Visit
Gibraltar
Issue 14: Oct 2012
The Earl and Countess of
Wessex visited Gibraltar as part
of the Jubilee celebrations
Full story on page 2.
Visit Gibraltar | Oct 12
The Earl And Countess Of Wessex
Visit Gibraltar
T
heir Royal Highnesses, the
Earl and Countess of Wessex
visited Gibraltar as part of Her
Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee
celebrations.
The Royal Couple were met by His
Excellency the Governor and the Chief
Minister before driving to R.A.F Gibraltar
to inspect a Tri-Service Guard of Honour
and visited the Headquarters of the British
Forces on the Rock.
During their stay, the Royal Couple assisted
in laying the foundation stone for the
Diamond Jubilee Monument on Line Wall
Road where it overlooks the site of the new
Jubilee Commonwealth Park.
On the second day of their visit, Their Royal
Highnesses drove to the Upper Rock to
stop at Queen’s Lookout where they met
several local people involved with Her
Majesty the Queen’s last visit in 1954 during
her tour of the Commonwealth.
At a visit to the naval base, Hawk and
Tucano aircraft from the R.A.F. conducted a
series of fly pasts.
Commemorating Her Majesty’s birthday,
The Royal Couple attended the Queen’s
Birthday Parade in Casemates Square
which was followed by the Queen’s Birthday
Garden Party at the Convent.
The Earl and Countess were able to meet a
cross-section of people from amongst the
community, and presented local youngsters
with Duke of Edinburgh awards. They later
met with various religious leaders.
Before departing Gibraltar during this
historic visit, the Earl and Countess were
taken to the new airport building where they
inaugurated and named the viewing terrace
as the ‘Diamond Jubilee Terrace’ and the
general aviation areas as the ‘Wessex
Lounge’.
Finally, the Chief Minister, on behalf of the
people of Gibraltar, made a presentation to
The Earl of Wessex of a replica of the Keys
of Gibraltar. The presentation was made in
front of a photograph of Her Majesty the
Queen touching the real keys of Gibraltar
during the course of her visit in 1954.
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Visit Gibraltar | Oct 12
Jubilee Euphoria
A
s Her Majesty’s subjects in the United Kingdom
and around the Commonwealth joined in the
Jubilee celebrations, Gibraltarians took to the
streets and to the sea to participate in Gibraltar’s own
commemorative events both public and private.
The Big Lunch Street Party included a Fancy Dress Parade,
which started in Casemates Square and travelled to John
Mackintosh Square. The day ended with live music.
On June 4th more than 100 vessels took to the sea to mark
Her Majesty’s 60-year reign, with a Jubilee Flotilla moving
through British Gibraltar Territorial Waters that departed Ocean
Village and sailed around the Rock to Eastern Beach. The day’s
activities came to a close with the lighting of the Beacon at the
top of the Rock.
In brilliant sunshine, Thomson’s Battery of the Royal Gibraltar
Regiment fired a 21-Gun salute to mark Her Majesty’s Jubilee.
Jubilee Flotilla
Jubilee Flotilla on the east side of the Rock
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Visit Gibraltar | Oct 12
Serenity In The Heart Of The Rock
The Alameda Gardens & Wildlife Park
E
xperiencing the hustle and
bustle of Main Street, it
becomes hard to imagine
that tranquility awaits just
moments away from the town
centre, in Gibraltar’s Botanic
Gardens.
The gardens are situated by an area
referred to as Grand Parade. During the
1800s, the promenade around this stretch
came to be known as the Alameda. The
idea for creating the gardens came from
former Governor, General Sir George Don,
who envisaged an area of relaxation for
the residents and soldiers of Gibraltar, who
had no recreational space. The General
introduced a scenic walk around the Grand
Parade in 1816. The gardens were laid out
with numerous interconnecting paths and
terraced beds, set out mainly with native
Jurassic limestone rock and local red sand.
By the late 1970s the gardens fell into
a state of disrepair and in 1991 the
Government appointed an environmental
team to restore the gardens to their former
glory and create a botanical display of
aesthetic beauty and interest. The gardens
became known at the Botanic Gardens
and today have strong links to the Royal
Botanical Gardens at Kew. This area of
beauty is run in an environmentally friendly
way, with an emphasis on encouraging
nature into the very heart of Gibraltar.
Nature reigns in these gardens.
Along with an array of plants from the
Mediterranean and worldwide climatic
zones, together with a range of flora, fauna
and other succulents, there are butterflies,
birds and reptiles.
bridge of sighs. Views from the bridge of
the surrounding area are breathtakingly
beautiful.
Throughout the summer, events are held
regularly at the open air theatre, which
boasts a large pond with a selection of
Water Lilies and Koi carp.
The Botanic Gardens in Gibraltar is one
of the most beautiful spots to visit and
their conservation continues to be a
fundamental part of Gibraltar’s natural
heritage and history.
Still known as the Alameda, the gardens
today are a popular alternative venue for
wedding nuptials. Many couples each year
choose to marry in ‘The Dell’ which carries
a licence from the Registrar of Marriages.
The Dell is an intimate area of the gardens
designed by Guiseppe Codali, the head
The Earl and Countess of
Wessex recently visited
the gardens and planted
a Common Corla Tree,
(Erythrina Iysistemon),
which is highlighted by a
commemorative plaque.
gardener and horticulturist, during the mid
1800s. Guiseppe was of Genoese origin
and came to Gibraltar specifically to work
on the gardens. His Italian influences can
be seen throughout.
In the heart of the Alameda is a bridge
known as ‘el puente del suspiro’ the
Another area of beauty is the Molly Bloom
Circle, named from a subsequent character
in James Joyce’s ‘Ulysees’ after a real
personality who was raised in the military
atmosphere of Gibraltar by her father and
who never knew her mother. Molly was
said to enjoy the gardens throughout her
life.
The Gibraltar Ornithological and Natural
History Society actively promotes
awareness and knowledge of the rare
and spectacular range of trees that can
be found in the Alameda. The trees are
carefully cared for with regular visits from
tree surgeons linked to the Royal Gardens
at Kew, who keep a general watch on the
health of the trees.
Within the Botanic Gardens, visitors
can also enjoy the habitat of the Wildlife
Conservation Park. The Park began in
1994 as a collection of parrots, tortoises
and monkeys that had been confiscated
from illegal traders who were passing
through Gibraltar bound for Europe
from central Africa. These animals had
been caught in the wild and were being
smuggled into Europe.
A team of volunteers from the Gibraltar
Ornithological & Natural History
Society were awarded funding from the
Government, and set about constructing
suitable enclosures and aviaries for these
unfortunate animals, some of which were
in a terrible state of shock due to their
dreadful ordeal and incarceration.
The Park has also become important
for the care of native species that are
considered for future re-introduction to
the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, such as
the Red Fox, the Raven and the Barbary
Partridge. It has become an important
educational resource for local schools
helping to raise awareness of not only the
rich local biodiversity but also of wider
conservation issues.
Although the main purpose of the Park was
to house confiscated animals, it became
apparent that, if finished properly, it could
also be open to the public to make people
4
aware not only about illegal animal trade
but also about local wildlife conservation.
Species in the Park include a Green
Iguana, a Spur Thighed Tortoise, Terrapins,
a Snapping Turtle, a Prairie Dog, various
Macaques, a Chinese Water Dragon and a
Vietnamese Potbelly Pig. There are also a
number of rare birds.
The Park is open all year except Good
Friday, National Day (10th September) and
Christmas Day. Entrance fees are used to
cover general maintenance, food bills and
veterinarian expenses.
www.gibraltargardens.gi
Visit Gibraltar | Oct 12
Rambler’s Delight:
Trek the Mediterranean Steps and Beyond
G
ibraltar’s most noteworthy
path is the Mediterranean
Steps. The walk takes
in breathtaking views almost
vertically down the Rock over the
sea cliffs into the Mediterranean
and is unquestionably the best
nature walk in Gibraltar.
The most convenient place to start the
walk is from Jew’s Gate easily reached by
taxi. From here, facing the building to the
east take the steps on the left hand side
and at the top of the steps, you turn to
the right where you will eventually round
a corner and come to the east side of the
Rock.
Follow this path up and down along the
sea cliffs untill you come to a post pointing
up the slope. (If you miss this post and
continue along the path, you will come to
a dead end at Martin’s Cave). Climb the
slope, passing on your left hand side the
twin Goat’s Hair Caves. After this, continue
up the steps which lead to a double storey
brick building, known as Berchtesgaden.
This was used during World War II as a
billet and more latterly as a climbers’ hut.
This building has been wired off by MOD
and is not accessible.
6
Here you turn to the right and take a short
tunnel following the path to a magnificent
lookout position overlooking the Eastern
Side of the Rock from where you will be
able to see Catalan Bay and the Spanish
Coastline.
After this, you need to backtrack about
20 yards and follow a path on the right
hand side which zigzags right to the top
of the Rock, with the last 150 feet being
Mediterranean Steps, after which the walk
is named.
The Upper Rock is teeming with fauna
and flora. The latter includes the Bermuda
Buttercup, Marigold, Honeysuckle,
Asphodel, Lavender, Sage, Stonecrops,
Jasmine and the Gibraltar Candytuft.
Also viewed from this area are most of
the birds resident in Gibraltar, as well
as some migrants according to season.
Notable in the rocky areas are Blue Rock
Thrush throughout the year and the rare
Alpine Accentor in Winter. Gibraltar’s
own Barbary Partridges are regularly
found here, as are the common Sardinian
Warblers and Blackbirds.
In Winter, Crag Martins are abundant
flying around the Mediterranean Steps,
especially in the mornings and evenings,
as they leave or arrive at their nests in
caves below the area.
In Spring, there are spectacular views of
hunting Peregrine Falcons which breed in
the cliff above the Mediterranean Steps.
During migration, birds of prey often fly
over the area.
On crossing the top of the Rock, follow the
path to the left for a few meters, which will
provide access to the road which is clearly
visible. Follow this road down and at the
first junction, take the left fork downwards
to St. Michael’s Cabin, a useful stop for
refreshments and a rest.
From St. Michael’s Cabin, go to the lower
level parking area and proceed to your
left (as you face the bay) for about 50
meters and then take the right hand road
Visit Gibraltar | Oct 12
downwards which quickly becomes a narrow path. Follow this path
down and it will bring you to Jew’s Gate where you started the walk.
There are also a number of themed and historical tours around the City
Centre. For more information contact the Tourist Board directly.
Mediterranean Steps
Barbary Macaque
7
Visit Gibraltar | Oct 12
Trade News
Monarch Launches
Birmingham to
Gibraltar Route
Monarch, the UK leading scheduled leisure
airline is to launch flights to Gibraltar
as part of the carrier’s expansion of its
Birmingham network of routes for summer
2013.
Offering three flights a week from the West
Midlands airport, the service will start on 23
March 2013, with tickets now on sale.
The flight from Birmingham will depart on
Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at
6.35am, arriving in Gibraltar at 10.30am.
The return flight will depart Gibraltar
at 11.15am, arriving in Birmingham at
1.10pm.
“We are delighted to be introducing what
we are sure will be a popular route,” Kevin
George, Managing Director of Monarch
Airlines said. “We have carried out a lot
of research to understand the routes our
customers want and we are confident that
a service from Birmingham to Gibraltar will
meet their demands.”
Commenting on the developments,
Gibraltar Government Minister of Tourism,
Public Transport and the Port, The Hon.
Neil Costa, said ‘We are delighted that
Monarch Airlines has decided to provide
a service from the Midlands to Gibraltar
and that their decision will bring great
commercial opportunity all round.’
Flights start at £44.99 including taxes
and charges and can be booked online
at www.monarch.co.uk
The airline also confirmed it is set to
increase its capacity on the Manchester
to Gibraltar route for the winter season of
2012, where the airline will operate four
flights per week and this will continue as a
minimum all year round.
Gibraltar Tourist Board
At The Boatshow
The Gibraltar Tourist Board will be
exhibiting at the Tullett Prebon London
International Boatshow
Classic guests love The Rock Hotel
Award-winning Classic Collection Holidays is the UK’s leading
specialist holiday company offering luxury holidays to traditional and
well-loved European destinations including Gibraltar.
Offering tailor-made holidays, short breaks and long stays, Classic
offers customers booking 45 days in advance a complimentary
upgrade from a twin sea view room to a twin sea view room with
balcony in Gibraltar’s famed institution, The Rock Hotel.
Additionally, customers receive two complimentary nights when
booking 7 nights or more. Classic prices at The Rock Hotel range
from £463 per person (January, February and March 2013) and from
£512 per person (April 2013) based on two adults sharing a twin
room with sea view on a bed and breakfast basis; prices include
return flights from Gatwick and private resort transfers between the
airport and the hotel. Contact Classic Collection directly for different
durations, alternative departure airports and
latest special offers and prices.
All Classic holidays are 100% financially protected and as we offer a
price promise, you are guaranteed to pay the most competitive price
available.
For further information visit www.classic-collection.co.uk or
call freephone 0800 008 7288 where our travel experts are
available until 10pm 7 days a week.
Prices from
£463
PER PERSON
8
British Airways
Increases Frequency
for Winter.
British Airways is to increase its Winter
2012/13 schedule to Gibraltar from London
Heathrow, from seven to nine flights per
week.
The extra flights will be on Saturdays and
Sundays, leaving Heathrow at 12.15 and
arriving into Gibraltar at 16.05.
www.ba.com
facebook/britishairways
12th-20th January 2013.
Meet members of Gibraltar’s seafaring
community along with Gibraltar information
officers.
Superbreak launches flight
inclusive packages to Gibraltar
Superbreak is now able to offer our customers and agents
short breaks in Gibraltar including flights from their local
airport. Currently available via our UK based call centre, the
company is able to arrange breaks of any duration utilising
the services of Monarch, British Airways and easyJet with
departures from London Airports and Manchester. Choose
from a range of hotels in Gibraltar including The Rock,
O’Callaghan’s The Eliott, Bristol and Caleta.
Chris Hagan, Head of Overseas Product and Contracting
commented ‘Gibraltar has always been a popular short
break destination for Superbreak, even when we were only
able to offer the accommodation element, however since
the launch of our flight inclusive programme we have seen
interest soar. We consider Gibraltar to be the perfect short
break destination with a combination of great weather,
fantastic tourist facilities and a most unique charm. We look
forward to working closely with the destination to boost
tourism arrivals on 2012 and beyond’
Prices start from just £232 for three nights per person
travelling from London Gatwick between December 2012
and March 2013 staying at 4* The Caleta Hotel including all
taxes, charges, 20kgs of luggage per person and of course
full ATOL protection. Other dates, airports, durations
and hotels available please call 0871 221 44 44 for more
information or see your local ABTA travel agent.
Superbreak
www.superbreak.com
Visit Gibraltar | Oct 12
News
City Apps Launch
For Visitors
Two new apps have recently launched
to help visitors around the destination.
Key 2 Gib - was developed through
a team of young students as part of
Gibraltar’s Youth Enterprise Scheme and
provides information on Gibraltar.
iGibraltar – suitable for iPhone and all
AppleTM products, offers the latest App
technology providing local knowledge
on attractions, shopping, entertainment,
dining, nightlife and much more.
yourGibraltarTV.com
‘Your Gibraltar TV’ was set up in 2011
to bring up-to-date news, events and
coverage to Gibraltar and the world. Since
launching, the site has now received nearly
200,000 visitors from Gibraltar, the United
Kingdom, Spain and a number of other
countries.
The site offers a daily video news
programme and event coverage from all
the major happenings in Gibraltar.
The site recently launched a new lifestyle
section, including information on Gibraltar’s
restaurants, shops and nightlife.
www.yourGibraltarTV.com
www.lifestyle.yourgibraltartv.com
facebook.com/yourgibraltartv
Gibraltar
Participates at the
Lord Mayor’s Show
Symbolising Gibraltar’s strong links with
the City of London, a Gibraltar float will
play its part in the prestigious Lord Mayor’s
Show this year in London. The parade
takes place on November 10th in the City
of London.
There has been a Lord Mayor of London
since 1189. In 1215 by charter of King
John, it became one of the earliest elected
offices in Britain and a powerful position.
King John granted a Charter to the people
of London to be able to elect their own
Mayor and each year the newly elected
Mayor had to make the long journey up
river from the City to Westminster which is
the path the parade still takes today.
Over the years the Mayor’s journey became
so splendid it became known as the Lord
Mayor’s Show and the event today is a mix
of businesses, livery companies, charities
and Her Majesty’s Forces.
Gibraltar’s float will be manned by
Gibraltarian students depicting Gibraltar life
in caricature.
Golf Comes to Gibraltar
Gibraltar’s first golf club opened this
summer. The Golf Box situated in Glacis
Road close to Ocean Village, is a golf club
and lounge bar with a difference. Golf
play is offered in informal surroundings
on state-of-the-art simulators that offer
over 50 world renowned courses from St
Andrew’s to Valderrama.
The Club House lounge bar offers drinks
and appetisers, for a relaxing environment
for all the family.
www.thegolfbox.net
facebook/the-golf-box
Players from beginner level to professional
can visit the club to practise or learn. The
venue can accommodate group play and
offers a Kids’ Club for children aged 7-10
years.
For members and day guests an added
thrill is the Club’s F1 Sims where players
can experience the thrill of fully immersive
wall-to-wall action in specially configured
game seats. Screens combine the
exclusive GameRacerTM pro driving
simulator that is used by hundreds of ‘bigname’ professional racing drivers learning
the circuits of Formula 1.
9
Visit Gibraltar | Oct 12
Conferencing Gibraltar
G
ibraltar’s historic city
centre blends seamlessly
into the face of a modern
and thriving business destination.
It attracts an international
audience of business travellers
and visitors throughout the year.
The Rock’s highly rated finance
centre and fiscal system add
to the allure of its corporate
community.
With its compact size, meeting points
and attractions are all easily accessible,
making it an ideal location for conference
and incentive groups. The town centre is
easily navigable by foot and transfer time to
hotels from all points of entry is rarely more
than fifteen minutes.
Europort
Visitors to Gibraltar arrive by land, sea
and air. Daily direct scheduled air services
originate from a number of UK departure
points and the flying time is approximately
2½ hours. Charter services can also be
arranged privately.
Gibraltar’s appeal to conference organisers
is the combination of exceptional variety
in one safe and contained environment,
coupled with the relaxing air of the
Mediterranean and charismatic bustling
streets, that reflect the cosmopolitan mix of
the unique Gibraltarian culture.
Situated at the southern tip of Europe
overlooking Africa, the Rock is often
referred to as ‘the Meeting Place of
Continents’ but with an increasingly
international community it is truly a global
centre of trade.
Gibraltar’s hotel community is small,
but offers a selection of first class
accommodation with modern conference
facilities. There is an abundance of unusual
settings ideal for product launches or
meetings with a difference.
For out of business hour activities there is
a variety of sightseeing opportunities and
activities for group participation. Nightlife
is equally varied with a range of lively
restaurants, bars and nightspots. The Gala
Casino Club adds a touch of glamour and
the opportunity for a flutter at the tables.
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Ocean Village
SUMMARY OF GIBRALTAR’S KEY SELLING POINTS
•
Unique destination
•
Fine dining
•
First class tourism infrastructure
•
Thriving European city
•
Modern hotels and conference venues
•
Mediterranean climate
•
Assortment of activities
•
Easily accessible
•
Sterling Currency
“
BarclaycardTM at the Eliott Hotel
”
We hosted an event at the O’Callaghan Elliott Hotel on 1st March 2012 for
126 delegates. The entire process was run smoothly by the staff at the Elliott,
they were very accommodating of all requests and the meeting room facilities
as well as the catering were good. Everything was ready at the times we
had discussed and staff were on hand throughout the event to answer any
questions we had.
“
Visit Gibraltar | Oct 12
Air Squadron Visit Gibraltar June 2012
by Terry Holloway, Deputy Chairman, Air Squadron
Association
The Air Squadron is an association of friends with a common bond of
interest in aviation and flying. The Air Squadron was founded almost fifty
years ago by some members of the Royal Yacht Squadron and is very
much based on the Royal Yacht Squadron.
Its membership is principally drawn from business and society in the UK
although some of its members are former senior officers in the Royal Air
Force. Each year the Air Squadron holds a major flying expedition and
previous flying trips have included trips from the United Kingdom, to
Alaska; to Pakistan; to Northern Norway via Denmark and to Jordan.
This year’s expedition was proposed by Sir Michael Marshall in
conjunction with his friend and colleague Terry Holloway, who acted
as Trip Manager. Sir Michael has a house in La Manga, so the Air
Squadron flew initially to La Manga, where they spent two days at the
La Manga Resort. This was followed by two days in Seville, where
the pilots were able to visit the Airbus factory and facilities at Seville
Airport to see Airbus’ new military aircraft, the A400M Transport Aircraft.
Following that, the group visited Gibraltar on the invitation of Sir Adrian
Johns, the Governor of Gibraltar, who together with Sir Michael Marshall
and Terry Holloway, is a Council Member of The Air League, which does
so much to promote aviation awareness, particularly amongst young
people, in the United Kingdom. The visit was originally programmed
around the Annual Queen’s Birthday Parade, but the change of date
meant that the Air Squadron arrived in Gibraltar after this very special
annual event, but nonetheless were hosted by the Governor’s staff
during their two day visit.
Highlights of the visit were undoubtedly visiting the tunnels under the
Rock; the tourist attractions at the top of the Rock, where Squadron
Members were able to meet a number of Barbary Apes, a unique and
wonderful experience in itself, and staying in the charismatic and very
elegant Rock Hotel, where some members who had failed to heed the
advice to keep patio doors shut, had the opportunity of meeting more
Barbary Apes! Norfolk Farmer, Olaf Brun encountered an ape sitting on
his bed eating a banana and when asked what he did, responded:
‘I gave him another banana so that I could take his photograph!’
Staying in the Rock Hotel was a real delight for the Air Squadron
membership and as a substitute for the Queen’s Birthday Parade and
a Reception at the Governor’s Residence, the Air Squadron held their
own Reception and hosted many members of the Gibraltar community
to a cocktail party in the Rock Hotel. A similar extravaganza was held
on the last night with a wonderful dinner in the Khaima, the Moroccan
marquee beside the pool at the Rock Hotel, where the Air Squadron
presented a sculpture of the Air Squadron’s motif – a flying lion – to the
people of Gibraltar. This was accepted on behalf of the Governor by the
Commander British Forces. The Air Squadron departed Gibraltar on the
morning of Saturday 16 June, back to the United Kingdom.
”
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11
Visit Gibraltar | Oct 12
Events
G
ibraltar’s gastronomy festival, Calentita,
now in its 6th year, takes place every June
in Casemates Square to mark the end of a
Spring calendar of events.
The food fest attracts hundreds of people, who in addition to
sampling food from around the globe, are able to enjoy a wealth of
attractions and activities as part of the festival.
Gibraltar is frequently described as a cultural melting pot due to
the mix of cultures integrated into its community over hundreds
of years. In the late 1700s and 1800s merchants from Malta, Italy,
North Africa and beyond, serviced the stationed British Garrison.
The population was further bolstered by migrants from Spain and
Portugal. This is reflected in local customised dishes, many of
which have their origins in the surrounding region.
The festival was named ‘Calentita’ after Gibraltar’s unofficial
national dish which finds its roots in the Italian recipe ‘Farinata’ and
is made from a simple dough of seasoned chickpea flour, mixed
together with oil and baked in a hot oven. It is enjoyed as a tapa or
appetiser.
The Calentita festival samples many other popular Gibraltarian
dishes such as ‘pinchitos’ which are kebabs made of spiced lamb
or chicken cooked over hot coals, ‘torta de acelgas’, a spinach tart
and a local paella.
As well as local dishes, stalls include a range of Indian, German,
Sicilian, Maltese, Filipino, Hong Kong Dim Sum, Malaysian and
Moroccan cuisine. New for this year were stalls with a British
Jubilee Theme including Best of British, British Desserts and Tea in
the Park.
Entertainment was provided throughout the night with
performances by Samba and Jazz bands, belly dancing and a
performance by a Brazilian Carnival Batucada Band.
Gibraltar Classic Car Spring
& Autumn Festivals
T
he Gibraltar Classic Car Association
successfully held its annual two day Spring
Rally in May, with an Autumn show planned
for October.
An impressive array of vintage cars assembled in Casemates
Square before commencing on a vehicle parade along Main Street
to Ocean Village Marina where the cars reassembled for a parade
open to visitors.
Day two was a fun run across the frontier into neighbouring Spain
to Castellar de la Frontera.
For further information on Classic
Car events in Gibraltar contact the
Gibraltar Classic Vehicle Association
on 00 350 20074657
The night ended with an impressive display of fireworks.
For further information
www.calentita.gi
Classic Car Festival
12
Visit Gibraltar | Oct 12
Gibraltar’s First Jazz Festival
F
our days of Jazz filled the streets this June,
as Gibraltar hosted its first International
Jazz Festival. The Jazz Fest, which was
free to all, took place in Casemates Square and
included internationally acclaimed artist Avishai
Cohen (Seven Seas), the New Orleans Jump Band,
Arturo Serra and the Dan Moretti Band, as well as
many other acts.
The Festival launched as part of the Government’s Spring Festival
Programme in conjunction with the Gibraltar Jazz Festival and is
planned as an annual event. Workshops were also offered after the
concerts including lectures and demonstrations with individuals
bringing in their own instruments.
Saxophonist and American Music Professor, Dan Moretti and
Vibraphonist Arturo Serra enjoyed their time on the Rock and
look forward to returning again. The highlight for many was
a performance by
Gibraltarian born Elie
Massias playing to a
home audience.
The O’Callaghan Eliott Hotel enjoys the best location in
Gibraltar on Main Street beside the main shopping and
business districts. We look forward to your stay with us
and ensuring that your visit exceeds your expectations.
This excellent 4 star Gibraltar Hotel is beautifully
appointed with a large reception area. The hotel is
modern in style with a Rooftop Pool and outdoor terrace
area for dining. The hotel fills with light and is bright and
airy. The hotel offers magnificent views over the straits
and Rock of Gibraltar.
Tel: +350 20070500
Fax: +350 20070243
www.ocallaghanhotels.com
For further information
contact
www.gibjazzfest.net /
www.jazzure.com
13
Visit Gibraltar | Oct 12
Historical Gibraltar
New Book Chronicles Gibraltarians Abroad During the War
G
ibraltar played a key role
in World War II. During
the War many Gibraltarian
civilians were evacuated. A new
book entitled “We Thank God and
England...” has been published
with proceeds from its sale going
to three cancer charities.
The book is introduced with a series
of historical happenings leading to the
evacuation to French Morocco in May 1940
and the resultant ordeal lived by
the evacuees with their expulsion.
From then on the evacuation saga
is continued in chronological order
up to the last evacuees repatriated
in 1951.
evacuees was followed with an immediate
aftermath emphasising the acute shortage
of accommodation and the lack of normal
medical and educational infrastructures
which affected Gibraltar for many years after
the war.
evacuated and their families.
Most of the information contained in the
book has been made available with the help
of historical institutions. The bulk of the
photographs have a number of names in
captions and many of the stories narrated
were very kindly donated by those who were
All the money obtained from the sales will
be donated entirely to cancer charities.
For copies of the book, priced at £20.00,
please contact Joe Gingell
[email protected]
Tel: +350 200 74601
Predominantly based on a
collection of memorabilia, it
contains more than 1,000
photographs with detailed
information about all events and
highlights related to evacuation
and how the evacuees lived in
the UK, Madeira, Jamaica and
Northern Ireland.
The book includes a chapter about
Gibraltar during the war, and has
details of the decisive operations
carried out by the Allies and all
enemy activities. These include the
bombing casualties in Gibraltar, La
Linea and an incident at Tangier
quay in 1942. The repatriation of
The Restoration Of The Grand Battery
R
estoration works have
commenced to revive an
important monument at
the entrance to Gibraltar.
The Grand Battery, which overlooks Land
Port Ditch, is a key military monument
which defended Gibraltar’s northern
approach into Casemates Square. The
structure includes elements of Medieval,
Spanish and British architecture.
Recent external additions, which include a
WWII blast wall, will be removed, as they
have a negative impact on the cultural
significance and interpretation of the
monument. It is envisaged that once
14
cleared, the area will provide an ideal site
to exhibit some of the Royal
Gibraltar Regiment’s own artillery
pieces as part of an on-going
programme of restoration to open
up new sites to the public.
Many of Gibraltar’s historical
monuments and buildings are
protected through the Gibraltar
Heritage Trust.
For further information on other
historical restoration projects and
historical background, contact the
Gibraltar Heritage Trust.
www.gibraltarheritagetrust.org.gi
Visit Gibraltar | Oct 12
Local Recipes
Chocolate and Pecan Mousse
Torte with Star Anis
Ingredients
1
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees celsius, line a 10-inch or similar
sized spring based cake tin with baking parchment, the sides
greased with butter and dusted with flour.
2
Melt both the chocolate and butter in a bowl over slow simmering
water, making sure that the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the
hot water. Stir until smooth and cool to room temperature.
3
Separate the eggs yolks from the whites.
4
Place the 6 egg whites into a bowl and whisk into soft peaks. Keep
aside.
5
Place the 6 egg yolks with 200g sugar into a bowl and whisk until
the mixture thickens and changes colour to a pale fluffy cream.
6
7
Whisk in the chocolate mix, fold into the whisked egg whites.
8
Place in the oven for 35 mins or until
still slightly undercooked in the centre.
9
Leave to cool in the tin until it reaches
room temperature and refrigerate for 2
hours before serving.
10
Release from the tin and dust with
icing sugar. Serve with Raspberry
Sorbet and Chocolate Drizzle.
Fold in 30g of plain flour together with ½ teaspoon of ground Star
Anis.
•
250g dark chocolate 70%
•
175g butter
•
6 eggs
•
200g sugar
•
30g plain flour
•
Ground star anis
•
Icing sugar
Recipe courtesy of Chef
Vicky Garcia Bishop at the
Mons Calpe Suite
15
Visit Gibraltar | Oct 12
Bird Watching in Gibraltar
T
he Strait of Gibraltar is
the narrowest crossing
point for birds migrating
between Europe and tropical
Africa. This offers the Rock and
its surrounding area unrivalled
bird watching opportunities.
Gibraltar, situated at the head of the
Strait, is a prominent headland, which
accumulates migrants during the passage
periods. The vegetation on the Rock is
unique in southern Iberia, and provides
a temporary home for many species of
migratory birds that stop to rest and feed
before continuing migration.
In autumn, migrants from the north feed on
the Rock, gaining large deposits of fat to
provide energy and water for their crossing
over the desert and sea. In spring, they
return to replenish these reserves of fat
before continuing their journeys to western
Europe, journeys which may take them as
far as Greenland or Russia.
Peregrine Falcon
be seen throughout the year. Gibraltar also
has its permanent residents including the
Barbary Partridge, not found anywhere else
in mainland Europe.
Full details of the bird passage through
Gibraltar can be found on the Gibraltar
Ornithological and Natural History Society
website: www.gib.gi/gonhs
Seagu
Barb
artr
ary P
ll
idge
The bird watching season extends from
February to June, and from July to
October, although interesting species can
Gibraltar’s Calendar of Events
2012/2013
OCTOBER
A Celebration of Our Work
Organised by Danza Academy
Friday 26th October at 7.30pm at John
Mackintosh Hall Theatre
Tickets at £8 on sale at Danza Studio
For further information please contact
+350 54027111 or +350 54003973
Gibraltar’s Got Talent Halloween Show
Organised by Ideal Productions
Saturday 27th October 9pm at Ince’s Hall
Theatre
Tickets priced at £8
For further information please contact Mark
Andrades on +350 54031530
Art Workshops for Children
Organised by Giorann Henshaw
Monday 29th October to Friday 2nd
November 10am – 11.30pm at the Boat
House, Bayside Sports Centre
For further information contact Giorann on
mobile +350 54027902
16
NOVEMBER
International Exchange of Digitally
Projected Images
Gibraltar Photographic Society
A photographic exchange between
Gibraltar, Scotland, England, South Africa
and New Zealand
Monday 29th October
8pm at the Society’s premises in Wellington
Front
Entrance Free of Charge
John Culatto Painting Exhibition
Tuesday 30th October to Friday 9th
November 9.30am to 10.30pm at Lower
Exhibition Room
John Mackintosh Hall
Entrance Free
International Art Exhibition
Tuesday 30th October 6.30pm at the Gustavo Bacarisas Gallery,
Casemates
Official Opening & Prize Giving
International Art Exhibition
Wednesday 31st October to Friday 9th
November
10.30am to 6.30pm
Saturday 10th November from 10.30am to
1.30pm at the Gustavo Bacarisas Gallery,
Casemates
Entrance Free
Gibraltar Classic Vehicle Association
Sunday 4th November 11am at Ocean
Village
Book Launch – ‘The Prince’s Lady –
Bresciano and the Baroness’
By Mary Chaippe and Sam Benady
Tuesday 6th November 7pm at the
Gibraltar Garrison Library
Poetry Competition Prize Giving
Wednesday 7th November 4.30pm at the
Gibraltar Garrison Library
Winning Entries will be published in
The Gibraltar Chronicle
Visit Gibraltar | Oct 12
DECEMBER
Zarzuela – ‘Agua, Azucarillo y Aguardiente’
Wednesday 7th and Thursday 8th
November 8pm at John Mackintosh Hall
Theatre
Tickets £5 from the John Mackintosh Hall
Ticket Office
As from Tuesday 23rd October 2012 from
10am to 2pm
Sale of tickets limited to 10 per person
Maiju Tirri Art Exhibition
Fine Arts Gallery
Wednesday 5th to Monday 31st
December at Casemates Square
Entrance Free
For further information please contact the
Gallery on +350 200 52126
World Show Dance Championships
Presentation
Organised by the Gibraltar National Dance
Organisation
Friday 9th November 7.30pm at the
Tercentenary Sports Hall
Entrance Free of Charge
Christmas Flower Arrangements
Organised by the Gibraltar Horticultural
Society
Wednesday 5th and 6th December
at Lower Exhibitions Room
John Mackintosh Hall
Entrance Free
For further information please contact
+350 54006466 or [email protected]
Paco Neira Painting Exhibition
Lower Exhibition Room
Wednesday 14th to Friday 23rd November
9.30am to 10.30pm at John Mackintosh
Hall
Entrance Free
Psychic Demonstration by Tony Stockwell
An International Psychic Medium with
Living TV appearances
Wednesday 14th November 9pm at The
Mount
For further information please contact:
+350 54012494
Cross Stitch Exhibition
Fine Arts Gallery
Monday 19th to Saturday 24th November
at Casemates Square
Entrance Free
For further information please contact the
Gallery on +350 200 52126
Hercules
Organised by Santos Productions
Monday 19th to Wednesday 21st
November 7.30pm at the John Mackintosh
Hall Theatre
Tickets at £10 on sale at the Nature
Shop, Casemates
For further information contact Christian
Santos on +350 58008448
Art Lecture – Jewellery is an Art 1960 –
2012
Organised by the Gibraltar Decorative and
Fine Arts Society
Wednesday 21st November
7.30pm at O’Callaghan Eliott Hotel
For Further information please contact
Claus Olesen on +350 200 02024
Bayside 40th Anniversary Show
Presented by Bayside Comprehensive
School
Thursday 22nd and Friday 23rd November
8pm at the Bayside Drama Studio
For further information contact jfelice@
baysideschoolgibraltar.gi
Disney in Concert
Organised by the Music Theatre Company
Friday 7th December to Saturday 8th
December 8pm at the Ince’s Hall Theatre
For further information please contact
Chris Music on +350 54011460
Choreography Festival
Organised by Show Dance Company
Friday 7th December 7.30pm at the John
Mackintosh Hall Theatre
For Further information please contact
Gerald Rodriguez on +350 56533000
Masters of Illusion 2012 Magic Show
Thursday 13th December to Saturday 15th
December 7.30pm, Matinee performance
at 5.30pm at Ince’s Hall Theatre
Tickets priced at £14 and £9
For further information please contact
Jordan Lopez on +350 54022488
For updated information on the
calendar events contact the Tourist
Board directly or view the website
2013
Gibraltar International Chess Festival
January and February 2013 at the Caleta
Hotel
Young Art Competition
11th - 22nd February 2013 at the Gustavo
Bacarisas Gallery, Casemates (dates TBC)
Gibraltar Stage Dance Festival
3rd - 6th April 2012 at the John
Mackintosh Hall Theatre
Gibraltar International Song Festival
April 2013
Little Constellation Workshops
Gibraltar Garrison Library
Saturday 8th to Tuesday 11th December
Full details will be released in due course
For further information please contact
[email protected]
Gibraltar International Drama Festival
12th - 16th April 2013
Gibraltar Classic Vehicle Association
Sunday 7th December
11am at Ocean Village
Miss Gibraltar
22nd June
Diamond Jubilee Thanksgiving
Monday 10th December 7.30pm at
Queen’s Cinema
For further information please contact
+350 200 48063 or culture.info@culture.
gov.gi
Painting Exhibition by Annabelle Rios
Badillo
Tuesday 11th to Friday 21st December
9.30am to 10.30pm at Lower Exhibitions
Room
John Mackintosh Hall
Entrance Free
Art Lecture – Abstract Expressionism:
From the Sublime to the Political
Organised by the Gibraltar Decorative and
Fine Arts Society
Wednesday 12th December
7.30pm at O’Callaghan Eliott Hotel
For Further information please contact
Claus Olesen on +350 200 02024
Spring Festival 2013
6th May to 4th June (Full programme of
events release in due course)
Alameda Fringe Festival
26th to 29th June
Summer Nights 2013
11th July to Saturday 17th August (Full
programme of events release in due
course)
Gibraltar International Darts Festival
July 2013
National Week and Gibraltar Fair
August/September 2013
National Day 2013
Tuesday 10th September
Autumn Festival 2013
7th October to 13th November (Full
programme of events release in due
course)
New Year’s Concert
Tuesday 31st December 2013 and
Wednesday 1st January 2014
17
Visit Gibraltar | Oct 12
Ask Ian
Buying or
Selling...
No-One Offers You More
UK Sales Manager Ian Leyde has been visiting travel
agents and conference buyers around the country. Here
™
are some of the questions he’s been asked.
Anne Quincey from the Co-operative Travel in Kettering Northants asks:
DO YOU HAVE TO BE A RESIDENT TO GET MARRIED IN GIBRALTAR?
There are no residency requirements to get married in Gibraltar and in theory
you can wed within 24 hours’ notice, but in practice pre-planning and
registering with the registry is strongly advised to ensure that your paperwork
is in order.
A civil marriage service can take place in the registry or at an approved
venue.
[email protected]
Debbie Wignall from Marple Travel in Hyde, Cheshire asks:
WHAT CAN CRUISE PASSENGERS ON A SHORE EXCURSION HOPE
TO SEE?
It is possible to either pre-book a shore excursion or join a Rock Tour on
disembarking at the Port of Gibraltar. A Rock Tour takes you on a journey to
the Nature Reserve on the Rock itself with several stop off points including
the Apes’ Den, the Great Siege Tunnels, St Michael’s Cave and the Moorish
Castle. Most tours will drop you off close to Main Street to take in the local
ambiance and browse the V.A.T. free shops.
Louise from Thomas Cook in Saffron Walden, Essex asks:
WHAT CAN YOU DO IN OCEAN VILLAGE?
Estate Agents
Property Consultants
Property Management
Mortgages
Valuations
Surveys
Lettings
Ocean Village is Gibraltar’s newest marina. As well as being a popular marina
to berth large motor boats and super yachts it is a popular spot for eating
out throughout the day and evening. There are a number of cafes, bars and
restaurants to suit all budgets. Leisure Island, which sits in Ocean Village,
is home to the Gala Casino which is popular with both locals and visitors to
the Rock.
Carol Whitby from Transit Management Ltd, Orpington asks:
DO THE HOTELS IN GIBRALTAR OFFER CONFERENCE FACILITIES?
Gibraltar’s three largest hotels, The Caleta Hotel, the O’Callaghan Eliott Hotel
and the Rock Hotel all offer delegate packages and facilities with dedicated
staff to assist with enquiries. Gibraltar hosts many groups throughout the
year and in January hosts the Tradewise International Chess Tournament
one of the largest tournaments in the intrenationall chess calendar.
Steph from the Co-op in Glossop, Gloucestershire asks:
ARE THERE ANY MARKETS IN GIBRALTAR?
There is a fruit and vegetable market at the entrance to Casemates Square.
This Summer an Arts and Craft Market operated at Casemates Square every
Saturday from the end of July until September.
1 The Boardwalk, Tradewinds
Tel: +350 200 47777
www.brayproperties.com
18
DON’T FORGET!
Don’t forget you can learn all about Gibraltar at our online training
programme with lots of prizes and chances for famtrips.
www.gibraltartraining.com
Contact me at 020 7836 0777 or [email protected] or follow my
tweets @visit_gibraltar
Visit Gibraltar | Oct 12
Reader Competition
£50
WIN
MARKS & SPENCER VOUCHERS
To enter, simply send us your name, address and daytime telephone number and answer the following question.
By what other name are the Botanic Gardens in Grand Parade also known?
Name: ....................................................................................................................
Address: ................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
Daytime Contact No: .............................................................................................
Terms and conditions apply: Entrants must be over 18 years old. The prize cannot be redeemed for cash
and is non-transferable. All staff members of the Gibraltar Tourist Board and the UK Gibraltar Tourism
Association are exempt from entry. The draw will take place on 28th March 2013
Please post or fax back your entry to:
Gibraltar Tourist Board, 150, Strand, London, WC2R 1JA
Fax: +44 207 240 6612
The winner of the January 2012 newsletter competition is Ms
Stephanie Barwick of Thomas Cook Group, Matlock, who won
£50 of Marks and Spencer vouchers.
The Gibraltar Tourist Board accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies within the information carried in this newsletter.
All details are correct at the time of going to print.
19
Gibraltar House (London Office)
150 Strand, London WC2R 1JA
T: +44 (0) 20 7836 0777
F: +44 (0) 20 7240 6612
E: [email protected]
W: www.visitgibraltar.gi
Visitgibraltar.gi
Gibraltar Tourist Board (Gibraltar Office)
Duke of Kent House, Cathedral Square, Gibraltar
T: +350 200 74950
F: +350 200 74943
E: [email protected]
W: www.visitgibraltar.gi
facebook.com/visitgibraltar
@visit_gibraltar