The Round Tower
It has fascinated and eluded historians for centuries. Now, the supposed myth of the Round Tower in the Northern Defences can be put to rest.
Over the years, texts and pictorial drawings have made mention of the Round Tower in many languages, in documents that have found themselves stored in museums and private collections the world over.
Now, the on-going work at the Northern Defences has uncovered the structure. It was the only part of the fortress to fall to hostile troops, during the last time such forces had managed to set foot in Gibraltar.
The Deputy Chief Minister Dr Joseph Garcia said that he has always been excited about this project and commended the Project Director Carl Viagas and the team for their hard work. “Carl has done a magnificent job in sifting through both the written and the physical evidence to get to this find. The Northern Defences Project is one where I had taken a keen interest and witness the unveiling of such remains, which before I had only read about, is incredibly rewarding”, he said.
Christmas Coins!
32 years after the much sought-after Christmas Commemorative Coin was struck at the Mint by The Hon Minister Sir Joe Bossano, a new version for 2020 is available.
The original coin has been known to sell to collectors for up to £250, making a remarkable return-on-investment for those lucky enough to own one.
This year’s coin was struck by the CEO of Gibraltar National Mint, Albert Poggio. Unfortunately, COVID restrictions meant that The Hon Minister Sir Joe Bossano was not able to travel to London. There will also be a £2 coin which will be sold with a companion Christmas card.
In keeping with COVID restrictions, the coins will only be available to order using sales@gibraltarnationalmint.gov.gi or by calling 200 48386.
Cultural Awards 2020
Gibraltar Cultural Services, on behalf of the Ministry of Culture, have announced the results of the 2nd Cultural Awards. This year the winners were presented with their awards at a pre-recorded event at the Sunborn Hotel, to ensure adherence with all the current public health guidelines relating to COVID-19.
The winners were:
- Cultural Awards Board Outstanding Achievement: Jake Torres
- Junior Award for Under 15s: Aditya Dhanwani
- Youth Award for Under 25s: Amy Wink
- Senior Award for Over 25s: Maribel Matthews
- Best Educational Project: Gibraltar Youth Service
- Cultural Ambassador Award: Mark Sanchez
Covid Award, presented by GCS CEO Seamus Byrne to Nolan Frendo & Dion Mifsud for Friday Night Live
The Gibraltar Cultural Services Award for extraordinary achievement was presented to Karel Mark Chichon.
The Ministry Of Culture Lifetime Achievement Award was presented by the Minister for Culture Prof. Dr John Cortes MBE MP to Arthur Harper.
Minister for Culture, the Hon Prof Dr John Cortes MBE MP said, “Gibraltarian Culture continues to develop an identity of its own, clearly demonstrated by its resilience through COVID times, and by how it has continued to be at the heart of the community throughout this time. I congratulate all nominees, and in particular the winners, and if I may be permitted to specifically mention the winner of the Ministry for Culture Lifetime Achievement Award, Arthur Harper, at the young age of 92. His lifetime dedication to the Art and Science of Photography and the knowledge and conservation of plants in Gibraltar have been exemplary and are an inspiration to young and old alike.”
Christmas Stamps
Also available now, is a brand new set of Christmas stamps, issued by Her Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar and the Gibraltar Philatelic Bureau.
The set of stamps covers the postage values used in Gibraltar for postal operations throughout the Christmas period, and feature six colourful Santa Claus illustrations, designed by Stephen Perera.
They are now available for purchase from the Philatelic Shop by the Main Post Office, online at www.gibraltar-stamps.com, plus Royal Gibraltar Post Office counters.
COVID DRIVE-THRU
The COVID-19 Drive-thru testing centre at MidTown has extended its opening hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7:30 am to 6:30 pm.
- Saturday and Sunday – 7:30 am to 11:30 am
Anyone in possession of a valid GHA card wishing to have a COVID-19 test should call 20041818 to make an appointment. “Walk-in” appointments are also now available.
Besides, the COVID-19 Mobile Swabbing Stations have also resumed operations.
Please note, do not attend a Mobile Swabbing Station if you have symptoms to mitigate the risk of spreading the virus further. Go home as soon as possible, self-isolate and call 111.
