Interview with Wayne Smith, Music Director, King's Chapel Singers, Gibraltar!

2/6/2017

Today I had the honour of interviewing Wayne Smith (50), currently Director of Music at Kings Chapel in Gibraltar and a Music Instructor for a local comprehensive school.

I have known Wayne, since the late 1980s, whilst working for the Civil Service. We lost touch over the years, but were reconnected by the wonder of facebook, rekindling a friendship that should have been nearly thirty years old.

Although I haven't seen Wayne in many years, he has been a great source of inspiration for me, as I started my new life, living in Spain. Wayne has always encouraged me to take the plunge and jump in; after all we only have one life. His words then, cemented my future now; he was one of the few, who only gave constructive advice; I thank him for that!

Wayne currently lives in Spain and works in Gibraltar, travelling in everyday. I was interested to learn about Expat life from his point of view. All of us, who have taken the decision to move to Spain, have had different experiences, both positive and negative. Wayne seems to have settled in well to life in Spain and Gibraltar. If you are thinking about relocating to this part of the World, Wayne's words of wisdom, will help you on your way. Many thanks for taking the time to answer my questions Wayne, I will certainly be down to see you, very soon!

King's Chapel, Gibraltar

Currently working in Gibraltar, can you tell my readers, what your occupation is?

I work for the Education Department in one of the Comprehensive School as a Music Instructor.

As an Expat, what made you decide to relocate to Gibraltar and Spain from the UK?

I came out her on holiday 15 years ago, met my partner and moved back here for good 5 days after my holiday finished!

What is the best aspect of living in Gibraltar and Spain?

Definitely the weather....I prefer 2 months of winter compared to 9 months of it back in UK! Also the relaxed attitude towards life-nothing is worth stressing over.

What do you miss about home, living in Britain?

My family and friends-that's all.

Can you tell my readers, a little about your life in Gibraltar?

I cross the border daily to get to work. Working in Gibraltar is good although there are a few restrictions you have to follow. I pay my income tax & social insurance there BUT have to have a frontier workers health card otherwise Im not entitled to any healthcare in Gibraltar without it. Their health system is not like the UK so if you are ill and have an E111 they will see you otherwise it will cost you!

Morrisons is a great bonus as I can get the foods ive always liked from UK, admittedly a little dearer but its worth it for those home comforts!

Sometimes the queues can be horrendous at the border so always be prepared with a bottle of water/snack if you´re driving in!

Gibraltar is tax free but be warned you can only bring out 200 cigarettes/5 pouches of rolling tobacco and 1 litre of spirits. If you have more than this you will have to pay the duty on it or have them confiscated.

I have known you for many years Wayne, since the late 1980s, living on the South Coast of England. You were one of the reasons, I took the plunge and moved to Spain. What advice would you give anyone, thinking about moving abroad?

Look very carefully into every aspect before you leave! Check about healthcare and cover plus have a bank account set up too. All this can be done online at a cost but well worth it.

Remember to give yourself at least 2 years to settle before making any decisions about moving back. It can be tough starting a new life but there are ex pat communities out there that will help and support you.

Can you tell my readers a little bit about your passion? if I am right, music? When I last saw you in 1990, you were a piano tuner and an accomplished pianist in your own right. How has your interest flourished over the years?

I still tune the odd piano and play for weddings/shows etc when needed.

Music has always been a passion of mine ever since I was a child! I teach music daily in school plus privately in the evenings. Its a great way to relax plus I love seeing the progress that my pupils make.

Im the Musical Director for a choir of 45 members in Gibraltar. We meet and rehearse weekly and have great fun performing in concerts both in Gibraltar, Spain and abroad. This year I celebrated 31 years of conducting choirs!

Do you have a favourite restaurant in Gibraltar and Spanish dish? Or are you a fish and chips man?

There are loads of great restaurants in Gibraltar there of my favourites are Biancas and Charlies, which are situated in Marina Bay and The Clipper which is in Irish Town. Very good portions at great prices as well.

I love all types of Spanish stews....the meats they have here are delicious and I cant get enough of those olives either!

Finally Wayne, if any of my readers are thinking about visiting Gibraltar, where would you suggest they go? What should they see?

They definitely should take a tour of the Upper Rock Caves and Siege Tunnels. There are some wonderful sights to be seen there especially St Michael's Cave which is used for concerts.

Also visit the King´s Chapel which is one of the oldest Churches in Gibraltar steeped in Military History.

One word of warning....always check that the bank notes you are given back are sterling as the Gibraltarian Pound notes are NOT legal tender in UK and you will have to pay to change them into sterling.

Apart from that....come and visit this lovely little Britain in the Sun!