Oct 24 - UK Gibraltar Club Reunion on the Rock
Mayor Adolfo Canepa today hosted the United Kingdom Gibraltar Club, founded in 1942 by former Methodist Minister and Chaplain in Gibraltar, Padre Brown, at a reception in the City Hall.
The group now consists of second, third and fourth generation family members of the original group. The visit, which has also taken the group up the Rock and around the Great Siege tunnels, as well on a visit to Gibraltar’s Methodist Church, and to the Convent to meet the Governor, is the first for many in the 60 strong group.
At the Mayor’s reception, Mr. Canepa was presented with a tie and UK Gibraltar Group memorabilia, as a thanks for hosting them. The reception was attended by current Methodist Minister Rev Fidel Patron, who helped organise the visit.
Many of the group’s members were excited to meet former Miss World and Deputy Mayor, Kaiane Aldorino, jumping at the chance to take photographs with her.
Speaking at the reception, the Mayor noted that the group’s visit helped to further strengthen the prominent relationship Gibraltar shares with the UK. He also touched upon the Methodist revival of the 1700s, which he claimed had a ‘terribly close link with Gibraltar’ including ties to Sergeant Ince.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Russell Pickston explained that the visit had proved a very emotional one, with the group being able to see where many of their fathers and grandfathers ‘served their country during the dark days of World War two’.
He insisted how grateful they were for finally being able to gather, as a group, in Gibraltar. Mr. Pickston went on to thank the Mayor for kindly hosting them at the City Hall noting, ‘it is an honour not only for ourselves but most importantly for those who stood and served in Gibraltar. We take great pride in this visit and our connection with Gibraltar.’
