fretting about Babs and demanding her return. She was distressed to leam that the pilot, instead of bringing the dog to London had taken it with him to Algiers.

Lily complained to her favourite Engli.sh handler Mary Sherer.

"Why should he have left Babs in Algiers? If only I could have my Babs here, I have a feeling that ev erything would turn out all right

"I think it is disgraceful the way they have behaved," agreed Mary. "To make a promise, get you over here and then not keep it. But why should this American pilot lie to you."

"I don't know... Maybe he has become attached to Babs and wants to keep him."

Just two weeks after that con versation Lily received the worst possible news — Babs had been run over and killed. She was in consolable.

"Losing Babs 1 find very hard to accept. Everything is indifferent to me now. The circle of loneliness has closed around me; I am alone, absolutely alone."

MIS grew concerned with Lily's increasingly eccentric behaviour. Just three weeks before the invasion she screamed at another agent that she planned to send a message to the Germans leaving out her secret signal, which would mean that her cover had been blown.

"She confessed," wrote Mary Sherer, "that her motive was re venge for the death of her dog, for which she considered we were responsible."

MIS didn't believe Lily's story and considered putting her in prison but decided not to act until after D-Day.She went into hospital the day before the invasion and on her release (15th June)she was sacked and warned of 'severe ac tion'if she did anything to threaten the Allied cause.

Lily then went to work for the Free French but continued to be a thorn in MI5's side with her threats of writing a book, which might re veal the names of officers involved in Operation Fortitude.

Poor Lily passed on to join Babs in 1950 aged only 38. Her memoirs weren't published until 1968 and were more concerned with personal relationships than with Allied intel ligence.

She was distressed te learn thatthe piiet, instead ef hringing the deg te Lenden had taken it with him to Algiers

Protect Your Dog Against Fata!Summer Diseases

Heartworm, Leishmaniosis, Tickborne Diseases

Phone Gibraltar Veterinary Clinic for details 77334

Emergency:8977

Jroptcal A<iuaria

^ PET CENTRE>

open: 10am - 7pm Mon-Fri, 10-2 Sat

Cupid is a gentle and relaxed cat who would make a won derful family home pet. He is good with children and gentle with grandparents.

Cat Welfare Society

Tel: 42301

TrixieisaSyearold cat who recently joined the shelter after living in a home, An affec tionate character who loves to be included in family life, he would make a lovely com panion for years to come. Tel: 42301

Smokey-Jc just loves to play. Given a chance she'll just cuddle, tease and run after anythirrg that moves, With lots of energy and bundles joy she is patiently waiting to become someones centre of attention. Tel: 42301

hobbies pastimes

Business Centre Tel/Fax: 75842

Going Wilde on Stage with TTG

It's a classic of British theatre, the comedy of manners every actor wishes to perform at least once in their career,for audiences are never weary of the clever, ironic plot that keeps characters from a bygone era alive with witty lines and fast-paced action.

Oscar Wilde's most famous and sharp-as-a-knife play. The Importance ofBeing Earnest,is at the same time a courageous and safe choice for the Trafalgar Theatre Group's entry in this year's Royal Navy Drama Festival: courageous because it will have to measure up to other productions, theatrical, cinematographic, amateur or pro fessional, that both audience and adjudicators might have watched in the past — but surely this bunch of frisky amateurs is up to the chal lenge — and safe, because former experiences can be treasured to convey a fresh interpretation, while counting on the audiences' familiarity with the plot in catching every nuance, pause, intonation, every gesture and expression, and of course the accuracy of costumes and sets from late 19th Century London, where the play is set.

All in all an applaudable selec tion — on the same line as last year's successful The Scrcant o/Tw Mffsfcrs an Italian classic by Carlo Goldoni thatlanded the group sev eral accolades — first and foremost because this production is offering Gibraltar the chance to witness this little jewel of British humour performed live, not on screen, and nearby, not in big city theatres.

This should be sufficient enough reason to earn the TTG a prize, for promoting the classics and keeping true to the original spirit, without making it a contemporary pastiche where, for argument's sake. Jack could become a biker and Gwendo len a size zero supermodel heiress, just to score an extra-point with that slice of audience convinced that Victo rian Era is the trendiest brand of underwear!

The Trafalgar Theatre Group cast and crew must also be praised for the commitment and seriousness with which they approach this — and any other — venture, inputting the professionalism worthy of any stage commanding a much fatter admission ticket than the mere handful of pounds these enthu siasts are charging us for an evening of sheer

delight.

Fresh from her achievements with When Shakespeare's Ladies Meet presented at last December's Drama Week, director Christine Thomson, a true character in her own right even when off stage and a privilege to work with, has already started 'bossing around' her talented cast, all veterans of the stage, and so involved in boosting Gibraltar's theatrical tradition that they almost solely eat, drink and sleep drama,

Christine is helped by co-director Isabella Valenzuela, whose true calling is acting, as she proved on several occasions before, the most recent being an auto-ironic rendi

tion of Letitia the good witch in the pantomime The Wizard of Oz. For personal reasons, Isabella had to shun the limelight this time, although since her landing in Gibraltar she has hardly stepped off stage, pursuing a professional career — she's got all the numbers for it — and gaining expertise in roles so different and complex that audiences got the message loud and clear: she ain't the type for typecasting,if within the same year she can transform herself from the bureaucratic nurse of Joe Gomez's comedy El Titi, to cross-dressed Be atrice in Goldoni's masterpiece, to academically stiff Portia in Charles George's imaginary lessons of love to Shakespearean Juliet.

The title is a pun on the ficti tious character Ernest; the two protagonists for the name, John Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff,

diving in serious humour after his past pantomime roles as the Wizard of Oz and the clumsy villain of Bahes in the Woods, and the second with a sound experience in brilliant comedies like Bouncers or A Dealer's Choice the last production directed by the late Leslie Zammitt.

Ernest-infatuated Gwendolen is played by Harriet Seed, one of the group's youngest and yet staple members who, in her meteoric career has interpreted an array of characters in various productions, like April De Angelis's Playhouse Creatures a past Royal Navy Drama Festival entry which swept,as usu al, the adjudicators off their feet.

Gwendolen's mother Lady Bracknell is played by Harriet's real-life mother Margaret Seed, a multi-talented amateur drama pillar, actor, director and costume designer whose theatrical merits are too long to list here,and bound to be remembered in Gibraltar's cultural history for having grace fully made English-tradition pan tomimes a true local affair.

young wealthy Londoners ferry ing between town and country and making imaginative excuses to avoid boring social obligations, are played by JamesSimmonds and Robert Lomax respectively,the first

Secondary characters are well designed and central to the plot, so an all-star cast was picked for them: Tony Loddo, himself an ex-Bouncer, is the Reverend, Kelly Bensadon, ex-Shakespeare Lady Desdemona,is Cecily,Jack's young ward in the countryside, and Eleri Surrey, usually hiding backstage as TTG's make-up artist, steps before the velvet curtain to impersonate the monolithic prismatic Miss Prism.

Completing the cast are Tony Jurado, perfect for the role of young, cheeky and savvy Lane the Valet and Charles Bishop as Merriman the rather more staid butler.

Still confused on what this comedy of deceit and misunderstandings is really about? And what does Bunburying mean? Well,to clear your ideas you can either look it up in the encyclopacj' dia or for a treat to your if photographic memory, come along to the Ince's Hall on 28th,29th or 30th March and be part of an unforgettable event.

thlsproiiuctlonls offering Gmraltarthe chance to witness this iittie jewel of British humonr performed five,not on screen, and nearby...

Thursday 1st to Saturday 3rd March

M.O Productions 5th Gibraltar Stage Dance Festival at John Mackintosh Hail Theatre 7pm.

Casemaetes Square walking up to the north entrance of Jumpers Building. Registration: 9.30am,start 10.30am. For further information contact: Tel Adrian 54016528 or Annette 72264

The Down's Syndrome Suppport Group, Variety Show. Performances by Local Dance Group Et Flick Flock Danza Group at John Mackintosh Hall Theatre 7.30pm.Tickets: £7 available on Tues 17th March 6-8pm at John Mackintosh Hall ticket office. For fur ther information contact: Tel Adrian 54016528 or Annette 72264

The Gibraltar Heritage Trust visit to Ragged Staff Tunnel led by John Murphy. Meeting place: Queensway (entrance to Ragged Staff Tunnel) at 10.30am. For further information contact Heritage Trust Tel: 42844 or email: heritage@gibraltar.gi

-E-LORD NELSON

CASeMATGS

Starters & Snacks

Fresh lioral Mussels Beef In Special Sauce £.5.25 Our Signature Dish £5.95 "f frrsh v^p-inbi^ FW•^h niovvfls in a while ^vine. puuiii-, ami n 'be cher* Kprcuil crraiii sum-e, serxitl with <.-ri!ip> brrnd. *iMi Calaniai^S £4.25

■tnilaiile ax n iiuiii itHirM* Kallered st^uid rinpt,di^p-rncdandM-ni-d

The Classic Bruschetta £2.75 «i»"«t!nriicdip

5 Uice* ..ri-ns) i.wsied cinhirtifl bread. Alinelas - Babv Clams £4.95

ktppiii wilh limiatne*. isariie and fn-sli ImmI (:„„ked In u pariie nnd while wine saui e Blue Cheese & Rocket "T

Bnisclietla £5.15 "

Sdii-eNiiiiiMdi^ iVaiiaiVii bfVH^^^^ StulTed Pcppers £4.75 dkrd liniiiilii. blue cheese and fre«h riK-iel Slufl'ed peppers with luna lopped with ii , 1 n ci • .'A jwrtK'and vinejair same

Lonty 9 Potato Skins £4.25 ,, 1 n-i n ne Our famoiM Units, lopped wrilh Cheddar • ll-PU I raWUS £4.95 ^eese. crisps bacon ond ^rlic ma\on- Prowns saiil^ed wilh gaHic, while wine, oatse on the side spites and liKnalo

Atlantic Prawn Cocktail £4.45 Chicken Puichlto's .............£3.50

The iradilional slnrler. Allanlic prawns on - mannaied and fnlled chicken kebabs • bed oflceberE Irlloce wilh lomalo 4 Baltcrctl Rillfi PfaWJIS £5.50 cucumber and \tar> Rose sauir pf„„ns deep-fried nnd sened

Grilled Chorirx) Sausages £4.25

Classic Spanish spicv sausage, served wilh (} Kried Muz/arella Stictis £4.25 fhrsh crispv bread Crisfi mid golden »n Ihe outside and hot in the c..:..../-n.!..!..,... cj -ra middle, si-rvi-d wiUi a bbq snuir 8mIo chbkcn wingssenSiwiih'as'weei' "Fiiglaiid expecis that every ehilli same dip lUaU Will do hiS duty

Main Courses

Fresh lexical Mussels • Our Fillet Of John Dory £7.25

The international Adjudicator travelling from the UK for Festival is Jennifer Haley. Residing in London, Mrs Haley has worked for 25 years in the professional theatre as a dancer, singer, choreographer, and director and had her own troupes of dancers as well as the Haley Production Com pany. She is registered as a teacher with the RAD,ISTD and LAMDA. Mrs Haley was awarded the PGCA Dance Adjudication Degree in 2000,and has been awarded the life membership of the Royal Academy of Dance.

Tickets for the Festival are £5 per session or £15 season ticket, available daily at the Nature Shop, Casemates Square. For further in formation contact Seamus Byrne Tel: 71635 or mobile 58009031

Monday 5th to Friday 16th March

Oils - Still Life Portraits Exhibition by Francis Jurado at John Mackintosh Hall, Lower Exhibition Room at 1am1pm and 3-6pm. Entrance free

Saturday 10th March

GONHS - Outing El Picacho wood land birds Sam - meeting place Span ish side of the Frontier. For further information contact Jill Yeoman and Theresa Leverton Tel; 74944 email: yeoman @gonhs.org

Saturday 17th March

St Patrick's Day

The Down's Syndrome Suppport Group, Buddy Walk, starting at

Tuesday 20th March

GONHS- Meeting "Succulent Trees" by Brian Lamb, Curator, Gibraltar Botanic Gardens at John Mackintosh Hall, Charles Hunt Room 7.30pm. Entrance free. For further information contact Brian on Tel: 72639

Wednesday 21st March

The Down's Syndrome Suppport Group,Bingo 6 Raffle "World Down's Syndrome Day" at International Gala Casino. For further information contact: Tel Adrian 54016528 or An nette 72264

Sunday 25th March

Caipe Rambles meet Spanish Side of the Frontier just to the right of the Aduana Vehicle Exit at Sam. For fur ther information please contact Ray Tel: 71956 or John Tel: 74645

Tuesday 27th to 30th March

Falklands 25th Anniversary Photos Exhibition by Mr Bossino at John Mackintosh Hall, Upper Exhibition Room 9.30am-11pm. Entrance free.

Wednesday 28th to 30th March

Trafalgar Theatre Group presents "The Importance of being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde at Ince's Hall

Friday 30th March

Investiture by HE The Governor at The Convent 11am. For further in formation contact Tel: 53624

Signature Dish £6.95 Kreslifille«.rfj.^inl)<w>n>iikedinagreen

hVi-sli mnss..|s in a white wine, fwrlic.and a 1"^" '•■"'i"'' ■'"*1 ""pM "»>b cheese nu gniUn cream same, sened wiili irispv birad Chilli (-Oil Came £5.75 BritLsh Fish .\nd Chips £5.75 Homemade .hilli served .ma bed of nee Ourliim<His(Miiiiiies.s battered fish and home- Spaghetti Bolognatse £5.25 madethipssenedwiihalartarsame T\pical llalian pasta dish with mimed Chicken Milanese £6.75 ".main same

Fresh chicken fdlet coaled in breadcrumbs i-asagtie £5.50 ■lid pan-fried. Served wilh a fresh lomalo Ttie liiibiui favourite, (avers of pa.4a and and moMarrlla salad and rrispv potato mimed beef, served wi^ hianrtnade chips

HMS Breakfast £5.00

Chicken & Cheese £7.95 cw- - sausages, l rashers of bacon. tiMttl. Siz/Jiiig skillet of onions and pepper*. imishnnims, trnnaties. baked beans, and Icigelher wilh garlic-marinated chirkm chips

breasts lopped with cheese. Served with Vegetarian Pasta Baked £5.25 our biHiiemade i hips .-^K^irtii oNikeil in a mh hHiudo same, (-hicken & Mushroom Pie ...£5.50 " baked in iiie oven

CheFs homemade cnistv lo(^ed pie served l^uuisiaiia Pork £ 6.25 wilh homemade chips Medallions of juicv pork marinated in AdniiniLs IMine Fillet Steak .£11.50 Served wilb MushriHim. IVpper. Rramb or Steak & Ale Pie £ 5.50 fkiurboii sanee. homemade ehips & salad Our own steak & ale pie served wrtlh goniish homrmade chips

Desserts Served witli cream oricecream

Apple Pie £5.75 U'mon Meringue Pie....£5.25

Traclilional Apple pie served hoi or cold A base. wiih a lemon filling topped nilh meringue TYiple Chocolale Riot ....£5.75

EvtT> coke CjirrotS AilCl

ev „ n rr- rv: .-x rte CoCOIlUl Cske £5.45

Creamy BanolTie Pie ....£5.25 i,s me captain s favminiei

Sltcks LNi a bisi'uil bast*

Also available a selection of Burritos, Sandwiches, Salads,

by Alan Gravett

IZ-^GATE, computers

13B College Lane

Tel:50612

GDSG

CltlALTAtOrSLEXIA SUPPOSI GROUP

Gibraltar Dyslexia Support Group

P.O.Box 1359 Tel: 78509

Mobile: 54007924

Email: info@gdsg.co.uk

www.gdsg.co.uk

For anonymous delations

Send completed crossivort/ to: The Cannon Bar, Cannon Lane, Gibraltar.

One entry per person.

first PRIZE: Lunch for 2 at The Cannnn Bar

Winner notified in next issue of The Gibraltar Magazine.

Closing date:24th March 2007

Last month's answers:Aaoss: 1. ammunition,8. Malts, 9.

11.

Crossword Winner

Barbara Dtiini,

Across

1)Famous Wild West outlaw (5,5)

8)Capital of Ghana(5)

9)Swiss resort(7)

10) Revise (5,2)

11)Range(5)

12)Antigen denoting some blood groups - type of monkey(6)

14)Fibre especially associated with the US south ern states(6)

17)Eskimo word for an Eskimo(5)

19)Vulgar(7)

21)Pot(7)

22)Watery discharge from the eyes or nose(5)

23) Disk flicked in a child's game(10)

Down

2)Omit deliberately(7)

3)Hoard (5)

4)Old car (6)

5)Metal construction toy(7)

6)Rough vegetation -clean thoroughly(5)

7)City of England's most famous outlaw (10)

8)Sign of caution (5,5)

13) Not proven or tested (7)

15)Of the zodiac sign. The Bull (7)

16)Old dry or liquid measure(6)

18) Disturb (5)

20) Norwegian footballer playing for Aston Villa - old West Indian cricketer(5)

Bullets, lO.Cocotte,

Naevi, 12. Alight, 14. Tsetse, 17. Leper, 19. Rosario, 21. Arizona, 22. Grids, 23. Martin Amis. Down; 2. Maiachi, 3. Upset, 4. imbued, 5. islands, 6. Niece, 7. Ossiserous, fl Michaelmas, 13. Harbour, 15, Termini, 16. Armani, 18. Prism, 20. Sigma

Corincall's Lane

OPINION Go On!—Extend Yourself

by Alan Gravett

£urost8r line

(London/Psris/

isoels) Is to be extended to St Pans.(Whether it will be readyfor the 12 Olympics,2018 World Cup — if ccessfully bid for — or beyond is ^tclear}. On the refurbished station, ^re will be a nine metres tall statue a couple forehead to forehead, l^ugh not lip to lip, based on Trevor iioward and Celia Johnson in the ^45 classic film Brief Encounter.

r To those who are less fortunate 'tfmn those who have seen the film, ttte story is of two married people who meet, frequently, in the caf6, liiough their infidelity is not shown on screen unlike some of today's so-called classics. Indeed, their infi delity(they were not married to each odier, in case the point has not been made clear) was considered an avant garde not to say outrageous subject atthe time.

Indeed, the even greater classic (in my opinion) Casablanca had 3 endings in which 1. Humphrey Bogart dted; 2. Ingrid Bergman and Humph eloped; and 3. the ending we ail know(which I shall not reveal in case anyone has been on a desert island for die past 60 years in which case I sdongly urge a viewing — it is shown frequently on TCM). 1. was consid ered impossible as he was the hero and 2. was considered inappropriate because of the implied adultery.

Trains (which did not feature, centrally, in either of the two films mentioned) with their claustropho bic scenery have featured often on the big and small screens. Think of Hitchcock's Stranger on the Train, the adaptation of Murder on the Ori ent Express and the incomparable Thomas the Tank Engine.

So what other memorials might be erected? Paul McCartney at Broad Street (remember the forgettable Give My Regards to Broad Street), Michael Caine at, presumably,Euston on his way to the north east to re venge his brother's death [Get Carter) — it might be difficult to accommo date the sniper without using a whole platform, or Ringo Starr at Sodor (wherever that is) the original voice of Thomas the Tank Engine.

New York Central could be a useful site, too, though, apart from Walter Matthau running alongside the train pleading with Jack Lemmon to stay in The FrontPage, most of my recollec tions of that station seem to involve mafia massacres.

But, whatever, might be achieved in statuary, Britain will, when the new St Pancras is open, have obliterated one of its more obvious anti-French diplomatic gaffes by removing the ostar terminal from Waterloo. y

Phantom ofthe Opera

The Phantom of the Opera, presented by Musical! Produc tion, is being staged at the Convent Ball Room on 7th March from 8.30pm in aid of Agressive Child Cancer(Neuroblastoma)

Charity No. 32685. Tickets cost £12 and are on sale at S. Levy Estate Agents,3 Convent Place Tel: 77789 or 42818 email: info@ gibestateagents.com.

The Phantom ofthe Opera Broadway production became the longest running show ever on Broadway when it overtook Cats with its 7,436th performance on 6th January 2006 and there has never been a seat unsold since it opened at Her Majesty's Theatre, London on 27th Septernber 1986.

The Extend-it Plus Hair Salon has recently been opened at 4 Horse Barrack Lane by profes sional hair stylist Sue Dennis. Sue, who is West End trained, has worked in such establish ments as Ricki Bums, Sassoon, Dickens and Jones, and Covent Garden. Always keen to learn and keep up-to-date with the latest innovations Sue recently completed a new course, open only to fully qualified hairdress ers, with "Hair-raisers" — a new idea in hair extensions for that special occasion. Sue, who has appeared on GBC TV,brings this, and other London Styling ideas to her compact but well designed salon at the top end of Horse Barrack Lane. Open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 10am to 5pm and Thursday and Friday 10am to late. Telephone 70706 for an appointment or further information.

Look who we bumped into on the Eastern side of the Rock earlier on this month — Batman!If you would like Batman to come along to your event or children's party give Gina a call at Party 4 Kldz on 58008338

Daniel Returnsfrom ManhuntInternational

Manhunt International2007 took place in Busan, South Korea and Daniel Robinson, Model Search 2006 winner participated in what was the 12th edition of this worldwide contest offering male models the opportunity to gain international recognition in the held offashion, media and entertain^ ment.

'I could not wait to go to Korea,'said Daniel. V was really excited about meeting the other fifty models from around the globe and was looking forward to learning more about them and their countries.'

'Daniel who is doing a degree in tourism has taken part in international contests before as a dancer,'said Mark Montovio organiser of Model Search 2006. 'He was very well prepared for the challenge despite his young age and Afounf Productions is delighted with the way this young man performed during the whole week on and off stage.'

On Your Marks Fire!

Maybe you've never noticed them, above the doors of some of our older buildings. Plaques the size of an A4 sheet of paper, some rusting, some hidden by cables, but all telling a story of the history of the formation of fire brigades and a part of our heritage. Here is the story of the origins of our firemarks, once brightly coloured plaques which add character to our buildings.

The Great Fire of London, which destroyed two-thirds of the city in 1666, reducing to ruins 13,000 houses and 89 churches, including St. Paul's, provided the catalyst for the creation of fire insurance companies in the United Kingdom (the Fire Office — the first real fire insurance company — was founded in 1680), and as a consequence,professional fire brigades evolved.

It followed that while the new companies insured properties for fire damage,they should also try to mitigate their losses and so they be gan to set up private fire fighting bodies.

Prior to the 17th Century there was little organised fire control but the newly formed insurance companies introduced fire engines with manual pumps and recruited fire fighters

from the watermen who worked on the barges and lighters on the Thames. These men were retained by the insurance company to be called out in case of fire. There was no shortage of recruits to these new fire brigades — attracted by part-time pay and splendid uniforms and.

most importantly, immunity from the press gangs conscripting men for service in the Royal Navy.

The insurance companies were only inter ested in protecting the properties insured by themselves and as street signs in cities at the time were scant and private homes were rarely numbered,a/neans for the insurance brigades to distinguish their properties needed to be devised. Each company adopted a distinctive emblem and each policy holder wasissued with a brightly-coloured metal badge depicting that emblem which was fixed to the outside of their building — a "fire mark".

The private insurance brigades only fought fires on properties identified by their employ ers'fire mark. When a fire broke out,it was not unusual for several companies'firemen to arrive at the scene. If the building did not carry their mark,they would leave,or use the opportunity to sell their policies to the neighbours.

Practical in origin, the companies soon re alised that their fire marks also represented a substantial advertising medium. The marks became beautifully embellished and symbol ised both the expansiveness of the insurance company, and the good sense and security of the homeowner.

As the insurance industry grew throughout the 18th Century, it became clear that it was in the interest of all companies for brigades to cooperate in the fighting of fires.

In 1833 eleven companies set up the first single firefighting force to cover London named the London Fire Engine Establishment.

A year later, a huge fire destroyed the Houses of Parliament and many important buildings and records were lost. Despite the best efforts of the new LFE Establishment, only Westminster Hall was saved.

The great fire of Westminster made the insur ance companies reconsider their firefighting commitment and they made representations to government to bring all firefighting under a unified central control. But it took another great blaze, in warehouses on the south side of the river near London Bridge, before action was taken.

The use of fire marks was widespread for about 250 years across Europe, Russia, and eventually the US. While in the UK in.surance companies created fire brigades,in America,it was the reverse. Volunteer fire companies were in existence before fire insurance companies and fires were fought whether or not a building displayed a fire mark. However,the volunteer

While the new companies Insured propertiesfor fire damage,they should also try to mitigate their losses

Alliance Assurance Company formed in 1824

Norwich Union Fire Insurance Society

The Northern Assurance Company formed in 1836

company would receive a 'reward' from the insurance company whose mark was on the building. Volunteer fire companies raced each other to be the first to put out a fire and there was intense rivalry and competition between brigades. If two or more brigades showed up to put out the fire, fights often broke out.

Nowadays, fire marks can be sought-after collector's items. The value of fire marks, as in coin and other collecting, is based on rar ity and condition. Fire marks can be made of ceramics, tin, cast iron, lead, brass, copper and zinc and a vast number of designs evolved over the centuries.

Many have been lost through demolition, building faqade renovation and neglect,but they can still be seen(we have found six in Gibraltar, though there may be others tucked away)and add to the character and interest of a building as well as the street scene. See if you can find the six pictured here, all close to Main Street.

A catalogue of British Fire Marks and further information can be found at Roy Addis's loebsite ivww.firemarks.co.uk. Tha^tks to Roy for permis sion to use his photograph of the Royal Assurance Company'sfiremark.

Royal Insurance Company labove: the one remaining in Gibraltar has been painted black and white — below, bow it would have looked once)

If two or more brigades showed up to put out the fire,fights ofteu broke out

The dense cover of trees and shrubs within the maquis causes a reduced amount of light reaching the ground level. This results in a reduced number of plant species being able to survive there. But many do survive. These survivors are usually large-leaved plants which make the most of the light levels, or else they are climbing plants which can reach sunlight by climbing up to the canopy.

Perhaps the most common of these climbing plants is the virgin's bower(Clematis cirrhosa). This plant can reach a height of 4 metres. The creamy-white flowers appear from December and February, and are between 3 and 6 cm long. Some times the insides of the petals are covered in purple spots. The fruits are quite distinctive as the seeds

have long feathery styles,and these form feathery clusters hanging from the supporting trees.

Bear's breeches(Acattthus mollis) are an elegant, attractive species with very large, glossy leaves.This ensures they are well adapted for growing in the darkest shadows of the maquis. The flowering spikes can reach a height of 1.5 metres. It is an aggressive, invasive species, taking over large areas of the Upper Rock, including roadsides. Where this grows,very little else can grow

as its large leaves prevent sunlight reaching the ground.

The largest and most beautiful of the spurges the large Mediter ranean spurge(Euphorbia characias) is a very rare species of the Upper Rock.Its flowering stems can reach a height of 1 metre. All spurges give off a white sap when leaves or stems are broken. This is a skin irritant,so care must be taken when handling them.

Another common climbing plant is the honeysuckle (Lonicera im-

plexa). In the open, this plant will form a small tree, but within the maquis it will use surrounding tree,s to climb higher. The flowers are 2 to 5 cm long, scented, and grow in clusters of up to 6. The up per leaves surround the stem.

The wild madder (Rubw peregrina) uses an ingenious method to reach higher levels.The undersides of the leaves and the stems are covered with tiny back-pointing hooks.As the plant grows,it pushes upwards but will not slide back as the hooks hold them in place. The greenish-yellow flowers grow in clusters, and are scented. This plant is very common on the Up per Rock.

Another species that uses hooks and thorns to help it climb is the rough smilax (Smilax aspera). The

Where this grows,very little else can grow as its large leaves prevent sunlight reaching the gronnd

S. ,, - .V 'i » ^ V ^7*: f'T^ -'<.<

STEPOIMA @OLF

Winter Rates

18 holes 57.50€

9 holes 29.00€

After 13.00 2 players including a buggy 110.00C

Before 10.00 1 player 9 holes including -7' buggy and breakfast 30.00C ^

After 15.00 1 player 9 holes including a buggy 25.1

1 we%|^nl!mlted goH

s unlimited golf "' 360.

1 months unlimited ^Jf 480.0Q&

2 months unlimited golf' ^-^-650.001

•»-.

3 months unlimite^goif 820.0<iC

~6 months unlimi^H golf 1.050.00^

1 years unlimitei^olf 1,500.00^

Sunday Lit,nch every Sunday 3 courstai^:i^ only Yslboc - booldhgs esis|^iai"'4 i

Sunday Lunch Menu

tear's treecAds ^

shiny heart-shaped leaves are quite distinctive, and their edges and veins are lined with sharp thorns, as arc the stems. Apart from using these thorns to help them climb, these plants also wind themselves around neighbouring shrubs and trees. They can form an impressive and impenetrable barrier to any one or anything wishing to move

through the undergrowth. The intermediate periwinkle (Vinca difformh) grows quite hap pily in most habitats of the Upper Rock,but prefersshady places.The plantsends out trailing shoots up to 2 metres long, and can cover large areas of undergrowth. The blue flowers are about 4 cm across. It is a very common plant.

Gazpacho

Fresh homemade chilled soup with tomato, garlic & onion

Chefs Special Salad

Crispy salad of lettuce, blue cheese and chopped bacon

Smoked Salmon

Scottish smoked salmon salad

Lenguado

Baked whole Dover sole with lemon and thyme

Supreme Of Chicken

Sauted supreme of chicken, with mushrooms, lemon juice 6 parsley

Cordero en Salsa de Ajo y Miel

Shoulder of lamb baked in our chef's special garlic and honey sauce

All served with a selection of garden fresh vegetables

Walnut And Honey Ice Cream

Deliciousl

Hot Apple Pie

With vanilla ice cream

A Selection of Fine Farmhouse

Served

Cheeses

They can form an impressive and impenetrable barrier to anyone or anything wishing to move through the undergrowth

Rescued Papers tell of Remarkable

Journeyfrom Portugal to Gib via Waterloo

Last month a friend of a friend was clearing out some boxes in the garage of her house in Portugal when she came across the military papers of a soldier named Manuel Souza. The woman was planning to toss them in the bin but before she did she showed them to my friend who saved them and subsequently passed the papers along to me.

1 was fascinated to read the his tory of a young Portuguese boy who became a camp-follower of Wellington's army during the Peninsular War, enlisted when he turned sixteen in 1814, fought at the Battle of Waterloo and ended his long career with the 52nd Light Infantry at Gibraltar.

With Manuel's papers was a story, obviously written for pub lication, tilled A Fighting Cock at Waterloo. The only identification as to ownership is a simple hand written "Sue" at the top of the front page.

There is also a dedication:

"For the contents of this story I am indebted to a descendant of Private Manuel Souza, who made available the family and military records in her possession."

In November of 1807 the French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte sent a 30,000 strong army under the command of General Andoche Junot to invade Portugal. Junot's orders were to"Subjugate the coun try, dissolve the House of Bragan<;a, close the Atlantic ports to British shipping and dispose of the Brit ish merchants." Charles IV signed the Treaty of Fontainebleau with

Napoleon and offered the French army free passage across Spanish territorv. In exchange for a share of the partition of Portugal the weak Spanish King also contributed an army of 8,000 men.

On 19th November thiscombined French-Spanish force marched into Portugal at Alcantara and on 29th November passed through the village of Cartaxo where the nineyear-old Manuel watched wideeyed while clinging to his mother's apron. By this time the ranks had been decimated by desertion, dis ease and the general rigours of the frigid and wet 300-mile march.

Junot had only a few thousand men left by the time he reached Lisbon but he marched triumphant into the capital as Prince Regent Joao of Bragan^a(he was in charge because his mother Maria I had been declared mentally unstable) had fled for the island of Madeira two days earlier.

Napoleon's had no intention of honouring his treaty with Charles IV and soon after the invasion of Portugal he sent another 100,000 troopsinto Spain taking the country over lock, stock and barrel. This was the essential preliminary of his plan to attack Gibraltar and invade Morocco.

Charles IV abdicated and his son Ferdinand was forced to sur render the rights of the country to Napoleon.

The Emperor's triumphs in Por tugal and Spain were short-lived. In the summer of 1808 the citizens of both countries rose-up against their French oppressors and to support them the British Govern ment sent Sir Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington, with an army of 9000 troops. Wellington landed at Oporto where the Bishop of that city had taken control after leading the citizenry against the French Governor.

The Peninsula War raged on for another two years before entering into Manuel's life for a second time.

By now the British were in control of Lisbon and under attack from a French army under the command of General Massena. Wellington *had urged the people of Portugal to destroy their crops and anything of use to the enemy and to retreat behind the British defences known as "The Lines".

The French were unable to pen etrate these lines and Massena retreated north up the Tagus to Santarem. The combined British and Portuguese forces followed in pursuit and the 52nd Light Infantry under the command of Sir John Colborne set up operations near the village of Cartaxo.

Excited at the arrival of the English and eager to get involved young Manuel, now 12, volun teered his services to an officer of the 52nd Light.

The author of the mystery article accompanying Manuel's military papers wrote: "His duties were numerous, apart from grooming his master's horse, taking care of clothes and accoutrements, his prime task was to be an expert scrounger and, by honest means or otherwise, keep his master supplied with a long list of the unobtainable."

There was little fighting through the winter but in March the 52nd moved out and Manuel went with them.

"...altcrnatelv leading or riding a donkey loaded with panniers containing his master's personal belongings and for which he was held responsible; very likely trail ing behind and tethered to a rope, a goat or two, to keep the officer supplied in milk".

Manuel stayed with the 52nd through victory after victory culmi nating with the battle of Toulouse on 10th April, 1814. With the French ousted from Iberia Wellington ordered the repatriation of the Portuguese camp followers, but Manuel was kept on leading one to believe that his master was an officer of influence.

In June the 52nd sailed for Plym outh and on 5th July at Tavistock in Devon Manuel Souza, now 16-years-old, enlisted and became a full-time soldier — private and bugler.

The 52nd enjoyed a peaceful few months in England but in the Spring of the following year Napoleon escaped from exile on the island of Elba and returned to France. He received a heroes greeting from loyal soldiers but his attempt to regain his former glory ended up in defeat and humiliation at the battle of Waterloo.

Manuel stayed with the 52nd through victory after victory culminating with the hanie of Toulouse on 10th April,1814

On 18th June 1815, 191,300 sol diers fought one of the most de cisive battles in history — and Manuel was there, quite probably the only Portuguese involved. Wel lington's army numbered 67,000 soldiers, the Prussian army under Bliicher contributed another 52,300 to the Allies while Napoleon's army totalled 72,000.

The 52nd started the battle in reserve but were to play a key role in the victory. They were moved forward to resist successive attacks by French cavalry and their posi tion was crucial when Napoleon launched his vaunted Imperial Guard in a final stroke against the centre of the British line. The French were halted by the fire of Maitland's Brigade of Guards and, as they faltered. Sir John Colborne led the 52nd in a charge against their flank and turned the advance into a dis orderly retreat thatswept the rest of the French army away with it.

Nearly 50,000 soldiers were killed or wounded on that day. Manuel was in the thick of the battle butsurvived with only minor injuries.Asa bugler Manuel played a key role in relaying the command ing officer's orders of attack and withdrawal.

For his efforts he was awarded the Waterloo medal, three pounds in prize money and two years extra credit of service.

Manuel remained in the army

for another twenty-two years and

received postings all over Britain and Ireland and even served eight years in Canada. While stationed at Halifax, Nova Scotia Manuel mar ried Jane Roberts whose stepfather William Gordon was also serving with the 52nd. Jane gave birth to two daughters in Canada and an other two in Ireland.

Manuel's final overseas posting was Gibraltar in 1836. The follow ing year aged, 39, he requested and received his discharge after an official service of 23 years and 85 days.

His discharge (held at Carlisle, 13th September) papers show that in appearance he was very typically Portuguese: Height: 5'5", Hair: Black, Eyes; Black, Complexion: Dark.

As for his character the discharge papers state that: "...his general conduct has been that ofa good and efficient soldier,seldom in hospital, trustworthy and sober." The papers also report"...intends to reside and receive his pension at Chester".

Manuel and Jane settled in Ches ter where the 'Fighting Cock of Waterloo' fathered twin girls in 1838 and a further seven children by 1854. The final tally for Jane and Manuel was 13 children — eleven girls and two boys.

In 1860the family moved to Man chester where Manuel,the little boy from Cartaxo who went off to war with Wellington's army, died on 27th November 1862.

Easiprint is 13 years old this monHi! Unlucky for some but definitely lucky for a company which is happy to announce further expansion in the printing trade locally. Easiprint (Proprietor Adrian Lima pictured above) has decided to invest further in the Gibraltar market and will shortly be upgrading and increasing the company's machinery to further cater for the growing local business sector. It's good news all round for a

family business which continues to go from strength to stren0h. All the building development which is going on around their offices may make it difficult for some clients to get to Easiprint. as you can see from the phtograph, but rest assured you only need to call and they will come to you. After all they are only 5 minutes away... See advert in this publication for details ofhow to contact "Your Local Printers..." (page 17).

Nearly 50,000 soldiers were killed or wounded on that day. Manuel was in the thick of the hattle but snruiued with oniy minor injuries

Tel: 79791

Fax: 72250

Bar Restaurant

Top Sporting Events Always Covered

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Traditional Homemade Pub Food including Fish & Chips. Steak & Ale Pie Quiches etc

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Food Served from: 9.3()am-10pm Mondays to Saturdays. Ham - 10pm Sundays

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Bar - Restaurant

Moiherlng Sunday

Mothering Sunday,now commonly called Mother's Day, has Its roots in Britian as a religious celebra tion and falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent(exactly three weeks before Easter Sunday).

Some historians claim that the predecessor of Mothering Sunday was the ancient pagan spring festi val dedicated to mother goddesses, though most sources pin its origins during sixteenth century Christian ity, when people returned to their "mother church" for a service on that day anually and were said to have gone 'a-mothering'. This practise also meant that most moth ers would be reunited with their children and it was often the only time whole families could gather together. Young apprentices and young women in servitude were released by their masters that week end to visit their families. People began honouring their own moth ers as well as the church.

It is traditional on this day to bake Simnel cake, a verv rich fruit cake, to celebrate the reuniting of

Qituated rigM on the water's edge at Marina Ba\j ^tnivO-CiS offers you a full a la carte menu end exoeptlonal daily specials

We're open all day,7 days a week, so come on down and enjoy excellent food and ambience at realistic prices.

Admiral's Walk, Marina Bey Tel: 73379 Pax: 79061

families during the austerity ofLent — in northern England and Scot land, the preferred refreshments were carlings. Carlings are pan cakes made of steeped peas fried in butter, with pepper and salt.

Another tradition associated with Mothering Sunday is the prac tice of'church clipping'where the congregation form a ring around their church building and hold hands,embracing it.

In more recent times Mothering Sunday has evolved into Mother's Day, a secular celebration when children give flowers and cards to their mothers. Most countries have similar days, with diverse origins, honouring mothers, at various times of the year.

This year Mothering Sunday falls on 18th March — so don't forget mum.

This practise meantthat most mothers wouid he reunited with their chiidren and it was often the only time whole families could gather together

Just Desserts in Good Health

Just Desserts on the first floor of the ICC in Casemates has recently received The Good Health Award from the Health Promotion Group for providing healthy food choices, a no smoking area and good hygeine standards.

Rosemary and her team are proud of the new award and say they "like to serve good whole some food not just junk food or chips." The service at Just Desserts is friendly and the eatery is light, bright and clean so pop in for a breakfast, lunch or just a snack.

Who makes the Award?

The Health Promotion Group, which is an alliance of Gibraltar agencies working towards good health (including the Gibraltar Health Authority), developed the Award as part of their ongoing programme for health improve ment. The Group also includes the Environmental Agency.

This Award replaces the wellknown Heartbeat Award and has been carefully redesigned to suit Gibraltar's health targets and health needs.

What is the aim of the Good Health Award?

The aim of the GOOD Health Award Scheme is to help reduce die high incidence ofcoronary heart

disease in Gibraltar by promoting healthy food and a healthy eating environment.

The Award is important because Coronary Heart Disease(CHD)is the greatest killer in Gibraltar. It also has the highest death rates for any disease in most of the western world. Smoking is a major risk factor for CHD, to both the active smoker and the passive smoker.

Having a diet that contains a high level of fat,especially saturated fat, can both increase the risk of heart disease and lead to overweight or obesity. A study carried out in 1998 by the Senior Dietician of the Gibraltar Health Authority found that approximately 20% ofchildren aged 4-12 years in Gibraltar were obese and 14.6%. were overweight, a high prevalence in comparison to other countries. Research shows that we can influence our risk of getting coronary heart disease and other diseases by what we do and what we eat.

Further details on the axoard can be found at umnv.health.gov.^i/healthl goodhealth/Ol.htrn

Breakfasts IFull English to Egg or BeansfrToast)• Breakfast Baguettes |all day)• Baguettes/ Sandwiches(Egg Mayo to Honey Roasted Ham to Steak i> Onion) • Time Out Open Sandwiches (Mozzareha.Basil ft Red Pepper•Cajun Chicken • Honey Roasted Ham ft Cheese•Chargrilled Chicken ft Avocado • Tuna, Prawn,Lemon ft Crdme Fraiche) ■ Wrapt (Chicken Caesar • BIT • Feta, Olive, Mint ft Yoghurt Dressing • Chargrilled Chicken, Red Pepper ft Onion)* Panini * Starters & side dishes (Onion Rings ft Nachos to Potato Skins) * Mains (from Chicken Tikfca Masala to Fish ft Chips, Bangers ft Mash or Quiche or Roast of the Day)• Salads (from Chicken Caesar or Greek to Ploughman's)* Jackets (Chilli ft Cheese to Smoked Salmon) * Desserts * Drinks etc

the Senior Dietician ef the Gihraitar Health authority fennd that approximately 20% ef children aged 4-12 years in Gihraitar were obese and 14.6% were overweight

Hous Wine Know hOw

A restaurant,from a corner bistro to a Michelin-starred establishment,should be careful to ensure that its house wine — usually the cheapest bottle on the list is drinkable. The reputation of the place depends on it. The food may be wonderful but many res taurants depend on regulars who cannot splash out on vintage claret every time they visit, but who do not wish to drink sour grapes with the wonderful food.

In France, if the proprietor is thinking of changing his house wine,he will always consult his reg ular customers in advance,offering them tastings of possible choices and explaining that either the price of the existing one goes up or he will have to change-and which one would they like? This has advantages for both proprietor and customers alike: the former often gets expert advice for the cost of a bottle and the latter get a few free glasses. Sometimes the same happens elsewhere in Europe, but as often as not the house wine is whatever the proprietor thinks he can get a decent mark-up on without causing too many complaints. A short-sighted attitude: while 1 may not complain about the ghastliness of the house wine, 1 will not visit the restaurant again.

The mark-up in a restaurant for a bottle of wine is usually 100% (although this may be reduced at the more expensive end). The proprietor will get a discount when buying in the wine,so when you see on his list a bottle at£10 which you noticed in a shop in town at £7, do not assume that he is still not get ting his full mark-up. (Incidentally, I do not object to the mark-up as such because the proprietor pro vides me with a chair and table, waiter service,good food and does the washing-up. What 1 object to is a sizeable mark-up on something 1 would not pay for in a shop at any price.) Because the house wine is the cheapest on the list, the profit element is the least. Therefore, the temptation exists either to increase the mark-up or to decrease the quality of the wine. Either way, profits go up.

What do you look for in a house wine? If it is described just as 'House Red or White' (in whatever language) be war\'. Enquire from where it comes and ask to have a look at the bottle before ordering. As likely as not it will be a Table Wine but it may be at the cheaper end of an AC(from France), an AOC(from Spain)or a DOC (from Italy). The latter can generally be trusted, the former cannot. And even an AC Bordeaux,

an AOC Rioja or a DOC Chianti can actually be pretty rough — remem ber you are at the cheaper end of the scale. What is worth looking for are the lesser-known'controlled names'. Corbieres from France is

respectable, similar to claret but without the cachet (and therefore the expense) of claret. Bardolino from Italy and Penedes from Spain likewise. For wines from the New World you look at the grape variety and hope. 1 have encountered a delicious Chilean Cabernet and a foul South African one;a splendid New Zealand Sauvignon and an undrinkable Australian one.

The proprietor (or the wine waiter if you are in an up-market

establishment) can also be relied on for a few hints. A shrug and a suggestion that while of course the house wine is good, you might prefer — with the particular dish you have chosen — a different wine should be taken seriously, espe cially if the wine suggested is close in terms of price. An enthusiastic 'While it is not the best the vine can produce, we are proud of it and sure that Sir, Senor, Monsieur will enjoy it' is also a good indicator that all will be well. But remember that any restaurant will be keen to push you towards the more expensive end, so look round. Have other tables (especially if they look like regulars)ordered the house wine?

There is also a custom that house wine is not tasted before being poured. This is a bit of fairly silly etiquette; if vou trust the proprietor enough to look after the cheapest bottle on the list so that it doesn't need tasting, why don't you trust him to look after his more expen sive ones? But it arose from a sen sible cause. The proprietor would know and trust the producers of his house wine;he would not know others so those others would need checking first.

The tasting ritual in restaurants is anyway a ridiculously overblown affair. 90% of the time a small amount is poured into the glass, it is swallowed (without looking at it or sniffing it) and the nod of ap proval immediately follows(before the aftertaste is felt). Why bother to taste it at all? 1 do not suggest you make a theatrical performance out of it but at least — and if you are paying for something supposedly decent — make an effort to ensure it is decent. 1 have regularly been put in the embarrassing position of taking the first sip of a wine which has been 'approved' by someone else at the table and discovering it is corked or otherwise not what it says on the label. What to do in such a situation? If being paid for by someone else then grin and bear it; if sharing the bill then point out that by the time your glass was poured the wine had gone off and perhaps it should be replaced.

The moral is, as always,that you get what you pay for. But some payments are better than others.

if it Is described just as House Red or White' [in whatever language]he wary. Enquirefrom where it comes and ask to have a look at the bottle

Qex ^tuffcd.'

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Biancas Restaurant

6/7 Admiral's Walk, Marina Bay. Tel: 73379 Fax;79061

Popular and pleasant restaurant on the Quayside at Marina 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 Ceasar salad, kuku nyama pizza,or chicken and smoked salmon lagliatelle to name but a few for the main course. Crepes, pies, ice cream sundaesetc for dessert. Children's menu,vegetar ian dishes, daily specials. Great for all the family. Open;7 days,9am - late.

Cafe Solo

Grand Casemates Square. Tel:44449

Modem Italian eatery set in the lively Casemates square. Everything from cajun spiced langostines Caesar salad, or aromatic prawn salad on romaine leaves bound in wild mushrwm & sherry mayonnaise,to pastas(eg: tortellini with roasted garlic cream, tagliatelli with prawns and mushrooms)and pizzas(eg:QuattoStagioni topped with mozzarella, ham, chicken, pepperoni and mushroom) and full main courses such as steaks and salmon. Good daily specials menu on blackboard.

Cafe Rojo

54 Irish Town.Tel: 51738

Sleek modem comfort in this relaxing little restaurant. Red comfy arm chairs in separate area for a relaxing drink or coffee. Brunch menu(U)am-12pm)includes ciabatta, granary, foccacia sandwiches with fillings such as pear and blue cheese, smoked bacon and brie, cheese and honey roast ham, delicious desserts(chocolate mousse in a must). Lunch 12 - 3pm and dinner 7-lOpm includes salads(from sauted black pudding and walnut to warm smoked salmon & langostine, and warm goats cheese & fresh spinach), pasta dishes (from rich creamy blue cheese, apple & walnut,to asparagus& feta cheese)and main dishes ranging from half honey roast duck, slow roasted leg baby lamb to chargrilled fillet steak. Open: from 10am. Closed Sundays.

Casa Pepe

18 Queensway Quay Marina. Tel/Fax:46967

Situated right on the water front at Queensway Quay, Casa Pepe has a comprehensive a la carte menu which includes dishes such as melon & Serrano ham, stuffed piquillo peppers and filled mushrooms to start,followed by a choice of salads, rice and noodles and fish, poultry and meat dishes which include King Prawns Macarena (cooked with fresh ginger, tomatoes, mangos and ba nanas served with basmati rice,fried bread and bananas). Medallions of monkfish cooked with white wine and lobster sauce,duck breast Armanac-style(with Cognac, mushrooms and pine nuts). Medallions of pork loin cooked with Serrano ham and dry Jerez sherry,and fillet steak Malaguena cooked in creamy garlic mushrooms and sweet sherry sauce topped with prawns. A wide range of tapas/raciones is also availableOpen: Monday to Saturday' 11am till late.

Glaus on the Rock

Queensway Quay. Tel/Fax:48686

international menu served on the quayside for lunch, afternoon and dinner. Well worth a visit, especially if you appreciate good wines and cigars. Open:Lunch & Dinner. Closed Sundays.

Gauchos

Walerport Casemates Tel:59700

Nestled just next to Waterport roundabout within the city walls. Recently opened by renowned local restaurateur Afidr^ of the Tunnel fame, Gauchos offers some inter esting dishes with a tempting South American Gaucho theme. Try the Chorizo Criolla de Argentina (spicy sausage grilled over coal and wcwd),or theMariscos del Rio Plata or Empanada deQueso Azul(blue cheese oven baked in a black pepper pasty)to start,or for main course perhap.s the Fillet de Salmon Chimichurri(salmon with grilled banana, mango and avocado sauce),or Crepe Argenteuil(with grilled asparagus and wild mushrooms), or one of the steaks (lots from Lomo de Alto, Solomillo, and T-b«ne to Corazon dc Cuadril - tender heart of rump, well matured), There is lots more too — Parriilada de Guacho (for two - steak, sausages, chicken, pork and lamb),salads(try the Remolacha Tostada con Queso de Cabra - ta.sty goat's cheese salad) — and the des.serts are to die for tool They say "this will be a new experience for you to savour".... give it a try! Call 59700 to reserve your table.

Da Paolo Marina Bay. Tel:76799

Da Paolo serves a high standard of attractively presented international cuisine right on the waterfront at Marina Bay. Try baked leek & wild mushroom tartlet or lobster bisque tostart,or for main course,crepe offish & prawns glazed with hollandaise sauce; baked aubergines filled with ratatouille gratinated with mozzarella;or perhaps the loin of pork baked in cider with dnnamon.Continen tal/English breakfast,lunch,inc. light meals& baguettes.

AwanJ winning breakfastsfrom 7.30am

Great meals & snacks all day

Evening Steak Hou.se menu Med Golf Clubhouse

Leeds United Gibraltar HQ

Parliament Lane Tel; 75924

and full a la carte dinner served. Quayside terrace

Open:from 9.30am. Closed on Sundays.

The Rib Room Restaurant, Rock Hotel. Tel:73000 www.rockhoteIgibraltar.com

With stunning views ot the bay. the Rib Room is ac claimed for its high standard ol service and cuisine. Ultimate venue for intimate dinners,or larger gatherings, the Rock Hotbl rises to the occasion with st\ le and so phistication.Glass offino and appetiser welcome diners. Fabulous new A La Carte offers dishes such as creviche of king prawns with lime ginger, bloody mary sorbet; or caramelised sea scallops dusted with orange and grape fruit powder set on cauliflower pur^e with caper velout^ tostart;and butter roasted fillet of beef, gorgonzola crust, rioja and walnut jus;or marinated and seared tuna with a saute of caramelised radiccioand rocket, warm capsicum vinaigrette; or aubergine and wild setas souffle with rosemary scented char grilled vegetables — just a few of the main courses. Finish up with vanilla rice pudding, quince with star anis pur^e,fig and date ice cream or one of the other delicious offerings. Comprehensive wine list. Sunday lunch — welcome Manzanilla, 4-courses always includes roast sirloin and some of best Yorkshire puds in town.Sunday newspapers. Relax afterwards to the resident pianist/guitarist. Air-conditioning, parking, kid's menu /high chair.

Open:7pm-U)pm daily. Credit cards: AE,D,E, M,V

Simon's Restaurant

44 Cornwall's Lane. Tel: 47515

Excellent food in a sophisticated, intimate atmosphere. Hosts Suzanne and Simon ensure everyone receives personal attention. Start with Simon's own pat^ with red onion jam and hot toast, or king prawns thermidor with tarragon mustard,white wine and cheese cream sauce or perhaps 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 masala sauce, and roast tenderloin of pork wrapped in bacon 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).

Thyme Restaurant

5 Cornwall's Lane. Tel: 49199 Email;thymegib@hotmail.com

Modern wine bar serving refreshing ccKktails and a wide range of New World and European wines in a cool lively atmosphere, and on the 1st floor above is the restaurant serving bistro cuisine with a menu featuring dishesfrom all over the world. Tiy one of these dishes from the wide selection; crispy fried monkfish, rocket salad, chilli jam and creme fraiche;steamed mussels flavoured with gin ger,lemongrass,chilli & coconut milk;hand a>lled ravioli ofsmoked chicken,crab, basil & marscapone, parmesan veloute; or mains of millefeuille of char grilled salmon 6 Mediterranean vegetables, seared scallops and basil pesto; charred aubergine, tomato, basil & mozzarella parcels, red pepper & olive reduction; or Slow braised

Charlies Sizzling Specials with steaks or mixeil grills. We also cany a good selection of wine, spirits and beers.

Steak

Houm (Silll & Tapern

Where people meet to eat a fine and varied lunch menu and a comprehensive a la cane menu thai compliments both our kitchen and our cuslomcrs.Everything from loasiies to tagliatelle and from full Knglish breakfast to Jamaican Pepper Pot.

We're on the harbour wall at the beautiful Marina Bay so book a pleasant table for two or just sit watching the world go by while sipping an ice cold beer

Reserre on Tel/Fax: 79993

No. 2.\dmini]'s Walk, Marina Bay. Gibraltar K-mail; george(2 gjbnel.gi

We love to cater for groups and parties so why not spend thai next sped:il occasion at Gharlies?

Moroccan lamb shank,tabbouieh,spiced onion,almond & sultana chutney. Main menu changed seasonally and b specials run daily. Everything made on the premises us- ^ ing only the best, fresh ingredients. Wide range of New World and Euaipean wines.

Open:12.30 - 3pm and 7pm till late. Closed Sundays.

informaleatina

Al 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-£l (eg;Spanish omelette, boiled crab legs, garlic chicken, cuttlefish stew).

Open:Sam -late evening. Now serving breakfast from Bam.

Buddies Pasta Casa

15 Cannon Lane. Tel: 40627

Tasty Italian specials in pleasant ambience. Large se lection of starters from garlic bread to calamari. Main courses include fettuccine de formaggio,spaghetti alia carbonara,fusilli al salmone,and entrecote al whisky to name a few. Tasty desserts and variety of wines.

Open:Monday - Wednesday 10am - 5pm,Thursday,Fri day and Saturday 10am -4pm and 7pm - midnight

Charlie's Steak House Grill

Marina Bay. Tel/Fax: 79993

George and I'auia are your hosts at Charlie's where you will find a wide selection of international food includ ing sizzling steaks, tandixiris and seafood dishes plus daily specials.Try thespedal sizzling mixed grill which includes tandtx>ri and garlic chicken breasts, slices of prime fillet, king prawns,sausages, bacon, tomato and peppers. Regular theme nights. Quayside terrace.

Open:9am - late every day.

The Corner House Restaurant

Continental Hotel

1 Engineer's Lane

Tel: 76900 Fax:41702 Email: contihoCo^gibnet.gi

Ideal for a rest after shopping as it is centraliv Icxated on Main Street, this cafe serves breakfasts(all day),lunches and afternoon teas Try the homemade mushnxim soup or the roast leg of lamb demi glaze, or perhaps the fish and chips or homemade steak mince burger in pepper sauce. Kiddies menu available.

Open:7am to 7pm (lunches from 12..30)

Getjoost

248 Main Street & Casemates. Tel/Fax: 76699

Smoothies are vitamin packed super-fimd and increasingly popular for the health concious. Get Joost makes delicious fresh fruit juices and smoothies made from natural ingredients which are a meal in a cup. The top five smoothies they sell are wild strawberry; breakie on the run; energy blast; raspberry ice ; and tropical surrender. Tel /fax:76699 for delivery.

Open: 8-7 Monday - Friday. U)-7 Saturday, 10-6 Sun day.

Get Stuffed

Marina Bay. Tel:42006

Take-away, sandwich bar and hot food. Serving all homemade sandwiches, salads, quiches, pasta, pies, muffins, plus hot and cold drinks and smoothies and a different special every day. Outside catering for corporate parties.

Open:Sam - 4pm Mon-Fri,8-2 Sat.

Just A Nibble

1st Fir Internationa] Commercial Ctr. Tel: 78052

Full blown licensed cafeteria serving English breakfast, vast range of toastics, rolls, and other snacks. Meals include steak and kidney pie, Bob's famous chicken curry/chilli con carne, & now Kentucky-style fried chicken, plus all the old favourites - jacket spuds, burg ers, hot dogs, fish and chips, and daily specials. Ideal meeting place.

Open: Monday - Saturday from 9am.

Just Desserts

1st Floor ICC Tel: 48014

Comfortable bright and airy cafe serving vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine from breakfast and lunch to afternoon tea. Homemade desserts a speciality. Eat-in or takeaway at sensible prices. Outside cater ing service.

Open:Sam - 4,30pm Monday to Friday.

Khan's Indian Cuisine

Unit 7-8, Watergardens. Tel:50015

Eat-in or take-away al this traditional Indian eatery. Everything from onion bhajia and green pepper pakora to chicken tikka, tandoori king prawns, Khan's special fish curry,chicken jalfrezi, lamb rogan josh, naan ba'ad, rices, vegetable dishes and everything in between!

Mumtaz Indian Cuisine Take-away

20 ComwalTs Lane. Tel:44257

Good Indian take-away sen-ice serving all the favourites from masala naan and spinach bhajia to lamb biryani.

chicken HkJca masala,king prawn korma and tandoori chicken kebab roll. Sauces and vegetarian dishes plus speciality dishes each Sunday (all dishes reasonably priced). Open:7 days a week 11 - 3,6 - late.

Munchies Cafe

24 Main Street. Tel: 43840 Fax:42390

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

Open: Monday - Friday 8.30-7, Saturday 9-4,Closed Sunday.

The Real Taste of Cornwall

16 City Mill Lane. Tel: 70737

Real pasties, handmade in Cornwall and baked in Gi braltar, are available from this Pasty Bar and Takeaway located just off Main Street near Mothercare. Go along for a quiet pint or take a pasty home for tea, many fla vours available from beef & Stilton to Cheese & Bacon, Steak fit Ale to Broccoli, Cheese fit Sweetcom.

Open: 10am - late Monday to Saturday.

Roy's Cod Plaice

Casemates Square

Located below the clock on Casemates Square, Roy's Cod Plaice serves all kinds of traditional chip shop fare, including battered plaice, cod, haddock and hake with chips, breaded fishcakes,and scampi,jumbo pork sausage.s,mushypeaseetctoeatinortakeaway. Roy's also offers full meals such as pork chops,grilled mush rooms, lomatix:s and mashed potatoes; mixed grill; or meat pie with mash and gravy.

Open:9am-I0pm Monday-Saturday.Closed Sundays.

Roy's Pub Restaurant

la Convent Place Tel: 75654

Situated right opposite the Governor's residence (the Convent)this eatery serves gixid fixxi at reasonable prices from jacket potatoes, fish and chips,and quick snacks to chicken cordon bleu,liver and onions,entrecote steak to quiches, salads and sandwiches!

Open:from lOnm

Sacarello Coffee Co.

57 Irish Town.Tel: 70625

Converted coffee warehouse, ideal for coffee, home made cakes/afternoon tea, plus menu including excel lent salad bar, specials of the day and dishes such as lasagne,steak and mushroom Cuiiuiess pie, hotchicken salad, toasties, club sandwich and baked potatoes. Art exhibitions. Available for parties and funcfions in the evenings.

Open:9am-7.30pm Mon-Fri.9am-3pm Saturdays

Smith's Fish & Chips

295 Main Street. Tel: 74254

A traditional British fish and chip shop with tables/.seat ing available or take-away wrapped in newspaper.

Menu:Cod,haddock or plaice In batter,Cornish pasties, mushy peas etc. Also curries, omietfes, burgers.

Open:8am-6pm Mon-Fri. Breakfasts from Sam.

Located: Main Street opposite the Convent

Solly's

Sail Beef Parlour & Delicatessen

8 Canon Lane. Tel: 78511

Newly I'pened on Cannon Lane thiscarvery,charculerie and deli otters 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 bmast, Mergue/sausages,schnitzel, pastrami,smoked turkey and pressed beet. There are also salads and platters including bangers & mash, lamb chops, beef burgers and hot dogs. (Glatt Kosher)

Open: 12pm - late, Sunday 6pm - late. Closed Satur days.

Solo Express

Ground Floor, International Commercial Centre Solo Express, located right next to Pizza Hut,ser.'es a gwd variety of salads and baguettes(white, brown & ciabatta)filled with a wide deli selection of things such as roast chicken; smoked salmon St mascapone; ham, cheese and coleslaw;orhummous,avocado and roasted red pepper. The salads are fresh and tasty and include Greek, Waldorf, cous cous, tuna pasta, etc at just 75p per generous scoop. Tea,coffee etc plus cakes(such as carrot cake and muffins) are alw availabe through out the day. Eat-in available.

The Tasty Bite

59a Irish Town.Tel:78220 Fax: 74321

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

Open: Monday - Saturday.

Time Out Cafe Bar

106 Eurotowers, Furoport Road Tel:76044 Fax:72760

Delicious food from full English breakfast to wraps, jackets, baguettes and sandwiches, plus main courses from fish and chips to banger & mash. Take-away service. Private functions. Full sports coverage on 3screens.

bars&pubs

All Sports Bar

4 Cornwall's Lane Tel:59997

This pub is geared up to televised sporting events with free lapas when top sports are on TV. It's not just for the football fans either, and there are even Scaletrix Tournaments for those who want to participate. Gaming machines. Terrace seating available.

Open: Ham-midnight Sun-Thurs, Ham - lam Fri/Saturdiiy.

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 thcguardannounced'Ail's Well' before handing the keys to the watch. All's Well serves Bass beers, wine and spirits plus pub fare. English breakfast served all day, hot meals such as pork in mushroom sauce,sausage & mash,cod and chips and steak & ale pie are mmplimented by a range of salads and filled jacket potatt>es. Large terrace.

The Angry Friar

278 Main Street. Tel: 71570

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:9.3()am-midnight(Sun.from Ham)

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-!ate, food 10 -10.

The Cannon Bar

27 Cannon Lane. Tel: 77288

Now run by Amin,the friendly face from the kitchen for over 18 years! Good pub food served all day plus Amin makes cous cous or tajine to order.

Located: off Main St at Marks & Spencer.

ini

Open: Mon - Fri from 9.30am

Location: turn off Main St at Marks&Spencer,Pickwicks is opposite the Elliot Hotel.

The Pig 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:lO-n-qdnight (Fri-Sat H-lam)

Red Lion Pub

Watergardens. Tel:44392

The Red Lion is a cosy pub in Watergardens serving fresh homemade food e\'ery day for lunch and "possibly the best breakfast of the RtKk". Terrace seating.

Open:Sam • late Mon-Fri, 12 midday to late Saturday.

Royal Oak Bar

59c Irish Town. Tel: 71708

Informal gooii local pub, popular for its pool table and sports talk. Outdoor seating.

Located: Irish Town, the street which runs parallel to Main St.

The Star Bar Parliament Lane. Tel: 75924

The Clipper

Irish Town. Tel: 79791

Largo popular bar serving good homemade fwd from breakfast to dinner. Large varied menu. Top sporting events covered on overhead TVs. Private functions catered for.

Open:9.3lbm to midnight(Friday and Saturday to lam). Fmtd served 9,30am to 10pm).

Da Vinci's Queensway Quay Marina. Tel:50859

On Queensway Quay,this freehouse serves a wide selec tion of bottled beers and spirits inside and on the large terrace right on the marina's edge. Food Is available all hours and is supplied by the Pie Machine so you will find freshly cooked pies,sau.sage rolls, quiches etc. Flat screen plasma TV for sports fans.

Open:every day Bam - late.

The Gibraltar Arms

184 Main Street. Tel: 72133

Gtx>d ftxui served all day at this typical pub right on Main Street. Everything from all day breakfast to Irish fillet steak roll, burrilos, and the popular fresh local mus.sels. Draught lager, bitter, cider and Murphys plus free WiFi. Terrace seating right on Main Street.

Open:from Sam (10am Sundays)until late.

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 Str«?et terrace.

Lord Nelson Bar Brasserie

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

E-mail; reservalions^lordnelson.gi

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

Menu:Starter & snacks include fresh local mussels, blue cheese and rocket bruschetta, Lordy's potato skins,spicy chicken wings and calamares. Main courses cover a range from chilli con came and chicken and mushroom pie, to crispy aromatic duck burrito and British fish and chips. Try one of the salads or Nelson's platters. Jacket potatoes, burgers and children's menu. Credit cards accepted. Live music every weekend.

Open:from Klam till very late.

Pickwicks

Governor's Parade. Tel: 76488

Run by well-known friendly face, Mandy,this small pub with a large terrace is situated in Governor's Parade away from the traffic and safe for all the family. Gwd food available including the best freshly made sandwiches and jacket potatoes, salads and burgers.

Reputediv 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(10% discount on food for Med Members). Home of Leeds United FC supporters club.

Facilities: Outside seating.

Open:from 7am every day.

Located: first right off Main Street (walking from N to S).

The Three Owls

Irish Town

The Three Owls is a traditional bar serx'ing best of English beers. Three separate bars/flcwrs; ground floor — big screen tv, pool table, poker machines, games machines, bar — open from l(),.3()am daily. First floor'Hoots'—2 match pool tables, poker machines, darts board, games machine,bar — open from 1pm daily. Second Floor'Nest' — American pool table, poker machine,games machine, card table, bar — open from 5pm daily.

The Three Roses

Governor's Street. Tel:51614

Ann from Plymouth and Stuart from Scotland run this bar, known as The Scottish Embassy. Fully air-condi tioned with 3 plasma TVs and ptwl table. Happy hours Mon-Fri 5-6pm. Home of the Esteporkers Golf Society.

Open: every day. Mon-Sat from Ham, Sun from mid day.

The Tunnel

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

Large bar located in the historic Casemates Square.

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

Facilities: Large terrace, big screen TVs, and regular live music.

Open:7 days a week 9am - very late.

The Venture Inn

Lynch's Lane. Tel:75776

A good central meeting place right at the beginning of Main Street, this bar serves home-cooked food all day. Terrace seating on the edge of Main Street — perfect place to watch the world go by

Open:from 10am

Located: Main Street near Casemates Square, 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 condi tioned. The home of the Real Madrid Supporter's Club.

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

Project is going, and is looking forward to the many promised improvements all around the area.

The choice is highly varied, ensuring that there is something for everyone's tastes and Paula always endeavours to keep the prices down. The selection in cludes a lot of vegetarian dishes — there is usually a vegetar ian soup, pasties and lasagne amongst others.

A sample selection from the big daily choice: breakfast baguettes (with bacon, egg and sausage) £2.50, and pies and traditional 'hog's back' shaped pasties from £1,20 will give an idea of the gen eral price level.

Other tasty tempters include all sorts of baguettes, sandwiches, wraps and muffins; fresh pasta (everything is fresh) and soups, which were going a bomb early last month when 1 looked in.

Well Filled at Get Stuffed!

"My Mum,Ann, makes the fabulous famous quiches — there's a different one each day," says Paula Foley of take-away bar Get Stuffed.

Paula herself is nearly as fa mous as her mother's quiches, having established a tasty reputa tion during her 15 years'catering in Gibraltar. Before opening the successful Get Stuffed at Marina Bay she became very popular for her pics, pasties and personality at The Barbary Ape and then Ye Olde Rock.She also worked at the Three Roses at some point.

Coming from Didcot in Oxfordshia\ Paula — who co-owns Get Stuffed with Kennv — was a caterer in Britain, even serving the Queen and Prince Philip as well as Princess Anne's husband Tim Laurence, former equerry to the Queen.

This was at the celebrations to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the Armada which took place in 1988 at HMS Drake in Plymouth, where Paula worked full-time looking after the catering for the officers' mess.

Still by the sea, but at Marina Bay instead of Plymouth, Paula is now wowing the local build ers, office workers, boat people and dolphin tourists with the homemade food that she prepares herself every day, (apart from

Mum's quiches).

"it's become very popular with the Greek Cypriot builders work ing on Tradewinds,"she said,"as well as the Ocean Village workers and Amco's men.Amco's discov ered 1 was here when they were doing a job nearby,now they send their vans from all over Gibral tar to pick up their lunches and breakfasts."

Paula told me that during the foul weather earlier this year she decided to make a real Irish stew, complete with dumplings. "The Cypriot build ers bought the lot, just on its aroma," she said. "1 was a bit worried about how they would react to

the dumplings but they were back the next day and raving about them."

Other customers come from the many offices at Marina Bay — including Stan James, Mansion House and Credit Suisse. The Stan James workers are particu larly devoted to what they call "the meanest tikka in town".

Stafffrom restaurants at the ma rina are also very keen on buying their food from Paula(which says a lot), and she has regular orders to cater for par ties and functions — including the twice-monthly Ocean Village site meetings. She told me she was very happy with the way the Ocean Village

Then there is her lasagne, fa mous not only for its tender freshness but also because she uses lots of wine when making it; and her chicken tikka pasties are particularly popular with the kids from the nearby schools.

There is always a good selec tion of daily specials for the more sophisticated palate, such as roasted red peppers with mozzarella, and there are gallons of take-away tea, coffee and soft drinks to wash it all down.

With the mix of clientele and Paula's own unflappable good humour, there is always a lively atmosphere at peak periods, in cluding plenty of good-natured banter from the builders. "There are lots of jokes," said Paula, "except early Saturday mornings when there are lots of hangovers looking for some fried food to restore them."

Gel Stuffed is the fi rst unit on the right as you enter Marina Bay from the car park, keeping Da Paolo on you r left, and is opposite the Marina Inn.

Open Monday to Saturday from Sam to 4pm, the telephone number for advance orders or party and general catering enqui ries is 42006.

It's worth placing an order just to hear Paula's pleasant voice answer the phone with: "Hello, get stuffed."

The Cypriot builders boughtthe lot,juston its aroma, i was a bit worried about bow they would react to the dumplings butthey were back the next day and raving about them.'

Well here we go again... it's already March and that's the first quarter of the year gone and it was certainly a time when there were plenty of things to talk about. And even though February only had 28 days most of them were filled with enough to keep us from getting bored.

As always the weather was one subject that was in the news quite often and not because it was so good,it was the complete opposite, wind,rain and storms in fact they were some of the worst storms I can remember for years. You could hardly get any rubbish into waste bins they were so full of abandoned brollies. 1 personally have given up on brollies as they always seem to blow inside out or [forget about them and leave them all over town. Even if they do stay up you seem to get just as wet so it's raincoats and big hats for me in the future. It's hard to believe but officially British Summer Time is supposed to begin on 25th March,but 1 bet that it's going to be longer than that before we can put away our winter coats and get out our summer gear. If you think the weather is bad believe me things could have been worse because on 12th February an earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter Scale was recorded just off Cape San Vincent in Portugal. Apparently its effects were felt as close as Seville .so it just goes to show that things could be a lot worse than just having a few rainy days.

Romance in the Air

February 14lh was, of course, St.Valentines Day and I'm sure that for all of us who are true ro mantics, or just terrified of being accused of forgetting the date, red roses and chocolates were the order of the day and why not? After all a little bit of romance is good for you. But for those of us trying to lose a pound or two and who made a New Year's resolution to get a bit fitter chocolates could have been a problem, not for all though. One fellow, Mr.Dennis Penalver, by name is really making a determined effort to lose weight and his fiancee Dominique is helping him as much as she can. She's even enrolled him in a weight watcher's club so he's counting calories but I'm not sure he's quite got the hang of it all yet especially when Dominique told me that he had stopped buying beer but was buying Vodka instead because you don't drink pints of Vodka like you do beer. 1 suppose there's some sort of logic behind that but I'm not sure it will help Dennis' efforts to lose weight. He needs to take more exercise and a good walk round jewellery shops looking at engagement rings is perfect, after all it is a Leap Year so take advantage Dominique.

Sporting Heroes

It wasn't only the weather that was in the news during Februarybecau.se although it's a sport usually connected with the summer months,down under in Australia England's cricket team ended their tour on a high when they beat Australia in the final of the Tri-Nations one day competition. 1 have to admit that after the crushing defeat in the test match series I wouldn't have had a bet on them. It just goes to show that miracles can happen and so on to the "Beautiful" game.

February was a month of ups and downs for the "Pride of the East-End" the"Mighty" Orient. Just when I thought the worst was over they took a 5-0 thrashing at Bournemouth A.F.C.and it had looked so good when they had their greatest away win for 51 years beating Crewc Alexander 4-0 and then followed that with a 2-1 win over Port Vale. But I'm still hoping that they can survive in League 1 after all there's along way to go yet and I'm growing my finger nails so that I'll have plenty to chew if it goes down to the wire.

De-tressing

It's absolutely amazing how much a different hair style completely changes the way a lady looks but it d^s and when recently walked right past someone I^ow quite well without recognising her it was a bit

thp M Who was the lady? None other than Peri of Renaissance who has completely changed her look and now no longer has long blond tresses but sports a short dark broL bob(incidentally I m sure it's not called 'dark brown' ^way^ P'"^"y she looks as

Falling for You

I can't remember any past months when there have been as many people who have taken a tumble and hurt themselves. Unfortunately all of them had injuries to arms and wrists so although they were all brave little

''Ba^Spvinh "^'^nit'crship of the ■ wrists, and then Anne o^^he Qippe^a^d^^w^^^^ H and if that wasn't enough Michelle also of thp exact same injury, and finally Daniel of the Boree MpHirai r PP'^'" her arm and needed a bandage two Lw memtm for i ^ ^ Eggleton who was knocked over by a caf and ended^ "T he s on the mend and we wish Mm a speedy recoverv Th ^ g'^d to say thai will do just about anything to get her name in Tlw nhJ^^i '^dy who even I thought that havinlan fperation on Cr f / ^hal crutches just to become a member was going a bit too"fa?T d h than Angie ■■Hoppy''Sn,i,h. Whata

Dates to Remember

DaytS'Srihl rnre™a'ro™, "A* -St.Davidv

I'm pleased to be able to tell you that Duncan and' pSeofT P" non-smoking, and in the Coldaire office Armanda and som.. nf U i are still non-smokers, tagbrigade(there'sstillenereA^herwho togravZlT 'T" before she chucks her fags away as well) and .Tf r n ^ ^ ^ hme the non-smoking team I hope thev all mana i- l.- l ^""Iher addition to they'reallgettingon. On 17thMarchit'sSt Patri^k'^DaJa^fcirlt'^^'''! h^""" suretobecelebratingin styleasalways I'm sureIrisheves w^ '^^"hngent are Tnd finlll'^h''^P yourmum!

Anna,Mark,Ga'tyth^parrmTdlc^Seba^sfi^^

Jo^n-Val about Town" Mr. Lindsay Adamson Happv birthd'^"!Hamilton and lastbutnot least "Man Happy Birthday song was first published M March I924" r'" Ti Nome on their wedding anniversary And conprah I f o"gratulations also to Muriel and birth oftheir littlegirl Lauren ™"SratuIations also toJoeand Penny Garcia on tht Well that's it for this month, seeyou on Main Street.

hiAi

Susane ofBray Properties

Arts b Crafts

The Arts Centre, Pnnce Edward's Rd. Art classes for children (5-6pm Mon, 5-6.30pm Tues, 5-7pm Thurs), adults iMon - Tues 5.30pm-8pm,Wed aSOpm-S.SOpm,life paintirtg Wed 7pm-9pm). Tel: 79788.

The Fine Arts Association Gallery ist Floor above Gibraltar Crystal, Casemates. Open 11 am-2pm,4-6pm Mon - Fri, Sat 1 lam - 2pm. Arts6 Crafts Gallery (next door]opens Mon - Fn 9.30am - 5pm (summer)-6pm (winter), Sat 9.30am - 3om.

The Poetry Society meets on 20th of each month Contact Audrey Batty on 44355

Board Games

Chess Club meets in Studio 1, John Mackin tosh Hall 8-10 30pm Tues

The Gibraltar Scrabble Club meet John Mackintosh Hall Mondays. Bank holidays changed to Thursday same week. 7pm-l 1 pm All welcome Tel 73660 or 75995.

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

Dance

Modern b Latin American Sequence Danc ing Mondays Catholic Community Centre 8.30pm (beginners 7 30). Over 15s welcome, www.glbnynex.gi/lnst/cccseqdance/

Old b Modern Sequence Dancing sessions at the Catholic Community Centre at Bpm. beginners at 7 30pm,Wednesday.

The DSA Old ft Modem Sequence Dancing sessions at Central Hall Fridays Bpm, begin ners 7.30pm. Tel. 78282 or e-mail manvio@ gibnet.gl Everybody welcome.

Senior CKizens Teatime Dances at The Youth Centre. Line Wall Rd on Mondays 2- 5.30pm.

Ail senior citizens welcome for coffee, tea and biscuits. Entrance free

Classical Ballet classes for children A-tSpanish dance and hip-hop at Liza School of Dance. 3rd floor, Methodist Church, 297/299

Mam St. Classes Weds 6 Fri from 6pm at Chiltern Court (4Csl Teh 58111000.

Latin Caribbean Dance Classes Salsa. Samba. Merengue. Cha-Cha. Wednesday gpm-lOpm C3. Instructor Pedro Vera. Urban Dance Studio, Jumpers Bastion. Rosia Road. For all levels, adults, singles and couples, no experience necessary, come and have fun. exercise and enjoy the rhythms.

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 Gibraltar JunlorNational Choir rehearse on Monday & Thursoay 7 30 - 9pm. New smgers of all ages welcome Tel Lili 40035. 54006727

St Andrew's Music Academy Musical Monsters Club, musical workshops. Group musical activities for kids 3-7 years. Sing ing. rhythmic games etc. Tel: 42690 email. samagib@hotmail.com

Outdoor Activities

TheCalpeRamblersThis group walks on last Sunday each month,except July and August. Meeting place is the Spanish side of the frontier Sam just to the right of and opposite the Aduana vehicle exit. For any information contact co-ordmators Ray Murphy 71956 or John Murphy 74645

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is an excit ing self-development Programme available to all young people worldwide equipping them with life skills to make a difference to themselves, their communities and the world. To date over 5 million young people from over 100 countries have been motivated to undertake a variety of voluntary and chal lenging activities. For further details contact The Duke of Edinburgh's Award, Montagu Bastion. Line Wall Road. Gibraltar

Tel. 59818 Fax: 51971 Reg. Charity No: 61

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 entrance 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: 781421 for assistance or information

Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (Gibraltar Province) meets RAOB Club. Vault

1 Jumpers Bastion on these days: Provincial Grand Lodge. 1st Monday/month, 8pm. Executive Meeting, last Mon/month 7pm. Knights Chapter. 2nd Mon/month 7 30pm

Examining Council. 3rd Mon/monlh 7pm

William Tlllev 2371, Thurs 8pm. Buena Vista 9975, Weds(fortnightly)7pm. Por Favor 9444, Weds (fortnightly) 7pm. Farewell 10001 , Tues 8.30pm. Goldacre 10475 (social) last Fri/month 8pm.

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 making, proceeds donated to charity. Tel: Anne 43869. or Margaret 70816.

Special Interest Clubs 6 5oc/er/es

Gibralter Horticultural 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 Aiameda Gardens All welcome.

The Gibraltar Photographic Society meets on Mon at around 8pm, Wellington Front. Basic courses, competitions etc. Harley Davidson Owners' Club www. hdcgib.com

UN Association of Gibraltar PO Box 599.22a Mam Street. Tel 52108

Sports Supporters Clubs

The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters Club meet at the Royal Calpe (Tel: 75890) when Spurs games are televised - call the Royal Calpe prior to matches to check if the game is being televised. The pub does great food for a lynch if the KO is early or an early supper if the game is later. For more info on membership etc. call Mario on 56280000.

Sports b Fitness

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

Athletics: Gibraltar Amateur Athletics As sociation holds competitions throughout year for juniors, adults and veterans. Two main clubsfCalpeans 71807, Lourdians75180)hold training sessions at Victoria Stadium.

Badminton: Recreational badminton is avail able weekdays at Victoria Stadium (Tel: 78409 for allocations). Gibraltar Badminton Associa tion (affiliated to IBA & EBA) has leagues and training for adults and secondary school. Tel: Ivan 44045 or Linda 74753.

Basketball: Gibraltar Amateur Basketball As sociation (affiliated FIBA)leagues/training for minis, passareile. cadets, seniors and adults at a variety of levels. Tel: John 77253. Randy 40727 or Kirsty (minis)49441,

Billiards b 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 Association (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 various cycling tours. Tel: Uriel 79359, Darts: Gibraltar Darts Association (member WDF)adult/|uniorleagues/competitions Tel.

Tony 70379 or Harry (Junior darts)41798.

Football: Gibraltar Football Association runs leagues/competitions for all ages October - May. Futsal in summer months. Victoria Stadium. Tel; 42941 www.gfa.gi. Senior Tel: Albert 41515. JuniorTel: 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.

Gibraltar Golf Union has competitions through year. EGU handicaps. Tel: Bernie 78844, Hockey: Gibraltar Hockey Association(mem bers FIH 6 EHF) high standard competitions/ training for adults and juniors. Tel: Eric 74156 or Peter 72730.

Judo: Gibraltar Judo Association UKMAF rec ognised instructors for all ages and levels at Budokai Martial Arts Centre. Wellington Front. Tel: Charlie 73116 or Peter 73225.

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

Karate-do Shotokal: Gibraltar Karate-do Shotokal Association sessions for junior/seniors, gradmgs and demos at Karate Clubhouse,41H Town Range Tel Andrew 46908.

Motorboat Racing: Gibraltar Motorboat Rac ing Association Tel: Wayne 75211.

Netball: Gibraltar Netball Association (aifiliated FENA 6 IFNA) competitions through year, senior / lunlor leagues. Tel: Moira 41795 or Suzette 41874.

Petanque: Gibraltar Peianque 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. Tel: Linda 74753.

Rhythmic Gymnastics: Gibraltar Rhythmic Gymnastics Association run training sessions for girls 5-18 years weekday evenings during school holidays. Tel: Richard 70320.

Rugby: Gibraltar Rugby Football Union training sessions for Colts(14-t-). seniors and veterans Play in Andalusia 1st Division Oct -April. Tel Darren 77938

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

Sea Angling: Gibraltar Federation of Sea Anglers (members FIPS-M & CIPS) Superb calendar of events with four clubs participat ing Tel Mario 72622 Of Charlie 74337.

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

Skating: Gibraltar Skaimg and Xireme Sports Association opens Its Skate Park, Coaling Island. Queensway, Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday, from 5pm til 8pm Saturday 5 Sun day. from 2pm til 5pm Thursday & Friday. dosedSat 2-6pm. State of art ramps for Xtreme/aggressive roller blading /skate boarding. Leisure skating facilities

provided within excellent rink (when not used for roller hockey train ing). Tel; Eric 70710(after 5) or |ust turn up.

Snorkelling b

Spear Fishing: Over 14swelc 0 m e for snorkelling, over 16s for

spear fishing. Tel. Joseph 75020. Squash: Gibraltar Squash Association. The Squash Centre, South Pavilion Road (members WSF 8 ESF), Adult/junior tourna ments/coaching. Tel: Ronnie 44922 or Barry 73260

Sub-Aqua: Gibraltar Sub-Aqua Association taster dives for over 14s. tuition from local clubs. Voluntarvsportsclubs:Tel: Phil44606. Noah's Dive Club tel: Leslie 79601.888s Dive Club Tel: Martin 70944. Commercial sports diving schools also available

Swimming: Gibraltar Amateur Swimming Association (member FINA 6 LEN)opens its pool for leisure swimming Mon • Fri 7-8.45am, 12-4pm, 8-9pm. Junior lessons(Rebecca 71342). squad for committed swimmers, water polo (Chris 72869).

Table Tennis: Gibraltar Table Tennis As sociation (members ITTA) training I playing sessions. Victoria Stadium. Tues 6-lOpm and Thurs 8-11pm with coaching and league competition. Tel: Lizanne45071/54020477or Eugene 58014000.

Taekwondo: Gibraltar Taekwondo Associa tion dasses/gradingsTel: Man 44142.

Tennis: Gibraltar Tennis Association.Sandpits Tennis Club, excellent junior development programme Courses for adults, leagues / competitions Tel: Frank 77035.

Ten-Pin Bowling: Gibraltar Ten Pin Bowling Association (members FIG & WTBA)leagues at Ultra Bowl, training for juniors and squad. Tel Gary 42447 or Charlie 71125

Triathlon: Gibraltar Triathlon Union(members ITUlTel Chris 75857 or Harvey 55847. Volleyball: Gibraltar Volleyball Association (members W & EVP) training, leagues, com petitions for luniors/seniors. Tel: Tony 40478 or Elizabeth 58306000.

Yoga:Integral Yoga Centre runsa full program of classes from Mon-Fri at 33 Town Range. Tel: 41389. All welcome.

Theatrical Groups

Gibraltar Amateur Drama Association Ince s Hall Theatre Complex.310 Mam Street E-mail:gibdrama/hyahoo co.uk Tel 42237 www.geocities com.'gibdrama

Stage Musicals Group Tel: Trevor 73098. Trafalgar Theatre Group meet 2nd Wed of month. Garrison Library 8pm. All welcome-

support

Siippiut Croup-- A->^o':ii)tions

Alcoholics Anonymous meet 7pm Tues and Thufs dl Nazareth Hse Tel : 73774.

Childline Gibraltar conlidential phone line for children in need. Freephone 8008 - 7 days a week 7pm - 11pm.

Citizens' Advice Bureau Open Mon - Fri 9.30-12.30 and 2.30-4.30. Tel; 40006 Email: info@cab.gi or visit 10 Governor's Lane. No appointment necessary, no charge. Gibraltar CAB outreach clinics at St Bernard's Hospital every Tuesday. Advisors available at 1st floor reception,Zone 4.9am-3pm. Info and advice is free, confidential and impartial.

COPE Support group for people with Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia or Rheumatoid Arthri tis. Formed to ease day-to-day challenges of individuals, families and care partner. Meetings at Catholic Community Centre Book Shop at 7.30pm every first Thursday of month. Contact Sue Reyes Tel: 51469 Email: copeadsupport® hotmail com

DignitY At Work Now. Confidential support and advice for those who are being bullied at work Tel. 57799000 Mon • Thur 8pm-9pm

Families Anonymous Support group for rela tives and friends who are concerned about the use of drugs or related bahavioural problems. Meetings are held alternate Thursdays at 9pm at Nazareth House. For more details Tel: 70047 or 73405.

Gibraltar Cardiac Rehabilitation and Support Group meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 8.30pm at the John Mac Hall, except for July and August

Gibraltar Dyslexia Support Group 3/8

Serfaly's Passage Tei: 78509 Mobile:54007924 website: www.gdsg.co.uk

Gibraltar Marriage Care. Free relationship counselling, including pre-marriage education (under auspices of Catholic Church, but open toaii). Tel 71717.

Gibraltar Society for tha Visually impaired.

Tel: 50111 (24hr answering service).

Hope, miscarriage support 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. Tei: Richard46536. Jason 76618. Dominic 54019602.

Psvchologlcal Support Group. PO Box 161. Nazareth House. Weekly Meetings Tuesdays at 7pm, Fridays 8pm. Tei: 51623.

SSAFA Forces Help Gibraltar, is a national chanty, established to assist serving and exSerzice personnel and their families. Helps to improve the lives of 80,000 people annu ally - approximately 7,000 voluntary workers. Community Support Team Tel:(5)5481. E-mail olivero@sapphirenet,gi

With Dignity Gibraltar support group for separated, divorced, widowed or unattached people Meetings Weds 9pm, Catholic Com munity Centre. Line Wall Rd.Outings/acbvities. Tel. Flor 54007181 or Marie 79957.

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

Church Services

BahieTel 43637 for meetings.

Bethel Christian Fellowship Tel: 52002. 47

Queensway. Sunday service at Ham.

Church of England Cathedral of the Holy Trinity Tel 78377. Sung Eucharist. Sunday 10.30am. Sunday School.

(%urch of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

Suite 21a Don House. 30-38 Mam Street. Tel: 50433. Sundays 10am.

Church of Scotland St Andrew's. Governor's

Pde. Tel 77040. Worship 6 Sunday School 10.30am. Bible Study Tues 7.30pm.

Evangelical Breiheren Assembly. Queensway

Quay. Sun 1 lam,Tues Bible Study6pm,ITiurs

Prayer Meeting 6pm.

Hindu Engineer's Lane Tel: 42515.

Jehovah's Witness Line Wall Rd Tel: 50186.

Jewish 10 Bomb House Lane Tel: 72606.

Methodist 297 Main St Tel: 77491. Sunday

se'.'ces Ham & 7pm. Midweek Fellowships.

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

The Cityline Church 13 Castle Street Tel; 75755 email citylinegib@yahoo3;onji.

kig: Tues 8pm,Sundays 11am.

Coach Education Courses

Schoolchildren's Short Story

Competition

As part of the Gibraltar Spring Festival the Ministry of Culture, in conjunction with The Gibraltar Chronicle and The Department of Education, will hold a Schoolchil dren's Short Story Competition. The competition is open to all children attending school or College in Gibraltar,from school years 4 to 13, who may submit one original work.

There will be three catego ries based on school years as follows:

A, Years 4 to 7 (250-350 words); B. Years 8 to 11 (450 - 550 words); C. Years 12 to 13 (500 - 1000 words)

The winning entries will be printed in the Gibraltar Chronicle. The winner of each category will receive a £50 voucher and a pen, sponsored by The Gibraltar Chronicle, and a trophy from the Ministry of Culture.

Community Sports Leadership Award (CSLA)

Develop your confidence, learn about motivating young people in sport, learn how to organise leagues and competitions, take part in an introduction to Top Sport and Tops Outdoors and lots more. The CSLA training course will run throughout March starting on Saturday 3rd March and running on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at Bayside School gym,and finishing with a Festival of Sport for young people on Saturday 31st March.

Sports Coach UK Training modulesfor existing Coach es, Sports Leaders and Teachers.

Tues 13th March

Coaching children & young people

Thur 15th March

Coaching 6 communication

Tues 20th March

Fitness 6 Sport

Tues 17th April

Fuelling the performers

Tuesday 24th April

Injury Prevention & Management

Thurs 26th April

Developing Junior Sports Clubs

Sunday 29th April Tops Hockey

Tues 1st March

SAQ - Developing Power Et Speed for sport

Youth Sports Trust Tops Outdoors training course

Great for Sports Leaders, Teachers, Management trainers. Girls Guides and Scouts Leaders. Includes Team building activities, introduction to orienteering activities and outdoor adventure.

Aquafit

The Sports Development Unit are also in the process of trying to orga nise the ASA or equivalent Aquafit training course for existing Swim ming Teachers and Assistant Swim ming Teachers and qualified Keep Fit Instructors. If you are qualified in teaching swimming or fitness and would like to undertake the train ing course please do not hesitate to contact the Sports Development Unit on telephone 76522 or e-mail gibsportsdevigigibtelecom.net. The course will probably run over two weekends and will also involve home study and assessments.

Play development

The fifth area that the Sports Devel opment Unit are looking to develop in the near future is a series of train ing courses in physical activities and play for young children between the ages of three and seven. Full course details are not available at present, but if there are people who would be interested in undertaking this type of training please contact the Sports De velopment Unit at the above contacts or pop into the Bayside Sports Centre to register your interest.

Minister for Culture, Fabian Vinet, commented; "Following last year's very successful Spring Festival, we are hoping to further build on that success and will be introducing a number of new elements to this year's edition of the Festival. The Short Story Competition is, I feel, a good way not only of making children active participants in the Spring Festival and what it represents, but of extending the range of fields covered. There will be other exciting announcements relating to the Spring Festival In due course."

Entry forms and full conditions are available from: Schools and College, The Department of Edu cation, The Ministry of Culture Entries must reach the Ministry of Culture, 310 Main Street by Friday 13th April 2007.

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Registry Office Tel: 72289

Admission9.30amto7pmbytickets

Natural History & Heritage Park

lincludes entrance to sites within '.ne Park - St. Michael's Cave. Monkey's Den, Great Siege Tun nels, Military Heritage Centre.'A City Under Siege' Exhibition and Moorish Castle). (Facilities closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day.) Adults £7/ Children 5-12 years; £4, Children age 4 and under free, vehicles £1.50. Private vehicles may be restricted at certain times and it's advisable to take a RockTour by taxi/mini bus.The Natural His tory & Heritage Park is also reached by cable car (leaves Grand Parade 9.30am-5.15pm Mon-Sun. Last cable down: 5.45pm).

ThefloraandfaunaontheUpperRock

are considered to be of great conservational value. It's a perfect place for birdwatchers,as migratory species use Gibraltar as the shonest crossing be tween Europe and Africa, but botanists will also be interested to see over 6IX)species of flowering plants, including some unique to Gibraltar. Watch out for colourful lizards, non-venemous Horseshoe Whipsnakes. butterflies and pipistrelie bats. Info on flora and fauna is found at the Gibraltar Ornithological and Natural History Society's information centre at Jews Gate.

St. Michael's Cave: The cave comprises an upper hall with five connecting passages and drops of 40-150ft to a smaller hall. A further succession of chambers, some at 250tt 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 never used. A further series of chambers ending in a mini lake is called Lower St. Michael's Cave and can be visited with a guide.

The Monkeys'Den: There are around 160 monkeys in the Park and around 30 can be seen at the Monkey's Den. Often called apes, they are tail-less Barbery Macaques and Europe's only free living monkeys.£500 fine for feeding the monkeys • don't do it!

The Great Siege Tunnels: Tunnelling in the Rock began during the Great Siege (1779-1783) when France and Spain made an attempt to recapture the Rock while Britain was busy with the American War of Independence. Governor General Elliot offered a reward to any man who could tell him how to mount a gun on the north face of the Rock. It was a Sgt. Major Ince who sug gested tunnelling and there are now over 30 miles of tunnels inside the Rock with various exhibitions inside the tunnels.

The Military Heritage Certtre: 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.

History Alive

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 via ble, the earliest dating back to 1726.

The Moorish Castle: actually just part of a Moorish town and castle which was built up during the Moorish occupation of the Iberian Peninsula,spearheaded from Gibral tar in 711 AD byTarik-ibn-Zeyad ("Gibraltar" is a corruption of the Arabic words "Jebel Tarik" - Tank's mountain). The part we see today. The Tower of Homage, dates back to 1333AD. when Abu'l Hassan recaptured the Rock from Spain.

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

Botanical Gardens: Opened in 1616, the Alameda Botanical Gardens fell into dis repair but are currently being restored to their former glory. Visitors can enjoy a stroll beneath pines, dragon trees and palms,and see many of Gibraltar's native plants as well as exotic species. The shop sells environ mentally friendly gifts, plants and seeds. Tel: 72639/74022. Large car park.

Nelson's Anchoraga: Rosia Road 9.30am - 5.15pm Monday to Saturday (last entry at 5pm). Closed on Sunday. Admission; £1.00 (free of charge with Nature Reserve ticket. Tickets for the nature reserve can also be bought at this attraction).

Parson's Lodge: Rosia Road. A narrow limestone outcrop with a labyrinth of underground tunnels surmounted by an impressive battery, which has witnessed

the development of coast artillery over 300 years. Once housed three 18 ton 10-inch rifled muzzle loaders positioned behind a unique sandwich of armour plate and teak, known as'Gibraltar Shields'. Open 10am to 6pm every day except Mondays. Adults €21 Children & OAPs £1. Cafeteria on site.

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

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

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

Business information

Gibraltar Financial Services Commission

Tel: 40283/4 website: www.fsc.gi

Chamber of Commerce

Tel: 78376

Federation Small Businesses. ...Tet: 47722

Company Registry Tel: 78193

Tel: 78879

Customs

Dept of Trade & Industry Tel: 52052

Useful Numbers

Airport(general info.) Tel: 73026

Hospital, St Bernards Tel: 79700

Weather information

Frontier Queue Update

General Information

Gibraltar Museum

Tel; 5-3416

Tel: 42777

Tel: 74289

18/20 Bomb House Lane Open 10am-6pm (Sat. 10am - 2pm). Closed on Sunday. Ad mission: Adults £2/Children under 12 years £1. Special exhibitions also held at museum premises in Casemates gallery.

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mergency calls only:

Fire/Ambulance Tel: 190

Police Tel - 199/112

Emergency Number Tel: 112

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

Rock Tours by Texi Tel: 70052

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

Tourist Board Tel: 74950 Gibraltar Tourist Board, Duke of Kent House, Cathedral Square, Gibraltar. UK Tel: 0207 836 0777 giblondon@aol.com

John Mackintosh Hall Tal: 75669 Centre of Gib's cultural life, includes a caf eteria, theatre, exhibition rooms and library. 308 Main Street 9.30am -11 pm Monday to Friday. Closed weekends.

Public Hotldavs

Gibraltar £t UK 2007 New Year's Day 1 January. Commonwealth Day* 12 March. Good Friday 6 April, Easter Monday 9 April, May Day 1 May,Spring Bank Holiday 28 May, Queen's Birthday 18 June. Summer Bank Holiday 27 August, National Day* 10 Sep* tamber. Christmas Day 25 December. Boxing Day 26 December - ^Gibraltar Only

Spain Fixed: New Year's Day 1 January, Epiphany 6 January, St Joseph's Day 19 March, Labour Day 1 May, St John 24 June, St James 25 July. Assumption Day 15 August, National Day 12 October. All Saints 1 November, Immaculate Concep tion 8 December, Christmas 25 December

Moveable: Maundy Thursday. Good Friday. Corpus Christi

Non-urgent

ISthcmuiryperii^uniform, Thesoldiers march from Bomb House Latie at 12 noon to Casemates. At Casematesthey carry out a "Ceremony of the Keys" and then march back up Main Street to the Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned.

Osbourne & Little

• Nina Campbell

• Malabar

• Andrew Martin

• Designers Guild

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