Rock on the Rock’s Allan Alman awarded British Empire Medal
Allan Joseph Alman, a kingpin in the local music scene who has encouraged and nurtured many Gibraltarian musicians, has been awarded the British Empire Medal by the Queen in her New Year’s Honours list.
Mr Alman was awarded the medal for his services to music and the community in Gibraltar.
He took over the chairmanship of the Rock on the Rock Club in Town Range in 2005 and converted this location from a derelict building to a live music venue.
Since then an unprecedented number of local young musi- cians have availed themselves of these facilities.
Mr Alman dedicated himself to Rock on the Rock Club. He re- furbished the club from a vacant shell to create multiple sound- proof rehearsal rooms, a fully equipped stage, bar area and patio.
Working voluntarily, the only source of income for the club has been the money made at the bar on concert nights.
“He has worked very hard with the only intention to promote lo- cal music and provide the com- munity with a service which was not available,” his citation reads.
The Rock on the Rock Club has become a place where Mr Alman encourages creativity, and everyone has the opportu- nity on the stage regardless of their music style and standards.
Thanks to Mr Alman’s charitable contribution towards music, Gibraltar today enjoys many bands and musicians.
POLICE MEDALS
The Queen also awarded the Overseas Territories Police Medal to Sergeant Malcolm Figueras and Constable (retired) William Pulham, in recognition of their services to policing in Gibraltar.
Police Sgt Malcolm Figueras joined the Royal Gibraltar Police in August 1985 and has completed of total of thirty years of service within the force.
His dedication and com- mitment within the organisa- tion have contributed to Sgt Figueras meriting recognition by being awarded the Overseas Territories Police Medal.
Throughout his tenure, Sgt Figueras has served in various departments but his contribution whilst in the Traffic Department has been invaluable.
He is one of the qualified Traffic Collision Investigators in the Royal Gibraltar Police and is therefore responsible for attend- ing all serious traffic accidents within Gibraltar.
His task includes the provision of expert reports on issues such as possible causes, calculations of speed at time of impact and nature of a collision amongst others.
Furthermore, Police Sgt Figueras input to the develop- ment of HM Government of Gibraltar’s Sustainable Traffic, Transport and Parking Plan and the pivotal roles that he has played in his endeavours singles him out for special recognition.
After completing seven years of service with the Gibraltar Defence Police, PC William Pulham joined the Royal Gibraltar Police in January 1997.
During his time with the Gibraltar Defence Police he served in Operational Policing and the Criminal Investigation Department and was seconded to the Royal Gibraltar Police in 1995; being one of the officers whose work contributed towards the creation of Gibraltar’s Co- ordinating Centre for Criminal Intelligence and Drugs.
PC Pulham has served in different units within the force but his undertaking of establishing the entire infrastructure of the Royal Gibraltar Police internal computer network has been his greatest contribution.
He did not only install the network but also took on the responsibility of servicing com- puters and assisting fellow offic- er’s with any technical support required.
PC Pulham’s commitment and loyalty towards the Gibraltar Police Force marks him out as worthy of being awarded the Overseas Territories Police Medal.
GIBRALTAR AWARDS
Governor Alison MacMillan awarded two Gibraltar Awards in recognition of exceptional services in Gibraltar.
The first award went to Moses Benggio for services to the elderly in Gibraltar.
The second award went to Stanley and Anita Flower for services to old tyme and modern sequence dancing in Gibraltar. This is the first dual award to be awarded in Gibraltar.
For the last few years, Moses Benggio has been providing assistance on a voluntary and social basis to residents at the John Mackintosh Jewish Home initially at Line Wall Road and presently at the ex St Bernard’s Hospital.
On taking retirement, Moses was elected to be a member of the Jewish Community Board and was initially tasked with the respon- sibility of looking after the religious needs of the elderly Jewish residents at the home.
Moses has been able to transform the role to include looking after the social needs of all residents at the home, regardless of their religious affiliation. Moses’ character has bought enjoyment to all residents, transforming the lives of many.
Day after day, he visits the home helping to provide the residents with any need, he is someone to talk to, someone who will listen, serving food at mealtimes always doing his best to help the elderly. Moses Benggio contributions towards both long-term and respite residents is deserving of recognition.
Since the 1977, Mr & Mrs Stanley Flower have been actively involved in the Olde Tyme and Modern Sequence Dancing in Gibraltar.
Olde Tyme Dancing was introduced into Gibraltar by the Ministry of Defence, a very popular pastime which at the time was support- ed by most of the UK-Based Staff working for the Command. Sixty-two years ago the Dockyard Sports Association Olde Tyme Dance Club was formed and today is still an active pastime for many in Gibraltar.
Both Stanley and Anita have devoted a disproportionate amount of their life in promoting Olde Tyme and Sequence Dancing in Gibraltar.
Their continued voluntary commitment and dedication has achieved a high degree of development in dancing in Gibraltar and valuable links with Dance Organisations in the United Kingdom.
Currently, between their Monday’s and Friday’s Dance Sessions and Wednesday’s Revision and Beginners Group; Stanley and Anita provide weekly instructions and advice for over one hundred and fifty couples in Gibraltar.
Mr and Mrs S Flower have contributed a life-long involvement in Dance which is worthy of recognition.
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Today's Paper
31st December 2015
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