Gibraltar Insight™ February 2020

FEBRUARY 2020

Take Me

THE ROCK’S LONGEST RUNNING MAGAZINE

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£2 mainland UK where sold.

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F E BR UARY ISSUE 46

Contents

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34

Business Insight 13

BUSINESS NEWS

Sports Insight

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LOVE FACTUALLY

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VALENTINE’S DAY TRIVIA

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ADDICTED TO LOVE

44 LOVE SONGS AND INSPIRATION 46 RUNNING A BUSINESS: KEEP IT GOING OR CLOSE IT DOWN

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BOXING AND RUGBY’S SIX NATIONS HEADLINE EXCITING FEBRUARY FARE

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LOCAL WORSHIP MUSIC IN NEW CD

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EVERYONE HAS A HEART

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SAINTS COCK-A-HOOP BUT SYDNEY ALL SET TO RULE THE ROOST

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WHAT’S ON AT PACS

Football Insight 30 LYNX FC - CATCHING UP WITH SCOTT HOUGHTON

Forces Insight 20 ARMED FORCES NEWS

History Insight 34

THE OTHER USS MISSOURI

Features 15

ROSANNA – CONCORDE FLIGHT ATTENDANT

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CONQUEST ON CHESS

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Regular Features 8

COMMUNITY INSIGHT

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AT THE MOVIES

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TECHNOLOGY INSIGHT

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MOTORING INSIGHT

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TAGORE COMPETITION

49 ON THE SPOT: PAUL GIBSON 51

VET COLUMN – TICK BONE DISEASES

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HEALTH & WELLBEING INSIGHT

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MUM ON THE ROCK – HOW TO PARENT TEENAGERS

64 HOROSCOPES 65

MAMA LOTTIES RECIPE

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WEDDING INSIGHT

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COHEN & MASSIAS CROSSWORD

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Gibraltar Insight Deputy Editor: Jean King

Gibraltar Insight - the Rock’s longest running magazine.

Production: Billy Couper

Published by GBZ Media Limited, 5 Governor’s Lane, Gibraltar GX11 1AA.

Accounts & Administration: Rosemary Salah-El-Din Production Assistant: Steven King Superyacht Owners’ Guide Managing Editor: Sophie Blake

Printed by Roca Graphics Limited, 21 Tuckey’s Lane, Gibraltar GX11 1AA

Creative Director: Ben Lewis

Copyright 2019. All rights reserved.

Executive Editor: Ross Ford

The names Gibraltar Insight, Bermuda Insight, Mum On The Rock, SYOG, Superyacht Owners’ Guide & GBZ Media are marks of GBZ Media (Overseas) Limited, used under exclusive licence. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

Business Development Manager: Paul Williams For advertising & general queries, contact: +350 200 40913 Email:

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Gibraltar Insight places great importance on the accuracy of the information contained within this publication, but cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions. Views expressed by contributors and/or correspondents do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Neither Gibraltar Insight nor GBZ Media Limited is responsible for any claims made, or material(s) used, in advertisements.

For permission to copy cuttings for internal or client use, contact NLA - nlamediaaccess.com or +441892 525273.

Photo: Elliott Howe

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COMMUNITY INSIGHT

NEW GIBSAMS AWARENESS INITIATIVE The Ministry of Business, Tourism and Transport, has teamed up with GibSams, to rollout a new awareness campaign.

Using a combination of bush shelters, bus signposts and external advertising on buses themselves the campaign aims to further enhance the reach of the services GibSams offers. This ties in with a concerning rise in mental health issues in Gibraltar.

The charity’s Freephone helpline, 116123, is open every day from 6:00pm to midnight.

The Minister for Business, Tourism and Transport, the Hon Vijay Daryanani, commented, “I am pleased to see the positive collaboration amongst my Ministry, GibSams and the Gibraltar Bus Company for a truly worthy cause. The roll out of this awareness campaign throughout our public transport vehicles as well on bus shelters and signposts provides useful information to the public on many frequented routes and thoroughfares throughout Gibraltar”.

The Chairperson of GibSams, Ms Marielou Guerrero also added, “We are really grateful to Minister Vijay Daryanani for immediately agreeing to support GibSams in a joint public awareness campaign. We are trying to reach all sectors of the community to inform them that there is help available to them when they need it. They do not have to suffer alone or in silence.

“Our sincere thanks to the team at the Ministry of Business, Tourism and Transport for their swift action, our graphic designers for producing the artworks for us, the team at the Gibraltar Bus Company who installed the posters for all their hard work, and to the gentleman who placed these on the buses and shelters, despite the stormy weather! Everyone worked at full speed to make sure the campaign was up and running before Christmas, which for many, can be a very bad time of the year”.

First they came for the communists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a communist.

Then they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out— because I was not a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist.

HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE

DAY

HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY - 27 JANUARY Commonwealth Park was the site for the 2020 Holocaust Memorial Day Ceremony in Gibraltar which this year marked 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.

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In line with global events (including one at the site of Auschwitz), members of the local Jewish community, politicians, ministers, community leaders, representatives of the Governor and the Mayor of Gibraltar attended the ceremony to pay their respects.

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Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

The memorial in Commonwealth Park features a poem by Martin Niemöller who was interned in Sachsenhausen and Dachau concentration camps from 1938 to 1945 .

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CORONAVIRUS NATIONAL

Gibral tar prepares HONOURS CALL FOR NOMINATIONS The Gibraltar Honours Board (GHB), under the Chairmanship of the Interim Governor, will be meeting in the Spring to consider nominations for The Queen’s New Year Honours List 2021; and The Gibraltar Award. The latter is awarded by the GHB and announced coincident with The Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2020.

A CO-ORDINATING GROUP HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED TO MONITOR CORONAVIRUS IN GIBRALTAR. A recent meeting involved Government departments, the Royal Gibraltar Police and Gibraltar’s Essential Services.

During the meeting, the Director of Public Health, Dr Sohail Bhatti, briefed the group on the current state of the virus.

The Acting Chief Minister the Hon Prof John Cortes who has responsibility for Public Health, chaired the meeting, which was also attended by Minister for Civil Contingencies, Samantha Sacramento and Minister for Health, Paul Balban.

The risk - identified at the time of publication - centres on people who have been to mainland China from mid-January.

If you have cold-like or flu symptoms, it is advised to stay at home, drink plenty fluids and keep warm. You can also call the PCC 20072266 where infection control nurses are on hand to give advice.

In the meantime, current medical thinking is that Coronavirus could be spread by droplets, so good hygiene with frequent hand washing will help stop its spread.

OS MAPS PROJECT A NEW PROJECT TO CATALOGUE AND ARCHIVE GIBRALTAR’S ORDNANCE SURVEY MAPS HAS BEEN INITIATED BY THE TEAM AT THE GIBRALTAR GARRISON LIBRARY.

Nominations are sought to recognise those people, from any section of the Gibraltarian Community, that have made an exceptional contribution or given exceptional service in the progression of either the well-being, achievement or reputation of Gibraltar.

Nominations should be submitted no later than Monday 6th April 2020 on a GHB Nomination Proforma and addressed to: GHB Secretary Office of the Governor The Convent, Main Street Gibraltar GX11 1AA A copy of the necessary form can be obtained at The Convent Rear Gate Reception or from the GHB Secretary at enquiry.gibraltar@fco.gov.uk Nominations can be supported by up to two letters of endorsement from people with a personal knowledge of the nominees’ contribution or service.

The following Honours are up for consideration: •

Companion of Saint Michael and Saint George (CMG) and Commander of the British Empire (CBE)

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Officer of the British Empire (OBE)

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Member of the British Empire (MBE)

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British Empire Medal (BEM)

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Gibraltar Award (GA)

Full details of the nuances of each Honour can be found online.

Cpl Tim Hammond, the MOD’s Command Photographer is assisting the project which aims to create a robust digital archive of The Rock’s cartographic past for future generations to enjoy.

The archive is comprised of 53 Ordnance Survey maps from the late 19th to mid 20th century, with each map providing details of geographical and landscape features, including boundaries, buildings, recreational spaces, footpaths and roads. Importantly, these maps had formerly been used for operational purposes and therefore offer an additional layer of data which places their function within a significant historical context.

Minister for Heritage, Prof John Cortes, said, “Ordnance Survey maps are essential to understanding the fabric, if not historical layering, of our physical environment. So what a treat to have these 53 maps digitised and accessible to all on the Garrison Library’s webpage! I am very encouraged by plans to continue to digitise the remaining maps in their collection and indeed, by the efforts of the Library team in their well-appointed collaboration with the Command Photographer to produce this digital footprint”.

The map archive is available online via the Gibraltar Garrison Library website: www.ggl.gi For further details, contact Chris Tavares on chris.tavares@gibraltargarrisonlibrary.gi

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BUSINESS INSIGHT COP25’s

BLOCKCHAIN OPPORTUNITY

Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Climate Change John Cortes attended the 25th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP25) in Madrid.

As well as representing Gibraltar, he also had the responsibility of being the political lead of all British Overseas Territories.

As a leading proponent of blockchain technology, Gibraltar was able to discuss a proposed HMGoG “climate change trading” initiative.

Commenting on his attendance at COP25, Minister Cortes said, “It was very important that Gibraltar was there, and indeed that the Overseas Territories were represented and it was an honour to have been entrusted to do so by the Governments of the other territories.

There has been a sense of disappointment at the final outcome - precisely because it wasn’t really final. While we haven’t gone back on commitments, some key decisions have been kept in abeyance till next year, with a great deal to do during 2020.

I found that Gibraltar’s own work on climate change is up there with many of the countries best preparing to tackle the crisis, and will be a lot better when we are back at COP26 in Glasgow. We need to take our place in the international community in our commitment to dealing with Climate Change.”

GIBRALTAR TOURIST BOARD IN ACTION IN TENERIFE The Gibraltar Tourist Board participated in Meeting and Incentives Forum Europe Tenerife, an international event which brought together leading MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) buyers and suppliers to meet, network and build new connections. From some well- planned out networking activities and personalised 1-2-1 meetings, the event provided a great opportunity for Gibraltar to showcase its MICE products.

Minister for Tourism, The Hon Vijay Daryanani MP said, “The MICE market is an extremely important sector of the industry.

Our attendance at these events brings us face to face with buyers and allows us to promote Gibraltar’s unique products alongside one of our leading industry partners.”

The event was attended in partnership with Sunborn Gibraltar.

MAIN STREET IMPROVEMENTS The roadmap for the improvement of Main Street continues apace as the Minister for Business met with the Gibraltar Federation of Small Businesses and international specialists, The Mosaic Partnership as part of the ongoing progress and implementation of a Business Improvement District (BID).

It’s envisaged that the implementation of a BID will enhance the trading relationship between businesses and customers as well add further aesthetic improvements to Gibraltar’s world-famous trading district.

The Minister for Business, the Hon. Vijay Daryanani said, “The Government fully supports this initiative by the GFSB to enhance and fulfil the potential that we all believe Main Street can enjoy as an international shopping area for locals and visitors. As we have previously mentioned, the Government is financially committed to supporting this project on a pound for pound basis.”

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Julian Byrne, Chairperson of the GFSB added, “We are very excited to see the positive progress that is being made towards creating the Main Street BID. The GFSB are very grateful to the Government for their support from day one, both financially, plus also in the time and effort dedicated to it. Having a Minister of Business who has a great deal of experience in Main Street has been incredibly beneficial to this whole project. This meeting is one of many as we push forward to make the Main Street BID a reality, which will be beneficial for business owners, the Government, tourists and locals too.”

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FEATURE

Rosanna

CONCORDE FLIGHT ATTENDANT ACTUALLY IT WAS A TRISTAR WHEN SHE SAW TO MARGARET THATCHER’S NEEDS ON A TEL AVIV TO LONDON FLIGHT! ON CONCORDE, SENATOR – NOT ACTOR BY THEN – BOB HOPE WAS SERVED ON A TRIP TO NEW YORK FROM LONDON. BUT COMING FROM A FAMILY OF PERFORMERS, MUSIC WAS ALSO IN HER VEINS! `Air Stewardess’ was the term used in those more `politically incorrect’ days and Gibraltarian Rosanna was one for 15 years! Before British Airways became so, BEA and BOAC were the two British National carriers which later amalgamated to then become BA. Rosanna began her flying career with BEA on Tridents and TriStars, and after more training the last five were spent on BA’s Concorde.

“Concorde was incredible. We flew at 67,000 feet and on a clear day you could make out the `curve’ of the world, we’d make it to New York in about two and a half hours which was amazing, and so was the ticket price, £2,600 one way!” Rosanna recalls.

Music didn’t get her very far on the Rock despite coming from a very talented musical and performing family. The `Valverdes’ were headed by dad Frank, who was a comedy writer and actor, wife Anita sang, sons Frank, Hubert, Philip sang too and played guitar, Joseph must’ve done his bit also, Grace was a Miss Gibraltar and so was her daughter Michelle... by way of contrast, Elizabeth had her sights set on becoming a nun but in the end didn’t, and Rosanna - `air stewardess extraordinaire’ - whilst in her teens dabbled in guitar and piano playing and joined a popular group on the Rock in the 60s called The Odds. The habitual day job however was inevitably more than a habit to earn your keep, and The Odds keyboardist was employed as an accounts clerk in the NAAFI, looking after the affairs of the military and their families stationed here which by all accounts wasn’t so thrilling. One of those moments arrived when you ask yourself `what next?’. London tended to be the obvious choice in the 60s and 70s for us in Gib when you wanted to get out. By then she was in her early 20s, so off she went to seek fame and fortune. “I remember being impressed when approaching London and seeing so many lights from high up.” Little did she know she was really going to get her fill of that view sooner than she thought! She found a job in one of London’s top stores in Kensington – Barkers – and quickly made contact with a close Gibraltarian school friend who was already a `stewardess.’ Isabella Edge or `Ita’ (who managed to clock up no less than 32 years with BA), encouraged her to join... and she did. “I was surprised when I was told I’d done very well in all three interviews I had to sit through, and after my training I began to fly on most occasions with Isabella which was great.

When you start working you’re asked what destination you’d like to go to on your first flight and I said Gib, which was good also to see my family and show them what I’d been up to.”

Rosanna has lots of stories to tell of her experiences in the sky travelling to most European capitals (in Western Europe only in those days), with British European Airways (BEA). Tridents carried just about a hundred passengers and TriStar 350. “We’d also fly to Cairo and Istanbul and sometimes you’d have to stay over for three or four days before flying back. It was some sort of regulation or other and at times some of the girls would throw a `sickie’ before leaving London when scheduled to fly to those countries because if you were working on a flight to Stockholm or other Northern European capital you’d get an allowance of £120 for each day there, but for Istanbul say, it was only £20 so you tried to get off that shift. Isabella and I attempted to pull a fast one by arriving just short of leaving time for one of those flights with dirty hands and dishev-

elled uniform, saying we’d had a problem with our car in the hope that other staff available would step in, but the flight was delayed and we were told we had plenty of time to clean and smarten ourselves up, so that plan failed miserably! On another occasion trying to be clever backfired again, when staying at The Sheraton Hotel in Tel Aviv. They had these lovely bath robes which, it later transpired, guests tended to make off with. We tried to take one each before checking out of the hotel but our cases were searched and we were embarrassed to be found out... we pleaded ignorance claiming we thought we could keep them and you know what? The captain had one in his suitcase too!” And so the stories and anecdotes just kept on coming: “Joan Collins throwing a tantrum because she arrived late and her seat had been given to the next person on the waiting list, introducing astronaut Neil Armstrong to the Captain on the flight deck, Margaret Thatcher being very nice on a flight back from Tel Aviv, Isabella and I, on my guitar, singing carols and songs with the passengers on a Christmas flight to Athens and collecting money for charity in our caps, and a Concorde Captain serving Rosanna tea on an empty (`US’) unserviceable Concorde flight back to London from New York.” On a less `fun’ occasion, she told me about one of the aircraft’s engines heating up and having to jettison fuel over the sea in order to make an emergency landing. “Yes, and after the repairs were done the faulty engine heated up again as we revved up on the runway to take off and when those brakes are applied full on, it’s a good thing you’re strapped in! Another time some prankster claimed there was a bomb on board and the Captain gave the order to evacuate the plane quickly.

Experiences like those, you never forget. When you come to a standstill with all the emergency services all around and you deploy the slides, you never know what the outcome might be. Some passengers get in a panic and are reluctant to go down them and one time we had to gently push them down for their own safety. Because of our training and the adrenalin flow, during those minutes and moments you just get on with it and don’t think about how serious a situation you’re in,” Rosanna assures me.

But in general a flight attendant’s working life, especially on Concorde, is a relatively glamorous one: always looking great in uniform, flying to New York, Miami, Washington, Bahrain, Singapore and back to London and meeting the rich and famous on the way... Barbra Streisand and Stephen Spielberg, Paul and Linda McCartney, Ringo and his `Barbarella’ actress wife, Grace Jones, Alain Delon, Catherine Deneuve, Presidents Nixon and Carter and of course Bob Hope, who was by that time a senator of the US administration, and there were many more celebrities she met. But also there were other individuals she had to `see to’ during flights, including disgruntled and sometimes argumentative passengers bringing about situations which through training, Rosanna and her colleagues have learned to quickly diffuse by keeping a cool head.

Well, she left her job in the skies and all her flying experiences are now confined to the history books. Soon after, Rosanna met her partner and went to live in Columbia for ten years working in PR in a top hotel there, later travelling up and down the South American continent training others to sell cosmetics for a very well known firm in that part of the world, and then heading back to the British capital decorating homes and working for top London store, Peter Jones in Sloane Square.

And so, all of it leading to what inevitably one day arrives at the door: retirement was clearly on the horizon on Terra Firma, this time from where - not serving drinks at 67,000 feet above the world’s surface, amazed at the view of the earth’s curve - Rosanna and her partner happily split their time between their two `homes,’ Columbia and Gibraltar travelling to and fro... hopefully, as simple, undemanding airline passengers!

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FEATURE

CONQUEST ON CHESS JO WARD CAUGHT UP WITH STUART CONQUEST, DIRECTOR OF THE GIBRALTAR INTERNATIONAL CHESS FESTIVAL MIDWAY THROUGH THE FESTIVAL TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE CHESS TOURNAMENT. FOUNDED IN 2008 BY OWNER OF THE CALETA HOTEL BRIAN CALLAGHAN OBE, KNOWN AS THE FATHER OF CHESS IN GIBRALTAR AND A CHESS FANATIC HIMSELF, THE FESTIVAL IS NOW IN ITS 18TH YEAR AND HAS BECOME RENOWNED AS ONE OF THE BEST OPEN EVENTS IN THE CHESS WORLD. Founded in 2008 by owner of the Caleta Hotel Brian Callaghan OBE, known as the father of chess in Gibraltar and a chess fanatic himself, the Festival is now in its 18th year and has become renowned as one of the best open events in the chess world.

Stuart Conquest is a chess Grandmaster who used to be professional chess player, learning the game as a five year old, firstly taught by his father and then by a next door neighbour who kept his enthusiasm going.

“I came to work here in the very first year of the festival in 2003,” he explains. “I was games commentator for the public which meant I got to know the people here, especially Brian Callaghan, and we built a relationship from there and this is now my tenth year as Director.”

Hosted at the beginning of every year, this time taking place between 20th - 31st January 2020, the Festival sees an ever-increasing number of international chess Grandmasters duelling each other on the chess boards and it has become one of the most prominent and anticipated competitions in the world of professional chess.

The ten day event attracts some of the most exciting players from all over the world. “This year we have 248 people playing in the Masters, which is the main event here,” Stuart says, “with many top Grandmasters, both men and women, from around sixty countries.” Female chess players are really well represented at the Gibraltar Chess Festival. “It is great that 25% of the field are female players,” Stuart states.

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FEATURE

The biggest representative Federation in regard to the number of players is India, with more players travelling from there to come to Gibraltar than any other country, including Spain and the UK. “We also have players from China, South America, Canada and four or five from Iran, so it is really global - chess is a global sport and we are a global Festival,” he comments.

eat and drink. The competition games take place both upstairs and downstairs, and anyone can go along to watch these. In addition to the Masters, amateur and challenge tournaments, there is a blitz tournament and a number of other side events. There are screens downstairs showing the leading positions and there is a commentary room where people can listen to live commentary from GM David Howell and WIM Fiona Steil-Antoni.

One of the highlights was a visit by the 12th World Champion and Grandmaster Anatoly Karpov who came for a long weekend before the Festival started. “He had a session with local schoolchildren who are keen on chess and he also gave a simultaneous display for thirty people which went on for about five hours,” Stuart states.

s i b -

Entry to the Festival is open to contestants with official FIDE ratings, with children as young as 10 taking part. “Maybe there is a future world champion sitting here right now as we speak,” Stuart exclaims. “There has been an influx of ambitious young juniors, keen to do battle with established stars of the game.”

On Sunday 26th The Battle of the Sexes took place; a fun game of chess unique to Gibraltar played on a giant chess set consisting of two teams of some of the top seeded players, one of 5 men and the other 5 women, led by team captains Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and Antoaneta Stefanova. Despite all their efforts the ladies could not stop the men from taking the crown back this year.

The primary sponsor is now the Gibraltar Government, with several local companies offering sponsorship and support, some of which have been doing so since the advent of the Festival. Gibraltar can boast having the highest prize fund. The overall first prize has increased to £30,000, with £20,000 on offer for the top female player.

This year’s joint top seeds, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave from France and Shakhriyar Mamedyarov from Azerbaijan are competing, but as the Festival is only in the fifth round as I speak to Stuart, it is too early to say whose name will go on the trophy. Stuart explains that there can only be one winner, so there has to be a playoff if there is a tie for first place.

Prior to the tournament there was a three-day chess seminar at the University of Gibraltar, with former world champion Veselin Topalov and IM Elisabeth Pähtz providing coaching sessions, followed by a Celebratory Dinner attended by Anatoly Karpov. On the last day, the 30th January, there will be a closing Ceremony and Gala Dinner and, of course, the Prizegiving.

Going forward, there is no doubt that The Gibraltar Chess Festival will retain its reputation as being one of the top destinations for chess enthusiasts and its Masters group one of the outright top opens.

One of the strengths of the Festival is the reputation it has for being fun and friendly. “The atmosphere is great and everyone gets into the spirit of the event,” he tells me. “It’s not just a Tournament, it’s a Festival!” In the lobby of the Caleta Hotel people are playing chess in one corner and in another having a bite to

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“It’s not just one person coming to play chess, we have couples, lings and families accompanying them,” Stuart explains, “and there seem to be more than ever this year.” There’s always a lot going on and the organisers provide a parallel social programme, with a range of events that participants are invited to take part in.

There are a couple of blitz tournaments during the event and masterclass

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ARMED FORCES INSIGHT

RG INSIGHT WEEKEND The Royal Gibraltar Regiment held its first Insight Weekend of the year at Devil’s Tower Camp (DTC) and Buffadero Training Centre (BTC). The weekend was run over two days with an overnight stay to provide potential recruits with a better understanding of the Regiment, and what it could offer them.

The event started kicked off on the Friday when 26 potential recruits turned up at Devil’s Tower Camp. The group consisted of three females and 23 males, the youngest being 15 years and 8 months and the oldest being 42 years old.

Despite the weather all attendees enjoyed the weekend which included indoor activities and presentations as well as outdoor activities including a Night Stalk, a live shoot, a FIBUA Attack and paintball.

The common comment from those attending was that the weekend was interesting and that it was a great way of informing them of what the Regiment has to offer as a Reserve (parttime) or Regular (full-time) soldier.

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GIBRALTAR DEFENCE POLICE

FEMALE FORUM The Gibraltar Defence Police (GDP) Forum for Females (FFF) recently held a coffee morning. Guests at the event included HMGoG’s Minister for Equality Samantha Sacramento, Commissioner of Police Mr Ian McGrail, one of the partners from Hassans Mr Ian Felices and Commander British Forces Commander Tim Henry. In addition to GDP officers and staff, colleagues from the wider MOD community and from the Royal Gibraltar Police were also present.

The FFF was set up last year for women working across all areas of the GDP.

RSM’S CHALLENGE At the end of last year, 61 members of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment, and 4 members from the wider British Forces Gibraltar military community, took part in the annual Regimental Sergeant Major - or RSM’s - challenge.

The challenge was both physically and mentally demanding, designed to push competitors to their physical limits. Starting at Devil’s Tower Camp and finished at Princess Caroline’s Battery in the Upper Rock. Those who took part, worked hard to achieve individual best effort times as they conducted a 10.2km loaded march, carrying 15kg.

Alex Romero, Head of Business Support within the GDP and Chair of the FFF, explained that its purpose is to create a support mechanism to ensure that the workforce is more representative of the community that it serves, by working to increase the number of female employees within the GDP and Defence Guard Service (DGS) and the number of female employees at higher ranks in these areas. In addition, the Forum seeks to identify diversity and inclusion issues encountered within the GDP, provide mutual support and encouragement, ensure a level playing field in all areas of business and provide both internal and external networking experiences.

Speaking at the event the Minister for Equality said, “I am delighted to see that there has been such a positive outcome from the Department of Equality’s Women’s Mentorship Programme at this level. It is particularly important in sectors where women are significantly under-represented that a forum such as this exists to facilitate inclusion and the message that senior jobs can be undertaken by women. It is through fora such as this where professional futures are shaped. I wish to thank those who have led on setting up this forum and wish it every success.”

OFFICERS HOST HE THE GOVERNOR In mid-January the Officers of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment held an inaugural Officers’ Curry Lunch, a newly conceived quarterly event to host personnel who support the Regiment. The guest of honour on this occasion was His Excellency the Governor, who attended as Commander-in-Chief, and received an engraved 105 mm shell to mark his time in post.

The Governor decided that this event would be an excellent opportunity to respond in kind and present several of the officers present with their Commissioning scrolls.

Those presented were Lieutenant Colonel S Dyson, Captain D Hayton-Williams, Captain L Mauro and Captain A Pearce.

The event also provided the RG with the opportunity to bid a fond farewell to Major Chris Ghio, Major Julian Valverde and Lt Martin Garcia-Magrath.

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AT THE MOVIES PAUL ANDERSON IS AN ARTS BROADCASTER, RADIO PRESENTER, PRODUCER AND JOURNALIST. HE’S KNOWN FOR WORK ON BBC 6 MUSIC, XFM, CAPITAL AS WELL AS HOSTING HIS OWN ONE-HOUR FILM SHOW ‘AT THE MOVIES’ ON SMOOTH RADIO. PAUL IS ALSO A MEMBER OF THE LONDON FILM CRITIC’S CIRCLE. FOLLOW HIM ON TWITTER @AFILMGUY.

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU? SAME OLD LOVE OF MOVIES, I HOPE. 1917: 15 If you’ve watched any of the Bond movies directed by Sam Mendes, then you’ll know the opening scenes which can last nearly ten minutes before the opening credits, are things of beauty and wonder.

The man has an eye.

So, don’t be surprised when dipping your toe into this hard-hitting World War One drama if you find yourself completely immersed.

Partly based on Mendes own grandfather’s experience, it is a fictional account of two young soldiers Blake played by Dean-Charles Chapman and Schofield by George MacKay who are asked by their commanding officer Colin Firth to deliver a message to Benedict Cumberbatch a colonel about to attack the Hindenburg Line. The message is to abort the attack as thousands of British troops are likely to be slaughtered; including Blake’s older brother.

So, that’s the story but it’s the look that will take you breath away the cinematographer is Roger Deakins who has worked with Mendes four times and is known for his brilliance in filming continuously in one shot. The effects are invisible, and it is a technical masterpiece but 1917 has heart and soul and two young brave and earnest lead actors.

It is also not a typical war movie, more of an ode to the fallen and the score by Mendes regular collaborator Thomas Newman emphasises the surreal nature of parts of the film and the futility of war. And don’t worry no rats were injured during the making of the film.

THE PERSONAL HISTORY OF DAVID COPPERFIELD: PG Stuffed full of stars this is the tale of Copperfield’s life as told by him.

Armando Iannucci has written with his long-time collaborator Simon Blackwell, a beautiful tale of being down and falling on hard times only to rise again several times over. Dev Patel plays Copperfield, who gets called various names throughout until he eventually has the courage to own up to his own. All your favourite characters are here including Peter Capaldi as McCawber, Ben Wishaw as Uriah Heap and Tilda Swinton is sublime as Betsy Trotwood; and a film stealing turn from Hugh Laurie as her companion Mr Dick. The language and dialogue are rich and wonderful as you’d expect from both Charles Dickens and Armando Iannucci.

The characters are fully rounded an in turns likeable and despicable. There is cruelty and class snobbery and at the heart of the film a generous spirit and good soul depicted by Dev Patel. Some might say it’s a bold move to have Dev Patel in the lead role and also spotlight the diversity of the cast. It’s just brilliant casting all round, right people in the right characters. Iannucci has written brilliantly for women here too and in my view has improved on the Dickens original.

Don’t expect arch satire or establishment bashing, well not in addition to what Dickens may have implied, this is Iannucci in full on good spirt, bringing joy to the soul.

Download and subscribe to th e Gibraltar Insigh t: At The Movies – av ailable on both Apple Podcasts and Spot ify, and smart speakers.

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TECHNOLOGY INSIGHT

There were a few surprises at this year’s event in Las Vegas. Sony unveiled a car, Samsung and LG continued to push the boundaries of television display resolution, and smart home product manufacturers signed up to a more compatible, collaborative approach.

On the same tack, Focul debuted its first Dolby Atmos speaker. Part of three products revealed at the event, the floor standing Chora 826-D features a vertical-firing driver that delivers the spacial height channels of an Atmos soundtrack. Quite a technical undertaking.

It’s easy to be blindsided by the offerings of the big hitters. One product that could revolutionise the lives of millions with diabetes is the Add Care Glutrac. It claims to be a non-invasive wearable glucose monitor.

The wireless earphones/headphones segment is one of the most rapidly growing areas in consumer electronics. There have been multiple new products introduced by both established and newer entrants to the market. Technics presented their catchily-named EAH-AZ70W at CES. It’s

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available in black or silver, and features splash-proof capability, as well as integration with digital assistants, depending on which smartphone is used.

Everyone had expected Sony to make a splash about the PlayStation 5. Much to everyone’s surprise, they simply unveiled its logo and concentrated on their concept vehicle, the VISION-S. Packed with loads of sensors, AI and a beefy entertainment system, it was certainly a bit leftfield.

Will next year live up to this? We’ll just have to wait and see.

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SPORTS INSIGHT

BOXING AND RUGBY’S SIX NATIONS HEADLINE EXCITING FEBRUARY FARE

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SPORTS INSIGHT

BOXING makes another attempt at getting it’s heavyweight house in order when the long-awaited rematch between Britain’s Tyson Fury and America’s Deontay Wilder takes place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, February 22nd, the first clash between the pair having ended in a controversial draw 15 months ago – a result that most experts believe was a travesty as Manchester’s King of the Gypsies had comfortably outboxed and spanked the Yank for ten of the 12-round contest, unfortunately hitting the deck in each of the other two, the knockdowns giving the judges the green light to deny the Brit the outright victory that was rightfully his.

February is dominated by the return of rugby’s Six Nations Championship when Europe’s top teams go head to head, all chastened by their collective failure to break the stranglehold of southern hemisphere domination of the World Cup, deservedly won by South Africa after a truly wonderful tournament in apan last autumn. Disappointment for beaten finalists England and failed semi-finalists Wales, catastrophic for once highly regarded Ireland, sad reality check for Scotland and, perhaps, a glimmer of encouragement for France, who are due to host the next Webb Ellis Trophy in 2023.

Come with me for a team by team glance at how this Six Nations tournament may unfold.

No-hopers SCOTLAND and ITALY have been and will continue to be inextricably joined at the bottom, success for the Scots will be once again consist of avoiding the award of the Wooden Spoon, and Italy’s role will be to ensure that the Jocks never finish bottom of the basement.

Defending Grand Slam champions WALES, narrowly defeatThe obligatory pre-fight trash talk so beed by the Springboks in the World Cup semis in Japan, can loved by fight promoters in the build-up to never be accused of suffering from an inferiority complex and will major showdowns has this time plunged to fancy their chances of retaining the championship, but talismannew depths as frenzied attempts are made to ic coach Warren Gatland has departed, his one-time assistant stoke up the heat of expectation to volcanic level and heir-apparent Rob Howley has been suspended followand stampede the populace into parting with thouing a betting scandal, and arduous away fixtures in Dublin sands of pounds sterling and Uncle Sam dollars as and London may prove to be too tough a challenge for fans from both nations throng to travel in support of new coach, Kiwi Wayne Pivac.

AN their favourite pugilist son. Tyson Fury, in particular, IRELAND have also bade farewell to their most EXCITING MONTH has been wildly and embarrassingly outspoken successful-ever mentor Joe Schmidt, handing at recent press conferences, the 31 year-old, IN PROSPECT ILLUMINATED what many commentators believe to be the 6ft 9ins Mancunian giant making lewd referBY THE RETURN OF SIX poison chalice of coach to an ageing side ence as to how important he considers it already in decline to Englishman Andy NATIONS RUGBY, PLUS THE to keep his testosterone levels ‘pumped’ Farrell, whose first two games are winin the build-up to the fight, a feat he EAGERLY ANTICIPATED nable home fixtures against Scotsaid he achieves by ‘masturbating land and Wales, but later baptism HEAVYWEIGHT BOXING REMATCH seven times a day’. Oh dear, how of fire visits to Fortress Twickenfar removed is this gross disclosure BETWEEN ENGLAND’S FIERY TYSON ham and Paris await – a gentle introwhen comparison is made to the poFURY AND AMERICA’S DEONTAY duction for Andy but, alas, it will all end etic Muhammad Ali, the Bard of the Ring in tears.

WILDER – LET’S TAKE A and the greatest boxer of all time, who enchanted us all with his magical self-descripENGLAND produced what I and many othLOOK AT HOW THESE TWO tive pre-fight preparation line of ‘Float Like A er rugby pundits believe to be the greatest MEGA EVENTS MAY Butterfly And Sting Like A Bee’. The undefeated ever display by a Red Rose side in the World PAN OUT. Fury also spoke of a recurring dream he experiCup semi-final demolition of the All Blacks, only ences in which he puts Wilder to sleep in the second to then not turn up against the Springboks in the round – a forecast scoffed at by the abrasive American final. What a disappointment, I still shudder at whose laughing response was, ‘that’s impossible, his fists the memory as I had spent the preceding six are like pillows, I’ll retire immediately if that happens.’ months backing Eddie Jones’ Boys at big prices, from 7/1 down to 7/2 to win the The tough Alabaman, 34, also has yet to taste defeat, with all Cup – my ‘winnings’ had already been of his 41 victories coming by way of KO, many of the knockouts counted and mentally spent – the spectacular, but now is the time for the Brit to right the wrong horror will never leave me! So then, of that first fight split decision. It’s time to call a halt to the unsurprisingly, I baulk at backjoking, trash talk and gimmicks, the Bronze Bomber will ing the Men in White this time not be put to sleep in the second round, forget that, the round at their ridiculously fight will almost certainly go the distance, so this time skinny odds-on price to Gypsy King, don’t give the judges the chance to do win the championship, the dirty once more, wear a tongue-tie, keep the especially given the lip buttoned and the jaw far away from Wilder’s mounting injury list right-hand haymakers. Oh… and it might be a that has crocked good idea to conserve your energy and wear stars like Henry the boxing gloves to bed for at least the week Slade, Billy Vunipobefore the fight! Let’s get ready to rumble! la and Jack Rowell, not Tickets for the fight range in price from an astonishto mention the relegation ing tad under $10k for a ringside blood-spatter seat chaos currently reigning at down to $600 for a binocular-required perch in the roof. top Premiership club Saracens, where seven members of the England squad are housed, including captain Owen Farrell. Instead, by a TV Coverage – PPV: BT Sport Box Office – (Price to be ansimple process of elimination, FRANCE nounced, but expect to pay no less than 25 quid) Thanks be I are my selection to win the 2020 Six Nalive in resourceful Gibraltar! tions Championship, and I have lumbered Les Bleus with my tenner at odds of 7/1.

Vive La France!

TV Coverage – All Games Shared by BBC and ITV

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SPORTS INSIGHT

SAINTS COCK-A-HOOP

BUT SYDNEY ALL SET TO RULE THE ROOST Super League champions St Helen’s welcome NRL victors Sydney Roosters to their wonderfully named Totally Wicked Stadium for the 2020 World Club Challenge, the third time these two teams have met in the tournament, both previous games ending in triumph for the Aussies, 25-2 in the inaugural Challenge in 1976 and a bruising 38-0 pasting for the Saints in 2003. Reigning world champs Roosters, who boast a 100 percent record in the competition, will be attempting to do the double over Lancashire opposition, having walloped Wigan 20-8 in the Warriors’ own back yard at the DW Stadium last year.

Saints were awesome in Super League in 2019 going through the entire season without losing a single home game, summarily putting deadly foes Wigan Warriors to the sword in the semi-final before outclassing Salford Red Devils in the Grand Final. Now, current holders and unbeaten World Club representatives, the cocky Sydney Roosters come crowing, anxious to heap more humiliation on the best that Britain can offer – it’s an unpalatable fact and one that needs urgent redress that the Aussies have won six of the last seven WCC finals, despite all of the losses being played at gravy-slurping northern venues.

Stung by criticism from my friends up North that I never write about rugby league and that I’m obsessed solely with the union version practised south of Watford Gap, I respond immediately, ‘Rugby league, you mean the illegal variety of doubtful parentage played in Wigan, Widnes, Bradford and other such far flung arctic places? The Ringaringarosie type, the gimme the ball and chase me, catch me six times and I’ll give you the ball back and we’ll do it all over again, game? Are you unhinged, surely you are not confusing this girls’ game of tag with the noble pursuit of Rugby Union – Rugby, the public school that gave birth to the great game and Union, the athletic mix of chess-inspired strategy combined with violent but iron-disciplined hand-to-hand combat.

For pity’s sake man, just look at the respective scrums, Union – a colossal collision of such ferocity that on occasion reverberation registers on the Richter scale, two packs weighing a combined total approaching 2000kgs locking horns to go at each other, no quarter asked, not an inch conceded, deep craters gouged on the pitch, clouds of steam streaming skywards, no doubt contributing to global warming, while the powder-puff League version resembles more a Morris dance round-the-maypole routine, though pos-

sibly less energetic, than gladiators engaged in epic endeavour.

And as for handing over the ball to the opposition after six failed attempts to score... pardon? Possession is ten-tenths of the rugby union law, protect the ball at all costs, even if it means sticking it up your jersey and trundling over the line as sometimes happened in the good old decades pre-VAR days when I played, and referees tended to be a bit ancient and short-sighted!

Yes Wazza, Dazza, Andy and Martin, you’re right, I hold my hands up and admit to a slight preference for the union game, but this World Club Challenge is about much more than that, it’s about recapturing pride in your sport – Dame Edna Everage’s ‘Roos are making a habit of jetting over to the Pennines and kicking ass, with impunity it seems to me and it’s way past time the Northern boys called a halt to this ignominy. How to do it? Take a tip from this rugby union fan – once upon a time the Wallabies whipped the Home Nations sides, but no more, the worm has turned and after regular routs by the English, Welsh, Irish and even the Jocks, the wild colonial boys are often sent back to the Penal Isle, chastened, deflated and defeated.

So new coach Kristian Woolf, go the union route, banish the fear, loose the chains, unleash the dogs of war – Coote, Makinson, Naiqama, Lomax are all capable of some overdue Rooster neck-wringing – it’s time to put the record straight! This is one dyed-in-thewool rugby union fanatic who will be watching with interest!

World Club Challenge – St Helen’s vs Sydney Roosters (Sat 22nd Feb, KO 8.45pm CET) TV Coverage – Sky Sports.

WORDS BY LIAM BEGLAN, SPORTS WRITER

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FOOTBALL INSIGHT

This month we catch up with Scott Houghton, Head of Marketing & Social Media at Lynx F.C.

It’s safe to say that the 2019/20 season has been the most positive start to a season I have ever experienced since joining Lynx in 2016.

I first got involved in 2015, when I was messaging clubs in Gibraltar about buying football shirts, including Lynx. The guy on the Lynx fan page was so helpful and happy to sort me out, it was great to see that kind of fan engagement! It was this attention to detail and customer service that made me want to closely follow the Lynx Football Club. I later learned that it was Albert Parody and Jonathan Costa who I had been speaking to.

We kept in touch, and they could see my passion for football in Gibraltar, and in 2016, Jonathan asked me if I wanted to be more involved. How could I say no? Being located in the UK comes with its challenges, but its great that I can keep in regular contact with not only other members of the committee, but also the players. I receive on a regular basis photos and videos, which I later use across our social media platforms. It is great to be part of such a close-knit team who help one another.

I’m usually in Gibraltar in the summer for a holiday, but I will often try and find a cheap flight to come over and watch some Lynx games; not to mention some Gibraltar International matches as well. Believe it or not, I have never seen an England international match or been to Wembley, but have seen Gibraltar play many times.

It’s been a real highlight the last two years, being able to see the start of the domestic season before flying home.

My two sons certainly enjoyed watching the games and every member of the team makes them feel welcome; be it posing for photos, or receiving a high-five as they walk out of the dressing room. This is what I love about the “yellows”.

Twitter and Instagram at @Lynxfcgib. It’s great to engage with people who may not necessarily be Lynx fans, but are neutrals. We have encountered those that are interested in collecting memorabilia from teams in different leagues across the world. We have sent shirts, scarves, pendants and badges to many different countries such as Russia, Japan, Poland, Bulgaria as well as the UK. Whilst in the Netherlands for the UEFA Futsal Champions League Preliminary round, I took a big bag of pin badges with me, and didn’t come home with any. It was great to give them out as gifts to members of the host team who looked after us so well, and other teams from the preliminary group. The whole trip was a fantastic experience and I can’t thank Albert Parody enough for having me there.

Once again, the futsal team are doing an amazing job, currently sitting at the top of the Premier Division unbeaten so if you’ve never watched futsal, I highly recommend going to Tercentenary Hall and catching a game. If you didn’t see last month’s issue of Gibraltar Insight, it’s well worth a read as Jonathan Costa spoke more in-depth about futsal.

The dream would be to represent Gibraltar in the UEFA Champions League or the UEFA Europa League. We all understand it will be tough against the top 3 and their financial advantage from previous UEFA campaigns, but if we previously managed to finish 3rd in the Premier Division when there were only two slots for UEFA qualification and finished runners-up in the Rock Cup, you can never say never!

On the social media side, our aim for 2020 is to further expand the brands’ identity and discover new challenges on a global stage as we make ourselves available on Facebook,

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FOR FURT HER INFORMAT ION, PLEASE CO NTACT THE CLUB ON LYNXFC@M AIL.COM OR 200 69 695.

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MOTORING INSIGHT

A TALE OF TWO HYBRIDS

ONE IS THE XC90 B5 WITH MILD HYBRID, AND THE OTHER THE XC60 PLUG-IN. THE B5 REPLACES THE D5 AND THE B-BADGE MEANS MHEV (MILD-HYBRID).

THESE ENGINES WILL BECOME THE DEFAULT ENGINE IN THE VOLVO RANGES

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MOTORING INSIGHT The Mild Hybrid system recuperates energy lost while braking and decelerating. The power that is generated and saved in the batteries is then used to assist the combustion engine under acceleration. This system not only helps with fuel consumption, but also reduces emissions.

The powertrain is the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel that produces 232bhp, goes from 0-62 mph in 7.6 seconds and has a top speed of 137mph, where allowed. This engine is coupled to a very smooth eight-speed automatic gearbox.

The XC90 has seven-seats as standard, but despite the integration of the 48-volt system, the boot does not lose much space, and still has 680-litre with five-seats in place. With the third row in the up-position, and seven seats in use, there is still space for luggage or supermarket shopping.

A full leather interior is standard on all models, and over the past few years, Volvo have gone overboard on getting the cabin up to a very high level of quality, and they’re now very prestigious.

The XC60 T8 has a 2.0-litre petrol engine that produces a massive 400bhp, a top speed of 140 mph (where permitted) goes from 0-62mph in 5.2 seconds. It does feel quick to drive, but it doesn’t feel as fast as the numbers suggest, it is off like a rocket, but there is no drama with it, it just sits glued to the road. Likewise, on open country twisty roads, it sticks to the road like it is on rails. Some might say it is not much fun to drive for all that power, but bear in mind this is a SUV, and not a two-seater sports car.

But the T8 has the added advantage of being a Plug-In which gives it a very low C02 figure of 49g/km. On the front passenger side wing, there is a small flap, similar to the fuel flap. In the boot, in a very nice black bag that holds two cables, one for quick charging with round five-pins, the other is a standard three-pin plug.

With zero miles in the battery I put the car on charge from a standard plug in my garage, although it had to be done during the day, as the garage door would not shut, and I didn’t want to leave it open overnight. I was pleasantly surprised to see just how long the cable was. Some other man-

Two great Hybrids from Volvo, both very similar, yet both very different.

The XC90 is a good looking large SUV. It has bold lines and is very appealing. It started life back in 2002 with the MK1, the MK2 took over in 2014, and even though it has been on the market for 18 years, it still looks a fresh and modern car.

It is a pleasure to drive, so comfortable and the high seating position helps the driver see far in front of them, and passengers can see over walls and generally get a better view of the world and in a very luxurious surrounding.

The second Hybrid we had on test was the XC60 T8. The T stands for Twin-Engine as this car has the ability to be powered by either the petrol engine, or on pure electric – hence the Twin Engine.

The XC60 could be classed as a smaller version of the XC90, but only has five-seats. It has the same platform as the XC90 Volvo’s Scaleable Platform Architecture (SPA), and this platform can be increased or decreased in size to accommodate different sized vehicles. A clever way of both saving money on development costs and also easy for the designers and engineers.

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ufacturers are a bit stingy when it comes to cable length, but the Volvo had plenty. Good in one respect, but get two long cables, and it takes up quite a bit of room in the boot. It took just over six-hours to charge it fully and on the dash it said ‘Charging complete’ and showed 18 mile range. A bit of a distance from the claim of ‘up to 28 miles’.

But 18 miles I suppose isn’t bad if you are just going to do short runs during the day, or night. But it is surprising just how quickly those 18 miles disappear, and you are back to normal petrol engine driving.

I personally think the interior of the XC60 is better than the XC90, it just seem more plush and perhaps of an even higher quality. Maybe a trick of the eye, but it certainly was superb.

The XC90 T8 is a great drive, as comfortable as its bigger brother the XC90 and a real pleasure to drive, and no lack of power.

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FEATURE

THE OTHER

uss missouri

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FEATURE The Phoenicians were known to have had a trading post here as far back as 500BC. Many of us of a certain age, will remember watching the battleship USS Missouri coming into harbour in Gibraltar in the late 40’s early 50’s. Seeing the mud stirred up by her powerful engines as the diminutive tugs fuss around her like Dinky toys as she tries to berth on the south mole during a Levant. In the evening, the Main Street is a sea of white hats, making for the Trocadero or Universal bars where young and often not so young Spanish dancers hammer the stage with their heels while the guitar strums out a flamenco number, the smell of stale beer wafting out of the doors.

We youngsters peering through the cracks in the windows boarded up for the show.

THIS IS NOT THE USS MISSOURI IN THIS STORY. On January 7th 1841 a wooden hulled, side paddle steam frigate was launched from the New York Navy Yard. She was 229 ft long and 40ft wide with a displacement of 3220 tons. Commissioned in 1842, her commander was Captain John Newton.

Following her rather troublesome trails, she sailed to Washington DC to demonstrate her superiority as a steam driven ship in confined waters.

Following a long cruise in the Gulf of Mexico, she returned to Washington for a refit before starting a diplomatic mission for the Government.

On the 6th of August 1843, she embarked the Honourable Caleb Cushin, the US Minister to China.

His task was to negotiate a commercial treaty with China. Her first port of call was Fayal in the Azores and from there headed to Gibraltar where she arrived on the 25th of August. This was to be the first crossing of the Atlantic by a steam driven warship. Cushin was accorded the usual courtesies due a foreign diplomat but on the evening of the 26th the Engineer working in the store aboard ship, broke a glass container of turpentine which immediately caught fire. This soon spread along the wooden deck and before long the whole ship was ablaze.

The British man of war, HMS Malabar in harbour, seeing the blaze afforded as much assistance as it could, rescuing some 200 crewmen who were lucky to have fled the raging inferno. Calib Cushin was able to rescue the documents for the Daoguang Emperor of China which gave him the authority to negotiate with the Chinese.

The governor, Robert Wilson, arranged for all the survivors to be cared for in the garrison until they were able to be repatriated.

The US Congress recognised the actions of the Governor of Gibraltar through a Resolution of AppreciationCaleb Cushin was appointed United States Commissioner to China in 1843. The commercial expansion in Asia required that the US have treaties with the main markets in the region. This meant that both China and Japan were the targets of diplomats of all the European and US governments. The Chinese markets had always been a lure to American traders where they had traded since the 1700’s. After the “Opium Wars” in 1842, Britain forced the Chinese authorities to grant it special privileges including the monopoly of Chinese coastal ports. The Americans seeing an opportunity, sent Caleb Cushin on a mission to negotiate a treaty which would allow American ships to use Chinese ports. After the trauma of the fire in Gibraltar, Cushin made his way unaffected by his experience, to China where he presented his credential to the Emperor and by 1844 had negotiated the Treaty of Wang Hiya or Wanghsia. This was the first treaty ever signed between the US and Chinese. It allowed the American merchants the same rights as those forced on the Chinese by the British and was based on the most favoured nation principle.

The treaty with Japan did not conclude until 1852 – 4 when Perry used the might of the US Navy to force Japan into an agreement along similar lines to the British in China.

The ship continued to burn until 03.20, when the forward magazine blew up and the ship sank to the bottom of the harbour in a cloud of smoke.

Sources- US Dept of the Navy and US Attorney General website.

Article supplied by History Society Gibraltar.

Email: historysocietygibraltar@hotmail.com

The wreck posed a hazard to navigation so divers were sent down to recover the pieces of the ship one by one out of the shallow waters of the harbour.

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FEATURE

LO VE FACTUALLY

“WHATEVER ‘IN LOVE’ MEANS” WERE THE MEMORABLE WORDS UTTERED BY PRINCE CHARLES IN AN INTERVIEW ON THE DAY HE AND LADY DIANA SPENCER ANNOUNCED THEIR ENGAGEMENT IN RESPONSE TO A QUESTION FROM A TV REPORTER WHO ASKED “ARE YOU IN LOVE?” DIANA REPLIED “OF COURSE!” WAS PRINCE CHARLES’ RETORT A TELLING SIGN THAT THINGS WOULD END BADLY FOR THE COUPLE AND THAT THE HEIR TO THE THRONE WASN’T REALLY IN LOVE WITH HIS BRIDE TO BE? Biological anthropologist Dr. Helen Fisher, a leading expert and the most referenced scholar on the science of love and attraction, says love is a biological drive and a survival mechanism, basically a system for mating and reproduction. “We’ve evolved three distinctive brain systems, which evolved for different reasons. One is the sex drive. Second are feelings of intense romantic love. The third are feelings of deep attachment. The sex drive evolved to get you out there looking for a whole range of partners.

Romantic love evolved to enable you to focus your mating energy on just one individual at a time. And attachment evolved to get you to stick with this person at least long enough to raise a single child together.”

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FEATURE LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT? Can there be such a thing a love at first sight? Did Shakespeare get it right in Romeo and Juliet – was it love or was it really lust and more of an intense passionate physical attraction? Romeo was certainly beguiled by Juliet’s beauty the first time he saw her: O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright!

It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night As a rich jewel in an Ethiop’s ear— Beauty too rich for use, for Earth too dear (1.5.51–54) Have you ever made eye contact with someone that sent a flutter of excitement through your stomach, made your cheeks flush and your knees buckle? Relationship experts suggest that those feelings have a lot more to do with lust than love.

Dr. Judith Orloff, psychiatrist and author of The Empath’s Survival Guide, says: “Lust feels like you intensely want to have sex with someone. Love feels like you want to have sex with someone and be emotionally close to them, too. Love means you want to spend time with your partner and listen to his or her needs and emotions to feel connected. You also are interested in meeting your beloved’s friends. Lust means you’re more interested in having sex than having intimate conversations or meeting the person’s friends.”

Jane Austen’s novels often feature romantic relationships based on ‘love at first sight encounters’ but as in the case of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice who initially loathe each other when they meet for the first time, she shows that initial attraction is not always the proof of true love.

It’s scientifically proven that when you feel like you’re falling in love, a chemical reaction is actually happening in your brain, releasing all those warm, fuzzy feelings. Your brain is creating dopamine and serotonin and because of those chemicals, you may feel an immediate attachment to someone, so it seems to be that instant attraction comes from the brain, not the heart!

Real love takes time to grow, so give it time.

LOVE ONLINE Online dating is now the second-most common way that couples meet, after meeting through friends. Matchmaking has been around for centuries, but the concept of dating, which replaced the old system of courtship, began at the turn of the 20th century when couples were able to go out in public unsupervised. In 1965, two Harvard students created what is known as “Operation Match” to make dating easier for young people. It was the advent of the World Wide Web in 1991 that saw dating websites pop up online and Match.com was offi-

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cially founded in 1995. However, it was the launch of Tinder in 2012, the swipe left - swipe right feature, that created a whole new way to hook up with someone new because, unlike in days of old where people met at the village hall, the barn dance or the local disco, meeting someone in real life can be hard.

Nowadays, in a tech-savvy age, online dating has become socially acceptable for open-minded and enlightened people of all ages and dating apps are changing our behaviour towards romance, but the process can sometimes lead to feelings of disappointment. Think of a first date in the same way that you may have ordered a meal online, only to find that you didn’t actually like the dish when it arrived and definitely won’t order it again! Dating has evolved through history, but the truth is that whether you are looking online or in person, the things you look for in a partner are still the same and romance always prevails!

ROMANCE What is love without a little romance? There’s no doubt that romance scores highly amongst cinema goers who flock to see romantic comedies/weepies that portray idealised notions about love, but it’s important to remember that although relationships in real life have their fair share of romantic moments, they may not have as many as in the movies and there is much more to a relationship than those cute ‘hearts and flowers’ scenes.

The combination of romance and love, together with commitment, passion and trust, can lead to a fulfilling, lasting relationship. Valentine’s Day is generally when we prioritise and celebrate the action of romance through small, or large, gestures that demonstrate our love for someone else. The act of giving flowers to someone on a first date may have been replaced by a text and a heart emoji, but the internet has made keeping in touch easier and a daily ‘maintenance’ text is a low level way to strengthen a relationship and to let your significant other know that you are thinking about them.

Love or lust - how can we tell when it is actually true love?

Love increases with time, but lust is rooted in instant gratification and decreases with time. Most new relationships start with some kind of physical attraction but it’s the feeling of wanting to put your partner’s well-being above yours that is a sign of true love. Once the early pangs of love and lust have diminished it can be hard keeping romance alive in a longterm relationship, but love is about commitment and endurance. Falling in love is often the easy part.

We’ll leave the last words to Dr. Helen Fisher:

“Love is arguably the most powerful feeling of all. Yet it is also the most confusing.”

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FEATURE You’ll fall in

ENTINE ST. VAL Emperor ClaudiustoII mmaradrye,

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SAY IT WITH FLOWERS Over 50 million roses are given for Valentine’s Day each year. In Victorian England people expressed their emotions through floriography, or the language of flowers. Giving a certain kind of flower conveyed a specific message, with red roses being deemed to be the favourite flower of Venus – the Roman goddess of love – and they are still the most popular flower for people to give to one another to demonstrate their love and affection.

VALENTINE’S C A

RDS

About 1 billion Va len changed each yea tine’s Day cards are exr. viving Valentine’s The earliest known surcard was sent by Duke of Orleans Charles, to prisoner in the Tow his wife whilst he was a er of Lo nd on .

Th composed in Fre e poem, nch in 1415, is he ld by the British Library in Lo often display heart ndon. Nowadays, cards of all human emoti s - considered the source ons – and decorate images of lace, fro d with m ing “to snare or ne the Latin laques, meant,” as in to catch a heart. person’s In Shakespeare’s play Romeo and is said that they Juliet it live year thousands of d in Verona Italy. Every Valentine’s Day car sent to Verona ad ds are dressed to Juliet .

Be careful how many roses you give as the quantity can have a special meaning. A single red rose demonstrates love, two red roses tied together symbolise an engagement, a dozen shows gratitude, twenty-five shows congratulations and fifty show unconditional love.

VALENTINE’S DAY TRIVIA PETS

VALENTINE’S AROUND THE WORLD

CUPID

DENMARK

SOUTH KOREA

Valentine’s Day is a relatively new holiday in Denmark where it started being celebrated in the early 1990s. Rather than roses, snowdrops are exchanged between friends and lovers and there is a unique tradition of sending gaekkebrev (loosely translated as ‘joke letters’) which are original poems or rhymes, written on paper and then carefully decorated by cutting designs in them with scissors.

The tables are turned on the 14th February when women woo men with chocolates and flowers, but then on the 14th March, known as White Day, men up the ante by adding a gift to show their love.

With his white wings and gold en bow and arrows, Cupid is the ol most famous Valentine’s symb around. Traced back to 700 BC, ctthe heavenly figure was depi g ed by the Greeks as a youn of God man called Eros, the Love. He was considered both as handsome and threatening he would use his power to make to people fall in love but also hate each other. The Romans y olog myth added him to their as Cupid, the son of Venus, but ce it was during the Renaissan a when artists painted Cupid as ‘putto’, a cherub that resembled a naked child.

PHILIPPINES The Philippines celebrate Valentine’s Day in a big way – with large group weddings. In fact, in recent years, February 14th has become one of the most common wedding anniversaries.

Kissing contests where contestants compete to win the title for the World’s Longest Continuous Kiss are held throughout the country.

n Every year, around 9 millio a animal lovers buy their pets Valentine’s Day treat, with more than people buying for dogs cats, up to a value of £5 - but remember not to buy chocolate for your canine friends as it can . be extremely harmful for pets

ITALY Italians love their food and La Festa Degli Innamorati - the feast of lovers - is often celebrated by going out for a romantic dinner. The tradition of couples writing their initials on a padlock, locking it onto bridges, railings or lamp posts and throwing away the key, began in Italy and although it is now illegal, there is no doubt that many more will appear this Valentine’s Day.

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But what happens when the dizziness of falling in love fizzles down into routine – romantic routine that is, but less heartbeat-skipping than earlier days – and whirlwind courtship becomes commitment? Are you ready to move up to the next level, or are you in love with the initial intensity of falling in love?

Do you quickly lose interest in a fling?

Do you participate in activities that don’t suit or interest you in order to meet new partners or to please your newly acquired one?

Have you ever given up hobbies, sports, beliefs, friendships etc. to please your new partner or to look attractive to a potential one?

Will you work with your partner to grow together in your relationship without relinquishing your personality traits, indulging in condescendence, or enabling toxic behaviour? Or will you run for the hills and try it all over again with someone else, because you’re serially hunting for ‘the one’, the elusive one whom you weren’t able to see standing right before you countless times, since you’re gazing at the big L through cracked rose-coloured lenses?

While healthy love-seekers experience the rush of falling in love as the portal to a more profound and steadier bond, in which the original light-headedness is welcome to be recreated occasionally but not indispensably, love addicts thrive on the inebriating feeling of blossoming romance and tend to lose interest as soon as this evolves, to the point they may break off a good relationship, just because it has reached a ‘plateau’, to pursue instead the adrenaline booster of a new one.

When the initial exhilarating state, a love rush not dissimilar to a sugar rush, develops into steady relationship, love addicts experience withdrawal, boredom, restlessness, and if they cannot rekindle the expectations of first dates, they are bound to chase the thrill all over again with another unsuspecting wooer.

If they tell you they are in love, they aren’t lying: in fact they are in love with falling in love or being in love, but they aren’t truly in love with the person who’s got them head over heels in the current instance.

Love addicts are afraid to be alone; they believe they wouldn’t survive being singletons, and are always hunting for the Mr or Miss Right who will make them feel whole, but when they find them, more often than not they won’t accept them as such.

Feeling unworthy when alone and caged when in a relationship should raise a red flag and prompt anyone to seek counselling, but because these emotions are often diluted over time, it is easy to dismiss them just as poor luck in love, blaming it on having hit a string of unsuitable relationships, ignoring, or not realising, that the issue lies with oneself.

Are you missing out on career advancements or family and social experiences to hold on to a sexual relationship?

Do you use sex or romance to compensate for traumas or deal with problems or emotional dysfunction?

Are you and your partner manipulating each other with the promise of sex or the threat of withdrawal?

Have you ever returned to previous failed relationships only because of FOMO?

Aw, Valentine’s Day! Being in a new relationship, with that fuzzy buzz of anticipation! The excitement of dolling up for your next date, or packing for a romantic weekend, or shopping for the ideal gift that just says ‘I <3 U’ better than words ever will…

IF YOU ANSWER YES TO THREE OR MORE QUESTIONS BELOW, YOU MAY WANT TO DISCUSS YOUR RELATIONSHIP STATUS WITH YOUR EMO-SEXUAL THERAPIST:

Love addiction and sex addiction are two separate matters, although they may sometimes overlap. In both cases however, sufferers are searching for comfort outside themselves to provide them with the emotional stability and fulfilment they lack, and cannot reach on their own.

HELP CAN BE SOUGHT WITH THE 12STEP PROGRAM AT SLAA, SEX & LOVE ADDICTED ANONYMOUS (WWW.SLAAFWS.ORG)

Are you afraid of being alone?

If you are single, are you exceedingly focused on meeting someone?

If you are in a relationship, do you feel compelled to add spice to it?

Have you ever stayed in an abusive relationship just because you felt the sex was great?

Have you ever wondered whether you are fully able to tell lust and love apart?

Do you fall in love, or believe you’ve fallen in love, with occasional flings?

There are a few tells that may ring alarm bells about this behaviour. Despite it not being strictly a mental condition that can be alleviated by medication, acknowledging them may push you to understand, rationalise and corral your conduct before it becomes compulsive and self-destructive.

ADVISORY

WORDS BY ELENA SCIALTIEL GIBRALTARINSIGHT.COM

Although most healthy relationships may occasionally display some of these signs, if they become the norm, you may want to reconsider it and break the pattern - or the relationship altogether.

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INFORM

ATION: This article aims at be mative on ing inforly, with no medical or diagnostic pretenses. your GP if Consult you suspec t relative m ay be suffe you or a ring from the conditi on here de scribed.

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For this romance flavoured edition of the Valentine ‘Insight Magazine’ I thought that it would be topical to explore lyrics, music and songs in the pivotal role that they play as a backdrop to romance. The best love songs have always been conceived when ‘a chemical imbalance in the brain’ prompts inspired words to flow easily in praise of a great love or a person who is loved dearly. This inspiration usually happens at the height of infatuation in the early stages of romance, or in a more circumspect way, during the course of the romance as it blossoms.

The end of a romance is also fertile ground in which to find inspiration for words to describe heartbreak, loneliness and yearning after the love has gone but is not forgotten. It is in our human condition to take things like love for granted and to better appreciate it after a relationship has broken down. There is a Tony Bennet song which starts with the beautiful line ‘Love is lovelier the second time around’ but we’re not here to explore that scenario, we are going to highlight lyrics of what are considered great love songs and how love songs affect us as we identify with their lyrics.

The late great Frank Sinatra did an introduction to one of the great love songs of the last sixty years. He said that Beatle George Harrison’s ‘Something’ was one of the greatest love songs ever written because it never once mentioned the word love in the lyric.

‘Something in the way she moves, attracts me like no other lover...’ must rank as one of the best opening lines he ever sang and ‘old blue eyes’ knew a thing or two about love songs, lovers and moves! You can choose any cover version that you like or the original but I will stay with the memory of a live version of it by fellow Beatle Sir Paul McCartney at the O2 in London which he played on a ukulele which George Harrison had gifted him.

warm our hearts and lift our spirits, but when a great melody is married to an inspired lyric driven by love as its theme, you can have sublime moments when we listeners are at one with the song. And if a listener can identify his or her own tender feelings with the song then we have a ‘classic love song’ which does what it says on the tin and will live long in their memory.

In my other life as a musician there are a few songs that were constantly requested to play as wedding songs: Bryan Adams’ ‘Everything I do I do it for you’, Aerosmith’s ‘I don’t want to miss a thing’ and ‘I swear’ by All-4-One. Let’s examine some of the lyrics that made those songs ‘our wedding song’ for many couples we had the privilege to play music for on their wedding day.

‘I swear by the moon and the stars in the skies I’ll be there. For better or worse, till death us do part, I’ll love you with every beat of my heart.’

Those lines are crying to be made into a wedding song and they were too. I hope that those romantic couples that danced to Horizon playing ‘I swear’ at their wedding can look back at their wedding videos. What a wedding song that was.

In 1991 gravel voiced Canadian Bryan Adams came up with ‘Everything I do I do it for you ‘ and the lyric goes: ‘Oh you can’t tell me it’s not worth fighting for, I can’t help it there’s nothing I want more. I would fight for you, I’d lie for you, I’d walk the wire for you, you know it’s true, everything I do I do it for you.’

That is still a gem of a song and was the theme for ‘Robin Hood’ as well as one of the most played wedding songs of the 90’s.

Another Beatle, the late great John Lennon who would have been eighty this coming October, wrote a truly beautiful ballad for Yoko Ono called ‘Woman.’

‘Don’t wanna close my eyes, I don’t want to fall asleep ‘cause I’d miss you babe, and I don’t want to miss a thing.’ That song ‘I don’t want to miss a thing’

by Aerosmith was a dance floor magnet for young lovers in 1998 when it also won an Academy Award for Best Original Song, and even if you were to say that the lyrics are ‘corny’ on any of the above songs you would be forgetting that their lyrics are married to great melodies and the powerful force that is romance anchors our feelings for a few minutes and draws on memories of what it was like for our hearts to miss a beat or two. You would also be hopelessly outnumbered in your views and cast as unromantic - don’t go there.

One of the verses goes ‘Woman I know you understand, the little child inside the man, please remember my life is in your hands, and woman hold me close to your heart, however distant don’t keep us apart, after all it’s written in the stars....’ How beautifully co-dependent and romantic is that coming from a man who at the height of his inspiration wrote ‘Imagine,’ the greatest peace song of all time?

I rest my case for the ‘Power of Love’ (also a famous song title in 1984) and for the gift of music which has and always will play a big part to couples and romance. Have a great Valentine and if you can’t say the words, let music in a love song say them for you. That’s what love songs are for and they are still the finest arrows to pierce a heart with - sweetly of course!

Our very own Albert Hammond wrote ‘The air that I breathe’ with a poignant lyric by the late Mike Hazelwood. ‘Sometimes all I need is the air that I breathe and to love you.’ What a killer line from the song which ‘The Hollies’ had a big hit with and has since gone on to become one of Hammond’s classic flagships and perhaps the most covered song from his catalogue.

I must hasten to add that you can’t ignore the beautiful melodies that drive the above-mentioned songs.

Melody is an integral part of a song. On its own it can

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FEATURE

RUNNING A BUSINESS: KEEP GOING OR CLOSE IT DOWN?

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FEATURE I DON’T KNOW: IS IT BELIEF IN ONE’S ABILITY, GIVING IT A TRY AND BEING BRAVE? AND DO THE BIG BOYS DO THEIR HOMEWORK? PERHAPS IT’S AT THIS TIME OF THE YEAR - AS 2020 UNFOLDS AND THE PROSPECT OF ANOTHER TWELVE MONTHS ARE BEGINNING TO TAKE HOLD - THAT THOSE SPIRITED INDIVIDUALS WEIGH UP THE ODDS AND DECIDE TO CALL IT A DAY... OR SOLDIER ON! “Rents in Main Street are absolutely ridiculous and highly exorbitant,” you will hear shop, bar and cafe owners and managers - as well as those in the know - proclaim. I try and put two and two together in my very limited business mind and can’t work out how they manage year in year out. Yes, we’ve just come out of what could be described as the most money-spinning and perhaps very profitable period of the year: that’s four or maybe six weeks of really good business for many - and although some businesses weren’t too happy as Christmas came closer, things improved in the last few days (as usual leaving it all till the last minute) and sales improved for many.

But the year has many more weeks and our establishments need to get through 12 months to stay in the black and not slip into the red! There are those wonderful rents to meet, rates, taxes, wages, social insurance and other insurances, maintenance bills, health and safety requirements to sign up to and stick to, suppliers’ bills coming through the post whilst some items of stock are not moving and the slightly more abstract, but equally important issue, of keeping your business relevant and `of the day’ in order to attract the discerning, potential customer... a heavy task! Shall we also include the `Brexit saga’ and the uncertainty that brings? The exchange rate is not beneficial for Euro holders from abroad and to boot, one of your female staff members is on maternity leave and you have to employ another person to cover, at extra cost! Do you sleep at night?

I parade up and down our Main Street quite a lot in my retirement, on message duty, on my way to meet an `interview victim’ for one of the three magazines I write for, or observing the world go by and noticing how busy (or otherwise) shops and cafeterias are, as I sit sipping another coffee or a glass of wine... quite interesting! Some shop owners will tell you, “Yes, you may see the street quite busy with many would-be customers in some shops but how many are walking out with a purchase?”

Most are `just looking’ - which is the common reply. I also notice new businesses springing up quite often, considering those exorbitant rents they’re expected to pay, some seem to be going nowhere, and that’s when I really feel for them and think have they done their homework with proper research? Is that going to sell here?

Have they been told Gibraltar’s on its way to becoming the next Monte Carlo or Puerto Banus? Do we have enough individuals amongst our population of that standing who can afford those items you hope to sell, or

regards what sells and doesn’t sell in food and drink. As far as eateries and bars are concerned, some have frequent `staff turnover’ issues, as individuals move on and newcomers need time to be brought up to speed, which doesn’t help the smooth running of what may well be a normally well run restaurant. And if you have a customer complaining of a `bad food experience’ and word gets around in a congested place like Gibraltar, you could be in for bad times and more headaches to contend with, proving it’s not all smooth running with bells and whistles at the end of the month making lots of money... a common misconception!

are cruise liner passengers and cross frontier guests from across the way and further afield, in that `money bracket’ also? So days and weeks and months pass and not a soul venturing to make a purchase in those stores with the exception of one or two.

Again, not being a business person myself I understand you have to be financially prepared to prop up the investment during the lean times and give a business, even up to a couple of years, before it gets off the ground commercially up and running, hoping lights begin to flicker at the end of the tunnel... a glimmer of hope, maybe! Notwithstanding, I genuinely don’t see some of those enterprises making ends meet even over time, and coming out the other side successfully solvent. I am also told some businesses have other interests running simultaneously in the export market or have other business interests, that, would at least make some sense but you still wouldn’t want to keep a business going for long, if it’s not making some sort of profit. Consequently, I’ve noticed the odd one or two cutting their losses and closing down - makes sense! Restaurants and cafes seem to do quite well but again they tell me, `all that glitters isn’t gold’ and they too, have a lot of expenses to get through and I would imagine quite a bit of wastage also, if you don’t keep on top of things as

I raise my glass to the `little businesses’ also, like individuals who start up in a little shop somewhere selling confectionery or other items and try very hard to keep it going. It must be hard with not much in the way of back-up finances and having to spend long hours at their `place of work’ in order to keep the place running and solvent in order to obtain a small income.

Those that set up at Sunday markets too, deserve a pat on the back. You don’t see too many punters actually buying much off them but they’re there, every week, come rain or shine so it must be worth their while and highly commendable regardless.

Street markets have been given a try from time to time, but somehow don’t seem to get off the ground. It would be nice to see a well run market weekly or once or twice a month, well organised with standardised set-ups as in huts, sheds, cabins or canopies not unlike the Christmas one on-site at the Boulevard during Christmas which looked great. Although, as great as it looked amongst the Christmas lights and trees, was it well attended? Were residents and visitors reminded it was there? Not everyone reads the local newspapers, watches GBC television or listens to Radio Gibraltar and I think a simple sign, set up on the pavement signpost by Mothercare in Main Street pointing that-a-way saying CHRISTMAS MARKET OPEN with an arrow pointing down towards Gibtelecom and Line Wall Road, would have been a great boost with tourists and locals heading towards it in larger numbers I’m sure. Perhaps next year! So, to all businesses large or small you are to be commended for, in many cases, venturing into the unknown, putting in a lot of hard work - not to mention the financial investment - and soldiering on through the hard times and all seasons with, hopefully, true dedication. Good luck to you in 2020. Trying your best, you deserve much praise!

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ON THE SPOT

PAUL GIBSON CHARTERED SURVEYOR / PROPERTY VALUER AND DIRECTOR OF GIBSON GALE LTD Where did you first start your employment?

“In a small Land Agency Practice in Rochdale near Manchester.”

How would you describe yourself?

If you could change something about yourself what would it be?

What makes you laugh?

“Good black comedy such as The League of Gentlemen.”

“Get my hair to grow back.”

Have you ever been given advice that you wished you had acted on?

What is your greatest ambition?

“To win the Tour de France, sadly only a dream.”

“Difficult question, A personality test for a job many years ago said that I had an investigative personality and was not a risk taker and at the time I was surprised to get the job.

Sounds boring but I think I have developed over the years!!”

“To buy bitcoins when they first came out and hold them to the top of her market.”

“Not to buy Bitcoins.”

Have you had any embarrassing moment?

Which person had been the biggest influence in your life?

What is the best country you have ever visited?

“I was in the house some years ago when I was woken by my daughters who said 2 cars were on fire in the street below, I jumped out of bed onto the

“Probably my grandmother who took life as it came and would say such gems as ‘there is plenty more fish in the sea’ and ‘whatever happens it will be for the best’. She almost reached 100 years which goes to show that worry is bad for you.”

What is the worst advice that you have ever been given?

“Probably Italy where you can immerse yourself in history and the atmosphere of the place.”

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

“A relaxing holiday with my partner Raquel.”

terrace expecting the worst to be told by everyone around to get some clothes on as I was stark naked.”

What work or phrase do you most overuse?

“Yes of course I can.”

Do you have any regrets?

“Not being born with hindsight.”

What keeps you awake at night?

“Thinking about work or pets jumping on the bed.”

What is the best experience you’ve had in life so far?

“Seeing my daughters grow up to be good sensible adults.”

If you did not live where you are currently located where would you like to live?

“Possibly Corsica.”

What person historic or living would you most like to meet?

What is the best book you have ever read?

“Not an easy one but the book I read the most was Lord of the Rings (the trilogy) which I read about 6 times, not sure that it is the best book I have ever read perhaps I need to read it again.”

“Helen of Troy to see if she was as beautiful as history says she was.”

What is your favourite music track?

“Having less traffic on the roads.”

“This is a moving feast but perhaps a classic such as ‘Baker Street’ by Jerry Rafferty.”

What is your favourite hobby or interest?

If you could change one thing about Gibraltar what would it be?

“Road cycling.”

What is your biggest fear?

“Being unable to go out on my bike.”

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This Monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Dog Of The Month

Brendo Meet Brendo, he is a gorgeous 15 year old boy who was sadly abandoned at the shelter. He must have been so confused and upset being dumped in his old age.

We took him in and now he is safe in private kennels where he enjoys playing with other dogs. He needs a loving warm home where he can rest andfeel love in his old age, can you be the one for Brendo?

To adopt Brendo or one of the many dogs awaiting their forever home: https://www.ainf.gi Facebook: Animals In Need Foundation (Adopt a Rescue Dog Gibraltar) If you would like to make a donation to our society, please see info on the right.

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FEATURE

LOCAL WORSHIP MUSIC IN NEW CD I love my job which happily is my vocation too because every now and again I get the chance to review musical work which has been recorded locally and involves local writers and musicians. When a new CD is launched here, for me it’s a cause for celebration because I know for certain that a bunch of local talented musicians have put in their best efforts to record something for posterity.

In mid-January I had the pleasure to attend the CD launch of a musical celebration in honour of Victor Francis, who over the last thirty years has composed a memorable catalogue of worship songs which have enriched our church community and indeed still do. The CD is called ‘Listen to Him’ and has eleven songs. There were nearly thirty other songs which had been considered worthy but more of that later.

Victor Francis is the doyen of local drummers and percussionists whose vast experience has seen him play with many bands over the years. Co-founder of the classical group ‘Vibrations’ which was led by the late William Gomez, many are not aware of the writing talents which Victor has applied to songs which have enriched the worship community locally.

The same as Willie Gomez left us the musical gem that is his ‘Ave Maria’ which has been recorded by many international artists, I have no doubt that one day we will look back and see that Victor Francis left us another musical gem of the same stature called ‘A Veces Dios’.

That one is not the only great song in this collection. There are a handful of songs vying for that crown. The cream of our local musicians have rallied round producer and music teacher Chris Cortes to breathe new life into a bunch of great songs which stand up to close scrutiny and will gladden our hearts because we cannot keep talent hidden.

Talent will always shine and the list of talented musicians and vocalists assembled for this project include Adrian Pisarello, Richard Gomila, Simon Dumas, Jesse McLaren, Jeremy Pe-

rez, Christian Santos, Monica Gomila, Gail Hernandez, Jamis Mifsud, Chris Cortes, Denise Duo, Evan Torrente Galdez and the composer himself Victor Francis.

At the launch in the Theatre Cafe, which was very well attended and included Bishop Carmel Zammit, some clergy and Sir Peter Caruana, all the CD tracks were given an introduction by Chris Cortes and a short spin before some words from Victor the composer, two of the record producers Chris and Richard Gomila, the Minister for Culture John Cortes (also ‘a proud uncle’ in this case) and Mgr Charlie Azzopardi, gave way to the quick sale of a boxful of CDs. Priced at £10, the proceeds of the CD will be reinvested into recording over twenty more songs which didn’t make the cut this time but which have also become a part of worship musical heritage and should not be lost, because over the last thirty years, lives here and abroad have been enriched by this music. These songs help to open up a unique way of communication with God. ‘He who sings prays twice’ in the words of St Augustine, is an often subscribed quote that holds true for many Christian communities throughout the world and especially in the Christian Charismatic Renewal movements. Indeed if proof were needed it was a joy to see so many sing along at the launch, this writer included, as I know many of the songs and continue to use them in our parish choir.

This tribute to Victor Francis’ worship music has taken a long time to happen and is now happily a treasure to be shared.

Please be ‘tempted’ to buy a CD of the great songs, its mesmerising vocals and the feeling of pride and joy that here in Gibraltar we can produce something of this class, which showcases local musical talent in praise of a higher power.

My unreserved congratulations go to the production team and sponsors as well as the artists and Victor Francis the composer... so very well done you all.

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EVERYONE HAS A

FEATURE

JO WARD SPEAKS TO SUYENNE CATANIA, CHAIR OF THE GIBRALTAR CARDIAC ASSOCIATION (GCA), AND COMMITTEE MEMBER NATI MACLAREN ABOUT THE WORK THE ASSOCIATION HAS UNDERTAKEN SINCE ITS INAUGURATION AND THEIR CONTINUED FUNDRAISING EFFORTS.

“The Gibraltar Cardiac Association was started two years ago by Troy Jeffries with the help of Maurice Ignacio, but my involvement came about because of my later father Lionel Perez who was chairperson of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Support Group,” Suyenne says. “He had his first cardiac arrest in the 80s at the age of 49 and realised that there was a need for a support group to help with the emotional impact for survivors of cardiac arrest.” Mental health issues can include long-term psychological problems such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Suyenne explains that because there is nothing physical to see, people think you are alright when you are actually living in fear, so it is important for survivors to share their experiences.

Lionel Perez was a school teacher and it is thanks to Gerry Fortuna, an ex-pupil and now a Cardiac Specialist Rehabilitation Nurse who founded the Cardiac Rehabilitation Support Group in 1998 after speaking with Suyenne’s father about his experiences, that a new enhanced Cardiac Rehabilitation Centre was opened at St. Bernard’s Hospital in 2017. “The unit is named the Lionel Perez Rehabilitation Centre in honour of my father, and is now led by Gerry Fortuna,” Suyenne tells me.

After you have a cardiac arrest there is a programme in place which you are referred to by doctors, but the GCA has a selfhelp programme which they run in conjunction with the GHA. “At the moment we have about 130 users - the biggest problem that we have is that we are limited to time and space - so we have a few people on the waiting list but we try our best to keep them moving and we have had lots of positive results from those who take part.”

Suyenne was asked to take on the role of Chair of the GCA about a year ago. “It was coincidental that the Association started at the same time that my father passed away,” she comments. There is now a Committee of twelve people that meet once a month, six of whom are heart patients, and although they have a small unit at Prince Edwards Road, the goal is to eventually have their own premises which can house the Rehabilitation Centre, an office and an area for support groups to meet.

Fundraising is a crucial part of any association but especially for a new charity; however thanks to a generous donation from GBC of £17,000 raised at their Open Day, ten new defibrillators with 3D signage will be positioned in key areas around Gibraltar. “We are trying to make them ‘user friendly’ and there will be a campaign to make sure that the general public is aware of where they are placed,” Nati states.

Two years ago an event organised by student nurses, Walk the Beat, raised an amazing £10,000 and anyone can sign up to Walk the Beat again which will take place on 26th September this year. “We have a lot of heart patients who want to take part but they can’t be asked to walk for an hour - so people can just pay a sponsorship fee and walk as much or as little as they want,” Suyenne confirms.

Other money raised so far from events such as Quiz Nights, Flag Day and Walk a Mile last May has gone towards gym equipment and for wrist watches to measure heartbeats. “We can’t just afford to sit and wait for the money to come to us,” she states. “We have to create awareness all the time about walking, fol-

lowing a healthy diet, changing lifestyle, and a having a positive attitude,” Suyenne clarifies. “Heart patients often felt that they had been forgotten about, but now for the first time people are talking on our behalf and if we can get as many people as possible taking it will be worthwhile.” To encourage people to help out, whether through fundraising, sponsorship or donations, the GCA presents them with a glass Heart Buddy paperweight as a thank-you token to show recognition for their contributions.

Nati Maclaren is a former Head Teacher and has become involved in the formation of an education programme that the GCA hopes to take into schools as part of the curriculum. “In conjunction with the hospital we want to train children in CPR and make them familiar with automated external defibrillators (AED) so that they can grow up knowing what to do if they see somebody suffering a heart attack,” she says.

February is Cardiac Awareness Month and to coincide with this the GCA is holding their second Annual Dinner on Friday, 7th February at the Calpe Rowing Club, where the guest speaker will be Consultant Cardiologist Dr. Roger Moore who will also be giving a free public talk about stents and open heart surgery the day before at John Mackintosh Hall at 6 pm.

The Committee are busy planning more events throughout the year and on the 22nd February there will be an Awareness Day at Casemates. “On the 27th March we are holding a Kiddie’s Fashion Show at John Mackintosh Hall - kindly sponsored by Matalan - with about thirty children taking part,” Nati states. “We have three very young members who were born with cardiac problems so we want to bring children in and make people aware that heart problems do not only happen when you are old - they can happen at any time and we need to make sure that they are detected earlier,” Suyenne says, going on to explain that they are working together with Baby Steps and that they have also been in touch with the Diabetes Association. “There is no competition between charities, we all work together irrespective of the colour t-shirt you wear or the cause that you are working for - ‘Everybody has a Heart’.”

You can find out more about the Gibraltar Cardiac Association from their Facebook page: @gibraltarcardiac

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What’s on @ PACS Trinity @ PACS – Mondays 10-11.30am

Cooking @ PACS – Friday 12.30 – 2.30 pm

February is going to be Dino-tastic! We will be reading “I am a dirty dinosaur” and during the month we will be washing dirty dinosaurs, making dinosaur footprints and masks during craft time. Come join us for a ‘Roaring’ time at

Cooking Club will be exploring the foods from India, France and Belgium during February. Kids will have the opportunity to taste authentic foods and drinks from the country and then get hands on creating food from those countries.

Come to this yummy and creative session at Laguna Youth Club, Glacis Estate. *This session is PACS only session that must be pre-booked via email: pacscooking@ outlook.com

Mid Harbours Family Centre.

Bumps & Babies @ PACS – Wednesdays 10 am - 12pm Our regular social catch up for parents to be and babies is held at The Living Room Café, Methodist Church, Main Street. The home from home atmosphere makes this a relaxed session, where parents can meet up with their young babies to enjoy a cup of tea, make friends and chat about the highs and the

Other Events

lows of parenting.

Playgroup @ PACS – Fridays 9.45 -11.45am This month at playgroup as well as our climbing frames and slides, we will be heading to the farm on our sensory table and doing activities to celebrate Valentine’s day and then leaping into March with leapfrog games! Come join us for our action-packed session at Laguna Youth Club, Glacis Estate.

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Friday 21st February sees our annual flag day where we will be out collecting donations for the charity. Donations are the only way we can keep running, so if you see one of us at either ICC, Piazza or Morrisons, please pop something in our tins and say ‘Hello’. If you’d like to donate some time to our flag day then please get in touch; the more volunteers, hopefully the more we can collect.

Contact: pacsgib@gmail.com or on Facebook: Parent and Child Society – PACS Gibraltar

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HEALTH & WELLBEING Percutaneous coronary interventions are minimally invasive surgical procedures aimed at treating coronary artery disease, either after a heart attack or to potentially prevent one, when the narrowing of a coronary artery is diagnosed, due to a number of factors, including genetic and behavioural, that medication and lifestyle changes alone cannot successfully reverse.

the insertion of a new stent may be required later in life.

Angioplasty can be delivered with or without stents, although a stent is usually inserted in order to give the blood vessel or the aortic valve an extra boost to stay clear for longer and avoid narrowing again under the constriction of cholesterol or calcification (aortic valve stenosis).

RECOVERY Being minimally invasive, angioplasty carries minor risks and enjoys speedy recovery, and complications only depend on the patient’s general health.

The procedure is carried out under sedation, to help the patient relax, but seldom under general anesthetic because the patient’s alertness and cooperation is required in voluntarily muscle contraction.

Laser angioplasty: if the catheter is equipped with a laser, the cardiologist can guide it to shoot and vaporise arterial blockages. This technique is indicated for extreme cases only, as absolute precision is required and it may cause cauterisation damage to surrounding tissue.

The procedure takes no longer than two hours and if there are no complications or previous co-morbidities,

Of course emergency treatment is riskier because there is little time to prepare the patient for the procedure, evaluate co-morbidities and modify medication, especially if the patient was already on anticoagulants.

Routine angioplasty patients are usually able to return to work after one or two weeks, while emergency ones may require longer convalescence.

Strenuous physical activity must be avoided until the wound heals, and driving after angioplasty is discouraged.

If the patient suffers from kidney disease, the contrast chemicals used during the procedure to highlight the catheter progress on screen can put further strain on the renal system.

Chest tenderness is a common postop effect and can be relieved with pain killers. Medical attention should be sought immediately if you experience severe chest pain, lumps, discolouration or numbness in the area where the incision was made, or insistent bleeding which doesn’t stop when applying pressure. In these instances, dial for an ambulance, never drive yourself to hospital.

A catheter is inserted in a large artery, usually at the groin, wrist and arm, and then guided upwards to the heart, following its progress on the X-Ray video screen, thanks to the contrasting agent.

Skin to Heart

ONCE IT REACHES THE TREATABLE AREA, THERE ARE DIFFERENT OPTIONS: Rotational atherectomy: this procedure is less common nowadays, since angioplasty tends to be more precise and less invasive, but it may prove necessary in some cases. Cardiologists insert a special mini-drill in the artery, and this blasts off hardened calcium deposits in the blood vessel.

Balloon angioplasty: the catheter contains a minute folded balloon, which the doctor inflates when it reaches the blocked artery, to expand it. Once it is stabilised, the balloon is deflated and removed. Since this is a temporary solution that may not succeed in keeping the passage clear for a long time, when possible it is preferable to proceed with Stent angioplasty: a mesh tube wrapped around the folded balloon expands when the balloon is inflated, and it is left in place when the balloon is removed, so that it can prop the artery open for longer. Stents may be coated with slow-releasing drugs to decrease scar tissue texture and to act as blood thinners, and are often dissolvable so that metal isn’t lodged in the heart permanently. The downside is that, if the pathology recurs,

It is important to dress the bruise under the skin where the catheter was inserted to make sure it doesn’t get infected.

SHORT OF BREATH? HEART SKIPPING A BEAT? SUDDEN PANGS? A BRICK LODGED IN YOUR CHEST?

The patient is offered cardiac rehabilitation which includes diet, physiotherapy and gentle exercise, tailored to the patient’s general state of health and fitness.

Angioplasty patients are advised to avoid climbing stairs and put their sex lives on hold. However, after the procedure, their sex lives will improve in the long run. The vox populi rule tends to be that, if you can negotiate a couple of flights of stairs without being short of breath, then you can also have great sex.

This article aims at being informative only, with no medical or diagnostic pretenses. Consult your GP if you suspect you or a relative may be suffering from angina or atherosclerosis.

the patient can be discharged on the same day or overnight.

The intervention can be either planned or emergency, for angina the first, and following a heart attack the latter. Longer hospitalisation may be advisable if the patient was admitted and treated for heart attack.

FEBRUARY IS CARDIA C AWAREN ESS MONT H. THE GIBR ALTAR CA RDIAC ASSOCIAT ION IS ORG ANISING A PU BLIC TALK BY CONSULTA NT CARD IO LOGIST DR ROGER M O O RE ON THUR SDAY 6TH FE BRUARY AT 6PM AT TH E CHARLES HUNT RO OM.

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MUM ON THE ROCK The thing to remember is that their brains ARE acting differently to normal. The rational part of a teen’s brain isn’t fully developed, and won’t reach full maturity until around the age of 25. It’s all to do with the frontal cortex, the part of the brain that controls reasoning and makes them unable to act as an adult would in certain situations.

ters to them is how their peers see them and as long as they are not dressing inappropriately for their age, then try and bite your tongue and check back in with your teenage self to remember how you were experimenting with life.

Set Realistic Boundaries

We can all remember what it was like to be a teenager ourselves, when our bodies were changing and our hormones were raging. So what is the best way to raise teenagers in a world full of chaos and uncertainty?

Boundaries can help you and your teen know what behaviour is ok and what’s not and can help you to feel more in control of their behaviour.

In one way boundaries are about letting your child know that you will always care about them, even when you are not together. A set of realistic boundaries can make them feel safe and supported and help them to make informed decisions. One good tip is to talk to your teenagers when they are in a calm and reasonable mood and not when tempers are running high. Ask them what they think is reasonable when you are creating boundaries and leave yourself some room to negotiate.

Communication Knowing how to talk to teenagers can go a long way to building an open path of communication. Listen to what they have to say without judging them. Hear them, don’t lecture them. Active listening is a technique that is often used in counselling, during training sessions and when solving disputes or conflicts, and unlike passive listening you can validate your teen’s feelings by providing feedback when appropriate.

Social Media

Building Trust

Do you have concerns about your teenager’s social media use? This can often be an area of conflict, especially as nowadays social media can impact on their mental health, so the best thing you can do is to be aware of the risks and put strategies into place where possible to limit the effects of cyberbullying. Family discussions about their internet presence and social media use can result in less risky online behaviour.

As they start becoming independent it can be difficult to know how to keep them safe without impeding on their independence or privacy. One way you can find out about what is happening in their life is to build up a trusting relationship. Understanding their point of view and listening to their perspective on life can go a long way to building trust.

Common Interests Find something that you share an interest in and develop a conversation surrounding it. You can have differing points of view, but respecting each other is important and can lead to some lively debates. If you can’t find anything that you both share an interest in, try to learn about what it is they are passionate about. Have fun together; go to the cinema or out for a pizza, or just watch something on the TV that you know you will both enjoy.

Self-Esteem Many teenagers suffer with low self-esteem issues which can make them extremely vulnerable. Having a supportive parent or family can go a long way to building their confidence and helping them to regain their self-esteem. Be positive and sincere with your praise and encourage their individual talents, whether that is academic, in the field of sports or the arts.

HOW TO PARENT

TEENAGERS

Don’t approach parenting your teenager as a chore. Yes, they will test your patience and your limits, but remember that they are still developing both in mind and body. Negative expectations can actually promote the behaviour you fear most so make sure you spend some quality time together and learn to respect their choices and opinions if possible. Above all, enjoy them and let them find their wings and fly!

WE TALK A LOT ABOUT HOW TO RAISE OUR CHILDREN, FROM BIRTH THROUGH TO THE TODDLER YEARS AND ONWARD, BUT WE DON’T OFTEN FOCUS ON HOW TO DEAL WITH OUR TEENS. PARENTING TEENAGERS IS OFTEN DIFFICULT AS THEY BEGIN THEIR JOURNEY TOWARDS BEING AN ADULT AND YOU MAY WONDER WHERE YOUR ‘EASYTO-BRING-UP’ CHILD HAS GONE AS THEY BECOME MOODY, DEFIANT AND RELUCTANT TO COMMUNICATE WITH YOU.

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff You may not like the way your teen is dressing or the style in which they are doing their hair. It’s good for them to make their own choices and they are not looking for your approval. The only thing that mat-

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

PROTEIN SUPPLEMENTATION

FOR SPORTS

The importance of protein in sports nutrition is something that many sports people or those interested in keeping fit are passionate about because they realise the benefits of including good quality protein into their diet to support performance and recovery.

Protein is found in foods such as red meat, poultry, fish, dairy, eggs, nuts, tofu and legumes but for those who are looking to build strength or muscle, or for athletes who find that they need more protein than they can obtain from their diet, they can fill the gaps with a reputable brand of protein supplement.

If you’re looking to build the strength or muscle needed to train for a big sporting event, it may be that your body requires more protein to allow you to do so – whether that’s swimming or weightlifting. Plus, protein fills you up, so it may help you to reach your weight loss goals. The amount of protein needed is based on the amount or type of activity you are doing and is measured per gram per kg of your body weight.

There are two different types of protein supplements availablE Complete proteins contain all 9 essential amino acids in adequate amounts which are used as the ‘building blocks’ for muscle growth. Animal foods, such as dairy products, eggs, meats, poultry, seafood and soy are complete protein sources.

Incomplete proteins are missing, or do not have enough of, one or more of the essential amino acids, making the protein imbalanced. To combat this, it’s advised to consume a combination of plant proteins to ensure you’re getting a wider range of amino acids. Most plant foods, such as beans and peas, grains, nuts and seeds, and vegetables, are incomplete protein sources. There are also three variants of proteins; concentrated, isolated and hydrolysates. Concentrated protein is made up from 60-80% protein with the remaining being fat and carbohydrate.

Isolated protein has a higher percentage of protein, 90-95%, as

more of the fat and carbohydrates have been removed. Hydrolysate protein is around 99% protein.

Protein supplements are available in a variety of formulated supplements such as drinks, bars and powders and the most common types of protein shakes are made from whey, a byproduct of cheese production.

Holland & Barrett have a wide selection of sports nutrition products that can aid in muscle growth and help weight gain.

Try Precision Engineered Whey Protein Powder Cookies & Cream, a delicious cookies & cream whey protein shake that assists growth of muscle mass, strength and performance, or Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Powder.

Recovery After Exercise When you stress your muscles through rigorous exercise, the cells of the muscle recover by taking up more nutrients from the food you eat, resulting in the growth of the muscle and overall well-being. One of the essential nutrients responsible for muscle growth and quick recovery after exercise is protein.

However, it’s hard to get enough protein from food and there is a need to supplement protein after working out to ensure you’re getting the nutrients needed to speed up recovery. Muscles can feel the effects of a workout for up to 24 hours afterwards, so it’s important to supply them with amino acids that can repair any damage and replenish energy.

Vegan Protein Powders Holland & Barrett sell a range of vegan protein powders. It is totally possible to get enough protein from plants, but like regular protein powder, vegan protein powders can give you that added extra to support your workouts and exercise. Vega Clean* Protein, is a complete, multisource blend of premium plant-based protein, or if you are looking for a really indulgent smooth taste experience, try the chocolate flavour Protein World the Vegan Blend in Chocolate Flavour packed with a unique blend of Pea, Quinoa & Hemp Protein. To use as a meal replacement add 40g to 400ml of almond milk or other nut based milks or as a post workout shake add 40g to 400ml of water after exercise.

With any of the protein powders you can experiment making your own shakes by adding fruit or vegetables and adding different types of milk until you find the perfect blend. So whether you are male, female, young or old, or whether you are a swimmer, body builder, cyclist, ballet dancer or triathlete looking to bulk up or get lean, taking the recommended amount of protein powders and other protein products each day could help you to boost your immune system, build your strength and keep those joints healthy.

ADVISORY

INFORMAT

ION: Food supp le be used as ments must not a substitut varied and e for a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. If pregnant, you are breastfeed ing, taking any medic atio medical su ns or are under pervision, consult a please doct professiona or or healthcare l and alway s read the label be fore use.

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Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 21) February is a good time for you to take a look at your upcoming goals, Aries, and maybe re - evaluate a couple of things. This may involve some travel …. But don’t let that put you off.

Taurus TAKEAWAYS

(Apr 21 – May 21)

VEHICLE REPAIRS

Your air of solidity and security comes into its own this month, Taurus, when someone needs to open their heart and is willing to receive sound advice.

Gemini (May 22 – June 22)

Follow your instincts when it comes to feeling that someone is feeling insecure, Gemini. They rather look up to you and you can carefully give them a much needed confidence boost.

Cancer (June 23 – July 22)

As always, you are at your most content in the bosom of your family, Cancer. Luckily you will have plenty of opportunity for that this month. Enjoy!

Leo (July 23 – Aug 23)

Whatever has been nagging at the back of your mind needs to be addressed and dealt with, Leo. So just stop and breathe into it and you’ll realise that it isn’t such a big deal after all.

Virgo (Aug 24 – Sep 23)

BARS / PUBS

This is a time for new meetings of minds, Virgo, and heaven knows you have been wanting this for so long!! Great ideas will spring forth now and you will experience a sense of sharing and growing!

Libra (Sep 24 – Oct 23)

Do not chastise yourself for being impatient with lazy people, Libra!

It really is time they pulled their socks up and took responsibility for themselves. So, tell them clearly that you’ve had enough!

Scorpio (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

It may feel like ‘now or never’ Scorpio and that’s probably because it is!! So, no more procrastinating... grab that bull by the proverbial horns and go kick ass!

Sagittarius (Nov 23 – Dec 21) You have been feeling uncomfortable about something, Sag, and you can’t quite put your finger on what it is. Be gentle with yourself and allow these feelings to pass... as they will.

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

INDUSTRIAL

Slowly does it this month, Capricorn. Concentrate on one thing at a time and trust that the others will follow when the time is right.

Aquarius (Jan 21 – Feb 19) If you are feeling the loss of someone close this month, Aquarius, then allow those feelings of sadness to come to the surface and express themselves.

That way you will feel lighter and actually more in touch with your loved one.

Pisces (Feb 20 – Mar 20) It seems that you are trying to juggle too many things at the moment, Pisces, so maybe you could take a step back and encourage a younger member of the team to spread their wings and shoulder some more responsibility.

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Email: katemch@gmail.com Facebook Group: Horoscopes Gibraltar

Cod And ChorizoStew

Combining two of my favourite ingredients into a fusion dish. Fish and chorizo are brought together in true Mediterranean style.

Cooking Time: 12 Hours Serves: 2 – 3

Ingredients • 2 Cod Fillets • 80G Chorizo • 200G Tomate Triturado • 1 Tsp Pimenton Dulce • 3 Shallots • 2 Garlic Cloves • 1 Veg Stock Cube • Fresh Coriander • Olive Oil • Sea Salt • Black Pepper • 1/2 Lemon (Juice) • 1/2 Tsp Turmeric

Method Begin by cooking the chorizo in small chunks, so that the juices are released. Add a splash of oil and add the shallots and garlic when the chorizo looks like it’s started to cook.

Next, add the tomato, turmeric, stock and coriander.

Continue by adding the lemon juice and the cod fillets.

Leave for about 10 – 15 minutes and check, if ready the fish should be tender and almost fall apart. Serve with some rice or boiled potatoes or crusty rolls to soak up the sauce.

For more delicious Mama Lotties recipes visit: GIBRALTARINSIGHT.COM

www.mamalotties.com

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Just Married on the Rock Amanda & Bruno, married on 12th November 2019.

Photo by Radka Horvath.

Rebecca & Frank married on 15th November 2019.

Photo by Radka Horvath.

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Just Married on the Rock

Mobile: 58897000 Email: nicholas64@gibtelecom.net

Helen & Neil Casey, married on 12th December 2019.

Photo by Nicky Sanchez.

Aaron & Georgia married on 4th December 2019.

Photo by Nicky Sanchez.

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