The Gibraltar Magazine October 21 by Rock Publishing Ltd

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE October 2021 | Vol.26 #12

THE

Happy Halloween! BEATING THE COMPETITION

GROWING YOUR BUSINESS

WHEN MEN CRIED WITCH SUPERSTITIONS IN THE 1600S

MARI KONDO YOUR CLOSET DOES IT SPARK JOY?

NETFLIX SERIES ROUNDUP BINGE-WORTHY TELEVISION

A WHITER SHADE OF PALE VIURA AND GARNACHA BLANCA

BACK WITH A BANG MUSICIANS ASSOCIATION

F-PACE R-DYNAMIC BLACK

BOLDLY GO.

F-PACE R-Dynamic Black. Not something you see every day. Distinctive Gloss Black detailing with privacy glass and fixed panoramic roof. 20” 10 spoke Gloss Black alloy wheels with contrasting red brake calipers. Bold is beautiful.

Official Fuel Consumption for the F-PACE range in mpg (I/100km): Combine from 2,4 (up to 117). NEDCeq CO 2 Emissions 54 g/km. The figures provided are as a result of official manufacturer’s tests in accordance with EU legislation. For comparison purposes only. Real world figures may differ. CO 2 and fuel economy figures may vary according to factors such as driving styles, environmental conditions, load and accessories.

from the editor

OCTOBER ISSUE EDITOR'S NOTE The seasons have certainly changed, bringing with it new sounds, scents, feelings and rituals. As Jane Austen put it, the season is one of "peculiar and inexhaustible influence on the mind of taste and tenderness".

DELICIOUS AUTUMN! MY VERY SOUL IS WEDDED TO IT.

Autumn is perfectly described in a letter written by Mary Ann Evans (better known as her penname, George Eliot), an English poet, novelist, and journalist of the Victorian era, to her friend and governess, Mary Lewis: “Is not this a true autumn day? Just the still melancholy that I love - that makes life and nature harmonise. The birds are consulting about their migrations, the trees are putting on the hectic or the pallid hues of decay, and begin to strew the ground, that one's very footsteps may not disturb the repose of earth and air, while they give us a scent that is a perfect anodyne to the restless spirit. Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns." What do you love most about this season? For me it’s a chance to blitz the house – and my wardrobe. Do your clothes spark joy? Fashionista Julia urges us to Mari Kondo the bejesus out of our closets as we bid a fond farewell to summer (p. 80). As we transition into a slower-paced quarter, the desire for hot drinks under snuggly blankets whilst having a TV marathon grows strong. Luckily, Evelyn has prepared a roundup of the binge-worthy Netflix series to get us started (p. 72). And of course, ‘tis the month of tricks and treats, witches and creeps. But where did the idea of the ‘witch’ originate? Gianna retells the history of the supernatural beliefs held around women’s roles in the 1600s (p. 32). And lastly, dust off your (witches) hat and head down to the Alameda Wildlife Conservation Park during midterm week to join the ‘Zombie’ Zoo Keepers and volunteers to learn some ghoulish animal facts (p. 35). Have a spooktacular Hallowe’en!

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

Furry Friends

Lulu

Wolfie

Jack

Daisy

Mickey These stylish pups are loving their new Gib Mag leads!

Would your furry friend like one? Head down to 241 Main Street (Masbro) to pick up your very own – for free! Don’t forget to take a photo and tag #GibMagPets for a chance to be featured.

EDITOR: Sophie Clifton-Tucker editor@thegibraltarmagazine.com DESIGN:

Justin Bautista design@thegibraltarmagazine.com SALES: Advertising Team sales@thegibraltarmagazine.com DISTRIBUTION: DHL martin@matrix.gi ACCOUNTS: Paul Cox paul@thegibraltarmagazine.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Eran and Ayelet Mamo Shay Jon Lewes Jorge v.Rein Parlade Denise Matthews Richard Cartwright Gianna Stanley Pete Wolstencroft Reg Reynolds Elena Scialtiel Mehdi El Harti and Lama Sharif Joel Francis Thomas Maxwell Carmen Anderson Evelyn Heis Alan Powe Julia Coelho Andrew Licudi

Views and opinions within articles are contributor's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the magazine. The Gibraltar Magazine is published monthly by Rock Publishing Ltd Portland House, Glacis Road, Gibraltar, PO Box 1114 T: (+350) 20077748 E: editor@thegibraltarmagazine.com © 2019 Rock Publishing Limited. All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written consent of The Gibraltar Magazine. www.TheGibraltarMagazine.com Magazine & website archived by the British Library 6

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

content 08 Hello There: Tell us your whacky inventions!

10 News

BUSINESS 16 Top Tips for Beating the Competition 20 Does Your Phone Need 5G? 23 Addressing the Digital Skills Gap 26 Pulling the Plug: Start-Up Businesses

LIFE 29 The Melting Pot: Communities in Gibraltar 32 When Men Cried ‘Witch!’

85 78

35 A Zookeeper’s Diary: October Events at the Park 39 Sedimental Value 42 Morocco and the United Kingdom: 300 Years of Peace and Friendship 45 What Makes Us Human? 47 The Bracelet That Bound a Romance

SCENE 51 Around the World with Little Joyce

54 Back with a Bang: The Musicians Association of Gibraltar 56 Poetry: Wisdom and Her House 57 Snapshots of Gibraltar: Monica Popham 63 Art Club: Underpainting 66 Bookish: Join Our Monthly Book Club! 69 Consent: The Trafalgar Theatre Group (TTG) 72 Netflix Series Roundup

LEISURE 75 A Whiter Shade of Pale: Viura and Garnacha Blanca 78 The Scoreboard: Latest Sports News 80 Mari Kondo Your Closet

REGULARS 86 Recipes: Blood filled googly eyed black krispy buns and Halloweiners 88 Information 93 #GibsGems 94 Kids Korner 95 Coffee Time Don't forget to find the Hungry Monkey!

COVER Photographer: Natalie Roberts Location: Alameda Wildlife Conservation Park Model: Efatra (aka ‘Fatty’!) GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

hello there

HELLO THERE: TELL US YOUR WHACKY INVENTIONS!

Graeme Fulton, 32 Creator of groundbreaking newsletter app Letter.so A teleporter would be great so that I could make guest appearances at every wedding – even the ones I’m not invited to. Or a wand that that makes dog poo disappear.

Dylan Trenado CEO at The Bulb creative agency My nan passed away from dementia, so my invention would be a worldwide cure for this nasty illness that affects so many loved ones.

Steven Soussi, 50 Sports Therapist/ Orthopaedic Tech I would very much like an innovation along the lines of neuromuscular robotic integration which would revolutionise medular spinal injuries offering patients increased mobility in comparison to what is generally available now.

Want to see yourself or your team featured here? Get in touch at editor@thegibraltarmagazine.com and we'll send you our monthly question! 8

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

hello there

Chris Hedley, 34 Director at Little English language school A way to understand what my dog is thinking, so that I can figure out what he’s barking at, why he’s crying, and what new toys he wants for Christmas. Or a device to put under your tongue that would allow you to speak in any language.

ALEX MUNOZ Operations Manager at The Bulb creative Agency Taking advantage of all modern technologies, an algorithm which, creating a base of subscribers worldwide could distribute wealth equally between all the users (similar to an investment fund), with the requirement that a number of subscribers are individuals with no resources.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

Star Farrugia, 25 Receptionist at ISOLAS LLP I would invent a type of chocolate that has zero calories, so that you could eat an endless amount of it without gaining any weight.

Lorraine Laguea, 53 Director at NP Estates I would invent a robot that would wash, do the laundry, hang the clothes once finished, do the ironing, and put them away nicely folded.

news ARCHIVES CALL FOR CITY COUNCIL MEMORABILIA

However, the GNA would ask members of the public who may have potential exhibits or memorabilia to contact us in order to establish whether these could be used in the exhibition.

In November of this year, the Gibraltar National Archives (GNA) will host an exhibition to mark the Centenary of the creation of the Gibraltar City Council in 1921.

The exhibition to be held at the City Hall, will open to the public on Thursday 11th November 2021, and will remain open until Friday 17th December 2021.

The Archivist, Anthony Pitaluga, has already collected a considerable amount of material, which includes documents, plans, photographs, press cuttings and film footage.

The relevant contact details are:

COULD YOU BE CABEZON’S FOREVER HOME?

boy with a dude-like air and a large head! He has bundles of personality. Cabezon is an amusing character that makes us laugh every day. Why anyone would abandon him on the street to fend for himself is incredibly sad. He’s 5 years old and is neutered. Cabezon spends every day

Cabezon is a loving, confident, cool

Tel: 200 79461 / 200 40314 Email: archives@gibraltar.gov.gi / anthony.pitaluga@gibraltar.gov.gi Website: www.nationalarchives.gi

Address: National Archives, Convent Courtyard, Secretary's Lane

in a cage. He needs his freedom, to experience the comforts of a home again, but most importantly, to have the love of his forever family. If you think that could be you, please contact us on Facebook: Gibraltar Cat Welfare Society.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

news BTEC IN MUSIC PERFORMANCE The Department of Education in collaboration with the Gibraltar Academy of Music and Performing Arts has announced the launch of the Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Music Performance, for post-16 learners who want to continue their education through applied learning in practical musicianship. The qualification is equivalent in size to one A Level and aims to provide a programme of study covering both performance and the music industry. It is designed to be taken alongside other Level 3 qualifications and carries the same UCAS points. This course is recognised by higher education providers as contributing to admission requirements for university courses. Employers and professional bodies have been involved and consulted to confirm that the content is appropriate and consistent with current practice for learners planning to enter employment directly in the music sector which includes; performance techniques, communication skills and team work. It also gives learners an opportunity to focus on their personal vocal or instrumental technique through solo and ensemble performance.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

DYSLEXIA AWARENESS WEEK - 4TH TO 10TH OCTOBER 2021 Dyslexia Awareness Week will take place from the 4th-10th of October, and will include the following events: Dyslexia Awareness Day - Friday 8th October To help you support us we have designed a special red and white T-shirt which you can use for Dyslexia Awareness Day. The T-shirt can be purchased at Cotton Leisure. Whether you’re GoRed in class, at home, or out and about please post it and tag us on social media at our different handles and #GoRedForDyslexia. Bookmark Competition Fri 8th Oct is the closing date for entries, with this year’s theme being; “Teachers are Superheroes”. The Annual Bookmark Competition is organised on behalf of the Ministry of Culture by Gibraltar Cultural Services and Gibraltar Dyslexia. Forms can be found at http://www.culture.gi/forms. For more details about Dyslexia Awareness Week, become a member of the Gibraltar Dyslexia Support Group or follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

news GHA 111 LINE NOW ACCESSIBLE FOR DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING The Gibraltar Health Authority’s 111 telephone line, which is used for both the COVID-19 response and the Mental Health Crisis Pathway, has now been enhanced to enable people who cannot communicate verbally to cbe able to via WhatsApp. The GHA 111, which was set up during the pandemic to provide clinical advice on COVID-19, was extended in June this year as the contact number for the Mental Health Crisis Pathway. The Primary Care Centre already uses an SMS service that allows service users who are deaf or hard of hearing to make appointments by text. In order to be eligible for this service, a person must have a profound hearing loss in one ear and at least a severe hearing loss in the other. The person must also have significant difficulty in communicating via telephone. Details of eligible individuals previously using the Primary Care Centre’s SMS appointment service have already been shared with the 111 response team. The GHA has written to the individuals who are registered with them advising them on how to access this service.

NNO BOARD DISCUSSES PROPOSALS TO INCREASE RESILIENCE AT PORT AND FRONTIER A meeting of the No Negotiated Outcome (NNO) Board chaired jointly by the Minister for the European Neighbourhood Wendy Morton MP and the Deputy Chief Minister Dr Joseph Garcia MP took place in Gibraltar last month. The role of the Board is to plan for the eventuality of no agreement on the future relationship of Gibraltar with the European Union. A series of infrastructure works in both places are under discussion. The proposal is for an extension to be constructed to the pedestrian entry building at the border in order to accommodate a number of automatic border control gates which could be used if there is no agreement. This is similar to what has happened on the Spanish side. In addition to this, the

Customs Outfield section could be potentially relocated from its present site into this expanded building in order to make way for road works designed to improve incoming traffic flow towards the new tunnel under the runway. This runs in parallel with discussions to upgrade and refurbish the container terminal at the port in order to accommodate the higher volume of imports expected by sea in the event of a no deal scenario. The proposal includes the resurfacing of a part of the terminal as well as electrical works designed to provide connection points for a greater number of containers carrying frozen and chilled products. The Government of Gibraltar, and the UK Government, remain firmly committed to the negotiation of a UK-EU treaty on the future relationship of Gibraltar based on the New Year’s Eve Agreement. However, it is sensible and prudent to plan for the eventuality of no agreement at the same time and to mitigate in those areas that are within the control of the Government.

Anyone in need of this service who is not contacted in the next few days should email the GHA at registration@gha.gi so that they can be assessed by the Audiology Unit for eligibility.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

50 wines by the glass 40 small dishes of Mediterranean cuisine 30 John Mackintosh Square GX11 1AA Gibraltar. Tel: 200 70201 info@vinopolisgastrobar.gi www.vinopolisgastrobar.gi

news FREEDOM OF THE CITY FOR THE ROYAL AIR FORCE His Worship the Mayor, Mr Christian Santos GMD last month conferred the Freedom of The City of Gibraltar upon the Royal Air Force. The conferment was moved by the Chief Minister, the Hon Fabian Picardo QC MP, and was unanimously approved at the Session of Parliament held on 15th June 2018.

service men and women as they marched past Parliament. Those parading included members of RAF Gibraltar, as well as The Queen’s Colour Squadron, 32 (The Royal) Squadron, 4624 (Reserve) Squadron, Gibraltar Air Training Corps and the Number 2 (Overseas) Squadron. They were accompanied by The Band and Corps of Drums of the

Royal Gibraltar Regiment. The Royal Air Force exercised their right to The Freedom of The City of Gibraltar by continuing their march along Main Street. At a reception at City Hall after the Ceremony, the Chief Minister presented AVM Maddison with the Gibraltar Medallion of Honour and Certificate, and a memento to mark the occasion.

His Worship presented the Freedom Scroll to Air Vice Marshal Richard Maddison OBE MA RAF, at the Ceremony which took place on Saturday 18th September 2021 at John Mackintosh Square. Serving members of the RAF paraded during the Ceremony in the Square, which concluded with His Worship the Mayor and Air Vice Marshal Maddison receiving a salute from the parading

#ROCKTHRIFTERS The Gibraltar Youth Service invite young people to participate in their #Rockthrifters project, launched in summer. #Rockthrifters is a collaborative project between the Gibraltar Youth Service & Clubhouse Gibraltar, with the vision to create a culture in Gibraltar of buying previously loved items of clothing and to encourage reuse, repurpose and up-cycling of garments. Some members from the Gibraltar Youth Service have described 14

their experience: • “It’s affordable and you find unique items.” – Nanda, 17 • “It makes me feel good as I know I'm not contributing to fast fashion.” – Ray, 19 • “I did not expect to find a bargain! I think there is something for everyone there!” – Sophie, 17 Charlene Figueras, Senior Youth Worker, said: “The aim is to deliver

a programme that educates young people around the issues of fabric waste. This initiative allows them to understand budgeting skills, encourage them to buy smarter and inspire them to be more creative in how they present themselves and dress by reusing what they have and to be unique. We encourage the public to support this project and buy from the Clubhouse charity shop and post their outfits with the @rockthrifters handle and #rockthrifters hashtag to social media”. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

news SPECIAL NEEDS COORDINATION AND LIAISON OFFICE The new Special Needs Coordination and Liaison Office at No 6 Convent Place became operational last month.

PUNNY CORNER Why is a cemetery a great place to write a story? Because there are so many plots! Do you have one to share? Email editor@thegibraltarmagazine.com!

Working under the auspices of the Chief Minister, the Special Needs Coordination and Liaison Office aims to break down the barriers faced by people with Special Needs and disability, and by their families. Its work is an important part of the Government’s commitment to build a society that works for everyone. The Office will ensure that the person and their family receive appropriate support throughout their lives and at any age, and will take a cross-departmental approach. The Special Needs Coordination and Liaison Office is responsible for: • Developing and implementing a National Special Needs and Disability Strategy for Gibraltar • Reviewing the Disability Act 2017 • Helping Government departments to develop and monitor practices and policies that remove barriers faced by people with Special Needs and disability, and by their families. This will be achieved through consultation with stakeholders and by bringing the views, insights and lived experiences of people with Special Needs and disability and those of their families to the centre of policymaking. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

news GADS – DEMENTIA FRIENDS TALK AND MEMORY WALK His Worship the Mayor, Mr Christian Santos GMD has hosted two separate events at City Hall in conjunction with the Gibraltar Alzheimer’s & Dementia Society (GADS). The first, on Monday 20th September, was a Dementia Friends Talk. The presentation was delivered by GADS chairperson Daphne Alcantara, assisted

by members of the charity’s committee. The purpose of the talk was to raise awareness of the needs of people living with Dementia, their symptoms and how as a community we can learn how to be more compassionate, supportive and proactive. Mrs Alcantara focused on how carers need support too in order to be able to continue the incredible work they do for their loved ones, and emphasised that those living with Dementia can still live a full and rewarding life. The second event was the annual Memory Walk on Tuesday 21st September, to coincide with World

Alzheimer’s Day. The walk set off from City Hall, continued to the end of Rosia Road and returned back to John Mackintosh Square via Main Street. The City Hall was for the first time lit in a purple hue, thanks to sponsorship by Lottoland, and the technical set up by Fresh Entertainment, purple being the colour GADS uses to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s and Dementia. The aim of the Memory Walk is to commemorate those family members and friends who have sadly passed, and to ‘walk together against Dementia’.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

news CARE AGENCY’S LEARNING DISABILITY SERVICES POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT QUALIFICATION

in class. The rest of the course is online blended learning and will be completed by the end of March 2022. This type of continuing professional development education equips staff with the necessary tools, skills and expertise to be able to ensure services are providing evidencebased care, in conjunction with relevant frameworks and codes of practice.

The Care Agency’s CEO, Carlos Banderas, has expressed how pleased he is to see this project come to fruition, as it is fundamental that, “the Care Agency provides staff the competences to enable the standards expected of a professional service, that places the needs of the service users at the centre of care.”

The Care Agency’s Learning Disability Services organised training for key Care Agency managers and health care professionals. The intensive course in Positive Behaviour Support will be delivered by Laura Higgins, a Behaviour Analyst from the British Institute of Learning Disabilities (BILD) UK. Once qualified, they will be Functional Assessors and Coaches in managing behaviour. BILD define the following: “Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is about working in partnership with people, treating them with dignity and respect and enabling them have a better life. All behaviours have a meaning. Positive Behaviour Support aims to understand what behaviours that challenge tell us so that the person’s needs can be met in better ways. The way the person is supported often has to change to achieve this and this needs to be regularly reviewed by all the people involved. Positive Behaviour Support is an approach that puts the person at the centre to make systems work for the person. We give the right support at the right time so people can thrive to their potential.” The course entails 2 weeks of concentrated teaching sessions GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

business

TOP TIPS FOR BEATING THE COMPETITION

Competition is healthy for businesses – it will force you to innovate, staying ahead of the curve. Yet that rivalry can also be intimidating. You don’t want to back down, but you aren’t sure how to combat competition. Every company deals with this problem, and what success comes down to here is developing a plan that helps you better serve your customers, accurate branding, and supporting your team.

inding, understanding, and leveraging your competitive advantage is probably one of the main keys to growing your business. Unfortunately, uncovering the ‘secret sauce’ can be as difficult as the quest to find the Holy Grail. If your company has developed an anti-aging pill and has a worldwide patent on the pill, then that is, of course, your secret sauce. But for the rest of us who have businesses in competitive industries with potentially low barriers to entry, it becomes even more important to understand, and leverage, your competitive advantage. One thing for sure, you’re not going to beat your competitor by copying them. If you do, you’ll always be behind. You’re never going to get ahead. So here are a number of tips to help you stay ahead of your competitors: Solve Real Customers’ Problems One likely way to beat your competition is to address the needs of your shared target 18

audience better than your competition can. Once you identify the customers’ pain points, you can attempt to solve them by discussing their issues using terminology that the customers use. It's important to focus your efforts on trying to provide solutions to customers' issues, not just trying to sell them your products or services.

The best pricing strategy isn't always about lowering your prices. Know Your Customers By knowing your customers, you can build a relationship between them and your company, extending the customer lifecycle beyond only a couple of purchases. Using data right in front of you is something many business owners often overlook. Specifically, data regarding

customers’ social activity lends marketers critical insight into timing of purchases and related searches. Using these online tools, like Facebook analytics, your company will be able to better understand what ultimately triggers your customer to make a purchase. Set Competitive Pricing One of the easiest ways to beat your competition is to offer more affordable pricing. To determine the ideal price point, you need a clear picture of what your competition's goods or services are priced at. Research which competitors offer the best value. Then you need to determine if what you are offering brings more value to the table and thus should be priced higher. Surveying your competitors' prices may only take hours and generally requires less time than other competitionreducing methods, especially in Gibraltar where the marketplace is fairly small, with only few competitors around. The best pricing strategy isn't GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

business always about lowering your prices. Since the market is segmented by lower, middle, and upper-tiered customers, you need to figure out which group is your audience. Keep Innovating In today’s world, it is crucial to innovate, innovate and innovate. That should be your marketing team’s mantra in today’s constantly shifting world of online media. If you want to beat the competition, you need to challenge yourself, and your staff, to improve every single day. You need to develop the mindset that nothing is ever good enough and that everything can be improved. Whether it’s the way you process invoices, the method you do your collections, your website, staff training, products, or the way your business provides customer service, every facet of your business can be innovated and improved upon. The cycle of innovation should extend not

Winning in business doesn’t mean copying your competition, it means being better than them. just for the leader but for each member of the company. Every employee can improve their processes in everything they do. Great Customer Service is Key Providing great, and memorable, customer service is a great way to build loyalty among your customers and differentiate yourself from the competition. Customer service needs to be at the core of everything your business does. Too many companies cite customer service as a strength, yet, these companies would be hard-pressed

to provide examples of what really makes them any better than their competition. Amazing customer service is more than just words on a piece of paper. It’s about an attitude that needs to disseminate across the entire organisation and everything that your business stands for. Put a priority on hiring employees who have a full understanding of not just your products and services, but your brand as a whole. Don't rush the process of hiring customer service team members. Finding the right people for the job is more important than filling those jobs. Remember that whatever you do, winning in business doesn’t mean copying your competition, it means being better than them. You know you’re winning when you’re not looking back at what your competitors do, but your competitors are copying and trying to be more like you, and that’s how you beat the competition. Want to find out what the secret sauce of your business is and how to use it to win customers? Contact us and we will show you how the magic is done!

Eran Shay

Managing Director &

Ayelet Mamo Shay

Business Development Director of Benefit Business Solutions Ltd. (+350) 200 73669 general@benefitgibraltar.com

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

business

DOES YOUR PHONE NEED 5G?

Looking at the roll-out of the new 5G communications network in Gibraltar.

BY JON LEWES

n telecommunications, 5G is the fifth-generation technology standard for broadband cellular networks. In 2019, cellular phone companies worldwide began deploying 5G as the successor to the 4G networks which provide connectivity at present to smartphones, and other users. In Gibraltar, 5G was launched in June 2021 by Gibtelecom. “5G is going to be a game-changer for Gibraltar,” explains Noel Burrows, CEO of Gibtelecom. “Whether it’s for our people or business, the power of this nextgeneration network is going to unlock a world of possibilities for our economy and society.” A network’s speed is very important and is why new generations of networks arise. The increasing demand for data to be transferred over networks at everfaster speeds creates the need for 5G. The higher speed minimizes the congestion of data that can develop during connectivity plus 20

provide possibilities to reduce the power use. The global, and personal, dependency on internet connectivity was the main reason to develop 4G after 1G, 2G, and 3G and to follow 5G the next generations are already being put in place in some countries.

"5G sets the foundation for future communications." According to Ookla, an international broadband speed testing agency, Norway provides the fastest 5G speeds, reaching some 11 Gb per second with a median download speed of 526.74 Mbps. That level of internet technology, equivalent to 7G, 8G or even 10G in the future, is still very much a rarity in most parts

of the world. Seoul, South Korea has the second fastest speed at 467.84 Mbps, while Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates delivers 5G at 421.26 Mbps. Qualcomm, the US multinational company holding many patents critical to the development of 5G observes, “To cover the cost of setting up each new generation, countries work to ensure that the 5G network connects virtually everyone and everything, including devices, machines, and objects.” Foundation for the future Adrian Ochello, Director of Consumer and Marketing at Gibtelecom, points out on their website that, “5G sets the foundation for future communications. Besides enhanced speeds, the power of 5G lies in its extremely high responsiveness and reliability, lower latency, and consequent GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

business ability to allow multiple devices to communicate with each other precisely and seamlessly.” Latency in networking is the amount of time it takes for a packet of data to be captured, transmitted and processed through multiple devices, then received at its destination and decoded and is measured in milliseconds, referred to as a ping rate. 5G technology offers an extremely low latency rate - while 4G delivers at speeds in a range of 50-200 milliseconds, 5G delivery speed is 1 millisecond. Smartphone users are not the only 5G users that are benefiting from faster connectivity. Many industries globally are experiencing greatly improved performances and 5G is set to be used for more critical applications than in any previous generation. Use-cases include autonomous transport, manufacturing, drones, emergency-response, and even remote surgery. Keeping those critical networks secure can quite literally mean life or death. Geert Van Wauwe, Chief Security Officer at Nokia, explains: “5G will empower new services and applications beyond our imagination. However, user acceptance will be based on trust that information has not been breached and services cannot be compromised.” Availability for wider and deeper connectivity is in hand, with 6G about to be launched in some countries and plans forwardlooking to 10G, and includes the need to expand the range and reliability to countries that have not yet adopted the new 5G network. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

In UK, the introduction of 5G mobile networks is rapidly gaining pace with 5G coverage now available in some 400 UK towns and cities. In Gibraltar, already a leader in Blockchain technology as well as working with the most innovative minds developing cryptocurrency, the roll-out of 5G by Gibtelecom is well underway.

Downloading a movie will only take around 3 minutes. Gibtelecom explains, “With 5G, you can look forward to delayfree downloads, buffer-free streaming and a much better and more reliable connection at extra busy times and areas. 5G in Gibraltar is about 10 times faster than 4G, designed to work at average speeds of 150-200Mbps, with peak speeds reaching above 1Gbps.” Three-minute movie download “This means downloading a movie will only take around 3 minutes. For smartphones, the phone needs to be 5G-compatible, have a 4G-ready SIM and be in an area covered by our 5G. If you’re on an older generation SIM card, no problem, we’ll swap it for free.” According to Gibtelecom, “5G frequencies are covered by existing international exposure guidelines and regulations for radio-frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) with 5G using the same group of radio waves and technologies that have been used

for years with no negative effect on health. The Gibraltar Regulatory Authority has approved the use of spectrum in the 3.5GHz - 3.6GHz band, and at 700MHz, very close to the ones currently used for 4G, WiFi and digital television signals.” The radio waves that carry signals on the air through the antennas or the mast of our smartphones are part of Earth’s electromagnetic spectrum which ranges from high to low frequency (short to long wavelength). There is evidence that the new devices and technologies associated with 5G will be harmful to delicate ecosystems but with consumers increasingly expecting 5G to be available on their new smartphone purchases, and with many mid-range handsets now supporting the latest generation mobile network, it is difficult to see how the development of 5G and the future generations will not continue to be demanded by the public and commerce. Just as with motorway networks, data networks need to provide ever-faster possible travel times except there’s no need for control over vehicle speed limit. Some 63 years ago, 2,300 drivers in UK drove along a new road for the first time. The eight-mile section of road they were driving on was the very first motorway in Britain, now part of the M6. Now, in 2021, of the 31,800 miles of major roads in Britain, 2,300 miles consist of motorway, ensuring high-speed traffic use is always available – except when there’s congestion. 21

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

business

ADDRESSING THE DIGITAL SKILLS GAP The launch of The Gibraltar Digital Skills Academy. BY DENISE MATTHEWS

tartup Grind Gibraltar first invited Stewart Harrison to the stage in 2018. At the time he was Bayside Comprehensive School’s Head of Physics. He started training students as part of a programme in the school for CyberCenturion in 2014 beginning with seven students from Bayside, which grew to involve over 30 students from both comprehensive schools, between the ages of 13-18. During those four years, Bayside reached the finals in 2015, won the competition in 2016 and won Best All Girls Team in 2018. What really struck a chord was the dedication of the volunteer coaches, including Stewart, resulting in the local all-girls team - a group of Westside students making CyberCenturion history as they were crowned the UK’s top all-girls team. They were recognised by the UK Cabinet Office, which commended the team on twitter and marked their achievement on International Women’s Day. This was followed with an event in 2019 with Lluis Mora as the speaker who is now Chief Security Officer at Entain and also been GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

one of the coaches of the Cyber Centurion Club. Here Stewart launched the iDEA Awards, an international programme aiming to help address the digital skills gap. The programme provides free digital skills education in the form of engaging online modules ranging from GDPR, Blockchain, Coding and Animation. This all culminated in the launch of the Gibraltar Digital Skills Foundation in February 2020, a registered charity aiming to deliver the development of digital skills around Gibraltar. Just last month the foundation was shortlisted as a finalist in the 2021 edition of the UK’s prestigious National Cyber Awards together with three other finalists, the UK’s leading children’s charity, the NSPCC; The Cyber Helpline, a charity that supports victims of cybercrime; and Charity Digital, an organisation that helps other charities speed up their mission using technology. This is an excellent recognition of the tremendous work that has been carried out already, including supporting senior citizens with setting up technology enabling them to communicate with loved ones; setting up donated

technologies for children with limited resources to access online learning platforms and word processing programs over lockdown; collection and donation of iPads and laptops to children with no access; and setting up the Gibraltar Digital Skills Academy. The academy is the biggest milestone for the foundation in its efforts to address the digital skills gap to begin by offering a number of extracurricular activities in cybersecurity and programming with all sessions being led by industry experts. Partnerships are being established in the coming months with a number of multinational companies, which will bring industry training, guaranteed internships, and direct input into the academy’s 23

business

curriculum. A Memorandum of Understanding has already been signed off with Cyber Security Challenge UK, one of the largest cybersecurity educational providers in the UK; this will ensure that the learning at the Academy is not only world-class but up-to-date with industry’s needs.

society has every opportunity to better their lives using technology, be it to order a burger or learning the skills and being inspired to start the next technology superpower.”

The founding trustee of the foundation/Academy and instigator of all the initiatives Stewart Harrison adds: “It is not only about work and employment, there are a number of seminars and coffee mornings planned to help and advise parents how best to keep their children safe online for example. The Academy will also be hosting the silver generation who need guidance on how to utilise the technology they have, from setting up food delivery, using Google Maps to navigate and any other difficulties they may be finding.

There is an incredibly high demand for digital skills in the workplace and businesses but the education system cannot keep up with the changing demands of the technology industry. This has been exacerbated by the pandemic for households too. If you have no access to online resources and are not familiar with usage the consequences have been devastating. The digital skills gap has two major factors: trained graduates and existing workforce. For developed economies the lack of digital skills amongst existing workers is a particular problem and not tackling the issue will inhibit the growth of individual businesses and economies by causing deflation.

“Technology is for all and designed as such. It’s just that it runs at such a pace that some of us get left behind. The Academy’s aims are lined up to ensure everyone in

Supporting individuals and teams who are passionate about their projects and identifying the vision which provides the solutions that bring long term value to a

wide spectrum of our society is what made it obvious for us at Startup Grind Gibraltar to get behind the foundation and academy. Developing techfocused economies, jurisdictions and established businesses with large workforces will stem from being able to adopt the digital technologies that are most efficient. Effectively and promptly training the workforce to be proficient in relevant digital skills will facilitate economic growth. To drive a start-up and innovation hub to success there has to be a public and private enabling of digital skills learning programmes that are easily accessible to everyone which can also mean learn as you earn. This is the groundwork that will encourage old and new generations to engage in entrepreneurship and build sustainable, scalable, global solutions using technology. Hopefully this will also help build a better, more equal world. October will see the official launch of the academy www.digitalacademy.gi. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

business

PULLING THE PLUG When shall I pull the plug on my start-up business?

oes anyone know when to pull the plug on a business which is running as a going concern but not making a decent profit? The answer is complex, but in very general terms one should be brave enough to do it as soon as it is possible and feasible. It is interesting to know that a very considerable number of start-up business fail. Some experts believe that the correct figure based on a percentage may be well over 80%. But the good side of this is that a very large percentage of failures lead to success in the future. A true entrepreneur, much as a top-class sportsman or musician, tries again and again until he finally makes it. Not all achieve success; some do and some do not as in everything else in life. Certainly, the harder you try the luckier you get. But 26

there is a limit in effort and time with plays a crucial part in all this. One can simply not continue to put the hours, sacrifices and the endless funding into a company that will not fly. One really must pull the plug and do something else. All entrepreneurs do it at some stage. Yes, it is painful, and it can be sad but a well-timed close-down can be worth gold in the future.

A well-timed close-down can be worth gold in the future. An entrepreneur I once knew came from Northern Italy and started a restaurant along the Andalusian coast. It was a success

from day one. He opened a second outlet and then a third. More outlets followed suit. Over the years, having established a clever formula in the hospitality business, he moved from strength to strength and he put together a medium size chain of restaurants. The food was very good. Fair value for money. Everyone liked going there, and to be seen there. But nothing lasts forever. And like it often happens, his food started being a little out of fashion. But before that he had a very substantial purchase offer from a large hospitality group from France. He was offered double figures in millions, but he would not hear about it. His ego was too strong, and besides his business was booming at the time. In my view that vast figure should have been taken and he would have secured a very comfortable GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

business In business you simply cannot be a romantic. early retirement with all his money available. But instead of that he continued expanding; his management made some mistakes and he persisted in pouring more funds into the business. And when he could no longer rely on his own personal funding he resorted to loans which banks were happy to supply as his collateral was good and his cash flow very impressive. One large outlet had to be shut down. And then another followed suit. And some were sold off. The sales brought in some much needed capital but it simply was not enough. It barely covered capital debt and interest. It was what has been described as throwing good money after bad. It simply never works - he really should have pulled the plug much earlier on. The ideal strategy would have been to sell off to the large group from Aquitaine, cashing his chips early on, much like surfing a wave at the right moment. But he made a very common mistake, which was falling in love with your business. And in business you simply cannot be a romantic. In property development the same rule applies. Sell on or move out if the project does not take off. It is simply not worth it to continue with the effort and to keep on pouring money into a non existing profitable future. A sharp property developer from South London always used to say that several golden rules applied in his business: GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

• Never fall in love with your buildings and sell off as soon as you can.

totally out of date. It is probably half the time now and that is being conservative.

• Pull the plug if you need to and make a fresh start somewhere else.

A well planned escape route including pulling the plug at the right time can be the start of a much better project in the future. In business if you are consistent, and know when to pull the plug you normally arrive.

• Never keep on investing money, because all you will get is a much worst financial scenario in the short term future. • It is always better to be sad than sorry. In business one must be brave to pull out the plug when the time comes. If you see the symptoms, and these are always quite clear, just plan your escape route and execute it. Do not think for a second that things will probably change because most likely they will not. In today’s business world things move very fast; In the old days it was quite usual to assume that it took five years to establish a new venture or start-up. These days that figure is

Jorge v.Rein Parlade MBA Business Consultant +350 54045282 jorgeparlade@aol.com

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Alan Powe

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

life

THE MELTING POT

We all know how Gibraltar has become the home for many individuals from many countries – from Europe and further afield. Many have settled and made the Rock their permanent home and through time, numbers from different territories have increased to form communities here. The Chinese are one such group! BY RICHARD CARTWRIGHT

es, we’ve had Chinese restaurants, judo and Taekwondo for many years on the Rock, but nowadays with modern technology the Chinese presence in our midst has sky rocketed, working in the gaming industry and other industries. “I think we must be getting very close to 300 living here,” Ming Ming Hung – now Peters - informs me. She left Hong Kong and went to the UK in the very early 2000s wanting to expand her knowledge of other lands and headed for Gib two years later. “In those days I think there were no more than about 50 or so Chinese on the Rock. I studied Visual Communication Designing Creating Animation on websites etc. and I’m now very involved working in e-commerce at one of the largest employers in

Gibraltar. When I arrived here, I was impressed by the similarities with Hong Kong with it being a peninsular, speaking two languages and other things.” As well as Cantonese, Ming Ming speaks Mandarin and of course, English...Spanish is coming on slowly! Ming Ming’s husband, Tristan, is German and they have a son, Titan. He’s five and attends Notre Dame School. The family have a property in Beach View Terraces by Eastern Beach and have no intention of going anywhere... “Yes, we now consider Gibraltar our home and we’re here to stay. I go out to work – although I can work from home also – and Tristan has taken on the role of, ‘house husband’ or ‘stay at home dad’ and it works very well.” Ming Ming is a bit of an artist too

Suspicion of ill fortune is very much a way of life for many Chinese producing interesting results with her creations – some of those with a Gibraltar theme! She is a member of the Gibraltar Fine Arts Gallery and The Arts and Crafts Centre. Clearly, integrating into the country you’ve chosen to live in is always the sensible way to go. Ming Ming found car boot sales here, and selling items on the internet rather refreshing as this practice is unheard of in Hong Kong, or mainland China, where buying second hand items is thought to bring bad luck! Suspicion of ill fortune is very much a way of life for many Chinese...many are very 29

life

Ming Ming and her family

superstitious! “It’s like buying or renting a flat, you must move into a home with square or rectangular rooms because each corner is dedicated to a family member and each of those corners must remain uncluttered through fears of bad luck falling upon that family member...it’s also feared, you might put on weight!” Another example of superstition was experienced during one of the Chinese celebrations held on the Rock, which she did not attend. Ming Ming was just under three months pregnant and felt noise emanating from the banging of drums and so on would cause an unwanted miscarriage or damage the baby in some way. Similarly, at home noise is a nono during that early pregnancy period. “But at these events I usually help by holding up banners as we walk down Main Street to Casemates and supply bottles of water, so I help where I can.” And happily, Titan was born unharmed, making him a Chinese Gibraltarian (and there are others) adding to the Gibraltar melting pot which now includes East European Gibraltarian children as well as from other countries – so that melting pot is slowly filling to the brim! There are Chinese on the Rock from Hong Kong, mainland China, Chinese Malaysian, from Singapore and Taiwan, so getting together to celebrate their important dates during the year is a must and can continue for a whole month. The late January/ February Chinese New Year and the Chinese Moon Festival, where gathering in restaurants and friends’ homes chatting and enjoying each other’s company and special meals - like steamed fish and chicken - are looked 30

It all adds to that healthy mishmash of world communities. forward to and take place on the eve of the Chinese New Year not unlike the celebrations on Christmas Eve for the Christian community. Fire crackers and money in red envelopes are offered (especially to the kids), wishing the recipients good luck. “We also decorate the home with slogans with the aim to lift your spirits,” Ming Ming says. The colourful celebrations experienced on the Rock on two or three occasions where the ‘dragon’ with all its multi coloured attire and accompanying dancers and instruments has not returned due to the Covid pandemic

and other issues. Transporting six performers and all their equipment from Madrid was not an inexpensive operation but still, the community continue to celebrate at home and elsewhere. But the rest of Gibraltar’s residents have missed the lion dances, the dragon and kung fu performances which mark the Year of the Pig...what a pity. An association was instituted a few years back and registered with the Ministry of Culture with a view of fomenting good relations between Gibraltar and the Chinese Community. The association would also help to promote businesses and extra cultural links with China and Hong Kong. Whilst here on the Rock, organising those important celebrations, including the Lantern Festival and the Mid Autumn Festival was and is - where possible - still high on GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

life community.” The aim clearly, is to enjoy their time on the Rock whether for a period of time, looking at perhaps a longer stay than anticipated, or envisaging making Gibraltar their new home as the Hongkongese/ German Scott family have done. It all adds to that healthy mishmash of world communities which in Gibraltar, for its small size, seems to do so well. To meet people from other lands, embrace and learn about their cultures and heritage - whilst they learn about yours - can only enrich our sense of understanding to be able to appreciate what nationals from countries near or from afar are all about! We were already a multiracial community slowly building through the 300 odd years of our existence with folk arriving from the UK, Spain, Genoa, Malta, Portugal, Morocco (Jews and Muslims), India and number of other places arriving, in the main, to service the military fortress Gibraltar then was, with thousands of servicemen stationed here plus those coming ashore from scores of warships berthed in our dockyard and anchored in the Bay.

the agenda... Let’s hope those brilliantly, colourful costumes and dazzling performances return soon to our streets and squares for all to enjoy. Ming Ming recalls, GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2021

“During the Covid lockdown we also raised a few thousand pounds for the GHA and we too, ordered face masks to distribute to members of the Chinese

Yes, our forefathers were yesteryear’s immigrants who began to settle on this little Rock of ours and made it their home... In recent years, and for very different reasons, many more countries’ citizens have come to make Gibraltar their new home. They keep on coming and so...may it continue! 31

life

WHEN MEN CRIED ‘WITCH!’

During the 1600s, the belief in the supernatural was vastly spreading, and many people began to believe that the devil could grant people inhuman abilities, thus creating the infamous idea of a witch.

BY GIANNA STANLEY

hen you think about witch trials, the first thing that comes to mind is the Salem Witch Trials, where 19 people lost their lives. Interestingly, 14 of these victims were women. In a society where men controlled every aspect of life, and were indoctrinated by strong religious beliefs, women were often the targets of persecution. The witch trials were not about fighting off the devil's work, they were about silencing the powerless. In 1692, when 9-year-old Betty and 11-year-old Abigail began experiencing violent twitching and uncontrollable screaming, a local doctor diagnosed bewitchment, with other girls soon experiencing similar symptoms. The authorities targeted Tituba, the family’s South American slave, a homeless beggar, and a poor, elderly woman, and accused them of 32

bewitching the girls. Notice how these are all women in the lowest echelons of society - the easiest to be targeted. Even on the slight occurrence when men were accused of being a witch, it was often because they were associated with women; the Puritan brothers or husbands of these supposed witches. When accused women named other supposed witches, it was merely because they were tortured and feared the outcome of these lies.

puritans, manage the household, and be subservient to their husband. They also believed that women could be more easily influenced by the devil due to the ‘original sin’ brought about by Eve and the forbidden fruit. Therefore, it is clear that as soon as women stepped outside the boundaries of these prescribed roles, they would instantly be oppressed. It even reached the absurd point that having too many children indicated a deal with the devil, but too little children was a curse. Indeed, it was the unfortunate women who did not have a man as a safeguard, or were of different ethnicities, that were instantly victims. These

The witch trials were not about fighting off the devil's work, they were about silencing the powerless.

Puritans had very specific ideas about what a woman’s role in society is. They were to have babies, raise children to be good

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

life harsh constraints created an impossible life. Interestingly, most Puritans who claimed to be victims of witchery were women, and often young girls. The initial two victims of the Salem Trials were daughters of a popular reverend. Many suggest that the girls faked their symptoms, as seen in The Crucible, where the protagonist targeted the wife of the man she was having an affair with. However, it all comes back to the men; the ones in power. Tibuta was shamed for being the one teaching young girls this evil magic, but given her position as an enslaved woman of colour, her confession was very likely coerced. Unfortunately, these racist ideas are still apparent, and Tibuta’s persecution can be compared to modern-day unjust political systems that target people of colour.

These harsh constraints created an impossible life. This is why witch trials were not about saving people from ‘black magic’, but rather about a justice system who was more ready to accept male misconduct than women who did not fit into the Puritan stereotype. Almost 400 years later, women and people of colour still face disadvantages, subjugation, and fear, merely for existing. Women have been casualties of a society dominated by men for far too long, but we are slowly closing the gender parity.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

life

A ZOOKEEPERS DIARY Our monthly spotlight on the superstars at the Alameda Wildlife Conservation Park… and their keepers!

he month of October certainly keeps the team at the AWCP on its toes. Any month that begins with World Animal Day and ends with Halloween, will always be a hit with an Animal Keeper! The month kicks off with World Animal Day on the 4th of this month, closely followed by World Habitats Day. In the first year of the UN’s Decade for Ecosystem Restoration, this celebration of the worlds habitats is more poignant than ever. Just eight days later and the AWCP and many of Gibraltar’s schools will be celebrating JUST ONE Tree day on the 15th October. The AWCP’s charity, WildACT have recently partnered with JUST ONE Tree, helping to raise funds for tree

planting and habitat restoration in Madagascar, one of the AWCP’s key conservation focus areas. Madagascar is home to 107 (and counting) species of lemurs, of which a shocking 103 are threatened with extinction. Protecting and regenerating habitats is crucial if these species are to be saved in the wild. If your child’s school hasn’t yet signed up for the JUST ONE Tree day, be sure to encourage them to do so. Just £1 will plant one tree in habitats all over the world. If you visit the park, you can also plant a tree each time you visit, by choosing JUST ONE Tree when you receive your ‘Wild Conservation Coin’ at the reception. £1 of each visitors entrance fee will now go to a conservation project of their choice.

Path Reptiles Haunted

Each month, the Zookeeper’s Diary goes behind the scenes at the Alameda Wildlife Conservation Park, taking a look at the daily routines of the Keepers and the animals they care for. But animal husbandry is just the tip of the iceberg. Running a zoo, no matter how small, requires a wealth of skills, some you never imagined a zoo keeper would need. With such a small team; three Keepers, a Head Keeper and a Manager, multi-tasking is the name of the day, pretty much every day. Volunteers and Interns are a god-send to the small park, and allow the staff extra time to work on other projects and to develop other areas of the zoo.

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After the morning animal husbandry routine is complete and the animals are fed and clean, staff and volunteers can turn their attention to other tasks. Before Shi decided he wanted to study animal management, he had been helping his granddad out with his Salford Carpentry business since as far back as he could remember, cultivating invaluable woodwork and

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Shi Moran

Shi Moran joined the zoo recently from Salford University, where he was studying Wildlife Conservation and Zoo Biology. Shi’s dream is to pursue a career working with marine species and sharks, but for now, he is just excited to be working with all the animals and staff at the AWCP. As an intern, Shi’s remit for the next few months will be to gain as much experience with the animals as he can while at the AWCP. After an intensive month of training, Shi is now a fully-fledged intern. Each intern at the AWCP receives an induction and a Volunteer Training Manual. Each week they aim to be trained in one section of the zoo, either by shadowing a keeper or with the training coordinator. Once the training coordinator and Park Manager decides they are up to scratch, they will be signed off for that section. This is invaluable experience for a fledgling zoo keeper. Zookeeping is a highly competitive industry requiring not only degree level education, but also experience working with a range of animals too. This can be tough for those starting out and the AWCP is keen to give each intern or volunteer as much exposure as possible.

carpentry skills that are always music to a small zoo’s ears. Since arriving in Gibraltar, Shi has been utilising these carpentry skills to help the Head Keeper, Steve Bryant and the other Keepers, to maintain areas of the zoo, from creating enrichment devices, to creating a platform for the bearded dragons summer house. Shi has also volunteered to take care of and organise the tool shed, making everyone’s lives far easier! After lunch is a great time for the team to get together and plan for events and projects. At the end of October, the park will again be hosting a midterm week of Halloween fun. Most years this would be in the form of a oneday Open Day event, but with

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COVID19 still lingering and after the success of last year’s midterm week-long event, it seems to be the best formula for the times. Small groups of up to ten will join one of the ‘Zombie’ Zoo Keepers and Volunteers for a spooktacular tour of some of the creepiest animals, imparting ghoulish animal facts to the unfortunate victims. There will be prizes for fancy dress and other competitions, raffles and events running throughout the week. To find out more about the AWCP Spooktacular ZooBoo Week, look out for information on the AWCP website: www.awcp.gi/events Facebook page or Instagram. Please note, this will be a ticketed event. Bookings can be made at www.buytickets.gi. Spaces are limited for get in there quick! GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

life

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

life

SEDIMENTAL VALUE

With the passion and purpose of promoting fine arts to the general public, sculptor Colin Thompson marries affordability and accessibility in his stall at the Ocean Village’s Sunday market. Teaming up with colleague Julia Francis, he exhibits his paintings and desktop stone or bronze creations, next to Julia’s chicken-wire ‘3D sketches’ of dancers and mermaids. BY ELENA SCIALTIEL

olin’s sculptures might be small, but they are mighty in significance, and when you buy one, you don’t only buy a piece of his mind and soul, but also a piece of geology, since each stone he sculpts was sourced by him personally during his explorations of abandoned mines or industrial archaeology sites. While I interviewed him, for instance, Colin sold a piece titled ‘Anxiety’, a grey rock suggestive of a person’s head whose face is contorted in worry or distress, eyes wide open and mouth deformed. “When I picked up this stone, it immediately concocted images of such sentiment with its dimples in the surface that spoke to me of staring hollow eyes, and a gaping mouth, so I chiselled out the

eyes, and enhanced its grimace, then I finished off the details with charcoal, to add depth, and eventually varnished it in place and glued on a hand-cut marble stand.”

Each stone Colin carves has a special meaning to him. For just about £40 you can own a Colin original; he actually specialises in larger-scale limestone sculptures usually commissioned for outdoor spaces. Here, he combines his artistic talents with the chisel and the expertise derived from his chemistry degree.

Sometimes he pours acid on limestone to carve it, as he did for his giant dinosaur’s head, others he sticks to the old-fashioned ways, which may cause hiccups like cracks and snaps: “I made a fountain head for myself, inspired by the Mycenaean Agamemnon’s Mask, but one of its ears cracked off, so I had to reconstruct it in resin.” Resin is a material he likes to experiment with, although most of his artwork is in marble, bronze or the ever-popular limestone, more malleable than marble of course - and sometimes volcanic tuff, whose interesting textures come straight from the bowels of Earth. It all started fifty years ago, when he become interested in Art Deco and wanted to buy a few pieces, but they were too expensive for his young years, so 39

life he resorted to making his own ‘in the style of’. They were noticed by his brother’s friend of a friend, who, from the Midlands where the Thompsons were born and raised, took him to London and eventually to New York to exhibit and enjoy some notoriety, before his career veered tor the business side of life, and art making was set on the back burner. When he moved to Spain twenty years ago, Colin was introduced through common friends to a geology professor at Granada University who invited him to tag along postgraduate fieldtrips to one of Almeria’s calderas, where the floor is ‘littered’ with garnet dust and whole crystals, a few of which Colin has gathered and used in his creations. Each stone Colin carves has a special meaning to him, and it’s somehow connected to the subject matter. One of my favourites is ‘Mother with Two Children’, an abstract that perfectly portrays and conveys the comforting embrace of maternity. It is made with saccharoidal limestone, a geological formation rich in magnesium that was sought after for the production of steel in nineteenth century Malaga, because during the iron reduction process, its magnesium content would produce heat and release the iron faster. Its use as media for this sculpture embodies the steely determination and steadfast love only a mother can give. Affordable portable pieces also accomplish the function of stress relief when Colin is working at a larger piece, where both talent and physical strength are required, and stamina sometimes find themselves in need of recharging 40

with a more light-hearted pursuits, such as spotting the likeness of Egyptian Queen Nefertiti in a striped rhomboidal stone – featuring a stargazing monkey on its reverse! There’s potential for mining and mine revamping in many Andalusian and Portuguese sites, Colin reckons, although most abandoned mines can prove metaphorical landmines with their toxic residue and crippled infrastructure. Indiana Jones style, he surveyed an old Roman mine in Portugal, where his vehicle tyres got corroded when he drove across the riverbed of the nearby stream, polluted with residue from extraction by-products. He is still actively looking for a goldmine to give a new lease of life to, and despite not having struck gold in stone yet, so to speak, he claims that decent revenue can be made the old

fashion way of Gold Rush prospectors at the river around Granada, where a few students are rumoured to be panning their way through university fees. Of course, he ain’t disclosing its exact location yet, but he describes it as a tranquil spot perfect for a holiday that may potentially pay for itself. For commissions, contact Colin on email colinthompson99@yahoo. co.uk or visit his Facebook page to browse his latest creations. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

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history

MOROCCO AND THE UNITED KINGDOM 300 years of Peace and Friendship (1721-2021)

BY MEHDI EL HARTI AND LAMA SHARIF

s the United Kingdom entered a new chapter of its economic history when it left the European Union, it embarked on a mission to negotiate trade deals with over ninety countries. In December 2019, Morocco became one of the first to reach an association agreement with the UK, and as this agreement came into force in January 2021, the two kingdoms marked the tercentenary of the first treaty ever ratified between them. Contemporary historians agree that the treaty of 1721 set the foundation of Anglo-Moroccan relations for over a hundred years, a period during which Britain became Morocco’s first trade partner and closest European ally. Accounts of the earliest diplomatic exchanges between Morocco and the British Isles date back to the 13th century when a weakened King John (r.11991216) sought the support of the Almohad Caliph Mohamed alNasir (r.1199-1213). However, Anglo-Moroccan relations will have to wait until the second half of the 16th century to properly kick off, as both countries were 42

up against the same adversary, Habsburg Spain. Queen Elizabeth I (r.1558-1603) and her contemporary Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur exchanged envoys on several occasions and strived to increase trade, which culminated in 1585 with the creation of the “Barbary Company.”

In the midst of the unprecedented anarchy, a new dynasty emerged in Morocco. The sudden deaths of al-Mansur and Elizabeth in 1603 put this brief alliance into a halt, especially that the first half of the 17th century was a period of instability in both countries. In 1661, Anglo-Moroccan relations experienced a new setback when the Portuguese offered Tangier as a dowry to King Charles II (r. 1660-1685) for his marriage to the Portuguese Infanta (princess), Catarina de Braganza. Despite

the absence of a central authority, Moroccan resistance never gave respite to the English garrison, inflicting considerable losses on them as in the Battle of Tangier in 1664. In the midst of the unprecedented anarchy, a new dynasty emerged in Morocco and would play a cementing role for the Moroccan nation to this day. The Alawis took it upon themselves to unify the country and re-establish a strong central authority; most importantly, they embarked on a mission to liberate the coastal towns from foreign invaders. The most imposing of Alawi sultans was Ismail who ruled with an iron fist from his capital Meknes. In 1680, he mobilised his troops to Tangier for a long siege that forced the English to negotiate. Ismail sent an embassy to London in 1681 headed by Mohamed ben-Haddou and a peace treaty was drafted, but the sultan refused to ratify it and continued his military pressure on Tangier, until the English finally evacuated their last soldier in February 1684. The English departure from the Strait would prove temporary, and GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

history dismissed him empty-handed. Charles Stewart (by Alan Ramsey)

twenty years later they captured the rock of Gibraltar. Immediately after the conclusion of the Treaty of Utrecht, Queen Anne (r.17021714) dispatched her emissary to negotiate the terms of peace with the Moroccan sultan; she understood that a sustainable British presence in Gibraltar would only be possible with the logistical support of Morocco. Accompanied by six vessels, Captain George Paddon, sailed aboard HMS Ruby in 1714 and “entered Tetuan Bay on the Barbary Coast with guns blazing” to intimidate the Moroccans and force them to make concessions. Paddon had an audience with Sultan Ismaīl who granted him, in return for the promise of a ransom, the freedom of many captives. He even succeeded in negotiating nine articles of peace with the sultan’s representative GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

The failures of the 1714 and 1717 embassies and the death of Vice-Admiral Cornwall in 1718 prompted King George I to send another mission to Morocco in 1720. This time, he granted his newly-appointed ambassador, Charles Stewart, the title of Minister Plenipotentiary with all the prerogatives to conclude a treaty in his name. Stewart and his secretary, John Windus, boarded HMS Dover from England on 24 September 1720. As soon as they arrived in Gibraltar, Stewart sent a letter to the Pasha of Tetuan, Ahmad ben-Ali ben-Abdullah, informing him that he was ready to meet and conclude a treaty:

in Tetuan. However, George Paddon's arrogance and contempt for Moroccans derailed his peace project, and probably cost him his post in the Royal Navy. The 1714 accords were a failure by all metrics: Queen Anne had not ratified the treaty as she died four days after its signature; the sultan did not receive the promised ransom, and Moroccan corsairs, known as the Sallee Rovers, continued attacking British merchant vessels. Sultan Ismail even sent a letter, dated 28 May 1717, to Vice-Admiral Charles Cornwall in Gibraltar complaining about the behaviour of the English negotiators and the fact that he had not received all what Paddon had promised him. Cornwall appointed another emissary, Captain Coningsby Norbury, but his inexperience displeased the sultan, who quickly

I take the Liberty to acquaint your Excellency of my arrival in these parts, with full powers to treat of a peace with your Excellency, or any person or persons His Imperial Majesty shall appoint. […] though I don’t know whether by destiny or mismanagement the so long desired peace has been retarded. Once informed, Sultan Ismail addressed a letter to Stewart, inviting him to his capital Meknes and assuring him that “there will only be what he desires.” He also reminded him of the historical relations between the two countries, “[…] you Englishmen are known for [your] engagement, truce and goodwill towards the kings of Marrakech.” In response to the Sultan’s letter, the British ambassador and his delegation crossed the Strait and arrived at the bay of Tetuan on 20 December 1720. Negotiations with the Pasha and the Sultan’s interpreter Moshe ben-Attar were successful, and on 17 January 1721 Charles Stewart penned his 43

history signature on the fifteen-article treaty. Surprisingly, the original text of the treaty was in Spanish, a language that ben-Attar, a member of Morocco’s JudeoAndalusian community, mastered quite well. On his return to Gibraltar, Charles Stewart sent the signed treaty to London for ratification by King George I. Once done, he travelled to Morocco again to meet the sultan in his capital Meknes. The ambassador’s diplomatic acumen enabled him to win the satisfaction of Sultan Ismail, who in turn ratified the treaty and freed 300 English captives. The sultan even entrusted Stewart with a letter to George I to express his

satisfaction with the negotiations. In his letter, Ismail praised the king on his choice of Stewart, whom he considered intelligent and "the best person” he had received from England. To further affirm his commitment to the articles of peace, Sultan Ismail sent his Admiral, Abdelhak Perez, to London where he stayed for few months before securing a “private audience of leave of his Majesty” George I on 29 August 1724.

The treaty of 1721 became instrumental in procuring a lifeline to Gibraltar.

By securing free and protected navigation in addition to safeguarding the rights and property of one another’s subjects, the treaty of 1721 became instrumental in procuring a lifeline to Gibraltar and boosting trade between Morocco and the British Isles. It was renewed and extended on several occasions as in 1729 when additional articles were included to allow Moroccans, Muslims and Jews, to settle and conduct business in Gibraltar. From that day forward, the majority of Gibraltar’s Jews were of Moroccan origins and they formed a dynamic community that helped bolster trade with Morocco. Three centuries have passed since

the ratification of the treaty of 1721 and relations between the two countries had not always been smooth sailing. Kings and sultans changed, and so did the different challenges that surfaced with these changes. Nevertheless, diplomatic and commercial ties continued without rupture as neither country took a radically reverse position towards the other. This goes to show the concerted efforts both kingdoms put into maintaining this mutually strategic relationship. A TREATY AHEAD OF ITS TIME: Some articles within the Treaty I. In order to establish Peace between the Powers, both by land and sea, and all their respective Dominions, it is agreed on, that the English may now, and always hereafter, be well used and respected by our Subjects, agreeable to the orders and commands of the Emperor. III. That all the English Ships and the Emperor’s Ships may pass and repass the Seas without hindrance, interruption, or molestation, from each other; nor shall any money, merchandise, or any demand be made or taken by the Ships of either Power from each other; VIII. That no English merchant, Captains of Ships, or other person or persons whatsoever, that are English subjects, shall be forced to sell any of their goods for less than the real value... XII. If any of the Emperor's subjects shall purchase any commodity in the English Dominions, they shall not be imposed upon in price, but pay the same as is sold to the English.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

life

WHAT MAKES US HUMAN?

The above question is one that we hear quite frequently as we go about our business. On BBC Radio 4, many well known figures have debated this thorny issue. BY PETE WOLSTENCROFT

here are many things that humans do, with which the other animals that share our planet have little truck. Spectacled bears do not concern themselves with fashion trends. Stag beetles have little time for reality TV. And ostriches, as far as we can tell, do not organise themselves into political groups. The above examples are clearly facetious, but the initial question remains and is a serious one. But does any single phenomenon mark us as different from and superior to animals? Uniquely human achievements include: great works of art, literature, poetry and the music of the Cheeky Girls. Most people would claim that the extent by which our intelligence exceeds that of mere animals would, at least, start to point us in the direction of a valid answer. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

Yet recent studies have shown incredible intellectual abilities in animals that do not even have a backbone. Octopuses, which are very closely related to lowly slugs and snails, can navigate mazes to get rewards of food. They can, apparently, recognise human faces and, as a result of this ability, have favourites and hold grudges against aquarium staff charged with their welfare. Humour is another quality that has the potential to be uniquely human. However, if you have seen footage of chimpanzees, you might, like me, think that they are capable of something approaching laughter. Higher primates also appear to play tricks on their fellows or on their keepers, if they have the misfortune to live in a zoo. Spoken language is unique to

Stag beetles have little time for reality TV. mankind, but communication can be found in everything from honeybees – with their waggle dance – to the light shows displayed by cuttle fish. Parrots and macaws can imitate our speech, but this does not mean they are capable of language. Starlings can mimic almost any sound they hear. When I was a child growing up in the 60s, I lost count of the times my dad got out of his armchair to answer the telephone. Imagine his chagrin when he found that it was not an old friend inviting him out for a drink, but a starling, which had learned to duplicate the sound of our old Bakelite telephone. 45

life Dolphins and some other cetaceans are probably the most linguistically sophisticated members of the animal kingdom. But, much as I am fond of these animals, I strongly doubt they are capable of talking about the past or the future. If I had to pick just one thing that is uniquely human, it would be that most proscribed phenomenon: lying. Most holy books warn us not to lie. But most holy books were written a long time before anybody ever asked: “Does my bum look big in this?” (To which, by the way, the only acceptable answer is: “No.”) Only humans can deny, bend and break the truth. As a writer, I am careful to ensure that my stories contain at least a kernel of truth. If I catch a fish that weighs a pound, by the time I get to the pub, that fish will have experienced a sudden, post-struggle growth spurt and can weigh anything up to a hundred pounds. But that is fine – as long as I caught a fish. Provided I caught a fish, I am not lying: I am exaggerating. I really do try and lie as little as possible. But I am not a saint. White lies grease the wheels of human relations and, as such, are not to be frowned upon or otherwise sanctioned. Imagine a scenario in which, when invited to a party by the office bore, you chose not to cite a prior engagement, but rather went with the truth: “I won’t be coming to the party, as I find your company to be excruciatingly boring.” That particular truth is not only hurtful, but it benefits nobody. Anybody who has seen the Ricky Gervais film The Invention of Lying will recognise that life as we know 46

There is no denying that a quick, precise lie can be a wonderful tool. it becomes intolerable if we are not allowed the occasional bit of economising where the truth is concerned. (Liar, Liar with Jim Carrey similarly explores what would happen if Carrey’s character – a lawyer - were obliged to tell nothing but the truth for 24 hours. I will refrain from any lawyer jokes at this juncture: I never go for the easy targets.) Although I try to avoid telling whoppers, I am, in fact, quite a good liar. As a young child, I learned that dimwits would believe anything I said, provided that I appended the words: “I swear on my sister’s life!” to the end of the phrase. My sole sibling is my big brother, but those magic words defused many a tight situation. And there is no denying that

a quick, precise lie can be a wonderful tool. Just make sure you don’t get caught out, as I was in an interview many years ago. I had claimed to be able to speak fluent French, but was exposed as a charlatan, when the interviewer switched to that language – mid sentence! And don’t be like Bill Clinton and over egg the pudding. “I did not have sexual relations with that woman.” was never going to cut the mustard. Your subconscious hates you to lie and is always trying to expose you with little tics and tells that an observant person can read like a book. However, a total absence of those things can also look very suspicious, as most of us trip over our tongue, blink and contradict ourselves, for no good reason other than that we are human. So if I ever tell you about the red Ferrari we had when I was a child, if you hear me wax lyrical about its almost feminine curves and the cachet of being a Ferrari owner, I swear you can believe me. After all, back in the 60s, Dinky made some bloody good model cars. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

life

THE BRACELET THAT BOUND A ROMANCE

In October 1943, a beachcomber wandering along Cefn Beach on the coast of Wales came across the body of a man laying in the sand at water’s edge. It was obvious from his attire that he was an aviator but when emergency services arrived, they could find no official identification, however, it was noticed that on his left wrist there was a bracelet, a personal I.D. bracelet engraved with the name Stephen Ogilvie.

BY REG REYNOLDS

n October 1943, a beachcomber wandering along Cefn Beach on the coast of Wales came across the body of a man laying in the sand at water’s edge. It was obvious from his attire that he was an aviator but when emergency services arrived, they could find no official identification, however, it was noticed that on his left wrist there was a bracelet, a personal I.D. bracelet engraved with the name Stephen Ogilvie. Military records were checked and revealed that Sub-lieutenant Stephen John Maxwell Ogilvie of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve had been killed on October 7, when his Seafire (naval version of the Spitfire) crashed during a training accident off the North Devon coast near Chivenor. Ogilvie was towing a target for practice shooting when one of the GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

attacking planes came in too low and the two planes collided and both pilots were killed. The tides had taken Ogilvie’s body all the way to Wales a distance of more than 200 miles. After confirmation of identification Ogilvie was interred on October 28, in St. Illtyd churchyard cemetery at Pembrey. The British military generally wore identification tags, known as ‘dog tags’ to Americans, but either Ogilvie chose not to wear his that day or they were washed away by the ocean. The personal bracelet he was wearing had been sent to him by his Canadian girlfriend when he was stationed at Gibraltar. The story behind the bracelet is both happy and sad. Stephen Ogilvie was born in 1921 at St. John’s Wood, London to William Heneage Ogilvie and Vera

The story behind the bracelet is both happy and sad. Magdalene nee Quitter. William Ogilvie was a prestigious figure, He studied at Clifton College and New College, Oxford, where he gained first class honours in physiology. In 1910, William Ogilvie proceeded to Guy's Hospital, where he qualified as a surgeon and during World War I he treated urgency cases in a hospital in France. Returning from the front he served as a surgeon for Guy’s for 23 years and was visited by doctors from surgical centres all over the world. He received a knighthood from King George VI in 1943. Stephen Ogilvie would never 47

life on September 11, 1942: “Thank you love, I thank you so much for this identification bracelet that I am now wearing. I think that it is lovely, as lovely as it was of you to send it to me.” At Gibraltar he flew a Hawker Hurricane for the first time. “These are operational fighter planes and are so beautiful to handle, just like thoroughbreds. I was rather proud of me for I have been wanting to fly one for many months, so this is another thing achieved.” Ogilvie then admitted his family problems, this down. He joined the Royal Navy Reserve specifically to become a fighter pilot to atone for his sin and gain some respect in the family. Unfortunately, that dream ended on the day he was killed.

attain such heights and, although he wrote that he enjoyed a happy childhood, he disgraced the family by being kicked out of Harrow for stealing and was never able to live 48

On a happier note, he was sent to Canada to train as a flyer and that is where he met the pretty, young and personable Canadian Nancy Lang. The attractive couple enjoyed a whirlwind romance for a few months before Ogilvie was ordered back to the UK. He wasn’t posted to a fighting unit, but he received more training on various aircraft and enjoyed two postings to North Front, Gibraltar. It was to Gibraltar that Nancy mailed the ID Bracelet. Ogilvie replied by letter

“I have been a great disappointment to my parents all my life and I don’t want to bring you into line with them. I was not graduated I was thrown out for stealing – why I did it I do not know. So do not ask me, another skeleton that rattles vaguely in the back of the closet – you love a bad egg darling.” Ogilvie’s second posting to Gibraltar in the Spring of 1943 brought Nancy this message. “Happy in Gib flying Seafires, Sea Hurricanes and Swordfish almost every day and enjoying the weather, even the rain, and able to buy good Sherry. The food is good here and of course we have plenty of fruit.” Malta was Ogilvie’s next posting, but he still had not seen combat and his last letter to Nancy was sent from #68 Hamilton Terrace, London on September 3, 1943, just a month before the fatal crash. It was a heartbreaker. First, he tells Nancy that he was in a “smash-up” at Gibraltar, crushed his left hand and was inactive for GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

life several weeks. He apologised that he had not been able to write because his left was his writing hand. Then he informs her that he found a new love and had gotten engaged two months earlier. He signs off: “Give my regards to the Royal York [a 5-star hotel in Toronto] and the Royal Canadian Yacht Club and please remember me to your mother and father. And for you Nancy, all the very best of luck. Ever, Steve.” Following Ogilvie’s death Nancy received two letters, one from his fiancée and the other from his mother. Letter from fiancée October 9, 1943: “Dear Nancy Before I introduce myself, I must say I’m writing with some bad news. I believe Steve wrote and told you we’d got engaged. He asked me a long time ago, to write you, if he should get killed and so I’m doing so. He was killed on Thursday 7th, doing low-flying target practice. Evidently one of the attacking planes came in too low and crashed into him. I only hope it was absolutely, instantaneous. I got very worried yesterday as he was expected for the weekend, and when he didn’t turn up today, I rang his drome and one of the officers told me, ‘There’s nothing more to say.’ can’t believe it myself yet.

“I waited to write to you about Steve until his personal belongings were returned to me by the Admiralty. I know you were fond of him my Dear, and I am sending you back the identity disc you gave him. He wore it always, and it was by this that he was identified where his body was washed up. I thought you would like to know this even if you don’t want the disc. I am also sending back your photo which gave him so much pleasure when it came, together with some snaps which he carried in his writing case. It was so tragic that he should be killed in an air accident like this just when he had got appointed to ‘Jupiter’ squadron – which had always been his heart’s desire. There is little more to be said. Thank you for more happy days you gave; he never forgot. I hope when I do come to Canada after the war to thank all who have been so kind to him there, also that I may meet you. PS: If you don’t want the disc – please don’t throw it away.

Please forgive me, then if I end.

Yours sincerely, Magdalene Ogilvie.”

Yours Sincerely, Veronica Strammers.”

Happily, life turned out well for Nancy. Following Stephen Ogilvie’s death, she joined the Red Cross Ambulance Corp., and

Letter from Mother, Feb 12, 1944: GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

it was while serving in Belgium that she met Canadian Captain Montague Tyrwhitt-Drake, who was serving with the East Yorkshire Regiment and had taken part in the D-Day landings at Sword Beach. When the war was over, they married in her hometown of Toronto in 1946 and then moved to Vancouver, British Columbia where he obtained his law degree. They later settled in Victoria where Drake established a successful law practice and worked his way up to a County Court Judge and Supreme Court Justice. They were married for 69 years until Montague’s death in 2015. They had three children, Montague, Elizabeth and Guy. The youngest Guy supplied the photos and letters for this article. He has tried to trace the I.D. bracelet but has been unable to find out what happened to it. Nancy died on November 9, 2017. 49

scene

Alžbĕta Znamenská

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

literature

AROUND THE WORLD WITH LITTLE JOYCE Aidan Serra is a local teacher-turned-author who has recently published a series of four children's books called Little Joyce and a stand-alone book named Mylo's Monsters. I sat down with him to pick his brains about books, writing, and inspiration. BY JOEL FRANCIS

he Little Joyce collection follows a young girl through different biomes, encountering the animals that live there on the way. Mylo's Monsters is a colourful story about monsters who show us not to judge other people on their appearances. Both collections are great for children of all ages and perfect for bedtime or family story time. I can tell by reading Little Joyce that the story is very heartfelt and holds a special meaning for you; what inspired you to write these books? The idea for these books came around at a difficult time last October when my grandmother passed, and two of my other

grandparents also passed within a week of each other - it put into perspective that time is precious. The first book I wrote from the series was Little Joyce Rainforest Friends because when I was a child, my grandmother told me a similar story about an elephant, but I changed it to a little girl to honour her and her memory. After writing the first book, I had an idea to look at the curriculum with my girlfriend (who's also a teacher) and create an educational tool that uses the grammar and rhyme common for this age group to learn at school. Have you always been interested in writing and storytelling, or is this a passion you found later in your life?

I have always had a passion for writing. I entered several short story competitions in the past, and I even won a school story competition; as a reward, they placed my story in the school magazine at the time. So it's something that I've always enjoyed; I've had some fantastic English teachers who always encouraged me, my love for writing and storytelling has always been there. In fact, my father just directed the horror film The Mount. I had the chance to edit the movie, and again the storytelling element was gratifying. I really enjoy exploring storytelling in different mediums, and this just happened to be the perfect way of immortalising and honouring my grandmother's love for reading. 51

literature It put into perspective that time is precious. Did you plan Little Joyce to be a series of novels, or did you just plan to write Rainforest Friends? With this project, it was just going to be the one book. It was something that I wanted to do for my grandmother, but once I completed it, I found I really relished the whole process and decided to create the other four books. After the Little Joyce project, I took a little break but had a eureka moment, and Mylo's Monsters just came naturally, so I was able to create the book quite quickly. That's something I try to carry through all my projects. I won't work on them until I feel like it comes easily and naturally to me. Did you find any obstacles when writing the Little Joyce series, and can you tell us about them? After writing Little Joyce Rainforest Friends, and I took her to different places, I didn't want to repeat the same language. So one of the main struggles was keeping engagement, changing up the wording slightly and maintaining the use of rhyme in my story without it becoming monotonous. This can also be a challenge when you're trying to adapt rhyme to a particular animal. Who did the illustrations in the books? I also illustrated these books, which was one of the toughest 52

challenges - finding a simple but aesthetically pleasing style to the reader. There were several drafts but eventually, I settled on this style because there was something innocent and friendly about it. I wanted to make sure that Joyce was always in the foreground while the background was subtle. The focus is Joyce and the animals without any other distractions in the story. Talking about illustration where did that passion start?

Ever since I can remember, I've been drawing, doodling or sketching. As a child, I always took art classes and loved to draw. Later on, in my life at university, I did my degree in Computer Animation, so a lot of that was focused on being creative with illustration and drawing. All of Aidan's books are available on Amazon. If you are Gibraltar-based, you can also access them at the John Mackintosh Hall Library or get them for a discounted price and free delivery from his website: www. aidancharlesserra.com. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

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music

MUSICIANS ASSOCIATION OF GIBRALTAR

October is a big month for the Musicians Association of Gibraltar (MAG), seeing the return of 6 exciting events.

fter the huge disappointment this summer with the cancellation of all their events, the Musicians Association of Gibraltar (MAG) is happy to be able to provide a program of events that cater for everyone. With the support of the Gibraltar Cultural Services and following Public Health protocol, MAG managed to host 3 events in the Ince’s Hall Theatre. After what has arguably been the busiest summer in recent memory for Gibraltar’s musicians and indeed for the majority of the MAG’s members, the association is delighted to announce a triple header of events this October at the Ince’s Hall Theatre, with the first being the Juan Galiardo Trio Jazz Concert on Thursday the 14th. Born in Seville, Juan has performed around the world 54

and we have no doubt that his performance on the Rock will be one that local jazz enthusiasts will thoroughly enjoy. Tickets are priced at £6. Next up, The Rock Shadows will return with their tribute to Cliff Richard and The Shadows. An experienced band and no strangers to the big stage, you can expect the 60s sound that made this band so popular. Joining them for a few songs will be the talented Yusef Moudden. Supporting The Shadows will be Della Slade and Lorena Rodriguez. Tickets are priced at £10. The third night is an homage to the 90s Rock scene, featuring 6 local acts. Guy Valarino, Ellipse, Otherside, House 13, Paper Plane and Jar of Lies will tackle legendary artists such as Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, Nirvana, Foo

Fighters, Alanis Morrisette, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Radiohead! Sounds Like Teen Spirit is priced at £12 a ticket. Also on the agenda is BandSlam, which will have two preliminary rounds held at the legendary Lord Nelson’s on the 1st and 8th of October followed by a Grand Final on the 22nd also at Lord Nelson. The winners will receive a staggering £1000 and there are cash prizes for 2nd and 3rd place finishes too. “MAG would like to thank all those lovers of live music for their support and we hope to continue assisting our members and providing the general public with excellent LOCAL entertainment!” All tickets for these events can be bought online at www.buytickets.gi. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

music

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

Wisdom And Her House By Alan Powe (The Banjo Man)

Have you heard of Wisdom? She’s got a sister that’s called Grace. I feel her all around me, But I’ve never seen her face. Her ornaments confound me, A golden treasure chest, Lost in an open world Puts Prudence to the test. Then Loyalty adored me And said there’s something you should know, I’m not something you say you’ve got I’m something that you show. Long Suffering came in and spoke: “Your soul I want to save, From time to time you’ll see me From the cradle to the grave. Then Hope took me by the hands Said you’ll bear me in your mind. There is no river deep or wide No mountain we can’t climb. Sweet Charity embraced me, Said use me to be kind. The more you sow, the more you reap, You must give me all the time. Now Faith relentless in his cause Said have me and we’ll grow. I’m going to hold fast to you, I’m the part that won’t let go. The secret of this fragrance Lie in actions of the just For every broken contrite soul Smells sweet and blossoms in the dust.

art

SNAPSHOTS OF GIBRALTAR

Fresh from a fine arts degree, Monica Popham is emerging on the local scene thanks to her versatility in painting and photography.

BY ELENA SCIALTIEL

n August, Monica Popham won the ‘Our Gibraltar’ Photography Award, worth £750, with her snapshot Orange Blinds: a play on blinding sunset light and leaves shadows on the façade of a local housing estate. Her distinctive brushstroke balances micro and macrocosmic, traditional figurative and illustration styles, contributing to the artistic exposure of the Upper Town’s architecture. There are echoes of the late Mario Finlayson’s legacy, married with a certain tourist-poster flare in her choice of bright colours, geometric lines, and play on block shadows.

scale project, designed to fill a few square metres of exhibition wall space, would have to be left on the backburner, as she hadn’t enough room at home to set it up and work on it. “I’ve never been too fond of

There are echoes of the late Mario Finlayson’s legacy.

canvas either,” she says, “so I welcomed the ‘emergency’ use of small rectangles of plywood which my dad saved for me to sketch in preparation to my ‘big’ work.” After some doodling, Monica realised that she’d found a new avenue to explore. Environmentally conscious art on recycled support, affordable because of its materials and size, and at the same time original and stackable, as if each frame

The genesis of her flagship piece submitted to the Alwani Summer Art Competition was serendipitous, and partly stemming from lockdown restrictions. Monica was in fact due to work on her final coursework in the United Kingdom when the Covid crisis struck in March 2020. Upon her return to Gibraltar, she realised that her largeGIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

art

“I’ve never been too fond of canvas either” was a still from a movie about Gibraltar. The small detail contributed to the bigger picture, both metaphorically and literally, when she later jig-sawed her ninety-six snapshots into one sizeable emotional portrait of the hometown she had missed so much while at uni. In the UK she longed for the Rock’s mediterranean colours and shapes so much that she had to remind herself of home by painting it; when she found herself constricted in lockdown, where space was limited but imagination wasn’t, she turned the photographs taken during her Upper Town ramblings into semiabstract impressions, introducing her signature piece of a picture worth a hundred pictures - well almost, just four short of 100! Monica’s research in this style successfully continued for the National Week Art Exhibition, that endorsed her potential as the artistic grasshopper on the path of local art giants like the above58

mentioned Mario Finlayson, whose love for Gibraltar’s tiled roofs she shares, as well as Karl Ullger, Leslie Gaduzo and Christian Hook, whom she admires for their flawless technical foundation. Monica paints with acrylics, as she’s aiming at two or three postcard-sized pictures drawn and painted per day. She’s done larger scale too, at university, but she seems to have found her trademark in ‘tight’n’bright’ - although she’s also proven her swashbuckling brush-brandishing panache with the challenge of a mural.

The writing – the drawing, actually – is indeed on the wall, at GAMPA premises outer and inner walls: “I entered the Ministry of Culture competition for that mural, as I had an idea to bridge visual and performing arts. I did so because my sister plays there, and I reckoned a mural of mine would be my way of making my art and hers go hand in hand. My submission was selected, and so I was invited to reproduce it life-size.” There the practical challenges started, and Monica turned her project into a family affair: “My parents and I went up there GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

art with a projector, and traced the outlines on the wall, whose texture however prevented me to draw durable and visible lines in acrylics. I managed eventually to sketch it and have it ready to colour in, but there was the extra challenge of the uphill wall, thus dealing with the consequent distorted perspective.” More tests came from vehicular traffic, as the wall is located on a relatively busy road: “I wore hi-viz vests and delimited my safe zone with traffic cones. What seemed a flash project took four weeks to complete, and local motorists got to know me, and gave me feedback on my progress.”

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

And more from the heat: “It was July, so I painted from 9 to 11:30 am, before the sun flooded street and wall, and then again in the afternoon, when the shade returned. Obviously, I had to carry up there my brushes and buckets every day.” Monica brilliantly managed not to paint herself in a corner, but for the highest corners she had to resort to a long-handled roller, and stretch her arm to Elastigirl lengths. She requested permission to access the nearby school and hang out of one window to apply the final touches to her

masterpiece, which is now out free for Gibraltarians and tourists to enjoy. Monica is enjoying her graduate summer, basking in the dream of art as a lifestyle - with a few commissions here and there, including fancy blackboards for some local eateries. She favours traditional painting with brushes and palettes, but she is experimenting with virtual drawing on her iPad, with interesting results, specially in illustrator’s style – almost unchartered territory with potential galore to suit talent.

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Email: info@littleenglish.gi / WhatsApp: +350 54076150

scene

SENIORS TEA FOR TWO BIG BAND NIGHT PART 2! Sophie Clifton-Tucker of Little English/The Gibraltar Magazine and Jason Harper of B2 Projects are pleased to announce a second Big Band Night, after the success of their first one back in June. Seniors Tea for Two is a monthly charitable initiative that welcomes the elderly for an afternoon of tea, coffee, and cakes over music and conversation. Unfortunately, these events have been stopped and restarted sporadically due to the pandemic. The next event will take place on the 12th October, at the Theatre Café, as from 7pm (subject to change - please call to confirm beforehand and to book your place). You are able to purchase refreshments whilst there; there will also be a small charitable fund behind the bar for those who are unable to afford their drinks. Loneliness amongst our senior citizens is unfortunately a very real issue. The ST42 team urge you to check on your neighbours, elderly friends, and family members. Just one little knock on a door can make more of a difference than we could imagine. If you know of anyone who could benefit from these social meet-ups, please email seniorsteafortwo@gmail.com. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

art

Oil Paints (basic starter set) Canvas or Oil Painting Paper

RT CLUB

Paint Thinner (recommended Salsador) Fine and Wide Brushes HB Pencil

How to improve your painting with ‘underpainting’. BY THOMAS MAXWELL

his month, we will be looking at how you can take small steps to improve your painting. Underpainting is a technique in which you apply a thin coat of paint to the material and build up your painting slowly through thinned paint, moving from thinned to thick paint. This process is quite simple but can massively help you in shaping your painting and getting more accurate colours. I have tried this on a vase and flowers, let’s see how it goes!

STEP 1 What I have done here is mix Burnt Umber with paint thinner, turning it almost to pure water. I then applied the mixture over the oil paper that I am using. Why do this? Well firstly, it allows you to get a better idea of colour. If you are painting from a white canvas, sometimes it can be difficult to understand dark colours because of how bright the surface is. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

You can do it in grey or brown; I personally prefer brown because it’s a common colour in painting so

requires no colour mixing. I then map out my painting using pencil, as for me I find it easier and also 63

art better to cover up with paint.

started to build up the layers. I wanted to do this so when I was working on the painting in later stages, I kept the lighting similar to make the painting look natural and not artificial. Once I was able to achieve that, I could then start looking at the subject.

thick and you end up mixing the paint instead of creating separate, concrete layers. I continued to work on the subject working from top to bottom as to avoid any potential smudging.

STEP 2 The first thing you should paint on a painting, in my opinion, is the background. What does this do? Well, like the above, it gives a better idea of the lighter and darker tones of the background, and how you can shape the subject. I thinned down the paint here so that I can build up the painting; you want to go from thin paint to thickest paint, so if you make a mistake, you can easily go back and change it.

STEP 6 STEP 4 Now for the subject, we are going to do the exact same thing. This is a term called blocking. Blocking is getting a rough idea for a subject without getting too detailed. If you get bogged down in detail, your painting can lose depth, as well as time! Squint your eyes and pick out the main colours. Thin the paint so that it’s just thicker than watercolour and apply the colours following this block in method. Don’t forget to stand back every so often to check your piece so that it’s roughly shaped as you would envision it at the finish.

STEP 5

STEP 3 Once I had a rough idea of what part of the background is dark and what part is light, I then started to apply less and less paint thinner on the colours and gradually 64

The benefit of doing these underpaintings is that it allows you to learn about perspective and colour, whilst also giving you the chance to change or alter a particular part. Oil paint can be notoriously thick, but if you thin your paints down and build it up step by step, you can make changes before the paint gets too

As you can see here, I have started to go into more detail on the flower petals. They key to detail is in fact giving the illusion that the detail is there. The first step is to understand where the light is coming from, in this case its coming from the front and slightly to the right (indicated by the left petal in the bottom right flower). Therefore, I adjusted the flowers to achieve this notion. Once you are happy that your painting is shaped the way you like it, continue to apply thicker, smaller brushstrokes to build up that detail. The reason I underpaint is that it can often be quite daunting to start a painting, but see it like you are constructing a building: before you build, you design, lay out and eventually put in the foundations, so it starts to look like a house. Underpainting is a great way of learning and as you progress, you learn shortcuts and ways you can speed up your painting process! Keep up to date with Thomas on Instagram @thomasomaxwell or visit www.thomasomaxwell.com GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

NEW

IN SHOPS NOW

Mama’s 50 must-try vegan recipes It’s time for a new adventure! With the world changing and adapting to new surroundings and ethical movements to better the environment we live in, we thought it was time to challenge ourselves to create a vegan cookbook with some of our favourite recipes made fresh, and easy, using plant based vegan ingredients.

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www.mamalotties.com

BOOKISH... Join us for our monthly book club!

BY JOEL FRANCIS

elcome to the October edition of Bookish; summer has ended, and the cold weather is setting in. So why not stay at home with a nice cup of your favourite drink and jump into one of these great books that I'm recommending this month?

THE SANDMAN (AN AUDIBLE ORIGINAL) Neil Gaiman & Dirk Maggs Genre: Fantasy / Horror For Fans Of: Joe Hill What’s in the pages? When the king of dreams, Lord Morpheus (also known as the Sandman), is plucked from his realm and trapped on earth by a dangerous cult, his powers diminish for years until he finally escapes. To restore his powers and help him rebuild his kingdom, he must find three tools. Through a series of short stories, Morpheus goes to hell, chases rogue nightmares and even meets William Shakespeare. Can he succeed in his mission, or will the dream world be doomed for eternity? Why should you read it? As any comic book fan knows, adapting the genre to different mediums is extremely hard to do well. Arguably the only franchise to have done it successfully is Marvel, until now. I would go so far as to say that Audible's The Sandman is the perfect comic book adaptation. The audiobook captures the essence of the 10 comic book epic and twisted storyline with outstanding excellence. It allows newcomers and fans alike an enjoyable and thrilling peek into the universe of The Sandman and the characters that so many around the world love. With a fantastic cast of voice actors, including but not limited to Michael Sheen, Andy Serkis, James McAvoy and Kat Dennings and some of the best audio production you will hear in an audiobook, this is an excellent choice if you're looking for a listen this Halloween.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

THE SURVIVOR Gregg Hurwitz Genre: Thriller For Fans Of: Brian Freeman What’s in the pages? Nate Overbay is dying from ALS; he suffers from PTSD and has lost his family. So, one morning, he decides to go to an eleventh-floor bank, climbs onto the window ledge and gets ready to jump. Then all of a sudden, a group of robbers burst into the bank and begin to shoot - with nothing left to lose, Nate's solider training comes into effect. He takes them all out... except for one who leaves Nate with a cryptic warning. Soon after the bank event, Nate is hailed a hero and considered a celebrity by many. He is then kidnapped by savage Russian mobsters who are the heist's masterminds and is given an ultimatum - break into the bank and get what they need, or they kill his ex-wife and his teenage daughter. With no other option, Nate is thrust into an underworld of organised crime and conspiracy with his ex-family's lives in the balance. Why should you read it? The Survivor is a slow-burning page-turner with enough twists, turns and obstacles to make you feel like you've just come off a 372-page rollercoaster by the end of it. Packed with fantastic characterisation, real struggle and shining a light on an often-misunderstood diagnosis (PSTD), this book had me hooked from the very start. Although the pacing can be temperamental towards the middle of the book, and the plot is highly farfetched (I do not say this lightly, go in expecting as much realism as the last Fast & Furious film). This novel is heart wrenching, exhilarating and will keep you guessing until the very end. Do you like crime or thriller novels? If so, I suggest you suspend your disbelief and dive headfirst into this great book from the mind that brought you Orphan X.

SQUARE HAUNTING Francesca Wade Genre: Biography

For Fans Of: Hallie Rubenhold

What’s in the pages? Hidden in London's Bloomsbury District is Mecklenburgh Square. In this book, get ready to take a journey and learn about the students, artists and revolutionaries who lived there in the twentieth century. Square Haunting tells the story of Mecklenburgh Square through the lives of five women who lived there throughout the ages: H.D, Dorothy L. Sayers, Virginia Woof, Eileen Power and Jane Harrison. Why should you read it? With the novel Square Haunting, Francesca Wade manages to create a different kind of biography. Instead of being about one person and their life, it focuses on a place (Mecklenburgh Square) and five extraordinary women who lived there. Interestingly, the book's biographies focus solely on these mavericks' impact on the world while they lived at the square. As a result, it ignores much of what happened before or after in their lives. Nevertheless, this is a refreshing way to write a biography; I have only seen it previously done in the equally impressive and poignant The Five by Hallie Rubenhold. Follow the history of Mecklenburgh Square and the Bloomsbury Group in this fascinating and innovative biography of women who changed the world more than they could have ever known. Square Haunting is a crucial, grounding take on the social history of some of London's most influential women - and it's a great read too.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

Victory Suite, spacious and elegant. From light lunches to ine dining with breaks tuned to your needs. *We cater for every possible dietary need.

Bookings events@rockhotel.gi | +350 200 73000 | www.rockhotelgibraltar.com

scene

CONSENT

Trafalgar Theatre Group presents ‘Consent’ by Nina Raine. BY CARMEN ANDERSON

irected by Daniel StrainWebber, from October 11th – 15th Trafalgar Theatre Group will be presenting Consent by Nina Raine. This thought-provoking play follows a group of lawyers living and working in London; they mainly represent rape victims or defend rapists, and as the title suggests, the main theme of the play is consent. “The first half of the play is

about the characters as a group of people, being friends, interreacting with each other; there is a main legal case that one of the characters is defending and one of the characters is prosecuting. There’s a substantial element of sexual politics going on between the group of friends. Then, many of the themes that are represented within the first half, are echoed in the second half,” Daniel Strain-Webber told The Gibraltar Magazine.

“It is one of those plays where you have to watch to discover it.” Cast member, Erica McGrail, expanded, adding; “The play explores consent from a legalistic point of view, but it also delves deep into marital relationships, and questions what consent means in a relationship. You can see themes of marriage, love and infidelity.” Daniel went on to explain that it is a difficult play to describe in a nutshell; “It is one of those plays where you have to watch to discover it.” A fan of Nina Raine’s writing, Consent is one of her standout works for Daniel. “One of the main reasons I chose this play in particular is because I’m a fan of Nina Raine. When I’m looking for plays, I’ll read ones by playwrights that I’ve read before

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

scene or directed before, and I’d read Consent a while ago and loved it; it’s challenging for the actors, and also for me as a director.” Anyone involved in drama will know how important it is to affect an audience – this is Daniel’s main aim with Consent. “With any play I do, it’s about the audience. If you’re putting on a comedy you want to see an audience laugh, if you’re putting on a drama you want to see the audience completely invested in it, so for me, the main aim of the play is to move the audience. I want the audience to leave the theatre and discuss their experience. I think a lot of people will have strong opinions as to what’s actually happened within this play and I want them to discuss this, and to discuss the issue of consent as a whole.”

know what the future holds, but I think we’ve got to a point now where we are going to be able to stage this play. We’ve got a really committed group of actors, we’ve done quite a lot of experimentation with the script and in terms of the process in general, it’s going really well.” Member of the cast, Harriet Seed, explained how strange it has seemed to not perform during the Covid-19 outbreak, as she usually performs in two plays per year. She said, “I

This isn’t the first time that Daniel has directed a play during the pandemic. In October of 2020, Daniel directed You Stupid Darkness! at the Alameda Open Air Theatre. Covid-19 presented numerous issues during this period; however, Daniel feels the process has been slightly easier this time around; “I think we’re at a place now where, in Gibraltar at least, we are getting on with our lives. Theatre can now take place, albeit with a couple of restrictions, but it is much easier compared to last year with the play we staged, as there were a lot more restrictions then that we had to navigate,” he explained. Daniel had tried to stage a number of other plays during the pandemic, however lockdowns and further restrictions stopped these from going ahead. At the moment Daniel is optimistic that Consent will be staged: “We don’t 70

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

scene For me, the main aim of the play is to move the audience. haven’t acted in a play for two years, so I am definitely excited to get back on stage! It’s been a strange year, but I am so happy that theatre is coming back.” Erica McGrail added to this, saying, “I really hope that it goes ahead! The last play that I almost performed in was for the drama festival two years ago and at the last minute, it was cancelled. This is the first time that I return to the stage since our first lockdown, and I am really excited!” Erica went on to explain some of the challenges that crop up with her role, and her aim with

her performance; “It’s a very challenging role. There is a lot of comedy injected into the play, but it’s quite dark. There are some challenging scenes which are

physically and mentally draining, but I love a bit of drama! I love being pushed and luckily, I am very fortunate to be cast in roles that push me, and with this one it is more the mental and emotional stress that the character undergoes. I would like to achieve a truthful performance; I want the audience to leave reflecting, questioning, and thinking.” Fellow cast member, Sean Byrne also recounted some of the challenges he has experienced; “This is very different from the two other plays I’ve performed in. It’s more conversational and there are more people on stage at once, so a personal challenge is to be able to be react to multiple conversations going on; this has been quite difficult for me, but it’s a great learning curve.” This powerful play is set to challenge the audience as much as it has challenged the players and their director. Tickets are available at buytickets.gi.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

film

SERIES ROUND-UP

BY EVELYN HEIS

ith autumnal weather approaching, there’s no better way to pass the time than by curling up on the sofa with a hot drink and a throw blanket, being absorbed by a TV show. Though, sometimes, these moments of bliss are curtly interrupted by our inability to choose what series to watch; there are just too many to choose from! But worry not, we’ve compiled a ‘Netflix Series Round-up’ recommending five must-see, binge-worthy Netflix series to keep you amused this autumn.

incidents that led up to the night they fled the paranormal grounds. Now adults, the Crain family are as troubled as ever, suffering from crippling ill mental health, substance abuse, loss, and estrangement, as a result of the traumatic experiences they shared at Hill House. Almost thirty years, and another tragedy later, the family are brought together again and forced to revisit their past. Has the house affected their lives forever? Or will they be able to finally get away, once and for all?

The Haunting of Hill House is much more than just jump scares and creepy ghosts, depicting an extremely captivating and original plot filled with phenomenal performances, characters that you cannot get enough of, and superb cinematography- making the whole experience worthwhile.

MONEY HEIST (20172021) – ACTION & CRIME

Inspired by Shirley Jackson’s novel of the same name, this one-season miniseries will have you hiding under the covers, yet totally gripped. Alternating between the past and the present day, The Haunting of Hill House follows the lives of five children who grew up in the haunted ‘Hill House’ mansion and the

Get your red jumpsuits and Salvador Dalí masks ready, because the million-Euro heist is about to begin. Introducing Money Heist (also known as La Casa De Papel), a Spanish-speaking, fiveseason series, centred around the lives of ‘El Profesor’ and his team of city-named delinquents who attempt to rob the National Mint of Spain in the first two seasons and the Bank of Spain in the remaining three. Narrated by one of the robbers, Tokyo, the series unveils the intricacies of their heist, the lives of the delinquents before being scouted by El Profesor, and the difficulties they face as robbers who are now

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE (2018) – HORROR

film Spain’s most-wanted criminals. Synthesised with flashbacks and time-jumps, this captivating narrative depicts the complex million-Euro heist from within, shedding light on the main character’s perspectives. Before you know it, you’ll be rooting for these city-named criminals, falling in love with their characters and singing ‘Bella Ciao’ at the top of your lungs.

Joyce, starts to dig a little deeper, accompanied by the police chief, Hopper, and, though they don’t know it at the time, Will’s brother Jonathan, his old friend Nancy, and Will’s twelve-year-old best friends, who begin to uncover the truth about the government’s laboratory experiments with the help of the strange girl. Before they know it, their world is flipped upside down and filled with ‘stranger things’ they never knew existed. Will they successfully find Will and return him back to safety? Or will the government find out what they’re up to before they get the chance to?

Gilmore Girls is a sweet, witty, and entertaining coming-of-age series that explores different family dynamics, the importance of friendships, and possible love interests for Lorelai and Rory, within the unusual and magical setting of Stars Hollow. If you’re a lover of coffee, literature, film-references, and more, then Gilmore Girls is definitely the show for you.

STRANGER THINGS (2016-) – SCI-FI/ FANTASY Set in 1983 within the small, suburban town of Hawkins, Indiana, the sudden disappearance of Will Byers, a young boy in the community, triggers a peculiar chain of events that leads to the uncovering of governmentkept secrets, interdimensional creatures, and a strange little girl with telekinetic powers. Following Will’s disappearance, other members of the community begin to go missing, but due to the eerie nature of these cases the local authorities are stumped... Now desperate, Will’s mother, GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

The Gilmore girls live in the small town of Stars Hollow, where they are surrounded by hilariously unusual town meetings, parades, and community events, incited by their crazy, yet loveable, neighbours. Lorelai has a dream of running her own inn, with the help of her clumsy, yet talented, chef best-friend Sookie, while bookworm and studious Rory longs to go to Harvard one day. But when Lorelai is faced with financial troubles, she is forced to rekindle with her wealthy parents, whom she ran away from sixteen years prior, for the sake of Rory’s education. With Emily and Richard Gilmore now in the picture, the Gilmore girls must attend a weekly, Friday night dinner hosted at their house, which becomes a hot-spot for familiar arguments and witty repartees.

GILMORE GIRLS (2000-2007) – DRAMA & FEEL- GOOD Following the lives of Lorelai, a thirty-two-year-old single mother, and Rory Gilmore, her sixteenyear-old daughter, this early 2000s show is undoubtedly one of the most comforting shows to watch in the colder months. 73

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GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

wine

A WHITER SHADE OF PALE

After years of experimenting with international varieties, Spanish producers are returning to traditional varieties like Viura and Garnacha Blanca for their white wines. By all accounts this is heralding a new and exciting era where producers no longer see their white wines as poor relations of their reds. BY ANDREW LICUDI DIPWSET

can’t remember when I lost interest in Spanish white wines. It must be a long time ago. Perhaps when I started my love affair with Chardonnay. Not the ubiquitous, highly extracted, mouth-busting, oaky Chardonnays, which were served by the bucket load in wine bars from Adelaide to Notting Hill, Madrid to Montmartre, Casemates to that cute chiringuito in Fuengirola. Not the Chardonnays which inevitably gave rise to ABT, ‘Anything but Chardonnay’ due to its iniquitousness and eventual fall from fashionable grace. The Chardonnays I, and many others, sought above all else, were inevitably (but not always) made in Burgundy. Understated perhaps, lean but complex, with long finishes and the ability to reflect the land they grew in. A good Chardonnay never

lets on what it is, at least not immediately. After all, don’t they say Chardonnay has little character of its own? As the story goes, it’s the soil and sun of Burgundy you taste, silly, not the grape itself. Well perhaps, but whatever it was, whether

A good Chardonnay never lets on what it is, at least not immediately. the mouth-busting, over-oaked Chardonnays everyone seemed to be making in Spain or its partner in crime Sauvignon Blanc, I lost all interest in Spanish whites. I came to believe nothing good ever came out of Spain unless it was

red. Of course, I never abandoned the white wines of Lopez de Heredia (Tondonia) which to this day I think as one of the top white wines in the world, nor did I think any less of my beloved wines of Jerez, perhaps the most underrated and inexpensive of fine wines. Both these wines exhibit oxidised notes, complex but oxidised none-the-less inevitably making them niche wines, incomprehensible to the bulk of wine drinkers worldwide who continue to demand stronger and fruitier wines with the underlying complexity of a belly flop in a crowded pool. To each their own, as they say. Things in Spain, however, have been changing since the excesses of ten or fifteen years ago. Perfect timing of course as we see the price of white the Burgundy escalate to ridiculous heights. It 75

wine

seems that producers in Spain are no longer seeing their white wines as poor sisters of their reds. They are returning to traditional grape varieties such as Viura and Garnacha Blanca and letting these ancient varieties sing their own songs. I am assured that the white wine scene has changed in Spain for the better and white wines of quality are now common. I am now on a mission to rediscover Spanish whites. Here’s what I tasted over the last few days. Muga White Rioja 2020 Take the latest white Rioja 2020 from bodegas Muga. Made from Garnacha Blanca, Viura and Malvasia. It’s just over the £10 mark but you get a lot for your money. The wine is still a tad young and should improve over the next 2 or 3 years but even now it has a wonderful crisp acidity with a long and elegant 76

Producers in Spain are no longer seeing their white wines as poor sisters of their reds. finish rarely found at this price point. Very, very good value for money when compared to its Burgundian relatives. Should pair very well with traditional fried fish found all over Spain. Lopez de Heredia- Viña Gravonia 2012 Uber traditional producer. The 2012 is the current release of Gravonia. Difficult to find as quantities are small and sell out quickly. Made from 100% Viura and matured in old barrels for four years giving the wine its oxidised notes but strangely whatever oak is there, is well integrated.

Then further matured in bottles until released earlier this year. Wonderful notes of bee’s wax and lemons, very long finish. Understated complexity. Worldclass but not for everyone. £25+ Conde de Valdemar Finca Alto Cantabria 2019 Another White Rioja. Notes of bitter grapefruit but little else. Dull finish. £15-£20 Valdesil Godello Sobre Lias 2019 – Valdeorras Made from 100% Godello. It’s a grape variety I have only tasted several times. Has been very fashionable over the last few years. Clean with flavours of citrus. Good lingering finish. A tad awkward, not overly elegant. Critics rate this highly. £15+ Albariño de Fefinanes 2020 – Rias Baixas Good acidity. Too young at present but wonderfully crisp. Complex. Albariños have been shown to age well. £15+ GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

finance

DHL Express is the global market leader in the international express business, so you probably already know that we can deliver your documents and parcels from Gibraltar to virtually every country in the world. What you might not know is that we can also take care of all your importing requirements.

For further information please contact: DHL Gibraltar Unit 36 Harbours Deck, New Harbours, Gibraltar GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021 Tel: 200 72210 Email: GIBSN@dhl.com GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JUNE 2014

sports

THE SCOREBOARD

ROWING

DARTS

We open this month with news of young Jack Prior's exploits in Poland. His inclusion in the British men's eight crew at the U23 European Championships was cause enough for celebration, but his gold-winning performance in the final was the biggest achievement to date of his fledgling career.

Casual fans may have been forgiven for not expecting much from Justin Hewitt and Sean Negrette at the PDC World Cup. The 19-year-olds are newcomers on the senior circuit and they were up against the most senior players in the competition – Singapore's Paul Lim (67) and Harith Lim (52), who have more than six decades of combined experience and have previously reached the quarter finals of the competition.

Jack rose up the ranks on the local stage, setting junior and senior records as he went. But moving to Oxford Brookes when he reached University age was always going to require a significant step up in both commitment and quality if he were to perform at the necessary level to compete in a far more demanding environment. That he took such a big move in his stride is testament to both his ability and mentality. After finishing first in qualifying on the Saturday, the Brits knew they were in with a good chance in Sunday's final, but to win as comprehensively as they did bodes very well for this generational talent. 78

However, anyone who has been keeping tabs on the pair at a junior level won't have been too shocked when the youngsters took a 3-0 lead in their first round match. They represent a generation of talented youngsters who will almost certainly be turning heads in the years to come. Unfortunately, they would fall just short this time, with the coolheaded Singaporeans coming back from 4-2 down to ultimately win 5-4. Still, these first steps on what will hopefully be long and successful

careers for the pair have shown they are certainly not out of their depth at this level.

FOOTBALL Speaking of young talent, Tjay De Barr's debut appearance for Wycombe Wanderers could hardly have gone better. A last minute equaliser after his late introduction to the game forced penalties in their second round League Cup tie against Stevenage. The 21-year-old then stepped up to slot home with the deciding spot kick, sending the League One side through to the next round, and a mouth-watering tie with Manchester City. Tjay faces strong competition for places, but if his performances continue to match his ambition, a bright future awaits. It never hurts that he gets to showcase his talents on the biggest stage when representing Gibraltar, and his penalty-taking prowess was again called upon during the international break when Gibraltar took on Latvia in their World Cup qualifier. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

sports After falling behind early in the second half, Tjay drew Gibraltar level from 12 yards, making for a nerve-wracking finale, before Latvia pulled away with a tie, scoring twice in the last five minutes. A few days later, Gibraltar hosted Turkey in the Victoria Stadium and the match played out in similarly frustrating fashion. A very early, fantastic penalty save by Dayle Coleing kept Gibraltar in contention in the first half, and, as in Latvia, they went into the break all square at 0-0. However, some inspired choices on the part of the Turkish manager saw his three halftime substitutes score a goal each to put the tie beyond Gibraltar's reach. The final game of the last international break was without doubt their hardest on paper. Norway's side features some giants of the game, none more than the 21-year-old juggernaut, Erling Haaland, who has made it

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

a habit of tormenting defences while putting up mind-boggling numbers on his way. Keeping him at bay when Gibraltar first hosted Norway in March was an achievement in itself, despite the 3-0 loss – one that would prove impossible to replicate. Haaland scored a hattrick this time en route to a 5-1 victory, although Reece Styche's consolation was one he will savour for a long time – a cheeky, high speed dink over the keeper that any striker would be proud of. Gibraltar remain rooted to the bottom of group G, but hope springs eternal for Julio Ribas's men, and they will believe they might still cause an upset somewhere along the way. And finally, Lincoln Red Imps have embarked on a European adventure that marks a new chapter in their illustrious, 45 year history. The reigning league champions qualified for UEFA's brand new club competition, the Conference League, which represents the third tier of

European football - below the Champions League and Europa League. Lincoln were drawn alongside FC Copenhagen, Slavan Bratislava and PAOK FC, with PAOK their opponents on match day one. The hosts started brightly and had a goal disallowed 25 minutes in, but the Greek visitors grew into the game and Akpom put them a goal ahead on the cusp of half time. They then stepped up a gear after the break, cutting through Lincoln's defence repeatedly, before Mitrita's acrobatic effort put PAOK 2-0 up before the hour mark. Mr Reliable, Joseph Chipolina, came millimetres away from a consolation as his ferocious, injury-time strike ricocheted off the underside of the bar, but it was not to be. 2-0 the final score, but plenty for the Red Imps to build on!

MARI KONDO YOUR CLOSET I truly echo the sentiment that a cluttered space equals a cluttered mind. The older I get, the less ‘stuff’ I want and the more I strive to truly streamline all aspects of my life, especially my wardrobe. BY JULIA COELHO

1: SINGLE BREASTED SCULPTURAL WIDE SHOULDER BLAZER, & OTHER STORIES, £135.00 2: ABIGAIL LACE UP ANKLE BOOT IN BLACK CROC, SCHUH, £40.00 3: CHUNKY HEELED CHELSEA BOOT IN ECRU, STRADIVARIUS, £39.99

1. GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

fashion

hether your closet is jumbo or teenytiny, I think we’ve all felt that pang of dread as our clothes begin to overtake the limited space we’ve allocated for them. I’m sure many of you can relate, but pre-clearout-phase I'd noticed that I had a bad habit of going shopping when I needed to zap myself out of a certain state of mind. Don’t be too hard on yourself for indulging in some retail therapy every once in a while, but I think it’s important to take note of any impulsive habits as well as the intention behind them. After this realisation, I’ve since managed to nip it in the bud by creating enforced shopping ‘fasts’ and focusing my attention on seeking more quality, long-lasting pieces, thereby serendipitously curating my own personal capsule. I’ve actually managed to refrain from buying clothes for the majority of 2020 and 2021, and I have to say it really feels quite liberating. Now I find that my wardrobe actually complements the life I lead (not the one I think I have, or fantasise over), instead of being ridden with pieces I’ll never wear but refrain from getting rid of just in case “I might need it one day” (I won’t).

it comes to my decluttering sessions. If it’s not sparking joy, as the clear-out queen Mari Kondo preaches, it’s out! I recently did a huge summer clear-out and cut my wardrobe by 50%, resulting in 1 bag for the bin and 7 bags for charity. It may feel like an impulsive moment of madness at the time, but I don’t actually miss anything afterwards, which tells me all I need to know. Standing in front of your wardrobe and doing some light rejigging won’t do the trick. You have to take everything out, dump it all onto your bed, and then go through each item one by one, creating 3 (or 4) piles as you go: throw, donate, keep (or store for next season). As far as where to donate, Clubhouse, The Kishin Alwani Foundation Charity Shop and Father Charlie are only a few of many.

STEP 2: RE-EVALUATING This step goes hand in hand with step 1. As I go clearing out, I like

to really consider how each piece I’ve decided to keep fits in with my work and lifestyle, and how easy it is to style with other pieces I own. This is often the phase of the process where I discover old items that have been relegated to the murky depths of my wardrobe, and prepare to give them a new lease of life.

STEP 3: ORGANISING You’ll either love or loathe this part, but if you really want to get the most out of the process, commit and avoid having to do it again until the next seasonal clear-out. I personally like to hang the majority of my clothing, and so have them organised in the following sections (by season and colour): long dresses, short dresses, coats & jackets, tops, shirts, cardigans, trousers, skirts & shorts. The sections I prefer having folded and organised on open shelves are: T-shirts, jeans, knitwear and gym clothes. It makes life so much easier once you know exactly where

So it’s all fine and dandy talking about minimalism and clear-outs, but how should we actually go about it? Here are some useful steps to a more refined, stressfree and practical wardrobe.

STEP 1: THE CLEAR-OUT Ironically, I’m ruthless when GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

fashion everything is and can reach for any item with no headache.

STEP 3: CONSIDER INVESTMENTS Instead of buying new clothes immediately, give yourself some breathing room and live with your ‘new’ wardrobe for a month until you start to consider what may be lacking. It honestly feels good to live without an overwhelming onslaught of options. You can even introduce a 1-in-1-out policy; for every new item you introduce, you have to donate another. The concept of a capsule - a compact wardrobe made up of a few must-have, fail-safe items that you can build the rest of your outfits around - is an idea that has gained a great deal more traction over the past few years as we all aim to collectively cut down on our consumption. I’ll happily invest a little more money in certain items that offer me quality, versatility and long-lasting wearability. The following is my personal checklist that makes up the 4: TEXTURED DOUBLE BREASTED BLAZER, ZARA, £59.99

4. 5.

5: BOXY CREWNECK T-SHIRT, & OTHER STORIES, £17.00 6: SLIM FIT T-SHIRT IN RIB IN WHITE, ASOS DESIGN, £8.00 7: MINI BACKPACK IN OLIVE, RAINS, £69.00 8: LASH EXTRA HIGH MOM JEANS, WEEKDAY, £40.00 9: 721 HIGH RISE SKINNY IN WASHED BLACK, LEVI'S, £95.00 10: RECTANGULAR BACKPACK, ZARA, £49.99

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

10.

fashion backbone of my autumn

13.

wardrobe: A great pair of neutral boots

16: OVERSIZED ALPACA BLEND COAT, & OTHER STORIES, £175.00

A comfy pair of white trainers

17: STRIPED KNIT SWEATER, ZARA, £29.99

Some quality basic tees

18: KOKI TRAINERS IN WHITE, WHISTLES, £99.00

A few failsafe pairs of jeans A checked blazer A few neutral knits A (faux) leather jacket

11.

A trenchcoat or longline coat A neutral everyday backpack This is all I really need, but of course, I build around this capsule and items come and go over the years, as do trends. Once you make a habit out of this entire process, you’ll be gladly taking on the challenge at the turn of each season. You won’t regret it! 12. 11: FAUX LEATHER BELTED JACKET IN KHAKI, TOPSHOP, £49.99 12: MOCK NECK SWEATER, & OTHER STORIES, £35.00 13: FAUX LEATHER JACKET, ZARA, £49.99 14: SUSTAINABLE STAN SMITH TRAINERS IN WHITE WITH GREEN TAB, ADIDAS, £74.95 15: LEATHER LOOK TRENCH COAT IN BROWN, ASOS DESIGN, £70.00

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

14.

15.

16.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

17.

18.

BLOOD FILLED GOOGLY EYED BLACK KRISPY BUNS Recipe by The Gibraltar Vegan, follow instagram.com/thegibraltarvegan for updates

Don’t worry these buns are not actually filled with blood, but with raspberry jam. It’s Halloween and as usual we will have kids parties, kids playing trick or treat and these easy to make ‘blood filled googly eyed black krispy buns’ are perfect for tiny hands to help make too. INGREDIENTS •

250g dark vegan chocolate

•

100g vegan rice krispies

•

2tsp black food colour (this is optional and it is purely for ascetics to make the buns more

ghastly looking) •

3tbsp raspberry jam

•

1pack googly eyes

METHOD 1. Melt the chocolate in a bowl over hot water 2. Add in the black food colouring and stir with a wooden spoon until well blended 3. Add in the rice krispies until they are well covered with the chocolate

4. Scoop the mixture using a tablespoon into silicone cases or Halloween themed bun cases if you have them 5. Using a teaspoon scoop some jam into the bun and then top it off with more of the rice krispie mix 6. Add the googly eyes, as many as you like and in any order. The scarier the better 7. Place in the fridge until the chocolate is set 8. Let the kids lick the spoon and the bowl, after all that is the best part GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

HALLOWEINERS I was told not to play with my food growing up, but it's the one time of year we can throw that rule out the window. Let's get the kids involved in these fun and spooky little treats! INGREDIENTS:

we want to cook the inside and outside for a few minutes. 2. When the sausages look like they may be almost done you can remove them from the heat and let them cool off. They don't need to fully cook as we're going to finish them off in the oven.

METHOD:

3. Cut the pasty and cheese into thin strips and once the sausages are cool begin to wrap your mummies! I laid my cheese on top of the pastry, leaving some gaps and then wrapped these around my sausages, making sure the edges are stick to the pastry or sausages so that it doesnt unravel.

1. If using tinned hot dogs then the jobs already half done. If like me you are using fresh sausages then lets place them on a hot pan over a medium heat and cook them first.

3. Lay these out on a baking tray and cook them in the oven at 170C for about 15 - 20 minutes, until the pastry is nicely cooked, golden and puffed.

•

1 packet of sausages or hot dogs

•

Slices of cheese (choose your favourite)

•

1 puff pastry packet.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

Recipe featured in the Mama Lotties Website - www.mamalotties.com

Potaje de Acelga sent in by @Zumbawithmon on Instagram One of our readers has had a go at a past Gib Mag recipe - what do you think? Send in your snaps to editor@thegibraltarmagazine.com for a chance to be featured! 87

information EMERGENCY SERVICES EMERGENCY CALLS ONLY: ALL EMERGENCIES................................. 112 FIRE...............................................................190 AMBULANCE.............................................190 POLICE.................................................................199

NON-URGENT CALLS: Ambulance Station 200 75728 Business Information Financial Serv. Commission Tel: 200 40283/4 Chamber of Commerce Tel: 200 78376 Federation Small Business Tel: 200 47722 Company Registry.Tel: 200 78193 Useful Numbers Airport (general info.) . Tel: 200 12345 Hospital, St Bernards. . Tel: 200 79700 Weather information. . Tel: 5-3416 Frontier Queue Update Tel: 200 42777

The Gibraltar Magazine is published and produced by Rock Publishing Ltd, Gibraltar. Tel: (+350) 200 77748

Gibraltar Museum Tel: 200 74289 18/20 Bomb House Lane 10am-6pm (Sat 10am-2pm). Admission: Adults £2/Children under 12 - £1. Exhibitions also at Casemates gallery.

Police 200 72500

Gibraltar Garrison Library Tel: 200 77418 2 Library Ramp Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm. Free Library tour offered every Friday at 11am. chris.tavares@gibraltargarrisonlibrary.gi Registry Office Tel: 200 72289 It’s possible to get married within 48 hours. A fact taken advantage of by stars such as Sean Connery & John Lennon. Rock Tours by Taxi Tel: 200 70052 As well as offering normal fares, taxis provide Rock Tours taking in the Upper Rock, Europa Point etc. John Mackintosh Hall Tel: 200 75669 Includes cafeteria, theatre, exhibition rooms and library. 308 Main Street 9.30am - 11pm Mon-Fri.

Gibraltar Services Police Emergency Nos: (5) 5026 / (5) 3598 Gibraltar Public Holidays 2020 New Year’s Day Commonwealth Day Good Friday Easter Monday

Monday 1st Jan Monday 09th Mar Friday 10th Apr Monday 13nd Apr

Workers Memorial Day Tuesday 28th Apr May Day

Friday 1st May

75th anniversary of VE Day Friday 8th May Spring Bank Holiday

Monday 25th May

Queen’s Birthday

Monday 15th June

Late Summer Bank Holiday

Monday 31st Aug

Gibraltar National Day Tuesday 10th Sept Christmas Day Boxing Day

Friday 25th Dec Thursday 28th Dec

SUPPORT GROUPS ADHD Gibraltar adhdgibraltar@gmail.com facebook.com/ADHDGibraltar/ Alcoholics Anonymous meet 7pm Tues & Thurs at Nazareth House Tel: 200 73774. A Step Forward support for single, separated, divorced/widowed people, meet 8pm Mon at St Andrew’s Church. Mummy & Me Breastfeeding Support Group those who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have breastfed to get together for coffee / support. Partners and older children welcome. Meets 1st Wed / month at Chilton Court Community Hall at 1.30pm. Enquiries and support 54014517. Childline Gibraltar confidential phone line for children in need. Freephone 8008 - 7 days a week 5pm - 9pm Citizens’ Advice Bureau Open Mon-Thur 9:30am-4:00pm, Fri 9:30am- 3:30pm. Tel: 200 40006 Email: info@cab.gi or visit at 10 Governor’s Lane. Free & confidential, impartial & independent advice and info. COPE Support group for people with Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia or Rheumatoid Arthritis. Meetings at Catholic Community Centre Book

Shop at 7.30pm first Thur of each month. Tel: 200 51469 Email: copeadsupport@hotmail.com Dignity At Work Now Confidential support and advice for those who are being bullied at work. Tel: 57799000. Families Anonymous Support group for relatives and friends concerned about the use of drugs or related behavioural problems. Meet weekly on Thurs at 9pm at Family and Community Centre, Mid Harbours Estate, Bishop Caruana Road. 54007676 or 54014484. Gamblers Anonymous Telephone: 54001520 Gibraltar Cardiac Rehabilitation and Support Group meets on the first Tues of every month at 8.30pm at John Mac Hall, except for Jul & Aug. Gibraltar Dyslexia Support Group 72 Prince Edwards Rd Tel: 200 78509 Mobile: 54007924 website: dyslexia.gi Gibraltar Hearing Issues & Tinnitus Association Voicemail: (+350) 200 66755, Text Message (SMS): (+350) 54066055, Correspondence Charity P.O. Box 90220, Gibraltar. Email: info@ ghita.gi, Facebook: Gibraltar Hearing Issues & Tinnitus Association (GHITA & BSL Club), Our support group meets the first Monday of every month at Suite 3, Kings Bastion Leisure Centre as from 5pm.

Gibraltar Marriage Care Free relationship counselling, including pre-marriage education (under auspices of Catholic Church, but open to all). Tel: 200 71717. Gibraltar Society for the Visually Impaired Tel: 200 50111 (24hr answering service). Hope miscarriage support Tel: 200 41817. Mummy & Me Breastfeeding Support: Meets every Thursday 12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Narcotics Anonymous Tel: 200 70720 Parental Support Group helping parents and grandparents with restrictive access to their children and grandchildren. Tel: 200 46536, 200 76618, or 54019602. Psychological Support Group, PO Box 161, Nazareth House. Meet Tuesdays at 7pm, Fridays 8pm. Tel: Yolanda 54015553 With Dignity Gibraltar support for separated, divorced/widowed or single people. Meet Weds 9pm, Catholic Community Centre, Line Wall Rd. Outings/activities. Women in Need Voluntary organisation for all victims of domestic violence. Refuge available. Tel: 200 42581 (24 hrs).

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

clubs & activities Arts & Crafts Cross Stitch Club: John Mackintosh Hall, 1st Floor, Mon 6-8pm, fee £1. Gibraltar Arts & Crafts Association: Children: Mon&Fri 12.30-2pm, Mon-Fri 3.45-5.15pm Adults: Wed 5.45-7.15, Sat 10.30 to 12.30, Tel: 20073865 email: gibartsandcrafts@hotmail.com Knit and Natter Group: Tues 11am-3pm, Thurs 5.30-7.30pm, at Arts & Crafts Shop, Casemates balcony. Free to join and refreshments provided. Tel: 20073865. The Arts Centre: Prince Edward’s Road, Art classes for children and adults. For more info call Tel: 200 79788. The Fine Arts Association Gallery: At Casemates. Open 10am-2pm, 3-6pm Mon-Fri, Sat 11am-1pm. The Arts Society Gibraltar: Monthly illustrated talks open to the public. Registration from 6:30pm every 3rd Wednesday of the month. Guest fee £12. We meet at The Garrison Library. Contact gibraltar@theartssociety.org or Claus Olesen on 54036666. Website with all informaiton is gibraltar.theartssociety.org Board Games Calpe Chess Club & Junior Club: meets in Studio 1, John Mackintosh Hall Thursday, Juniors: 5p.m. - 7 p.m. / Tuesday & Thursday 7p.m. - 10:30 The Gibraltar Scrabble Club: Meets on Tuesdays at 3pm. Tel: Vin 20073660 or Roy 20075995. All welcome. The Subbuteo Club: Meets in Charles Hunt Room, John Mackintosh Hall. Dance Adult Dance Classes: Wed evenings at Kings Bastion Leisure Centre from 7-8.30pm. Contact Dilip on 200 78714. Art in Movement Centre: Hip-hop/Break Dance, Contemporary Dance, Pilates, Capoeira, Acrobatics, Street Kids & Tods, Modern Dance. Performance and Film opportunities. Judo & Jujitsu Classes: Tue/ Thur with Sensei Conroy. All ages. Budokai Martial Arts Centre, Wellington Front. www. artinmovement.net FB: Art In Movement A.I.M, tel 54025041 or 54007457 Ballet, Modern Theatre, Contemporary & Hip-hop: weekly at Danza Academy. Training from 3 years to Adult Advanced. 68/2 Prince Edward’s Rd Tel: 54027111. Bellydance Classes, all levels, Tue 8-9pm at the Ocean Village Gym (non–members welcome). Contact 54005593. DSA Old & Modern Sequence Dancing: Sessions at Central Hall Fri 8.30pm, beginners 8pm. Tel: 200 78901 or tony@ gibraltar.gi Everybody welcome. Modern & Latin American Sequence Dancing: Mon at Catholic Community Centre 8pm. Tel. Andrew 200 78901. Modern, Contemporary, Lyrical, Flexibility, Hip Hop & Dance Theatre: Classes weekly at Urban Dance Studio, 2 Jumpers Bastion. Tel: Yalta 54012212 or Jolene 54015125. Rockkickers Linedance Club: Governor’s Meadow 1st School. www.rockkickers.com Salsa Gibraltar Salsa: Tues at Laguna Social Club, Laguna Estate. Beginners 7-8.30pm. Intermediates 8.30-10pm. Tel: Mike 54472000 or info@salsagibraltar.com Zumba Classes at Urban Dance: Jumpers Bastion, with certified instructor Tyron Walker. Tel: 20063959 or 54012212 or Twitter: @UrbanDanceGib History & Heritage The Gibraltar Heritage Trust: Main Guard, 13 John Mackintosh Sq. Tel: 200 42844. The Gibraltar Classic Vehicle Association: Dedicated to the preservation of Rock’s transport/motoring heritage. Assists members in restoration / maintenance of classic vehicles. New members welcome. Tel: 200 44643. Garrison Library Tours: at 11am on Fri, duration 1h 50mins. Tel: 20077418. History Alive: Historical re-enactment parade. Main Street up to Casemates Square every Sat at 12 noon. Music Gibraltar National Choir and Gibraltar Junior National Choir: Rehearses at the Holy Trinity Cathedral. Tel: 54831000. The Calpe Band: Mon & Wed. For musicians of brass/woodwind instruments of all standards/ages/abilities 7-9pm. Tel: 54017070 or thecalpeband@gmail.com

Jazz Nights: Thurs at 9pm at O’Callaghan Eliott Hotel. Tel: 200 70500. Outdoor Activities The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Gibraltar: Exciting self-development programme for young people worldwide equipping them with life skills to make a difference to themselves, their communities and the world. Contact: Award House, North Mole Road, PO Box: 1260. mjpizza@ gibtelecom.net, www.thedukes.gi. Social Clubs The Rotary Club of Gibraltar meets the Rock Hotel, 7pm Tuesday evenings. Guests welcome. For contact or info www.rotaryclubgibraltar.com Royal Antediluvian Order of Buﬀaloes: (Gibraltar Province) meets RAOB Club, 72/9 Prince Edward’s Road - Provincial Grand Lodge, Thu/month, 7.30pm. William Tilley 2371, Thurs 8.30pm. Buena Vista 9975, monthly, Social Lodge. www.akearn1.wix. com/raob-gibraltar, william.tilley.lodge@ hotmail.co.uk, Clive, tel: 58008074 Special Interest Clubs & Societies Creative Writers Group: meets up on Tuesday mornings at 10.30 in O’Reilley’s Irish Bar and it is free to attend. Tel: Carla 54006696. Gibraltar Book Club: For info Tel: Parissa 54022808. Gibraltar Horticultural Society: meets 1st Thurs of month 6pm, J.M. Hall. Spring Flower Show, slide shows, flower arrangement demos, outings to garden centres, annual Alameda Gardens tour. All welcome. Gibraltar Photographic Society: Meets on Mondays at 7:00 p.m. Wellington Front. Induction courses, talks, discussions, competitions etc. For details contact the secretary on, leslinares@gibtelecom.net Harley Davidson Owners’ Club: Harley Riders Gibraltar on Facebook Lions Club of Gibraltar: Meets 2nd and 4th Wed of the month at 50 Line Wall Road. www.lionsclubofgibraltar.com St John’s Ambulance: Adult Volunteers Training Sessions from 8-10pm on Tues. Tel: 200 77390 or training@stjohn.gi The Royal British Legion: For info or membership contact the Branch Secretary 20074604 or write to PO Box 332. UN Association of Gibraltar: PO Box 599, 22a Main Street. Tel: 200 52108. Sports Supporters Clubs Tottenham Hotspur Supporters Club: Meets at Star Bar, Parliament Lane, when Spurs games are televised - call prior to matches to check game is televised. Great food for a lunch if KO is early or an early supper if the game is later. Gibraltar Arsenal Supporters Club: Meets match days upstairs at Time Out Café, Eurotowers. Gooners of all ages welcome. For info/news visit www.GibGooners.com Tel: 54010681 (Bill) or 54164000 (John). Gibraltar Hammers: Meets on match days at the Victoria Stadium Bar, Bayside Road. All league games are shown live. All West Ham supporters and their families are welcome. For details visit www.gibraltarhammers.com or gibraltarhammers@hotmail.com Leeds United Gibraltar Supporters Club. Meet at The Trafalgar Sports Bar 1 Rosia Road when live matches are on. All Leeds United supporters and their families are welcome. Join Leeds United Gibraltar Supporters club at: facebook.com/luscgib Sports & Fitness Artistic Gymnastics: Gibraltar Artistic Gymnastics Association. Tel: Angela 200 70611 or Sally 200 74661. Athletics: Gibraltar Amateur Athletics Association holds competitions through year for juniors, adults and veterans. Two main clubs (Calpeans 200 71807, Lourdians 200 75180) training sessions at Victoria Stadium. Badminton: Recreational badminton weekdays at Victoria Stadium (Tel: 200 78409 for allocations). Gibraltar Badminton Association (affiliated to BWF& BE) junior club/tournaments, senior leagues/ recreational. www.badmintongibraltar.com Ballet Barre Fitness: Adults on Wed 10am & Fri 6pm at The Arts Centre. Tel: 54033465 or pilatesgibraltar@hotmail.com Basketball: Gibraltar Amateur Basketball Association (affiliated FIBA) leagues/ training

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

for minis, passarelle, cadets, seniors and adults at a variety of levels. Tel: John 200 77253, Randy 200 40727. Boxing: Gibraltar Amateur Boxing Association (member IABA) gym on Rosia Rd. Over 13s welcome. Tuition with ex-pro boxer Ernest Victory. Tel: 56382000 or 20042788. Cheerleading: Gibraltar Cheerleading Association, girls and boys of all ages. Cheerleading and street cheer/hip-hop at Victoria Stadium. Recreational / competitive levels. Tel: 58008338. Canoeing: Gibraltar Canoeing Association. Tel: Nigel 200 52917 or Arturo 54025033. Cricket: Gibraltar Cricket, National Governing Body & Associate Member of ICC. Governs International & Domestic Men’s, Women’s, Boys’ & Girls’ cricket- league & cup competitions and in-school coaching. www.gibraltarcricket.com, info@gibcricket. com, Twitter: @Gibraltar_Crick Cycling: Gibraltar Cycling Association various cycling tours. Darts: Gibraltar Darts Association (full member of WDF & affiliate of BDO). We cater for men, ladies & youth who take part in leagues, competitions and a youth academy for the correct development of the sport. Tel: Darren 54027171 Secretary, Alex 54021672 Youth Rep, Justin 54022622 President. Email: info@ gibraltardarts.com Football: Gibraltar Football Association leagues/competitions for all ages OctoberMay. Futsal in summer, Victoria Stadium. Tel: 20042941 www.gibraltarfa.com Gaelic Football Club (Irish sport): Males any age welcome. Get fit, play sport, meet new friends, travel around Spain/Europe and play an exciting and competitive sport. Training every Wed on the MOD pitch on Devil’s Tower Road at 7pm. Andalucia League with Seville and Marbella to play matches home and away monthly. Visit www.gibraltargaels. com or secretary.gibraltar.europe@gaa.ie Hockey: Gibraltar Hockey Association (members FIH & EHF) high standard competitions/training for adults/juniors. Tel: Eric 200 74156 or Peter 200 72730 for info. Iaido: teaches the Japanese sword (Katana), classes every week. www.iaidogibraltar.com Ice Skating: Gibraltar Rock Stars Figure Skating Club lessons every Tuesday evening & Saturday morning, all levels including adults. Contact grsfsc@gmail.com or 58700000 Iwa Dojo, Kendo & Jujitsu: Classes every week, for kids/adults. Tel: 54529000 www. iwadojo.com or dbocarisa@iwadojo.com Judo and Ju-jitsu: Gibraltar Budokai Judo Association UKMAF recognised instructors for all ages and levels at Budokai Martial Arts Centre, Wellington Front. Tel: Charlie 20043319. Ju-jitsu: Gibraltar Ju-jitsu Academy training and grading for juniors/seniors held during the evening at 4 North Jumpers Bastion. Tel: 54011007. Karate-do Shotokai: Gibraltar Karate-do Shotokai Association - Karate training for junior & seniors at Clubhouse, Shotokai karate centre, 41H Town Range. Monday: 9:30 p.m. & Wednesday 9:45 p.m. Karate: Shotokan karate midday Mon beginners, other students 8.30pm. Thurs 8.30pm. In town at temporary dojo or privately by arrangement. Contact Frankie 54038127 or info@fhmedia.co.uk. Motorboat Racing: Gibraltar Motorboat Racing Association Tel: Wayne 200 75211. Muay Thai and Muay Boran Club: Tues & Thur at Boyd’s Kings Bastion Leisure Centre at 6:30pm, Tel: John – 54024707 FB: Gibraltar Muay Thai Netball: Gibraltar Netball Association (affiliated FENA & IFNA) competitions through year, senior/junior leagues. Tel: 20041874. Petanque: Gibraltar Petanque Association. New members welcome. Tel: 54002652. Pilates: Intermediate Pilates: Tues & Fri 9.30am, beginners Pilates: Fri 10.50am at the Shotokai Centre, 41H Town Range. Tel: 54033465 or pilatesgibraltar@hotmail.com Gibraltar Pool Association: (Member of the EBA) home and away league played on Thurs throughout the season, various tournaments played on a yearly basis both nationally and internationally, Tel: 56925000 gibpool@ gibtelecom.net, www.gib8ball.com

Rhythmic Gymnastics: Gibraltar Rhythmic Gymnastics Association runs sessions from 4 years of age, weekday evenings. Tel: 56000772 or Sally 200 74661. Rugby: Gibraltar Rugby caters for all ages from 4 years old to veterans (over 35’s). It organises competitions and sessions for Juniors; 4 x Senior Clubs; Veterans team; Touch Rugby and a Referees Society. Email admin@gibraltarrfu. com or visit www.gibraltarrfu.com Sailing: Gibraltar Yachting Association junior/ senior competitive programme (April - Oct) Tel: Royal Gibraltar Yacht Club at 200 78897. Shooting: Gibraltar Shooting Federation. Rifle, Europa Point Range (Stephanie 54020760); Clay pigeon, East Side (Harry 200 74354); Pistol, near Royal Naval Hospital (Louis 54095000). Snooker: Members of European Billiards & Snooker Association - facilities at Jumpers Bastion with 3 tables. Professional coaching for juniors/seniors. Organised leagues/ tournaments and participation in international competitions. Tel: 56262000 / 54000068, or info@gibraltarsnooker.com Squash: Gibraltar Squash Association, Squash Centre, South Pavilion Road (members WSF & ESF). Adult and junior tournaments and coaching. Tel: 200 44922. Sub-Aqua: Gibraltar Sub-Aqua Association taster dives for over 14s, tuition from local clubs. Voluntary sports clubs: Noah’s Dive Club and 888s Dive Club. Tel: 54991000. Commercial sports diving schools available. Time - Thursday 12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.. Telephone, Jenssen Ellul - 54027122 Swimming: Gibraltar Amateur Swimming Association (member FINA & LEN) opens its pool for leisure swimming. Junior lessons, squad for committed swimmers, water polo. Pool open Mon&Thurs: 7-10am, 12.30-4pm. Tue, Wed, Fri: 7-10am, 12:30-5pm. Sat: 3-5pm. Sun: closed. Mon to Fri from 5-6pm groups training. 6-7.30 squad training. Mon, Wed, Fri 7.30-8.30 swimming joggers, Tues & Thurs 7:30-8:30 junior Water polo. Mon, Tues & Thurs 8:30-10pm Adult water polo. Tel: 200 72869. Table Tennis: Gibraltar Table Tennis Association training and playing sessions, Victoria Stadium, Tues 6-10pm and Thurs 8-11pm with coaching and league competition. Tel: 56070000 or 20060720. Taekwondo: Gibraltar Taekwondo Association classes/gradings Tel: Mari 20044142 or www. gibraltartaekwondo.org Tai Chi: Tai Chi for children and adults. MonThur 6.30-8pm at Kings Bastion Leisure Centre and Sat 9am-1pm at the Yoga Centre, 33 Town Range. Tel: Dilip 200 78714. Tennis and Paddle Tennis: Sandpits Club. Junior and adult training available. info : www. sandpits.club. Tel (Louis) 20077035 Ten-Pin Bowling: At King’s Bowl in the King’s Bastion Leisure Centre every day. Gibraltar Ten Pin Bowling (members FIQ & WTBA) leagues, training for juniors and squad. Tel: 200 52442. Triathlon: Hercules Triathlon Club organises swimming, running and cycling training sessions and competes regularly in Andalucia and Internationally. Contact chris.walker@york.gi or Facebook “Hercules Triathlon Club” Volleyball: Gibraltar Volleyball Association training, indoor leagues, beach volleyball competition, 3 v 3 competition, juniors and seniors. Tel: 54001973 or 54885000. Yoga: Integral Yoga Centre runs a full programme of classes from Mon-Fri at 33 Town Range. Tel: 200 41389. All welcome. Theatrical Groups Gibraltar Amateur Drama Association: Meet at Ince’s Hall Theatre Complex, 310 Main Street. Tel: 20042237. Trafalgar Theatre Group: Meets 2nd Wed of month, Garrison Library 8pm. All welcome.

R U N W A Y

Victoria Stadium

REFERENDUM HOUSE ←→ SOUTH BARRACKS

Market Place loop (Eastbound)

http://www.gibraltarbuscompany.gi

Routes operated by

BOTH WORLDS ←→ ROSIA

Rosia loop (Northbound)

MARKET PLACE ←→ EUROPA POINT

Midtown loop (Southbound) Midtown loop (Northbound)

Ocean Village

Glacis Kiosk

WILLIS’s ROAD

MOUNT ALVERNIA ←→ ORANGE BASTION

AIRPORT/FRONTIER ←→ TRAFALGAR

EUROTOWERS ←→ ROSIA

http://citibus.gi

Bishop Canilla House

PLACES OF INTEREST

Coach Park

Cable Car

Airport

Lighthouse

Cathedral

Museum

Taxis

Seaport

Castle

Beach

Stadium

Trafalgar Cemetery

QUEENSWAY

King’s Wharf

Queensway Quay

Referendum Gates

MAIN STREET

Commonwealth Park

Mid-Harbour Estate

Europort Building 8

A AN RU CA D OP A SH RO

Edinburgh House

PRINCE EDWARDS ROAD

Eliott’s Way

48 BOTH WORLDS

ROSIA ROAD

Alameda Governor’s House Meadow House Victoria House

H KS RO AD

BA RR AC

Mount Pleasant

New Harbours

Cumberland Jumpers Road Building

South Gates

New Mole House

Garrison Gym

ce ur So

Gibraltar Bus Network

rg p.o ma et tre ns pe O :

Rosia Plaza

North Gorge

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CHESS PUZZLE ANSWER: 25. Rxd5+ wins.The game concluded: 25…Ke8 26Rc1 Bxd5 27 Qxd5 Qb6 28 Qf3 gxh5 29Qa3 Qe6 30 Rc7 when Black, Vera Menchik , the women’s world champion, resigned . If instead 25 Rxd5+ Bxd5 26 Qxd5 + Ke8 27 Rc1 leads to the same outcome.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

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Kid's Korner

CAN YOU HELP GARY THE GHOST FIND HIS WAY THROUGH THE MAZE?

Happy Halloween!

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

coffee time CROSSWORD 1

11. Street stall selling newspapers, sweets etc (5)

1. Hit hard (5)

10. Bitter Italian aperitif (7)

1. A quick act of sex thank you Ma’am (4-3) 9. Finished (2,2,3)

DOWN

8. Deep sky-blue (7)

ACROSS

17 18

13. Publication with soft cover (9)

15. Italian explorer of the Far East (5,4)

18. Major French river (5) 21. Metallic element used in batteries etc (7)

21 22

22. US state where Indy 500 takes place (7)

23. French castle (7)

24. Dance around this in Spring (7)

2. Texas mission where Davy Crockett died (5) 3. Do not keep ones word (5,8) 4. Crazy (6) 5. Cliff Richard sing and film (6,7) 6. US state; ———— Smith, Steve McQueen film of 1966 (6) 7. Loosen stitches for example; try to reduce problem to simple facts (6) 12. US state whose capital is Des Moines (4) 14. Sonny Bono’s singing partner (4) 15. Ill-will (6) 16. Sack containing a rodent; a cad (6) 17. Heaviest metal (6) 19. US state capital Boise (5)

& YOU COULD WIN

20. Delete (5)

SUDOKU

lunch for two at Write your name and either SNAP and SEND your completed crossword to editor@thegibraltarmagazine.com or RETURN TO THE CLIPPER by 20th October Winners must collect their voucher from The Clipper, and use it within the same month of this publication. 1

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September 2021 Answers

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Kathryn Morgan

1 3

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THE WINNER IS:

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coffee time CREATIVE POWER

BY GRANDMASTER RAY KEENE OBE One of the most underestimated Grandmasters of chess history forms the topic of two new books which I can highly recommend. They are a two-volume set on the Russian émigré Efim Bogoljubov: The Creative Power of Bogoljubov Volumes I and II by Grigory Bogdanovich, published by Elk and Ruby. These two thorough tomes explore in great detail the life and games of a player who almost reached the stratospheric heights, but foundered in his ambition to become World Champion against that stellar genius, and fellow Russian émigré, Alexander Alekhine. This, of course was the problem. Bogoljubov twice challenged Alekhine for the World Title, in 1929 and then a reprise in 1934. He was crushed on both occasions. Those lopsided results have led to an under-appreciation of Bogoljubov’s strength, partly because the second match was evidently unnecessary. Bogoljubov earned his place as two times challenger (having left the fledgling USSR in favour of 1930’s Germany) primarily, the second time round, because he was in a position to scrape the funds together to contest a challenge to the mighty Alekhine. At that time nobody else could achieve a comparable monetary goal, though Dr. Max Euwe repeated this Sisyphean feat of financial legerdemain, when Dutch chess

fans raised the money, a year later, for Euwe to (successfully) challenge Alekhine for the title. The 1934 clash may have been superfluous from a sporting point of view, but Bogoljubov’s first challenge in 1929 was thoroughly justified. Just look at his fabulous results during the earlier years of the 1920s. These included: a convincing match victory against Nimzowitsch; two match wins against Euwe; first prize at Piestany 1922, ahead of Alekhine and Spielmann; shared 1st at Carlsbad 1923 with Alekhine and Maroczy; simultaneously and uniquely holding the Soviet and German Championships; the huge triumph at Moscow 1925, in front of both Lasker and Capablanca; and further laurels at Breslau 1925, Berlin 1926 and Bad Kissingen 1928, again ahead of Capablanca and Nimzowitsch. It will be recalled that Alekhine had wrested the World Title from Capablanca at Buenos Aires in 1927, in a protracted war of attrition. In contrast the games of the Alekhine vs. Bogoljubov match of 1929 were far more varied and dynamic, greeted by chess fans and expert commentators alike as a welcome war of movement, a breath of invigorating fresh oxygen, after the dour trench combat of the Buenos Aires slugfest. A great player, Bogoljubov’s reputation was eclipsed by that of the even greater Alekhine, but that should not blind us to the fact that Bogoljubovwas one of the grandest of grandmasters of his day and thoroughly deserves a place in the pantheon of chess immortals.

White: Efim Bogoljubov Black: Aron Nimszowitsch Bogoljubov vs. Nimzowitsch Match, Stockholm, Sweden, Round 2, 1920 Torre Attack 1.d4 Nf6, 2.Nf3 e6, 3.Bg5 c5, 4.e3 Qb6 This came to be known as the Torre Attack, with White continuing 5.Bd3 Qxb2 6.Nbd2, offering the white b-pawn as a sacrifice in return for rapid development and attacking prospects. Bogoljubov ‘s move is more speculative. 5.Nc3 Qxb2, 6.Nb5 Qb4+, 7.Nd2 Qa5, 8.Bf4 Nd5, 9.Nd6+ Bxd6, 10.Bxd6 cxd4, 11.exd4 Qc3

White has already sacrificed one pawn and is hard pressed to avoid the loss of a second. White's compensation resides in his grip over the dark squares and Black's inability to castle his king into safety. 12. Bd3 Qxd4, 13.Nc4 Qc3+, 14.Kf1 Nc6, 15.Ba3 Qf6, 16.Nd6+ Kd8, 17.Qe1 b5 An eccentric choice. Black should be better in this position were he to play more conservatively with 17...Nf4 or 17...b6.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

coffee time 18.Ne4 Qe5, 19.Bd6

In spite of his aberration on move 17, Black would still retain the better chances after 19...Qb2. 19. …Qh5, 20.h3 f5, 21.Ng3 Qh4, 22.Bxb5 As a direct consequence of Black's error on move 17 White has regained some material. The chances are now about equal. 22. … Bb7, 23.Kg1 Nd4, 24.Qa5+ Ke8, 25.Bd3 Nf4, 26.Qe5 Bxg2

transaction, which left Nimzowitsch permanently in material arrears, White has established a clear advantage. 35. … Nf7, 36.Rd1 Rae8, 37.Nd5+ Kg7, 38.Be7 Kh6, 39.Bf6 Black must give up material as Nc7 is coming. 39. … Re6, 40.Bb5 Rc8, 41.Bxd7 Rxf6, 42.Nxf6 Rxc4, 43.Be6

51.Nd4 Kg6, 52.Nb3 f4, 53.Ba6 Nd8, 54.Nxa5 h5, 55.Bc4 g4, 56.hxg4 hxg4, 57.Bd5 Kf5 , 58.Nc4 Ne6, 59.Nd6+ Ke5 Now comes the final liquidation which ensures White’s victory. 60.Bxe6 Kxd6, 61.Bxg4 Kc5, 62.Kg2 e3 , 63.fxe3 Black resigns 1-0

Puzzle:

White: Aron Nimzowitsch Black: Vera Menchik Karlsbad Championship, Czechoslovakia, Round 6, 1929 The position for this puzzle is before White’s 25th move. How does White break through Blacks defences? Key first move only required.

GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2021

Answer on page 91

“Time trouble” was the comment by Ernst Jacobson in the Dagens Tidning of September 6 1920. 27.Qxf4 Qxf4, 28.Bxf4 Bxh1, 29.Kxh1 Nc6, 30.Bd6 g6, 31.Rb1 e5, 32.Ba6 Kf7, 33.c4 Kf6, 34.Ne2 Nd8, 35.Nc3 At last, after the time trouble

The remaining part of the game is merely a technical exercise for White in a winning position. 43. … Rc7, 44.Rd7 Rxd7, 45.Bxd7 e4, 46.Bb5 Nd6, 47.a4 g5, 48.Nd7 Kh5, 49.Ne5 Nb7, 50.Nc6 a5 Although Black has two pawns for his lost piece, his pawn on a5 is ultimately indefensible.

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