Two Tonsley shareholders, Tonsley Colours holders, Tonsley attendees, Tonsley Totty and Tonsley Tots made up a merry band of twenty-odd intrepid travellers. Four days, one iconic Rock and a splendid excuse to renew old and make new friendships. Lala ’26 – Gibraltar Revisited proved that some places, and indeed some friendships, only improve with age. For those that don’t know, the Bruce family is part Gibraltarian, and it was this 200+ year history we went in search of.
Our base was the magnificent Rock Hotel, whose colonial charm and spectacular views provided the perfect setting for a weekend of reminiscence, exploration and more than a little indulgence. Proceedings began at Ghazi’s Bar, where old acquaintances were swiftly renewed and the first of many glasses raised.
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Saturday brought an opportunity to rediscover Gibraltar’s extraordinary history and strategic importance. From the Great Siege Tunnels and St Michael’s Cave to the famous Barbary macaques and breathtaking Skywalk, the Rock delivered (in an abundance of cloud). Lunch at El Kasbah and a Sundowners Drinks Reception on the Wisteria Terrace ensured that culture was suitably balanced with conviviality, before dinner at Tapas by Gauchos and a late-night music festival in John Mackintosh Square.
Our programme also offered a fascinating glimpse into Gibraltar’s rich military and maritime heritage, with a memorable visit to the Garrison Library and insights from Dr Jennifer Ballantine Perera. A wander through the Old Town and North Front Cemetery brought history vividly to life with a haunting lament from the resident bagpiper, while Sunday lunch at Tramonti provided another welcome opportunity to exchange stories, compare recollections and put the world to rights.
But beyond the history, scenery, excellent food and occasional refreshment, the real success of Lala ’26 lay in the company. Old friendships were strengthened, new memories created and the years between reunions seemed to disappear remarkably quickly.
As we departed the Rock on the Monday, there was surely one universal sentiment: what a splendid weekend, and why on earth don’t we do this more often?
JB
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